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COMPLIMENTARY Volume 52 Issue 3
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Women in Business Neha Gupta
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FEATURE STORY
Woman-Owned Business
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on the rise in Maryland!
ccording to a new American Express OPEN report, the number of women-owned businesses in Maryland has grown 28 percent since 2007. That is more than three times faster than the 9 percent national average growth rate for all businesses. Also the revenue generation for women-owned businesses is up about 40 percent during the same span. This is very exciting news for all women in Maryland who have a passion to own their own business and fulfil their dreams. Neha Gupta, owner of Neha Threading Salon & Spa is a perfect example of the success that woman owned business has achieved in the last several years. Neha Gupta has been a part of the Baltimore community for several years. She opened her first Salon and Spa about 8 years ago in Pikesville. Neha is very passionate about her work and business with a fierce desire to be successful. She slowly built her clientele from scratch. She had always hoped to expand her business and add a serene spa element to the long list of services she offered at her original location. When the three story building across from her first salon went up for sale she jumped on the opportunity and after a year of planning and renovations her vision became a reality. Totaling over 6000 square feet, Neha’s is the only spa within 75 miles to have a Vichy Shower room! In March of 2013 her Pikesville location was formally inaugurated by longtime client and friend, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake drawing in several local celebrities and news crews! Since being formally inaugurated Neha and the Salon/Spa has been featured on various local TV channels WJZ, WBAL, and Fox 45. Her articles have also been published in Baltimore’s Women’s Journal and Baltimore Examiner where she was referred to as the “Goddess of Eyebrow Threading”. Neha is a very humble lady and always gives the credit of her success to the 3,000+ clients that walk through her doors each year. With business on a steady incline, Neha is constantly making sure both salon and spa service providers are keeping up with the latest trends and products. Over the last 3years Neha has seen exponential growth in all aspects of her business and hopes to expand more in the years to come. She offers a variety of services that are customized to the needs of the client, from massages, to hair coloring, full body exfoliation and manicures; Neha Threading Salon & Spa is a one stop shop for all of your beauty needs. Last year Neha opened a new location in Canton so that her clients who live in the City do not have to travel. Neha hopes to expand in the fu-
ture, including adding new locations and furthering her ambition as a force in the business world. With increases in revenue, employment and the number of women-owned firms continuing to rise dating back to, there’s a good chance Neha Gupta will not be the only woman experiencing business success in the state of Maryland.■
About Neha Gupta
Neha Gupta, a talented and well sought out threading technician who took an interest in facial threading in India over 20 years ago. After working in several salons, Neha opened her own location back in 2008. Now she is the successful owner of Neha Threading Salon and Spa in Pikesville MD and a new location in Canton an upscale community located in Baltimore City. Neha introduced a gentle touch combined with a vitalizing Indian head massage to threading. Neha has plans to expand her business to different areas in Baltimore by opening more locations in the near future where it will enable more people to experience this unique style of threading. June - July 2016
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The Dark Side of that Summer Glow by KATINA BYRD MILES, M.D
Summer is here! With the summer season, there is a common desire to exchange dreary winter skin for skin that has been kissed by the sun. Tanned skin is associated with well-being, health, and even wealth. Excessive ultraviolet exposure, regardless of the source, is dangerous. A tan is the skin’s telling sign that it has been damaged. What exactly occurs during the tanning process? UVB is absorbed by the super cial layers of the skin and causes the release of in ammatory factors. We detect this in ammation in the form of a sunburn, a tan, and premature aging. UVA penetrates deeper in the skin and also initiates in ammation. UVA is a more potent causative agent of premature aging as it causes changes in elastin, collagen, and blood vessels. Melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of the skin, provide protection against ultraviolet induced DNA damage. When ultraviolet light hits the melanocytes, they increase their production of pigment granules called melanosomes. e melanosomes travel from the bottom layer to the top layers of skin in an e ort to absorb and lter the damaging ultraviolet rays. e ultraviolet rays cause damage to the DNA within the melanocytes which translates to the formation of a tan, freckles, dyspigmentation, and skin cancer. Melanoma is the result of uncontrolled growth of melanocytes caused by mutations in the cellular DNA. It is the most deadly form of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 86% of melanomas are attributed to ultraviolet exposure. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in ages 25-29. Mostly young females use indoor tanning salons. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, exposure to tanning beds before the age of 35, increases one’s risk of developing a melanoma by a staggering 75%. e Academy also reports that the World Health Organization has classi ed the ultraviolet light emitted from tanning devices as a human carcinogen. Tanning beds are more likely to emit UVA which penetrates deeper into the skin resulting in in ammation and melanocytic mutations. is explains the increased risk of skin cancers associated with tanning salon use.To make tanning
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By Katina Byrd Miles, MD salons even more dangerous, they are associated with addictive behavior. e lamps also emit UVA that is more potent than natural sunlight. Sunscreen and responsible sun exposure dramatically decreases one’s risk for developing a skin cancer and premature aging. Here are some guidelines to protect the skin. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside. A shot glass full is an adequate amount of sunscreen to be applied to the body. When outside for an extended amounts of time, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours. e ultraviolet light emitted from the sun is the strongest between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage with at least a SPF of 30 is adequate. If wearing light colored or thin clothing such as a tee shirt, sunscreen should still be applied to those covered areas. Be sure to apply sunscreen to the face, neck, ears and hands, as these body parts are exposed everyday. A full body skin check is recommended at least yearly by a board certi ed dermatologist. If you have a history of extensive ultraviolet exposure, a skin check may be needed biannually. It is also recommended that those with a history of tanning salon use have a yearly exam with an ophthalmologist and a gynecologist. Yearly full body skin checks help to detect skin
JUNE 2016 | JULY 2016
cancer in the early stages. Early detection dramatically decreases the risk of dying from skin cancer. Pre-mature aging can be addressed with chemical peels, laser treatments, retinoids, and antioxidant serums. To schedule a consultation for a treatment regimen to reverse the signs of premature aging and for a full body skin check with a board certi ed dermatologist, please contact Dr. Katina Byrd Miles at 401-451-0500 (www.skinoasisderm.com). Dr. Miles trained at the Cancer Institute, Melanoma Center, at Washington Hospital Center from 2000-2002. During this two year Melanoma Fellowship, Dr. Miles conducted melanoma research and also trained extensively in the early detection of skin cancer with the use of the dermatoscope.
Dr. Katina Miles is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at University of Maryland at Baltimore and dermatology residency at Georgetown University. Dr. Miles is a board certified dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is an expert in skin cancer detection and treatment and is a Skin of Color specialist. Dr. Miles is the founder and Medical Director of Skin Oasis Dermatology where she is ready to serve you.
By Alan Weiss, M.D.
Reversing the Slow Decline
healthy lifestyles WJ HEALTH & WELLNESS
Reversing the Slow Decline
RESTORING VITALITY AND HEALTH
RESTORING VITALITY AND HEALTH
by ALAN S. WOISS, M.D.
Much of my medical practice is devoted to working with people in their 40’s- 60’s who just don’t feel well and are looking for some way to restore their health and vitality. While generally not seriously ill (and I always make sure of that in my initial health evaluation) they complain of fatigue, poor sleep, achiness, loss of motivation, and other issues that they think are inevitable at their age. I let them know that vitality and aliveness are possible at almost any age. e approach is rather simple. Your current state of health is simply the result of the interface of their genetic makeup and their lifestyle, meaning their diet, amount of exercise, sleep, stress, toxicity, and other factors. And while you cannot alter someone’s genetics, altering lifestyle factors can absolutely alter how genes function and express themselves. When people (more often women) enter their 40’s their sleep patterns begin to deteriorate. Without adequate deep sleep the body cannot heal and restore itself, and chronic fatigue, aches and discomfort ensue. Approaching sleep issues comprehensively including possibly a sleep study, examining sleep habits, and using both natural and pharmaceutical interventions (as well as hormonal restoration) can make an enormous di erence in sleep and overall health. Digestive function: e gut produces 85% of the body’s neurotransmitters and the bacterial content of the gut is intimately connected to our health. Often I see people with chronic issues such as heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. We have to look at chronic infections, malabsorption, and in ammation and x these. Chronic bacterial and yeast overgrowth are frequent real problems that when treated have signi cant positive e ects. en I address hormonal function. Some think that hormones decline with age. A more empowering view is that we age as our hormones decline. Addressing thyroid and adrenal issues, as well as testosterone, estrogen, and growth hormone levels as appropriate can make an enormous di erence in restoring health and vitality. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy which uses hormones that are natural to the human body to restore and optimize health can make a dramatic di erence. Common symptoms seen in hormonal disorders include fatigue, lack of motivation, anxiety, dulled thinking, body pain and weakness, and weight gain due to fat accumulation in conjunction with loss of muscle mass. Addressing these issues is fairly simple and must be customized to each individual. Often people nd that they start sleeping better, are more able to perform at work, and are simply happier when their hormone status is optimized. Last and not least I deal with diet and exercise. Eating in a way that promotes health and well being
requires realizing that what I call the “nutritional environment” does not have our best interests in mind….just look at rising rates of diabetes and obesity. To be well you must x all nutritional de ciencies. And nally regular exercise is indispensable….if you want your body to work you have to take care of your body. is includes maintaining both strength, exibility and cardiovascular health. While this may sound complex it really is not, and there is nothing better than feeling alive and well. Dr. Weiss completed his undergraduate work at University of Virginia and is a graduate of McGill University Medical School; he completed his Internship at the University of Hawaii and Residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston. As head of Annapolis Integrative Medicine, Dr. Weiss specializes in preventative health, alternative approaches to wellness, and treating complex issues including CFS and Fibromyalgia.
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The Evolution ofofBreast Treatment The Evolution BreastCancer Cancer Treatment by HARVEY I. KATZEN, M.D., F.A.C.P
By Harvey I. Katzen, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Breast cancer remains the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Breast cancer has also been found in men, but only about 10 percent as frequently as in women. e frequency of breast cancer detection has markedly increased due to improvements in technology and screening techniques. Breast cancer is now detected at earlier stages than in the past. e available methods of treatment have evolved signi cantly over the past 50 years. Techniques now available to treat cancer range from surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy to a multitude of “targeted” treatments. Carefully designed clinical trials and basic research have changed the timing and options for treatment of breast (and many other) cancers. Not only have the medications used in the treatment of breast cancer changed and become more plentiful, but even the types of surgical procedures, timing of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have changed. In the 1970s, the preferred surgical treatment for breast cancer was a radical mastectomy, but today the majority of women who undergo surgery for breast cancer are o ered several breast-conserving procedures. Since that time period, doctors have been looking for less impactful ways to treat breast cancer. • By 1975, the concept of “adjuvant” chemotherapy for breast cancer was being studied for the management of breast cancer patients. Adjuvant therapy is the use of therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal, etc.) in those women who do not have wide spread (metastatic) disease, but who have a high risk of developing distant metastatic disease in the future. • e initial clinical trials to determine if less radical surgery (lumpectomy vs. radical mastectomy) were under way.
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• e use of mammography as a screening tool for breast cancer was becoming a standard of care. • e FDA approved the rst selective estrogen receptor molecule (Tamoxifen) in the treatment of breast cancer. Additional studies in the 1980s demonstrated the appropriate patients to be treated with estrogen receptor inhibitor drugs. e value of adjuvant chemotherapy and local radiotherapy in speci c patients was proven to increase our ability to improve local control and longterm survival. Proof that neoadjuvant (treatment prior to surgery) therapy could make some inoperable cases operable was demonstrated by the end of the 1980s. Several major advances in our understanding of the biology of breast cancer have revolutionized its treatment. • e use of antibodies in the treatment of breast cancer. e rst humanized antibody (anti-HER2) was created and studied in clinical trials. e basis for understanding the di erences in behavior of cancers that showed “over expression” of HER2 was evident. • e introduction and use of several new chemotherapeutic compounds greatly enhanced our ability to treat breast cancer in the 1990s. A new group of chemotherapy compounds, taxanes, was studied and introduced into our armamentarium against breast cancer. is group of chemotherapy agents has greatly improved our ability to treat both early and advanced stage breast cancers. • In the late 1990s, we learned the signi cance of certain genetic variants (BRCA). is group of genetic markers has proven to be so e ective as a predictor of future cancers that some patients are recommended to undergo mastectomy (removal of the breast), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) based on the results of this speci c gene test. In the past twenty years, a number of new e ective chemotherapy agents have been introduced. e continued discovery of
molecular targets continues to drive more research and development of medications to “target” cancer cells and spare “normal” cells. One of the current areas of intense research is the combination of antibody-drug complexes. is will allow delivery of chemotherapy agents directly to the cancer cells with even more sparing of healthy cells in the body. Although we do not yet have guaranteed cures for advanced breast cancer, we have come a long way. Imaging techniques have become more accurate and deliver less radiation exposure. Surgical procedures have evolved from “radical” to breast conserving. Chemotherapy has evolved from prolonged to shorter periods of time with more e ective and frequently less toxic drugs. We better understand which hormone “manipulations” to use in speci c patients and how long they should be administered. Even in advanced cases of breast cancer, we are changing this disease from terminal to chronic, and that challenges us to seek new methods and new compounds to keep women (and men) with breast cancer alive for longer periods of time with improved quality of life. is challenge motivates all of us who are privileged to care for those people who have breast cancer.
Harvey I. Katzen, M.D., F.A.C.P. earned his medical doctorate at George Washington University School of Medicine in 1975. He completed his internship and residency at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Dr. Katzen established the first in-patient oncology units at Greater Southeast Community Hospital and Southern Maryland Hospital, where he has served as the Chief of Oncology. He is an active participant and member of a Clinical Pathway Committee for treatment of oncology patients. He currently serves as an associate clinical professor at George Washington Hospital. Dr. Katzen has been recognized as a Top Doctor by US News and World Report and Washingtonian Magazine. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the Southern Association of Oncology.
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Ways to Avoid Childhood Obesity
By Frederick Corder, M.D.
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hysical activity has been highlighted internationally as a beneficial intervention for weight control and the improvement of physical and mental health. This review highlights findings from recent literature to guide office-based promotion of physical activity for obesity treatment and prevention. Children worldwide participate in far less than the current physical activity recommendations. Family-based activity provides children with positive role modeling as well as motivational support for maintaining an active lifestyle. The integration of physical activity into daily life can be an effective alternative to sports and structured exercise programs. Decreasing sedentary behaviors is also a positive contribution, although its link to physical activity levels is still unclear. Some families may see neighborhood safety and access to recreational facilities as barriers to keeping their children physically active. Research in the field of pediatric obesity and overweight treatment and prevention continues to find challenges and solutions. Promotion of physical activity by the pediatric provider is demonstrated by current evidence to be a positive intervention against this global problem. Childhood obesity is a national epidemic. Nearly 1 in 3 children (ages 2-19) in the United States is overweight or obese, putting them at risk for serious health problems. As parents, caregivers, brothers and sisters, leaders in schools, communities and healthcare, we can work together to create a nation where the healthy choice is the easy choice. Learn the facts, our approach to solving this epidemic and how you can help be a part of the change. HEALTHY TIPS: 1. Plan outdoor activities Set aside one day a weekend to do something active as a family: swimming in the summer, sledding or hiking in the winter, or biking in the spring and fall. Taking along a picnic lunch and splurging on some healthy snacks after a good workout will help the day go by without a complaint. 2. Take classes together Ask around at fitness clubs and community centers in your area about yoga or aerobics classes offered to parents and kids together. If your little one is too young to participate, look for classes that help you burn calories with your
HEALTH & WELLNESS baby by incorporating them into your yoga moves or pushing them along during stroller workouts. 3. Redo your family room Too often, family rooms are the center of laziness in a home: a comfy couch, a video-game console, a shelf full of DVDs, and nothing to encourage fitness or physical activity. There are ways to add in subtle reminders, however, without overhauling your entire room or dragging in a giant piece of workout equipment.
‘Children worldwide participate in far less than the current physical activity recommendations.” 4. Make chores fun Instead of relegating each member of the family to doing separate chores by themselves, turn chores into a game you can all do together. Race to see how fast you can get the house cleaned, and then try to beat your old time the next week. Play music while you’re doing laundry, and enlist the kids to sing and dance while helping to fold and put clothes away. Take the dog for walks together, and squeeze in some running, roller-skating, or jump rope while you’re at it. 5. Make over your meal plan This isn’t necessarily a fitness tip, but it’s also worth mentioning: Families that eat healthier also tend to have other healthy habits, such as regular physical activity. If you want to slim down after having a baby or just want to eat better overall, get your entire family involved and you’re more likely to succeed. Take kids to the farmers market, let them pick their own fruits and vegetables, and involve them in the food preparation. They’re much more likely to enjoy their meals and to clean their plates.■ Frederick Corder, MD FAAP Dr. Corder attended medical school at Howard University College of Medicine and graduated in 1977. He is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Corder was formally the Chief Health Officer for Prince George’s County and the medical Director of several health plans. Dr. Corder has been in Pediatric practice for over 35 years. Dr. Corder, his wife Dr. Marilyn Corder ad their daughter Adrienne Corder started the Corder Pounders Youth Fitness program and the Family Fitness Center. Bowie, MD • (301) 805-2229/Cheverly, MD • (301) 341-7494 Children’s Medical Center Washington, DC • (202) 291-0147 June - July 2016
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Trouble Hearing? Why you Need to do More than Just Turn Up the Volume
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pproximately 20 percent of Americans live with hearing loss, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. If you’re among them, you may think all you need to do in order to hear better is to turn up the volume. But many factors make up hearing, including sound quality, clarity, the ability to identify where sounds are coming from and how your brain processes these sounds. To get the best hearing experience, you need to address all of them. A recent survey conducted online by Harris Poll illustrates the challenges people with hearing loss experience listening to conversations and processing information. The poll of more than 2,000 adults found 67 percent struggle to hear in noisy places like a restaurant, and 73 percent have trouble hearing sounds coming from different directions. Eighty-five percent have to listen harder to understand what’s being said around them, and more than half actually have to strain to understand, follow and participate in conversations. Hearing aids can help many of the 48 million Americans who experience hearing loss, but it’s important your hearing aids address more than just volume. Depending on the type of hearing loss, you may have trouble hearing clearly in a crowded room, identifying the direction a sound is coming from, or hearing high-pitched sounds like a doorbell or the voice of a grandchild. The ability to hear low-volume sounds is only one component of good hearing; quality, clarity and directionality are also important. Your hearing aid needs to address all of those factors, and not just increase the volume of noises around you. Attorney Chris Mammel of Florida found distinguishing sounds coming from different directions to be one of the most significant challenges of his hearing loss. “Courtrooms are naturally noisy places,” Mammel says. “If I was sitting in the audience, waiting for my turn before a judge, I couldn’t differentiate conversations or where sounds were coming from. It made it difficult to determine what kind of mood a judge was in before I had to stand in front of her.” Like many people with hearing loss, Mammel found the effort of listening to be tiring. While your ears handle the mechanics of hearing, it’s your brain’s job to interpret the sound messages the ears send it. People with hearing loss often have to put more effort into listening and interpreting what they hear. If your hearing aid fails to address sound clarity and quality, your brain will have to work harder to interpret the
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information coming from the device. That extra work can actually lead you to feel fatigued, and even forget what you heard. In fact, 43 percent of respondents in the survey said they have trouble remembering what was said. For Mammel, the solution was a new advance in hearing aid technology. The Oticon Opn hearing aid with BrainHearing technology allows users to hear well from all directions. BrainHearing technology makes listening easier on the brain. Super-fast processors within the device filter out distracting noises, allowing you to more easily follow conversations, even in loud environments like a busy restaurant. You enjoy a more balanced, natural sound experience. In a comparison study against currently available premium hearing aids, Opn demonstrated a 30 percent improvement in speech understanding and a 20 percent reduction in listening effort, as well as up to a 20 percent better recall of conversations. The device improved Mammel’s ability to discern directionality and follow conversations in the courtroom and the board room, shifting focus easily to the speakers he wanted to hear. “Before, I would have to pick someone right next to me in the room and that would basically be the only person I could speak with,” he says. “Now I can participate around the table in conversation. I can look down the line three or four people and still follow or actually participate in a conversation with them. It’s really been a remarkable change.” Many people also want aids that can interact with other important devices in their lives, such as mobile phones or home sound systems. Opn connects directly to mobile phones and other external devices with the tap of your fingers, allowing you to stream audio signals directly to the hearing aids. Wireless communications technology allows two hearing aids to communicate with each other for improved spatial and directional awareness. As you grow older, your likelihood of experiencing hearing loss increases, and nearly half of all people older than 75 will have trouble hearing, the Hearing Loss Association reports. In fact, hearing loss is the third most-common physical condition, after arthritis and heart disease, and it can affect every aspect of your life, including your physical and mental health, relationships and self-esteem. To learn more about hearing loss, visit www.betterhearing.org or www.hearingloss.org. For more information about Opn, visit www.oticon.com.■
Stay Safe from MosquitoBorne Illnesses With These Simple Tips
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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espite recent news that Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that can carry Zika, chikungunya and other viruses has spread to 30 states, the majority of Americans have yet to embrace basic recommendations to help reduce the mosquito population at their own homes. That’s the result of a new survey fielded by TNS Global detailing homeowners’ knowledge of steps to reduce mosquitoes in their yards. According to The Mosquito Squad Fight the Bite Report, nearly three quarters of Americans (74 percent) do not plan to modify their time outside this year, yet less than half (49 percent) follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation to use mosquito repellent and just a third (36 percent) remove standing water, a simple task also recommended by the CDC, to reduce mosquito breeding. “Unlike chikungunya and West Nile virus, Zika has been identified as a world health crisis and we must work together on personal, local and global levels to fight mosquitoes,” says Scott Zide, a founder and president of Mosquito Squad, the largest and most experienced home and commercial mosquito control firm in the country. “Removal of standing water is the most essential tactic in mosquito elimination, yet homeowners aren’t actively removing it, which is surprising given that mosquito concerns are so high.” According to Zide, just as surprising was the finding that 46 percent of homeowners surveyed said they did not plan to do anything different in their yards, despite recent news of Zika virus. Findings from the survey show: • Only 36 percent of Americans turn over toys or items in their yards that contain water. • Less than half (44 percent) throw out lawn debris, under which mosquitoes can breed. • Just a quarter of Americans (25 percent) shake out tarps, including barbecue and fire pit covers, to remove water that accumulates. • Less than 27 percent make sure their gutters are clean. • More than a quarter (27 percent) walk their yard regularly to remove items that can harbor mosquitoes. To help homeowners take control of their yard, Mosquito Squad experts urge customers to take an active role in mosquito control with the following tips: Tip over anything that holds or collects water. A bottle cap filled with water holds enough water for mosquitoes to breed. Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, the elimination of standing water decreases a mosquito’s breeding ground. Mosquito Squad technicians report that yards with
bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, portable fireplaces and pits and catch basins are the biggest offenders. Toss any yard trash including clippings, leaves and twigs. Even the smallest items can provide a haven for mosquitoes and increase the population. Turn over items that could hold water and trash. Look for children’s portable sandboxes, slides or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts; in plant saucers, empty pots, light fixtures and dog water bowls. Eliminate these items or keep them turned over until used. Remove tarps that can catch water. Many homeowners have tarps or covers on items residing in their outdoor spaces. If not stretched taut, they are holding water. Check tarps over firewood piles, portable fire places, recycling cans, boats, sports equipment and grills. Mosquito Squad suggests using bungee cords to secure tarps in the yard. Take care of your home. Proper maintenance can be a deciding factor in property values and mosquito bites. Regularly clean out gutters and make sure the downspout is attached properly. Mosquito Squad recommends re-grading areas where water stands more than a few hours, and to regularly check irrigation systems to ensure that they aren’t leaking and causing a breeding haven. Keep lawn height low and areas weed-free. Team up with neighbors. Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito control. Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor’s home, and affect your property. Treat your yard and yourself. Utilize a professional mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on the body. Individuals who want a more comprehensive mosquito control treatment can utilize Mosquito Squad, which uses the latest EPA-registered mosquito control barrier treatments, larvicide and all-natural substances to eliminate mosquitoes from yards and outdoor spaces. For more information, visit www.MosquitoSquad.com.■ June - July 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Mother Knows Best
Mother Knows Best
New Options Let Women Choose the Pregnancy New Options Let Women Choose the Pregnancy and Delivery That’s Right forRight Themfor Them andPlan Delivery Plan That’s “When a woman feels empowered giving birth, she then feels empowered to take care of the baby,” says Nancy Prothero, C.N.M. “A good birthing experience starts the family o on the best possible path.” Creating this type of birthing experience has long been a hallmark of Carroll Hospital and Carroll Health Group OB/GYN. But with the recent addition of Prothero and her team of fellow certi ed nurse midwives, the two organizations are taking the idea of patient empowerment to the next level.
“More experts means more options for women. If you want to see a physician, a midwife or a nurse practitioner, it is completely your choice,” says Eileen Garavente, M.D., medical director of women’s services for Carroll Health Group. “All our providers deliver the same superior level of care.” What is a Certi ed Nurse Midwife? Certi ed nurse midwives (C.N.M.s) are advanced-practice registered nurses who specialize in low-risk pregnancies and deliveries and can provide a full range of women’s health care services, including wellness care and menopause management. Many women turn to C.N.M.s for their unique approach to obstetrics. “We have nursing backgrounds, so we provide a level of emotional support and hand-holding that many patients like,” says Prothero. “We also believe it’s a woman’s choice how the birth should go, so we talk about all the options and support the patient in whatever she chooses.” “Some people think of midwifery as a home-birth or antiepidural approach, but that is not true,” adds Dr. Garavente. “C.N.M.s are evidence-based practitioners who have a very holistic yet scienti c basis for educating women on how to have the pregnancy and delivery experience they’ve always wanted.” A Collaborative Approach to Care At Carroll Hospital and Carroll Health Group OB/GYN, the obstetricians, midwives and nurses work side-by-side to provide specialized care tailored for mother and baby. is approach reduces complications and encourages earlier bonding, among other bene ts. “We believe pregnancy should be timed around a due month, not a due date,” says Prothero. “We know that the best way to get the best outcomes is to let nature take its course.” Achieving the best outcomes also means having the right specialists on board to assist when unexpected issues arise. “We have a very experienced maternal-fetal medicine team at the hospital to consult all of our high-risk patients,” says Michael Vietz, M.D., a Carroll Health Group OB/GYN specialist and chief of OB/GYN at Carroll Hospital. “We also have a level-two neonatal unit that’s manned 24/7 by a pediatrician. So we are ready to handle almost any scenario.” e private, all-in-one suites inside the hospital’s Family Birthplace also allow for a more seamless and collaborative birthing experience. “Everything from labor to recovery happens in one room, which creates a continuity of care between you and your nurses,” says Prothero. “We have all the pieces in place for you to have a safe and healthy baby in a way that’s good for your family.” Know your options: visit CarrollHealthGroup.com to nd a women’s health specialist who’s right for you.
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beauty & style WJ HEALTH & WELLNESS
The“Liquid “Liquid Facelift” The ThroughCombination CombinationTherapy Therapy Facelift”Through Cosmetic options have undergone a paradigm shift in the treatment of facial aging with a new emphasis being placed on prevention and less invasive approaches. We introduce a new approach to looking younger: the “Liquid Facelift” and combination therapies. When noninvasive treatments are introduced early we can actually slow down the again changes thus preventing or delaying more invasive surgeries. For many of us preventing the taut skin and surgical look are desirable goals. e e ects of aging occur gradually and we nd ourselves wishing for aesthetic enhancements before we are ready for a surgical facelift. e “Liquid Face Lift” is accomplished through a combination of Botox, dermal llers (Restylane or Juvederm), and medical-grade skin care. Botox lifts the eyebrow area and eliminates unwanted frown lines by relaxing the underlying muscles. e art of Botox comes from having specialized training and experience that allows the Botox placement to be individualized. Dr. Pacheco's experience dates back to the early years of Botox when it was rst FDA-approved for use around the eyes in 1989. Dermal llers such as Restylane and Juvederm, add or restore volume to the lips and smooth nasolabial, marionette and jowl folds. Restoring volume is one of the most e ective and natural ways to look younger and refreshed. Dermal ller treatments are quick
and results are immediate. e e ects of dermal llers are even more dramatic when used in combination with Botox. What sets us apart? Botox and dermal ller treatments are personally administered only by Dr. Pacheco, a fellowship trained, Oculoplastic Surgeon. A topical anesthetic cream is applied prior to both dermal llers and Botox o ering our patients a pain-free experience. Treatments can be performed in less than 30 minutes and do not require any downtime. Dr. Pacheco is trained and is a trainer in the advanced uses of Botox and Restylane. ese advanced uses include: Botox in the perioral, neck and bunny line areas, and dermal llers for crow's feet, undereye dark circles and brow lifting. Worried about facial skin laxity and sun damage from sunbathing and years of recreational boating? Combine ermage, Fraxel laser treatment, or IPL Photorejuventa.tion into your treatment plan. ermage, known as the “mini-face lift” is the rst non-surgical, FDA-approved procedure that can tighten and lift brows, cheeks and neck through the use of radio frequency waves with no interruption to normal activities. Considered a leading physician in the ermage eld, Dr. Pacheco was recently invited to speak to other physicians on behalf of ermage at a conference in Vienna, Virginia. When skin
texture, wrinkles, sun and brown spots, acne scars, and melasma are the primary concern, Fraxel laser treatments repair and resurface the skin a fraction at a time (3 to 5 sessions). IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can also treat sun damage in a gentler, non-invasive way using pulses of light that minimize brown spots and pore size, treat broken capillaries, veins, and rosacea changes with no down time. Optimal results may require a combination of therapies. As an Oculoplastic Surgeon on the faculty sta of e Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins since 1990, Dr. Pacheco is uniquely quali ed to develop a treatment plan customized just for you. For seventeen years, she has trained medical residents, fellows and colleagues in the art of her subspecialty. Since opening the Center for Eye & Laser Surgery eight years ago, she has been committed to providing patients with the highest quality, scienti cally-based, surgical and non-surgical technology for facial rejuvenation. Let us show you the latest options available to restore your natural beauty. With the focus on volumetric enhancement and combination therapies, a non-invasive rejuvenation of the skin is possible. ousands of patients have bene ted from her extensive expertise. When the time is right for you, let's meet to develop a plan that achieves exceptional results without the need for invasive procedures.
n eo t rg rtis Su A d on eli ti Ey na p ve To eju R &
at 25 Years on the Johns Hopkins Faculty
410-647-0123 692A Ritchie Highway, Suite 2B Severna Park, MD 21146 www.myeyelids.com
Elba Pacheco, M.D. Board Certified & Fellowship Trained Cosmetic & Reconstructive Eyelid Surgeon
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery • Thermage CPT® • Liposonix® • Fraxel® Dual Forever Young BBL Photorejuvenation • Botox® Dysport® • CO2 Laser Resurfacing • Juvederm® Kybella™, Restylane® Silk, Lyft • Perlane® • Voluma® Glycolic Peels • VI Peels® Medical Skin Care • Permanent Make-Up
JUNE 2016 | JULY 2016
wjwomen.com June - July 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Mammograms for Early Detection of Breast Cancer
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ennifer was my last appointment of the day and she was late. Late meeting at work, had to pick up the kids, almost forgot she had even her annual GYN appointment. She apologized, and of course I could still see her. As a working mother myself, I empathized. During her visit, we reviewed her uneventful medical and family history, and her physical examination was normal. We discussed follow-up plans. Her Pap smear results would be available next week, and I would send her to get a mammogram since she recently celebrated her 40th birthday. She disapproved saying, “I don’t need a mammogram. I don’t have breast cancer. No one in my family has ever had breast cancer, or any type of cancer.” She gave more reasons: Too busy with work, school, and family; mammograms were painful; mammograms are for older women, etc. I had a rebuttal for each reason, so we went back and forth. Finally, I handed her the form and insisted, “Humor me. Get it done, and then I’ll leave you alone.” Jennifer and her husband came to my office the following week, both in tears. The mammogram was abnormal, and a follow-up biopsy confirmed that she had breast cancer. She underwent surgery and radiation. Luckily, the cancer was detected very early, and her prognosis was excellent. She is grateful to me for insisting on the mammogram. And I am grateful that she listened. Counseling my patients about breast cancer screening is perhaps one of the most important things I do at my practice. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and accounts for 27 percent of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in women. A woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 12 percent, or 1 in 8. That means one out of every eight patients that I see will have breast cancer at some time in her life. While prevention of breast cancer is not possible, early detection of disease usually translates to a better outcome. As an OB/GYN, I am aware that I can make a difference in my patients’ lives by emphasizing screening guidelines aimed at early detection of breast cancer. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology currently recommends self-breast exam, clinical-breast exam, and breast imaging (usually mammogram) beginning at age 40.. Many women do not feel confident about doing self-breast exams for fear that they are not doing it correctly. The key is to start at a younger age and get used to the normal feel
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and look of both breasts. Once an awareness of what feels and looks normal is established, then abnormal changes are easier to detect. For women still having menstrual cycles, they may experience changes in breast texture during the menstrual cycle. Any persistent abnormal findings should be reported to a health provider. The clinical breast exam is accomplished during a woman’s yearly GYN visit. It is important to have this breast examination by a health care professional at least once a year as a simple and effective strategy for early detection of breast cancer. As an OB/GYN, I get a lot of questions about breast cancer. Here are a few: Q: What exactly is breast cancer? Cancer is a term used to describe when cells in any part of the body start to grow abnormally. The cells grow uncontrollably forming a lump, or tumor. In the breast, some tumors are benign, not harmful, and do not spread. Breast
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
cancer typically refers to tumors that are harmful, grow in size, invade the entire breast, and spread to other parts of the body. Q: Who can get breast cancer? Every woman can get breast cancer. Q: How harmful is breast cancer? Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The breast cancer survival rate is lower among women whose cancer was detected at a later stage of disease. Survival is also lower in women diagnosed before age 40. Younger women with breast cancer tend to have more aggressive tumors that are less responsive to treatment. African-American women also have lower survival rates than Caucasian women. Q: Is the risk higher for some women? While every woman is at risk for breast cancer, some patients are at higher risk and may require enhanced screening. Known risk factors for breast cancer are increasing age, family history, older age at first full-term pregnancy, early onset of menstrual cycles, late menopause, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and breast density. For older women in menopause, additional risks include obesity and use of hormone replacement therapy. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that links underwire bras, breast implants, antiperspirant use, and medical abortion to breast cancer. Keep in mind that having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get breast cancer. Most women who have one or more risk factors never develop the breast cancer. More important, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no risk factors. For example, even if no family member has ever had breast cancer, the disease can still occur. Q: What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? Typically, early breast cancer does not cause signs or symptoms. However, all breast changes including lump in the breast or underarm, nipple discharge or other nipple changes, skin color or skin texture changes, or breast pain should be reported to a doctor. Q: I don’t have health insurance. Can I still get screened for breast cancer? The new health care laws give almost every woman access to cost-free or inexpensive preventive health care screenings. Women are encouraged to be proactive, and apply for coverage. If you missed the deadline for applying for health insurance last year, open enrollment begins again on November 15th. Some local imaging centers offer reason-
While every woman is at risk for breast cancer, some patients are at higher risk and may require enhanced screening.” able- or reduced-priced mammograms. The Howard County Health Department Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Program also offers screening at no cost to qualified applicants. Q: I am afraid. How can I prevent breast cancer? Breast cancer is scary. Yet, we do not have to be scared or intimidated. Every woman should pay close attention to her own body. Be proactive. Talk to a doctor about breast cancer screening. Early detection is the key.■
Ellicott City: 9501 Old Annapolis Rd, Suite 305 Ellicott City, MD 21042 Laurel 8317 Cherry Lane Laurel, MD 20707 Phone numbers: 443-380-0060 410-730-7722 June - July 2016
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BUSINESS
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Our hashtag pick
Sheryl Sandberg’s #leanintogether
BUSINESS
Sheryl K. Sandberg is an American technology executive, activist, and author. She is the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. In June 2012, she was elected to the board of directors by the existing board members,becoming the first woman to serve on Facebook’s board. Before she joined Facebook as its COO, Sandberg was Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google and was involved in launching Google’s philanthropic arm Google.org. Before Google, Sandberg served as chief of staff for United States Secretary of the Treasury Lawrence Summers. In 2012, she was named in the Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world according to Time magazine.As of June 2015, Sandberg is reported to be worth over $1 billion, due to her stock holdings in Facebook and other companies.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead Sandberg released her first book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, co-authored by Nell Scovell and published by Knopf on March 11, 2013. It is about business leadership and development, issues with the lack of women in government and business leadership positions, and feminism. Lean In is a book for professional women to help them achieve their career goals and for men who want to contribute to a more equitable society. The book looks at the barriers preventing women from taking leadership roles in the workplace, barriers such as discrimination, blatant and subtle sexism, and sexual harassment.■
June - July 2016
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TRAVEL COMMUNITY
Where to Spa Near and Far “Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. The New Spirit of Luxury. Scottsdale, AZ”
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TRAVEL
A Family-owned Operation. Certified Sustainable. Estate Grown.
The Vegan Vine Wines was founded in 1992 by Bill and Brenda Murphy grown and produced by Clos LaChance Winery. Clos LaChance Winery is open to the public for wine tasting, tours, picnicking and bocce ball. The winery is a stunning Old-World-inspired facility located in San Martin, California, only 30 minutes South of San Jose and 45 minutes North of Monterey. The Vegan Vine Wines has partnered with former NBA champion, talk-show host and health/wellness activist John Salley. Mr. Salley has taken an ownership position in the brand with the goal to educate the vegan and wine drinking community. The winery is a perfect place for a fun and relaxing getaway. June - July 2016
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HOME IMPROVEMENT COMMUNITY
“ D
to patio perfection
Great patios and decks enhance your enjoyment of spring and summer, and boost home value.”
affodils bloom brightly by the back door, temperatures are balmy, cookout season is on the horizon and you’re ready to give your outdoor living space a breath of fresh air. Great patios and decks enhance your enjoyment of spring and summer, and boost home value, so it’s well worth the investment to update and upgrade your home’s exterior living space. Patio (or deck) perfection can be within your reach this season. Simply follow these seven steps to create an outdoor environment where you’ll be proud to entertain all summer long. 1. Update your patio furniture. Whether your current patio set is worn out, you need more seating or are just in the mood for a whole new look, new patio furniture can change the way you feel about your outdoor environment and how much time you spend there! Whether you want traditional wicker, durable metals or exotic woods like Eucalyptus, you can find the right dining set, settee, chaise lounge, glider, ottoman, coffee table, rocker or swing among the 50,000 individual home decor items carried by every At Home store. 2. Replace cushions on your current set. If your current patio furniture is in good shape but just in need of some freshening, it’s easy enough to give it new life with small tweaks like updated patio cushions. Cushions are the crowning touch to catch the eye on patio furniture, and you can find hundreds of patterns, shapes and styles of patio pillows and cushions at At Home. 3. Add a water feature One of the best ways to create your own oasis can be with a water feature. Easy to find and sim-
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HOME IMPROVEMENT ple to set up accessories like a fountain can bring the harmony of water to your outdoor environment. For example, those with a waterfall feature immediately create a feeling of Zen and help drown out the noise of everyday life. 4. Make some shade. When you need a break from the sun, but aren’t ready to head indoors, shade can help you stay outside so you can enjoy the fresh air longer. You can add shade in many ways, from installing a retractable awning over the deck or patio to strategically planting trees or climbing vines on a trellis. And of course, the simplest way to add shade is to use patio umbrellas, which are available in a wide range of hues, patterns and styles. 5. Heat up your grilling station. What outdoor environment would be complete without a great grill? Accessories make grilling fun and easy, and ensure you’ll look and operate like a pro when whipping up summer fare. From grilling mitts to barbecue tool sets, burger and kabob grilling baskets, grill toppers and even taco shell baskets, you can outfit your grill station with everything you need for a great grilling experience. 6. Lighten up. When you’re having a great time outdoors, who wants to go inside just because it’s dark? Add some lighting to your outdoor living space to create ambiance and allow you to enjoy your patio long after the sun goes down. You can invest in hard-wired patio or deck lights, go eco-friendly and easy with solar lights, or choose from an array of battery-powered or candle-fired lanterns. 7. Use decor to create a theme. Just as your home’s interior has a design theme, choosing a theme for your patio or deck can pull the look together. Whether your taste is Boho Chic, Tribal or Weekend Getaway, you can find decor items that underscore the theme. Wall decorations, outdoor rugs, decorative planters and flower pots, wind chimes and statuary all work together to create a look you’ll love throughout the spring and summer. The perfect patio - and hours of outdoor enjoyment - is within reach this spring and summer. To find an At Home store near you, visit www.athome.com.■ June - July 2016
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HOME IMPROVEMENT COMMUNITY
Why attic to bonus room Conversions are Tops When it Comes to Useful Home Improvements
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pen floor plans, mini-mansions, micro homes some home design styles and elements shift with the currents of consumer tastes. However, others stand the test of time because they’re enduringly useful. Attics or lofts, for example, are a staple of American home design, remaining in demand even as the way we use them has evolved. In bygone eras, attics served largely as storage space but those were the days before the growth of the self-storage industry. Modern homeowners can stash their stuff outside their home, opening up a range of other possible uses for their attics, from master suites, extra bedrooms or home office to workout rooms and craft centers. Homeowners are as eager as ever to convert attics, and the trend isn’t limited to people buying older homes. Many builders are incorporating attics into new construction to please buyers who want the flexibility of finishing the space as they like later on. If you’re considering an attic conversion, here are a few pointers to keep in mind: Light from above Some attics are constructed with windows, others have none. Whether your attic has a small window or solid walls, skylights and roof windows are the go-to choice for bringing natural light and fresh air into an attic space. The direct access to the roof means it’s easy to add no-leak skylights like those made by Velux America. Energy Star-qualified,
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solar-powered, fresh-air skylights provide ample natural light, privacy (an advantage in bedrooms and bathrooms), and ventilation (also great for bathrooms and kitchens). Programmable remote controls make it simple to open and close fresh-air skylights, and to operate solar-powered blinds that allow you to decide just how much or how little light enters the room. Skylights are a great aesthetic fit for attics too, and can help large or small attic spaces feel brighter and bigger. JoAnne Haynes, project designer for the O’More College of Design Alumni Show House, utilized skylights for the attic conversion on that project and says that it was an amazing transformation. “It went from a dark, black, unusable space to a wonderful, well-lit multi-purpose room.” Adding skylights to your attic conversion is a cost effective way to upgrade both the appearance and functionality of the space. The latest solar-powered models, which close automatically in case of rain, along with solar-powered blinds, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit on the products and installation costs. To learn more, visit www. whyskylights.com. Bedrooms and bathrooms are things of beauty With more families housing multiple generations under the same roof, additional bedrooms and bathrooms are popular objectives of attic conversions. Homeowners with very large attics can convert the space into a dream master
suite, complete with a spacious bedroom and full bathroom. If your home already has a great master, or if your attic space is more modest, you can still convert even a small attic into an extra bedroom or a half bath. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, a master suite addition recoups more than 64 percent of its cost when you resell the home. A bathroom addition returns more than 56 percent of your investment. Homeowners are getting inspired about attics While extra bedrooms and bathrooms are a great way to use attic space, they’re by no means the only ones! If you have all the bedrooms and baths you need, you can still benefit from an attic conversion to increase your home’s functional living space. Whether you’re adding a family room, workout space, home theater or craft room, that unused space in your attic is the perfect way to create a specialty space without giving up any other room in the house. Your decorating options are as unlimited as your imagination, too. Some homeowners choose to take advantage of an attic’s naturally rustic look, and leave ceiling beams exposed. Others work within the limitations of a low-ceiling attic to create cozy, right-sized playrooms or bedrooms for kids. Still others put a creative twist on the attic’s original function - storage - to move their wardrobes out of their master suites, allowing them to reclaim walk-in closet space for other uses. Americans have been finding value in attics for generations. If your attic is currently serving as storage space, it may be time to clean it out - and start envisioning the many ways you can brighten and freshen up the space to work better for your family and lifestyle.■
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HOME IMPROVEMENT
Adding skylights to your attic conversion is a cost effective way to upgrade both the appearance and functionality of the space.”
June - July 2016
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ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY
From Modest to Magnificent: Create an Entertainment Space for Any Home
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An inviting and accessible built-in bar featuring handsome hardwood cabinetry can help transform mundane household space into the life of the party.�
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E
ntertaining at home? Whatever you’re planning big bash or intimate soirée, cheery beer fest or elegant wine tasting - an inviting and accessible builtin bar featuring handsome hardwood cabinetry can help transform mundane household space into the life of the party. And once the festivities are over, all the accouterments such as glasses and silverware, not to mention wine, liquor and mixers, can be stored in those cabinets, either displayed behind glass or hidden by solid wood doors. “Today, the term ‘built-in bar’ covers a variety of possible set ups,” says Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center at www.HardwoodInfo.com. At its simplest, a bar may occupy the end of a kitchen island - nothing more than a short length of dedicated countertop above a neat grid of cubbyholes to store wine and a small fridge to cool it when necessary. Slightly more ambitious bars comprise a niche or doorless closet fitted with wood shelves and cabinets, a countertop and perhaps a faucet and sink. Then there are more imposing affairs, the modern equivalent of a traditional butler’s pantry, fully plumbed stations where not only drinks, but also finger foods and hors d’oeuvres can be prepared and served. Finally, there are dedicated sit-down bars. Complete with stools, behind-counter serving space, and semi-professional equipment, these pull-up-a-chair facilities have special requirements that take them beyond our present consideration. “Many houses and apartments have a closet or unused space that can easily be converted into an attractive and useful built-in bar,” says Laura Bohn, a New York-based interior designer who has done this for several clients over the years. “If you live in a house with stairs, the space beneath them is often an ideal place to install a small, modestly equipped drinks center. It should be able to accommodate enough countertop to prepare cocktails, enough storage for a liquor cabinet, and maybe enough room for a fridge or wine cooler.” A sink is not an absolute necessity, but if the small space you requisition is near a kitchen, powder room, laundry or bathroom, you may be able to make use of the existing plumbing and create a true wet bar. As Bohn notes, one advantage of using such confined spaces for built-in bars is that they can be closed off when not in use, so that a commandeered closet looks just like a closet, an appropriated staircase just like a staircase. “But a well-designed, well-crafted hardwood mini-bar needn’t be hidden,” she adds. “Made of walnut, cherry or some other distinctive wood - my favorite is maple - it can be an integral and pleasing a part of the décor.” Of course, larger butler’s pantry-style built-in bars cannot be hidden. Ideally, they are located discreetly in transitional spaces between kitchens and adjacent dining or living rooms. But in today’s more open-plan houses, such built-in bars, often dubbed buffets, are likely to be in either the kitchen or living area itself - wall-spanning installations that are on full public view and should therefore look as elegant as pieces of fine hardwood furniture.
ENTERTAINMENT
“Walnut is very popular right now for this type of bar,” says Christine Donner, a kitchen designer in New Canaan, Connecticut. “It is an elegant wood and its cool tones complement the white-and-silver palette that my clients currently favor. It can be bleached to a lighter tone, left natural, or stained much darker, almost all the way to black. Limed oak, bleached to a lovely honey-blonde color, has a marvelous midcentury-modern feel that is slowly catching on, too.” For Donner, functionality is as important as aesthetics. “Wine connoisseurs often have an extensive collection of varietal-specific glasses that they want displayed, so I get asked a lot for glass-fronted cabinets with interior lighting,” she says. “Much of this stemware is oversize or extra tall, so I make sure the shelves can accommodate their height. And I always include solid-door cabinets to stow motley collections of assorted liquor bottles.” Fine hardwood cabinetry can also be used to conceal icemakers, refrigerators, bottle-cooling drawers, dishwashers and other unsightly appliances and equipment. “A small bar sink is also very useful,” Donner continues. “Less for the water coming out of the spout than as a place to dump out old drinks or melted ice.” Loading up your builtin bar with such practical, laborsaving features will free you up to enjoy your own party to the fullest. And that, surely, is the point of the exercise. Visit www.HardwoodInfo.com to learn more about cabinetry for built-in bars and other products made from American hardwoods.■ June - July 2016
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FOOD COMMUNITY
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5 I
FOOD
ways to take your grilling to a whole new level
t’s time to grab the tongs and apron because it is officially grilling season. You’ve waited months to reclaim your rightful position behind the grill, and it’s finally time to achieve your goal of making this your best grilling season yet. Now, you need a game plan. To take your place as the rightful master of the grill this year, consider following these five barbecuing tips. • Keep it clean. It may be the least glamourous part of your grilling experience, but keeping your grill clean is essential to delivering a quality product. A stiff wire brush is just the ticket along with plenty of oil once you’re done. Then, turn up the heat and enjoy preparing your meal on a clean, hot surface. • Direct and indirect grilling. Many summer chefs aren’t familiar with these terms, but mastering direct and indirect grilling is a great way to bolster your cooking skills. Direct grilling cooks the food directly over the heat source and is perfect for smaller, thinner pieces. Indirect grilling cooks the food near the heat source - but not directly over it. This is good for larger, thicker items. • Don’t fill the grill. A loaded grill is a mouth-watering sight but it jeopardizes the end result. Keep your grill at least 30 percent free so you have space to move food when the eventual flare up occurs. • Use the right tools. When it comes to rotating food, a reliable set of tongs beats a barbecue fork any day. Puncturing meat allows juices to escape prematurely, so don’t stab your food with a fork and never press burgers with a spatula. • Sit before you serve. For the best flavor, let your newly cooked meat sit for about 10 minutes before serving. The meat will be juicer and everyone will enjoy the meal a little bit more. Ready to take your grilling game to the next level?
Creativity and having the opportunity to experience new tastes and flavors is arguably one of the most rewarding aspects of grilling season. To get you fired up for the season ahead, the team at King’s Hawaiian has offered up this one-of-a-kind chicken sandwich recipe your family and friends will love. Made using their new brand new line of Hawaiian-inspired barbecue sauces, this sandwich is sure to be a mainstay at your seasonal events. And for more recipes visit http://www. kingshawaiian.com/recipes/.
Big Island Lava Glazed Sesame Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients - Serves 6-8, Prep Time 15 mins, Cook Time 15 mins • 2-3 lbs. chicken breasts, thinly cut • Lettuce, Tomato, sliced • Mayo • Sesame seeds, for garnish • 1 bottle King’s Hawaiian Big Island Lava Sauce • 1 package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Hawaiian Hamburger Buns
Preparation 1. Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Grill chicken. As chicken is cooking, use a basting brush to glaze each side of the chicken with King’s Hawaiian Big Island Lava BBQ Sauce. 3. Toast King’s Hawaiian hamburger buns over indirect heat. 4. Build your sandwich: Bottom bun, mayo, lettuce, tomato, chicken, sesame seed garnish, extra King’s Hawaiian Big Island Lava BBQ Sauce, top bun.■ June - July 2016
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FOOD COMMUNITY
Start your day with Fun:
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Fresh Takes on Breakfast
A
FOOD
great way to start your day is to add breakfast to your morning routine. But as we all know, routines can get dull fast, especially after you’ve been eating the same breakfast for a few months. If you find your family is in a breakfast rut, it may be time to switch things up and add some excitement to those early hours. Here are a few new ideas to brighten up everyone’s morning: Get the whole family to cook. Getting everyone in the family to help out in the kitchen is easy, especially on weekends, and they’ll love feeling more involved. The next time you make breakfast, ask your kids to help you. Enjoy connecting as a family and building memories you will all cherish for years to come. Set up a pancake bar. Make a weekend breakfast extra special by setting up a short-order pancake station in your kitchen. Offer different flavors of pancake mix, set out chocolate chips, sliced fruit or any other ingredients to create special pancakes that appeal to your family. Don’t forget to top each pancake with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream and, of course, warm syrup. If you use a microwavable syrup bottle, like Hungry Jack, you can microwave the whole bottle and pour hot syrup straight onto your pancakes with no mess. Host a breakfast lottery. Do your kids complain about having to eat the same thing every day? Surprise them with a special breakfast lottery. Have ingredients on hand for several breakfast entrees, like pancakes, waffles, or crepes. Put the names of each breakfast item in a hat and make whichever one you draw. This makes for an entertaining and suspenseful breakfast. Try a new recipe. Mini pancake kabobs. When it comes to breakfast kabobs, the possibilities are endless. Mini pancake kabobs are a lively twist on a classic breakfast. All you need for this recipe, courtesy of I Heart Naptime Blog, is a pancake mix, like Hungry Jack Complete Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, syrup, kabob skewers and your favorite pancake toppings. Cook small, cookie-sized pancakes on a griddle. Then, stack them on skewers with toppings like fruit and peanut butter. Top each kabob off with a drizzle of warm syrup.
Lemon ricotta pancakes Courtesy of Lauren’s Latest blog
• • • • • •
Ingredients - Serves 4, Prep Time 10 mins, Cook Time 5 mins 1 cup pancake mix, such as Hungry Jack Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix 3/4 cup cold water 1/4 cup ricotta cheese zest of 2 small lemons powdered sugar, for garnish Hungry Jack syrup
Preparation In a medium sized bowl, stir pancake mix, water, ricotta cheese and lemon zest together until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. Fry on a lightly greased nonstick skillet until golden brown. Serve with powdered sugar and warm syrup. Start your day with a satisfying breakfast while enjoying the company of your loved ones. Get creative and try some of these ideas for a whole new take on the first meal of the day.■ June - July 2016
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FOOD COMMUNITY
Chickpeaburger
Spicy BBQ • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ingredients - yield 7-8 patties 1 cup dry/uncooked chickpeas (or 2 & 1/4 cups cooked chickpeas) + kombu (optional) 1/2 cup dry brown rice (or 1 & 1/4 cup cooked rice) 3 tbsp sunflower seeds + 1 tbsp pepita seeds, toasted 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup diced red pepper 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced 1/4 cup diced red onion 1 small carrot, grated 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley 3 tbsp BBQ sauce 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, or more as needed (use GF breadcrumbs if necessary) 2-3 tbsp ground flax 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Fine grain sea salt, to taste (I used 1 tsp + Herbamare)
Preparation Finely chop the garlic, peppers, onion, and parsley. Grate carrot. Stir in half the salt. Set aside. Add the cooked chick28
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peas and rice into a large bowl. Make sure your rice is HOT as it helps it stick together and bind. Do not use cold rice. With a potato masher, mash very well, leaving some chunks for texture. You can also pulse in a food processor. With a wooden spoon, stir in the chopped vegetables into the mashed chickpea/rice mixture. Now stir in the seeds, BBQ sauce, breadcrumbs, and ground flax. Add the salt and red pepper flakes to taste Mix it all up: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Form 6-8 patties and pack dough together tightly. Spray the preheated skillet with oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat (time will vary based on your temp). Burgers should be browned and firm when ready. You can also try grilling the patties (try pre-baking patties for 15 mins in the oven at 350F before grilling). Note: To toast seeds: Preheat oven to 300F. Toast sunflower and pepita seeds for about 12 minutes, or until lightly golden in colour.■
FOOD Roasted Butternut Squash with Kale and Almond Pecan Parmesan move seeds & guts with a grapefruit spoon or ice cream scoop. Chop two halves into 1-inch chunks and place into casserole dish.
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Ingredients - yield 4 servings 0.9 kg -1.13 kg (2-2.5 pound) butternut squash 2 lg. cloves garlic, minced 2-3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp fine grain sea salt 1 cup de-stemmed and roughly chopped Lacinato kale
Almond Pecan Parmesan “cheese”: • 1/4 cup almonds* • 1/4 cup pecans • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast • 1/8th tsp fine grain sea salt • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil Preparation Preheat oven to 400F and lightly grease a casserole dish with oil. Peel the squash. Thinly slice off the bottom and top and then slice through the middle lengthwise to make two halves. Re-
Add minced garlic, parsley, oil, and salt into casserole dish and stir until well combined with the squash. Do not add the kale yet. Cover casserole dish with a lid (or tin foil with a few holes poked) and bake at 400F for about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, process the parmesan ingredients together until chunky (or just chop by hand and mix in a bowl). Make sure to leave lots of nut pieces for texture. I used a mini processor and it worked great with minimal clean up. After about 45 mins (or when squash is just fork tender), remove from the oven and reduce heat to 350F. Stir in the chopped kale and sprinkle the parmesan all over the squash. Bake for another 5-8 minutes, until the nuts are lightly toasted. Watch closely so you don’t burn them. Remove & serve!■
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FOOD COMMUNITY
Glazed
Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf
Ingredients - 1 large loaf or various mini loaves • 1 cup uncooked green lentils • 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped and toasted • 3 tbsp ground flax + 1/2 cup water • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1.5 cups diced sweet onion • 1 cup diced celery • 1 cup grated carrot • 1/3 cup peeled and grated sweet apple (use a firm variety) • 1/3 cup raisins • 1/2 cup oat flour • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs • 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 3/4 tsp dried thyme) • salt & pepper, to taste (I use about 3/4 tsp sea salt + more Herbamare) • red pepper flakes, to taste Balsamic Apple Glaze: • 1/4 cup ketchup • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup • 2 tbsp apple butter (or unsweetened applesauce in a pinch) • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 30
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Preparation Preheat oven to 325F. Rinse and strain lentils. Place lentils into pot along with 3 cups of water (or veg broth). Bring to a boil and season with salt. Reduce heat to medium/low and simmer, uncovered, for at least 40-45 minutes. Stir frequently & add touch of water if needed. The goal is to overcook the lentils slightly (see pictures in post). Mash lentils slightly with a spoon when ready. Toast walnuts at 325F for about 8-10 minutes. Set aside. Increase oven temp to 350F. Whisk ground flax with water in a small bowl and set aside. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sautee the garlic and onion for about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Now add in the diced celery, shredded carrot and apple, and raisins. Sautee for about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together. Adjust seasonings to taste. Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper. Press mixture firmly into pan. Whisk glaze ingredients and then spread half on top of loaf. Reserve the rest for a dipping sauce. Bake at 350F for 40-50 minutes, uncovered. Edges will be lightly brown. Cool in pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. I usually wait until loaf is cool before slicing.■
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