WJ Prince George's Vol 54/Issue 5

Prince George’s County

W

J

A Lifestyle Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY Volume 54 Issue 5

omen s ournal

WojoTalk.com

Meet Top Doc

Chetanna Okasi, M.D. Medical Director of

The Women’s Wellness Center

Providing comprehensive gynecologic care for women of all ages

Contents

3 20 24 26

Health & Wellness

Healthy Meals

Home Decor

Business

With over 32 years of experience, The Women’s Journal is a brand you can trust. It is a primary resource for women. Each edition is published bi-monthly and distributed free of charge. You can find a copy of the journal where savvy women shop. The journal also has subscribers that pay to have the journal delivered to their home or business.

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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS Wendy Ward GRAPHIC DESIGNER Fina Florez 8181 Professional Place, Landover, MD 20785 To Advertise, please call 1-866-517-5049 2

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Why Total Body Care?

Let’s start by answering what Total Body Care means to us.

Our bodies work hard for us every day. We may not always realize it, but the fact of the matter is that hard work, day in and day out, can take its toll. It’s our responsibility to stop, check in and tune up. That pause, that momentary break of the daily grind is important, essential really. That pause is us practicing total body care… to make life even more livable.

Why Massage Envy So why Total Body Care with Massage Envy? Because it’s our belief that the every day stuff doesn’t have to hurt, or take such a toll; it’s not something that we have to just deal with.

Regular massage care does more than just provide temporary relief or momentary relaxation. And facial care isn’t just skin maintenance. They take care of our bodies in more ways than we sometimes realize, with proven, lasting effects.

Treating your body well shouldn’t be a luxury. At least, we don’t think so, because the good life should actually feel that way. So think of us as your partner in managing the side effects of this wonderful thing we call living.

Whatever the reason, join us at Massage Envy and we’ll help you manage the side effects of this wonderful thing we call living. MassageEnvy.com

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October - November 2016

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Mammograms for Early Detection of

Breast Cancer J

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

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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 selfbreast 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 and look of both breasts. Once an awareness of what feels and looks normal is estab-

lished, 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 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.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

“While every woman is at risk for breast cancer, some patients are at higher risk and may require enhanced screening.”

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 reasonable- 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 October - November 2016

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By Alan Weiss, M.D.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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.

“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.

October - November 2016

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

by Kashif Ali, M.D.

Update on Breast Cancer Screening

I

n their lifetime, about 1 in 8 (12%) women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer. This is a very chilling statistic, which makes early screening and detection only that much more important. Breast cancers that are discovered at earlier stages have a much higher chance of cure and survival.

The key is to find cancer before any symptoms can occur.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast exams by your doctor should be every 3 years for women in their 20’s and 30’s. The frequency of these breast exams by your health care provider should increase to every year at the age of 40. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40. These should be continued as long as the person is in good health.

Self breast exam is an option for women starting in their 20’s. If any suspected abnormalities are noted, this should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

There are some women who have a very strong family history and certain genetic mutations that run in their family. ese patients may need a MRI in addition to mammograms.

The genetic mutation linked to development of breast and ovarian cancer is called the BRCA mutation. Women carrying this mutation have up to an 80% risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes. The BRCA mutation is de-

tected through a blood test collected at your doctor’s office or a lab. Not every women needs to be tested for this mutation.

Possible women who qualify for BRCA mutation testing include those with a personal or family history of: • Breast cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger • Ovarian cancer at any age • Two separate breast cancers in the same person, or two family members with breast cancers on the same side of the family • Male breast cancer • Triple negative type of Breast Cancer (meaning breast cancer carrying no receptors to target) • Pancreatic cancer and a breast or ovarian cancer in the same person, or on the same side of the family • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancers • Two or more relatives with breast cancer, one under age 50 • Three or more relatives with breast cancer at any age • A previously identified BRCA mutation in any member of the family■

“Self breast exam is an option for women starting in their 20’s.”

In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women of all races. Unfortunately, it is also the second leading cause of cancer death in this gender population. In 2013, it is estimated that over 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and over 64,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer (an early form of breast cancer) will be diagnosed in this country. This will lead to about 40,000 deaths from breast cancer.

This makes breast cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and the second leading cause of cancer related death in women.

Dr. Kashif Ali earned his MD degree from Ross University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. While at Seton Hall University, he became the Chief Resident and then went on to complete his training in Hematology and Oncology. During this training he was appointed Chief Fellow. Dr. Ali is presently board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology.

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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 & WELLNESS

Experience

5 Star N

eha Threading – Salon and Spa is the only spa that offers threading services along with a full service spa.

There is no other spa in Baltimore that offers couples treatments, Vichy showers, Ayurvedic treatments along with hair and threading services. They also offer Henna Tattooing which is very popular during the summer time. Neha is an artist with an extraordinary hand. She not only does perfect threading but can also draw intricate, one-of-a kind designs for Henna Tattoos! The uniqueness of Neha comes from her remarkable energy personally attending to each and every one of her customers and giving them the exceptional customer service. This is what she has to say for all her customers: “I still have a lot of passion about my work and I love to serve all of you whether it is performing threading service or listening to your stories or even giving you my magical hug to relieve your stress!! It really makes me feel great from inside.”

Believe it or not there is magic in her style of threading and her interaction with her customers that gives a positive energy and makes you feel good. Even the Indian folk music she plays every morning has a soothing effect in the environment. Neha has been in the business for over 20 years and has threaded over 20K unique customers and that is one of the reason she was mentioned as the “Threading Goddess” by the Examiner magazine. Recently Neha was featured on WBAL Channel in one of their segments for “Growth of Woman Owned Business” in 10

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Luxury in your neighborhood!

“The uniqueness of Neha comes from her remarkable energy.”

Maryland. Her “Art of Threading” has been televised several times by various local TV channels.

Recently Neha has introduced a FREE massage service once a month for a person in need to support the local community.

Her first candidate was a beautiful spirited woman with terminal cancer and really appreciated the experience of the spa. Her goal is to expand this by adding more FREE services and also, to go to local hospitals/hospice and offer massages.

For all her regular customers Neha Threading - Salon and Spa offers $50 spa services also known as Spa Week twice a year. Spa Week is very popular and is extended for 3 weeks; it will begin October 10th and end October 30th.

Threading is becoming more popular day by day. With that being said, there is a higher demand of good threading artists.

Neha has plans to open 2-3 Kiosk locations in surrounding areas to cater to her ever expanding clientele. These locations will only offer threading services, and to ensure customers will still get the same exceptional customer service as they experience at our Pikesville and Canton location. Neha has started mentoring new threading artists under her stewardship by teaching them her unique style of doing threading. Once they perfect the art they will be given independence to run one of the new locations.■ 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. For more information, please visit www.nehathreading.com.

410-653-2769 (Pikesville) / 410-675-2769 (Canton)

October - November 2016

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Exercise & Breast Cancer

A

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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Botox Cosmetics the benefits of

HEALTH & WELLNESS

W

hat is BOTOX® Cosmetic? BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet lines in adults.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most extensively studied medical aesthetic treatments and is approved for cosmetic use in 78 countries.* BOTOX® Cosmetic has a record of experience that aesthetic specialists know and trust. And, the safety and efficacy of BOTOX® Cosmetic have been evaluated in both Allergan sponsored clinical trials as well as in 417 peer-reviewed articles in scientific and medical journals.

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work? BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines and crow’s feet—the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting over the years. Your specialist will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice a visible smoothing of your crow’s feet lines and frown lines between your brows.

Will BOTOX® Cosmetic make me look like I’ve had work done? BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. You should not lose the ability to show expression when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy. It is important to talk to your specialist about the results you want from treatment.

Does BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment hurt? Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. Your specialist may use ice to numb the treatment area. If you are concerned about discomfort, your specialist may apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment.

How long does the treatment take? Your specialist will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatments for you. The actual injection process takes about 10 minutes.

What is the average treatment cost? Your cost not only includes the price of the product, but more importantly, the skill and expertise of the specialist or healthcare professional who is administering your treatment. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment—look for someone who is licensed and trained and has experience treating patients with BOTOX® Cosmetic. Be wary of discount products or

“cheap” BOTOX® Cosmetic—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

It is more important to find an experienced specialist who will take the time to understand your treatment goals and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Do men receive BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment? Yes. BOTOX® Cosmetic has also been clinically evaluated in male patients.

In clinical studies for moderate to severe frown lines, 17.5% of patients treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic were men. In the clinical studies for moderate to severe crow’s feet, male patients comprised approximately 10% of patients treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 10% of all cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2014 were on men—that is more than 1 million cosmetic procedures. The number of cosmetic procedures for men increased by 273% from 1997 to 2014.■

Dr. Renee Bovelle

“Your Best Vision is Our Focus”

12200 Annapolis Rd., Suite 116, Glenn Dale, MD 20769 301-805-4664 / www.EnvisionEyeAndLaser.com October - November 2016

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Prevent Gum Disease with Laser Dentistry

By Dr. Brenda Howard, Cosmetic Dentistry

How are your gums? Are they red, swollen or bleeding? They should not be. They should be firm, tight, pink or brown if yours have melanin pigmentation and they should not bleed. If they are the former, they are diseased and you are in jeopardy of losing your teeth. The loss of teeth has many deleterious results. You are unable to chew your food well, which has a negative effect on digestion. Your jaw joint is not properly supported and you may develop pain in this area. Your facial muscles are no longer supported causing you to look much older than you should. And if this is not enough, there is now evidence linking periodontal (gum) disease to heart disease, low birth weight babies, diabetes and arthritis. So the unhealthy bacteria in your mouth, has an impact on your total health. If you are in need of an exam and consultation to discuss the state of your dental health, give our office a call for a complimentary consultation. We have advanced training in taking care of your teeth and gums and would love to offer our expertise.

Call Blissful Dental today 301-552-2662 Along with the usual dental treatments, we offer : Laser treatment for gum disease Implant replacement for missing teeth Sleep apnea care Don’t let your 2015 Ins. benefits expire. Utilized by the end of the year or you lose them. 9821 Greenbelt Rd #205, Lanham, MD 20706

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Submitted by Janet V. Johnson, M.D.

Having an

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Attitude

of Gratitude

T

eaching children to be grateful is what all parents want and can attain in surprisingly simple ways such as from sending thank you notes to feeding pets.

Children emulate the adults in their lives in every way.

Be they parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or childcare providers. Make sure you use “thank you” and “please” when you talk to them. Insist that they use their words too. Remember, good manners and gratitude overlap.

Here are several ways to help with teaching gratitude to your children: 1. Work gratitude into your daily conversation. Weave appreciation for mundane things into your everyday talk. When you reinforce an idea frequently, it’s more likely to stick. Pick an “I am thankful for …” part of the day to turn up the gratitude in your home. This can be done at dinnertime or at night time just before bed as part of a nightly routine. Teach children to be grateful for the creations around them, the seasons, the sunshine, the falling leaves and the rain. Children will quickly understand that there is beauty all around, and that it has come from something much bigger than we are.

2. Have kids help. Give your child a chore. By participating in simple household chores like feeding the dog or stacking dirty dishes on the counter, kids realize that all these things take effort. There is a better appreciation for the person who does the chore on a more regular basis.

3. Provide your family opportunities to serve. Figure out some way your child can actively participate in helping someone else. Even if it is to help cook a meal, bake a cake, or walk a pet for a sick person. Start by encouraging your children to serve other family members, and then help them find ways to actively serve others. Let them help as you serve others. They will learn by example.

4. Encourage generosity. Donate toys and clothes to less fortunate kids; it inspires them to go through their own closets and give something special to those in need, as well.

5. Insist on thank-you notes. If your child knows how to draw or write, let them write thank-you notes for gifts. For toddlers, the cards can be just scribbles with your own thankyou attached. As they grow, they can become drawings, then longer letters. Younger children can even dictate the letter

while you write. Just the act of saying out loud why they loved the gift will make them feel more grateful.

• Practice saying no. Kids ask for toys, video games, and candy sometimes on an hourly basis. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to feel grateful when your every whim is granted. It is important for us to be reasonable and say “No”. We also have to be careful rewarding our children for everything.

We want them to do good because it is the right thing to do, and not because they get something, like a new toy or money.

• Teach your children to be grateful for adversity. When things are hard, or uncertain, or don’t go as planned, we need to teach our children to be grateful. To recognize the blessings that comes from hard things. We need to help children see what can be learned from our adversity, and how we can take what we learn into other situations to help others and ourselves.

• Be patient. Don’t expect gratitude to develop overnight.

This kind of work requires weeks, months, even years of reinforcement. Lead by example and mostly with love.

The goal is to give them “grateful eyes”, so they begin to for see the need before they have to be told. With time and patience you will be rewarded with a child who has an attitude of gratitude.■ Loving Care Pediatrics: Dr. Johnson and Staff accepting new patients, birth to age 21 International Travel Vaccination Center 3311 Toledo Terrace Suite C-201, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 Office: (301) 403-8808 / Fax: (301) 403-1341 October - November 2016

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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 16

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Breast Cancer Survivor & Advocate

Irene Asiama

I am a wife, a mother, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of Saved by Grace Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. As a breast cancer survivor, I am committed to empowering women through education on breast health and breast cancer awareness. I am dedicated to help women before, during and after their cancer treatment to rise above their journey to help other women.

I also believe in the healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ.â– October - November 2016

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

GET THE

Hair Fabulous fall hair in 4 Simple Steps

The weather changes associated with chillier seasons can wreak havoc on hair. As leaves turn and flakes begin to fall, there’s no need to worry about fly-aways, dry strands and lifeless locks.

These five simple tips from Suave Professionals Celebrity Hairstylist Leonardo Rocco will help you keep your hair looking like a million bucks throughout autumn, all while staying on budget. To learn more affordable hair-care tips,visit Facebook.com/SuaveBeauty or Pinterest.com/SuaveBeauty.

1 2 3 4 Trim split ends: After a summer full of sun and fun, your locks are probably due for a cut. Schedule a quick trim to get rid of split ends for a fresh, clean look heading into fall and winter.

Heal with moisture: Help repair yesterday’s damage while protecting it against weather woes with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner treatment. The trick is to use products that enrich hair without weighing it down. Rocco recommends the Suave Professionals Coconut Oil Infusion Damage Repair Shampoo & Conditioner that provides weightless moisture for luscious, healthy-looking hair that visibly repairs damage in just three uses.

Block breakage: Chilly weather and additional styling steps can stress the hair’s cuticle and put locks at risk of breakage. To protect strands, add a nutrient-dense serum to your hair-care routine. Rocco recommends Suave Professionals Biotin Infusion Anti-Breakage Serum which wraps each strand in a protective seal for advanced breakage defense. Infused with B7 Biotin, a vitamin known for superior hair-strengthening benefits, hair becomes 20 times stronger compared to hair treated with non-conditioning shampoo.

Style with volume: Hair-styling routines come full force in the fall, meaning you’re probably reaching for your dryer and curling iron daily. This is the ideal time to switch to products that protect hair without adding extra weight. Start with Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Volumizing Weightless Blow Dry Spray that’s heat activated to give hair volume and body for up to 24 hours. Then, try the Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Curl Defining Gel Serum, which offers the conditioning properties of a serum and the hold of a gel for soft, for defined curls from morning to midnight.■

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East Pines RX Specialty Pharmacy

“The Pharmacist you know.

The CARE you deserve.”

- Compounding for • Dermatology • Pediatrics • Hormone Replacement therapy - Medical Equipment - Organic Vitamins & Supplements - Wound Care

-Eprescribe, fax or email your prescription -Free Delivery to MD, DC. & VA -Free local mailing

Tayo Awotunde, RPh. Pharm D

consultation & medication education available

6003 66th Ave. Riverdale, MD. 20737 301-459-6211 / fax 301-459-6217 Epinespharmarcy@aol.com

October - November 2016

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Healthy Meals COMMUNITY

I

t’s hard to remember when the norm was three square meals a day, and snacks were relegated to nibbles at parties or as an afterschool bite to eat for kids. Today, whether young or old, snacks are a big part of our regular eating habits. In fact, a whopping 92 percent of us snack sometime during the day or evening, according to research by the Hartman Group. Even more surprising? We’re no longer using snacks just once or twice a day to quell hunger between meals. Snacks have moved into meal territory, and now make up half of all our eating occasions.

When it comes to smart snacking, the foods you choose - and how much you eat - matters. One of your best bets? Fruit! Just 13 percent of Americans eat the 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit recommended each day, and snacks offer an opportunity to close that gap.

For the perfect pick, think fresh grapes from California. At just 90 calories per 3/4 cup serving, their delicious, juicy taste hits the snacking sweet spot. Heart-healthy and hydrating, they’re a nutrition bargain compared to many processed snacks high in calories, fat and added sugar that tend to offer little health bang for the buck.

Plus, grapes are portable - ideal for munching anytime, anywhere. With grapes, there’s no fuss, no muss - and no peeling or coring required. Whether added to the lunch sack to help end the midday meal on a sweet note, or tucked in the briefcase or backpack at the ready for when hunger strikes, grapes are a super snack.

If late-night noshing is your nemesis, go with California grapes for a tasty, healthy and guilt-free option. And if the ice cream carton starts calling your name, opt for frozen grapes instead - they’re just like a mini-sorbet. Simply rinse grapes and pat

Easy tips for

SmartSnacking “When it comes to smart snacking, the foods you choose - and how much you eat - matters.”

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Healthy Meals them dry, then place them on a sheet pan and pop them into the freezer for two hours. Store any extras in the freezer to keep them at the ready for your next snack attack.

Fresh grapes are a delicious addition to heartier snack fare, too, adding color, crunch and a light touch of sweetness: • Make a fresh trail mix by combining grapes with cubes of cheese and a sprinkle of chocolate chips and nuts.

• Toss grapes into your favorite smoothie recipe.

• Spread celery stalks with peanut butter and place grapes on top to for a mix of crunch and sweetness.

• Put together snack sandwiches: smear a dab of cream cheese on top of graham crackers and top with halved grapes.

If game day requires a more adult-style snack -­ perhaps perfectly paired with a beer or glass of wine - try this scrumptious flatbread. You’ll love the combination of saltiness from the cheese and prosciutto balanced by the light sweetness of the grapes.

• • • • • • •

Prosciutto, Red Grape and Pecorino Flatbread Serves 8 as an appetizer Ingredients 4 prepared 8-inch naan breads 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided) 3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano (divided) 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto 1 cup red California grapes, halved 1 cup arugula for garnish (optional)

Directions: Heat the oven to 500 F. Brush the naan breads with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and place on sheet pans. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the pecorino and the lemon zest, then drape the prosciutto over the top.

Add the grapes, then sprinkle with the remaining pecorino. Bake until grapes blister, about 10 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, cut into wedges and serve.

Nutritional per serving: Calories 250; Protein 12.5g; Carbohydrate 26g; Fat 10g (36 percent calories from fat); Sat Fat 3.3g (13 percent calories from saturated fat); Cholesterol 23mg; Sodium 700mg; Fiber 1g.■ October - November 2016

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Healthy Meals COMMUNITY

8

Beyond the jar:

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Ingenious Ways to Eat Peanut Butter

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hat food is tasty, filling and fun? Peanut butter, and according to research, Americans are in love with the nutty spread.

According to a Peter Pan Simply Ground survey (see below for survey notes), 74 percent of people say it’s a staple in their grocery cart, with the average person eating it four times a week. While toast and PB&J remain a popular go-to, people are seeking new ways to enjoy peanut butter. In fact, 82 percent report that they’re still looking for more flavor pairings and unique ways to incorporate it into their diets.

If you love peanut butter but want to go beyond the sandwich, here are eight unique and delicious ways to enjoy it every day: Vegetables and fruit: Peanut butter is a great way to get adults and kids alike to eat more fruits and veggies. Go beyond celery and try carrots, sweet peppers, pea pods, mango slices, berries and more. The nutty notes of peanut butter are amazing with many different types of produce.

Bacon: What has a cult-like following similar to peanut butter? Bacon. And when you blend the two together, you have a flavor explosion unlike any other. Fry up some bacon, let cool and dip it in the wide-mouth jar of Peter Pan Simply Ground in original and honey roast varieties. Serving breakfast? Set a jar in the center of a dish with bacon slices layered around for easy passing.

Ice cream: Cool ice cream and peanut butter are the perfect pair. No matter if you prefer ice cream sandwiches, bars or fudge

Healthy Meals pops, grab your jar and take a dip. The sweet, confection is enhanced with rich, nutty peanut butter.

Popcorn: Whether a movie night, sleepover or girls night in, popcorn is an essential snack. Want something a little different?

Pop a fresh batch and then dip a few of the kernels in peanut butter. It’s an indulgent treat that will have everyone talking.

Granola and protein bars: Satisfying snack bars just got an upgrade when you dip them into peanut butter. With a texture just like freshly ground alternatives, Peter Pan Simply Ground Peanut Butter is the perfect addition to health snacks like protein and granola bars.

Pickles: Sometimes unlikely combinations have the most delicious results. That would be the case with pickles and peanut butter. Give it a try and dip that spear right in or slice pickles for easy sharing with the family.

Potato chips: Do potato chips have you reaching for that jar of dip? Change things up by grabbing a jar of peanut butter instead. Salty chips dipped in peanut butter are a match made is snacking heaven.

Cookies: Chocolate, butter, molasses - no matter your favorite cookie, it’s going to be better when you add a dollop of peanut butter. Dip and enjoy!

Need more inspiration for unique ways to enjoy peanut butter? Try this decadent recipe featuring Peter Pan Simply Ground.

For more unique ideas, visit www.peterpanpb.com.■

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Layer Peanut Butter Dip

Ingredients (Makes three mini 7-Layer Dip Jars): 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs 1 thinly sliced banana 1 cup Peter Pan Simply Ground Peanut Butter 1 cup of softened cream cheese 3 tablespoons of honey 1 cup of whipped cream 3 tablespoons of chocolate chips assorted dippers Directions: 1. Evenly layer a small jar with graham cracker crumbs, sliced banana, Peter Pan Simply Ground Peanut Butter, softened cream cheese, honey, whipped cream, chocolate chips.

2. Serve with optional assorted dippers: pretzel rods, plain potato chips, crispy bacon, fresh strawberries, sliced cooked waffles, pound cake, sliced apples, etc.■ October - November 2016

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HOME DECOR COMMUNITY

1

DIY

F

Preserving & Creating : Meaningful Wooden Pieces

rom your first meal as a married couple at your oak dining table, to enjoying a glass of lemonade with your grandchildren on your pine kitchen stools - your most cherished memories are made at home.

“Families have so many pieces of wooden furnishings in their homes that are meaningful to them,” says wood finishing expert Bruce Johnson, spokesperson for Minwax. “If you don’t yet have a piece like this in your family, it’s easy to make something unique out of wood, whether it be a new item or upcycling something old.”

If you’re looking to protect a piece of your family’s history or create something of your very own, it’s important to take steps to care for your wooden furniture. Johnson and the experts at Minwax offer some guidelines for preserving valued wooden pieces as well as creating your own personal items with love.

If the clear finish on the piece is still in good shape, you can preserve its beauty with a high-quality paste wax like Minwax Paste Finishing Wax. At least once a year, use a very soft cloth to apply the wax a little at a time. Rub gently with the grain of the wood, spreading a thin, even coat of wax to seal and protect the wood.

To apply a new finish on an existing piece, you’ll need to remove the old one first. Choose a well-ventilated but low-traffic area in which to work. The temperature in your work area should stay higher than 65 degrees, and humidity should stay around 50 percent to help facilitate drying throughout the process. Consider using a solvent that removes the finish and conditions the wood at the same time, such as Minwax Antique Furniture Refinisher.

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“Families have so many pieces of wooden furnishings in their homes that are meaningful to them.”

Wear rubber gloves and use fine steel wool to gently rub in small circles until the old finish is removed. Once the old finish is removed, it’s important to protect the surface. Try using a one-step stain and finish such as Minwax PolyShades. It combines beautiful rich color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step. You can apply it on top of an existing polyurethane finish or on bare wood.

If you’re taking on your first wood-finishing project and you want to create something to last for generations to come, try using a beautiful traditional wood stain. Minwax Wood Finish is an oil based stain that comes in a variety of gorgeous colors, creating a rich, appealing color in a single coat. For darker, richer hues, apply a second coat, allowing the piece to dry completely between coats, according to label directions. When you’re done staining and the piece is completely dry, don’t forget to protect it with a clear finish such as Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane.

Minwax recently launched the “Made With Love. Finished With Minwax” campaign, which celebrates the meaningful stories captured and preserved through building, personalizing and gifting items from the heart. The movement aims to empower inspired DIYers to get started on new projects that will be cherished by future generations. For more tips on caring for, staining and finishing your wooden furniture and more, watch a variety of the latest how-to videos from Minwax. For inspiration and project ideas for completing your next wood finishing project, visit www.

Minwax.com/MadeWithLove.■

2 Projects to Liven DIY :

Up your Office

W

hether you go into the office every day or work from home, most of us probably spend a lot more time at our desk than anywhere else.

Why not take some time to make it a space that you can enjoy? With some creativity and individual flare, you can transform a utilitarian work station into a personalized think tank that is as stylish and unique as you.

Best of all, you don’t have to hire a contractor to do this.

Whether you’re a pro DIYer or new to the crafting game, here are five simple ways to make a serious design statement in your office.

Add color It’s truly amazing what vibrant or soothing colors can do for a space! So where to begin? Try this: Take a quick inventory of everything in your office that looks dull, flat or just plain.

This could be a wicker basket, a lamp or even a coat rack! Try using a high quality general purpose spray paint such as Krylon COVERMAXX. It’s a paint and primer in one, resulting in

HOME DECOR

“With some creativity and individual flare, you can transform a utilitarian work station into a personalized think tank that is as stylish and unique as you.” premium coverage and superior color in one simple coat! Whatever color you choose - red, green or blue - the transformation will astonish you and the bright bold colors are bound to put a spring in your step, even on a stressful work day.

Go green and fill your space with plants!

If you already have a plant or two in your office, why not buy more? In most cases, you’ll want to select plants that thrive in lowlight conditions. Now, the true creative work is in how you choose to arrange your plants. Rather than just placing them on your desk, look into hangers and wall hooks - all of which will create a winning combination where nature meets design.

Write it out on a chalkboard If you’re someone who stays organized by writing out your schedule or to-do list each week, a chalkboard is the perfect addition to your workspace. Rather than buying a board, pick up a can of Krylon Chalkboard Paint. Simply spray it on wood, metal or glass and once it dries, you’ll have your very own custom chalkboard that works with chalk or chalkboard markers.

Declutter in style We’re all more productive when we’re organized, so getting rid of clutter is a must do in every office. Make organizing fun by incorporating bold colors! Use bright file folders to keep track of important documents or create your own supply containers using mason jars to keep all of your desk items in one place. To add additional flare, spray your mason jars or glass containers with Krylon Stained Glass paint. This paint creates a beautiful translucent color on any glass surface and comes in a variety of exciting colors like royal purple and cobalt blue.

Revitalize your old stuff Telephones, paperweights, old figurines - pretty much anything you might otherwise call junk - can make a strong artistic statement in your office. All you need is a canister of Krylon Colormaster Paint and Primer in new and trendy, Rose Gold. With a coat of rose gold paint and a metallic shine, any old thing can be turned into an amazing decorative item.

Feeling inspired to revitalize your office? Check out Krylon. com for more information on products and project 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 28

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October - November 2016

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Take a Cooking Class ...It’s Fun!

GoCooK VEGAN Learn to prepare healthy food that taste good

Cooking Classes $35 NEW LOCATION

Near Arundel Mills Mall

Classes also available in DC & MD

301-887-7901

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