Wisconsin Woman February

Vol. 14 No. 2 | February 2013 | Complimentary

of Greater Milwaukee

Kimberly Montgomery is ideal Go Red Woman

Dave Luczak’s Take On Valentine’s Day Home Improvement Tips

Heart Health and You

While others try to do what they can, Our heart and vascular specialists try to do everything possible.

That’s what academic medicine is all about.

Our researchers are breaking new ground by identifying genes connected to heart disease leading to better prevention and treatment for high-risk patients.

Here, you won’t just have one doctor but an elite team of renowned researchers, heart and vascular specialists and surgeons working together to find the most advanced treatment options for any condition you face.

Highly advanced imaging allows our Specialists here are so advanced that they experienced team of electrophysiologists repair life threatening, damaged blood to offer patients options for rhythm vessels often without surgery. conditions once thought untreatable.

To find a specialist, call 1-800-DOCTORS. Or visit froedtert.com.

contents on the Tcover 4 6 17 35

kimberly montgomery Heart health Home remodeling valentine’s gift guide

February/2013

www.mymilwaukeelife.com Publishers Maureen & Tom Slattery Editor Cynthia Strayer Contributing Writers Judith Berger Jody Mayers Advertising Margo Lehmann Saran Piehl Art Director Nicole Hesse Graphic Designer Peggy Duffy Office Manager Paulette Koeppen To place a display ad Please contact our office at: 262-367-5303 Cover Photo Courtesy of American Heart Association Plus Publications 128 Cottonwood Ave. Hartland, WI 53029 Phone: 262.367.5303 Fax: 262.367.9517 www.mymilwaukeelife.com

12 14 15 30 31 32 33 37 36 38 39

every T issue Sue ann says Susan Marshall financial take good care of you in fashion Recipes man’s perspective

other Tfeatures

16 20 22 27 31 33

eating disorder treatment Nutrition labels senior living education Black history month romantic gestures

Book of the Month pets Women on the move calendar

From the Editor

F

ebruary is the month of hearts. For you, this may mean heart health and the American Red Cross campaign Go Red for Women, or love of the heart and Valentine’s Day or it may mean topics dear to our hearts like Black History Month or decorating your home. Whatever is dear to your heart, you will definitely find hearts wherever you are throughout the month of February.

Our cover story this month is about Kimberly Montgomery. This is a woman who seemed to be the picture of health, and yet, she found herself in a situation she never thought she would… having a heart attack. Her story is both surprising and inspirational, which makes Montgomery an ideal Go Red Real Woman for this year’s American Heart Association campaign.

To continue our theme of heart health, we share some great tips on overall heart health, as well as a discussion with Dr. Joshua Liberman from Columbia St. Mary’s Heart Secrets program, which is a program. This helps women learn to be heart healthy. We also talked to Dr. Daniel Hemsworth with Wheaton Franciscan’s Wisconsin Heart Hospital about heart palpitations and why they should not be ignored, as well as Dr. Afroz Hai from ProHealth Care Medical Associates about atrial fibrillation.

One must not forget Valentine’s Day when talking about February. In this issue, we have included our annual Valentine Gift and Get-Aways Guide, as well as some shared stories of favorite romantic surprises. Also, local radio d.j., Dave Luczak, of WLKH 96.5’s morning show, Dave and Carole, shares his views on Valentine’s Day. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I think you will, too.

This issue is filled with a variety of interesting topics that include your home redecorating, Black History Month, eating disorders, online education and enrollment, as well as our usual columns, recipes, calendar and more.

Take time this month to take care of the matters of your heart. When we take care of our hearts, whether it is health or matters of love, we improve our lives for the better.

Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Reading!

-Cyndi Strayer

follow us on facebook at wisconsinwomanmagazine February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 3

COVER STORY

At the

T E H AR

K

of it

By Judith Berger

imberly Montgomery did not fit the profile for cardiac disease. She didn’t smoke. She exercised, watched what she ate, had regular medical checkups and participated in wellness programs at work where she was told that all factors indicated she had less than one half of one percent chance of having a heart attack. So as she was having a heart attack on August 20, 2011, she thought it was anything but.

This single mom at 51 has a 22-year-old son in his last year of college. She has a job she loves, a close-knit circle of friends and family who surround and support her.

Montgomery has worked for the City of Milwaukee for 17 years. Her job in the Mayor’s officer is presently transitioning to a city lobbyist position where she will work with the Mayor’s office and the Common Council. Is it a stressful job? Well, maybe?

But stress is difficult to measure. Montgomery is mindful of that precious work-life balance.

“Kim was the last person in our office that we’d worry about having a heart attack,” Mayor Tom Barrett said. She was known as the “office food police,” taking the stairs at work and drinking water instead of an afternoon diet soda that is so ubiquitous in the workplace.

Montgomery had always been active. Her son, Jamison, loved to play basketball, so when he was younger it was something they could do together. She liked to run and attended a yoga class several times a week. At 39, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure and was put on medication to control it. “I watched my sodium and fiber intake. Yes, I’d eat a cheeseburger, but I always preferred fish over red meat.” Her blood panels consistently indicated a cholesterol level of around 160 – in the healthy range.

On a warm August afternoon in 2011, Montgomery had just finished her Bikram yoga class, also known as hot yoga where the positions are performed in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. During class, she experienced some jaw pain, but thought it was from grinding her teeth -- something she experienced during her pregnancy two decades earlier. After class, she showered and dressed, but felt unusually fatigued. “I was leaving with a friend and told her I needed to sit down for a minute,” she remembered.

Montgomery collected herself, got to her car and started back to work. “I started to sweat profusely.” At this point in her life, she had experienced night sweat, but never had a hot flash. “I thought this must be a hot flash or I’m still overheated from yoga.” The sweating continued. She pulled over to get her yoga towel out of the trunk.

As she got out of her car, she started to vomit and thought she had food poisoning.

4 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

Montgomery just wanted to get home and lie down for a while, but the vomiting wouldn’t stop. “I called a friend who lived nearby and got to her home,” she said of Cecilia Gilbert. The moment Gilbert saw her, she knew there was something terribly wrong. “Cecilia wanted to call 911 or take me to the emergency room,” Montgomery said, but she didn’t think her condition warranted anything more than a trip to the nearby urgent care facility.

The urgent care doctor diagnosed Montgomery and acted quickly. She was having a heart attack and would be taken, by ambulance, to the nearest hospital. “I was still in denial. I never really had any pain,” she said. “I told the doctor we would drive over to Froedtert. I called my family I told them I wasn’t having a heart attack and was coming home.”

At Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Dr. Robert Roth told Montgomery he needed to see the degree of damage to her heart. It was at that point, her denial started to fade. “They did a catheterization through my wrist,” she said. “I had two blocked arteries: one at 80 percent, the other at 75 percent. I was finally out of denial.”

Montgomery was taken into surgery where two stents were placed to open up the arteries. By the time she was out of surgery only three hours had passed since her first symptom appeared. In that very short time, her entire life had changed.

Thanks to an insistent friend and a doctor at urgent care who correctly diagnosed the patient, Montgomery’s life was saved that day.

“Symptoms are different for women than they are for men. Heart attacks are not an old, white man’s disease,” Montgomery said. For her, genetics played a role. Both parents have high blood pressure. Her mother has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and has a pacemaker. Her father is being treated for a heart murmur. “My cousin has had two heart attacks. He lives in Cleveland,” she said.

“So when I think about family health history, he didn’t come to mind.”

“So much of heart disease is genetic, which is why knowing your family history is so important,” said Jay Matz, communi-

cation director, American Heart Association - Metro Milwaukee. “For Kim, she needs to keep her cholesterol very low -lower than 160. Also, she takes medication for high blood pressure, but there is no way to know how long she lived with it before medication. High blood pressure can do a lot of damage, which is why you want it monitored and under control.”

Montgomery went through cardiac rehabilitation. “I thought I could leave the hospital and resume my life.” But she was so weak, she could barely walk down the block. Her pre-heart attack lifestyle was healthy, so Montgomery needed to make very few changes. She is on a course of medication to control her blood pressure and cholesterol and to slow her heart rate.

She takes a baby aspirin daily and blood thinner that she hopes to discontinue.

Life-changing events are such for a reason. Montgomery contacted the American Heart Association to help change the lives of others. “If this could happen to me, I wanted other women to know and to be educated about heart disease.” This makes Montgomery an ideal Go Red Real Woman for this year’s American Heart Association campaign.

Montgomery has been selected along with nine other women to be national spokespersons for the 2013-2014 campaign. Surprisingly, at 51, she is the second oldest women in the group. “There are two women in their 20s, three in their 30s and three in their 40s,” she said, giving evidence that heart disease cuts a wide swath.

The Go Red campaign is celebrating its 10th birthday, Matz said. The campaign was initiated specifically to benefit women. “Ten years ago, women did know their heart attack risks or that their symptoms were different than men’s.”

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined.

Heart disease causes one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute.

Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease.

“Research on heart disease has always been done on men and applied to women,” Matz said. “Now we have women-focused research and doctors are being educated to recognize the various symptoms that are presented in women.”

80 percent of heart disease is preventable, especially if you: • Don’t smoke • Exercise daily • Eat a healthy diet Have your blood pressure, blood sugars and cholesterol checked regularly.

Know your family medical history -parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, then share the information with your doctor, Matz said. “Every woman who has a heart attack tells us the same thing, ‘listen to your body.’ You know when something is not right.”

As part of the Go Red campaign, Montgomery has been on the Dr. Oz Show and has been featured on national ads. She will also be featured locally. “February is American Heart Month,” Matz said. “So you will see a lot of Kimberly.

She has a unique story and good lesson to hear.”

Eighteen months have passed since her heart attack. Montgomery feels good.

She works out every day on the treadmill and lifts weights. “I’ve been cleared to go back to yoga, and I will, but…” her voice trailed off thinking of that summer day in the not too distant past.

Vegetables are Montgomery’s new best friend. She prepares them for every meal – yes, including breakfast. She removed all the things from her kitchen she would no longer eat. “No whole eggs or butter. I don’t eat bread anymore.”

When she packed up the butter to send home with son, Jamison, he said, “Mom, if you can’t have it, neither can I.” Whether it was a sign of solidarity or some greater insight on his part, the butter got tossed.

“You have to be your own advocate,” Montgomery said even as she prepares to advocate for others. M

February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 5

eart HHEALTH The most common sign of a heart attack, for both women and men, is:

No More “Heart Secrets” with Preventive Care

I

By cyndi strayer

f you are like most people, you may think of heart disease as a problem that happens to other people. You may even think to yourself, “I feel fine, so I have absolutely nothing to worry about.” If you believe this, you would be wrong. In the United States, heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women. It affects many people at midlife, as well as old age. And it can happen to those who “feel fine.”

Joshua Liberman, M.D., FACC chair of the section of Heart and Vascular at Columbia St. Mary’s and Medical director of the Women’s Heart Program (Heart Secrets), shared with me some of the latest statistics involving heart health. “These statistics give us a snapshot of where we stand and what uphill struggles we still face when it comes to heart health,” he said.

“The actual number of heart-related deaths has dropped by 33 percent, or by a third. This is good news, and yet, we have seen an increase in the number of women who die from heart disease,” says Dr. Liberman. And according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease still takes the lives of more than 2,150 Americans each day, an average of one death every 40 seconds.

“In fact,” says Dr. Liberman, “one out of every three women ages 40-60 will develop heart disease, and most of these women won’t even know they have the disease or that they are at risk. That number increases to three out of every five at ages 60-80.”

It is estimated that approximately, 400,000 people die each year from heart disease, compared to the approximate 3,000 deaths from all the different cancers combined. And yet, cancer is the thing most of us fear the most.

Dr. Liberman warns that we should not over celebrate the fact that the number of heart-related deaths has dropped by a third, because the reason the number of heart-related deaths has decreases is not because we are healthier, but because of better treatment. “We’re great at treating heart disease and heart attacks. We’ve become experts; however, we are not making a huge dent at preventing it. That is what the Heart Secrets Program is all about.”

According to the latest American Heart Association progress report on the fight against heart diseases and stroke, poor eating and exercise habits could literally be the death of us. When it comes to physical activity, only 21 percent of adults meet the federal guidelines for physical activity, which is 30 minutes at least five days a week. And less that one percent of U.S. adults meets the definition for an “ideal healthy diet.”

6 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

M Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest. The pain or discomfort can be mild or strong. It can last more than a few minutes, or it can go away and come back.

Other common signs of a heart attack include: M Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach M Shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t get enough air). The shortness of breath often occurs before or along with the chest pain or discomfort.

M Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting M Feeling faint or woozy M Breaking out in a cold sweat

Women are more likely than men to have these other common signs of a heart attack, particularly shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the back, neck, or jaw. Women are also more likely to have less common signs of a heart attack, including:

M Heartburn M Loss of appetite M Feeling tired or weak M Coughing M Heart flutters Sometimes the signs of a heart attack happen suddenly, but they can also develop slowly, over hours, days and even weeks before a heart attack occurs.

If you think you, or someone else, may be having a heart attack, don’t hesitate to call 911.

eart HHEALTH “Heart disease itself is on the rise as obesity and diabetes con- new diet that promises great results. And evtinues to climb,” says Dr. Liberman. The American Heart Associa- ery week or so there’s new advice in magation lists the estimated prevalence of overweight and obesity in the zines and talk shows, so who are you supU.S. adult is 155 million, which represents 68 percent of this group. pose to believe? The key is education. There Among children, 32 percent are considered overweight and obese are basic, simple things you can do to pre(24 million children), while 17 percent are considered obese (13 vent most chronic disease.” million children).

Heart Secrets teaches women what The truth is, our national waistline is expanding for two sim- works for them, whether it has to do with diet, exercise, etc. Particple reasons—we are eating more and moving less. Americans con- ipants in the program learn about heart disease during the shared sume about 200–300 more calories per day than they did in the medical appointment (SMA), which brings together six to eight 1970s. Moreover, as we spend more time in front of computers, women for an education presentation given by the Heart Secrets video games, TV and other electronic pastimes, we have fewer team. The team is made up of a cardiologist, nurse practitioner, hours available for physical activity. dietitian, exercise specialist and behaviorist.

There is growing evidence of a link between “couch potato” “At the first meeting, I usually ask the women why they chose behavior and increased risk of obesity and many chronic diseases. to join the program. I think it is important to address this,” said Dr. If you are overweight, you are more likely to develop heart disease Liberman. “Women are so busy taking care of everyone else, that even if you have no other risk factors. The more overweight a per- they don’t take care of themselves. We need to change that parason is the more likely he or she is to develop heart disease. Being digm. I ask the participants, ‘What happens when you get sick?’ It overweight or obese may also increase the risks for diabetes, high doesn’t just affect you, but it also has impact on all of those people blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, congestive heart failure, gallDr. Liberman also points out that if a person followed the “Life’s bladder disease, arthritis, breathing Simple 7” rules suggested by the American Heart Association, he problems and gout, as well as cancers of the breast and colon. Each or she would decrease his or her risk of chronic disease by 90 peryear, an estimated 300,000 U.S. cent. These seven tips include: stop smoking, lose weight (mainadults die of diseases related to obesity. The bottom line: Maintaining a tain a healthy BMI), get active (30 minutes of exercise five days a healthy weight is a vital part of pre- week), eat better, manage your blood pressure, control cholesterol venting heart disease and protecting and reduce blood sugar. “These are just simple healthy lifestyle overall health.

These facts may seem frighten- changes,” he said. ing, but they need not be. The good news is that you have a lot of power to protect and improve your heart health. It really does not take much to prevent heart disease and other chronic diseases. Even a small around you who depend on you as well. And after discussing the weight loss—just five to 10 percent of your current weight—will importance of taking care of themselves, they usually answer, ‘At help to lower your risk for heart disease and other serious medical some point I will get to it.’ That some point may be too late.” disorders.

Besides the SMA, the women also have a private exam to asDr. Liberman also points out that if a person followed the sess their current health and risk factors for heart disease. The end “Life’s Simple 7” rules suggested by the American Heart Associa- result is a personalized care plan to help the women achieve good tion, he or she would decrease his or her risk of chronic disease by health and prevent heart disease. “The key is to individualize the 90 percent. These seven tips include: stop smoking, lose weight program for each woman,” says Dr. Liberman. “For some women, (maintain a healthy BMI), get active (30 minutes of exercise five they may just need help figuring out healthy eating. Others may days a week), eat better, manage your blood pressure, control cho- need more direction and guidance.” lesterol and reduce blood sugar. “These are just simple healthy lifeHeart Secrets is a medical program geared to women of all style changes,” he said. ages, and you do not have to be a patient of a Columbia St. Mary’s Dr. Liberman knows this is not an easy task for anyone, espe- physician to participate. And because this is a medical program, it cially women who often put others before themselves. That is why is usually covered by your insurance. the Heart Secrets program was developed to help women learn If you would like more information about the Heart Sehow to take care of themselves and prevent heart disease. “The fo- crets program visit www.HeartSecrets.com. M cus is on life and educating women on how to get healthier without medications,” he says.

“The whole process of losing weight and being healthy can be overwhelming,” Dr. Liberman continued. “Every week there’s a February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 7

eart HHEALTH

When Your Heart

I

skips a beat

By cyndi strayer

t has been said that two million Americans experience what they describe as irregular and/or a forceful beating of the heart. This sensation of the heart beating faster than normal or the feeling of it skipping or stopping a beat are symptoms commonly referred to as heart palpitations.

Daniel Hemsworth, M.D., a board certified Electrophysiologist with Wheaton Franciscan’s The Wisconsin Heart Hospital in Wauwatosa, St. Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee and Elmbrook Memorial Hospital in Brookfield, said, “Anybody can have heart palpitations.”

An Electrophysiologist is a cardiologist that specializes in the management and treatment of the heart’s electrical activities. This requires an additional two or more years of study and training beyond cardiology. Cardiac electrophysiologists are trained to perform interventional cardiac electrophysiology studies as well as surgical device implantations, such as pacemakers and defibrillators.

Although anyone can have palpitations for a variety of reasons, such as exercise, anxiety, stress, etc., palpitations become more concerning when they become more frequent. “When a person’s electrical signals within the heart become abnormal,” says Dr. Hemsworth, “this is known as arrhythmia. Sometimes, a person’s heart beats too slowly. For some, it is too fast or disorganized.”

Some common causes of arrhythmia include underlying heart disease, high blood pressure, heart valve problems, a weakened heart and obstructive sleep apnea. Some other causes may include heavy alcohol use, caffeine use, abnormal thyroid function and certain medications.

“Palpitations can be purely electrical in a normal healthy person,” explains Dr. Hemsworth. “Then again, for those with other known causes they are at higher risk for other problems, especially since arrhythmia can be a result of underlined heart disease or the arrhythmia can cause problems with the heart’s functions.” skips a beat cont. on page 10

8 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

I HAD TO DO

EVERYTHING I COULD TO

KEEP BREATHING. Kathy Houlihan

Lung Cancer Patient

“My care team not only gave me a personalized treatment plan to fight my lung cancer. They gave me hope.”

Kathy Houlihan will never forget the way she felt when she was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer: “I was terrified.” After conferring with her husband, Holt, a pediatrician, she decided to go to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America®(CTCA) website, cancercenter.com, to explore treatment plans that combined conventional medicine with integrative therapies to help strengthen her immune system while undergoing treatment. “That was the first place that gave me any hope.”

In a matter of days, Kathy’s care team of lung cancer experts started her on a treatment program designed specifically for her. It included TomoTherapy® (radiation to target her tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue) and chemotherapy. She also received nutritional counseling and naturopathic medicine to help ease her side effects. As her scans showed her tumor was shrinking and she was recovering, Kathy knew she made the right choice with CTCA.® 13 years later, Kathy is singing with her church choir, learning to paint with water colors, and happier than ever that she chose CTCA. “I put my faith in CTCA completely. Because they had faith in me.”

Read more about Kathy’s treatment and life after lung cancer at cancercenter.com/Kathy.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with advanced-stage or complex cancer, call 800-950-2822 or visit us at cancercenter.com.

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Health & Wellness cont. on page 14 No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results. ©2012 Rising Tide

skips a beat cont. from page 8 When it comes to arrhythmia, there are also some gender differences. Although the number of men and women HEALTH who develop an arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation is fairly equal, a condition that goes up exponentially with age, women are more likely to develop AV nodul reentrant. This is when the heart is beating too fast, putting the woman at risk for atrial fibrillation.

And according to Dr. Hemsworth, a woman’s menstrual cycle can also cause heart palpitations. This usually occurs later in the cycle and is more likely to occur due to hormone fluctuations.

“Therefore, when we look for treatment for these types of palpitations, we have to look at when the palpitations are more likely to happen.”

Diagnosis can happen in a variety of ways. “Some people go to the emergency room and will have an EKG. This provides the doctor with a documented arrhythmia to look at,” says Dr. Hemsworth.

“However, if the symptoms are intermittent, the patient may need to wear a heart monitor for a few days in order to document a more sporadic arrhythmia. And depending on the significance and severity, we may even conduct an electrical study of the heart using a catheter, which is done by trying to produce the arrhythmia using electrical impulses.”

Treatment for arrhythmias can sometimes be as simple as a lifestyle change, such as avoiding alcohol and caffeine or changing medications. “Other treatments may include prescribing specific arrhythmia control medications or a surgical catheter ablation,” says Dr. Hemsworth. “During an ablation, we go into the heart using a stereo taxis remote magnetic navigation system that allows the ablation catheter to be guided robotically in order to reach difficult areas with the heart. This makes the surgical procedure less traumatic for the patient. The Wisconsin Heart Hospital is the only hospital in the state to use a stereo taxis remote magnetic navigation system.”

As for other types of treatment, Dr. Hemsworth said that if the patient has a slow heart rate, a pacemaker is often surgically put in.

And if a patient has a malignant arrhythmia particularly with a weakened heart, then it is treated with an implantable defibrillator that electrically puts the heart’s lower chambers back to a normal rhythm decreasing heart failure symptoms and improving the pumping function of the heart. As part of the treatment of atrial fibrillation, blood thinners are used to minimize the risk of stroke.

“Palpitations, especially in women with symptoms of Supraventricular tachycardia or SVT (a rapid heart rate above 100 beats per minute that is caused by electrical impulses that originate above the heart’s ventricles) can often mimic panic disorder,” says Dr. Hemsworth. “If these symptoms are not recognized to be from SVT, a person can be wrongly labeled with panic disorder. If this happens, they don’t then investigate the underlying causes of their palpitations appropriately. It is so important for anyone who has had documented arrhythmia, had suspected arrhythmia or is at risk to see a doctor.” M

Heart

10 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

Why Women Should Pay Attention to

eart HHEALTH

Atrial Fibrillation

A

trial fibrillation is an abnormal rhythm of the heart. And according to Afroz Hai, M.D., cardiac electrophysiologist with ProHealth Care Medical Associates, this abnormal rhythm occurs in the upper chambers of the heart, which fill the main chambers with blood to be pumped out to the body by the lower chambers. “When the upper chambers of the heart are beating too rapidly, some people may experience symptoms due to the rapid heart action, such as decreased cardiac output or simply loss of synchrony between the upper and lower chambers of the heart.”

While some people may feel certain symptoms, approximately one-third of people with atrial fibrillation will have no symptoms at all. And Dr. Hai says, “Of the two-thirds of people who do feel symptoms, they have said they feel palpitations, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath and, in rare cases, chest discomfort. Some may even pass out.”

You are at an increased risk of having atrial fibrillation if you are at an older age, have hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, a family history of atrial fibrillation, a cardiomyopathy and if you consume alcohol or smoke. “And women with atrial fibrillation,” Dr. Hai says, “have a higher risk of stroke and mortality, as compared to women without atrial fibrillation or even men with atrial fibrillation.”

It is because of this that it is so important to identify those women with atrial fibrillation. “This should not be ignored,” says Dr. Hai. “Those with any of those higher risk factors and atrial fibrillation are a risk of stroke, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. That’s why it is so important to get it checked because it can lead to all those bad things I just mentioned.”

Another important reason to diagnose and treat atrial fibrillation early, according to Dr. Hai is, “If you have atrial fibrillation, it is better to treat it sooner rather than later. The longer atrial fibrillation is allowed to remain, the more difficult it becomes to treat; therefore, diagnosis and treatment should be sought earlier, rather than later for the best possible results.”

Treatment options include blood thinners if stroke-risk warrants, along with treatment with either a rate-control strategy (meaning the rate of the lower chamber is controlled with common medication) or a rhythm-control strategy. “The rhythm control strategy is reserved for those with symptoms with the use of special medications (anti-arrhythmic drugs) versus an ablation procedure,” says Dr. Hai. He explains the ablation procedure as a procedure where abnormal tissue in the heart is treated with an energy source to make it electrically silent. This is currently a Hearty Rhythm Society and American College of Cardiology Class I Indication for the treatment of Paroxysmal Symptomatic (meaning it comes and goes) Atrial Fibrillation after having failed one anti-arrhythmic drug.

“At ProHealth,” Dr. Hai says, “we are using a newer type of ablation procedure, as compared to the conventional point-by-point radiofrequency ablation, known as Cryoballoon Ablation. Cryoballoon Ablation uses rapid cooling with liquid nitrogen injected into a balloon. This type of ablation, in my opinion, is faster, safer and with better outcomes.”

By cyndi Strayer

Atrial fibrillation is definitely something that should not be taken lightly, and it can be easily detected. “Your regular physician can check for atrial fibrillation by listening with his stethoscope for irregular heart beats at your regular doctor visits,” says Dr. Hai. “Or you can get a routine electrocardiogram in your doctor’s office. You can even check your own pulse for irregular heartbeats.”

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your primary physician. M

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February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 11

Sue Ann

The winter blues Says: and beyond

By Sue Ann Thompson

T

his winter has been cold. I like Wisconsin’s four seasons, I like watching my grandchildren play with their sleds outside and I like seeing the soft snowflakes fall to the ground. However, it is cold…and dark.

Lately, I have found myself feeling less active and energetic than I was during years when we enjoyed milder winters. While many of us have come to accept mood and activity changes when winter arrives, it is important to be aware of the “winter blues” and seek help when necessary.

Many women experience the “winter blues,” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with symptoms building up in the late autumn and winter months. Women who do not normally suffer from depression may be affected by the decreased exposure to sunlight. Like other forms of depression, SAD is more common in women than in men. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, increased appetite and weight gain, increased sleep, less energy, sluggish movements, unhappiness and irritability.

However, for some women, these feelings can continue throughout the year and SAD has the potential to progress into long-term depression. While there is no quick fix for depression, help is available and recovery is possible. Our friends at Wisconsin United for Mental Health work tirelessly to spread the message that depression is real, common and treatable.

How to move forward if you are struggling with SAD or depression?

1. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can advise what types of therapy and medications will be 12 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

the most effective to treat your symptoms. Seeking help may be the hardest part of battling depression, so congratulate yourself for taking this step and being willing to move forward.

2. Manage symptoms at home by: • Getting enough sleep • Eating a healthy diet • Exercising often • Looking for activities that make you smile • Avoiding alcohol and drugs 3. Use your support system. When you are struggling with depression, it often helps to talk about how you are feeling with someone you trust.

4. Build new social supports. Don’t have a strong support system today? You are not alone. Many women feel isolated and lonely. Start by thinking of one person you would like to reconnect with, or whom you might like to befriend. Reach out to them in a way that feels comfortable for you (text, phone, card, Facebook, email – make a connection and start a conversation). We know that building social supports can be exhausting for women who are struggling with depression. Check out our website or the list in this article to find out where to find more help.

This winter, I encourage you to take the time to think about your mental health and be aware of depressive symptoms in. the women you care about. Together, we can provide support, encouragement and care to move forward and recover from depression. l

Because it all begins with a healthy woman.

Sue Ann Thompson is founder and president of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF), a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to help Wisconsin women and their families reach their healthiest potential. WWHF provides programs and conducts forums that focus on education, prevention, and detection; connects individuals to health resources; proby: Sueearly Ann Thompson duces and distributes the most up-to-date health education and resource materials; and, awards grants and scholarships to women health researchers and related community non-profits. To learn more, visit wwhf.org or call 1-800448-5148.

SUE ANN

says...

For more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression go to: NAMI Wisconsin: http://www.namiwisconsin.org/ Wisconsin United for Mental Health: http://www.wimentalhealth.org/ Charles E. Kubly Foundation: http://charlesekublyfoundation.org/ hopes: http://www.hopes-wi.org/ Wisconsin Community Mental Health Services: http://www.dhs. wisconsin.gov/mh_bcmh/INDEX.HTM 2-1-1 Wisconsin: http://www.211wisconsin.org/ For a list of local support groups visit: http://www.namiwisconsin. org/help_affiliatesupport.cfm

in

fashion

By Faye Wetzel

Give Your Self Esteem a Boost with Fashion

I

opened the first of my two boutiques almost 25 years ago. I thought I was starting a fashion business. And, of course, I am in the fashion business. But what I didn’t know was that I was really going to be in the SELF ESTEEM business.

Our clothes are the armor in which we head off to face our personal challenges each and every day. If we don’t like what we are wearing and/or we’re uncomfortable in our clothes, our self-confidence is eroded. Conversely, if we think we look good, we hold our heads higher and act with more confidence.

As a store owner, I feel there is no better time while at work than when I have mothers and daughters (and sometimes grandmothers, too) shopping together. No matter what was happening in my mother’s and my relationship, we could always shop together. Stores were demilitarized zones. We always enjoyed ourselves.

I have seen mothers cry when their daughter comes out of the dressing room in “The Perfect Prom Dress!” I have had them share dressing rooms and hear them dissolve into fits of laughter.

Unfortunately, I’ve also seen the opposite. A daughter peeks out of the dressing room looking hopeful only to have her mother say something disparaging about her daughter’s choice or, even worse, her body. This type of behavior makes me cry.

One dynamic I see all too frequently is mothers being competitive with their daughters, which is never pretty. It is also not age appropriate.

As a stepmother, I know how powerful my words, actions and opinions have been and are in building and nurturing the self-esteem of my three beautiful stepdaughters. I try with all my heart and soul to never abuse that power.

I lost my own mother, Leona, two years ago on New Year’s Day. It is horrifying how much I miss her. I don’t know if I would’ve said this before she died, but I now believe there is not a stronger human relationship than that of a mother and daughter.

Don’t you think it’s high time for a shopping trip with your mother or your daughter? You have the power to boost each other’s self esteem. Few opinions mean more. l Faye Wetzel is the owner of Faye’s located in Brookfield and Mequon. If you would like more information, visit her web site at www.FAYES123.com.

February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 13

S

2013: A Crossword Puzzle or an Obstacle Course?

o here we are, the second month of a new year, and many Do you know the feeling you get when your mind suddenly (maybe most) resolutions are already fading or gone. Why supplies the answer to a clue you’ve read 15 times? It is one of is it so tough to stay disciplined? Maybe it’s our approach? surprise and joy and satisfaction. Your mind had been working on Do you view life with a nagging sense of trepidation? that clue all the while you were filling in other words and answerDo you see it as an obstacle course with barriers that get higher ing other clues. You knew the solution all along; it just took some and more difficult as the course proceeds? Many people do. Sadly, time for it to surface. This happy feeling keeps you working on the this creates an approach to life puzzle with greater determination to solve that is full of insecurity because other difficult clues. we doubt our ability to run the Your responses to life’s puzzle can be course. Each new step is taken just the same. The mind does work on its with nervousness, dread and a own and it works best when you relax and fear of failure. When this mindset give it a chance. Realizing this, you can detraps you, it robs you of important velop an attitude of expectancy and pafeelings of satisfaction or pride tience. You learn to figure things out graduby: Susan Marshall when you do successfully comally and to anticipate the joy of finding an plete a given obstacle because you answer. Life becomes a continual process of know there is always another one discovering what you already know. It beahead that is liable to trip you up. comes immensely satisfying and self-strengthening.

Some people gamely run the course and even add the eleNow to some, an obstacle course is tremendously motivating ment of competition. They watch other obstacle course runners to as it combines physical challenge with sequential success. You see where they might gain an advantage. Of course, they also real- can’t proceed to the next obstacle without clearing the one ahead ize that a missed step of their own could put them out of the run- of it. Our linearly oriented society is much the same. You have to ning entirely. accomplish certain things before you have a chance to move forUh, oh! Look ahead, it’s the dreaded brick wall—a standard ward. And progress is easy to see. feature in any respectable obstacle course. But wait. If you study Alternatively, a crossword puzzle lets you skip around. It enthat wall, you may recognize that it was built by . . . you! Fash- courages continued effort even when you get stuck. You can set it ioned of previous failures, fear of the unknown, resistance to aside to do something else and come back to it refreshed. Best of change and any number of other negative thoughts and emotions, all, it captures so many things you didn’t know you knew. This this brick wall challenges you to be different—stronger, smarter, inspires innovation. more ambitious, more something else. No wonder you’re tired!

Whether you view life as a crossword puzzle or an obstacle There are other ways of looking at life. For instance, what if course, you can learn to welcome challenge because you know you imagined life as a crossword puzzle? Life would still be diffi- that from somewhere deep within you, you will find the strength, cult and challenging but a crossword puzzle is far less threatening courage or wisdom to respond. Be patient. Keep moving. l and exhausting than an obstacle course.

Susan Marshall is an author and speaker whose book, “How to Grow a Backbone: 10 StrateLooking at life as a crossword puzzle allows you to do the gies for Gaining Power and Influence at Work,” has been translated into multiple languages easiest parts first to build your confidence. You learn to go through and is especially popular in Asia. Her work is dedicated to building strong leaders who create life systematically, figuring things out a little at a time. As you fill successful organizations, transform school systems, and develop leaders at all levels. You can in solutions to some of the easier questions, you provide partial reach her at 262-567-5983 or execadvise@mac.com. answers for the harder ones. Yes, you sometimes make mistakes, but they are correctable.

building strong WOMEN

14 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

Weathering Market Volatility

B

By Rusty Coyle

y its very nature, the stock market is constantly in flux.

It’s an up and down roller coaster of a journey that only really ends when you want it to. In a time of great economic uncertainty, when market futures are unpredictable at best, you may be tempted to stop that ride as soon as the road gets rough. But before you jump ship, take a step back and evaluate your options.

Variety is the spice of life. Diversifying your investment portfolio is one of the most important things you can do to help weather market volatility. If you put all your assets into one place or asset-type, you are more likely to feel every little bump along the way. By diversifying your funds, you will be much better prepared to weather the normal ups and downs of the market.

Asset allocation is designed to help you reach your desired return based on a risk level you’re comfortable with. And it is important to remember that during times of volatility, it’s often recommended to stick with your asset allocation to avoid making investment decisions based on emotions. Charts and interactive tools can assist you in determining your investment strategies but the most effective way to allocate your assets is by enlisting the help of a professional. But please note, diversification and asset allocation strategies cannot guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. These strategies are methods used to help manage risk.

Make lemonade. You can actually use market volatility to your advantage. A down market gives you the opportunity to buy shares of stock at lower prices. One way to do this is by using dollar cost averaging. This is especially true if you are saving for retirement and won’t be cashing in on your investments for a number of years. Dollar cost averaging is the practice of investing a set amount in a particular investment on a regular basis. Here you don’t try to “time the market” by buying shares when the price is lowest. You automatically buy shares regardless of price. When the price is higher, your investment dollars buy fewer shares of an investment. When the price is lower, the same dollar amount will buy you more shares. A workplace savings plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan is an example of dollar cost averaging. But please note, dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. Investors should consider their financial ability to continue their purchases through periods of low price levels.

Stay focused and keep your head. Investing is typically a long-term plan. During the more turbulent times, stay focused on your end goal. Whether your objective is to retire comfortably or send a child or grandchild to college, you began investing because these goals were years away. Average market declines are relatively short-term events (however, there are no guarantees that past performance will indicate future results). Having a clear goal in mind can help you determine and better stick to your “time horizon” and will help you to allocate your assets.

Take a time-out from timing the market. Ideally, investors try to buy a stock when the price has reached a support level (a level at which the price is as low as it will go) and sell it when it hits a resistance level (the level at which the price is as high as it will go) . Sounds simple, right? It’s not. Most often investors who try to follow this line of thought end up missing out on money-making opportunities. Moving out of the market just before it starts to go down, and then jumping back in during an uptick is an inconsistent practice at best.

All of the information above is simply a general guideline to help you keep a clear head during a volatile market. It would still be a good idea to meet with a financial professional to assist you in optimizing your participation in the market. They can help provide you with a detailed analysis of your options as well as find a plan that best fits your long-term goals and current financial situation. l This article is provided for informational purposes only. It should also not be construed as advice meeting the particular investment needs of any investor and does not constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Please consult your financial advisor prior to making financial decisions. Rusty Coyle is a Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed and can be reached at (262) 521-9492 or www.rustycoyle.wrfa.com.

February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 15

Success can be Achieved in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

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nfortunately, most people with anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorders have a distorted body image, which causes them to have negative views of their body and themselves. It is through their eating disorder they feel they can maintain control over themselves and their lives. The problem is eating disorders are often ego-syntonic, meaning that someone with an eating disorder does not always recognize the symptoms as problematic. Eating disorders are also often accompanied by other mental health issues that make the correct diagnosis a critical cog in helping to battle these life-stealing disorders.

Once diagnosed, there are three signs that treatment will be successful. These include:

l Acceptance of the Eating Disorder

The foundation of recovery begins when a patient recognizes he/she has a problem. Whether it is in the disordered eating itself, body image or thought process such as panic, anxiety or lack of concentration, acceptance helps the therapist treat the

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Families in Wisconsin don’t have to look far for help.

Rogers offers specialized programs for children, teens and adults with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders and substance use disorders.

Rogers Memorial Hospital is proud to be part of a community that values high-quality treatment and the new beginnings that recovery brings.

800-767-4411 rogershospital.org

Oconomowoc | Milwaukee | Madison | Kenosha | Brown Deer

16 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

problem. Without a general understanding of these feelings of discomfort, a patient may be more apt to “drop-out” of treatment.

l Treatment Programming Methods

There are several variations and styles in the approach of eating disorder treatment. By definition, the word programming means “a set of methods and techniques that work with the non-conscious parts of the brain to re-pattern the thoughts, behaviors and beliefs that are limiting an individual.” There are many different methods regarded as successful such as, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and Family Based Therapy or the Maudsley Approach. Most behavioral specialists and psychologists can, and do understand, each of these methods and how they use a combination of these methods to relate to each particular patient.

However, the most important aspect in treating programming is rapport with the patient, as well as the participation of the patient in the therapy. Rapport with the patient helps to break down the walls of defense that may have built up by confrontation about the disorders from members of the patient’s friend circles and/or family. This rapport is built through positive reinforcement during treatment, supporting the treatment outcomes.

l Response to Treatment

A positive rapport often coincides with patients responding well to treatment. Long-term recovery is successful as patients begin to trust themselves and learn how to listen to their body and feelings. The human body is amazing in its ability to tell us not only that something is wrong, but also hint at solutions. Most of all, patients learn to accept themselves for who or what they are. They learn to love that self again.

Learning and embracing change in one’s habits and behaviors is truly only a small part of recovery. It is the understanding that this change has to be permanent, that allows for habits to be relearned and embraced, resulting in lasting recovery and what each person deserves, a life worth living. l Provided by Rogers Memorial Hospital

Warm Up

an Old Bath with Luxe Materials

Q

: We’d like to do over our master

bath but in the same footprint. We really can’t enlarge the physical space. Maybe you have some ideas on how to update without upsizing?

A

: New materials can change the

attitude of the room so dramatically you’ll forget all about actually enlarging the floor space.

For example, if your old bath is all about ceramic tile and you’re into a country/Victorian mood, consider switching to tongue-andgroove wainscoting with a vintage-patterned wallpaper.

Rather go upscale and more contemporary? Look what uber-designer Steve Gambrel does with travertine marble in the elegantly simple bath we show here.

Remodeling cont. on page 18

February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 17

This sunroom addition by Bartelt The Remodeling Resource features a cupola and offers a connection between the indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces.

ShelfGenie® Pots & Lids Solution

©2012 ShelfGenie Franchise Systems, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

18 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

Remodeling cont. from page 17

Full disclosure:

Gambrel did renovate to gain more space, as he points out in his excellent new book, from which we borrowed this image, “Time & Place.” But his design magic is still adaptable to your same-size makeover.

Item No. 1: The ceiling-high glass-andnickel shower stall looks very now and totally luxe but demands no more floor space than an ordinary bathtub.

Item No. 2: The overall use of the same material (travertine) on floor, shower wall and dual vanities makes the room look sleeker and therefore, larger.

Those matching vanities, by the way, are as utilitarian as they are handsome, as everyone knows who shares a bath in the morning rush.

Item No. 3 and No. 4: Tall mirrors are lit from both sides to amplify the space, and other furniture is kept at a minimum to free up the floor and make it look luxuriously larger.

Bravura Colors, Bold Patterns Turn Small and Shy Rooms into Extroverts

Q

:having We are remodeling our kitchen and I’m dead set on cherry cabinets. The problem is, our old floors

are oak and still in great shape. Can I stain the oak to match the new cherry? Or should we bite the bullet and replace the floors, too?

A

:think In this, the Golden Age of Recycling, don’t even of sending beautiful, serviceable “old” floors to

the landfill! Hardwood is almost forever, you know. Think of the historic houses you’ve toured, walking through on wood floors that may be 200 to 300 years old and still going strong.

Matching colors, including wood tones and wood species, is such a yesterday approach. Today’s secret word for successful decorating is blend, blend, blend, especially in a kitchen.

With all those cabinets marching around the walls, you run the risk of boring yourself to death aesthetically. Kitchen designers have found the antedote: “unfitted” kitchens. This means back to the days before architects dictated, well, matchy-matchy cabinets, countertops and other kitchen fixtures.

Refinish your existing oak floors and bring in your new cherry cabinets. The different woods will coexist as happily in your kitchen as they used to out in the forestland. For more assurance, click on www.hardwoodinfo.com and ask for “American Hardwood By Design” -- a free booklet wherein you can read what top American designers really think about “matchy-matchy” decorating.

Your Source

for Inspiration

February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 19

#

Nutrition Label Know-How

Learning to effectively evaluate a nutrition label can lead to empowered choices and healthy living.

W

By Diana Price

hen was the last time you checked the nutrition label on a package of food? And if you did, did the information listed there influence your choice to purchase or eat that food? For many of us, though we’re aware of the nutrition label, it’s not always clear what we should be looking for or how we should use the information provided. If you aren’t regularly checking the nutrition label, it might be time to start, as the information provided can help you make good choices and maintain a healthy diet.

Danielle Bach, MS, RD, CSO, dietitian at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in Goodyear, Arizona, encourages consumers to view the label as a tool that can provide valuable data and help steer you in the right direction. “Nutrition food labels can empower individuals to make informed decisions when purchasing food or making food selections,” she says.

FIND THE FACTS

As a first step in using the nutrition facts chart to your advantage, it’s important to know what all the elements on the label mean. Here’s a quick rundown of the major elements of the chart:

# SERVING SIZE AND SERVINGS PER CONTAINER.

This number will tell you how much of the product is considered a serving and how many servings are in the container. All the other information on the label is based on this single serving size. # CALORIES. A calorie measures how much energy a food provides. (Remember, this number represents the number of calories in a single serving.) # CALORIES FROM FAT. This refers to the number of calories in a single serving that come from fat. General recommendations encourage consumers to limit total calories from fat to 20 to 30 percent of their total calorie intake.

# PERCENT OF DAILY VALUE. This number indicates what percentage of the daily recommended total is included in the serving size. Five percent or less of daily value is considered low; 20 percent or more is high.

# TOTAL FAT (INCLUDES SATURATED FAT AND TRANS FAT). General recommendations are to limit saturated fat to fewer

than 20 grams (g) per day and to avoid trans fats entirely if possible. # CHOLESTEROL. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all the cells of the body. Too much cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per day. # SODIUM. Sodium is an essential nutrient, but we need only a little bit in our diet. Aim for 2,400 mg or less per day. (Individuals with high blood pressure are advised to consume less than 1,500 mg per day.) # CARBOHYDRATES. Carbohydrates are macronutrients that compose a large part of our diet and include sugars, starches, and fibers. Food labels list two components of carbohydrates that are important: Dietary fiber. The American Dietetic Association recommends 25 to 35 g of fiber per day. Foods that contain 5 g or more per serving are considered high-fiber.

Sugars. Added sugars are high in calories and low in value.

Look for foods that have a low sugar count. # PROTEIN. Protein should constitute about 15 to 25 percent of the diet. Because our protein needs vary, food labels report protein in grams but do not apply a percentage of daily value to protein. # VITAMINS AND MINERALS. The food label lists the percentage of daily value for vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C, and iron.

“

When you see a package that claims half the amount of sodium or sugar than before, you still have to check the facts: just because it has 50 percent less does not mean it’s a low source of salt or sugar or is considered healthy; it just means it’s lower than before.

20 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

(This is the minimum; some labels include other nutrients.) # INGREDIENTS LIST. The ingredients list appears directly below the chart. It’s an important aspect of the label because it includes all ingredients in the product.

Evaluate the Information

With a basic understanding of the label’s elements, the next step is to get a sense of how you can use that information to make good choices. According to Bach, evaluating the chart based on a few key components can simplify the process.

Though each person will approach the chart with different dietary needs and considerations, Bach says that a good place to start is the serving size. Identifying the size of each serving and the number of servings in the container is key. “Sometimes people are surprised to learn that the information on the nutrition label is not an indication of what’s in the entire package or container; there could be many portions per package or container,” Bach says. “Once consumers are informed of this common assumption, it becomes easier to work around this: if you eat an entire package of something and the label says there are three servings per package, you know that you will have to multiply everything on the label by three.”

After evaluating the serving size, Bach recommends noting the percentage of daily value of each nutrient listed. “Anything listed as 20 percent is a high source of your daily value; anything listed as five percent or less is a low source; and anything in between is a moderate amount of your daily value,” Bach says. “This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what you are looking at. If it’s 20 percent of your daily value for fiber, vitamins, minerals or protein, for example, this is desirable. If it’s 20 percent of your daily value for fat calories, this is not desirable.” Also important to keep in mind, she says, is that the nutrition labels are based on a

2,000-calorie diet. If your goal is to consume less than 2,000 calories, the percentage of daily values will be different for you.

Bach also encourages a careful look at the ingredients list, which generally appears beneath the nutrition facts chart and is as important as the numbers listed on the chart itself. Bach says that noting which ingredients are included can help consumers avoid food allergies and intolerances, and it will provide a sense of which ingredients are most prominent. “Food ingredients are listed in order of the greatest amount to the least amount in the product,” she says, “so if sugar is listed near the top, you know that there is a lot of added sugar in the product.”

Become a Savvy Shopper

So now you know how to read a nutrition label. What next?

Put that valuable information to use by choosing healthy foods.

As a general rule, Bach says, use your knowledge of the label to look for foods that are higher in fiber, vitamins and minerals and lower in calories, fat and sugar. When looking at the ingredients list, she says, “try to avoid products that have many unrecognizable ingredients listed, as this is generally a more processed food—and use caution with food items that have more than 10 to 15 ingredients, as these also tend to be more processed.”

Finally, keep in mind that just because a package may boldly proclaim a food’s benefits on the front, you still need to check the label. “Food companies are trying to make a profit, so they make their packaging appear as appealing as they possibly can,” Bach says. “When you see a package that claims half the amount of sodium or sugar than before, you still have to check the facts: just because it has 50 percent less does not mean it’s a low source of salt or sugar or is considered healthy; it just means it’s lower than before.” l Reprinted with permission by Cancer Fighters Magazine Winter 2012 issue.

SCHOOL OF CONTINUING

EDUCATION 15 INSPIRING SEMINARS | LIVELY PANELS | NETWORKING

2013 Women Leaders Conference Not Business as Usual

Friday, March 15, 2013 9am-5:30pm Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee PRESENTING SPONSORS

DC-01-12-A

FIND US ON

Keynote Speakers Anita Hill and Bonnie St. John

SCE-WOMENLEADERS.UWM.EDU February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 21

Independence, Senior Living and

A

Finding Solutions Together

s Americans, we love our independence. We are taught from an early age the importance of independence and being able to take care of ourselves. This is something that is highly valued. So why are we so surprised when our aging parents refuse our help or suggestions about their health and living arrangements?

This refusal of help can be extremely frustrating for children of aging parents, especially if a parent has fallen, seems lonely or is showing signs of dementia. The children naturally want to intervene and move the parent to a better and safer environment.

And while the children may have the greatest intentions in the world, they need to step back and remember their parents have thoughts and feelings in regards to this issue as well. Children need to remember to put themselves in their parents’ shoes and think how they would feel if someone suddenly told them to move out of their home.

For most of us, the idea of being dependent brings anger, shame and defiance. We believe we should be able to take care of ourselves for our entire lives. Unfortunately, two-thirds of all seniors will reach some point of dependency. To avoid stress and hard feelings between you and your parents, it is important to discuss your parents’ wishes for daily and nursing home care with them before they need assistance.

Helping Women Care for the Ones They Love TRUST CLEMENT MANOR FOR A CONTINUUM OF CARE • Adult Day Services • Transitional Care • Independent and Assisted Living • Memory Care • Long-Term Care • Lifelong Learning When the time comes that you need to make difficult decisions, we can help.

Call us today at 414.321.1800 to schedule a visit.

Come see how we enrich lives every day.

Sponsored by the School Sisters of St. Francis 3939 S. 92nd St. • Greenfield, WI 53228 • 414.321.1800 • clementmanor.com 22 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

Here are some tips that may help your family communicate about these issues:

1. Start talking about preferences for everyday care and handling daily activities, such as finances and living arrangements, before problems arise or a crisis occurs. The sooner you discuss such questions, the better prepared you will be to make difficult decisions later on.

2. Choose a time when you all are relaxed. Try to focus on understanding what each of you needs and prefers, recognizing strengths but not making assumptions.

3. Don’t be surprised or discouraged if you get resistance the first time you bring up this topic. That is normal. Try again at another time.

4. Don’t assume that the illness prevents making many personal decisions. A person with dementia may be able to make some decisions and not others. Also, it may be easier to express decisions at one time of day than another. Keep trying at different times.

5. Recognize your loved ones’ rights to make their own life choices even if you do not agree with them. If health or safety is at immediate risk, or you need help in talking about these issues in a family meeting, do get a skilled professional to assist you in reaching agreement.

As for choices of arrangements, together, you and your parents, may choose to have them move closer to you or even into your own home. You may even choose to have your parents remain in their home with some additional outside care, such as a home health aide. Or you may choose one of the many other available options, depending on what best for all involved based on everyone’s wishes. These options include:

Active adult communities

Active adult communities are neighborhoods that may include single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, townhouses or mobile homes. Only adults 55 years of age or older can buy a home in an active adult community. Residents are fully independent.

They can take care of themselves and manage their homes. Many of these communities offer a range of social, recreational and educational activities.

Independent living communities

Independent living communities are also called retirement homes, retirement communities or senior apartments. An older adult can rent or buy his or her own unit in one of these residences.

Meals are usually provided for residents in a dining hall. Housekeeping, laundry and transportation services may also be available.

Residents usually do not need help with daily tasks, such as bathing, taking medicine and getting dressed. An independent living community might be a good fit for an older adult who feels lonely living alone. parent care cont. on page 25

February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 23

Comfocare WW 2-13.indd 1

1/18/13 12:10

She helped you find the perfect prom dress...

...now help her find the perfect lifestyle

Join us for lunch and a tour

Tudor Oaks Retirement Community

414-525-6500

www.abhomes.net/wisconsin Tudor Oaks S77 W12929 McShane Drive, Muskego, WI 53150-4039 Tudor Oaks is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest and is a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.

24 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

parent care cont. from page 23

Assisted living residences

Assisted living residences are similar to independent living communities. However, they also offer personal care services for residents who need help with daily tasks. Many of these residences also include special units for people who have early-to middle-stage dementia.

Nursing homes

Nursing homes are also called skilled nursing facilities or extended care facilities. They are residences for adults who do not need to be in the hospital but still require medical care.

Adults who live in nursing homes have access to care from nurses or other professional staff 24 hours a day. This includes medical care, meals and personal care services. Some nursing home residents can move into a different type of senior living community if their medical condition improves.

Continuing care retirement communities

Continuing care retirement communities feature different residences on a large campus. Depending on their needs, residents can choose independent living, assisted living or nursing home services. As their needs change over time, older adults in these communities can move into a residence that offers more assistance or medical care. They do not have to move to a new community. l

Children need to remember to put themselves in their parents’ shoes and think how they would feel if someone suddenly told them to move out of their home.

YOU’RE INVITED! Our year-round Open to the Public events are a great opportunity FEBRUARY FUN to enjoy free Spring’s Sprung seminars, Star Spangled demonstrations Kenwood House and entertainment.

HEARTMATH While you’re our SIZZLIN’ 60’s special guest, The Underground Railroad you’ll be able to see if Regency is the right senior living option for you or a loved one. Talk to our friendly residents and staff about what everyday life is like at Regency and take a self-guided tour. We’d love for you to feel right at home at Regency!

Our Open Houses

Francis Scott Key the treasures of

Lessons from the Heart

in Waukesha County

See our calendar of events inside! À wi `ÊUÊ ÕÃ i} ÊUÊ iÜÊ iÀ

WINTER 2013

RegencySeniorCommunities.com

There’s always something happening at Regency! Get advance notice of all of our campus events by signing up for our free Happenings newsletter at:

20

WWW.REGENCYSENIORCOMMUNITIES.COM BROOKFIELD

MUSKEGO

NEW BERLIN

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Pewaukee 26 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

It is Time to Explore

Open Enrollment and Online Education

A

By cyndi Strayer

lthough it may seem early to think about next year and your child’s education, it is the time of year when many schools are having open enrollment, which gives parents and students the perfect opportunity to review other schools and learning opportunities available. Wisconsin’s inter-district public school open enrollment begins on February 4 and ends April 30 at 4:00 p.m.

One of the primary benefits of an open enrollment is to provide equal educational opportunities to students from different walks of life. In other words, open enrollment brings with it the benefit of a more diverse student population, which provides enhanced socialization and cultural exchanges. It can also benefit students who need more of a challenge or have specific educational wants, such as enhanced science or engineering instruction.

However, before you decide to enroll at any educational facility, it is important to learn as much as you can about a school. The best way to do this is to visit the school. This allows you to see everything a school has to offer in the value of education and more.

Visiting a school allows you to speak with advisors and staff, take specialized tours of buildings and departments and so much more! For example, it allows you to get a taste of everyday life at the school. You learn about classes, meet with teachers and other professionals at the school and learn about extracurricular activities.

Another educational opportunity available to your child is an online education. This type of education allows students to learn at home, on the road or wherever an Internet connection can be found. Students take courses online with support from their teachers via the phone, the Internet and sometimes even face-toface.

Some people believe online education gives all children the ability to reach their full potential through individualized learning and a flexible pace, which can be adjusted to meet the student’s learning style. It is also very accessible. As long as the students have Internet access, they can study and complete their assignments 24/7 at home or anywhere else they may be. education cont. on page 28 February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 27

education cont. from page 27 Online education can be a good alternative for student who do not thrive in the traditional classroom, such as the student who learns faster or slower than the typical student, is bullied or doesn’t fit in. Online education is also a good option for students who are part of a family that moves regularly or who are unable to attend regular classes due to personal or health reasons.

One added benefit is that an online education familiarizes students with computers and the Internet. Knowledge on both fields and how to manage them is a valuable asset, especially in today’s technology-dependent society.

Swallow School is a K-8 public school located in the scenic lake country area of Waukesha County. Swallow is known for experienced, quality staff and high student achievement. The district attributes this success to a high level of parent involvement, dedicated teachers and our students’ eagerness to succeed.

Students at every grade level enjoy a diverse curriculum including classes in foreign language, art, music, and physical ed multiple times a week. After completing 8th grade, resident Swallow students attend Arrowhead Union High School.

Accepting Open Enrollment Applications February 4-April 30.

Space is anticipated in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Despite its benefits, the biggest disadvantage is time management. Most successful students in this type of program are disciplined and responsible for their time and assignments, especially in an environment where there is little or no supervision. l

To learn more about Wisconsin’s open enrollment, visit the Department of Public Instruction’s web site at http://sms.dpi.wi.gov/sms_ psctoc.

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Call: 866.339.9912 Visit: K12.com/WIVA February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 29

take good care of you

By Mary Bub

P: S R V “Re’ spondez s’il vous plait”

I

t was that time again; time to meet some of my good friends for lunch. Although we all live in different parts of the state we rarely miss the opportunity to get together. The conversation was lively and, of course, much of it was about the holidays celebrated during the last couple of months.

As we continued, I noticed that one of my friends was not participating in the conversation. I waited for an opportunity and commented to her that she seemed unusually quiet. She said, “I had a rather unpleasant experience during the holidays.”

“Anything you want to share?” I asked.

“Well,” she said, “I received several invitations during the holiday season and although I was not able to attend all of them, I took the time to R.S.V.P. I sent out an invitation as well, and was surprised when I received only a few responses. Several of the guests that I had hoped were coming, even though they didn’t respond, did not come. I am not sure how to feel about this.”

Everyone stopped, put down their forks, and after a short pause, one of them said, “If that were me, I think I would have been really disappointed. When I send out an invitation it is because I anticipate that each person will be a great addition to the gathering.”

Another one of the women who always adds a bit of fire to the conversation said, “I would be darned upset and angry, after I had gone to all of the preparation to not receive an answer to my R.S.V.P.” The third woman offered this insight, “It makes me wonder why we have stopped responding. What is different today from the time when you wouldn’t think of not sending your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to an invitation?”

Now, after listening to the conversation for a while I began to think about how I have answered to “please respond.”

Have you ever had one of those conversations that you just can’t stop thinking about? Well, I wasn’t able to let go of the one I have just described to you. I continued to reflect on the experience long after I got back home from the luncheon.

“Re’spondez s’il vous plait.” When translated it means “respond if you please,” or simply, “please respond.” These words kept swirling around in my head. I kept thinking about invitations that 30 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

I had received and realized that they are offered throughout the year. Invitations to holiday parties, birthday parties, anniversary parties, fund raising dinners, picnics, offers to visit time share resorts and probably more. How do we respond to these offerings? How do we choose which ones to respond to, or have we become bland when it comes to social graces? Did the invitation come in the mail or was it sent via e-mail? Are the rules for etiquette different when social media is used? I decided to leave these kinds of ponderings for a time and found myself going in another direction; a more personal way of exploring R.S.V.P. Did you know that one of the synonyms for respond is to react? Neither did I. In my gathering with women around issues of personal development and self-care, we have often asked, “Are you responding to the situation or are you reacting?” This question it seems to me now infers that reacting is a bad thing.

But, what if we took the time to react in a feeling way to the many invitations life offers us? If we took the time to identify our feelings in any given situation we may respond in ways that are much more productive. If I receive an invitation that is an advertisement in disguise, my first reaction is to introduce it to the circular file. How do I react when I receive an invitation to a friend’s book club or birthday party? How do I feel about being offered the opportunity to explore the next best seller or to celebrate a special occasion? More importantly, what is my reaction to being invited to take care of myself? It seems to me that please respond could be an invitation to well being that I really should not ignore, like attending the Women’s Health Fair, my next mammogram or a personal development workshop. Next time I receive an invitation with R.S.V.P. I certainly will, how about you? l Mary Bub is a grass roots activist and social innovator who will be writing a new column for each month entitled “Take Good Care of You!” Mary is the founder and president of Wisconsin Rural Women’s Initiative, www.ruralwomensinitiative.com, a non-profit organization that provides on-site grass roots programs to individual women and organizations through a Gathering Circle process promoting personal development, transformation and systemic change. She is the winner of the Social Innovation Prize in Wisconsin for 2008, A Purpose Prize Fellow with Civic Ventures, recipient of the Feminarian Award and winner of Wisconsin’s Top Rural Development Initiatives.

EVENTS

F

ebruary marks Black History month, an annual observance dedicated to the celebration of the achievements among African Americans. The African American culture is as rich as it is varied; of course, if you really want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, African American inventors and public figures, the best place to start is the Milwaukee Public Library.

The library offers a host of special events and books dedicated to Black History Month, including a daily blog post on the library’s web site about notable facts and key figures.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement are an important part of our nation’s history. It’s invaluable for our children to learn about our country’s diverse cultural heritage so we can continue to grow as a society,” said Paula Kiely, Milwaukee Public Library Director. “This year, Americans will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. At the Milwaukee Public Library, we recognize Dr. King and his tremendous achievements as well as the many individuals and events that don’t routinely make it in the history books throughout Black History Month. In February, the library offers read-ins, programs, activities and spotlighted collections of the history of African Americans.”

&

Historically Culturally Rich

By Jody l. mayers

Kristin Settle, spokesperson for the Milwaukee Art Museum, said a special exhibition called “30-Americans” will debut in June. Although this exhibit will not be available for viewing during Black History Month, this exhibition celebrates African Americans by featuring contemporary African-American artists from the last three decades who explore issues of identity and what it means to be an American.

“The museum is very excited to host this; it’s nothing we’ve done in recent years,” Settle said. “Our hope is that it fosters dialog among people in our community.”

Settle said just a handful of artists who are featured in the event include Kara Walker, iona rozel brown, Nina Chenel Abney and Lorna Simpson.

According to http://www2. corcoran.org/30americans/explore, “30 Americans” focuses on issues of racial, sexual and historical identity in contemporary culture. It explores how each artist reckons with the notion of black identity in America, navigating such concerns as the struggle for civil rights, popular culture and media imagery. At the same time, it highlights artistic legacy and influence, tracing subject matter and formal strategies across generations. l

Milwaukee Public Library Special Events Black Cinema Film Series: Sisters of Selma: Bearing Witness for Change Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

Martin Luther King African-American Crafts and Culture Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, 6-7:30 p.m. Washington Park MLK Reading and Craft Feb. 7, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Atkinson

Black History Month Read-In Feb. 11, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Center Street Feb. 11, 5-6 p.m. Martin Luther King Feb. 11, 5-7:45 p.m. Capitol | Feb. 18, 6-7 p.m. Mill Road Black History Month Jeopardy Feb. 11, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (ages 6-12) Zablocki Feb. 27, 5-6 p.m. (ages 6-12) Forest Home Feb. 27, 7-8 p.m. (teens) Forest Home Family Art Night: My Community Feb. 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Martin Luther King February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 31

what’s COOKING

Frittata Breakfast Pizza

W

ho says pizza is just for dinner? With these recipes, you can get the family together and make pizza for dinner — and breakfast, lunch or snacks. By making it yourself, you can save money and make it healthier.

“It’s easy to turn pizza into a healthy meal. Use a whole wheat crust, garden fresh toppings like tomatoes and serve it with a salad,” said Chef Justin Timineri, Executive Chef and Culinary Ambassador, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust Yield: 1 crust, 4 to 6 servings

2 cups whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for greasing pan 3/4 cup water 1 teaspoon kosher salt Preheat oven to 350°F. 32 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

Frittata Breakfast Pizza Yield: 4 to 6 servings

F resh pizza dough or 1 small pre-baked pizza crust 8 to 10 eggs 1/4 cup milk Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 2 zucchini, sliced thin 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup breakfast meat (bacon and/or sausage) cooked and chopped 2 tomatoes, sliced thin

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza dough in bottom of springform pan, or cut pre-baked crust to fit.

In medium sized mixing bowl, combine eggs and milk. Use whisk to mix. Season egg mixture lightly with salt and pepper.

Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix by hand until dough comes together and doesn’t stick to the side of the bowl.

Use a small amount of olive oil to grease a medium sized (12-inch) pizza pan. Roll or press dough into pan. Bake for about seven min­utes or until golden brown. Let crust cool slightly and top as desired.

Layer zucchini on top of crust in bottom of pan.

Add half of the cheese to the top of zucchini. Add cooked and chopped breakfast meat to pan.

Place pan on cookie sheet. Pour egg mix­ture on top of meat and zucchini. Top egg mixture with sliced tomatoes and remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 15 to 25 minutes until center of frittata is evenly cooked.

Remove from oven and let cool. Unhinge the springform pan. Slice and serve warm.

Mexican Pizza Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1 whole wheat pizza crust, baked

1/2 cup salsa 1 cup corn kernels 1 cup avocado, diced 1 cup tomatoes, diced 2 cups jack cheese, grated 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Evenly distribute salsa over pizza crust.

Top pizza with corn, avocado, tomatoes and cheese.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly. Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

from a

perspective Valentine’s Day

By Dave Luczak

What does a guy know about Valentine’s Day? Well, I’ve been married for over 32 years. I have a daughter, daughters-in-law, mom, mother-in-law; my boss is a woman and so is my radio partner. Do you have any idea how good I’ve gotten at pretending to listen? If nodding your head knowingly were an Olympic sport, I would be Michael Phelps (minus the Speedo).

I have learned that women understand that 96.5 percent of men (a blatant plug for ’KLH) lack the romance gene. So you’ve built a few “Show Me How Much You Care’ days into the calendar.

That’s all we can handle. There’s your birthday, our anniversary and Valentine’s Day. We only have so much hard drive space and most of it is used to remember things like Aaron Rodgers’ career QB rating (104.9), Robin’s MVP seasons (’82 & ’89) and when it’s time to change the oil in the SUV. Why do you think we hate Sweetest Day so much? Because it’s never on the same date! How are we supposed to figure out which is the third Saturday in October? If it always fell on Packer bye week we would remember, but I digress. The women in my life tell me that Valentine’s Day is one of only a handful of days where men are expected to step up and bring an “A” game…even if that “A” is now only a C+. Personally, I doubled down since I also got engaged on Valentine’s Day. February is also Super Bowl month (a major distraction) and many helpful merchants spend truckloads of cash reminding us that February 14th is one of our “Love Test” days. There are ads from flower shops, jewelers and restaurants; there’s even a Teddy Bear that lives in Vermont that wants us to pass this “Pop Quiz” of love. Even still, sometimes we forget. It’s not that we don’t love you.

It’s not that we don’t think about you. It’s just who we are. Think of it this way; you know that thing your husband is really into? Let’s say its fishing. He really wants you to like it, but no matter how hard you try, well, you just don’t. It doesn’t mean you don’t love him. It’s just the way it is. And, when his birthday rolls around, even though you’re just not into fishing, you will still drive to Cabela’s to buy him that Advanced Angler Pro Series Tackle Bag. And even though he will never, ever wear that mesh hat you bought that says, “Size Matters” he knows it was the thought that counts.

Maybe all those years while I was nodding my head and pretending to listen, some of it actually sunk in? Good thing, too. See, I recently found out about another female about to take center stage in my life. Her name is Sofia and she is due in May. Yep, I am going to be a grandfather for the first time. l

Superior Customer Service Dynacare Laboratories, located in Milwaukee, is a full service clinical laboratory servicing physicians and patients throughout Wisconsin.

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Affiliated with Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53226 Patient Service Centers are located throughout Milwaukee and surrounding areas.

To apply for available job openings, visit: www.dynacaremilwaukee.com Dynacare is an equal employment opportunity employer and shall consider qualified applicants for positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital or veteran status. All interested, qualified persons are welcome to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodation in the hiring process shall be provided to individuals with disabilities.

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Dave Luczak is part of the radio D.J. team Dave and Carole on Milwaukee’s classic rock station WKLH 96.5.

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February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 33

Time to Turn Up the

R

omance:

Gestures and dates don’t have to cost a lot of money

I

By jody l. mayers

remember it like it was yesterday; I was getting ready for my baby shower and heard soft lullaby music coming from the bassinet of our soon-to-be son’s room. I walked in and peered down to find a necklace and earring set of his birthstone. My husband wanted me to have it to wear during the shower. Two sons later and many more romantic gestures have come and gone, but for some reason hearing that music playing as we stood there as a couple and not yet a family just stands out as the most romantic thing my husband, Thomas, has done for me.

Romantic gestures and gifts don’t have to cost a lot or even take a lot of planning. Oftentimes, the simplest things are what sticks out the most…I jokingly refer to these notions with my husband as meatloaf memories because they’re hearty, fulfilling, comforting and stick to your ribs.

Dee Weber of West Bend said even though she has three daughters and a grandson and all the memories of them growing up, the most romantic thing her husband did for her was recently.

“I was out of town for about a month with my mom when she was ill and when I came home he had planted all the flowers in my flower pots,” she said. “It was very sweet, he’s never planted anything in his life so I was floored. He also planted all the flowers I usually plant so I knew over the years he actually had been paying attention, which meant a lot.”

Of course if your talking romance you have to include the City of Lights. Pam Paulsen of Delafield who has only been married for one year to her husband, Chip, said being on top of the Eiffel Tower with her new husband was surreal. “It is number one on my bucket list and it was only the fourth day we were married,” she said. “It was like a double dream come true sharing that moment with him.”

Paulsen said that when they were up on the tower it was a clear, beautiful day and Paris was stretched out before them.

“The love we felt for each other was even more beautiful, it literally felt magical and very intense.”

34 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

Teri Gromer of Watertown said her husband, Mark is always doing simple and meaningful gestures that usually include flowers for no reason, but she was really surprised a few years ago on their anniversary when he did something extraordinary. “He made for me a candle-lit bubble bath and when I got out he had laid a dress out on the bed with a note with nothing but a smile on it,� she said.

Gromer said when she got ready and dressed, he had every candle in the house lit, the table set with his grandmother’s china and dinner made. “After dinner, he gave me a gift, I started to scold him because we said no gifts, but when I opened it, it was two drawings he had done for me,� she said. “One was purple roses by themselves and the other was a candle-lit picnic setting with a rose on the table and a moon in the background.� Gromer said she had the pictures framed and they now grace the couple’s living room.

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Emily Klas Moser of Wauwatosa said she and her husband, Greg, share a love for music so his romantic gestures usually include tickets to a show for her favorite bands or artists. “He surprised me with tickets to see Foo Fighters, all expenses paid, in Nashville, for my 30th birthday,� she said. “He knew I wanted to go to Nashville and he planned all of it without my knowledge. He took care of everything.�

Klas Moser said since the couple shares the same interests in bands he’s always doing things like picking up a new album by one of her favorite bands and surprising me with it. “After we were engaged, he presented me with a two-disc mix CD set he compiled - all the songs that meant something in our relationship throughout the years, bands we’ve seen, and songs with a special meanings. He detailed everything in the track listings, dates and all.�

So men, the moral of the story is, that if it comes from the heart and is meaningful that is the memory she will cherish, even if it didn’t cost a penny. l

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February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 35

Comfort dogs

P

etting a dog makes people feel better. It’s not in our heads, and it’s not wishful thinking on the part of dog lovers. It’s science.

Petting a dog decreases levels of stress hormones, regulates breathing, lowers blood pressure and releases the hormone oxytocin, which is associated with bonding and affection. Medically speaking, people who pet dogs literally feel better.

But the comfort provided by dogs is not limited to the passive act of standing to be pet. Psychologist Debbie Custance of Goldsmiths College, University of London, led a study to determine whether dogs actively show empathy. Working from the observation that “dogs are social creatures that respond to us quite sensitively, and they seem to respond to our emotions.” Custance asked volunteers to either pretend to cry or just hum in a weird way, according to National Geographic, who reported on the study.

The response blew everyone away.

Pretty much every single dog approached to tend to the criers, even if they

were perfect strangers. The hummers went unnoticed.

These are just some of the canine qualities that led people like Tim Hetzner, leader of the Lutheran Church Charities K9 Comfort Dogs team, to come to see dogs as “counselors with fur.” Hetzner and his team of 10 specially trained golden retrievers and their handlers traveled from Addison, Ill., to Newtown, Conn., the day after a shooter invaded Sandy Hook Elementary, killing 20 children and six adults and haunting an entire community.

Hetzner says the dogs “have excellent listening skills, and they demonstrate unconditional love. They don’t judge you or talk back.”

Turns out the “not talking back” bit is huge. According to Hetzner, “The biggest part of (the dog handlers’) training is just learning to be quiet.”

Custance underscores that point.

“When humans show us affection, it’s quite a complicated thing that involves expectations and judgments,” she told National Graphic. “But with a dog, it’s a very uncomplicated, nonchallenging interaction

all about

PETS

By Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis

with no consequences. And if you’ve been through a hard time, it’s lovely to have that.”

Therapy dogs have long made their mark in hospitals and nursing homes around the world. They draw smiles and forge bonds in programs developed for atrisk children. They aid in the rehabilitation of prisoners and the healing of soldiers suffering from PTSD. They calm the anxious and give confidence to the blind. And they provide comfort in times of tragedy.

It seems so simple, doesn’t it? A friendly approach, a patient presence, a quiet sounding board, a soft coat, a cold nose.

Sometimes simple can be so powerful.

Woof!

Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!”

Adopt a Pet T

The Lovely Lida

Lida (pronounced Ly-da) is a confident, social girl who LOVES to watch the birds outside her window. This 12-years-young Maine Coon has an ever-ready purr when being brushed – and because of her beautiful coat regular grooming will be a must!

Lida has been front declawed and is up-to-date on all vet care.

Lida will do best as an only cat – she deserves to be the one and only star of her new home. She will also do better in a household without small children as she is used to the quiet of an adult-only home. Lida has a habit of chewing things she shouldn’t…so no toys, bags or soft plastic items should be left out where she can get into them and hurt herself.

36 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

At HAWS, the Humane Animal Welfare Society, our philosophy is simple. We believe every pet deserves a loving home – and we’ll be there for you and your pet for a lifetime! Stop by our shelter today to visit the many wonderful dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals available for adoption. Or, come to one of our many events, activities or classes designed for you and your pet! Choose HAWS, and share the gift of helping to Build a Society that’s Humane.

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

book of the month

When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the town’s council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

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FALL 2012

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When you become an empowered patient, you become a vital member of your health care team.

WINTER 2012

A FOUNDATION OF FAITH cfthrive.com

Where two or more are gathered, faith overshadows cancer.

CANCER at ALL AGES

BETTY GIBBONS cfthrive.com

fall 2012 | cancer fighters thrive 1

WHY IS TREATING CANCER SO COMPLEX?

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WAYS TO AVOID COLDS AND FLU

CAREGIVING:

An Ageless Role

THE GILLETT FAMILY

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Visit cfthrive.com/WW and enter Event Code – WOMAN February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 37

Pediatrician Sara Lauck, M.D., joins the Medical College of Wisconsin faculty and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin staff. Dr. Lauck has been appointed assistant professor of pediatrics (hospital medicine) at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and sees inpatients at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Board eligible in pediatrics, Dr. Lauck’s clinical interests include general inpatient pediatric medicine and clinical medical education.

WOMEN on the move

Pediatric endocrinologist Susanne M. Cabrera, M.D., joins the Medical College of Wisconsin faculty and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin staff. Dr. Cabrera has been appointed assistant professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and sees patients at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Board certified in pediatrics and internal medicine, her clinical interests include type 1 diabetes mellitus, disorders of sexual development and general endocrinology.

Cardiologist Nicole Lynn Lohr, M.D., Ph.D., joins the Medical College of Wisconsin faculty and Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center staff. Dr. Lohr has been appointed assistant professor of medicine (cardiovascular medicine) at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and sees patients at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Lohr’s clinical interests include peripheral artery disease, women’s cardiovascular health and congestive heart failure.

Psychiatrist Kathleen A. Koth, D.O., joins the Medical College of Wisconsin faculty and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin staff. Dr. Koth has been appointed assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine (child and adolescent psychiatry) at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). She serves as the training director for MCW’s division of child and adolescent psychiatry and sees patients at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Barbara W. Thompson, president, CEO and

owner of The Roberts Group, was recently named recipient of the 2012 Professional Excellence Award by the Wisconsin Healthcare Public Relations & Marketing Society (WHPRMS). Thompson joined WHPRMS in 1977, was honored as a Fellow in 1988 and has also served on the WHPRMS Board of Directors. She has served with the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, the Wisconsin Hospital Association, the Health Care Society of Southeastern Wisconsin and the Catholic Health Association.

Pediatric Endocrinologist Rosanna V. Fiallo-Scharer, M.D., has been appointed associate professor of pediatrics (endo-

crinology) at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). She sees patients at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Board certified in pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology, Dr. Fiallo-Scharer’s clinical interests include diabetes, adrenal disorders and disorders of sexual differentiation.

Wisconsin Woman Magazine 38 | WISCONSIN WOMAN February 2013

Sathve e

DATE

Through the winter

The SC Johnson Gallery At Home with Frank Lloyd Wright

SC Johnson Campus in Racine Tours are available for both individuals and groups free-ofcharge at The SC Johnson Gallery: At Home with Frank Lloyd Wright, which showcases a rotating selection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and artifacts, and explores the legendary architect’s influence on families and the American home. To schedule tours for large groups (20 or more people), please call us at (262) 260-2154. You can also follow on our Twitter account @VisitSCJ.

Through February 10 To the Promised Land

Todd Wehr Theater 929 N. Water St. Witness both young people find the strength and courage across generations to break barriers and reach their own promised land by being inspired by those who came before them. (414) 273-7206 or Toll Free: (888) 612-3500 www.firststage.org.

Through May 27 Real Pirates

Milwaukee Public Museum Go from landlubber to First Mate in a day! Experience the Golden Age of Piracy aboard the Whydah, one of the most successful pirate ships of her day, and learn about her roots as a slave ship and subsequent takeover and conversion into a pirate ship in the early 1700s.

(414) 223-4676.

February 2

Beastly Bowl-A-Thon AMF Bowlero, 11737 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa, WI 53222 Bowler entry fee includes three games of bowling, shoe rental, munchies (including samples of Palermo’s® Pizza), entry into the

February events door-prize drawing and a commemorative keychain.

Two shifts of bowling available.

Visit www.zoosociety.org or call (414) 258-2333.

February 23 February 16

Tapping the Sugarbush

Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo for the ceremony that takes place at 10:30 a.m. in the Zoo’s Family Farm.

Family free day sponsored by Fox 6 and North Shore Bank. Regular parking fees apply.

Westmoor Country Club 400 S. Moorland Road in Brookfield “New York, New York” is the theme of Elmbrook Humane Society’s fundraiser. Reservations are recommended, (262) 782-9261 or visit www.ebhs.org. All proceeds directly benefit the Elmbrook Humane Society, the only no-kill animal shelter in Waukesha County.

Upcoming events

February 8

February 16

February 2

Groundhog Day! & Family Free Day at the Zoo

Little Sweetheart Dance Betty Brinn Museum 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. Grab your sweethearts and dance the night away at this special Valentine-themed museum fundraiser, featuring a delicious dessert buffet with the best sweets in town, 6 - 9 p.m., purchase tickets at the museum or by phone with a credit card at (414) 390-KIDS (5437), ext. 242. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Hurry! Space is limited!

February 14

Happy Valentines’ Day!

February 16 - 17 Winter Festival

Downtown Historic Cedarburg Enjoy a weekend full of wintery fun during Cedarburg’s 39th Winter Festival, which offers an ice carving contest, chili contest, costumed bed races, barrel races, grand parade (1pm, Saturday), Alaskan Malamute Dog Weight Pull (Sunday) and so much more fun.

Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday, 8 a.m. - noon. (262) 377-9620/ 888-894-4001 or visit www.cedarburgfestivals.org.

Riveredge Nature Center 4458 W. Hawthorne Drive, Newburg Help prepare for the sugarin’ season by tapping the maple trees in Riveredge’s sugar bush. Helpers needed to drill the holes, tap in the spiles and hang the buckets. When it’s maple sugarin’ time, spring can’t be far behind. Adults $3; children $1; members: free.

(262) 375-2715, www.riveredge.us.

Sixth Annual Wine & Whiskers Fundraising Gala

March 17

Extreme Makeover: HAWS Edition

Steve Cullen Heart Healthy Club Run & Walk 10602 Underwood Parkway Wauwatosa An 8K run or 2-mile walk at 10am.

Sponsored by the Cullen family and the Badgerland Striders, includes food and live music. All proceeds go to heart research at the Cardiovascular Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin. (414) 955-5828.

February 19 - 24

701 Northview Rd., Waukesha Benefits HAWS - Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County. Come watch local groomers compete, using HAWS’ adoptable dogs as their canvas!

See the transformation from “shelter dog” to star. Win prizes, shop the pet product vendors and learn grooming tips from the pros! (262) 542-8851, noon - 4 p.m., free to attend.

Support Groups

Sister Act

Marcus Center for the Performing Arts 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “Ridiculously Fun,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! This sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship features original music.

(414) 273-7206, 1-888-612-3500 (Toll Free), 1-(414) 273-3080 (TDD), marcuscenter.org.

Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups Milwaukee County Support groups are led by trained facilitators, where family members, care partners and persons in the early stages of memory loss can share solutions to challenges posed by this disease. A complete list of support groups in southeastern Wisconsin is available at www. alz.org/sewi.

February 20

American Cancer Society

Country Springs Hotel, Waukesha Visit www.gfwc-wi.org or contact Marilyn at (262) 560-0464 for details.

Finding out that you have cancer is hard. Getting information to help you should not be. Please call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or locally at (414) 778-5500.

Oconomowoc Woman’s Club Ladies Night Out

February 2013 WISCONSIN WOMAN | 39

Empowering Women

Heart

Secrets Are Meant To Be Shared

Columbia St. Mary’s is changing the way women think about heart health. Our new Women’s Heart Program, Heart Secrets, is different. Heart Secrets isn’t about keeping secrets, it’s about revolutionizing the way you think about your health and revealing the secrets that will help you feel the best you ever have.

Did you know that more women die from heart disease than breast cancer? That there’s a number more important to your health than weight? That there is a way to be successful with diet and exercise? These are only a few of the secrets we’ll share.

Unlock your Heart Secrets. Visit www.HeartSecrets.org or call (414) 291-1550.

A Healthy Ladies Night Out Event Feb. 20 - Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee Feb. 27 - Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee CALL (414) 963-WELL OR LOG ON FOR DETAILS

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Women’s Heart Secrets Program - Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee WISCONSIN WOMAN February2301 2013 N. Lake Dr. | Milwaukee, WI 53211 | (414) 291-1550