10.14.21 Health Matters by Orange Observer

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INNER STRENGTH October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Winter Garden resident Calvin Sanders continues to be a source of inspiration for his parents, Angel and Brian. Calvin is a senior at West Orange High School, and he also is a multisport athlete for the Special Olympics. Pages 6-8.

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The dish on fish Fish is an excellent source of Vitamin D, and Floridians have the added benefit of living in the Sunshine State. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

“We have no problem listening to our bodies when we have to pee, we need water, we need to breathe, we need to sleep — but struggle big time when our bodies tell us we need food.” Haylee Shelton, Hope•full Nutrition

On her Instagram page, Haylee Shelton shares photos of food, recipes and motivational phrases — all while promoting herself as an “anti-diet” dietitian dedicated to helping people form a positive relationship with food. The Winter Garden resident is a licensed dietitian and registered dietitian nutritionist and wants to share the knowledge she has gained in her career. Her business, Hope•Full Nutrition, was founded upon the belief there is room for all foods in a healthy diet. Of course, protein is an important component, and one of the best sources is fish. “It depends on the specific type of fish, but, in a general sense, there’s an abundant amount of protein in there, and it’s going to be the leaner protein,” Shelton said. “And there’s a substantial amount of fat, but it’s the healthy kind of fat.” This fatty acid, called omega-3, promotes cardiovascular and brain health, and it has a positive effect on skin, hair and nails, Shelton said. It also can lower cholesterol and blood pressure. “Another benefit I feel is not talked about enough is Vitamin D, and that’s really important, because it’s only found in a handful of foods,” she said. “Luckily, living in Florida, we get plenty of it from the sun. … It’s good for bone health

and the immune system, which is a very hot topic right now.” Although she is a Floridian, Shelton said she isn’t a fan of basic fish recipes. “My philosophy in all things food-related is go what works for you,” she said. “If the only way you can eat fish is to dump a bunch of seasoning on it or dip it in sauces, then go for it.”

RECIPES WITH A FALL/WINTER VIBE EASY TUNA SALAD SANDWICH From Calla Ramont, of callascleaneats.com INGREDIENTS 1 can tuna (MSC certified) 2 tablespoons avocado oil mayo 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt 1/3 apple (diced) 2 tablespoons pecans (chopped) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste

A JOURNEY TO HEALTHY

Shelton, now 27, said she became interested in health and nutrition and started exercising in high school but realized it was turning into an unhealthy obsession. As a teenager, she started seeing a nutritionist and fell in love with a healthy way of eating and living — and this led to her studying nutrition in college. “I try to preach all things in moderation,” she said. “I’m not the kind of dietitian who is going to slap a doughnut out of your hand; I’m probably going to eat one with you. Everyone always says, ‘It’s all about balance, it’s all about moderation.’ It sounds cliché, but it’s true.” Shelton offers a course on intuitive eating, which helps folks understand the general concept of listening to their body and finding a healthy balance. She also works with clients in weight management, disordered eating, chronic disease and general nutrition. “You don’t want to eat only healthy things; you want to eat your favorite foods, but you want to be mindful of what you’re eating,” Shelton said. “And it’s about finding your sweet spot in the middle.”

MAPLE GLAZED SHEET PAN SALMON WITH CITRUS Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes Marinating: 1 hour | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: Three From Matt Ivan of Plating Pixels INGREDIENTS 1/8 cup pecans 1/2 cup real maple syrup 2 teaspoons orange zest 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

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1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1 pound fresh, wild-caught salmon fillet 1 orange, sliced

METHOD n Toast pecans over medium-high heat, stirring often until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool, chop and set aside. n In a small bowl, stir together maple syrup, orange zest, rosemary, salt and pumpkin pie spice. n Pour mixture over salmon in a shallow baking dish. Marinate in fridge 1 to 4 hours, rotating halfway. n Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place salmon on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet skin side down. Discard extra marinade and top salmon with orange slices. Bake 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until center is cooked and meat flakes with a fork. n Top with roasted pecans and salt to taste if needed. Serve immediately. NOTES n To save time, you can skip marinating and simply pour glaze over salmon then roast, but it won’t be as flavorful. n Roasting on foil or parchment makes for easy cleanup. Discard it after roasting and give baking sheet a light clean. n Try adding veggies to bake at the same time as the salmon, such as asparagus, tomato, zucchini, cauliflower or broccoli.

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METHOD n Drain tuna and empty can into a medium-sized bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. n Enjoy on sourdough bread for a delicious sandwich, on top of a salad, in lettuce cups, with crackers, or even on its own.

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PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

Describe your earliest memory of going to the doctor. My earliest memories of the dentist are painful. That’s why I try so hard not to give young people the same experience I had. Who are some of your most important influences and role models, and why? The most important role model in my life was definitely my father. My father was a really cool guy; he enjoyed every moment of life to the fullest. He was a dental technician. He was born in Grenada. He lived in England and finally settled in Canada, where I was born.

Dr. Andre Baptiste Dr. Andre Baptiste has practiced orthodontics for nearly two decades, but there’s more to him than his medical degree. He loves to spend time in the kitchen cooking his favorite meals with ingredients obtained from hunting, fishing or harvesting from his “food forest,” which is his backyard garden. His favorite meal to cook is Thai curry wild boar. He goes by the name andrethefarmer on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, and he invites the community to follow him, as he posts useful tips on what plants are good to grow in this area and shares some of the amazing uses for them.

What are your hobbies? How do you relax? I have tons of hobbies — gardening, fishing, bowhunting, golf, basketball, table tennis.

When did you first decide you wanted to become a doctor? Probably in my early 20s. At first, it was just a curiosity, but once I learned more, it became a passion. What is your medical specialty, and how did you choose this? I chose orthodontics because it is a very stress-free way to improve the lives of large numbers of people. What are some of the advancements in your particular specialty about which you are particularly excited? Clear aligners and digital scanners make treating patients so much more simple and effective. Each of our three offices has the latest digital scanning technology. The digital scans allow us to diagnose orthodontic problems and develop the best treatment plans. We are able to show patients the current state of their teeth and then the final result based on the digital scan. Digital scans allow us to do away with messy, uncomfortable impressions. We are one of the leading providers of clear aligners in the country. The use of aligners is the clear and simple alternative to braces. It’s a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth as you wear them. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth. Clear aligner treatment

Courtesy photo

tends to have faster results than traditional braces. This type of treatment is perfect for people who do not want the look of traditional braces and need quick results. This also allows the patient to have better control over their oral health during their orthodontic treatment because they can remove their aligners to eat and brush their teeth. What is the most rewarding aspect of your work? Seeing people change as their teeth change is very rewarding. What do you love most about serving patients in the West Orange community? It’s the people; we have such a diverse and friendly community. I think it’s because most of the people here are from somewhere else, so they have the courtesy and respect of a guest.

CHECK-UP Practice: Baptiste Orthodontics has three locations, including one in Windermere, at 8907 Conroy-Windermere Road, Orlando; Baptiste Dentistry for Kids has a location in Apopka Specialty: Orthodontics Years in practice: 19 years Education: Dr. Baptiste received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Canadian University and completed his residency in general dentistry and received a certificate in orthodontics at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

What are some of your favorite TV shows or movies? Top three favorite movies of all time: “Kung Fu Hustle,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Princess Bride.” What are some of your favorite local restaurants or cuisines? I like to cook, but if it’s a special occasion, I love the Chef’s Table in Winter Garden. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three books would you want with you? “The Selfish Gene,” “Guns, Germs and Steel” and The Dark Tower series by Stephen King What are you most proud of in your personal life? My two sons. Weston is 18 and currently a freshman at Georgia Tech on a track scholarship. Lincoln is 16 and a sophomore in high school. — AMY QUESINBERRY

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Pure cold At Winter Garden’s Cryo Sculpt, owners Tracey Sartini and Michele Crouse utilize cryotechnology to offer a variety of wellness treatments. JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Winter Garden business is improving the health and well-being of its clients through cryotechnology. Cryo Sculpt offers noninvasive, FDA approved treatments including pain management, cellulite reduction, hair rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction. Owners Tracey Sartini and her sister, Michele Crouse, first learned of the techniques while volunteering for a Zoom tutorial. “Because of COVID, (the distributor) couldn’t do faceto-face training, so they needed people to come in as models,” said Sartini, who, at the time, was furloughed from her hotel and convention sales job. “We got such great results, I had to come up with a new career, and Michele was also looking, so we said, ‘Ok, let’s buy a machine and start a wellness business.’” The cryotherapy device relieves joint and muscle pain by concentrating an ice cold spray of food grade CO2 on the areas where treatment is required. Blood vessels respond to the cold by constructing, then dilating as they warm. This allows oxygenated

blood to flow into the affected areas and promote healing. The process also works much faster than conventional methods. “If you were to use an ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for two hours, we can get the same results in a 90-second spray on a targeted area,” Sartini said. The technology also can reshape areas of the body by non evasively freezing fat cells which then break down without damaging the body. And the spray can be applied to wrinkles, scars and acne to promote smoothing and healing, as well as promoting hair growth by stimulating follicles. Sartini and Crouse started Cryo Sculpt Sept. 17, 2020, as a mobile business. Sartini estimates they accumulated 180 to 185 regular clients within the first six months. In January, they moved into their office at 31 S. Main St., Suite 6, where they currently schedule sessions for more than 500 clients. In April, they expanded into a neighboring office to offer compression therapy with a Normatech device; leg, arm and torso fittings that fill, via an air compressor, and act as a pump to promote the movement of fluids causing inflammation. “It helps get rid of lactic acid in the area we’re treating,” Crouse said of the system. “It helps get any water retention or fluid buildup

Photos by Jim Carchidi

Michele Crouse assists Sandra Frye with compression therapy boot fittings. The boots are helping Fry by reducing the swelling from a knew injury.

moving through the lymphatic system.” Cryo Sculpt treatments also aid other forms of therapy. “What we do is get rid of inflammation, which makes it easier for (chiropractors and massage therapists) to get into the areas they need to work on, and they get better results,” Sartinisaid. Cryo Sculpt will be partnering in this way with a new StretchLab location, which is opening in Ocoee later this year. In addition to their permanent location, Sartini and Crouse also still utilize their mobile business model. They offer wrinkle reduction, body sculpting and facials for home parties, business events and bridal parties.

And Cryo Sculpt also helps newcomers to the cryotherapy industry with training sessions. “Not only are we running the business, (but also) we’re constantly training other new owners across the United States,” Sartini said. “We let them train in our facility with us, we clear it with our clients first, so they can actually see how it’s run and how the clients take to it.” Sartini and Crouse leave the door open for additional expansion and new wellness offerings, but Sartini said they have every intention of staying in Winter Garden. “We are local,” she said “We love the downtown traffic, and there’s not really a wellness spot in the area. Our goal is to be the wellness spot in Winter Garden.”

Michele Crouse hooks a cryotherapy device up to a tank of food grade CO2 in the Cryo Sculpt office.

IF YOU GO CRYO SCULPT 31 S. Main St., Suite 4 and 6, Winter Garden PHONE: (321) 946-9198 WEBSITE: Cryo-Sculpt.com

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THE LUCKY FEW October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. For local families with children with Down syndrome, it’s a month of celebration and inspiration. A BABY FIRST

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

inter Garden resident Angel Sanders said her son Calvin’s diagnosis of Down syndrome

when he was born isn’t something that has ever held him back. If anything, it has made him stronger. Angel and her husband, Brian, thought they would never be able to have children together. Then one day, they were given a miracle. “I was shocked,” Angel said of the moment she learned she was pregnant. “The doctors said there was one, and then there was two, and suddenly, there was three. After that, I just laughed.” Angel gave birth to triplets March 21, 2004. Although all three babies were healthy, Angel soon learned what the doctors had suspected: One of the babies had Down syndrome. “It didn’t matter to me if he had Down syndrome or not,” Angel said. “This is what God gave me, so this is what I’m going to do. There’s a reason He gave me this.”

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Dr. Lynda Pollack, a pediatric geneticist with Orlando Health who also helped to start a special clinic within the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, said she was first interested in Down syndrome when she attended medical school at New York University. “One of the most important things to remember when educating the general public is that children with Down syndrome are babies first,” Pollack said. “I don’t like using Down syndrome as an adjective, because it’s not a ‘Down syndrome child.’ It’s a ‘baby or a child with Down syndrome.’” Pollack said many mothers worry about what they did wrong when their child has the extra chromosome. However, that usually happens even before conception. Angel said her doctors suspected Calvin to have Down syndrome even before he was born because of calcifications on his heart and a smaller nasal passage.

are neyc d i k @ kccf om · a c . a d i r o l F www.KidneyCareCentral

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition. About 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the U.S. each year. Pollack said one thing she likes to do is meet with parents before the baby is born, or right at birth, because it’s important to celebrate the birth. She said it is natural for some parents to feel disappointed, because they were hoping for a healthy baby. However, she treats the birth as a celebration. “The important thing is to get the parents and the children involved immediately,” Pollack said. “We hook new mothers up with parents who understand what they are going through.” Because of the risks associated with having triplets, Angel had many tests throughout her pregnancy. Doctors and friends advised her to run an official test to detect the Down syndrome — or to get a selective reduction. Angel refused. “That’s not an option,” she told her doctor. “I don’t want you to bring it up again. If they’re not meant to be, then they won’t be,

DOWN DISCOVERY According to the National Down Syndrome Society, it wasn’t until 1866 that John Langdon Down, an English physician, published an accurate description of a person with Down syndrome. Although other people had previously recognized the characteristics of the syndrome, it was Down who described the condition as a distinct and separate entity.

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Annabelle Sikes

Calvin Sanders trains at CrossFit Winter Garden.

but it’s not my choice. It’s in God’s hands.” POWER PLAYER

Almost 18 years later, Calvin is thriving. He attends West Orange High School as a senior with his two identical twin brothers, Ashton and Bryce. He also has an older brother, Devin Rogers.

His favorite subject at school is art, he wants to be a singer, he loves Green Arrow, he wants another tattoo when he turns 18, he is a huge part of the Special Olympics, and he can bring a smile to anyone’s face. His family says he is kind and intelligent beyond his years. Calvin started with Special Olympics about 10 years ago and participates in track, swimming,

football, bowling, power lifting and more. He will even be part of the 2022 Special Olympic Games in basketball. The Sanders family stays active, and they are members of the CrossFit in Winter Garden off Carter Road. Here, Calvin gets to practice one of his favorite sports — power lifting. Calvin began power lifting two years ago and now can deadlift 245 pounds, bench press 170 pounds and back squat 235 pounds. He does all of this while also overcoming Hidradenitis, a condition that occurs when the skin rubs together, causing small and painful lumps to form under the skin. This can be made worse when he sweats during his exercise. “I get upset when I hear people say, ‘Oh God, I’m so sorry,’ when they find out I have a child with Down syndrome, but over the years I’ve grown to know it’s just their ignorance and that they don’t realize what they’re saying is offensive,” Angel said. “It’s not a curse or something to be sorry about. You should be saying, ‘You’re so lucky’ because there are so many times in Calvin’s lifetime that I just look at him and I feel like to have a child like him, you’ve got to be a great person. I wonder all the time what we did to deserve someone as amazing as him.” CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The month aims to raise public awareness about the condition and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Although people with Down syndrome still face stereotypes and myths, they have shown the condi-

OCTOBER 2021

Annabelle Sikes

Lila and Kristopher Phanouvong utilize programs the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida offers.

tion is only a small part of who they are, and it doesn’t define them or limit their abilities. Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida Executive Director Heather Barnes said October is the time to educate the community and demystify what it’s like to have a loved one with Down syndrome. “Our participants with Down syndrome are children, siblings, neighbors, friends or co-workers — first and foremost,” Barnes said. “We use this month to celebrate that individuals with Down syndrome are more alike, than different, to their typical peers.” Barnes said the association provides families with educational programs, such as Potty Training Basics, American Sign Language and Special Reads for Special Needs. It specializes in supporting social and emotional health through play groups and social clubs, and also offers support

groups for mothers, fathers and siblings. Winter Garden residents Lila and Kristopher Phanouvong participate in the association’s offerings. Lila found out Kristopher had Down syndrome before he was born. “When I found out, I was scared,” Lila said. “We were worried he was going to have a lot of health problems. I remember thinking, ‘Are we going to be able to give him a good life?’” Eight years later, Kristopher and his mom are closer than ever. Lila began homeschooling Kristopher after the pandemic began. She said although it is difficult, one-onone education time works better for the way Kristopher learns. Kristopher is also part of The Lighthouse School in Winter GarSEE PAGE 8

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den, an enrichment program that offers non-graded, non-credit weekly classes in all subject areas to supplement homeschool education. Kristopher also attends several therapy programs, including speech and physical therapy. “He has to work harder than the ‘typical’ kid his age, and he still gets looks from people that can tell he looks different, but he never lets that get him down,” Lila said. “He lights up every room.” Kristopher loves his family, music, the color pink, games, being silly and the KidStrong program he attends in Windermere. KidStrong is a child development training center focused on brain, physical and character development. Here, Kristopher gets to run, jump, roll and complete unique obstacle courses. Angel and Lila both said it is important for their sons to stay active. LIVING INSPIRATIONS

Angel said she tries to let Calvin be independent and that, in a lot of ways, he is. She said although it is sometimes difficult, anything Calvin’s brothers want to do, she can’t tell Calvin not to do, and she must at least let him try. Calvin taught her this lesson when he was little. Angel said when the boys were younger, they had bunk beds and they were worried about Calvin being on the top bunk in case he fell when he was climbing the ladder. She said she and Brian told him no. But he taught himself and proved he could do things just like his brothers. “I push him to do whatever he wants to do and whatever he’s capable of doing,” Angel said. At school, Calvin participates in a work program through which he leaves for a few hours a day to go to different sites such as Party City, Macaroni Grill or Bealls. Pollack said some children who have Down syndrome do well immediately, while others take longer to adjust. She said the difference in development now, as opposed to 20 or 30 years ago, is they push the children to be the best they can be.

“ … so many times in Calvin’s lifetime that I just look at him and I feel like to have a child like him, you’ve got to be a great person. I wonder all the time what we did to deserve someone as amazing as him.” — Angel Sanders

“These strong individuals are now graduating college and fulfilling their dreams,” Pollack said. “It used to be, ‘Will they be able to go to school?’ and, ‘Will they even be able to complete grade school?’” Angel said her son’s heart continues to inspire her. “With any child, you have your challenges, but as far as Calvin goes, the benefits of having him outweigh the challenges by a million,” Angel said. Just as Calvin inspires him family, Kristopher inspires his. Kristopher’s older sister, Kristin, who was the valedictorian of West Orange High School in 2017, started the Buddy Walk in 2016 where the National Honor Society for the school walks for Down syndrome. Calvin wears his challenges proudly on his wrists, with two dark tattoos that decorate his skin. On his right wrist, he has ‘The Lucky Few” symbol, a phrase taken from Heather Avis’ book, “The Lucky Few: Finding God’s Best in the Most Unlikely Places.” It has quickly become the descriptor of choice for many who have a family member with Down syndrome. On his left wrist, Calvin has the “He is Greater Than I” symbol. The tattoo is based off the Bible verse John 3:30, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” “For Calvin, it has never been about, ‘Can I do it?’” Brian said. “I see his willpower and determination, and it inspires me to be better. I think it can inspire us all to be better.”

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Worth the

WEIGHT Contrary to popular belief, cardio isn’t the only exercise regimen that can help you lose weight. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

If you’ve been looking for an effective way to lose weight but are not sure how to start, weight training may be the way to go, studies say. A recent study from Iowa showed one to two hours a week of weight training could diminish the chances of becoming obese by as much as 20% when paired with proper diet and consistent exercise. Of course, there are many other benefits of exercising, including improved brain function, an improved mood, and slowed aging by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the skin. CSH Fitness has been working to provide these benefits to West Orange since it opened in March. The gym, owned by Joe Walsh and Anna Hunt, started online and gained more than 100 clients before its physical location opened. The gym has been taking in-person clients since June and also includes a nutrition program for clients. Walsh, Hunt and trainer Christine Kuzminski started together at Fitness Bunker in

Chautauqua County, New York, before moving to the area. They say they emphasize weight training because of the added benefits it provides. “With cardio, you’re only burning calories while you’re doing it,” Kuzminski said. “With weight training, you’re burning both calories and fat even after you’re done. We try to keep things balanced, because cardio is not the only thing you should be doing.” Walsh agreed, saying increasing one’s muscle mass leads to a better metabolism. “If you’re a bigger, muscled person, you’d be able to burn more calories just by sitting down,” Walsh said. “All of that can be done simply by increasing your muscle mass.” The program the gym offers is built around some core exercises. While the trainers tailor workouts to suit the needs of the client, the structure and exercise types follow the program. Each workout revolves around four basic exercises: Push-ups or any kind of a push exercises; a squat of some kind; a pull; and a hip hinge. This approach makes it so anyone can start and get into the program quickly, and CSH trainers

IF YOU GO

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Trainer Christine Kuzminski, left, and CSH Fitness owners Joe Walsh and Anna Hunt work to tailor training to each client.

said a primary goal is to help women learn to lift. “It’s important for women especially to learn how to lift weights,” Kuzminski said. Unlike some gyms that have monthly fees or contracts, CSH is unique because Walsh and Hunt don’t put the prices for personal training packages on the website. They say they prefer to have show their value rather than create in notions in the minds of clients. “They come in, they see what we have to offer, and then we go from there,” Walsh said. “That way people can see exactly what we do and decide if we’re the place for them.

So far, it’s worked out pretty (well). Our numbers are strong.” Walsh and Hunt are looking to expand to more locations as they continue to build their reputation in the community. They are eyeing possible locations in Windermere and Horizon West but are excited about the chance to grow with the community. “We want to grow with the area and be a place for people to get personalized training,” Walsh said. “We see a lot of potential as the Oakland-Winter Garden area grows, and we want to be part of that.”

CSH FITNESS 15504 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Winter Garden PHONE: (716) 257-8480 FACEBOOK: facebook. com/CSH.Fitness. WinterGarden/ NO GYM? NO PROBLEM! Even if you don’t currently have a gym membership or are just looking for an easy way to get a quick workout in, there are plenty of body-weight exercises you can do at home. Some of those include push-ups, sit-ups or crunches, burpees, squats, lunges, leg raises, glute bridges, and more.

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FINANCIAL HEALTH

Managing the cost of college Parents and their children should work together to create a plan to pay for college. JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

balanced budget is as vital to fiscal well-being as a balanced diet is to physical health. But for many households, the balance is tipped by the cost of higher education. According to EducationData. org, the price of attending college has tripled in the last 20 years. The average currently stands at $35,720 per student, per year, with the average undergraduate student loan debt at $36,635. The need for financial planning is crucial, and the first step toward any savings plan is determining how much should be put away. According to Bruce Young, a Clermont-based financial adviser with Edward Jones, timing is everything. “If you start saving at the birth of a child and you wanted to cover a full ride for Florida in-state tuition, books, and room and board, it’s about $400 a month,” he said. “If you start later, the amount goes up.” But don’t be discouraged by the numbers — or even if your your child is out of diapers by the time you start saving. The most important thing is to start. However, as with any college assignment, research is key. THE 529

“In Florida, there’s two ways to save,” Young said. “One is to purchase the college savings plan from the state. The other is to invest in a 529.” A Florida Prepaid College Plan locks in prices and allows families to prepay future costs in a lump sum or on a monthly basis. Costs specified in the chosen plan will be covered at any Florida college or university. Funds also can be used at out-of-state schools and trade schools, but total coverage may depend on the state. “With the college savings plans, there is more reciprocity between states than ever,” Young said. “But it is dependent on one state agreeing to honor another state’s plan. Also, there is a promise to cover the cost of college expenses based on the agreed price of the plan.” A 529 is a savings plan with an investment portfolio that can be

“With the college savings plans, there is more reciprocity between states than ever. But it is dependent on one state agreeing to honor another state’s plan. Also, there is a promise to cover the cost of college expenses based on the agreed price of the plan.” Bruce Young, Edward Jones

aggressive or conservative, based on the amount of time you have to save. Earnings growth and withdrawals are tax free, providing they are used for qualified education expenses. Funds can be used for any level of higher education, as well as for colleges out-of-state and abroad. “Investments go in, and the outcome is based on how the markets perform and behave,” Young said of the 529 plan. “Just like with retirement accounts, the longer the time horizon you have the more predictable the outcomes become.” ORDER OF OPERATIONS

Many parents also face somewhat of a tug-of-war between saving for college and retirement. For that predicament, Young offers some familiar advice that may seem out of context: “If you’re on an airplane in a rough spot, and the oxygen masks drop down in front of you, and you’re next to a young child, do you remember what the staff would say at that point?” Although the scenario is different, the rule is the same: If you are not taking care of yourself, you cannot help anyone else, including your child. “You only get one shot at retirement; college kids have options,” said Young. “They can work, they can borrow money and have years to pay it off. So, I encourage people to focus on yourself first, because you don’t want your child to have to save you.” LIFE LESSONS

Balancing the budget while saving for college may seem difficult, but balancing a budget with student loan debt is a growing burden that needs to be considered by the ones who will bear it. Students need to be as involved in the financial side of college as they are in the academics. “A good rule of thumb is, the amount of debt you take on for school shouldn’t exceed one year of income of the job that you’re pursuing,” Young said. However, regardless of academic success, the job market may not be as stable after graduation as it was during enrollment. And any opportunity to offset the need to borrow should be taken. Access to grants and scholarships can make the difference between manageable debt and years of payments, and high school guidance offices are the best resources to start navigating the options. But the most obvious financial solution also will provide the greatest preparation for life after college. “What I find is a lot of kids don’t work at all,” Young said. “They’re focused on their academics, they’re focused on after school activities, and all that is great. I just think they’re missing out on, not only the earnings, but the work experiences will help guide them in terms of what they want to do with their life.” Even if financial pitfalls occur during college, the option to work is always there. And avoiding debt by earning experience is financial, and professional advice worth taking. “There’s no hurry to get through school,” Young said. “You just want to get through it and, hopefully, come out and say, ‘This is the career I want to have.’”

HEALTH MATTERS

OrangeObserver.com

BRAINF

OCTOBER 2021

The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.

Fear Factors I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher Sure, we all know what it’s like to have the daylights scared out of us. We’ve have that freak-out moment — whether from a hidden snake in the backyard, a giant cockroach in the bedroom or, gulp, a lost wallet, retainer or set of keys. But did you know all of the physiological things that happen to us — increased heart rate, sweating, goosebumps — actually have a purpose? In honor of the annual scare season known as Halloween, we sat down with Dr. Tamika S. Haynes-Robinson, a neuropsychologist with Orlando Health Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Institute. Haynes-Robinson uses cognitive rehabilitation to treat patients with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s, dementia and multiple sclerosis. She also provides psychotherapy using cognitive behavioral therapy to care for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders and pain management needs. And yeah, she’s also an expert on fear.

HEART RATE AND BLOOD

BRAIN

The amygdala — an almond-shaped cluster located in the temporal lobes of the cerebrum — is responsible for processing emotional responses. Think of it as the conductor of the symphony that is your body. When you get scared or are confronted by a threat of some kind, it triggers your survival mechanism — known as a fight or flight response — in the amygdala. When this happens, the amygdala contacts the hypothalamus, which tells your adrenal glands to give you a dose of adrenaline. All of your senses and systems in the body are directed toward one purpose — survive.

When you are scared, your heart rate and blood pressure increases, which helps the body direct blood away from the central core of the body to the extremities, Haynes-Robinson says. All of this is meant to give you a heightened level of control and the best chance at either confronting or escaping the threat.

SWEATING

The sweat your body releases when you are scared is actually different than the sweat it produces from exercise or heat. And it actually includes a chemical pheromone that smells different. So, yep, dogs — and maybe even humans — actually can smell fear.

BREATHING

As you receive that instant burst of adrenaline, your breathing will accelerate, which will help your body receive more oxygen to allow it to respond properly to the threat.

GASTROINTENSTINAL

Yep, you literally can have the poop and pee scared out of you. When you are in a fight or flight response, the gastrointestinal system in your gut can experience sudden and involuntary spasms, which can cause unexpected urination and bowel movements, Haynes-Robinson says.

WEAK KNEES

Ever heard of “playing possum?” Well, weak knees is your body’s way of doing just that. When your knees feel weak, it forces you to freeze. It’s a survival strategy, with the goal of avoiding detection. In extreme cases, a person actually can pass out because of fear. “The body says, ‘You know what? I’m out!’” Haynes-Robinson says.

GOOSEBUMPS AND HAIR

Often, the adrenaline rush from fear can cause goosebumps, which occur when the muscles attached to the base of hair follicles contract. Goosebumps also make your hair stand on your arms or the back of your neck stand on end. In other mammals, this reaction also serves as protection against predators. For instance, when a cat is scared, its hair standing on end can make it appear bigger and thus deterring the potential threat.

Thrill-Seekers

With Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and other attractions all within driving distance, Central Florida is perfect for anyone who craves the feeling of fear. And then there are others who can’t fathom why someone would pay money to walk through a darkened, dilapidated haunted house.

Haynes-Robinson says it’s not about the fear itself but rather what comes after it. “They are craving the side effect,” she says. “You get a rush after you survive it.” It can make you feel superhuman, Haynes-Robinson says, and can be quite rewarding.

Illustration by Lindsay Cannizzaro // Senior Graphic Designer

HEALTH MATTERS

OCTOBER 2021

OrangeObserver.com