Women's Edition Omaha April 2019

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THE MAGAZINE FOR METROPOLITAN WOMEN

April 2019

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Publisher’s Notes

Breathe Yippee! I think spring has FINALLY arrived. I don’t want to jinx it, but as I sit and write this column, the forecast for the next couple of weeks reads highs in the 40s and 50s. The piles of snow have begun to diminish. Soon, those poor tulips will be able to poke their heads out of the ground and begin to bloom. I have lived in Omaha my entire life, and this has got to be one of the toughest winters I’ve ever been through. We not only had the bitter cold, we had snow after snow after snow! It reminded me of my winters here as a kid. “Back in the day,” schools never closed because of the cold. Perhaps back then, there were a lot more stay-at-home moms who made sure the kids were bundled up when they left the house. I had brunch with my granddaughter, Savannah, a week ago. My, has she grown up! She is 14. The two of us hadn’t been out to brunch alone for some time, and it was great. Of course, like everyone else, we talked about how cold it had been. I mentioned to her all the kids I saw walking to school in shorts, not wearing outdoor gear that would keep them warm. I asked her how in the world their parents let them out the door like that. She responded that a lot of her classmates leave for school after their parents have left for work. An a-ha moment came over me. Our lives had changed, so of course our children’s lives had changed, as well. Life is rushing by all of us, adults and kids alike. Here, my 14-year-old granddaughter was discussing her college plans— what she is going to major in, what colleges she is considering. She is 14! She is a lot like her mother, Carissa, in this respect. She is a planner. I admit that there was a part of me that felt a little sad that she was growing up so fast. I hope that she learns something that it has taken me WAY TOO LONG to learn. That is to breathe. So many of us rush through life without taking the time to breathe, not reflecting on how much we have to be appreciative of, not taking the time to just “be.” Life whizzes by so fast. I hope Savannah…and all of you…take a few moments to “be.” Enjoy this weather! We’ll talk next month!

Points of Interest Now is the time to get the deck you’ve been dreaming of! Flip to page 43 and see the beautiful decks by Building Consultants of Omaha. Take advantage of their spring discounts! Nancy’s Boutique has wonderful spring and summer merchandise arriving now. Pay her a visit while the selection is at it’s best. See Nancy’s ad on page 1. Mad Hatter Muffler & Brakes is offering 20% off any service when you mention their ad in Women’s Edition. Have peace of mind when you bring your vehicle in to them. See the ad on page 72. Spring cleaning season has arrived! Check out our advertisers who can help rid your home of winter’s mess: Home Cleaning Centers of America (page 14), Omaha Cleaning Connection (page 61), and Omaha’s Rug Cleaning & Restoration (page 38). Devenu Medical Rejuvenation Center has a new licensed massage therapist on staff. They are offering a special savings this month when you schedule your massage. Find the ad on page 32. Frustrated with signs of overactive bladder, incontinence, urgency or leakage? Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology is seeking candidates for their clinical trial. For more details, see the ad on page 13. April is National Foot Health Month! This is a perfect time to have those foot pains checked out by Mid Plains Podiatry, PC. Flip to the ad on page 5. Spring has finally sprung! Time to change up your home’s interior to welcome the new season. Check out Hearts & Fire Furniture & Decor. See their ad on page 35.

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher On the Cover: FDJ For more information, visit www.fdjcollection.com Positive Thought of the Month “Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.” —Doug Larson

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April 2019


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Inside This Edition 2 Publisher’s Notes

40 View From The Top

6 Fashion Worthy

42 Home Works

We should celebrate this change in the weather! Let’s think about how we can update our wardrobes with some of my favorite trends for spring and summer 2019.

8 Weekend Gourmet

46 To Your Good Health

12 Business Style

48 An Inside Look

15 Zodiac Forecast

50 Focus on Finance

16 A Woman’s Work

52 Seasons of Life

18 Vantage Point

54 Business Connection

20 Fresh Concept

56 Peak Performance

22 Out and About

58 Auto Wise

24 The Market Place

60 The Good Life

26 Healthy Living

62 Great Escapes

28 Good Looks

66 Laughter for a Lifetime

32 Income Outcome

68 The Green Thumb

33 Kids Comments

70 Cuddly Critters

Kids are bullied in school because they are different in some way. It seems that the world wants everyone to look, think, dress, and act the same.

34 Interiors By Design

National Publisher/Editor Janet Van deWalle

16

Enjoy your backyard with an outdoor living space! What better way to enhance the space than by adding an outdoor structure like a deck, gazebo, or pergola?

72 Positive Perspective Have you ever had one of those sleepless nights where you toss and turn, can’t get comfortable, and can’t get back to sleep?

Operations Manager Roxy Orr

Art & Editorial Director Erin Lanza

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42 Administrative Assistant Veronica Relford

Copy Editor Liz Huett

Women’s Edition 11570 West Do dg e R o ad • Omah a, NE 68154 • 402-397-0732 or 888-892-40 7 6 Women’s Edition is published by and is the property of Women’s Edition, Inc. Women’s Edition® The Magazine For Metropolitan Women is a registered trademark of Women’s Edition, Inc. (Reg. No. 2,501,858). All rights reserved. Women’s Edition has no affiliation with any other publication. Women’s Edition makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claim as to the accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information. Women’s Edition is not responsible for the accuracy of the QR codes appearing in our magazine. © Copyright 2019, Women’s Edition, Inc. All rights reserved. This material is for personal use only. Republication and redissemination in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Women’s Edition, Inc.

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Fashion Worthy

From the Runway to Your Closet

Warm-Weather Fashion Trends By Holly Bell

Spring is here, which means summer is not far behind. We should celebrate this change in the weather! Let’s think about how we can update our wardrobes with some of my favorite trends for spring and summer 2019. Let’s jump right in on the wild side. I have always loved the tan, beige, and brown color combination of leopard print (though the black-and-gray variation is also on point). It’s so fun, yet somehow also stylish and elegant. It’s no longer a fall look, as it walked the runways for the spring and summer fashion shows in just about every form. Pants, dresses, tops, and jackets were all running wild with leopard prints. The more conservative among us might try a leopard belt with leopard shoes— it’s still playful, but it’s not over the top. Don’t know what to wear with leopard? It doesn’t always have to be worn with black, brown, or tan. Try red for a gorgeous summer take. Signaling that the minimal trend is over, puffy shoulders and shoulder pads are back in vogue. If you’ve watched any of the awards shows this spring, you will have noticed a lot of this look. It has been all about the sleeve for several years now, and the trend continues with the puffy shoulder variation. If you’re shy about the bigger silhouette it makes, try purchasing some separate shoulder pads and adding them to your jackets, tops, and blouses for a little trend lift. Extra lift in your shoulders adds power to your look. Remember—the wider the shoulder, the smaller the waist looks in comparison! The Pantone color of the year is Ultra Violet, but fashionistas have been favoring the softer side of the purple spectrum. Fresh and flattering, lavender in all tones looks so lovely this summer. Best of all, it works with so many other hues that it can almost be used as a neutral. Though fabulous with black, gray, navy, white, cream, or tan, it really makes a statement in a monochromatic ensemble. With the return of looks from the 1980s and ’90s, there is a noticeable item to mix into your wardrobe for this season: the power blazer. Complete with shoulder pads and a slightly oversized silhouette, the menswear-look power blazer is back! This was a fashion statement years ago, and it’s going to be an ongoing trend. Try it over jeans and a white blouse. Cool! The power of a matching two-piece suit is unmistakable. It elevates you instantly to professional mode. More than a basic black pantsuit, suits this year feature bold patterns in menswear plaids, subtle stripes, and even leopard print. A few seasons ago, we were cautioning against being too “matchy-matchy,” as the saying goes. Time to throw that advice to the wind and embrace matching tops and bottoms again. Of course, the beauty of the suit is that it can evolve into several looks, depending on what you wear underneath it. This talk of tailored looks brings us to the next trend—side stripes. What a brilliant concept! Leg-lengthening and slimming, side-striped trousers are going to be everywhere. Looking sharp in dark colors with a bold side stripe, this design is made to be worn as a body-skimming straight-leg trouser. The stripe needs to fall effortlessly, without any cling. What to wear with the side-

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striped trouser? Keep it simple and sporty with a white or black tee. Add a moto or denim jacket for interest (or warmth!). Easy and accessible, leaving hands free, the crossbody bag is incredibly versatile this season. There are a few rules to consider when making such a purchase. Remember, this becomes part of your outfit and is as important as a necklace. Make sure it works with everything you are wearing. A small or medium flat bag is best—it needs to hug your body. You can create a boho look with a fringy bag or an elegant look with a designer statement piece. This is the perfect bag to add to your spring collection. Once you’ve got the right bag, be careful not to overstuff it! You don’t want it bulging out and drawing the wrong kind of attention to itself. One of the biggest street style trends this year, and one I am excited to get behind, is sneakers. Just think— comfortable sneakers are now very fashionable! From Jimmy Choo to Adidas, the trainer shoe is available in a plethora of creative designs, from the simple white summer sneak to cool high-tops with metallic accents and glitter. Time for a new indulgence! A good closet cleaning is always necessary in the spring, and it’s a great excuse to go shopping. You need to update with the newest trends and find what works with pieces you already own. It’s a great feeling to be ready for when the sun shines relentlessly again! Editor’s Note: Holly has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years as a buyer, boutique store owner, visual merchandiser, and fashion show producer. She is currently the owner of a modeling agency. Holly regularly appears on local TV doing fashion segments. WE

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Weekend Gourmet

April Showers and Flowers—Let’s Eat! By Kate Beiting

Baked Easter Leg of Lamb Blend together 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of lemon peel, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of crushed rosemary, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, and 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Rub this paste over a 3-4–pound leg of lamb. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in a 325-degree oven, uncovered, for two and a half hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 145–160 degrees. Let stand for 15 minutes. Serve with roasted spring vegetables, buttered dill potatoes, asparagus, or garlic rosemary mashed potatoes. Baked Brunch Sliders Melt 1 stick of butter. Add 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Separate 2 packages of Hawaiian style rolls and place the bottoms in two 9x13inch baking dishes. Spread the rolls with the butter mixture (save a bit for the tops). Add slices of ham and cheese to cover (you can add scrambled eggs, if desired). Cover the mixture with the tops of the rolls and brush with the rest of the butter. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes at 325 degrees. Ramen Chowder Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the noodles and the

seasoning packet from a package of ramen. Cook for 3 minutes. Add 1 can of corn (drained), 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder, and any leftover veggies in your fridge. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add cooked diced ham or crumbled crispy bacon on top. Glazed Company Ham Mix 1 cup of brown sugar with a 6-ounce can of frozen orange juice concentrate. Place a 5-6–pound ham in a large foil-lined baking dish. Pour the juice mixture over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours. Uncover and bake for another 25 minutes. Slice and serve. ›››

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A Few Words From One of Our Advertisers: “As an advertiser in Women’s Edition since March of 1996, I’d like to take this opportunity to say how pleased we are with the results we have received from being involved with the magazine. Women’s Edition offers a very professional and effective format that allows us to get the message out to women (even men) regarding all the services we provide. We continue to see consistent potential patients flow to our practice from our marketing in Women’s Edition.”

—Bruce S. Kuhn, M.D., D.D.S.

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Short Ribs Heat 2 Tablespoons of oil in a stockpot until shimmery. Add 3 pounds of short ribs. Sauté for a few minutes. Add a few sliced onions and chopped carrots and celery. Pour a bottle of stout (like a Guinness) or Irish beer into the pot. Add more, if necessary, to cover the ribs. Place the pot in the oven and bake at 325 degrees for 3 hours. Chicken Tortilla Soup Heat 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil in a stockpot. Add 1 cup of minced green onions, 2 jalapeños (seeded and chopped), 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 stalk of minced celery (adjust amounts as desired). Sauté for 3 or 4 minutes—do not burn! Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Add 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 chopped plum tomatoes, 1 can of diced or stewed tomatoes, and 2 cups of shredded chicken breast. Cook for 5 minutes at a boil, then lower the heat to simmer and cook another 20–25 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding salt and pepper. When ready to serve, add the juice of a lime and stir. Serve “bar style” with choices of toppings like chopped fresh cilantro, more sliced scallions, tortilla strips, sliced avocados, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Lasagna Soup In a stockpot, brown 1 pound of ground beef and drain any leftover grease. Put the cooked beef into a slow cooker and add an 8-ounce package of chopped mushrooms, 1 cup of chopped yellow onion, 1 cup of chopped red or green pepper, 2 minced

garlic cloves, a 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, a 6-ounce can of tomato paste, 4 cups of prepared chicken stock, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 4–6 hours on low. Break an 8-ounce package of lasagna noodles into mediumsized pieces and add to the slow cooker. Cook for another 30 minutes. For the last 10 minutes of cooking, add 1/4 cup of halfand-half and stir well. Serve in bowls with freshly grated mozzarella and basil leaves. Crab-Avocado Salad Halve a ripe avocado, remove the seed, scoop out the flesh, and chop. (Save the avocado shells.) Add the chopped avocado to 6 ounces of crab (fresh cooked or canned), 2 green onions (chopped), 2 Tablespoons of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, 2 Tablespoons of bread crumbs, and salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Nestle the avocado shells on crumpled foil (so they don’t topple). Fill each avocado shell with the crab mixture. Top with a small pat of butter and a sprinkling of bread crumbs. Bake at 325 degrees for 10–12 minutes. Upside Down Skillet Cake Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a 9-inch skillet (cast iron or any ovenproof skillet). Remove from heat. Sprinkle in 3/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of chopped pecans (optional). Stir well. Arrange 8 pineapple slices (canned is fine) on top of the sugar mixture. Beat 2 eggs for 3–4 minutes, then gradually add 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of hot milk, 1 Tablespoon of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 cup of cake flour, and 1 Tablespoon of baking powder. Beat until blended. Pour the batter over the fruit. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Invert onto a serving platter while warm. WE

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Business Style

“How Can You Throw A Party and Not Invite Us?” Honeyman Rent-All

By Kate Beiting

In today’s culture, we are all encouraged to minimize our lives…to simplify by getting rid of the possessions we rarely use. Well, that’s great, until you want to entertain or have a project that needs tools or equipment. Then what? According to Pat Honeyman, you call on Honeyman Rent-All. They have been helping solve project problems for 50 years. Their motto: “If we don’t have it, we will try to find it!” Pat and her late husband Dennis started Honeyman Rent-All in 1968. “My husband wanted to be home more, and he thought owning his own business would allow that,” Pat relates with a chuckle. “He was inventive and knew so much about equipment—this business was the perfect fit.” The original Honeyman’s, which is located at 4423 South 84th Street, rents a variety of contracting equipment and tools. That store, managed by Chuck Rouse, helps both professionals and weekend workers. “If you are demolishing or getting ready to remodel, we have all of the equipment you will need for those occasional jobs,” Chuck says. Whether you are a skilled contractor or a do-it-yourself remodeler, the Honeyman’s staff will help you figure out what you need to get your project done right. Do you need a wet saw, a rototiller, air compressors—even a live animal trap? Need help removing that 40-year-old wallpaper? Want to relandscape or dig post holes? They can offer solutions for all of your jobs. The Honeyman Rent-All “The Party Place” at 11226 Wright Circle, managed by Bill Reynolds, opened in 1970. “This location, when we first opened, was considered in west Omaha,” jokes Pat. Lisa Honeyman-Flora (Pat’s daughter) is also an integral part of the business. “We rent solutions,” says Pat. “Our customers have great ideas for fun parties, whether they are theme or special occasions. They come to us because we help them organize and build on their ideas.” If you take a tour around the store, you will see a vast selection of linens, tableware, chairs, and decorations to enhance any party. According to Pat, there is no event too small or too large for Honeyman’s staff to help facilitate. Today, Pat is surrounded by family members who work with her, as well as a close group of cheerful employees who feel like family. Several of her employees have been with her for 30 years. “I could not do any of this without them,” she explains. “They are all so talented and creative!” Honeyman’s doesn’t just rent supplies; their advisors can help you design and plan a party to create a memorable occasion down to the smallest detail. “We encourage out-of-the-box thinking,” Pat says. She tells

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Pat Honeyman (front)

me about a high school girl whose parents are using with some of her employees pipe and drape to create a cozy cafe in their garage for her special prom dinner. “Her dad is an avid hunter, and she requested that the trophy heads not be visible.” Pat’s staff are extremely busy this time of year helping post-prom planners around the metro area. “We are helping these volunteers create intimate Paris eateries, Hollywood red carpets—all types of special effects for a fun prom night!” Pat advises that you reserve your items as early as possible, especially in the spring. “We are busy throughout the year, but May and June are our busiest times of year, with graduations and weddings,” she notes. Honeyman’s keeps current on design trends, popular colors, and the equipment that is in the highest demand. Brides seem to love bejeweled cake stands. “We are also noticing that beautiful church-type candelabras are back in vogue,” Pat shares. “Copper chafing dishes are In addition in high demand, and we always have requests for pipe and drape to bridal and prom (creates a room within a room), festivities, Honeyman’s cocktail tables, canopies, lights, and chairs.” assists in creating In addition to bridal and prom festivities, Honeyman’s assists all types of social in creating all types of social and family events. “We’ve assisted in and family events. staging parties, special events, Husker parties, sporting events, bridal and baby showers, end-of-the-year corporate picnics, pub nights, and neighborhood pig roasts.” You never know when you might need a large grill, soft serve machine, sound equipment, moonwalks, slushy machines, windmill golf, challenging games, spin-thewheels, Tiki bar set-ups, of hot dog machines. They also have dunk tanks, cotton candy machines, and snow cone equipment (at the 84th Street location). Delivery and set-up are available. As Pat says, “How can you throw a party and not invite us?” Come visit “The Party Place” showroom at 11226 Wright Circle, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday (402-333-2882). Visit their website at www. honeymanrentall.com. WE


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Zodiac Forecast

ARIES

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March 21–April 19

Happy birthday, Aries! Be patient—sometimes it takes others a moment to see your full potential! Be mindful of this when anticipating career goals. As for your romantic life, you will need to put in a little more effort and be more aggressive. Don’t forget to realize your own potential! Your well-being has never been healthier, and the time is favorable for travel. Plan a trip! Taurus (Apr 20–May 20) At last, you are in a place to direct your life. Make every attempt to be successful. The odds are in your favor.

is in the air this month! You may find yourself in a new relationship. Keep a watchful eye on familiar faces.

Gemini (May 21–Jun 20) You are becoming more self-assured. You are also growing spiritually, which increases your probability of achieving personal and professional objectives.

Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21) The stars are aligned and in your favor. Your domestic life radiates harmony and peace, and your home will be full of laughter and bliss.

Cancer (Jun 21–July 22) You are undergoing an optimistic transformation with loved ones. This reflects positively on your life. To enhance your excellent well-being, indulge in creative work that relaxes your mind and body.

Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 22) Your humorous side will dominate this month. Place your professional and personal ambitions on the back burner for the time being and just enjoy life!

Leo (July 23–Aug 22) When it comes to your professional life, you have great success. The stars are blessing you professionally and your family life is abundantly stable, creating an overall positive life experience. Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22) Due to emotional awareness, you are overcoming challenges that you face often. Your physical health advances, as well, because you are maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22) Just like the smell of spring flowers, love

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Capricorn (Dec 23–Jan 19) You have an instinct to help others, which is not unusual for your personality. Your emphasis this month will be on your family’s well-being and emotional stability. Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18) You may feel the need for transformation or a stronger internal force to get tasks completed. This may be your own inventive way of achieving higher goals. Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20) You are blessed in love, health, and finances. Take some time for spiritual healing, which will only add positivity to everything. Take a journey! WE

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A Woman’s Work

That Mysterious Easter Bunny The Rabbit Who Lays Eggs

By Sharon Knierim

We observe many holidays throughout the year, but you have to admit that Easter offers us one of the strangest possible mascots. Valentine’s Day is represented by Cupid, which is sort of weird but understandable. May poles and May baskets represent the first of May. We can all appreciate baskets of candy delivered to our doors! Uncle Sam is not a stranger to any of us as we celebrate the 4th of July and, of course, witches and ghosties suggest Halloween spookiness that many of us enjoy, at least just a little. Pilgrims were real characters, and we understand their history and their struggles. Who hasn’t heard of Santa Claus and his wondrous one-night journey around the entire globe, bringing toys to all the good little girls and boys? Actually, that one might require a certain stretch of the imagination. Easter, however, heralds the oddly sized and mysterious Easter Bunny, which nobody has ever really seen or, frankly, understood. In cartoons, rabbits and bunnies are typically represented as comic characters because they are cute. The only time many of us take them seriously is when they completely devour our tulips or hosta beds or entire rows of beet tops. That’s when cute comes to a grinding halt. There is nothing funny about

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a rabbit invasion in the garden. I’ve researched the mysterious Easter Bunny, and it’s much like learning about a yeti. There is really no definite evidence that he exists at all. In springtime, however, we see representations of him in shopping malls and elsewhere and are given the opportunity to sit on his lap and have a snapshot portrait taken. It seems that most self-respecting toddlers want absolutely nothing to do with this seven-foot-tall character who neither talks to them nor moves his facial muscles. I have to vote with the little kids on this one and agree that this placid, stoic, giant bunny is a bit off-putting…even scary. Yet, every year, we see photos of

Women’s Edit ion in d e is t r e v d a s “My business ha ry y e ar t he ad e v e d n a , e d a c e er a d . Magazine for ov rrals it brings in fe re ra xt e e h t ia gh t he y e ar— u pays for it self v ro h t d e it is v e ic e I hav hairdresser, Every single off t, n ta n u o c c a r, e l advis n dent is t, financia a Women’s Edit io d a h e v a h ll a ore— physician, and m c offe e tables.” ir e h t n o e in z a g ma i, ow ner sk in is W l ry e h C —


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little children (posted by their parents or grandparents on social media) sitting, scared stiff, on that bunny’s huge lap. The children are usually crying their eyes out or wearing a terrified stare. Not to take things too seriously, but lots of children question why and how a mammal can lay eggs and then decorate them one by one. In school, they have been taught that mammals do not lay eggs. As they would likely be happy to tell you, this occupation is left to chickens and other birds or to reptiles and amphibians. That has to be confusing, and it’s probably what finally brings kiddos around to questioning the reality of the Easter Bunny. Perhaps some of us should lighten up and enjoy the fantasy. After all, even though the very young may not welcome a visit to this mysterious stranger, their feelings seem to change as Easter morning approaches. They are reminded by adults that their good behavior is paramount and that being on their best behavior will determine whether the Easter Bunny will reward them with a basket of toys and candy. Nobody wants to be left out of this giveaway of new playthings and sweet treats. One spring, I was so well-behaved (can you believe it?) that the Easter Bunny delivered to me a huge basket of candy. I was so enthusiastic that I ate the entire contents of that basket before Sunday dinner. Needless to say, I was sick for days and felt deeply betrayed by that old rabbit. I was sure it was his fault. Of course, years later, I understood my own greed, and I left behind my anger for the Easter Bunny. As Easter morning approaches, the little tykes have forgotten their fear and skepticism about the Easter Bunny. They set out their baskets, full of anticipation, and trot off to bed. Sometime during the night, that magical bunny arrives in every home, filling the baskets to the brim with all kinds of treats and toys and colored eggs. Then he hops on to the next home and repeats this until all children have had their baskets filled. Please remember that he does this without the help of eight tiny reindeer and an army of elves, so maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on the rabbit who works such long hours delivering cheer to so many children. If he wants to lay eggs, let him lay eggs. This year, give him a break. Get out your dusty old Easter basket and wait for the Easter Bunny to fill it. Have a wonderful and joyous Easter! WE

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Vantage Point

Midwest Physical Therapy Services Solving Pelvic Problems with Care By Elizabeth French

Midwest Physical Therapy Services moved to their current location at 11640 Arbor Street just over a year ago. In their new space, they have continued to serve the area through patient education and physical therapy. Cheryl Wisinski, PT, DPT, WCS, owner of the practice, has been a physical therapist for over 30 years and is board-certified in women’s health. She and her staff specialize in healing pelvic floor issues. These issues often include incontinence or pelvic pain, Dr. Wisinski says. “We see a lot of people who have incontinence, which could be bowel or bladder. We see women with pelvic pain so bad they can’t have intercourse or do athletic activities.” Pelvic floor strength is important because it stabilizes not only the pelvis but also the core and lower back. “That muscle is responsible for stabilizing the whole bony ring of your pelvis, which has to work in coordination with your spine,” Dr. Wisinski explains. All the muscles in your core need to be strong so they can work together to minimize back and pelvic pain. Physical therapy for the pelvic floor is a relatively new specialty, but it’s growing because of popular demand. Dr. Wisinski pursued the specialty after she encountered patients in her general physical therapy practice who couldn’t do the exercises she recommended because they would leak urine if they did. Some patients who begin physical therapy to address incontinence see other benefits, too. “We just had a really fun patient come see us last week,” Dr. Wisinski shares. “She had originally come to see us because of leakage issues. Along the line, she ended up slimming down, too.” After 90 days of therapy, that patient ended up with weight loss, a flatter stomach, and a complete lifestyle change—all because she finally dealt with her chronic issues. Some patients have weakness or injury that stems from poor posture, overworking the pelvic floor, or even injury to the area. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to fix the patient’s problem. However, notes Dr. Wisinski, surgery and physical therapy go hand in hand. “Surgery changes the organs inside,” says Dr. Wisinski, “but you still need strong muscles underneath it all to have the best outcome of the surgery.” Dr. Wisinski also works with patients who wish to avoid surgery or who have surgery scheduled and want to prepare for it with strengthening exercises. The small size of the office allows them to serve their patients’ individual needs to the fullest. Before seeing a patient for the first time, the team meets to

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discuss potential treatment plans for every individual. l-r: Leticia Lopez, “We look at the muscles surrounding the pelvis, the Office Manager; patient’s posture…we try to look at all the pieces of Cheryl Wisinski, PT, DPT, WCS; the puzzle and figure things out,” says physical therapy Britnee Hoffner, PTA; assistant Britnee Hoffner. and Kareena Torres, PTA Strengthening a muscle takes a minimum of six weeks of consistent exercise. Patients who perform their exercises at home, between appointments, get the most benefit from physical therapy. “No one wants to go home and do 30 minutes’ worth of exercises,” Dr. Wisinski notes. She and her team focus on short, dayto-day challenges they call “red light” exercises. “We try to make it functional and allow patients to fit them into the day.” Patients are more likely to follow through on their home exercises if they understand why they’re doing them, Dr. Wisinski has found. That’s why patient education is so important at Midwest Physical Therapy Services. “We spend half of the first session using models and pictures to teach patients about their bodies—where their bowels are, what the pelvic floor looks like, and how those structures interact.” This empowers patients with the tools they need to help heal their own bodies. Patient Dennis describes urinary frequency and urgency that were dominating his life. “The medication helped, but not enough,” he recalls. “My urologist recommended that I visit Midwest Physical Therapy Services. What a life-changer! After a thorough evaluation, they set up a program to strengthen my lower abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. There has been a dramatic decrease in my symptoms!” Patient Kim started physical therapy about nine months after giving birth to her second child. “I have benefited the most from uncovering what areas to focus on in order to improve my weakness, my pain, and my overall strength, stability, and function,” she says. “I am still discovering new things about my body that I did not know or think about previously. I’m excited to continue to learn even more to improve function and symptoms during my current pregnancy.” To schedule your appointment, call 402-933-8383 or visit them online at midwestpts.com. WE


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19


Fresh Concept

Cosmetic Laser Treatments Which One Is Right for You? By Kylie Gumpert

More and more, laser technology seems to be the answer to improving just about anything from head to toe. Whether it’s reducing fine lines and wrinkles, removing warts or red spots, or eliminating stubborn fat deposits, lasers are where it’s at—luckily, laser treatment is nowhere near as invasive as it sounds. There are a lot of different laser methods and treatment brands out there. Before we get into specific procedures, there are some general things to consider. First of all, laser procedures often increase skin sensitivity, so it’s best to have them done during fall or winter months as opposed to sunnier times of the year. Certain treatments can cause prolonged sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s important to wear sunscreen, no matter when your treatment is performed. Cosmetic laser treatment will almost always require several sessions to be effective and to create noticeable results. The good news is that results tend to last for years. Laser treatment is not necessarily pain-free. How much a laser procedure may hurt depends on several factors, including the type of laser treatment, whether or not it is ablative (that is, it removes layers of skin), how large of an area is being treated, and, of course, the individual patient’s sensitivity to pain. Now, let’s get into some specifics! Laser treatments to remove fat are recommended for patients who are at healthy weights but have problem areas that diet and exercise just can’t seem to fix. The truSculpt® 3D body contouring procedure eliminates fat and helps firm and tighten sagging skin. It uses radiofrequency waves to heat up and damage fat cells. After the cells are damaged, they will be eventually absorbed or eliminated by the body. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment, and they will start to see results a couple of months later. Laser liposuction is a minimally-invasive treatment in which laser energy liquifies fat before a small tube is used to remove that fat from the body. Most laser liposuction products, including SmartLipo, CoolLipo, and SlimLipo, are recommended for patients who have love handles, excess facial fat, or flabby arms. Recovery takes only a day or two. Results can be seen in a week and can last for a long time, as long as patients maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. The Venus Legacy Laser uses radiofrequency waves and pulsed electromagnetic fields to achieve similar results. The electromagnetic radiation passes into the deepest layers of skin to stimulate healing and collagen production, which encourages tightening and minimizes sagging skin. EMSCULPT is a physical device worn by patients during treatment that sends high-intensity focused electromagnetic waves through muscle, stimulating a strong contraction that builds and tones muscle in a short amount of time. It’s used to help lift and tone gluteal and abdominal muscle. Most patients will need four

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treatments, spaced just a couple of days apart, to see results. No recovery time is needed. Skin laser treatments, also called skin resurfacing, can reduce the look of wrinkles, sagging skin, acne, warts, scars, age spots, and redness. These procedures are often used on the face, but they can be used elsewhere on the body. There are several different laser types that medical professionals use to treat skin issues, including carbon dioxide lasers, fractional lasers, erbium lasers, and pulsed-dye lasers. A carbon dioxide laser is ablative—that is, it physically removes layers of skin. It uses light beams to transfer energy to a patient’s skin cells until they literally vaporize. This produces heat, which also damages the surrounding skin and leads to a longer recovery time. However, a carbon dioxide laser treatment can help minimize deeper wrinkles and scars and can even remove skin tags and warts. It is usually recommended for patients with more signs of aging or who are over the age of 50. Recovery will take around two weeks for this type of laser treatment. A fractional laser targets tiny areas on the skin and uses heat to damage skin cells. The body then naturally sheds the dead skin cells and replaces them with new skin cells. After each treatment, around 20 percent of damaged cells and skin are replaced by new, undamaged cells. Because this treatment is quite gentle, it can be used to treat several different skin conditions. Fraxel is a non-ablative, fractional treatment that is recommended for patients who have fine lines, slight sun damage, or surface scarring. Three to five treatments (two to four weeks apart) are normally required. Recovery time for this gentler treatment is minimal. Patients should notice some improvement immediately and should expect significant improvement within three months. The CO2RE fractional laser is a combination of the carbon dioxide and fractional laser types, and it is recommended for patients who want to undergo just


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one intense treatment to treat their wrinkles and age spots and to improve color, texture, and tone. This aggressive ablative treatment is not recommended for patients of color because it causes darkening of the skin, which might need additional treatments to fix. Most patients undergo just one treatment, and the results usually last for several years. Recovery takes around two weeks and will include significant crusting, peeling, and dryness. With an erbium laser, less heat is released into the surrounding skin, making recovery time shorter. Because it isn’t as intense, this treatment is best for finer wrinkles, fainter age spots, and areas where a patient simply wants some skin tightening. Generally, an erbium laser treatment recovery will take close to one week. The erbium YAG laser is an ablative treatment that uses light to vaporize damaged cells, which are then replaced by healthy new cells. It is recommended for patients who want to treat fine wrinkles, pigmentation issues, acne scars, and sun spots. Two to four treatments are usually required (four to six weeks apart), and recovery takes just a few days. A pulsed-dye laser (PDL) is normally non-ablative and is best for reducing redness and discoloration from veins and broken capillaries, birthmarks, scars, and rosacea. It works by releasing intense light to a targeted area. The energy is absorbed by the skin cells. This damages them until they are absorbed by the body. This redirects blood flow to the area, which minimizes or eliminates the discoloration. This type of laser can be quite effective even for large and significantly discolored areas. The Vbeam Perfecta laser is a pulsed-dye laser that is gentle enough to be used on infants who have skin abnormalities. There is normally little to no discomfort after treatment, aside from some redness and swelling. For some conditions, such as broken

capillaries, results can be nearly immediate. Multiple treatments may be needed, depending on pigmentation and the size of the area to be treated. PicoSure helps treat pigmentation issues, acne scarring, and fine wrinkles. It can even remove tattoos! It is known for having almost no recovery time, aside from redness that lasts about a day. Most patients need two or three treatments for optimal results. The excel V laser system uses two different wavelengths of light to treat skin conditions like port wine stains, rosacea, veins, wrinkles, and moles. It can even do small area hair removal. The number of treatments needed depends on the condition, but some patients may need just one session. Recovery is generally a couple of days. Results might be noticeable within weeks, although it usually takes several months to see extensive improvement. No matter which laser treatment you choose, the level of training and certification of the medical professional who performs your treatment is directly correlated to your results. Take the time to find an experienced, trained, and qualified professional who can recommend the best options for you. Avoid choosing a treatment or provider because it is the best deal or the newest procedure. As you can see, there are many laser treatment options that can help you achieve the beautiful skin that you want. If you think one of these treatments might be right for you, schedule a consultation with a laser treatment expert in your area today! If you don’t know where to begin, start with your dermatologist, who may be able to make a recommendation (or even perform the laser treatment!). Sources for this article included: cutera.com, smartlipocynosure. com, verywellfit.com, md.com, asds.net, mayoclinic.org, skintour.com, syneron-candela.com, fraxel.com, and cynosure.com. WE

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Out and About

Great Finds Boutique

Thoughtful Consignment Shopping By Emilee Lindley

When Julie and Jerrold decided to retire from the Tupperware business, they knew that hanging out at home wasn’t going to be enough to keep them sharp and busy. They sat down at the table at 6 p.m. one evening to discuss a plan. By 9 p.m., the idea for Great Finds Consignment was born and set into motion. Julie and Jerrold own the building at 13448 L Street—one side is their son’s photography business, and the other side is the consignment gallery. It’s a real family business, and it’s one of the sweetest you’ll ever see. As you take the side frontage road off of 132nd toward Great Finds, you feel like you’re entering a tree-filled neighborhood, which is part of the charm of the location. There’s ample parking close to the door, in case you’re carrying something heavy in or out. Inside, you’ll be greeted with friendly smiles and conversation, as well as treats! “There’s always chocolate on our counter because a person needs energy to shop,” Julie points out. “We love our customers, and we love what we do.” Consignment is an incredible way to give new life

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to the things in your home that you no longer need or want, while making money! Here’s how it works: Great Finds accepts quality, gently used items. They will ask you to email photos before you bring your items in. If it’s a go, you’ll schedule an appointment to consign your items. They will keep your items on the floor for 90 days, with automatic regular markdowns the first of each month. (This way, there’s always something on special!)

Jerrold and Julie (sitting) with Theresa and Brad

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The other side of consignment is great, too—being create the gallery’s ambience every day. “She has an eye that able to shop for beautiful home furnishings in a supportive won’t quit,” Julie tells me. “She designs this store.” As I wander and affordable environment. Whether you are looking to through the gallery, Theresa is working, moving furniture remake a space in your home, decorating an apartment, and accessories around, creating new vignettes and areas or finding dorm furnishings for your new college student, throughout the space. “This is my pretend apartment that I the interesting and one-of-a-kind pieces at Great Finds are redecorate every day,” Theresa tells me with a laugh. “I love it ready to leave their old stories here!” It’s clear that she does. behind and begin a new story with Is it time to brighten up your you. walls with some beautiful art or “When we opened, we decided “When we opened, we decided decorative wall hangings? Do you that items had to look good need a new crystal bowl to house your that items had to look good enough that we would put them fresh fruit in the kitchen…something in our own home,” says Julie. that catches the sunlight on your enough that we would put “That philosophy has held us to windowsill? Are you thinking of them in our own home,” says our high standard for the duration upping your patio furniture game as of our 14 years in business.” It is spring approaches? If you answered Julie. “That philosophy has clear while walking through the yes to any of these questions, Great gallery that the standard has stuck. Finds is the one-stop magical shop held us to our high standard Everything looks beautiful, and you’ve been looking for. Find out there is so much to see! A pink how this family can be a part of what for the duration of our vase, a vintage poster, a wooden your home needs, or simply go have a banquette, or an entire Hancock piece of chocolate and make a friend. 14 years in business.” Moore leather living room set are Everyone will benefit from your visit! just a few of the things that might Great Finds Consignment catch your eye. I walked out with some special prizes of my Gallery can be found at 13448 L Street, in Omaha. Reach own for the fairest prices I could imagine. them by phone at 402-895-5455. You can visit them online at Julie and Jerrold’s son, Brad, manages the store, handling greatfindsconsignment.com to see a sampling of the items what comes and goes. Theresa and Dawn are the other friendly they’re carrying. You’re better off, though, just stopping by and faces you will see when you walk through the doors. Theresa walking around the store. Their inventory changes daily, so if has a degree in art and design, and she uses those talents to you see something you love, make it yours! WE

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The Market Place Your Second Season To all the women entering and in the midst of midlife—Your Second Season vision is to unite and strengthen your voice through community and awareness. Our mission: To develop a strong community of women experiencing the unique challenges and triumphs of being a woman entering, during, and after midlife. To educate and inform women in areas of Identity, Purpose, Physical and Mental Well-Being. Please visit our website www.yoursecondseason.com or join our social media community. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Integrative Wellness, Inc., Physical Therapy & Consulting Omaha physical therapist Dr. Natalie Dowty is taking a different approach to healing. Integrative Wellness, Inc., Physical Therapy and Consulting is rooted in the idea that wellness is about much more than physical health. “It’s about living well, where you are,” says Dr. Dowty. She provides wellness-based physical therapy for chronic pain and chronic conditions, as well as whole health wellness coaching. She has served the Omaha community as a clinician and educator for more than 20 years. Call today to schedule your appointment today at 402-212-7444. Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler For over 132 years, Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler has been providing caring and compassionate funeral and cremation services to the families in our area. Our staff and directors are committed to serving families by solving problems and providing personal satisfaction. We have expanded our facilities and staff over the past 13 years to meet the growing funeral service and cremation needs of today’s families. Being family-owned and -operated for four generations is one of the cornerstones of our development. Every detail is considered in planning a meaningful tribute to your loved one. Though not a complete list of our services, the following are several that are available: traditional service, graveside service, memorial service, and “celebration of life” service.

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Papio Creek Gems If you love creating jewelry or buying artisan pieces, you will love shopping at Papio Creek Gems. This family-owned and -operated business has been serving Omaha for 16 years. They have an unparalleled selection of gemstones and beads from around the world. Their wide array of jewelry has been created by local and world-class artisans. They also offer jewelry supplies, silversmithing and jewelry creation classes, jewelry repair, and professional gemstone cutting. Stop in and be amazed! They are located across the street from Oakview Mall at 3412 South 144th Street. Give them a call at 402-935-GEMS (4367).

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Antler View Apartment Homes Welcome home to Antler View, the newest luxury apartment community in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Life at Antler View puts you in the heart of the finest dining, shopping, and entertainment that Omaha has to offer. Antler View provides its residents a selection of one and two bedroom homes in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Metro area. We hope you take pleasure in your chef-inspired kitchen with granite countertops, beautiful wood-grain LVT flooring, open concept floor plans, huge closets, magnificent clubhouse with swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, and much more. Come and ENJOY life at Antler View Apartment Homes! Tiburon Golf Club For celebrating new beginnings, nothing compares to Tiburon Golf Club, located conveniently off I-80 and Highway 370. The professional event staff at Tiburon Golf Club understands the importance of your event, and we pride ourselves on our ability to listen to what you envision and to turn your dream into your most memorable reality. Our Tiburon Great White Ballroom and Junior Ballrooms are elegant and spacious and offer full audiovisual capabilities and natural lighting. All rooms are accessible to our cozy walkout patio, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of our beautifully manicured golf course. To book a private function, please call 402-896-1323 or email Becky at becky@tiburongolf.com.

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Healthy Living

Become the Best “You” You Can Be Devenu Medical Rejuvenation Center By Loretta McCollum

“Devenu” is French for “become,” and that’s just what happens at Devenu Medical Rejuvenation Center—you become your best self, inside and out. “At Devenu, we help individuals rediscover the confidence to be themselves,” says Dr. Julie Waddell. The qualified staff members help patients reach their health and beauty goals with aesthetic, medicinal, and holistic procedures. After all, beauty and health go hand in hand. Dr. Waddell brings a holistic perspective to health and beauty—she has been a primary care physician for nearly 25 years and has been focusing on cosmetic procedures at Devenu for more than a decade. “Sometimes, when people look in the mirror, they don’t see themselves anymore. They don’t have the energy they used to have,” she says. “We work with our patients to develop an individualized treatment plan with a primary care slant.” Popular services include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), laser treatments, HCG weight loss, Botox, CoolSculpting, facials, and fillers, all offered in a beautifully serene setting with skilled, personalized care. Devenu delivers the complete package, also offering massage therapy and advanced skin care products. In addition to Dr. Waddell, Devenu’s professional staff includes nurse practitioner Emilie, licensed nurse Mary, licensed massage therapist Gabriel, and esthetician Mikaila. Patients appreciate the intimacy of the practice, Dr. Waddell explains. “When patients call us, the nurse who takes the call is the same nurse who has seen them in the office. I believe that our personalized approach is something that really sets us apart.” Patient education is also an important part of treatment at Devenu. “We address proper supplements and make sure our clients get preventative screenings. I remember telling a patient, ‘I can’t do your hormones until you have your pap smear and mammogram,’” Dr. Waddell recalls. “As it turns out, cancer was detected, and she was able to get early treatment.” About 50 percent of clients initially visit Devenu for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Hormone imbalance affects millions of men and women, with symptoms like weight gain, hot flashes, fatigue, irritability, low libido, memory problems, decreased muscle mass, and bone loss. Replacement therapy restores hormonal balance and helps relieve troubling symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones created by the human body but are derived from plant sources. Prior to beginning hormone therapy, each person’s hormone levels are tested to pinpoint specific deficiencies and to determine what is needed to establish hormonal balance. Devenu utilizes a subdermal approach, allowing for good absorption and slow, continual release. A small pellet is inserted into the upper hip using a pen-like device. The pellet provides consistent hormone delivery for months, after which another pellet is inserted.

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Patients are continually monitored, with lab work performed six weeks after pellet insertion and then again at 10 weeks, to ensure that the front l-r: Emilie Gumell, replacement therapy is suitably matched to the patient. NP; Mikaila Jacobsen, “About 80 percent of the time,” Dr. Waddell shares, “our Esthetician; and patient’s partner will also come in for treatment after Dr. Julie Waddell back l-r: Sandy Powers, seeing the positive results.” Office Manager; Gabriel After restoring internal balance, many clients focus Guerrero, Massage on the external. Devenu works with clients to determine Therapist; and Mary what is best suited to their specific needs and lifestyle. Vlcek, LPN Devenu offers a variety of anti-aging treatments, including Botox, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, facials, and collagen induction therapy (CIT). CIT (also known as micro-needling) involves running a small pen with tiny needles across the face to stimulate collagen production. Dr. Waddell explains, “Whenever you create a controlled injury, your body produces collagen, increasing skin elasticity.” CIT is a popular option for patients who don’t want a lot of post-procedure downtime. Devenu will soon be adding infusion therapy to their catalog of services. Infusion therapy provides natural treatment for migraines, dehydration, fatigue, and cold and flu symptoms by infusing electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants directly into the body through an IV for rapid absorption. They’re particularly excited about NAD infusion therapy. NAD is an enzyme found in almost all cells in the body. It fuels metabolism and helps clear out free radicals, those pesky little atoms that damage cells and accelerate aging. Rapid, high-dose, holistic NAD infusions quickly optimize NAD levels for a more effective outcome. A 45-minute infusion twice monthly can improve energy and cognitive function and can reverse the aging effects of free radicals. Devenu offers free consultations to discuss your best options. Teleconference consultations are available for those who don’t live in the Omaha area. Devenu does not participate with insurance companies; this allows them to offer their own cost-effective options and individualized payment plans. Dr. Waddell and the Devenu staff would love to help you become your best self. If you’re ready to feel like yourself again, call them at 402-397-2300 or visit devenu.com. Devenu Medical Rejuvenation Center is located at 9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 305, in Omaha. WE


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April 2019

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Good Looks

Feeling Vain About Your Veins? How to Handle Unsightly Veins

By Loretta McCollum

After a long, frigid winter, spring surrounds us in a palette of vivid color. It’s time to liberate our legs from their dark winter prison. Some of us are not looking forward to displaying our pasty legs in all their anemic glory, and we don’t want to emphasize the problem by adding the red, blue, and purple hues of varicose and spider veins. Luckily, it’s only April, so there’s still time to take care of those unsightly veins before the high-heat shorts-wearing weather begins. We know that varicose veins are those deep purple, red, or blue veins that bulge and twist on our legs, but what causes them? Veins have valves that pump blood toward the heart. When a vein becomes weak or damaged, it becomes more difficult for it to pump blood against gravity, so the blood flows backward, pooling in the vein, causing it to bulge outward. In addition to cosmetic issues, varicose veins can cause physical discomfort like throbbing, swelling, itching, and aching. Spider veins are a mild version of varicose veins that get their name from their delicate, web-like appearance underneath the skin. Spider veins are likely to appear on the face and legs and are largely a cosmetic concern. Certain individuals are more at risk for developing varicose veins. Females are more likely than males to develop this problem because of hormone fluctuations and increased blood volume dur-

ing pregnancy. Being overweight also escalates vein pressure. Family history may play a role, as does the normal wear and tear of aging. Those who stand still or sit for extended periods of time are more at risk, because of inconsistent blood flow. Varicose veins are certainly a cosmetic concern, but they can also lead to other significant health issues. The pooling of blood in veins can lead to the formation of blood clots, a serious condition that can be fatal. Skin ulcers may develop near varicose veins, particularly around the ankles. These ulcers are painful and often become infected. Varicose veins close to the skin may burst, causing bleeding. This bleeding is usually minor. However, depending upon the size of the ruptured vein, it can also be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. The possibility of complications provides even more motivation to seek medical attention for this common disorder. Several treat- ›››

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ments are available, from full removal of the problem vein to non-invasive treatments. Somewhere in the middle is a procedure known as sclerotherapy, in which the vein is injected with a solution that scars and closes the vein. It’s performed in the doctor’s office, and no anesthesia is used. Multiple treatments, a few weeks apart, may be needed. The varicose veins will slowly fade and will not reappear, although new ones may emerge. Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard of treatment for spider veins. Laser therapy sends strong bursts of light into a vein, causing it to fade and eventually disappear. This treatment is effective for smaller varicose and spider veins. The heat from the laser damages the vein, and the resulting scar tissue closes the vein, causing it to die. Blood flow is naturally re-routed to healthier veins. More than one treatment is usually required. Catheter-assisted laser treatment involves inserting a small catheter into the vein. The tip of the catheter is heated with laser or radiofrequency energy. As the catheter is pulled out, the heat destroys the vein. This is a common method of treating larger varicose veins. Vein stripping is an invasive option, used for the most serious cases of varicose veins. During this procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia. The physician makes small incisions in the skin, ties off the vein, and then removes it. Patients usually go home the same day. VenaSeal is one of the newest treatment options for varicose veins. In this procedure, a tiny incision is made in the skin, and a small catheter is inserted into the vein. The catheter injects a small amount of medical glue into the vein, closing it off. As with other procedures, the blood is naturally re-routed to other veins. No heat is used, recovery time is minimal, and, unlike most treatments, compression socks are not required post-procedure. Varicose and spider veins that have been medically treated will most likely not reappear, though new ones may develop. A healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and regular exercise will go a long way to keep veins in proper working order. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment plan for your needs. This spring, leave that colorful, variegated look to the landscape, and show off your healthy, lovely limbs. Sources for this article included veindirectory.org, mayoclinic.org, nhlbi.nih.gov, and vascular.org. WE

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Income Outcome

Life is Good The Gift of Time

By Janet Van deWalle

I have had the wonderful opportunity over the last several months to simply “be.” The past six years, I have found myself racing through life, trying to get everything done that needed to be done. I was working six or seven days a week, trying to get on top of the demands that I had created for myself. Since the beginning of the year, that has all changed. I have my nights and weekends to breathe. I have my life back. It is all good. Actually, it is all great. “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” —Mother Theresa Taking time to breathe, to live in the moment, is something that I think an awful lot of us have lost sight of. We race through life, shuttle the kids from here to there, race to work, have a “quick lunch” with friends, get together with family only on holidays… only to get up and do it all again the next day. “I have enough time, energy, wisdom, and money to accomplish all of my desires.” —Unknown What I’ve learned from my experience over the last several years is that time is a truly priceless gift. I didn’t appreciate the value of it before I experienced not having enough of it! Think about it—you can’t buy time.

“Time is what we want most but what we use worst.” —William Penn Having the past experience of a consistent lack of time for my life has taught me to focus on being in the present. It has taught me to relish in the time I get to spend with those people in my life who I love and who love me. It has made me appreciate the gift of time that others choose to give me. It has taught me how to practice patience with myself and others. It has taught me to breathe once again. “If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” —Amit Ray, Om Chanting and Meditation Life is such a gift. Time is such a gift. There is a part of me that has regrets over my “lost time.” When I step back, though, I realize that this experience has made me grow and learn. It gave me a “kick in the butt” that was sorely needed. Was it hard? You better believe it. Was it worth it? After a few short months, I am beginning to believe the answer is a resounding yes. Life is great. “Convince yourself every day that you are worthy of a good life. Let go of stress; breathe. Stay positive, all is well.” —Germany Kent

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Kids Comments

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I Want to Be…Me! Fitting In and Standing Out We are confronted daily with the idea that we should be something or someone other than who we are. Advertisements and commercials tell us we can look younger or be more active by using their product. Talking heads urge us to agree with their ideas and thinking. Kids are bullied in school because they are different in some way. It seems that the world wants everyone to look, think, dress, and act the same. At one time, stereotypes limited our choices. Boys wore blue; girls wore pink. Women could be teachers, secretaries, nurses, or stay-at-home moms. Men, on the other hand, could be anything—although few turned out to be nurses or secretaries. That started changing with the women’s lib movement in the 1960s and 1970s. About that time, actress Marlo Thomas released “Free to Be You and Me,” which proposed the idea that anyone could achieve anything. Its message encouraged gender neutrality, individuality, and tolerance. She urged everyone to be comfortable with their own identity. Those are all qualities to be admired today. It’s much easier to follow the crowd in order to belong. Kids want to be popular. They find groups where they are comfortable and try to follow that group’s ways of dress, speech, activity, and entertainment. Most people (remember, kids are people, too) want to be as much like their peers as possible. I think that’s part of the reason there are often dress codes at school and work.

By Marge Shoemaker, BS, MS

Of course, being different takes grit and even hard work. It’s not easy for those who stray from the norms established by their peers. Performers as diverse as Kermit the Frog and Frank Sinatra have sung, “It’s not easy being green.” The lyrics speak to us of how it would be nice to be something different. They bemoan the fact that when you’re the same, you blend in… you’re ordinary. It’s easy to be overlooked unless you find a way to shine. What if, instead, we could find glory in what (or who) we are? In Helen Lester’s children’s book, “Tacky the Penguin,” Tacky isn’t like his staid but graceful companions, all dressed in tuxedos, marching in line and singing in harmony. He wears loud colors, dances to a syncopated beat, and sings off-key. I won’t spoil the story, but Tacky’s “different-ness” saves the day when hunters arrive on the scene. There are times, of course, when we have to follow the lead of others. That’s how we get along in society and in our jobs. Still, it’s fun to push the envelope a bit and dare to be different, just by being ourselves. Have you found your ideal self? Are your kids exploring the possibilities? Follow your dreams. Be an individual. Celebrate individuality! Be YOU! Editor’s Note: Marge has three children, two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She holds advanced degrees in education. Her life’s mission is to teach everyone that kids are people, too. WE

April 2019

33


Interiors by Design

Preventing a Home Invasion You Need Regular Pest Control!

By Robyn V. Powell

You may think that a tidy home means a pest-free home. Not necessarily! Many pests are attracted to our homes for reasons that have nothing to do with cleanliness. What’s worse, these covert critters often hide within walls, wreaking havoc before you even know they’re there. Pests can create big headaches for homeowners, causing destruction to property and posing health hazards. Whether you’re safeguarding your home or your business, pest control should be at the top of your list. Many home and business owners mistakenly believe that they can address any potential pest problem on their own. The truth is, many people don’t recognize the telltale signs of an infestation until it is too late and the damage is done. Some pests make their presence obvious, while others hide away, thriving for generations. Wood-loving bugs such as termites and carpenter ants can tear your home apart, and an undetected infestation can cost thousands of dollars to remedy. Rodents have been plaguing humans through the ages. Thanks to their ability to slip through the tiniest entry points, they commonly infest homes and buildings by taking up residence and rapidly reproducing in attics, in insulation, and behind walls. Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they can also spread disease to pets and humans as well as bringing additional pests like lice, ticks, and fleas. Their destructive chewing habits can damage insulation, compromise floor joists,

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and pose a fire hazard (when they fray the wires behind your walls). All that most pests need to thrive is a source of food and water. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to keep kitchen scraps and crumbs cleaned up—pests may also eat things like wood, upholstered furniture, and linens. Carpet beetles and moths love to munch on clothing and fabric furnishings. Other common pests like ants and cockroaches are as opportunistic as they come, snacking on rubber, plastic, and even each other! Hiring professionals to manage pest control is a smart investment in your health and your home. Knowledgeable pest control companies know what to look for and how to treat the source of the problem. They have the training and equipment to eradicate pests without causing damage to you or your property. Advanced chemical technologies have resulted in substances that can be safely released in enclosed areas. Pest control profes- ›››


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sionals are trained to use chemicals in and around homes to target pests while keeping humans, their belongings, and their pets safe from exposure. Licensed applicators will provide copies of pesticide labels that indicate how each product should be applied and any precautions to take, such as emptying cupboards, removing personal items from the floor, and keeping pets and children away from treated areas. Keeping pests away through regularly scheduled treatments is just as important as getting rid of an active infestation. A reliable pest control company will inspect your home for any active infestations and then recommend a treatment schedule (typically, every 2–3 months throughout the year) based on factors like your home’s history of infestation and what pests are common in your area. With the change of seasons, a variety of pests make their way into homes and yards. A knowledgeable pest control company will customize timely treatments to target specific pests. Urban sprawl has encroached on the natural habitats of wildlife. Raccoons are clever survivalists, adapting to urban and suburban environments by building their dens in accessible outbuildings, under decks, and in attics. Because raccoons are nocturnal, much of their activity takes place under the cover of darkness; their presence often goes undetected until they make a mess. Squirrels, ingenious at gaining access to attics, can do some serious damage along the way. Once inside, squirrels love to chew wires, ductwork, wood, pipes, and more, leaving behind a fecal and urine trail that can be absorbed into insulation and cause odors. Snakes seeking refuge from the cold find their way into garages. If you see or suspect wildlife in your home, it’s advisable to hire a wildlife expert who can humanely trap and remove unwanted animals quickly and safely. Though good housekeeping won’t eliminate the chances of infestation, it is still essential to keep your home from becoming an attractive breeding ground for pests. Eliminate access to food, water, and shelter by containing and sealing household food and trash, sealing any entry points to your home’s exterior, decluttering, and removing outdoor pet food and water at night. Hiring a reliable pest control company to perform regular checkups and apply any necessary treatments will go a long way toward ensuring a pest-free home. Let the experts put a stop to those pesky pests taking up residence in your house. A pest-free home is a happy home! Sources for this article included: cdc.gov, pestworld.org, and pests.org. WE

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View from the Top

Mad Hatter Muffler & Brakes

Where Everyone Knows Your Name By Cynthia Jeffrey

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your car needs service, especially when there appears to be an automotive shop on every block, each one running sales and specials that may or may not apply to you. How can you be sure your car’s needs are being met with honesty and integrity? Zach Haver, owner of Mad Hatter Muffler & Brakes, provides a simple answer. “Find someone you trust and stick with them,” he says. “At Mad Hatter, we go out of our way to provide great service.” Their website describes what you can expect from a visit to their service store: They will promptly greet you and write up the issue, they will fully explain the repairs that are needed for your vehicle, and they will offer options whenever they are available. They’ll keep you posted on the progress of your car’s service. Most importantly, they’ll fix it right—the first time, and on time. You could say that automotive service is in Zach’s blood, as he was born into the automotive and customer service industry. His father and grandfather are well known in the Omaha area as top service providers. Recently, Zach has channeled their passion for great service and built upon it with his education and his own unique experiences. Those experiences include the recent purchase of Mad Hatter. Zach has always been drawn to the automotive business. He earned a degree in automotive technology and management at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming. After college, he worked at a car dealership, working his way up to a management position before venturing out on his own. After all, he promised his grandfather he would become his own boss someday. By purchasing Mad Hatter, he has fulfilled that promise. Zach is an entrepreneur at heart, and he enjoys running the business. He loves that he is able to solve problems, help people, and see the fruits of his labor. He hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams by showing them that hard work and attention to detail pay off. The extraordinary level of customer service is what really sets Mad Hatter apart from other automotive shops. Zach has hand-picked his staff from previous work experiences. Because he has worked with them before, he has the utmost trust in their ability to perform the services needed and to treat every customer in a positive way that will establish a trusted mechanic/customer relationship. Zach understands that if his staff members do a good job, people will come back and will refer their friends and family to

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them, and he strives to lead by example. That is how a good business grows. As a smaller shop, Mad Hatter is built upon reputation, top service work, and positive interaction with their customers. That positive interaction includes honest assessment and explanations for services required. Zach encourages his customers to ask questions. “Don’t discount your purchasing power,” he advises. “Ask questions, and don’t take the initial responses at face value.” Erin is one customer who took this advice, and she’s glad she did! “After my muffler broke, I took my car to the dealership I got it from, and the mechanic quoted me $700,” Erin recalls. “A family friend recommended Mad Hatter instead, so I called them. They said I could bring it in right away. They told me exactly what was wrong and told me it would only be a $125 fix. That is a HUGE difference! I was in and out in less than an hour, and my car is running like new again. Needless to say, I am extremely happy with their service.” Another customer shares an “awesome” Mad Hatter experience: “Had a custom exhaust put on my 2013 Nissan Titan Pro-4X. The experience was great, and the mechanics do great work. Zach is really professional and an awesome guy. I would recommend them for anything you need done. Thanks for the awesome experience, you guys. Truck sounds great!” Zach has found something he truly enjoys doing, and his passion shows throughout the business. Take a moment to visit Mad Hatter Muffler & Brakes online at madhattermuffleromaha.com. You’ll find the full list of services provided, information on how to make an appointment, and a list of what to expect at your initial consultation. They are also on Facebook, or you can give them a call at 402-330-2286. Don’t forget to ask about the free pick-up and drop-off! Zach and his team at Mad Hatter are ready to get your vehicle repaired at a fair price and with the least possible inconvenience to you. They’re located at 2531 South 140th Avenue in Omaha and at 3338 West Broadway in Council Bluffs, 712-322-7500. WE

Zach Haver, Owner and Jeremy Kruse, Service Manager


www.womensedition.com

April 2019

41


Home Works

Decks, Gazebos, and Pergolas, Oh My! Improve Your Yard

By Anne Yankus

Now that winter is officially over, it’s almost warm enough to really enjoy your backyard as an outdoor living space! What better way to enhance the space than by adding an outdoor structure like a deck, gazebo, or pergola? Decks, as the staple of most backyards, are versatile structures that can be made of many different materials. On the more economical end, you have pressure-treated lumber (often less than $1 per linear foot). On the downside, pressure-treated lumber has a green tint to it and isn’t very dimensionally stable (meaning it can crack and warp over time). Slightly pricier options include redwood and cedar. Redwood and cedar decks are favored by purists, and they cost around $2–$4 per linear foot. Redwood and cedar have great natural coloring, but you’ll need to stain the wood to preserve that color over time. Like any natural wood deck, it will need regular pressure washing and waterproofing every few years. Since we live in the modern age, we also have the higher tech options of composite decking and plastic lumber. Composite decking is made from recycled plastic and wood fiber; plastic lumber (as the name implies) contains no wood fiber. Both options are free of imperfections like knots or cracks and will resist warping and discoloration for

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many, many years. Price-wise, composite and plastic decks are quite comparable, as well, often going for around $2.50–$3 per linear foot. In addition to materials, you also need to choose a deck design. Ideas include creating walkways that connect to the yard, building seating or tables into the deck design, adding multiple stories, or even building a playground area for the kids! Adding an eye-catching railing to your deck can also spice up the design if you don’t have room for a larger or more elaborate deck. Consider incorporating planters or going with a unique look by utilizing recycled materials like wood pallets or unaltered tree branches. If you don’t want to go too crazy, you can always add a different style with more conventional materials like wood lattice, metal, or plexiglass. If you choose a multi-story deck, you also have the option of creating a waterproof patio shelter underneath. In order to accomplish this, you’ll want to add a waterproof membrane under ›››


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the “floor” of your upper deck levels. For a more polished look, consider a full underdeck ceiling. Gazebos are less common than decks, but a gazebo can turn a mundane lawn into a backyard that will really shine. Adding a gazebo can help you build a gorgeous backyard oasis with a beautifully landscaped view on all sides, or you can turn it into a whole outdoor living space! Add cushioned seating, lights, and an outdoor fireplace, and you’ve got a space the whole family can cozy into on cool summer nights. Gazebos can be entirely freestanding or can be connected to your deck via walkway. Poolside gazebos with lounge chairs are also popular. Gazebos can be constructed from a range of materials; the most popular are traditional wood, economic vinyl, or elegant iron. We all know what decks and gazebos are, but if you’re not familiar with the word “pergola,” you’re not alone. A pergola is traditionally defined as an archway consisting of framework covered with trained climbing or trailing plants. Modern pergolas don’t necessarily have climbing plants on them, though many still incorporate greenery through hanging plants. With the addition of an awning across the top, they can bring partial or complete shade to the garden, deck, or patio below. Pergolas aren’t always small, either; they can be any size you desire. As a structure, they can function like a lesselaborate gazebo or simply an archway to accentuate your garden path. They can be made from the same range of materials as decks and gazebos. Once you’ve made some materials and design choices, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals who can turn your ideas into reality. Ask around for recommendations—if your neighbor has a great deck, find out who built it! Contractors who specialize in outdoor living spaces will know what permits need to be pulled, how to build to code, and how to avoid rookie mistakes like pooling water runoff or insufficient footings. As with any contracted work, get an estimate in writing from multiple companies before you sign any paperwork. A well-built outdoor structure can increase the value of your home and make it a more delightful place to live. Start planning now to turn your ordinary yard into a backyard oasis worthy of the garden parties and barbecues you’re sure to have! Sources for this article included: popularmechanics.com, totallandscapecare.com, morningchores.com, hometips.com, and ofdesign.net. WE

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To Your Good Health

Take the Plunge Aqua Therapy: More Than Just a Trend

By Elizabeth French

Now that winter is finally behind us, it’s time to take stock of our personal health and wellness goals for spring and summer. If the cold, dry months have left you with sore joints, mental stress, or just a general slowdown in your health routine, consider adding the benefits of aqua therapy to your regimen! The soothing effects of water can assist in boosting the immune system, easing everyday aches and pains, and even improving your mood. The human body is approximately 70 percent water. When submerged, it naturally floats because of the drastic reduction of body weight. One method of healing known as flotation therapy has been around for decades but has been recently gaining traction in the health community. Flotation therapy consists of a tub or tank of water that is heated to body temperature and filled with hundreds of pounds of Epsom salts. This combination allows the body to be suspended in the water with no effort whatsoever. Meditative music, minimal lighting, and the ability to try a complete sensory deprivation experience allows individuals to meditate, stretch, ease joint pain, and allow the body to heal. Some key benefits of flotation therapy are the reduction of physical pain and pressure, decreased healing times, and even increased creativity. To see the maximum benefits, it is recommended to do a series of floats—anywhere between two

and sixteen sessions, depending on the degree and longevity of an individual’s pain. In addition, the immense amount of magnesium from the Epsom salts can help promote bone health, balance blood sugar, reduce stress, and improve the overall health of the muscles and heart. Flotation therapy is becoming more popular all the time. Check to see if there’s a spa in your area that specializes in flotation therapy—float centers are popping up all over the country. To experience a relaxing aqua therapy session without having to make an appointment, outdoor hot tubs are the perfect place to unwind while enjoying the fresh air. With so many new amenities, hot tubs are now so technologically advanced that they have features for any aqua enthusiast! Automated water treatment allows hot tub owners to forget the hassle of checking chlorine levels by automatically testing and dosing the water as needed.

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In addition, increased energy efficiency means that the party doesn’t have to stop because of the electric bill. Many new models can pre-calculate the hot tub bill for the whole year! Along with larger tubs and LED lighting, you can customize your own aquatic experience. Chromotherapy, or color therapy, is an excellent way to relax and unwind, while pairing perfectly with the soothing jets of a hot tub. This provides increased circulation, decreased joint pain, and an increase in the body’s natural ability to heal. Rather than saving soaks for special occasions, enjoy a calming experience any day of the week with a deluxe whirlpool spa bathtub of your very own. They provide all the benefits of hydrotherapy without having to step outside, so they’re great all year, in all climates. Many conventional bathtubs are really sized for children. Large whirlpool tubs, on the other hand, allow adults to stretch out and truly enjoy a good soak. Though whirlpool tubs focus primarily on hydrotherapy, a good old-fashioned clawfoot bathtub is the ideal spot for a quiet soak. Unlike whirlpool tubs, which may have a sensitive jet system that can’t abide additives, standalone tubs are the perfect place to add Epsom salts or aromatherapy oils and bask in the simplicity of a secluded space. There are thousands of tub styles to choose from! Whether you prefer a modern aesthetic or a traditional look, you’re sure to find a style you adore. Freestanding bathtubs add classic charm and are ideal for smaller bathrooms. If you are suffering from sore joints, lack of sleep, mental stress, or any other chronic issue, aqua therapy is a natural solution to help the body heal itself. The buoyancy provided by water reduces stress on joints, allowing them to move freely and increase range of motion, while encouraging the healing process in sore muscles. By suspending the body completely in water, you can reap the physical and mental benefits of sensory deprivation (diminishing nearly all sights, sounds, tastes, and touch). This method has been proven to help with insomnia, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety, and it even stimulates creativity within the brain. Talk to your physician today about how aqua therapy can help you and your family float their way to wellness, or visit a local float center or spa for more information. Sources for this article included: houzz. com, healingthebody.ca, and health.com. WE

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An Inside Look

Gentle Dentistry for the Family Generations of Satisfied Patients By Jackie Byers

The beige brick building with the green awning at 5709 NW Radial Highway definitely has a certain Benson cachet. The awning announces “Gentle Dentistry for the Family,” and that’s what patients have been able to find inside, since 1954. The first dentist in this location was Dr. Doyle Gustafson, who was joined in 1973 by Dr. Richard Fitzgerald. Dr. Fitzgerald chose the name for the awning five years later. “Many dental practices in Nebraska have adopted the name,” he notes. “To the best of my knowledge, we were the first.” More recently, Dr. Fitzgerald was joined by partner Dr. Thomas Swartz. Doctors Fitzgerald and Swartz share more than a dental partnership—they are both native to Omaha and were educated at Creighton Prep and Creighton University. They are assisted by a team of capable and friendly staff members. At the front desk, you’ll find Dena and Jen. The dental assistants are Carra, Brenda, Mikala, and Sameatria. Dental hygienists are Brenda, Eileen, and Amanda. Julie handles human resources. This gentle practice offers pain-free solutions to all sorts of dental issues. Though their building is more than 60 years old, it is entirely modernized to comply with the American Dental Association. Their up-to-date panoramic x-ray machine allows them to better serve their clients in a timely fashion, according to Dr. Fitzgerald. “The machine makes what we do efficient and prompt. The images we work with are more accurate, clearer, and easier to read.” Sending work to an off-site lab can sometimes lead to delays in dental treatment, but there’s no need to worry about that here. “Mark is our excellent onsite lab technician,” Dr. Fitzgerald shares. “He is able to complete custom work efficiently and correctly, meeting our clients’ needs—usually on the same day.” Doctors Fitzgerald and Swartz love what they do. “We can provide a healthy mouth and a bright smile with our gentle practice,” Dr. Fitzgerald explains. “I have so many pictures of before and after that show how important teeth can be! One teenage girl came in trying to talk without showing any teeth because hers were crooked and one was chipped. With the bonding process we use, her teeth became straight and perfectly shaped. She was so happy, she sent out a whole bunch of selfies to show off her great new smile.” Dr. Fitzgerald explains how gentle the bonding process is. “Bonding is kinder than many other techniques. The procedure does not remove as much of the tooth enamel as veneers or crowns. Both of those procedures require more office visits and more time. Bonding is the least expensive cosmetic dental procedure. We complete most repairs in one hour-

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long visit, right here in the office. It is especially effective and long-lasting on front teeth.” Dr. Fitzgerald recalls a young Dr. Thomas Swartz and patient who came in with an infection in the middle Dr. Richard Fitzgerald of one of his front teeth. Left untreated, it would have destroyed the tooth. “We eliminated the infection, bonding porcelain veneer to the tooth. His healthy teeth now look great.” The bonding procedures in use today provide better long-term results than older technology, Dr. Fitzgerald asserts. “The plastic fillings of the past were not color stable and turned brown over time. No one wants to have brown spots marring their smile! Today’s color-stable porcelain works better than the plastics of old. It is shiny and can be colored to match the surrounding teeth. With our bonding procedures, we can replace patients’ old brown fillings and restore their bright smiles. When we provide a filling, we treat the tooth’s enamel so that the filling becomes part of the tooth.” One of the most important services a dentist can provide is patient education, so patients know how to maintain a healthy mouth. “Taking care of the teeth is something everyone can do. We teach vital hygiene to set patients on the right path—just a few simple rules to preserve teeth that are well-suited to their mouths.” Doctors Fitzgerald and Swartz each treat 40–50 patients per week and perform an additional 50 exams, so the office is quite a busy place. Satisfied clients include a director at Union Pacific, who says that “Gentle Dental goes above and beyond to provide quality, comfortable care. The entire staff is friendly and efficient.” Another patient drives up from Fort Worth to be treated at Gentle Dental. “They really provide all the treatments I need, without pain.” If your teeth need gentle help, make an appointment by calling 402-551-1757 or stopping by at 5709 NW Radial Highway. Everyone there is considerate and helpful, and they can help you make the best of your smile! Check out Gentle Dental Benson on Facebook for more information. WE


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April 2019

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Focus on Finance

Stock Pickers May They Rest in Peace By George Morgan

For years, I have been preaching that the majority of actively managed mutual funds don’t outperform the market and, thus, also underperform index funds. All of my data came from academic research, which is accurate but difficult for the average investor to understand. Now, I am getting support from the national media, as more and more stories are being written about the performance of index funds versus actively managed funds. The Wall Street Journal, one of the financial services industry’s best friends, is leading the charge about the problem. The leading television guru on investing, Jim Cramer, is also making regular references to the issue. At the beginning of 2018, the media was abuzz with stories that, because of the high level of market volatility, this could be the year of the stock picker. They claimed that the actively managed funds would come roaring back and put an end to the dominance of the passive index funds. In a recent article titled “Stock Pickers Hit Bump in Comeback Bid,” The Wall Street Journal reported that, in 2018, the S&P 500 lost 6.2 percent, while the average managed fund lost 7.73 percent. The article goes on to point out that, over the last 10 years, only 8.3 percent of the major actively managed funds outperformed the market. It also states that none of the funds with the best 2018 performance were on the list in 2017. The moral of the story? Every once in a while, a blind squirrel finds an acorn. To add insult to injury, 2018 saw a huge outflow of assets from actively managed funds to passive index funds. During the fourth quarter of 2018, $66.7 billion left actively managed funds for index funds. This trend has been occurring since 2012. The net effect of these outflows is a decline in assets under management at the actively managed funds and, thus, a decline in their net revenues. According to Ben Johnson, the director of research at Morningstar, “the whole concept of there being such a thing as a stock picker belongs in the same category of men in big red suits who descend your chimney and leave presents under a tree.” This is from a friend of the mutual fund business! It’s a good thing they don’t have any enemies. The response of the mutual fund industry to their loss of market share has been muted, at best. Most have done nothing; they are just accepting the loss of revenue as a given. There are some who are cutting staff and, thus, cutting costs. The reduction of costs means that they can cut the fees they charge shareholders. As a result, they have outperformed those funds that keep high expenses, but only by a very small amount. Overall, the fees charged by actively managed

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funds have decreased, on average, 5 percent over the last five years. This is a slippery slope. When a mutual fund reduces their fees, that reduces the dollars paid out to the brokers who recommend them. Brokers don’t like that. Some will gravitate to the higher paying funds that will keep their revenue stream intact. It also means that portfolio managers will move to funds with higher payouts, leaving the less successful managers at funds with the reduced payouts. In response to the loss of market share, some funds companies have adopted an “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” strategy. Several of the biggest fund companies (by assets under management) have started their own index funds. These efforts cut into the assets they have in actively managed funds; as a result, they are experiencing a reduction in profit margins. The last type of response of the mutual fund industry to the increasing loss of market share is to do what they have always done: create new products. We are seeing funds based on indexes developed by the fund companies themselves. So far, the performance of these hybrid funds has been generally subpar, but the financial services industry thrives on products that are different from the conventional products and, thus, have a marketing line. There are also index funds that are actively managed. Old habits are hard to break. Twenty to 30 years ago, the actively managed mutual fund business was dominated by stock pickers such as Peter Lynch and Bill Miller. They were among a dozen or so who, year after year, hit it out of the park with double-digit returns. Where are they now? Both of them, along with many of their colleagues, left the business over a decade ago when their performance numbers took a dramatic decline. Editor’s Note: Professor Morgan has over 40 years’ experience in the investment field, both as a university professor and as a financial advisor. He currently serves on the faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he directs a program designed to educate 401(k) plan participants on how to improve their investment strategy. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. WE


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Our afternoon dance party As a mom, we know your family is why. Why you work so hard to make healthy choices every day so you can experience more of life’s precious moments together. We’ve got your back; to make sure more of those moments happen. But we can’t do it without you. While you’re serving more fruits and veggies at home, we’re impacting laws that help shape healthier communities — and it doesn’t stop there. You see, together we can make an extraordinary impact. Because when moms unite, real change happens.

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Seasons of Life

Can You Hear Me Now? Guarding Against Hearing Loss

By Marge Shoemaker

Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that 15 percent of adults experience some difficulty in hearing. In adults aged 65 to 74 years, the percentage with disabling hearing loss is 25; after age 70 years, the statistic jumps to 50 percent. Roughly 1.4 per 1,000 newborns have detectable hearing loss, and surveys from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that 5 of every 1,000 children between the ages of 3 and 17 years are affected by hearing loss. Unfortunately, much hearing loss goes untreated. The average time between noticing hearing loss and seeking treatment is seven years, and only 16 percent of people who would benefit from some sort of hearing aid have tried one. The ear has three main parts, and they all need to work properly for good hearing. The outer ear directs sound waves to the middle ear. The middle ear turns those waves into pressure and transmits them to the inner ear. The inner ear (cochlea) turns the pressure waves into signals that the brain interprets as sound. Any interruption in this network can cause hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds cannot get through the outer and middle ear. There are a variety of possible causes. For example, colds or allergies may cause a buildup of fluid in the middle ear. Ear infections (otitis media) may decrease hearing. Conductive hearing loss can often be ameliorated with surgery or medication.

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Sensorineural hearing loss follows damage to the inner ear or nerve passageways from the inner ear to the brain. Some sounds are difficult to hear or seem muffled. Some illnesses, ototoxic drugs, aging, head trauma, congenital malformation of the inner ear, exposure to loud noises or explosions, or heredity are often causes of sensorineural hearing loss. This is the most common type of hearing loss. It is permanent but may be eased somewhat with hearing aids. Most of the time, surgery and medicine don’t help. Conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss can occur simultaneously, which may lead to more trouble hearing than if only one type had occurred. Any of the causes of either type can lead to mixed hearing loss. An example of mixed cause might be working around loud noises (sensorineural) and having a buildup of fluid in the middle ear (conductive). Some factors that put hearing at risk are beyond our control.


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Aging may bring gradual degeneration of the inner ear. Genetic makeup may make us more susceptible to ear damage. Factors we can control include occupational or recreational noises and some medications. Use of pain relievers and diuretics can temporarily affect hearing through tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Illnesses resulting in a high fever may also cause damage. Symptoms may include muffling of sounds or difficulty understanding words, especially in a crowd or with background noise. Asking others to repeat themselves or repeatedly raising the volume of the television or music may suggest hearing loss. More severe loss may lead to withdrawal from conversations or avoidance of social occasions. If hearing difficulty interferes with your daily life, go to your doctor or an audiologist (a hearing specialist). Any time you experience a sudden loss of hearing, especially if it’s only in one ear, calls for immediate medical attention. Prolonged hearing impairment in young children can affect speech and learning. CDC studies estimate that at least 12.5 percent of children and adolescents ages 6–19 years have permanent hearing damage caused by excessive noise exposure. If hearing loss is indicated for your child, see your pediatrician, a pediatric audiologist, or a speech-language pathologist for professional testing. Hearing aids treat hearing loss by amplifying sounds. There are two main categories of hearing aids. Behind-the-ear devices hook over your ear and connect to an earpiece in the ear canal with a tube or wire. These are suitable for many types of hearing loss. In-the-ear devices fit inside the ear canal to varying degrees and are generally used in cases of less severe hearing loss. Hearing aids are not commonly covered by insurance, but you should check with your provider. Cochlear implants are surgically inserted devices. These devices do not amplify sounds, like hearing aids; they directly stimulate the auditory nerve, doing the work of a damaged inner ear. They can help children and adults with moderate to profound hearing loss who are not helped by hearing aids. Once hearing is damaged, it can’t be completely restored. Some types of hearing loss are preventable! Keep the volume on your electronics at a reasonable level (some cell phones have apps that monitor decibel level). When ongoing loud noise is unavoidable, wear earplugs or noisecancelling headphones. Sources for this article included: healthyhearing.com, hearingloss.org, mayoclinic.org, and cochlear.com. WE April 2019

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IM Hebrank Psychotherapy, LLC Depression is sometimes a causal factor for fatigue or low energy. Other combined symptoms which may be indicators of depression are sadness, tearfulness, feelings of hopelessness, and limited interest in activities which normally are enjoyable. Higher levels of depression can bring on suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, help is available now with IdaMarie Hebrank, LICSW, LADC. She specializes in treating mental health, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Call 402-541-9698 today to schedule an appointment. Caring Senior Service At Caring Senior Service, we take your quality of life to heart! You deserve to maintain the safe and independent lifestyle you have worked so hard for, and our caregivers are your solution! We provide quality care, as well as active involvement, to support you in your home rather than in a nursing home. How do we do this? You are our #1 priority! We are committed to showing compassion and kindness to earn your trust, which is crucial to your satisfaction and to our continued success. Call 402-682-7326 for a FREE IN-HOME consultation. Be A Mentor Few bonds in life are more influential than those between a young person and an adult. As you begin your journey toward becoming a mentor, you will need to thoroughly understand the basics of mentoring before entering into a relationship with a young person. Mentors understand the need to assume a number of different roles during the course of a mentoring relationship, but successful mentors also share the same basic qualities: a sincere desire to be involved with a young person, respect for young people, the ability to listen actively and empathize, the vision to see solutions and opportunities, and a sense of flexibility and openness. Visit mentoring.org for additional information.

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Bohemian Photoworks Joseph Giitter is an award-winning portrait photographer. His photographs have been displayed in regional and national venues and have been published in a number of publications. Joseph was a medalist in the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) International Print Competition for the last three years (2016–2018) and was the Maryland Illustrated Photographer of the Year in 2017. He holds a Master of Photography degree from the PPA and is a Certified Professional Photographer. He recently achieved “Elite” membership recognition by the PPA. There is no other photographer in the Omaha area with this achievement. Koca Chiropractic The professionals at Koca Chiropractic want to remind you that we are dedicated to helping you experience better health through better living. Our team combines skill and expertise, the latest technology, and revolutionary concepts to provide you with affordable, advanced wellness care strategies that get results. You can count on us to offer an honest, no-nonsense approach to helping you and your family achieve your health goals. Call today to have the most important system in your body checked…your nerve system! Let us show you how it’s all connected. Call 402-496-4570 today to schedule your no-obligation wellness evaluation. Rotary International Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to: promote peace; fight disease; provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; save mothers and children; support education; and grow local economies. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world. Visit www.rotary.org/donate to find out a variety of secure ways to donate.

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Peak Performance

Estate Planning For Assets of All Sizes

By Leslie Byrne

When you hear the term “estate planning,” you may think that it is only for very wealthy people who have an extraordinary amount of assets that need to be meticulously managed after their deaths. In fact, estate planning is for everyone! Estate planning is simply a written plan to deal with a person’s wealth and assets after death or in case of disability. It’s a good idea to have an estate plan, no matter what your financial situation looks like. Assets can include things like life insurance, pensions, real estate, investments, and personal property. Regardless of your financial situation, it is important to have a simple will and testamentary trust, sometimes called a trust will, in place. One of the most important reasons to do estate planning is to help your heirs avoid a costly and typically time-consuming probate process to settle your finances. In fact, avoiding probate is probably the main reason most people do estate planning. Probate is a legal process to authenticate someone’s last will and testament and to properly distribute assets to heirs and pay any debt owed to creditors. It can be a long and messy process, so avoiding probate makes a lot of sense. So, how do you begin? An estate plan should be set up as soon as a person reaches the age of majority, and definitely before children arrive on the scene. Even single people without children

will benefit from knowing that their designated heirs will have no financial burdens and that their assets will pass on relatively easily with a good estate plan. Though estate planning is often thought of as preparation for a person’s death, some circumstances prior to death are generally considered to be part of a qualified estate plan. Estate planning that includes a durable power of attorney (DPOA) for medical and financial decisions is imperative today. Typically, an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney will draw up a DPOA for health and finances along with a simple will and testamentary trust. Don’t forget about the tax benefits of estate planning! There could be many tax benefits to a well-crafted plan. An estate planning attorney can construct a trust (revocable or irrevocable) to shelter assets from creditors or from family members who have

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finance-draining issues with gambling or drugs. An estate plan also helps protect minors who may inherit wealth. Gifting strategies can be constructed from trusts that can substantially reduce taxes for a lifetime or even skip taxes from one generation to the next. Good estate planning can reduce or even eliminate estate taxes. A good investment adviser or financial planner can help guide a person through the process and suggest ideas and strategies. Qualified estate planning attorneys and certified public accountants can help construct the documents to accomplish the tax strategies and protect assets. Emphasis must be placed on the type of attorney or accountants you hire. An unskilled general practice attorney can potentially cause more harm than good, so ask for referrals from your financial adviser, friends, and family. Ask a lot of questions when you meet with an estate attorney to explore all options available to help plan your estate. Make sure you understand everything in your estate plan. As your life changes over time, your estate plan will need to be updated. Plan to meet with your estate planning attorney every five to 10 years, as your assets and liabilities can change dramatically in that amount of time. You may also want to adjust your trustee after a while—the person you designated to be your trustee when you were 30 years old may no longer be the right person (or may be deceased). Your financial adviser should always have an up-to-date copy of your estate plan. When your financial adviser is aware of your plans, your assets are easier to manage. You should also review your estate plan if you move to another state, since the laws that govern this type of financial planning vary from state to state. Do not put off setting up an estate plan. April is tax month, and many of us are thinking carefully about our finances. Use this time as a reminder to schedule an appointment with an estate attorney and make sure you have an estate plan that works for you and your family. You will not regret taking the time to get this process going! Building a thoughtful estate plan and keeping it up to date as your life changes is a great way to feel confident that your assets will be properly managed after your death. Sources for this article included: estateplanning.com, legalzoom.com, and forbes.com. WE

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Auto Wise

Auto Insurance What You Need and Why By Brennan Hallock

If you drive a vehicle, there is no avoiding auto insurance—and for good reason. You may have auto insurance just because it is the law, but it has many benefits, including keeping the roads safer and protecting your vehicle. If a branch falls on your car, a rock hits your windshield, or you slide into a ditch, the damage to your vehicle will likely be covered by your insurance. There are different options to meet the needs of different drivers, and that’s part of the problem. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which policy is best for your situation. There are quite a few different kinds of auto insurance, but the most common are liability, collision, and comprehensive. Liability covers most damage that you cause to someone else’s vehicle. This could include rear-ending someone in traffic, hitting a car while pulling out of a parking space, or causing an accident in an intersection. Collision insurance generally covers damage to your own vehicle after an accident. Comprehensive insurance is an extra level of coverage that includes coverage for things like vandalism, theft, weather events, and accidents involving animals. Insuring a minor can be especially challenging because insurers increase rates dramatically when a minor is driving the vehicle. (This is, of course, because inexperienced drivers bring higher risk of accidents.) There are some ways to reduce

these rates, though. One is to let the insurer track your driving. A number of insurance companies use telematics or electronic programs that track how good a driver your teen is. Teens with good grades can also receive a discount for being good students. If your student is away to college but the car stayed at home, let your insurer know. This can temporarily reduce your rates while your teen is not driving the vehicle. Since rates are based on many factors, from the age of your vehicle to the excellence of your driving record, there are many other ways to save on auto insurance. Having a good driving record, paying premiums annually or semiannually rather than monthly, having a higher deductible, or driving an older vehicle are all ways you can save on your rates. In addition, auto insurance rates fluctuate, so it’s smart to shop around every one to three years. Even if you don’t change providers, your current

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insurer may have a better rate to offer you. A common misunderstanding about auto insurance is that it follows the driver. In reality, when you purchase an auto insurance policy, you are insuring your vehicle. This means that if you let someone drive your car, you are lending not only your vehicle but also your insurance. The guest driver’s insurance can serve as secondary coverage, but your insurance will be the primary coverage. Figuring out what a reasonable deductible will be for you can be tricky. If your situation is complicated (multiple cars, multiple drivers), you might do best to consult an insurance agency that works with multiple providers. Their agents have the experience to figure out where to get you the best rate. To start, though, consider a few things about your situation. What does your emergency fund look like? Like health insurance, a higher deductible generally means a lower premium, but that’s only helpful if you can handle paying out of pocket to cover smaller repairs before your deductible is met. Also, be aware that high deductibles don’t always mean low premiums—be sure to look at both numbers when you’re making comparisons. When you’re considering how high your deductible can be,

you should also consider how risky your driving is because that affects the likelihood that your car will sustain some damage. Even the most defensive driver can carry significant risks. For example, is most of your driving done during rush hour, through busy intersections? Do you drive in areas with a lot of deer? Do you often park on the street? If these higher-risk situations apply to you, you might want to have a lower deductible. Many rental car companies offer insurance when you rent a vehicle, and it’s hard to decide whether or not you need it while you’re standing at the rental counter. You need to figure it out beforehand. Many policies include some coverage for rental vehicles. Even if yours does, it might be liability only, which means you’d be covered for damage you cause to other vehicles but not to the one you’re driving. Check with your provider to see what your policy covers. You should also call your credit card company, as many offer secondary coverage to cardholders. Auto insurance can be complicated, but it can’t be ignored. Call your provider today to review your coverage and make sure it’s a good fit for you. Sources for this article included: nationwide.com, autoinsurance. org, fortune.com, and thebalance.com. WE

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The Good Life

A Breath of Fresh Air The Importance of Clean Indoor Air By Janette Calabro

Breathing fresh air—indoors and out—is critical for good health. Improving the air quality indoors is the first line of defense against airborne irritants like dust mites, allergens, and mold. The adverse effects of exposure to poor air quality are nothing to sneeze at. They include allergies, headaches, fatigue, nausea, skin rashes, and poor concentration or mood. Reactions vary, depending on your age, any medical conditions you may have, and your individual sensitivity to airborne irritants. Continued exposure can result in respiratory diseases, even heart disease and cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93 percent of life indoors. Since indoor air pollution can actually exceed outdoor air pollution, let’s take a look at some ideas to help you breathe easier inside your home. A house naturally “breathes” from infiltration through cracks in walls and floors and around windows and doors. Ironically, the tighter you safeguard against outdoor weather or pollutants, the better the chances of preserving contaminants inside. Natural ventilation can improve indoor air, so go ahead—open the windows and doors, when the weather allows, and use bathroom and kitchen fans that vent to the outside of the house. If allergies keep you sneezing and wheezing when the windows are open during the warmer months, feel free to close the windows and turn on your air conditioner. Make sure the filter is clean! The dust, pollen, and pet dander that your air conditioner sucks out of the air can easily build up inside the unit to recirculate into the house. Change or clean air filters every 90 days—30 to 60 days, if you have pets in the home. If you’re already vacuuming twice a week to remove dirt and dander, but your allergies are still alive and kicking, consider investing in an air purifier. The best type of filter for trapping airborne allergens is a HEPA filter (that stands for high-efficiency particulate air). Consumer Reports states that “the best portable models were effective at cleaning the air of dust, smoke, and pollen at their highest and lowest speeds.” Make sure that your HEPA filter meets the government standard of 0.3 micron particle size, and replace the filter once a year (at an average cost of $75–$200). The EPA cautions against products that advertise ionic filtration. These products work by drawing in pollution with an effect like static electricity, which may produce ozone, a lung irritant. What about unwanted smells like cigarette smoke or paint? Carbon pre-filters, activated carbon, or ultraviolet light are recommended for removing odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be emitted from paint, cleaning products, cosmetics,

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and adhesives. Carbon filters need replacement every three to six months. The cost of these filters depends on what type you buy. They range from $10 to $100, with the more upscale or larger units priced in the hundreds of dollars. Dirty air ducts might be another source of indoor air pollution. Consider air duct cleaning, which generally costs a few hundred dollars, if you can see mold or excessive amounts of dust accumulation in your heat or vent registers. The presence of mouse droppings, insect infestation, or recent construction might also warrant a call to the pros. Professional duct cleaners use special tools to clean the supply and intake ducts in your home, including grilles, fans, and components of your heating and cooling system. Check your service provider’s credentials! The EPA warns that “an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone.” Find out if your service provider is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Don’t forget that prevention is also key! Reduce indoor air pollution at the source by avoiding cigarette smoke and paraffin wax candles. Make sure that your clothes dryer and kitchen and bathroom fans are properly vented to the outdoors. Keep in mind that some toxic compounds, like paint, pesticides, or household cleaners, can leak into the air even when they’re stored. You should also commit to regular maintenance. Use the highest efficiency air filter in your heating and cooling system, and change the filter frequently. Vacuum with a HEPA filter. Prevent moisture from entering the duct system by repairing leaks and water damage. Condensation and high humidity breed mold, so make sure attics and crawl spaces are sealed and insulated. If you and your family are dealing with watery eyes and runny noses indoors, a combination of devices and services might help. With a few tweaks, your indoor air quality can improve. Go ahead— breathe deep. Sources for this article included: webmd.com, epa.gov, aafa.org, consumerreports.org, and iaqscience.lbl.gov. WE


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Great Escapes

Atlanta, Georgia

The City for Everyone By Jackie Williams

Good news! I have found your next great destination. It will please everyone in your travel party, from couples looking for romance to parents with young children to friends seeking a girls’ getaway. It’s a city full of cultural importance, fun things to see and do, fantastic shopping areas, and scenic golf courses, and you won’t need a passport—it’s Atlanta, Georgia! If you’re surprised, that just means you haven’t been to Atlanta yet. Once you’ve explored this city, you’ll have no doubt that Atlanta has a lot to offer, along with some beautiful places just outside the city to explore on day and road trips. In my opinion, summer is the best time to visit Atlanta. There are so many activities and events going on to take advantage of, like farmers markets and festivals, to name a couple. First-time visitors will appreciate a visit to the historic Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Park, to the cool World of Coca-Cola, and to the ever-popular Zoo Atlanta and Centennial Olympic Park. If you like ocean life like I do, do not miss a chance to visit the country’s largest aquarium, Georgia Aquarium. Splurge and book an unforgettable experience diving or snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays! The aquarium is currently expanding even more, opening a new shark gallery in late fall 2020.

When you’re ready to play outside, you have lots of parks to choose from. Piedmont Park hosts hundreds of events each year, including the Green Market every Saturday morning. Join one of the sightseeing tours to really experience what Atlanta’s biggest city park has to offer, and then head off on your own! The Centennial Olympic Park (from the 1996 Summer Olympics) is right downtown, near other Atlanta attractions. Runners and joggers can join one of the many races held here. The Atlanta BeltLine is impressive, with loops of trails for bikers, runners, fitness classes, and more. The 22-mile loop is based on former railroad routes and is being redeveloped to connect the neighborhoods of Atlanta. Another place to visit is the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, adjacent to Piedmont Park, in midtown. Take advantage of one of their interesting art or gardening classes and enjoy lunch with a beautiful and peaceful garden view. Better yet, catch an after-hours cocktail ›››

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event to enjoy the night atmosphere of the gardens. If you love watching movies and television, you might already know that there is quite a bit of filming going on in Georgia. Your travel agent can book you a tour to see the sets of shows and movies. Check out ExploreGeorgia.com for a list of filming in the works. Hopefully, you will have the time to explore the various neighborhoods of Atlanta. The luxurious Buckhead neighborhood is home to one of my all-time favorite seafood restaurants in the world—the Atlanta Fish Market. Downtown Atlanta is central to most of the attractions. Castleberry Hill is known for its lofts, art galleries, filming, and food history; Underground is known for its nightlife. Sweet Auburn is the neighborhood where Martin Luther King, Jr., grew up. Midtown is the place to go for the museums, and Little Five Points is known for its bohemian style and unusual shops. If you enjoy looking at beautiful architecture, drive through Druid Hills and Avondale Estates to see some stunning homes. If there are golfers in your group, make sure to take advantage of at least one of Georgia’s more than 150 golf courses. Choose one in Atlanta or just outside the city. Diehard golf fans might drive the two hours it takes to get to the world-famous Augusta National Golf Club, but you would have to know someone to actually play the course—or just plan to go see the Masters (the first full week of every April). Other excursions outside the city would be to explore the wine country, the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, and the nature of the Chattahoochee River. There are plenty of wine trails to choose from, even as close as an hour from Atlanta. Make sure to taste local peach wine as well as watermelon, blueberry, and apple varieties. The Georgia wine regions are finally starting to attract attention by bringing home some prestigious awards for their wines. There are also several wine festivals every year, including the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, which is held every May/June. Start planning now to visit Atlanta! Stay in a central downtown hotel to meander through the city, rent a private home and live like a local, or hop between historic bed-and-breakfasts as you explore the region. No matter how you stay, your Atlanta vacation will be one to remember! Sources for this article included: beltline. org, exploregeorgia.com, atlantabg.org, and georgiaaquarium.org. WE April 2019

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Laughter for a Lifetime

Spring Cleaning Getting Rid of Yesterday By Sharon Knierim

Most of us roll up our sleeves in the spring and start that dreaded chore of deep housecleaning. We know it’s coming, and yet it often seems to take us by surprise. Closets are usually overflowing by now. Objects sometimes fall out of an open cupboard door. Where did all this “stuff” come from? Admit it, ladies. You were probably the one who brought it into the house or office, so it is your responsibility to get it out. Because this is an odd-numbered year, at this house, we really clean with a vengeance. I’m not just talking about finally getting rid of that one red stocking we’ve hung onto for years, waiting for its mate to show up. Although it is indeed adios to that red stocking, this is the year to pull EVERYTHING out of every closet, drawer, cabinet, and cubby hole. Yes, even the cubby hole. As with any large chore, it helps to have a plan and some type of guidelines. I always begin with everyone else’s possessions. These items seem the easiest for me to dispose of. Any garment torn beyond repair goes to the rag box or the garbage bin. Board games with lost playing pieces or cards are often relegated to the garbage bin, too. Financial documents from a dozen years ago need to be shredded, leaving only the most sensitive and important papers intact. It is difficult to get rid of all those empty shoe boxes under the beds, but they have really already served their purpose. Pictures of nothing special are usually the next victims. At one time, we must have thought these art prints were very special, but nowadays we treat them with very little regard. We do feel a little twinge of ambivalence about tossing out what once adorned the walls of our home, but tastes do change over time. Have you ever gotten rid of a complete set of dinnerware? Be honest now. How many sets do you own? I’m sure we’re down to three sets, none of which matches the others. Over the years, we have been able to dispose of one set of dishes—the Melmac we started out with. Spring cleaning is no time to become sentimental! Oddly enough, we are still using cloth napkins because we like them. They do take up a little space, and they need constant washing, starching, and ironing, but using them is one habit that seems unbreakable. For years, I harbored a beautiful pair of green Brazilian leather pumps. These were from my heyday as an administrator, and I was particularly proud of them. After I broke one of my feet, I was

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never able to wear pumps again, but I still loved seeing them in my closet, where they enjoyed pride of place in the front of the shoe rack. You may have guessed where this is heading. Practicality finally won out over pride, and those shoes are now a distant memory. For some reason, of all the items I’ve disposed of over the years, those green Brazilian leather pumps are what I miss the most. Spring cleaning began here just a few weeks before some remodeling projects. To date, we have been to the recycling center and the thrift store three times each, and we’re packing up another trunk load of items we neither need nor use anymore. What is it about us that leads us to collect and keep so many things? I hope it’s not an unhealthy habit. Most of us do not have dark pasts of being denied what we needed as children. Maybe it’s just fun to procure this and that…until “this” literally pushes “that” out of our house and home. Are we hoarders? That seems unkind. I prefer to think of us as gatherers. In any event, all this gathering and saving of objects does give us the opportunity to perform the rites of spring cleaning, which has to be a good thing. A friend of mine tells me that she thinks she is a hoarder but has things under control. Rather than cluttering her life with “stuff,” she owns and operates a thrift store. This arrangement allows her to have “stuff” for a while and then sell it to other people. People donate, she sells, and then she pays out a share to the donor. What a great idea! “When does she spring-clean her shop?” I ask. Her answer is: “Never. I just sell everything along.” Well, that takes care of that. Spring cleaning will end soon enough, and the scrub buckets, mops, and vacuum cleaners will be put away. Next step—start filling those closets again! Happy spring cleaning! WE


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April 2019

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The Green Thumb

Fragrance in the Garden Bringing Delicious Aromas Inside By Sharon Knierim

Places like Italy, southern France, and Bulgaria are recognized as producing a veritable Eden-type garden of fragrance. These nations grow scent-bearing flowers in great abundance, which are then used to manufacture natural or naturallyscented perfumes and other beauty products. Both annuals and perennials can offer the delight of intriguing scents—but where, exactly, do these various aromas come from? The perfume of a flower comes from aromatic oil, which is secreted in the ovaries or the petals of the flower. This usually happens in only microscopic amounts, which are released at a certain rate. This happens so that the flower will be at its most attractive and ravishing during its entire period of sexual activity. The timing of this activity may vary from just a few hours up to an entire week. This, of course, depends on many natural factors. If you are a gardener who wishes to have fresh floral fragrance in the home or desire to preserve a scent in a homemade sachet, potpourri, or perfume, you must have a constant and even supply of fresh flowers that are harvested at their peak of fragrance. To accomplish this, flowers will need to be planted in large quantities. If you do not have enough space in your flower garden or border, utilize a portion of the vegetable garden, adding some scent to that area, too.

Fragrant flowers come in both annuals and perennials, so there are plenty of choices. Sweet peas are fragrant, especially the blues and the purples. They are easy to grow and flower well. A plant known as sweet sultan is actually a biennial and offers up scented flowers during the middle of summer. Color choices are pink, white, yellow, red, and purple. Everyone is familiar with sweet alyssum’s strong reputation as an edging plant. This plant reaches a height of only eight inches. Its fragrance? Following a rain or in the early morning after heavy dew, sweet alyssum fills the air like the scent of newly-mown hay (this gardener’s favorite natural scent). For the sweet aroma of citrus, particularly orange, choose blister cress and expect heights of 12 to 18 inches. Sweet scabious is a fragrant annual that reaches a height of two

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to three feet. A terminal head is where the honey-scented flowers bloom by midsummer. Looking for an exotic scent? Try musk mallow. Red valerian is a bushy herb that provides a honey-lemon scent and grows up to three feet tall. A personal favorite of many gardeners is the hyacinth. This plant originates from a bulb and features small, bell-shaped, blue flowers that are heavily scented with a mixture of musk and fruit. For a fragrant carpeting effect, plant hyacinth in masses. All varieties of hyacinth are supremely fragrant. Let us not forget the fragrant perennials with which many of us are already familiar from our grandmothers’ and mothers’ gardens. We know lavender, which has enjoyed extra popularity as of late. This easy-to-grow perennial offers a certain aromatic or spicy scent that is lively and enticing. Lavender’s scent comes chiefly from its ashy gray foliage, but its lavender flowers offer the same evocative odor. Some irises offer a faint smell, but modern irises are not known for their scent. Before purchasing and planting these, be sure to understand whether or not they are wellscented. Of course, who can forget the muchloved peony? Peonies are probably the only blooming plant (annual or perennial) that can scent an entire garden. Their wonderfully sweet aroma makes all of us want to break out in song about springtime. If purchasing a peony, be sure that it does offer the scent you remember—some of the newest species are odorless, and a few species do not smell good at all. In a missive about scented flowers, I would be remiss if I did not mention the rose. There really is no substitute for the scent of roses. Nothing can imitate this most wonderful of scents, suggesting romance and true love. Again, when purchasing roses for planting in the garden, remember that many modern roses are scentless or nearly scentless. Make sure you’re getting one that will bring the glorious scent you’re hoping for! Enjoying the scents of freshly cut flowers or using them for potpourri or lavender water is very rewarding. Plant a mass of flowers, grab your vases, and enjoy. Editor’s Note: Sharon Knierim has been a Master Gardener since 2003 through Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She lives on a small farm in western Iowa and looks forward to sharing her passion for gardening each month with her green-thumbed friends. WE April 2019

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Cuddly Critters

Annual Veterinary Visits Regular Checkups Can Prevent Major Issues By Brie Christensen

We’re all in the habit of making an annual visit to the doctor for preventative care, but are we giving our pets the same consideration? Experts say preventative care is just as critical for pets as it is for people. Visiting the vet annually can help keep your pet healthy for years to come. At an annual visit, the vet will typically check your pet’s pulse and weight. The vet might also run blood or urine tests, particularly for older animals. Skin, coat, ears, and eyes are also checked. Vets often look for certain behavior issues and check for signs of parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. It’s important to know how to prevent and treat these potentially dangerous pests. According to the American Heartworm Society, heartworm disease is potentially fatal to pets. It is caused by foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected animals. Heartworm disease, usually spread through mosquitoes, can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs. Heartworm often goes undiagnosed in cats because most heartworms do not live to an adult stage in cats like they do in dogs. However, even immature worms can cause real damage. The American Heartworm Society notes that prevention is the best way to handle heartworms, and they recommend year-round preventative treatment. Different types of medication (for example, chewable pills and injections) are available. Talk to your vet about which type will be easiest to administer to your pet. Treatment for heartworms, once disease develops, is expensive and timeconsuming, and the damage may be permanent, even if your pet is no longer infected. Prevention is clearly the best route, especially for cats, as the medications used to treat heartworm disease in dogs can’t be used in cats. It’s tempting to think of fleas as just a nuisance. Don’t fall for it! Fleas can spread serious parasites. They can also carry and transmit bacterial infections like typhus and plague. Preventative treatments are available over the counter and by prescription in many forms; talk to your vet about which form is best for your pet. If your pet has fleas, you’ll need a two-pronged approach to treatment: kill the fleas on your pet and control the fleas in your pet’s environment. You’ll need to remove fleas from your pet with a flea comb and then apply flea control treatment, which is also available in multiple forms like shampoos, powders, and sprays. Treating your home includes steps like vacuuming, steam cleaning, laundering, and applying insecticides. (A professional pest control service can be invaluable here.) Ticks can cause various issues for both pets and

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owners. They are vectors of a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and tick paralysis. Lowering your pets’ risk of being bitten by ticks is important for their health…as is prompt removal of a tick that has latched on. Many preventative flea treatments will also help stop ticks from biting your pet. It’s important to check your pets for ticks after they play outside, especially in areas with tall grass. Check with your vet to see if you should bring your pet in to have a tick removed or if the vet can recommend a technique to do it at home. To lower your pet’s risk of fleas and ticks, it’s best to keep your yard well-maintained so the pests don’t find it to be a comfortable environment. If your pet keeps contracting these pests despite preventative treatments, get in touch with a pest control expert to see what steps can be taken in your yard to reduce pest populations. Parasites tend to be a main concern for pet owners. This is understandable, but make sure your attention to parasites doesn’t mean that dental care is getting overlooked! Dental hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for people. Lack of regular dental care can lead to more serious health problems, such as heart, lung, or kidney disease. Periodontal disease, which starts as plaque and can eventually lead to gingivitis, can be caused by poor dental hygiene—just like in people. The simplest and most cost-effective way to fix a tooth infection is to pull the tooth, but vets can also administer an antibiotic. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends annual examinations and dental cleanings under general anesthesia with full intubation for all adult dogs and cats. These cleanings should start at one year of age for cats and small-breed dogs and at two years for larger-breed dogs. Experts agree that good pet health depends on regular veterinary examinations. Show your love by making your pet’s health a priority! You’ll never regret taking good care of the animals you love, and that starts with regular preventative care. Sources for this article included: caninejournal.com, heartwormsociety.org, petsandparasites.org, and aaha.org. WE


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Positive Perspective

Have It All “If you believe it, then anything can happen.” “May you know the meaning of the word happiness.” —Jason Mraz Have you ever had one of those sleepless nights where you toss and turn, can’t get comfortable, and can’t get back to sleep? Over the years, I have had more of those than I would like to admit. Sometimes, I find myself worrying over my schedule for the next day. Maybe I am concerned about family or friends. At other times, my mind wanders to personal situations that I am having to face. On my most recent sleepless night, however, I was awake because I couldn’t get a song out of my head. It was “Have It All” by Jason Mraz. This type of a sleepless night has NEVER happened to me. Knowing that everything happens for a reason, I reflected on what the heck this was all about. After all—losing sleep over a song? “Oh! I want you to have it all!” —Jason Mraz I have been a Jason Mraz fan for more than 10 years. I have seen him in concert four times. I have never had a musician captivate me like this man has. Why? He is the most positive singer/songwriter I have ever come across. There is always a message in his songs, and the message is always uplifting. I call him a wordsmith. You have to

By Janet Van deWalle

listen carefully to what he is saying so you get the positive message that he is singing about. When I went to the internet to read the lyrics of “Have It All” to get the full story, a smile came to my face. A-ha! My inner being was sending me a message through a sleepless night. “If you believe it, then anything can happen.” —Jason Mraz I believe this message was for me to get back on track with my life, to remember that all of us can “have it all.” Understanding that we all create our own reality is a life-altering realization. During my life, I have forgotten this law, or chosen to ignore it, on multiple occasions. Perhaps I have done this to experience the contrast of knowing what I didn’t want in my life. Until we experience what we don’t want, we cannot truly know what we do want. The contrast is there to help us move forward, to help us grow. Was it worth losing a night of sleep over? You better believe it! It is now my song. My song to listen to and learn from every day. Thank you, Inner Being, for that sleepless night. Yes, we all can have it all! “And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows.”—Jason Mraz

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April 2019


Specializing in

Fireplace Additions & Refacing SAVE $100

GAS FIREPLACE, INSERT, FIREPLACE REMODEL, OR FIRE PIT Offer good through 4/30/2019. Not valid with any other offer.

Turning your drafty fireplace into a high efficiency heater will add value and comfort to your home. Whether you are thinking of redesigning or refacing the look of your current fireplace or adding a fireplace to any room of your home, Claxton Fireplace Center can assist you with all your needs. We offer In-House design and complete installation services. Our showroom features 24 custom built “Burning” fireplace displays including traditional, rustic and contemporary designs.

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402-491- 0800

709 N. 132ND ST. (NEXT TO LINDLEY CLOTHING) WWW.OMAHAFIREPLACEEXPERTS.COM Allied Member ASID



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