Woman
Complimentary
January 2020
West Georgia
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Edie Haney
Law and Order
Say Goodbye to Dry, Itchy Winter Skin Six Things You Should Be Doing for Yourself Every Day
Creative New Year Resolutions 1
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What’s inside... 10
Law and Order
34
New Year, Same You ... Only Better!
22
Creative Resolutions for the New Year
36
Self-Care: Six Things You Should Do Every Day
33
Say Goodbye to Dry, Itchy Wintertime Skin
In Every Issue:
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Daily Fare
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Local Happenings
29
Womentality
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Kids Korner
RalphE.E.Fleck, Fleck,Jr., Jr.,M.D. M.D. Ralph JubalR. R.Watts, Watts,M.D. M.D. Jubal GregoryS.S.Slappey, Slappey,M.D. M.D. Gregory AnthonyW. W.Colpini, Colpini,M.D. M.D. Anthony BradG. G.Prybis, Prybis,M.D. M.D. Brad KevinM. M.Charron, Charron,M.D. M.D. Kevin Taylor B. Cates, M.D. Jeffry A. Dressander, M.D. E. Franklin Pence, M.D. Taylor B. Cates, M.D. Ki-HonPence, Lin, M.D. E. Franklin M.D. Shomari A. Ruffin, M.D. Ki-Hon Lin, M.D. BryanA.Kirby, M.D. Shomari Ruffn, M.D. DavidA. A.Scruggs, Scruggs,P.A.-C P.A.-C David MichaelC. C.Gravett, Gravett,P.A.-C P.A.-C Michael AndreaMaxwell, Maxwell,F.N.P. F.N.P. Andrea AlishaSchuchman, Schuchman,N.P.-C N.P.-C Alisha BritniLockwood, Lockwood,P.A.-C P.A.-C Britni 24
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Discover the Possibilities
Here we are at the beginning of a new year. I don't know about you, but I feel as if 2019 flew by much too quickly. But, it's here, so we may as well make the most of this wonderful, fresh start. Isn't it exciting to think about the infinite possibilities that are waiting for each of us just around the corner? I can't wait to see what the New Year brings! In This Issue
Our cover feature this month is Carrollton, Ga., resident, Edie Haney. Edie is one of the most genuine and authentic people I've ever met. She always has a smile and a kind word to say to everyone she meets. She is truly a special woman. On Jan. 2, 2019, Edie was sworn in as Carroll County's new probate judge. Appointed to the position due to Judge (now City of Carrollton Mayor) Betty Cason's early retirement, Edie brought her intelligence, compassion and extensive legal experience with her and has excelled. Read more about Edie and Photo by Zachary Dailey her dedication to helping people navigate through the probate court process on page 10. Do you make the same old New Year resolutions every year? Vowing to lose weight, eat healthier and breaking bad habits are all worthwhile commitments. But, if you're like most people, you may have a hard time sticking to those resolutions after a few weeks. On page 22, we share some unique and creative ways to improve yourself in the New Year that may be easier to commit to all year long. Along with winter colds and the like, cold weather can also bring really dry and itchy skin. Read our tips on page 33 to find out what you can do to say goodbye to itchy, dry wintertime skin. Do you practice self-care? Perhaps it's time to make a commitment this year to be kinder and more loving to yourself. On page 36, Lisa King shares the six things you should be doing to take care of yourself every day. As we enter into the New Year, I would like to thank you again for welcoming us into your homes each month. Thank you for reading West Georgia Woman magazine! I hope you have the happiest and most prosperous New Year yet! Happy New Year!
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Publisher
Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference. TM
West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia. Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives. This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our advertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women! Please be sure to tell them we sent you! Inspiring women wanted.
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Contact us: (404) 502-0251 Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com
Woman
Volume 5 • Issue 3 January 2020
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available. West Georgia Woman reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions that are not in compliance with our editorial policy. If you wish to have your submission returned, please include a self addressed stamped envelope along with your submission. West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2019. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
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Get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Southern Home and Ranch, Food Depot (Maple Street) and A+ Consignment in Carrollton. We have them at all three Lee-King and Lee-Goodrum pharmacy locations in Newnan, the Do you know an interesting woman Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville who should be on the cover of West and Villa Rica and the Vitamin Shoppe Georgia Woman? Is there a special in Hiram. Publix at Mirror Lake, in our project or organization you would rack at Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, at CVS like us to feature in our magazine? in Bowdon and Piggly Wiggly in TallLet us know! apoosa and our racks at WM Grocery in Email your suggestions to: Roanoke and Wedowee, Al., as well as features@westgeorgiawoman.com hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices in West Georgia and Share your special events. East Alabama! Send your upcoming events to: calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com All submissions will be included as space is The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the contributing authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Angel Media, LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine or any employee thereof. Angel Media, LLC. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this publication and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.
West Georgia
This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015
Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com
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Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey
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Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com Angela Brooks Dailey, owner and publisher of West Georgia Woman magazine, has lived in West Georgia most of her life and has a deep love and appreciation for the area. She received her B.B.A in management from The University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga., and is a Civil and Domestic Relations mediator and arbitrator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. She lives in Carrollton, and has two wonderful children, Zachary and Sydney Dailey. Angela enjoys reading, spending time with her children and extended family and loves to watch Sydney play soccer.
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By Janet Flanigan Photos 10 by Zachary Dailey
Law and
Order
Edie Haney Excels in Position as Carroll County's New Probate Judge
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”
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think Carroll County is not only unusual as a place to work and live. I think it is exceptional,” says Carroll County Probate Court Judge Edith (Edie) Haney. Edie was appointed as probate judge to fill the unexpired term of Betty Cason, who retired on Dec. 31, 2018. In spite of taking office just a year ago, Edie has been receiving on-the-job training for this esteemed position for much of her professional life. Through her prior career as a local attorney, her extensive involvement in the community and her work as probate judge, Edie is most certainly exceptional herself.
An Unexpected Career
oldest law schools in the U.S. and is the second oldest of Mercer's 12 colleges and schools. “I was surprised, but right away I really took to law,” she says. “I loved it, but I expected I would practice transactional law, as opposed to courtroom or trial law.” After graduation, Edie was offered a position with the Tisinger Tisinger Vance & Greer Law Firm (now Tisinger Vance) in Carrollton. “I learned so much there," she shares. "I became an attorney specializing in probate and real estate law." She practiced law with Tisinger for 15 years, eventually earning a partnership in the firm. At the beginning of her career, Edie married her first husband, with whom she shares daughters Rachel, 21, and Rebekah, 18. As happens in many families, her first marriage ended in divorce.
Edie was born and raised in Macon, Ga., into a close-knit family that included four children. Her parents have now retired to her grandparent’s farm in the Monroe County area. One of Edie's brothers practices law in Macon, her sister works as a controller and vice president of finance and her younger brother is a preacher. Growing up in Macon, Edie was not very familiar with Carroll County. It was not until her graduation from Central-Macon High School and her subsequent acceptance as an undergraduate to the University of West Georgia that she came to know and love West Georgia. “I actually came to the University of West Georgia to become a teacher and work in public education," she says. "I took some foreign relations classes, which I loved, but for some reason it didn’t occur to me at that time to pursue that career path. However, I began to realize I was passionate about politics and governance and I took as many classes as I could in that area.” Edie eventually switched her major to political science and wasn’t quite sure of her next step. She thought she might teach or go to law school. She chose the latter, applied and was accepted to the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. Edie Haney is pursuing excellence as probate judge in Carroll County. Founded in 1873, it is one of the
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New Beginnings She met her current husband, Rick Haney, a Georgia Tech graduate and entrepreneur, in the Carrollton community. Rick has one son, Kyle, 22, from his previous marriage. “We have been married for 16 years and have a lovely blended family,” she says. "My husband, Rick, is a true entrepreneur by nature and over the years he has owned several businesses. In 2008, we were approached by a business partner who suggested we look into internet cloud-based services as a business opportunity. This industry was in its infancy and we had no idea what cloud-based technology was!” In 2010, Rick founded FOGO Data Centers, which specializes primarily in cloud-based internet security in the medical and financial services industries, where he currently serves as FOGO’s president and COO. “Because we were starting a family owned business and we had an attorney in the family – me – we decided I would leave the firm to become our inhouse lawyer,” she explains. At FOGO, she handled all of the legal details involved in a start-up business, human resources and compliance for eight years.
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A Natural Successor Carroll County’s probate court had been led by Judge Betty Cason for 23 years. She announced her retirement in December 2018, leaving two years left of her four-year term, and subsequently announced her candidacy for mayor of the City of Carrollton. Judge Cason won the mayoral election in November 2019 and became Carrollton's first female mayor. Edie was well respected in Carroll County, and was known for her exemplary probate and real estate work from her days at Tisinger Vance. Because of her expertise in probate law, she was asked if she would consider an appointment to serve the remainder of Judge Cason’s term. "I thought very hard about it and accepted the challenge,” she says. She was appointed to the position by Chief Judge John Simpson of the Coweta Judicial Circuit and sworn in on Jan. 2, 2019.
Pursuing Excellence
Edie, with her husband, Rick.
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Fortunately, Edie had more experience in probate than many probate judges who must learn everything on the job. But, there was still a very
large learning curve. “While I may have had a very good understanding of probate laws from my previous work, I still had so much to learn," she shares. In addition to receiving guidance from now-Mayor Cason, Edie was also mentored by Coweta County Probate Judge Mary Cranford. Judge Cranford was elected in 1984 as Coweta County’s first female probate judge and retired at the end of 2019. “I received great support from the Council of Probate Judges, and, as a new member, was appointed with the wonderful Judge Cranford as my mentor,” she says. “I did have a small bit of judicial experience.There are instances when a probate judge can name an ad hoc probate judge to help with a particular case, and I was asked to serve on one such case.” That was the extent of Edie's judicial experience until she was sworn into the position last year. Now, with a full year under her belt, Edie is confidently pursuing excellence as the probate judge. She is also quick to acknowledge her experienced and knowledgeable team. “I have an incredible staff of four full-time and three part-time clerks who
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worked for Judge Cason and have remained on staff, and they are amazing,” she shares. Along with her demanding case load, Georgia law requires new judges to receive certification training within two years as well as new judges’ training, which is offered every four years. Edie is looking forward to applying her extensive legal knowledge from her previous career to continue to serve the residents of Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Meriwether and Troup Counties.
With a full year under her belt, Probate Judge Edie Haney is looking forward to applying her extensive legal knowledge to continue to serve the residents of Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Meriwether and Troup Counties. Edie at work in her courtroom.
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The Probate Process “Serving as a probate judge is actually a very emotional job as you are often helping facilitate ‘winding up’ the business of a person’s life,” she explains. Additionally, there are many different circumstances in which a probate judge may be required to render a decision. Along with the executions of wills and estates, probate court also works with estates that are intestate, or without a will. Other duties include issuing firearms licenses and marriage licenses. Probate judges must also make very serious determinations regarding individuals and families struggling with mental health issues and possible involuntary mental health commitments; certain cases where substance or alcohol abuse is a factor; and guardianship issues with both minors and elderly citizens. In addition to her law degree, Edie has received continuing education in mental health and treatment. She is also a certified mediator specializing in conflict resolution. “These are critical skills to help me understand the human side of dealing with very emotional, legal issues,” she relates. Dynamic Opportunities Faith-based Academic Excellence Family Focused
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Edie, left, with Carroll County Mental Health Advocates Executive Director Jodie Goodman during the CCMH 5K run/ walk in May 2019.
Judge Cason was a staunch advocate for mental health services in Carroll County. Edie shares the same vision. “I believe we are seeing more emphasis on mental health issues across this country and in Georgia, too," she says. "There are a number of resources available, but many families don’t know what these resources are or how to access them.” She is actively involved with Carroll County Mental Health Advocates (CCMHA), a service first put in place by Judge Cason. CCMHA provides resources for individuals and families struggling with mental health issues. These services are especially crucial as a pretrial diversion, with the goal being to help people who have had an encounter with the criminal justice system due to their mental health issues. The CCMHA is run by Executive Director Jodie Goodman under the umbrella of the Carroll County probate court. Another strong resource for people struggling with mental health issues is Willowbrooke at Tanner, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with a primary focus on mental health.
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Services include outpatient, inpatient and partial hospitalization care with groups and programs for different ages – including adolescents – and more. “Our county is so blessed to have Tanner Medical in our community and for my court in particular," she exclaims. "I think Willowbrooke at Tanner in Villa Rica is amazing."
The Importance of a Will “Going through the probate process is a difficult time for most every family, but it can be made somewhat less painful by having a legally binding will drawn up,” she explains. “While you don’t have to hire an attorney to write and file your legal will, I believe it is money well-spent. I think of having a will drawn up as a final gift to your family. You will generally help avoid conflict and save them time – and probably money –in the long run by having your desires clearly written out in the document.” It is possible that a will may remain legitimate for the duration of its existence, especially if it was originally drawn up by an attorney and included minor beneficiaries. “If an experienced attorney prepares the will, more than likely, the wording will anticipate changes in the family structure over
time, such as no remaining need for a guardian for minors,” she says. Another benefit to a will drawn up by a lawyer is that an attorney will be familiar with the provisions of the will that take advantage of Georgia law to allow the estate to be administered in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Often, standard online forms and handwritten wills are not compliant with Georgia law and do not include these advantageous provisions, such as allowing sales of property at private sale and waiving bond and returns. Probate bonds – also known as estate bonds, executor bonds and fiduciary bonds – are designed to protect the estate of the deceased from fraud, incompetence or other wrong actions by the estate's executor.
Community Involvement Edie is a member of the board of directors for Circles of West Georgia, a poverty-elimination concept built upon a national trend toward group mentoring. Circles chapters provide a consolidated, community-based approach to tackling issues related to poverty. “Our chapter is based on the
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Edie, second from left, with her sister, Lucy Dermo, left, checking in visitors at the annual Circles Designer Show House. Edie and Lucy are deeply involved in the Circles of West Georgia program, a poverty-elimination concept built upon a national trend toward group mentoring. Circles chapters provide a consolidated, community-based approach to tackling issues related to poverty.
Circles USA model,” she explains. Circles USA gathers middle and high-income volunteers to support families in poverty, according to Circles USA. Surrounded by people who have landed jobs, negotiated a lease or managed credit card debt, people in crisis are more equipped to achieve long-term financial stability. “Circles is an 18-month family program,” she says. “We have a meeting each Tuesday, and we also offer a family meal and childcare at the meetings. We try to understand and overcome barriers to financial stability in our community such as transportation and childcare issues. We also work to educate our state lawmakers about the process and the enormous obstacles for getting off of state and federal benefits.” Edie says one of the most difficult hurdles faced by people in poverty is that as they begin to gain some financial control and an increase in family income, they may suddenly find themselves cut off from all state or federal benefits.
This may leave them in worse shape financially than when they did not have an increased income and were dependent on benefits. “We find people who want to be self-sufficient and independent," she says. "Sometimes they just need the resources and support to guide them." In addition to her work with Circles and CCMHA, Edie is a member of the Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club.
A Personal Challenge Edie displays cheerfulness and positivity through her work and in her daily life. This positive attitude has been a blessing to Edie and her family during her own personal challenges, including when she received a diagnosis of breast cancer shortly before agreeing to accept the position as probate judge. “I received my diagnosis in the summer of 2018 and went through my treatment that fall,” she shares. “I know this may sound funny to some, but
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I feel my diagnosis and treatment was actually a positive experience. The cancer was caught very early, and my 18 rounds of radiation treatment went as well as it could. I received excellent care at Tanner, and I feel going through this experience has been helpful when speaking with others who are undergoing a health crisis.” Edie also found strength in her Christian faith. She and her siblings were raised in a Christian household and she is a devout believer. Edie and Rick are active members of Midway Baptist Church in Villa Rica. “I enjoy serving as a group leader for 8th grade girls, I am a member of a Life Group and I serve on the finance team,” she says. In her free time, Edie loves to read and travel, particularly enjoying recent visits to Europe and Asheville, NC. “I love to go to places I have never seen,” she shares.
“Carroll County is really an exceptional place to live and work. I have seen such impressive results of Carrollton’s public and private partnerships, and see organizations that might ordinarily compete with each other, work together toward a common goal to further our community.”
Her Vision for the Future Edie feels called to serve her fellow citizens to the best of her ability, and it is clear that Edie's passion lies in helping others, especially the citizens of Carroll County. After serving her shortened first term as probate judge, Edie plans to seek re-election for another fouryear term, with the goal of helping her community at the forefront. “Carroll County is really an exceptional place to live and work,” she says. “I have seen such impressive results of Carrollton’s public and private partnerships, and see organizations that might ordinarily compete with each other work together toward a common goal to further our community.” WGW
To learn more about Judge Edie Haney and her work, call 770.830.5840, email her at ehaney@carrollcountyga.com, write to her at P.O. Box 338, Carrollton, Ga. 30112 or visit the website at www.carrollcountyga.com/223/Probate-Court
If you or someone you know needs assistance with mental health issues: To access mental health, substance abuse and crisis and emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 800.715.4225. Peer Support is also available through CARES Warm Line at 844.326.5400 and the Peer2Peer Warm Line at 888.945.1414. The National Alliance for Mental Illness in Carroll County meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month in two locations: Carrollton Club, 1130 Cedar Street, Carrollton, Ga., from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 306 Bradley Street, Carrollton, Ga., from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For assistance obtaining an advocate or resources for someone with mental health issues, contact: Carroll County Mental Health Advocates 306B Bradley Street, Carrollton, Ga 30117 770.830.2048 • cmhadvocacy@gmail.com 21
Uniquely You. Creative Resolutions for the New Year
T
he new year is here, and you have probably been pondering on some things you would like to change about yourself, or your circumstances in 2020. Perhaps you want to eat healthier and lose weight. Or, you want to break a habit that is controlling your life. These goals are certainly worthwhile, but it’s often easy to let these resolutions fall by the wayside only a few weeks into the new year. Instead of the usual resolutions, consider committing to some creative and out-of-the-box new year resolutions this year. With a unique resolution or two, you may be more likely to follow through with your goals.
your neighbor, offer to pick up groceries for an overwhelmed friend, smile at a complete stranger, hold open a door for someone or let the car beside you merge in front of you. Performing one random act of kindness every day can change your life for the better. • Mentor a young person. January is National Mentoring Month, so reach out to local schools or civic organizations to see if they need volunteers. Mentoring young people shows them that someone cares about them, makes them feel as if they matter and teaches them that they are not alone
Unique New Year Resolutions • Commit to performing one act of kindness each day. If you really want to be a better person this year, this resolution is perfect for accomplishing that goal. Doing something kind for someone costs little to nothing and reaps big rewards for you, and them. Bake some brownies for
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Commit to performing one act of kindness each day.
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in dealing with day-to-day challenges, according to MENTOR, an organization that maintains a national database of youth mentoring programs that connects volunteers to mentoring opportunities in their local communities. Research has shown that quality mentoring relationships have positive and powerful effects on young people in a variety of professional, personal and academic situations. Even if you don't have any monumental advice to give a young person, just knowing you are there for her when she needs you can make a huge difference. Live and let live. We all have our own ideas regarding how people should behave, but those differences are what make people unique. Imagine a world where every person lived and behaved in the same way. Pretty boring. This year, stop expecting people to conform to what you consider to be “the right way,” and accept them as they are or, if you can’t accept their behavior or lifestyle, then remove yourself from their lives. Remember that no one else signed up for your particular life agenda, so live and let live. Make one or more new friends. It's easy to let your relationships with friends go to the wayside when you have endless family and work obligations. But hanging out with existing friends or creating new friendships is good for you. You will feel happier and more fulfilled when you travel in larger circles, not to mention you will have a larger support group in times of need. Call someone you love at least once a week, just to catch up with them. Whether it's a close friend or family member, they want to hear from you. Make a commitment to connect more, and on a deeper level with those you love this year. Fall in love again. Sure, you love each other, but let's be honest. After years of being together the relationship feels flat, and you find yourself wondering whatever happened to that giddy, can't wait to be with him, soin-love feeling. Try to remember what it was about him that helped you fall in love with him and the things he did that caused you to feel those sparks in the first place. This is the same person that you chose to be with long ago, and chances are those qualities are still there, although they may be a bit dormant. You may just have to reawaken them. Showing more
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affection, being more playful and attentive, letting go of past hurts and resentment and making an effort to do new and fun things together are all ways to rekindle the sparks between the two of you. • Rebuild a relationship with an old friend. Your old friend from college, an old coworker or even an elementary school friend. As we age, we often forget about the people who meant so much to us in our earlier lives. Ask your family or friends if they know where they are now, or Facebook is a great place to reconnect with friends from years past. You certainly don't have to be best friends, but it's definitely worth your time to reach out and bring them back into your life. Other ideas include: Make one new recipe every month; listen to music you ordinarily wouldn't listen to, such as country music if you're a classic rock fan or vice versa; read at least one book on a subject you're interested in each month; try something you would never do normally such as rock climbing, indoor skydiving (if you're really brave, actual skydiving), skiing or even something as simple as singing at a karaoke bar for the first time. WGW
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A wide range of ser vices to meet the needs of women at every stage of life SERVICES:
Bladder Pain Management Urethral Slings Bladder Botox Injections Interstim Pelvic Floor Training MonaLisa Touch™
DR.JAMES CULLISON
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MonaLisa Touch™ is an FDA approved, minimally invasive, less than five minute, in-office procedure that uses advanced laser technology to help restore gynecologic health by generating new collagen and increasing vaginal elasticity. Used as an alternative treatment to estrogen (hormone) therapy, this procedure requires no anesthesia, is virtually painless and there is no recovery time. If you are experiencing postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, pain and dryness during intercourse, urinary incontinence, urgency or frequency, are a new, breastfeeding mother or using progesterone based contraceptives, call our office today to see if MonaLisa Touch is right for you.
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Daily Fare With
e s o R f e Ch
Chef photos by Keith May.
Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband Shawn and their son, Sebastian. She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts. After graduation, she began her career as a chef at the Carrollton Kroger Marketplace where she works in the bistro.
26Recipe photos by Zachary Dailey.
� This recipe is great for breakfast or dinner
and comes together in less than 30 minutes . �
Chorizo and Egg Tacos Ingredients
Prepare roasted potato or hash browns according to package directions. Remove to paper towel lined plate to drain off 10 ounces pork chorizo any remaining grease. 16 ounces frozen roasted potatoes or southern Prepare eggs sunny side up or over medium. style hash browns Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium 4 eggs heat for 10 to 15 seconds each side. 4 taco size tortillas To assemble tacos, layer potatoes and chorizo 1/2 cup pico de gallo then top with egg. Sour cream or Mexican crema cheese as needed Garnish with pico and sour cream or Mexican crema cheese. Serves 4.
Preparation
In a large skillet, sautĂŠ chorizo until fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
Publisher's note: Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
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Shrimp Spring Rolls "
Celebrate the Chinese New Year on Jan. 25 with these delicious shrimp spring rolls.
Ingredients 24 spring roll rice paper wrappers
1 large carrot, peeled and julienned (sliced into matchstick size pieces) 1 cucumber, julienned
2 to 3 spring onions, julienned 1 ounce cooked rice noodles 1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cups shredded green leaf lettuce
1 pound medium shrimp, cooked, peeled, deveined and sliced in half, lengthwise 1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated ginger
Preparation 28
Prepare shrimp, carrots, cucumber and spring onions and set aside.
Prepare noodles according to package directions and toss in sesame oil. When ready to assemble rolls, fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper in the water for 15 to 20 seconds. Remove paper and place on a flat surface. Place two halves of shrimp – cut side up – on the bottom third of the rice paper. Place a few sticks of carrot, cucumber, lettuce and a small amount of rice noodles on top of shrimp. Fold sides of rice paper over filling first (the two sides should almost meet in the middle), then roll from the bottom to the top, tucking the filling in as you roll to the top. Repeat with remaining rolls. Combine soy sauce and grated ginger for dipping. Serves 6. WGW
"
Womentality
Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
– Oprah Winfrey
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” – Edith Lovejoy Pierce
“Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach
“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't even happened yet.” – Anne Frank
“We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives ... not looking for flaws but for potential.” – Ellen Goodman
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Local Happenings
West Georgia Mental Health Professionals Wellness Meetup Group
This group meets the last Saturday of every month in Douglasville or Austell. For more information, contact Cheryl at theheartmatters@gmail.com or 678.754.5840. Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.
Hope For The Journey This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Tracy Stallings Community Center at 118 South White St. in Carrollton. These events are free to breast cancer survivors or those currently battling breast cancer. Learn more at www.hopeforthejourneywestga.org, email execdirector@hopeforthejourneywestga.org or call 770.214.1491.
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Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program
Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the lives of young girls and women. This group meets the third Saturday of each month at Heritage Baptist Church in Douglasville, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. This program is open to all girls ages 7 to 17. For more information, call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org.
Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton. These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free
weight checks for your baby will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us. Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.
Gertrude's House Breast Cancer Support Group This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Lithia Springs Family Chiropractic at 1758 Lee Rd. in Lithia Springs. This group is open to all survivors, caregivers, supporters, friends, family and those fighting breast cancer. Visit their Facebook page @GertrudesHouse or email them at GertrudesHouse@yahoo.com.
Cancer Support Group at Tabernacle Baptist Church Has your life been impacted by cancer – whether your own or someone you know? Tabernacle Baptist Church hosts a faith-based cancer support group providing spiritual and emotional support to those diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, those in remission and caregivers. Meetings run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Carrollton, Ga. For more information, call 770.832.7063 or visit the website at tabernacle.org.
Southwire Named Responsibility Supplier of the Year
(Left to Right): Lee Peeples, vice president of sales at Southwire; Tim Poore, regional sales manager at Southwire; and Melody Birmingham-Byrd, chief procurement officer at Duke Energy.
As part of its annual Supplier Excellence Awards program, Duke Energy presented Southwire with the Corporate Responsibility Supplier of the Year Award for 2019, recognizing the organization’s commitment to sustainability and its long history of giving back to the local community. “We are delighted to receive the Corporate Responsibility Supplier of the Year Award from Duke Energy,” said Lee Peeples, vice president of Sales for Southwire. “At Southwire, we are committed to improving the economic and social conditions of the communities in which we operate, and we believe in reducing our environmental footprint, as demonstrated by our efforts to lower our greenhouse gas emissions, waste to landfill and water intensity.” At its annual Supplier Exchange Forum, Duke Energy honored three different suppliers for their contributions to its corporate responsibility sourcing strategy, which focuses on safe work practices, local economic impact, supplier diversity and environmental stewardship, with Supplier Excellence Awards for Corporate Responsibility, Supplier Diversity and Environmental, Safety and Health. According to Melody Birmingham-Byrd, Duke Energy’s chief procurement officer, Southwire’s emphasis on using diverse suppliers while maintaining sustainable business practices makes it a great choice for this year’s Corporate Responsibility Supplier of the Year. “As one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers, Southwire demonstrates Duke Energy’s shared environmental and community priorities as its business continues to grow,” said Birmingham-Byrd. Southwire’s history with Duke Energy dates back several decades. The customer and supplier relationship excelled to an Alliance partnership in 1999, and since that time, both businesses have been growing and implementing a number of innovative products to improve reliability, reduce environmental impact and increase productivity by reducing installation time. “Southwire and Duke Energy both have a culture of innovation and a pursuit of continuous improvement that extends into our communities and the environment,” said John Wirtz, Southwire’s senior vice president of Utility. “This award recognizes our ongoing efforts to give back and provide sustainable solutions, and it encourages us to continue our work in these key areas. We thank Duke for their recognition and support.” To learn more about Southwire’s commitment to sustainability, including its focus on Growing Green and Giving Back, visit http://southwiresustainability. com. A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire
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Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers and an emerging influence in the industrial electrical space. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment and hand tools. For more on Southwire’s products, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com.
toothpaste, non-perishable snacks, small bottles of water, candy or any other small items that will fit in a gallon-sized ziploc-style bag. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Fellowship with senior citizens: January
20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Carrollton Manor Nursing Home and Assisted Living at 2455 Oak Grove Church Road in Carrollton.
Activity: Visiting with seniors, arts and crafts,
games and music.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service The Carroll County NAACP invites all members of the community to use their "Day Off" and "Make it a Day On" for the betterment of the local community by committing to take part in local community service projects. This year, the NAACP is hosting two community service projects: An opportunity to fellowship with senior citizens and a "Kindness Kit" assembly service project. Items needed for the kits: Small items, such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes,
F
P
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BINGO Every Sunday 4 PM 6 GAMES PLUS 1 JACKPOT
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Kindness kit assembly: January 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Moore's Chapel United Methodist Church at 120 N. Park Street in Carrollton.
Activity: Assembling 1,000 kindness kits for individuals in need. Items will include donated items and an encouraging note. If you are interested in donating items for the kindness kits, contact Deirdre Rouse, 770.316.5597, dhaywood@westga.edu or Jodie Goodman, 678.858.4653, cmhadvocacy@gmail.com. If you are interested in volunteering, submit names by Jan. 10 to carrollcounty@naacpga.org. For more information call 770.877.2991.
Night to Shine Prom for Special Needs Age 14+
ADMIT ONE
Night To Shine is a prom for those with special needs who are 14 years old and up hosted by Southern Hills atFRATERNAL City Station on February 7, 5 to 9 THE CARROLLTON ORDER OF POLICE PRESENTS: p.m. Night to Shine is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Spots are limited. Register now at www.sohillscc.com/aed_night-to-shine
BARNEY FIFE SHOW
Sisters in Christ Conference Contact: Eddie LeBlanc 770.318.5618 A day of Fun, Fellowship and Sharing and it’s Free! Saturday, Feb. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mount Holly Church, 4685 N. Hwy. 27, Carrollton For more information and to register, visit JANUARY 14, 2020 Includes Dinner www.SistersInChrist.com
and Performance
6:30 P.M.
David Browning • The Mayberry Deputy IF:CarrollCounty VENUE 1625 (VFW) 1625 BANKHEAD HWY CARROLLTON, GA
Hosted by Radiant Women’s Ministry at SoHills Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. City Station, 2115 Maple Street, Carrollton Per Person Per Person $5 to attend. Register at sohillscc.com/ifgathering
$75
$75
See Ya Later, Alligator! I
s your dry, itchy skin driving you crazy? Does it feel as if you can't stop scratching no matter what products you use? We can relate. Cold weather culprits such as dry, indoor air, winter wind, low humidity or even cold weather sunburns can sap the moisture from your skin and make you to want to hibernate until spring. These winter skin care steps will help you prevent, pamper and say goodbye to your winter-dry skin once and for all. • Remove old skin cells. Sloughing away those dead skin cells is the first step in pampering your itchy, dry skin. When your skin is clear, moisturizers can penetrate more deeply. Exfoliate your skin with a prescription or over-the-counter keratolytic moisturizer that contains salicylic or lactic acid. A gentle, soft scrub is all you need. • Moisturize. Now that your skin is smooth and free of dead cells, moisturize with an oil-based moisturizer. Heavy, thick moisturizers keep water from evaporating from the skin. If you're not a fan of heavy creams and lotions, you can still keep your skin in good shape by using the basic ingredients included in moisturizers such as glycerin, mineral oil or petroleum jelly. No matter what products you choose to moisturize with, always slather the product on immediately after bathing or showering. Then, gently pat your skin dry. • Stay away from hot water. A really hot shower or bath feels heavenly, but they are terrible for your skin and will dry out your skin even more. Take only short, lukewarm baths or showers to help your body retain the natural oils needed
Say goodbye to dry, itchy wintertime skin.
•
•
•
•
to protect your skin. Use gentle soaps or cleansers. Deodorant, anti-bacterial or scented soaps can be harsh on your skin. Use unscented and mild cleansers or even products that are soap-free, such as Dove, Dreft, Cetaphil, Neutrogena or Aveeno. Body washes that contain petrolatum are a wonderful, soothing option. Use sunscreen. You should be using a daily moisturizer with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15. If you're heading outside use a sunscreen that blocks UVB and UVA rays with an SPF of 15 or more. Wearing a hat, sunglasses and a scarf also protects your skin. Change your diet. Diets that contain essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help your skin retain moisture. Eating foods such as walnuts, flax, safflower oil and cold-water fish such as halibut, salmon, tuna, mackeral, sardines and herring will give your skin the essential fatty acids it needs. Stay hydrated. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Dry, indoor air can also sap your skin of moisture. Use a humidifier to keep the moisture level in your home between 40 and 50 percent. Inexpensive hygrometers can be purchased for about $5 and will help you keep track of your home's moisture level. Another option is to keep plenty of indoor house plants around.
If your skin is really irritated or dry, it's best to speak with your doctor before beginning a new skin regimen or product. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatments for your skin and can help develop a skin care regimen that works for your individual needs. WGW
Stay away from hot water.
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New Year, Same You
It's not possible to become a new person in one day. Your life story moves with you into the New Year. One reason resolutions often fail is because people set really large and overwhelming goals for themselves. This year, consider changing your thoughts regarding goal-setting and change your resolutions from overwhelming and unattainable to realistic and achievable.
Improve Upon What You've Already Started To reach your goals for the New Year, you must develop a habit and practice the new behavior. So, it makes sense that improving upon your existing behaviors and habits may be a more effective way of achieving the results you wish to have. Reflect upon what you think needs to be changed and what is currently working well for you. Research has shown that if you want to create, and continue practicing a new habit, then it is necessary to do the following:
Only Better! W
ith the New Year here, you've probably heard the phrase "New Year, New Me!" several times. Most people desire to make monumental changes in their lives this time of year, such as paying off debt, eating healthier, traveling more or losing weight. No matter if we believe in New Year resolutions or not, this is certainly a great time to reflect on our goals and consider ways to improve ourselves. While there is nothing wrong with setting goals for improvement, our thoughts regarding the phrase "New Year, New Me!" doesn't do justice to the progress we've already made in our lives.
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• Choose a small action or behavior. "Work out," "Lose weight" and "Eat healthy" are not small actions. Instead, replace these goals with "I will park my car farther from the entrance so I have to walk more before work;" "Instead of using the elevator, I will take the stairs to my office each day;" or "I will bring, or buy, a healthy lunch instead of eating fast food." • Connect the new action with a prior habit. If you already walk for 30 minutes two times a week, add 15 more minutes of time to your walk. If you already cook a meal at home three nights a week and your goal is to increase your fresh vegetable intake, then resolve to replace the mac 'n cheese with a dish of vegetables on the nights you cook.
• Make the new action simple and easy for you to achieve. It takes time to create new habits, and you will need to practice attaching the action to the existing behavior at least three to four weeks before it becomes a conditioned response.
Creating Manageable Resolutions • Create a plan. When it comes to resolutions, or any goal you would like to achieve, if you don't prepare and create an action plan in advance then you will become overwhelmed, tired and you may even skip it all together. To stay on track when applying new routines, think about the specific actions you can do to make your goals a reality. If you want to cut out fast food from your life, then block out time on the weekends to shop for healthy foods, plan your menu and complete your meal preparations for the upcoming week. • Be realistic. Rome wasn't built in one day. Making small and manageable lifestyle changes can go a long way. Think about it this way: If you weigh 200 pounds and your goal is to lose 50 pounds, then it's not realistic to think you'll be in a size six by March. Those extra pounds did not become a part of your body overnight – it took a long time for you to gain that extra weight. So, it makes sense that it will take you several months or more to shed the extra weight in a healthy way. • Don't take on too much. We know. You're inspired, ambitious and you're going to conquer the world! While it's great to have lofty goals when it comes to your health and other areas in your life that you would like to improve, you shouldn't take on too many changes in the beginning. Remember, it's not about the number of resolutions you have, it's about you creating an even better version of yourself. Think about the frequency that will be required to achieve your goals. If the goal is something you do monthly, then it's realistic to try up to three resolutions. If the
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623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA goal is something you must stick to every day, then choose only one major lifestyle change. For example, if you want to volunteer at the kitchen and women's Unless you have soup shelter once a month, and the willpower of you vow to go on a twoa monk, it's not a mile hike once a month, good idea to make then you can achieve these three goals together more than one quite easily. However, if major, daily you vow to stop drinking resolution. alcohol, stop smoking and cut out all sugar in your diet every day, then you will most likely fail. To reach your goals, you must be willing to put in the work to achieve them. If you aren't motivated to make a change, then your resolutions won't stick throughout the year. If you feel you aren't ready, are having doubts or feel reluctant, then you may not be ready to tackle a particular lifestyle change, and that's OK. Do what you can and try not to beat yourself up if you fail. Just pick yourself up and try again. And try not to forget that you're a beautiful and magnificent work in progress. WGW
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The Elements of Self-Care
By Lisa King
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6 Things You Should Be Doing Every Day
S
elf-care is a term that is thrown about freely, but few understand what it really means. When I ask a client, “How do you take care of yourself?” I am often met with the look of a deer in headlights. Answers can range from, “I take bubble baths on occasion” to “I take a vacation to the beach once a year” or, “Self-care? What do you mean? I don’t have time to take care of myself, I have too many other things to take care of.” Some clients have even stated that to them, self-care is equivalent to being self-indulgent or selfish. It is easy to put off taking care of yourself. I hear things such as, “I am so tired after work, school or a day of taking care of the kids, I just don’t have time to do these things like I know I should.” The truth of the matter is, if we are not taking care of ourselves, we cannot effectively take care of our loved ones or the things we need and want to do. Self-care is an ongoing, interrelated, daily process, that if left unattended can affect all areas of health – mental as well as physical. Simply stated, self-care
We are what we eat. means to take care of one’s whole self in a way that contributes to overall health, functionality and wellbeing. Self-care is not optional. Over the course of my work as a psychotherapist, six overlapping elements stand out as a foundation for overall mental and physical well-being. All six areas must be consistently attended to, and if neglected, they will have a domino effect that will begin to affect other aspects of health and happiness.
A Healthy Diet
Pediatric, Hand & Speech Therapy
Most of us know, “we are what we eat,” but did you know that what you eat on a regular basis can have an effect on mood? We don’t always follow through with making good food choices. It is easy to grab a meal on the go, forget to bring healthy snacks to work so we aren’t as tempted to eat whatever is available later or become so busy that we wind up feeling “hangry” and then overindulge on junk food. Food plays a vital part in keeping our engines running and our minds clear and sharp. If we are eating healthily, we will have more energy to get through the day and feel less slugglish and irritable later on. Sugar and caffeine will cause our energy to spike and then crash; heavy foods take longer to digest and will make us feel slow. Hydration is also important. Not getting the necessary nutrients and liquids our bodies need to run optimally will, over time, leave us feeling run down and susceptible to illness and fatigue. It makes sense. If your body and brain are deprived of good-quality nutrition, consequences are to be expected. What’s interesting is that for many years, the medical field did not fully acknowledge
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the connection between mood and food. We know now that the foods you eat affect how you feel. Nutritional psychiatry is a relatively new field, but their findings show there are consequences between not only what you eat, how you feel, and how you ultimately behave – but also regarding the kinds of bacteria that live in your gut. The gut brain connection is often overlooked as a contributor to anxiety and depression in particular. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and appetite, mediate moods and inhibit pain. We know now that about 95 percent of the brain’s serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which is lined with a hundred million nerve cells, or neurons. Neurons are partially responsible for guiding our emotions. These neurons are strongly influenced by the “good” bacteria that make up intestinal microbiome. This type of bacteria plays a very prominent role in good overall health – physical as well as mental. A good start would be to pay attention to how you feel after eating different foods, not just in the moment, but the next day as well. Begin by consulting a nutritionist or researching nutritional articles about changing your lifestyle to include more whole foods, as well as fermented foods which
are loaded with beneficial bacteria for the gut. When we are not eating properly, it may lead to other daily issues, such as less desire to be physically active and sleeping difficulties.
Exercise and Time in Nature If you've ever gone for a run, taken a walk or a yoga class after a stressful day, chances are you felt better afterward. There is a strong link between exercise and mood. Research repeatedly shows that regular exercise can help alleviate long-term depression. Exercise can also be a tool for treating and preventing anxiety. The reasoning behind the research is that regular workouts might help people prone to anxiety become less likely to panic when they experience fight-or-flight sensations. The body produces many of the same physical reactions in response to anxiety, such as heavy perspiration and increased heart rate. In 2008, a study was conducted with 60 volunteers who reported experiencing heightened sensitivity to anxiety. The participants underwent a two-week exercise program. The results showed significant improvements in anxiety sensitivity compared with a control group. Through regular exposure, the
Happy New Year!
Bremen • Carrollton • Douglasville 770.537.2375 • 770.836.1466 • 770.489.2818
www.hightowerfamilyfuneralhomes.com
Ruby Hightower, Certified Therapy Dog and Grief Counselor. Upon request, Ruby visits with a family during an arrangement conference, visitation or funeral service. ruby is also certified to visit retirement homes, nursing homes and schools. 38
researchers concluded that people learn to associate the symptoms of anxiety with safety instead of danger. For those who struggle with chronic depression, some researchers believe exercise alleviates symptoms by increasing serotonin, the neurotransmitter targeted by antidepressants, and brain-derived neurotrophic factors which supports the growth of neurons. Another theory suggests exercise helps to normalize sleep, which is known to have protective effects on the brain. Exercise may boost a depressed person's outlook by helping her return to meaningful activity and providing a sense of accomplishment. It may also be a way of physically strengthening the brain so that stress has less of a central impact. In addition, the extra oxygen produced while exercising increases blood flow to the brain, rendering it healthier. Physical activity when combined with time in nature has double the impact of simply going to the gym. Studies indicate that virtually any form of immersion in the natural world heightens overall well-being, as well as more positive engagement with the larger human community. Spending time in nature and practicing mindfulness by simply being present, conscious in the moment, observing the flow of your mental and emotional activity; but not being pulled into it. That conscious “now” allows for greater inner calm, clearer judgment, and it enables more focused, creative responses to everyday life. Research has shown that we don’t have spend hours outdoors or go on a hiking or camping trip; simply paying attention to the positive aspects of nature in any form can influence the human mind.
Good Quality Sleep and Rest We all know that sluggish feeling we have when we don’t get a good night’s sleep. Numerous studies have been done to research the effects of sleep on the mind and body. When people are sleep deprived, they usually feel more irritable, angry and hostile. Sleep loss is also associated with feeling more depressed and anxious, increased negative mood and a decreased ability to regulate emotions. One of the jobs of sleep is to clear out the “junk” from the brain. Our brain fluctuates between sleep states throughout the night. However, if we do not get to the proper sleep brainwave pattern for long enough – a few hours at least – our brain cannot do its nightly housekeeping. We live in a go, go, go society, so taking the
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Call us today or a FREE onsultation! time to rest our brain and our body is a challenge for many. Not to mention, those who struggle with anxiety, depression or trauma may struggle with sleep in general. It is important to ensure that we are getting the right amount and type of rest, which includes not only sleep, but down time to enjoy quiet activities and connecting with our loved ones. Sleep deprivation also seems to put a damper on people’s ability to reap the emotional benefits of a positive experience. In one study, people who were more sleep deprived did not report increased positive affect after an achievement, whereas people who’d had an adequate amount of sleep did feel better after their achievement. If you find that sleep is an issue for you, be sure to talk to your doctor. There are also several phone apps available that can assist with occasional sleep issues via ambient sound, relaxation techniques and sleep tracking.
Feeling a Sense of Meaning and Purpose Meaning and purpose in life can be described as a sense of physical and mental well-being, as well
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as belonging and recognition through personally treasured activities. These activities are often things you do that make you feel that what you are doing matters. Meaning and purpose implies big questions such as, “Why am I here?” For the most part, we want to think that something we do matters. Seeking happiness for purely happiness' sake can be fleeting and disappointing. Having meaning and purpose in life is a factor that leads to ongoing happiness. While purpose and happiness are different concepts, feeling a sense of meaning in your life can be an important factor in experiencing long-term happiness and well-being. The concept of happiness changes as we age. When we are younger, we associate happiness with excitement, but as we age and have more experience with life, we begin to associate happiness with peace. Shifting our focus from the future to the present and walking mindfully through the world can help us experience more of this peace. Those who have experienced long-term job loss, disability or retirement report higher levels of depression and anxiety – unless they fill their time with a sense of purpose and meaning through a hobby, volunteer work or some other meaningful endeavor. For example, during the economic downturn in 2008 when unemployment rates were at an all-time high, those who were experiencing long-term unemployment were vulnerable to depression, anxiety and suicides. This may be common sense in reference to the above scenarios, but many who are gainfully employed need to feel a sense of purpose and meaning as well. Having a job does not necessarily equate to a
sense of fulfillment. Finding fulfillment in life can be established through meaningful work, hobbies, volunteer work, family or community involvement. Finding a sense of meaning and purpose in life is shown to reduce suicidal thoughts and depressive symptoms in older adults and all across the age spectrum. When we feel a sense of meaning, we are more likely to do the other things that make us an overall healthier person and our perspective of our life is more likely to reflect a more positive outlook.
Social Connections and Support Social support refers to the psychological and material resources provided by a social network that are intended to help individual's cope with stress. Social support can come in different forms. Sometimes it might involve a group of people who do regular activities together, or it could simply be people you value and talk to or see regularly. In other instances, it could simply be helping someone; giving advice to a friend when they are facing a difficult situation or providing caring, empathy and concern for loved ones. Whatever the situation, social connectedness is something we are wired for. Social connectedness is often identified as an important component of solid relationships and strong mental and physical health. Essentially,
We need to feel a sense of belonging, feeling valued and validated, and feeling like others "get" you.
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healthy social support involves having a network of family, friends and community that you can turn to in times of need. Whether you are facing a personal crisis and need immediate assistance or just want to spend time with people who care about you, these relationships play a critical role in how you function in your day-to-day life. Keep in mind that social support is certainly not a one-way street. In addition to relying on others, you also serve as a form of support for many people in your life. In addition, we need to feel a sense of belonging, feeling valued and validated, and feeling like others "get" you. When trying to reach our goals or deal with a crisis, experts frequently implore people to lean on their friends and family for support. On the other hand, poor social support and loneliness has been linked to depression. Loneliness is a phenomenon that is well documented to have a negative effect on the mind, body and spirit. Among other things, loneliness is shown to increase the risk of depression, suicide, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and altered brain function – including dementia. In 2018, Cigna health insurance surveyed more than 20,000 adults, where concerning facts about loneliness in our society came to light. Nearly half of Americans report sometimes or always feeling alone. One in four Americans rarely or never feel as though there are people who really understand them. Two in five Americans sometimes or always feel that their relationships are not meaningful and that they are isolated from others. One in five people report they rarely or never feel close to people or feel like there are people they can talk to. Americans who live with others are less likely to be lonely compared to those who live alone. Interestingly, this does not apply to single parents or guardians. Even though they live with children, they are more likely to be lonely. Only around half of Americans have meaningful in-person social interactions, such as having an extended conversation with a friend or spending quality time with family, on a daily basis. Generation Z (adults ages 18 to 22) is the loneliest generation and claims to be in worse health than older generations. Social media use, however, is not a predictor of loneliness; respondents defined as very heavy users of social media have a loneliness score that is not markedly different from the score of those who never use social media. The survey also revealed some important helpful food for thought. The findings reinforce the social
nature of humans and the importance of having communities. People who are less lonely are more likely to have regular, meaningful inperson interactions. More specifically, the survey showed people who engage in frequent, meaningful, in-person interactions have much lower loneliness scores and report better overall health than those who rarely interact with others Women’s Auto Clinic. face-to-face. Researcher Sheldon Women’s Concierge Service. Cohen of Carnegie Mellon University suggests that there are 770.832.9465 two essential aspects of our social worlds that contribute to health: 134 Bankhead Ave., Carrollton social support and www.lamberttirecompany.com social integration. Social integration is the active participation in a variety of social relationships, ranging from romantic partnerships to friendships. This integration involves emotions, intimacy and a sense of belonging to different social groups, such as being part of a family, a partnership, a social activity or religious community. The research suggests that being integrated into these types of social relationships creates a protective benefit against unhealthy behaviors and consequences. As the old saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Participation in social groups has what psychology and sociology call “a normative influence” on behaviors, which often influences whether people eat a healthy diet, exercise, smoke, drink or use illegal substances. On the other side of this, social groups can sometimes have a negative influence when peer pressure and influence leads to poor or even dangerous health choices. In the best sense however, group pressure and support can also lead people to engage in healthier behaviors. According to Cohen social support generally comes in three ways: emotional support, instrumental support and informational support. Emotional support can be a good friend, family member, clergy member or therapist. Instrumental support are those who take care of your physical
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needs and offer a helping hand when you need it. Informational support is usually someone who provides guidance, advice, information and mentoring. Social support also helps people cope better with stress and fend off loneliness. Excess stress has been shown to have serious health consequences ranging from reduced immunity to increased risk of heart disease and dementia. Being surrounded by people who are caring and supportive helps people to see themselves as
As the old saying goes, "Birds of a feather flock together."
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better capable of dealing with the stresses that life brings. Research has also shown that having strong social support in times of crisis can help reduce the consequences of traumainduced disorders, including PTSD.
An Active Spiritual Life Spirituality can play an important role in helping people maintain good mental health and live with or recover from mental health problems. Those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction
overwhelmingly report that along with good social support, a strong spiritual connection is the key to recovery. Spirituality means different things to different people, and people express their spirituality in a variety of ways. Spirituality may be a religion or faith, or it may simply describe meaning and direction in life. Sometimes spirituality is described as a personal "journey," a way of understanding the world and our place in it. For others, it is a belief in a higher being or a force greater than any individual and is often a core part of personal identity. Spirituality can also be a feeling of belonging, connectedness or interconnectedness, a quest for wholeness, hope or harmony. Ultimately, spirituality is usually described as a sense that there is more to life than material things. Spirituality as far as we know, is unique to human beings, and is an important aspect to being human and finding fulfillment in life. People who are active members of a spiritual community are more likely to describe themselves as “very happy” than those without strong religious ties. Keep in mind however, that going to religious services is not directly responsible for improving people’s lives. It is more likely that certain kinds of people tend to be active in multiple types of activities, which may provide physical or psychological benefits. People who are more active overall tend to be happier and healthier. Spirituality can help people maintain good mental health. It can help us cope with everyday stress and keep us grounded and resilient. Spiritual communities can also provide valuable support and friendship. There is some evidence of links between spirituality and improvements in people's mental health. Because of the foundation that spirituality plays in our lives, one red flag to depression is a loss of interest in anything connected to spirituality or religion. Spirituality can bring a feeling of being connected to something bigger than yourself. It can provide a way of coping because it can help people make sense of what they are experiencing and help them feel grounded. Those with a spiritual orientation exhibited less physiological reactivity toward stress and expressed greater feelings of overall well-being. People report that they feel comforted using spirituality as a coping mechanism for stress. Spiritual involvement, along with the gratitude that
Spirituality can also be a feeling of belonging, connectedness or interconnectedness, a quest for wholeness, hope or harmony. can accompany spirituality, can be a buffer against stress and is linked to greater levels of physical health – translated into less stress reactivity, greater feelings of well-being and ultimately even a decreased fear of death. Self-care comes in many forms, and holds different meanings depending on your lifestyle and values. However, the six elements as described here are the fundamental basics for the day to day. By attending to your diet, getting enough sleep and rest, staying active and spending time in nature, having good social support, feeling a sense of meaning and purpose and maintaining a strong spiritual life, you will begin to notice that managing ongoing stresses and maintaining a healthy attitude is a whole lot easier. We all need a break or a relaxing vacation from time to time, but if we aren’t attending to our dayto-day wellness, sooner or later we will be forced to attend to our illness. WGW Lisa King, Ed.S., LPC, CPCS, CCTP is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Carrollton, Ga. She is a graduate of the University of West Georgia’s psychology and counselor education programs. Her specialties include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, life transitions, trauma and self-harm. Lisa is a certified professional counselor supervisor and a certified clinical trauma professional. She has been on the board of directors for the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of GA (LPCA-GA) since 2012. She is the 2018-19 past president of LPCA-GA. Visit www.csosolutions.net to find out more about Lisa and her work.
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Kids Korner
C
By Charlene Brooks Photos by Zachary Dailey
Super Easy Snowflakes
elebrate the New Year and colder temperatures with this really easy snowflake paper plate craft. A little glue and yarn is all you need to create a winter-worthy masterpiece. These precious polar bears are so simple, even the youngest children can get crafty during the cold winter months. As an additional option, attach magnets to the back and they will have a refrigerator display that will make Old Man Winter proud!
Materials Paper Plates Yarn Tape Scissors Instructions Draw a snowflake pattern on the front of a paper plate. Cut a large piece of yarn. Glue the yarn over the snowflake pattern. When you reach the end of the pattern, cut off the excess yarn and tape down on the front side of the plate.
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Precious Polar Bears
Materials 2 paper plates 2 small pom poms 1 large pom pom
Black yarn for mouth Glue Scissors Instructions Cut 2 circular ears out of one paper plate for the polar bear's ears. Glue the two ears to the front of the paper plate,
leaving 3/4 of the circles showing when you turn the plate over. Glue the two, small pom poms to the back of the paper plate for the eyes. Glue the large pom pom below the eyes for the nose. Glue the black yarn as shown for the mouth. WGW
Home Fires Occur More in the Winter Months Than Any Other Time of the Year. • • • •
Follow these heating tips to help prevent winter fires and to stay safe this winter season: Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles. Never use an oven to heat your home. Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
Source: www.usfa.fema.gov.
Dedicated Healthcare When You Need It Most • 770.832.9689 45
Word Bank
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Countdown Bubbly Festivities January Midnight Party Resolution Toast Calendar Extravaganza Fireworks Dancing Gathering New Year Collard Greens Noisemaker Parade Father Time Holiday Clock
Word search created at puzzle-maker.com
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Creating Beautiful Smiles For Over 16 years!
M. Dawn Harvey, DMD, PC
Family Dentistry and Complete Facial Esthetics 105 Dallas Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 • 770.459.5778 www.drharveysmiles.com
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?
WILL YOU BE MY
LIFESAVER
Learn hands-only CPR so you’ll be prepared to be someone’s lifesaver.
Hands-only CPR Training Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen and Wedowee locations Registration is required to reserve your seat!
Visit tanner.org/cpr now to register your family!
Also in February!
Red for a Reason
A ladies-only, brunch-and-learn heart education event Saturday, Feb. 22 | 9 to 11:30 a.m. In Villa Rica Reserve your seat now at tanner.org/redforareason.
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