january 2015
RESOLVE TO GET HEALTHIER KEEP WINTER ENERGY BILLS IN CHECK WICHITA-NATIVE CAPT. CURTIS RENARD NAMED NEW NAVY ELEMENT CO Wichita Family • January 2015 - 1
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Inside: 6
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
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Stay hydrated during winter, even when you don’t think you need to be 4 tips to make home maintenance easy for anyone Winter eye care tips to avoid dangerous, foggy conditions
Wichita Family • January 2015 - 3
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Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, email us at publisher@wichitafamily.com or visit our website at www.wichitafamily.com. Copyright 2015 by Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. 4 - www.wichitafamily.com
Message from the Publisher The holidays are over. The final present has been unwrapped, and the last toast to the new year has been said. I truly enjoy the holidays and all that comes with them, but I am also glad they are over. After all, it means the new year is actually underway, and I’m excited for 2015. First and foremost, I’m excited for my first full year of being the publisher of Wichita Family Magazine. Producing it each month is a labor of love, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I feel blessed to be at the helm and doing everything I can to fully serve you, the reader. I hope you continue to find many benefits within these monthly pages, especially as it continues to grow and
morph into all it can be. The first step in this continual growth is updating how Wichita Family looks. You have undoubtedly noticed the new look. That’s right. It is no longer a horizontal magazine. It is now vertical. This change was made for numerous reason. Primarily, it is aesthetic, but it also serves the purpose of ease of use. Now, you can read Wichita Family with one hand much more easily than you could with the previous format. Also, we have a new logo. As you can see on the cover, we now have a stylish brand for Wichita Family. These are two changes you might view as minor, and in all actuality they might be. However, to me, they are pretty big. They are signs Wichita Family is truly becoming a Lucky 7 Publishing LLC publication, and I couldn’t be more excited. Yes, I believe 2015 will be the year of Wichita Family. Of course, I am also looking for-
ward to this year for reasons outside of the magazine. I am hopeful for a successful year in all aspects of life. I want to see all my family and friends see fruitful bounties from their efforts, and I hope our state and country prospers, even in the face of staggering budget deficits at the state level. As a devout Wichita State University Shocker Men’s Basketball fan, I am also hopeful my team will see another great season. Last year I was lucky enough to be able to see them play in St. Louis during the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. With any luck, I will get to do that again. I hope all of you also have a spectacular 2015 as well. I wish you all the best in reaching your goals and accomplishing everything you set your mind to this year. So go out and do what you do, and do it as best you can. Have a wonderful year, and remember, Wichita Family will be here for you! Wichita Family • January 2015 - 5
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools Colvin Elementary students show off their new shoes that they received with the help of community partners.
Colvin students receive new shoes from partners
Students at Colvin Elementary celebrated Christmas early with a little extra help from community Santas. Every student received a new pair of shoes, thanks to a donation from Boeing Employees Community Fund, Payless Shoe Source, Hatman Jacks, His Helping Hands, LaMar’s Donuts, Papa John’s Pizza, Shirts Plus and the United Way of the Plains. More than 770 students lined up to receive their new shoes, along with a new pair of socks. Volunteers helped the
students try on the shoes to make sure they were the proper fit before the students took them home. The students also picked out a new stocking cap and a pair of gloves to take home. This is the tenth year for the shoe donation. With the Boeing Company closing its Wichita operations, the Employees Community Fund gave remaining funds to United Way of the Plains to continue the program at Colvin.
Jefferson students have a reason to smile
More than 150 students at Jefferson Elementary had a good reason to flash their pearly whites. Dental hygienists from GraceMed provided free expanded dental care, which included cleaning, sealants and fluoride rinses. Students signed up to take advantage of the free service. GraceMed supports many schools across the district by offering free dental cleanings for students.
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A Jefferson student gets ready to have his teeth cleaned by a GraceMed dental hygienist.
Students in South’s Marketing Management class show off some of the items that are for sale on the school’s online store.
South students launch online store to sell merchandise
Students in South High School’s Marketing Management class are selling school items so others can show their school spirit. The students created and launched an online store to sell Titan sweatpants, sweatshirts, headbands, T-shirts and other apparel. The Titan Time Online store can be found at www.mkt.com/titantime.
“It’s a more effective way to sell Titan clothing. Students and parents don’t have to wait for sporting events to buy items,” said Maggie Gehring, business teacher. Some of the proceeds go to support students to attend the International Career Development Conference in April.
Schools participate in Hour of Code
Students across the district learned the basics of how computers work by learning to write code. As part of Computer Science Education Week, students at schools including Wilbur, Mayberry, Allison, L’Ouverture and Hyde participated in the worldwide Hour of Code initiative. Hour of Code teaches students basic computer programming skills by having students play games or create animated programs by using
drag and drop commands such as move forward, turn left, play music, etc. The more advanced a student becomes, the more command options the student is allowed to use. The goal is to have students learn computer programming early to have a foundation of success in any Mayberry was one of many future career path. Students use across the Wichita Public Schools logic and problem-solving skills while learning how to write code. to participate in the Hour of Code. Wichita Family • January 2015 - 7
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Photos courtesy of Getty Images Diets don’t work. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year, and weight-related resolutions top the list. Unfortunately, only about 8 percent achieve any type of resolution, weightrelated or not. If you’ve made (and then broken) the same old weight- or health-oriented resolutions each January, you’re not alone. It might be time to focus on research-proven approaches to get healthier that actually work - without gimmicks, diets that eliminate foods, or buying strange foods and equipment. 8 - www.wichitafamily.com
START WELL: Eat Breakfast
EAT ROUGH(AGE): Make Fiber a Priority
Start the day right, and it really can make things go better all day. Research has repeatedly shown that people who eat breakfast tend to take in more nutrients (calcium, iron, protein and fiber), are more alert and can concentrate better, and may even have better success with weight management. To get yourself off to a strong start, think about combining protein, carbohydrates and low-fat dairy. Some possibilities: whole grain cereal and a high protein yogurt, an English muffin with peanut butter, or an egg sandwich with fruit and yogurt.
Fiber, found in whole grain wheat, barley, corn and oats, as well as in fruits, vegetables and beans, helps keep things moving easily through the digestive tract. Remember that grain fiber has different nutritional benefits than fruits and vegetables, so you need both. Fiber is also filling, providing volume with few calories because our bodies don’t have the enzymes to break it down. But fiber can be digested and used for fuel by the 10 trillion bacteria that live in the colon and prevent numerous health conditions.
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GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT: If It Sounds Too Good to be True... Losing 10 pounds in two weeks only to regain it in eight makes no sense. Whether you’ve tried to go glutenfree, low carb or avoid all white foods, chances are quite high that your efforts didn’t result in long lasting effects. What does work? A balanced eating pattern and an active lifestyle. There is no one perfect diet, and anyone who says otherwise is typically selling a book or products promising weight loss. Registered dietitian nutritionists can be trusted to provide credible, evidence-based information that can be tailored to your lifestyle and taste preferences. In addition, eating patterns such as those recommended by the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and MyPlate can provide guidance on the types of foods to include in your meals. MOVE IT: Walk, Dance or Ride Your Way to Health Unless you use it often (2-3 times per week or more), skip the gym membership. Walk outside, walk the dog, dance in your kitchen, work in the garden or ride your bike to run errands. And, if possible, do it every day with friends for fun, and make it part of your regular lifestyle. Make It Stick: Schedule and Track Your Progress Make a schedule of your health goals, and keep track of progress by writing in a food and activity journal or calendar. Write things down. It makes them more likely to happen. Note things like how you feel before and after meals and exercise. You may be surprised by what you learn. — Family Features
How to Spot a Fad Diet in 30 Seconds or Less Fad diets come and go and return again. Here are some obvious clues that a diet is a fad rather than a realistic approach for becoming healthy. 1. Sounds too good or easy to be true 2. Promises rapid weight loss (5-10 pounds a week) or “miracle cures” 3. Allows only certain foods or food groups (cutting out others) 4. Promotes a product, special herb, vitamin or other compound 5. Can only be “followed” temporarily but is not supervised by a doctor 6. Hard to imagine or difficult to follow the diet forever 7. Doesn’t recommend a form of exercise or says that it’s unnecessary 8. Warns that one food or food group will make you seriously ill or worse 9. Makes recommendations based on pseudo-science not endorsed by credible organizations or peer reviewed by other scientists 10. Cites research that is preliminary, based on animals, has very few subjects, or uses poor methodology The bottom line: Eat when you are hungry, strive for moderation and move more to feel good.
Tips to Trim Mindless Calories Eat mindfully Put all of your attention on the food and nowhere else. Eat for hunger Make sure you are eating because you are hungry and not for other reasons. Eat slowly You’ll stop eating sooner and register that you’ve had enough. Eat without guilt Consider whether the food is an “everyday” food or “sometimes” food and eat accordingly, enjoying every bite.
For more information, try these resources:
• US News and World Report Ranking of Best Overall Diets:health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets. • Mediterranean Diet: oldwayspt.org/programs/mediterranean-foods-alliance/what-mediterranean-diet. • DASH Diet: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dash/. • Find a Registered Dietitian: www.eatright.org/programs/rdnfinder/. • MyPlate: www.choosemyplate.gov. • Information on diet, health, fiber, gluten and other topics: www.wheatfoods.org.
Wichita Family • January 2015 - 9
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Keep winter energy bills in check this season
As winter temperatures drop, the potential for higher utility bills goes up. Taking steps ahead of the cold season can help you trim costs and make your home more energy efficient, keeping those utility bills in check even as the winter weather rages. “Many homeowners just assume the winter season means their bills will go up as systems work harder to keep their home regulated,” said Francois Lebrasseur, marketing manager of water products for GE Appliances. “In reality, there are many steps one can take to improve energy efficiency and minimize the added expense that comes with extreme winter temperatures.” According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity costs are on the rise. Before winter weather sets in for your part of the country, take some time to assess your home for potential problem areas and improvements that can help lower your energy costs. Lighting. Though turning off unneeded lights is a smart strategy any time of year, it’s especially helpful during the winter months when utility expenses can add up. New technology from GE Lighting lets you manage your lights away from home - handy if you’re gone for the day and realize lights were left on. GE Link Connected LED lights can be adjusted using an app on your smartphone. These energy-efficient LED lights also will come in handy if you’re away from home for an extended period or traveling over the holidays, as you can turn specific lights on to give the appearance that someone is home so you can vacation worry-free. If you replace a 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a 12-watt GE Link LED bulb, you would save $132 over the life of the bulb at an electricity rate of $0.11 per kWh. Water heaters. Heat isn’t the only system that gets an extra workout come winter. Cooler house temperatures may require water heaters to work harder, so ensuring you have a model well-suited to your family’s year-round needs is key. In fact, heating water is the second source of energy use in the residential home after space heating and cooling, with standard electric water heaters costing the average homeowner $585 every year to operate. One energyefficient option is the 50-gallon GE GeoSpring(tm) hybrid electric water heater, which can save the average household
$365 every year (using 1514 kWh per year and national average electricity rate of 12 cents per kWh) compared to a 50-gallon standard electric water heater (using 4646 kWh per year), as based on a test comparison. GeoSpring also offers features such as vacation mode, which lowers the water temperature during a trip, then reenergizes itself the day before the homeowner’s return. Thermostat. A programmable thermostat is easy to install and saves energy (and money) by automatically adjusting to pre-determined temperature settings. This allows you to drop the temperature during the day when no one is home, but have a comfortable environment ready when you arrive home from work each day. Depending on the model you choose, you can select numerous settings to adjust your indoor climate for various days to fit your lifestyle patterns. According to ENERGY STAR(r), when used properly, a programmable thermostat can save as much as $150 a year in energy costs. Air leaks. An airtight house is critical to managing your heat-related expenses. You take time to close windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping, but that’s only half the battle. Sealing cracks around those windows and doors, and other leak-prone areas such as the basement and attic, will help keep heat inside and costs down. To protect your wallet with more seasonal energyefficient savings tips and products, visit www.geappliances. com or www.gelighting.com.
with MaizeVirtualPrepSchool.com
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Be our guest at a family event!
— Family Features
Friday, Jan. 23 - Science Exploration at the Maize Recreation Commission: Join us for hands-on science activities
Friday, Jan. 30 - Wichita Art Museum Two Part Guided Tour : Storytelling through art and #Selfie exhibits
To RSVP: go to MaizeVirtualPrepSchool.com
or call toll-free 855-450-3517 Wichita Family • January 2015 - 11
Stay healthily hydrated this winter
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hen the mercury drops, it’s more important than ever to stay properly hydrated. During the winter, people may not seem to sweat as much as in the summer, but that doesn’t lessen one’s risk of dehydration. “As a hospital physician, I’ve seen far too many people succumb to dehydration-related health scares, stemming from high-elevation ski trips to travel to simply forgetting to drink water because it’s cold outside,” says Dr. Ralph E. Holsworth, director of clinical and scientific research for Essentia Water and medical physician at Southeast Colorado Hospital. “Staying properly hydrated can help ensure good health through the winter, reduce dry skin and even help you flush toxins out of your body to reduce the chances of getting a winter cold or flu.”
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Boost your body’s hydration Roughly 75 percent of the North American population is chronically dehydrated. By the time you feel thirsty (and sometimes when you don’t) you may already be getting dehydrated. Whether you’re skiing or just taking a walk on a brisk day, the experts at Essentia Water provide these simple tips to help you stay hydrated throughout the winter season and beyond. • Set a daily water intake goal. A good rule of thumb for daily water intake from food and fluids is 2 liters for females and 2.5 liters for males with moderate physical activity levels. Adjust your personal goal to account for climate and activity level. Start your day by filling a tumbler or setting out bottles of your favorite water totaling your goal. Supplement with healthy foods that have high water content like soup, salad and pears. • Winter it up. During cooler weather, chilled water isn’t very enticing. To make it more appealing, warm a mug of water or add a burst of flavor from your favorite winter fruit like oranges, tangerines or cranberries. Drop in a cinnamon stick for an added flavor kick and enticing aroma. 12 - www.wichitafamily.com
Photos courtesy of Getty Images • Check the mirror. A tried and true way to know if you’re getting enough water is to check your mirror. If your skin appears dry and flaky, it’s time to drink more fluids. • Drink electrolyte-enhanced alkaline water (also called functional water). Wellness experts agree that disease and infection have a hard time thriving in an alkaline environment. High-pH water can help neutralize acid levels and restore your body to a natural state. Functional water, such as Essentia Water, the top selling alkaline water, can help you avoid or fight winter colds and flu, hydrate your
skin and re-hydrate someone who is showing signs of dehydration. • Pack the H20. From carrying a backpack to wearing a special hydration pack - it’s important to bring water with you during winter outings. If you simply can’t bring it with you, be sure you have a list of stores that offer bottled water, and keep a supply of it in your car’s trunk for emergencies. While you may not feel it, your body is in need of proper hydration even on the coldest winter days. For more tips for staying well, visit www.essentiawater.com. — Family Features
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4 Tips to Make Home Maintenance Easier Some home maintenance jobs require a significant investment of time and specialized equipment, but there are many projects you can accomplish efficiently with basic tools and the right approach. Follow these tips to get started: Update your toolbox. Take inventory to ensure your collection is complete, and replace damaged or rusted tools.
Your toolbox is also a good place to store common repair items such as adhesive. For quick, fuss-free fixes with no dry time, ditch traditional glue for Glue Dots. The double-sided adhesives bond instantly to virtually any surface with no mess and let you skip using clamps. Get ahead of potential problems. For example, have a plunger on hand to prevent clogged sinks and
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
toilets from causing water damage, and keep gutters and filters clean to prevent structural damage or fire. You can also protect your home and valuables from damage by using adhesive to secure precious items from getting knocked over, and protect floors from traffic damage by securing rugs and felt pads to furniture. Take a helping hand. Most phones have levels and flashlights that can help with minor jobs, and your phone’s calendar can be set with recurring reminders so that you’ll never miss a maintenance date. In addition, find creative ways to make tasks easier. It can be tough to keep items in place while nailing or screwing into walls or ceilings, or installing features such as under-cabinet lighting. Glue Dots are a handy solution that won’t damage the surface, don’t expand and won’t make a mess. Get organized. Daily home maintenance tasks like cleaning are easier when they are done along the way rather than letting them pile up, creating a bigger job. Store everyday needs in each room, or on each floor. +++ For maximum efficiency, keep cleaning supplies in both the bath and the kitchen, and a broom and vacuum on each floor. Making sure you have the right tools on hand and taking preventive steps to get ahead of potential problems will make minor home repair jobs quick and easy so you can get back to enjoying the comforts of your home. — Family Features Wichita Family • January 2015 - 13
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Navy Capt. Mark Retzloff (left) retired on Nov. 30, 2014, after 27 years of service. He was formally relieved as the Joint Transportation Reserve Unit’s Navy Element commander by Navy Capt. Curtis Renard (right) during a formal change of command ceremony at Scott AFB on Dec. 6, 2014. (Courtesy Photo)
JTRU welcomes Wichita-native Capt. Curtis Renard as new Navy Element CO SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. Sailors from the Navy element of the Joint Transportation Reserve Unit (JTRU) piped aboard a new skipper on Dec. 6, signifying the formal relief of Navy Capt. Mark Retzloff, who retired after 27 years of service. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael D. Kim, JTRU Commander, officiated the ceremony during which Navy Capt. Curtis Renard assumed command of the Navy Element of JTRU. As commander of JTRU’s Navy element, Capt. Renard will lead a staff of forty Navy Reservists and will serve as a chief watch officer for U.S. Transportation Command’s (USTRANSCOM) Deployment Distribution Operations Center. The JTRU is comprised of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard reservists who augment USTRANSCOM to provide transportation, sustainment and distribution to our nation’s warfighters across the globe every single day. Addressing all hands in his new command for the first time, Renard 14 - www.wichitafamily.com
affirmed the pride he takes in the USTRANSCOM mission and support provided by reservists. “I am truly honored to have been selected as the Commanding Officer of the Navy Element in the JTRU. The Navy Element possesses outstanding experienced professionals, and we will continue to provide superior support to USTRANSCOM,” he said. Renard, a native of Wichita, Kansas, graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Accounting and later earned his Master of Science Degree in Total Quality Management from Friends University. He was commissioned in 1987 from Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was qualified as a surface warfare officer. As a strike warfare officer aboard USS Normandy (CG 60), he successfully coordinated the launch of 26 Tomahawk cruise missiles on enemy targets during Operation Desert Storm. During his career as a reservist,
Renard held several leadership roles in the Coastal Riverine Forces. In December 2011, he assumed command of the Afloat Cultural Workshop for Commander, Naval Forces Pacific Fleet. Prior to reporting to JTRU, Renard was mobilized for a year to Bahrain, where he served as the deputy commander for commander, Task Force FIVE SIX. During the change of command ceremony, Kim expressed his confidence in Renard’s ability to support JTRU’s global mission, while also offering high praise for Retzloff. “Captain Retzloff is one of the most capable and talented officers I’ve ever met, and we wish him well in his retirement,” Kim said. “While we say farewell to one incredible leader, we are exceptionally fortunate to gain another. Captain Renard is another distinguished senior leader who will continue to drive the Navy element and JTRU to great success.”
Winter eye care tips to avoid dangerous, foggy conditions When the cold of winter settles in, it can bring a wide range of problems - especially for individuals who wear glasses. Having a prescription that addresses vision issues is critical, but equally important are the glasses you wear to correct those problems. Without properly considering how certain lenses will perform as you go about your daily activities, you may encounter new vision challenges that are bothersome and sometimes even hazardous. Activities as ordinary as entering warm to cold environments or simply experiencing the winter weather outside can fog up your lenses. Foggy glasses are more than a simple annoyance - they cause temporary blindness and can lead to truly dangerous situations. Other conditions Beyond the exposure to cool winter temperatures, there are many other everyday situations during which fog can be annoying or even dangerous, such as: • Walking or running outdoors • Getting out of the shower or bath • Preparing food over the stove • Walking down the stairs • Playing sports or exercising
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Keep your lenses free of fog You don’t have to avoid your daily activities to fend off fog from your lenses. Here are three ways to minimize or avoid the fog this winter: • Dress less. While outdoors, be careful not to overdress. Wearing too many layers of clothing can cause your body to overheat and sweat more, creating fog on your lenses as your body heat rises. • Talk to your eye doctor. Ask about lenses specially designed to protect against fog, such as Optifog lenses, which have patented fog repellent properties on both the front and back side of the lens. Simply cleaning Optifog lenses with the Optifog Activator Cloth provides long-lasting protection against fog. • Wear a headband. When involved in physical activity, condensation can build up on your lenses. Wear a headband to absorb any sweat produced by your body to potentially help reduce fog. The problem of fog can be minimized or even eliminated by choosing lenses that are specially designed to correct common problems and can help your vision regardless of the season. Learn more about how to protect your eyes and eyewear from fog and other annoyances at optifogusa.com. — Family Features Wichita Family • January 2015 - 15
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Thank you for your support this season!