Washington
W
J
A Lifestyle Magazine
COMPLIMENTARY Volume 54 Issue 5
omen s ournal
Featuring Georgetown Pain Management & Medical Director
Dr. Netsere Tesfayohannes
WojoTalk.com
Contents
3 10 16 18
Health & Wellness
Healthy Meals
Home Decor
Business
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wjwomen.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Submitted By Dr. Net Tesfayohannes
Georgetown Pain Management 7500 Greenway Center Dr., Suite #940, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: (301) 718-1082 / Fax: (301) 718-1084 / www.gtpain.com October - November 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
By Alan Weiss, M.D.
Thriving in (Not Just Surviving) your
40s & 50s
T
ime and time again I see men and women in their 40s and 50s with a similar story: Increasing stress at home and work, raising children, not sleeping well, gaining weight, less energy, less time for pleasure and the list goes on. Along with this come aches and pains, lessened libidos, burgeoning intestinal and abdominal complaints, and often a growing list of medications to combat these. Fortunately there is a fairly simple approach to dealing with this kind of situation. First and foremost is to make sure there are no serious illnesses either happening or on the horizon. A good history and physical exam as well as appropriate comprehensive testing should be able to sort that out. Once that is handled you can begin to deal with getting well. First and foremost is getting good restorative sleep. Over time we develop habits and patterns of sleep that do not promote health. Overuse of caffeine, cutting back time allotted for sleep and the development of medical sleep disorders such as sleep apnea (marked by snoring, gasping, daytime fatigue and difficulty with losing weight) are all issues to consider. There are simple non pharmaceutical methods available to help promote the sleep we need for our bodies to heal. Next is diet. As we get older we become less able to manage sugar and easily digested simple carbohydrates as found in breads, pastas, grains and some fruits. We tend to become somewhat insulin resistant, which creates a vicious circle of obesity causing more insulin resistance and inflammation, etcetera. Weight gain and inflammation are often due to food allergies, a phenomenon known as leaky gut, inflammation and insulin resistance. One way to gauge your body’s metabolic activities is to have your doctor check your c-reactive protein level to measure inflammation, and if blood sugar is an issue, consider having a glucose tolerance test and check insulin levels. I have found food allergy testing to be very useful for many. Evaluating and optimizing hormone status can be instrumental in maintaining youth. Some say our hormones decline because we age. Others say we age because our hormones decline. Areas to focus on are thyroid issues which can produce fatigue and dulling. A phenomenon called “adrenal fatigue” is becoming more recognized as a real issue and testing and treating this can make a big difference for people. Finally optimizing hormone levels in men and women (testosterone, estrogen and progesterone) can afford great changes in energy and vitality.
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“Some say our hormones decline because we age”
As one begins to deal with these issues and others (such as toxins in our food and environment, micronutrient levels, exercise and stress management) it becomes obvious that they are all interconnected like a web. A simple example is that when one is stressed, you are less likely to sleep well, and data shows that people who are not well rested make poorer eating choices. Working with a health practitioner and examining your life and habits from these perspectives can give one an access to new habits, new actions, and real changes.■
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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Creating Confidence:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Steps to Feeling More Self-Assured
V
irtually everyone struggles with a lack of self-confidence at some point in their lives and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure of yourself in certain situations. However, if you find a lack of confidence is holding you back from fully enjoying your personal life, or achieving your professional goals, it may be time to take action. “There are actually steps you can take to rebuild your confidence, even when you’re struggling to feel self-assured,” says Susie Moore, a motivational speaker, best-selling author and life coach. “Confidence is a real-life super power that affects every aspect of your life, from your relationships to your career and social life, but it’s also more attainable than you think.” Moore shares tips on how you can be your most confident self and live a fulfilled, unconditional life: 1. Tap the power of words and positive thinking by starting every day with an uplifting mantra. Positive self-talk such as “I am loveable. I am worthy. I am enough” can help boost confidence levels. Make a conscious decision to be more kind and gentle with yourself every day. 2. Practice a strong pose and smile to help enhance your sense of confidence. Confidence is all about attitude. Making these small physical changes can immediately impact how self-assured you feel in any situation. 3. Make self-care non-negotiable. Take time to listen to your body and give it what it needs to help you feel confident. For example, millions of men and women experience bladder leakage, but products like Depend FIT-FLEX Underwear, which are designed to move with your body while offering trusted protection, can help you think less about leaks. That’s energy you can devote to better things, like recon-
necting with the people and parts of your life you’ve been missing. 4. Keep your mind and body active. Being busy leaves you little time to overthink, so fill your life with activities you enjoy. Yoga, visiting friends, reading, cooking, going for walks or even organizing your closet all count! 5. Speak with intention. The way you talk impacts your mood, your confidence and how other people perceive you. When you use verbiage like “I’ll try” or “I don’t think I can,” you’re really allowing yourself permission to feel unconfident. Instead, build confidence and commitment with statements like “I will” and “I know I can.” 6. Don’t overcomplicate things or allow yourself to be distracted by unimportant things. Focus on your daily objectives and long-term goals by cultivating a clear and positive vision of how you want your life to be. 7. Listen to, but don’t heed negative opinions of others. Your positive attitude and vision are more important than anyone else’s negative thoughts. 8. Be sure to reserve time and energy for your own priorities. Busy lives mean we can get bogged down with commitments to others, and while those things are important, it’s vital to take care of yourself and your own priorities first. Build your schedule around the time you need for your own goals and let everything else fit in around that. “Confidence is an almost-magical quality that can help you lead your best, most fulfilled life and - more importantly - it’s in your grasp!” Moore says. Check out how Depend FIT-FLEX Underwear is helping real people feel confident and request a sample at www.Depend.com.■ October - November 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Exercise & Breast Cancer
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pproximately 11.1 million cancer survivors are alive in the United States. Healthcare provider continue to support survivors with activity prescriptions based on evidence as to whether exercise during or after treatment results in improved health outcomes? Current evidence on exercise demonstrates significant improvement in baseline fatigue, physical functioning, and cardio-respiratory fitness; Preliminary evidence suggests exercise also contributes to improvements in body weight and composition, metabolic risk factors, and immune function. Additionally, exercise may also influence disease-free and overall survival in selected populations with a diagnosis of cancer. The specific benefit from physical exercise both during and after treatment may vary related to the stage of the disease, the nature of the medical treatment provided and lifestyle of the cancer survivor. As such, a robustly designed Progressive Resistance training (PRT) regimen throughout
the various phases of breast cancer treatment is warranted to ensure that exercises are individualized and specifically designed based on the stage, complexity, and patient needs as determined by the history and physical exam to effectively manage symptoms, dysfunctions, decrease pain level, prevent seroma formation and promote wound healing for optimal improvement in upper extremity strength and function at the appropriate timing. Current evidence suggests many health benefits from physical activity during and post cancer treatments. Dr. Diallo of EZ Rehab Solutions, a comprehensive outpatient physical therapy practice in Greenbelt, Maryland recommends that breast cancer survivors visit their physician and therapist to help prescribe, design and train on simple exercises to reduce pain, decrease upper extremity and trunk stiffness, and improve overall upper body function. Please visit www.ezrehabsolutions.com to contact us with questions on how to help you or your loved one with breast cancer.â–
Dr. Diallo, the Owner and Director of EZ Rehab Solutions provide courteous, professional and effective services to treat various maladies and dysfunctions. He also specializes in providing patient education seminars, and wellness programs related to Back Pain and Sciatica. 301.446.1724
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wjwomen.com
Back to Work: Ease Your Baby into Bottle Feeding
HEALTH & WELLNESS
D
uring your first few weeks with baby, your lives were intimately entwined: eating, sleeping and eating some more. All occurring at erratic, irregular times, and around the clock, might we add. As the calendar on maternity leave begins to run out, it’s hard to fathom how this intensive baby schedule is going to fit in with your working life. Now is the time to start planning for your return to work, especially if baby will be eating from a bottle for the first time. It’s a scenario that will be familiar to many moms. About four-fifths of U.S. infants are breastfed at some point, according to a 2016 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When babies reach 3 months old, 44.4 percent are exclusively breastfed, and that percentage dips to 22.3 percent by the age of 6 months.
Whether you plan to pump or switch to formula, preparation is the key to ensuring a smooth transition. Pump and freeze: Two weeks before you return to work is the ideal time to start pumping and freezing extra milk so you have plenty in your supply. Set aside time after one feeding per day to pump, and store the milk in the plastic bags that are designed for use with the pump. If baby is going to a daycare provider, be sure to label them with your last name and the date. Practice with a bottle: In this two-week period before work, start offering breast milk or formula from a bottle so baby becomes accustomed to this new approach to eating. Some babies aren’t picky, while others will protest. In the latter case, that might be because your baby strongly associates you with food! Before a regular feeding, try leaving for a brief outing while another caretaker stays behind with baby and offers her a bottle.
Many parents have found that eventually, with practice, baby will accept a bottle. Have a supply plan for your child care provider: Talk to your child care provider about what they need from you. If you are providing breast milk, have a conversation about what happens when the supply runs low. Some provide formula, while will require that you send a container or two they can keep on hand for backup. With that in mind, a test feeding at home with formula is a good idea, so you can confirm baby does not have any allergies. Pumping at work: If you plan to pump, set up a meeting with your boss a couple of weeks before you return to work to plan on how this will fit with your work schedule. One way to do it is to break up your lunch hour into three 20-minute segments, pumping once in the morning and once in the afternoon, which leaves a 20-minute meal break for you. Also, talk about where you can pump, preferably in a clean, private lactation room not far from your work space. Keep formula on hand: Over the next few months, your baby’s eating habits will emerge and change. Even if your workplace is generous with time and resources to help you stay on your pumping schedule, a busy week can collide with a hungrier than usual baby, which can tax your supplies. Have a couple cans of powdered baby formula on hand so your family is ready in any situation. Consider store brand infant formula, which is just a nutritious and safe as the nationally advertised name brand versions, because all infant formulas sold in the U.S. must meet the same Food and Drug Administration standards and offer complete nutrition for baby. Store brand formula can save families up to 50 percent, or approximately $600 per year. Even if you are already feeding baby with a certain brand formula, switching to store brand formula is safe and well-tolerated in infants, according to “the Switch Study,” a clinical study conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia.■
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 – T: 202-291-0147 October - November 2016
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Fall
Summer
tips to take you from New Hair & Beauty Routine in 5 Steps
to
As the sunny days and sizzling heat of summer come to an end, it’s time to transition into a new hair and beauty routine. The shifting seasons can be the perfect time to try a new trend and there are plenty of style tricks that will help you gradually change your look along with the leaves. Our favorite style experts share valuable tips for men and women to help you take your look to the next level. As the summer days come to an end, follow these tips to ease your transition into the crisp fall weather.
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After hours under the sun, spend a day pampering your skin. Use a sugar or salt scrub to get rid of rough patches, impurities and lingering dead skin cells. Then, use a scented body wash like Caress Mystic Forever body wash to seal in moisture. “There is nothing more attractive than soft skin and good fragrance,” says international plus size model Denise Bidot. “I love how the scent is released hours after I used it.” The fragrance touch technology in the body wash releases bursts of iris and amber scent throughout the day. The transition period between summer and fall is a great time to re-energize. Men can up their game by changing deodorants. AXE Adrenaline Dry Spray Antiperspirant leaves no visible residue and will help you conquer your day with the long lasting fragrance of fresh green woods.
The elements can be hard on your hair, but you can fight the damage with a coconut oil treatment. Celebrity hairstylist Leonardo Rocco recommends using a repairing oil, like Suave Coconut Oil Infusion Damage Repair Oil Treatment, to bring your strands back to life. “In the shower, put a few drops into your hands, rub them together and apply it to your hair from the middle to the ends. Leave in for three minutes, rinse and style as usual,” says Rocco.
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Before you begin your beauty routine for the day, make sure your entire face is clean. Iris Beilin, YouTube beauty guru, uses a cleansing wipes like POND’S Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes, to make sure her face is dirt and oil free. After that, moisturize and prime your face before putting on makeup.
Swap your gold, nude and bronze shades for a color palette more suitable for the autumn season. Rich shades of plum and wine pair well with matte textures and add warmth when you’re getting ready on those crisp fall mornings.■
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A practicing podiatrist with over 22 years of experience
1. Check your feet everyday. (Do an inspection for cuts, bruises etc.) 2. Keep your feet dry. 3. Wear properly fitted shoes and socks.
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Healthy Meals COMMUNITY
fast and fun after-school
Healthy Snacks
Reading, writing, arithmetic and so much more - school days are busy for kids. Lunch period provides a welcome break, but some schools schedule lunch as early as 10:30. By the end of the day, kids are famished. Here are some quick, simple and fun ideas for after-school snacks that are tasty and your kids will love.
Nice cream
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When the kids want ice cream, but you want a healthier snack, nice cream comes to the rescue. This simple ice cream alternative can be made by freezing sliced ripe bananas. When kids get home from school, blend these banana pieces until smooth for a cool, creamy treat. You can experiment with different flavors by adding a dab of peanut butter or a few strawberries to the blender.
2 Savory popcorn bar
Popped corn is 100 percent whole grain with plenty of fiber to help keep kids satisfied until dinner. Skip the processed microwave varieties and opt to pop on the stove or in an air popper. Then create a popcorn buffet by setting out small bowls and a variety of savory toppings such as finely shredded Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Kids can serve themselves and customize to their taste.
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“When your star students arrive home asking for a snack, you don’t have to reach for junk food.” wjwomen.com
Healthy Meals
Ants on a pond
Parents grew up munching ants on a log, the snack that takes a celery spear smeared with peanut butter and lines raisins on top to look like ants. Give this classic a modern twist by slicing a Thomas’ Plain Mini Bagel in half, adding peanut butter and topping with chopped celery and raisins. This sweet-salty delight is guaranteed to get devoured.
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5 easy pizza bagels
With pepperoni and tomato, pizza bagels are a quick, cheesy fix to after-school hunger pangs. Start by turning the oven to the broiler setting. Then on a baking tray, place a split Thomas’ Plain Mini Bagel with the cut sides facing up. Spread tomato sauce on each bagel half and sprinkle each half with cheese. Add pepperoni halves and cherry tomato quarters. Place under broiler until cheese is melted.
Awesome apple slices
Reinvent boring sliced apples with nut butter and granola. Simply slice apples, smear with your nut butter of choice, then roll in granola. For an extra treat, add a drizzle of chocolate or a quick dash of rainbow sprinkles.
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Apple & brie mini bagel
Sweet and simple, this cheesy appetizer is the perfect snack after a long day of school. Creamy brie is the perfect pairing with juicy apples and a Sprinkle with cinnamon to taste. Even Mom and Dad will want to snag a few of these. For more simple after-school snack ideas featuring mini bagels and more, visit thomasbreads.com/recipes.â–
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October - November 2016
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Eggs,
Healthy Meals COMMUNITY
They’re the Superstars of your Fridge Make brunch ‘eggs-citing’ this fall
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elicious on their own, or the perfect addition to a salad, skillet or even breakfast tacos, their versatility makes the possibilities truly endless. And as families today are choosing fresher, unique ingredients to inspire their own ethnic dishes at home, eggs are a perfect choice. They are especially prevalent in Hispanic cuisine - and are a celebrated ingredient in a variety of Latin dishes from around the world, such as traditional Spanish flan, to Brazilian feijão tropeiro to Mexican huevos rancheros. It’s no surprise that eggs pair beautifully with the brightly-colored, bold ingredients often found in Latino cuisine. While these beloved egg-tastic dishes celebrate a vibrant culture, they also deliver high quality protein - 6 grams in one large egg! These perfect little protein powerhouses are an inexpensive, nutrient-dense, and tasty way to start off your weekday routine. And with the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans removing the daily cholesterol limits and recommending eggs in all healthy eating patterns, people can feel good about including them in their diet. This pair of surprisingly simple recipes will take your repertoire to a new level. The Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs are served up with a rich tomato sauce, making this dish special enough for brunch with company, while delivering a heartiness that will satisfy any dinner appetite. The Huevos Divorciados is one of those effortless entrees that require common pantry ingredients, but deliver big, bold flavor. Explore more tasty ways to serve up eggs with these recipes and more from the American Egg Board at incredibleegg.org.
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Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs Ingredients (Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings) 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided 2 1/2 teaspoons Tex Mex spice blend, divided 8 small corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 3 small garlic cloves, minced 1 1/4 seeded finely chopped small jalapeno pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon finely chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo 4 cups chopped tomatoes 2 teaspoons butter 4 large eggs Salt and pepper (optional) 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro Directions: 1. Stir 2 teaspoons oil with 1/2 teaspoon of Tex Mex Spice Blend. Toss tortilla wedges with oil mixture and bake in a single layer on a large baking sheet in preheated 400 degrees oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until crispy. Remove from oven and set aside at room temperature. 2. Heat remaining oil in a large, deep nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Cook onion, garlic, jalapeno and salt for 5 minutes, stirring often, or until softened. Stir in chipotles and remaining Tex Mex spice blend for 1 minute or until combined. Add tomatoes; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. (Prepare eggs during the last 5 to 10 minutes of simmering time.) 3. For sunny-side up, over-easy or over-hard eggs, heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just melted. Break eggs and slip into skillet 1 at a time. Immediately reduce heat to low. 4. Cook eggs about 5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Serve as is or flip eggs carefully with turner and cook second side to desired doneness. Sprinkle eggs lightly with salt and pepper if desired. 5. Stir reserved tortilla wedges into warm tomato sauce and divide evenly over 4 dinner plates. Top each tortilla with 1 fried egg and equal amounts of feta and cilantro. Serve immediately. Variations: * Prepare recipe with queso fresco instead of the feta cheese. Omit jalapeno from tomato sauce and garnish finished chilaquiles with chopped pickled jalapeno peppers. * Skip baking step by using 8 small corn tostadas that are approximately the same size as small corn tortillas. Coarsely break the tostadas into pieces and simply stir into tomato sauce before assembling and serving.■
Healthy Meals
October - November 2016
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Healthy Meals COMMUNITY
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Healthy Meals
Huevos Divorciados Ingredients: Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings 8 small corn tortillas 2 cups prepared refried pinto beans, warmed 1/2 cup tomatillo or green salsa 1/2 cup tomato or red salsa 4 teaspoons butter, divided 8 large eggs Salt and pepper 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro Directions: 1. Bake tortillas in a single layer on a large baking sheet in preheated 400-degree oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until crispy. 2. For sunny-side up, over-easy or over-hard eggs: heat half the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just melted. Break 4 eggs and slip into skillet one at a time. Immediately reduce heat to low. 3. Cook eggs about 5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Serve as is or flip eggs carefully with turner and cook second side to desired doneness. Sprinkle eggs lightly with salt and pepper if desired. (Repeat method with remaining butter and 4 eggs, or prepare all 8 at once in 2 large nonstick skillets or on one large flat griddle.) 4. Spread warm refried beans evenly over tortillas. Spoon tomatillo salsa over half the tortillas and tomato salsa over remaining half. Top each tortilla with 1 fried egg. Transfer one of each salsa-topped tortilla to 4 dinner plates and garnish evenly with red onion and cilantro. Serve immediately. Variations * Mix 1/4 cup regular sour cream or light sour cream with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice for drizzling over finished huevos divorciados. Or garnish with chopped avocado and lime wedges. * Prepare recipe with refried black beans instead of the pinto beans if desired.â– October - November 2016
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HOME DECOR COMMUNITY
Refresh your home with
These 6 Easy DIY Paint Projects Feeling inspired to revitalize the look of your home? Get started this weekend with any of these quick and easy DIY paint projects.
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ew things are as satisfying as pulling off a DIY project, especially when the results are successful. Whether you’re looking to refresh something old or create something new, there’s no need to hire a professional. Updating your home both indoors and out can be effortless. All you need is a fresh coat of paint. Whether a quick afternoon project, or a weekend makeover, here are some DIY projects to spark your inspiration: Update your bedroom You can change the entire look of your bedroom with a can of paint and a few easy steps. A splash of vibrant color could be just the change you’re looking for. But paint isn’t just for the walls. Take your old desk and chair set from abandoned to astonishing with a little paint from HGTV HOME(TM) by Sherwin-Williams for the perfect study corner, or add a coat of your favorite color to every piece of furniture in the room. For this project, try HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Showcase Interior Paint. This paint was created with a Precision Color Promise and features exceptional color matching with fade resistant technology allowing you to choose the perfect color to revamp your space with confidence.
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Paint a picture frame Gallery walls are super trendy these days, so why not make yours even more stylish with a personalized touch? Refresh those old picture frames you have lying around, or pick some up at a thrift store and add a layer of paint. Just be sure to wipe off your frames first so the surface is clean and ready for brush strokes. After the frames are dry, slide in photos and they’re ready to hang. Two-toned accent wall When it comes to creating an accent wall, the possibilities are endless and the quickest and easiest way to make a huge difference in any room. A subtle hint of color can elevate even the plainest of rooms in just a couple of hours. A two-toned wall is an unexpected twist that takes any room from bleak to bold with high-quality paint. Select two hues from one of their 16 unique Color Collections. Each of the paint colors in the collections were designed to work together in harmony, so you truly can’t go wrong! Then line the wall with painter’s tape and roll on the first color. Let it dry and then apply the other. Once paint is dry to the touch, slowly pull off the tape, angling it toward you.
HOME DECOR
Try using HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams INFINITY Paint for this project. This interior paint provides a durable finish that is stain resistant and can easily be washed and cleaned, making it the perfect paint for any room in your home. Instant curb appeal Ready for the fastest and easiest ways to improve your home’s curb appeal? Give your front door, trim and shutters a fresh coat of paint. Pick a bold color (or colors) or a brightening white, but make sure they complement the other colors of your home. These simple painting projects will give your home that nice finished look that will have neighbors stopping and staring as they stroll by. You’ll also need a paint that provides protection against even the toughest elements, such as heavy rain and intense sunlight. HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams offers a wide variety of paint products that do this, especially their Showcase Exterior Paint with WeatherTuff technology. This paint also offers a thicker coating for extra protection from cracking, peeling and blistering for a long-lasting beautiful finish.
Upgrade your mailbox Dress up your mailbox by painting the wooden post to match the exterior of the home. Or take a bold approach and paint it a vibrant color! Picnic table revamp Shatter picnic table stereotypes by painting yours with a cheerful color. After all, a picnic table doesn’t have to be brown. Start by cleaning the table with soapy water to remove dirt and grime. Next sand the table, so the surface is free of splinters. Then rinse the dust away. Let the surface dry, and then it’s time to paint with a premium quality exterior paint that’s perfect for unprimed surfaces, like HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams INFINITY Exterior Paint. This paint is a one-coat paint and primer making it easy to update your picnic table in just an afternoon. It’s also mildew resistant and holds up against harsh weather conditions, keeping your picnic table bright and beautiful throughout the entire year. Visit www.hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com for even more inspiration!■ October - November 2016
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BUSINESS
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BUSINESS
Caring for Our Military Veterans & Their Families
I
am the very proud wife of Lt. Colonel (retired) Dewey R. Wiseman Sr. His 32 years of service to this great nation has given me a special sensitivity to all men and women who defend, protect and serve the United States of America. In my continued effort to assist our military families when death occurs, there are a few things I’d like to share with you; should the need arise to inter/inurn your soldier. In order to service military members and their families well, it is of paramount importance that you have, IN YOUR POSSESSION, the service member’s DD-214. This is the all-important, Certificate of Discharge/Service. It affords honorably discharged soldiers and their spouses the right to interment/ inurnment in a military cemetery without cost (small fee may apply for spouses). This vital document will most always be the determining factor in whether or not you have burial rights. There is a widely held belief that the funeral home is responsible for producing the DD-214. This is false information. While we are certainly more than happy to assist you in your search, it is solely the task of the family. I would advise all service members to locate this documentand keep it in a safe, quick to put your hands on, and easy-to-remember place. Additionally, prepare yourself for a delayed interment. This may not always be the case however; I currently have in my care a two-star general who passed in mid-May. Arlington National Cemetery is not able to inter him until this coming September. You may experience less wait time if you consider other area cemeteries. Most families will plan a funeral date and plan the burial at a later date if the dates are too far apart. Generally speaking, a military member who resides in Maryland will qualify for Crownsville (near Baltimore) or Maryland National Cemetery in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, better known as Cheltenham. A veteran who lives in Washington, DC will typically qualify for Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, Virginia. Veterans in Virginia will typically be interred in Quantico, Culpepper, or Danville to name a few. You will likely be required to supply proof of residency in the form of a current utility bill with the veteran’s name on it—be prepared with that. In closing,I’d also like to share that contrary to popular belief the military rarely pays the FUNERAL expense of a veteran. There are cases in which they will however; according to Mr. Ritchie in the Veterans Affairs Department in N.E. Washington, DC, the criteria is very narrow and will almost always involve pre-existing circumstances orarrangements . I love our veterans, and it is may honor and privilege to serve you.■
“There is a widely held belief that the funeral home is responsible for producing the DD214. This is false information.”
Wiseman Funeral Home, established in November 2008, is a full service funeral care provider, specializing in earth burials, cremations, memorial services, national and International shipping and receiving of human remains. The company is well versed in the practice of funeral pre-planning as well as funeral trust and Medicaid spend downs. We are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve you professionally with utmost respect. 7531 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, Maryland 301-899-2005 / michelle@wisemanfuneralhome.net
October - November 2016
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SBBK stands for Small Business Bookkeeping We are an independent accounting & bookkeeping consulting firm that specializes in recording and reporting the financial effects of your business. SBBK establishes partnerships to provide great bookkeeping services. We are the liaison between your business operations and Certified Public (tax) Accountants. The master key to proper tax preparation is through a good bookkeeper. SBBK will assist you in keeping a proper set of books throughout the year. If you’re current, behind or just need an overview reconciliation of your books, we can help. You should never be behind in the record keeping of your books but just in case you are we offer solutions: Data Entry ● A/R ● A/P Budget Performance ● Administrative Organizing ● Payroll processing Software Set-up & Training and more Contact: accounting@mysbbk.com Phone: (301) 982-1000 *Fax: (240) 554-2808 / www.MySbbk.com 20
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BUSINESS
The Right Technology Services are the Key to Killer Customer Service
T
hink sales numbers trump customer service? Think again. Research shows companies focused on providing a superior experience across the customer journey realized a 20 percent increase in customer satisfaction and 10-15 percent increase in revenue. Furthermore, 45 percent of people will abandon an online transaction if their questions or concerns are not addressed quickly. And perhaps the most shocking of all: It costs six to seven times more to attract a new customer than to retain an existing customer. Given these factors many companies are taking a closer look at their customer retention rates and evaluating the customer experiences they provide. To meet customers on their terms and facilitate employee productivity, it’s critical to invest in new technology. However, not all businesses have the internal IT resources or expertise to efficiently implement technology and effectively manage it on a continuous basis. For these businesses, working with a trusted technology partner provides an easier route to weather the changes and delight customers. Numerous companies have worked with Dell to ensure they don’t have to worry about downtime or system failure. Dell ProSupport Plus, for instance, provides these companies with the highest level of hardware and software support so they can deliver the best experience to their customers. Powered by Dell’s SupportAssist technology, this support program not only helps resolve issues quickly and proactively, but can also prevent issues before they happen through predictive capabilities. This means less effort by IT staff and more peace-of-mind for both the company and their customers. For example, Dell ProSupport Plus with SupportAssist users are able to spend up to 91 percent less time on resolution. Imagine what an IT staff could do when they’re able to shift that time away from maintenance. Another time when a technology provider’s services become critical is when businesses implement new solutions. The continual evolution of technology such as cloud, converged datacenters and big data presents a world of new opportunities - and new challenges. Not only do businesses need to contemplate how to get their new technology up and running quickly, they also need to be able to maintain, refresh and address any issues that arise. To sail over the many potential hurdles, the Dell ProDeploy Enterprise Suite is helping IT managers and business leaders navigate the growing complexity of multiple platforms and risk of transitioning to new technologies while minimizing any downtime, all within the confines of limited resources and budgets. Businesses can rely on Dell experts and partners to lead deploy-
“With new technology solutions up and running, businesses should be positioned to provide the best customer service possible.” ments from basic hardware installation through planning, configuration and complex integrations. Companies using Dell deployment services can reduce IT effort by 91 percent and deploy systems 39 percent faster. With new technology solutions up and running, businesses should be positioned to provide the best customer service possible. However, without a properly trained crew there will be no one to sail the ship or right it when needed. In addition to investing in technology, organizations need to give their IT team the right training and tools to do their job well. Dell has addressed this critical need by introducing training and certification that gives a company’s IT staff access to the same resources as Dell engineers. If the technology powering the business is running smoothly, it’s reflected in effortless and memorable interactions with customers that inspire loyalty and build revenue. Customer service IT services and customer support will continue to evolve as new technologies are developed and customer expectations will continue to rise. By being proactive and partnering with a technology vendor who is intent on staying ahead of the curve, companies can gain an edge against the competition while building an unbreakable brand reputation.■ October - November 2016
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