Colorado Springs Women's Edition — November 2019

THE MAGAZINE FOR METROPOLITAN WOMEN

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November 2019

1

Focus on Finance

It’s Your Money Don’t Spend Your Nest Egg on Excessive Fees

By George Morgan

In May of 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that employers who offer 401(k) plans to their employees have a responsibility to provide their employees with plans that charge “reasonable fees.” Since that decision, a large number of suits against Fortune 500 companies have been filed and settled, and the employees have been compensated for their losses. However, tens of thousands of workers at smaller companies continue to be overcharged for their 401(k) plan because the impact of the legal decision has not trickled down to them.

The Department of Labor, the governmental agency charged with regulating 401(k)s, estimates that the average worker pays between 1.35 percent and 1.85 percent for the management of a 401(k) plan. They project that a worker just entering the labor force who reduces that fee by 1 percent would have an additional 39 percent at retirement. Based upon these statistics, American workers will pay $40 billion more this year than the Department of Labor thinks they should.

There are several fees associated with a 401(k) plan. There is a fee paid to the plan administrator for bookkeeping and legal work. There is a fee paid to a financial advisor, who selects the mutual funds that the plan participants can access. Finally, there is a fee paid to manage the mutual funds used by the account owners to grow their assets. On the surface, this arrangement seems reasonably straightforward.

However, in application, the providers use a variety of ways to make it difficult to determine who gets paid how much and for what.

The fees can be calculated using one of two methodologies, and the methodology chosen can dramatically impact the number of dollars participants have when they retire. Currently, about 99 percent of the fees are calculated as a percentage of assets.

This means that, as your account balance grows, the fee paid to the provider increases. Several issues arise when this method is used. Why should you pay more for the same service just because your account balance increased? It takes the same amount of time and effort to fill out a 5500 form for a $5,000 account as it does to fill out the same form for a $500,000 account.

Also, are you getting value equal to the amount of fee paid?

Competitive forces are emerging within the financial services industry that have the potential to dramatically lower the cost of managing a 401(k).

Some brokers are offering 401(k) services at a flat rate—that is, you pay a specified dollar amount in fees, regardless of your account balance. A person with a $500,000 balance pays the same fee as a person with a $5,000 balance.

To see what a dramatic difference this can make, consider the following example based upon guidelines prepared by the Department of Labor. A person

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with a $250,000 account whose plan administrator is charging 0.40 percent will pay $1,000 in fees. The same service can be obtained from a flat-fee provider for $75. Going forward, flat-fee providers will erode the client base currently served by the asset-based providers because they offer the same service at a significantly lower price.

At the center of this battle is the business owner. The Supreme Court said the company is the responsible party because they determine which providers have access to their employees and which providers the employees have access to. Thus, employees are defenseless when their only option is out of line with the marketplace. While the Court ruled that employers have a legal responsibility to provide their employees with a reasonably priced 401(k) plan, they stopped short of saying what constitutes a reasonable price. Thus, employers are obligated to explore how various vendors are pricing their services and not accept at face value that their offering is acceptable.

What’s the solution? Education—for employers and employees alike. A good place to start is the Department of Labor document called “A Look at 401(k) Plan Fees.” (You can access this document online by going to www.dol.gov and typing “401k fees” into the Search box.) In this document, you will find more detailed information about the various 401(k) fees and guidelines about what you should be paying for your retirement fund.

Then, you need to go to your employer and ask for detailed information on the fees you are currently paying for your plan. Find out how much you are being charged for plan administration, mutual fund selection, and maintenance for all the mutual funds you can choose from. The Department of Labor says that a plan should cost less than 1 percent, and there are vendors in the marketplace who will do it for less than that.

It’s your money. Give it to yourself, not your broker.

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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November 2019

13

A Woman’s Work

Will the Real Pilgrims Please Stand Up? What to Wear to Dinner

By Sharon Knierim

In all of the years I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving, nobody has ever come to our holiday table dressed in Thanksgiving garb. What is Thanksgiving garb? I doubt if too much thought would be required to determine what those first Thanksgiving celebrants wore. After all, didn’t we all grow up learning what pilgrims wore? Of course, it wasn’t just the pilgrims who came to that long-ago first Thanksgiving feast. Native Americans both contributed to and attended that special day, so there are several costume choices to be had when considering what to wear on this most special of American holidays.

Pictures and portrayals abound of the men and women of the earliest colony in their homespun trousers and skirts and shirts and blouses. Remember, every garment was handmade.

Even the thread had to be made on a spinning wheel. Shoes were often made by hand, as were outer-garments.

The native Americans, on the other hand, are often pictured in hides or animal skins. These clothes were also fashioned by hand, just like their pilgrim counterparts’ clothing. Not that I’m opposed to home sewing, but the hide way of dressing does have a certain appeal. If it weren’t for all that scraping and conditioning, it might be the way to go.

If we think about other holiday observances, appropriately festive wear is easily identified and organized. At Christmastime, both men and women seem eager to show off

holiday sweaters that are festooned with everything from Santa Claus to pine trees to reindeer with blinking red noses. Children and women often wear bells at their hemlines or as special holiday jewelry. In the run-up to Christmas Day and on the big day itself, gentlemen and boys often sport special holiday neckties or stocking caps that feature all kinds of bright and cheerful images.

For Easter, everyone abandons their drab winter clothing and can be seen wearing a vast rainbow of pastels. If that’s not enough like spring, you might catch someone wearing apparel adorned with baby chicks and rabbits or highly decorated Easter eggs.

Of course, the Fourth of July brings another opportunity to dress for the holiday. As we honor the red, white, and blue, a host of options awaits us. Many shirts and blouses, as well as

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hats and caps and shorts and skirts and bandanas and everything else you could possibly wear, feature the American flag motif in both color and design.

The biggest and best opportunity to dress up for a holiday is, of course, Halloween. This holiday is usually a fashion occasion to remember, with its spooky or silly costumes.

Peoples’ imaginations run wild for this opportunity to wear something unusual, and cash registers are kept busy.

Hey, maybe that’s why no one wears Thanksgiving garb! People spend so much of their disposable income on Halloween costumes that there is not enough cash remaining to purchase a Thanksgiving outfit. The obvious solution is to purchase a pilgrim costume for Halloween and wear it again at Thanksgiving dinner.

As we pause at the end of the growing season to give thanks for our bounty and to count our blessings, it doesn’t really matter what we wear to the big meal, does it? The meaning of this season is to stop and take a breath, to reflect on what this last year has brought forward, and to be truly thankful for the many blessings that we enjoy and sometimes take for granted.

This is not the time to pick a fight with Uncle Iggy or poke your friends into debating hot topics. Instead, just let good feelings wash over you, share what you have in common, and make new memories with the people who are truly important to you and your loved ones. Take time to heal the wounds that may have cropped up between family members or friends. You will certainly be glad you did.

If you are invited to or are hosting a Thanksgiving feast this season, consider donning a Thanksgiving outfit or costume. Who knows? You just might start a new tradition. A little friendly advice for those of you who will be sprawled out on the couch after eating as you watch and cheer on your favorite football team: Don’t forget to incorporate a stretchy waistband into your Thanksgiving ensemble.

That said, clothes do not a man make, and the same is true of woman.

The spirit of the holiday is the thing to focus on. Whatever you decide to wear to your Thanksgiving feast, let me wish you all a very blessed and special Thanksgiving. WE November 2019

15

Fresh Concept

Custom Jewelry Trends Your Creative Journey

By Janette Calabro

Custom-designed jewelry is exclusive, created specifically for the buyer. Individual pieces can reflect a mood, make a personal statement, or command a presence. With the help of a custom jeweler, you can design a unique piece of jewelry from scratch or revitalize an old piece of jewelry to give it new purpose. If you’re ready to march to the beat of your own drum, read on for inspiration and for what to expect on your custom jewelry journey.

What’s everyone designing this year? A little bit of everything—chandelier earrings, pendants, cuffs, statement rings, and chain-link bracelets. Colorful, chunky pieces are very popular in 2019. Classic hoop earrings never go out of style, but hoops are bigger today, with a bulkier shape. Less-than-perfect pearl necklaces have a refreshed, edgy look, sometimes paired with chunkier chains. Another trend is to add pops of color to custom pieces, like a chunky bracelet or cuffs with a dash of bright enamel.

On the higher end, emeralds and diamonds pair well together, highlighting a gold chain bracelet or necklace. Vintage jewelry is tipping the scales this year, too—think heavy, 1970s-style gold chains, chokers, and gold-engraved coin pieces for earrings or necklaces. Heart-shaped jewelry always feels personal, and there’s a resurgence of this shape, whether in a set of tiered earrings or engraved into a unique ring band. Celestial designs are bringing a heavenly presence into jewelry this year, along with florals. Brooches have also been resurrected this year.

Wear them on scarves, jacket lapels, or anywhere that feels right for you.

To begin, sketch your own design or consult with an artist on what you have in mind. Often, a life event like a wedding or a birth is best expressed by a custom piece that preserves that memory forever. Maybe the vision in your head simply doesn’t match what you see in retail stores, and an independent approach might be necessary to translate your vision. You may want elegant drop earrings, a filigreed wedding band, or a chunky rectangular necklace. Whether you’re picturing clean-lined or contemporary, vintage or traditional— go ahead and shape it!

Once you have a sketch, consider the wide varieties of metal to choose from. The ever-popular sterling silver (92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper) is eminently durable. Silver also has health benefits—it has antimicrobial properties and is hypoallergenic, a real boon for people who love to wear jewelry but are allergic to other types of metal.

With a rich history through the rise and fall of civilizations, the gold standard of jewelry is, well, gold!

The beauty of this metal has captured the hearts of kings and queens for thousands of years, and it is still adorning the Cleopatra fans of the modern world. Gold

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is measured in karats (k) and has a brilliant shine. Its malleable nature allows the jeweler creative wiggle room for either classic or contemporary design, but the maximum gold content (24k) is too soft for durable jewelry. Other metals are often mixed with gold to add durability. Choose 18k, which is 75 percent gold, or the common 14k gold, which is 58.5 percent gold.

There are other color varieties of gold, too. Pure gold is yellow, but it is the other metals that generally determine the color of gold. White gold, for example, includes lighter metals such as silver and palladium, and rose gold includes copper.

Platinum is rare and is the priciest metal. It would take a trip to the sun or 3,612.2 degrees to melt it, which makes it the perfect metal for a ring, bracelet cuff, or any piece worn close to your skin.

However, nothing beats the strength of titanium. This hypoallergenic, scratch-resistant metal is great for body-piercing pieces (but not for rings that you want to be able to resize).

Add gleaming diamonds or colored precious or semi-precious gemstones to make that metal pop. Your artist or jeweler can help you match up the intricate parts of your design. The ideal gemstone for your custom piece depends on you—remember that color influences our brains and our body chemistry by how we perceive it in the light spectrum. Personalize your creation with a gemstone that brings to mind whatever you want to think about. The choices are almost endless, but we’ll mention a few here.

Semi-precious gems such as the opaque bluegreen turquoise and olive-green peridot are popular choices for custom jewelry this year. Aquamarine and various quartz varieties such as citrine are also sneaking into the top choices. Crystals remain popular, too, for their beauty, superior color choices, and healing properties.

Garnets are also trending in 2019. Unique and affordable, garnets come in different colors but are most commonly known for their dark red hue. The fierce red pops from almost any base metal, especially sterling. Other top choices include pearls and abalone, both of which boast an iridescent hue. These gems give an otherworldly, even metaphysical, distinction to your jewelry. They’re also associated with a positive healing energy. Native Americans have long combined

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abalone with sage in spiritual practices, and these energies are still touted today.

Heliotrope, also known as bloodstone, has been associated with magic, and this dark green quartz splattered with red spots is often considered a protective shield from negative energy.

The ever-popular choice of green jade, an ornamental mineral, looks spectacular in jewelry and is often associated with nobility and good fortune. Jade can sometimes be waxed or dyed to enhance color or texture. Be sure to check with your jeweler for the quality grade of these stones. Also admired in 2019 is the amethyst, a purple quartz that is soothing to the eye and soul.

This harder stone can provide a harmonious effect with carved and faceted edges.

Precious stones, most commonly referring to diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, never go out of style. These stones are generally less abundant than semi-precious stones, but rarity alone does not determine the price tag of a gem.

When it comes to diamonds, the four Cs usually determine the value: carat, cut, clarity, and color. Diamonds naturally come in a wide variety of colors, some more common than others.

There are other beautiful gems to consider, like hard-to-find tanzanite, discovered in 1967 in Northern Tanzania. Tanzanite boasts a deep blue-violet hue that may well be worth the $1,200 per carat you’re likely to pay. Black opals, arguably one of the most desired and valued opals, cost around $10,000 per carat.

It’s true that monetary value is a common consideration in gemstone selection. When you’re choosing gems, however, take care to remember that the most important element of the value is how much the wearer will enjoy wearing it.

Once the details of your concept piece come together on

paper, the next step is usually in the hands of the designer. A digital rendering allows you to see your creation from every angle and make any needed adjustments. After that, a physical model is created, often made of a wax compound.

After final approval, the mold is cast using advanced machines to melt precious metals. Next, the metal is smoothed and sanded before the gemstones are mounted. A final polishing buffs out a crisp, clean finish.

Ask your custom jeweler to explain the design process— though custom jewelry designers do their work in similar steps, they may have differences in their protocol. Ask what kinds of designs are possible. Breathe life into your sketches by asking about wearability, comfort, and metal and gem choices. That 3-D wax model is a great preview of your vision and the last opportunity to ask questions before the actual piece is cast and finished.

You also need to discuss the more practical details of jewelry design: timeline and budget. Most custom jewelry, whether a custom engagement ring (the big date matters!) or a jewelstudded hairpin, takes between six weeks and two months to create. Multiple meetings are needed before the final creation becomes reality. Be sure to have a budget set for your new creation. Find out what the base prices are for designing, materials, and creation, and go from there.

Whether you have an heirloom piece that needs a more modern setting or an idea for a design you’ve never seen, a custom jeweler can make it a reality. Get in touch with a jeweler today and get started on your dream design. You’re worth it!

Sources for this article included: forbes.com, popsugar.com, harpersbazaar.com, and wempe.com. WE

ew pat ie nt s who n t a re g y n a m e “We have se e n so ion magazine. W it d E s n’ e m o W saw our ad in fessionalism ro p ir e h t r fo ff t he s ta value A nita and rit ten about w e v a h y e h t s ar t icle se and t heir gre at Be c ause of t he . rs a e y w fe t s us over t he la to c he ck us d e id c e d e v a h eople ar t icles, many p e n’s Edit ion!” m o W , u o y k n a h out. T t ime De ntal e if L t a m a e T e —Th

November 2019

17

Interiors

by Design

The Art of Framing Traditional to Modern and Everything In Between

By Robyn V. Powell

In any well-designed interior, art is the key design element that adds life and visual interest. Art is the masterstroke that gives a space its unique character and style. Although often underestimated, the frame surrounding that art plays an eminently important role—so important that many artists and art owners have long considered the frame to be an extension of the art itself. A frame can literally change the feeling of the artwork it surrounds, either drawing the eye in or distracting it from the work. Choosing the right frame is as important as choosing the right piece of art. If you’re considering framing or re-framing your artwork but feel a little daunted by the whole idea, a brief introduction to framing fundamentals can help get you in the right frame of mind.

Today, the traditional rules of pairing a specific genre with a similar frame have gone out the door. A hot trend is pairing very modern artwork—abstract or even graffiti—with gilded, ornate frames. Classic art is often framed with simple, clean-lined black or metal frames. The popularity of neutral wall colors has resulted in the emergence of framing materials in lots of different textures and colors to add a touch of visual interest to those toned-down walls.

Golds and metallics, as well as different types of moldings, add an extra dimension to art without being gaudy or over the top. The trend of neutral wall color also lets black and darker-hued frames shine, lending a subtle but bold touch to modern spaces.

When it comes to style, it’s important to select a frame that doesn’t overwhelm the subject matter. In other words, the frame should not take center stage. A frame should enhance the artwork while playing to the feel of the overall space. If your aesthetic is contemporary and you plan to display black and white photography, choosing modern frames in black or silver will work well. For portraits or artwork in a more traditional space, decorative frames in gold or white are good choices.

It’s also important to consider the use of mats. Artwork produced on paper, such as drawings, photographs, or watercolor paintings, is enhanced when there is a border between the edge of the artwork and the frame. Mats highlight the artwork by separating it from the frame and drawing attention to the art itself.

The use of a single mat, or the layering of multiple mats, gives ›››

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artwork a polished and elegant appearance.

Mats also physically separate the art from the glass to prevent it from sticking.

Acid-free mats and taping materials will protect artwork from discoloring over time. When it comes to scale, the size of the artwork dictates the size of frame needed; generally, the larger the artwork, the larger the frame.

Depending on the value or importance of the artwork, you may want to consider preservation when you’re choosing framing materials. Glass is one important consideration. Clear glass is the least expensive option but offers no protection from UV light.

UV rays are as detrimental to artwork as they are to human skin, and the damage that occurs over time is irreversible. If artwork will be hung in a room with lots of natural light, it’s important to use UV-filtering glass.

Non-reflective UV-filtering museum glass removes glare and is the most expensive option. Very sensitive media such as watercolors and textiles are at risk of being washed out and damaged by sunlight and should be hung in well-shaded areas. Oil paint on canvas is generally hardier and is best hung without glass.

A great way to showcase and protect family heirlooms or special artifacts is with shadow boxes designed to house mounted 3-D objects in a deep frame. Objects can be recessed or even hand-stitched into the mat board or mounted on small shelves or supports. For quilts or textiles, a floating mat technique can serve to highlight special features. Textiles mounted on a slightly elevated foam mat appear as if they are floating, highlighting features like embroidery or tassels.

Framing is an art in itself, so you’ll want your framing investments to look good for as long as possible.

Visit your local custom framing shop to meet with a professional. A good framer should ask questions to understand your living space and may request photos, room measurements, or paint swatches. It’s important that the finished piece doesn’t fight with its surroundings. No matter what you choose, take the opportunity to express yourself through your artwork AND your frame!

Sources for this article included: onekingslane.com, textileartist.org, and nedcc.org. WE November 2019

23

Out and About

If It Glitters, It Might Be Gold Local Jeweler Makes Dreams Come True

By Leah Johnson

Ask Eddie McNulty, the master craftsman at McNulty Jewelers, about his favorite stone, and his eyes light up. “I love color,” he explains, “and sapphires come in every color. They’re hard stones, so you can make them into rings, pendants, earrings, anything you want.” Eddie is known throughout Colorado Springs—and, more recently, Black Forest—for his creative jewelry design and expert repair services.

“I was always drawing when I was growing up,” he says, and recalls an early interest in design. With the eye of an artist, Eddie can look at a customer’s pair of antique diamond earrings and see a sparkling custom ring waiting to be fashioned from the raw materials.

“He’s very talented, and he understands that custom design is a very personal thing,” says Amber Martin, one of Eddie’s loyal customers. “He wants to know the family stories behind the pieces that are brought to him, and I appreciate that.”

Jay Pope is another satisfied customer. “I went into the store not knowing whether my vision for a custom engagement ring was even possible, but Cassandra and Eddie made it happen. My new bride loves it! I also liked the idea of supporting a local business rather than a chain store.”

Jewelry repair is the other side of Eddie’s business.

Savvy customers know that working with Eddie is a smart way to save money. Since some larger jewelry stores do not have a jeweler on the premises, they send repairs off-site to an independent jeweler… such as Eddie. The customer pays a surcharge to the jewelry store on top of the independent jeweler’s cost.

By working directly with Eddie instead, customers can avoid that surcharge. They also benefit from being able speak directly to the jeweler who will handle their work. Knowing that everything is done on the premises brings additional peace of mind. “With Eddie, you just know that everything will turn out beautifully,” says Amber.

Eddie is proud of the high quality he brings to his craft, and he enjoys his work. He often does a little additional repair or design work free of charge. Why? “Because my name is on the door!” he exclaims with pride, gesturing broadly to the store entrance. “Repeat customers are the backbone of my business.”

“We have a very loyal customer base,” smiles Cassandra Carter, Eddie’s longtime and irreplaceable store manager. “We have people who don’t go anywhere else. We also have people who have moved away but make a point of coming here to do their shopping and repair work when they’re back in town to visit family.”

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Cassandra is also the talented photographer behind the photos that line the store walls. These photos of Eddie’s work serve as inspiration for customers who desire custom work and as conversation pieces for others who might be choosing a special gift-ready piece from a display case.

In May 2019, Eddie opened the second location of McNulty Jewelers, in Black Forest. The store design reflects his deep commitment to community, family, friends, and quality. Reclaimed wood from the Black Forest fire of 2013 was carefully selected and worked prominently into the store design. “I really wanted this shop to reflect its unique location,” Eddie says enthusiastically.

The infrastructure was built largely by Eddie himself, with assistance from talented friends.

Knowledgeable family members and longtime business associate now help staff the shop.

With the holiday season right around the corner, Eddie is gearing up for the many customers who will request custom jewelry designs to delight their wives, mothers, daughters, and siblings. “I sleep up here during the holiday season,” he jokes.

Cassandra, too, is ready for the many customers who will want her knowledgeable and warm assistance. “It gets pretty crazy in here,” she smiles.

McNulty Jewelers is busy on an otherwise quiet Tuesday morning. One customer wishes to speak to Eddie regarding design, another peruses rings in a display case, and still another requests an inspection and cleaning for her diamond ring. Eddie encourages good jewelry maintenance, and he is happy to provide selected maintenance services free of charge.

Eddie exudes passion for his craft and his customers. “This is what I do,” he says simply, “and I love it. Every day.” Don’t miss out on the 10 percent discount for military, first responders, and teachers, as well as McNulty’s great gift specials. For the full experience, drop in and meet Thunder, the wonder dog greeter who rounds out Eddie’s staff.

The original McNulty Jewelers location is at 7603 North Union Boulevard (call 719-265-6400). The new location is open at 11425 Black Forest Road (call 719-495-8816). WE

Eddie, Cassandra, and Thunder

The Good Life

www.womensedition.com

Flotation Therapy and Cryotherapy Spa Sessions for Maximum Wellness

By Maria Harding

Our bodies are dynamic. They are meant to withstand extremes of temperature and terrain. They can move swiftly through the world or rest contemplatively upon it. In our modern society, most bodies endure an unfortunate repetitive stillness. We sit in climate-controlled cars to be carried to work, where we sit with our arms and backs slouched in a forward position. When we do enjoy movement by exercising, doing housework, or playing with the kids, we often overdo it and injure ourselves. We find our bodies locked in a cycle of discomfort and inflammation. Add to that cycle a painful condition like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or fibromyalgia, and our bodies may feel like a burden, rather than a gift.

Two modern therapies that are based on ancient treatments may offer relief. Flotation spas and cryotherapy spas are regaining popularity as ways to honor and care for our bodies while relieving some of our aches and pains.

For centuries, bath spas in the spa town of BadenBaden, Germany, have included a quick bath in icy water. In the Netherlands, the New Year is often celebrated with a nieuwjaarsduik—that is, a quick swim in the icy lake. Besides the thrill of facing such shocking temperatures, there may be some real health benefits to this frigid plunge.

Cryotherapy (literally, “cold therapy”) treatments come in two forms—localized and whole-body. Both use freezing temperatures to reduce inflamed and sore tissues and to deaden irritated nerves.

Whole-body cryotherapy is usually administered in an enclosed chamber (with the head remaining outside) or in a small, sealed room while wearing protective socks, gloves, and head gear—but little else. The body is exposed to temperatures that are typically colder than negative 200 degrees Fahrenheit for two to four minutes.

Though many people have reported success with cryotherapy, it has not yet been approved by the FDA for medical treatment of any condition. Due to the extreme effect these temperatures can have on the body, your doctor must be consulted prior to seeking therapy.

Proponents list a number of ailments that can be eased with cryotherapy. Many say that cooling the neck has been helpful in the treatment of migraines.

For clients with arthritis, the extreme temperature has relieved joint pain, which allowed for longer and more aggressive forms of physical and occupational therapy. Elite athletes have shortened their recovery time with cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy may also improve conditions in the brain. Clients who suffer from mood disorders report improvement with regular cryotherapy sessions, due to the release of adrenaline and endorphins.

There are early indications that cryotherapy may

be effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It is thought that the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant response from cryotherapy helps correct the vascular and toxin imbalances and reduce the brain inflammation that may contribute to the development of these diseases. Like any therapy, benefits are best seen after a series of repeated sessions.

Flotation spas are another increasingly popular way to rejuvenate the body and focus the mind.

The water in a flotation spa has a salt concentration so high (30 percent) that the body finds natural buoyancy. The body floats so effortlessly that a person could drift off to sleep and not sink under the water. The Epsom salts used to enrich the water are beneficial for skin, hair, and nails. The magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen naturally detoxify the body by eliminating heavy metals and other toxins.

At a flotation spa, clients are given time alone in a whirlpool-sized pod. Some prefer to close the lid of the pod to enhance the sensory-deprivation aspect of floating, while others prefer to keep the pod uncovered. Every experience is crafted to meet the preferences of the client in regard to lighting, music, or neither. The water is at body temperature, so any sense of time and space seems to slip away.

One of the blessings of flotation therapy is that nothing needs to be done while receiving the benefits. It is simply a time move away from the chaos of the world and into a meditative state.

Some clients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) find tranquility in regular flotation sessions, due to decreased production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Competitive athletes and musicians use flotation therapy for increased mental focus and shortened recovery time for muscles. The spine naturally elongates while floating, and lactic acid drains from the muscles, reducing soreness and speeding healing.

Be kind to your body. Cryotherapy and flotation therapy spas are modern answers to age-old quests for wellness, relaxation, pain relief, and a better night’s sleep.

Sources for this article included: health.harvard.edu, fda.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, and aad.org. WE November 2019

25

Good Looks

Hairy Situations?

Electrolysis May Be the Answer

By Loretta McCollum

Picture this: You’ve got the perfect dress and the perfect accessories for your big night out. You step out of the shower after scrubbing and shaving, ensuring that your legs are as smooth as silk. As you’re drying those lovely limbs, you notice first one and then another crimson smudge on your snowy white cotton towel. Once again, your budget razor has done its deed. Your legs are now dotted with toilet paper spit wads in an attempt to minimize the damage.

Even worse, picture this: Winter is finally over! The sun is out, and the pool is calling your name. You feel as if you’ve stepped out of an unrelenting deep freeze, throughout which you banned all shaving—after all, no one was going to see your bristly stubble hiding beneath all those warm layers of clothing. Now that spring has sprung, you suddenly realize that you could almost braid the hairs on your legs! You sigh, imagining how the inevitable cuts and bumps resulting from multiple razor passes will wreck the perfect image you have of yourself in that brand-new designer bikini.

Worst of all, picture this: You look in the mirror without your glasses, only to realize that your upper lip hair could give Uncle Phil’s mustache a run for its money!

Now, picture yourself throwing out that razor and waving bye-bye to waxing and plucking. Studies have shown that women spend approximately 72 days during their lifespan shaving or

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waxing unwanted hair. Don’t you have something more important to do? Here’s the answer: electrolysis hair removal. This is not a new concept. It was first used in the late 1800s and has evolved with modern technology. It’s the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal. Popular treatment areas for women include the face, bikini line, underarms, chin and upper lip area, eyebrows, and, of course, legs.

Electrolysis is not just for ladies. If the man in your life has more hair on his back than your faithful canine companion, electrolysis can transform your Sasquatch into a Top Gun beach volleyball dude. It’s also great for underarm hair, eyebrows, or the groin area.

What exactly is electrolysis, and how does it work? Electrolysis removes individual hairs by destroying the growth center of the hair with either chemical or heat energy. It involves inserting an

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extremely fine needle into a hair follicle, which then delivers a small amount of electric current or heat into the follicle, destroying the root. Once the follicle is destroyed, hair will not regrow. Electrolysis is effective on people with all skin tones and hair colors.

There are three basic types of electrolysis used today: galvanic electrolysis, thermolysis, or a combination of both.

Galvanic electrolysis produces a chemical reaction in the hair follicle to destroy the root. Thermolysis uses the heat from electric current to destroy growth cells. The third process combines both methods.

Electrolysis causes minimal discomfort. Most people experience what they describe as a hot or pinching sensation.

The level of discomfort depends on the area being treated and the patient’s sensitivity to pain. For example, the bikini area is likely to be more sensitive than the calf or thighs. The skin in the treatment area may be red or irritated for several hours following treatment. Ice packs and moisturizing cream will help alleviate discomfort. No downtime is required.

No maintenance treatments are needed because treated hair follicles are permanently destroyed and will not regrow. That said, multiple weekly or biweekly treatments over a period of time are required to ensure that all new hair follicles in the area are destroyed. An average is 15–20 treatments per area. A single treatment takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

Once you’ve decided that electrolysis is for you, it’s time to research potential practitioners. Most states require a license or certification to perform electrolysis (certified professional electrologist [CPE] is a common credential). If your state doesn’t require this, look for a technician who has been trained at an accredited school.

Most facilities offer a free consultation, providing an opportunity to observe the cleanliness of the facility, evaluate the competency and skill of the technician, and get any questions answered.

Are you tired of stressing about leg stubble or random chin hairs? Do you hesitate to lift up your arms while sporting a tank top? Do you feel like you need to cover up your bikini line at the pool?

It’s time to ditch those temporary hair removal tools. Do a little investigating and find out if electrolysis is right for you.

Sources for this article included: webmd. com, everydayhealth.com, electrology.com, and medicalnewstoday.com. WE

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.

Join other moms and together let’s create a healthier generation of families. Life is Why.

Unite for change at LifeIsWhy.org/Moms

#familyiswhy November 2019

27

Healthy Living

Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry Advanced, Personal Care

By Lisa Boness

“In treating someone’s oral health, we are really treating the whole person,” explains Dr. Donald Couchman of Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry.

A thorough review of five areas of each patient’s dental health helps Dr. Couchman and his team put together a comprehensive treatment plan that serves the individual needs of each patient. This approach also includes a commitment to addressing the inflammation that can lead to (or be an indicator of) health issues in other parts of the body. “We are helping our patients get as physically healthy as we can, while also transforming their smiles,” says Dr. Couchman. This is a dental office that offers a variety of professional services to help accomplish these patient goals.

The five areas of each exam include the appearance of the teeth, the structure of the teeth, bone health, the state of the joints, and teeth alignment. Each area is important, explains Dr. Couchman. “The appearance of the teeth is important to the patient’s overall wellbeing and emotional well-being. Something people don’t always realize is the connection between their bite system and their joint health. If that is not in a proper relationship, the joints are chronically inflamed, which breaks down the teeth and the joints. All this inflammation is also going through the body, 24 hours a day,” says Dr. Couchman. By addressing the different areas that could be causing stress to the oral systems, optimum dental health reduces systemic inflammation all over the body.

They offer state-of-the-art treatment technologies at Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry. This benefits the patients in several ways: pain and discomfort are minimized, time spent at the dentist’s office is reduced, and the outcome for each step of the treatment plan is maximized. “Dr. Couchman goes to extremes to get to what the patient really needs,” says dental hygienist Cristina. For example, it is standard procedure at Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry to test the DNA of the bacteria to identify which of the 11 types of periodontal disease–causing bacteria a patient has and to treat that with the appropriate antibiotics and laser dentistry. “We do the entire mouth in one visit,” explains Dolly, the office manager. “It’s so much more comfortable to utilize the laser to get to the bacteria. Cristina sterilizes the pocket, and then she puts the topical antibiotic in the area.”

Other examples of how they make the experience more comfortable are same-visit permanent crowns, the option to have oral conscious sedation during treatment, and thin veneers that do not require grinding the teeth. “Dr. Couchman is such a kind,

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gentle dentist,” relates patient Becky H. “His manner is soothing and calming, and he inspires confidence. From the time you walk in, the entire staff is friendly and professional. I had sedation dentistry and it was a great experience. Everything went very well. For the first time in years, I’m not trembling at the thought of making an appointment. I won’t put off taking care of my teeth anymore.” The best technology, paired with a highly skilled and personable dental team, means that each patient is cared for as a whole person at Couchman Center of Complete Dentistry. The cosmetic and functional benefits of dentistry come together for the benefit of the patient.

“We work alongside our patients to get them the necessary treatment within their means,” continues Dolly. Whether it is help with financing a patient’s treatment or finding the best procedure for the individual patient, Dr. Couchman offers many options. For example, the patient can choose a custom-made sleep device to treat obstructive sleep apnea or sedation to make an extensive procedure more comfortable.

In addition to Dr. Couchman, Dolly, and Cristina, the team also includes Shannon (the insurance coordinator), Laura and Molly (expanded duties dental assistants), and Cathy (Dr. Couchman’s wife, who is in the office once a week). The entire team is dedicated to helping their patients achieve their best oral and overall health.

Experience, technology, and a personal approach are all hallmarks of this friendly dental practice in Colorado Springs. Dr. Couchman and his staff understand the connection between oral health and overall health, and they are driven to help patients achieve both of these goals through patient education and professional dental care. To learn more, please visit their website at couchmandental. com. You can reach them by phone at 719-5930263 or by email at info@couchmandental.com.

Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry is located at 5145 Centennial Boulevard, #100, in Colorado Springs. WE

Dr. Couchman and staff

www.womensedition.com

November 2019

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Healthy Image Colorado Healthy Image Colorado is committed to helping you look and feel better. We have searched far and wide to provide the most effective treatments for YOU. We offer a variety of services from body wraps and microcurrent facials to pain treatment and prevention. We are excited to announce that we have just received the Cryoskin 3.0 direct from France and are offering amazing DEALS. Cyroskin 3.0 is a cutting edge machine that offers two different treatments. Cryoslimming freezes and kills your fat cells, permanently eliminating them from your body. No down time. Cryotoning stimulates the production of collagen and tightening of muscles to diminish the appearance of cellulite, loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Your experience matters to us!

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Colorado Springs Hypnosis Ltd. One thing that hypnosis is amazing for is releasing phobias. Fears and phobias are learned habits. They can come from a single event or be learned over time. When we experience the object of that fear, our mind reverts to a sequence it developed to keep us safe. With hypnosis, we help you let go of that fear habit, and replace it with new and healthy habits.

Call today at 719-900-1112 or visit at www.coloradospringshypnosis.com to find out how you can let go of that fear or phobia for good.

Lifetime Dental Are you looking for a dental office where you feel like a person instead of a number?

Are you looking for a dental office where the work is done right the first time? Have you had less-than-satisfactory dental work done elsewhere, and you are not sure where to go next to have your past dental work fixed? Lifetime Dental is your answer!

Dr. David Blackley and his staff are dedicated to providing gentle yet quality dental care in a relaxed, personal atmosphere. They believe your dentistry is a reflection of their abilities, and they are proud to provide you with the best in dental care from your first consultation.

Dr. David Blackley has been providing quality dental care in Colorado since 1984. He promotes continuing education for himself and his staff. He is a visiting faculty member at the prestigious Spear Institute at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. He was also voted one of the “Top Dentists” in Colorado Springs by his colleagues!

From your first appointment, you will experience the difference in Lifetime Dental’s personal mission to educate you on the importance of a healthy mouth and how best to achieve yours! Quality dental care can be affordable.

Ask about the New Dental Care Savings Package for anyone who does not have dental insurance.

Give Lifetime Dental a call today at 719-268-9777. You may also visit the website at www.LifetimeDentalColorado.com to learn more about the practice, staff, and services.

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31

Income Outcome

Thank You, Mr. Peale The Power of Deliberate Creation My late father, Big Al, was the one who first introduced me to “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale.

My dad was an entrepreneur who discovered Mr. Peale’s book when it first came out…clear back in 1952. Mr. Peale’s book was published in October of 1952; to this day, it is his most widely read work. Most of us have heard of the book, but how many have ever read it? I have. Many times.

The first time was when I was a teenager, when the drama of hormones was making me feel…less than positive. My dad came to me and handed me the book. I thought, “This is so thick!” but I read it anyway.

“Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile.

A word of optimism and hope.

A ‘you can do it’ when things are tough.”

—Richard M. DeVos This book was the first place that I learned the power that every single one of us has to choose how our life is going to be. It taught me that if we start the day on a positive note, then the day will be better. If we start it on a negative note, if probably will not be so great. WE get to decide how we are going to experience the day. No one else. Just us.

By Janet Van deWalle

“Not making a decision means forgoing an opportunity.” —Auliq Ice The reality is, we all make a decision on how our days are going to evolve. Some of us make it deliberately; others of us create our days by default. Waking up in the morning and groaning about what lies ahead of us that day is a sure-fire way to make sure that things are going to be hard, stressful, and exhausting. I have been there many a time in my past. I got into the habit of not liking what I was doing. I trained my brain to make this the “familiar” vibration to go through my day. I complained…a lot. I criticized…a lot. I whined…a lot. Frankly, it’s kind of embarrassing to admit this!

“Embarrassment is where growth happens.” —Jaylen Brown There have been two times in my life when I have “reverted” to creating by default. The first one started when I was 21 and lasted until I was 40. The second one started when I was 57 and lasted until I was 63. I’m not sure why I have chosen to “revert.”

All I know is that life will be a whole lot better when I am once again the deliberate creator that I know we all can be.

“Giving thought to anything is creation; giving deliberate thought to anything is deliberate creation.” —Abraham/Hicks

rs: e is rt e v d A r u O f O e n A Few Words From O “I have been an advertiser with Women’s Edition for a number of years. At first it was a stab in the dark; would this form of exposure work or would I need to look for another venue to get my services noticed? I have been very pleased with the quality of the magazine, the staff I have worked with, and most of all the quality of prospects who have become wonderful clients. I wholeheartedly recommend advertising in this publication.”

—Pauli Hubbard, CFP with Creative Financial Services, Inc.

Creative Financial Services, Inc. 32

Kids Comments

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Thanksgiving Traditions Celebrating our Differences The Pilgrims migrated to a new world, sailing in a tiny ship across a stormy sea, in order to have freedom to worship as they pleased. They arrived in the late fall on a spot of land called Plymouth. Their first tasks were building shelter and finding food.

Although initially frightened by the appearance of the Native Americans who were their neighbors, the Pilgrims learned to accept the help and friendship offered. Upon surviving their first winter, they celebrated by sharing a feast with their new friends. The first Thanksgiving! At least, that’s what I was taught in grade school.

All that time ago…around 400 years…our ancestors put aside the differences and recognized the likenesses of strangers. Many materials from the old world weren’t available in the new one.

Once they found that some new ways would work or would even enhance the way things had always been done, life became a little easier. Just because something is different doesn’t mean it’s bad.

Today, we can do the same thing. Our world is one made up of differences. When I was in grade school, the teachers talked about the United States as a great melting pot…a country made up of immigrants from different lands, with differing languages, religions, dress, habits, and even physical appearance. Ours was described as a nation united by the belief that all are created equal…every person has a chance to improve his or her life. We are the same, even with (or in spite of) our differences.

Within my family, we celebrate those differences. My parents

By Marge Shoemaker, BS, MS

celebrated Thanksgiving with a traditional meal of roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, dressing, and pumpkin pie.

Mother-in-law Ethel’s basic menu was the same except she added an oyster casserole and substituted green bean casserole for the peas. Cliff and I fixed the same general menu, but he cooked the turkey on the grill instead of in the oven.

As the years went by, everyone added or substituted dishes and traditions to fit changing family needs and tastes. Lori found raw turkey disgusting, so she started fixing things like pizza and snacks— what she called “boy food.” Her fiancé is allergic to fowl, so the snack menu still works. Scott and Andrea join the extended family potluck or go to a buffet where they can each choose the foods they prefer. Jeff and Shirley are fairly traditional except when they go to her son’s house and the meal is a variety of dishes brought by others.

Each family shares their traditional dishes and customs, adding new variety to the festivities. New traditions replace old.

I think it’s the same everywhere. Whether living in small towns, large cities, or somewhere in between, we grow through our associations with others. Neighborhoods are a compilation of races, nationalities, languages, and religions. We work, play, and get along together. We learn. We change. We grow. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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View from the Top

Business Built on Friendship It’s a Snap!

By Patty Schlegel

Nestled behind Rocky Mountain Motorcycles is a treasure trove of interchangeable snap jewelry and age-defying beauty products. Barb Clark and Pat Arkfeld, joint owners of Rocky Mountain Snaps and distributers of SeneGence beauty products, invite customers to their warehouse every Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

They are well known to those who visit holiday markets and events, Barb notes, but there is only so much merchandise they can take to events—to get the full effect of their selection, you need to visit the warehouse in person. As wholesalers for 70 representatives, they have floor-to-ceiling cubbies filled with products such as the popular Swarovski crystal snaps and, unique to them, the interchangeable discs. It’s unique and creative, says customer Sheila. “I love all the sparkle…and how affordable it is.”

Because they have cut out the middleman and sell at wholesale prices, Barb and Pat are able to offer $15 jewelry items and $5 snaps (buy four, get one free). Their products are interchangeable with any other snap jewelry, Barb says.

Designing jewelry has been in Barb’s blood for decades. She scours the internet for the best snaps and jewelry. Taking an opportunity to travel overseas, Barb met up with one of the jewelry manufacturers. “We look for quality,” says Pat. “Barb has a great eye for jewelry, and she knows what sells.”

Pat and Barb have been friends for more than 30 years, and they have enjoyed success as independent saleswomen for decades. At the urging of friends and family, they joined forces eight years ago. They laugh at how they often show up wearing similar outfits, like two peas in a pod, and they marvel at how they lived their lives in parallel, even before they knew each other. Over the years, they have learned just how many similarities they have: They both were in Germany at the same time, enjoyed success in independent sales, had the same obstetrician, and have the same taste in furniture.

That said, their similarities don’t mean that it’s always easy to work together as friends. The key to their success, where other friends in business together may fail, is communication. “We’ve always been able to tell each other our likes and dislikes,” says Barb. “We figure out what works.” When they disagree, Barb says, they just step back and say, “Let’s think about this for a minute.”

Pat adds, “Then we say, ‘Nah, we won’t think about it,’” and they both laugh. They work hard, Pat says, and they share a lot of laughter. “Laughter is a healer,” she points out.

Affectionately known as “the sisters” by those who know them, Pat and Barb laugh and talk easily. They greatly enjoy the fun of going to shows and events to sell

34

their products. They are also known for their generosity. They desire to help other women become successful in business, so they offer advice and demonstrate how to be confident. “We just like people, and we are good to the people we work with,” says Pat. Barb adds, “We enjoy seeing women do things they never thought they could do. That’s important.”

They are up front and open with each other, their representatives, and their customers. When they started Rocky Mountain Snaps, they decided they would not run a multi-layered company. They are always open to training and mentoring new people. They offer a kit to each representative, as well as all the free advice and mentorship a person needs. There are no downlines and no quotas, Barb says, just people responsible for their own success.

“They pour their heart and soul into others, sharing what they know.

It’s amazing,” says D’Ann Baldridge. She says she has been selling Rocky Mountain Snaps for three years but has known Pat and Barb for eight years.

She says she is impressed by their business sense and their mentorship.

“Whatever Pat and Barb do, I am following in their footsteps.”

Barb and Pat love people, laughter, and sales, and they always will. Pat’s son likes to joke that Barb and Pat will eventually have tandem wheelchairs. “It’s been an adventure,” Pat concludes. “We’ll do it until we can’t.” Barb agrees.

“What’s not fun about this?”

Rocky Mountain Snaps and SeneGence is located at 424 North Chelton Road, in the Rocky Mountain Plaza. No appointments are necessary, but if you’re bringing a busload, please give them a holler. For more information, call Barb Clark at 719-661-3069 or Pat Arkfeld at 719-661-9950. Find them online at senegence.com/Kisses4U or on Facebook. WE

Barb Clark and Pat Arkfeld, joint owners

“We look for quality,” says Pat. “Barb has a great eye for jewelry, and she knows what sells.”

www.womensedition.com

November 2019

35

To Your Good Health

Always Gotta Go? Treatment Is Better Than Ever

By Leslie Byrne

Approximately 25 million Americans have urinary incontinence, and about 80 percent of them are women. That’s right! If you suffer from occasional (or more than occasional) urine leakage, you are one of 20 million American women who do so. With numbers like that, there’s no need to feel embarrassed about seeking treatment for this incredibly common condition.

Urinary incontinence is simply the loss of bladder control. It is a symptom, not a disease, and the degrees of severity vary from occasionally leaking urine to having sudden and unstoppable urges to urinate. Many accept incontinence as a normal part of aging and think that there is nothing to be done except buy products to keep it a secret. Don’t accept incontinence as a way of life! Choose instead to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider and get the treatment you deserve.

Incontinence in women can be triggered by pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or menopause. In men, reasons can include an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, or an obstruction. For both men and women, being overweight, having weakened pelvic muscles, smoking, family history, or diabetes can increase the chances of experiencing incontinence.

Your healthcare provider will begin by identifying what type of incontinence you’re trying to overcome. Types of incontinence include stress incontinence (you leak urine when laughing,

coughing, or sneezing) and urge incontinence (you have sudden and intense urges to urinate that cannot be held). You also might have overflow incontinence (frequent, constant dribbling of urine because the bladder does not completely empty). The last type is functional incontinence, which is due to a physical or mental condition.

Your provider will consider what foods, beverages, and medications you are taking, as many can stimulate the bladder. This includes alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, some artificial sweeteners, chocolate, and some spicy foods. Many people may be surprised to learn that their medications, including some medications for high blood pressure, can work as diuretics, causing excess urine excretion.

Once the type of incontinence is determined, the treatment plan can be created. Most doctors will start with the least invasive treatment and advance to more invasive treatments only if necessary.

If another medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection, is causing the problem, that will be treated first. Many types of doctors, such as primary care physicians and gynecologists, can diagnose and provide treatment for incontinence. Some patients will see a urologist, who

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has extensive training in the urinary system, or a urogynecologist, who has specialized training in female urinary care.

Bladder training techniques, where the patient deliberately delays urination or urinates on a schedule, are common first-line treatments. If the cause is overflow incontinence, a patient may try “double voiding,” which is when you go back to urinate a second time shortly after the first time.

Pelvic floor muscle therapy is often recommended, and a patient may need to work with a physical therapist to ensure that the right muscles are being strengthened. In some cases, electrodes are used to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

This is usually when a patient is struggling to strengthen the correct muscles. There are also several medications to treat incontinence. Medical devices designed for women can be inserted each day to prevent leakage.

Newer options include what are called interventional therapies. These treatments include several different injections (such as Botox) and also nerve stimulators that are implanted under the skin.

BTL EMSELLA™ is a great option for women and men who desire a non-invasive solution for urinary incontinence. This FDA-approved procedure treats the entire pelvic floor area. Patients remain fully clothed and may resume daily activities immediately after the treatment.

For some patients still struggling with incontinence after less invasive treatment, surgery is the best option. There are several different surgical procedures to consider. Laser surgery can be used to treat some forms of incontinence and can provide immediate improvement with little or no downtime. Laser surgery can often improve more than just bladder control—menopausal women may consider it to treat multiple urogynecological problems in one procedure.

Those of us who are already experiencing urinary incontinence can derive great benefit from knowing the different types and causes of the condition.

This knowledge may even benefit those who do not have this problem, if it prompts them to take steps now to decrease their chances of needing treatment in the future.

Proactive steps against developing urinary incontinence include keeping your weight in a healthy range, limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking, and doing exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Stop feeling embarrassed and schedule an appointment with your doctor today.

Sources for this article included: health. com, mayoclinic.org, and verywellhealth.com. WE November 2019

37

Home Works

Renting Versus Buying What’s Your Dream?

By Anne Yankus

Buying a home has long been considered part of the American dream, but it can be rough! You have to get approved for a big bank loan, find a decent house within your price range, and then pay for taxes and upkeep every year (not to mention your monthly mortgage payments!). Trying to balance all those different factors within your means can feel like trying to make the stars align. It should be really no surprise that more and more people are choosing to rent or lease their homes instead.

Home prices are on the rise, and the recent real estate climate has been something of a seller’s market. The nation is also going through a major shortage of affordable housing, with a 14 percent cost increase that’s happened in recent years. Expert economists say that almost half of the country’s population lives in areas where the median income simply isn’t enough to afford the rising monthly mortgage costs. Some states have passed laws to put a cap on the cost of rent, which allows many of these areas of the country to have an increase in rent-controlled properties as a more affordable option.

Even in locales where mortgage payments are still typically lower than rent, setting aside enough money to make the up-front

down payment and closing costs just isn’t in the cards for a lot of people these days. Many people have added up all these factors and decided that the best choice is to rent a home or apartment.

There’s a subset of the population who chooses to rent over buying because they plan to move within the next five to 10 years.

It is just plain easier to wait until your lease is up (or even pay to break it) than it is to go through the process of selling a house.

Also, experts say it’s nearly impossible to break even cost-wise if you buy a house and sell it again within five years. Renting simply allows for more flexibility than buying, which can be a very attractive prospect. Even if you’re not planning to move out of town at the end of your lease, it’s easier to upgrade or downgrade to a larger or smaller apartment to suit your current needs when you don’t have to worry about staging and showing your home or paying a real estate agent to do it for you.

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Of course, younger people nearly always choose to rent before buying their first home, but this renting trend is not just among the younger set. Many retired seniors who are looking to downsize are choosing to rent apartments instead of purchasing smaller homes. Renting presents an attractive option for retirees on fixed incomes, since there are no unexpected maintenance costs to budget for and no risk of losing the money invested in the property. In an apartment complex, you likely also get some timesaving (and labor-saving) services, like landscaping, snow removal, repairs, and routine maintenance, included in the price of your rent.

Renting may also come with additional amenities. Unless they own quite impressive homes, homeowners typically have to pay extra to have access to a pool, a gym, or a movie theater, while many apartment or townhome complexes have such amenities available on-site for their residents. In addition to the on-site amenities, many apartment complexes offer discounts to local businesses as an extra perk. Many rental complexes will hold regular community events, like holiday barbecues or trunk-or-treat events, which can be a great plus for residents who want to build good relationships with their neighbors.

Renters also likely spend less money on utilities, insurance, and security systems.

For ease of billing and getting bulk rates, many rental properties come with some or all of the utility costs included in the monthly rent. Even if they don’t, it still costs less to heat and cool a two-bedroom apartment than a two-story house.

You’ll also have lower out-of-pocket insurance costs, since you’re insuring your belongings and not the entire building. Lastly, security is typically built in and included in the overall building maintenance costs. This can include anything from a secure entry in the lobby, where guests need to buzz in, to a fully gated community that is only open to residents and their guests.

Renting a home is far from “throwing away your money,” as it’s long been considered. Increased equity is no longer guaranteed in real estate, and renting can be a smart and affordable housing option for many people at various times in their lives.

Sources for this article included: cnbc. com, bankrate.com, marketwatch.com, and investopedia.com. WE

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November 2019

39

Positive Perspective

Always Follow Your Gut Intuition Is Your Superpower

By Janet Van deWalle

“Oh boy, that idea feels really bad.” Have you ever had this happen to you? What did you do? Did you push forward? Did you stop, take a deep breath, and get ahold of what you were really feeling?

“Never apologize for trusting your intuition.

Your brain can play tricks, your heart can be blind, but your gut is always right.” —Rachel Wolchin

“You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach?

Listen to it.” —Sally Kathryn

My “rational mind” immediately started in with rational thoughts, like how the sellers were asking too much, how we couldn’t afford it, how it needed way too much work. Long story short: A month later, we ended up buying it, at a hugely reduced price. Our friends and family thought we had lost our minds. It was a true “fixer upper,” but we made it our own. I have now been there for 23 years, and buying that house is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Gut instinct is a feeling that most of us have had at some point in our lives. Perhaps it was in regard to a romantic relationship, a career opportunity, or a planned outing with friends. Many times, we let our brain override our gut and decide to go for it.

“Always trust your gut; it knows what your head hasn’t figured out yet.” —Anonymous Gut feelings are not always warning us about something bad.

I remember 23 years ago when I was with my kids and husband. We were kind of bored and decided to be nosy and check out the house for sale down the street. None of us liked that house, but the realtor suggested a house a few blocks away. We proceeded to the next open house. As we were walking up the front walk, I had a sudden and overwhelming feeling that we were going to buy the house. We had not even crossed the threshold. I turned to my family and said, in astonishment, “We are going to buy this house!”

“Her intuition was her favorite superpower. ”—Anonymous I believe that all of us have this superpower. The key to unlocking it is to begin to trust ourselves and know that our inner being is trying to get our attention. Our gut feelings are coming to us to give us a heads-up on whether we should go for something…or not.

“I rely far more on gut instinct than researching huge amounts of statistics.” —Richard Branson If that’s the attitude that brings Richard Branson success, I think I’ll follow his lead! WE

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