West Georgia Woman Magazine June 2018

Woman

Complimentary

June 2018

West Georgia

TM

Deirdre Rouse Creating Unity Through Diversity

Protecting Our Heritage Spot the Signs of Elder Abuse

Skin Cancer: Minimize Your Risk 1

Angela Pham, M.D. is our community's only Board Certified Rheumatologist and is uniquely qualified to answer the question:

What is Inflammatory Arthritis?

Arthritis is the general term for a disease that affects the joints. Inflammatory arthritis is a type of arthritis where the immune system turns against the body and causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, gout and more. These conditions are chronic meaning they will persist, likely for a person's entire life.

There is no cure for inflammatory arthritis but the good news is that it can be effectively treated to prevent long-term damage and disability. Medications play a large role in therapy but there are other steps a person should take that are equally as important like diet and exercise.

There are specific nutrients found in foods that help reduce inflammation and there are foods that cause inflammation in the body. Treatment of inflammatory arthritis is tailored to the specific disease with medications along with self-management techniques like making healthy lifestyle choices through exercise and nutrition. Self-management encompasses choices made each day to live well and to stay healthy.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritis and you need a local rheumatologist, contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

You can expect an individualized care plan that addresses medications, nutrition and weight loss.

Angela Pham, MD and Cristal Rush, NP-Certified

Primary Care, Rheumatology, Lung and Sleep Medicine 2

100 Professional Park, Suite 204 Carrollton, Ga. 30117 Phone: 770.834.3351

3

What’s inside...

10

The Spice Of Life

40

Spot The Signs Of Elder Abuse

25

The Truth About HIV

46

Protecting Their Innocence

36

Pain Go Away: Living With Chronic Pelvic Pain

58

Fun In The Sun: Minimize Your Risk For Skin Cancer

In Every Issue:

4

32

Daily Fare

51

Local Happenings

50

Womentality

60

Kidz Korner

Advancing Health WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART HIP AND KNEE CARE.

Take a step toward pain-free mobility.

At Tanner Ortho and Spine Center, our board-certified team of orthopedic surgeons can help you get back on the go with the innovative Stryker Mako robotic-arm assisted surgical system.

The Stryker Mako system offers a more precise approach to hip and knee replacement surgery, using pre-surgical plans based on your individual anatomy to ensure a more comfortable recovery and a natural-fitting, longer-lasting replacement that moves in every way you do. And Tanner is the only orthopedics provider in the region offering this state-of-the-art approach to care.

When it comes to orthopedic care beyond measure, you have options — make the precise choice.

To find an orthopedic specialist on staff at Tanner, call 678.582.2170.

To learn more about the advanced orthopedic services and joint pain treatments available at Tanner, visit tanner-orthocare.org/kneepain.

MEDICINE BEYOND MEASURESM

5

Chronic Ear Infections?

We Can Help.

Ear Infections • Sports Injuries • Weightlifting Injuries Scoliosis • Pediatric Training Through ICPA Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) technique is one of the most scientifically validated techniques in chiropractic.

770.832.1640

775 S. Park Street, Suite 102 • Carrollton 6

www.integrativebodyhealth.com

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

Zachary, left, age 15 and Tristan, right, age 16, during our family vacation to Disney World, July, 2009.

T

his photo of my nephew, Tristan, was during our family vacation in July 2009. My brother had just gotten full custody of Tristan in December 2008.

This was his first trip to Disney World, and we all went together – my parents and my children, Zachary and Sydney, me and Tristan.

I remember we had such a fun time that week – we went to all four of the parks, both of the water parks and the big video gaming center, DisneyQuest, at downtown Disney. Needless to say, we were definitely exhausted by the end of the

week.

I look back on these photos now and I am so very thankful that we were able to make wonderful memories like this together. Sometimes, when we're all together as a family, we'll bring up something funny Tristan did or said, or something we all did together, and we'll smile and laugh about those good times.

Although the last two years have often been filled with sadness since Tristan passed away, it's always nice to look back and celebrate the 22 years we did have with him. – Angela Dailey

7

Vacation Time Summer is in full swing now that school is out and, I don't know about you but I'm ready for a vacation! It has been such a busy spring for us.

As I write this letter to you, my daughter, Sydney, graduates in only two days. It's been a whirlwind, and I'm definitely ready to settle back into our old routine.

What plans do you have for summer vacation?

I can't wait to relax and just do nothing for a few days on a beach somewhere. Whatever you're doing this summer, take care of yourself.

In This Issue Our cover feature this month is Mrs. Deirdre Rouse. When I met Deirdre for the first time a few years ago at a health fair, I was struck by her engaging smile and her genuinely kind and caring demeanor. She has dedicated her life to youth as an educator and community servant, and she has a heart for helping the elderly and people with life-threatening illnesses such as HIV and AIDS. Photo by Keith May Deirdre has been the Director of Diversity Education and Community Initiatives at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of West Georgia since 2013. It would take more than one page to acknowledge all she has done for so many throughout the years. I know you will enjoy reading about Deirdre and how she is uniting people through diversity beginning on page 10.

On page 25, we explore what has been a controversial topic over the years – HIV. Learn about the myths commonly associated with this disease, the causes and how to protect yourself.

June is elder abuse awareness month, and Cheryl Francis tells you how to spot the signs of abuse in those who cannot protect themselves any longer. Learn what you can do to prevent your loved one from being abused on page 40.

World Day Against Child Labor is recognized on June 12. This is a day to raise awareness of child labor and to inform the public on how they can help these children by not supporting the companies who purchase goods from supply chains that use children as their workforce. There are currently over 151 million children ages 5 to 17 worldwide who are forced to work as laborers, according to the International Labour Organization, and over 72 million of those children are forced to work in hazardous conditions. Read about these children on page 46 and find out how you may be able to help these children without a voice.

Thank you for reading West Georgia Woman magazine. Please do business with our valuable advertisers included in this publication, and please be sure to tell them you saw their advertisements in West Georgia Woman magazine! For my dad, Kin Brooks, my brother, William Brooks, Dr. Fred Richards – who is like a father to me – and all of the fathers out there who are reading this, I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day. See you soon!

Publisher

8

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

TM

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

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

This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our advertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women!

Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

Inspiring women wanted.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Contact us: Angela@westgeorgiawoman.com (404) 502-0251

Woman

Mail correspondence to: West Georgia Woman P.O. Box 2782 Carrollton, GA 30112

TM

Volume 3 • Issue 8 June 2018

Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com Follow us!

@WestGaWoman @WestGAWoman

Do you know an interesting woman who should be on the cover of West @WestGaWoman Georgia Woman? Is there a special Need a copy? project or organization you would like us to feature in our magazine?

Get yours from our racks at Kroger, Let us know!

Publix, Southern Home and Ranch, Food Email your suggestions to: Depot (Maple Street) and A+ Consignfeatures@westgeorgiawoman.com ment in Carrollton. We have them at all three Lee-King and Lee-Goodrum pharShare your special events. macy locations in Newnan, the ApothSend your upcoming events to: ecary Shoppe in Douglasville and Villa calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com Rica and the Vitamin Shoppe in Hiram.

Publix at Mirror Lake, in our rack at Piggly Send us your photos!

Wiggly in Bowdon, at CVS in Bowdon We welcome your local event and and Piggly Wiggly in Tallapoosa and our wedding photos. racks at WM Grocery in Roanoke and Wedowee, Al., as well as hundreds of Email your photos (300 dpi) to: other retail locations and medical offices photos@westgeorgiawoman.com The views, opinions, positions or strat- in West Georgia and East Alabama! egies expressed by the contributing authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Angel Media, LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine or any employee thereof. Angel Media, LLC. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this publication and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.

West Georgia

Need to advertise?

Email sales@westgeorgiawoman.com or Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com All submissions will be included as space is available. West Georgia Woman reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions that are not in compliance with our editorial policy. If you wish to have your submission returned, please include a self addressed stamped envelope along with your submission.

West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2018. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice.

Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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, Cheryl A. Francis, L.P.C. and Rose Isaacs

Advertising Sales

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.

9

Photos by Mark Steffey 10

The Spice of Life Deirdre Haywood Rouse is Creating Unity Through Diversity

By Janet Flanigan 11

”

Y

ou are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that, I try to make sure that my experiences are positive." These words were said by the great Maya Angelou, but they could have been written about Carrollton’s Deirdre Rouse.

Currently serving as Director of Diversity Education and Community Initiatives for the Center of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of West Georgia, Deirdre’s family background led her on the path to giving back.

A Caring Family Deirdre attributes her drive to help others as being instilled by the loving family in which she was born. “My family definitely shaped me. Family is number one, and they were very supportive,” she shares.

Her maternal grandparents were farmers and their primary crop was tobacco. They also grew their own food: okra, peas, corn, watermelon and other delicious foods filled the dining table. Hogs, chickens and other livestock also helped feed the large family on the farm. “Every task that each family member had was important because it supported

the food going from the farm to the table,” she says.

“So, when you do not adhere to your task or part, the team is not united.”

Deirdre loved eating ripe fruit – especially plums – right off the tree, and a special memory was riding on the back of a farm truck to go into town to get candy.

Her paternal grandparents were also very important to Deirdre and her siblings. Her grandmother co-owned a florist shop in Raleigh, N.C., with her grandmother’s brother, and her grandfather worked as custodian for a Catholic Church. One of Deirdre’s dearest memories involves this grandfather. “I did not know until after he died, that my grandfather could not read," she shares.

"I love to write letters and I wrote him often from school and after marriage. He responded promptly every time! At his funeral, one of the priests attending the service told me that my grandad would dictate letters to me that the priest would write down for him.” She says her grandad would always ask her and her brother to read to him when they visited him, and he always told them they were “such good readers."

The farm and florist shop would play key roles in Deirdre’s future development.

Deirdre’s mother, Adell Haywood, was the eldest Deirdre takes a moment to reminisce while looking through some old photos.

12

Life. Starts. Here

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

Beata Grochowska, MD and Myrlynn Delille, MD of Alliance Spine and Pain Centers offer West Georgia the most comprehensive and innovative treatments for individuals with chronic pain. Both board-certified physicians provide rehabilitative care as well as non-surgical procedures for effective pain management. Dr. Grochowska and Dr. Delille compassionately serve patients in the West Georgia area at Alliance’s Carrollton and Douglasville locations, both open five days a week.

19 Metro Atlanta Locations 22 Board Certified Physicians State of the Art Accredited Surgery Centers

Specialized procedures to correct the cause of your pain, not just mask it.

Beata Grochowska, MD | Myrlynn Delille, MD 812 South Park St, Suite 5, Carrollton, GA 30117 3400 Chapel Hill Road, Ste 101, Douglasville, GA 30135 | 770.929.9033

of nine children and, as was common in farming families, she had to contribute, particularly with helping raise her younger siblings.

Education was very important to her mother.

“Because she had to work on the farm, there were times during the year she had to just stop going to school to help with the farming and with caring for her brothers and sisters," she says. "So, it took her a little longer, but my mother made sure she graduated from Richard B. Harrison High School.

I love her to the moon and back and so do my siblings!”

Her mother has developed into a gifted artist, generally working in oil paint and pencil. A few years ago, she took a class for which she received a certificate. Now age 80, she would like to get a degree in art, saying “A lot of people in the family have a degree. I want a degree too.”

Deirdre’s father, Paul Haywood, also believed education was a priority. He graduated from St. Augustine College, now St. Augustine University, a historically black college in Raleigh. Upon college graduation, he began a career as a science, math, physical education teacher and coach.

Deirdre's mother was unable to go to college due to finances. In order to gain employment, she

moved to Raleigh to live with her uncle. One night, she and a friend attended a Fats Domino concert in Raleigh where she met Paul. Young love flourished, and Adell and Paul soon married and set up house in Raleigh. Adell was employed as an assembly line worker, and Paul continued as an educator. Deirdre was born first and later, her brother, Dexter, and sister, Darlene.

After raising her family and working at the plant, Adell eventually worked as a nursing assistant helping senior citizens and adults with developmental disabilities. Her compassion and care for others has certainly been passed down in the family.

Deirdre’s parents made sure their children spent a lot of time with both sets of grandparents. Deirdre and her siblings often helped on the farm, picking crops such as cucumbers or helping in the floral shop, sweeping floors, running errands or whatever else was needed. Working on the farm gave the family together time.

From a young age, Deirdre was eager to help others and enjoyed spending time with her elders.

The older generation modeled compassion, hard work and caring, and these have been guiding forces in Deirdre’s own life. “Family is so important

13

to me,” Deirdre says. “Attending family reunions, helping on the farm and working in the shop, I always loved being around older people."

Surrounded By Knowledge When Deirdre was in kindergarten, her father was offered a teaching position at Laurinburg Institute, a historically black college preparatory academy, founded in 1904 by Emmanuel Monty and Tinny McDuffie. Laurinburg Institute has had many famous graduates, including Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Walker and basketball great, Shawne Williams.

At Laurinburg, her father taught mathematics including algebra, basic math and science, and coached sports such as basketball, swimming, baseball and track. “In those days, the coach had to do every single thing for their sport from waxing the basketball court to equipment upkeep to grounds keeping," she says. "It’s incredible what he was responsible for." The family was given faculty housing on campus, and Deirdre attended Laurinburg public schools, but her family’s lifestyle revolved around the prep school campus and its community.

For those who make their living in education and live in a campus environment, it is natural to adopt an appreciation for higher education. “We were always talking education with other teachers and students, it was just part of our life,” she says.

When Deirdre was a rising junior in high school, her father received an offer to teach at the prestigious Boggs Academy, another historically black college preparatory school.

Boggs was a Presbyterian school founded in 1906 in Keysville, Ga., outside of Augusta. It was created under the auspices of the Board of Freedmen of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. Students attended compulsory daily chapel, had a rigorous academic environment and were expected to follow the rules.

When the Haywood family moved to Georgia, they continued living in faculty housing on campus.

“It was in many ways like being at a very small college – teachers were very involved with their students, teaching them life skills and how to succeed,” Deirdre explains.

While Boggs Academy was originally created as school for black freemen, when Deirdre attended, the student body came from all over the world. “I had classmates from Maryland, New York, Alabama, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, North and South Carolina, Africa –

14

just from all over, from different backgrounds,” she relates.

The teaching staff was also very diverse, with instructors from all over the globe. “We even had a teacher who was from Africa,” Deirdre recalls. "It was such a nurturing environment, very stringent – but caring.” The school environment was so nurturing, Deirdre says on school breaks the teachers would drive the students back to their homes on a big Greyhound-style bus the school owned.

Matters Of The Heart While at Boggs, Deirdre met a hard-working young man named Charlie Rouse, and they began dating. Charlie grew up in Waynesboro, Ga., and was a studious young man who had his sights on medical school. The rigorous academic environment was excellent preparation for those future plans.

When senior year rolled around, college application time arrived. Charlie was applying to different colleges and had focused on Morehouse College, one of the most elite of the historically black colleges. Deirdre, too, had set a high standard

Deirdre and Charlie celebrating their graduation from high school.

4th Annual

The POWER of the

Thursday October 25, 2018 11:00 am until 2:00 pm

Purse

The Newnan Centre 1515 Lower Fayetteville Rd., Newnan, GA 30265 Sponsorships and Tickets Available

Silent Auction Purses, Jewelry, Travel & more Woman of the Year Announced

Please visit www.cowetafoundation.org or call The Foundation at 770-253-1833.

Fundraising Luncheon

SEATING IS LIMITED, RESERVE TODAY! Sponsors:

To benefit

Coweta Community Foundation Women’s and Children’s Fund with Guest Speaker

Maura Cunningham

Executive Director of Rock The Street, Wall Street

POP_WestGAWoman_May.indd 1

for herself “I was convinced that Spelman would accept me, so I only applied to Spelman!” she exclaims. The young couple were each accepted at the college of their choice.

Deirdre chose a major in psychology with a minor emphasis in history and worked hard on her academics. “When I was at Boggs, I took a psychology class and I really liked it," she relates. "I don’t know if many high schools offered psychology, but Boggs did. And then at Spelman, I fell in love with psychology and the individual thought processes a human being goes through. One of my favorite professors, Dr. Laconyea Butler, who was psychology chair, encouraged me to strive further. I also loved history, especially thanks to former Boggs professor Michael Searles." Searles is renowned for his teaching of the black cowboy experience and he uses the professional moniker “Cowboy Mike” to lecture on the topic.

Deirdre also had a fun social life, particularly as a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Zeta’s core principals of scholarship, service, sisterly love and finer womanhood fit in perfectly with her family values for education, caring for others and caring for yourself. Zeta participates in many philanthropic

4/9/18 4:55 PM

efforts through national programs such as Stork’s Nest, Eldercare Initiative and partnerships with the March of Dimes, Alzheimer’s and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

She gained some incredible sisters at Spelman with whom she remains close to this day – sorority sisters, roommates and friends from Atlanta University. These relationships and participation with these organizations would continue to be an emphasis in Deirdre’s life post-graduation.

“What a wonderful world it could be if we try to understand through another lens, how to maintain our own worth,” she says. “Spelman and Boggs, with their nurturing and strong academic environments, expanded my scope and horizons."

Both Deirdre and Charlie were active in student organizations on campus and politics were part of that interest. “I was part of the student government association at Spelman and was a representative for the senior class to select our commencement speaker," she says. "We had Cicely Tyson as our speaker, and I got to meet her.”

Outside of campus, the couple volunteered on Hosea Williams’ and Jesse Jackson’s campaigns.

They were willing to knock on doors, hand out fliers

15

Who Makes Most of the Purchasing Decisions in the Home?

She does.

Advertise Today and

GET NOTICED. Call Zachary at 404.444.9072

SALES@WESTGEORGIAWOMAN.COM

16

or whatever was asked of them.

Deirdre decided to advance her career and attained her master’s degree from Georgia State University with an emphasis in Gerontology, the scientific study of old age, the process of aging and the particular problems of senior citizens. “I always loved spending time with senior family members, co-workers at the floral shop, at church and elsewhere," she relates.

She was particularly interested in longevity in families. “When we would go to family reunions, I noticed, particularly on my father’s side, many relatives in their late 80s and 90s," she explains. "I had a great grandfather aged 91, grandmothers 88 and 92 and a great-great aunt who was 110!”

Marriage And Medical School, Children And Careers After graduation from college, the couple married.

“Charlie, my partner for life, gets me and I get him," she smiles. "I love him always and forever.” When Deirdre, with her husband, Dr. Charlie Rouse. Inset: An older photo of the couple.

Deirdre was eight months pregnant, the couple moved to Johnson City, Tenn., After Chaturia was born, Deirdre became a case so Charlie could attend medical school at East manager in Kingsport, Tenn., working with people Tennessee State University. with chronic mental health issues. “These patients Their “med-school baby,” a daughter named were all on disability, and I worked to try to keep Chaturia, arrived the day that Charlie was to take them from being hospitalized,” she explains. “I his first exam for medical school. “He went to the usually had a caseload of about 30 patients and exam after being with me for the delivery, and the each, as individual human beings and their families, professor kindly told him to go be a new dad," she required a different strategy.” reminisces. "He let Charlie take his exam the next After medical school, the family moved to day."

Greenville, S.C., where Dr. Charlie Rouse completed

17

Get Him What He Really Wants This Year

970 Hays Mill Road Carrollton, Georgia 678.664.0610 Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday 1 - 6 PM his internal medicine residency. Deirdre was also moving forward in her career, and she began working through the American Red Cross, helping patients with a disease that had become more prevalent: AIDS. Deirdre became an HIV/AIDS specialist with the ARC, and she and other workers provided training and care for people and their families who were living with HIV and AIDS. “This was at a time when AIDS was just becoming known, and working with HIV/AIDS patients was not very popular,” she explains.

One of her favorite programs was done in cooperation with the ARC and the Greenville Housing Authority. The Housing Authority donated a housing unit at the Jesse Jackson Homes property where the health department held educational sessions on HIV and AIDS, prevention and community mentoring. Deirdre recognized the importance of "buy in" in the community, and trained a resident to become the coordinator of this site.

She also trained volunteers for the ARC on its HIV/ AIDS awareness program. The ARC had identified four core groups to be provided with specialized training including general HIV/AIDS instruction; HIV/

18

AIDS work with the Hispanic community; HIV/AIDS work with the African-American community and workplace instruction. These four programs were part of a national ARC effort, and Patti LaBelle was the national spokesperson.

This work had a huge impact on her and she shares a story of a volunteer she worked with, Ron, who worked tirelessly to educate others and allowed himself to be a part of AIDS research. During their time working together, Ron shared a quote from Luciano de Crescenzo with Deirdre that has stayed with her to this day: “We are each of us angels with only one wing. And we can only fly by embracing each other.” Sadly, Ron ultimately succumbed to AIDS. While living in Greenville the couple’s son, Camaray, was born and their family was complete.

Home Again The family returned to Georgia when Charlie accepted a position with a cardiology practice in Carrollton. Deirdre was hired by the University of West Georgia as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology within the College of Social Sciences. She taught upper-level

gerontology classes with the department from 1998 to 2008, as well working as internship coordinator for a few years during that time.

She taught classes such as “Aging: Past, Present and Future” and “Ethnicity and Aging." “My department chairs always allowed me to incorporate community service into my courses," she says.

"For the students who took my courses, that was part of the requirement! Due to my own past with community service, I understood the value of real world experience – this is now referred to as ‘service learning.’”

Charlie was also growing and expanding his cardiology career, opening West Georgia Cardiology, Inc. in 2000. While building their careers, she and Charlie remained very involved in Chaturia and Camaray’s lives, and education was always emphasized, and their children are now building their own successful careers. Chaturia is

currently in medical school, and she received her undergraduate degree in biology from Spelman, her master's degree in physiology at Case Western Reserve University and her master of public health in biostatistics at Boston University.

Camaray is a Morehouse man like his father and earned his degree in biology. He currently lives in Atlanta and does cardiovascular research in conjunction with West Georgia Cardiology. He plans to enter into a master’s program in the fall.

“I believe they are natural high achievers but our whole family definitely emphasized education and faith,” she relates.

Inclusion For All In 2008, Dr. Beheruz Sethna, the president of the University of West Georgia (now retired), began studying the demographics at the university and

“I've always believed in the team concept. From my family to the workplace – love my UWG team and CDI – to community to organizations.”

19

Affairs, now known as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. They tapped Deirdre as a part-time coordinator for the center.

“When I began working here, we were searching for best practices for what types of programs and events could be added to the Center,” she explains. “We started with a multi-cultural ball, and the next year we began recognizing cultural heritage months.” One of Deirdre’s favorite quotes is from the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”

Over the years, the center has grown with signature events such as the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and the World Festival, that features cultural workshops, performers and food and displays such as the Chinese Lion Dance; African Head Tie Classes; Dream Catchers; Henna Art and an International Footballers Club. As her work and responsibilities grew, Deirdre was named director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion in 2013.

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, held on the third Monday in January, recognizes and continues Dr. King’s efforts on non-violence and social justice. "Dr. King said, 'Non-violence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him,'" she says.

The World Festival is held annually each March. Activities consist of various cultural displays, entertainment and food as well as vendor participation from surrounding saw a need for an increased focus on diversity and inclusion on campus. As an immigrant, and the first person of Indian origin to become president of a U.S. university, Dr. Sethna had unique qualifications in this area.

He worked with Dr. Jack Jenkins, a clinical psychologist, who served as a Special Associate to the President for Institutional Diversity at UWG, was a professor of psychology and the former dean of the graduate school. The two men studied other colleges and universities who were incorporating diversity and inclusion on campus, and, after visiting many schools, including Wright State and Indiana University, they developed the Office of Minority

20

Never Be Taken Advantage Of Again.

Sign up for our free Saturday Ladies’ Auto Clinics today.

Our auto clinics are designed to teach you what you need to know about how your car works, and what you can do to keep it running smoothly – in a warm and welcoming environment where you can safely learn and ask questions without feeling nervous or embarrassed.

Email us today for more information lamberttireco@gmail.com www.lamberttireco.com • 770.832.9465 134 Bankhead Ave. • Carrollton

communities. “One of my favorite parts of the World Festival is when the children who attend UWG’s oncampus preschool come visit and see the displays and try the foods," she shares. "It is really fun, and I look forward to seeing them."

In recent years, UWG developed eight core values, with inclusiveness being one. "Under the leadership of Dr. Kyle Marrero – along with instituting various initiatives related to inclusion – UWG works to create a welcoming environment," she says.

Deirdre becoming the Director for Diversity Education and Community Initiatives was just a natural progression from her upbringing in North Carolina and her prior work with the underserved.

She was raised to love, honor and respect others as they are – and where they are – and that is what the center does. She takes this same philosophy out into the world with her, outside of the University.

Community Activism Deirdre recommends that people keep in regular contact with their senior neighbors and community members through supporting the West Georgia Council on Aging and the West Georgia Council’s 90-plus club. “This valuable, but often forgotten and neglected segment of our society, provides prized

wisdom to our culture. I have been fortunate to be a part of other initiatives to keep seniors in front of and engaged in our community.

“Intergenerational contact will allow life lessons to be a shared part of our legacy. I have been left with senior nuggets of wisdom such as ‘A man that stands still will never move’ or ‘Is it a need or a want?’

We can avoid potential pitfalls if we take time to learn from different generations and really listen."

Deirdre works with organizations such as the NAACP, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the League of Women Voters and The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, January 15, 2018. Inset: Deirdre, left, during her misother groups to bring sion work in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with the Rouse Foundation and Word of Life Ministries. awareness outside Photos courtesy of Deidre Rouse.

21

“

program for children of the campus and adults. This year’s environment. “We theme is “Let Your just need to break Light Shine!” She also down barriers and assists with special understand each occasion events for other,” she shares. the church youth. She Another event, volunteers both at home which is held on and abroad through campus and is mission work with local a collaborative churches and with the effort, is the Annual Rouse Foundation. She Hunger Banquet. has supported medical In the past, it has (Pledge given by the youth who par been held utilizing missions by assisting ticipate at the Annual Youth Village Summit and bringing care to Oxfam America, an at the Cen ter for Diversity and Inclusion.) underserved areas in international relief Mexico, Africa, Honduras and development and the Caribbean. organization that She is very supportive helps create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and injustice around the world. The first hunger banquet of her friends and their community efforts as well. Regina Mae Wells’ Village Youth Summit is at UWG was held in 2011 and it brings people particularly important to Deirdre. “That event is together to create awareness and action to help Regina’s baby, but I try to support this worthwhile combat hunger. endeavor,” she shares.

Deirdre is very active in her church, First Baptist Deirdre is a former board member for Alice’s Church on Old Bremen Road in Carrollton, and House in Carrollton – a group home for children she coordinates the summer Vacation Bible School

I promise to be kind, honest, strong and positive in all that I say and do. I will be a role model and will do my best to inspire others to make the world a nicer place.

“

22

Deirdre is always willing to mentor students at UWG.

suffering from abuse, neglect and other challenging family situations – is a member of the Carrollton Cultural Arts Commission and is a community volunteer for the Carroll County Parks and Recreation Department and more. She is also active with the Community Foundation of West Georgia, Carroll County Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Association for Black Culture Centers.

Although she is deeply involved in the community, Deirdre does take time for herself and loves photography. “I just love talking to people and taking their pictures – I’m a ‘pictureholic’!” she laughs. She also enjoys watching sports but has a caveat: she emphatically says she is a huge Atlantic Coast Conference sports fan – but is a fan of the original ACC before Georgia Tech joined in 1978.

Deirdre also recently received her updated certificate in gerontology from the University of Southern California.

Deidre acknowledges it takes many working toward the same goal to create unity. “I’ve always believed in the team concept," she relates. "From my family to the workplace – love my UWG team and CDI – to community to organizations.

"We must find ways to work effectively together that involve integrity and honesty. I value and cherish

my faith, my family, those in my circle of friends and those who I encounter in life.

"I know I can learn something from anyone I meet, whether it’s understanding a theory, or best practices in higher education or listening to words of wisdom from someone who has experienced situations in life. Or, from someone who is hurting, and unfortunately spreads that hurt to others because they have not healed.

"We all bring something to the table, but how do we serve what we bring? Is it tasty? Is it provocative?

Does it institute growth and change for all? Let's examine the meal!" WGW

For more information on Deirdre Rouse and her work as Director of Diversity Education

and Community Initiatives for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, you may email her at dhaywood@westga.edu or call 678.839.5400

3 Reasons to

Love Your Lawn A Great Place to Play Grass Muffles Neighborhood Noise Grass Controls Erosion

• • • •

Finest Quality Sod in the Region Harvested Daily to Ensure Freshness Convenient Delivery or Farm Pickup Multiple Varieties to Meet Your Landscaping Needs

770-431-1340 • NGTurf.com 23

"

As an Investment Advisor Representative with Milestone Investment Management, I am held to a fiduciary standard, meaning that we are committed to placing clients’ interests ahead of our own.

"

Michael Stone

Feel More Confident Knowing You Have Financial Guidance You Can Trust.

It’s our pleasure to help you work toward a bright, financial future, one milestone at a time.

Here For You During Every Milestone Moment Financial Planning Retirement Planning • Stocks Bonds • Mutual Funds

Your Financial Family

Jennifer, Andrea and Michael Michael L. Stone, AAMS®, PPC®, AIF® Wealth Manager • Founder & CEO

770.830.0063 551 Newnan St. • Carrollton

www.milestoneinvestmentsllc.com 24

Securities offered through LPL Financial.

Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IFG Advisory, LLC, a registered investment advisor. IFG Advisory, LLC and Milestone Investment Management, LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial.

The Truth About HIV

Stop the Stigma

25

H

IV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that damages the immune system. The human body includes a powerful immune system to protect it against diseases. In the case of HIV, the virus attacks the immune cells known as CD-4 cells.

Over time, HIV kills the CD-4 cells and weakens the immune system. As a result, those infected with HIV are susceptible to an array of infections.

HIV, unlike other viruses, doesn’t go away.

People infected with HIV are said to be "HIVpositive," and one of the most commonly occurring diseases in HIV-positive patients is AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS occurs at a point in time when the HIV virus has reached its last stage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Understanding How HIV Spreads There are rampant misconceptions about HIV and how it is transmitted. HIV does not spread through the air, through food, water or even through touch. HIV is found in the blood, preseminal fluid, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids or breast milk of a person who has HIV. These fluids must come in contact with damaged tissue or a mucous membrane, or be directly injected into the bloodstream (from a syringe or needle) for HIV transmission to occur. The mucous membranes are found inside the mouth, vagina, rectum, and penis.

Primary Transmission Vaginal sex. Both partners can get HIV through vaginal sex, and this is how most women contract HIV. When a woman has vaginal sex with a someone who is HIV-positive, HIV can enter her body through the mucous membranes that line the cervix and vagina. Men can also contract HIV from having vaginal sex with a woman who is HIV-positive, because vaginal blood and fluid can carry HIV. Men contract the virus through the urethra, or the opening at the tip of the penis, through small scratches, cuts or open sores anywhere on the penis or through the foreskin if they aren't circumcised.

Anal sex. This is the riskiest type of sexual activity for contracting or transmitting HIV. The receiver of this type of sexual activity is at much greater risk of contracting HIV, but both partners can get the virus.

Drug use. Sharing syringes, equipment or rinse water used to prepare drugs for injection with someone who has HIV can spread the disease.

26

Less Common Transmission From mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. The risk is high if a mother is living with HIV and not taking medicine, but, due to medical provider recommendations to test all pregnant women for HIV and start HIV treatment immediately, this has lowered the number of babies who are born with HIV. Someone being stuck by an HIV contaminated sharp object or needle (this risk is mainly for healthcare workers). The risk for healthcare workers being exposed to HIV by being stuck with a needle used on an HIV-infected person is very low – about 1 percent. Healthcare workers should use personal protective equipment and practices to prevent HIV and other blood-borne infections.

Very Rare Transmission • Contact between wounds, mucous membranes or broken skin and HIV-infected blood-contaminated body fluids or blood.

• Receiving blood products, blood transfusions or tissue and organ transplants that are contaminated with HIV. This happened more in HIV's earlier years, but now the risk is very small due to the extensive testing of the U.S. blood supply and donated tissues and organs.

• Deep, open-mouth kissing. HIV might spread if both partners have bleeding gums or sores and blood from the HIV-positive partner gets into the bloodstream of the HIV-negative partner. HIV is not transmitted through saliva.

• Eating food that has been pre-chewed by an HIV-infected person. The only cases known of this type of transmission are with infants. The contamination occurs when, while chewing,

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

821 Dixie Street Carrollton, GA 30117

770.832.7076 Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery

HIV is a virus. AIDS is a disease. It is possible to be HIV-positive and not have AIDS. AIDS occurs at a point in time when the HIV virus has reached its last stage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

the infected blood from the caregiver’s mouth mixes with food. • A person with HIV biting an HIV-negative person. There are a small amount of documented cases, but these involve extensive tissue damage, the presence of blood and severe trauma to the skin. If the skin is not broken, there is no risk of transmission.

Myth Busters We know that HIV has existed in the United States since the mid to late 1970s, and public health officials in the U.S. began formally tracking AIDS cases in 1982. This led to discovering its underlying cause, HIV, in 1983.

Many myths have been associated with HIV that have created much undue discrimination in society against those infected with the virus.

Common Myths About HIV Myth: The HIV virus was first transmitted by a man having sexual intercourse with a monkey in Africa.

Fact: Experts in the field of HIV and AIDS

do not take this idea seriously. The source of HIV infection in humans has been identified in a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. The chimpanzee version of the virus is called simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV. It is believed that the virus was transmitted to humans and then mutated into HIV when humans would hunt the chimpanzees for meat and came in contact with the infected blood.

Myth: People who are infected with HIV have AIDS. Fact: Not necessarily. HIV is a virus; AIDS is a disease. AIDS can develop in people having HIV, but that happens at a very advanced stage if HIV remains untreated.

Myth: There is a cure for HIV. Fact: Scientists are still working on finding a cure, but currently there is no cure for HIV. Myth: HIV is a death sentence for those infected.

Fact: HIV can be controlled with proper medical treatment. Before the mid 1990s, people with HIV progressed to AIDS in only a few years. Today, someone who is diagnosed with HIV and treated before their disease has advanced can live almost as

27

KICK START YOURSTART CAREER KICK YOUR CAREER

From high school dual enrollment to advanced technical programs and associate degrees that transfer directly to UWG, find out how WGTC can prepare you for a meaningful career doing what you love.

Carroll Campus Open House

855.887.9482 | admissions@westgatech.edu Wednesday, March 28, 5-7 p.m.

Apply for Admission FREE at event!

www.westgatech.edu Find out more about admissions, financial aid, programs of study, student life, GED & more!

855.887.9482 | admissions@westgatech.edu

As set forth in its student catalog, West Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity (Title IX) coordinator is V.P. of Student Affairs. ADA (Section 504) coordinator is V.P. of Administrative Services. Both are located at 401 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117. 678.664.0400

28

long as someone who doesn't have the virus, according to the CDC.

Think only young people should worry about HIV? Think again.

Myth: If you share food or drink, stand close to someone and breathe the same air, if someone infected sneezes or coughs near you, if you hold hands with an infected person, use the same toilet or closed-mouth kiss an HIV-positive person, you’ll be infected as well.

Fact: HIV is not transmitted through the air or water, saliva, sweat or tears (that are not mixed with the blood of someone with HIV), coughing, sneezing, closed-mouth or "social" kissing, pets, insects (such as ticks, mosquitos or other blood-sucking insects), sharing food, dishes, drinks or sharing the same toilet.

Myth: Only gay men can be infected with HIV. Fact: HIV affects all genders, races and sexual orientations. Although rates of HIV are higher among the gay and LGBT communities, anyone can acquire HIV. Myth: I'm over 40 and not a kid anymore. I don't have to be concerned about AIDS. Fact: Many older people are sexually active, and some may have the same risk factors as people who are younger. Divorced or widowed people are dating again and may be less likely to use protective measures. Women who are older and don't have to worry about becoming pregnant may not protect themselves during sex – and the added problem of age-related vaginal dryness and thinning could

increase their risk of contracting the virus because HIV can enter a woman's body through the mucous membranes that line the cervix and vagina. Also, older people are less likely to speak to their doctors about their sexual activity, and doctors often don't ask their older patients about these issues.

Myth: PrEp (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is only for gay men.

Fact: PrEP is an FDA-approved once daily medication that is used by HIV-negative people to avoid getting the virus. The pill can be used by homosexual and heterosexual partners alike, and it is extremely effective for preventing HIV if used as

29

Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair your judgement and may increase your chances of acquiring HIV, depending on the circumstances.

directed, but, when not taken consistently, it is much less effective.

HIV Prevention HIV is mainly spread in the United States by having sex or sharing syringes and other injection

30

equipment with someone who is infected with HIV, according to the CDC. Although there are ways to protect yourself from getting the virus, practicing abstinence – or not having oral, vaginal or anal sex – is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent HIV. The following are some ways you may be able to protect yourself:

• Get tested for HIV. If you are sexually active, get yourself tested and talk to your partner about testing. You can get tested at almost every medical facility, your local health department, your primary care physician's office or you can even purchase an over-the-counter testing kit at your local drugstore or retailer for around $50. If you live in or around Carrollton, Positive Response Inc. is a community based non-profit organization that has a local testing site that offers HIV and Hepatitis C tests for a $5 donation. At their facility, you will receive the results within 60 seconds to 20 minutes, depending on which test is used.

• Limit your sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have, the higher the risk of getting HIV. If you have more than one sexual partner, get regularly tested for HIV. • Use precautions while having sex. Using condoms properly during sex can greatly reduce your risk. Also, using water-based or silicone-based lubricant – particularly for anal or vaginal sex – will help prevent condoms from breaking and prevent tears in the skin.

• Get tested and treated for other sexually transmitted diseases. Having an STD increases the chances of you acquiring HIV. • Be conscientious of drug or alcohol usage.

Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair your judgement and may increase your chances of acquiring HIV, depending on the circumstances.

• Use a new syringe every time. If you inject steroids, drugs or hormones, use a clean, new syringe and other injection equipment each time.

• Consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a prevention strategy that can exponentially reduce your likelihood of contracting HIV. • Consider Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). If you have had a single high-risk exposure or event, such as not using a condom with a partner whose HIV status you don't know, speak with any licensed health care professional immediately about this preventive treatment. Because it takes a few days after exposure for HIV to become established in the body, PEP, when taken as prescribed can block the virus from spreading throughout the body. PEP must begin as soon as possible to be effective, but no more than 72 hours after the exposure or event. Two to three drugs are normally prescribed in the PEP regimen, and must be taken properly for a period of 28 consecutive days. Although it is effective in prevention, it is still not 100 percent effective.

HIV Treatment No cure exists for HIV, but it can be controlled with proper treatment. People who have HIV should begin taking a medicine called anti-retroviral therapy, or ART, to treat the virus as quickly as possible. If ART is taken as prescribed, the medicine decreases the amount of HIV in the body or keeps

the viral load at a very low level. This is called viral suppression. This prevents illness and keeps the immune system working.

HIV medication can make the viral load so low that it can't even be detected by a test. This is known as an undetectable viral load. If people with HIV are undetectable or virally suppressed, then their HIV is controlled.

Other benefits of reducing the amount of HIV in the body is that it helps prevent transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, and transmission to others through needle sharing or sex.

To prevent HIV, monitor your health regularly and take measures to protect yourself from becoming infected. If you are concerned you may have been exposed to HIV, talk with your doctor or healthcare professional about getting tested.

Testing positive for HIV can be scary and overwhelming, but it is important to work on understanding the diagnosis and move forward with treatment to keep the virus under control.

Getting and keeping HIV under control is the best thing people living with HIV can do to stay healthy.

With proper treatment, it is still possible for people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. WGW

31

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.

32Recipe photos by Mark Steffey.

"

This dish is perfect for a Father’s day breakfast in bed or brunch.

"

" Crescent Breakfast Ring Ingredients 2 packages crescent roll dough 8 to 10 eggs, scrambled 1/2 package bacon or turkey bacon, fried 1 cup shredded cheese – cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella or a mixture Salt and pepper Melted butter Fresh chives

Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook bacon until brown and drain on a paper towel lined plate.

Have fun with this recipe by adding Dad’s favorite ingredients: sausage, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers or onions.

"

Scramble and cook eggs, season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Open the crescent rolls and arrange each slice on parchment paper in a round until it resembles a sun, with the tip of the triangle pointed outward.

Use a roller to lightly press down the overlapped seams to seal them.

Place the scrambled eggs onto the dough first, then the bacon, and finally topping with your choice of cheese and fresh chopped chives.

Fold up each triangle over the mixture, tucking the points into the dough on the other side.

Continue folding until all triangles are completed.

Baste melted butter over the top of the ring and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serves 4

33

�Perfect for hot summer nights, this is a lighter meal that is cool and refreshing.�

34

BLT Quinoa Avocado Salad

Ingredients

8 slices bacon 1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa 3 cups water 3/4 cup ranch dressing 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 1 to 2 avocados cut into 1/2 inch cubes 1 1/2 cup fresh spinach or kale Salt and pepper as needed

Preparation Cook bacon by browning in a skillet or cooking in a preheated 375-degree oven for 16 to 20 minutes.

Drain on a paper towel lined plate.

For the quinoa, place quinoa in lightly salted water and cook according to package instructions.

Cool quinoa at room temperature before mixing in the remaining ingredients Once quinoa has cooled, mix in ranch dressing, salt and pepper, tomatoes, avocados, spinach and chopped bacon.

Toss to combine.

Serve chilled.

Serves 4 WGW

� This dish is also great for

meal prepping your work lunches throughout the week.�

35

Pain Go Away 36

Living with Chronic Pelvic Pain

C

hronic pelvic pain is pain that lasts six months or longer in the area between your hips and below your navel. There can be many causes of chronic pelvic pain; it can be an actual condition or a symptom of a disease.

If the cause of your chronic pelvic pain is due to another medical problem, treating that issue may be enough to eliminate your pain.

In many instances, it isn't possible to identify one single cause for chronic pelvic pain. If this is the case, then the treatment goal is to reduce the symptoms and pain enough so you can improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Summer Camps At Indulge Too DIY Summer Camp: June 12 - 15 9am - 12pm Daily Fun • DIY Spa • Crafts & Snacks Ages 5 - 12 $105 per person American Girl Fun Camp: July 24 - 27 9am - 12pm Bring your doll for a Hawaiian luau!

Ages 4 - 12 $110 per person

Chronic pelvic pain may be annoying and mild, or it could be so uncomfortable or severe that you can't sleep, exercise or you may miss work due to the pain.

• Intense discomfort after standing for long periods of time that may feel better after lying down • Steady and severe pain • Having a dull aching sensation • Pain while urinating or during a bowel movement • Cramping or having sharp pains • Heaviness or feeling pressure deep in your pelvis • Pain that comes and goes • Pain while having intercourse • Pain after sitting for long periods of time

Causes Of Chronic Pelvic Pain Chronic pelvic pain is a complicated condition that may have numerous causes. Sometimes,

1019 Rome Street Carrollton, GA 30117 (770)838.9095 indulgedayspa.net Mon & Tues 10-7, Wed & Thurs 9-8, Fri & Sat 9-6 a single disorder could be the cause of your pain.

Other times, the pain coud be a result of many medical conditions. For example, a woman may

Chronic stress, a history of physical and sexual abuse or depression may increase the risk of having chronic pelvic pain.

37

have interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome and endometriosis, a condition when tissue from the lining of your uterus grows outside of the uterus.

Both of these conditions can contribute to chronic pelvic pain. Some causes of pelvic pain include:

PERSONALIZED, FAST AND FRIENDLY SERVICE FREE CITY-WIDE DELIVERY WE ACCEPT MEDICAID AND MOST INSURANCE WE HAVE CANDLES, GREETING CARDS AND GIFTS INCLUDING

NORA FLEMING, TERVIS AND COLLEGIATE ITEMS

770.834.3393

623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA

• Ovarian remnant. After the uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovaries have been removed surgically, a small piece of ovary may be left inside accidentally and later develops into extremely painful cysts.

• Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. This often occurs with a long-term infection, usually a sexually transmitted disease, that causes scarring involving the pelvic organs.

• Endometriosis. These tissue deposits respond with your menstrual cycle, just as the uterine lining responds – breaking down, thickening and bleeding each month as hormone levels rise and fall. Because this is occurring outside of the uterus, the tissue and blood cannot exit your body through the vagina. Instead, they stay in abdomen, where this can lead to adhesions, or fibrous bands of scar tissue and painful cysts.

As a general rule, you should make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms worsen or the pain disrupts your daily activities and your life.

38

• Musculoskeletal issues. Conditions that affect the joints, connective tissues and bones, or the musculoskeletal system – such as a hernia, fibromyalgia, inflammation of the pubic joint – pubic symphysis, and pelvic floor muscle tension. All of these can cause continuous pelvic pain.

• Fibroids. These uterine growths are noncancerous, but they may cause a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen.

They don't normally cause sharp pain unless the blood supply is cut off and they begin to die, or degenerate.

• Psychological factors. Chronic stress, a history of physical and sexual abuse or depression may increase the risk of having chronic pelvic pain. Often, emotional distress can worsen pain, and living with chronic pain results in emotional distress. These factors alone can often become a vicious cycle.

• Irritable bowel syndrome. The symptoms commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome are diarrhea, constipation or bloating. All of these symptoms can be a source of pelvic pressure and pain.

• Pelvic congestion syndrome. Some

physicians are in agreement that enlarged, varicose-type veins around the ovaries and uterus can cause pelvic pain. Other doctors are not certain that pelvic congestion syndrome causes pelvic pain because most women who have enlarged veins in the pelvis do not have any pain.

• Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome. This condition is known for causing a frequent need to urinate and recurring pain in the bladder. Some women experience pelvic pain as their bladder fills, which improves temporarily after emptying the bladder.

When You Should See A Doctor As it is with any problem of chronic pain, it's not always easy to know when you should visit your health care provider.

As a general rule, you should make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms worsen or the pain disrupts your daily activities and your life. Your doctor can work with you to help you manage your chronic pelvic pain or eliminate the pain altogether. WGW

Are Bathroom Breaks Interrupting Your Life?

Let Us Help.

Dr. James Cullison West Georgia’s Only Urologist Board Certified In Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Carrollton • Villa Rica • Wedowee

770.834.6988 • WGUrology.com 39

Protecting Our Heritage

40

How to Spot the Signs of Elder Abuse

By Cheryl Francis 41

T

hey were young, full of life and most daring.

They taught us to live, laugh, love and dream our biggest dreams. To them, we are their world. Years passed, and they are now older and unlike when we depended on them; they now look to us for direction, hope and help. They are our elderly, and mostly dependent on us.

In many homes in our society, there is a variety of dependent care taking place – mostly to meet the basic needs of the elderly. The role as a caregiver brings overwhelming pressures, and, for convenience and better care or due to multiple life roles, we may place them in an environment where someone else does the caretaking. Or, to make the caregiving less burdensome, we may hire an inhome caregiver.

In any of these arrangements, many of our elderly succumb to neglect, abandonment and even abuse. One in 10 Americans age 60 and over have experienced some form of elder abuse, according to the AARP. Like child abuse, elder abuse is mandated to be reported. Elder abuse is the action or inaction of a caregiver that contributes to physical or financial injury, emotional harm or risk of severe harm of an older adult, usually age 60 or older. To intervene, or

change the tide, we must first know what the signs and symptoms are of elder abuse.

Signs Of Elder Abuse • Frequent emergency room or doctor’s visits • Unexplained bone breaks, cuts, welts or bruises • Failure to treat health problems • Making up questionable stories about how an injury occurred • Lack of basic needs being met • Lacking necessities, including utilities, water and food, even though the elderly person can afford these things • Poor hygiene • Untreated or severe bedsores • Sunken cheeks or eyes with evidence of poor circulation • Consistent depressive symptoms such as isolating or withdrawing from others • Passive behaviors, agitation or frustration • The person is hesitant to speak freely – especially around her caregivers • The caregiver controls the finances but is unwilling to provide for the elderly person's

Consistent depressive symptoms such as isolating or withdrawing from others can be a sign of elder abuse 42

• • • • • • • • • • •

basic needs Change in appearance, moods or overall physical condition Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Bleeding, pain or irritation of the genitals Engaging in unusual or aggressive behavior Unusual behavior resembling symptoms of dementia or mumbling Consistently being inappropriately dressed for the weather The elderly person is never left alone with other family members other than caregivers The caregiver is verbally aggressive or demeaning Unsanitary living conditions Lack of sleep or insomnia Severe weight loss

Elderly people who are unable to speak for or care for themselves are the most vulnerable, especially if they are incapable or unaware of everything that goes on in their environment. Those with dementia may not even recall they have been abused. All the more reason for us to recognize the signs. Only suspicion is required to report abuse,

Would You Like A More Efficient Accounting System?

We Can Help.

Our Quickbooks® ProAdvisor will walk with you through every step of the process.

Expert Tax, Quickbooks® and Accounting Solutions K. L. Phillips Firm, LLC 500 Old Bremen Road • Carrollton

678.664.0179 www.klphillips-ea.com

Those with dementia may not even recall they have been abused and your report must be kept confidential.

It is important that a system is in place to support preventing cases of abuse and neglect. We can begin to implement the checks and balances by knowing the potential types of abuse that may occur.

Types Of Elder Abuse: Financial abuse. This type of abuse includes using the elderly’s personal assets without permission. This may be in the form of forging signatures, taking cash and property or coercing the elderly to sign over or provide finances or financial documents.

In recent years, there have been more sophisticated ways of scamming older adults of their finances. If an elderly person falls for the scam, they are likely to be a constant target. Scammers pose as family members in need, or tempt the elderly with sweepstakes, vacations, investment schemes or prescription drug discount programs.

Sometimes scammers may even imitate legitimate organizations such as the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to obtain funds.

Scamming comes in many forms – through letters, emails or phone calls.

Physical abuse. This type of abuse causes bodily harm, physical pain or some type of impairment.

Physical aggression, shaking, burning, biting or using inappropriate and unneeded physical restraint are all forms of physical abuse.

Sexual abuse. This type of abuse involves any type of sexual contact with an elderly person who is unable to provide consent or where there is a dominant figure demonstrating sexual prowess. It may also involve unwanted touching, coerced nudity

43

GEORGIA AT-RISK ADULT ABUSE – INDICATORS

or taking obscene or inappropriate pictures of the individual.

Neglect. This type of abuse fails to provide the basic needs of an elderly person – including medical care. Neglect must threaten the person's health or personal safety.

Emotional abuse. This type of abuse can be verbal or nonverbal. It may include verbal aggression, name calling, insults, threatening or intimidation. Refusing to communicate with the person, talking down to or treating the individual like a child when it is unwarranted is also a form of emotional abuse. All of these behaviors contribute to emotional pain.

Impact and Recovery

GEORGIA AT-RISK ADULT ABUSE – REPORTING

AT-RISK ADULT ABUSE – RESOURCES

Few studies have examined the long-term effects of elder abuse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, based on reports and presentations, there are noticeable behavior patterns among those who have been abused and those who have not been abused.

Those who have been abused exhibit a high level of depressed mood and anxiety. They feel a sense of hopelessness over their lives, and they have resigned themselves to a state of learned helplessness where they just stop trying due to their inability to control their situations.

This behavior is a factor to the depressed mood.

Abuse of the elderly also contributes to a lack of self-confidence, and eventually contributes to other factors such as diminished self-worth, isolation and possible thoughts and attempts of suicide.

How You Can Help Once you recognize the signs of abuse, you can help the elderly by becoming very involved in their lives.

Information and graphics provided by the Georgia Division of Aging Services website: www.aging.georgia.gov

44

• Be their biggest advocate. If you think an event or behavior is questionable, go ahead and ask about it. Visit often, and do not leave all of the person's care up to the caregiver.

If you are actively involved in the caregiving, you may notice bruises, or some unnecessary agitation or emotional behaviors and can intervene.

• Visit often. Visits, especially if you do not live in the home, allow you to monitor phone calls,

notice unusual mail and even check on their assets – including their financial information.

This gives you an opportunity to also talk about daily activities, will allow them to enjoy your presence and may help the person regain confidence.

• Do not belittle, blame or shame. If the elderly person happens to be doing things out of sorts due to dementia, or just aging, try your best to help the individual understand the changes that are happening. It is okay to redirect and remind them of the same thing over and over. What they need right now is compassion and understanding because of their limitations. Help them feel safe and protected.

• Pay attention to the elderly person's surroundings. If your elderly loved one lives in a facility, pay attention to how the staff interacts with them and with you. Is the staff respectful? Is your loved one closely monitored during visitation hours? Do the caretakers speak of them or respond to them as if they are burdensome? Pay attention to those behaviors that are overdone, flirtatious or too indulgent that overstep professional

boundaries.

• Report suspicious or abusive behaviors.

If you suspect abuse, you should report it.

See the sidebar on page 44 for adult abuse indicators, reporting and resources.

Some of the most valued people in our lives need our help. One person will not be able to make a change, but together we can make a difference and change the outcome for those we love. WGW Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the owner of The Heart Matters Wellness Services LLC, a full-service counseling agency. She is certified as a Mental Health First Aid Adult trainer and regularly provides seminars and trainings to the community on various mental health issues. She has partnered with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy to train individuals in the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Visit heartmatterswellness.com for more information about Cheryl and her work.

Happy Father’s Day From Our Family To Yours

Bremen • Carrollton • Douglasville 770.537.2375 • 770.836.1466 • 770.489.2818

www.hightowerfamilyfuneralhomes.com 45

Protecting Their Innocence

46

You Can Help Prevent Child Labor

R

emember what summer vacation was like for you when you were a kid? Playing ball, swimming at the local pool or lake with your friends, sleepovers, trips for ice cream on hot summer nights and memorable family vacations with lots of fun in the sun.

There are many children in this world who will never have experiences like we have had because they are forced into work at a very young age.

Over 151 million children ages 5 to 17 worldwide are forced to work as laborers, according to the International Labour Organization. International and U.S. consumers – that's me and you – and large and small corporations are keeping those people in business who are forcing these children to work in horrible conditions for little to no pay.

June 12 is recognized as World Day Against Child Labor – a day to raise awareness of child labor and to inform the public on how they can help these children by not supporting the companies who purchase goods from supply chains that use children as their workforce.

Children are classified as laborers if they are involved in hazardous activities that could harm them mentally, physically, educationally or socially.

Children are not classified as laborers if they are

Source: Ending child labour by 2025: A review of policies and programmes, International Labour Organization, 2017.

completing work that is considered positive, such as earning pocket money during school holidays or outside of regular school hours, helping out with chores around the home or helping with a family business. These types of activities are good for children and help them learn skills and give them valuable experience to prepare them to become future productive members of society.

Whether specific forms of “work” can be classified as “child labor” depends on the circumstances such as working conditions, individual country

An Independent PreK-3 through 12th Grade College -Preparatory School

What MORE are you looking for?

Mentor relationships Opportunities for students to grow

Academic Rigor Experiences in a nurturing environment 222 Cross Plains Road ~ Carrollton, GA 30116 ~ 770-834-6651 ~ www.oakmountain.us Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2018.

47

The Law Office of William E. Brooks Immigration Attorney Oficina del abogado William E. Brooks Abogado de inmigración: • • • • • • • • • • • •

• Family Petitions • Refugees/Asylum Permanent Residence • • Citizenship Adjustment of Status • • Employment Visas Immigration Detention • • T Visa (Human Trafficking Victims) U Visa (Crime Victims) • VAWA (Violence Against • Women Act) TPS (Temporary • Protected Status) NACARA •

inmigración por Familia Refugiados/Asilo Residencia Permanente Ciudadania y Naturalización Ajuste de Estatus Visas de Trabajo DetencÍon de la Inmigración T Visa (Víctimas de trafico humano) U Visa (Víctimas de crimen violento) VAWA (Violencia en contra de la mujer) TPS NACARA

Helping Immigrants Live The American Dream!

302.753.4189 1.800.903.7344 Correo Electrónico: williambrks@hotmail.com

The Law Office of William E. Brooks iustitia omnibus

48

Immigration Attorney

Se habla español

Payment plans available / Formas de pago disponibles By appointment only / Llámenos y haga su cita

objectives, the child’s age and the hours and type of work performed. The answer to this question varies among sectors within countries and from country to country.

Child Labor Defined • Work that is physically, morally, mentally or socially dangerous and harmful to children.

This is classified as "hazardous" work • Interferes with their education and deprives them of the opportunity to attend school • Labor that forces children to leave school too early or requires children to have unreasonably heavy and long work weeks along with attending school • Work that deprives them of their childhood or compromises their dignity

Worst Forms Of Child Labor • Using children in the commission of a crime such as begging or drug trafficking • Labor that forces children to be exposed to serious illnesses or hazards, left to fend for themselves on the streets outside of work or requires them to be separated from their families ("hazardous work") • Selling or using children for sex through pornography or prostitution. Though child pornography is a global issue, the United States remains one of the largest producers and consumers of child abuse content in the world, according to THORN, a nonprofit organization committed to stopping the spread of child sexual abuse material, and 2 million children are subjected to prostitution in the global commercial sex trade, according to UNICEF. • Buying or selling children as if they are an inanimate object or thing and using children as soldiers or slaves

Products In Countries That Are Often Produced By Child Labor 1. Gold. Produced in Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Mali, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, Peru, Philippines, Senegal and Tanzania 2. Cotton. Produced in Argentina, Azerbaijan,

Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Paraguay, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Zambia.

3. Sugarcane. Produced in Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Thailand and Uganda 4. Tobacco. Produced in Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Labanon, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

5. Bricks. Produced in Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, China, Ecuador, India, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Peru, Uganda and Colombia.

6. Coffee. Produced in Colombia, Cote d'ivoire, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, El Salvador, Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Tanzania and Uganda.

7. Cattle. Produced in Bolivia, Brazil, Chad, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Namibia, Paraguay, Uganda and Zambia.

8. Rice. Produced in Brazil, Burma, Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mali, Philippines and Uganda 9. Garments. Produced in Argentina, China, India, Jordan, Malaysia and Thailand.

10. Diamonds. Produced in Angola, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe.

11. Coal. Produced in China, Colombia, Mongolia, North Korea, Pakistan and Ukraine.

12. Cocoa. Produced in Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria.

13. Carpet. Produced in Afghanistan, India, Iran, Nepal and Pakistan.

It's going to take more than just buying Fair Trade items to prevent child labor. Hold companies accountable for using child labor and ask them about their supply chains, and, make no mistake, child labor occurs in the U.S., too – primarily in the agricultural sector. Children pick the foods that we eat and farm tobacco that is incredibily dangerous due to the risk of nicotine poisoning. Talk to your representatives in the Senate and Congress about what they are doing to prevent child labor.

By being aware, making responsible purchases and speaking out against child labor, we can all make a difference in these children's lives. WGW

49

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father.”

“When my dad didn't have my hand, he had my back.”

– Harper Lee

“When fathers struggle with being authentic, they leave muddy footprints on little girls' hearts.”

– Tina Samples

– Linda Poindexter

“Being a daddy’s girl is like having permanent armor for the rest of your life.”

– Marinela Reka

“My father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.”

– Liza Minnelli

50

Local Happenings

Healers and Helpers Wellness 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.

51

These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free weight checks for your baby will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us.

Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.

WGTC Qualifies 24 For National Business Competition

Clothing and accessory drive: Nursing From The Heart is collecting new and lightly used clothing and accessories for women, children and babies in preparation for Mother's Day. All donations will be provided to the Domestic Violence Center serving West Georgia. All sizes and accessories are appreciated and welcomed.

Donations can be dropped off at the The Burson Center in Carrollton: Mon.-Wed. 8:30 to 4 p.m., Thurs. 1 to 8 p.m. and Fri. 9 to 2 p.m.

For more information, call 470.270.9520 or email Anne Lussier at IBCLC@nursingfromtheheart.com or visit the website at www.nursingfromtheheart.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.

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 GriefShare or DivorceCare, call or text John Pearson at 404.368.2746.

52

West Georgia Tech’s Phi Beta Lambda organization received numerous awards at the 2018 State Competition recently, with a dozen students qualifying to attend the national competition in Baltimore this June. In total, students brought home 24 awards and one individual recognition.

West Georgia Technical College Phi Beta Lambda students excelled at the 2018 State Leadership Conference in Atlanta recently, demonstrating their knowledge, professionalism and leadership potential.

Twelve of the 13 WGTC students who competed qualified to advance to national competition in Baltimore in June. In total, students earned 24 awards and one individual recognition.

Students participated in competitive events focused on several business-related topics including forensic accounting, project management and business communication.

WGTC’s chapter received second place overall for March of Dimes donations and for Battle of the Chapters.

Further, one student received special recognition.

Boyd Stancombe received the “Who’s Who in PBL” award.

2018 state competition winners and their respective competitive events are: First Place Winners

• Ginnett Zabala-Perez – Accounting Analysis and Decision Making • Josh Lyons – Accounting for Professionals • Courtney Alexander – Accounting Principles • Tiffany Craig – Cost Accounting • Tiffany Craig – Forensic Accounting • David Herrington and Jodi Hubbard – Global Analysis and Decision Making

ability to collaborate and facilitate and a willingness to serve others. Brown was state winner of TCSG’s Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction in 2016.

The Georgia Master Teacher Experience, held Second Place Winners in Thomasville at Southern Regional Technical • Gilbert Akpagana – Accounting Principles College is designed to bring instructors from • Boyd Stancombe – Computer Concepts TCSG together for an intensive week of focus on • Gilbert Akpagna – Financial Concepts instructional innovations, motivational techniques, • Ginnett Zabala-Perez – Future Business situational problem-solving, contextual learning and Executive information exchange.

• Jacinta Bruner – Global Analysis and Decision The concept of a seminar designed expressly for Making • Brandy Morales and Kayla Pedigo – Hospitality teachers originated in 1962 by Roger Garrison at Westbrook College in Portland, Maine. Since that Management time, the concept has become a national movement • Jodi Hubbard – Personal Finance with programs in numerous states across the nation Third Place Winners and around the world.

• Ashley Phillips – Business Decision Making The GMTE is designed as an experiential learning • Kayla Pedigo – Retail Management event developed by teachers for teachers with the Fourth Place Winners goal of improving instruction by revitalizing faculty • Maddie White – Emerging Business Issues through interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants • David Herrington - Microeconomics share experiences, strategies and instructional Fifth Place Winners methods in the quests of improving teaching.

• Jacinta Bruner – Emerging Business Issues “The strength of this experience is in the support • Maddie White – Retail Management that each teacher receives from the other teachers that have gathered from throughout the state,” GMTE director Claudia Grooms said. “The weeklong exchange of ideas and collaboration develops a network of support and encouragement that can be taken back to individual colleges to improve teaching and learning. Seeing the excitement for teaching return in an instructor who has become weary, or watching an instructor as they realize their worth is an experience that cannot be matched. We are privileged to host the Georgia Master Teacher Experience and are proud to have completed our fourth year.”

The GMTE culminates with a Celebration Instructors Kimberly Nolan, Dr. Jeremy Bishop and Event where participants are recognized for their Dr. Angela Hines Brown represented West Georgia Technical College in the week-long Georgia Master contributions to innovative teaching. In addition Teacher Experience held at Southern Regional Technito their peers, participants were recognized by cal College in Thomasville. Shown are GMTE staff and TCSG Commissioner Matt Arthur, TCSG Assistant participants Commissioner for Technical Education Dr. Kathryn Three instructors represented West Georgia Hornsby, TCSG Curriculum Specialist Benita Moore, Technical College at the fourth annual Georgia Master Southern Regional Technical College President Teacher Experience.

Dr. Craig Wentworth and GMTE Director Claudia Dental assisting instructor Kimberly Nolan, biology Grooms. instructor Dr. Jeremy Bishop were participants in the week-long event for the Technical College System of West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Georgia’s best and brightest instructors.

Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate Early childhood care and education instructor Dr. degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A Angela Hines Brown was part of the GMTE staff. unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Staff members were selected based on excellence Tech is the third-largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For in teaching, high ethical and leadership standards, more information, please visit westgatech.edu.

• Boyd Stancombe – Help Desk • Josh Lyons - Macroeconomics • Ashley Phillips – Organizational Behavior and Leadership

WGTC Instructors Attend GMTE

53

"Smart Lunch Smart Kid" Needs Summer Volunteers in Carroll County Nearly 1 million children in Georgia schools are eligible to receive free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch, a crucial meal that disappears in the summer and school breaks. "Smart Lunch, Smart Kid," through the dedication of thousands of volunteers and donors, ensures that these children are fed.

We will be preparing lunches for the children in the community this summer, May 29 through July 31.

How You Can Help • Donating lunch materials (Carrollton City Schools are closed July 5 and 6, as well as July 23 through July 31) • Volunteering time to build and prepare the donated materials into a lunch • Volunteering time by serving lunches directly to the community at the designated sites • Being a host site, providing dry space or refrigeration space.

• Our biggest need is volunteerism to pick up and serve the lunches at the designated sites.

ALL VOLUNTEERS WHO WORK IN THIS PROGRAM MUST BE OVER THE AGE OF 18 AND MUST PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK. The cost for the background check is $4.98.

Below is a list of locations that we have secured for the summer. Volunteers are needed for approximately two hours for each opportunity. All locations will be providing lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• • • • •

Arts For All Institute of the Imagination Castle Playground Catherine Hardy Water Park Knox Park (Griffith Housing Authority) Legends West Park Pavilion (Thomas Housing Authority) • Safari Park • SOMA Apartments • Tabernacle Baptist Church Pavilion For more information, please contact Denise M.

54

Etienne, Carroll County "Smart Lunch Smart Kids" Coordinator at 678.472.9545 or visit the website at www.actionministries.net/volunteer.

Bremen Resident's Marketing Firm Acquired

by DRUM Agency With 28 years of experience in public relations, marketing and advertising, Bremen resident Amy Parrish, began her career as a journalist for NBC Network News and 11Alive. Her firm, CO&P Integrated Marketing, was recently acquired by DRUM Agency, a national firm.

CO&P worked with several West Georgia accounts including R.K. Redding Construction, Mill Town Music Hall and Miller & Wynn Law Firm.

Her firm has worked with the B.R.I.D.G.E. (Bringing Resources In Drug Gripped Environments) program for Bremen City and Haralson County schools with their annual 5K run and the West Georgia Sing Off, and the RAPHA clinic of West Georgia's Sound of Medicine concert.

Amy lives in Bremen with her husband Dr. William Parrish and her son Eli Parrish, a Bremen High School honor student and musician.

Global BIG Latch On August 4, 2018 At The AMP Nursing From The Heart in partnership with the West Georgia Breastfeeding Task Force invite families, friends and members of the community to join in the celebration to help protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

The Global BIG Latch On takes place around the world, where people gather together to breastfeed and offer peer support to each other and we are excited to be hosting the event again this year in Carrollton on Aug. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the AMP. We aim to raise breastfeeding awareness, provide local resources, education, support and to create a breastfeeding friendly community to ensure breastfeeding as a normal part of day-to-day life in West Georgia. For more information or if you are interested in becoming a participant, volunteer or sponsor please contact Anne Lussier: BLO@nursingfromtheheart.com or call 470.270.9520.

In memory of Shelli Roden Proceeds benefit programs sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #35 and 100 percent of the race proceeds will benefit Shelli Roden's family.

55

56

Carroll EMC Employee Honored As Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives Brand Champion

K

elly Hester, Communications & Corporate Events Coordinator for Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative, was honored with the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® 2018 Brand Champion award May 9 at the CONNECT Conference in Salt Lake City, UT. This award honors brand advocates that embody Touchstone Energy’s core values of innovation, integrity, accountability and commitment to community, while making exceptional contributions to building the brand on a local, regional and national level.

Hester currently serves on the national Touchstone Energy Cooperative Relations Advisory Committee.

Her enthusiasm and creativity in helping others implement TEC programs has made her a true ambassador of the brand, and her dedication in this role has influenced other co-ops in Georgia and across the country.

Kelly used these resources to develop marketing and communication tools that help Carrol EMC’s member-owners become more educated on steps they can take to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity use for improved efficiency.

"Kelly is a critical member of our team and the electric co-op industry,” said Jay Gill, Vice President of Communications & Economic Development for Carroll EMC. “She lives the cooperative principles and it shows in her work and interpersonal relationships. I'm not surprised by her nomination as a Brand Champion as she represents all the values and resources that we all hold dear from Touchstone Energy. This award is well deserved, and Kelly Hester has a very bright future in our industry.”

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives (www.touchstoneenergy. com) is a national brand and network of electric cooperatives across 47 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member-cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million memberowners every day.

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.

Photo: Carroll EMC Communications & Corporate Events Coordinator, Kelly Hester, was honored with the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® 2018 Brand Champion Award. Photo by Jason McGrade.

57

Fun in the Sun Minimize Your Risk for Skin Cancer 58

G

lowing bronze skin. We all want it, and not just because we think sporting a tan makes us look healthy and vibrant – most of us know that tanned skin makes us look smaller in appearance as well. But is the damage that we're doing to our bodies worth it?

In the U.S., skin cancer is the most common cancer. It is estimated that almost 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer on a daily basis, and one in five people in the United States will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Skin cancer is nothing to scoff about. From 1982 to 2011, melanoma rates in the U.S. doubled and, on average, each hour a person will die from melanoma. More than 175,000 new cases of melanoma will be found this year and will cause 9,320 deaths in men and women, says the AAD. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, types of nonmelanoma skin cancers, affect more than 3 million people in the U.S. each year.

Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in females age 15 to 29, and the risk is even higher if you use a tanning bed. Using indoor tanning beds before the age of 35 can increase your risk of melanoma by 59 percent, and the risk increases each time you use one, says the AAD. Skin cancer, although frightening to think about, is highly treatable with early detection.

Risk Factors • A history of extensive sun exposure that includes sunburns • Using a tanning bed • Men who are 50 or older are at higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population • Having red or blonde hair • If you are a Caucasian • Having a history of skin cancer • If you have fair skin that burns easily • If you are undergoing immune systemsuppressing treatments or have an immune system-suppressing disease • People with large or atypical moles or who have more than 50 moles

Warning Signs • Changes in color, size or shape of other skin or moles • A sore that won't heal, a lesion or the sudden appearance of a new growth on the skin.

• An existing or new spot that itches, changes or bleeds It's important to note that although people of color are at a lower risk of developing melanoma, if they do have the disease it is often diagnosed during later stages, when the cancer is more advanced and difficult to treat.

People of color should pay close attention to areas of the body that aren't usually exposed to the sun, as melanoma is often found in these areas in skin of color. Melanoma can be found in people of color on the buttocks, soles of the feet, inside the mouth and in the groin area.

Prevention • Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds • Stay in the shade when possible – especially between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher • Wear protective clothing such as a hat and sunglasses • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors • Avoid sunburns • Examine your body from head to toe monthly • Make an appointment with your physician or a dermatologist each year for a professional skin examination If you don't have insurance or can't afford a professional screening, the American Academy of Dermatology has a free program called The SPOTme® Skin Cancer Screening Program. These screenings are provided by dermatologists all over the U.S. There will be free screenings in Atlanta and Alpharetta beginning this month, and in Cumming next month. To find a free SPOTme® skin cancer screening in your area, visit the website at SpotSkinCancer.org or call 888.462.DERM (3376).

WGW

59

Kidz Korner

By Charlene Brooks

B

Father's Day Plaque

Blue paint Foam sheet Cardboard Foam brush

righten Dad's day with these adorable and sweet Father's Day surprises.

Your child is sure to bring a little happiness with this easy to create plaque and these delicious and simple tuxedo shirt cookies.

Instructions

Materials Craft sticks Assorted stickers Stick-on black and white letters Glue Worlds greatest stick-on banner

60

Using the foam brush, paint the craft sticks blue and allow to dry.

Cut the cardboard 3 1/2 inches wide by 4 1/2 inches long, and cut the foam backing 5 1/2 long by 3 1/4 inches wide.

Glue the cardboard piece onto the foam piece.

The foam piece will extend over the top.

Decorate with the stick-on letters and add assorted stickers to the craft sticks.

Glue the "World's Greatest Dad" banner to the top of the foam piece above the craft sticks.

Allow to dry completely.

Sugar Cookie Tuxedo Shirts Ingredients Sugar cookie mix Vanilla candy melts Round candy pieces Candy bow ties Instructions Mix sugar cookie dough according to package directions.

Roll out dough and cut out shirt shapes. Bake according to package directions and allow to cool completely.

Melt the vanilla candy melts in microwave. The consistency should be just enough to spread over the baked cookies.

Decorate with the candy bow ties.

Use the round candy pieces to decorate as buttons. WGW

Wishing a Very Happy Father’s Day to All Dads in West Georgia – Biological, Foster and Adoptive, or Just Filling the Role of a Father.

Dedicated Healthcare When You Need It Most • 770.832.9689 770.832.9689

61

Happy Father's Day Word Search

Word Bank

62

Daddy Love Kindness Strong Brave Protector Hardworking Thoughtful Doting Father Husband Teacher Understanding Loyal Beloved Gentle Fun Provider Wise

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Creating Beautiful Smiles For Over 15 years!

M. Dawn Harvey, DMD, PC

Family Dentistry and Complete Facial Esthetics 105 Dallas Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 • 770.459.5778 www.drharveysmiles.com

63

2019 XT4 NOW TAKING ORDERS

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