West Georgia Woman Magazine July 2017

Woman Complimentary

July 2017

West Georgia TM

Jodi Henderson Sonderman Not in My Backyard

Payton Phillips

Flying High at Home and in The Nation

Tips for Eating Healthy on Vacation

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This publication is dedicated in loving memory of

Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15,1993 - September 17,2015

He will remain forever in our hearts ...

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What’s inside...

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Out Of The Shadows

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Breaking The Anxiety Habit

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Women Who Plant The Seeds Of Service Update Some Days Like That

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She's Got Game

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Making Healthy Food Choices On Vacation

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The Benefits Of Setting Boundaries

In Every Issue:

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Daily Fare

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Local Happenings

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Womentality

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Kidz Korner

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Take Some Time To Relax

I hope you're enjoying this rainy summer. The family and I managed to sneak off for a week in early June and we had such a great time – although it rained there, too! My daughter Sydney has been quite busy this summer with sports tournaments, volunteer work, a mission trip and she's about to leave on vacation with her dad.

I've been fortunate to be able to spend more time with my son Zachary this summer. I recently hired him to work for me in sales, and there is nothing better than seeing that handsome young man walk through the door every morning for work, and being able to spend time with him on a daily basis.

Whatever you're doing this summer, I hope you're taking a little time to relax and enjoy life with those you love. Life is too short to just work all of the time! This is definitely advice I need to take for myself.

In This Issue

Jodi Henderson Sonderman is our cover feature this month. She has worked tirelessly, and for free I might add, to create a professional, peer-reviewed journal for the non-profit organization Slavery Today, that provides research on all facets of anti-slavery work.

She is an active lecturer on the topic of human trafficking as well.

As I read through some of the resources Jodi sent me regarding human trafficking, I was shocked and astounded at the many levels of slavery that exist in our country; from prostitution and pornography, to those forced to work in agriculture, carnivals, nail salons, restaurants, in homes as domestic servants and even traveling sales crews – you know those young people who come to your door to sell magazine subscriptions or other items? Now that I'm aware of some of these issues, I will certainly be asking more questions when I encounter people in these types of situations. If you'd like to learn more about the different types of modern day slavery, I encourage you to go to this website: www.polarisproject.org. It doesn't hurt to ask questions, but it does hurt to ignore these issues and pretend they don't exist in our communities.

Jodi lives in Newnan, Ga., and is a member of the Peachtree City Rotary. In addition to working with Slavery Today, she actively works on the Dragon Boat Committee, a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Survivors Network, and does volunteer work with the Empty Bowls project in Carrollton, Ga. She is truly making a difference for thousands of victims of human trafficking in this country. I know you'll enjoy reading about Jodi beginning on page 10.

If you're like me, you have a tendency to overeat while on vacation. Dr. Habiba N. Shaw shares some great pointers on how to eat healthy on vacation and year-round on page 49, and read about Payton Phillips, a Carrollton Junior High School pole vaulter who jumped an unbelievable 11 feet 7 inches this spring. That jump secured her position as the number one pole vaulter in the nation at the junior high school level. Read Payton's story on page 39.

My wonderful friends in the Carrollton Civic Woman's Club really showed out in 2016. They volunteered 16,415 hours, made monetary donations of $13,621.33 and made in-kind donations of $98,786.49 in the work of the six CCWC Community Service Programs. Please read the update on these dedicated women who plant the seeds of service every day in West Georgia on page 29.

I wish all of you a relaxing and fun-filled July (with maybe just a little less rain), and I can't wait to catch up with you in August.

Happy Independence Day!

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Publisher

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

TM

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

Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives.

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Volume 2 • Issue 9 July 2017

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

@WestGAWoman

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

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Photographer for cover and Page 8

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The views, opinions, positions or stratNeed to advertise? egies expressed by the contributing Email sales@westgeorgiawoman.com or authors are theirs alone, and do not Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Angel Media, All submissions will be included as space is LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine or any employee thereof. Angel Media, available. West Georgia Woman reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions that are LLC. makes no representations as to not in compliance with our editorial policy. If accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information you wish to have your submission returned, in this publication and will not be liable please include a self addressed stamped envelope along with your submission. for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication damages arising from its display or use. of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue In our June issue there were some errors are copyright 2017. West Georgia Woman in Michelle Lewis' article. She is an magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice.

Eckist, she was born in the late 1950s, Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are her husband is from Memphis, Tn., she trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights lives in Villa Rica, her secretarial position reserved. Reproduction without permission is began in 2004 working with Bill Hodge at strictly prohibited. the Ag Center and she became a county Mail correspondence to: agent in 2008. Her job title is county extension program assistant. We strive West Georgia Woman to include correct information in our publication and we appreciate Michelle's P.O. Box 2782 gracious response and understanding. Carrollton, GA 30112

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Editorial Contributors

Charlene Brooks, Julie Culpepper, Janet Flanigan, Cheryl A. Francis, L.P.C., G.S. Royal, Habiba N. Shaw, M.S., Ed.D. and Lisa King Smith, Ed.S., L.P.C.

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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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Out Of the Shadows 10

Photos by Keith May

One Woman's Mission To Shine A Light On Modern Day Slavery

By Janet Flanigan

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he headline is shocking: “Douglasville Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking – Defendant Prostituted 17-Year-Old Girls in Metro Atlanta and Montgomery, Ala.” Unfortunately, this is not just a one-time occurrence. Although many people in this area are unaware, the Atlanta area, including West Georgia, hides a disgusting secret.

A federally funded study named Atlanta the “sex trafficking capital of the United States;” one reason being the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world. There is a plethora of things to do in Atlanta, hundreds of conventions are held every year and numerous events bring people into the city, including sexual predators and pedophiles. The horrors of human trafficking in this state and country are not limited to the sex trade; other industries become involved with slavery as well, particularly agriculture.

Even In Small Towns Sex trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise in the world, behind only the drug trade.

According to the FBI, Atlanta remains one of the largest sex trafficking hubs in the country. But this disgraceful problem is not limited to big cities; human trafficking cases have taken place right here in West Georgia.

For example, in 2014 a 32-year-old Newnan resident named William Calvin McCray was charged with forcing a 16-year-old child into prostitution and holding her against her will. Former Carrollton resident and anti-human trafficking advocate Tajuan McCarty ran away from an abusive home in Carrollton at age 12 and fled to Birmingham, according to the Cullman Tribune. By age 15, she was enslaved by a pimp as a sex worker. In 2013, Douglas County resident Demario Hillmon was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on charges of sex trafficking of a minor and transporting a minor across state lines for prostitution.

Newnan resident Jodi Henderson Sonderman read a small article in a local newspaper about a labor trafficking case that had been prosecuted in Tyrone, which was within 15 minutes of where she worked. The victims were men who had their visas

taken away, were forced to work in a rock quarry and were locked in every night.

Once Jodi became aware of the dreadful realities of human trafficking, she knew she had to help, so she created and became the editor-in-chief of an online professional, peer-reviewed journal, “Slavery Today,” that provides research on all facets of antislavery work.

Thanks to Jodi's research, dedication and hard work, information on human trafficking can now be accessed easily from around the world by attorneys, police officers, medical professionals and sociologists, or even just someone wanting basic information about the issues surrounding human trafficking. “The more research that we have, the better informed these professionals are,” shares Jodi. “It legitimizes the area of study and gives a place for people who want to do this research to publish.”

Jodi had always been compassionate and cared for others. Learning that modern slavery and human trafficking is still taking place today enraged her. But it was a new friendship that led her to delve deeply in the issue and changed her life forever. She never imagined her involvement would take her on such an incredible journey, but it’s almost as if she had been preparing for this fight for most of her life.

Family Tradition Of Caring Jodi was born in Rome, Ga., and raised in a family where helping others was just expected. Her parents were committed volunteers for many communitybased charities and organizations.

“My parents were very active in community service such as the Bike-a-Thons for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital; participation in ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ and ‘Secret Santa’ holiday programs; service in the local soup kitchen; and church community outreach,” explains Jodi. “My mother cared for both her mother and her mother-in-law at the ends of their lives, when they suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s. They believed in caring for others.”

Most of us have heard the Taoist philosophy “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a

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man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” From her parents and maybe even more so from her grandmother, Jodi developed an ideology that teaching a man to fish is important, but it can be hard for him to learn when he’s hungry.

“I believe you should first feed a man and tend to his basic needs, then see if you can provide a hand up,” she explains. “Grandmamma fed everyone that came through her door. My grandparents didn’t have a lot, but they shared what they had. Guests were treated like family. There weren’t any places set at the table; just get your plate and fix it yourself from the food on the stove. That’s what I do too, just feed people if they are hungry,” she acknowledges.

Jodi practices this generationally taught altruism by helping out when and where she can. “Sometimes kids have been temporarily kicked out of their house or have a conflict with someone at their home," she shares. "Teenagers’ brains are not fully developed, and they can easily make a bad decision that can have terrible consequences."

She explains that by providing a non-judgmental, safe place to stay, it provides young people with the time and opportunity to develop a safer plan. She says with determined firmness, “No one is homeless around me.” Young people have regularly passed in Jodi's kindness extends to more than humans. Jodi with her dog, Finn. and out of the Sonderman home, giving Jodi a first-hand opportunity to observe a wide variety of situations and how of the Carroll County Empty Bowls program, where confused kids can easily wind up in troubled artists and others create handmade pottery bowls situations. that are auctioned off to raise money for a local soup In addition to helping young people, Jodi relaxes kitchen. by “purling” and “casting on” with knitting needles, turning out soft, tiny caps and baby blankets for A Passion For Learning micro preemies at Eggleston Children’s Hospital.

“We have a group of friends we call our ‘family of As a student at the University of West Georgia, choice.' One family had a son born very early, at 24 Jodi channeled her caring heart into advanced weeks, and I wanted to do something to help and degrees in psychology and community counseling. started knitting these caps. Fortunately, they are While studying at UWG, Jodi brought the university’s easy to knit!” She’s also been an active supporter literary magazine "Eclectic" back into circulation,

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with the support of Psychology Department secretary Rose Dufour. Jodi did not know it at the time, but her efforts with "Eclectic" would have an influence in her later life. After graduation Jodi worked in the counseling profession, but she later left the counseling field to spend more time with her children.

She then trained as a Montessori school teacher and held several teaching positions while staying involved in therapy as staff therapist and program director for Rachael’s Wish Foundation, Inc. in Tallapoosa, Ga. Rachael’s Wish provides equine therapy for special needs individuals, at-risk youth and inner-city youth and adolescents.

Equine therapy may benefit children and adolescents who tend to shy away from physical and emotional closeness with other people but who may be more accepting of closeness from animals like horses. The relationship can help instill confidence and trust in the child.

Jodi left Rachael's Wish and full-time teaching to homeschool her own children, but continues to work as a fillin teacher when needed.

An Unexpected Friendship As if raising children, homeschooling, taking in other kids and working weren’t enough, Jodi was soon drawn into a situation she could never have imagined. “My husband was involved with a photography contest sponsored by J. Peterman Company, and through the contest, he developed online friendships with some of the other photographers,” she says.

One such person was a woman named Jacqueline Zimowski. Paul discovered that Jacqueline owned miniature horses. “He told Jacqueline she and I should meet because of our mutual love for horses and my work with equine therapy,” Jodi says.

Because the Sondermans were in Georgia and

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Jacqueline lived in Maine, the initial friendship developed online and on the phone. Jacqueline began to share with Jodi that she was very involved in stopping human trafficking, and, over time, Jodi developed an interest in how she could help. “Paul suggested we meet in person, so I joke it’s all my husband’s fault!” Jodi laughs.

Fortune had it that Paul had a work commitment in New England, and Jodi decided to accompany him so they could go meet Jacqueline. “We rented a car and drove up to meet in person. Jacqueline lived in New England, and we visited her several times. We also hosted her here a couple of times,” Jodi explains. Jacqueline has since moved to Dallas, Texas where she continues her work and is active with the World Affairs Council.

The two women hit it off right away and Jacqueline says “Jodi is so smart and analytical, but her heart is there too. I very quickly established that I could trust her completely.”

Jacqueline revealed to Jodi and Paul her life’s mission to end modern day slavery. A survivor of human trafficking herself, in 2007 Jacqueline founded an non-governmental organization called No Human Trafficking. The name was later changed to Slavery Today to confront the slavery issue headon and remind people that slavery still exists in the modern world – and it may be happening in your neighborhood.

Slavery Today operates globally and seeks to foster a “more deeply educated and engaged level of multinational leaders and decision-makers” with regard to the horrendous impact of modern day slavery on all facets of human society, according to Jodi.

Not In My Backyard The friendship with Jacqueline had initially piqued Jodi’s interest in human trafficking, but when she read about human trafficking cases in Coweta County, West Georgia and Atlanta, it clarified to her that human trafficking was indeed taking place everywhere, including close to home. Until then, she assumed slavery was something that happened “over there.” Jody thought to herself, “Not in my backyard! This is not okay,” and knew she had to respond to her inner call to action. She also knew before she could begin to help she first needed to properly educate herself.

Jodi decided to start traveling with Jacqueline to conferences all around the United States, and eventually internationally, including conferences at

Pediatric, Hand & Speech Therapy

The Hague and in London. She realized there was a wealth of information on human trafficking and slavery available but no central, reliable organizing force or outlet where the information could be easily accessed. Research was scattered all over the place, requiring countless hours of searching for specific information.

Getting Organized Jodi took her analytical perspective and organizational skills and combined them with her experiences in psychotherapy, education and publishing and began to forge a plan on how she could be of assistance to Jacqueline and the antislavery movement.

Jacqueline had amassed a wealth of information on human trafficking and wrote a blog at that time called “Don’t Get Too Comfortable.” The amount of information out there was quite daunting, and Jacqueline says, “I was trying to gather information from all over the world and put it out there on my blog, but there had been a problem with accessing empirical-based data.” Empirical evidence or data is information acquired by observation or experimentation. The data is recorded and analyzed

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by experts to glean information.

Jodi recognized the difficulties of processing so much information and the organizational requirements.

“The first thing I did was suggest we organize her NGO into a 501c3. I helped prepare the paperwork, and we were approved.” Once the NGO became a non-profit, it received anonymous donations that helped pay travel expenses for about a year, but once that resource was exhausted, all expenses are again paid out-of-pocket or by using frequent flier miles and points.

Jodi’s support as a board member and assistant director to Slavery Today was off and running. She continued to attend human trafficking conferences and develop contacts in the slavery movement.

Her biggest “Aha” moment arrived in 2011 when she and Jacqueline attended a conference called “Historians Against Slavery” at Yale University. “We were sitting in an amphitheater-style classroom setting, and one seat over sat Dr. Kevin Bales, a top expert in the slavery field." says Jodi.

Bales is currently the Professor of Contemporary Slavery in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham, UK. His book "Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy" was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1999. He co-wrote the film based on this book, Slavery: A Global Investigation (TrueVision), for HBO and Channel 4. The film won a Peabody Award and two Emmys.

One row in front of them sat another giant in the field, Dr. Aidan McQuade, director of Anti-Slavery International.

According to Jacqueline, McQuade is “A genius savant in the field of modern politics and geo-economics and how it affects slavery.”

During breaks in the program, Jodi and Jacqueline struck up conversations with the two renowned experts, and Jodi had an idea.

“I suggested that what they needed

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Victims of domestic servitude are hidden in plain sight, forced to work in homes across the United States. They are prisoners working as nannies, maids or domestic help. for the anti-slavery movement was a peer-reviewed journal,” Jodi recalls. “I thought it was important for people everywhere to be able to access professional papers of topical relevance in one place.” Peer review is a process by which something proposed (as for publication or research) is evaluated by a group of experts in the appropriate field. It constitutes a form of self-regulation by qualified members of a profession within the relevant field.

They stepped right in and supported the idea.

“Dr. Bales is a rock star in academic circles, but you could see he had found a kindred spirit in Jodi and he took her seriously,” says Jacqueline.

Jodi’s suggestion was enthusiastically received by the men, and Jodi suggested she submit the idea to Yale University as a natural potential home for the journal. “Yale didn’t do anything with the idea, so I next took it to the professors at the University of Kansas at Lawrence,” she recalls. Again, there was no positive response.

Finding Her Niche By 2012, nothing had happened with the journal. When Jodi saw Dr. Bales again at another

conference, he asked her “So when are you going to do it?” At that moment, Jodi found her path in the movement. Both experts, Bales and McQuade, agreed to serve on the advisory board, and the idea began to take shape.

“I think this was one of those cases where we didn’t know how difficult it was to start a peerreviewed journal. It is so difficult to find experts to review. The work has to be flawless in its integrity, without a single mistake,” Jacqueline explains.

In addition to Jodi's limited college experience with "Eclectic," the University of West Georgia’s literary magazine, her time as a graduate assistant for a professor working on a psychology journal was helpful in her basic understanding for creating this new journal, which they named "Slavery Today."

Jodi began sharing "Slavery Today" with any professionals who might be positively helped by its information in their work and research. Her outreach went way beyond the scope of academia. One of her most meaningful conversations was with an officer with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The TBI has been proactive in the fight against human trafficking and in 2014, it started an initiative called “It Has to Stop” to increase awareness of

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“Jodi is a living miracle for me,” says Jacqueline. “Outside of my daughter, meeting Jodi is the most important thing that has happened in my life. She knows her strengths and weaknesses and analyzes everything before taking any steps.

Many people just jump right in and can ultimately do more harm than good.

“I promised Jodi as soon as we got any funding, it would go to pay her, but unfortunately, we have yet to gain outside funding. Jodi’s husband Paul is as close to a saint as I have met. He supports Jodi and our mission completely.” His support has extended to mining every possible frequent flier mile or hotel benefit he has earned through his work so Jodi can use them to attend conferences.

But those benefits only extend so far, and both Jodi and Jacqueline primarily fund their travel out-ofpocket. “These are not glamorous trips,” explains Jacqueline. “Jodi has been known to spend a dayand-a-half in airports traveling on a low-fare ticket, and while at a conference, we may eat out one time. We exist on granola bars and snacks!” The personal funds spent over the years between the two is probably close to $100,000 or more, according to Jacqueline. But it seems clear the women see the money constraints as just another hurdle over which to jump.

Jodi with her husband Paul.

human trafficking in Tennessee and beyond. “I had a two-hour conversation with the officer from the TBI, and he told me such a peer-reviewed journal would make his job a lot easier,” she explains.

Jodi’s involvement as editor-in-chief of "Slavery Today" is truly one of giving as there are no organizational funds available to cover travel or pay her a salary. Her work has been a gift from the heart and mind.

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An Important Resource A very important use for "Slavery Today" is by law enforcement and prosecutors for use in case preparation against human traffickers and enslavers.

“Right now, it is difficult to get cases charged as human trafficking,” Jodi explains.

Prosecutors simply want to get the criminals off the streets, so charges can vary including prostitution; sexual exploitation of a minor; forced labor; child labor; debt labor; or even the forced

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removal and sale of human organs. While ultimately any successful prosecution that gets criminals off the streets is the real goal, “If more cases are charged as human trafficking crimes, it will help the statistical point of view, which in turn will help assist future prosecutions,” Jodi clarifies.

"Slavery Today" is not currently self-sustaining financially, but Jodi is hopeful it will soon pay for itself. Additionally, she is working toward adding a magazine-style format that would make the information more accessible to the general public and provide more immediate access. "Slavery Today" is readily accessible, but research documents can take longer to publish from start to submission.

Human Trafficking Is Modern Day Slavery There are many misperceptions that slavery happens mostly with undocumented workers or in the Latino and African American communities.

“Slavery and human sexual trafficking also takes place in the wealthiest, Caucasian communities, and no community is immune," says Jacqueline.

Modern slavery can encompass physical, mental

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and economic exploitation. Victims can be found anywhere, but those who are living in unstable home situations are particularly susceptible. The traffickers, often referred to as Groomers or Romeos, know how to manipulate the child’s situation to gain his or her trust.

“Teens can be particularly high risk due to development and maturity factors," Jodi says. "As their reasoning brains are not fully developed and they can have poor judgment regarding future consequences." Additionally, kids in the lesbian and gay community are common victims, and boys are often underreported as victims, but they are definitely targets.

“Modern slavery is kind of like domestic violence in the 1950s,” explains Jacqueline. “The signs are there for us to see, but people are wary to pull on that thread because then everything unravels and they will be forced to do something.”

Jodi warns that some child survivors of human trafficking, particularly sexual trafficking, are still living with their families at home. They meet someone online or in person and sneak out to meet this adult abuser. This person grooms them to develop a relationship and gain trust. Eventually, the groomer forces the child to participate in a sexual situation. Then the trafficker will use this to blackmail the child in various ways, and the child feels trapped in the sexual exploitation. Social media has created a huge spike in vulnerability.

“Human trafficking is modern day slavery. When you are controlled by another for the purpose of exploitation, you are enslaved,” she explains.

The problem with prosecuting sex trafficking offenders can sometimes mean the victim is punished in the process. “If an ordinary child is a minor and engages in sexual acts with a person of legal age, the child is considered a rape victim,” Jodi says. “But a victim of sex trafficking doesn’t always receive the same legal protections.”

The Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act states clearly that any child under age 18 who is sold for sex is by definition a victim of trafficking, whether fraud, force or coercion is involved. Children are not legally capable of consenting to sex with an adult, let alone selling themselves. Unfortunately, states aren’t required to comply with federal law unless that state policy violates the Constitution. So, shockingly, minor children and victims of human trafficking are often arrested and charged with prostitution.

Being so intimately involved in such difficult subject matter presents its own set of challenges for Jodi. “I try not to always carry it around with me,"

she shares. "Paul is able to ‘leave it at work,’ and I am trying to do the same, but it is hard because I can’t un-know what I know.” While very protective of her children and in particular her young daughters, she tries not to project too much of that knowledge into their daily lives. Jodi explains with a lighter tone, “I try not to make my children totally neurotic!”

WGW

To find out more about Jodi Sonderman and her work with Slavery Today, email her at editor@slaverytoday.org

or visit the website www.slaverytoday.org

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What Can I Do to Help?

If you would also like to help, Jodi makes the following suggestions: Volunteer with or contribute to a group that works directly in the area of support for survivors such as: • Georgia Cares: www.gacares.org – a statewide organization providing support for child victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

• Wellspring Living: wellspringliving.org – transforming lives of those victimized by sexual exploitation.

• Tapestri, Inc.: tapestri.org – advocates for immigrant and refugee families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation.

• Street Grace: streetgrace.org – an Atlanta, faith-based organization committed to providing a comprehensive path to end domestic minor sex trafficking.

• Project Chevere: projectchevere@gmail.com – if you are interested in helping on the international stage, Jodi is very supportive of Project Chevere. It is a person-to-person attempt to aid those suffering in Venezuela and their risk of being trafficked due to vulnerable economic circumstances and undependable rule of law.

Volunteer with or contribute to an organization that works in an area that decreases vulnerability to human trafficking and slavery. Look for organizations that work to alleviate: • • • •

homelessness poverty hunger sexual abuse

Probably the biggest impact you can have in the wider, national and international spheres is from your consumer choices. Inform yourself, learn all you can about the brands you use – their materials, production and supply chain from raw materials to consumer.

Reach out to them. Ask questions about the products. Praise them for what they’re doing right and hold them accountable for the places they remain uninformed or inactive in removing slavery from their brand.

Whenever possible, choose brands that are already working to become slave-free. This is especially important with chocolate and cotton. Boycotts don’t help because refusing to buy anything with chocolate or cotton hurts those suppliers who are struggling to produce slave-free goods and they are impacted more than the larger operations that can more afford to take a decline in sales.

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Ralph E. Fleck, Jr., M.D. Jubal R. Watts, M.D. Gregory S. Slappey, M.D. Anthony W. Colpini, M.D. Brad G. Prybis, M.D. Kevin M. Charron, M.D. Jeffry A. Dressander, M.D. Taylor B. Cates, M.D. E. Franklin Pence, M.D. Ki-Hon Lin, M.D. Shomari A. Ruffn, M.D. David A. Scruggs, P.A.-C Michael C. Gravett, P.A.-C Andrea Maxwell, F.N.P. Alisha Schuchman, N.P.-C Britni Lockwood, P.A.-C 24

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Breaking the

24

Anxiety Habit

By Lisa King Smith

I

t’s no secret that people are more anxious now than ever before. Reported levels of anxiety have been steadily on the rise since the end of World War II, and today, anxiety disorders make up the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide, affecting about 40 million adults age 18 and above in the United States and one in eight children.

That’s 18 percent of the population that suffers from one or more of the many disorders that fall under the umbrella of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and specific phobias.

Women are twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorders often set in much earlier for women than men.

The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable, however, only about one-third of those who suffer from it seek and receive treatment. While the severity of anxiety levels can vary quite a bit from person to person, and more debilitating cases require medication and professional treatment, there are a number of ways we can manage general symptoms of anxiety on our own.

We can manage our anxiety, but it’s a process, and an important part of that process is understanding why we get anxious and where our anxiety is coming from.

Why Do You Get Anxious Anyway?

As humans, our brains are wired to look for what we are missing in our environment. It’s a basic survival instinct. Think of the earliest humans, the hunter-gatherers who constantly had to be aware of what the next thing they needed for survival was, whether that was food, water or shelter.

The physical symptoms of anxiety we experience stem from this same survival instinct. When we encounter a threat, real or perceived, a part of our brain called the amygdala starts releasing stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol), triggering the familiar fight-or-flight response: increased heart rate, quickness of breath and tense muscles. In women, this response is triggered more readily and stays active longer than in men, which is part of the reason women are more prone to anxiety problems.

When we really are faced with danger, this response is a good thing; it helps us get out of harm’s way or defend ourselves. Even in non-lifethreatening situations, these hormones can actually

help us perform better and improve our lives. A big job interview or presentation may have our stomach in knots, but the instinct to protect ourselves motivates us to prepare, and the adrenaline rush can give us the energy we need to perform under stressful circumstances.

But too much of these hormones can have negative effects on our bodies, such as higher blood pressure, sleep problems, appetite problems, difficulty concentrating, weight gain and even stroke.

Even though this fight-or-flight instinct is critical for survival, sometimes our brains can get stuck in this place of searching for what is missing and worrying even when we aren’t in immediate danger.

This way of thinking becomes a habit we don’t even realize we are developing until we are already so comfortable with it that it can almost seem scary and unfamiliar not to be in a place of constantly thinking about what needs to happen, what could happen or what’s next.

We’ve essentially tricked our bodies into thinking we are in danger when we aren’t, and that’s when anxiety becomes a bigger problem.

How Can You Manage Anxiety?

The key to managing anxiety involves changing our thinking patterns by challenging negative thoughts and training our brains to tone down that automatic fight-or-flight response and evaluate if the feelings of danger we are experiencing are serious or not.

It sounds difficult, and it can be, but it is possible with practice. Just as our brains have trained our bodies to be hungry or sleepy at certain times of the day, we can train ourselves to be less anxious.

Start by challenging negative thoughts and worries. Asking yourself questions can help put thoughts and situations into perspective and calm the mind.

Next Time You’re Worried About Something, Ask Yourself: • “What is my evidence for thinking that this could actually happen?”

• “What can I do to find out if my thoughts are true?”

• “Is there another way of looking at this situation?”

• “Is there anything positive about this

25

situation?”

• “Will this matter a year from now?”

• “Is this a productive thought?”

• “Is thinking this way helping me achieve my goals?”

When we stop to question our thoughts, it not only gives us a sense of control over our thinking when we are feeling anxious, it also gives us the opportunity to step back and really reflect on the way we are thinking to identify where in our thought processes we can make changes to prevent these anxious thoughts from getting out of hand in the future.

Because a large part of anxiety involves trying to control things we can’t, and getting lost in infinite “what ifs?” another technique that can help is mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness can help us be present in the here and now and remind us that all we really can control is how we are handling this exact moment in time.

A popular and helpful exercise used to practice mindfulness is called grounding, which is done by taking a few deep breaths (inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth) and identifying three things you can see, hear, smell and touch in your environment. Taking a moment to consciously identify these external things and be aware of our physical senses can help bring us out of our heads

26

and back into the present moment.

Of course, we can’t rewire our brains overnight; these techniques have to be practiced and repeated often before they can become a good habit that replaces the harmful habit of anxious thinking that we have developed.

Along with these mental exercises, physical exercise has also been shown to improve anxiety levels and help with stress management. Regular exercise’s benefits to the body are well-known, but it also benefits the brain by improving cognition, concentration, alertness and mood.

Vigorous exercise also improves our ability to sleep well, which is another very important part of anxiety management. Trouble falling asleep (and staying asleep) is one of the most common anxietyrelated problems, yet not getting enough sleep actually makes anxiety worse, creating a vicious cycle.

Setting and sticking to a relaxing bedtime ritual can help with sleep consistency. Avoid watching TV (that includes Netflix!) half an hour before bedtime to give the brain sufficient time to wind down before sleep. Watching the news or violent programming too close to bedtime only worsens anxiety and makes it harder to slow down a racing mind.

As attached as we are to our smartphones, staring at our screens too close to bedtime can also cause sleeping problems. Smartphone screens emit bright

doing to take care of me?”

Whatever the answer is, whether it’s taking the time to read, daily meditation or long walks, do more of it.

Self-care is a critical step toward taking control of anxiety.

What If There Is A Bigger Problem?

blue light that can interfere with the brain’s ability to make melatonin, the important hormone that lets our bodies know when it’s time to sleep. iPhone users should take advantage of a new feature called Night Shift that when enabled, automatically shifts the screen’s color temperature to a yellowish hue, which is more soothing on the eyes and brain.

Get into the habit of asking yourself “What am I

Although many people who suffer from mild to moderate anxiety are able to function in social and professional situations, those who find that their anxiety is preventing them from performing simple daily activities should seek professional treatment, which may include medication.

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and seeking help is key to taking charge of your mental health and moving forward with your life.

It may seem scary or intimidating to seek help, especially if you’ve never had experience with any sort of therapy or counseling before.

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Teach Your Children About Important Water Safety Rules • Never go near water alone.

• Always have an adult with you when you go swimming.

• Always ask permission from an adult before going in the water.

• If a toy or article of clothing falls in the pool, ask a grownup to get it for you.

• Don’t have breath-holding contests in the water.

• If you see someone in danger or who needs help, don’t go in after them. Throw a flotation device for them to hold onto and go get help.

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Doing some research about treatment methods and knowing what your options are may help you feel more empowered. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America is a great online resource for learning about treatment options and even finding a therapist nearby.

None of the techniques mentioned here are 100 percent effective, and they cannot replace professional treatment for those suffering from severe anxiety disorders. It is important to understand that everyone’s anxiety is different and not everyone responds to treatment in the same way or in the same amount of time.

Unlike illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia, anxiety can’t be completely eradicated. There is no true cure for anxiety, only methods designed to alleviate symptoms and techniques to keep it under control. Anxiety is very manageable, but because of the way the human brain is designed, it can never completely go away.

Simply being able to identify what triggers your anxiety and being aware of what physical symptoms you may experience before an anxiety attack can go a long way in preventing anxious thoughts from escalating into full-fledged panic attacks. The sooner you can recognize that an attack is coming, the

28

sooner you can take measures to prevent it.

Stress is a part of life, and some anxiety is inevitable, but knowing how to manage those feelings and keep them from becoming a habit of thinking will help you stay in control of your thoughts and handle whatever life throws at you in the future.

Remember that you have the power to take control of your anxiety and that you aren’t alone in your fight for peace of mind. WGW Lisa King Smith, Ed.S., LPC is a licensed professional counselor providing psychotherapy in private practice in Carrollton, Ga. A graduate of the University of West Georgia’s Psychology & Counselor Education programs, her specialties include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, life transitions, self-harm and trauma as well as working with teen girls and young adult women. For the past four years, she has also served on the Board of Directors for the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia as Western District Chair. She was recently sworn in as president-elect of the LPCA on June 17. Visit www.csosolutions.net to find out more about Lisa and her work.

Women Who Plant the Seeds of Service UPDATE

29

The GFWC Carrollton Civic Woman's Club Receives Top Honors in State for 2016 Service

T

he General Federation of Women's Clubs' Carrollton Civic Woman's Club received the top award in the state, the Georgia Federation Cup Award for 2016.

This award was presented at the GFWC Georgia State Convention in April. A silver cup is presented annually to a federated General Club for the Best Overall Excellence in Community Service Program work in each of the six Community Service Programs. The Community Service Programs are in the

Top right: Linda Camp received the best Media Book in the State. Bottom: The Home Life Community Service Program received the State Award – From left to right: Margaret McCall, Nancy Tunnell, and Sandra Law.

30

Seated from left to right: Linda Camp, with the Publicity Book Silver Award, Laura Miller with the Dunwoody Woman’s Club/Toine Ashley Education Silver Award for the best general club in Education, Wilma Upchurch, charter member of the CCWC, Johnnye Hutchins, with the Georgia Federation Cup, Martha Ann Saunders with the Carolyn Jones Legislative Silver Award, Sandra Law and Nancy Tunnell with the Peggy A. Couch Home Life Silver Award for the best general club in Home Life. CCWC also received state recognition for their Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and for their work with GFWC Juniors’ Special Project – Advocates for Children.

areas of Art, Conservation, Education, Home Life, International Outreach and Public Issues. There are over 70 general clubs statewide.

In 2016 GFWC Carrollton Civic Woman’s Club volunteered 16,415 hours, made monetary donations of $13,621.33, and made in-kind donations of $98,786.49 in the work of the six CCWC Community Service Programs.

Next year, the GFWC Carrollton Civic Woman’s Club, established in 1968, will be celebrating 50 years of service to their community, state, nation and around the globe. This is the first time that CCWC has received the Federation Cup Award for the state. The members of CCWC received the exciting news of this award at their May 24 meeting. WGW

Margaret McCall and Laura Miller with the State Award for the Education Community Service Program.

To learn more about GFWC Carrollton Civic Woman’s Club, visit their website at carrolltoncivicwomansclub.org

Martha Ann Saunders, Legislative Community Service Program chair, receives the State Award from Margaret McCall.

or their Facebook page GFWC Carrollton Civic Woman's Club

31

THE FACES OF SUICIDE

By Angela Brooks Dailey

Letters from survivors: Charlene Brooks, William Brooks, Austin Broussard, Carol Broussard, Terri Johnson, Dawn Lawler, Tina Thompson Occhipinti, Brenda Wyatt Patterson, Elton Thompson, Judy House Thompson and Becky Williamson.

Additional contributors: Shala Hainer, Patricia A. Lane and Chad Taylor

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Many of you may remember the September 2016 issue West Georgia Woman Magazine published to help bring awareness to the prevalence of suicide in this country, and to honor the loved ones we have lost to suicide in West Georgia. We have received so many phone calls, letters and emails from readers who were touched by this issue, and we are still presently receiving correspondence.

We will be publishing our second annual suicide awareness issue in September 2017. If you have lost a loved one to suicide, and you would like to write a loving tribute, please send your submission along with three to four photos to: features@westgeorgiawoman. com or you may mail it to: Angel Media, LLC, P.O. Box 2782, Carrollton, Ga. 30112.

Please rest assured we will treat your loved ones' memory with the utmost respect and kindness they deserve. If you attempted suicide in the past and you would like to share how you are happy to be alive, please send your submission to the email or mailing address above. It is our hope that together, we may be able to save lives throughout West Georgia by sharing these stories of our loved ones with our readers.

Some Days Like That

She flashed a smile that never reached her eyes, As if the effort was too much for her.

Some days are like that, taking all she has.

Some days, success is simply to arise – And flip a mental finger to the crowd So anxious to point out what she does wrong.

As if they have their own angst in control!

The adage said, "Walk one day in her shoes."

They wouldn't, though, for they might understand!

They couldn't have that happening, could they?

That might require an action on their part That calls for them to change how they react Whenever "expectations" go unmet – Extend a helping hand to bear the load, that She might reach day's end with something left.

Imagine if she had some days like that!

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A Brunch to Die For and a Fantastic Salad for the Bacon Lover in You

Panzanella is a bread salad that can be made with basically any ingredients you can come up with. You can use leftovers from the fridge, or toasted nuts such as walnuts or pine nuts. Using a dense bread for this BLT Panzanella Salad works best so it will not fall apart when you brown the bread cubes in the skillet. This delicious salad can be eaten as a side dish or a one-bowl meal.

This scrumptious Baked Brioche French Toast and Maple Citrus Glazed Bacon meal can be served anytime, but most people prefer to make this for brunch. The French toast can be prepared the night before, which is good when you have guests. Brioche is a wonderful egg-rich dense bread, but you can use any leftover bread you have. This glazed bacon is off the chain and a nice change from the normal ol’ pan-fried bacon. Cooking on a grill grate gives it lovely marks as well for service.

Photos by Michelle Horsley

BLT Panzanella Salad Ingredients 12 ounces bacon

2 cups bread cubes

Salt and pepper to taste 2 teaspoon garlic paste

2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 5 ounces mixed salad greens

1 cup grape tomatoes (yellow or red), cut in halves 1/3 cup red onion sliced thin 1/2 cup chopped parsley

1/4 cup chopped basil leaves

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Preparation Heat a large skillet and sauté bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy. Drain on a paper towel and reserve pan and bacon grease, but remove 1 tablespoon bacon grease and set aside. Return to heat and fry the bread cubes until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Toss with salt and pepper.

With reserved bacon grease, return skillet to heat and sauté garlic, balsamic vinegar, and red onion for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. In a large bowl place croutons, greens, tomatoes, onion, parsley and toss with the warm vinaigrette. Top with bacon and basil and add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately.

Serves 4 36

For the french toast 6 cups cubed Brioche bread 4 large eggs 2 cups whole milk ½ cup sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Warm syrup for service For the bacon ¼ cup maple syrup 2 tablespoon sherry balsamic vinegar (or cooking sherry) 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest and lime zest 4 pieces of thick cut bacon, each halved ¼ cup chopped chives for garnish

Preparation For the French toast Grease your ramekins, muffin tins or

8-inch-by-8-inch baking dish and preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl place cubed bread. In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and sugar. Pour over the bread cubes and toss to coat.

Spoon into the dishes about ¾ full.

Cover and refrigerate overnight or allow to soak at least 30 minutes. If using ramekins, place all of them onto a baking sheet and place your dish into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the tops are browned and set in the middle. You will have to cook an 8-inch-by-8-inch baking dish longer, about 40 to 45 minutes. Serve with warm maple syrup.

For the bacon While the French toast is baking, heat a grill over the stove-top or a gas-grill.

In a small bowl, whisk the syrup, vin-

egar and zests together. Brush each piece of the bacon with the glaze mixture and cook over the grill on lowheat until browned and tender – about 12 minutes. Continue to brush with glaze and turn the pieces occasionally to cook evenly. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the chives.

Serves 4

WGW

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12 for LifeÂŽ will recognize 386 graduates for 2017, marking a total of 2,000 students who have completed 12 for LifeÂŽ to date.

Congratulations, Class of 2017!

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SHE'S GOT GAME Local Pole Vaulting Champion Payton Phillips is Flying

High

Photos by Keith May

39

ayton Phillips is a young woman with a vision.

A level seven gymnast before retiring from gymnastics last December, the incoming Carrollton High School freshman has much loftier goals these days – literally – as a pole vaulter.

In April, during the West Georgia Middle School Championship meet, Payton took her personal pole vault record to new heights when she vaulted an amazing 11 feet 7 inches to secure her jump as number one this year in the United States at the junior high school level.

Payton lives in Carrollton,Ga., with her mom, Kristy, who works for Southwire, her dad, Carey, running back coach and head strength and

P

conditioning coach at Carrollton High School and her sister, Madi, a seventh grader who plays volleyball and lacrosse at Carrollton Junior High School.

Payton hopes to increase the height of her jump to 13 feet by the end of her freshman year and dreams of flying even higher by the end of high school, with a goal of 15 feet. With Payton's amazing spirit, tenacity and determination, there is no doubt she will succeed at whatever goal she sets for herself in the future.

West Georgia Woman: Tell me what you love about pole vaulting.

Payton Phillips: I love the lessons and exhilaration that you get from it. You learn the lessons on the bad days and you get exhilaration from the good to great days. The bad days help you appreciate the good days more.

WGW: What influenced your decision to try pole vaulting?

Payton: My family has somewhat of a background in the pole vault. My granddad David Phillips pole vaulted 12 feet 6 inches in high school and my great uncle Terri J. Phillips jumped 14 feet in high school.

They both went to Carrollton. I also jumped for a few weeks when I was younger. My first pole was made of bamboo, to learn some of the basics. In the sixth grade, I competed in my first meet against my now friend and teammate at Pole Vault Atlanta, Brooklyn Kierbow.The next seventh grade school season at state I lost by misses (see publisher's note below) to an eighth grader. That summer I started to get more serious, but was still spending 22 hours a week in gymnastics practice. I retired from gymnastics in December of 2016, and made pole vaulting my main focus. That's when the personal records started happening meet after meet. This season has been a complete rush! (Publisher's note: In pole vault, the athlete gets three tries to make the height. Those tries count against them in the final. So in this case, both she and the 8th grader made the height, but it took Payton one more try to make the height than the 8th grader. The tie is broken by the total number of misses in the competition. This explains the phrase "I lost by misses.")

WGW: How dangerous is pole vaulting?

Payton: Pole vaulting isn't really that dangerous if you are taught proper technique. Pole vault is very technical. Pole vault pits have come a long way from sawdust. Recently, I was working as a volunteer

40

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Photos by Keith May

at the state meet and a kid pole vaulted almost into the standards (the equipment that holds the bar at a particular height above the ground). There was also a meet I went to and one of the boys went into the box because his coaches were not thinking about the safety of the kid and just threw him in to get points for the team. You need to know how to handle a jump that is failing just like you need to know how to complete a perfect jump.

WGW: What keeps you motivated?

Payton: My motivation is partly the rush of the high – literally being high in the air. I love to win, and that is one of my bigger motivators.

WGW: What is your training regimen?

Payton: I go to practice at Pole Vault Atlanta three days a week, I practice at Carrollton High School whenever I am not at competitions or PV-ATL and I also have a regular workout regimen. Then I do a few camps during the summer.

WGW: How do you prepare the day of a meet mentally and physically?

Payton: I usually try to eat right and listen to music.

Payton's Personal Record 11'7.75" June 10, 2017

to get more points at a track meet without teaching them a thing about how to do it. This is where the pole vault becomes dangerous.

WGW: Who has had the most influence in your life at school?

Payton: My biggest influence in school is probably my dad because in his weight lifting class, he pushed me to be a better athlete. Coach Brian Terry had an influence on the track side of things. But there are so many more teachers that have influenced me.

WGW: Who has had the most influence in your personal life?

Payton: In my personal life, my mom is my biggest influence. She is always helping me be a better person.

WGW: Who do you look up to as a role model in your life?

Payton: My role model is Becky Arbiv. She is the highest girl jumper at Pole Vault Atlanta. She is going to college at Duke University. She took me in when I first started pole vaulting and immediately became my mentor. She is always cool and calm under pressure, and my hope is that some of her experience will continue to rub off on me.

WGW: What do you like most about pole vaulting?

Payton: What I like most about pole vaulting is the opportunity to use the gift that God has given me, glorifying God through everything that I do.

WGW: What do you like least about pole vaulting?

Payton: I hate when coaches throw kids into pole vault

Payton with her dad, Carey. She says he has had the biggest influence on her in school by encouraging her to be a better athlete.

43

WGW: Tell me what goes through your mind when you're out there competing.

What do you think about? How does pole vaulting make you feel physically and mentally?

Payton: In my head I am praying, asking God to help me clear the height that I'm on and saying to myself 'You have cleared this height before you can do it again.'

Pole vaulting can make you feel mentally weak some days and other days make you mentally strong. I just have to make a decision, do I want it to mess me up in the head or help me make a higher height.

Sometimes I think about the cross bar. Those are the days where I'm mentally tired.

WGW: Tell me about your success stories academically and in sports.

Payton: My academic success story would be that I worked really hard last year and made it to honors classes. My sports success story would probably be the day I jumped 11 feet 7inches. That was a foot over my last personal record and it was a home meet!

The whole meet stopped and everyone watched and then went crazy when I made the height. That put me at number one in the country! (Publisher's note: Payton has since beaten that personal record when she jumped 11 feet 7.75 inches on June 10, 2017.)

WGW: Do you participate in any other track and field events besides pole vaulting?

Payton: Other events that I do include the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, and I am trying the javelin this summer.

WGW: What do you do to help and encourage other girls on the team who are younger than you?

Payton: Usually if it is during running events, I try to encourage them at the meets by yelling as loud as I can during their races.

If they are pole vaulters, I try to help them get better.

WGW: How old were you when you started pole vaulting? What was that first experience like for you?

Payton: The first time I pole vaulted was in the sixth grade in the county championship

44

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where I got first place. My granddad gave me and my sister a wood and a bamboo pole to start us on when I was about 8 years old. He would work with us on how to hold the pole, run with the pole and planting the pole.

WGW: How do you balance pole vaulting/track and field and your other activities along with your schoolwork?

Payton: I have a lot of late nights with homework and keeping up with school.

WGW: Who is your biggest fan?

Payton: My biggest fan is my mom. She is supportive through it all; the bad and good. Even the days where I'm crying she can handle me.

She always knows just what to say and she always reminds me to pray. She has always supported me no matter what I was doing. She is my Rockstar!

WGW: Tell me about your support network at home. What do they do for you to help you succeed?

Payton: My parents support me a lot. They get me to as many camps and practices as they can.

It is a lot harder to get to practices since they are

in Atlanta and my parents work a lot during the summer. My dad encourages me to stay healthy and stretch. My mom picks me up if I get down. My grandparents will help me get to practice.

WGW: If you could give a middle schooler just beginning to try pole vaulting advice, what would you tell her?

Payton: If I could give a middle schooler advice on the pole vault, I would say some of the most important things are to listen to your coach and do drills. Drills are probably one of the most important parts of the pole vault. Drills are the building blocks to the pole vault. Then I would probably say come to Pole Vault Atlanta to train.

WGW: What do you think makes you successful in your sport?

Payton: I think the coaching I have helps me be successful. Also, the coaching and discipline that I've had in the past from my gymnastics coach, Kelly Keown, has also helped. Then we go back to the many support systems that I have in my life.

"In my head I am praying, asking God to help me clear the height that I'm on and saying to myself 'You have cleared this height before, you can do it again.'"

46

WGW: Do you see yourself doing this in college?

Payton: Yes I do see myself doing this in college.

I have so many mentors. I have Kaylee Riley (state champ), she is going to the University of Alabama for pole vault. I have Becky Arbiv (state champ), and she is going to Duke University for pole vault. These mentors I believe will help me through the years.

WGW: If you could do one thing differently regarding your experience with pole vaulting what would you do?

Payton: No regrets! Everything happens for a reason and it's all in God's good plan!

WGW: What do you want to do for a career after high school?

Payton: I am planning on going to college and being a physical therapist and an entrepreneur in track/sports innovation.

WGW: What professional athlete would you like to meet and why?

Payton: Probably Sandi Morris (Nike pole vaulter/Olympian), or Jenn Suhr (Olympian and World Champion pole vaulter) because they are making a living off of what they love. I want to grow up and make a living being a kid! WGW

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PAYTON'S 2017 ACHIEVEMENTS Outdoor Personal Record: 11'7.75" Southeast Regional Pole Vault Championships June 10, 2017 1st – 11-7.75 MYIA Emerging Elite Athlete Talent ID Showcase May 30, 2017 6th – 9-11 (only 8th grader to compete) Georgia Middle School Track & Field State Championships April 21, 2017 - Apr 22, 2017 1st – 10-6 West Georgia Middle School Championships April 15, 2017 1st – 11-7 Bowdon Jr. High Invitational Mar 30, 2017 1st – 10-7

Central Middle School Invitational March 25, 2017 1st – 10-3 3rd Annual Mustang Stampede Middle School Invitational March 11, 2017 1st – 9-7 Allatoona High School JV Meet #3 March 8, 2017 2nd – 10-6 7th Annual Marietta Middle School Invite March 4, 2017 1st – 9-6

Indoor Personal Record: 10'0.75" Georgia Indoor Pole Vault State Championships January 29, 2017 1st – 9-1.5 Alabama Striders Indoor Classic January 15, 2017 1st – 10-0.75

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Making Healthy Food Choices on Vacation

By Dr Habiba N. Shaw

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T

here’s a general attitude about eating unhealthily while on vacation. I’ve heard people say, “I am on vacation! I want to enjoy it!” Yes, vacation is beneficial for our mental wellness because we experience new scenery and can refresh ourselves, and we indeed want to enjoy it. However, it's easy to give up on our generally healthy eating plan while we are traveling, especially if we are not careful.

The constant rush of activities makes it tempting to stop at a fast-food restaurant whenever hunger strikes, or indulge in beverages or snacks that aren’t healthy. But if you keep smart food choices around, it will be easier for you to maintain a healthy dining regimen during your vacations without any regrets.

Having fun doesn’t have to result in unhealthy eating. The key is to fill up on foods that are healthy when you can and make more intelligent dining choices throughout your vacation.

By simply planning ahead and knowing what options are available to you, you can enjoy some time away from your stressful routine but not from eating healthy.

Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, packing your own healthy snacks will help you resist the temptation to buy overpriced unhealthy

food at the airport, convenience store or in the hotel lobby. This way it will save money for you to enjoy a nice dinner when you arrive at your destination. Most important, if you have committed to staying on track with your diet or following a specific meal plan, packing your own healthy travel snacks helps ensure you will stay on track.

Healthy Travel Snacks That Are Easy To Pack: • Fresh Fruit (like a whole apple) • Nuts • Crunchy roasted chickpeas (in a plastic container) • Bars (fruit and nut bars or granola bars) • Dried fruit • Pretzels (in a sealed zip lock bag) • Crackers (low-fat and low-salt healthy crackers) • Sandwich or Wrap (in a cooler) • Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc.)

• Trail Mix • No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Energy Balls • Water or no-sugar-added juice

Life. Starts. Here Treatment for people suffering from chronic, debilitating pain of the low back, legs, and arms.

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Tips For Dining Out Eating out can be easy and convenient, but to give your brain and body the nourishment it needs, you need to know what to search for and how to order.

Think about your portions: Limit your portions by choosing the smallest entrée. Don’t worry about getting more for your money if you “upgrade” your meal.

• Ask the restaurant if they offer smaller lunch-sized portions. Many restaurants offer half-sized portions on their menu.

• Don’t “super-size” meals. If you are at a fast-food restaurant, choose the smallest meal option available.

• If you like eating leftovers, ask your server to bring a to-go box with your meal, so that you can put half of your meal away to save for later before you even begin to eat.

• Try sharing a meal with another person at your table.

• Avoid all-you-can-eat menu options and buffet-style restaurants. Unlimited refills of soup or pasta may sound like a good deal, but they can make it easier to overeat.

Make your meals lower in fat: Opt for foods that are lower in fat, higher in protein and fiber, and lower in refined grains and sugar. Order vegetables, whole grains and high-quality protein.

• Before you order, find out how the food is prepared. Foods that are broiled, poached, grilled, baked or steamed tend to be lower in fat than foods that are fried. Limit foods that are breaded or that come with cream sauce or gravy.

• Ask to have butter, sour cream, gravy and sauces served on the side. This will allow you to control how much you use.

• Choose reduced-fat salad dressings. Or choose oil-and-vinegar salad dressings instead of creamy dressings.

• Order hamburgers and sandwiches without the high-fat extras, such as cheese and bacon.

• Choose leaner deli meats such as turkey or roast beef rather than salami, ham or bologna.

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623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA • If you want dessert, look for low-fat frozen yogurt, fruit ice or sherbet.

Add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: Choose plant-based options such as greens, salads, veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds.

• Order extra vegetables on pizzas and sandwiches.

• Substitute vegetables for a baked potato or French fries. At fast-food restaurants, ask if you can have a salad or fruit instead of French fries.

• Try vegetarian menu options. Ethnic restaurants, such as Indian, Thai or Japanese restaurants often have a wide variety of vegetarian choices.

• Ask for brown rice and whole-grain pasta instead of white rice and pasta. Pick wholegrain bread and tortillas.

Healthy Dining Suggestions For Your Favorite Restaurants Mexican: Choose black beans over refried, avoid

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sour cream and cheese, choose fish or chicken, add beverages, such as fruit-flavored sparkling water or vegetables and limit chips. unsweetened iced tea.

Remember that alcoholic drinks can have a lot of Italian: Italian is so much more than pasta! Start calories. A large cocktail, such as a margarita, can with the antipasto plate, go gluten-free with salad, have as many calories as your main course. beans, soup, risotto or entrées with vegetables and Eating healthier doesn't mean that you have to meat or fish. give up ordering dessert, but you may want to order it less often and share it with someone else at your Burgers: Skip the fries and the bun (ask for the table. WGW burger to be wrapped in lettuce). When ordering

Dr. Habiba Shaw was a member of the National Speaker’s salads, get grilled meat, no bacon and ask for Association, Alabama Chapter, and is regarded as an expert dressing on the side.

Sushi: Wild fish contains protein as well as Omega-3s. Avoid fried options, and ask for glutenfree soy sauce. Other Japanese dishes are also delicious. Don’t forget the green tea – it contains powerful antioxidants.

Mediterranean: Pack your plate with delicious whole foods like olives, olive oil, hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, tzatziki, vegetables and salads.

Choose lean, grilled meats like lamb and chicken.

Choose your beverages carefully: Opt for water instead of sugar-sweetened soft drinks. If you don't like plain water, try other sugar-free or low-calorie

in healthy lifestyles. Dr. Shaw has a Doctorate Degree in Health Care Education from Nova Southeastern University and a Master’s Degree in Food and Nutrition. Habiba, a former university health and nutrition specialist, specialized in working with medical professionals and organizations that are concerned with general health and obesity. During her 30-plus year career, Habiba wrote health and nutrition related articles for newspapers, scientific magazines, and brochures, and presented seminars to major universities and colleges in Alabama. She also appeared on local television programs in her role as a nutrition expert. You may visit her website at

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Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he's a baby.”

– Natalie Wood

"Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.”

– Erma Bombeck

Source: Wikimedia Public Domain

“Television has proved that people will look at anything rather than each other.”

– Ann Landers

"Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight."

– Phyllis Diller

"Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hard-working, honest Americans. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then – we elected them."

– Lily Tomlin 53

Local Happenings Healers and Helpers Wellness Group

Need It Most Mommy’s Day Out

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.

Each Mommy’s Day Out event is from 6 to 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Locations vary.

Contact Jwyanda at 678.739.1740 or Jwyanda@icloud.com for more information.

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.

No one should have to face breast cancer alone.

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These are free events for new mothers, mothers with children 0-12 months and mothers suffering from postpartum depression. www.needitmost.wordpress.com

Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program This group meets the 4th Saturday of each month at WellStar - Douglas Hospital from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

This program is open to all girls from ages 10 -17.

Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the lives of young girls and women.

For more information call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org

Rare Pearls 3rd Annual Women's Empowerment Fundraiser and Luncheon July 29, 2017, 12:00 p.m., Douglasville Conference Center 6700 Church St. Douglasville, Ga. To purchase advance tickets visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org $30/ adult $15/12 and under. Corporate tables available $300. Limited vendor space.

Call Judy at 407.341.5867 or send an email to rarepearls2015@gmail.com for more information.

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30pm at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton. Please contact Anne Lussier at 470.270.9520 or IBCLC@nursingfromtheheart.com for more information.

These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free weight checks will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us. Please check our website for meeting and event updates.

Global BIG Latch On 2017 Saturday, August 5th from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The AMP in Carrollton.

We invite friends, families and members of the community to come join in the celebration to help protect, promote and support breastfeeding in West Georgia. Annually, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) organizes World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated the first week of August in 120 countries and marks the

signing of the WHO/UNICEF document Innocenti Declaration, which lists the benefits of breastfeeding, plus global and governmental goals. To mark this occasion on Friday, August 4th and Saturday, August 5th 2017, at 10:30 a.m., thousands of breastfeeding women and their babies and children across the world will gather in their own communities to take part in the Global BIG Latch On, a synchronized breastfeeding event in multiple locations.

Our local Global BIG Latch On will be held on Saturday, August 5th at The AMP in Carrollton, Georgia.

We aim to provide local breastfeeding resources, support and to promote a Breastfeeding Friendly Community to ensure breastfeeding as a normal part of day-to-day life in West Georgia. Mark your calendars and come out to show your support of breastfeeding in West Georgia.

For more information or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, participant or volunteer please contact Anne Lussier at BLO@nursingfromtheheart. com or call 470.270.9520. Visit westgabreastfeeding. wordpress.com/the-big-latch-on-2017 and biglatchon.org/about to learn more.

Handcuff Hustle Color Run July 4, 7 a.m.

Proceeds Benefit Programs Sponsored by the Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #35.

Some of the proceeds of this event will benefit Officer Jason Rowell, Badge #208, the Carrollton City Schools Resource Officer who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

One mile color fun run/walk 7 a.m., 5k color fun run/ walk 7:30 a.m. Pre-registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and is strongly encouraged – additional $10 fee on race day. The first 100 that pre-register will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card from a local restaurant. Largest group entry receives $100 gift certificate to Barnes store. Pre-registration is $35 and includes a race t-shirt. No t-shirt guaranteed on race day without pre-registration.

The Greenbelt at Hobbs Farm, 1147 Rome St. Carrollton, Ga. Call or email Eddie LeBlanc 770.318.5618, eleblanc@carrollton-ga.gov or Chad Wilson 770.298.0492, cwilson@carrollton-ga.gov for more information.

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The Benefits of Setting Boundaries

By Cheryl Francis 57

B

oundaries are a set of rules which help an individual feel safe and respected. It is important to begin teaching boundaries at a young age, beginning as early as infancy. Waiting until your children understand good touch and bad touch, or even sex education, delays the benefit of empowering your child.

Teaching boundaries is so much more than preventing sexual abuse. It is about learning to protect and define oneself. It is about building self-esteem, becoming assertive and confident.

Boundaries allow others to recognize what is expected of them as well as the one who is setting the boundary.

When we teach our children how to set boundaries, we help them show other people how they want to be treated. We empower them to have a voice as they learn and grow. Boundaries help us all, especially when we struggle with telling others how to stop things they do which make us uncomfortable.

In many situations, adults dictate boundaries for their children. However, as children grow, they need to learn to set limits for themselves so they can feel fulfilled. Teaching boundaries can begin at any age.

We Teach Children Boundaries In Several Ways.

Modeling appropriate behaviors.

It is important that adults model boundary setting for children. In doing this, it helps to reduce incidents of abuse. Boundaries allow children to stand on their own. Children learn, through boundary setting, not to give in to please others or give in to make others happy. Adults model boundary behaviors by giving choices: “You may play nicely, or sit with me,” or, “If you are not done putting your toys away by the time the timer goes off, you have decided not to play with your friends.”

In modeling and teaching boundaries, adults must be consistent. Inconsistencies send mixed messages and confuse the child on what is appropriate.

Children live what they learn. If your child sees the trusted adult in her life screaming or manipulating to get their way, or to get things done, these behaviors teach her how to violate others' boundaries.

When a parent limits her child’s ability to make choices, she grows up with rigid or loose boundaries. This impacts her ability to navigate decision-making processes. It also sets the path

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for abuse as she becomes dependent on others to affirm her decision or make decisions for her.

Setting limits.

Adults can begin teaching boundaries to children through the ways they provide discipline. It is important to set limits with children. Without limits children will have difficulty cooperating with others.

They will have difficulty functioning in society as they will do whatever they choose, whenever they choose.

Babies learn quite early how to push the limits.

It is up to the parent to either distract the baby, remove the item, set up barriers or if necessary, limit access. These things are the beginning of disciplining and teaching appropriate behaviors.

This also helps your baby understand there are boundaries for particular behaviors. In setting limits for your child, you are teaching her how to set boundaries for herself, and, eventually others.

Teaching children to respect the word “No.” Boundaries can also be taught during play. When your child asks to stop a particular activity during play, it is important that this is done immediately.

Respecting the word “stop” or “no” helps your child know that you recognize and respect her boundaries. By doing so, you are giving your child the opportunity to realize she has a voice and her request is important and valid to you.

You should stop and not continue the activity until your child asks for the activity to continue.

When your child is playing, and it is getting close to time to leave, give your child a time-frame and count down: “Five more minutes … two more minutes … OK time is up," to help her understand.

Then, remind her it is time to leave and begin the process of leaving.

When you say you are going to do something you must do it. This teaches your child the importance of respect on two levels; you are demonstrating

We teach teenagers how to set limits by allowing them more independence, and valuing and respecting their choices. respect for her and teaching her healthy responses for similar situations in the future. She is also learning about self-control and her own ability to set boundaries.

Respecting your child as a human being.

When your child is not taught healthy boundaries, the adult in your child’s life has begun the process of perpetuating disrespect. For example, an adult discussing adult concerns with your child, using your child for emotional support or discounting your child’s feelings by telling her she should not have a certain feeling.

Boundary violation contributes to vulnerability.

Once your child's boundary is violated she, in turn, will perpetuate the boundary violation as she will view her behavior as “normal.”

When you set boundaries with your teenagers, it is important to pick your battles and explain the reasons behind those boundaries while setting consequences for violating them. We teach teenagers how to set limits by allowing them more independence, and valuing and respecting their choices.

When she makes the wrong choices, ask her permission to provide feedback or allow her to share her thoughts with you. When you approach her this way, she is more apt to listen to what you have to

say. Teenagers need limits, especially when they venture into dangerous situations like drinking, other substance use and sex.

Teenagers learn boundaries through trust. If your teen is able to meet her curfew deadline and follow through on what is agreed, she is demonstrating her respect for the boundaries you have in place.

This behavior further demonstrates that she will be capable of using her voice and set limits for others as well.

Like any behavior change, setting limits takes time and practice, and it won't happen overnight. But by modeling appropriate behaviors yourself, and respecting your child as a human being you may be well on your way to making a positive change in your child's life. WGW Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the owner of The Heart Matters Wellness Services LLC, a fullservice 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.

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Kidz Korner Under the Sea Creatures T hese adorable and delicious sea creatures are a fantastic way for your little ones to keep busy on a rainy afternoon. Many of the same ingredients are used for each treat which makes it that much easier to create this underwater paradise!

Super Cute Starfish

By Charlene Brooks

Octopus Pops

Ingredients Regular-sized marshmallows Food coloring White chocolate bark (melted) Candy eyes Lollipop sticks

Ingredients Graham crackers (crushed) Large rectangular marshmallows Star-shaped cookie cutter White chocolate bark (melted) Candy eyes Instructions Use cookie cutter to cut out a star-shape from the marshmallow. Dip marshmallow star in melted chocolate bark. Stick two candy eyes to the chocolate-coated star. Roll star in graham crackers.

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Instructions Cut two marshmallows into eight pieces (four for each marshmallow). Take a small amount of white chocolate, to be used for the Octopus' mouth, and set aside. Take the remaining melted chocolate and stir several drops of food coloring into the chocolate until you reach the desired color. Dip one marshmallow into the melted chocolate. Stick two candy eyes to the chocolate-coated marshmallow.

Dip the eight marshmallow pieces into the melted chocolate, then attach the pieces to the chocolatecoated marshmallow. Allow to dry. Take a small amount of melted white chocolate and draw the mouth.

Sea Kelp Pretzel Rods Ingredients Food coloring White chocolate bark (melted) Pretzel rods Instructions Take a small amount of white chocolate, to be used to decorate the sea kelp, and set aside. Take the remaining melted chocolate and stir several drops of food coloring into the chocolate until you reach the desired color. Dip the pretzel rod into the melted chocolate covering half of the pretzel.

Take the remaining white chocolate and decorate as desired.

Ingredients Mini-marshmallows

Treasure of the Sea Oysters

Two cookies, any flavor

White chocolate bark (melted) Candy eyes Food coloring Instructions Take a small amount of white chocolate, to be used to decorate the oysters, and set aside. Take the remaining melted chocolate and stir several drops of food coloring into the chocolate until you reach the desired color. Coat the colored white chocolate inside the two cookies. Place the mini-marshmallow "pearl" inside the two cookies. Using a small amount of the white chocolate, stick the eyes onto the top cookie. Using the remaining white chocolate, decorate your oyster as desired. WGW

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Happy Independence Day Word Search Word Bank American Fourth Independence Red July White Patriotic Blue Star Spangled Festive Proud Historical USA Celebrate

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Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

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A R R I V I N G F A L L O F 2 0 17

WELCOME TO THE ALL-NEW 2018 ENCLAVE Smart, stylish and connected, the all-new Enclave is more for every moment.

WALKER BUICK 1492 N Park St (Hwy 27) Carrollton GA 30117 770.832.9602 www.walkerbuickgmc.com 64