Thrive Oklahoma Magazine March April, 2013

nurturing body and mind

Publisher / CEO Angela C. Slovak, Ph.D. Creative Director Barbara Kardokus Creative Design Staff Kristen McEuen Editorial Manager Jan Collymore Staff Writer Lindsay Welchel

VISIT

Contributing Authors

www.thriveok.com

Dave Mason, D. Ph. Sherry Andrusiak Executive Chef Robin L. Obert Terri L. White MSW Commissioner Paul Fairchild Robin Fernandez Andrea Mason

to view the digital issues of Thrive also friend us on facebook!

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Anita Kelley

Subscribe today online at www.thriveok.com

Jessica Sanchez

Only $18.00 a year to your door

Mary Schrick Ph.D., ND Nan Bertone, RN

Randy Sadler

On the Cover is OU graduate student Reed Timmer and his storm chasing armored car, the Dominator. Reed does extensive storm chasing every year and you may have caught him on several seasons of Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers. Reed talks with us about his research, his career and childhood fears of the exact same storms he chases after today. Remember, a tornado’s strength can not be judged by its size, but rather how intense the winds are within it and by the damage it does.

TVN intercept footage is always available at www.tornadovideos.net/

Scott Vaughn, CEO

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Angie Gaines

Oct 2012

Stan Marker Photo Support Carol Rosegg Randy Sadler Dick McGowen Executive Chef Robin L. Obert

For advertising info call

Georgia Reed

Thrive Magazine at 405.210.8205 or e-mail

Thrive Staff

thriveokinfo@gmail.com TM

Copyright © 2013 by Thrive Oklahoma Nurturing Body & Mind and Green Apple Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Thrive Oklahoma Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements, in that the views expressed therein may not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any magazine employee or contributor. Content in this publication should not replace the advice or your physician. This publication and all its contents are copyrighted.

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From the Publisher’s Desk

Spring Awareness & Safety One thing readers can always count on in Thrive Oklahoma magazine is community involvement. Community Central is our newest category and in there you’ll find what’s happening in health with OKC. For this section the Thrive team covers many community events sponsored by non-profit organizations that are also working toward greater awareness and the health of our city.

We realized years ago, as we were developing this publication into Oklahoma’s premiere health and wellness resource, that getting local experts involved was going to mean the difference between simply reporting health news and facilitating change.

My dear friend and local yogi, Sara Alavi shares her views about this issue of Thrive Oklahoma. “The focus of this month’s issue combines safety information, awareness, self awareness, mindfulness, community respect, and honoring one another. That includes honoring one another’s driving space, children, time and wishes. Dr. Slovak and staff, with their global vision, have brought us a happy health-oriented magazine that delivers health information, truth, and news.”

Publisher, Thrive Oklahoma,Magazine

Sara goes on to say, “If we don’t learn how to put that information into action, we won’t be able to make a difference or raise our consciousness and that of others. It takes conscious action on our part – daily – to change old habits and to learn to love, respect and honor. Sadly, it’s often tragedy that causes us to wake up and begin to practice love for ourselves and for others. Let us change that. There is no time to waste.

Begin now.”

We are so proud to feature safety information about spring tornado season from one of the world’s top extreme storm chasers and meteorologist, Reed Timmer. Read the safety and awareness messages from organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and examples of what happens to far too many drivers who are texting. And Terri L. White, the Commissioner of Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services gives a revealing report about the drug addiction problems in our state.

Thank you Sara!

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Features

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Inside the Funnel with Extreme Meteorologist Reed Timmer

by Paul Fairchild

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28 How You Can Control the Cost of Healthcare

by Scott Vaughn, CEO 38 Living In A West Side Story

by Lindsay Welchel

44 Chefs’ Feast To Stop Hunger

by Angie Gaines

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Springtime Delight Recipes 41 Asparagus Soup, Crab Cakes

& Hibiscus Tea

14 12 18 Community Central

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9 5K Run 2 Stop Distracted Driving 10 Jim Thorpe Award Winner Johnthan Banks

Mind / Body

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18 Lil’ Chefs In the Big Kitchen 36 The Nature of Leadership

by Robin Fernandez

by Jessica Sanchez 42 Prescription Drug Abuse 27 Tornado Safety Tips

by Terri L. White MSW Commissioner

Living Well

12 Is Your Business Fiscally Fit? by Anita Kelley 14 Destination Spring 2013 by Stan Marker 16 Necessary Immunoglobulins

by Dave Mason, D. Ph. 20 Taco Mayo Gets Healthy

by Angela C. Slovak and Lindsay Welchel

30 Doc Amanda Stevens Gets A Fresh Start

by Randy Sadler 32 Practical Tips for Quitting the Use of

Tobacco Products

by Nan Bertone, RN 34 Arthritis: Are You In or Out

Mary Schrick, Ph.D. N.D.

22 Vending In Schools Gets A Much Needed 40 Booty Blast with barre3

Health Kick by Jessica Sanchez

by Andrea Mason 23 Team Building On the Oklahoma River

by Sherry Andrusiak

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Oklahoma City University is fighting back against distracted driving. The second annual Run 2 Stop Distracted Driving 5K raises funds and awareness for this critical issue. With the help of dedicated volunteers there were over 120 runners toeing the line in the first 5k run for awareness last season.

Cell phone use is a factor in nearly 1 in 4 crashes, according to the National Safety Council. In an effort to increase the safety of Oklahoma roads and help decrease unnecessary deaths, the Run 2 Stop Distracted Driving 5K brings the community together for a worthy cause. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s 5K run will go to the Focus Driven organization to help support legislature.

The statistics surrounding distracted driving tell a heartbreaking story: In 2010, 3092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. The organization, Focus Driven, sums it up best: Distracted driving is an epidemic in the United States, joining alcohol and speeding as a leading factor in fatal and serious injury crashes.

Event co-coordinators Karen Vann and Brandi Gibson

The idea for this 5k run originated from OCU Staff Council member, Karen Vann. Vann began helping to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving on campus after learning about Oprah’s No Phone Zone. “I printed hundreds of pledge card copies for employees and students to sign and promise not to use their phone while driving,” reports Vann.

In May of 2009 distracted driving took the life of Emily Gibson, oldest daughter to Brandi Gibson, co-chair of this year’s 5K run. Emily’s distracted driving accident was caused while she was on the phone talking and missed a sharp curve in the road.

This year’s Run 2 Stop Distracted Driving 5K will be run in honor of Dallas Martin Hutchinson. New this year during the race there will be activities set up for kids including face painting and adults will be able to drive the SIDNE (Simulated Impaired Driving Experience) an electric powered vehicle that delivers an effective lesson about impaired and distracted driving.

thriveokwellness.com Other sponsors: Red Coyote Running, AAA, Oklahoma Highway Safety, Psi Chi, AllState, Arrive Alive at 25, Allegiance Credit Union

Have your teens (and you) take the Distracted Driving Quiz at www.ThriveOkWellness.com We need YOUR help to continue the success of this important event. Please consider sponsoring the Run 2 Stop Distracted Driving 5k that is being held on March 9th, 2013 at 8am on OCU’s campus. For information about sponsorship contact Brandi Gibson at 405.208.7902 or bgibson@okcu.edu or Karen Vann 405.208.5252 or kvann@okcu.edu

www.focusdriven.org/ Thrive Oklahoma

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James Francis “Jim” Thorpe was an American athlete of mixed ancestry (Native American and Caucasian). Considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports, he won Olympic gold medals for the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon, played American football (collegiate and professional), and also played professional baseball and basketball.

In a poll of sports fans conducted

by ABC Sports, Thorpe was voted the Greatest Athlete of the Twentieth Century out of 15 other athletes. Among the list of great athletes of the 20th Century are other Oklahomans including Mickey Mantle, Johnny Bench, Steve Largent, Carl Hubbell, Steve Owens and a list of others.

Jim Thorpe’s son Bill Thrope at 84 years old was an honored guest at the awards event. Pictured with awards recipient Johnthan Banks Nicole Brown suffered from a brain injury during a car accident without a seat belt.

Johnthan Banks shares a warm welcome with her and many other rehabilitation patients at the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center in South OKC.

William Santos, a paraplegic patient in the Mobility Center wears the Esko Bionic Suit, which allows him to walk again. He enjoys some respite with Banks.

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2012 Thorpe Award winner Johnthan Banks of Mississippi State University toured the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation facility at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center.

Banks visited with patients and signed a few autographs before the luncheon in his honor also held at the rehab center.

By being named the 2012 Jim Thorpe Award winner, Johnthan Banks became the first national individual award winner in Mississippi State history. A Walter Camp First Team All-American, Banks ranks first in career interception yards (320), tied for third in career interceptions and tied for sixth in interceptions returned for touchdowns. He tied the school record with 16 career interceptions, which is seventh in SEC history.

He owns the SEC record with 20.0 career yards per interception return.

Banks won the 2012 Thorpe Award over finalists Dee Milliner of Alabama and Phillip Thomas of Fresno State. Banks is the fourth consecutive player from the SEC to be chosen as a Thorpe Award winner. Previous winners include Morris Claiborne, LSU (2011); Patrick Peterson, LSU (2010); and Eric Berry, Tennessee (2009).

“Four years ago, Johnthan Banks made a decision to stay at home and represent the people of Mississippi,” MSU head coach Dan Mullen said. “What a tremendous honor for a young man from Maben, Miss., to be honored with the Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in college football. It is something special for the entire state of Mississippi.”

Banks has proven to have big-play potential and has developed into a pure cover corner during his time at Mississippi State. His commitment to his community, family and team make Johnthan Banks the perfect representative of the Jim Thorpe Award. The Jim Thorpe Association is proud to name Johnthan Banks the 2012 Thorpe Award winner and look forward to following his professional career.

The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football by the Jim Thorpe Association, Oklahoma City

James Moore, President of Integris Southwest Medical Center presents Banks with a congratulatory handshake and the symbolic Jim Thorpe plaque.

Below: Johnthan in action at the Pick 6 - MSU vs. Auburn

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by Anita Kelley Six hundred thousand…according to the Small Business Administration, that’s the number of new businesses opening their doors every year. The bad news is that only 44% survive after four years. What makes one business thrive and survive while another is forced to close its doors? Why are some businesses fiscally fit while others flounder?

One professional I met who was in a metropolitan area in another state was, by any outside appearances, well on his way to success. He had extensive training in his field, a long list of credentials, a pleasing personality and a beautiful office customized for his clients. His office manager was given the responsibility for his marketing. With no training or experience, she began to purchase advertising from anyone who walked into the office. Without a focus and a solid marketing plan, the business folded after a year deeply in debt. A sad story that is not that uncommon.

A roofer I recently spoke with purchased several ads in newspapers, magazines and yellow pages before he realized that he had spent $20,000. He said that it was so easy to say yes to $300 here and $500 there before he realized how much he was actually spending. The bitter part of this lesson for him was learning that he only got 2 customers from the $20,000 expenditure….not a good Return on his Investment!

Believe it or not….most experts agree there is one basic ingredient that can make the difference between thriving or closing the doors. That ingredient is a laser sharp focus. That focus is like the GPS system on your car or cell phone. A successful focus keeps you on the right track, gaining new customers and growing your profits. In marketing terms, we call the GPS system for your business a Marketing Plan. You may have assumed that the Business Plan is all you need and it may include some aspects of a marketing plan, however, the successful businesses have a clear cut Marketing Plan that keeps them from chasing skinny rabbits like the roofer did.

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A Marketing Plan should include the following: What makes your business different from your competition?

This difference is known as your Unique Selling Position. If you don’t have a good idea of what makes you unique, you may want to spend some time brainstorming and coming up with a few statements that describe your unique position in the marketplace.

Who needs my product or service? No, not everyone will buy your product. Even WalMart knows that not everyone will walk in their store. The who is your target audience. Make sure that your marketing efforts are targeted to the right people who will actually buy from you.

Website, social media, billboard, direct mail, magazine/newspaper ads, newsletter, etc. Many businesses, such as the professional above, use the wrong tools and then wonder why their marketing efforts are not paying off. I know of one business that only used social media to spread the word and ended up closing after 2 years. Social media is not the perfect solution.

A laser sharp focus….a marketing plan that contains the right message to the right audience using the right tools is the secret to a healthy business.

Anita is a Branding, Sales and Marketing Specialist with over 20 years in marketing. You may contact Anita with questions through email: anita@anitakelleyconsulting.com

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by Stan Marker For an authentic adventure steeped in culture, make this year’s spring break destination Santa Fe, New Mexico, and take a break at Bishop’s Spa Resort. Just five miles from downtown and set on 450 acres of majestic mountain-forest land situated at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, this historical family-oriented resort offers getaways like no place else.

The history of this Santa Fe region dates back to 1540 when Vasquez de Coronado led a Spanish expedition into the “New” Mexico. But Bishop’s resort is named after a French missionary priest called Jean Baptiste Lamy. Lamy was chosen by the Vatican as the first bishop for the new district under the pastoral care or diocese of the American Southwest during the mid 1850s. Later, James R. Thorpe, a Denver mining man intrigued by the old-style Santa Fe, set out to establish a fine Southwestern resort. Thorpe acquired the property in 1918 and worked to restore Bishop Lamy’s chapel, added the original buildings and christened his endeavor, “Bishop’s Lodge.”

Today Bishop’s Lodge Resort and Spa wrap around Lamy’s 156 year old historic chapel. Now there are more than a hundred rooms and villas with adobe-style flair. Many of the rooms and villas offer Kiva fireplaces, private courtyards and balconies. Other guest areas have beautiful open beam ceilings and authentic Navajo throw rugs.

The family activities offered here will keep even the most energetic guests busy from dawn until dusk. The spring season offers enticing outdoor activities like horse and pony rides on miles of natural trails, which are also used for hiking and biking. Families can enjoy archery, a skeet and trap range, tennis, as well as the fitness center and yoga studio. The large outdoor pool will open in late May. 14

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Camp Appaloosa for kids is a wonderful way to let the kids enjoy their very own itinerary of activities appropriate for children ages 3-18. This multisports day camp for kids offers a getaway for mom and dad so that many of the spa services can be enjoyed in tranquility.

The adult rest and relaxation might begin with an amazing meal at Las Fuentes, which offers a creative cuisine that blends Spanish influences with New Mexican, French and Native American flavors created

by Executive Chef and Certified Sommelier Christopher McLean.

Further relaxation can be had with a visit to the SháNah (meaning vitality and energy) spa and wellness center. This day spa offers Native American inspiration and boasts customblended oils for individual skin types. Guests can enjoy facials, body wraps, Aquassage treatments and traditional therapeutic massage.

Signature treatments use native oils infused with herbs grown in the Bishop’s on-site gardens. The SháNah Spa is a true sanctuary with indoor and outdoor massage areas, a warm Watsu pool, whirlpool and hair salon.

Beyond massage, fine dining and an amazing outdoor adventure opportunity, Bishop’s Lodge is part of an eco-friendly hotel initiative. Naturally green since 1916, Bishop’s Lodge engages in water continued on page 17

by Dave Mason, DPh Immunoglobulins are protein-like molecules that play a crucial role in the immune system. We used to call them antibodies. Many immunoglobulins (Ig) are involved in allergic or hyper-sensitivity reactions, but let’s focus on the two forms of Ig that are involved during a direct assault on our body such as a foreign pathogen that can cause illness.

Immunoglobulin G, known as IgG, primarily works in the blood stream to identify, attach to, deactivate, and flag foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses and toxins for disposal by white blood cells (think PacMan!).

Immunoglobulin A (IgA), is produced by mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, lungs, and gut. IgA found in secretions is known as sec IgA. Mucosal immunity protects us from most germs like bacteria, viruses and toxins attempting to enter our body through the respiratory system or gastrointestinal tract.

Serum Immunmoglobulins (IgG) in the blood stream identify, attach to, deactivate, and flag foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses and toxins for disposal by white blood cells.

Some germs are happy to establish themselves in the lining of our respiratory passages and cause a cold, flu, RSV or sinus infection. Other germs like to take up residence in our gastrointestinal tract such as norovirus, rotovirus, or other “stomach “bugs.” IgA functions to attach itself and deactivate germs by coating the germ and preventing it from sticking around long enough to cause infection.

When the immune system is functioning well it will effectively protect us from germy invaders, but when this system fails, these invaders will have the upper hand.

Relentless invasions and chronic stress on the immune system weakens the IgA that lines our mucosal borders. These invasions can be biological, chemical or physical. Other immune stressors include poor food choices, lack of sleep and crowded environments.

When our defenses are down, we just can’t fight pathogens effectively! These are the times we seem to catch everything that’s going around. Just when we think we are better, something else makes us sick again.

The body can only make a finite supply of immunoglobulin and relentless attacks actually lower Ig production! A gut and respiratory system under continuous attack becomes inflamed and cases the release of hormones that trigger inflammation throughout the entire body.

Doctors have longed to use immunoglobulin therapy in an oral form for years, but Ig was widely available in hospitals as an injectable or IV version. Unfortunately the IV form carries a price tag in the thousands of dollars per use. There are

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numerous citations and decades of research on the use of immunoglobulin as a therapy for illness. All of these reports showed resolution of symptoms and Ig is considered safe, just not cost effective in the IV form.

Recent advances in serum processing have made it possible to have oral immunoglobulin available to the general public.

Supplementing with oral immunoglobulin is a fast and immediate way of sending in the reinforcements. Supplemental oral immunoglobulin can make a huge, same day difference and is an excellent way to maintain a healthy immune system.

Dave Mason is a licensed pharmacist in Oklahoma for over 25 years and the proud owner of Innovative Pharmacy in Edmond.

His passion for patient care and problemsolving have enabled him to excel in an area he truly loves, which is compounding.

Over the years Dave has gained extensive experience in a wide variety of dosage forms.

He has received training in non-sterile as well as aseptic compounding and is continually seeking to expand his knowledge of medications, routes of administration, dosage forms, human physiology, and nutrition.

Destination Spring

Continued from page 14

conservation, green horticultural practices and menu selections that utilize their own fruit trees grown in an heirloom garden on the property. Las Fuentes Restaurant menu items regularly feature local produce.

Bishop’s Lodge offers a wide variety of green hotel programs in support of the local high desert community where water is a precious resource. Bishop’s Lodge has an on-site water reclamation system that filters and recycles all gray water. The gray water is then used to water gardens and landscaping. No fertilizers or pesticides are ever used on landscaping.

The SháNah Spa & Wellness center features a water-conserving Xeric garden that is based on sound horticultural practices. The resort donates old sheets, towels, table linens, furniture, carpeting, window coverings, appliances, bedspreads and more for resale and re-purposing. Guestrooms feature windows that actually open or are part of a fresh-air exchange system. The use of alternative energy forms is highly-emphasized throughout the resort with the use of low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucets and all the kitchens run on natural gas.

With all of this to consider, it’s needless to say there’s something special waiting in Santa Fe. Thrive Oklahoma

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by Jessica Sanchez The Culinary Institute of Platt College turned the school’s international training kitchen into the site of the inaugural Little Chefs cooking event. Local families were encouraged to bring the kids and participate in a cook-off under the guidance of Chef Ryan Lopez, personal chef to NBA star Kevin Durant.

Chef Lopez hails from Michigan and did a similar event there with great community success. Thirteen Oklahoma City kids ages 9-17 were paired up with Platt’s student chefs and given mystery baskets filled with a wide variety of food ingredients to prepare.

The winning team of student Chef Kendra Farr with little chefs Holly Danner and Grace Smart opening their “mystery basket”... a different surprise for every Little Chef team.

The six student teams had 90 minutes to prepare the food ingredients in their assigned mystery baskets. Some teams had salmon or halibut to prepare and other teams had rack of lamb. The meat preparation may have posed a challenge to some of the teams, but there were certain unexpected mystery ingredients like pomegranate, leaks and coconut milk that had to be incorporated into the final dish.

Student teams were required to plan, prepare and present composed dinner plates and desserts for three guest judges. Presentation and taste were closely

The winning dish was oven roasted lamb chops with rosemary garlic, white rice with honey-orange glazed carrots.

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Third place went to student chef Kay Anna Boykin and little chefs Ellorie and Jacob.

The panel of expert judges begin tasting.

considered by the panel of expert judges, which included Robin L. Obert, Executive Chef to Governor Mary Fallin, Chef Arly Smart, Platt College Director of the Culinary Arts and Chef Jason Lee of Platt College.

After much deliberation and tasting, the panel of chef judges decided that the winning dish was the creation of Student Chef Kendra Farr with little chefs Grace Smart (10 years old) and Holly Danner (9years old).

The winning dish was oven roasted lamb chops with rosemary garlic, white rice with honey-orange glazed carrots. For dessert they made a fruit plate with apples, pears and dried apricots and two optional fruit dips made from melted marshmallows, peanut butter and orange zest mixed in yogurt.

The success of this event ensures that this will become a regular event at Platt College North, where Oklahoma’s children who are eager to tap into their passion for creating in the kitchen can come out and learn with the best. The Culinary Institute of Platt College has two convenient locations in Oklahoma that offer Culinary Arts. The Platt College Memorial location is at 2727 West Memorial, just east of May Avenue and Barnes and Noble. The south location features pastry arts is in Moore at 201 North Eastern Avenue.

For a taste of more future chef creations, both Platt Culinary Arts locations have an in house restaurant that serves up the students’ very best work on a regular basis. Call for more details regarding Chefs di Domani at the north location serving lunch and dinner and Platt’s south location for Café Broccato which serves breakfast and lunch only. When traveling to Tulsa, stop by Platt College’s Foundation restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Chef Ryan Lopez chats with a little chef before the cook-off.

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From humble beginnings more than 30 years ago in the cafeteria-style kitchen at an OSU dorm, Chef Kurt Fleischfresser began a passionate and enduring relationship with food.

In the years since, Chef Kurt has created many great kitchens of his own, perfecting a brand of elegant dining for a variety of local restaurants such as the Metro, Café 7 and Coach House to name just a few. Under his experienced hand, The Coach House continues to offer ever-changing seasonal cuisine highlighting the best local produce and regional specialties prepared with his classical perfection.

But Chef Kurt’s culinary scope got even bigger late in 2010 when Randy Earhart, CEO of Taco Mayo, approached Chef Kurt with an unusual request - to make quick service food healthier. Earhart had a vision to make the menu items healthier at all Taco Mayo locations. Chef Kurt recalls Earhart wanted to, “Freshen up the food concept without losing the current customer base.”

The plan was to eliminate MSG (monosodium glutamate) seasonings, as well as reduce the sodium and fat content in the ground beef and chicken used in the majority of all Taco Mayo menu items. The fear of losing taste was quickly put to rest when the result was just the opposite.

“What we were afraid of is if we take away those things that people crave, you’re going to wind up with a product that doesn’t taste as well, but what happened was, you really tasted the beef and the chicken more,” Chef Kurt says.

The menu upgrades also meant an upgrade to the food prep areas and with the concept of healthier meats meant the use of a new style 2-layer grill. “It looks like a clam shell and uses steam to sear the meat without the fat and you still get a caramelized flavor,” says Chef Kurt.

These back of the house food upgrades that translate into healthy menu items for diners on the go, did not necessarily mean an increase at the cash register. Customers can enjoy healthier chicken and beef menu items without much change in the cost of these foods. The flavor will come from changes in the sauces used to spice up these Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

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Customers will also find a fresh salsa bar with limes and other fresh items to incorporate with their food selections.

“There are different economical, geographical people that are eating out and I think everywhere you go out to eat should have some healthy options,” he says adding that change is in the air. “I think it’s exciting. I think there are a lot of people who actually want to watch what they eat but don’t have the option as far as cooking for themselves and things like that, so the more options there are out there, the better and working with Taco Mayo, a local chain, was a good fit for me.”

Chef Kurt explains that he tries to be mindful of his own healthy food choices when making menu item decisions.

“I actually eat pretty healthy and try to balance things out. I don’t count carbs or anything, but I generally eat the equivalent of a Mediterranean diet. I don’t eat a lot of cream and butter and things because I’m trying to stay off of blood pressure medicine,” he says with a laugh.

Fittingly, Chef Kurt recently traveled to Berlin as a representative of the power veggie, the sweet potato, at a large produce and packaging food show. He will also travel this spring to Munich, as a recurring guest chef for the Symposium Feines Essen und Trinken (Fine Food and Drink).

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by Jessica Sanchez New nutrition standards proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are expected to go into effect during the 2014-2015 school year. The proposed rules are the second step in a larger effort to improve the foods U.S. students have access to during the school day under a 2010 law aimed at improving childhood nutrition and combating obesity.

This means sugary drinks, salty chips and fatty snacks will not be available in school vending machines, or sold in student stores or a la carte. Instead, schools are going to offer snacks that contain 200 calories or less, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy and make water available as well as low calorie beverages.

Children spend most of their day at school and many children eat two of their meals or snacks at school. The majority of school vending machines and school stores sell candy and greasy, salty snacks. These types of snacks undermine the school meal programs, contradict health messages given by parents and teachers and may even be contrary to what parents want their children to eat.

New guidelines are specific that drinking water must be freely available to children during meal times.

These new nutrition standards are part of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, which changed public school meals earlier this year, but also apply to all foods sold outside the school meal programs at any time during the school day or on the school campus. These new standards will apply to food-oriented school fundraisers as well.

These new standards for food and beverages represent minimum standards that local school districts, school food authorities would be required to meet. Individual schools may choose to be more strict on what foods are sold or served at their school. Schools have at least one year to make these healthy changes.

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Plain water Plain low fat milk and plain or flavored fat-free milk Approved milk alternatives 100% fruit or vegetable juice

You know what happens when things start going wrong at work. You think of yourself as a team player,but it’s easy to focus on what others “coulda-woulda-shoulda” done.

“Too many times, groups start finger pointing when things don’t work,” said Shari Rostochil, Senior Director of IT Program Management for Sonic Drive In headquarters in Oklahoma City.

“What they should be asking is, ‘What as a team can we do to make things happen?’”

Now there’s a new way for people to experience the benefits of team building in the Oklahoma City Boathouse District. The SandRidge Sky Trail opens for the season on Saturday, March 9.

“This 80-foot tall vertical ropes course offers participants six levels of challenges on a fun, safe platform,” said Sarah Laurent, OKC RIVERSPORT Team Building Coordinator. “From rope bridges to wobbly walkways at varying heights, this new Boathouse District attraction will get teams working together to get through the challenges.”

“Team Building participants have a number of options,” said Laurent. “In addition to the SandRidge Sky Trail, we offer onthe-water team building in dragon boats and rowing barges, and indoor team building in the Dynamic Propulsion Rowing Tank, on indoor rowing machines, and with the Imagination Playground, a collection of giant blocks for creating various structures. Each option is safe and fun, and afterward we discuss the experience and what was learned.”

For Rostochil, team building in the Boathouse District was a valuable learning experience she recommends to others.

“While I can see all of the excitement and changes taking place in the Boathouse District from the Sonic headquarters in Lower Bricktown, I had never been there until our team building experience. Now as a ‘Crew Mom’, I’m there nearly every day. And when the Sky Trail opens, I would like to be the first in line.”

The SandRidge Sky Trail is the tallest ropes course in the world, and will soon include a 72-foot slide and 80-foot base jump free fall.

Opening Memorial Day, plus a 700-foot zip line accross the Oklahoma River opening late this summer.

To learn more about OKC RIVERSPORT Team Building in the Boathouse District, contact Sarah Laurent, Team Building coordinator, at (405) 552-4040.

boathousedistrict.org

The SandRidge Sky Trail opens Saturday, March 9 and is available for Team Building, Birthday Parties, Group Outings and Pass Holders. SandRidge Sky Slide, tallest slide in America at 72-feet, opens Memorial Day Weekend as does the Base Jump high adventure 80-foot free fall.

Cost: Adventure Pass (includes SandRidge Sky Trail & Sky Slide): $35 adults, $20 youth.

Single Base Jump Pass: $20 Single Sky Zip Pass: $20 Discounts available for groups; Birthday Party packages for ages 3 through 18; Team Building packages available.

Photo Credit: Georgia Read

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by Paul Fairchild An F5 tornado can rip a house off its foundations and carry it for more than a mile before smashing it into the ground. It can launch automobiles from goal to goal on a football field. Unmatched in intensity, its violent winds can tear trees out of the ground and strip the bark off of them. Common sense dictates that nobody should stand in the path of such an awesome force.

But storm chaser Reed Timmer, 32, sees it differently. He drives in his custom-made Dominator tanks right up to the edge of tornados. And then he looks for a parking place.

Timmer's been chasing tornados since he was a teen. Over 15 years, he's chased somewhere in the neighborhood of 450. He's fearless - some would call him crazy - about learning what makes tornados spin.

But he didn't start out that way. As a kid, he was terrified of intense weather. As he got older, he flipped that terror into a deep curiosity. "When I was little, I was scared to death of thunder and lightning," he says. "Anytime a thunderstorm came around, I'd freak out. But that fear eventually turned into curiosity. I wanted to understand severe weather and tornados. Next thing I know, I'm five years old and watching the Weather Channel all day. Whenever a severe weather warning got issued for my county, I'd get fired up." It was the birth of a lifelong hobby, profession and labor of love.

Timmer loves adrenaline. But he gets his adrenaline from more than just driving into the heart of the storm. "It's definitely a rush, but there's also a scientific component that gives me a different kind of rush. I'd have to have something wrong with me not have adrenaline flowing when I'm inside a tornado in an armored tank with the whole thing vibrating back and forth.

My ears pop and I could lift off the ground at any second. But the real reason we built the armored vehicles - the Dominators -is for the science. They make it possible to be where we need to be to do the science. The whole point of intercepting the tornado directly is to get data," he says.

After chasing tornados for years in conventional vehicles, Timmer saw the need for a new line of attack. He and his engineers built - from the ground up - virtual tanks, his Dominators, to intercept tornados head on. Paid for out of his own pocket, the Dominators make it possible for his team to be where they need to be to capture tornado footage and collect key data.

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Currently he has two Dominators at his disposal. They weigh roughly 8,000 lbs. each. Both are loaded with equipment like radars, barometers and other tools used to collect data on wind speeds, air pressure and more. Lexan frames and a full roll cage protect the occupants. Their coolest feature: instrument-laden probes with parachutes that Timmer launches into the heart of the tornado with air cannons to collect real-time data about every aspect of an emerging tornado.

Tornados move quickly. Timmer has to match and surpass their speeds to catch a tornado. Both of the Dominators can hit a top speed of 110 miles an hour. But he's quick to insist that, officially he never exceeds the speed limit to intercept a tornado.

The success of the Dominators wasn't luck, but there was some chance wrapped into it. "When we first started using Dominator 1 in 2009, we didn't even test it. We just fired it up, went out there and intercepted tornados." Special features that make the Dominators so good at their jobs include hydraulics that drop them flat on the ground to avoid wind shear underneath and an aerodynamic shell that minimizes the tank's exposure to high winds. But there's always room for improvement, and Timmer's team used the lessons learned from Dominator 1 to improve the next iteration of the tanks, Dominator 2.

During one chase with Dominator 1, Timmer and his team found a near fatal flaw in Dominator 1. "The winds were so intense that we slid across the ground. Thirty seconds or a minute inside a tornado seems like ten and that motivated improvements in Dominator 2. We added a hydraulic system that drives spikes four inches into the pavement. They anchor the car and keep us from sliding across the ground." Always striving to improve the performance of the tanks' data collection, all of the research equipment was improved on Dominator 2, as well.

Timmer puts roughly 65,000 miles per year on his Dominators to find answers to his questions and satisfy his curiosity. He also puts his own money into them. Initially, he sold tornado

footage to internet sites and television networks to bring in the cash. Spreading around the rush, he also conducts tornado chasing tours for the public to raise funds. His two year stint with the Discovery Channel fattened his bank account, as well. Every last cent he makes goes into the Dominators, their equipment, and the production team behind his web site,www. tvnweather.com. "I'm dumping all my money into Dominators.

I could just as easily have saved all the money we made from the Discovery Channel and lived comfortably, but I'm the kind of guy who doesn't save up for retirement. But I might as well let it rip and put it into my passion - the science and thrill of chasing tornados." For now he's perfectly satisfied moving from tornado to tornado to pay the bills.

of it. I just remember being in awe, completely mesmerized by it," he says. "Just after that, though, we reached Moore. It was complete devastation. It was like a war zone. That was when I was exposed to the dark side of what tornados can do. It motivated me further to understand the science behind tornados and chase as many as possible. And call in reports and help out the warning process."

Timmer's not the only one playing chicken with tornados.

Behind his efforts is an entire team of more than two dozen people. A squad of engineers builds and maintains the Dominators and their equipment. A production crew films and preps his tornado footage for viewing on his web site. He also recruited a network of more than 20 fellow storm chasers that stream real-time video of tornados that serves as more than entertainment. It's also used to inform and warn viewers about tornados in their areas.

Timmer doesn't spend all of his time running down tornados.

He's currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma.

His topic of choice, of course, is meteorology. But the academic work he's doing in that field sits apart from his storm chasing.

Out of the Dominators and in the classroom, Timmer searches for the secrets of seasonal climate anomalies.

His research links surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean to predict regional weather conditions from heat waves to flooding rains.

High resolution radar reflectivity image of a textbook tornadic supercell in central Oklahoma on May 24, 2011, with the strong mesocyclone or rotating updraft on the left side with a rain/hail producing downdraft at right. This storm produced an EF4 tornado that caused substantial damage especially in the Newcastle, OK area.

Timmer loves the rush and the science, but he's recentl adopted a new agenda. His team was among the first to arrive in Moore, Oklahoma on May 3, 1999, after an F5 tore through the city.

After the tornado passed, Timmer got his first real glimpse of the havoc tornados can wreak. "I never remember being afraid

Reed Timmer and the Dominator at Westheimer Airport in Norman.

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Inside The Funnel

Continued from page 25

That experience lit up a few ideas. He's incorporating his desire to help others into his newest vehicle, Dominator 3.

"Now we're building Dominator 3, which can handle stronger tornados but the thing that's different about Dominator 3 is that it's also tailored for search and rescue. We're working with firefighters, trained first responders and decking it out with all this rescue equipment because we came across a damage path with a lot of rubble and there was a man with a broken back. My team wasn't trained to handle the injuries that we saw in the damage path. So we got first aid training and we're now partnering with first responders. When we go into these damage paths and we're there before emergency personnel, we'll be able to help and treat a lot of these injuries. It's such a helpless feeling to have injured people come up to us with such need for help. That motivated us to build Dominator 3."

Inside the Dominator2 with Dick McGowan (L) and Reed Timmer (R).

Timmer's got plenty of ideas about how to improve his Dominators and nurture his scientific curiosity. He plans to continue storm chasing for years to come. His adrenaline, his curiosity and his burning desire to help others depend on it.

Reed and his team got a little too close to this EF4 twister. The hail slammed through the windshield and caught Reed in the face.

A special hydraulic system secures the Dominator to the ground during recordings and data collection from very near or inside the tornado.

Reed takes critical measurements from the top of Dominator1

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Photos by Dick McGowan

A tornado is defined as a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel shaped cloud. It is produced by a thunderstorm and formed when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly.

Tornado season is generally March through August, although tornados can occur at any time of the year. The majority of all tornados strike between noon and midnight.

The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when tornados are possible in your area. Be alert for approaching storms. This is a good time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located. Listen to the radio or television for further developments.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued and the sky becomes threatening, move to your designated safe place. Turn on a battery-operated radio and wait for further instructions.

If you have a storm shelter, register its location with the City. Registering your shelter’s location will let rescue workers know where to find you after a disaster. Call the Action Center at 405.297.2535 to register your shelter.

Designate an area in your home as a shelter, and regularly practice having your family go there as if there were a tornado

Have a plan for getting back together in case family members are separated from one another during a tornado.

Weather forecasting science is not perfect and there’s no substitute for staying alert to the skies above. Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things to look and listen for: •

A strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base. Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base -- tornadoes sometimes have no funnel!

•

Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.

•

Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder.

•

At night watch for small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm. This may be a sign that power lines are being snapped due to very strong winds. There may also be a persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated by lightning.

•

Go to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get away from windows.

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by Scott Vaughn, CEO of GlobalHealth As the debate about how to improve our health care system continues across the nation, it’s important to look at our options when it comes to making health insurance coverage readily available for Oklahomans.

One of the most important steps in making health care accessible is to make it more affordable. This is something we can all work on together to accomplish this goal. As CEO of GlobalHealth, an Oklahoma-based health maintenance organization, I’ve seen how the system works from the inside out. Being a father of a one-year-old, I’ve also seen how the system works from the outside in. Through my experiences, I have identified a few ways folks can work to control the cost of health care.

1. Everyone needs access to a primary care physician, who can serve as the healthcare champion of his or her patients.

They can develop personal health care plans for patients, including plans to maintain and improve their health. Focusing on preventive care and keeping patients healthy will reduce health care costs for all.

2. Government payers and insurance companies should improve compensation to primary care doctors, so they can spend the necessary time with their patients to improve their health and reduce patient health care costs.

3. Out-of-pocket costs also need to be reduced for patients. If health insurance plans have low premiums but high deductibles and coinsurance, patients may delay a simple visit to the doctor or not take prescription medications that could help them. A simple illness or manageable chronic condition could worsen, leading to more expensive care for the patient down the road.

4. Lowering out-of-pocket costs doesn’t mean people will burden the system by asking for unnecessary care. Most people would prefer not to access the health care system if they don’t have to. But, reducing out-of-pocket costs makes care more accessible.

5. Patients should keep an open line of communication with their insurance company to make sure they have the proper coverage they need to stay well. It is in the best interest of an insurance company to send patients to high-quality providers, otherwise, costs to the patient and to the insurance company could escalate if complications occur.

If Oklahomans aren’t getting good service from their health plan, they should look for another plan. There may not be another option today, but in the near future, shopping for health insurance on an exchange will provide patients with alternatives. Your insurance company should want you to go to the best quality doctor, because they should think long-term about keeping you healthy.

One of the factors that contribute to high health care costs for everyone is noncompliance. Patients should follow their doctor’s advice and complete the recommended treatment plan. If everyone takes responsibility for improving their own health, it will help lower costs overall.

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Following the 2012 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, Enid Oklahoma athlete Doc Amanda Stevens and her then coach Lance Watson sat down to review the year’s progress as well as its success and failures.

Coach Watson had been working with Stevens for more than three years and in that time there were ups and downs, uplifting wins and disappointing losses.

Following the Kona Ironman Championships, Stevens and Watson knew their journey through the world of professional triathlon was at its end. There were no harsh words spoken and no hard feelings but a mutual agreement that at this point they had traveled as far as they could together.

Seeking out a suitable new coach is not always simple.

Qualities in the coach must be similar to those of the athlete.

Stevens is hardworking and dedicated to her sport, and a gifted coach must believe in the athlete as much as the athlete believes in themself.

In the weeks following Ironman, Stevens sat down with the best coaches in the sport. After extensive interviews, Stevens and her manager kept coming back to the same name - Coach Siri Lindley. Lindley has a proven track record and has helped produce two of the last three world champions at the Iron Distance as well this year’s 70.3 World Champion.

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Oklahoma athlete Doc Amanda Stevens trains with Coach Lance Watson in Kona, Hawaii before the IronMan World Championships in 2012.

by Randy Sadler With limited space, Stevens was still waiting on a coach to train with full time and recalls Lindley saying, “There is a good vibe here and if it’s meant to be, it will be.”

As fate would have it, less than a week later Stevens got the opportunity to come aboard with Lindley. Lindley and her elite group of professional athletes are based in Santa Monica, Calif.

Stevens packed her bags and caught the next flight out of Oklahoma City to become acquainted with her new coach.

“After just a few weeks of working together, the future seems to be limitless,” says Lindley, and adds that she is inspired by the famous quote from Michelangelo “I saw an angel in the marble and I carved until I set him free.”

“This quote is how I see Amanda. In her I see this incredible potential, a champion in the marble. I know that she has only scratched the surface of what she is capable of in this sport,” Lindley says.

The qualities of a good coach shine through in Lindley’s conviction to work with Stevens every step of the way. “Her dreams are now my dreams and together we will leave no stone unturned. We will do everything we can to lead Amanda to be the best she can be,” Lindley says.

The team is currently training in Noosa, Australia through the end of March, at which time Amanda will be competing at Ironman AsiaPacific Championships in Melbourne, Australia.

This will be the first race these two will take on together. Their mutual excitement is evident. It seems the only thing left to say is, “On your mark, get set, go.’’

Doc Amanda’s new trainer Siri Lindley works with an elite group of professinal athletes for several months in Australia before the IronMan Asia-Pacific Championships, March 24, 2013.

Skyline of Melboune Australia along the Yara River Thrive Oklahoma

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by Nan Bertone, RN

If you have recently quit smoking, or stopped using tobacco products, you probably know how hard it can be. Thinking that all you have to do is hang tough, and garner some willpower, doesn’t really work. The fact is, nicotine is extremely addictive and the behaviors associated with it are an integral part of everyday life. Stopping the use and overcoming the addiction of tobacco products is hard work, but luckily not impossible. It can also take several tries for most people to quit.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, some of which are found in wood varnish, insecticide, rat poison and nail polish remover. The intake of these toxins has an extremely harmful effect on every part of your body. In addition, smoking has

similar effects on those around you in the form of second-hand smoke. These toxins can be responsible for numerous health issues such as lung disease, heart disease, gastro-intestinal disease, bladder disease and gum disease, among others. Tobacco use in the United States causes more than 440,000 deaths each year. Of those deaths, 170,000 are from cancer.1 Before embarking on a tobacco cessation program it is important to follow some basics.

The most successful people depend on self-discovery and proper planning to get them through what can be a very stressful and sometimes depressing experience. The following are some helpful tips you may want to consider:

Identify your “triggers”. Triggers are people, places, activities and feelings you associate with your tobacco addiction. Examples of common triggers are Drinking coffee, tea or alcohol Talking on the telephone

Driving a car Feeling stress

Feeling depressed Feeling angry

1. “Clearing the Air”; National Cancer Institute; NIH-Publication No. 11-1647; Printed October 2008/Reprinted August 2011; www.cancer.gov

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Office 405-275-3176 State Hotline 800-522-SAFE

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Know the options available for quitting

Think about ways to avoid your triggers

Cold turkey Over the counter medications Prescription medications

Exercise • Deep breathing Go places where smoking is not allowed Drink water or something else that doesn’t trigger you Keep your hands busy by doodling, doing puzzles, writing

Counseling and support groups Self-help plans

Make a plan

Eat something healthy Brush your teeth more often

Think about your reasons to quit Health – my health will improve as well as that of those around me Financial – a one pack a day addiction costs up to $2,300 per year Social – my friends will be proud. I won’t smell bad to others Family – my family will be proud. I will be a better role model Control – I will be more in control and have more time for myself

Decide on the way you will quit Decide on the date you will quit or begin the process of quitting Know what the withdrawal symptoms are and decide what you will do if you experience them Tell those around you that you are quitting Identify your primary challenges Clean out all the places where you have tobacco paraphernalia and that trigger your addiction Speak to your doctor about quitting Keep a journal about your experience Plan what to do with the money you will save

Stopping the use of tobacco products has many significant benefits that start immediately after you quit.

The health benefits alone, for you and those around you, are numerous. Some examples of what happens, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services include: *Within 20 minutes your heart rate drops

*Within 3 months your heart attack risk and lung function improves

*Within 12 hours the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal

*Within 1 year your coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker

You don’t smell bad to others

Decreased exposure of second-hand smoke to those you love You have more time for new hobbies and activities

*According to US Department of Health and Human Services

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by Dr. Mary Schrick, Ph.D. N.D. Arthritis is so commonplace that nearly everyone either has arthritis or knows someone who does. Most of the time we think it is only a “matter of time� until we experience arthritis. It is not the number of candles on the birthday cake, it is the strength of the immune system that dictates when or if we will entertain this unwelcome guest. The word arthritis means inflammation of the joint. It can affect a person at any age.

There are many different types of arthritis, but there are basically six classes that are defined by the symptoms and tissue degradation they cause.

The most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 27 million Americans, is osteoarthritis, which damages cartilage, joints and bones. Another form of the disease, called rheumatoid arthritis, is an inflammatory disease of the immune system that attacks the synovial lining of joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function. A growing body of research suggests dietary changes may help the chronic pain of this disease. Try adding these foods to your daily diet to help fight inflammation.

Inflammatory - the membrane of the joint becomes irritated Attachment Arthritis - frequently in the heels and lower back, the ligament or tendon fastened to the bone becomes irritated Crystal Arthritis - the big toe usually, but any joint can be involved, has deposits of microscopic crystals of sodium urate Joint Infection - bacteria contaminate of the fluid inside the joint, usually found in the hip, shoulder and knee Cartilage Degeneration - usually found in the knees, neck, lower back, hips and fingers, this type of arthritis arises when the cartilage of the joint breaks down Local Conditions - a local injury causes pain, such as tennis elbow. However, osteoarthritis is an immune problem and rheumatoid arthritis is auto-immune in nature. Both of these cause chronic inflammation and which must be brought under control.

Omega-3 Fats

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent inflammation in the body and reduce symptoms associated with arthritis.

The COX-2 enzymes, which cause joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, are more active when you eat a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fats, found in meat, corn, snack foods and vegetable oils, are highly prevalent in the American diet.

One needs to reduce these fats while increasing healthy omega-3 fats found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, and of course good supplements.

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Broccoli

According to a Johns Hopkins study, broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables were protective against the development of arthritis. Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and bok choy can lend a hand in the inflammation battle.

Olive Oil

Diets rich in olive oil, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to reduce pain and stiffness in patients with arthritis.

Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and protective properties are attributed to oleic acid, antioxidants known as polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids. Try mixing three parts olive oil to one part vinegar or lemon juice and adding herbs and spices for a healthy salad dressing.

Vitamin C

Oranges, mangos, strawberries, pineapple and kidney beans are packed with vitamin C, which may help prevent arthritis. Leave the bell peppers out, even though they have a lot of vitamin C they are a nightshade. Nightshades can worsen the symptoms of arthritis. Other nightshades include: tomatoes, potatoes, egg plant and tobacco. According to the USDA, the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin C is 90 mg/day for men and 75 mg/day for women. This, of course, is ridiculous-try 4,000 to 6,000 mg/ day. be sure to use Vitamin C that is both fat and water soluble.

Anthocyanidins

Anthocyanidins are potent antioxidants responsible for the reddish pigment in foods like cherries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes . In a Harvard study examining C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as a marker of inflammation in cardiovascular health, researchers found that higher strawberry intake was associated with lower CRP levels, indicating less inflammation.

Although this study focused on cardiovascular health, inflammation is an indicator of the arthritis levels as well.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for hundreds of years for the treatments of colds, nausea, migraines, and hypertension. There is evidence to support the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role of ginger as well. In addition to use in soups and vegetable dishes, ginger tea is helpful and tasty.These foods work by calming the flames of inflammation and by supporting your immune system.

Next time Dr. Mary will present advances in technology that tame the inflammation causing arthritis.

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by Robin Fernandez, NCC

Leadership is not just something that happens in an office, or within a corporation or organization. One of the definitions of leadership is an act or instance of leading, guidance, direction. It can also mean control, influence, command, and effectiveness. And whether or not we are aware of it, each of us is the leader of our own life. We also co-create our life with those seen and unseen forces around us. Too often we go through life leading by default, rather than purposefully leading.

Nature seems to us to be conducted without purpose, random, unpredictable. However, we can’t begin to understand the vastness of the inner workings of Nature and how this entire planet works together. The higher level of leadership that is going on around us is unfathomable to us. If you watch any Nature program, you will be awed by the precision, balance, effectiveness, direction, and teamwork of animals, birds, insects, fish, plants, trees. And they do it all without “words.”

And yet humans with all our technology, languages, methodologies, techniques, leadership books, governments, organizations – have a tough time with what Nature seems to do effortlessly.

“If all insects on Earth disappeared, within 50 years all life on Earth would end. If all human beings disappeared from the Earth, within 50 years all forms of life would flourish.” Jonas Salk Exceptional leadership is something each of us should aspire to do on purpose in our daily lives. Take a look at your leadership style, within your work context, as well as in leading your life. Are you leading with a clear vision, with direction, and purpose connected with a higher good? Are you leading with intelligence by listening to your emotions and acting on them consciously, rather than yielding to your survival instincts that hijack your brain and take over the lead?

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Exemplary leaders live in the questions, visualize the future, and inspire balanced action. Balance, meaning that the leader has considered the consequences of his/her actions and the predicted results. Excellent leaders bravely stand in the unknown, and yet bring fortitude, calm, innovative thinking, centered boldness, understanding, and empathy into the world.

What is your leadership style now? What would you like it to be? What is the effect you have on others? What responses would you receive if your leadership style was assessed by others? What if you were brave enough to listen honestly, observe the path you are making, and witness the wake you leave behind as you pass in this world?

A tornado dissipates and does not “see” the destruction it has left. Do you periodically “check behind you” to see the daily legacy you are leaving behind? “As you climb the ladder of success, check occasionally to make sure it is leaning against the right wall,” Anonymous.

With balance defined as mental steadiness or emotional stability, habit of calm behavior, judgment - here are some inspirations from nature to direct your leadership style in a more balanced state.

Have you observed birds migrating south in a perfect V-shape formation? It is thought this serves two purposes. First, the lead bird bears the highest difficulty while creating lift for the other birds to fly more easily. Second, the V-shape formation enables

all the birds to see clearly where they are going. One leader leads, and all clearly see the path before them. The birds take turns leading, and as the leader flies to the back of the line to rest, the next leader seamlessly shifts into the lead role. Is it time for you to rest and allow someone else to take the lead for a while? Or is it time for you to take the lead? How do you enable others to see clearly where you are taking them?

Witnessing a mother bird pushing her baby birds out of the nest may appear to us as leading by force. However, mother birds know when it’s time for the hatchlings to fly, and they encourage it.

Where do you need a push in life? Who, currently “under your command,” can you encourage to fly? What can you learn by observing the incredible focus of an animal in Nature?

“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature,”

Joseph Campbell.

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by Lindsay Welchel In the classic Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired musical “West Side Story,” two people fall in love. The couples’ story, set in New York City in the 1950s, unfolds amid gang violence and despite cultural divides. The much-loved Broadway show, which will be performed in Oklahoma City on April 23-28 at the Civic Center Music Hall, speaks to the value and the fragility of life.

Blue Cervini knows all about life’s fragility. As a dance captain in “West Side Story,” Cervini plays Velma, a Jet Girl who witnesses the tragic lovers’ tale. But in real life too, the lesson that nothing is permanent hit hard when Cervini, a New Orleans native, was uprooted by Hurricane Katrina. “My whole life was affected by that. You just don’t know when you’re going to lose something in the blink of an eye or when something could change,” Cervini says. Of course, not all change is bad.

Cervini grew up dancing recreationally at a local studio. At first, she was unsure of what a career as a dancer could look like in her life. Then a successful audition for a role in “West Side Story” changed everything.

“To be honest I never really knew what direction I would be headed professionally and

then I came across this “West Side Story” tour, went to New York auditioned for it and got cast. It’s just really exciting,” Cervini says.

Rehearsals began in September and the tour will run until June.

Cervini credits her current life as a professional dancer with helping her to cherish each moment. “I’m finding the lifestyle of a tour very much keeps you on your toes and teaches you to live in the present, which I think is very important in life.”

Being a dancer has also taught another important lesson, one of being physically fit and health focused. “This is a very physically demanding show,” Cervini says, explaining that the musical is demanding on all levels for the various dancers involved.

That combined with the logistics of touring the production, which showcases across the country, increases both the importance and the challenge

of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The dancers stay only a few days at most in each location and are sometimes required to travel right into a town on the day of the show.

She speaks highly of the value in fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. These remain especially true on tour where healthy food choices might not always be easily present.

Still, Cervini stresses the routine of warm-ups and stretching.

“We really have to make sure we take the time. Everyone’s body is different. The show is different for different kinds of people. Some might have a more hard-hitting show or more cardio-based,” she says adding, “You definitely have to know your body and be proactive about staying strong and preventing injury.”

“It’s definitely a little bit of a challenge when you’re on the road. Sometimes you’ll be in an area where there aren’t a lot of options, so if you make a stop in one city where there are a lot of options available or a really great grocery, you might want to stock up there and get things you like,” Cervini says.

Equally important to Cervini’s ability to perform at her best is her diet. A self-proclaimed foodie, Cervini is not shy about her love of eating but she is able to put the food’s calories to good use as a dancer.

“I’m from New Orleans. We eat to live and live to eat, so I generally eat whatever I want. I love great tasting food and this show will definitely keep you in the shape you need to be in, but you have to be smart about what you eat.”

In terms of performing, Cervini offers advice to other dancers about staying motivated and trying new things, but the same could be said for any fitness plan.

“Continue to push your boundaries. It’s very easy to fall into the pattern of the show. You’re doing the same movements over and over again, so challenge yourself. Keep working toward your greatest potential no matter what you’re working on, in what facility.”

Cervini, who loves many types of dance, urges others to find new ways to stay inspired. Luckily, when it comes to inspiration, she says to look no further than the upcoming Oklahoma City showing of “West Side Story.”

“There aren’t so many different relatable topics. It’s the ultimate love story but there’s violence and intensity, action, humor, dancing and singing. No matter where you’re coming from in life, there’s going to be something that resonates,” Cervini says and adds, “It’s just a really beautiful and colorful story.

I’m just so excited to be sharing the story around the county. It’s truly an honor.”

by Andrea Mason

with barre3

1. All fours seat work with ball:

Start in an all fours position with knees aligned under hips and wrists under shoulders. Extend one leg behind you and place a barre3 fit ball behind your extended knee. Pull your heel to seat as you begin to squeeze on the ball and point your toe up to the ceiling. Draw your frontal hip bones up to your rib cage lengthening through the tailbone. Begin to pulse your big toe up to the ceiling while stabilizing through your core and upper body.

2. Diamond:

Sit tall with legs extended out in front of you.

Place a barre3 fit ball a few inches away from your hip and roll on to your hip placing your forearm parallel to the edge of your mat. Bend your knees so that legs are stacked on top of eachother. Your hips and shoulders are aligned. Glue your toes and heels together and lift them both off of the floor.

Spiral your top knee up to the ceiling until you feel a catch in your seat while keeping your feet glued together. Repeat movement by lowering and lifting your top leg.

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3. Upside Down Seat:

Sit tall facing a wall in front of you with knees bent and toes up against the baseboard. Place a barre3 fit ball between your inner thighs and roll down to your back. Scoot your hips closer to your heels so that your knees align over your ankles. Grab the ball and place underneath your pelvis. Bring your arms to a wide low v and root your shoulders to the floor. Bring the soles of your feet to the wall in front of you (or to the barre if you have one!) and make sure that your ankles align with your knees. Imprint your lower spine into the ball and slowly lift your hips slightly away from the ball until you feel your hamstrings and seat activate. Repeat movement by finding a pulse with your hips.

Springtime Asparagus Soup

Super Healthy Crab Cakes

Since asparagus is a great addition to a healthy diet and filled with anti-oxidants,

Here’s a simple crab cake without fillers, which make for a light and delicious spring

this soup makes a lovely starter for the spring season. Creamy and soothing, and

meal. They are best served with a quick spicy remoulaude sauce. Go ahead, enjoy!

a lovely shade of springtime green, asparagus soup is perfect for a light supper

They are good for you!

along with bread and a salad, or as a pretty first course for an Easter dinner.

Using a blender or food processor makes this quick and easy to prepare - and we include a vegan version, too.

Ingredients: 16 ounces lump crab meat 1/2 C panko bread crumbs 1/4 C flat leaf parsley, chopped

Ingredients:

1/4 C light mayonnaise

1 pound fresh asparagus

1 egg

4 1/2 cups vegetable stock

1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning

3 tablespoons butter 1 large onion, chopped

Directions:

2 ribs celery, chopped

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients. Using an ice cream scoop, form 8 crab

2 medium-sized potatoes, diced

cakes, place on a baking sheet. If preparing the same day, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste

If freezing, proceed to freezing instructions. Heat a small amount olive oil in a large

1 cup light cream or soy cream

skillet and cook through for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.

fresh dill sprigs for garnish (optional)

Freezing Directions: Wrap crab cakes individually and place in gallon size freezer bags. To serve, thaw crab cakes, heat a small amount olive oil in a large skillet and cook through for 3-4 minutes

Chop bottom half of asparagus spears into 2-inch lengths and place in soup pot along with vegetable stock. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove asparagus with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander over a bowl, pressing on the stalks to get as much juice from them as possible, then dis carding the fibrous stalks. Add the extracted juice back into the soup pot.

Hibiscus iced tea Ginger simple syrup

Hibiscus iced tea

Agave nectar 1/4 C

Filtered (or bottled water) 16 ounces

Fresh ginger (grated or diced fine) 1/4 C

1/4 C dried hibiscus flowers

Simmer on stove for 10 minutes

Steep for five minutes, strain and cool

stalks into 1-inch pieces. Add asparagus pieces, celery, and potato to onion

Strain

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the onion,

allow vegetables to cook for 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of simmered stock and cover saucepan again, cooking another 7 or 8 minutes or until potato is tender, adding more liquid if the mixture gets too dry.

Serves 8

stirring while cooking for 5 minutes. Chop the top half of the asparagus and butter. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover the saucepan and

on each side until browned.

Process these cooked vegetables in a blender or food processor until smooth, then add this puree back into the soup pot, adding cream.

Simmer for 5 minutes, then taste and add salt and pepper, if necessary.

May be served warm or chilled, garnished with a sprig of fresh dill,

if desired.

Serves 6

For hibiscus drink combine: Hibiscus tea “Light white grape juice” 1/2 C Ginger simple syrup 1/4 C Combine ginger simple syrup, “light” grape juice and hibiscus tea, add ice (or frozen grapes), stir and serve.

Hibiscus Tea Recipe courtesy of Executive Chef Robin L. Obert Thrive Oklahoma

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by Terri L. White, MSW Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services rescription drug abuse is Oklahoma’s fastest growing drug problem and impacts our state in multiple ways. Although many types of prescription drugs are abused, there is currently a growing, deadly epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse.

Becoming addicted to prescription medication may begin innocently enough. Often, people obtain prescriptions for the right reasons, but that can turn into abuse or dependency if misused. But, there’s also intentional misuse of these medications, when people take them from medicine cabinets or buy them “off the street” to get “high.” The bottom line is that to appropriately address this issue, we must look at all aspects of the problem.

Prescription drug abuse – as with any form of addiction – is a complex illness that crosses over societal boundaries, affecting areas ranging from physical health to social issues to public safety concerns. It is something that impacts hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans, either directly, such as through personal experiences including the struggles of family and friends, or indirectly, such as the increasing demand on tax dollars to deal with the negative consequences that result from this growing problem.

Both nationally and in Oklahoma, prescription drug abuse is on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that, in 2010 alone, the number of narcotic painkillers prescribed was enough to give every adult a one-month supply. This did not just happen. It is not a problem that has occurred overnight. The use of prescription pain killers has been increasing for the past 20 years (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

Perhaps even more frightening, though, is the number of fatal overdoses that have accompanied this trend. The CDC reports that Oklahoma has the ninth-highest rate of deaths involving prescription painkillers in the nation. Over the past 10 years, the number of fatal drug overdoses in Oklahoma has more than doubled, climbing to 739 in 2010. Of the 42

Thrive Oklahoma

nearly 3,200 unintentional poisoning deaths in Oklahoma from 2007-2011, 81 percent involved at least one prescription drug.

State autopsy statistics show that the most prolific killers are the prescription painkillers hydrocodone and oxycodone, often in combination with the anti-anxiety drug alprazolam.

As a state agency, we have seen prescription drug abuse steadily increase as a major reason for people seeking substance abuse treatment – rising from 7.76 percent of treatment admissions in 2001 to 18.7 percent in 2012.

And, although many people think of prescription drug abuse being an issue impacting primarily adult populations, the fact is that more and more young people are abusing these substances. Nearly 22 percent of Oklahoma 12th graders say they had used prescription drugs without a doctor telling them to do so once or more in their lifetimes and nearly 10 percent had done so in the past 30 days (2010 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment). For the second year in a row more teens said prescription drugs were easier to buy than beer (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University).

As a state, we must increase our efforts at prevention and expand access to treatment services. The fact is that prescription drug abuse, and really the overall problem of substance abuse and addiction, continues to be the biggest public health problem facing Oklahoma. It impacts our state’s health rankings and economy, and contributes to a variety of preventable tragedies and unacceptable social outcomes.

We must invest in services that are proven to work. Doing so makes sense on both a personal and fiscal level. It costs far less to deal with this problem now than clean-up the mess that will result from doing too little, or nothing.

The issue of prescription drug addiction is one that all Oklahoma communities are facing. But it’s important to know that prescription drug abuse is a substance abuse disorder that can be treated and – perhaps more importantly – prevented.

In Oklahoma, men were more likely to die of an opioidrelated overdose compared to women (14.0 and 10.0 per 100,000, respectively).

However, females age 45-54 and older than 65 actually had slightly higher death rates than males.

Adults age 35-54 had the highest death rate of any age group – nearly twice that of any other age group.

Opioids: Derived from the opium poppy (or synthetic versions of it) and used for pain relief. Examples include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), fentanyl (Duragesic, Fentora), methadone, and codeine.

Benzodiazepines: Central nervous system depressants used as sedatives, to induce sleep, prevent seizures, and relieve anxiety. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

Amphetamine-like drugs: Central nervous stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).

Examples include destroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR), and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta).

Thrive Oklahoma

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by Angie Gaines Oklahoman’s are tuning in to fight hunger this year at the 26th annual Chefs’ Feast being held at the National Cowboy Heritage & Western Museum. Proceeds from this event benefit the Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids childhood hunger programs.

These programs support the back pack programs for elementary kids who may otherwise go hungry over the weekend. Proceeds will also benefit the new school pantry program for middle and high school children.

Chef Don Thiery from Market Source and Chef Christine Dowd from Aunt Pittypat’s Catering, are co-coordinating the event for a third year in a row.

Guests will enjoy culinary delights designed for this televisionthemed event and 25 of the metro’s best restaurant chefs are going to roll out some creative cuisine. “I’m hoping there will be some inspiration from old TV shows and chefs come up with something retro,” says chef Dowd. The gourmet foods will be complimented by a variety of fine wines and spirits, which are included with the ticket price. There will music and drawings for items like a $2,000 gift card to B.C. Clark and a wine pull.

Tickets are $120 per person in advance of the event on March 28th at the National Cowboy Heratiage & Western Museum.

The event starts at 6::00 p.m. Purchase tickets online by visiting www.regionalfoodbank.org.

Please contact Angie Gaines at 405.604.7109 or againes@regionalfoodbank.org for additional information.

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is a private, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that acts as a link through which the food industry and community may donate food and other goods. The products are then distributed to nearly 1,000 schools and charitable feeding programs in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties. Last year, the Food Bank distributed 42.2 million pounds of food and product to help the charitable community effectively feed people in need. Since its inception in 1980, the Food Bank has distributed more than 465 million pounds of food to feed Oklahoma’s hungry.

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Thrive Oklahoma

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