West Georgia Woman Magazine July 2020

Woman

Complimentary

July 2020

West Georgia

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Ruth Fuller

The Best Medicine

Mental Health Lessons Learned from a Virus

Stop Ruining Your Relationship!

Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family 1

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Carroll County's first female pharmacist shares her story.

Page 10 Photo by Zachary Dailey

What’s inside...

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The Best Medicine

38

Mental Health Lessons from a Virus

20

Keep the Boredom at Bay

41

Pain in the Gut

33

Breaking Destructive Relationship Patterns

In Every Issue:

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26

Daily Fare

30

Local Happenings

29

Womentality

44

Kids Korner

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Difficult Times

As if dealing with the coronavirus wasn't enough, we were all shocked by the horrendous and inexcusable murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, and the subsequent outpouring of – also inexcusable – hate and violence that has erupted throughout our country as a result.

Although I am not black and will never understand or be able to relate to what it is like to be a black person in this world, I do understand the feelings of outrage over this horrible murder. I am angry and disgusted that this happened.

I also understand that the mainstream media wants all of us to believe the false narrative that all whites hate blacks and all blacks hate whites; that all cops hate blacks and all blacks hate cops. I know that this is simply not true. I think most of us – black, white, yellow, brown or whatever our skin color is – want to just be free to live our lives in peace and harmony with each other.

Also, as someone who has been in a relationship with a police officer for almost 10 years, I understand too well the fears that police officers and their families have – and not only during times like these. I feel sure that most people don't realize how much these officers sacrifice to do this often, thankless job.

Photo by Zachary Dailey Their loved ones sacrifice, too, by the way. There are so many missed holidays and family outings, late nights because someone decided to shoplift or assault someone right before the shift is over, car accidents where people have been killed and mutilated, women and children who have been raped or beaten, and the list goes on and on.

They deal with the worst of the worst in society. But they still continue to put on the uniform every day, knowing that many people hate them and wish they were dead. I fear for those in uniform, because the ones who are encouraging others to kill police officers are no better than the man who killed George Floyd.

No, my police officer isn't perfect. But I have seen him at work. I've ridden with him when he was a patrol officer. And I have never seen him do one thing that is unprofessional or fueled by hatred because of someone's skin color or for any other reason. He is definitely one of the good officers, and the vast majority of police are good people – human beings – real people who have families who care about them.

I don't have the answers. I'm not sure anyone does. But I know I'm not going to allow the mainstream media to change my perception of the people I know and love in my community – no matter what color they are or what job they do. I hope you don't either.

In This Issue I believe our cover feature is very appropriate since we are celebrating Independence Day this month.

From a young age, 92-year-old Ruth Fuller was raised to be independent and successful. Her mother, Jewel, was a strong woman who believed in the power of an education. Having only a 5th-grade education herself, Jewel encouraged her daughter to go to pharmacy school. In 1950, Ruth became the first registered female pharmacist from Carroll County, Ga. Learn more about Ruth and her journey on page 10.

With many places still shut down due to the coronavirus, are your kids bored to death? On page 20, Sandra Bolan shares some fun summer activities the whole family will enjoy.

Are you ruining your relationship? Do you and your significant other keep doing the same destructive things to each other over and over again? Learn how to break those patterns on page 33.

Many of us are still reeling from the effects of the coronavirus shutdown. On page 38, Cheryl Francis shares some mental health lessons we have learned from the virus.

Thank you for reading West Georgia Woman magazine! I hope you all have a fun, safe and happy 4th of July.

Take care,

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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.

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West Georgia Woman Magazine P.O. Box 2782 Carrollton, GA 30112

Volume 5 • Issue 9 July 2020

Follow us! @WestGaWoman

This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Jordan Coffman, Zachary Dailey, Cheryl Francis, LPC, CPCS and Rose Isaacs

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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 Angela Dailey Photos by Zachary Dailey

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The Best Medicine Carroll County's First Female Pharmacist Shares Her Experience

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R

uth Fuller's mother, Jewel, was a strong-willed woman who loved everything about learning.

Although she only had a 5th-grade education herself, Jewel was determined that her daughter would have every opportunity to get an education and become successful.

Ruth, now 92 years old, made her mother proud.

In 1950, she became the first registered female pharmacist from Carroll County, Ga.

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Uncertain Beginnings Ruth was born Feb. 20, 1928 at her parents' home on Georgia Avenue in Bremen, Ga. Her parents already had two daughters, Sarah, 5, and Mary, 2, before Ruth was born. Sadly, only two weeks after the birth, Ruth's biological mother passed away due to complications from childbirth.

Ruth's father, overcome with grief from the loss of his wife and overwhelmed with the task of taking care of his other two young daughters, could not care for Ruth.

At only 2 weeks old, little Ruth became an orphan.

"I was different from the beginning," says Ruth, a mother of four children. "I don't know how to

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explain it. After I grew up and when my husband and I got married, I didn't know what was going to happen when I was pregnant. I was scared."

When her mother passed away, Ruth was placed in her grandmother's care for a short time until her uncle, Lee – her father's younger brother – and Lee's new wife, Jewel, adopted Ruth as their own. Ruth and her adopted parents lived in Carroll County.

After the adoption, her uncle became her father and her biological father became her uncle. "He had the other two little girls to take care of and couldn't care for me," she explains. "I was raised with awareness of him as being my uncle."

A Traumatic Discovery While she was growing up, Ruth remained blissfully unaware of the traumatic circumstances of her birth and the subsequent adoption. But when she was in third or fourth grade, another child at school told her she was adopted.

Lee and Jewel could no longer protect their daughter from the truth.

"It upset mother because she didn't want me to know," she says. "I was also with mother and daddy in the graveyard and I found my name on a gravestone – Ruth Bowen. That was my mother.

So, naturally, it was very upsetting to me to see my name on a gravestone. After that, they told me."

Family Ties

Ruth, age 16.

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Ruth grew up spending much of her time on her grandparents' farm on Pleasant Ridge Road in Carrollton, Ga. "I loved my grandparents," she shares. "I guess I was the closest to them – in a way – of all the grandkids. My grandpa, he was special."

It was during time spent at her grandparents' house that she and her biological sister, Mary, were

able to bond with each other.

"Mary and I were real close," she says. "We liked to do the same things. She lived with my grandparents a lot – especially during the summer – and helped take care of them. So I would go and stay with her. We had a lot of fun together, hanging out. I guess I was closer to her, even though I didn't consider her my sister. She Left photo: Left, Billy Johnson and his father, Edgar, behind the drug store counter.

Right photo: Far right, Johnson's Drug Company in 1943. It's quite possible that Ruth was a cousin. Sarah, the older may have been working inside the store when this photo was taken. Photos: Carroll one, was not near as close to me. County Historical Society https://www.carrollcountyhistory.org/InglesGallery.html She liked to do handiwork and stuff like that, and I wanted to play owners of Johnson's Drug Company on Adamson outside just like Mary did. We were outdoor kids and Square in Carrollton, Ga. In the mid-1800s, Dr. W.E. Sarah was an indoor kid. I did not consider them my Johnson started the business. The pharmacy was sisters until the later years." family owned and operated through five generations Ruth remained an only child until she was 19 years until it closed in 1974, according to Buchanan Drugs. old. Jewel was in her early 40s when Ruth's sister, While Ruth did help prepare the prescriptions Terry, was born in 1947. "She was my sister, really," sometimes, she mostly waited on customers at the Ruth says emphatically. front counter. She would sell candy, magazines, gifts and worked the soda fountain. "I would make Dr. Johnson an egg shake on most days," she shudders.

School Days "Yuck. He wanted a raw egg shake. I couldn't hardly When Ruth was a teenager, she worked during the handle it."

In the 40s, school only went through the 10th summers for Edgar Johnson and his son, Billy, the

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grade. Ruth graduated high school in 1944 at the age of 16. After graduation, she began attending West Georgia Junior College (WGJC), now known as the University of West Georgia, in Carrollton. "My mother was very strong, and so was my dad," she says. "They were very strongly involved in getting me educated. Mother had only gone through the 5th grade, so she was always studying on something every chance she got. She started pushing me into the medical field and she wanted me to go to pharmacy school. Of course, there wasn't a pharmacy school here, but I was working in the pharmacy downtown. So, I went to West Georgia, first."

At the time, WGJC was not just a two-year junior college; it had been a National Youth Administration Center (NYA) since 1935.

The Great Depression of the 1930s brought serious financial hardship to the youth of America.

It prevented large numbers of young people from entering the labor force and denied them the opportunity to gain or increase valuable work skills.

In 1935, there were 2.8 million young people who were on government relief. Eleanor Roosevelt, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's wife, was deeply disturbed by this and she, along with Works Progress Administration Director Harry L. Hopkins, encouraged her husband to develop a program to help America's youth.

On June 26, 1935, the NYA was established by executive order as a division of the WPA. NYA activities took two major directions: the student work program for youths in school (elementary to graduate), and out-of-school employment for the needy unemployed between the ages of 16 and twenty-four.

In 1940, with World War II looming on the horizon, the West Georgia NYA was one of three chosen to become National Defense Units, according to the University of West Georgia.

As a National Defense Unit, they produced garments and other military supplies for the war.

Women started to take over the metalworking and machining jobs as the men went off to war in 1942. Due to the men going off to war, the college became basically an all girl’s school.

During that time it was unusual for women to go to college, but Ruth says there were girls at West Georgia who came from different areas. "There were more girls than boys," she says. "Sometimes the boys from Georgia Tech would send their band down and we would have a dance. The girls would dance with each other because there weren't

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Ruth graduated from WGJC in 1946 and went on to study pharmacy at the University of Georgia Pharmacy College in Athens, Ga. The ratio of women to men at pharmacy school was shockingly different from the ratio Ruth was accustomed to at WGJC. "There were three or four of us women and about 100 men," she says. "It was weird."

In spite of the college having so many more men than women, Ruth says the men in the pharmacy program were all very respectful and supportive of the female students. "I dated a lot of the guys," she laughs. "I had a couple of really good boyfriends. Of course, Carlos was thrown in there, also. I had been dating him, too." Carlos was Ruth's future husband, although she didn't know that, at the time.

Everlasting Love In 1944, Ruth met 18-year-old Carlos through a cousin of his during a basketball game at the WPA Center in Carrollton.

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The historic City Gym building, now known as the WPA Center, is a stone building located at the corner of North Cliff and Chandler Streets, overlooking a park on US Hwy 27. The building was constructed in 1937 with WPA labor. It is a combination of a community center and a gymnasium. "I was 16 when we met, and he was just getting out of boot camp," she says. Carlos was in the U.S. Navy. When he went back, he was attached to the Marine Corps as a navy corpsman and spent two years in the Pacific.

The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps do not have medics, they have corpsmen, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command. Navy corpsmen get their names from the U.S. Navy’s Hospital Corps. Established in 1898, the Hospital Corps gave the U.S. Navy the ability to give enlisted sailors formal medical training.

Corpsmen assist doctors on board ships and submarines, and some are attached to Marine units. When in combat, corpsmen are trained to run toward the action to help the wounded, often risking their own lives to do so.

Carlos was released from the Navy in 1946. He and Ruth weren't seriously dating at first. They went out on dates a few times here and there when Ruth

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would come home from school, but in 1947, they began dating steadily. During the winter holidays in 1948, Carlos gave Ruth a ring and asked her to marry him. With only six months to go before her graduation from pharmacy school, she accepted his proposal.

Making Medicine The last half of 1949 was a whirlwind of activity for the young couple. Ruth graduated from UGA on June 11. Carlos, his mother and Jewel were all there to watch Ruth receive her diploma. Lee couldn't be there because he had to stay home and watch Ruth's new baby sister.

In July, Ruth landed a job as an intern at Emory Hospital in Atlanta. Although she had graduated from pharmacy college and had some work hours from Johnson's Drug Company, she didn't have enough pharmacy work hours to be a registered pharmacist. At the end of her internship, she would also have to take an extensive pharmacy board exam that included making certain drug preparations.

"The Dean of the college always kept his eyes out for jobs for the girls," she explains. "There were no pharmacy jobs for girls at the time except in hospitals – unless a girl was married to a man who owned a pharmacy or if her father or a relative owned one, and she worked there."

When Ruth began working at Emory, the pharmacy department staff was made up of only women.

Ruth's boss, Miss Price, was older, and she took the other girls under her wing.

"She Ruth and Carlos at her graduation from the was a UGA College of Pharmacy on June 11, 1949.

wonderful lady," Ruth shares. "She was one of the oldest women pharmacists in Atlanta. So she taught us a lot. We had progressive women back then. I was progressive, along with the other women who were involved in pharmacy with me. Miss Price, and the women I worked with – they were all very progressive. They were all so great, and I think I just took after them. Working there was not a chore. It was a pleasure."

Carlos began attending pharmacy school in the fall, and worked part-time in downtown Atlanta at Jacob's Pharmacy, a drugstore chain that had about 10 or 11 stores.

On October 8, Ruth and Carlos were married.

They rented a little upstairs apartment in Decatur, Ga., for $75 a month. Ruth worked full-time while Carlos attended pharmacy college and continued to work part-time. At Emory, Ruth received two meals a day, her uniforms were laundered for her and her salary was only $175 per month.

After about six months, the couple realized buying a home would save them money in the long run – about $20 a month – so they bought a brand new house in North Decatur for $7,250. Their mortgage payment was only $55 a month with taxes and insurance.

Ruth's favorite part of working at the hospital was mixing medication ingredients, or compounding.

In compounding, drugs are created by combining two or more raw ingredients to match the individual needs of patients.

Pharmaceutical companies today primarily grew out of 19th century chemical manufacturers and pharmacies, according to Arthur Daemmrich in his book, Pharmacy in History.

These companies expanded worldwide after Word War II, and the large majority of pharmacies in the U.S. experienced a sharp decline in the need for drug compounding between the 1950s and the early 21st century.

There are still a few pharmacists who offer drug compounding today.

"I used to love to build drugs up from scratch," she says. "We made up saline solutions for them to use in the IVs. They weren't

checked or anything – we just made them up. We fixed the doses of medications for all of the patients.

I enjoyed making the drugs by hand, but we can't do that now.

It was not like it is now. That's the part that I liked the best. I Ruth and Carlos in their wedding photo. wanted to Oct. 8, 1949. be able to do the IV nutrition. I was able to do some of that later when we owned a drugstore in Tucker, Ga." About six months after graduating, Ruth had enough work hours to take the board exam.

She had finally become a registered pharmacist.

When Carlos finished school and became a registered pharmacist in June 1953, he made $1 per hour. In the summers, he would work close to 80 hours a week so he could make more money.

Much has changed for pharmacists over the last 70 years, including the A scale, salary. There are about hypodermic 314,300 pharmacists in syringe and the United States today mortar and and the median salary pestles that Ruth would in 2019 was $61.58 per regularly use hour, or $128,090 per in her work. year, according to the U.S. The mortar Bureau of Labor Statistics. and pestles were used for compounding drugs. As you can see, there is a veterinary syringe underneath the hypodermic syringe. She could also prepare drugs for domestic and farm animals.

Medical Breakthroughs There were many breakthroughs in medicine during the 40s and early 50s, including the development of the polio vaccine and the

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works as a maintenance coordinator for Delta. He works with a large team of people who are in charge of the maintenance of Delta's 737s – about 220 airplanes. "They have all been successful with their jobs," Ruth says. "We're very proud of them."

Although none of their children went into a pharmacy career, Ruth is proud to share that her little sister, Terry, followed in Ruth's footsteps and became a pharmacist.

Carlos later sold the drugstore and worked as Left: Ruth and Carlos celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in October 2019 at the WPA a pharmacist for Kroger.

Center on Hwy 27 in Carrollton. They met for the first time at a basketball game in this building in He retired from pharmacy 1944 – 76 years ago. Right: Ruth and Carlos on June 9, 2020. in 1987 at age 62.

Ruth worked at Doctors hospital in Tucker for 15 creation of the kidney dialysis machine, but the years and a couple of other hospitals in the Atlanta one Ruth remembers most is the development of area for the remainder of her career. Thirty years chemotherapy drugs used to treat leukemia, breast ago, they moved from Stone Mountain back to cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer and others.

Carrollton to care for their aging parents.

Methotrexate was one of the first anticancer agents that was created in 1948. Ruth would make Carrollton the chemotherapy solutions up that were used in the Fraternal hospital IVs.

Family Life Ruth worked at Emory throughout her entire pregnancies with sons, David and Joe. "When I was pregnant with David, I was working at the hospital the day I went into labor," she says. "And I went right upstairs and had him." All four of their children were born at Emory Hospital. "All the nurses would say, 'Well, we've got another Fuller," she laughs.

Later, in the 1960s, Emory stopped providing labor and delivery services.

After Joe was born, Ruth switched to part-time.

The family lived in Stone Mountain, and Carlos bought a drugstore in Tucker where he and Ruth both worked while the kids were growing up.

Their son, David, 66, is a freelance engineer who lives in Atlanta. Joe, 63, is a Navy veteran who worked 34 years for the U.S. Postal Service. He retired last year. Their only daughter, Nancy, 61, retired last month from Tanner Health System after 30 years. She was the blood bank superviser at the Carrollton facility. Jon, 59, is a Navy veteran and

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A Satisfying Career

As for Ruth's path in life, she really has no regrets – only happy memories of her time as a pharmacist.

For four years, while living in Carrollton, Ruth was "When I was at Emory, the girls and my boss were still driving back and forth to Atlanta to work. One so special there," she relates. "We would do things day, she received a phone call that she would have together, other than work there. I loved our boss, been ecstatic to receive 40 years earlier.

Miss Price – I just loved her to death. I miss her still.

The person on the other line was a Tanner Health She died after I moved here to Carrollton. I guess System representative. all of us being together is my fondest memory. And Tanner needed a pharmacist to work the night all of the guys who were detail men (pharmaceutical shift. Sadly, Ruth had just gotten the news that she representatives) – they were all special to us. Just a was no longer able to drive at night. lot of good memories. It was fun."

"There were no girls who worked in pharmacy Although she stopped practicing pharmacy in in Carrollton when I graduated from pharmacy 1994, Ruth didn't surrender her license until 2008, school," she when she was 80 shares. "I didn't years old. She go, but I had enjoyed going to the opportunity continuing education at the latter training each year. part of my life.

"I just love every I would have part of pharmacy," loved working she shares. "I really for Tanner. I do. And if I could, would have been I would go back able to work today. I don't think Left: Carlos' pharmacy certificate. As you can see, he seems pretty happy to be in Carrollton, there is any part that retired. Right: Ruth's pharmacy certificate. She didn't surrender her license until finally."

I didn't love." WGW 2008, when she was 80 years old.

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Keep the Boredom at Bay

Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family 20

By Sandra Bolan

P

andemic. Social distancing. Flattening the curve.

Respirator. Ventilator. Coronavirus. Quarantine.

Shelter-in-place. Contact tracing.

These are just some of the words and phrases COVID-19 has added to our everyday language.

Now, you can include virtual tourism. You get to jet-set around the world while avoiding the long lines, expensive tickets and crowds.

National Parks The National Park Service offers a multitude of virtual tours. A few of the more unique sites you can visit include New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon and Dry Tortugas National Park.

The virtual tour of Carlsbad Caverns takes you on a walk through the caverns where you can see the unique rock formations as well as thousands of bats.

You can also “experience” life as a bat.

Bryce Canyon is famous for its red and orange hoodoos. Via the virtual tour you can get up close to them while on horseback.

Seventy miles west of Key West is the Dry Tortugas National Park. With this virtual tour you can swim through the world’s third largest coral reef and dive into a shipwreck from the early 1900s.

Find these tours at www.nps.gov.

Once you’ve toured a national park, check into

the Monterey Bay Aquarium live streams at www.montereybayaquarium.org and the Cincinnati Zoo live streams on Facebook @cincinnatizoo.

Washington’s Smithsonian Institution, which is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, has many of its exhibitions available for virtual tours online. Some of the shows you can see include Superheroes, My Computing Devices and The Wright Brothers: The Invention of the Aerial Age. Find these tours at www.si.edu/exhibitions.

Google Arts and Culture (artsandculture.google. com) takes you inside sporting sites, palaces and museums from around the world. You can also find out what your superpower is or view the history of Hollywood. The possibilities are endless. The best part is the whole family can each pick a place they want to travel to, and it won’t cost thousands of dollars in airfare.

Close to Home While Georgia’s parks have re-opened, they are congested with everyone wanting to get outside the confines of their neighborhood to soak up some fresh air. But you can safely tour them at www.gpb.org/education/georgia-studies/virtualfield-trips.

Museums and other historical sites are also still

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Backyard camping is also another great way to get children used to being and sleeping outdoors – for when you decide to make a campground your vacation destination.

closed, but they are online, including The Rock Ranch, Atlanta Zoo’s Panda cam and Savannah’s Forsyth Park. www. exploregeorgia.org/exploregeorgia-from-home.

Take a virtual train ride at Villa Rica’s Pine Mountain Gold Museum. Visit their Facebook page @PineMountainGoldMuseum.

Bookworms Some local libraries are offering curbside pickup. They are also offering eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines from their website www.wgrls.org/visit, which will help you find the library closest to you.

You just need a library card.

Pick a book, either via download or hard copy, the whole family can read together. Then every night, each family member takes a turn reading from that book. Some books to consider are: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Ronia The Robber’s Daughter; Where the Mountain Meets the Moon; All of a Kind Family; The Secret Garden and The Cricket in Times Square. Your library and online booksellers will also have suggestions.

Making the characters of a book come to life can be challenging. So why not listen to other people read ... or rap your favorite books? Wes Tank takes Dr. Seuss books to a whole new level with his rap videos of Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Sox, Hop on Pop and many others. Search Wes Tank at www.youtube.com.

Josh Gad, the voice of Frozen’s Olaf, broadcasts readings on Twitter @joshgad. Children’s book author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen has recordings of his books on Instagram live @chrisvandusenbooks.

You can also listen to Storytime from Space at www.storytimefromspace.com or hear pirates spin their tales at www.storypirates.com/podcast.

Get Outdoors Go for a day hike and picnic at a local or state park. Be warned – other families are doing the same thing, so social distancing might be a challenge.

If you want to explore farther afield, check out the free App AllTrails. It rates trails based on difficulty and provides information on some of the wildlife and unique sites you might see along the way.

You also don’t need to leave home to have a picnic. You can set one up right in your own backyard.

Go Back in Time When I was a kid, many, many, many years ago, on Saturday nights during the summer, the whole family would pile into the car and head to the 401 DriveIn. We saw some of the best movies while sitting on the roof of our car – Indiana Jones, Jaws, On Golden Pond as well as Smokey and The Bandit, to name a few.

As an adult, my husband and I once lived near one of the province’s last drive-ins, which holds dusk-to-dawn showings on long weekends.

Around here, there is Atlanta’s Starlight DriveIn, but Carrollton now has its very own – Freedom Drive-In on Bankhead Highway. The drive-in is scheduled to open soon.

Once again, back in the day when we only had three TV channels and a rotary phone that was a land line and no concept of the Internet, we had family game nights. We played card games like Uno, Old Maid and Rummy, as well as board games such as Monopoly, Sorry and Life. We would even break out charades every once in awhile or do a giant puzzle together. Lego® sets are also great fun to build together as a family.

Get Crafty There are many online tutorials for most any type of craft or art project you may be thinking of creating together. Set aside a specific day and time for everyone to work on their project – even if you are all doing separate things, you’re still spending time together and pitching in when needed.

For super simple projects, make macaroni jewelry – just paint the uncooked pasta, thread it and wear it as a necklace or bracelet.

If you prefer something with a little more detail, Carrollton’s Brushstrokes Mobile Art Studio www.brushstrokesmobileartstudio.com offers DIY pottery kits via front porch pick up.

Each kit includes everything you’ll need to paint a ceramic figurine or bank: one ceramic figurine, bank or ornament; six acrylic paint colors (in separate paint pots) and one paint brush. Kits range in price from $10 to $20. WGW

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Daily Fare With

e s o R f e h C

Photos by Zachary Dailey

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Chef 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.

"

For additional heat in the mango sauce add in some habanero peppers. For less heat, use red bell peppers.

"

Grilled Wings with Spicy Mango Sauce Ingredients

14 to 17 whole chicken wings bone-in and skin-on 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon smoked paprika For the mango sauce 1 mango 2 jalapeĂąos seeded and chopped 2 cloves garlic 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons lime juice

Preparation Preheat grill to medium high heat.

Place all wings in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt,

pepper and paprika.

Set aside.

In a blender or food processor, combine mango, jalapeĂąo,

garlic, paprika, vinegar and lime juice until smooth.

Combine mango sauce and honey in a small sauce pot

over medium heat and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Place wings on the grill and cook 8 minutes.

Flip the wings and continue cooking for another 8 minutes

or until wings reach an internal temperature of 165°.

Remove wings from the grill and toss in spicy mango

sauce.

Serves 4.

1/4 cup honey

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Red White and Blue Cocktail or Mocktail

Ingredients 1 750 ml bottle rosĂŠ, sparkling moscato, Prosecco or sparkling white grape juice 1/2 cup vodka (omit if making mocktail) 2 cups sliced strawberries 2 cups blueberries

1 apple sliced 1/4-inch thick

Preparation

"

Nice and refreshing for a hot summer Fourth of July party. The mocktail is perfect for a baby shower or kids' party.

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"

Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to punch out star shapes from the apple slices.

Add all fruit to large pitcher.

Pour in either rosĂŠ or sparkling white grape juice.

Add 1/2 cup vodka.

Stir to combine.

Pour into glasses with ice.

Garnish with strawberry slices.

Serves 4. WGW

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “There can be no true home without liberty.”

– Harriet Beecher Stowe

“Freedom is not won on the battlefields. The chance for freedom is won there. The final battle is won or lost in our hearts and minds.”

– Helen Gahagan Douglas

“The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.”

– Aung San Suu Kyi

“Who ever walked behind anyone to freedom? If we can't go hand in hand, I don't want to go.”

– Hazel Scott

“The essence of America – that which really unites us – is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea – and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn't matter where you came from, but where you are going.”

– Condoleezza Rice 29

Local Happenings

Due to our country's current health situation, please call or email the organizations included in our local events section to inquire about in-person meetings.

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.

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

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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.

Domestic Abuse Support Group There is Hope is a support group for women dealing with, or who have dealt with domestic abuse. Through There is Hope, women will come together and share their personal journey, while listening to others share theirs as well.

There will be guidance for help and resources available at each meeting. Meetings are free to attend. This group will meet the second Wednesday of every month. The meetings are free to the public.

Group meetings will be held at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton in classroom 4 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Contact hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information.

Women of West Central Georgia Luncheon This event will be held on Thursday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Del'avant Event Center, 141 Main St., LaGrange. The cost is $45 to attend.

Keynote speaker will be Corrine Hodges, CEO of the Association of Women's Business Centers in Washington, D.C. Follow Resource Exchange Consulting Group on

Facebook for more information or call 706.573.6826.

Visit www.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Carroll EMC Offices Closed for Independence Day In observance of Independence Day, Carroll EMC office lobbies, drive-thrus and call center will be closed Friday, July 3.

During this time, make payments at the kiosks, through the automated phone payment system (770832-3552), online at carrollemc.com or via the free Carroll EMC mobile app. To report a power outage, call 770-832-3552 (Option 1) or report it online or via the mobile app.

Carroll EMC Blood Drive Carroll EMC will host a blood drive Tuesday, July 7, 2020 in the Robert D. Tisinger Community Center at the Carrollton office from 10 am until 3 pm.

Walk-ins are welcome or if you’d like to sign up for an appointment, please call 770-832-3552.

Southwire Selected as 2020 U.S. Best Managed Company Reflecting its commitment to excellence and world-class business practices, Southwire has been selected as a 2020 U.S. Best Managed Company.

“We are excited that Southwire has been named as a member of the U.S. Best Managed Companies program,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “For seven decades, we have delivered high-quality products and service to our customers and treated our employees with utmost gratitude and respect. We continue to be guided by strict ethical standards, environmental stewardship and a focus on giving back to the local community, and these commitments have undoubtedly brought us to where we are today and contributed to this tremendous honor.”

The U.S. Best Managed Companies program, which is sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, began in 2008 and has expanded into 21 countries worldwide. In its inaugural year within the U.S., the program seeks to recognize and honor private companies for their management skills and practices.

To participate, companies must be headquartered

31

in the U.S. and have annual revenues of at least $250 million. Honorees are then selected from the pool of applicants based on their overall business performance and industry-leading practices among the four evaluation criteria: strategy, execution, culture and financials.

Southwire is among only 27 honorees selected by an external, independent panel of judges, and those honorees represent a number of different industries, including consumer goods, energy and industrials, financial services, healthcare, technology and more.

Some of the business practices that led to Southwire’s receipt of this award include the development and communication of a ONE Southwire strategy, a long-lasting commitment to innovation, sound financial decision-making and a culture that emphasizes sustainability for its customers, employees, communities and the environment.

“We are proud to be among the 27 companies chosen to receive this award,” said Guyton Cochran, Southwire executive vice president and CFO. “Receiving this recognition is a team effort. This is an achievement that our entire organization can celebrate, and we are thankful for everything that our hard-working and dedicated employees have done throughout the years to help make this possible.” For a complete list of honorees, please visit www.usbestmanagedcompanies.com.

Photo by Southwire.

WGTC Foundation Awards 63 Scholarships The West Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded 63 students with over $31,000 in scholarships for Summer Semester 2020.

“On behalf of our Foundation Board of Trustees, we want to congratulate all of the scholarship recipients on their academic success,” Foundation Board of Trustees President Bryant Hightower said. “We’re so proud to know that our partners’ investments, as well as our own, are being spent

32

wisely on such a dedicated and skilled workforce.

We are grateful to all of our partners and donors who make these investments possible.”

Angel Reynolds, a recipient of a WGTC Foundation Scholarship, thanked the Foundation in a written note.

“My journey through life has not been the easiest.

Being a 22-year-old single mom of two kids has been both a blessing and a struggle. Throughout the years, I have been continuously told that I would not be able to accomplish my goals just because I am a young mom,” Angel wrote.

“That fueled me to work even harder, and now I am in my sophomore year of my Business Healthcare Technology and Healthcare Management Programs, with plans to apply to the Registered Nursing program after I complete these programs.

Your Foundation will always be remembered and cherished by me because I know that there are people out there who want me to succeed and chase after my goals. I am beyond grateful to be able to attend the summer semester at WGTC thanks to this scholarship.”

The WGTC Foundation has also experienced more success in the last year with its Gap Funding program. The Gap Funding program was started in 2018 as a retention initiative to guarantee students’ outstanding tuition balances.

The program “fills the gap” in a student’s ability to fully fund his or her education at WGTC. Students are expected to repay the amount awarded to them, establishing a culture of responsibility and creating sustainability for future students in need of funding.

Since its inception, over 700 students have been beneficiaries of the program.

“The beauty of the Gap Funding program is that students are expected to repay the amount we guarantee, thereby replenishing the fund for future students,” Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Kelsey Jones said. “Students are repaying the program at a rate of 94 to 99 percent each semester, so we’ve spent only a fraction of what we’ve guaranteed. We’re very impressed by our students’ sense of responsibility to this program and their understanding of the importance to ‘pay it forward’ when they can.”

Scholarships are offered each semester to students in a variety of programs and locations at WGTC. For more information about scholarship opportunities available, please visit www. westgatech.edu/foundation-scholarship.

To learn more about establishing or contributing to a scholarship fund or how you can get involved with gap funding, please contact Kelsey Jones at kelsey.jones@westgatech.edu.

breaking destructive relationship patterns

By Sandra Bolan

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I

t’s Friday night and instead of spending it with your significant other, you’re spoon-deep in a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey that’s being chased down with a bottle of Prosecco, while you watch Bridget Jones’ Diary for the 100th time.

While you oscillate between Team Darcy and Team Cleaver, you wonder: “What went wrong? Why did we break up? What did I do? Will I be single forever? How can I get him back?”

Depending on how many pints of ice cream and bottles of wine you’ve consumed, you may even be curled up in the fetal position on the floor texting your now ex-partner everything from a tirade in all caps about how much you hate him or with an abundance of emojis proclaiming your never ending love.

This isn’t your first trip down Heartbreak Alley and it may very well not be the last.

These exes all look a little different but all of these relationships have something, besides you, in common. But what? What is the common denominator that has led to their eventual implosion?

To answer that question, you have to look back, way back, to when you were a child.

Believe it or not, our failed or toxic adult

This isn’t your first trip down Heartbreak Alley and it may very well not be the last.

34

relationships are a direct result of childhood traumas, according to Life Care Wellness Center’s website.

They offer a holistic approach to therapy.

Think about it. Are you passive-aggressive?

“These are people who often strike out with sarcasm they call a joke or ‘mistakes’ they claim were innocent. They don’t feel comfortable showing their anger because they don’t know what will happen if they do. … Protecting their already patched-up hearts in a self-defeating way,” according to E.B. Johnson, a writer and life coach.

If you’re not passive-aggressive, are you perhaps a people-pleaser? If you can't say no to people, and you're overly generous with your time, it’s likely because you inconsistently received love and affection as a child so you seek it out as an adult, according to Goalcast, a website that empowers people to live life with purpose.

So, how do you move forward and embark on a new relationship that isn’t just another version of the last one, or the one before that, or the one before that?

• Forgive Yourself. “You didn’t ask for the unhealthy relationships you’ve found yourself in. You’re not a masochist,” according to stronsensitivesouls. com, which is dedicated to transforming your perception of yourself into a strength. “Your pain served a purpose and brought you to this place where you can recognize your own patterns, if you’re willing to look for them. In a way, those unhealthy relationships were gifts because they provided clues as to what needs healing in your life. So, give forgiveness a chance. That is the only way to wipe your slate

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Recognizing Toxic Behaviors

Toxic behaviors manifest themselves in a multitude of ways. If you’re on the receiving end of any of these, leave. If you recognize these behaviors in yourself, perhaps therapy may be in order.

Jealousy. “Getting angry when your partner looks at, talks to or hangs out with a member of the opposite gender is not normal and it is not healthy,” according to Johnson.

Keeping score. The only scorecards used in life should be for sports. In relationships, this is just a tool of manipulation and undermines the relationship’s trust and respect.

Buying your way back in the relationship. How many times on the Real Housewives have you seen women saunter into a restaurant for lunch with their gal-pals all too eager to show off the latest million dollar bauble their spouse has just given them? It’s a make-up gift for the latest blow-up they just had. “Over time, it leads to bigger and more toxic conflict as well as pent-up resentment that causes divisions that can never be healed,” according to Johnson.

Fixing the other person. How many times have you gone into a relationship thinking, for example, the serial cheater who is now yours will never do it again because you can fix him or her and be their perfect partner. No one is perfect and relationships should not be based on one partner trying to fix the other one. “People don’t change unless they want to change,” Johnson says.

Threats or mind games. Neither one of these should ever rear their ugly heads in a relationship.

If you’re on the receiving end of either, then you should leave immediately.

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clean,” according to Banu Sekendur, an intuitive coach and healer. One way to work through your early life is to journal. Many people find it helps them get in touch with past traumas and emotions in a safe, nonjudgmental space.

You can also seek out counseling.

• Take a Hard Look Women’s Auto Clinic. at Your Behavior.

This is not the Women’s Concierge Service. time to have your girlfriends come together and tell 770.832.9465 you how amazing you are and how much of an idiot 134 Bankhead Ave., Carrollton your former partner www.lamberttirecompany.com is. Your girlfriends can be helpful, but only if they are honest and point out some behaviors you consistently exhibit when you get into a relationship. Are you so dependent on your partner that you make him/her the center of your universe and drop everything and everyone like a hot potato when they call? Or are you too independent and it’s your way or the highway – for everything? Are you willing to make sacrifices, like not cheating on your partner if it’s supposed to be a monogamous relationship?

You can’t live the life of a swinging single woman and be in a committed relationship. Do you communicate? Or do you let little annoyances build up until they become the elephant in the proverbial room that has you exploding over something else that is, in reality, not a big deal.

You and your partner should be able to express your concerns without fear of it becoming a war of words.

• Look for Warning Signs. What are those triggers/warning signs everyone else can see except you, when you’re heading into yet another disastrous relationship? Do you pull away from your BFFs? Change how you dress or wear your hair?

• Write Down your Relationships Goals. Don’t

or the kind of car they drive. Focus on how you want to feel when you’re around this person. “When you identify the feelings you long for, you won’t get as easily lured in by the triggers you’ve identified,” according to strongsensitivesouls. com • Move On. This may sound harsh, but once you’ve cleared out the ice cream and wine sections of the grocery store, had a heart-toheart with yourself and your BFFs, as well as forgiven yourself, it’s time to pick yourself up by the bootstraps and move forward.

Hopefully, armed with the knowledge that you will not repeat the same mistakes in the future. WGW

You'll know when it's time to move on. focus solely on the physical aspects of your dream partner, or how much money they make

Because a HOME is much more than a house.

Shala Hainer, Realtor Cell: 770.842.8500 Office: 770.240.2004 shalahainer@gmail.com 37

Mental Health Lessons From a Virus

By Cheryl Francis, LPC, CPCS

E

verything has its purpose! We may not agree, nor like this phrase; but even a negative situation creates opportunities for learning.

The season we're in right now with the COVID-19 pandemic brings with it lessons that, if continued to practice, will keep us mentally strong.

Many of us for the first time in a long time have had to sit, reflect and ask ourselves some questions.

We may have checked in with ourselves asking “How am I truly doing? Am I living life as normal or am I being cautious?”

With the quarantine, whether self or mandatory, “Did I do what was unavoidable, or unnecessary?

And, how have I been authentically living my one earthly life?” This different kind of normal, because of COVID-19, has shown us how we have been genuinely living. The answers to the questions reveal how we have been caring for our mental health.

During the height of the pandemic, some of us actually went to a breaking point. We experienced and understood what it was like to suffer a mental illness; something that impacts how we live laugh, love, work and learn. We recall how our days all came together, as we forgot what day it was. Our lives were totally disrupted, and our mental health strengths tested.

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Unprecedented job losses occurred in a matter of days. This one thing contributed to significant financial losses. In April 2020, 6.6 million unemployment claims were filed in one week, according to the Department of Labor. Along with this report came more Americans – millions – who have lost their jobs since. If our finances are not right, our mental health is impacted.

The quarantine, or sheltering in place as it was referred to caused us all to face some sort of trauma.

When our bodies undergo trauma or distress, parts of our brain stop functioning at their optimum level to help us survive. This prevents us from fully processing much of what happens around us. We become hypervigilant, anxious, abnormally inactive, anxious or even depressed. We learn to manage our emotions and function; lowering expectations of ourselves so we can mentally survive. In other words, we developed skills to help us weather the suffering.

Not only did we experience trauma because of COVID-19, but we all shared a collective grief and loss. We had common experiences in missing someone or something dear to us. Our sense of safety, social connectedness, financial security, stability and our lifestyles were abruptly taken from us. In an advanced, developed country as the USA,

we witnessed that access to healthcare was limited.

We had to adjust to the way learning and education was done. Our entire way of functioning was interrupted!

But, like the phoenix, we rise and continue to rise. We discovered how to do things to protect our mental health. Individually, many of us learned crucial techniques to implement the management of our weight, health and lifestyle. We ultimately increased the quality of how we live, laugh, love, work and learn. If these habits are continued, we can be healthier individuals and ultimately, become a healthier society.

Having to shelter in place, we made efforts to improve our mental wellness. Intellectually, we identified our creative abilities and found ways to increase our knowledge. Some took time to learn a new language, hobby or skill. We may have even created and sought out new ways to improve ourselves and and our self-image.

Emotionally, we developed the ability to cope effectively with life and create satisfying relationships. We learned to be intentional about cultivating a self-care routine and reduce stress to grow inner strengths. We became aware and accepted our feelings to stay positive and overcame

Ruby Hightower, Certified Therapy Dog and Grief Counselor.

the challenges we experienced.

Creativity burst forth like rain lilies after a wet spell. Like a matrix, we increased a customized sense of connectedness and belonging with the relationships we had. We nurtured healthy and supportive relationships. Many of us reached out to the important people in our lives on a more consistent basis. We utilized electronics, not only for self-gratification, but to sustain connections and encourage others. New relationships were formed, and old ones rekindled.

Meditation, mindfulness and the spiritual attributes of our being thrived. We took time to examine our purpose and meaning in life. We sought to establish a stronger bond with a higher force concealed within. We took time to ask ourselves questions to help find meaning to our existence. Space was given to be intentional about distancing the self from the noise of the everyday in order to find a peaceful time to reflect.

With limited places to go, physical factors regarding the way we lived were exercised. As the nature of the virus became evident, we were encouraged to care for our bodies through activity, nutrition and a strong belief system. Many of us chose to eat a well-balanced diet including foods

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Some of us chose family time over school assignments or lessons over doing laundry. Most important, instead of balancing an many of us chose to laugh and snuggle, focusing on the fact that we were safe, sheltering in place.

with dense nutrients and vitamins. We built our immune systems and became conscious of even the slightest activity. Many of us did not worry about getting sleep as we were able to slow down and rest.

Whether we wanted to or not, we became environmentally conscious. We conserved energy and did what we could to allow our environment to repair itself. When we could, we went outdoors, or allowed the outdoors in by opening doors and windows.

The way we gained personal satisfaction and enrichment from our work – even if we did not previously enjoy the work we did – changed. Our attitudes shifted as we began to develop and manifest an attitude of gratefulness. We reflected on the opportunities we have and acknowledged that we are employed and are not in the over 6.6 million out of work. With the new way of working, we reflected on what we needed and sought out ways to be successful in our present occupation. We became team players, communicating and collaborating to finish tasks.

Many of us may have created a vision board for the first time as we recognized the importance of setting life goals. Those of us who were still gainfully employed, being concerned about joining the millions of unemployed, used the time to figure out the family debt ratio. Wills were created and finances were organized. Innovative paths to create streams of income and creating a budget helped to create a plan for a positive financial future. A process to successfully manage finances was developed. During this time, this behavior supported a healthy mental health process.

As women, many of us engage in multiple roles naturally. The virus contributed to a change in our roles as we were thrust into roles we would prefer not to do. We became full-time teachers and still had to maintain and complete our other life roles.

We reinvented ourselves and chose to control what happens to us. Many of us chose to create memories

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additional life role. Some of us chose family time over school assignments or lessons over doing laundry.

Most important, many of us chose to laugh and snuggle, focusing on the fact that we were safe, sheltering in place.

For those of us who became overwhelmed with managing on our own, we took courageous steps and asked for help. We were determined to manage our mental health with a vengeance. We sought out professional healers and helpers. We kept a routine to manage anxiety. We scheduled tasks and took necessary breaks to prevent burnout.

We were intentional about how we work as we implemented a determined and set time to shut down from our work roles to engage in family time.

We managed what we set our time and energy to accomplish. We realized how much of a hero we were, especially in the eyes of our children. We lived in the present, cherishing the moments. We lowered our expectations to stay mentally well.

Finding altruistic acceptance during the COVID-19 challenges increases our optimism and our attitude about life. We become innovative in addressing our mental health and the negative responses life hurls at us. We respond in a collective manner to keep others safe and to ensure our society remains well.

Although our mental health has been interrupted, deep inside of us, we have found the ability to heal.

These are the lessons we learned from the virus.

WGW Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the owner of The Heart Matters Wellness Services LLC, a full-service counseling agency. She is certified as a Mental Health First Aid Adult trainer and regularly provides seminars and trainings to the community on various mental health issues. She has partnered with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy to train individuals in the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Visit heartmatterswellness.com for more information about Cheryl and her work.

Pain in the Gut Signs, Symptoms and Treatment for IBS

By Sandra Bolan

T

here is nothing worse than going out to dinner with your friends and suddenly, you’ve got to go – like get-out-of-my-way-and-cutthe-bathroom-line kinda go.

If this has happened to you, you may be part of the one million Americans who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS effects the large intestine and is a chronic, long-term condition without a cure. It is difficult to diagnose, as it is identified by exclusion. In short, IBS is the abnormal function of the bowels, which results in a group of symptoms.

IBS is divided into two strains: IBS-C (constipation) and IBS-D (diarrhea). Symptoms of IBS-D include the sudden need to have a bowel movement; abdominal pain or discomfort; flatulence; loose stools; frequent stools and a feeling of being unable to empty your bowels.

IBS-C symptoms consist of hard or lumpy stools; straining while you go; infrequent stools; bloating; flatulence; abdominal distension and loss of appetite.

Causes and Risk Factors IBS is not contagious, inherited or cancerous.

Although it’s exact cause remains unknown, factors that may play a role include muscle contractions in the intestine and a poor connection between the brain and intestines, which causes the body to overreact. Other causes may be intestinal inflammation; gastroenteritis; too much bacteria in the intestines or a change in the stomach’s good bacteria.

Diagnosis Since the diagnosis of IBS is one of elimination, there is a multitude of tests your doctor may subject you to. Some of them include a colonoscopy and X-ray or CT-scan. Laboratory tests you may undergo are for lactose intolerance; bacterial overgrowth as well as an endoscopy or stool check.

The reason why a doctor would make you take a

lactose intolerance test is because lactase is an enzyme required to digest sugar found in dairy. If you don’t produce enough lactase, your symptoms will mimic IBS. A stool exam will rule out parasites or bacteria.

Treatment There is no magic pill to cure IBS. For people who suffer from either strain, it’s a matter of relieving the symptoms. There are some medications available, but the most prevalent treatment is to avoid IBS triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, raw fruit, some vegetables and gluten. IBS sufferers should also drink lots of water, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and reduce stress.

If you have IBS-C, adding fiber supplements may help. IBS-D sufferers can try taking Immodium.

The FODMAP Diet One treatment for both strains of IBS that some people find success with is the FODMAP diet.

FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols.

Researchers have found the small intestine does not absorb FODMAPs very well. "The increased fluid and gas in the bowel leads to bloating and changes in the speed with which food is digested," according to Harvard Health Publishing. "This results in gas,

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pain and diarrhea. Eating less of these types of carbohydrates should decrease these symptoms."

The purpose of this diet is to only limit the problematic foods in each category, not eliminate them.

You should eat less of these foods: • Lactose. Cow's milk, yogurt, pudding, custard, ice cream, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese and mascarpone.

• Fructose. Apples, pears, peaches, cherries, mangoes, pears and watermelon.

• Sweeteners, such as honey and agave nectar • Products with high fructose corn syrup.

• Fructans. Artichokes, asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, beetroot, garlic and onions, as well as wheat and rye.

• GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) foods.

Chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, soy products and broccoli • Polyols. Apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums and watermelon, along with cauliflower, mushrooms and snow peas • Artificial sweeteners. Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol and isomalt found in sugar-free gum and mints, as well as in cough medicines and drops.

It's important to speak with your doctor to find out what treatments are right for you. Before going on any diet, seek the help of a professional dietician, nutritionist or gastroenterologist to determine whether it is right for you as well as how best to implement it. WGW

Now Accepting Applications for PreK-3 through 12th Grades

You should eat more of these foods: • Dairy. Lactose-free milk, rice/almond/coconut milk, lactose-free yogurt, hard cheeses such as feta and brie.

• Fruit. Bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, lemon, lime, oranges and strawberries • Vegetables. Bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, bok choy, carrots, chives, cucumbers, eggplant, ginger, lettuce, olives, parsnips, potatoes, spring onions and turnips.

• Protein. Beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs and tofu • Nuts/seeds (limit to 10 to 15 each).

Almonds, macadamia, peanuts, pine nuts and walnuts • Grains. Oat, oat bran, rice bran and glutenfree pasta.

Photo credit: Todd Middlebrooks

#warriorfamily

222 Cross Plains Rd. Carrollton, GA 30116 770.834.6651 www.oakmountain.us

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Kids Korner

By Jordan Coffman Photos by Zachary Dailey

Let it Shine Outdoor Sun Hanger

A

dd some sunshine to your backyard with this really easy outdoor sun hanger.

Celebrate Independence Day and show off your patriotic spirit with these homemade 4th of July rockets. Make several to accent your driveway or walkway.

Materials Paper plate 16 mini clothespins Black and yellow paint Paintbrush Googly eyes Hot glue gun and glue sticks Scissors Strips of construction paper (bright colors), cut 2-inches in width String or twine

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Instructions Cut the paper plate in half.

Paint the plate and the clothespins yellow. Pinch the clothespins onto the top of the plate.

Glue the googly eyes to the plate. Paint a mouth with the black paint, or use a marker or crayon.

Wrap the paper strips around the paint bottle to curl the construction paper at the ends.

Glue the curled construction paper strips to the back side of the paper plate, curls facing out.

Tie the string or twine from one tree to another.

Attach the sun to the string using a clothespin on each side.

Patriotic Rocket Materials 1 Empty toilet tissue roll One strip bright hot pink construction paper, cut 2-inches in width Glue gun Glue sticks Scissors Thin dowel rod Red, white and blue curled ribbon gift bow Red and blue glittered sticky tape (we found ours at our local dollar store) Decorative glitter stars Instructions Starting at the bottom of the empty roll, attach the red sticky tape diagonally until reaching the top

of the roll. Cut the tape slightly above and below each end of the roll and fold over on the inside.

Repeat with the blue sticky tape, filling in the empty spaces between the red tape.

Glue the dowel rod to the inside of the empty roll.

Take the construction paper strip and fold into a peak for the top of the rocket.

Glue the rocket peak to the top of the roll.

Glue the curled ribbon gift bow to the inside of the bottom of the roll, leaving the curls hanging outside of the roll.

Decorate your rocket as desired with the glitter stars. WGW

Southwire is proud to donate a total of $500,000 to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hungerrelief organization, and other similar international organizations in our Giving Back communities.

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Happy Independence Day Word Search Word Bank

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Celebration Independence Fireworks Parade Stripes Music Flag Sparklers July Floats American Proud Stars Picnic Fourth Country Freedom Holiday Nation United

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Creating Beautiful Smiles For Over 17 years!

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Life Can Be Hard.

Getting the help you need shouldn’t be.

Things can spiral out of control. People can be hurtful. Trust can be lost.

Poor choices can be made. And addictions can be almost impossible to overcome alone.

You are not alone. Willowbrooke Counseling Center can help.

Our licensed mental health professionals offer comprehensive counseling services and therapies to help you get your life back. We serve children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

As your treatment partner, we are ready to listen, provide you with a free screening, support and a treatment plan that targets a wide variety of behavioral, emotional, mental health and substance abuse needs and conditions.

Call 770-812-8863 now to make an appointment.

In-person and telehealth visits available.

C A R R O L LT O N | V I L L A R I C A | C A R T E R S V I L L E

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