West Georgia Woman Magazine April 2019

Woman

Complimentary

April 2019

West Georgia

TM

Cason and Ruby Hightower

Mending Hearts in West Georgia

Don't Stress!

The Lasting Effects of Child Abuse

Learn How to Cope Without Losing Your Sanity

1

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What’s inside ...

10

Mending Hearts

29

Monsters Can Be Real

22

Don't Stress!

42

Take Care Of You!

In Every Issue:

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26

Daily Fare

35

Local Happenings

34

Womentality

44

Kidz Korner

Spring is Happening

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Advancing Health

Advancing you.

You’re not a patient — you’re a neighbor, a friend, a loved one. You’re a parent, a teacher, a coach, a sibling, a colleague. You’re a person. And as a community-based healthcare provider, we work to treat you with the respect and kindness you deserve.

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MEDICINE BEYOND MEASURESM

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A Break from the Cold Although spring is here, the weather hasn't gotten much warmer, has it? It seems Old Man Winter doesn't feel like going away any time soon. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to begin enjoying the sun and warmer temperatures!

Easter is on April 21 this year. I remember how excited Zachary and Sydney would get when it was time to hunt Easter eggs. Those days are long gone, but I still remember those precious moments when my babies were small.

In This Issue Our cover feature this month is Carrollton, Ga., resident, Cason Hightower. Cason, along with her certified grief counselor and therapy dog, Ruby, is dedicated to providing comfort and compassion to West Georgia residents. Upon request, they visit schools, assisted living facilities and convalescent homes to share love and kindness, as well as assisting those who are grieving the loss of a loved one at Hightower Family Funeral Homes.

Cason, 26, will graduate this month from the wellregarded mortuary program at John A. Gupton College, a private, two-year professional college that specializes in mortuary science in Nashville, Tenn. She will then become a licensed funeral director and embalmer. I know you will enjoy reading about Cason and Ruby, and how they are committed to mending hearts in West Georgia on page 10.

How stressed are you? Do you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? You're not alone, but too much stress is harmful to your health. If you have symptoms of stress, taking positive steps to manage the problem can greatly benefit your health. Learn how to cope with stress and when to seek help on page 22.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an annual observance in the U.S. dedicated to raising awareness, preventing child abuse and recognizing the importance of communities and families working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. It also serves to promote the emotional and social well-being of families and children. Learn more about the lasting effects of child abuse and neglect on page 29.

Have you seen our beautiful new Bridal Guide? Pick up your copy today in retail stores and medical locations throughout West Georgia and East Alabama, or visit us online at www.westgeorgiawoman.com to view the free digital version. While you're there, subscribe to our free digital issue and you'll receive the magazine and our other special publications each month in your email inbox. We never share our subscribers' email addresses with anyone, so you can rest assured your information stays only with us and our email subscriber list partner.

Do you love West Georgia Woman magazine? Do you have any ideas or suggestions that you think would make us even better? Tell us about it! We would love to hear from you. Email us at magazine@ westgeorgiawoman.com.

We look forward to providing this complimentary publication for you every month, but we can't do this without our valuable advertising partners. Please do business with our advertisers and tell them how much you appreciate them supporting all of our publications so we can continue providing you with West Georgia Woman magazine. I hope all of you and your families have a beautiful and joyous Easter season.

Photo by Keith May

See you next month,

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Publisher

Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.

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West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia.

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West Georgia

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Volume 4 • Issue 6 April 2019

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Mark Steffey

Editorial Contributors

Charlene Brooks, Janet Flanigan 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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Mending Hearts

By Janet Flanigan 10 by Mark Steffey Photos

Cason and Ruby Hightower are Dedicated to Providing Comfort and Compassion to West Georgia Residents.

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C

ason Hightower is what Wendell Berry, the beloved Kentucky writer and farmer, calls a “homecomer.” He uses the word to describe people who move from their hometown in pursuit of opportunities elsewhere and then return home, bringing earned experience and ideas with them.

After graduating high school, Cason followed an interesting path that took her to out-of-state colleges and a political job in the nation’s capital before ultimately deciding that Carrollton, Ga., is where she needed to be after all. “I have always loved Carrollton, and I’m so happy to be home,” says the 26-year-old, who is now one of a fourth generation of Hightowers serving families at Hightower Family Funeral Homes.

The Hightower Legacy The Hightower family has owned the business since it was founded by her great-grandfather, H.B. Hightower. H.B. began his mortuary career in Bradenton, Fla., in 1926, then purchased the family’s first funeral home in Bremen, Ga., in 1945. He would later purchase the Carrollton location from the Martin family in 1953.

His wife, Ruby, also worked in the family business for over thirty years, building a strong foundation for the generations of Hightowers to come. Today, H.B.’s son, Richard, and grandsons Bryant and Bill serve as funeral directors operating three funeral homes in Carrollton, Bremen and Douglasville.

The first-born daughter of Bryant and Cathy Hightower, Cason grew up in the funeral business. In fact, her first home was in the living quarters on the top floor of the Martin & Hightower Funeral Home in Carrollton.

She and her twin sisters, Karlie and Mackenzie, grew up knowing their family business was one of service to others. “People always ask what it was like, growing up in the funeral business,” she shares. “We are a family like every other family, except our dad is ‘on-call’ 24/7. My mom explained when we were little that she knew we missed our dad when he had to leave the family, but that there were other families that needed him more than we did at that time.”

Service Above Self

Cason Hightower is one of a fourth generation of Hightowers serving families at Hightower Family Funeral Homes.

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Service to others has always been important to the Hightower family, and Cason says her father is a true role model. “For a long time, he was actively involved in DMORT, which stands for Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team," she relates. "As a member, he would leave our family to help in times of national disaster."

DMORTs are disaster response teams composed of funeral directors, medical examiners, pathologists, forensic anthropologists, finger print specialists, forensic odontologists, dental assistants, administrative

specialists and security specialists. These teams of experts work to quickly to accurately identify victims and support local mortuary services to help reunite victims with their loved ones in a dignified and respectful manner, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. DMORTs are deployed in response to large-scale disasters in the United States to assist in the identification of deceased individuals and storage of bodies pending being claimed.

“I remember my dad going up to New York City for the 9/11 disaster," she relates. "I was very young – around 9 – when the disaster happened. He was gone overall for probably three months. While it was a confusing time, I clearly remember watching the television broadcasts and deciding when I grew up, I wanted to do something to help people in times of crisis. This eventually led me to my college course of studies in political science and broadcast journalism.

That led to my first work experiences in politics.”

Where Legends Are Made Cason attended school in the Carrollton City School System and graduated from Carrollton High School. In high school, she was a member of the cross-country team, swim team and participated in

numerus clubs and organizations. “I loved my family, my friends and living in Carrollton but recognized I wanted to go to college a bit further away in order to stretch my wings,” she explains.

When it was time to begin looking at colleges, her family began a college road tour, visiting several college campuses. The tour began with the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Established in 1820, the University of Alabama is the oldest and largest of the public universities in Alabama.

“When I stepped on campus, I was immediately impressed," she says. "The tours are led by Capstone Men and Women, a group of students selected to serve as official ambassadors of the university who go through training on how to give a campus tour. If there is one thing Alabama knows how to do, it’s recruit." That one trip to Tuscaloosa sealed the deal for Cason, and “Roll Tide Roll,” became her rallying cry.

As part of her college experience, Cason was extended a membership to Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) sorority. The sorority’s national philanthropy, Ronald McDonald House Charities, had a major impact on her. “The Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham had an on-site family therapy dog to help sick children, their parents and siblings cope with the trauma of hospitalization," she relates. "I saw how

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much the dog helped provide comfort to families and especially for the children." She did not know it then, but therapy dogs would become a large part of her life just a few years later.

ACUPUNCTURE

Real Medicine, Real Results

Exploring Politics Remembering the personal impact of broadcast news stories during the 9/11 tragedy, Cason believed she would follow a career in broadcast journalism. “I believe during times of crisis, the news media helps provide a sense of control in the chaos by filtering information to and reassuring the public,” she says. However, during her time at Alabama, Cason accepted summer internships with Senator Saxby Chambliss and Representative Lynn Westmoreland in Washington, D.C. Upon graduation from Alabama, she made the decision to return to Washington to join Westmoreland's team. Cason worked in a variety

“Neither my father nor my uncle ever pressured any of us kids to join the family business. It was entirely my decision. I saw how my experience in communications and events organization could be very beneficial to both the business and to the families we serve.”

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of positions, including executive assistant and deputy chief of staff. During this time, she obtained her graduate degree in political management from George Washington University. “It was a great experience and the lessons I learned were invaluable," she relates. "However, when Representative Westmoreland decided to retire

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from the House of Representatives in 2016, I decided it was a good time to make a transition.”

Home Again As her job was winding down in Washington, Bryant asked Cason to join him at a national convention for the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Active for many Women’s Auto Clinic. years in the NFDA, Women’s Concierge Service. Bryant is currently president-elect of the organization.

While attending the 770.832.9465 event, she recognized her familiarity with the 134 Bankhead Ave., Carrollton industry and felt her work experience might www.lamberttirecompany.com be useful in helping families in their hour of need. “Neither my father nor my uncle ever pressured any of us kids to join the family business," she shares. "It was entirely my decision. I saw how my experience in communications and events organization could be very beneficial to both the business and to the families we serve."

After leaving Washington, Cason joined Hightower Family Funeral Homes as their community relations coordinator. She brought with her some fresh ideas and innovations to the company. “I think there are differences in the ways men and women approach situations as well as generational differences in how we would handle things,” she explains. “My dad has been great about listening to my ideas and giving me the opportunity to try new things.”

A Welcome Addition Cason remembered how helpful the service dog had been to patients and families at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham. “I told my dad I thought we could do something similar here at the funeral home by having a therapy dog on the premises," she explains. “Daddy teased me at first, saying he thought I just wanted to get a dog! But,

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he took the Today, more than 60 percent of mortu suggestion ary science students in the U.S. are women. Many seriously and of the women are attracted to and have disc se agreed with ove the traits and skills needed as a funera red the idea but l director, he said, ‘If including a desire to comfort those cop ing we do this, with the loss of a loved one, compas sion and we have to communication skills as well as organi zational do it right.'” and event-planning skills, according to the Cason National Funeral Directors Associatio n. went into research mode and contacted a friend in Minnesota whose family is also in funeral service.

She knew her friend’s family had successfully integrated a therapy dog into their funeral home.

The family recommended Cason contact Ultimate Canine, a company in Indiana that works with a breeder to train therapy dogs, service dogs and police K-9s. “When I got in touch with Julie at Ultimate Canine, I found out they also provide therapy dogs to Ronald McDonald Houses!” she exclaims. “I knew it was the right decision.”

Julie told Cason about an Australian Labradoodle named Liberty she had trained. “She told me the dog had been trained for use with elementary

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things," Cason shares. "One family, which included a young father and his three children, were in the funeral home making arrangements for his wife. This man was clearly traumatized and was non-responsive when asked direct questions.”

Cason says she observed Ruby as she got up and sat by the man's side, putting her head on his lap. He suddenly began to cry, releasing some of his sadness. Some time later, Ruby got on the sofa with him and laid in his lap, leaning into him. Cason says she's learned that light pressure against the chest of a hyperventilating person will help regulate breathing and provide a calming presence. This is what Ruby did for that young father, allowing for a release and then a comfort.

Ruby and Cason also make regular visits to assisted living facilities and convalescent homes in the community. On one such visit, a member of the staff asked them to visit a patient whom Ruby had befriended on earlier visits. The patient's family invited Cason and Ruby into the room and Ruby

school children but that she was too ‘low energy’ for the children," she explains. "She felt the dog would be perfect in her role as a therapy dog in the funeral home. She sounded perfect for us except for one thing: she needed to change her name to Ruby.”

The Hightowers chose the name in honor of Cason's great-grandmother, Ruby Hightower, wife of founder, H.B. Hightower.

When Ruby was 6 months old, Julie brought her to Georgia to help with her adjustment and to train the funeral home staff on handling her.

“One important thing Julie taught us is that Ruby needs her down time, where she is just a dog," she explains.

"She knows when she is wearing her therapy vest, she is at work and she is mentally prepared. It was amazing at such a young age Ruby was already able to provide therapy, but she is still a puppy and needs time to be a puppy.”

While working, Ruby has her own space with a dog bed located in the foyer of the funeral home. She will lay quietly and allow children and adults to pet and love on her. She responds to a variety of commands by her handlers. But Cason says Julie also explained that Ruby exhibits something called “intelligent disobedience.” Ruby may be instructed to lay quietly, but if she senses a person near her is really upset or anxious, she will visit with that person, breaking her previous command. She then puts her head on their lap, providing a loving and Residents of Brookdale Senior Living in Carrollton, Ga., enjoy some quality time comforting presence. with Ruby. Cason and Ruby make regular visits to assisted living facilities and “I have seen her do amazing convalescent homes in the community.

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immediately went to the patient's side. She gently placed her nose under the woman’s hand as it lay on the bed. “Within a few moments of Ruby nuzzling the lady’s hand, she peacefully passed away,” she shares.

While Ruby doesn’t necessarily absorb the grief of the families she helps, Cason says you can tell when she has had a busy day.

“Like all of us, there are certain days when she is ready to go home, curl up on the couch and watch some HGTV,” she relates.

Cason also makes sure Ruby gets plenty of puppy time with lots of play and exercise at home.

Besides playing with Cason, one of Ruby’s favorite activities is to accompany Bryant on his daily errands around town.

She loves to ride in Bryant’s truck and enjoys visits to the post office, the bank and visiting her friends at Main Attraction, for Bryant’s standing haircut appointment.

A New Path While Cason enjoys her role in community relations for the funeral home, she made the decision to follow in Bryant's Even working dogs need some down time. Cason makes sure Ruby gets plenty of play footsteps and become a licensed and exercise. funeral director. She is currently enrolled in the well-regarded mortuary program from the historically ‘traditional’ funeral services. at John A. Gupton College, a private, two-year Over the last 20 years, families have come to professional college that specializes in mortuary expect a special event to remember their loved science in Nashville, Tenn. Cason is set to graduate one. This expectation has introduced the terms this month, and will become a licensed funeral 'personalization' and 'event planner' into funeral director and embalmer. Her cousin, Jacquelyn, is service. Today, people are looking into new or more another fourth-generation member of the family who personalized ways to honor their loved ones." is entering the family business. She is also currently Research shows that some people are embracing enrolled at John A. Gupton. increasingly secular celebrations of life – with some Cason says there have been many interesting combining religious components with untraditional changes and, while it may sound unusual, even life celebrations. This may include replacing the trends in the funeral and memorial business. minister with a family member as the officiant, “Interestingly, trends in the funeral service tend to or funeral directors acting as the celebrant. The follow the wedding industry,” she explains. “There celebrant shares stories and anecdotes about the does seem to be a trend with families moving away deceased, coordinates the service, invites others

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Woman

Complimentary

April 2019

West Georgia

TM

Cason and Ruby Hightower

Mending Hearts in West Georgia

Don't Stress!

The Lasting Effects of Child Abuse

Learn How to Cope Without Losing Your Sanity

1

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and have it sent to your inbox each month.

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GO WEST! DON’T WAIT UNTIL HIGH SCHOOL IS OVER! DISCOVER YOUR NEXT BIG THING TODAY.

How? The University of West Georgia’s dual enrollment program makes it possible.

And you can take classes in Carrollton or in Newnan.

Explore more at westga.edu/dualenroll UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA

to speak and basically helps the service follow the program. “I became a certified celebrant through the NFDA in order to meet the needs of our families,” she relates. "Many people are not comfortable speaking at a funeral or simply cannot face it due to grief, but they very much want the 'stories' told about their loved one, and I can do this on their behalf.”

Wedding favors have long been a part of American wedding celebrations, evolving from the familiar tulle-wrapped handful of Jordan almonds of decades past to the modern trend for more personalized gifts representing the married couple.

Similarly, the funeral industry finds families desiring to create a small token of remembrance of the deceased to be presented to friends and family.

“For example, if the deceased was a lifelong golfer, a golf ball with his or her name on it may be created to hand out at the funeral or memorial service,” she says.

Memorial keepsakes can serve as physical reminders of the deceased loved one. The recipients will often use, display or wear the memento as a way to grieve, honor or say goodbye to their friend or loved one. Others may place it on the refrigerator or a shelf in their home as a reminder to pray for the bereaved family. Others might see the keepsake a few weeks or months later and reach out to the

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bereaved by sending an encouraging card, text message or phone call.

Some commonly used funeral keepsakes are personalized bookmarks, memory coins, memorial stones, matchbooks, memorial wristbands and forget-me-not seed packets.

Shared Empathy When a funeral director or member of the funeral home staff has experienced the death of a friend or loved one it can increase insight into what families are feeling after such a loss. “My father’s mom passed when he was just 16 and my mom’s dad died when I was only 4 years old, so I don’t remember those situations," she shares. "However, I have experienced the death of two very close friends. A friend from my church youth group, who I considered a role model, died suddenly when we were in high school. My dad allowed me to be involved in the planning of her service which brought about a unique perspective.

"I also lost a good friend to a drug overdose in 2013. His death, and the high incidence of drug overdose deaths in young people, has led our family to try to create more awareness of drug abuse and drug overdose deaths – especially among young people.”

In the past, Hightower Family Funeral Homes has steered away from promoting particular causes or issues, but with drug addiction and overdose deaths touching so many in their community, the state and the country, it is their hope that bringing increased awareness to this problem may help prevent future overdose deaths.

Part of this effort has included promoting an initiative created by the Funeral Service Foundation entitled "Youth in Funerals." This initiative explores ways to involve children in funeral services and to help them process their grief. Cason says research has shown that many young people have unresolved grief, which can lead them to numbing that pain with drugs and alcohol.

The funeral homes offer guidance and literature to help families navigate through those difficult times. “We are hoping that providing information on the importance of funerals and healthy ways to process grief will have long-term benefits in our community,” she relates.

Community Driven Cason's daily work consists of assisting families, helping grow the family business, investigating new ideas, her studies and, of course, her work with

PERSONALIZED, FAST AND FRIENDLY SERVICE

Ruby. She is also involved in various community endeavors. She is a member of the Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary, the Boys and Girls Club and Carroll County CASA, an organization that promotes and supports court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected foster children to provide them with a healthy and safe environment in permanent homes.

In her limited spare time, Cason enjoys trying new types of food and traveling.

Working in the funeral industry is not a glamorous or easy occupation; it is filled with unimaginable tragedy, loss, heartbreak and great suffering, but Cason meets the challenges of her industry with a strength that is beyond her years. With Ruby by her side, this fourth-generation Hightower is steadfastly committed to fulfilling the beautiful and sacred duty she has chosen to provide the comfort, compassion and empathy needed to help mend broken hearts in West Georgia. WGW

To learn more about Cason Hightower or Ruby and the services they provide for WE HAVE CANDLES, GREETING CARDS AND GIFTS INCLUDING the communities in West Georgia, call 770.836.1466 or visit the NORA FLEMING, TERVIS AND COLLEGIATE ITEMS Hightower Family Funeral Homes website at 770.834.3393 www.hightowerfamilyfuneralhomes.com 623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA FREE CITY-WIDE DELIVERY

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Don't Stress!

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The Harmful Effects of Stress on Your Mind and Body

A

re you having trouble sleeping at night, experiencing frequent headaches or find you're not as productive as you should be while at home or at work? You may not realize it, but these symptoms may be affecting your health, and stress may actually be causing some of these issues.

Symptoms of stress can affect your feelings, your thoughts, your behavior and your body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Unmanaged stress can be a factor in multiple health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Learning to recognize the common symptoms of stress can help you manage the effects on your body.

Symptoms of Stress on the Body • • • • • • • •

Muscle pain or tension Skin conditions Headache Fatigue Chest pain Sleep problems Upset stomach Change in sex drive

Effects of Stress on Mood • • • • • • • • •

Depression Anger Sadness Irritability Anxiety Losing focus A feeling of being overwhelmed Restlessness Loss of motivation

Effects of Stress on Behavior • • • • • • • • • • •

Social withdrawal Frequent, angry outbursts Alcohol abuse Overeating Tobacco use Skipping exercise Not eating enough Drug abuse Procrastinating Avoiding responsibilities Fidgeting, pacing or nail biting

Have a Happy and Safe Spring Break!

Dedicated Healthcare When You Need It Most • 770.832.9689 23

How to Cope If you have symptoms of stress, taking positive steps to manage the problem can greatly benefit your health. Seek out ways to actively manage your stress. Try to avoid inactive ways, such as mindlessly surfing the internet or social media, playing video games or watching TV. These inactive ways may seem to help you relax, but may actually increase your level of stress over time.

Learn how to manage the stress in your life by exploring the following strategies: • • • • • • • •

Eat a healthy and balanced diet Avoid excess caffeine Get plenty of sleep Engage in frequent physical activity Socialize with friends and family Set aside time for your favorite hobbies Listen to soothing music Maintain a good sense of humor about life and its challenges • Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises or tai chi • Pamper yourself with a relaxing pedicure,

manicure or massage.

• Avoid tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption or illicit drugs

When to Seek Help If you've taken positive steps to manage the stress in your life but your symptoms continue, or if you're not sure if the cause of your symptoms is due to stress, consult with your doctor. Your physician will take the appropriate steps to rule out other potential causes.

Consider seeking out a professional therapist or counselor, who may be able to help you identify the root cause of your stress and teach you some other ways to cope.

If you have chest pain, particularly during physical activity, or if it is accompanied by sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or pain radiating down your shoulder and arm, call 9-1-1 immediately. These may be symptoms of a heart attack.

We cannot control what happens in our lives, but we are in complete control of how we react to stressful situations. If all else fails, remember what Bob Marley suggests, "Don't worry 'bout a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be all right." WGW

Introducing West Georgia Podiatry

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The pampering of a nail salon but with the sanitary features, private setting and expertise of a medical facility.

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125 History Drive • Carrollton www.medifootspa.com www.westgapodiatry.com

Abraham Lincoln 16th president of the United States

- Nicknamed, "Honest Abe" "I want in all cases to do right, and most particularly so in all cases with women."

- Emancipation Proclamation Jan. 1, 1863

- Civil War - Union -Confederate - Ford's Theatre

A Historical Moment.

You love teaching your second grade class. But last week, along with learning about Abe Lincoln, your students learned from you that even adults have "accidents."

If you're suffering from conditions such as urinary incontinence or an overactive bladder, we should talk.

At West Georgia Urology, we specialize in finding solutions for these conditions so you can live your best life.

Don't let pelvic issues control 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. 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 Mark Steffey.

Celebrate Easter with a "whimsical twist by creating

this carrot-shaped cheese dip.

Easter Cheese Dip Ingredients

"

Preparation

Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl.

Stir until smooth. Add 1 cup cheese, 2 cups grated sharp cheddar green onion, Worcestershire sauce, cheese, divided hot sauce, parsley, garlic powder and 1 green onion, chopped pepper. Mix well to combine.

Use a rubber spatula to scrape the 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce sides of the bowl. Gather the mixture 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce in your hands and form into the shape 1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley of a carrot. Place on a serving dish.

Sprinkle the remainder of the 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder cheddar cheese to completely cover 1/8 teaspoon black pepper the cheese dip. Add fresh parsley Assorted vegetables and crackers sprigs at the top of the triangle for the carrot-top. Serves 6 to 8. for serving 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

27

�Change the flavor of this refreshing drink by using strawberry or orange sherbet.�

Lime Sherbert Mocktail or Cocktail Ingredients 1 slice lime

2 scoops lime sherbet

Preparation

Place the lime, mint and sugar in the bottom of tall glass, and muddle to1 tablespoon granulated sugar gether.

2 ounces white rum (omit if making a Add rum, if using, and soda. non-alcoholic mocktail) Stir to combine.

Top with scoops of lime sherbet and 2 to 4 ounces club soda (2 ounces garnish with fresh mint leaves and for cocktail, 4 ounces for mocktail) For a sweeter drink, use lemlime wedge. on-lime soda Serves 1. WGW 1 to 2 sprigs fresh mint

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Publisher's note: If you don't own a muddler, don't rush out and buy one. In a pinch, the handle of a rolling pin will do. The proper way to muddle: Take a sturdy pint glass, mixing glass or a shaker tin to prevent breakage of a thinwalled glass. Place the leaves in the bottom of the glass and add the sugar, fruit and other ingredients from the recipe. Place the muddler in the glass and lightly press down on the leaves. Twist gently a few times. If you placed fruit in the glass, you should see juice coming out of the flesh. You're finished when you smell the mint or herbs.

Monsters Can Be Real The Long-term Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect ational Child Abuse Prevention Month is an annual observance in the U.S. dedicated to raising awareness, preventing child abuse and recognizing the importance of communities and families working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. It also serves to promote the emotional and social well-being of families and children.

During the month of April and throughout the year, communities are encouraged to take steps to improve the well-being of children by increasing awareness and providing support and education to families through resources and strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

N

Child Abuse Defined What is child abuse? One person's perception of child abuse may be quite different from someone else's beliefs or views. The definition of what constitutes as abuse and neglect can also vary according to the laws of individual states.

Physical abuse is generally defined as “any nonaccidental physical injury to the child,” and can include striking, kicking, burning, biting or any action

that results in a physical impairment of the child, according to Child Welfare Information Gateway at childwelfare.gov.

Every state includes sexual abuse in their definitions of child abuse. Some states discuss sexual abuse in general terms, while other states define specific acts. Sexual exploitation is listed as abuse in most states, including child pornography and allowing a child to engage in prostitution.

Trafficking children for sexual purposes or sex trafficking is included in the sexual abuse definitions of 21 States.

Emotional abuse is usually defined as “injury to the psychological capacity or emotional stability of the child as evidenced by an observable or substantial change in behavior, emotional response or cognition,” and injury as evidenced by “anxiety, depression, withdrawal or aggressive behavior.”

Almost every state lists emotional mistreatment in their definitions of neglect or abuse.

Neglect is typically described as "the failure of a parent or other person with responsibility for the child to provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision to the degree that the child’s health, safety and well-being are threatened

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STAND UP FOR A CHILD WHO NEEDS YOU.

Volunteer to Change a Child's Life Nobody longs for a safe and loving home more than a child in foster care. As a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer, you will be empowered by the court to help make this dream a reality.

You can make a difference in the life of a foster child. Contact us today to find out how.

30

770.838.1964 www.carrollcasa.org admin@carrollcasa.org

with harm."

Other factors that are defined as abuse or neglect in some states include abandonment; parental substance abuse; harm of an unborn child due to the mother’s use of illegal drugs or other substances; manufacturing a controlled substance in the presence of a child or on the premises occupied by a child; allowing a child to be present where the equipment or chemicals for the manufacture of controlled substances are used or stored; giving, selling or distributing alcohol or drugs to a child; Caregiver's use of a controlled substance that impairs their ability to properly care for the child; failure to educate; failing to provide any special medical treatment or mental health care; and withholding nutrition or medical treatment from disabled infants who have life-threatening conditions.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Financial stress Poor academic achievement Multiple sexual partners Early initiation of smoking Early initiation of sexual activity Fetal death Smoking Health-related quality of life Poor work performance Illicit drug use Adolescent pregnancy Risk for intimate partner violence Ischemic heart disease Sexually transmitted diseases Unintended pregnancies Risk for sexual violence

The Lasting Effects of Abuse

Using Learned Coping Strategies

Research has proven that child abuse can be defined as much more than broken bones or bruises.

Any type of neglect or abuse can leave long-lasting emotional and physical scars.

The emotional scars have the potential to haunt children for their rest of their lives, causing damage to future relationships, impacting the person's ability to function at school, work or at home or compelling the child to engage in risky behaviors and damaging the child's sense of self.

The CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse and neglect and later-life health and well-being, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the first wave of the ACE study, 17,000 people in Southern California were given confidential surveys regarding their childhood experiences within the first 18 years of life and their current behaviors and health status.

Almost two-thirds of study participants reported at least one ACE, and more than one in five reported three or more ACEs. The results of the study found a strong relationship between the exposure to household dysfunction or abuse during childhood and multiple risk factors for several of the leading causes of death in adults. As the number of ACEs increased, so did the following risk factors:

To survive in abusive situations, children will develop certain defensive mechanisms to help them cope. When children are exposed to abuse, they learn to protect themselves through withdrawal, acting out, turning off their feelings, denial, selfblame and approval-seeking. Using these learned

• • • •

Suicide attempts Alcoholism and alcohol abuse Depression Liver disease

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Individual Therapy • Family Therapy Group Therapy

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coping strategies as an adult can have long-term consequences, including: Relationship difficulties and lack of trust.

Abused children grow up knowing they cannot trust those who are closest to them to not hurt them.

Without this foundation, it is hard to know who is trustworthy and it is very difficult for the adult survivor to learn how to trust others. This leads to either entering into unhealthy relationships or difficulty maintaining relationships as an adult.

Feelings of worthlessness. If a child has been repeatedly shamed, threatened, cursed, called terrible names, told they are no good or stupid or experienced other forms of abuse or neglect, it is extremely challenging to overcome the intense feelings of worthlessness. Once the child is an adult, she may settle for lower-paying jobs, neglect higher education opportunities or engage in risky behaviors because she feels she doesn't deserve any better.

Disconnecting from feelings. For an abused child, numbing is a defense used to cope with dysfunctional dynamics in the home. Becoming emotionally numb helps to filter out the repeated exposure to domestic violence situations, the emotionally damaging comments, abuse, the yelling and dealing with the experiences of living in poverty.

However, if an adult survivor of abuse continues to use defense mechanisms such as avoidance,

numbing their feelings, dissociation and denial, it is not healthy and can interfere with everyday functioning.

Difficulty managing emotions effectively. A child that is abused is not allowed to safely express their emotions. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Stop crying before I give you something to cry about?"

Victims of abuse know all too well the ramifications and fear instilled in them upon hearing this phrase or other similar threats.

The abused child quickly learns that she will suffer more abuse if she cries, yells or acts out while being victimized by her abuser. The end result is the child learns to protect herself by stifling her feelings and emotions. Much later, these stifled feelings can manifest themselves in unwanted and uncomfortable ways. The adult survivor may struggle with unexplained anger, anxiety or depression or may even turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain.

Ask any adult survivor of abuse and they will tell you some monsters are quite real. But, there is hope.

As a community, we must act as advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves and do our part to end violence against children once and for all. WGW To learn how you can take positive action against child abuse and neglect, visit: www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/CAN-PreventionTechnical-Package.pdf

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Providing Care and Comfort to All Ages During Their Time of Grief.

32

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.

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3rd Grade Spotlight -Offering Offering Dynamic Opportunities 3rd Grade Spotlight Dynamic Opportunities 3rd Grade Spotlight - -Offering Dynamic Opportunities 3rd Grade Spotlight - Offering Dynamic Opportunities Hall Famous of of Famous of Famous HallHall ofHall Famous Americans Americans Americans Americans

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Research project Research project Research project & & & Research project & visual aid created by visual aid created visual aid created visual aid created by by by students who dress students who dress students dress students whowho dress asfamous their famous as their famous as their as their famous American & present American & present American & present American & present their project their project project to to to theirtheir project to students & parents. students & parents. students & parents. students & parents.

Charlotte’s Web Charlotte’s Web Charlotte’s Web Charlotte’s Web

3rd grade students 3rd grade students grade students 3rd 3rd grade students memorize and memorize memorize memorize andandand present the play. present the play. present play. present the the play.

Innovative Curriculum Innovative Curriculum Curriculum Innovative Innovative Curriculum Experiential Learning Experiential Learning Experiential Learning Experiential Learning Advanced Level Content Advanced Level Content Level Content Advanced Advanced Level Content Cursive Handwriting Cursive Handwriting Cursive Handwriting Cursive Handwriting

3rd Grade Annua 3rd Grade Annual Grade Annual 3rd 3rd Grade Annual Field Trips Field Trips: Field Trips: Field Trips: Heritage Heritage Heritage Days -Days Heritage Days - Days Carrollton Ag Cente Carrollton Center Carrollton Ag Ag Center Carrollton Ag Center Georgia Capito Georgia Capitol Georgia Capitol Georgia Capitol Roosevelt’s Little Roosevelt’s Little Roosevelt’s Little Roosevelt’s Little White House White House White House White House Tree Top Ques Tree Top Quest Top Quest TreeTree Top Quest

Biblical History Cente Biblical History Center Biblical History Center Biblical History Center

Our Mission: Oak Mountain Academy provides a challenging college-preparatory Our Mission: Oak Mountain Academy provides a challenging college-preparatory Our Mission: Mountain Academy provides a challenging college-preparatory Our Mission: OakOak Mountain Academy provides a challenging college-preparatory education in a family safe family environment.

The school nurtures the ethical, spiritual and education insafe afamily safe family environment.

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TheThe school nurtures thethe ethical, spiritual andand physical development students as they become confident leaders inspired serve. physical development of of students they become confident leaders inspired to to serve. physical development of students as as they become confident leaders inspired to serve. physical development of students as they become confident leaders inspired to serve.

222 Cross Plains Carrollton, GA 30116 222 Cross Plains Road ~~ Carrollton, GA 30116 Cross Plains Road ~ Carrollton, 30116 222222 Cross Plains Road ~Road Carrollton, GAGA 30116 770-834-6651 www.oakmountain.us 770-834-6651 ~~ www.oakmountain.us 770-834-6651 ~ www.oakmountain.us 770-834-6651 ~ www.oakmountain.us

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Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “I want to go on living after my death!

And that’s why I’m so grateful to God for having given me this gift, which I can use to develop myself and to express all that’s inside me!”

– Anne Frank

“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.”

– Emily Dickinson

“The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”

– Harriet Beecher-Stowe

“Americans want the good without the bad. Life without death. Pleasure without pain. Light without dark.

But that doesn’t exist.”

– Joanna Ebenstein

“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly – that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.”

– Anne Lamott 34

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.

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 WellStar Douglas Hospital, 8954 Hospital Dr. in Douglasville, in the Sycamore Room from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This program is open to all girls ages 10 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

35

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.

Carroll EMC Names Semifinalist for Walter Harrison Scholarship

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.

GriefShare at Tabernacle Baptist Church Utilizing a video seminar, support group and workbook, each of the 13 weekly GriefShare meetings center around a topic important to the grief recovery process.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Room 256, Carrollton, Ga. Classes are free. Participation workbooks are $15.

For more information on GriefShare, call or text John Pearson at 404.368.2746.

DivorceCare at Tabernacle Baptist Church Utilizing a video seminar, support group, and workbook, each of the 13 weekly DivorceCare meetings center around a topic important to your recovery process.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Room 260, Carrollton, Ga. Classes are free. Participation workbooks are $15.

For more information on DivorceCare, call or text John Pearson at 404.368.2746.

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Carroll EMC names Kaitlyn Patterson as its semifinalist for the Walter Harrison Scholarship.

Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative recently named Kaitlyn Patterson of Carrollton as its semifinalist for the Walter Harrison Scholarship. The Walter Harrison Scholarship is a program sponsored

by Georgia’s electric membership corporations.

The $1,000 scholarship can be applied to academic expenses at any accredited two- or four-year university, college or vocational-technical institute in Georgia.

"I am so honored to be Carroll EMC's semifinalist for the Walter Harrison Scholarship. The generosity and dedication exhibited by Georgia EMC and our state programs for higher education are crucial to providing a bright future for the state of Georgia and its residents," said Kaitlyn, who is a junior at the University of Georgia.

Eleven Walter Harrison Scholarships are awarded annually to students with exemplary academic records. Grade point average, SAT scores, academic standing, scholastic honors, and financial need are considered when determining a student’s eligibility.

A scholarship committee composed of directors, managers and key staff at Georgia’s 41 EMCs seeks to award scholarships to remarkable students who may otherwise not be able to afford college.

Students applying for the scholarship must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program, must complete a two-page application, and write a two-page autobiographical sketch that includes future plans. The scholarship is available to any college level student regardless of age.

Ken Ford

West Georgia Jazz Festival Saturday, April 27th, 2019 4PM-10PM

The MILL Amphitheater 106 Temple Street, Villa Rica

[ THE LINEUP [ 1. DynaGroove 2. Cocktail Hour Entertainment 3. Canelita Sabrosa 4. Headliner: Ken Ford - 7:30 pm – 9 pm Free Concert - Reserved seating can be purchased at www.downtownvillarica.com

* Rain or shine event For more info call 678.840.1160 or visit www.downtownvillarica.com

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“We’re proud to offer financial assistance where possible and the Walter Harrison Scholarship can help families offset the rising cost of college,” said Taylor Key, Community Relations Clerk at Carroll EMC. “To be a good community citizen, we have an obligation to help young people. Whether it’s through the Washington Youth Tour, wiring contests or scholarships, this is how we do it.”

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Names Carroll EMC a Winner of the Atlanta Top Workplaces 2019 Award

Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Since 2015, Carroll EMC has spanned the rankings from 44 to this year ranking 18 out 75 in the small business category.

Tim Martin, president and CEO of Carroll EMC, attributes the employees to the company’s success.

“We are humbled and honored to be recognized as one of Atlanta’s Top Workplaces for 2019,” said Martin. “Our employees are the key to our success, and we believe that if we take care of them, they will take care of our Members.”

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses.

The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

Carroll EMC Blood Drive Carroll EMC will host a blood drive Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in the blood mobile in the parking lot of the Carrollton office from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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

Carroll EMC Executive Administrator Kelly McEwen, CEO Tim Martin, and Apparatus and Metering Supervisor Chip Stephens accept the 2019 Top Workplaces Award. Photo by Carroll EMC.

Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2019 honor by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC, a leading provider of technologybased employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution and connection, just to name a few.

“Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.”

This is the fifth consecutive year that Carroll EMC has received the Top Workplaces Award by the

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WGTC Announces 2019 GOAL and RPA Winners West Georgia Technical College has named Ashley Phillips, an accounting and business management student from LaGrange, Ga., as its 2019 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership winner and Pharmacy Technology Program Chair Michelle Hill as its 2019 Rick Perkins Award winner.

Winners were named November 29, 2018, at a banquet honoring finalists for both awards.

GOAL is a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, which honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students.

The Rick Perkins Award is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

Both Phillips and Hill competed against winners from other Georgia technical colleges in a regional competition in February. The state competition will be held in Atlanta in April.

“I am so proud of Ashley and Michelle for their selection as West Georgia Technical College’s

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representatives in the GOAL and Rick Perkins Award competitions,” West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Scott Rule said. “They represent the very best of West Georgia Tech. All our finalists deserve recognition. We have great educators and students at West Georgia Tech who work hard each day to advance workforce development in our region. On behalf of our students, staff and stakeholders, I offer best wishes for our two winners’ success in the next phase of the competitions.”

Phillips was nominated by LaGrange Campus accounting instructor Dr. Ginger Dennis. “Ashley is an exemplary student with a great attitude,” Dennis said. “Ashley chose WGTC because she feels the technical college system provides a valuable skills-based learning approach. She has a great attitude, works extremely hard, and appreciates the opportunity that WGTC and TCSG has provided her.”

The other three finalists for the WGTC GOAL award were phlebotomy student Roberto Gonzalez, associate accounting student Sayvon Jarrett, and radiologic technology student Kaytlyn Roberts.

Hill was nominated for the Rick Perkins Award

by Naquilla Thomas, Dean of the WGTC School of Health Sciences, and Associate Dean Nikki Gilbert.

Hill teaches pharmacy technology on the Douglas Campus and also serves as program chair.

“It’s such a pleasure to have Michelle Hill as faculty,” Thomas said. “Her commitment to student success is evident in her innovative ideas and simply by her daily interactions.”

Hill was selected out of a field which included four other WGTC instructors – medical assisting instructor Robyn Knott, early childhood care and education instructor Wendy Grey, mathematics instructor Kisha Maynard and electrical systems instructor John Ward.

First launched in 1971, GOAL focuses on student excellence in technical education by focusing on academic excellence and personal achievement.

A panel of judges selects one student as the state GOAL winner, which is announced at the state competition in April. The state’s GOAL winner will serve as an ambassador of technical education in Georgia.

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors technical education’s most outstanding instructors. Formerly known as the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence, the Rick Perkins Award was renamed in memory and honor of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor of the former West Central Technical College, who received the

40

Commissioner’s Award of Excellence prior to his untimely death.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the third-largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit westgatech.edu.

Ashley Phillips is West Georgia Technical College’s 2019 GOAL winner. Pictured are 2018 WGTC GOAL winner Lauren Birriel, WGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kristen Douglas, Phillips, nominating instructor Dr. Ginger Dennis and WGTC Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Tonya Whitlock.

Michelle Hill is West Georgia Technical College’s 2019 Rick Perkins Award winner. Pictured are 2018 WGTC RPA winner Dr. Phillis Ingham, WGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kristen Douglas, Hill and WGTC Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Tonya Whitlock. Michelle was featured in West Georgia Woman magazine in Feb. 2019.

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Take Care W of You!

e women are spread thin.

Really, really thin. From work to kids to partners to housework and everything in between, we rarely have time to take a moment to relax and breathe, much less schedule health checkups for ourselves. We're too busy scheduling our kids' and our partners' doctor visits to worry about our own, right?

While all of that is true, women must be more intentional about taking care of their own health. It is critical that you take the time to take care of yourself so you can be there for all of these people who are counting on you to take care of them.

Now that we've established how important it is to take care of yourself (for a change), below are some important things you should do before visiting your doctor.

Make a list of questions, problems or issues to take with you. Have you noticed any changes in your body that may include skin changes, lumps or lesions? Are you having dizziness, pain, fatigue, problems with bowel movements or urinating or any changes in your menstrual cycle? Are you eating well or have your eating habits changed? Are you eating too much or too little? Are you having any anxiety, sleeping problems or depression? Have you experienced any distress or trauma recently?

If you have experienced any of the above issues, write down when you noticed the change, how it is different than before and any other information you think would be helpful to tell your doctor.

Once you enter the physician's office, it is difficult to remember everything you want to discuss with your doctor, so it's important to write everything down.

Leave some space after each question to write down your doctor's answers or suggestions.

Take stock of your family's past and recent health history.

Family history may increase your risk of developing diabetes, cancer or heart disease, among other things. If there have been any new diagnoses of illness or disease in your close relatives, tell your doctor about these so she can assess your potential risk. She may also recommend preventive steps you can take to reduce your risk through dietary changes, exercising or specific medical screenings or tests.

Find out if you need updated vaccinations, tests or health screenings. Check with your physician to see if you need any of

Why Annual Health Checkups Are Important

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these based on your health, age, lifestyle or family history. The U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends the following health screenings for women: • • • • • • •

•

•

• • • • • •

Blood pressure screening Cholesterol screening Diabetes screening Dental exam Eye exam Physical exam Breast self-exam and clinical breast exam (Experts do not agree on the benefit of a breast examination. Speak with your provider about what is best for you.)

Mammogram (over age 40 to age 75 unless at high-risk for breast cancer. Experts do not agree on the benefits of having a mammogram for women age 75 and older. Some do not recommend having mammograms after this age. Others recommend mammography for women in good health. Speak with your doctor about what is best for you.)

Pelvic exam and PAP smear (women over age 65 who haven't been diagnosed with cervical cancer or precancer can usually stop as long as they have had three negative tests within the last 10 years) Skin exam Osteoporosis screening (All women over age 64) Hearing (Only with symptoms of hearing loss) Any required or elective immunizations (usually based on age and health history.)

Colorectal cancer screening (Ages 50 to 75 unless at high-risk for colorectal cancer. Age 76 or older, ask your doctor.)

Lung cancer screening (The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults until age 80 who have a 30-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.)

Being healthy is more than just eating right and taking care of your body. Visiting your doctor for annual checkups is the best way to stay in good health. Consult with your doctor to find out what screenings are necessary and appropriate for your individual situation. WGW

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Kids Korner

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By Charlene Brooks Photos by Zachary Dailey

Really Easy Easter Bunnies

our kids will be hopping to create these simple and adorable Easter bunnies and pom pom chicks.

Both of these Easter crafts are incredibly easy and very inexpensive to make, and are great crafts for even the youngest of children.

Be sure to supervise while they are using the hot glue gun, or you can use regular school glue.

Just keep in mind it will take a bit longer for the school glue to dry.

Googly eyes Pink pipe stems Black marker Glue gun or school glue Instructions

Materials White plastic or styrofoam cup White foam sheet Pink foam sheet

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Place the white plastic cup upside down. Glue the googly eyes to the plastic cup. Cut out two white foam ears. Cut out two pink foam pieces that are slightly smaller for the inside of the ears. Glue the pink foam pieces to the white ear pieces. Glue the ears to the top of the cup.

Cut the pink pipe stem into four pieces for the whiskers. Glue to the cup under the eyes. Cut out a pink foam nose. Glue the nose in the middle of the pipe stem whiskers. Using the black marker, draw the bunny's mouth under the nose.

Super Cute Pom Pom Chick Materials Large yellow Pom Pom Googly eyes Orange pipe stem Glue gun or school glue Instructions Glue the googly eyes to the yellow pom pom.

Cut three small pieces from the pipestem and bend them in half for the feet and the nose.

Glue the nose to the pom pom underneath the eyes.

Glue the feet to the bottom of the pom pom.

WGW

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Happy Easter Word Search Word Bank

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Jesus Cross Jerusalem Bouquet Easter Spring Bonnet Eggs Easter Bunny Risen Holiday Sunday Best Tradition Holy Rebirth Custom Peeps Basket Eucharist Reflection

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

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