Women's Edition Omaha - March 2021

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THE MAGAZINE FOR METROPOLITAN WOMEN

March 2021

A l wa y s Free!

WWW.WOMENSEDITION.COM


See varicose veins every day? So do we. Specializing exclusively in the diagnosis and treatment of vein problems, Drs. Torpy, Zadalis and the team at Totally Vein have treated more patients than anyone in the Omaha area. This experience, combined with their advanced technological innovation, makes them the region’s most preferred vein treatment specialists. Call 402-943-VEIN (8346) for an appointment.

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Your Good Health is a Puzzle. Our collaborative team is here to help you achieve your optimum health and lifestyle. Family Practice Providers, nutritionists, herbalists, physical therapists and chiropractors.

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Publisher’s Notes

Baby, It’s Cold Outside! Happy March! Spring is almost here, and it’s been a very long cold snap. As I write this column, we are in the middle of an arctic blast. The forecast for the upcoming couple of weeks? Colder! Last night, my husband, Manny, and I tried to remember the last time it was this cold. It was the winter of 2013 and 2014. That was the year that I finally gave up my silly superstition that if I didn’t wear a winter coat, it wouldn’t get that cold. I had tried this approach to controlling the weather for many years. In some strange way, it seemed to help. Not in January of 2014! That year, Manny did what he does…he bought me an incredibly warm winter coat. That is when I realized how much more comfortable the cold is when you dress for it. This past weekend, Manny did it again. I was complaining about how cold my feet were in my fashion boots. On Sunday, he said, “I’m going to take you out and buy you a good pair of boots.” Off we went, and I ended up with a pair of boots that are incredibly warm…good to minus 32 degrees. I admit, they are taking a bit of getting used to, but I think I’m going to become a convert for “real boots,” like I am for “real coats.” I want to take a moment and wish my husband a very happy birthday. Last year, I forgot to mention it in my column… whoops! I put it in my calendar for this year so I wouldn’t forget. On March 8, Manny turns 55…double nickels. Over the years, I have always tried to surprise Manny with a special gift. He’s not easy, though. Manny has an incredible ability to get me to spill the beans about what his gift is before the big day. I am committed to keeping my mouth shut this year! One of the things that I so appreciate about my husband is his ability to be so “kid-like” when it comes to celebrations and having fun. He helps me set aside work, enjoy our lives, and spend quality time with my kids and our extended family. He is a great example for me to follow! Now, don’t get me wrong…he is the hardest-working man I have ever met, but he has taught me how to take a break, revive my energies, and play when it’s time to play. We laugh a lot together. We are truly best friends. In March, we will also celebrate the birthdays of my daughter-in-law, Sam, and my son-in-law, Ken. Happy birthday, all! See you next month! Hopefully, it will be a lot warmer.

Points of Interest Have you been putting off having a regular dental check-up? It’s time to get back into your routine. Dr. Mack Greder II is accepting new patients of all ages. His ad can be found on page 13. Totally Vein is offering free vein screening the whole month of March. See their ad on the inside front cover. Spring is just around the corner. BeauJoyau has their spring fashions arriving daily. Have you ever seeing their wide selection of Polish pottery? It is oven-proof, dishwasher-proof, and beautiful to display on any dinner table. Stop in today and see all the variety of merchandise. Their ad is on page 11. Todd Menard Construction is featuring their NEW two in one multi-generational home. This home design is perfect for maintaining your privacy while giving you a separate living space for that family member who needs you close at hand. See their ad on page 7 and check out the three-dimensional model on their website. Little Waves Family Swim School is a great place for your children or grandchildren to learn to swim. They have your child’s safety in mind with special precautions for COVID-19, including small class sizes. Check out their as on page 14 for details.

Janet Van deWalle, National Publisher On the Cover: Spanner More information at www.inspiredstyle.com

Positive Thought of the Month “One kind word can warm three winter months.” — Japanese Proverb

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Bruce Kuhn, MD, DDS Facelift • Rhinoplasty • Brow Lift & Forehead Lift Eyelid Surgery • Ear Surgery • Laser Skin Resurfacing Jaw Surgery • Dental Implants Visit our newly designed website www.FSIOmaha.com Call to schedule your consultation. 402-330-8460 2727 S. 144th St., Suite 235

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Inside This Edition 2 Publisher’s Notes

42

Focus on Finance

6 Weekend Gourmet

43

Out and About

10 Fashion Worthy

44

The Green Thumb

12 Business Style

46

Seasons of Life

15 Zodiac Forecast

48

Business Connection

16 A Woman’s Work

50

Peak Performance

As parents, most of us love all of our children equally, but we love them differently for a wide variety of reasons and at different times.

52

Auto Wise If one thing is certain, it’s that a clear windshield isn’t just cosmetic...

18 Vantage Point

53

Cuddly Critters

20 Fresh Concept

54

Enterprising Ideas

22 The Market Place

56

The Good Life

24 Inside Look

58

Home Works

26 Good Looks Because of hormone fluctuation, women are more likely than men to develop vein disease.

30 Interiors by Design

6 16

Our homes could probably use a spring cleaning this year more than ever.

62

View From the Top

64

Positive Perspective

36 To Your Good Health

53

38 Income Outcome 39 Kids Comments 40 Healthy Living

National Publisher/Editor Janet Van deWalle

Operations Manager Roxy Orr

Copy Editor Liz Huett

Women’s Edition 11570 West D o dg e R o ad • Omah a, NE 68154 • 402-397-0732 or 888-892-407 6 Women’s Edition is published by and is the property of Women’s Edition, Inc. Women’s Edition® The Magazine For Metropolitan Women is a registered trademark of Women’s Edition, Inc. (Reg. No. 2,501,858). All rights reserved. Women’s Edition has no affiliation with any other publication. Women’s Edition makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claim as to the accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information. Women’s Edition is not responsible for the accuracy of the QR codes appearing in our magazine. © Copyright 2021, 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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Weekend Gourmet

March Celebrations and Warmer Days—Let’s Eat!

By Kate Beiting

Cheesy Corn Dip Mix together 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, and a dash each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add an 8-ounce block of cream cheese (soft) and a 12-ounce can of drained Mexicorn. Mix and chill. Serve with toasted bread rounds, tortilla chips, veggies, or assorted crackers.

Sautéed Chicken with Bourbon Dust 2 pounds of chicken parts with flour, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a large pan with 4 Tablespoons of butter and 1 Tablespoon of olive oil for 5–6 minutes. Add 3 chopped scallions and continue browning, spooning 1/4 cup of bourbon (or chicken broth) over the chicken while it’s cooking. When the chicken is done, remove to a plate. To the pan, add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and additional butter (if needed). Sauté for 3–4 minutes, add 1 cup of heavy cream, and cook through. Add the chicken back to the skillet for 1 minute. Irish Soda Bread Mix together 2 eggs, 2 cups of sugar, and 2 sticks of soft butter. In another bowl, whisk 5 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the dry

ingredients to the butter mixture, along with 2 cups of buttermilk. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and split in half. Knead lightly and shape into 2 rounds. Cut a cross or an X on top. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. (You can also place the dough in two greased loaf pans.) Bake for 55 minutes at 350 degrees. Start checking at 50 minutes—look for golden brown color and a clean knife test. Let cool. Guinness Stew Cut a 2-pound chuck roast into bite-size pieces. Dredge in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a large stockpot, add 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil, brown the beef for 3–4 minutes, and then remove and set aside. Add more oil to the pot, if necessary. Add 1 large diced onion, 2 stalks of diced celery, 1 diced carrot, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 1 clove of garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add 2 Tablespoons of tomato

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We’re in this together.

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented number of our neighbors, family and friends to face financial hardships and struggle to pay their utility bills. The life-essential services we provide every day are crucial to meet the needs of our community. Right now, our homes are the safest place we can be. Please consider helping our customers stay in their homes by giving to the Home Fund. Rest assured, your donation makes an immediate impact, with 100 percent of funds donated going directly to helping those in need. And now we’ve made it easier than ever to make a difference by donating online.

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paste, 2 cups of diced potatoes, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Return the beef to the pot and stir well. Add 1–2 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of Guinness. Place in a 275-degree oven and bake for 2 and 1/2 hours. During the last 20 minutes, add 1 cup of peas. Serve hot with crusty bread and crisp garden salad. Leftover Guinness Stew Pot Pie Heat the leftover stew and pour into a baking dish. Drape unthawed puff pastry (or an unbaked pie pastry) over the top and brush with egg wash. Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees. Easy Baked Halibut Season some flour with a bit of Old Bay, salt and pepper, thyme, lemon pepper, and dried dill. Brush 4 halibut steaks with melted butter and dredge in the seasoned flour. Place in a baking dish. Pour 1 cup of hot milk over the filets. Bake at 450 degrees for 20–30 minutes or until the fish is tender and flakes easily. Serve with buttery mashed potatoes and coleslaw. Sauerkraut Bread Combine the contents of a box of hot roll mix with 1 teaspoon of caraway seed, an 8-ounce can of drained sauerkraut, 1 cup of hot water, 2 Tablespoons of soft butter, and 1 egg. Mix well and turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover dough and let rest for 5 minutes. Shape dough into a loaf and place into a greased loaf pan. Brush with an egg wash. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 35–45 minutes until the bread is golden brown. Cool. This bread is great for Reuben sandwiches! Corned Beef and Cabbage Place corned beef in a stockpot and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef or 2 Tablespoons of pickling spice. Add 1 cut-up onion and 3 cut-up carrots. Bring to a boil, cover,

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and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add 6 scrubbed new potatoes and 1 head of quartered cabbage. Re-cover. Serve sliced corned beef with mustard sauce (1/2 cup of sour cream mixed with 2–4 Tablespoons of yellow mustard and 1 teaspoon of horseradish). Irish Cream Cheesecake Mix together 1 and 1/2 cups of chocolate cookie crumbs, 1/3 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir in 1/3 cup of melted butter. Pat the mixture over the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Turn oven to 450 degrees. Combine 3 packages (8 ounces each) of soft cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix well. Add 3 eggs, one at a time. Blend in 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/4 cup of Irish cream liqueur. Pour into crust. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 250 degrees and bake for 1 hour. Remove, let cool, and chill before serving. Bailey’s St. Pat’s Bundt Cake Mix together 1 box of yellow or white cake mix (no pudding added) and a small box of instant pistachio pudding. Add 4 eggs, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of oil. (You can add a drop or two of green food coloring if you want the cake to be greener). Mix well. Remove 1 cup of the cake batter into a bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate syrup and 2 Tablespoons of Irish Cream. Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan, then pour the chocolate batter mixture on top. Run a sharp knife through the batter to marbleize. Bake at 350 degrees for 50–60 minutes (check for doneness with a toothpick). Let cool for 20–30 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter. Glaze with ganache or a green-tinted confectioner’s sugar glaze… additional Bailey’s is optional.

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Fashion Worthy

Activewear Trends for 2021 Cute, Comfy, and Hard-Working— Just Like Us! By Holly Bell

As a more casual fashion sense engulfs us, we have been turning to activewear for our wardrobe needs. It’s so versatile! We can exercise, run errands, cook dinner, work from home, and relax in the evening, in the same cute and comfortable outfit. Activewear pieces can integrate seamlessly into our wardrobes. Many people have decided to embrace a wellness journey for 2021. Whether you’re exercising at home, suiting up for the gym, or going for a walk outside, you need to get in the right frame of mind! Let some new workout duds inspire you to keep going with those resolutions and push forward into the new year.

Activewear trends this season will feature ultra-stretchy, sustainable fabrics, along with playful finishes and bright colors. Bold shades offer many people a great mood-boosting lift! For those of us who are into less vivid colors, many shades of brown will also be on the 2021 horizon. Matching tops and bottoms that range from warm terracotta to deep, striking chocolate are a classic look. A word of caution when you’re choosing outfits in this color family: Make sure you don’t choose a head-to-toe look that’s too close to your own skin tone—you don’t want to give off a naked vibe! Contemporary fashion trends have spilled over into workout wear this season. Strategically placed cutouts modernize the basic stretch top. Runway-inspired asymmetry and multi-strapping add drama and elevate the basic workout bra. Fun designs will feature one-shoulder looks, along with cutout backs and other peek-a-boo features. Another hot trend for spring and summer will be biker shorts. It’s all getting very matchy, with tops, shorts, and even backpacks and hats all in the same floral patterns! It seems that everything has to match these days. If you love matching sets, this is the year to invest in more activewear. Head-totoe looks in active tops and sweatpants or joggers are the fashion rage. High-end designers love the 10

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look of sweatpants and sweatshirts in matching tie-dyed or dip-dyed hues. You can find these looks trickling down to everyday prices in stores, too. Recently, fashion has renewed our love of jumpsuits, and this look is now inspiring activewear. Workout jumpsuits can easily go from the gym to a coffee date by just popping on a skirt over the top. Workout clothing is usually close-fitting and not bulky, which makes it a great base for a layered look. Waistlines will be high at the natural waist this year, and your workout bra may extend a little longer. This is great for comfort and coverage! Add a hip-length sweater over the top as a quick coverup. Extended sizes will also be readily available this year, as they should be! Workout and leisurewear fashions are for everyone. Top layers are an essential part of the activewear puzzle for the cooler months, before the heat makes us happy to strip them off. For traveling to and from the gym or when running errands, fashionistas are reaching for jackets that match their workout clothes. The oversized hoodie remains an ever-popular third piece. This year, it matches the outfit rather than being a basic black or gray. The 3/4 zip pullover jacket will also be popular, and don’t forget puffer jackets and vests! They also go well over workout wear. Sneakers have entered the mainstream for everyday wear, and this craze will heat up this year. Old-school trends will continue, with high-tops and colorful sneakers. For a bit of fashion elevation, try the platform tennis shoe. The ever-present white tennis shoe is as important to your wardrobe as the basic white tee. Keeping those white sneakers clean is an ongoing concern. An insider secret is that fashion-conscious women have learned to use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get rid of those stubborn marks.

Comfort in walking is the high priority for 2021, and all the major show labels are offering comfortable slip-on styles. If your budget allows for one splurge this season, it could be new sneakers! This look will be going forward for several seasons to come. Women who love fashion that doesn’t compromise comfort are all on board! It is true that our lifestyle has changed this past year, and it will continue to evolve throughout our lifetime—that much is certain. Our only choice is to embrace it and welcome new fashion visions. A primarily at-home existence calls for some revision in our wardrobes, but it doesn’t have to be bland. We can look good, feel positive, and have a sunny outlook. Get started this spring with a little self-care, along with some cute activewear!

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Business Style

Jill of All Trades Omaha’s Premier Female Remodeling Contractor Getting the Job Done Right—and on Time

By Jackie Byers

Kim Stewart chose the name Jill of All Trades in 2009, to attract clients looking for many different services, including remodeling, painting, minor repairs, janitorial, building maintenance.“I began in 1978 with Kim’s White Glove Cleaning, specializing in cleaning businesses and new construction.”Kim had always been good with tools, so expanding into small remodeling jobs and house painting was a natural next step. The field was, at the time, entirely dominated by men. Kim made her way carefully because many potential customers were surprised to find a woman running a remodeling company. “I always liked the idea of being able to blaze my own trail and find my own way,” Kim recalls. More than 40 years later, many women have followed Kim’s lead in the construction industry, painting, remodeling, and decorating homes in the Omaha area. An important part of Kim’s success is her strong work ethic. She shows up when promised, and she listens to what her clients say they want. This dedication has built her a client base all over Omaha. Kim has remodeled, painted, gutted, and completely rebuilt homes. She can convert an attic into living space, redo a kitchen or a bathroom, add a powder room, and much more. After almost four decades in the business, Kim knows construction. Her clients agree, and they are spreading the word. “I was introduced to Jill of All Trades on the recommendation from my realtor. I bought a home she had just flipped,” says client Jenny. “Kim had gutted an existing house, taking it down to the studs! I was blown away with all the conveniences. She must have read my mind! It now looks like my dream house.” Jenny continues to call Jill of All Trades for any and all repairs. “I call Kim because I don’t know the first thing about repairs. She comes over after she has finished a day’s work and takes care of whatever needs it. I consider her a great contractor and a good friend.” Jill of All Trades is going strong. Kim’s goal is to focus on quality, not quantity. “I like to build relationships with my clients, not just get just get the job. I love bringing dreams to reality.” She is thankful to have a reliable group of licensed subcontractors. Nick, her oldest grandson, grew up on job sites and has matured into an 18-year-old senior this year. He is a vital part of the company, from gutting projects to deliveries, from painting and staining, to mowing and blowing snow. “Many of my clients will always ask where Nick is or 12

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how is Nick doing,” says Kim, “That makes me so proud.” There are two things Kim loves most in her life. The first is family. Her grandkids are her everything, and the two smaller ones do their fair share of helping out, also. “My second love is my business,” says Kim. “It is my life, while I look forward to retiring in five years.” Kim Stewart, owner Her hope is that Nick will become more involved, and after college in business management, then slowly take over the company that I built. “That would be my finest hour and accomplishment,” remarks Kim. Clients sometimes are not sure what they want at first. When she consults with her clients, she looks at the long term. She firmly believe in creating homes that her clients can live in safely for years to come. Kim is a certified Living In Place Professional. These professionals represent and guide the future of home design. They incorporate the best principles of universal design, aging-in-place, multi-generational living, wellness, and accessibility. Kim provides options that make the best use of the space and choices about color schemes. Each suggestion includes a careful estimate of the total cost, so clients can make informed decisions. When you’re having a bathroom or kitchen remodeled, it’s important to know which changes in the existing structure are economical or even possible. For example, Kim suggests zero-entry showers and always grab bars. Another popular fixture now is a freestanding bathtub. “Understanding what the client wants is my first priority,” Kim concludes. “I can rebuild a whole house after I build a solid relationship with my client.” If your home needs repair, repainting, remodeling, or even just a little TLC, call on Jill of All Trades! You can reach Kim at 402-905-8144.


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Zodiac Forecast

PISCES

(Feb 19–Mar 20)

Happy birthday, Pisces! The planets are directing you toward travel— not in the physical sense, but in a spiritual way. Put your mind on a journey to where you would like to be, in a place involving less stress. Sweeping your mind of what you no longer desire is much like a retreat. Whatever creative gifts you possess, empower yourself to make a fresh start! Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19) When the sun enters your sign on the 21st, you feel focused and see a stunning, clear blue horizon. You will know what you desire! Taurus (Apr 20–May 20) Your strong and businesslike nature means that you prefer things to always go as planned. Mercury may seem unhelpful, as you feel constantly pressurized. Rest assured, your attention to detail will triumph! Gemini (May 21–Jun 20) You will notice an incline in your social life around the middle of the month. Do something new or visit somewhere unfamiliar! Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22) You feel like your anxious character is dominating. This is just a temporary glitch! By the middle of the month, you will see that your worry was unwarranted. Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22) Venus enters your sign! She enlivens your love life. Correspondingly, any monetary complications you were experiencing will diminish. Your plans are on an encouraging incline! Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22) Communication seems less than ideal lately. Take a breath. As of month’s end, confounding situations resolve themselves and you are able to achieve harmony.

Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22) Your love life is especially dreamy this month! Patience with a loved one proves to be key. Relinquish your diplomatic ways, and you can concentrate on that delightful romance! Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21) If you are feeling particularity risky, listen to your intuition. It is in tune, and you’ll appreciate the satisfying results. Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 21) If your love life feels less than thrilling, change your direction! Be more adventurous, especially during the time of the full moon. Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19) You recognize a good investment when you see one. Sometimes, someone will offer an opportunity that seems risky. Whatever the investment is (monetary or otherwise), follow your intuition. It won’t let you down! Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18) This month proves to be exciting and interesting, especially if you have just discovered something or someone new. You have learned that making sacrifices and deepening your own emotions will inevitably lead to blooming!

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1/6/21 9:5215 AM


A Woman’s Work

How to Be a Favorite Child Finally, society is examining the favorite child phenomenon. Although it has been the best-kept secret since the beginning of time, every family seems to have a golden child. Because we’re human, it is only natural that we all have preferences. As humans, we just cannot seem to help ourselves when it comes to our likes and dislikes. This is one of those good things/bad things, and someone can easily be hurt as a result. As parents, most of us love all of our children equally, but we love them differently for a wide variety of reasons and at different times. Unique qualities may seem lovable in one child but absolutely awful in another child. Age has something to do with it. A child’s actions may seem adorable in a toddler but appalling in a teenager. New information seems to suggest that a favorite child exists in virtually every family. Whether real or perceived, this dynamic seems to impact virtually all family members—and not just in childhood. Like so much that happens to us early in life, it affects us throughout our developing and mature lives whether we are the adored one or not. Our social ranking within the family seems to program us when we are forming opinions about ourselves and our abilities as humans. Many overlooked children admit to forming different thought patterns and feelings as they enter into adulthood. As unfavored children, their decision-making skills are different from those of their favored sibling. Again, this might be one of those good things/bad things. More often than not, being less than the shining star has its own advantages both during childhood and in adulthood. Millions of less-than-stellar children have successfully grown into mature and happy adults with

By Sharon Knierim

fulfilling lives. They are able to make decisions, manage their careers, and raise families of their own. Their children are equal in terms of popularity and parental adoration. Of course, the same can be said of stellar children as they grow into adulthood and lead fulfilled lives. So, what is in the makeup of a favorite child? Although nobody really seems to know for sure, there do appear to be a few personality traits and sets of circumstances that set this odd, yet omnipresent, family dynamic into motion. It might be the most intelligent or clever child of the brood. In some instances, birth order plays a significant role in who is popular and who is not. Truly, there is nothing as awe-inspiring and inspirational as that first baby of the family. On the flip side, more than a few mothers have breathed an emotional sigh of relief after they have delivered what they know will be their last baby. Timing seems to play a role in how parents feel about their children. If a couple is experiencing hard times when a baby is born, that child can be a constant reminder of past stresses in the marriage as he grows to maturity. Unknowingly, parents can hold a slight grudge. Commonly, children born into happier times seem to fare a bit better.

A Few Words From : s r e is t r e v d A r u O One of

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If outward appearances are important to parents, beautiful or physically attractive children might win the popularity poll, while homelier children sometimes win out by receiving the sympathy vote. In some families, athletic prowess or musical talent are benchmarks voyeuristically enjoyed by one or both parents. If Dad or Mom is or was a successful athlete or great singer, it is only natural for them to hope that these skills will be passed on to their progeny. People usually love other people who remind them of themselves, especially during their glory days. It’s a chance to relive the best of times. But this is not always true. It’s mind-boggling. Although most parents vehemently deny having a favorite child, a newly released study shows that at least 70 percent of fathers and at least 65 percent of mothers have shown a strong preference for one of their children over another. Not surprisingly, Dad and Mom do not always have the same favorite, which can be welcome news for the not-so-popular kids in the family. If you suspect that you were a favorite child growing up, you might be wondering how you achieved such a title. Take a close look at the list below and be honest with yourself. Did you employ any of the following tactics? If so, you just might have earned the dubious honor of the favorite child. Oddly, these habits are similar to trying to please an unreasonable boss! Listen to all adults. Every adult on the planet enjoys children who show respect. Be sure to listen attentively when they tell you what to do. Take immediate action and do as they say when they say to do it. Beyond taking orders, ask adults about their own childhoods and ask questions about their experiences. They will appreciate it as they march down memory lane with you. Offer to help. Nothing puts you in the number one slot faster than lending a helping hand. This is especially true with older adults who have physical limitations. Be willing to go that extra mile. Look for opportunities to offer your assistance before it is requested. Adopting personality traits can be a form of flattery. Watch for those interesting idiosyncrasies in adults. Because it is easiest to get along with people most like ourselves, you’ll be building a harmonious relationship. Use your best manners. Don’t forget to be polite. You know that means saying “please” and “thank you.”All adults favor children who are well-behaved and practice good hygiene, so wash your face and hands and keep your fingernails clean. Whether you were a favorite child or just one of the kids, remember that you are just fine the way you are. Regardless of your popularity in the family, make the most of who you are today.

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March 2021

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Vantage Point

Omaha Health Therapy Center Take Charge of Your Health By Linda Sutherland

We all want to feel good as we age, but some of us feel there’s nothing we can do about things like waning energy levels or creaky, painful joints. We accept these issues as the inevitable results of aging. That’s the wrong mindset, according to Sarah Kracht, APRN and BCFNP at Omaha Health Therapy Center. Sarah believes that our health depends on the choices we make. In some cases, traditional treatments are sufficient. In other cases, traditional treatments disappoint, and alternative therapies should be investigated. Sarah’s here to help with that! Her goal is“to take a holistic and healing-oriented approach to medicine that considers the whole person and addresses the full range of care.” Sarah Kracht, APRN BC-FNP

Sarah graduated from Creighton University and started her career as a registered nurse working in emergency rooms and urgent care. After a family member was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, Sarah felt compelled to investigate alternative therapies. Her dedication to give patients more choices for safe therapies brought her to Omaha Health Therapy Center three years ago. “This is the most rewarding work for me,” she says, “and the right thing to do.” She started her quest for knowledge under the tutorial of Dr. Frank Shallenberger, a pioneer in alternative medicine and anti-aging therapies. She credits him with teaching her to investigate and study all aspects of alternative medicine and its applications. The more she learned, the more eager she became to help people with their underlying health conditions. Sarah is now the proud owner of the Omaha Health Therapy Center. She approaches her own practice with the excitement and inspiration that carries over into every aspect of her life. How does she help her patients connect the dots between conventional and alternative medical treatments? To start the process, Sarah books a consultation first to determine your health and underlying issues. She wants to hear about what treatments you may have tried already; this helps her decide what would be the most useful tools to optimize your health and wellness going forward. She offers many treatments, including intravenous nutrient therapy, Prolozone injections, chelation therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and glutathione. Let’s learn a little about each one of these alternative treatments. Intravenous nutrient therapy is an infusion that delivers vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream. Ensuring that you get the appropriate amounts of all the nutrients you need promotes your best health, increasing energy levels and enhancing your sense of well-being. Prolozone injections are an advanced and innovative therapy that can regenerate joints and eliminate pain. It involves injecting combinations of anti-inflammatory 18

March 2021

medications, vitamins, minerals, and ozone into degenerated or damaged joints. It stimulates the body’s healing response to eliminate pain and regenerate damaged joints, tendons, and even soft tissue. This treatment is popular with people who deal with pain on a daily basis and are hoping to find relief without resorting to surgery. Over time, heavy metals can accumulate in our bodies. Metals can end up in the bloodstream because of many environmental culprits, including sources like polluted water, polluted air, cleaning products, dental fillings, and ingestion of lead paint. If the metals accumulate in large enough amounts, they can poison the body. Chelation therapy combats these heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, iron, copper, and nickel). A chelating agent is injected into the bloodstream. This agent binds to the metals in the blood and allows them to be filtered out of the body through the kidneys. Platelet-rich plasma (known as PRP) is essentially a process that helps the body heal itself. With PRP therapy, blood is drawn from the patient and then processed to concentrate the platelets. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the treatment area. This platelet activation can play a role in the body’s natural healing processes, encouraging the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Glutathione is naturally found in our bodies (it’s produced by the liver). It is involved in a wide range of body processes, including tissue repair and immune response. As we age, the liver’s production of glutathione naturally decreases, leaving us with a deficit of this vital substance. Luckily, it can be reintroduced into the body in several ways. The Omaha Health Therapy Center offers glutathione as an intravenous treatment to optimize and promote health and wellness. Sarah Kracht is certified by the American College of Advancement in Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She offers safe and effective alternative therapies, and she is here to help you feel your best. To make an appointment, please call 402-763-9335 or visit chelationomaha.com. Omaha Health Therapy Center is located at 8031 West Center Road, Suite 321, in Omaha.


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March 2021

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Fresh Concept

Escape in a Home Remodel Reimagine Your Home! By Janette Calabro

Our homes are our sanctuaries away from the outside world. We relax at home, spending time with our families and caring for ourselves. Does your sanctuary need a little TLC of its own? In addition to increasing your enjoyment of your home, an update or overhaul of your home’s interior will also increase your home’s value. Let’s look at planning, budgeting, who to hire, and other important decisions before you remodel. One trend to look for in 2021 is giving old rooms new life. can provide professional advice, with realistic detail, based on Since we’re spending more time inside these days, homeownthe layout of your kitchen. You may need the help of an interiers are getting creative, turning basements into entertainment or designer or architect to bring your dream kitchen to life, rooms or garages into home gyms. Guest bedroom turned but the investment is worth it. Professional kitchen upgrades home office space, anyone? New themes for old spaces are are never wasted money. trending! Valuable basement space can turn into all kinds of The bathroom is another popular renovation area. Updatentertainment or activity spaces—a full wet bar, a climbing ing your bath will increase your home’s value, and this very wall, or even an indoor golf simulator. Don’t forget home important room will add luxury to your living experience. theater options! Often, we can use a single space for Freestanding soaking tubs are back in style, and no wonder! dual purposes. Who doesn’t want to lounge in a bubble bath with a glass of If you’re open to changing wall colors, consider contrastwine after a hard day’s work? Rain showers are also popular, ing a neutral with a brighter color, like gray and sunny yellow. and, after 2020’s toilet paper shortage, bidets are in greater Aqua, this year’s accent color, also pairs well with a cool gray demand. It may seem a bit luxe, but if such upgrades make in bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas that need a splash life better and add to resale value, why not? of intrigue. Blue-greens create harmoRenovation costs depend on ny and have a wellness effect, inviting where you live, the quality of the all who linger to reflect and reset. For materials used, and what your plans Renovation costs depend on a home gym, consider vibrant orange are. Kitchens are usually the most or yellow accents to give you an expensive to remodel, with average where you live, the quality uplifting energy boost. In the home costs in the tens of thousands of office, you’ll want to be productive, dollars. The range of expense can of the materials used, and so consider a restful and restorative vary widely, depending on how much green. you’re planning to change the layout what your plans are. The kitchen is a valuable asset or the locations of plumbing and wirand is, arguably, the most important ing. High-end custom cabinetry and room in the house. One thing is for countertops aren’t cheap, but they sure—kitchens have always sold homes. During the pandemic will add beauty and convenience to your kitchen and value to and beyond, the kitchen has taken on new importance. As your property. the hub of the house, homeowners seek function and beauty Like kitchens, bathroom renovations usually require new more than ever. We’re all cooking more meals, storing more or rerouted plumbing and electricity. Make a plan with your food and supplies, and spending more time with family in the designer for the best budget. A master bath renovation can kitchen. cost just as much as a kitchen. A regular bathroom will cost A dedicated pantry will help declutter the kitchen and less but is still one of the most expensive rooms in the house. create open counters for a better aesthetic. If you have space Finance advisor Dave Ramsey has some ideas on his webto add a pantry, go for it! Even in the smallest of kitchens, a site about how to take control of your renovation costs. “The designer can find enough room for a pull-out pantry. What a smartest way to create a home renovation budget is to lay out space-saver! the renovation projects you want done and price them,” he Our increased dedication to hand cleaning has created writes. “Get bids for each individual project, then rank them higher demand for faucets, soap dispensers, and wastebaskets according to priority and start a detailed budget for the projthat are hands-free. Touch-free smart lighting is also likely ect you want done first.” As a rule of thumb, he recommends here to stay. adding balanced value to your house. In other words, don’t If you’re considering a whole kitchen renovation, keep in spend half the price of your home to renovate just one or mind that plans can quickly become expensive, especially if two rooms. you change your mind about something once the renovation He also points out that you can spread out your renovais already underway. A professional design company can help tions if you want to pay for them without taking out a loan. you determine your budget and financing options, and they “Let’s say your household income is $80,000 and you live in a 20

March 2021


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$250,000 home. Ideally, you’d want to make $60,000 worth of renovations to revamp a few rooms, evict the squirrels from your attic, and repair the raccoon damage to your roof. If you can save $2,500 a month for renovations, you can tackle half of them within the first year of saving!” Home equity loans are another way to finance a project. Rates are low and interest might be deductible, but tax laws change all the time—check with your CPA for the most accurate information. Your contractor, designer, or architect may also offer a financing plan. Be sure to work out a payment schedule before the work starts. Materials usually account for about 40 percent of the total costs. The lowest bid is not necessarily the best bid! Competence and comfort should play a big role in your decision. Contractors should be insured and bonded. That means they have a business license and proper insurance (that is, they’ve made payments to a surety company for protection by a bond). The insurance company is usually responsible for covering any financial losses. It’s important to evaluate a contractor before hiring. That usually starts with testimonials from friends and family, but you can also check the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of local members. Chat with a building inspector—they’ll know which contractors have routinely met code requirements. Why is it so important to be up to code? Codes are the minimum requirements that safeguard a building’s structure for the health, safety, and welfare of those who occupy it. That means your kids, your guests, your family, and any future residents. Building codes govern the design, construction, remodeling, and maintenance of your home. Ask your

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contractor or designer for references of work done before committing. Maintaining sanity while strangers are in your home, making dust and noise, isn’t easy. Good contractors will give you a timeline for the finished work before they start. Kitchens and baths may disturb your privacy from four to 16 weeks, and a room addition may be six to 16 weeks. You should also consider that delays are not uncommon. Your contractor has to wait for inspections and products. Change orders and upgrades can be another delay. Change orders are any modification to the original plan. Those changes may cause a wait for new materials. Some contractors set cost limits (often a few thousand dollars), and changes may require an additional expert opinion, which may add additional cost. Limit change orders as much as possible to help avoid anxiety. Build delays into the schedule. When you expect to wait, the time you’re waiting will feel shorter. It’s best to allow your experts the time they need to make your space exactly as you envision it. HGTV rates kitchen remodels in the top 10 improvements for gaining the most value from money spent. Attic bedroom conversions, basement remodeling, and living room updates also paid off for adding value in the last year. Number one on the list to add value is…drumroll, please…the bathroom remodel, with an average investment return of 102 percent! Make the magic of staying home feel good for your mind, your soul, and your pocket. Sources for this article included: housebeautiful.com, hgtv.com, forbes.com, and daveramsey.com.

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Dunning Acupuncture and Massage We strive to provide individualized, whole-person treatments in a comfortable, professional setting. Classic Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) diagnosis and treatment gives the best treatment available for each person. This month, we are featuring the Covid Kit, which includes the high-quality Chinese herbal formula “Jade Wind Screen.” This formula has been used for centuries to strengthen the protective capacity of the immune system against cold and flu. Also included is the “Cold Killer” formula, which is used for the early onset (days 1-3) of cold/flu symptoms. Detailed instructions included. Kit cost is $100. Call today: 402650-7715. Clip n’ Go Clip n’ Go is Omaha’s Premier Mobile Pet Grooming Service. Turn to the proficient pet groomers at Clip n’ Go for all your pet grooming needs. We’re a full-service company. From shampooing your pets to trimming their nails to perfection, you can count on us to handle your pet grooming needs with ease. Our skilled pet groomer will come to your office or home at your convenience. We assure you that your pet will feel comfortable all the time. Contact us today for full-service and cage-free pet grooming services. Calls are answered 24/7 at 402-669-6876. Mention Women’s Edition and ask about our specials. Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler For over 139 years, Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler has been providing caring and compassionate funeral and cremation services to the families in our area. Our staff and directors are committed to serving families by solving problems and providing personal satisfaction. We have expanded our facilities and staff over the past 13 years to meet the growing funeral service and cremation needs of today’s families. Being family-owned and -operated for four generations is one of the cornerstones of our development.

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Every detail is considered in planning a meaningful tribute to your loved one. Though not a complete list of our services, the following are several that are available: traditional service, graveside service, memorial service, and “celebration of life” service.

Chronic Pain?

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Unity Chiropractic At Unity Chiropractic, we focus specifically on the upper neck of the spine by using the chiropractic technique NUCCA. The technique is very precise; Dr. Danielle takes detailed x-rays to determine the specific adjusting angle for your misalignment as well as follow-up x-rays to ensure optimal correction was achieved. Using a spinal adjustment that feels like having your pulse taken, the NUCCA procedure rebalances posture quickly and effectively. Posture is vital to your health, and we’re committed to helping make your body a better place to live!

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The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. We’ve been working in Nebraska to do just that. The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve is one of the largest Conservancy preserves in the U.S. and is a model for grassland management using bison, cattle, and fire. It encompasses majestic pine-clad canyons, extensive grasslands, and a 25-mile stretch of the Niobrara River. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the preserve year-round, and of special interest is the bison herd grazing in the vast open prairie. Visitors are welcome to walk the new hiking trail west of the Preserve mailbox (foot traffic only, please). The trailhead includes a small parking area and information kiosk. You have your choice of the long loop or the short loop, both with grand views of the Niobrara River. You may enjoy the Norden chute at the Norden Bridge, as well. Fishing is allowed with a Nebraska fishing permit. Please, no diving, camping, or campfires.

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March 2021

2/9/21 1:1323 PM


Inside Look

VENUS Vein Clinic Restoring Your Good Health By Maria Harding

You may be surprised to learn that the majority of vein treatments done at VENUS Vein Clinic are not merely cosmetic. Most procedures provide medical solutions that drastically lessen patients’ pain and discomfort, improving their mobility and ability to rest.“It’s the biggest hurdle I have,”says owner Dr. Kelly Schroeder.“There’s so much misinformation.” Varicose veins are the blue, swollen, twisted veins that are visible just beneath the skin’s surface. Varicose veins form when valves within the veins stop functioning correctly. The veins are then unable to efficiently return blood to the heart. Blood pools, forming pockets in the veins, causing them to bulge. This pooling can be painful, and it prevents waste fluids from being pulled in from the surrounding tissue, resulting in swelling of the limb. People with dark skin or less obvious superficial veins may not know to seek treatment for vein disease. Dr. Schroeder says to watch for symptoms like aching, pain, restless legs that keep you awake at night, or swelling that keeps you from being more active. That said, even healthy legs can feel tired. How can you tell if your leg fatigue may be a health concern? “At the end of the day, your legs should not feel appreciably different from your arms,” Dr. Schroeder recommends. What causes vein disease? “There’s usually a genetic component,” Dr. Schroeder explains. In addition to that, “maybe we have a job where we stand, or sit, all day long. Maybe we lift heavy things. All of those things are very overwhelming to veins.” Left untreated, vein disease can go beyond unsightliness and discomfort. Serious complications can develop. In fact, Dr. Schroeder was compelled to establish a vein clinic after working for 12 years in emergency medicine. She saw that vein disease was significantly under-treated in her area. “The same people were coming back with venous emergencies—ulcers, cellulitis, bleeding,” she recalls. “They didn’t need to have these emergencies!”She sought additional training, receiving her diploma from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Opening her own specialty clinic was how she could do the most good for patients with vein disease. Dr. Schroeder emphasizes that vein disease is progressive. “I have people come in who say they have suffered for so long!” she says. “They have been told just to lose weight and wear compression socks. Some of our patients are taking two or three medicines, just so they can sleep. Then we fix their veins, and they can stop taking them.” Because VENUS Vein Clinic specializes in the treatment of vein disease, patients can be confident that the 24

March 2021

L-R: Jamie Olsen, CST; Julie Schroeder, RVT; Kelly Schroeder, MD; Sasha Walsh, LPN; Lynn Kavan; and not pictured Amy Hovaldt, RVT

procedures offered are the most current and effective available and that Dr. Schroeder and her team will develop a comprehensive plan for addressing their specific needs. For smaller varicose veins, blood flow is eliminated from the affected portion of the vein by collapsing the vein wall using heat or by sealing the vein with medical-grade adhesive or proprietary micro-foam. For larger veins, the affected section is removed surgically. Some people hesitate to seek treatment for varicose veins because they fear that closing diseased veins may result in permanent loss of blood flow to the affected area. Dr. Schroeder explains that the detailed consultation prevents this. “We do a very thorough evaluation of all of the blood vessels in your legs. We don’t close veins unless you have a good network for circulation,” she confirms. “It’s like rerouting traffic flow. We close the side streets that are full of potholes, and we send everyone down Dodge Street.” Spider veins are small vessels just beneath the skin that look like a starburst or a spider web. Treatment for these harmless but unsightly veins is usually addressed through sclerotherapy after all other vein treatments are completed. “It gives people confidence,” says Dr. Schroeder. “That is the only cosmetic part of our practice. It’s the cherry on top of the sundae.” Though compression socks won’t reverse vein disease, Dr. Schroeder often recommends them to treat swelling due to vein disease or lymphedema. “They will help with symptoms like swelling and discomfort,” she says. Even healthy veins can benefit from their use. “If you have to stand or sit in one place for a long time, like on an airplane or other travel, you should wear a knee-high compression sock,” suggests Dr. Schroeder. “They don’t have to look like grandma socks! My girls have some tie-dye socks, or they can be holiday patterned. Specially fitted compression stockings by our staff are comfortable to wear, as well.” What’s important to the team at VENUS Vein Clinic is that you have addressed an underlying medical issue, your legs feel great, and you can once again enjoy a healthy lifestyle. To learn more or make an appointment, please call 402-979-8346 (VEIN) or visit VENUSveinclinic.com.


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Good Looks

Vascular Health Vein Disease Can Be Dangerous

By Loretta McCollum

Healthy veins are crucial for a healthy body. Arteries pump blood away from the heart, while veins return blood back to the heart. Purple, bulging veins are not only cosmetically unappealing; they may also be life-threatening. Weak or damaged veins can cripple the circulatory system, allowing blood to pool. This causes an increase in vein pressure and can leading to swelling, bulging, and even blood clots. Vascular disease is more common than you may think—millions of Americans have vein issues. The good news is that treatment options exist, and most insurance companies cover any procedure deemed medically necessary. How do you know if your veins are compromised? Symptoms include painful, swollen veins that appear purple, in addition to leg numbness or heaviness and an itchy or irritating leg rash. Because of hormone fluctuation, women are more likely than men to develop vein disease. Being overweight is a risk factor, as is a family history of vein disease. Those who stand or sit for extended periods of time are also at greater risk. Spider veins, typically a cosmetic issue only, are named for their delicate, web-like appearance and commonly appear on the face and legs. Although they’re not harmful in most cases, you should see a doctor if they become tender or swollen. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins near the skin surface. Skin ulcers may also develop near varicose veins, particularly around the ankles. These ulcers are painful and can

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become infected. Varicose veins close to the skin may burst, causing bleeding. Bleeding is usually minor, but depending upon the size of the ruptured vein, immediate medical attention may be required. The possibility of complications is certainly a motivation to seek medical attention for varicose veins. Several treatments are available, from non-invasive remedies to removal of the problem vein. Somewhere in the middle is a procedure known as sclerotherapy, in which the vein is injected with a solution that scars and closes the vein. It’s performed in the doctor’s office, and no anesthesia is used. Multiple treatments a few weeks apart may be needed. The varicose veins will not reappear, although new ones may emerge. Sclerotherapy can also be used to treat spider veins.

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Laser therapy is effective for smaller varicose and spider veins. The heat from the laser damages the vein, and the resulting scar tissue closes the vein, causing it to die. Blood flow is naturally re-routed to healthier veins. More than one treatment is usually required. Catheter-assisted laser treatment involves inserting a small catheter into the vein. The tip of the catheter is heated with laser or radiofrequency energy. As the catheter is pulled out, the heat destroys the vein. This is a common method of treating larger varicose veins. Vein stripping is an invasive option, used for the most serious cases of varicose veins. During this procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia. The physician makes small incisions in the skin, ties off the vein, and then removes it. Patients usually go home the same day. VenaSeal is one of the newest treatment options for varicose veins. In this procedure, a tiny incision is made in the skin, and a small catheter is inserted into the vein. The catheter injects a small amount of medical glue into the vein, closing it off. As with other procedures, the blood is naturally re-routed to other veins. No heat is used, recovery time is minimal, and, unlike most treatments, compression socks are not required post-treatment. Varicose and spider veins that have been medically treated will most likely not reappear, though new ones may develop. A healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and regular exercise will go a long way to keep veins in proper working order. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment plan for your needs. Thrombophlebitis is a condition where the vein becomes inflamed in response to a blood clot. If it occurs near the skin’s surface, it can be identified by a red, tender vein. A deep-vein thrombophlebitis affects larger veins far below the skin surface and is much more serious. It may be accompanied by swelling, a bluish skin color in the affected limb, as well as fever and chills. This disorder carries a risk of the blood clot detaching and traveling to the lung. Thrombophlebitis is treated with blood thinners or clot-busting drugs administered through an IV. Continued follow-up and monitoring by your doctor is necessary to minimize future risk. If you have any questions or concerns about the health of your veins, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider today. Sources for this article included: drugs.com, veinforum.org, and hopkinsmedicine.org. AKC Third Page Vertical BW.indd 1

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Hardwood Floor Refinishing New Life for Old Floors

By Robyn V. Powell

Hardwood flooring is by far the preferred flooring choice among homeowners. When properly maintained, a beautiful, durable, and hypoallergenic natural hardwood floor will last well over a century. One of the advantages of hardwood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished several times over the life of the floor. Having an old floor doesn’t mean it has to look old! If styles or preferences change, you can completely change the look of your hardwood floor. That said, hardwood flooring, like everything else, needs to be replaced eventually. How do you decide whether to salvage and refinish that decades-old wood floor or just start fresh? The answer often comes down to personal preference and cost. Nearly all of the time, wood floors can be restored and refinished with excellent results—that’s one of the reasons they last so long. Skilled contractors can repair or replace individual boards damaged by insects, pets, or accidents, and squeaky or loose boards can be tightened and quieted. Damaged areas can be patched by matching wood to the original. Once the entire floor is sanded and re-stained, the new section will blend in and look as if it’s always been there. Refinishing a wood floor is generally less expensive than replacing it. In some cases, a floor can’t be refinished. If there are substantial structural floor issues that would require the wood floor to be removed to repair the subfloor beneath the wood, you’ll likely need to put a new floor on after the subfloor is repaired. Where

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there is extreme movement between the boards, refinishing is not recommended because the movement will impact the sanding and finish over time. Some floors have already been sanded so many times that there’s not enough wood left to sand again. Once a floor reaches this stage, when the tongue and groove is falling apart and nails are popping up, it’s time to pull it up and start anew. Understanding what goes into refinishing hardwood floors will help you decide what your floors need. First, the surface is sanded down to remove the top coat and any light scratches and irregularities between boards. Sanding does not always remove deep scratches, gouges, or heavy discoloration caused by water stains and pet urine. While stains can be minimized, achieving a satisfactory result depends on your expectations. A good idea

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is to have a professional sand down the floor and apply the desired stain to the questionable area—then you can decide if you’re content with the result. Once sanded, the wood can be stained anywhere from nearly white to the darkest ebony. Choose from stain charts or have your installer mix a custom stain and apply it to a few sample boards. Custom staining can provide the exact shade you desire, giving you a unique floor that is truly your own. The final step involves finishing the floors with either a polyurethane-based or water-based finish. Polyurethane is a durable satin or gloss finish that penetrates the wood and adds depth. Both finishes allow for light walking on the floor within 24 hours. Oil-finished wood floors have gained popularity because they highlight and accentuate the natural beauty of wood with a low sheen and ultra-matte finish. Create a healthy environment in your home by choosing environmentally friendly, low-VOC stains and sealers. Depending on the size of the project, allow three to seven days for completion. Because of the dust, odor, and general disruption, many homeowners move out of the house while the work is being done. Newly refinished floors have a curing time of up to a month, so it’s important to be careful moving furniture and laying rugs even after you move back in. Maintaining refinished floors is simple. Regular dusting with a broom, mop, or vacuum, plus occasional cleaning with products designed for hardwood floors, is sufficient. Protect wood floors by cleaning up spills right away, keeping pets’ nails trimmed, and using area rugs in high-traffic areas. Minimize UV exposure with window treatments that help filter bright light. Look for a professional hardwood floor refinisher or a floor installer who also refinishes wood floors. Check for certification from the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). An experienced refinisher has the skills to control the sanding process to minimize dust, create a smooth and even surface, and apply stain without drips or streaks. Ask friends for references or check online sources and read reviews. Get bids from three companies, and find out if they use a dust control system. If you’re fortunate enough to have classic and timeless hardwood floors in your home, renewing them is the perfect way to enjoy the joy and beauty of natural wood. Sources for this article included: consumerreports.com, nwfa.org, and woodfloors.org. Cancer Project - third.indd 1

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To Your Good Health

Cosmetic Stem Cell Therapy For a Younger Looking You!

By Leslie Byrne

After so many months of staying home and avoiding others, now is the perfect time to consider your next aesthetic treatment for a more youthful appearance. When you’re learning more about the latest breakthroughs in skin care, look into stem cell therapy! Stem cells are the building blocks of the body. They can reproduce more stem cells or can generate new types of cells. Also called regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy has both medical and cosmetic applications. (To learn about medical applications of regenerative medicine, check out our Seasons of Life article on page 46.) Over the past few years, stem cell therapy has been used to treat aging, sun-damaged skin with good results. However, the reason that it worked so well was not clear. Throughout 2020, research on the cosmetic and rejuvenating benefits of stem cell therapy quietly continued, and new information is now available. These studies were conducted on a microscopic level. They show that stem cell treatments can replace sun-damaged elastin with undamaged tissue and structures in the deeper layers of skin. We now know that when a patient’s own mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are injected into a treatment area, they can regenerate sun-aged skin. This is game-changing information for anyone considering stem cell therapy for cosmetic purposes.

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In the realm of facial rejuvenation, there’s another popular procedure that uses the body’s own resources to rejuvenate itself. It’s called platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and it is is gaining popularity because of its effectiveness in healing wounds and restoring elasticity and collagen production in the skin. PRP therapy can take up to 90 minutes and is performed in the provider’s office. The treatment area is cleaned, and blood is drawn from the patient’s arm. That blood is then placed in a machine called a centrifuge for several minutes. This machine spins very quickly, separating the platelets from the rest of the blood. The platelet-rich plasma is then re-introduced to the treatment area to stimulate healing. PRP therapy is considered to be a safe and non-invasive treatment for skin rejuvenation. One great benefit is that it is autologous. That means the blood plasma comes from the patient, not from someone else, lowering the risk of causing an immune response. A topical pain reliever is recommended, as the procedure can be painful, but you can expect less swelling

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and bruising compared to cosmetic surgical procedures. PRP therapy can be used for facial skin rejuvenation in a couple of different ways. One method is to pair it with dermal fillers that are injected under the skin. Another use is as a topical application during microneedling. Because the process uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate healing, this procedure is often referred to as a “vampire” facial. Microneedling consists of a special device with tiny, sterilized needles that is rolled over the skin, creating tiny wounds. The small wounds caused by the needles stimulate the body to produce collagen and elastin to heal itself. When PRP is added to the microneedling procedure, it may speed up the healing process and stimulate more skin renewal over microneedling alone. The recovery time is usually two or three days, but optimal results will not be noticeable for five to six weeks. Results from this treatment can last up to a year. If PRP therapy sounds like something you want to explore for yourself, talk to a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or clinic specializing in cosmetic procedures. At this time, the only stem cell treatments approved by the FDA are products that treat certain cancers, blood disorders, or the immune system. Though stem cell treatments have not yet been approved by the FDA for cosmetic procedures, many practitioners have been using stem cells for cosmetic repair for years. The harvesting process for PRP is no different from a blood draw. Stem cells can be harvested from your body in different ways, some of which are more invasive than others. Before undergoing any type of stem cell therapy to repair sun-damaged, aging, or scarred skin, have potential providers explain the entire harvesting process to you so you can make sure it is right for you. That’s not all you should ask about when you’re consulting with potential providers. Find out what specialized training they have completed in stem cell therapy, how long they have been using stem cell therapy for cosmetic purposes, and whether they think you are a good candidate for the therapy. Once you’ve found the right provider and had your questions answered, it’s time to sit back and let your own body help your skin look more youthful in 2021! Sources for this article included: sciencedaily.com, deintegrativehealthcare.com, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, and mskcc.org.

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Income Outcome

Partners Learning to Accept Help

By Janet Van deWalle

I am a caretaker—always have been. I grew up in a family of eight, with two older sisters and three younger brothers. I was three when my brother Tom was born, five when my brother Steve was born, and seven when my brother Greg was born. I am a Cancer, so mothering comes naturally to me. I remember the joy I got as a little girl, taking care of “the boys.” I was at the age that they were like dolls to me. I took care of them the best I could to help out my mom, Anne, who had had those six kids in just 10 years. “Moms, the only people who know the true meaning of 24/7.” —Anonymous

Then, the little girl grew up. Life happened. Got married, had my kids, started a business. Through it all, I was still a mother, to my kids, my staff, and my customers. Like I said, I’m a born caretaker! “You have permission to rest. You are not responsible for fixing everything that is broken. You do not have to try to make everyone happy. For now, take time for you. It’s time to replenish.” —Anonymous

Yup, never got that message! To this day, I find myself trying to be a “mom” to most people in my life. The problem here? Not everyone needs or wants a mom!

My husband and I are working at learning how to be partners. Manny is teaching me how to take care of myself, as he takes care of me and I take care of him. What I have learned, among lots of other things, is how to communicate my concern for him without mothering him. “A mother tells, a partner asks.” —Manny Chavez

Manny is also teaching me how to accept being taken care of by my husband. I grew up to be a very independent woman. My mother raised me during the women’s liberation movement, and I took that into my adulthood. Asking for help, much less accepting it, was not a path that I had ever traveled down. “We know you’re strong, but accepting help is its own kind of strength.” —Kiera Cass

Learning how to be a partner in a marriage is something that has turned my world upside down. It is glorious. It is disturbing. It is growth. Manny had been divorced for 22 years before we got married. After his divorce, he did not run out and get remarried quickly. He took those 22 years to learn about healthy relationships, about being partners. I am very fortunate that I am receiving the benefits of his creation! Life is good.

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Kid’s Comments

The Time Has Come… To Spend Some Time!

By Marge Shoemaker

It’s time for a change! We’re tired of the cold. We’re tired of being teased with a few days of temporary warmth. We’re tired of days when the only colors in Mother Nature’s paint pot are black, white, and gray…except for those really spectacular, technicolor sunsets and sunrises. Even Mother Nature agrees! Outdoors, it’s beginning to get green. Crocuses have been spotted peeping from beneath the melting snow. A dandelion poked out its head…the yellow blossom either froze or has decided to become a harbinger of spring. A flock of robins gathered this morning on the berry bush, sharing the bounty with cardinals, finches, and an assortment of other small birds. We meet in the driveway to chat about plans and projects as the season changes, allocating ample time to accomplish it all. We agree the real indicator that spring is here is Daylight Savings Time. (Remember: spring forward; fall back. Change your clocks on March 14th this year.) The term “Daylight Savings Time” raises some questions. Do we really save time? If time isn’t saved, is it lost? No, we don’t lose time… we spend it. Some say that time flies too fast and we need to slow down. I think it’s the ways we choose to use our time that makes it seem to either fly by or crawl at a snail’s pace. Now that I’m retired, I don’t get nearly as much done as I did

when I was working. I figure there’ll always be time to get things done…I just have to make the time to do them. Warming March temperatures remind us that it’s time to remove the winter clutter in the yard. Windy winter storms knock down small branches, which land on the leaves that escaped fall clean-up. It’s also time to proceed with preparing the garden plot for planting and procuring the various plants and seeds we’ll need. Normally, this is the time to get the kids and their equipment ready for spring sports. Calls are already coming in to round up volunteers for sign-ups, clean-ups, and other team readiness projects. As the kids get older, their circumstances and interests change. They might have ideas for activities that are different from the things you normally do. Take the time to decide together how you and the family want to spend your time. Getting everyone’s input can be enlightening. Just because “we’ve always done this” doesn’t mean we have to do it forever. Take time to evaluate how you spend your time. Changes in activities can be energizing, just as change in the weather is refreshing. As Lewis Carroll wrote, “‘The time has come,’ the Walrus said, ‘to talk of many things.’” Let’s talk of gardening, spring sports, family activities. We, the people, are ready for change—let’s get outdoors and spend some time!

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Healthy Living

Aislinn Medical Spa Look and Feel Your Best By Angella A. Arndt

We all have skin issues. What have you been staring down in the mirror lately—dull complexion, wrinkles and sun damage, acne, unwanted hair? Don’t just sigh about the appearance of your skin! You can do something about it. Book an appointment at Aislinn Medical Spa in Gretna. The team offers a wide variety of services, including aesthetic medical procedures, massage therapy, facial and body waxing, laser hair removal, permanent make-up, and their newest treatment: platelet-rich filorin (PRF) therapy. Aislinn Medical Spa opened its doors in Gretna in February 2020. Aislinn means “dream” in Irish, reflecting the spa’s mission of helping individuals realize their potential and restore their confidence. Medical providers Julie Waddell, MD, and Tessa Rydberg, NP, lead a team that includes licensed aestheticians, massage therapists, a dental hygienist, and a permanent makeup tattoo artist. With over 35 years of experience, this team of professionals is ready to bring out the best in you. On-site clinical lead Jennifer Rohwer spent 14 years in healthcare office and administration before joining Aislinn

Medical Spa. She Bailey Gustafson, Licensed Aesthetician started by doing and Massage Therapist marketing for the spa on a part-time basis, but she soon fell in love with the spa’s mission and became a full-time team member. “Our goal is to help clients achieve what they want,” she says. “If you can dream it, we can help you achieve it.” Client education is an essential component of their work. “We spend time with our clients to teach them about all the options. Then they can make informed decisions about their treatment.” Facial fillers and line relaxers are always popular, Jennifer

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shares, but right now is an excellent time to get a facial. “Winter months dehydrate skin, and extensive mask-wearing has created skin issues for many people.” A facial cleans pores, gets rid of dead skin cells, and treats skin issues including acne, discoloration, dullness, and signs of aging. In addition to traditional facials, Aislinn Medical Spa offers HydraFacials, which use a patented, medical-grade machine to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and moisturize. Bailey Gustafson, a licensed aesthetician at Aislinn Medical Spa, points out that many individuals wonder why they need to come in for something they feel they can do at home. “A HydraFacial provides a much deeper cleanse than what can be achieved at home,” she explains. “We also provide education and have professional products available.” The signature HydraFacial starts with a deep cleansing and exfoliation to open the pores. Next, a light chemical peel removes damaged or dead skin cells. Following the peel, an extraction removes oil and impurities that are clogging the pores. The final step is infusing a serum appropriate for the skin type being treated. The serum is filled with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to help specific skin issues, hydrate the skin, and boost skin elasticity. HydraFacial options also include Elite HydraFacial and Platinum HydraFacial, both of which provide additional benefits. The Elite contains a booster for specific skin concerns like discoloration and hyper-pigmentation. The Elite also includes LED light therapy to reduce inflammation, oily skin, and visible signs of aging. The Platinum, or “Ultimate Experience,” consists of all of the above but also includes lymphatic drainage.

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Bailey states, “Our facials can be customized for anyone, including teenagers and men. The benefits of a facial include really learning about your skin—it’s changing all the time.” Products that have worked before may not work as well as you age. Bailey explains that all facials begin with a conversation about the client’s skin issues and concerns. “Most people think they need an elaborate skincare routine, but it should be simpler than that.” A cleanser, day cream (with SPF protection), skin serum, eye cream, and night cream are usually sufficient for a skincare routine. Incorporating regular facials into your skincare routine will keep your skin looking its best. In addition to the previously mentioned benefits, the massage portion of a facial stimulates collagen growth, helps reduce fine lines, and lowers stress. As you’ll see in the mirror when you get home, your face will maintain that radiant, healthy glow. Aislinn Medical Spa offers free consultations on almost all of their services. The consultation provides you with an opportunity to discuss your concerns and needs to achieve your goals and look your best. “Patient referrals are our number-one source of business, and we appreciate the kindness of clients who refer their loved ones,” Jennifer concludes. “We thrive on positivity, and it makes it all worthwhile when clients thank you and tell you how happy they are with their results.” Aislinn Medical Spa is located at 818 Village Square, in Gretna. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 402-397-2300 or visit aislinnmedspa.com.

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Focus on Finance

Mr. Market 4.0 The Evolution of Market Trading

By George Morgan

In his 1987 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report, Warren Buffett introduced the concept of Mr. Market. Mr. Market is a tongue-in-cheek recognition of the fact that, most of the time, the stock market’s actions are based on arbitrary random activity rather than rational, calculated reasoning. In Warren Buffett’s own words,“following formulas and analysts’ market predictions is a waste of time. Mr. Market will tell you what you need to know.”

The purpose of a market is to bring buyers and sellers together to negotiate a price. A market needs two parts in order to function. It begins with the market participants— that is, the buyers and the sellers. These participants can be persons, institutions, companies, or machines. The second part of a market is an exchange, which brings the buyers and sellers together, negotiates a price, and then disseminates that information to the public. A market exchange can be a person, place, or thing. I first met Mr. Market 1.0 when I became a stockbroker in 1980. This is how the 1.0 version worked: I called a client and advised buying 100 shares of XYZ. I then called our trading desk with this information. The trading desk called our guy in Chicago, who called his guy on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The guy in New York wrote the order in a book and looked for someone who was selling 100 shares of XYZ. When he found a seller, he called our guy in Chicago with the price. Our guy in Chicago called our trading desk, and then they called me. When the time came to sell the shares of XYZ, I set the process in motion again. During this time, events were already occurring that would alter the process and morph Mr. Market 1.0 into Mr. Market 2.0. It started in 1976, when Jack Bogle invented the index fund. Index funds track a market index in a passive fashion. They buy and hold all the stocks in an index, in the same ratio that they appear in the index they mimic. This offers investors an alternative to choosing individual stocks. While Jack Bogle was doing his thing, Joe Ricketts formed a company whose mission was to allow the individual investors to circumvent the cumbersome Mr. Market 1.0 process I outlined above. He developed technology and a system that allowed individuals to purchase investments on their computers and, eventually, on their cell phones. The next big change came when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decided that the NYSE needed more competition. Within the blink of an eye, 16 new exchanges sprang up. None of them looked like the NYSE. There were no humans in blue lab coats with phones plastered to their ears…just cavernous rooms housing computer servers with flashing lights and a gentle whirring sound. Each new exchange created its own prices, and those prices were transmitted to a central 42

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computer at the NYSE that reconciled them and published a single composite price. Within months of the new exchanges coming online, Mr. Market 3.0 emerged. Private firms launched their own programs to access each of the new exchanges directly rather than having to connect with them through the NYSE. The goal of the private firms was to build state-of-the-art computer systems that would trade at the prices of the individual exchanges before they were transmitted to the NYSE and bundled into a single price. This allowed them to buy stock on one exchange and then sell it, a fraction of a second later, at a higher price on a different exchange. They could also make money in the reverse scenario, by selling stock shares that they had purchased a fraction of a second earlier in another exchange at a lower price. Fast-forward to today and say hello to Mr. Market 4.0, with its 17 electronic exchanges on one side of the equation and the hundreds of computers run by professional traders on the other. On an average day, as many as six billion trades are transacted. That translates to 20,000 trades for every man, woman, and child in America. The outcome of this flurry of activity is that prices are determined by who has the biggest and fastest computer and who makes the most trades. In the short run, Mr. Market 4.0’s daily activity results in prices that are random and unpredictable. This creates both challenges and opportunities for individual investors. In the long run, investors with patience and a willingness to explore index fund investing can produce an acceptable and rewarding return. As always, my caveat is that one size does not fit all. 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.


Out and About

CLC Landscaping Turn Your Landscape Into a Dreamscape! By Janette Calabro

CLC Landscapes has provided quality lawns and landscapes to their residential and commercial clients since 1992. Their professional services include designing, building, and maintaining landscapes year-round. As CLC’s owner, Andrew Gangestad wears many hats, but his ultimate focus is to listen to his clients and execute a plan to match their vision. Whether you’re looking for a hardscape feature like a retaining wall or outdoor kitchen, or softscape features like flowers and shrubs, Andrew has the credentials, the vision, and the crew to make it come to life. “We have crews that do hardscape work, including retaining walls, paver patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens,” Andrew says. “We also have crews for planting or, on the maintenance side, for landscape enhancement. I oversee all of those crews, but I still meet with customers every day. I’m at the forefront of the company.” With up to 26 people on staff at any given time and local partners for specialized projects like swimming pools, Andrew is ready to tackle any job. Many of his customers want a grill space with room for entertaining or even a full outdoor kitchen. Pergolas are in demand this year, too. These outdoor structures are great for an outdoor garden, often forming a shaded walkway or seating area for those who want to spend hot summer days outside. The ever-popular fire pit extends those long summer days into warm summer nights, with family and friends gathered around the outdoor living space. If that idea isn’t enough to get you primed for warmer weather, consider adding a water feature to help decorate your life with happiness, calm, and peace—think koi ponds, statue fountains, cascading waterfalls, or even multi-level garden falls. Water features have become very popular with Andrew’s clients lately. “In today’s market, a lot of people are into the entertainment piece. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits are conversation pieces. What may start as a simple outdoor grill space now turns into ‘I want a refrigerator, a running sink, and barstools’ as an extension to the grilling area where people hang out,” says Andrew. Andrew’s business experience in the landscaping field started when he was just a child. He observed the ins and outs of his parent’s lawn care and underground sprinkler-irrigation business. At a young age, he learned how to handle the struggles and the rewards of a family-run business and how to use that experience to run his own business. He studied horticultural landscape design in Lincoln, listened to the experts, and combined all of his experience to get CLC Landscapes off the ground. His hard work paid off. “We still mow lawns and set up sprinkler systems, but I am more intrigued with land-

scaping,” says Andrew. Andrew Gangestad, President of CLC Landscapes “Over the years, we’ve grown into what we are today.” He believes that 2020 trends will dominate into 2021, especially with more people staying home rather than traveling. Staycations have led homeowners toward investments in outdoor living. Andrew can help turn your space into a stylish hangout—an oasis for luxurious days and peaceful nights with friends and family. CLC has what you need to make your landscape into your dreamscape. Another way that Andrew uses his expertise to help homeowners is with education about what plants are best suited for their property. “Whether evergreen, ornamental, or shade trees, or even down to shrubs and perennials, it’s important to understand what a plant is going to do in the long run,” Andrew explains. “Someone might plant a beautiful tree right at the front corner of their house, with no idea that it will eventually grow 60 feet tall and 50 feet wide.” His advice for picking that specific tree, shrub, or perennial is to pay attention to labels and educate yourself before planting. Of course, the swiftest course of action is to ask your landscaping professional to help you plan your vision and then install your personal landscape. Hiring a pro is the best way to avoid expensive mistakes, secure peace of mind, and enjoy your transformed outdoor space all year. A healthy, tidy landscape that highlights the features of your home and yard brings enjoyment not only to you but also to neighbors, passersby, and potential homebuyers. The same goes for commercial properties that need to look great for their employees and customers. “From a landscape perspective, never underestimate how important curb appeal is to your home or business,” Andrew concludes. “Invest in the way you want your property to look. When people pull up, you’ll make a great first impression.” Contact Andrew Gangestad at CLC Landscapes by calling 402-734-8088. To learn more and see gorgeous photos of previous work, visit clclandscapesinc.com. March 2021

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The Green Thumb

Perennials for Beginners Here Comes the Sun! Are You Ready?

By Linda Sutherland

If you long for a beautiful garden but aren’t sure you can invest the time that would be required, don’t be afraid! Help is on the way! A lush and beautiful garden does not require hours upon hours of back-breaking labor. What the garden of your dreams does require is some planning and a touch of inspiration. That’s right—you must have a plan! You can achieve just about anything in the garden, so long as you know in advance what it is that you want. If you want to work with a professional landscape designer, you certainly may. This can be especially helpful if you’re starting from scratch with a large bare space. Even if you’re facing an established garden space, you need to come up with a plan before you buy a single plant. Use your imagination! The only strict rule you need to adhere to is that you must know your space. Small, large, sunny, shady, intimate, vast, terraced—whatever your space is like, your gardening success depends on you respecting it and planting accordingly! If you’re in the mood to get started now, good news! March is a great month to research and plan for the garden. Ask your gardening friends, call the local nursery, read seed catalogs—learn everything you can about what kinds of plants are likely to succeed in the space that you have and what kind of maintenance they will ask of you. Once you have a vision, put it on paper. This is where a

professional landscaper can help you come up with an outstanding design. Remember: The perfect garden is different for everyone, so make sure yours is the garden that you want and that you will enjoy. If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to the garden, you need to choose low-maintenance plants. Of course, there are hundreds of plants and species to choose from. To help narrow it down, I offer some perennials that are always my go-to plants. (Save the annuals for pots and a few decorative spots once the perennials are in and thriving.) The advice that follows is based on my longing for an easy-care, low-maintenance garden and many years of trial and error to establish it. For the sake of time and space, most of these suggestions are for sunny spots. Shade gardens are harder to establish. For beginners, sunny is the best place to start.

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One of my all-time favorites has got to be the beautiful Russian sage. Its fragrant, silvery-gray foliage and its gorgeous purple flowers are bold and feathery. This prolific plant blooms from spring until fall and is fantastic ground cover. It gets five stars and bonus points because it prefers dry conditions. Talk about a no-fuss plant! Another champion in a garden is bee balm. This stunning, vibrant beauty is part of the mint family. It is a somewhat tall variety with tubular petals in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. If you pick its spent blooms, it will reward you by reflowering. As you may have guessed from the name, this lovely plant attract bees, as well as butterflies and even hummingbirds. They do, however, require a moist soil to thrive, so I would not plant them with the Russian sage. Another popular member of the mint family is salvia, which pushes up shoots of vibrant purple flowers. Coneflowers have become very popular lately, but people have always loved them for their daisy-like blooms, carefree look, and easy care. They are speedy growers and self-sow their seeds, which means they’ll drop their own seeds nearby and germinate the following year—with no help from you! They prefer drier conditions and are just about trouble-free. These are best planted in masses, and they now can be found in a wide variety of colors. An old but tried-and-true species is garden phlox. The bloom time of these beauties it what sold me on them. They bloom all summer and fall, making quite the statement in any type of garden. This is a variety that likes to be deadheaded; removing the spent blooms will extend their bloom period. Baptisia, known as false indigo or wild indigo, is a true favorite of mine, and the bees love it, too! The foliage sends up spikes of purple or white flowers. This plant is exceptionally low-maintenance, pest-free, disease-free, and drought-tolerant. That is one tough plant! Gallardia, also known as blanket flowers, are colorful additions to any garden. Both drought-tolerant and self-seeding, these long bloomers are an easy-care gardener’s dream. I hope you enjoy some of my humble suggestions to get you started. Spring is closer than you think!

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Seasons of Life

Medical Stem Cell Treatments Regenerating Tissue

By Linda Barnes

You may have a notion of what stem cell treatments can do. Perhaps someone you know has had a stem cell transplant to treat leukemia, a blood disorder, or another cancer. Did you know that stem cells are being studied, and even used, for many other medical applications? Interest in stem cells has flourished in recent years, as scientists began to see the possibilities for treating a variety of medical conditions. Stem cells are the basic building blocks that can reproduce identical cells or differentiate into specialized cells such as bone, blood, or other tissues. Stem cells can be acquired from amniotic fluid or umbilical cords that have been donated with consent. Stem cells can also be gathered from one’s own blood, bone marrow, or fat tissue. Bone marrow from a donor is another possible way to collect stem cells, in a process called bone marrow aspiration. First, local anesthetic is used to make the donor more comfortable. Then, a needle is used to collect bone marrow blood from the hip area. This blood is then processed, as minimally as possible, to concentrate and separate the stem cells. The cells are then able to be injected, guided by ultrasound, into the area that is being treated. When we sustain an injury, our bodies have their own mechanism for regenerating tissue to repair or replace that which is damaged. If you cut your finger, the process goes into high gear to begin knitting the tissue back together. The same

thing happens with bone injuries or fractures. Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal themselves, but damaged tissue is sometimes slow to recover. It takes a long time for the ligaments around an ankle sprain to heal, especially when we must walk to maintain our daily routines or to fulfill our job. Healing may also slow down due to aging. In some cases, healing takes longer simply because an injury is extensive. Doctors are now utilizing stem cells in therapies to facilitate healing and regeneration of tissue. Some success has been achieved with conditions involving cartilage insufficiency. For example, osteoarthritis from wear and tear on joints may improve with stem cell therapy. So many of us experience painful joints as we age! The cartilage that cushions a joint simply wears down over time. Stem cell therapy may help repair some of the damage, allowing us to have less pain and get back to more active lives. Other common conditions that respond favorably to

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stem cell therapy are those that involve ligaments and tendons. An injection of stem cells has the potential to lessen the inflammation that causes pain when these tissues are injured. Their components promote healing. The high concentration of stem cells is an important aspect of their therapeutic effect. Theoretically, stem cell therapy could be used to improve function wherever there is tissue damage. The hope is that, in the future, stem cells may provide an alternative to organ transplantation. Donor organs are always in limited supply. Stem cells may be the answer to restoring organs in years to come. Stem cell therapy can facilitate our own healing mechanisms to repair or restore damaged tissues without resorting to surgery. With some exceptions (transplants for blood disorders and cancers), these applications are typically not covered by insurance. It is important to have a good understanding of the cost of any treatments you consider. The number of treatments needed varies from person to person and depends upon the particular therapy. Some might require one treatment with a period of healing. Other conditions might necessitate follow-up treatments. The duration of improvement is also an individual matter. A few may be permanent, while others are likely to be effective for a limited time. Since some applications are not monitored or approved by the FDA, it is especially wise to use a reputable provider. Get recommendations from your trusted care team, family, or colleagues. Of course, you’ll want credentialled professionals with expertise in your particular issue. The research and trials going on are exciting for many medical uses of stem cell therapies. They will be tested for safety and effectiveness. There is hope for treatment of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, burns, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Stem cell therapy is also used for some cosmetic applications (learn more in our Good Health article on page 36). Researchers also look at ways to use stem cells to test new drugs. They have gained a better understanding of how and why diseases occur. Understanding how a stem cell can be directed to become a specific kind of cell will usher in new treatments for diseases that we currently consider incurable. Sources for this article included: unmc. edu, health.usnews.com, and mayoclinic.org.

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Business Connection Caring Senior Service

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VENUS Vein Clinic

Vein disease isn’t about appearance as much as it is about your health. Do you suffer from leg pain, swelling, restlessness, and skin discoloration? These are very common symptoms of vein disease. Left untreated, it can cause serious health issues. At VENUS, you may be surprised at how easily and comfortably you can improve your daily life. There is no downtime to recover, there’s no sedation or heavy medicines needed, and treatments are covered by medical insurance. You can go right back to work or exercise, and you will feel better and look better, too. VENUS Vein Clinic—Your Go-To Vein Clinic. Don’t wait a day longer, call today at 402-979-VEIN (8346) or visit VenusVeinClinic.com.

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Annette Schneider—Shelter Insurance®

Annette is here to help you connect all areas of your life. Annette offers all of her clients a free annual review. You will discuss life changes: engagements, marriages, additional children or grandchildren, a new car or home, home improvements—anything that has changed or caused a gap in your coverage. That way, if the unexpected happens, you know that she will have your back. Call today to schedule appointment to answer all your insurance questions: 402-2937750 . Shelter Life Insurance Company — Columbia, Missouri Koca Chiropractic

The professionals at Koca Chiropractic want to remind you that we are dedicated to helping you experience better health through better living. Our team combines skill and expertise, the latest technology, and revolutionary concepts to provide you with affordable, advanced wellness care strategies that get results. You can count on us to offer an honest, no-nonsense approach to helping you and your family achieve your health goals. Call today to have the most important system in your body checked…your nerve system! Let us show you how it’s all connected. Call 402-496-4570 today to schedule your no-obligation wellness evaluation. Reed Law PC LLO

At Reed Law, our mission is to end nursing home abuse and neglect. We are the only Nebraska law firm devoted exclusively to handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Our experienced and aggressive team is committed to providing compassionate, personal service to every client. We strive to provide exceptional results for victims and the families of victims, which is why so many of our clients refer their friends and family to our firm. Our consultations are free, our fee structure is reasonable, and our clients never pay anything up front. For more information or to set up a free initial consultation, give us a call today at 402-933-0588.

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Peak Performance

“Mirror, Mirror…” Mommy Makeover Surgical Solutions

By Maria Harding

Through the eyes of maternal tenderness, mothers see perfection in their children. They are so much fun to watch, film, and photograph. When mothers are able to tear their gaze away from these little miracles and turn their attention to their own reflections in the mirror, many are frustrated by the changes that pregnancy and childbirth have brought to their bodies. Many of these changes cannot be undone by exercise and weight loss. Skin on the belly and hips may have stretched. Breast skin and structural tissue may sag. A series of surgical procedures can help improve the appearance of the abdomen, waist, hips, and breasts. This group of procedures is often called a “mommy makeover” because it addresses the body changes that result from pregnancy and childbirth. Having multiple areas of the body addressed at the same time also cuts down on total recovery time, which is of great benefit to busy mothers! When is the right time to consider a mommy makeover? A conversation with a skilled consultant at a cosmetic surgical center can begin at any time. Before any procedures can take place, a woman must be fully recovered from childbirth, and most doctors advise waiting until several months after moms are finished breastfeeding. It also makes sense to wait until after a woman feels she is done having children before having surgical procedures such as a tummy tuck or breast lift. Women who may have

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more children can consider non-surgical body contouring and skin treatments first. Another timing consideration is the recovery period needed. Lifting anything over five pounds is generally not allowed for several weeks after surgery. A woman may need time off from work, help caring for small children, and assistance with physical tasks like grocery shopping. Patients undergo a preoperative physical exam to determine if they have any preexisting conditions that need special consideration during surgery. Patients should stop using all tobacco products two weeks before surgery and avoid alcoholic beverages beginning one week prior. These substances can react adversely with the anesthesia used during surgery and the pain medication used during recovery. Choosing a surgeon and aftercare team is among the most important decisions a patient needs to make in this process. Because the mommy makeover is a set of procedures, it is important

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to select a surgeon who has not only done each procedure individually, but who is experienced in performing the surgeries as a group. Surgeons and anesthesiologists should be board-certified. Board-certified surgeons meet additional standards and must keep informed of the latest developments in the field of cosmetic surgery to maintain certification. Surgery candidates should ask for patient testimonials and before-and-after photos, paying special attention to images of bodies that had similar issues and underwent the same procedures. For improving the volume or shape of the breasts, the doctor and patient will discuss options for implants. They may also recommend a breast lift in lieu of, or in addition to, implants. Some women may find that a breast reduction procedure relieves neck and upper back strain or gives them more freedom of movement. Liposuction is recommended for stubborn fat. This procedure is never a substitute for diet and exercise; doctors may even require their patients to follow a healthy regimen in the weeks prior to surgery and following their recovery period. Surgical and non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation can reduce, reshape, or tighten female genital tissue. Patients choose this procedure to improve symmetry, to ease painful intercourse, or to alleviate urinary incontinence. A tummy tuck removes excess skin on the abdomen, repositions the navel, and tightens abdominal muscles that were weakened or separated during pregnancy. The results of a tummy tuck can be dramatic. Although a scar and lengthened recovery time are both inevitable, most patients are extremely happy with the results. Patients can expect the total cost of a mommy makeover to range from $9,000 to $20,000. The type of procedures done; the composition of implants selected; the anesthesia fees, surgeon fees, and medical facility fees; and the recovery appointments all contribute to the range of the overall cost. A mommy makeover requires financial decision-making and careful scheduling to allow for plenty of unrushed recovery time. If it will inspire a mother to look upon her own reflection with the same degree of adoration normally reserved for her children, then it is worth every effort. Sources for this article included: plasticsurgery.org, americanboardcosmeticsurgery. org, and aafp.org. Go Red - Make It Your Mission.indd 1

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Auto Wise

Windshield Damage Repair or Replace?

By Brie Hellbusch

When operating a vehicle, safety should always be your highest priority. In addition to defensive driving and diligently following the rules of the road, this also means ensuring that every aspect of the car is up to snuff, including the vehicle’s windshield. The main purpose of a car’s windshield is to act as a safety device that shields vehicle passengers from a variety of hazards, such as wind, water, and debris. It also helps to reduce crash injuries by preventing most outside objects from entering the vehicle.

Even on impact, a windshield doesn’t shatter like regular glass. Like many vehicle safety features, windshield technology has come a long way. Today’s modern auto glass is laminated glass. It is strong, like tempered glass, but it bends slightly upon impact, allowing for additional protection against shattering. Because the windshield plays such a vital role for road safety, experts agree that it’s wise to always repair or replace a damaged windshield. As you might guess, repairing a chipped windshield costs less than replacing the windshield entirely. How do you decide when a replacement is warranted? It depends mostly on the size and location of the damage. For example, for chips that are smaller than a quarter and cracks that are less than a few inches long, there’s typically no need to replace the entire windshield. However, some states do not allow glass repairs in areas that are directly in the driver’s line of vision because even small fixes can create distortion that can potentially affect visibility. Additionally, specialists recommend replacing any windshield that has a crack extending from an edge, no matter how small the damage, because these cracks tend to spread quickly. The glass repair process for chips and cracks involves injecting a polymer resin into the damaged spot, allowing it to dry, and then smoothing the surface so the damage is no longer visible. This precision task is best left to an experienced professional to ensure the job is done right. Your visibility depends on it! Some auto insurance companies will cover glass repairs with no deductible because it costs less than windshield replacement, but other carriers prefer that damaged windshields always be replaced instead of repaired. It’s wise to consult your insurer before you schedule your service so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay the bill. As soon as a repair or replacement is needed, contact your insurance company to arrange a service appointment. Insurance carriers often use third-party companies to manage windshield replacement claims. You’ll get a call from the company, and they will typically recommend qualified installers. It’s always good to keep in mind that you are not required to choose an installer that they recommend. You still have the final say on who performs the glass repair on your vehicle. If you want to choose a different auto glass specialist, you may. 52

March 2021

Some car owners who are having a windshield installed want to take it a step further and opt for windshield tinting. (Do your research first! Car window tinting laws vary by state.) It’s important to know what you want out of your tinted windshield so that you can choose the right one for your vehicle. There are more than 1,000 individual blends of window tints available, including transparent tints designed for visual enhancement and tints that provide infrared protection with superior clarity. One affordable option is the dyed window tint, which blocks sunlight with multiple layers of infused dyes that absorb solar heat to reduce the potential of increasing cabin temperature. However, this blend doesn’t necessarily provide protection against UV exposure. Another popular option is the metalized window tint, which offers glare reduction and is effective at blocking heat and UV rays from entering the vehicle. Some prefer to mesh these two choices and go with the hybrid dye and metallic tint film. It isn’t too dark or reflective, making it good for blocking UV rays and reducing sun exposure inside. This mid-level tinted film doesn’t negatively impact night driving. The ceramic window tint is another very good choice, as it can block up to 50 percent of solar heat without any reduction in visibility. This option also produces outstanding shatter resistance, reduces glare, and effectively blocks 99.9 percent of UV exposure. If one thing is certain, it’s that a clear windshield isn’t just cosmetic—its good repair is crucial to the safety of the driver, passengers, and everyone else on the road. Don’t wait to see if that crack will get any bigger (spoiler alert: it will!). Check with an expert to see if your damaged windshield needs repair or replacement—for your safety and mine! Sources for this article included: aaa.com, carwindwhields.info, and ceramicpro.com.


Cuddly Critters

Somethin’ to Flock About! Backyard Chickens Are All the Rage

By Brie Hellbusch

Chickens are moving into backyards in cities and suburbs across the United States in recent years, as more people become enamored with the idea of raising their own chickens. If you love fresh, healthful eggs, and you’ve always wondered what it would take to raise chickens in your backyard, read on! The uptick in backyard flocks can be attributed to many factors. Many parents are excited to teach their children the “food to table” concept. Many people love to know where their food comes from, but some individuals prefer to choose how their food is raised. Nothing gives you more control over your food than growing it yourself! Chickens are also excellent food recyclers; they produce nutrient-dense fertilizer for yards and gardens. Additionally, chickens are known for keeping the insect population under control. There’s also no denying that they are entertaining creatures. There are also many health benefits to raising chickens, including companionship and stress relief. That’s right—just like pets in the house, chickens in the yard can help lower your blood pressure. Perhaps the most popular reason to raise chickens, however, is the enhanced quality of the eggs. Fresh eggs from your own chickens generally taste better than a typical carton of eggs from the store. They will also be more nutritionally beneficial, as they are higher in vitamin E, omega-3s, and beta carotene, while being lower in cholesterol. There are various breeds of poultry to choose from, and each breed differs in traits like appearance, egg production, temperament, and longevity. One of the more popular options for beginners is the Plymouth Rock breed, which is noted for its black-and-white-striped feathers. These creatures are known for their longevity, easy dispositions, and reliable egg production. Owners can expect roughly 200 brown eggs each year, per chicken. The Araucana hen, which has distinct tufts at the cheeks and lacks a tail, comes in an impressive range of colors. This breed will lay roughly 150 eggs per year, usually in a country-blue shell. This hen has high energy levels that some owners enjoy, while others find a hassle. The Australorp, on the other hand, is a gentle hen with soft, shiny black feathers. These hens can produce 200 to 300 light-brown eggs annually. Chickens need food and water daily, and their coop will need to be cleaned often. Hens will lay eggs through spring and summer and into the fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Once winter approaches, egg production might be affected by the colder weather and lack of sunshine. Regardless, owners should expect to

collect eggs daily, or even twice a day. This means that a “chicken sitter” might be necessary when you’re out of town. Chickens generally live for five to 10 years, and they are most productive during the first two years of their lives. Egg production will slow as they age. For even egg production, consider building a flock over several years, a few chickens at a time. Many might wonder whether or not they’ll need a rooster if they want to become backyard chicken farmers. The answer is no—in fact, many city ordinances specifically forbid roosters. Cities may also put restrictions on the number of hens per yard. You may also need to pay for a permit, meet housing and fencing requirements, and undergo inspections. The next step in preparation to chicken ownership is to build a coop. This can be one of the more creative aspects of the project and can consist of some fun design elements. Before honing in on a design, it’s important to figure out the size of the coop you’ll need, which will largely depend on the size and number of chickens. If you’re handy and creative, you may be able to create a chicken coop from scratch. Many people prefer to purchase a kit. It’s wise to remember that some kits will come with everything, while others will require separate purchases for things like shingles or hardware. If you don’t have the time, skills, or inclination to put together a kit yourself, you can certainly hire a carpenter or decking contractor to get the job done for you. If you want to go all out, hire a designer to create a coop that is truly your own and makes your yard the talk of the neighborhood. Are you thinking of getting a flock started this year? Consider the companionship, educational opportunities, and healthful eggs you’ll get, and balance those against the responsibilities and local regulations. Raising backyard chickens is not for everyone, but it just might be for you! Sources for this article included: acreagelife.com, chickenwhisperermagazine.com, and almanac.com. March 2021

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Enterprising Ideas

BodyWise Therapy Release Your Pain By Vicki Jo Walsh

What do you do when you feel recurring pain in your body? Do you shift and stretch, hoping it will just go away? Do you take pain relievers, hoping to mask your discomfort? These strategies may help for a while, but pain that isn’t truly addressed is more than likely to return. If you’re ready to try something different, call BodyWise Therapy and get help with true healing. Owner Shanna Paopao earned her physical therapy degree in 1999 from the Nebraska Medical Center. She worked in skilled nursing facilities, hospital settings and home health before she decided to practice as an independent therapist at BodyWise Therapy. She has the knowledge and experience to find the source of your pain and help alleviate it. Most of Shanna’s clients seek her help for ongoing or recurring pain. At your first visit, Shanna assesses the history and source of your pain. This is not a quick question-and-answer session! Shanna delves into your concerns, analyzing your gait and posture, measuring your range of motion, and obtaining a history of your significant injuries and surgeries. After she has gathered all the facts she needs, she develops an individ-

54 Arthritis Foundation - half.indd 1March 2021

ual treatment plan. Treatment begins on your very first visit! Shanna Paopao, PT, owner Shanna specializes in a handson technique called myofascial release. After years of treating patients with standard therapeutic techniques, such as tailored exercise regimens, electrostimulation, and massage therapy, she saw a need to look for other options, especially for those who have recurring chronic pain that doesn’t respond effectively to standard remedies. Shanna heard about a pain relieving technique called myofascial release while she was a student in physical therapy that helps patients with continuing pain. She annually travels

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to various locations in the country (with the exception of this past pandemic year) to take advanced John F. Barnes courses, who is a leading authority in myofascial release. We’ve all heard of massage therapy, which is a fantastic treatment that helps with many conditions. However, you may not have heard of myofascial release. As Shanna explains, the fascia is a web-like structure that runs throughout the body, supporting the bones, organs, and body systems. Injuries, scarring, trauma, inflammation, or even just poor posture can cause restrictions in this structure. Those restrictions can cause not only tightness and pain but even seemingly unrelated symptoms like digestive issues. Sometimes the real source of the pain is not the area you would expect! Fascia interconnects our body parts, and the source of pain in one part of the body can be a result of restriction in another part of the body. Myofascial release does just what it says—it releases the painful fascial restrictions, restoring flexibility and promoting healing. Myofascial release can help during post-surgical rehabilitation, can address acute chronic pain, and can help with chronic conditions like frozen shoulder and fibromyalgia. These therapeutic treatments have been proven effective with problems as varied as back pain, neck pain, digestive problems, and balance issues. The technique is often used to treat injuries sustained during sports, on the job, or in a vehicle collision. After initial treatments, patients often return once or twice for tune-ups. Emily is one of Shanna’s patients. For years, Emily has

suffered from migraine headaches so severe that they kept her from doing her job. After treatments at BodyWise Therapy, Emily’s migraines have lessened significantly. She can now sit upright at a desk for sufficient time to maintain her employment. Emily describes the experience of myofascial release as a slow, gentle taffy pull. She feels very comfortable with Shanna and describes her as accepting, kind, and non-judgmental. Emily’s experiences at the clinic are always helpful and are also very pleasant—an appointment with Shanna is something that Emily looks forward to. In these hectic times, Shanna believes, we need to take time to listen to what our bodies are trying to tell us. Too often, we try to silence that message with self-medication, distraction, or avoidance. Being mindful, however, helps us to identify the true source of our pain. Shanna can help with this, too! With many of her patients, the source that Shanna identifies is not at all what the patient expected. If you think your body is trying to tell you something about your pain, don’t just sit and suffer! Wise up and call Shanna Paopao at BodyWise Therapy. You can reach her by phone at 402-709-0803. Shanna is an independent therapist, and BodyWise Therapy is not a franchise. The office is located at 2504 South 119th Street, in the Arbor Professional Building. For more information about the treatments that Shanna offers and the safety precautions she has implemented during the pandemic, please visit bodywiseomaha.com.

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Good Life

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs Vacation in Your Backyard

By Angella A. Arndt

Spring is fast approaching, bringing warmer weather and revitalized trees, grass, and plants. Warmer temperatures mean spending time outdoors, and many homeowners are interested in enhancing their outdoor living spaces. People are spending more time at home, and swimming pools and hot tubs can help create a vacation oasis in the backyard. Swimming pools allow you to enjoy sun and relaxation is essential in maintaining a safe pool environment. Proper without leaving home. Swimming is excellent exercise for pool maintenance includes maintaining chemically balanced people of all ages; it works the entire body, strengthens muspool water, caring for pool hardware, and keeping the pool cles, improves cardiovascular fitness, and burns calories. The and deck area clean. Improperly balanced water damages type and size of pool you choose depends upon your needs, pool equipment and irritates skin and eyes. Test pool water budget, available space, and desired design. regularly and add the appropriate chemicals to maintain a Above-ground pools are the most economical type of proper pH balance. pool due to their ease of installation, lower cost, and low In addition to opening and closing, pool maintenance maintenance. The most popular in-ground pools are vinyl, includes skimming debris from the water’s surface, vacuumfiberglass, and concrete. Vinyl pools have concrete footings, ing debris from the pool, brushing plastic or metal frames that hold wall the pool walls, emptying skimmers, panels, plumbing, a sand base, and a and backwashing. Most pool compaheavy-duty liner. nies offer pool maintenance services Pre-molded fiberglass pools are Swimming pools, hot tubs, to save you time. These services also available in many shapes and sizes. include regular inspection of pool Fiberglass pools are lowered into a and spas promote relaxation, hole after a sand base and plumbing equipment to detect small problems are installed. Concrete pools (known before they become large issues. family time, and fun. as shotcrete or Gunite) are created by Installing a pool is a significant applying a mixture of cement, sand, investment, and there are several water, and aggregate over a steel questions you should ask when interrebar grid set in the earth. Plaster is viewing pool contractors. How many applied over the cement to complete the process. years has the company been in business under its present It’s important to decide how you want to use the pool. Do ownership? Are they bonded and insured? Will they provide you want the pool to be an architectural feature, a relaxing references from previous clients? Do they use their own staff space, or a kid-friendly zone? Will you swim laps? How big or subcontract the work? Do they offer design services? How is your yard, and how much of it do you want your pool to long is the process? These types of questions will help you occupy? Will the pool and patio fill your yard, or do you want choose the right pool company. the pool incorporated into the landscaping? If you like the idea of water in the yard, but on a smaller Zoning, building, and permit requirements need to be scale, how about a hot tub or spa? Built-in jets massage your considered before having a pool installed. Zoning concerns involve items such as setbacks, utility line proximity, fencing, muscles as you relax in soothing, warm water. Hot tubs and and depth requirements for diving boards. Some neighborspas can be portable, custom-built, or in-ground. hood associations have restrictions on pool types and require When buying a hot tub or spa, think about how much approval before installation. Knowing your pool’s purpose money you want to spend, the size that best fits within and understanding zoning requirements will help you select your space and budget, and its primary purpose (relaxation, a pool to best fulfill your needs. massaging sore muscles, socializing). Hot tubs and spas vary You should also research local safety requirements before significantly in price; more expensive models have more pool installation to protect you, your loved ones, and your technology and features. Hot tubs can last from five to 20 neighbors. For example, some areas require pools to be in years, depending upon quality and maintenance. a fenced or enclosed area that locks. Door, gate, and pool Swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas promote relaxation, alarms provide notification of someone entering the pool family time, and fun. A backyard oasis provides a place to area. Pool safety covers keep small children and animals from escape. You don’t have to leave home to feel like you’re on falling into the pool. Other safety tools include float lines, life vacation...and don’t you deserve a vacation? preservers, and pool safety hooks. Your homeowner’s insurSources for this article included: architecturelab.net, bhg.com, ance policy will also need to be updated. In addition to safety devices, regular pool maintenance bobvila.com, and homeadvisor.com. 56

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Home Works

Spring Cleaning Share the Load With the Pros!

By Anne Yankus

It has been a long winter, and many of us have spent most of it cooped up at home. Our homes could probably use a spring cleaning this year more than ever. We can tackle our personal items ourselves, but we’re better off hiring pros for our specialty cleaning, indoors and out! For indoor cleaning, you’ll want to take stock of your windows, window treatments, ducts, carpets and tile, rugs, and fireplace to see what could really use a professional cleaner’s touch. While it’s simple enough to grab a bottle of Windex and wipe off some smudgy fingerprints, remember that windows are dirtiest on the outside of your house. They can be difficult, if not dangerous, to clean, especially if your house has more than one story. A professional window washer will have the safety equipment and know-how to clean your exterior windows, doors, and screens. If you want them to do the interior panes while they’re at it, they’ll be happy to comply. For window blinds, you’ll most likely be able to tack on their cleaning to another service. If your window washers don’t clean them, a maid service can. Curtains and other trim can be taken to the dry cleaners. If you haven’t saved the care instructions that came with the drapes, the professionals at the dry cleaners will be able to help you.

Ductwork is not something that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis—in fact, it’s entirely possible that you’ve never had it done! However, if your ducts show evidence of mold, pests, or other contaminants, duct cleaning is a must, and a pro is the way to go. A professional duct cleaner can examine your ductwork and tell you exactly where and what needs to be cleaned. Professional carpet cleaning, on the other hand, should be done every year or two. Hiring a professional cleaner to steam your carpets will get things that your vacuum will normally miss. Many carpet cleaners also clean other types of flooring, including tile and hardwood. Most newer rugs can be cleaned the same way as carpets. For cleaning and repair of delicate or antique rugs, consult a rug cleaning specialist who can take care of your rug at their facility. Regular chimney cleaning is essential—it protects your home and family from home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a job that requires the special tools and training

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of a professional chimney sweep who is certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). To clean everything else inside your home, you can hire a maid service. Maid services come in two main types: professional cleaning services and independent cleaners. A service will take care of the screening, hiring, and other minutiae for you, but they tend to have high turnover, which isn’t great if you want regular service. Independent cleaners, on the other hand, are great for regular service and may be willing to do other projects around the house. Be sure to check their references! Once your interior is deep-cleaned, it’s time to head outside. Outdoor cleaning can be broken down into four main categories: yard, gutters, power washing, and lawn care. Yard cleaning will likely cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of your yard, and includes things like cleaning up leaves and debris, tree trimming, weeding, shrub pruning, and yard waste removal. If you have dogs, you could also look into pet waste removal, either for a singular post-winter cleanup or for regularly scheduled service. Gutter cleaning is a simple task, in theory, but it can be dangerous if you don’t have safe access to your roof. Professional gutter cleaners usually charge by the foot and are an excellent way to keep your gutters clean and keep you safe on the ground. You can rent a power washer, but without professional know-how, they can be hard to control or dangerous to use. Also, rental washers don’t always deliver the pressure you need to really clean your deck and siding. Spring lawn care traditionally means power raking, which is a process that removes thatch (dead rhizomes, stems, and roots) from your lawn. Experts say that power raking isn’t something you need to do every year—in fact, power raking too often can hurt your turf. If you have excess thatch and want to encourage new growth, it’s time to ask your landscaping pro to take on the task. Spring cleaning can be a chore…actually, it’s a series of chores. Why not share the load? With the right professionals, you can freshen up your home and still have time to enjoy living in it. Sources for this article included: consumerreports.org, csia.org, washingtonpost.com, and chicagotribune.com.

Brighten YOUR Month

March 1 .......................... National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day March 3 .........................National I Want You to be Happy Day March 4 ..........................................................Marching Music Day March 5 ..........................National Employee Appreciation Day March 6 ..............................................................National Dress Day March 8 ..............................................National Proofreading Day March 10 ....................................National Pack Your Lunch Day March 11 ..........................National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day March 12 ................................................. National Girl Scout Day March 13 .................................................... National Earmuff Day March 14 .................... National Learn About Butterflies Day March 15 .....................................................National Napping Day March 18 ........................... National Awkward Moments Day March 19 ...............................................National Let’s Laugh Day March 21 ................................ National Common Courtesy Day March 22 ....................................................National Goof Off Day March 27 ..................................................... National Scribble Day March 29 ..... National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day March 31 ....................................................... National Crayon Day

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View from the Top

The Grout Doctor Happy Grout, Happy House By Marge Shoemaker

It’s time for spring cleaning, and for our floors, the time can’t come soon enough! Over the winter, our floors take a beating—even when we think we’ve wiped our shoes and boots clean, we’re still tracking in snow, dirt, and salt. No problem…that’s what tile floors are for, right? Easy to sweep or vacuum up the loose dirt; easy to mop or wipe up dried surface stains. Fair enough, but what about the deep stains that show up in the grout? There’s no easy clean there. Grout needs special attention to stay in good health. That’s why you should call Frank Allen, the Grout Doctor. About 13 years ago, Frank needed a change. He’d worked in food service for several years and was tired of the long and irregular hours. He wanted a hands-on job that was satisfying and left time to spend with his growing family. He and his wife had done a lot of the work on their first home, and Frank had helped friends with many small projects. He started looking into home improvement. In 2008, he found Grout Doctor, a national franchise that had been around for 16 years. Other franchisees that he spoke with told him that Grout Doctor was a good company to work for, very supportive and helpful. “The company offered,” Frank recalls, “hands on training, guidance, and learned knowledge, all focused on acquiring the necessary skills needed for the craft.” Over the past decade with Grout Doctor, Frank has hired a few helpers, but he ultimately decided that he would rather do the work himself. “I make sure the job is done right the first time,” he declares. “No shortcuts!”You can’t be in a hurry when working with grout, he explains. It needs time to set up and dry naturally. Frank cleans the grout using a proprietary cleaning product developed by the company. The process involves application and rinsing to make sure the stains are removed. “The cleaner breaks down and removes the cause of the stain,” Frank says. “It does the work more efficiently than I could by scrubbing it. Once it’s cleaned, we can tell if additional services are needed.” Damaged or missing grout detracts from the beauty of your tiled floors. “If the damaged grout can be repaired, I’ll fix it,” Frank says, “but sometimes it’s just better to replace it.”

Frank Allen, owner Recoloring may be suggested if the grout shows traffic patterns or still looks discolored after cleaning. Frank tells us he can lighten or darken grout or even match the original color. Recoloring can give the room a new look and feel. “Generally, matching the grout color to the tile color makes a room look larger,” he comments. “It’s really about what the client wants.” Sealing the grout is also recommended to maintain a healthy grout surface. Most new tile installations don’t include sealing the grout, Frank cautions. Unsealed grout absorbs water, bacteria, and stains. Using a sealer on the grout repels moisture, prevents the growth of mold and mildew, and makes it easier to clean. Over time, floor cleaners and general usage can break down the seal. Frank recommends resealing grout every two years. Clients have many reasons for calling the Grout Doctor. Many clients call when they are getting ready to sell their house. Others call when they are remodeling. Some even call when they are planning to host a special event. All of them want their house to shine in its best light. “When the tile and grout are clean and properly sealed, your floor will shine,” Frank says. Don’t forget the shower! Grout isn’t just found between floor tiles. He advises us to use a squeegee or wipe down the walls whenever we use the shower to help prevent hard water spots and to enhance the life of the shower. “Take care of stains or spills before they soak in,” Frank says, “and seal the grout every two years.” Regular maintenance will make you and your grout happier. That’s what Frank wants! “I only ask to get paid when the job is done and the people are happy.” Call Frank Allen, the Grout Doctor, at 402-393-2565 for a free estimate.

Regular maintenance

will make you and your

grout happier. That’s what Frank wants!

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Coming In The April Issue Fresh Concepts - Landscaping Interiors by Design - Window Treatment Trends Good Health - Orthodontics Seasons of Life - Living in Place

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MPTS

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Positive Perspective

To Be a Child Again The Time is Now!

By Janet Van deWalle

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old;

we grow old because we stop playing.” —George Bernard Shaw When was the last time you had fun? I mean, a lot of fun—like the fun you had playing when you were a child? Was it this week? This month? This year? Having fun, playing, is something that I think a lot of us have stuck away in a corner over the last year. Everyone has so much on their plates. It seems like so much work just to get through the day, much less have time to play! “When you’re free, you can play, and when you’re playing, you become free.” —Heidi Kaduson

Losing touch with our inner child is something that a lot of us do when we become capital-A Adults, but that inner child is still there! Our inner child still wants to be hugged, played with, taken care of, remembered. “How would you nurture her if you were the mother of little you?” —Kris Carr

I’ve been listening to Louise Hay’s Evening Meditation, and part of the process is to reconnect with your inner child. She has you visualize hugging that child, taking care of that child, supporting that child. It’s been an interesting journey. I realized that I’ve been disconnected from her for some time. The Adult in me disregarded her. The Adult in me felt she wasn’t that important in my life. The Adult in me thought I didn’t have time to play.

“Caring for your inner child has a powerful and surprisingly quick result: Do it and the child heals.” —Martha Beck

I’m not going to say that I’m there yet, but I’m on my way. I was never taught about taking care of my inner child. I don’t know if any of us were. Over the years, playing is something that I have watched children do. I enjoyed it. I loved their squeals of joy. But I never thought about my inner child. “Love yourself as if you are the most precious thing in the world. Because you are.” —Laurel Bleadon-Mattei

I am coming to the conclusion that it is vitally important to take care of ourselves and that our inner child is a part of who we are. If we can’t play, laugh, and experience joy in our lives, then what is the point? “The basis of life is absolute freedom. The purpose of life is absolute joy. The outcome of life is absolute growth.” —Abraham/Hicks

I think I got stuck on the growth part and forgot all about the joy part. When we lose the child in us, we lose ourselves. It’s time to take care of her! “Hold the hand of the child that lives in your soul. For this child, nothing is impossible.” —Paulo Coelho

A Few Words From One Of Our Advertisers: “I began advertising with Women’s Edition starting with the November 2019 issue and I have been thrilled with the results! I’ve had numerous new clients come to the gallery because they saw my ads in Women’s Edition, even as I’ve been working by appointment in recent months due to the pandemic. Most had never been to downtown Ralston, where I’m located, so introducing them to our town and what we have to offer has been another benefit! The advertising has resulted not only in sales, but also in new followers on my social media platforms and new newsletter subscribers. Together with their outstanding customer service and sales results, advertising with Women’s Edition has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made for my business. Thank you, Women’s Edition!” —Debra Joy Groesser

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