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July 2019
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Publisher’s Notes
Wedding Bells Hello, everyone! I think summer is finally here. Today, I was able to spend the day outside, sitting in the sun, soaking it all in.Yippee! Summer! I am a huge sun lover…it makes my heart sing. I feel as if I have been in hibernation these last seven months. This year, it took a whole lot longer to get to summer than in any year I can remember. Last month, I made the announcement in this column that I was going to get married.Yes, married! I have been a widow for over 10 years. My late husband, Jim, and I started Women’s Edition together in 1986. When my husband passed in 2008, never in a million years did I think that I would make a marriage commitment again. After all, we had been married for 33 years. I have known the man that I am going to marry for seven years. He has taught me so much. We have both grown together over the years. From the very beginning, he talked about building a healthy relationship between the two of us. Back then, I thought I knew it all. After all, I had been married for a very, very, very long time. I fought it for a while. Then, I began to ask questions. Then, I let my wall down and decided to learn. What is a healthy relationship? How does it feel? How is it different from what I’d had and what he’d had? (He was married once, for seven years, and has been single for 22 years.) For the first time in my life, I started to look at the relationships of those around me, trying to learn from them. We’ve had long conversations and discussed what we wanted out of this marriage. We’ve agreed that a healthy relationship means being partners, supporting one another (having each other’s backs). It means learning, sharing, and communicating with one another. It means being best friends. It means growth. It also means respecting each other, listening to our partner. Not interrupting, not talking over each other. We went to several relationship counseling sessions so that we could learn new skills for the marriage we are entering into. Harold, our therapist, taught me a lot about me. He also taught my partner a lot about himself. He taught us a variety of skills. He has helped us to become a better couple. The BIG DAY will be August 25, exactly seven years from the day we met. We will be getting married on a beach in Kauai, Hawaii. My brother, Tom, and his wife, Kristi, will stand up for us. I am excited, nervous, and—in some odd way— at peace. I love this man with all my heart. He loves me with all his heart. The remainder of our lives we will spend learning, growing, and loving. Life is good.
Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher
Points of Interest Are you looking for a new house to call your home? Deb at Woods Bros Realty has great listings to show you. See all her details in the ad on page 17. Everyone struggles from time to time. Whether you’re dealing with stress at work, relationship challenges with your spouse, or general anxiety, the caring professionals at Nebraska Mental Health Centers can help you. Turn to their ad on page 31 to find their clinic locations. From classic looks to the most recent trends, put your trust in Jen and the stylists at Partners ’N Hair. They will take care of everything and leave you feeling fabulous. Find their ad on page 30. Brad with Johnson Hardware Company shares more about the products and services you will find in their many locations. Read their article in Out and About on page 22, and check out their ad on page 18. Do you know someone who needs oral or facial surgery to correct conditions of the mouth or jaw? Dr. Andrew Glenn and his dedicated staff can help you. See their ad on page 14. Are you a smoker looking for an effective way to quit? Are you struggling to lose the amount of weight you want to lose? Jeff at Lincoln Hypnosis Center can help you achieve your goals through hypnosis. Learn more in the ad on page 1. Yoga instructor Shelly and registered dietician Melanie talk about the holistic approach they take with their patients at Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center. Learn more in the Healthy Living article on page 12, and find their ad on page 15.
On the Cover: Cartise More information at www.cartise.com
Positive Thought of the Month “Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90 percent of your happiness or misery.” —H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
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July 2019
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Inside This Edition
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2 Publisher’s Notes
20
Fresh Concept
6 Fashion Worthy
22
Out and About
9 Zodiac Forecast
24
To Your Good Health
26
The Good Life
28
Home Works
10 Weekend Gourmet
30
The Market Place
12 Healthy Living
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Income Outcome
Happy birthday, Cancer! Remember to find things that bring you joy, such as revisiting longstanding hobbies. You might also find happiness by getting away through travel.
What I’ve learned over the years is that balance is important. Getting way too high or way too low is not only unproductive, it is exhausting.
14 Seasons of Life 16 Good Looks Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean your face has to look like a topographical map.Your wrinkles don’t have to define you!
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Kids Comments
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Auto Wise
18 Interiors By Design
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Positive Perspective
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26 National Publisher/Editor Janet Van deWalle
Customer Service Coordinator Tiffanie Gregory
Art & Editorial Director Erin Lanza
Copy Editor Liz Huett
Women’s Edition 4210 So uth 33rd Stre et, S u ite 240 • Lin coln, NE 68506 • (402) 466-2677 National Publisher: Women’s Edition, Inc. 888-892-4076 Women’s Edition® The Magazine For Metropolitan Women is a registered trademark of Women’s Edition, Inc. (Reg. No. 2,501,858). All rights reserved. Women’s Edition has no affiliation with any other publication. Women’s Edition makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claim as to the accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information. Women’s Edition is not responsible for the accuracy of the QR codes appearing in our magazine. © Copyright 2019, Women’s Edition, Inc. All rights reserved. This material is for personal use only. Republication and redissemination in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Women’s Edition, Inc.
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July 2019
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Fashion Worthy
Check Yourself Before You Dress Yourself Flattering Your Body Shape By Holly Bell
Bring sunshine into every room with upbeat summer style that reflects your vibrant personality! Every modern woman values both style and comfort when choosing clothing. We love to be comfortable, as our tasks are so varied and constant. We love clothing that is flexible, is easy to care for, and has breathability and stretch—especially important in the summer! Vibrant patterns, along with striking color palettes, make us feel good and are the qualities to look for in every purchase. When choosing clothing, it’s important to embrace your body shape. No, we don’t all look the same—and wouldn’t life be boring if we did? Own what you have! Learn to dress in a manner that works with your body shape, and you will feel comfortable and confident while looking stylish. Most of us fall into one of four common body types: triangle (narrow shoulders, wide hips); inverted triangle (wide shoulders tapering to narrow hips and thin legs); rectangle (shoulders and hips about the same without much waist definition); or hourglass (shoulders and hips similar but both taper to a small waist). There are ways to dress each of these body types in a most flattering manner, equalizing the shoulders and hips and creating a defined waistline. Women with a triangle shape will look great this year in fitted blazer jackets with a little shoulder pad. This will widen the shoulders to balance the hips. Wearing bright colors on top and keeping the lower half in darker tones will accent the smallest part of the body. Luckily, this year’s looks offer many bold color choices. Tops with wide necklines look great on women with the triangle body type. Boatneck tops and off-the-shoulder styles widen the shoulder to create balance. Long tops are great, as long as they don’t
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end right at the widest part of the hip. Tunics with a diagonal hemline will bring the eye up and avoid drawing a line around the hips. The perfect dress for women with this shape is an A-line that falls to mid-knee. Choose a feel-good fabric that has body and does not cling. Women with an inverted triangle shape will find a lot to choose from this year, also. Jumpsuits and rompers are all the rage, and they look great on this body shape. Keep everything a relaxed fit. V-necks draw the eye down and break up the width of the shoulders. This body shape is perfect for the wild-patterned pants that are so popular this summer. Pair those fun-to-wear pants with a simple V-necked top for pure flattery. Dresses with a slim skirt and an easy-fit top are flattering on the inverted triangle shape. A slim jean skirt would look amazing with a soft button-up-the-front blouse tied a little lower than the waist. To create balance, you want to always accent the smaller part of the body and de-emphasize the larger part. With the rectangle shape, we want to create the illusion of a defined waist where there really isn’t much definition. Narrow belts in the same tone as the clothing will create a waist, along with seam details such as princess seaming or gathers around the waist. Petite women with a rectangle body shape may want to choose shorter tops that just cover the waist of the skirt or pant. This makes a visual shift from top to bottom right at the waistline but doesn’t reveal anything you might want to keep covered. Women with a rectangle body type can enjoy all the shapes of today’s little summer frocks, as long as there is some gathering or darts or even a pattern that creates the illusion of a defined waistline. For the hourglass figure, just think of the Kardashian family, and you will know what shape I am talking about. People may think that the hourglass figure is the one to strive for, but it has its limitations. With the smaller waistline, one must be careful, as the hips seem to grow in contrast to the waist. Keeping the accent on the upper body and the middle of the body, along with playing down the hip area, works best. An hourglass figure always looks best wearing a belt or tucked-in styles. It’s the perfect body shape for this summer’s full skirt, topped off with a wide belt. Style is all about attitude! The more you accept your body’s natural shape, the more confidently you can choose clothing that flatters your figure. You’ll look better, you’ll feel more comfortable, and you can expect to field a few compliments along the way. Editor’s Note: Holly has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years as a buyer, boutique store owner, visual merchandiser, and fashion show producer. She is currently the owner of a modeling agency. Holly regularly appears on local TV doing fashion segments. WE
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Zodiac Forecast
CANCER
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June 21–July 22
Happy birthday, Cancer! Many planets are present in your sign this month, and the effects bring you much delight! Remember to find things that bring you joy, such as revisiting longstanding hobbies. You might also find happiness by getting away through travel with family. This will rejuvenate your wellbeing and can give you a fresh start! Leo (July 23–Aug 22) Emotional prosperity and family contentment are foremost this month. Traveling is a great idea and is recommended. You will find travel highly enjoyable, and it will bring you the adventure you seek.
done! This may require you to think outside the box. Keep an open mind to improve your career prospects and succeed in other endeavors. Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18) You will be healthy in mind and body this month. Use your social charm to work through objectives in your life. A genuine smile goes a long way with people.
Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22) Your optimism is respected. Trust in your independence this month. Be ready to demonstrate that you are self-reliant and able to do things on your own. Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22) Your health is at a peak. The stars are blessing your well-being, and you are taking all the necessary precautions to maintain a healthier you. Keep that momentum going! Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21) Anticipate a good month ahead. Through hard work and determination, you should be able to achieve your goals. Expect substantial growth and development this month. Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 22) Your emotional and physical health are predicted to be excellent this month. Collaborate with a diverse group of people to expand your realm of experience and develop your skills professionally. It’s always eye-opening to learn from others! Capricorn (Dec 23–Jan 19) This is your month for getting things
Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20) Family will dominate over career this month. Your family is an important entity to you, and their emotional well-being is vital. Your partner is intrigued by your beautiful nature and will love you even more! Aries (Mar 21–April 19) This is an excellent month for travel! Your precise planning will lead to success in your ventures. This planning overflows into your everyday life, changing it for the better. Taurus (Apr 20–May 20) Your career search for happiness will finally bring the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for this month! Your hard work and determination bring happiness to fruition. Gemini (May 21–Jun 20) The Mercury retrograde has a positive influence on you.You appear to have more composure and appeal. This attracts others to you and immensely improves your relationships. WE
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July 2019
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Weekend Gourmet
Parades, Flags, and Grills—Let’s Eat! By Kate Beiting
Fruit Skewers and Cream Cheese Dip For the skewers: Cut up your favorite fruits—like strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, kiwi, grapes, peaches, apples, and bananas— into chunks. Thread onto bamboo skewers. Thread a mini marshmallow on the end of each skewer to prevent stabbing. For the dip: Mix an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese with a 7-ounce jar of marshmallow cream. Add in 1 teaspoon of orange juice and a bit of orange zest, if desired. Chill. Serve with skewers.
FRUIT SKEWERS AND CREAM CHEESE DIP
Holiday Belgian Waffles Gently mix together 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, 4 teaspoons of vanilla, 1 stick of melted butter, 2 and 1/2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 and 1/2 cups of milk. Bake the batter in a waffle iron, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Serve with seasonal fresh fruits, whipped cream, warm maple syrup, and powdered sugar.
House BLT Dip Mix together 1 cup of sour cream, 1 Tablespoon of dry ranch dressing mix, 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, and 1/2 of a seeded and chopped tomato. Stir well. Add 8 strips of crumbled crispy bacon. Chill for an hour. Serve with chips, crackers, veggies, or toasty breads.
Marinated Garden Cukes and Onion Mix together 1 cup of Miracle Whip, 1/2 cup of sugar, 4 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt. Add 4 peeled and sliced cucumbers and 1 sliced Vidalia (or any sweet onion). Mix well. Refrigerate for several hours.
Grilled Beer Brats Fill a stockpot with water, 2 sliced onions, and 2 bottles of beer. Place uncooked brats into the pot and simmer for 8–10 minutes. Move brats to a medium-high grill (or store in the refrigerator until ready to grill). Grill until cooked through. Serve with buns and
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condiments like mustards, chopped onions, and sauerkraut. If you’re not going to eat them right away, keep them warm in a slow cooker. Halibut on the Grill Make a lemon-butter basting sauce by combining 2 Tablespoons of melted butter, 2 Tablespoons of honey, 2 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and other herbs of your choice. Brush the halibut filets or steaks with olive oil. Grill the halibut for 3 minutes over medium-high heat, basting often with the lemon-butter sauce. Turn fish over and grill for another 3–5 minutes (again, basting often) until the fish flakes. Broccoli Salad Wash and trim 2 heads of broccoli and cut into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of white sugar, and 2 Tablespoons of white vinegar. Add the broccoli to the dressing. Add 8 pieces of crisply cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 diced sweet onion, 3/4 cup of raisins, and 1/4 cup of shelled sunflower seeds. Blend well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Firecracker Burgers Mix 2 pounds of ground chuck with 1/4 of a sweet onion (diced), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Lawry’s seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon (or more) of crushed red pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire or steak sauce. Mix gently. Form the meat into 6 or 8 round patties. Cover and refrigerate until ready to grill. Salt and pepper the patties and grill over medium-high heat until done. Serve on grilled buns with cheeses, mayo, mustards, ketchups, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, or other condiments, as desired.
Enjoy our handcrafted wine and scenic views!
Retro 7-Up Salad In a glass dish, dissolve a 6-ounce box of lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Add 1 can of chilled 7-Up and refrigerate. Blend an 8-ounce package of soft cream cheese with pineapple juice from a large can of crushed pineapple. When the gelatin is almost set, add the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth. Stir in the can of pineapple, 1 cup of toasted coconut, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Fold in 8 ounces of whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks. Refrigerate. Moon Bars Mix 1 can of lemon pie filling with a box of angel food cake mix (1-step variety). Spread the mixture into a jelly roll pan (15x10x1 inches) and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let cool. Mix an 8-ounce package of soft cream cheese with 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 Tablespoon of milk. Frost. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Cut into squares. Flag Berry Pan Shortcake Mix 4 cups of sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and let them sit on the counter until ready to assemble. Do the same with about 2 cups of blueberries. Stir together 3 and 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 5 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1 cup of cold butter (cubed) and mix until crumbly. Mix in 2 eggs and 2 cups of whipping cream. The mixture will form a soft dough. Pat the dough into the bottom of an ungreased jelly roll pan (15x10x1 inches). Bake at 400 degrees for 15–20 minutes. Let cool. Whip together 2 cups of whipping cream, 1/3 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla to medium stiff peaks. Spread the whipping cream over the cake. Create a flag design with the fruits, using strawberries for the red stripes and blueberries for the blue. Chill until ready to serve. WE
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July 2019
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Healthy Living
Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center A Holistic Approach to Care
By Lisa Lightner
Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer—or maybe we’ve received the diagnosis ourselves. It can be overwhelming. The good news for those battling the disease (and for their loved ones) is that nutrition and rehabilitation can play a big role in healthy living and quality of life. Research suggests that eating a healthy diet and being physically active may lower the risk and reoccurrence of many types of cancer. For over two decades, the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center (SNCC) has offered the latest technology that combines a broad array of medical and radiation oncology. Now, with the added holistic approach of nutrition and yoga, they are proud to say, “Our advanced facilities, specialized teams, and commitment to research are devoted to innovation in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient services.” Along with a team of physicians, and advanced practice providers, they offer a number of beneficial services to their patients including rehabilitation services and nutrition expertise. These are all offered on site to ensure their patients along their personal journeys through cancer treatment and recovery. Recently featured on Channel 10/11 Healthy Everyday, registered dietitian Melanie Mitchell, MS, RDN stresses the importance of nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment. Though not normally covered by insurance, nutrition counseling are important parts of the services provided for patients and their families at SNCC. Melanie takes a big-picture approach with her patients, looking at their life stressors, energy requirements, and sleep habits, as well as hobbies, family and support system. Her focus, she says, is “based on the patient’s relationships with food, what the patient’s life is like, and how nutrition fits, in order to optimize nourishment.” In her blog, Melanie’s Moments, she addresses a range of topics, including food information, weight management, cooking, health apps, and what is trending in the media. Using patient feedback, she posts recipes, resources, and reliable nutrition information. Her goal is to cut through the mountains of information now at our fingertips…information that may or may not be accurate. This includes natural, organic, and herbal remedies that are not currently regulated. While it’s good to be open-minded, she says, “it’s best to stick to treatments that are backed by science and to ask questions.” Experts recommend that we should all get at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Research has also suggested that yoga can help reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and help reduce the risk of recurrence. With its calming effect on the nervous system, yoga is known to comfort the mind and body down to the cellular level, integrating
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physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Shelly Olson is a certified yoga instructor, Melanie Mitchell, Yoga4Cancer instructor, and an registered dietitian occupational therapy technician at SNCC. She and Shelly Olson, specializes in restorative yoga in the clinical setting. certified yoga instructor, “Yoga has benefits at any stage of cancer, helping Yoga4Cancer instructor, to regulate vital signs, blood pressure, heart rate, and an occupational and the respiratory system,” she says. “Through the therapy technician power of positive energy, yoga is a holistic tool that allows patients to come back to themselves.” SNCC offers several yoga classes that are tailored to individual patient needs but also open to the public. Friends, family, and medical staff are encouraged to participate. Restorative Yoga, an introduction to an active relaxation uses props to allow gravity to shift and stretch. It combines breathing, meditations, and fully supported postures. Yoga4Cancer, an oncologybased yoga, syncs movement with breath to stimulate the immune system, improve flexibility and strength, and reduce anxiety. Shelly also encourages the use of a mantra—a word or phrase that serves as a positive affirmation and is synched to breath during yoga practice. Shelly offers a bowl at the front desk for patients to take or leave a mantra for others. They also have a monthly newsletter that features articles about rehabilitation and features a yoga pose of the month. Shelly and Melanie feel fortunate to be part of a group in a setting that values a holistic approach. As the website states, Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center is “dedicated to providing patients with oncologic and hematologic diagnoses and comprehensive, progressive medical care in a compassionate and caring setting.” In addition to an online patient portal and a host of services, including patient resources, education, counseling, and support, SNCC offers a wide range of on-site services that include a pharmacy, laboratory, rehabilitation services, clinical trials, genetic counseling, diagnostic imaging, and palliative care. For more information and see class times, go to leadingcancercare.com or visit one of their two stateof-the-art locations in Lincoln, at 3901 Pine Lake Road (402-481-6090) and 201 South 68th Street (402-4207000). Their physicians also visit outreach sites at 12 communities in Southeast Nebraska. WE
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YOUR JOURNEY to HEALING Our SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION program’s goal is to help you regain a full range of functional abilities while preventing complications. We invest time to work with you and your family to develop the right plan for long term success! When life’s challenges become too much to manage on your own, we offer LONG TERM CARE. Consider us your home where you have all the conveniences plus more.
Call today to schedule a tour.
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July 2019
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Seasons of Life
Today’s Physical Therapy Rehab, Maintenance, Prevention
By Linda Barnes
I’ll admit it—a few years ago, we were skeptical when the doctor ordered physical therapy after my husband injured his back on the job. Six weeks later, we were believers. It seemed like a miracle that he was back to work and pain-free! Now retired, my husband recently had a total knee replacement. It was back to physical therapy, this time with a much more positive attitude. As good as physical therapy was a few years ago, it has gotten better in the meantime. While recovery after injury or rehabilitation after surgery are big parts of physical therapy’s focus, today’s therapists might also attend to geriatric or pediatric conditions. Cardio and pulmonary issues, sports, and women’s health are additional areas of expertise. In any area, physical therapy can help relieve pain and increase strength and mobility, thereby reducing the need for drugs or surgery. Women are statistically more prone to sports injuries than their male counterparts, based mostly on their distinctive physiology. Ankle sprain, shoulder and knee problems, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis are the most common reasons that women seek help for sports injuries. Treating ankle, shoulder, and knee injuries typically involves specific steps. It may begin with very gentle or even passive therapy (when the therapist moves your body for you). Physical therapy strives to reduce pain, restore motion, strengthen affected muscles and joints, and, finally, achieve optimal movement.
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Today, licensed therapists are required to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. They typically obtain a bachelor’s degree prior to admission to the doctoral program. After earning their degrees from an accredited education program, therapists must pass a state licensure examination. Licensed physical therapists may then enter a residency or fellowship program. Specialty certification is an additional process, during which therapists develop greater expertise in certain areas of treatment, including cardio and pulmonary, electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports, and women’s health. Women’s health focuses on specific conditions that females experience, including pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, separation of abdominal muscles, and pelvic prolapse. Treatment can address both prevention and restoration. One in four women experiences some form of pelvic floor issue, but many are unaware that these
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issues can be successfully treated. Stress incontinence is a common concern for women. A sudden increase in abdominal pressure causes urine to leak out of the bladder. That increase in pressure might be caused by coughing, laughing, bending, lifting, or sneezing. The root cause of stress incontinence is often pregnancy and childbirth, when the muscles that support the bladder are stretched to their limits. Physical therapists can teach you how to strengthen those muscles with exercises, biofeedback, or even gentle electrical stimulation. Physical therapy may also relieve pelvic pain by helping relax tightened muscles. A specially trained female therapist may use internal manipulation and massage to stretch muscles. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that women deal with three times more often than men do. Physical therapy offers strategies to help keep muscles strong and joints flexible, all of which is important in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, physical therapists may teach their patients better ways to accomplish everyday tasks, as well as show them how to use assisting devices. A physical therapist’s tools consist of traditional things like exercise (passive or active), massage, heat, and cold. Technology adds to their capabilities with such tools as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction, and diagnostics. My husband started physical therapy the day after his knee replacement surgery, while still in the hospital. Group sessions included gentle bending and lifting of the leg. The second day, he was shown the proper way to negotiate steps and then practiced safely stepping up and down. The third day, having been released from the hospital, he began physical therapy at a nearby rehab facility, with the focus on range of motion, improving balance, and strengthening his leg. The therapists were upbeat and gave much encouragement, taking a personal interest in each client’s recovery. Six weeks of therapy had my husband back on his feet and able to resume normal activities. Whether the issue is arthritis, pelvic problems, or rehab after illness or surgery, physical therapy can be the stepping stone you need to get back to your life. Most is paid for by insurance or Medicare, so there’s no excuse for not getting the best care and the fastest recovery! Sources for this article included: apta.org, webmd.com, and healthline.com. WE July 2019
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Good Looks
A Wrinkle Road Map Prevention and Treatment
By Loretta McCollum
Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean your face has to look like a topographical map. You don’t have to settle for hands that resemble well-worn leather, either. Your wrinkles don’t have to define you! To minimize wrinkles, you need to recognize their causes. Sun exposure is a common culprit. The sun’s UV rays cause free radicals to form in our skin layers, damaging elastin fibers and promoting wrinkles. Always use a good sunscreen, and don’t forget to use it on your hands. Smoking also causes skin to age prematurely—another great reason to avoid it. Diet is also a factor. Consuming large amounts of processed foods prevents your skin from being as supple as it could be. Nutrient-rich foods like protein, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables contain the vitamins and minerals needed to help keep your skin soft. Berries, spinach, beans, and walnuts are good examples of foods that contain antioxidants. Avocados and coconut oil are good sources of fat, which is essential to a healthy diet. Drink lots of water. Collagen is the primary connective tissue in the skin, and it’s mostly water. Feeling stressed or tired can make you look older than your years. When you’re stressed and fatigued, your body releases more of the hormone cortisol, which is known to cause premature aging. While you’re sleeping, your body produces HGH (human growth hormone), stimulating cell growth. Of course, fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the aging
TOGETHER, WE CAN S AV E O U R WAT E R , O U R P L AY G R O U N D S , OUR FUTURE. Join us at nature.org
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process, so it’s impossible to completely avoid them. Maybe you don’t even want to! After all, wrinkles are an indication of where smiles have been. However, we all want to look our best, and there are several ways to minimize those fine lines and wrinkles. Laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses light energy to repair and regenerate skin cells. The laser transmits photons into the skin’s membranes, increasing healthy cell production and promoting healing by increasing collagen production. It also increases blood circulation. This is a good option for the forehead, mouth, and eye areas. Two common types of laser therapy are CO2 laser treatment and erbium laser treatment. CO2 therapy uses short pulses or continuous light beams to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage. Recovery generally takes about two weeks. Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove both surface and moderately deep lines on the face, hands, neck, or chest. Recovery time is usually faster than with CO2
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treatment. This method is more effective on darker skin tones.Your plastic surgeon or dermatologist can recommend the best method for your needs. Chemical peels are popular for wrinkle reduction. They’re typically used on the face, neck, and hands. A chemical peel improves the appearance of wrinkled skin by using a chemical solution to remove the skin’s outer layer. The new skin is smoother and appears less wrinkled. Following treatment, patients may experience sunburnlike symptoms. Patients should avoid prolonged sun exposure for several weeks following the procedure. Ultrasound therapy, similar in process to laser therapy, bypasses the skin’s surface and directs focused ultrasound energy at the structural level to stimulate collagen production. This type of treatment is generally used on the brow and neck, as well as under the chin. Most patients need just one procedure; depending on the skin’s elasticity, multiple treatments may be beneficial. Some immediate results are visible, but full results occur over two to three months. Results last up to one year. Injectables are another wrinkle-busting option. These include Botox, soft tissue fillers, and fat transfers. Botox has been around for quite a while. This noninvasive wrinkle treatment can diminish frown lines and deep creases between the eyebrows and at the corners of the eyes. The toxin is injected into underlying muscle, causing the muscle to relax. The overlying skin gradually smooths out, as the underlying muscle is not in use. The effects last three to four months, at which time the injections can be repeated. This procedure involves little downtime. Soft tissue fillers such as Belotero, Juvederm, and Sculptra contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring body substance. These fillers are injected into the skin using a syringe. They improve the look of wrinkles by increasing the volume under the skin, stretching the skin. Results last between six and 24 months. Fat transfer uses fat cells from the patient’s own body to increase volume under the skin. Fat is removed through liposuction, cleaned, processed, and injected into the wrinkled area. There’s little chance of allergic reaction, and results are visible for up to several years. Don’t let your wrinkles define you. Consult a local professional today to find out which wrinkle treatment is best for you. Sources for this article included: asds.net, webmd.com, americanboardcosmeticsurgery. com, and advdermatology.com. WE
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Interiors by Design
Standing the Test of Time Wood Flooring: As Popular as Ever
By Robyn V. Powell
One of the most important design decisions when building or remodeling a home is your choice of flooring. Floors are the foundation of a home and set the tone for your color palette and decorating style. When it comes to beauty and durability, no other flooring offers the benefits or unique qualities of hardwood flooring. Warm and stylish, hardwood floors add a beautiful natural element to any room and add value to your home. Plus, they can last a lifetime! Generations of homeowners have made hardwood their flooring of choice, and there are selections to suit any style. If new flooring is in your plans, grounding yourself in wood flooring basics and exploring a few of the latest trends will help you make the best choice for your home. When considering hardwood, the first decision is whether to use solid wood or engineered wood. Both are excellent options, but there are important differences—and each has benefits and deficits. Solid wood planks are constructed from one piece of wood, usually three quarters of an inch thick, and can be sanded and refinished many times over. Planks can be made from many different species of wood and range in width from five to 11 inches. Solid wood planks offer the greatest choice in terms of design options and can be customized and stained in virtually any color. A major drawback of solid wood is its high price.
Designing Spaces that Fit Your Personality and Style! Specializing in Custom Interior Design
Engineered wood is a layered product made of a strip of hardwood, usually half an inch thick, on top of a base of high-quality plywood. Engineered planks have a maximum width of five inches. The layered construction of engineered wood limits the number of times it can be sanded and refinished. It comes pre-finished and is available in a wide array of colors. While not as durable as solid wood, its resistance to warping and flexing means that it can be installed in rooms with high humidity levels, making it a good option for bathrooms, kitchens, and even basements. When it comes to the latest trends, there’s been a shift toward either very dark or very light wood floors, with a prevalence of wider planks and cooler undertones. Wood floors with brown and gray undertones are trending, while those with red and yellow undertones are less popular. Nothing says classic and elegant like rich dark floors, and tones like ebony and cof- ›››
Designer textures C O L L E C T I O N
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Visit our designer showroom today! 13817 Industrial Rd. Omaha, NE 68137 402-445-2596 www.jhcomaha.com
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fee have seen a surge in popularity. The downside of dark floors is that they are a bit more challenging to keep clean. Light or whitewashed wood floors are a beautiful complement to modern interiors. These lighter tones work well with the cooler paint colors seen in contemporary homes. Popular wood species include white oak, French oak, hickory, and walnut. Matte and satin finishes have replaced glossy finishes. Both popular and practical, matte finishes are easier to clean and look better longer. High-grade polyurethanes are an environmentally friendly way of protecting floors with a finish that is hard and durable. Oil finish, with zero VOC emissions, penetrates the wood to give a softer, more natural look that creates a rich patina over time. The downside of oil finishes are their higher cost and lower durability (that is, spills can still absorb into the wood). In terms of cost, hardwood is more expensive up front. It’s a good investment, though, since it’s made to last a lifetime. Other flooring choices, including carpet and tile, are meant to be replaced after a number of years. If you live in your home for more than a few years, wood is a better investment. As personal preferences change, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished to reflect any taste or trend. Hardwood flooring stands up to heavy traffic—children, toys, and even pets. With normal maintenance and cleaning, hardwood floors will look great for many years. Sweeping and mopping with a damp mop will keep floors clean. Spot cleaning can be done with gentle cleaners made for wood floors. Another benefit of hardwood is the relief it can bring for people with allergies and asthma. Unlike carpeting, which traps and harbors dust, dander, and other allergens that can make breathing difficult, wood floors are easy to clean, and allergens can be quickly removed with a damp cloth or mop. Hardwood flooring is a major investment, so hiring the right people to install, repair, or refinish your hardwood flooring is critical. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals, and always ask for references. Stores that sell flooring often have a list of reputable installers. Taking the time to make the right wood selection and hiring the right team to install it will ensure that you have beautiful flooring you will love for years. Sources for this article included: flooring.org, consumerreports.org, and thisoldhouse.com. WE
Our afternoon dance party As a mom, we know your family is why. Why you work so hard to make healthy choices every day so you can experience more of life’s precious moments together. We’ve got your back; to make sure more of those moments happen. But we can’t do it without you. While you’re serving more fruits and veggies at home, we’re impacting laws that help shape healthier communities — and it doesn’t stop there. You see, together we can make an extraordinary impact. Because when moms unite, real change happens. Join other moms and together let’s create a healthier generation of families. Life is Why.
Unite for change at LifeIsWhy.org/Moms
#familyiswhy July 2019
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Fresh Concept
Money Matters What Works for You? By Janette Calabro
For those of us who have ditched the idea of hiding our money under the floorboards, the two most obvious choices to keep our money safe are a bank or a credit union. Both offer checking and savings accounts, loans, and other financial products. Both are likely to sport a candy dish on the counter. What are the real differences between them? First of all, there’s size. Credit unions usually serve smaller communities, while banks can stretch nationwide or beyond. Because banks are bigger, and they’re in business to make a profit, they usually offer a wider range of products. Credit unions are non-profit organizations and are member-owned. That means that when you join, you are part owner of the credit union. One of the biggest benefits to joining a credit union is that, as a non-profit institution, they can pass their savings on to members in the form of lower interest rates on loans and higher interest rates on investments. How do you join a credit union? Membership eligibility requires a common bond among members, which may be different for each organization. That bond may include living, working, worshipping, or attending school in specific areas. Often, a specific community or profession will gain you membership. You’ll see many of the same things at a credit union that you’d expect to see at a bank when you walk through the front door; the clear winner depends on your preference. A credit union might pay more attention to personal detail about you and the community (though smaller community banks may offer quite personal service). The mid-size to larger banks have more of an edge when it comes to technology, and they usually offer more branches and ATMs. Banks usually have more products and online services to choose from. The tradeoff is a personal choice. You might prefer a better interest rate on that new vacation savings at a credit union instead of the cutting-edge technology a bank offers to access it. Another way to look at the cooperative anatomy of a credit union is that a member-owned financial cooperative works by democratic control, usually cutting out the middleman. One member’s savings eventually ripen into another member’s loan. Credit unions are often involved in the community—people helping people. Is your money safer at a credit union or a bank? It’s just as safe in either place. Just like a bank’s FDIC insurance, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) governs the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, insuring deposits up to $250,000 for a single ownership account with no beneficiaries at federally insured institutions. NCUA states that your savings are “federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.” One note of caution: make sure that your credit union is federally chartered. State-chartered organizations work differently, with private insurers, and
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are not backed by the federal government. Both banks and credit unions work hard to protect personal data with strict regulatory compliance and welltrained employees. Policies and procedures to safeguard personal information govern the daily process of financial institution employees. Confidential files containing member or customer information are locked in file cabinets. If sensitive information needs to be disposed of, it goes in a shred bin in a secure location, inaccessible to others. Documents are shredded at the end of each business day. Computers use a password-activated screen saver, and screens are locked when an employee leaves the office or work area. Confidential information, whether transmitted electronically in an email or stored online, is required to be encrypted. That means that only authorized parties can access it. Protecting consumer information is vital, and there are numerous safeguards in place to make sure your personal information doesn’t get into the wrong hands. What can you do to secure your own personal information? Some basic ideas are to use encrypted websites only. Keep your passwords private and complex, changing them often. Guard against scammers’ latest schemes with security software, and keep it updated. If you’re purchasing a home or refinancing, make sure that your lender is registered through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). This regulatory agency governs compliance and licensing requirements. Choose a reputable lender—that way, attention can be focused on the details of your mortgage financing rather than concern about your loan officer’s credentials. Navigating the process for mortgage preapproval or a refinance can be daunting. The highly regulated mortgage industry comes with a plethora of information, which can often overwhelm consumers. If your loan officer throws too many acronyms or foreign-sounding phrases at you (think loan-to-value or debt-to-income), take the time to ask what they mean. The terms aren’t that hard to explain—for example, the debt-to-income ratio is arrived at by dividing your minimum monthly debt by your monthly gross income. That ratio shows the bank if you’re able to repay the loan you’re asking for. The right mortgage is best found after you apply for a preapproval. Remember that there’s a difference between a prequalification and a preapproval. With a
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prequalification, the consumer agrees to give basic information about credit, debt, income, and assets. With a preapproval, on the other hand, a lender verifies your income via pay stubs, tax returns, and W2s or 1099s. That means that a human actually underwrites the loan, which is attractive for a competitive seller and brings peace of mind for you as the buyer. The underwriter will also check to see if assets are available for closing funds, so be sure to have bank statements available. With a preapproval letter in your pocket, sellers know that you’re ready to buy and that you know what kind of mortgage loan you’re approved for. The most common loan types include conventional, FHA, and VA. (Of course, there are specialty loans, but we’ll save those for another article.) Conventional loans are not guaranteed by the federal government and usually cater to buyers who are prepared to make larger down payments. For those who have lower funds available up front or higher debt-to-income ratios, an FHA loan might be a better choice. FHA stands for Federal Housing Administration, and it’s managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). FHA loans require a down payment of 3 and 1/2 percent. One disadvantage of an FHA loan is that you’ll pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers loans with no down payment to military service members and their families. Both FHA and VA loans are backed by the federal government—that means that if a borrower defaults, the lender may be reimbursed by the government for losses. One more type of mortgage deserves some face time. A reverse mortgage, insured by FHA, allows seniors who are 62 years or older to convert equity in their home to cash, without a monthly
payment. Instead of monthly payments, you need to pay back the entire loan once you no longer live at the property. You can take the cash in a lump sum for debt consolidation or even to purchase a lakeside vacation home. A reverse mortgage can be a good choice in certain circumstances, but do consider that you’re likely using a substantial amount of your home’s equity. This is definitely one to discuss in detail with your loan officer. We’re always hearing about interest rates—they’re high, or they’re declining, or they’re historically low! That’s great info, but it doesn’t tell you where they come from. Three forces determine daily mortgage rates, which are “daily” because all three forces change every day, sometimes more than once. First, the Federal Reserve sets the federal funds rate. Next, investor demand for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds impacts long-term and fixed interest rates. Last is the banking industry. Credit unions and banks raise or lower interest rates based on business needs. That’s right—one lender’s rates may be higher than another. That’s why it’s good to shop around. Often, lenders will match a rate if you can prove it was offered elsewhere. This is a lot of information, and we’re only dancing around the basics. Don’t worry! A good loan officer or a seasoned personal banker can help you navigate the field by addressing questions without overwhelming you with too much information. Next time you’re sitting in the lobby, waiting to open a checking account or take out a mortgage loan, pop a piece of candy from the candy bowl, and jot down questions for the experts. You deserve answers to all of them, and you can get the answers you need from the pros at a bank or a credit union. Sources for this article included: nerdwallet.com, listenmoneymatters.com, fhfa.gov, mycreditunion.gov, and usa.gov. WE
A Few Words From One of Our Advertisers: “In today’s healthcare world, patients are more engaged and involved in selecting their healthcare providers. Women tend to be the navigator whether that is for their own healthcare or that of a family member. We selected Women’s Edition Magazine as a means to communicate that we would be honored to be their preferred provider of orthopaedic care.“ — Heidi Hergott, Front Office Manager, Lincoln Orthopaedic Center
July 2019
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Out and About
Johnson Hardware
Personal Service Since 1855
By Cynthia Jeffrey
Imagine a store that caters to decorative architectural hardware and carries collections that have hardware to fit every person and every home. That is what Johnson Hardware is, and that’s what it’s been for more than 150 years. Whether you are building a high-end new home or refurbishing a century-old house, you will find exactly the knobs, drawer pulls, and hinges that you’re looking for within the walls of this store. If you don’t see what you want on display, never fear—they offer a plethora of catalogs and suppliers to meet your specific needs. Johnson Hardware dates back to 1855, and they currently have five stores—one in Minnesota, one in Grand Island, one in Lincoln, one in Millard, and one in downtown Omaha, right across the street from the main post office. Four of these stores are targeted to commercial hardware, while the Millard location focuses on the needs of residential customers. In today’s online shopping world, the lifespan of brick and mortar stores tends to become shorter and shorter. How has Johnson Hardware stayed in business for so long? The Johnson Hardware reputation for stellar
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customer service is what sets this company apart. From the moment you walk into any of their stores, you are treated with the utmost attention and respect. Store manager Brad Slocum notes that his staff members have the knowledge and experience to know which hardware products will work for each customer and which will not. “We help you find what you want at a price point you want,” he says. Though almost any drawer pull will physically function on almost any drawer, one-size-fits-all is not the philosophy at work at Johnson Hardware. “One piece doesn’t always cross-fit,” Brad reminds us. For example, if you’re looking for a unique pull to
Store manager Brad Slocum
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refurbish a piece of antique furniture, you need to be selective and identify the best product for that piece. Often, Brad notes, people will come into the store with some idea of what they want, and it’s up to the expertise of Johnson Hardware’s staff to help them choose the perfect pull, knob, or hinge. That’s just where his employees shine. They walk you through that process to assist you in choosing an authentic hardware piece that will not damage your item and will look great. Many of the staff members at Johnson Hardware have worked there for years, bringing a family feel to the store. This team is a talented mix of installers and designers, including two members who have degrees in interior design. Not only do they know the right questions to ask to help you choose the products you want, they will do a walk-through of your home prior to your purchase. The staff at Johnson Hardware work closely with many area contractors and designers and have built positive, trusting relationships. The goal at Johnson Hardware is to “get it right the first time.” They do that by getting to know each customer who walks through their doors, and they know many of their repeat customers by name. They ask the right questions, they walk through the customers’ homes, and they have their own experienced crew
complete the installations. This level of personal service leaves customers knowing that they’ve come to the right place. “This is the hardware store the pros use,” says customer Marc. “They specialize in actual hardware. Any time I have needed to resource any item, they have come through. Do not get confused with the box stores—they are not the same. These guys that work here, it is their trade and career. There’s true quality and trade knowledge here.” “I have been working with this team for eight years,” shares reviewer Melathes. “Their expertise in both functional and decorative hardware is invaluable. They have a great showroom. They can find whatever you are looking for. Very professional. They are your best choice.” If you want the perfect hardware to complement your furniture, cabinetry, or windows and doors, this hidden gem of a store is a must-visit. Take a peek at the products on their website (jhcomaha.com/residential) or come visit the store in Omaha at 13817 Industrial Road and let the showroom ignite your creativity. Any staff member will be happy to assist you in choosing the perfect jewelry for your home. Don’t worry if you don’t live in Omaha, Brad concludes. They’re happy to travel to meet their customers’ needs. After all, you don’t stay in business as long as Johnson Hardware has without providing stellar customer service. For more information, please call 1-402-445-2596. WE
The goal at Johnson Hardware is to “get it right the first time.” They do that by getting to know each customer who walks through their doors, and they know many of their repeat customers by name.
July 2019
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To Your Good Health
Hormone Replacement Therapy Ease Into Aging!
By Leslie Byrne
Getting older cannot be avoided, but both men and women may be able to smooth the transition into their aging bodies with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As we age, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle to feel the best we can. HRT is one way for women to ameliorate menopause symptoms and for men to improve waning testosterone levels. Like any medical decision, it’s important to carefully consider the risks and benefits before deciding to start HRT. Anyone considering HRT should have a clear understanding of what treatment options are available, how it will be administered, the expected length of treatment, and what symptoms are being treated. Before starting HRT, blood work should be done and analyzed. Women should have a female hormone panel done. This test measures the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones. Women should also have a complete blood count (CBC) test. Men interested in starting HRT will need a blood test to measure baseline testosterone levels and to test their overall health. Menopause is the most common reason that women choose HRT—in fact, almost half of menopausal and post-menopausal women in the United States have taken some form of hormone replacement. Menopause is a natural part of the aging process, when hormone levels decrease and menstruation ceases. Unfortunately, it can come with troublesome symptoms like hot
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flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, and persistent vaginal dryness. Exercise and dietary changes can often help decrease these symptoms; if they do not, many women turn to HRT for relief. HRT hormones for women generally include progesterone and estrogen, both of which are naturally produced by the human body. Sometimes, HRT treatment for women contains estrogen only or even testosterone. The most common reason that men seek HRT is waning testosterone, commonly known as low-T. Testosterone is an important hormone that helps with bone density, muscle mass, facial and body hair, sex drive, and sperm production. As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decrease. This can cause a decrease in sexual interest, change sleep patterns, affect muscle mass, or make men feel less motivated or interested in things that normally interest them. Testosterone therapy can also help reverse the effects
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of hypogonadism, a condition when the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone to begin with. As with women, the waning hormone levels in men are a natural process. HRT will not reverse normal aging, but it can treat the unpleasant symptoms of unbalanced hormone levels. There are different treatment options for HRT; the best choice depends on the individual person and symptoms. For women, estrogen can be administered by pill, skin patch, gel, cream, or spray. Lowdose vaginal products, such as creams, tablets, or a ring, help mostly with vaginal symptoms and don’t treat issues like hot flashes, night sweats, or osteoporosis. Most women will be given a treatment of both progesterone and estrogen. A woman who no longer has a uterus would only receive estrogen. HRT treatment for men can be administered with a skin patch, gel, injections, or implants. A pill is available but can be hard on the liver. Like any other treatment, HRT comes with both benefits and risks. It’s important to do your homework, ask plenty of questions, and know exactly what treatments you are receiving and why. For women, HRT can increase the risk of some cancers and cardiovascular conditions. Women who already have these conditions are not strong candidates for HRT. For men, testosterone therapy may contribute to sleep apnea, prostate issues, and other conditions. Before starting HRT, discuss your overall health with your doctor and consider your personal benefits and risks. The length of time a person stays on HRT is as individual as the treatment plan. Many women, for example, choose to cease treatment once the symptoms of menopause pass. Talk to your provider about how long you should be treated, and schedule regular office visits during your treatment. If you think HRT is right for you, look for a hormone replacement clinic staffed by medical professionals with specific training in hormone conditions. Schedule a meeting with an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist specializes in hormones and hormonerelated conditions and is an excellent place to start. Do your research, have all of the appropriate tests run before starting HRT, and decide what is best for you. Feeling good while your body changes is not a luxury—you deserve it! Don’t just suffer through years of uncomfortable hormonerelated symptoms. Talk to your doctor and find out if you’re a good candidate for HRT. Sources included: mayoclinic.org, my.clevelandclinic.org, health.usnews.com, and cdc.gov. WE July 2019
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The Good Life
Pediatric Dentistry Big Benefits for the Smallest Smiles By Maria Harding
Pediatric dental practices are dedicated exclusively to the care of young patients from their baby years through young adolescence. The goal is to ensure that youngsters want to come back for regular checkups and procedures, which are so important to their overall health. The waiting area at a pediatric dental practice might feature brightly colored murals, with activities and books for children. The hygienists and dentists smile and speak directly to children, rather than talking over their heads to a grown-up. Young patients might be given cool sunglasses so the bright swivel light is not blinding them during the dental exam. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that a child’s first dental examination happen any time after the first tooth erupts, but no later than 12 months of age. Tooth decay can occur as early as the teeth first start to appear. The purpose of early childhood dental exams is not only to promote early detection of potential developmental or growth issues but also to establish a routine of dental care at home and twice-yearly office visits. When children begin seeing a dentist in a positive environment from an early age, it is much less likely that future checkups will be fraught with anxiety. During a routine pediatric dental exam, parents and caregivers are shown techniques that they might use at home to effectively brush and floss a child’s teeth. During this stage in a child’s development, a pediatric dentist may have the child practice brushing on a set of plastic teeth. This allows the dentist and hygienist to teach thorough brushing and flossing in a way that is easily visible, fun, and less invasive than using the child’s own teeth. A pediatric dentist’s instructions to children also serve as reinforcement of the house rules that are being established for self-care. The dentist may even provide fun tools to take home, like sticker charts that praise good habits, miniature dinosaur-shaped toothbrushes, or whimsical flossers. As children grow and become more independent, a parent’s role shifts more toward supervision and positive role modeling. Sticker charts and colorful murals aside, pediatric dentistry offers some very important practical advantages, too. If a more complex medical procedure requires sedation, the staff members in a pediatric dentistry office are very familiar with managing the smaller doses required, as they are committed to exclusively treating children. Additionally, a pediatric dentist has two additional years of education after completing four years of dental school. The additional years of study address children’s physical and emotional growth and development, as well as the medical treatment of children with special needs. Anyone who cares for a child with a disability or special needs will be encouraged to know that 99 percent of pediatric dentists provide service to children with special needs (in
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comparison, only 10 percent of general dentists report providing these same services to children). Other services that are typically offered by pediatric dentists include fluoride applications and molar sealants, treatment of cavities, orofacial injury care, repair of cleft lip and palate anomalies, mild sedation for children with acute anxiety, assessment and treatment for orthodontic needs, and habit consultation (thumb and finger sucking, for example). There are many things to keep in mind when choosing the pediatric dentist that is right for you and your child. Make an appointment to visit the office and meet the providers. Is the waiting area cheerful, clean, and engaging? Consider the location of the dental office and its distance from your home, work, or children’s school. Regarding scheduling, how far in advance do appointments need to be made, and what is the typical wait time at the office? Ask how the office handles emergencies and what their after-hours policy is for urgent care. If convenient, bring your child with you for this visit. It provides a non-stressful way to meet the staff and see the office before exam day. Once your child is scheduled for an appointment, there are other fun ways to become familiar with the dentist’s office and project positivity ahead of time. Point out the building when driving by, and wave hello. “Do you remember meeting Dr. Jones? Do you remember the toys in the lobby? That’s where you’ll go to get your teeth cleaned.” Read books about visits to the dentist’s office. If you have older children who are well-behaved patients at this dentistry practice, bring younger siblings along to witness the good example set by big brothers or sisters. With the proper research and a little advance preparation, a pediatric dentist can help get your child on the path to a lifetime of good dental health. Sources for this article included: healthychildren.org, unmc.edu, aapd.org, and ada.org. WE
www.womensedition.com
July 2019
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Home Works
Home Service Agreements What Are They, and Do You Need One?
By Anne Yankus
When purchasing or maintaining a house, a home service agreement (or home service contract) isn’t usually the first thing on your mind—but maybe it should be. A home service agreement is something you can purchase to ensure you won’t have to pay for any unexpected breakdowns to your home’s systems or major appliances. Under a home service agreement, your appliances can be fixed for only a small service fee using your agreement’s convenient repair resources. Service contracts are usually customizable to suit your needs. One important thing to note is that home service contracts are more like extended warranties than true product warranties. Like warranties, they provide service for an item over a set amount of time, but, unlike standard warranties, they must be purchased separately. Also unlike new product warranties, service contracts can be purchased to cover older items already in a home that you’re purchasing. Since they’re not offered through the product’s manufacturer, you can always check with reputable websites like BBB or Consumer Reports to make sure the service company is legit. The most helpful service contracts cover items that aren’t protected by your homeowners insurance and allow for customization, meaning you can choose which items to include in your service contract. Some of the most commonly included items are large appliances, HVAC systems, lawn sprinkler systems, and backyard pools. Some contracts also include electrical surge protection. Large appliance service contracts typically cover items like washers, dryers, refrigerators, and stoves. If one of these items breaks down while your service contract is still active, you call the service company, and they send out a licensed professional in your area to assess the damage. If the repair is covered by your contract, you’ll only need to pay a service fee (up to around $125, depending on your agreement), and the rest will be covered by your contract. Home appliance contracts can be very helpful to anyone who is purchasing a home with older appliances that may be near the end of their lifespan or newer appliances that have just passed their warranty period. HVAC system agreements are similar to large appliance contracts; sometimes, they’re even covered under the same service contract company. HVAC agreements can cover as few as one or up to all of the heating, cooling, ventilation, and water heating items in your home. You can purchase an agreement to cover existing HVAC elements in a home you’re moving into, or you can purchase an extended warranty/service agreement when you have a new element installed in your
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house. Depending on the contract, HVAC service agreements can also cover regular maintenance and inspections. If you have a lawn sprinkler system, you might want a service contract to cover it. Some things you’ll want to review with the provider before you decide on a sprinkler or lawn service agreement are what time periods are covered under your contract and how much maintenance and service are provided. Since lawns aren’t watered year-round, some contracts will only cover six months out of the year, and many service providers will offer varying degrees of maintenance. Pool service agreements are more for regular service and maintenance than an extended warranty to prevent you from paying out of pocket for breakdowns. Most pool service agreements include sending a professional to check the skimmer, pumps, and pH balance of the water; only some contracts also cover replacement parts or extensive cleanup. Last, but not least, are electrical surge protection agreements. For surge protection, you needn’t look any farther than your local electrical provider to see if they offer some kind of surge protection. Surge protection agreements cover the repair or replacement of all home electronics that are damaged by any kind of electrical surge, including direct lightning strikes. These agreements often also include home appliances that may not be covered for surge damage in another service agreement. Cost is usually a low monthly payment that can be added on to your monthly electric bill. Are home service agreements worth it? With HVAC and home appliance service agreements, the savings are obviously financial—you can tell when you end up paying only $100 for a huge repair. With lawn sprinkler and pool systems, your biggest savings is time. Whether you’re buying a new house or just replacing an old appliance, home service agreements can be a great boon for your pocketbook and peace of mind. Sources for this article included: go-scic.com, consumer.ftc.gov, reviews.com, poolspanews.com, and oppd.com. WE
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FIREPLACE Headquarters Annual Fireplace Sale this August!
Family owned and operated since 1953
Don’t miss out! Stop in today! 5500 Old Cheney Road, Suite 16, Lincoln NE
Mon–Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 402-421-7575 | capitalpatio.com
July 2019
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The Market Place
Ready for the
HAIR
you've always wanted? Hair styles, highlights, cuts, perms and waxing
Owner & stylist Jen
Partners 'N Hair is a full service salon that has been in business in the Lincoln area for over 25 years. Our stylist are educated in all areas of hair care. We can't wait to meet you!
Partners 'N Hair Walk-Ins Always Welcomed Call 402-483-7376 or stop today! 6940 Van Dorn St., Lincoln
Partners ’N Hair Walk-ins are always welcome at Partners ‘ N Hair. You are in good hands with the licensed, fun, confident, and experienced stylists. Whether you need a simple cut or you want an elaborate new style, we can help you decide just the look you are trying to achieve. You can count on service with a smile and consistently great looking results when you choose Partners ‘N Hair for your hair cutting and styling needs. Look great, feel amazing. Stop in or call 402-483-7376 to make an appointment. Find Partners ‘ N Hair at the corner of 70th and Van Dorn. Lincoln Vision Center Can you believe back-to-school time is almost here? Did you know that many children struggle with their vision problems mainly because they don’t know they have one? This can affect their performance in school and ability to play sports. Help your children be successful with a back-to-school eye exam! The doctors at Lincoln Vision Center and Wahoo Vision Center provide vision care for all ages, from infants to senior citizens. They provide prescription and designer eyewear and sunglasses as well as a special collection of kids eyewear. Call today to make your appointment at Lincoln Vision Center at 402-466-0165 or Wahoo Vision Center at 402-443-3168. Rotary International Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to: promote peace; fight disease; provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; save mothers and children; support education; and grow local economies. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world. Visit www.rotary.org/donate to find out a variety of secure ways to donate.
See better, learn better. Back-to-school Eye Exams
Accepting New Patients!
Schedule an appointment today at 402.466.0165
651 N. 66th St., Lincoln NE www.lincolnvisioncenter.com 30
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Nebraska Mental Health Centers Nebraska Mental Health Centers (NMHC) is a family-owned and operated mental health clinic for people from all walks of life. NMHC provides psychological care for children, adolescents, adults, and families through individualized counseling, family counseling, and psychological assessment. We have offices in Lincoln, Beatrice, and Fremont. NMHC offers comprehensive mental health care and can coordinate care with physicians, caregivers, and family members. NMHC is sensitive and committed to the importance of diversity, striving to reflect diversity in our staff as well as individuals served. Please call 402-483-6990 to set up an initial appointment. Franklin’s Treasures and Treats We are at the height of wedding season! If you still need to find the perfect, unique wedding present, look no further! We have a wide range of gift items perfect for the happy couple. Check out our selection of scrapbook papers! We have items that are perfect for your graduation, vacations, weddings, and more. If the hot weather is keeping you inside, come check out our puzzle selection to help you pass the time! We have puzzles of all piece counts and designs from four different companies—there’s a puzzle for everyone here, even the kids! Stop in today! We are located at 920 North 70th Street in the Meadowlane Shopping Center.
Mental Health Services for the whole family. Start your journey to a healthier you.
We provide mental health care for children, adolescents, adults and families through individual, marital, and family therapy. Mental Health Care | Psycho-legal Services Services for Seniors | Psychological Assessments
Kitchen Tune-Up Tired of the way your kitchen looks? Outdated cabinets (though they may seem less than attractive) haven’t lost their functionality and no need to be discarded just for being behind the times. Stretch the life of your kitchen cabinets and cupboards by giving them a low-cost high-impact update. Refacing gives you the option of changing your look without gutting your kitchen or your wallet! Door and drawer fronts can wear down faster than the frames. So it’s not always necessary to install new custom cabinets. Kitchen Tune-Up specializes in turning outdated kitchens into a beautiful updated part of your home. Contact them and learn more about their wide range of services.
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Let us help you. Call now. 402-483-6990 | 4545 S. 86th St. Mon - Thurs 9 am–8 pm, Fri 9 am–5 pm
Satellite clinics in Fremont (402-483-6990) and Beatrice (402-483-6990) www.nmhc-clinics.com
Do You
Scrapbook? Check us out!
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Franklin’s Treasures and Treats Whether you’re a beginner or have been scrapbooking for years, start your next project with us!
Stop in today! 920 N. 70th Street In the MeadowLane Shopping Center • 402-405-0743
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Also offering: Picture Frames • Home Decor • Floral • Gifts for all ages Flour sack towels and embroidery patterns • Toys, Puzzles, & Games • Candy and More!
July 2019
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Income Outcome
Balance Take the Time to Seek Inner Peace “If there’s no inner peace, people can’t give it to you. The husband can’t give it to you. Your children can’t give it to you. You have to give it to you.”—Linda Evans Inner peace had never really been a goal in my life. I have always been a big goal setter—with business, mostly. I have owned Women’s Edition magazine for 33 years. It truly was my entire existence. My life revolved around the magazine. My passion was, and still is, to help small business owners succeed. The problem was, I never took the time to balance my life. I never took the time to seek my inner peace. “You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.” —George Michael When I became a widow 10 years ago, I was content to keep doing what I had always done. I chose not to do any self-reflection, not to take any time to balance my life. I continued to set goals for the company, for my customers, for my readers. Hmm…perhaps it would have been better if I had taken some time to seek my joy, my inner peace. “The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you’ve lost it.” —Anonymous
By Janet Van deWalle
Balance in one’s life is tricky. As women, we are pulled in multiple directions. Kids. Careers. Husbands. Friends. What I’ve observed is that most of us choose to put ourselves on the back burner…if we even make it to the stove! We choose to not take care of ourselves. Taking the time to seek inner peace? Hey, I think most of us feel that if we get a power nap, we have succeeded in taking care of us. “When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” —Jean Shinoda Bolen What I’ve learned over the years is that balance is important. Getting way too high or way too low is not only unproductive, it is exhausting. Taking care of my Inner Being, listening to my Inner Being, makes my days more joyful. That said, if someone were to take a microscope to the “reality” of my life right now, it might seem anything but peaceful. Lots going on. Lots of challenges. Guess what? I am learning to slow down. I am learning to breathe. I am discovering inner peace. It’s my goal every single day. I am at peace. “Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” —Saint Francis de Sales
A Few Words From One Of Our Advertisers: “Advertising in Women’s Edition has brought our business many qualified and loyal clients throughout the years. The staff at Women’s Edition are professional women and I believe they truly want our business to continue growing in Lincoln and Omaha. The process of creating ads is simple and we are always satisfied with the finished product. Devan and I are often recognized by people who have seen our ads in Women’s Edition magazine. It has been a wise and beneficial investment of our marketing dollars.” —Jeff & Devan Martin
Lincoln Hypnosis Center and Nebraska Change Works 32
Kids Comments
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The Lazy Hazy Days of Summer How Do You Celebrate? After a cold winter and a wet spring, all of us are ready for the warmth of summer. Officially, summer begins on June 21st, with the summer solstice. This is when Earth’s northern hemisphere faces the sun, bringing us the longest day of the year. It also generally brings warm weather, which makes us start thinking of summer and outdoor activities. Whether I was teaching or attending classes, I would always yearn for the relatively carefree days away from stuffy classrooms. I looked forward to working in the yard, going for evening strolls, or meeting neighbors on the patio for a cold drink and good conversation. The kids anxiously awaited time for outside play, baseball games, and family trips. My husband had an annual business meeting in July. The location varied but included exotic cities like San Diego, Philadelphia, Charleston, Scottsdale, Coeur d’Alene, Colorado Springs, Jackson Hole, and Salt Lake City. On these trips, we would meet up with friends from across our great nation. We took the kids whenever possible. We’d spend the days touring historic sites, visiting museums, or just hanging out while Dad worked. After his week of hard work and long meetings, we planned a brief getaway to play and relax. Jaunts included overnight white water rafting trips on the Salmon River in Idaho and the Colorado River through the Utah Canyonlands, as well as staying at resorts in Sedona and Myrtle Beach. In later years, we took road trips
By Marge Shoemaker, BS, MS
with our grandsons, hoping to have them enjoy similar sights and experiences. Shortly after retirement, we bought property on a local lake. Summer’s arrival here is heralded by boats sprouting in driveways, dandelions dotting yards, and grandchildren arriving for visits. The warmer days are filled with growing flowers, growling lawn mowers, and whirling weed-eaters. We look forward to peaceful evenings “toodling” on the lake or gathering on someone’s patio for snacks and drinks. The weeks around Independence Day bring fireworks displays of all sizes. The community sponsors a major fireworks extravaganza on the Saturday before the holiday. Gaily decorated boats dot the lake, seeking the best vantage point. Neighborhood fireworks displays contribute the perfume of sulfur and smoke to the hazy skies. Courtesy (and local law) demands that displays are finished by 10:30…everyone’s tired after a busy day. We all enjoy the quiet time watching the kids chase fireflies. Tomorrow will be time for cleaning up the day’s debris. What are some of your favorite summer activities? How do you celebrate our nation’s birth? Whether you stay home, visit friends, or hit the road, have a great—and safe—summer. 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
July 2019
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Auto Wise
General Vehicle Maintenance Do You Know Where to Begin? By Brennan Hallock
Whether you love or hate the vehicle you’re currently driving, you have to admit that it is one of the most useful pieces of equipment you own. It transports you to work, to gatherings, to stores, to sporting events…the list goes on and on. Because this one piece of equipment is so important to your everyday life, it is essential to keep it properly maintained. Just like anything else with moving parts, a vehicle can run for a while without proper maintenance. Eventually, though, it will have a major breakdown, causing expensive damage that could have been prevented with proper maintenance. The number-one maintenance tip given by nearly every mechanic you ask is to change your oil and oil filter regularly. Oil is often referred to as the engine’s lifeblood, as it is the vital force that keeps parts running smoothly throughout the engine. Over time, particulates from your engine build up in the oil, and this begins to wear on your engine. Oil needs to be changed regularly to keep it clean and free of contaminants that stop the engine from functioning smoothly. It is also important to put the right oil in your vehicle. The biggest question is whether to use petroleum-based or synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is more expensive but has many advantages. These include less friction on your engine, reduced deposits, better function in extreme temperatures, fewer emissions, and a cleaner oil overall. Using synthetic oil in a
newer vehicle can increase the lifespan of the engine. Oil is perhaps the most important fluid to maintain in your vehicle, but it’s certainly not the only one. You also need to consider brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and washer fluid. These do not need to be replaced as often as your oil, but it’s important that the reservoirs stay filled to make sure everything runs smoothly. Your mechanic can show you how to check your fluid levels so you can keep an eye on them in between visits. Like all batteries, car batteries wear out eventually. If yours wears out in the middle of winter or when you’re far from home with no one to assist you, it can be a major inconvenience! To avoid this kind of surprise, replace your battery on a regular basis. The lifespan of a typical battery is about four to six years,
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but some factors can shorten that time. City driving (mostly short, frequent trips) can contribute to a shorter battery lifespan. Cold weather also makes it harder for a battery to hold its charge. If the electrical connections on the battery become corroded, the battery won’t work as well. Lastly, if the car is out of use for a long time, the battery can lose power. Ask your mechanic how to remove the negative connection to prevent this loss of charge during periods of disuse. The belts in your engine wear out over time. The timing belt is critical to the function of the engine and must be replaced approximately every 80,000– 120,000 miles. You can visually inspect the belts by popping the hood and looking for cracks or fraying on the belts inside the engine bay. Have your mechanic give you a tour so you know what to look for. One of the most important pieces of equipment on your car to regularly check is the tires. The tread of a tire is vital to its handling on the road, especially in inclement weather—if the tire is too “bald,” it’s hard for it to get good traction. If you compare the depth of the tread on a new tire to the depth on
an old, worn-out tire, it’s easy to see the difference. When you don’t have any tires to compare to yours, you can do the penny test. Place a penny in the tread of the tire so that Abe Lincoln is upside down. If you can see the top of his head, it is probably time for new tires. Tires need to be rotated every two to six months to make sure that they wear at about the same rate. At this time, your mechanic can also check the alignment and balance (this refers to the angle of your tires). If tires are not aligned, they will wear more in one area than another, and you’ll need new tires sooner. Finally, your transmission needs to be maintained to make sure you have a drivable vehicle. It’s important to have your transmission inspected periodically by a professional. Ask your mechanic whether your vehicle needs the transmission system flushed or just needs the fluid topped off. Help your vehicle get you where you need to go! With simple care and attention to some general maintenance, you can keep your vehicle moving. Sources for this article included: mta.org.nz, idrivesafely.com, and tiresafety.com. WE
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July 2019
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Positive Perspective
Change, Joy, Growth Embrace It
By Janet Van deWalle
“Change comes from reflection.” —Genesis P-Orridge I remember, back in the day, hating change. I liked my life just the way it was, thank you very much! I had developed a routine that I felt worked for me. I fought for the predictability of my life. Without even realizing it, I had stopped growing. I had stopped learning. This went on for many, many years. “Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation...even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.” —Leonardo da Vinci Getting stuck in our lives happens to a lot of us. We get married, start a career, have kids, take care of family. Before we know what has happened, after decades, we find ourselves so comfortable (or so used to being uncomfortable) that we fight change. If we are lucky, the Universe forces us to change. “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” —Gail Sheehy A very smart person in my life once told me that we can choose to change, or we will be forced to change. When I first heard this, I thought to myself…I am happy. Why would I want to change? If people don’t
like the way I am, to heck with them. I like me just the way I am. I am not going to change! I guess it was the stubborn German in me? “You are always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past.” —Richard Bach My life has changed. I have changed. Has it been easy? Absolutely not. Frankly, it’s been exhausting. My life today is 180 degrees from where I was 10 years ago. I look at life differently. I am a different person than I was. I see people who knew me “back in the day,” and sometimes they don’t recognize me. The overwhelming response, however, is that they say I look happy. Yes. Happy. “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” —Dr. Seuss For years and years and years, I thought if I could just hold onto the happiness that I had found…years before…my life would be complete. Guess what? I was fooling myself. Staying in the same place, resisting change, was not a good thing in my life. Resisting growth is not a good thing. I had to go through that experience in order to learn…in order to grow. I now wake up every day with excited anticipation of what is coming next. Life is good. Change? Bring it on! WE
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