Women's Edition Colorado Springs – December 2019

THE MAGAZINE FOR METROPOLITAN WOMEN

December 2019 Always Free!

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December 2019

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Editor’s Notes

It’s December! Let it Snow…or Feefle This is the one time (or maybe just one day) that I hope for snow. I love all the sights and smells and colors and sounds of Christmas, especially when it’s blanketed in a soft layer of fresh snow. When you walk outside in the morning after a snowfall, there is a hush in the air.

Then there’s the noisy, squeaky snow. Have you ever noticed it? Fun fact: It happens when the snow is colder than 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s so cold that your boots don’t melt the snow, causing them to rub and squeak when you step into it. When my son, Kurt, and his family came out last Christmas from Southern California, he took videos of the early morning snow. It was pristine and perfect. When he played it back, we could hear the snow squeak under his boots with every step.

My grandson, Mason, had never seen snow fall. It was so much fun watching him see this white stuff fall for the first time!

There are lots of different kinds of snow here in Colorado, like Dippin’ Dots Snow and Goose Feathers Snow.Yes, I invented those names. The Scottish people have 421 different names for snow. I particularly like “feefle,” which is snow that swirls. For example, when you’re driving in a soft snowfall and your headlights reveal the mesmerizing swirling on the surface of the highway, that’s feefle.

One of my favorite things at Christmas is decorating and entertaining. When my house is overflowing with friends and family, my heart overflows with joy. Every Christmas brings something new and fresh to me. Whether it’s a house full of laughter, a quiet cup of tea by the fire, packing Operation Christmas Child Boxes, or baking cookies for friends and neighbors, it brings me joy. Great memories continue to pile up like a giant snowbank.

This year will be quieter. I open the old ornaments I’ve seen over and over for decades, and I still get butterflies as I decide on the perfect place for each much-loved treasure from a much-loved person. I feel blessed.

Whether you are planning a quiet Christmas or lots of company, enjoy the meaning of this wonderful holiday. If you are lonely, find a group or a church where you can get involved. Invite someone over. Have a potluck in your home—just provide the beverages. Keep it simple.

Look for the blessings in a humdrum day. Once I start looking, I find that blessings are all around me, like freshly fallen snow. Everywhere I look, there is something to be grateful for.

I wish for you a very merry Christmas and blessings all around you. Watch for the feefle! See you next next year.

Anita Howarth, Editor

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You’d probably agree that trusting the folks who work on your vehicle is important. Lighthouse Automotive pride themselves on providing excellent service, repairs, and pricing. Check out the deal they have waiting for you on page 40.

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Positive Thought of the Month “Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance—each beautiful and unique.”

—Unknown

2

Auto Wise

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Got Power?

Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Battery

By Brennan Hallock

When cars first began replacing horses as the primary form of transportation on American roads in the early 20th century, they did not come with batteries. Instead, hand cranks were used to start their engines.

This system was quickly replaced by electric batteries, though, which allow us to start our engines with the turn of a key or the press of a button. As electricity becomes more and more essential to our modern vehicles, the battery is becoming more and more important to maintain.

Your vehicle’s battery is essential to starting the engine, of course, but it’s also integral to many other parts of your driving experience, even in a gas-powered vehicle. Your alternator, headlights, dashboard, interior lights, charging functions, air conditioner, radio, and more are powered and maintained by the battery.

Most vehicle batteries last about four to six years, but a number of factors impact the life of your battery. These include how often you drive, what electronics you use in your vehicle, how secure your battery is, your battery’s corrosion, and the weather.

Short or infrequent drives can cause your battery to fail faster because they don’t allow the battery to fully recharge. If you don’t plan to drive your vehicle regularly, it is smart to invest in a portable car battery charger to make sure you don’t end up stranded.

The electronics you use in your vehicle pull their electricity directly from the battery. This is fine while you’re driving because the vehicle is recharging the battery. If your vehicle is idling, you should unplug any electronics and turn off the lights so they don’t drain the battery. This is not only because it can leave you stranded. Allowing your battery to be drained will force it to work harder and shorten its lifespan.

A battery’s life can be shortened if it is not securely fastened under the hood—batteries that shake and vibrate may end up with internal damage and short circuits. Check your battery terminal regularly to make sure it is secure, especially if you drive on bumpy roads such as gravel or dirt.

Corrosion on your vehicle’s battery terminals is common, especially with older vehicles, and can cause a bad connection that harms your battery life. Luckily, it’s easy to clean: Dip a toothbrush in baking soda and water and then scrub the terminals.

Spray them clean with cold water and wipe them off with a dry rag.

The weather is the biggest factor affecting your battery’s lifespan. In extremely hot temperatures, the fluid in the battery can evaporate, damaging the internal structure and limiting its ability to hold a charge. If you notice a rotten egg (sulphur) smell coming from your battery, this is usually the cause.

You can’t control the weather, but you can keep your car cooler by parking in a garage or out of direct sunlight.

Cold temperatures are also damaging because they reduce the solution’s ability to transfer full power (this is why it can be hard to start a vehicle in the winter). One way to fight this problem is to buy a battery heater.

When purchasing a vehicle battery, you have a few choices. These choices include lead-acid, lithium metal or lithium ion, and deep cycle.

Lead-acid are the most common and affordable batteries and have been around the longest. They can be used in nearly all vehicles and have an average lifespan. Valve-regulated deep-acid (VRLA) batteries are the most modern version of these; they are lower maintenance and more durable.

Lithium batteries are some of the most advanced on the market, and they tend to be more expensive.

The lithium ion is rechargeable; it’s what you will normally find in electric vehicles.

Deep cycle batteries offer longer, more sustained power, which is why they are used for marine vehicles or golf carts. They are also more suited for colder climates, where more reserve cranking power is necessary.

In most vehicles, the battery is located under the front hood, next to the engine, but there is no required location for a vehicle battery. On some vehicles, you may find it under the wheel well, under a floorboard panel, in the rear of the car, or even in the trunk.

No matter where it is located, the manufacturer will have designed it to be accessible in case you need to jump your car. You may have to refer to the owner’s manual, though, to see exactly how this should be done. You may have to pop off a panel or remove a wheel.

If you keep your battery happy, your whole driving experience will be happier. If you have any questions about your vehicle’s current battery or whether you might need a new one, ask your mechanic.

Sources for this article included: popularmechanics.com, blog.nationwide.com, and knowhow.napaonline.com. WE December 2019

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Inside This Edition 2

Editor’s Notes

28

Focus on Finance

3

Auto Wise

30

The Market Place

6

Fashion Worthy

32

Income Outcome

9

Zodiac Forecast

33

Kids Comments

10

Weekend Gourmet

12

Business Style

14

A Woman’s Work

16

Fresh Concept

The winter holidays are upon us.

Do you greet them with anticipation, or with a feeling of dread? Stress has its purpose—but it can also have adverse effects on our health.

Worldwide, obesity rates have almost tripled since 1975, and they continue to rise in the United States, for both adults and children.

18

Interiors By Design

24

Out and About

25

The Good Life

26

Good Looks

10

34

View From The Top

36

To Your Good Health

38

Home Works

40

Positive Perspective

6

Have you ever met someone who has “an ego the size of Montana”?

The minute we meet people like this, we can sense that they are all about themselves.

14 Owner, Editor Anita Howarth

Operations Manager Shannon Majors

Art & Editorial Director Erin Lanza

Copy Editor Liz Huett

Women’s Edition 5555 Er i ndal e D r i ve, Suite 201 • Colorad o S p rin gs, CO 80918 • (719) 227-02 6 2 National Publisher: Women’s Edition, Inc. 888-892-4076 Women’s Edition is operated locally by M. Renee Publishing, Inc., an independently owned and operated franchisee.

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.

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December 2019

5

Fashion Worthy

It’s Time to Get Fancy for Holiday Parties!

Flaunt Your Holiday Style

By Holly Bell

The holidays are the best time of the year to get dressed up! People have become so used to casual attire, it is really a treat to have a reason to don your party outfit and feel festive again. This holiday season, have fun dressing up in many ways. Try on-trend romantic black lace and ruffles! Black lace is so wonderfully versatile and so in style this holiday.

If wearing all-over lace and ruffles seems a little too much for you, you can still nod to the trend by layering a black lace top under a sleeveless black dress or jumper.

You can accessorize with lace, too. Wear a lace shawl around your shoulders or belt it around your hips over a solid black background. On this year’s runways, designers surprised us with the modern juxtaposition of edgier shoes with lace. Sometimes, opposites do attract! We saw boots with lace, rather than the delicate heels you might presume. Another juxtaposition was today’s fashion made with fabrics that seemed to be taking inspiration from years gone by. One of the most festive holiday trends was one we haven’t seen in a while: high-shine fabrics like lamé or shiny satin. This blast-from-the-past fabric shines on the runway and will make you feel ready to party.

One of the most-asked questions about the holiday party season is, “What is appropriate to wear to a work party?” This is a tricky issue to navigate. Should you choose looking professional or looking chic? Should you throw in the towel and wear an ugly but funny holiday sweater?

Don’t worry; you can make a festive but appropriate entrance to your holiday work party, even if your event is directly after work. Some suggestions would be to wear a soft, romantic maxi dress layered under a tailored blazer.

Bring along some dressy shoes and a sparkly necklace to swap out for your more conservative work accessories when you remove your blazer. Wear your conservative black pantsuit to work, but bring along a trendy top in gold or silver lamé or satin. Ditch the jacket and swap out your top, along with adding some dangle earrings, and your outfit says, “Hey, colleagues, let’s party!”

If your event is not directly after work, you have more options to wear and more time to get ready. Velvet is back as a holiday classic, and nothing is more elegant. For a casual twist on party attire, try a velvet top worn with your favorite jeans. Designers are always borrowing from past looks, and brocade has come into its own again. Try a brocade jacket or a brocade skirt for an elegant look.

Sequined fabrics are always fun to try. A sequined skirt worn with a tailored top is a great choice for a work party.

No matter what you wear, keep in mind that you can’t go

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wrong by keeping your look tasteful. You work with these people, so keep your cleavage under wraps and your hemlines below the knee.

While everyone is considering party dresses, are you trending toward pants?

Some women love dresses, but some strongly prefer pants, even for dressy occasions. Never fear—pants can be part of a holiday party ensemble. Try some full-legged pants in a soft, flowing fabric for a chic look. Keep the look tailored with a white blouse on top, adding some glittery jewelry and party shoes to keep things festive. Shiny fabrics are the rage this season, so try some satin pants! Add a velour top to pair shiny with matte for a gorgeous contrast in fabrics. Jewel tones are always in the spotlight during the holidays. Deep red, royal blue, and emerald green are all flattering and festive options.

One way to stand out at holiday party time is to wear white! Yes, I am talking about white pants or even an all-white ensemble. Add a black belt with an important buckle and you will stand out in a sea of black dresses.

Are you going to a house party or throwing a party at your own home? You need to be comfortable! Velour pants are the answer. Nothing is more comfortable or easier to wear. Add a top with a little sparkle detail and be ready for anything!

Every holiday season is special, but try to make this one even more enjoyable.

No holiday plans are perfect, and prioritizing is key to a fun holiday season.

Choose a couple of things you really want to do well and let the other things go.

No matter what you wear, your best accessories will be the smile on your face and the light in your eyes!

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 More information at www.inspiredstyle.com

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Wishing Everyone Happy Holidays and an Amazing New Year!

Women’s Edition would like to thank everyone who has helped make us a success. Here’s to our readers, advertisers, writers, distribution staff, and our distribution locations.

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Zodiac Forecast

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SAGITTARIUS November 22–December 21 Happy birthday, Sagittarius! This month, you should emphasize your own personal enjoyment as well as that of your loved ones. It’s the best season of the year, and love is in the air! There is much peace and harmony within your family. Throughout or following the winter holiday season, you may be traveling a lot with your family. Travel destinations could be new and exotic.

Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19) You are unwinding from a hectic year.

One way to relax is going to places you’ve never been—just for the joy of it!

Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18) Let the past go…the New Year is just around the corner. Focus on what the future may hold for you.

Loved ones will be encouraging.

Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20) Your family plays a positive role in your life, and you enjoy a harmonious relationship with your partner…all the makings for a perfect holiday!

Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19) You love the holidays and often use this as a time to concentrate on future endeavors. Love can be found at social gatherings, so single Rams should not skip those holiday parties.

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22) You are going to have a great month financially. This enables you to pamper yourself and spoil your loved ones. Get out and enjoy all the festive highlights of the holiday season!

Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22) Although you are very independent, this is the season to expand your social horizons. Although your past might surface and haunt you, make it a point to focus on your future. Get out there and mingle—watch out for that mistletoe!

Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22) Love will be stronger this month as loved ones spend more time together during the holiday season.

Remember, some of the greatest gifts are memories!

Taurus (Apr 20–May 20) Those born under the Taurus sign are always mindful of helping others. Use your compassion by offering your gifts and time to the less fortunate this holiday season.

Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22) Your health will be superb this month.

Travel locally. There is so much to see and do during the festive season, even close to home. Harmonize with your family and enjoy their company. You should revel in all of it!

Gemini (May 21–Jun 20) It’s a very social time of the year. Being social is essential to good health! Keep up your immune system so you won’t have to stay home.

Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21) Family matters will be your main priority this month. As you enjoy the season, you relish in your past achievements and your goals for the New Year. WE

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December 2019

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Weekend Gourmet

Holiday Sweets and Treats!

By Kate Beiting

Kristi’s Homemade Ornaments Mix 4 cups of flour, 2 cups of salt, 1 teaspoon of alum, and 1 and 1/2 cups of water. Mix with hands and then roll out on a lightly floured board until the dough is 1/8 of an inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and use a straw to make a string hole in the top of each one. Place the cutouts on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes.

Turn them over and bake for another 90 minutes, until hard and dry. Cool. Use fine sandpaper to smooth the edges, if necessary.

Paint with acrylic or poster paint. Let dry, then shellac and hang.

Easy Christmas Fruitcake Whisk 2 and 1/2 cups of flour with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together 2 eggs, one 28-ounce jar of ready-to-use mincemeat, one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups of mixed candied fruit, and 1 cup of roughly chopped walnuts or pecans. Mix well. Blend in the flour and baking soda. Grease and flour a Bundt or tube-style cake pan. Pour in the ingredients. Bake at 300 degrees for 50–55 minutes, until cake tests done. Cool.

Pour an ounce of good bourbon over the cake and refrigerate.

You can add bourbon once a week until ready to serve.

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Ginger Creams Mix 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of butter, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of molasses, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir in a mixture of 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, baking soda, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.

Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Using a teaspoon, drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 minutes at 400 degrees. Cool.

To make the frosting, combine 1/3 cup of soft butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1 Tablespoon of milk in a bowl. Spread or pipe onto cookies.

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Jam Cookies Mix together 1 and 3/4 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of soft butter, 2/3 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Slowly blend the dry ingredients with the egg mixture.

Spoon out balls of dough and roll them in sugar. Place the balls on a cookie sheet and indent the middle of each one with your thumb. Fill the indentation with raspberry or strawberry jam. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool. Makes about 36 cookies.

Dolly Dream Bars Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan. Mix 1 and 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Mix and press firmly onto the bottom of the baking dish. Pour one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk over the crumbs.

Layer with 1 cup of butterscotch chips, 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 and 1/3 cups of flaked coconut, and 1 cup of chopped pecans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Loosen a bit while still warm and then let cool. Cut into squares.

Grandpa’s Old Fashioned Peppermint Popcorn Pour 3 quarts of plain, unseasoned popcorn (store-bought is fine) into a large roasting pan. Melt 1 stick of butter in a saucepan.

Pour in 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of light corn syrup. Cook (stirring) until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Boil (without stirring) for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1/8 teaspoon of green food coloring. (You could use any color of food coloring—

maybe combine a batch of red and a batch of green!) Pour over popcorn and stir to mix well. Bake on a cookie sheet for 1 hour at 250 degrees, stirring several times.

Optional extra peppermint: During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle with 3–4 broken-up candy canes and put back in the oven.

My Sister’s Bourbon Balls (Cookies for Adults!)

Combine 3 cups of vanilla wafer crumbs, 1 cup of ground pecans, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons of cocoa. Mix in 3 Tablespoons of light corn syrup and 1/2 cup of bourbon or rum (or orange juice). Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in powdered sugar. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Toffee Bars Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan with foil and spray lightly with a non-stick spray. Place graham crackers all over the foil, breaking them at perforations to fit the pan.

In a saucepan, melt 2 sticks of butter with 1 cup of light brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Boil for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour over graham crackers. Bake for 6–7 minutes at 350 degrees.

Remove from oven and sprinkle the top with 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips, spreading the chips while the bars are warm. Top with toffee bits, if desired. Let cool, then cut or break into pieces.

Editor’s Note: Kate has been an Omaha area culinary instructor since 1997. She attended The Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha. WE

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Business Style

MD Boutiques at Pine Creek A Med Spa to Fit Your Lifestyle

By Cheryl Lassota

MD Boutiques at Pine Creek is a concierge medical spa dedicated to providing physician-recommended services and products in a caring, private, and unisex setting. Dr. Michelle Marsala and master aesthetician Bozena Cordova design affordable skin treatments specific to their clients’ needs and lifestyles. Both women enjoy welcoming their clients and people who are simply interested in a free consultation.

“We invite passersby to come in and chat with us or to relax at the end of the day with our free yoga nights,” shares Dr. Marsala. “We are 100 percent committed to client happiness, connections, and results—no matter what it takes.”

MD Boutiques offers many aesthetic and cosmetic treatments, including intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, laser skin resurfacing, radio-frequency (RF) microneedling, and HydraFacials. They believe in physician-only injections, especially for fillers. Dr. Marsala specializes in dermal injectables like Botox, Juvéderm, and Sculptra.

Bozena serves as a consultant, practice manager, and safety officer. She is certified in laser safety and dermaplaning and provides training for other medical spa managers.

Dr. Marsala is adamant that cost not be a barrier to having your skin controlled and cared for. “‘Controlled’ means you should feel like you can walk out of the house without a lot of makeup coverage,” she explains. She recommends that new clients bring their skin care products to their initial consultation. “We start with a skin health assessment based on what you are using and what you can reasonably afford,” she says. “Then, we go from there.”

Dr. Marsala sees many teens with persistent acne, and she has trained extensively with Zein Obagi, MD, an authority on skin health and rejuvenation and creator of the ZO Skin Health treatment line. Dr. Marsala has developed a treatment specifically for her acne patients by combining a ZO stimulation peel and a HydraFacial.

“While we want to remain a medical spa, we are dedicated to helping teens with acne, especially in its early stages.

We can control about 90 percent of acne with prescriptiongrade ZO products,” Dr. Marsala states. “However, I support Dr. Obagi’s belief that if your child develops even one acne scar, please consult a dermatologist about Accutane primary care. Some insurance companies will pay for it, and there are grants to help with the expense.”

Severe skin complications plague military personnel who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. “We’re seeing serious skin conditions on those returning from deployments even as brief as four months—acne, dark discoloration, deep blackheads. Some look like their skin has aged 10 years,” Dr. Marsala says. “We are working

12

with colleagues around the country to discover the causes. We’re learning that Dr. Michelle it isn’t so much the excessive sun exposure as it is the Marsala and master exposure to the constant burning of trash and feces. It aesthetician takes months to repair it.”

Bozena Cordova “Our male clients tend to seek laser hair removal and skin treatment for sun damage,” observes Dr. Marsala.

“We treated a pilot with severe sun damage from time spent in a cockpit.” Some men are more comfortable than others coming in, she says. “Sometimes, men are given a gift facial and end up loving it!”

“Men recognize appearance-related ageism,” she continues. “The glabellar ‘11s’ wrinkle lines between their eyebrows get lower, making them appear angry. Botox is excellent for men to smooth the lines at the sides of the eyes and the vertical creases between the brows.”

“We care deeply about overall health and wellness,” Dr. Marsala says. Bozena adds, “Our customers are always understanding and caring. We are like a family.”

Sometimes, Dr. Marsala notes, treating a struggling friend or family member to a little self-care can make a big difference. “When people are ill, skin care is the last thing on their minds,” she says. “Even if they get a gift card, they might never use it.” She suggests going the extra mile by taking a little skin care cleanser and moisturizer to a loved one who may be stressed, depressed, or even hospitalized. “If possible, give them a simple, comforting skin-brightening face masque and massage their face and neck. Be there for them, even if they push others away,” she encourages. “Part of that is by literally touching them, to help them feel better about themselves.”

Visit MD Boutiques at Pine Creek, at 8680 North Union Boulevard, in Colorado Springs, to meet the multifaceted Dr. Marsala—graduate of Doherty High School, UCCS, and Creighton College of Medicine. She’s mom to two children and serves as a USA Youth Boxing Team physician. To learn more about products and services or to make an appointment, please call 719-282-7782 or find MD Boutiques at Pine Creek online at mdboutiques.com and facebook.com/mdboutiques. WE

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December 2019

13

A Woman’s Work

Ho, Ho, Ho! Look Who’s Coming Down the Chimney

By Sharon Knierim

One thing I love about Christmas is the large cast of fantastical and thrilling characters. True Christian believers revere December 25th as the birth date of Jesus, though even the most dedicated believers still have their fun during this all-encompassing and deeply enjoyable family holiday. The Christmas story and the wonderful characters who populate that story are enigmatic. The story appeals to all ages and is often learned at a very early age, in religious training and from parents and grandparents. These days, most public places in the United States remain secular, so the religious celebration of the holiday has become more private and closer to the heart.

Though the characters in the Christmas story are revered around the world, they’re not the only characters we enjoy during the holiday season. Over the centuries, people have created many cast members who appear during December and make up a large portion of how we celebrate this mysterious holiday. Christmas is the supreme holiday for having fun with all the characters that we recognize at this time of the year.

Charles Dickens gave us the unforgettable characters of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. In the story, Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. He has quite a night, and he wakes up a kinder and more caring man on Christmas morning. This wonderful story evokes many emotions and is

often used as a holiday operetta for elementary children.

The Nutcracker ballet brings its own magic and beauty to the season. Attending a performance is a magical way to open the holiday season, as sugar plum fairies populate the stage and Tchaikovsky’s thrilling and memorable music stays with us long after Christmas has passed. Some families make a holiday tradition of attending a production of this show year after year. No matter what age the audience is, the Nutcracker is unforgettable and has become a special memory for many.

If you are a Charlie Brown fan (who isn’t?), you’re probably looking forward to his holiday special. Charlie Brown and his little gang may be some of the world’s oldest children. Every year, we have looked forward to finding out how his Christmas saga will end. Spoiler alert: It always ends the very same way.

Oddly enough, one of the most popular Christmastime

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characters is the dastardly Grinch. Even his name sets our teeth on edge! I’m sure the entire population of the United States is familiar with this character, created more than six decades ago

by Dr. Seuss. The Grinch lives on a mountaintop, alone with only his poor little dog as a companion. Even though the Grinch probably is suffering from loneliness, he is usually unkind to that poor pooch. As Christmas approaches, the Grinch hatches a plan to visit Whoville after everyone has fallen asleep on Christmas Eve. In his nastiness, he sacks up every gift, crumb of food, holiday decoration, and even the candy canes from small sleeping children dreaming of Christmas morning. He expects that this will ruin Christmas, and, for a while, we’re pretty sure he’s right. However, once he sees that the residents of Whoville are happy to celebrate Christmas with or without all the trappings, the ice around the Grinch’s heart seems to melt (that is, his heart grows three sizes). He reverses his plan, delivering Christmas after all.

Of course, it just would not be Christmas without dear old Santa Claus.

He is our favorite character, and he certainly does represent the spirit of the holiday. Santa is big on gift giving, and he always has the best gift ideas! His process of delivery is a bit difficult to understand, but we all must admit that he certainly does get results. Though our understanding of jolly old St. Nick may change over time, none of us every really outgrows Santa Claus. What a hard worker! Though he has a bevy of elves helping him throughout the year, anyone who has ever held a management position knows that, in the end, the success of the operation always boils down to you. That’s a lot of pressure for St. Nick, but he seems to carry it well and always has a cheerful countenance.

Whatever your beliefs are, I hope you and all those you hold dear have a wonderful time enjoying this well-loved holiday. Beautiful packages under the tree and bright shiny lights do make the holiday bright, but the most wonderful gift of all is the gift of spending time with loved ones, building the memories that will last a lifetime. Start a new holiday tradition this year by sharing one of these delightful Christmastime characters with your family. Please have a very happy holiday. WE December 2019

15

Fresh Concept

Obesity is Ballooning Bariatric Surgery Can Help

By Janette Calabro

Worldwide, obesity rates have almost tripled since 1975, and they continue to rise in the United States, for both adults and children. The American Medical Association (AMA) states that “the nation’s obesity rate is approaching 40 percent after holding around 34–35 percent between 2005 and 2012. No state has had a statistically significant drop in its obesity rate in the past five years.” The AMA goes on to note that rising obesity rates bring an increase in related diseases, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. That’s enough to scare you skinny!

It’s smart to take a good look at your relationship with food. There is a difference between eating when you’re hungry and eating when you’re bored, stressed, or emotional. Some of the most common causes of obesity are physical inactivity and overeating, but some causes are more complicated, including genetics, medications, and conditions like hypothyroidism or insulin resistance. Even demographics play a role in obesity. For example, people who live in a city are less likely to have obesity than their rural neighbors, and women are more prone than men to have severe obesity.

Body mass index (BMI) defines an individual’s height-to-weight ratio, and it’s a common starting point for determining whether a person is at a healthy weight. A BMI between 20 and 25 is generally considered normal. Beyond that, there are different risk levels. For example, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates that the individual is overweight; a BMI between 30 and 39.9 indicates obesity. If your BMI is 40 or above, or if you are 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight, you are considered morbidly obese—the highest risk category. This level of obesity presents serious health risks, interfering with basic functions such as walking or even breathing.

It’s important to remember that, while BMI is a useful tool, it’s only a starting point for identifying obesity. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you are very athletic, all that extra muscle may put your BMI outside the normal range, even if you are healthy. For older people, the healthiest BMI is between 25 and 27.

Children should not be evaluated with any calculator; their health and weight should be discussed with their primary physician. If you want to find your own BMI, you can click on one of many online calculators or crunch the numbers yourself. Start by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703. Divide that number by your height in inches. Last, divide that answer by your height in inches one more time.

The health risks involved with obesity are numerous, including arthritis (especially in the knees and hips), heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, and even varicose veins. If your heart can’t take on the excess weight, it won’t work as it should. As a result, hypertension can lead to a stroke or damage the heart and kidneys. If your joints are

16

bearing extra weight, knees and hips will wear out rapidly, causing pain and inflammation. Extra fat in the tongue and neck area can block your airway, causing sleep apnea. Don’t count out reflux disease, which can happen when too much weight overloads the valve at the top of the stomach. Too much heartburn can even lead to esophageal cancer. Depression, infertility, and even urinary incontinence can be caused by obesity.

The good news is that there are many paths to reversing obesity. Improvements to diet and exercise regimens are always the first line of treatment. More invasive treatment might include one of many types of weight-loss surgery that are known collectively as bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery may be a good option if your BMI is at least 35 or if you have already developed serious health problems related to obesity.

These surgeries are recommended when changes to diet and exercise haven’t resulted in sufficient weight loss. Gastric bypass, the most common bariatric surgery, changes your digestive system by limiting the size of the stomach, literally slowing down digestion.

This weight-loss surgery includes a permanent reduction in stomach size, and weight loss is usually between 50 to 80 percent of excess body weight within 12 to 18 months. A more extreme option in malabsorptive surgeries (those that restrict nutrients in the small intestine) includes removing some of the digestive tract along with gastric bypass to reduce stomach size.

Lap band surgery is a reversible treatment. A laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (actually an inflatable silicone device) is placed at the top of the stomach, curbing hunger and reducing the physical amount of food you can eat. Patients typically lose one or two pounds per week. The band can be removed when it is no longer needed. Recovery time varies, but it is usually a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay than with more invasive surgery. If patients follow their doctors’ orders, success rates are high, and the surgery is FDA-approved.

Sleeve gastrectomy is also performed laparoscopically, but this surgery is not reversible.

The stomach is divided vertically and stapled, and up to 85 percent of the stomach is removed. Stomach size reverts to a sleeve-like tube connected to the intestines. The hormone that regulates hunger (ghrelin)

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disappears with the part of the stomach that is removed.

The success rate of this procedure, according to the National Institutes of Health, is “96.1 percent of the patients after 1 year, 95.1 percent after 2 years, 89.5 percent after 3 years, 82.1 percent after 4 years, and 73.3 percent after 5 years.”

Bariatric surgery isn’t a cure-all, and it isn’t for everyone.

An extensive screening process is required before your doctor can consent to surgery. Expect pre-surgical lab tests to prove there is no indication of alcoholism or active drug addiction. A psychiatric exam is usually included. Physical exams may include an abdominal ultrasound, a blood study, cardiac clearance, chest x-ray, echo and electrocardiograms, liver function tests, pulmonary tests, an upper gastrointestinal evaluation, and even a sleep study. Other exams include a screening of general health and, of course, BMI and weight determination. A documented history of weight management under a professional’s supervision of diet and exercise may be required, as well. All of these screenings for physical health and emotional state help determine if you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery, and they are required before medical clearance for surgery is granted.

After surgery, your doctor will recommend some basic healthy lifestyle changes. Follow this prescribed advice, and you’ll likely feel and look like a million bucks. Permanent lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthy diet are necessary to make sure your bariatric investment lasts for the long term.

After bariatric surgery, you’ll need to develop a new way of eating. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you eat and drink slowly and keep meals small. It’s also a good idea to drink liquids (plenty of water) in between meals. Chew

your food mindfully and completely before swallowing. Also recommended is a focus on high-protein foods, avoiding foods that contain lots of fat and sugar.

Calorie intake for the first few months after surgery shouldn’t exceed 1,000 calories per day. If that doesn’t sound like much, you’re right—that’s why vitamin and mineral supplements are advised. After six weeks, a normal solid food diet is usually back in the picture. Emotionally, it’s always good to rethink your relationship with food to create healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

The regimen continues with exercise for at least one hour, four days a week. You’ll need to make fitness a priority and assemble a post-surgery support team. Long-term success doesn’t mean going it alone—talking with others who have been through the same challenges can be great moral support and an opportunity to openly discuss your concerns.

Assemble a health team, too—for example, a therapist who can help with the common problem of emotional eating or a nutritionist to help you stay in tune with your body’s dietary needs. Build muscle mass on your own by walking or regularly going to the gym. If you are new to exercise and need help building a fitness plan with small, reachable goals, consider hiring a personal trainer.

Some slip-ups and weight regain are inevitable, but that’s when your team holds you accountable for long-term weight loss success. Work with your doctor to choose the best bariatric surgery option for you, and tune into your support teams to stay healthy. Stay motivated and rock this healthy new you!

Sources for this article included: ucla.edu, nih.gov, mayoclinic. org, and ama-assn.org. 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

December 2019

17

Interiors

by Design

Sweet Dreams Stylish, Sleep-Friendly Beds

By Robyn V. Powell

Nothing is more inviting than a luxurious bed. From the quality of the mattress to the thread count of the sheets, the details matter. As Americans, we spend nearly half our life in bed, but only 53 percent of us actually like our beds. In fact, three out of four people believe their bed should be more comfortable. How did we end up this way?

According to recent research, most people are more concerned about choosing a bed that looks good than one that feels good. If your bed is more like a nightmare than a dream come true, it’s time to wake up. There’s no need to sacrifice style for comfort! It’s possible to create a bed that provides the comfortable, rejuvenating sleep you need without sacrificing the style you love.

When it comes to building your dream bed, selecting the right mattress is foundational. Experts recommend replacing your mattress every eight years—or sooner, if you’re experiencing chronic neck or back pain. While there are many considerations in mattresses, ranging from your budget to your preferred sleeping position, the biggest challenge is identifying the ideal construction and material to give you the right levels of support and comfort.

Innovative materials and technology have made it possible to match the right product to your personal needs. Traditional and durable coil mattresses provide good bounce, and they sleep cooler

than other options. Memory foam offers good contour and hug but retains heat, while natural latex is cool, comfortable, and bouncy.

When shopping for mattresses, it’s best to try reclining on different types (not a bad way to spend an afternoon). Bring your sleep partner along to ensure the mattress you choose will be a happy fit for you both!

The journey to dreamland doesn’t stop at your mattress. You need quality linens, as well. Many people assume that higher thread counts equate to better quality linens and make their buying decision based on this feature alone. While it’s true that thread count is important, there’s another factor that plays an even more important role in overall comfort: the type of fabric. According to Consumer Reports, there’s no need to pay extra for sheets with thread counts over 400, but it is worth the extra cost for sheets made from the best quality cotton. Investing in pima, Egyptian, and ›››

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Supima long-fiber cotton linens will give you unsurpassed comfort and softness that just gets better with every wash.

The number one complaint among sleepers is waking up hot. Whether you naturally run hot, are going through menopause, or are just trying to stay cool in a bedroom that’s heated to someone else’s taste, waking up drenched in sweat is unpleasant and can throw off your sleep cycle.

Dressing your bed with cooling linens can keep you from overheating at night and help ensure quality shut-eye.

Natural cotton is one of the most breathable textiles on the market. Percale sheets, known for their crisp, airy feel, are ideal for breathable summer nights. Keep in mind that the tighter weave of linens with high thread counts can reduce breathability and increase heat retention; when it comes to cool comfort, cotton sheets with lower thread counts are a better option. To help manage night sweats, look for linens that offer unique features like cooling technology, moisture wicking, and super lightweight and breathable construction, like eco-friendly soft bamboo and microfiber. For best results, pair cooling sheets with a cooling mattress protector or cooling blanket.

For many hot-blooded sleepers, cooling pillows made with materials that release heat more effectively than regular pillows can help provide a sounder night’s sleep.

(That way, every side of the pillow is the cool side!) From cooling gel to memory foam, cooling pillows are often designed with contours to help eliminate pain and stiffness. There’s no need to sacrifice comfort for cool, so search for a pillow that gives you the best of all worlds. Even if you don’t need a cooling pillow, you might want a contoured shape to keep your head and neck in proper alignment while you rest. Bedding store specialists are excellent resources to help guide you through the maze of options.

Your bedroom should be a stylish retreat where you go at the end of the day to rest your mind, rejuvenate your body, and renew your spirit. To create a relaxed vibe, this year’s bedding trends inspire serenity.

The all-white bed, always beautiful and fresh, is all about soft layering and luxe texturing. Begin with sumptuous linens, top with a lush velvet coverlet, a lofty duvet, and clouds of just slightly overstuffed pillows. A faux fur throw adds just the right touch of cozy luxe to help you drift away!

Sources for this article included: consumerreports.com, sleep.org, and sleep health.org. WE December 2019

23

Out and About

Sweet Serenity Spa Beauty and Wellness: A Winning Combination

By Stacie S. Gonzalez

Time spent at a spa can be an exquisite experience. Some spas lift you physically, with modern, innovative tools and techniques. Others stress the positive, affirming qualities of holistic wellness. It’s uncommon to find all these elements in one spa, but Sweet Serenity Spa delivers.

Owner Shishilya (Shishi) Desai has spent the last five years designing a spa where people feel cared for in a clean, relaxed, professional setting.

Born in India, Shishi came to the United States at age 22 with just $10 in her pocket. “I didn’t speak any English when I came,” she says. “I learned by watching soap operas.” Now Shishi speaks five languages, is married with two children, and is an entrepreneur.

Shishi smiles when she reflects on how she came to view skin care as an important aspect of health and well-being. “For 14-year-olds in India, our parents would say, ‘You need to go get a facial.’ Everyone knew how to do facials,” says Shishi. Going to school to become an aesthetician at age 18 was a natural choice for her.

The spark that lit the path to business ownership for Shishi was an NBC News program about an eyebrow threading trend. Shishi already had years of experience with this “new” trend and knew she would enjoy doing it full-time. “That’s how I started the business,” she says.

Her husband, Johnson Desai, was operating Blue Star Cleaners at the time, so Shishi researched how to start an eyebrow threading business and began seeing clients in the back of her husband’s shop.

Ann Baldrica is one of Shishi’s original clients. “I have been super happy with her services,” Ann says. “I think I’ve done every service she has ever offered. She’s particular in trying to satisfy her clients, and she has a delightful personality.”

Word spread about Shishi’s talent, and her business blossomed. She hired a manager and two aestheticians.

She also rented two move-in ready studios from Sola Salon Studios—one dedicated to body waxing and facial treatments, and the other (called Eyebrows 2 Envy) reserved for permanent makeup, eyelash extensions, and microblading.

What should you look for if you want to try a spa for the first time? “You should look at the products they use and how they present themselves and their rooms,” recommends Sweet Serenity Spa aesthetician Mina Gargiulo. “Pay attention to how they talk to you and how they make you feel. Finally, you want to notice how their skin looks.”

Once you’ve zeroed in on a spa, the next step is to choose a service. If soft, beautiful skin appeals to you, a professional facial can feel like a miracle. It sloughs

24

off dead skin cells and nourishes the exposed healthy skin beneath. This relaxing experience can also really take the edge off a bad day.

Sweet Serenity Spa offers a variety of facial treatments, including a simple and relaxing European facial, deep cleansing and back facials, a new antiinflammatory turmeric facial, glycolic treatments, papaya enzyme peels, and microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion helps lighten age spots and fine lines by removing dead skin; it leaves your skin incredibly soft.

Mina also specialize in natural and weightless eyelash extensions. Extensions help protect your natural eyelashes and give them a lush look. They’re water-resistant (so you can swim without mascara).

While the process is simple—the aesthetician applies glue to the lash and the extension—some upkeep is required. “Extensions are a process, like maintaining your hair color or getting your nails done,” explains Mina. “You’ll want a follow-up appointment within two to three weeks for a re-touch.”

“I always feel welcome and comfortable at Sweet Serenity Spa,” says client Jamie Mallet. “Every time I leave, I feel great. All my friends ask where I get my eyelashes done, and I send them there.”

Micro-blading is another option at Sweet Serenity Spa. It is a semi-permanent tattooing that lasts up to two years. The esthetician strokes through your natural brows with a small blade to give them the appearance of being fuller and more evenly shaped.

Shishi and her staff believe it’s important to stay abreast of new products and techniques and to establish good relationships with clients. “You have to make an impression to make clients feel good and want to come back,” says Sweet Serenity Spa manager and hair stylist Vanessa Chapel. “You can get them in the door once, but twice is hard, because there are so many aestheticians out there. You have to set yourself apart.”

Sweet Serenity Spa only uses gluten-free, vegan products. They are located inside Sola Salon Studios at 7150 North Academy Boulevard, Suite 7. To make an appointment, call 719-650-1621 or follow them on Facebook. WE

Mina, Shishi, and Vanessa

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Lingerie Feeling Good, Looking Good

By Angella A. Arndt

The holiday season is a time to celebrate and count blessings with families and loved ones. For many, it’s also a time of entertaining and parties, which means dressing for the occasion. Cocktail dresses, gowns, and dress pants outfits will be on full display, but looking and feeling your best includes essential wardrobe items that are not often seen. Lingerie is a fundamental part of a woman’s wardrobe, and the right pieces can boost your confidence and help you put your best foot forward.

If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas, lingerie is a great gift option that’s personal and intimate. The key to successful lingerie gift-giving is thinking about the recipient. What kind of clothing does she usually like to wear? Does she prefer delicate lace or comfortable cotton? Lingerie doesn’t just mean bras and panties— it also includes items like camisoles, chemises, robes, and rompers. With so many options, you’re sure to find something to delight that special someone in your life.

Many women find bra shopping to be a frustrating experience. There are so many styles, fits, and colors—the choices can be overwhelming. You can make your bra-buying experience more enjoyable by keeping a few tips in mind.

First of all, narrow your focus. What type of bra do you need? Are you looking for a sports bra, strapless bra, racerback, t-shirt bra, or a pushup bra to enhance cleavage? Second, don’t get caught up in cup size. Many women wear bras with band sizes that are too large and cup sizes that are too small. A well-fitting band should be snug but should not dig into your chest. The front of the bra should lie flat, and your breasts should fill the cups without any puckering or gapping.

Remember to try on each bra you are buying. Sizes vary among lingerie brands and bra styles. Regular fittings are essential! Your body changes over time, which means that your bra size may change, as well.

Breast shape is just as important as breast size when finding the right bra. For example, athletic breasts are wider and more muscular—t-shirt bras are a good option. If you have a wide space between your breasts, a front-closure style lifts your breasts and brings them closer together. Relaxed breasts hang, and a balconette style may be the most flattering.

Small, rounded breasts may not need a lot of coverage or support, and most styles will work. Taking the time to find the right style for your shape will help with a better fit.

If you’re still unsure about shopping for a bra, a professionally trained bra fitter can help you find the right style and ensure you have a properly fitting bra.

You’ll find bra fitters at most large department stores and specialty boutiques. These fitters are trained to

measure and find the right bra size and style for your breast size and shape. Additionally, they are familiar with their inventory and will know which brands are best for your figure.

The latest trends in bras emphasize comfort and function. Wire-free bralettes and sports bras continue to grow in popularity. Bralettes are comfortable and versatile—they may even be worn as outerwear. Sports bras are designed for exercise, but they are also very comfortable for casual days.

If you’re looking for a wardrobe accessory that can make you look slimmer, consider purchasing some shapewear. Many women have a love-hate relationship with shapewear—they love how it makes them look but hate how it feels. A proper fit is key to achieving a slimmer look while maintaining comfort. Trying to go down a size in shapewear will probably not meet your expectations. The right size will provide shaping benefits without causing bulges and being uncomfortable. Shapewear is also available in different strength levels, meaning you can choose light or ultra-slimming. There are also different types of shapewear to target specific areas you’d like to smooth.

Depending upon your outfit, there’s sure to be shapewear that can help you achieve a smooth, sleeker look. High-waist shorts eliminate muffin tops and also shape your bottom, thighs, and hips. Shapewear briefs provide tummy control and create an hourglass curve. Shapewear dresses are worn under dresses and have allover compression, providing smooth curves and a flatter tummy. Shapewear bras get rid of back fat. Postpartum tube shapewear for new moms provides shaping benefits as well as support for abdominal muscles as they heal from the physical trauma of labor and delivery.

There are so many options for lingerie and shapewear. With a little effort, you’ll find the pieces and fit that work for you. Lingerie and shapewear may serve practical purposes, but they can also enhance your style by providing that hidden finishing touch.

Sources for this article included: goodhousekeeping. com, realsimple.com, retailwire.com, and webmd.com. WE December 2019

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Good Looks

Have a Stress-Free Holiday Give the Gift of Massage or Aromatherapy

By Loretta McCollum

’Tis the season of making merry! December is filled with family gatherings, parties, and shopping for the perfect gifts for the special people on your list. It’s definitely the most joyful time of the year, but it can also be the most fatiguing. The majority of us run ourselves ragged in our quest to provide the perfect holiday for our family and friends. At the end of the day, we are often too frenzied and frazzled to actually enjoy the fruits of our labor. We need to take time out from all of the festivities, food, and frolic to relax and rejuvenate. Getting a massage is a great way to ease the stress and strain of the holidays.

Are you one of the many people who often say they would love a massage but have never actually gotten one? Well, enough is enough. Don’t you deserve a little attention and relaxation? Let’s make this the holiday season that you finally treat yourself. The frenzied end to the year is an ideal time to reward yourself for all that you do for others.

A professional massage can also be the perfect gift for the person on your list who seems to have everything. A massage can have many physical benefits, including muscle relaxation, stress relief, improving sleep quality, and easing chronic pain.

Certain types of massage can also help with specific problems, like sports injuries.

There are multiple types of massage, each designed to

produce a particular result. Swedish massages utilize soft, broad strokes up and down the entire body, focusing on specific regions that are often strained or fatigued. The muscles are rubbed in the direction that blood returns to the heart. Tapping motions on the top layer of muscles, combined with manipulated joint movement, is both relaxing and energizing. A Swedish massage also increases the blood’s oxygen levels, improving circulation and relieving tension.

Hot stone massages help relax tight muscles with, as the name describes, hot stones. Stones that have been heated in water are placed on specific areas of the body, such as the back, stomach, and face. The stones warm and relax the muscles. The massage therapist is then able to apply deeper pressure on those areas without discomfort to the person on the table. A hot stone massage can decrease stress, increase flexibility, and decrease muscle spasms.

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A deep tissue massage is an intense massage that specifically targets muscle knots and tissue adhesions. The massage therapist applies warm oils and direct pressure to relax the top muscle layers, allowing for penetration to the deeper muscle tissues. This type of massage is more of a therapeutic treatment than a relaxation aid; it helps relieve chronic aches and pains. It’s also beneficial for sports injuries, sciatica pain, and fibromyalgia. During a deep tissue massage, you should expect to feel pressure that is significantly more intense than what you would feel during a Swedish massage.

It’s fairly common to feel sore the next day.

There’s also Shiatsu, a Japanese technique in which the therapist applies finger pressure to multiple areas, holding each one for several seconds. Stretching and joint rotation are also employed. This massage method is based on traditional Chinese acupuncture and can help ease headache pain and muscle pain and stiffness. It promotes overall well-being and can also increase blood flow and improve mood.

Reflexology is a type of massage that applies pressure to various reflex areas of the feet, relieving pain and stress while promoting relaxation and a good night’s sleep. This kind of massage can be especially wonderful for someone who stands for long periods of time.

Aromatherapy is not a type of massage, but it is another type of holistic and healing treatment that can be used in conjunction with other therapies or on its own. Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts in many forms, including diffusers, oils, creams, lotions, and bath salts. It’s more than just enjoying a pleasant scent (though that is an added benefit). Aromatherapy is known for managing pain, reducing stress and anxiety, relieving fatigue, and improving digestion. If you’re interested in aromatherapy, you may want to seek out a certified aromatherapist. Your local spa or yoga studio is a good place to start for a referral.

This time of year, who couldn’t use an extra dose of relaxation? Give the amazing and beneficial gift of massage to a loved one…or to yourself. Your local spa, salon, or massage therapy studio can help you choose the best options for your gift to yourself or to someone else.

Sources for this article included: healthline.com, webmd.com, and amcollege.edu. 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

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Healthy Focus Living on Finance

The War on Investment Fees A Primer and an Update

By George Morgan

Since the early 1900s, the size of the commissions charged by brokers to buy and sell stock were set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They were not cheap, and they allowed brokers to make healthy salaries. In the 1960s, however, the SEC began to change the rules, allowing investors to negotiate these commissions. The cost went down, but not by much. This rule change was not that significant overall because the investing public only had a small number of dollars in the stock market at the time.

The thing we today call a mutual fund originated in the early 1900s and was known at that time as a trust. Brokers would gather pools of the public’s money and purchase stocks with the pooled funds. With trusts, no effort was made to enhance performance by buying and selling positions in the portfolio. The mutual funds we know today began with the Investment Companies Act of 1940. Because of the Great Depression and World War II, Main Street put few dollars into the market until the 1960s.

In the mid-1960s, Wall Street began manufacturing and marketing a product they called a go-go fund. The funds got their name from the fact that the majority of the stocks in them were companies that were growing rapidly by buying up other companies. The public was drawn to gogo funds because Wall Street advertised them as producing extraordinary investment returns. What the public did not know or simply ignored was that these funds had extraordinarily high fees. First of all, they required an 8.5 percent commission up front. In addition, the investor paid the broker 1.5 percent of the total value of the investments—every year. This was great for the broker, but it was a big drain on the investor’s real return. This level of fees on actively managed funds remained the norm for the next 50 years.

Low-cost index funds came into being in 1975, but they were not very often used. This was because, since brokers received no compensation from them, the only investors who used index funds were those who did their own research and made their own decisions. In today’s market, the typical maintenance fee on an actively managed fund is 0.85 percent, while the same maintenance fee on a passively managed index fund is 0.02 percent. That means that index funds put 0.83 percent more into the pockets of investors, not Wall Street.

About four or five years ago, the push to bring fees down to zero began in earnest. The major participants were two of the largest mutual fund providers and the major discount brokerage firms. They were not driven by a love for their clients; rather, simple competition was forcing them to lower their fees. If one competitor goes to zero fees, the others must respond in kind or risk losing their client base.

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How are discount firms able to give away their services and still stay in business? The answer is simple: They are beginning to operate like banks.

Banks take deposits from their customers and then loan that money out to other customers. They give part of the interest they receive to their depositors and keep the rest for themselves. Almost all of the discount brokers’ clients keep some form of cash balance, which provides brokers with the revenue stream they need to stay in business.

How are the Wall Street firms competing against the zero fees charged by the discount firms and several major mutual fund companies? Here, the simple answer is that they are not. Investors who are seeking low-cost products and services will avoid full-service brokers. However, there are still many investors with sizable amounts of money to invest who want their money actively managed. It is impossible to tell how many dollars Wall Street has lost to the discounters, but they have altered their business models to focus on clients who are willing to pay full price. Wall Street brokers are not going away, but their business will look different.

An important part of this story is the millions of American 401(k) plans, which hold about 5 trillion dollars in employee funds. A recent Supreme Court decision says that employers who sponsor 401(k) plans must provide their employees with funds that are reasonably priced. Just exactly what “reasonably priced” means is yet to be determined, but it is bound to be closer to the discounter’s price than to Wall Street’s.

The bottom line is that there are opportunities out there for you to reduce your investment costs and increase the amount of money that ends up in your pocket. It is up to you to do the homework. An important place for you to begin is with your 401(k).

Make sure you know how much you are paying in fees.

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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Creative Financial Services, Inc. Mindfulness. When you read that word, what comes to mind? How about the phrase, Financial Mindfulness? Financial mindfulness implies an awareness of your current situation as well as what is happening around you. Developing financial mindfulness and action will aid you in securing your financial goals. It is also important to surround yourself with trusted advisors who will help you navigate your way. Call and interview us at Creative Financial Services, an all-woman financial planning practice at 719-471-4774. We are here to Earn Your Trust and Grow Your Wealth.

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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Call today at 719-900-1112 or visit at www.coloradospringshypnosis.com to find out how you can use your mind to hone your already amazing skill sets and excel in that which is important to you.

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In the United States and its territories, on average, a wish is granted every 35 minutes. We believe a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us and inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.

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Find your local chapter and visit its website to learn more about volunteering opportunities.

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Granting wishes to kids with life-threatening medical conditions gives them more than an amazing experience. A wish come true has the power to make kids feel stronger, more courageous, and more determined to overcome their illnesses. A combined 89 percent of doctors, nurses, and health professionals surveyed say they believe a wish experience can influence wish kids’ physical health.

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Income Outcome

Please and Thank You Spread the Words

By Janet Van deWalle

“Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.”—Og Mandino Wow—there’s a goal! When I read this quote for the first time, I realized that it was a wonderful way for me to get back into the habit of respecting everyone in my life, from dear friends to complete strangers.

“Respect is a two-way street; if you want to get it, you’ve got to give it.”—R.G. Risch In the past, I had come to feel as if the act of respecting others had pretty much gone out the window. Everyone was in such a rush. I witnessed drivers cutting people off on the highway. There were constant interruptions when people were speaking. It became common to see others roll their eyes at their spouse, friends, or kids. Voices were raised. Being rude had become everyone’s favorite pastime.

“Replacing rudeness and impatience with the Golden Rule may not change the world, but it will change your world and your relationships.”—Steve Shallenberger

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The Golden Rule is really quite a brilliant road map for living our lives: Treat others as you would like others to treat you. Well, that sounds fair, doesn’t it?

“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.”

—Carol Burnett What I have realized is that I cannot change that person who is being rude to me, but I can change how I react to rudeness. My new habit of behavior is that when I encounter a person who is being rude to me, I do everything in my power to treat the next person I meet with total respect. Sometimes, there is an “energy hangover” from my last encounter; if I am calm and persistent, the energy does turn around.

“Politeness is a sign of dignity, not subservience.”

—Theodore Roosevelt Remember how our parents taught us to say “please” and “thank you”? I have rediscovered these polite phrases in my language. In the beginning, it felt a little strange, but the responses that I received from the people I said these words to have been well worth my efforts. Now, for me, it has become a habit. Please, give this a try.

Perhaps we can create a kinder, gentler country. Thank you. WE

Kids Comments

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Keep Holiday Stress at Bay Prioritize!

The winter holidays are upon us. Do you greet them with anticipation, or with a feeling of dread? Some people find joy in making lists and crossing off tasks as they are completed.

(Proof they’ve accomplished something?) However, long lists can be intimidating. I know people who freak out and convince themselves they’ll never get it all done. Others shrug their shoulders, saying, “Meh…I’ll do what I can and not worry about the rest.” What’s your point of view?

Stress has its purpose—it may be the impetus to get us moving—but it can also have adverse effects on our health.

Sara gets severe headaches and digestive problems when she’s stressed. When her blood pressure rises, she worries, which only raises it more. Jan, on the other hand, relishes being busy. She gives herself deadlines, claiming it’s the only way she can get everything done on time. We all are aware of how debilitating long-term stress can be, even leading to depression, weight gain, and other serious problems. Know yourself.

The easiest way I’ve found to cope with holiday stress is to identify the main cause, be it gifts, budgets, entertaining, decorating, cards, or baking. I make lists and then prioritize. Who do I want to give gifts to? Who must I have gifts for? How much should I spend? Which parties do I have to go to? Which ones do I want to attend? Do I have to entertain? Do I even want to? Do

By Marge Shoemaker, BS, MS

I have to decorate elaborately, or at all? Should I send cards or email greetings? Do I really have to bake?

Regarding gifts, I give my grandsons money and something small, and I take them on an outing when I visit. One year, they thanked me for printing the card holding their money so they could read it. The rest of the family gets something small and a check. Spending time together doesn’t put any of us into debt! There are a few parties that I have to go to, but I choose to entertain when everyone isn’t so busy. I decorate simply unless I’m entertaining or expecting visitors. I’ve pared down my holiday card list significantly, and a local bakery does my baking.

The best thing about prioritizing, besides easing stress, is that it improves my state of mind. I’m generally a pretty positive person and don’t sweat the stuff I can’t change. It’s much easier to enjoy friends when I’m not worried about getting things done.

We go to lunch or get together for a cocktail or coffee. When we do gather, everyone brings something to share; no one is burdened by a lot of preparation.

Look for the positive this holiday season. If you’re making someone else’s holiday a little brighter, it’s worth a little bit of effort…but it’s not worth your health.

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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33

View from the Top

Best West Tire and Service Get the Best Ride in the Worst Conditions!

By Sue Teehan

Winter weather is coming, and it brings different road hazards than the ones we face in summer. Best West Tire and Service will help you feel confident in our extreme cold winters and hot summers. This woman-owned and family-operated business has 30 years’ experience in providing a comfortable and pothole-proof drive for all.

Charles Goodyear, an inventor who did not live long enough to benefit from the fruit of his efforts, stumbled upon the vulcanization of rubber in 1844. This is the heating process in which a combination of chemicals are added to boiling rubber to keep the product from melting once it has cooled. In 1888, John Dunlop used vulcanized rubber for bicycle tires. Seven years later, André Michelin created vulcanized rubber tires for early automobiles. That was the birth of an industry that now produces billions of dollars of rubber products worldwide each year.

George Stehlik joined Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a young man. Promotions came fast, and he was transferred to several cities with his wife, Sherrill, and their young family. They eventually settled in Denver, where he was the district sales manager for the company.

He helped establish two dealerships in Colorado Springs. In 1989, the owner opted to sell his dealerships, and George bought them. He moved his family to the Springs and began the operation of two Best West Tire and Service shops.

This year, three generations of his family are celebrating their 30th anniversary of living and working in Colorado Springs. When George passed away, Sherrill became the sole owner of the business. Her daughter, Lorie Southern, and grandson, Matt Fengler, are office and service managers for their South Academy store.

Their North Academy store is managed by Ron Chalou, who has been with the company for 20 years.

Best West Tire and Service offers a variety of Goodyear tires for all makes and models of cars, SUVs, small and large trucks, recreation vehicles and trailers, medium commercial trucks (such as tow trucks), and smaller motor homes. “We have between 30 and 40 tire lines here, in addition to Goodyear,” Matt explains.

“These include Dunlop, Kelly, Michelin, Firestone, and Cooper. We are partners with US Auto Force, a national distributor, and have access to tires from their local warehouse located just east of the south Best West Tire location.

“Over the years, the technology and making of all tires has really improved,” states Lorie. “Goodyear comes up with new and better products all the time. This year, they are offering Weather Ready Tires, designed to operate well in snow, rain, and icy conditions.”

“People want several things in their tires—comfort, noise level, range, and durability, to name a few,” Lorie continues. “Several of our truck tires have a layer of

34

Kevlar for additional features and benefits.

We explain all the differences to our customers and then allow them to make their own choices.”

As their name implies, a large part of the business at Best West Tire and Service is car and truck service and repairs. That includes diagnostic repairs and preventive maintenance for the entire vehicle, including brakes.

“We have several commercial contracts,“ Matt says. “We service and provide tires for Fort Carson cars, trucks, and vans. We also maintain all the vehicles for Pikes Peak Community College.”

Matt displays a large jar of items they’ve removed from flattened tires. Included are nails, screws, various pieces of metal, a brake pad, plus Philips and regular screwdrivers. They try to repair all punctures, he notes, but some damage is just not fixable. In those cases, they talk through options for new tires with their customers.

“I’m very proud of the community spirit in our shops,” Lorie shares. “We support the schools in our areas, as well as many community activities. Ever since we moved here, we’ve tried to take care of the community. I really think it’s because we’re a familyrun business.” Matt agrees. “I try to maintain a friendly, family atmosphere at the shops,” he adds. “Most of our employees have been with us for many years. The service manager at the North store, Kirk McIntosh, has been with us for over 30 years.”

Best West Tire and Service is a member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

The staff receives special training every year, as new products and improved service methods are introduced.

Their prices are very competitive, Matt notes, and they also offer commercial and military discounts. Goodyear offers rebate specials each month, which Best West Tire and Service features on their web page.

The South location of Best West Tire and Service is at 3287 South Academy Boulevard. Their phone number is 719-390-9455. The North location is at 6731 North Academy Boulevard (near Dublin). To reach the North store, call 719-593-8473. Information for both stores can be found online at bestwesttireinc.com. WE

Matt, Sherrill, and Lorie

Auto Wise

www.womensedition.com

Got Power?

Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Battery

By Brennan Hallock

When cars first began replacing horses as the primary form of transportation on American roads in the early 20th century, they did not come with batteries. Instead, hand cranks were used to start their engines.

This system was quickly replaced by electric batteries, though, which allow us to start our engines with the turn of a key or the press of a button. As electricity becomes more and more essential to our modern vehicles, the battery is becoming more and more important to maintain.

Your vehicle’s battery is essential to starting the engine, of course, but it’s also integral to many other parts of your driving experience, even in a gas-powered vehicle. Your alternator, headlights, dashboard, interior lights, charging functions, air conditioner, radio, and more are powered and maintained by the battery.

Most vehicle batteries last about four to six years, but a number of factors impact the life of your battery. These include how often you drive, what electronics you use in your vehicle, how secure your battery is, your battery’s corrosion, and the weather.

Short or infrequent drives can cause your battery to fail faster because they don’t allow the battery to fully recharge. If you don’t plan to drive your vehicle regularly, it is smart to invest in a portable car battery charger to make sure you don’t end up stranded.

The electronics you use in your vehicle pull their electricity directly from the battery. This is fine while you’re driving because the vehicle is recharging the battery. If your vehicle is idling, you should unplug any electronics and turn off the lights so they don’t drain the battery. This is not only because it can leave you stranded. Allowing your battery to be drained will force it to work harder and shorten its lifespan.

A battery’s life can be shortened if it is not securely fastened under the hood—batteries that shake and vibrate may end up with internal damage and short circuits. Check your battery terminal regularly to make sure it is secure, especially if you drive on bumpy roads such as gravel or dirt.

Corrosion on your vehicle’s battery terminals is common, especially with older vehicles, and can cause a bad connection that harms your battery life. Luckily, it’s easy to clean: Dip a toothbrush in baking soda and water and then scrub the terminals.

Spray them clean with cold water and wipe them off with a dry rag.

The weather is the biggest factor affecting your battery’s lifespan. In extremely hot temperatures, the fluid in the battery can evaporate, damaging the internal structure and limiting its ability to hold a charge. If you notice a rotten egg (sulphur) smell coming from your battery, this is usually the cause.

You can’t control the weather, but you can keep your car cooler by parking in a garage or out of direct sunlight.

Cold temperatures are also damaging because they reduce the solution’s ability to transfer full power (this is why it can be hard to start a vehicle in the winter). One way to fight this problem is to buy a battery heater.

When purchasing a vehicle battery, you have a few choices. These choices include lead-acid, lithium metal or lithium ion, and deep cycle.

Lead-acid are the most common and affordable batteries and have been around the longest. They can be used in nearly all vehicles and have an average lifespan. Valve-regulated deep-acid (VRLA) batteries are the most modern version of these; they are lower maintenance and more durable.

Lithium batteries are some of the most advanced on the market, and they tend to be more expensive.

The lithium ion is rechargeable; it’s what you will normally find in electric vehicles.

Deep cycle batteries offer longer, more sustained power, which is why they are used for marine vehicles or golf carts. They are also more suited for colder climates, where more reserve cranking power is necessary.

In most vehicles, the battery is located under the front hood, next to the engine, but there is no required location for a vehicle battery. On some vehicles, you may find it under the wheel well, under a floorboard panel, in the rear of the car, or even in the trunk.

No matter where it is located, the manufacturer will have designed it to be accessible in case you need to jump your car. You may have to refer to the owner’s manual, though, to see exactly how this should be done. You may have to pop off a panel or remove a wheel.

If you keep your battery happy, your whole driving experience will be happier. If you have any questions about your vehicle’s current battery or whether you might need a new one, ask your mechanic.

Sources for this article included: popularmechanics.com, blog.nationwide.com, and knowhow.napaonline.com. WE December 2019

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To Your Good Health

Managing Chronic Pain Relieve Pain Without Risking Addiction

By Leslie Byrne

Opioid abuse and addiction have become serious problems in the United States. For years, opioids were widely prescribed and considered an excellent solution for chronic pain sufferers. Now, we know that opioids are highly addictive and should never be the first treatment option. Providers and patients are taking a second look at non-opioid options to manage pain without risking addiction.

Chronic pain is defined as pain every day for three months.

According to a 2016 CDC survey, a staggering 50 million Americans (that’s one out of every five people) suffer from chronic pain. With numbers like that, perhaps we should not be surprised so many have turned to opioids to help control their pain.

The concern with opioids is not that they aren’t effective pain relievers—they often are. The problem is that they change the chemistry of the brain, which can lead to drug addiction. Over time, the dose needs to be increased to continue to control the pain, and this leads to dependence and all the negative trappings that can come with it, up to and including death by overdose. Not everyone who takes opioids will develop an addiction, and not everyone who develops an addiction will overdose, but that’s no help to the 130 people every day who die of an opioid overdose.

Fortunately, many non-opioid options are available for patients who have chronic pain. In fact, many of them have been around

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for a long time and are coming back to the forefront as medical professionals re-evaluate the use of opioids. Doctors may suggest many alternative options to their patients before prescribing opioids to manage pain.

Some common non-drug treatments include light to moderate exercise to improve the flow of blood and oxygen to muscles. A moderate amount of exercise can help people who suffer from lower back pain or arthritis. Applying heat or cold to the sore area can effectively control pain, as well.

Non-addictive medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are another common treatment for pain. This class of drugs includes things like ibuprofen. Taken correctly, these medications can effectively relieve pain. Creams or ointments that contain the anesthetic lidocaine may be used, depending on the type of pain.

Since the opioid crisis, acupuncture is often suggested to patients to ease chronic pain, and some states are looking to extend Medicaid to cover acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment in which thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific

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points on the body. Inserting the needles at these specific points is thought to correct imbalances in the flow of energy in the body, called qi (pronounced “chee”). It is believed to decrease inflammation and is often suggested as arthritis treatment.

Regular treatments are most effective, and it should only be done by a certified acupuncturist. Don’t worry if you can’t find an acupuncturist in your community—many chiropractors have taken additional training to obtain the required certification and are happy to offer this treatment.

Biofeedback therapy is another nonpharmaceutical option for chronic pain.

During a biofeedback session, electrodes are attached to the patient’s skin and monitored by a technician, who can identify when the patient’s pain levels are waxing and waning.

Since pain can be monitored visually, patients can learn to control things like muscle tension to help with relaxation. It is a good option for pregnant women, since there is no medication involved, and can be very effective for pain that is related to physical tension (like headaches or neck pain).

Less conventional pain treatments might include Botox injections to paralyze muscles, aromatherapy to reduce anxiety, or hypnosis to relax and to alter the perception of pain. CBD oil, from the cannabis plant, is being used to relieve pain and inflammation.

Though research about CBD oil for pain management is promising, most CBD products are not FDA-approved. Since they are not regulated for purity and dosage, it is important to work with a reputable source.

Even with the risk of addiction, there are times when opioids are the best option to control pain. These cases should be closely supervised by a physician or a pain management specialist. Pain management is a fast-growing medical specialty that takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating all kinds of pain and is usually done in a clinic or office environment.

If someone becomes addicted to pain medications, a medically supervised detox is needed. A drug called Suboxone is often used during the withdrawal phase to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. The dose is gradually reduced until the patient no longer needs the medication.

Pain management may not be simple, but it’s worth the effort to live a life with less pain. Work with your physician to find the therapies that works best for you.

Sources for this article included: clevelandclinic.org, healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, health.harvard.edu, ghr.nlm.nih.gov, and mayoclinic.org. WE December 2019

37

Home Works

Luxury Hardware Increase Your Home’s Value and Style!

By Anne Yankus

Whether you’re looking to sell your house at a profit or just want to enjoy a little touch of luxury in your space, one of the best returns on investment you can get is with an upgrade to your cabinet and door hardware. This may sound small, but even a simple change to the finishing touches can make all the difference in a room. You’ll get the most for your money by staying on trend, which can vary from state to state or even city to city. Ask your real estate agent what is trending in your area.

There are a lot of different luxury hardware materials out there.

Some of the most common are brass, bronze, stainless steel, zinc, pewter, crystal, glass, and stone. Keep in mind that you’ll want to look at solid materials to get the full value of these hardware types.

(For example, choose solid brass as opposed to a brass finish on a cheaper core metal.)

Like everything else in life, each material has its pros and cons.

Brass has a durable finish, an elegant appearance, and anti-microbial properties. On the other hand, brass is a softer metal and is vulnerable to tarnish. Bronze is resistant to corrosion and has a unique reddish hue. Despite its resistance, bronze does still require cleaning to prevent green oxidation. Stainless steel is strong and self-healing and does not tarnish, but it shows fingerprints easily. Zinc hardware is a more affordable option but is more brittle than any of the other options mentioned so far and needs to be refinished regularly.

Pewter is a very malleable metal, which allows for unique shapes and custom designs and also develops a patina that does not require cleaning. Precisely because of its malleability, however, pewter is easy to damage. Crystal hardware can be a gorgeous addition to your home; it comes in varying colors, all with elegant flair. Crystal is also very durable and provides a nice contrast to other fixtures if you want to mix and match. Glass is similarly versatile. It is less expensive than crystal but is more fragile.

Lastly, stone can have gorgeous natural variants, is quite sturdy, and doesn’t require much maintenance. However, it is limited to smaller knobs.

Making a comeback lately are some older luxury materials such as copper, weathered nickel, and weathered brass. Copper hardware has been around for a long time but has recently enjoyed a resurgence in farmhouse-style kitchens. Brushed nickel hardware

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has been popular for the last couple of decades, but weathered nickel and weathered brass are making a comeback in farmhouse or traditional Shaker-style kitchens.

Some other recent trends have been knobs with antique and eclectic details, as well as mix-and-match looks that combine two or more materials. Owners of older homes sometimes request historical reproductions of the home’s original hardware. These can be more expensive, especially if they need to be custom-made, but they can be a stunning feature.

Replacing your doorknobs and latches can also be a great investment for your home. Some popular door hardware materials and styles are brushed mixed nickel and bronze, unusual color tones such as oil-rubbed bronze and champagne bronze, stainless steel, brushed and matte combos, black matte, and Venetian bronze.

Of course, style is only half the equation when it comes to door hardware—you also want to consider security for your home. Smart locks are the latest in door technology. These high-tech devices can have a variety of functions, such as wireless or remote locking and unlocking, numeric keypads, mobile support, and eliminating the need for additional keys.

If smart locks aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with a tried-and-true deadbolt. Of course, not all deadbolts are made the same. For maximum investment return (and maximum home safety), you’ll definitely want to go for a higher quality deadbolt that is made of hardened steel, and make sure it’s installed at least one inch into the doorjamb. Whether you’re re-locking your existing door or getting a new door altogether, you need to consider the type of door you’ll have when you’re choosing a deadbolt. Single deadbolts are the best with wooden, metal, and solid core doors; double deadbolts are best if you have glass in your door; and hollow core doors are best without deadbolts.

Upgrading your knobs and pulls to high-quality, luxury hardware does much more than add a fresh look to your kitchen or bath. These simple changes can provide an excellent return on investment.

The good looks and safety of the latest technology for your doors and locks will bring peace of mind for you and for the next person who buys your home.

Sources for this story include homelight. com, theflooringgirl.com, hgtv.com, and sdmmag.com. WE December 2019

39

Positive Perspective

Always Be Humble and Kind Trading Ego for Knowledge Have you ever met someone who has “an ego the size of Montana”? The minute we meet people like this, we can sense that they are all about themselves. They don’t listen well. They don’t give praise to others. They are very much involved in their own lives and no one else’s.

“Ego is false confidence; self-respect is true confidence.”

—Naval Ravikant Self-esteem and self-respect are not the same thing as ego. The difference? People with healthy self-esteem recognize that they have many positive traits, but they also recognize that they are not perfect and will always be looking for ways to learn, grow, and change. People with inflated egos, on the other hand, think that they are better than everyone else. They believe things have to be their way or the highway.

They feel as if they are perfect. They will take other people’s ideas and claim them as their own. They will rarely admit when they are wrong.

“All you need to know and observe in yourself is this: Whenever you feel superior or inferior to anyone, that’s the ego in you.”—Eckhart Tolle I’ve taken a good hard look at myself and my own ego. At times, I realized that I was feeling superior to others. At other times, I was feeling very inferior to others. Ego.

By Janet Van deWalle

“The gulf left by the absence of ego is quickly filled with knowledge.”—Shane Parrish Learning and growing, gaining knowledge about other people’s lives and about treating others with respect, has been a challenge for me. I realized that because I owned my own business, I had become one of those individuals who had an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

“It’s much easier to live with ourselves when we feel superior rather than responsible.”—Anonymous When I read this quote, I had a major “Aha!” moment. It was quite humbling. Looking back on my life, I was always the one who pointed the finger at those who came off as superior to others. When I was having this conversation with my husband, brother, and sister in law, my brother, Tom, said something that I had never heard before: “Instead of pointing the finger, point the thumb.”

I truly do appreciate all that I have learned in the last several years. I am on a quest to fill my gulf with knowledge. I will live by these words: “When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you/ When the work you put in is realized/ Let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind.” —Tim McGraw

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