Healthy Living March 2015

TOP 5% FOR PATIENT SAFETY NATIONWIDE.

Recognition for Leesburg Regional Medical Center continues to grow. HealthGradesTM has awarded the hospital its 2014 Patient Safety Excellence Award. The distinction places Leesburg Regional within the top 5% of all hospitals in the U.S. for its excellent performance in safeguarding patients from serious, potentially preventable complications during their hospital stays. And while we’re undeniably proud of the recognition, we’re most proud to provide our community with the highest quality of care, year after year.

LeesburgRegional.org

Swelling, discoloration and pain in the lower extremity, all symptoms of Venous Insufficiency, are serious indicators of a potentially limb-threatening, even life-threatening condition. Samantha had all three of them and missing a dance at her daughter’s wedding was the least of her worries. ICE was there to help. Our vein care team located the four damaged veins that were causing her problems and treated them. Six months later, Samantha got rave reviews for her fox trot at her baby’s wedding.

As a health care organization, our promise to deliver quality patient care depends upon our dedicated and compassionate staff. This is why we place great importance on our employee recognition programs; we want our employees to know how much they are valued. In 2014, we introduced a program that rewarded three employees who maintained perfect attendance for the entire year: Bill Hargrove, Sandy Spotts-Hafer and Deb Gehrke. Their commitment to our patients and to their fellow colleagues is exemplified in everything they do, starting with their perfect attendance record. At Promise, we want to let our employees know that:

WE SEE YOU MAKING THE EXTRA EFFORT AND WE APPRECIATE IT.

COSMETIC OFFERS

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“Dr. Goldey was wonderful. My eyes have never felt this open before! I really do wish I had opted for the surgery earlier, I would suggest this surgery to anyone.” —Beatrice, 66

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WRITER: MONISHA VASA, M.D. SYNERGY

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WRITER: GREG FRESCOLN

When you’re broke and unemployed, you cannot be picky. Take this job and love it.

WRITER: DAVE RAMSEY

WINDFALL

Big bucks are waiting to be found.

WRITER: B.E. CONRAD

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Melissa was right to be concerned about her husband. Family history is a primary contributor to a person’s overall cardiovascular health. It’s never too early to ask your doctor for an assessment. Never too soon to ask for recommendations to help. The good news, after a thorough workup at ICE, their cardiologists were able to determine that his heart was in good shape. His cholesterol was high but it was manageable through medication. Melissa’s heart felt as if a great weigh had been removed from it.

RESPECT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL

Reality TV makes the most challenging projects look easy, but not everyone can become a skilled do-it-yourselfer.

I know. My past is full of botched projects: unfinished tree houses, badly hung doors, unrestored cars, wobbly ceiling fans, door knobs that don’t turn, unplanted gardens …

That guy on TV may be faster than a squirt of WD40, stronger than a vise grip and able to leap tall compost heaps in a single bound, but some of us have no business being around power tools.

We just don’t have the Bob Villa chromosome. So we hire professionals to perform jobs we know we can’t handle.

I wasn’t always so smart.

I shudder when I think of the times the jack slipped while I was working on a clunker.

I curse myself when I think of times I touched wires while changing a light fixture, replacing an electrical outlet or hanging a ceiling fan.

I instinctively rub my knee when I remember the glass pane that broke and jabbed my knee when I was removing an old window. No more. I won’t even

think about taking on a project if there’s even a hint of danger. My life is finally worth more than a few bucks I might save.

I stopped trying to be Mr. Fix-It after Terry’s accident.

Terry and I both tackled projects we would have paid someone else to do if we had been swimming in money. Unfortunately, we weren’t even in a wading pool when it came to our incomes.

But he was a better tackler than I was. Terry actually completed jobs. And they were done right. Of course, he had an advantage l lacked. Terry had muscles on top of muscles. He bench pressed massive amounts of weight each night.

While mere mortals needed heat and pry bars to bend metal, Terry used his hands. While we used dollies to move refrigerators and stoves, Terry just bent his knees, hugged the appliance and carried it off.

Terry was a good do-ityourselfer. He was smart, patient and strong. And he was mechanically inclined.

I don’t think he ever paid anyone to work on his vehicles, so I didn’t think twice when Terry mentioned

he was going to change brakes on his car. And no, he didn’t need my help.

Terry was under the front end of his car when it slipped off the scissor jack and pinned him. His wife found him. Terry was pronounced dead in his backyard. He was 37. He left a wife and two small children.

I don’t know why Terry didn’t use a heavy jack and blocks to hold up his car. He usually did.

Terry’s death taught me you have to respect the project, the tools you use and the laws of nature. It doesn’t matter how smart, skilled or strong you are. One shortcut can maim or kill you.

Please take a moment to read our interview with Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini. It will open your eyes to the reality of being a do-it-yourselfer.

By all means, learn to do things yourself. But start with projects you can handle. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

And wear safety goggles, respirators, gloves, knee guards, earplugs, steel-toe safety boots — whatever the job calls for. Know what your tools are capable of and never push them beyond their limits.

Work in clean, uncluttered and well-lit spaces. Everyone should experience the thrill of completing a project, but don’t forget that success doesn’t happen by accident.

High-Tech Health Care

Dr. Jorge Florin started his surgical practice in August 1991, covering the west Orange County and south Lake County communities. Over the years, the practice grew into what is now Mid-Florida Surgical Associates. The practice currently has two offices: one in Ocoee and one in Clermont.

Our surgeons’ hard work and dedication to the communities they serve, as well as the continued recognition of these efforts, have helped build Mid-Florida Surgical Associates into a highly regarded practice.

Dr. Florin’s primary interests include laparoscopic surgery, including laparoscopic hernia repair, bowel resections and appendectomies; breast cancer care, including stereotactic biopsies and sentinel node dissections; and thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Dr. Florin is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has served as chief of surgery and chief of staff at Health Central, was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Health Central from 2005 to 2009 by Gov. Jeb Bush and reappointed by Gov. Charlie Crist. He is a member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, the Lake Sumter Medical Society and the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Florin was also recognized by his peers as one of “Orlando’s Premier Doctors” in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Dr. Florin is married to Tami Florin and together they have six children. He enjoys playing tennis, traveling and spending time with family.

MY KIND OF DIY PROJECTS

I never thought of myself as a do-ityourself kind of person. I have been more of a find-someone-who-can-do-it for-me kinda gal. I leave that to my husband, Joe, to handle.

I do appreciate small projects like changing the paint color in a room, redecorating the bathroom, rearranging the furniture, building a firepit. Okay, I didn’t enjoy that last one until Joe had the fire going.

It is amazing how great you feel when you make small changes and improvements to the areas you live and work every day. Even new rugs and throw pillows makes a fresh new look and old things feel new.

As I thought more about what DIY meant to me, I realized that I am a DIY girl, just not with the more commonly thought DIY ideas.

I love making organic scrubs for my skin, fresh almond milk for kids and growing my own vegetables and herbs. How about cooking? I’m definitely a DIY-er when it comes to food. I thoroughly enjoy cooking for my family. I make soups, Italian dishes, pizza, wraps and salads from scratch. That counts as a DIY, right?

No matter what your budget, you can make changes to improve yourself and your surroundings. Small improvements

can make a big difference, physically and mentally.

Here’s three of my favorite concoctions:

SKIN EXFOLIANT

Mix 1 heaping tablespoon of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with approximately 1 tablespoon of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar (you want consistency to be a light paste). Apply to skin and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.

DETOX BATH

Add 1 cup of Himalayan salt, one cup of aluminum-free baking soda and six drops of lavender essential oil to your bath. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse off and go to bed.

ENERGY DRINK

Mix a cup of hot distilled water, juice from half an organic lemon and sprinkles of cayenne pepper to taste. Drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It detoxifies, energizes and helps to break up mucous in the body.

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“I was walking a mile by the end of the week and by week three I was riding my bike. Now I’m living my life again!”

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DUDE, LET’S GET WA … WATER

Why get wasted when you can drink a nice, cold bottle of water? That seems to be the mentality among youth these days. They’re not passing around cans of beer; they’re passing up beer altogether, as well as other harmful substances.

In 2006, Lake County ranked sixth among Florida’s 67 counties in the number of underage drinkers. Today, the county ranks 46th, according to the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), a collaborative effort between several Florida governmental departments and the Office of Drug Control.

In Lake County, the survey used a sample of 1,233 middle and high school students to obtain a statistically representative county-level estimate. The margin of error was less than 1 percent.

The survey is specific in its breakdown of harmful substances used by kids: alcohol, marijuana, hashish, overthe-counter drugs, inhalants, cigarettes, prescription pain relievers, prescription depressants, LSD, PCP, mushrooms, prescription amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, club drugs, heroin and steroids.

The FYSAS also showed other encouraging trends for Lake County. Thirty-day alcohol use has decreased by 13 percent among middle school students and 19.8 percent among high school students between 2000 and 2014. During the same time period, 30-day use of cigarette smoking decreased 6.6 percent among middle school students and 11.1 percent among high school students.

Here’s another interesting tidbit: in Lake County, 30-day marijuana use decreased from 14.6 percent in 2012 to 13 percent in 2014. By contrast, the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed a significant rise in youth marijuana use. Drug policy experts feel the increase can be attributed to nationwide marijuana legalization efforts.

Much of Lake County’s success story can be attributed to the efforts of Be Free Lake, a community coalition that focuses on preventing substance abuse and violence among the county’s youth. Based in Howey-in-the-Hills, Be Free Lake promotes evidence-based programs and campaigns such as “Friday Night Done Right” and “Know the Law” to encourage kids to shy away from drugs and alcohol.

NATIONWIDE TRENDS BYTHENUMBERS

1.4% 19.4%

33% ofteenagerslivinginstates withmedicalmarijuanalaws gettheirpotfromother people’sprescriptions.

ofseniorsreported bingedrinking,down from 31.5% in 1998.

of8thgraderssmokedaily, down from 2.7% in 2009.

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Fellow: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Let’s Tackle Your Hip Pain Head-on.

When it comes to hip replacement, I’m a big fan of the direct approach. I’m referring to anterior approach hip replacement, a specialized technique that accesses the hip from the front, causing less trauma to tissue than traditional hip replacement surgery. Patients are usually up and mobile the same day of surgery, and heal quicker with less discomfort.

This procedure is truly revolutionary. How do I know so much? I was the first local surgeon qualified to perform it.

Potential Benefits1:

When you’re ready to get back to enjoying life without pain, give me a call.

Pain can cause you to miss out on life’s most important moments.

MATTERS OF THE HEART

South Lake Hospital recently became the first Lake County hospital to receive full chest pain center accreditation with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

“Our team is extremely proud to achieve this designation,” says Linda Walton, chief nursing officer of the hospital. “Coordination of care in a quick and efficient manner is essential with possible heart attack patients. This accreditation ensures that

best practices and procedures to provide the best quality outcome.”

Run, Dottie, Run

Dottie Beebe has continued pounding the pavement as an avid runner since we last visited with her five years ago. In fact, the impressive 56-year-old has picked up the pace.

“When it comes to running, I’ve grown by leaps and bounds since I was last interviewed by the magazine.”

Since 2010, Dottie has completed five half marathons, as well as multiple 15k, 10k and 5k races. She has also become a member of the Central Lake Runners, a group of 100 running enthusiasts from Eustis, Tavares and Mount Dora.

“We run together every week and love sharing our knowledge

FOSTERING LOVE

Foster parents make a profound impact by taking children away from dangerous situations and showering them with unconditional love they might never receive otherwise.

But foster parents receive as much as they give.

That’s the belief of Dr. John DeGarmo, who discusses the many blessings he’s experienced in his new book, Foster Parenting 101: The Joys of Being a Foster Parent. The book is the fi rst in a series that covers various topics concerning foster care.

Dr. DeGarmo and his wife currently raise nine kids, which include biological, adopted and fostered children. He serves as a dynamic speaker and is considered a leading expert on the foster care system. He has authored numerous books on foster care and also travels extensively to meet with foster parents, child welfare workers, churches, schools and organizations. His book can be ordered on Amazon.com.

with one another,” she says. “Being around like-minded people has helped us continue to grow in the exercise we love.”

There’s another reason Dottie has improved as a runner. She works out at Mount Dora-based Wallace Fitness twice a week and focuses on strengthening both her core and legs.

“I’m living proof that you can continue running even as you grow older,” she says. “However, it is important to be a smart runner and remember to keep a strong body. There’s nothing quite like a runner’s high when the adrenaline and endorphins are flowing.”

Matters Fundraiser

Pedaling for a purpose

The fourth annual We Bike for Kids—The Villages will be held March 21 at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.

There will be three rides to accommodate both beginner and advanced cyclists: a 62-mile ride that begins at 8:30 a.m.; a 32-mile ride in The Villages that begins at 9:30 a.m.; and a 6- or 11-mile ride on golf cart paths that begins at 10 a.m. All rides include well-stocked rest stops, marked routes and SAG mechanical support. Riders receive a light breakfast, goody bag, free raffle ticket, complimentary massage and lunch provided by Ricciardi’s Italian Table.

Proceeds from the event benefit Project Legacy and the Sumter County Youth Centers, two local agencies that address the needs of children in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties. Participants can preregister on webikeforkids.com or active.com for $35.

For more information, call Walter Kurz at 352.430.2189 or email him at wek5048@yahoo.com.

Spin your wheels

March is an ideal time to dust off your bicycle and enjoy the great outdoors thanks to near-perfect temperatures and low humidity. With plenty of back roads, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery, Central Florida is a cycling paradise. Here are some cycling trails you may want to consider.

JAMES A. VAN FLEET STATE TRAIL: This 29-mile trail spans Lake, Sumter and Polk counties. Drive west on S.R. 50 in South Lake County to access the Mabel trailhead. If you love nature, this trail is for you. Because one-third of the trail parallels the Green Swamp, cyclists will see plenty of wetlands and wildlife.

WEST ORANGE TRAIL: For Lake County residents, the best place to access the trail is at the Killarney Station near the border of Lake and Orange counties. The 22-mile trail offers a diverse riding experience. Cyclists pedal through the heart of downtown Winter Garden and then through orange groves and wooded areas.

SOUTH LAKE—LAKE MINNEOLA SCENIC TRAIL: The trail begins at the Killarney Station where the West Orange Trail ends. The 9.5-mile trail offers some challenging hills and ultimately leads cyclists to downtown Clermont and the shores of Lake Minneola.

WITHLACOOCHEE STATE TRAIL: A relatively short drive to Inverness on S.R. 44 will allow you to access the Inverness trailhead. This is undoubtedly one of the state’s longest cycling trails, spanning 46 miles. Cyclists pedal past several parks and quaint, small towns such as Floral City, Citrus Springs, Istachatta and Trilby.

HEALTHY EATING

Considering March is National Nutrition Month, we decided to share several food items that will help you achieve optimum health.

LEMONS: One lemon alone has more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. They also contain flavonoids, which may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

BROCCOLI: One medium stalk contains more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin K requirement and nearly 200 percent of your recommended dose of vitamin C. Both are essential bone-building nutrients.

DARK CHOCOLATE: Consuming just one-fourth of an ounce daily can reduce blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals.

POTATOES: There are 66 micrograms of cell-building folate in just one red potato. In addition, one sweet potato has eight times the amount of vitamin A, which fights cancer and boosts your immune system.

SALMON: This fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce risk of depression, heart disease and cancer.

AVOCADOS: One study has determined that they lower cholesterol approximately 22 percent.

FLEXING HIS FAITH

Larry Cooksey’s massive chest, rock-hard abs and chiseled biceps earned him numerous first-place and top-five finishes since he became a competitive bodybuilder in 1991.

In recent years, Larry, 68, discovered another passion in life. He is owner of BLC Enterprises, a personal training facility housed in a 2,000-square-foot building adjacent to his Lady Lake home. Clients soon discover that underneath Cooksey’s impressive physique is a spiritual man whose heart is bigger than his aging muscles.

“My company is more than a business to us; it’s also our ministry,” says Cooksey, who opened BLC Enterprises in 2008. “And I serve as both a personal trainer and change agent. There are three constants in life: change, aging and death. People can fight change, but they’re ultimately going to lose. I want others to embrace change and realize how change can make a positive impact in their lives.”

Cooksey is no stranger to change. He spent 35 years in corporate America before deciding to become a bodybuilder and purchasing his own gym. And he encountered plenty of adversity in his personal life — until accepting God into his heart.

Cooksey says his age and vast life experiences make clients feel comfortable talking to him about changes they are facing. Thus, Larry finds himself lifting both weights and spirits. His main message: to embrace and manage life’s changes rather than resist them.

“Sometimes I hear their stories and it’s like déjà vu because I’ve been there. Many of the people I train not only become longterm clients but also friends.”

He is equally passionate about helping clients begin a journey to better health. Each day, he rises at 3:30a.m. to carefully plan their workout routines. After all, each client is unique and requires a tailor-made workout program.

“Being a bodybuilder, I’ve learned a lot about lifting weights and living a healthy lifestyle. I love sharing my knowledge so it can get out there and help people be healthy and happy. I never set unrealistic goals for clients.”

Larry openly admits that his company could not be a success without the help of Edie, his wife of 33 years. Edie, who is also

a personal trainer, helps clients formulate tasty, nutritious recipes.

“She is great with kitchen talk because she is so knowledgeable about food content. For instance, she teaches clients how to make certain foods without too many saturated fats and complex carbs. I’m so lucky to have her as a partner — both in marriage and in the business.”

A DRIVE TO OVERCOME

Larry knows about overcoming hardships. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2007 and underwent a bowel resection. Still, major surgery did not stop him from achieving three consecutive first-place finishes at the Florida State Bodybuilding Masters Fitness and Figure Championships between 2008 and 2010.

“My parents taught me that everything is mind over matter. When hardships arrive, you can either give up or grin and bear it. I realized life’s struggles only make you stronger.”

Back surgery in 2011 to remove two bone spurs and a cyst kept Larry out of bodybuilding competitions for nearly four years. He plans to return to competing this year.

“To me, the preparation of a bodybuilding competition is more exciting than actually being up on stage posing. So much effort goes into the plan for looking your best. My goal is to be in the best shape of my life when I turn 70.”

Larry Cooksey is pumped about helping others make life changes

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

Medical Mysteries

YOUR SLEEPING HEART WILL TELL ON YOU

As a kid, I was a Cub Scout dropout; I never got to be a Boy Scout. Consequently, I couldn’t say I was trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient and all that other good stuff.

Happily though, I can now report I am conscientious, like things in their proper place and worry unnecessarily. How did I come up with this insightful information? Simple, I can tell all of this because of the way I sleep.

The relationship between personality and sleep positions was examined in a study by Robert Phipps, a British body language expert. The four sleep positions identified by Phipps are:

• FETAL – This is the most popular sleep position, with about half of us choosing to lie on one side with our legs bent. I fall into this category and, accordingly, am conscientious but overthink things.

• LOG – The second most popular sleep position is the log position: lying on your side with legs straight and both arms resting at your sides. People who sleep in that position, Phipps said, are “set in their ways, can be stubborn and come across as bossy or aloof.”

• YEARNER – The yearner sleeps on his or her side with both arms stretched out in front. Phipps said this means they want more from life and are willing to “go out there and get it with both hands, ” according to the British newspaper, The Telegraph.

• FREE FALL – Free fallers like to sleep on their stomachs with heads turned to the side and arms curled near their pillow. “Freefallers tend to feel like life happens around them and they are just hanging on for the ride, which can make them feel like they’re not in control of what happens,” The Telegraph said.

You should, of course, take all of this with a grain of salt. Even Phipps admitted (to the “Huffington Post”) that he considers his analysis akin to a horoscope.

Philip Gehrman, a professor of psychiatry and a member of the Penn Sleep Center, expressed doubts over whether there’s deep meaning in how people sleep.

“The link between sleeping (position) and personality is unlikely to be anywhere near strong enough to make those kinds of statements,” Gehrman told HuffPost. Gehrman said people sleep in a particular position for the simplest of reasons — whatever is most comfortable. Make up your own mind about the connection between sleep position and personality. Sleep on it. Get back to me after I curl up in a fetal position and take a nap.

36

SOURCES: “What Does Your Sleep Position Say About Your Personality?” by Lauren Gelman, Reader’s Digest http://www.rd.com/recomm ends/what-does-your-sleep-position-say-about-yourpersonality/; “What Your Sleeping Position Tells About Your Personality” by Pallavi Srivastava, Gizmodo India, April 3, 2014 ht tp://www.gizmodo.in/indiamodo/What-Your-Sleeping-Position-TellsAbout-Your-Personality/articleshow/33138321.cms; “What does your sleeping position say about you?” by Hannah Furness, The Teleg raph, October 18, 2012 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ newstopics/howaboutthat/9617122/What-does-your-sleeping-position-say-about-you.html; “Sleep Positions and Personality: Is There a Tie? Experts Not So Sure” by Katherine Bindley, The Huffi ngton Post, October 24, 2012 http://www.huffi ngtonpost.com/2012/10/24/sleeping-sleep-position-personality-research_n_20024 52.html

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Gut FEELING

Dealing with digestive problems can be both painful and stressful. When a digestive problem arises, you need to put your care in the hands of an experienced gastroenterologist.

Fortunately, South Lake Gastroenterology has an outstanding team of physicians who effectively diagnose and treat your condition, listen to your concerns and needs and counsel you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health.

In addition to board-certified gastroenterologists, the practice also features a highly trained team of nurses and employees. All work in collaboration to ensure patients achieve optimal results. It’s truly a practice where old-fashioned,hometown care meets innovative, cutting-edge treatments.

South Lake Gastroenterology treats various digestive disorders of the esophagus, small intestine, stomach, colon, pancreas, liver and biliary system. In addition, patients can go there for colon cancer screening and a 10-minute, in-office hemorrhoid treatment.

They also treat other disorders such as hepatitis and liver

cirrhosis. The physicians at South Lake Gastroenterology are among a select few to utilize ERCP, a procedure where they use a long, flexible tube with lights and cameras to remove gallstones from the bile duct. Moreover, the physicians have access to emerging technologies often unavailable at other gastroenterology practices, such as Bravo pH monitoring and HALO ablation for Barrett’s Esophagus. They also use a state-ofthe-art Anorectal Manometry and Biofeedback system to treat pelvic floor dysfunction.

With so many procedures offered under one roof, it’s no surprise that the practice has grown considerably since opening in 1997. In addition to Clermont, South Lake Gastroenterology also has offices in Ocoee and Davenport.

The Davenport office, which is located in Polk County, will be operated by the practice’s newest physician, Dr. Fadi Rahhal. He completed both his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in gastroenterology at the Medical College of Georgia. He is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He can also speak fluent French and Arabic.

Dr. Rahhal is a fantastic addition to the practice because he shares the same philosophy of providing personalized, compassionate care when it comes to managing digestive diseases.

South Lake Gastroenterology is located at 2040 Oakley Seaver Drive in Clermont and 2320 North Boulevard in Davenport. For more information, please call 352.242.1665 (clermont) or 863.547.9610 (Davenport). You can also visit www.slgdocs.com.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH.

You are going to want a urologist with the skills and experience to resolve your problem quickly. The good news, Advanced Urology Specialists has fifteen urologists—all with the expertise you need to focus on the toughest challenges. The better news, when the going does indeed get tough, you won’t have to go far for relief with eight offices throughout Central Florida to serve you.

855-298-CARE // advancedurologists.com

Move over Mr. Fix-it. More and more women are tackling repairs and remodeling projects they once paid someone else to do. Meet local handywomen who save big bucks by doing things for themselves while growing self-confidence and earning a sense of accomplishment with each finished project.

AlisonTHOMPSON

Pounding sounds of hammers hitting nails echo through the house.

Floors are covered with wood chips and sanding dust.

The smell of fresh paint fills the air.

These sights, sounds and smells exhilarate Alison Thompson, a beautiful red-headed, blue-eyed hairstylist of more than 20 years who bulldozes down the notion that men are best suited for home renovation.

Alison is as much a whiz with adjustable wrenches and hammers as she is with scissors and shears. Her passion is completing time-consuming, challenging home renovation projects.

The 43-year-old Sorrento resident has purchased five homes and used her handywoman skills to transform them from ugly and bland into magical and grand. The jobs can be strenuous and downright messy, but by the time the dust settles, homes once decrepit and unlivable have been restored to their former glory and beyond. She then makes a profit by renting or selling the homes.

A genuine passion and can-do attitude provides Alison with all the right “tools.” There’s no project too big for this sweet, down-to-earth, hammer-swinging whirlwind.

NAILING DOWN A LOVE

Alison developed a do-it-yourself spirit at the tender age of 5. She and her family lived in an old plantation home in Missouri that had no air conditioning and constantly needed repairs. Alison, the youngest of five children, was more than happy to assist her father.

“He always told me that if you want something done right then you needed to do it yourself,” she recalls. “He never hired contractors and never went to mechanics.”

A self-described “daddy’s girl,” Alison and her father worked tirelessly so their home could exude charm and character throughout, in every nook and cranny. She dabbled in a little of everything — crown molding, woodworking, painting, plumbing and trimming.

“Our goal was to help the home maintain its prestige and character,” she says. “I learned a great deal from him.”

HAMMER TIME

That knowledge proved invaluable for Alison, who moved to Lake County with her family in 1984 and graduated from Eustis High School in 1989. She attended the Art Institute of Atlanta and worked as a hairstylist in Panama City and New York City before moving back to Lake County in 1999.

Around that time, Alison applied for a loan for a house she planned to renovate and sell. To say she had her work cut out was an understatement. The termite-infested house had no flooring, every screen was ripped out, walls were covered with holes and the plumbing was not up to industry standards.

But the enormity of the task ahead did not faze Alison. She charged full-steam ahead. On weekdays, she worked nine hours inside her Mount Dora-based hairstyling suite. After arriving home, she would spend four hours completing various projects.

“I was very dedicated and spent the entire weekend doing things around the home. On mornings I had to go to work, I’d wake up do small things like paint one section of a wall or change a light fixture. I even planted bushes in the rain,” says Alison, who lived in the home throughout the renovation.

Some of the more daunting tasks included gutting the walk-in shower and replacing studs behind the tile, chiseling out tile in the foyer and cutting and installing baseboard in the living room. She put down wood flooring in the foyer, dining room, living room and hallway.

She also had to locate furniture on an extremely limited budget. “At that time, I didn’t have lots of money so I bought furniture at yard sales, and I actually found my dining room chairs on the side of the road. I refurbished those chairs and still have them today.”

The massive renovation took 11 months.

“Nobody could believe it was the same house and [they] told me it looked like a model home,” she says. “In fact, [they] thought the floors looked so nice that they asked if I had them done by Floors by Scott, one of the leading flooring companies in Lake County.”

Needless to say, the value of the $80,000 home she purchased skyrocketed. Alison sold it for $124,000.

“After I sold the house I was debt free from school loans and credit cards and still had plenty of money to invest into the next home,” she says. “Even though it was a massive undertaking, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing the finished product. I knew I wanted to renovate other homes and enjoy that same feeling.”

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

Alison also puts her skills to good use as a volunteer for Make-A-Wish, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Several years ago, Alison was surprised when she heard the heartfelt wish of a Tavares teenager battling neurofibromatosis, a disease where tumors form on nerve tissue.

“The girl asked for a bedroom makeover because that’s where she spends much of her time. I was surprised because most kids want to meet a rock ‘n’ roll star or go on a nice vacation.”

Alison put down wood floors, replaced all electrical outlets and provided a ceiling fan, bookcase, lamps and picture frames.

“This particular project was lots of fun because I had a chance to make the difference in the life of a small child,” says Alison, who has been a Make-A-Wish volunteer for six years.

“We held a party so she could see the finished project and her eyes lit up. She was so excited.”

A GREAT MOM, TOO

Alison’s big heart is also evident as a mother of two children. Six years ago, she adopted a beautiful girl, Olivia. In 2012, the Department of Children and Families informed her that Olivia had a baby sister. Alison also adopted Piper, who today is two.

“Being a mother is exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s so fulfilling and presents a new challenge each day.”

Even with a full-time job and raising children, Alison hopes to renovate additional homes in the future.

When her girls are older, Alison can teach them what few other girls their age or gender know, like how to guide a powerful circular saw the length of a plywood panel.

HELPFUL HINTS FROM ALISON

Never rush your home projects or give yourself unrealistic deadlines. The pressure WILL ultimately cause mistakes, and in the end, take more money out of your budget.

Renovations and remodels almost always go over budget. The largest percentage of costs is from labor, so do things yourself whenever possible. Before purchasing materials, consider recycling and restoring items you already have, or research every avenue for the best price. Be sure to shop sales, clearances, online wholesalers, renovation stores and liquidators. I often find materials that cost 50 percent less than big retail stores.

The least expensive do-ityourself project that has the biggest impact will always be paint. You can completely change the feel of a room (or home exterior) by the colors that surround you. Whether you paint an accent wall or a door, it will always add character and personality.

One of my all-time favorite tips for any project or profession is to always measure twice and cut once. This will save you a fortune in home remodel projects. Work with what you have!

AngieRINGLER

To say Angie Ringler is eco-minded would be an understatement.

Throughout her adult life, the Eustis resident has washed and re-used plastic Ziploc bags and even composted organic matter from her kitchen, including fruit and vegetable scraps.

“I also solar cook my food because it does not require gas, electricity or fi re,” she says. “And I strive to eat as organic as possible.”

Angie also makes natural household cleaning products. Simply put, she was tired of store-bought products irritating her skin.

“I’m a redhead, so my skin is already extremely sensitive,” she says. “Whenever I used products from a store, I would feel itchy and my skin would break out in rashes and little white bumps.”

Having experienced much less skin irritation with her own product, Angie felt she could make a far-reaching impact. A personal fi nancial analyst, she decided to permanently leave the world of fi nance behind in 2009 to launch Tangie LLC, a company that sells household cleaning products that do not contain petroleum-based chemicals.

“The downturn in the economy also played a part in my decision,” she says, “but I felt it was time to follow my passion. Not only could I help others with skin problems, but also do my part in improving the environment.”

The fi rst product she launched was an all-natural laundry detergent. Now, she also sells odor remover mist sprays, all-purpose cleaners that leave windows and mirrors streak free, laundry soap that’s both detergent and fabric softener, and a heavy-duty bathroom cleaner that eliminates soap scum, stains, mold and mildew.

Her products are made of high-grade essential oils, soap nuts, yucca root powder, baking soda and salt. “One guy uses my all-purpose cleaner to clean the brake on his bike. Another lady uses the cleaner to clean out her ferret cage. She said the cage used to stink so bad that she could no longer keep it in the living room. But since she began using my cleaner it no longer stinks.”

In 2015, Angie hopes to launch a gardener’s hand soap and a specialized shampoo for short- and long-haired dogs. “When you clean your floor with a petroleum-based product it gets on a pet’s pad and fur and they end up ingesting it because they clean themselves. I have peace of mind knowing I’m not putting myself, my pets or my family at harm.”

If she has her way, Angie will soon fi nd herself out of a job.

“I would be ecstatic going out of business tomorrow knowing everyone made their own cleaning products naturally,” she says. “It is important to leave this planet better than we found it.”

ANGIE’S OTHER D-I-Y PROJECTS

In addition to making natural household cleaners, she’s adamant about maintaining organization in her home.

ANGIE RECENTLY PURCHASED a red silicone drawer mat organizing system for her kitchen. She no longer has to aimlessly dig to locate the peeler, grater and ice cream scooper. “You can make crevices in areas of the mat where you want specific items to go,” she says.

ANGIE REPLACED A PICTURE IN AN OLD FRAME with a multi-colored beach blanket she uses as her own personal

project board to post reminders about certain tasks needing to be completed. She writes down each task in a colored column — the specific color indicates whether the task is a home project, a business project, or something personal. “I write down things that do not have to be necessarily completed within the next few days,” she says. “But the project board reminds me that certain things need to be done eventually.”

ANGIE USES A WHITEBOARD AS A FOUR-MONTH CALENDAR. Shaded grid lines allow her to see what’s coming up in the next few days and weeks. “I’m a very visual person, so having a huge wall planner is very beneficial to me. It’s also great for my husband because he knows where I am going to be at all times, and he can make plans according to my schedule. It has provided us with a whole new level of communication.”

ANGIE’S HUSBAND RECENTLY EXPANDED HER BEDROOM CLOSET. Having a walk-in closet allows her to neatly organize her clothing items and footwear. That’s extremely important considering she has 30 pairs of shoes. “Having an expanded closet helps me be more organized. Now, I can walk right into the closet and instantly decide what I’m going to wear for a particular day.”

VickiFORD

Vicki Ford developed the proper tools to becoming a doit-yourselfer at a young age. Her father was a contractor, and the 8-year-old girl would accompany him to various job sites. And he put her to work.

Together, they performed labor-intensive jobs such as re-roofi ng houses, hanging drywall, pouring concrete and laying tile.

Vicki enjoyed it all — except digging up septic lines.

“One thing I truly loved was sitting beside my father and reading blueprints,” she says. “Blueprints always fascinated me.”

Today, Vicki is a do-it-yourself enthusiast who constantly fi nds various projects to complete around her Yalaha home. She has tiled her shower, installed carpet, put down hardwood flooring and laid pavers. She has also painted both the interior and exterior of her home.

And she’s anxious to tile the bathroom floor.

“I like to save money, and you feel lots of pride when you’ve done something worthwhile,” says Vicki, who is director of sales at Mission Inn Club and Resort.

Perhaps the most enjoyable thing for Vicki is continuing to work alongside her 84-year-old father, Bill Jackson. Whenever she is completing a project, she’ll invite her father over so he can provide valuable tips and advice.

“He will sit there and tell me what to do,” she says. “It’s really amazing that we’re still doing projects together after all these years.”

VICKI’S TIPS

Never stop learning! Always work on improving you. First, identify your project goals for 2015 and post them where you can see them every day.

Take a course at your local home improvement store to learn how to complete a do-it-yourself project. Most classes are free.

YouTube is another great option. Anything you ever wanted or needed to know is there. When you see the videos, carefully take notes. Then, step out of your comfort zone and just do it!

Also remember that a fresh coat of paint will always brighten a room!

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March 28th, 2015

Lake Sumter State College

LEESBURG, FLORIDA

&

and Sensory Walk

Race and walking course starts at Lake Sumter State College and proceeds around Silver Lake.

Registration opens at 6:30am Races begin at 7:30am

Eye Care, I Run!

New Vision for Independence provides training to help people of all ages with visual impairment in Lake and Sumter Counties learn to adapt to and overcome vision loss. Join us at our inaugural EYE RUN proudly sponsored by Lake Eye Associates for a 5k run/walk, 10k run and 1/2 mile blindfolded sensory walk – all to benefit New Vision for Independence.

Shirts will be given to 5k and 10k participants who register by March 13th, and all finishers will receive a custom Eye Run medal.

For more information or to register: www.newvisionfl.org/events

“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with thirty-three years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake County. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death.

“In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.”

“When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him. Lastly, I teach him his treatment options. If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.”

While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly

evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than thirty minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radiofrequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 2,400 patients with this procedure.

“Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!”

And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than twenty

years) you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out.

“Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says. JAMES

Practicing in Lake County for over 33 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

THE DIY GOSPEL FROM CAN-DO LOU

Never hold a nail for someone else and other pearls of wisdom from Lou Manfredini

You could call him the guru of grout, the wizard of weather stripping or the patriarch of plumbing. Most do-it-yourselfers know Lou Manfredini as Mr. Fix-It. A native of Illinois, Manfredini began working in a hardware store at age 13 and later became a homebuilder and remodeling contractor. After landing a gig on Chicago’s WGN-AM radio station in 1995, he became a household name in the do-ityourself and home improvement industry.

Manfredini is a regular contributor for NBC’s Today Show, serves as a spokesperson for Ace Hardware and hosts his own syndicated television show, HouseSmarts. And he’s authored numerous books, including “Lou Manfredini’s Bath Smarts” and “Mr. Fix-It Introduces You to Your Home.”

Simply put, Lou has a deep passion for offering remedies for household problems — whether it’s a toilet that won’t flush, walls that need painting or showers with clogged drains.

Healthy Living recently caught up with Lou to ask about his career and find out what insightful tips he could offer our readers.

Q: Who have you been inspired by in the industry?

A: I’ve been doing radio for about 20 years now. I constantly have people tell me how smart I am and how much I know. The reason I know a lot is because when I was building and renovating houses years ago I worked alongside professional contractors — plumbers, electricians and painters — who had 30 years of experience in their respective trades. I always made sure to ask them lots of questions so I could educate myself. They always inspired me to do my best and continue learning.

Q: Do you have a philosophy behind home improvement?

A: I have three rules. First, you always want to be smarter than the material you’re working with. In other words, conduct as much research as possible before you make any choices. Whether you’re working with a certain appliance or fixing a door, make sure you know everything before you take the plunge.

Second, make sure you have fun because the entire reason

you’re improving your home is to enjoy it. You don’t want home

JAMES COMBS

LOU’S TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

LO H O

• Replac years t

• Replace washer hoses every four years to avoid a flood.

• sm monox last for devices

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. They don’t last forever. You should change the devices altogether every seven years.

• Your he should basis. A conden clogge weeds coils W unit wo

• Your heating and cooling system should be inspected on a regular basis. Also, make sure the condensing unit outside is not clogged with debris from the air or weeds. Get rid of any debris on the coils. When the coils are cleaned the unit works more efficiently.

to remodel their

to remodel their kitchen or replace tile in the bathroom. The disposable income wasn’t there to hire contractors. People realized they needed to do it themselves. Thus, the YouTube generation of DIYers was born. Today, young Generation Y homeowners are fueling a resurgence in do-it-yourself projects. It amazes me how young couples work eight or 10 hours during the day and then come home and spend several hours completing a project around the house. You can do that when you’re 28 and don’t have to worry about aches and pains the next morning.

Q: What is a great project a newbie do-it-yourselfer can undertake that isn’t too strenuous or difficult?

A: The first thing you should try is painting. You can paint an entire room for $100 and really make a dramatic change to the room. You may not paint the corners perfectly, or you may spill some paint, but it’s not the end of the world because you can clean it. Painting is easy to learn, and

the more you do it the more you get better. It’s a progression.

Q: What should I attempt after painting?

A: I equate do-it-yourself projects to a train ride. Every stop is a little more difficult. Next, you can learn how to refinish a table, change out a door knob, or change a handle on a cabinet. As you successfully complete various projects, the higher your confidence will be.

Q: What do-it-yourself project should people never complete at home?

A: I’m always cautious about telling people to do anything electrical. You really need a healthy understanding of how it works and you need to make sure you’re not going to electrocute yourself or burn the house down.

Q: What are some important things to consider when beginning any home improvement project?

A: There are always three questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to your limitations. Do I have any idea what I’m doing here? Is there a possibility I may hurt myself? Is there a possibility I could harm the house? If you answer no to the first question and yes to the following questions, then you need to hire the help of a professional. The most common mistake people make is biting off more than they can chew.

Q: What do you tell married couples who are wanting to make home improvements?

A: I tell them that if their relationship can survive a home renovation, then they’ll be married for the rest of their lives. A renovation is very hard on a relationship because the couple is living in the house. It’s messy, time-consuming and seemingly endless. I tell couples to find a space that allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy as a family.

HEALTHY REFERRALS

Doctors could spend hours talking about how great they are and how their practice differs from others. What else would we expect them to say? But when we hear the words “great doctor” coming from the mouths of patients, it is much more powerful and lends more credibility.

In the following pages, you will read several touching stories about patients who encountered various conditions and regained their quality of lives thanks to the expertise and talents of local doctors. Because they received outstanding care and enjoyed excellent results, these patients were more than happy to talk about their overall experience with their doctor. That speaks volumes.

SandyLichterman

“When it comes to back problems, Dr. James Paraiso is the best doctor in Florida.”

That glowing praise came from Sandy Lichterman’s primary care physician, who referred Sandy to Dr. Paraiso when he suffered debilitating back pain in 2010.

Sandy, a resident of The Villages, quickly learned how true that statement was during his initial appointment.

“He looked at my MRI, turned to me and said, ‘I want to try conservative treatments first because I don’t like to jump into surgery right away.’ I was very impressed by that because most surgeons want to immediately cut on you. I felt comfortable with him, and it was obvious he makes decisions with the patient’s best interest in mind.”

While a series of epidural steroid injections helped alleviate Sandy’s symptoms for several

years, the pain returned with a vengeance on Thanksgiving 2013. Dr. Paraiso ordered an MRI and compared it to the one three years earlier. It was obvious two discs in his lumbar spine had degenerated.

“He told me I needed to undergo a spinal fusion,” Sandy says. “He told me I’d have a short stay in the hospital but that everything would be okay. He was very reassuring.”

The surgery was extremely successful. Sandy went from debilitating pain to no pain.

“I walk three days a week for three miles and I feel invigorated when I’m finished. My results have been outstanding. Dr. Paraiso is a great doctor and a great human being. I’ve referred several of my friends to him, and they have nothing but wonderful things to say. He’s the go-to guy for spine surgery.”

LindaCieri

Linda Cieri of The Villages constantly battled bronchitis for 15 years. Like clockwork, the illness would strike immediately after the holidays and also during her yearly long-distance flight to California to visit family.

“It always started with an earache and was followed by sore throat,” she says. “Then it would go into my chest.”

Fortunately for Linda, life has become a breath of fresh air since she began visiting The Salt Room nearly one-and-a-half years ago. The company, which is located in the Khol’s shopping plaza in Lady Lake, allows clients to lie peacefully in a salt-covered room for 45 minutes while listening to soft background music. During that time, they breathe in salt particles, which act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent and help remove mucus and pollutants inside the respiratory tract.

To say Linda is satisfied with this alternative form of therapy is an understatement.

“I haven’t had bronchitis since I began receiving treatment at The Salt Room,” she says. “I go several times a week to be preventative and stay on top of it. I think salt therapy is wonderful because it’s non-invasive, therapeutic and risk-free. Also, the décor and music are so calming that sometimes I close my eyes and peacefully drift to sleep. When you’re so relaxed it helps heal the body.”

Linda also loves the treatment she receives from owner Rebecca James and her dedicated staff.

“They are all so charming and genuinely care about me. They go above and beyond to accommodate me and take a personal interest in my health.”

LaineD’Souza

Although Laine D’Souza rarely suffers from back pain, there’s a reason she visits Glover Chiropractor Clinic in Leesburg three times a month.

She views chiropractic adjustments as preventive maintenance.

“I swear by chiropractors and I think regular adjustments are necessary to live a pain-free, injury-free life,” she says. “Sometimes we have a headache that persists and then go to a doctor for medication. In many cases a simple adjustment will eliminate the pain. When your body is misaligned, your muscles become imbalanced and that leads to injuries and pain.”

Laine should know. As a personal trainer and yoga instructor, she works with clients who suffer from neck, low back and leg pain. She helps her clients improve their core strength and flexibility. And then she faithfully refers them to Dr. Glover so their spines are well-aligned.

“I feel comfortable sending my clients to Dr. Glover because he is very knowledgeable and his bedside manner is terrific. However, his vast knowledge is only one reason why he is such a great doctor. Dr. Glover genuinely cares about patients and wants to help them live a better life. This is how he gives back to the community and is what truly sets him apart. He is a gentle giant.”

For those same reasons, she has also referred her mother and boyfriend to Dr. Glover. And when her 7-week-old son was recently battling colic, Laine brought him in for an adjustment.

“He slept four hours peacefully after he was adjusted,” she said.

312

“You have breast cancer.”

Michelle Pearson was 48 when she heard those terrifying words in April 2014.

“I was in shock and disbelief,” says Michelle, a retired sergeant with the Orlando Police Department.

But her fear was alleviated by the dedicated team at InterCommunity Cancer Institute. Within two hours of her diagnosis, she met with a cancer nurse navigator, radiation oncologist and surgeon. A few days later she met with her medical oncologist.

“I was extremely impressed by how efficient the practice is. It gave me a sense of peace knowing I was in good hands.”

Michelle underwent a lumpectomy at South Lake Hospital on her left breast only one week after being diagnosed. Surgery was followed with in-office radiation treatments at InterCommunity Cancer Institute.

Today, the Clermont resident is cancer-free.

“I made a decision to put my life in the hands of InterCommunity Cancer Institute. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If I ever have a friend who is diagnosed with breast cancer I would send her here in a heartbeat. The happy, healthy atmosphere here is infectious, and the entire staff maintains a very positive attitude. I felt like I became part of their family, and the staff put their hands around my shoulder throughout the journey. Those things made me feel comfortable as I went through my treatments.”

Today, Michelle spends valuable time with her 10-year-old twin sons, Zac and Tyler. She also loves riding her rescued Percheron horse named Olaf.

StephanieKerkvliet

For the past six years, Stephanie Kerkvliet of Minneola experienced gradually increasing hip pain on her left side. Completing everyday activities became difficult, and she could barely walk without limping.

“I’ve always loved walking and was annoyed when I couldn’t enjoy it as much,” she says. “I never slept well either because the pain was worse at night.”

When the pain became unbearable, Stephanie opted for surgery with Dr. David Lucas, a local orthopedic surgeon. The hip replacement was performed in early December at South Lake Hospital. This marked the first time Stephanie, a native of Wisconsin, received any kind of medical treatment inside a Florida hospital. It turned out to be an excellent decision, especially considering the outstanding pre-operative and postsurgical care she received from the hospital’s staff.

Without question, her four-day hospital stay exceeded her expectations.

“When I woke up in the recovery room, I had an amazing nurse whose knowledge and demeanor was very comforting to me. Also, the physical therapy team was there right away and helped me walk. They were very motivating.”

Stephanie also received much-needed rest. “The bed and chairs inside my hospital room were all very comfortable. It was like the bed and chairs were tailor-made for someone undergoing that type of surgery. The food was also very good, which was surprising since you normally don’t hear great things about hospital food. Everything came together beautifully to culminate in a pleasant hospital experience. I would not hesitate about going back to South Lake Hospital if I need surgery in the future.”

South Lake Hospital

1900 Don Wickham Drive

Clermont, FL 34711

352.394.4071

southlakehospital.com

COMING TOGETHER CANCER CARE FOR COORDINATED

InterCommunity Cancer Center is coming together for coordinated cancer care at a single location in our Lady Lake, Florida, facility.

Leading Radiation Oncologist Dr. Herman Flink, who has cared for patients in our community for several decades, will continue to provide cancer care at the Lady Lake location, only minutes from Leesburg.

Coming together at one location will allow us to provide even more options for advanced technology to you, our patients. InterCommunity Cancer Center will continue to provide evidence-based, radiation therapy treatment ensuring the use of best practice guidelines in our patients’ cancer treatment.

Together we can provide powerful outcomes for you.

Quality,

Welcome to fostering

THE SECOND INSTALLMENT IN OUR ONGOING SERIES EXAMINING FOSTER CARE

The arrival of a foster child into your home can be a time of excitement, as well as anxiety and apprehension.

It is often a time of questions for you and your family, as well as the foster child.

Coming into a new home is especially intimidating for the child, who is being moved against his wishes to a strange home with an unknown family.

While each child is unique, it is difficult to predict how each foster child will react to this sudden and extreme change. Yet, with a little preparation and planning, you can ease stress that is sure to occur.

DO EDUCATE YOURSELF

This is perhaps the most important thing you can do to prepare for the arrival of a foster child. Educate yourself.

Obtain as much background information and history about the child as you can.

The caseworker may not have all of the answers, but you will fi nd valuable information by asking. Here are some questions to ask:

• How old is the child?

• Why is the child in foster care?

• How long might the child stay with you?

• Will the child need daycare supervision?

• Does the child have any learning disabilities or special needs of any kind?

• Does the child have any anger management or extreme emotional issues that you need to be aware of?

• Is this the first time the child has been in foster care?

• Are the child’s medical shots up to date? Are there any medical concerns?

• Is the child from the same town? Does the child need to be enrolled in your local school system?

• Does the child have clothes? Will you need to buy diapers and baby wipes?

DO WELCOME THE CHILD INTO YOUR HOME WITH WARMTH AND COMPASSION

The fi rst impression you create with your foster child is vitally important to how the next few days and weeks will transpire.

Without a doubt, he will be full of questions as emotions swirl within him. Remember, no matter how much a foster child has been abused — physically or emotionally — he will want his mother and father. After all, his parents have been the most important family in his life. He has lost his familiar pattern of living, his home, his friends and all that made up his own personal world.

DO APPROACH WITH CAUTION AND CARE

It is impossible to predict how a foster child will react when he fi rst meets you, so it is crucial you approach this time with caution and care. Each placement is different. What is important is you do not judge your foster child based on his arrival and appearance. However he arrives, he will need your love and care.

DO OFFER YOUR TIME AND PATIENCE

As a foster child adjusts to his new home and environment, he will require time and patience from you. Everything is new: new home, new food, new “parents,” new “brothers and sisters,” new rules and expectations. As a result, the child may act out in a variety of ways. It is vital you do not take this behavior personally as he attempts to understand his feelings and cope with the many changes.

Your time is the best gift you can give your foster child. Your foster child will need time to grieve the loss of his family. Moving to a new home is a huge shock. The child needs time to fully understand why he is in your home, as

well as what you expect from him. The child will simply need time to adjust to the new surroundings.

Your foster child also will need time from you — time for someone to listen, to guide and teach him. It is extremely important for the child’s mental wellbeing to provide time to laugh, play and, most importantly, be cared for and loved.

DON’T OVERLOOK THE NEED TO PREPARE FOR QUESTIONS

Without a doubt, there will be numerous questions. Both you and your foster child will have questions. Some of these might include:

• How long will the child remain in the foster home?

• When will the child see his/her parents next?

• How often can he/she visit with family members?

Make sure you answer each question as honestly as you can. If you are unsure of an answer, let the child know, and reassure him you will attempt to fi nd out.

DON’T INSIST YOUR FOSTER CHILD CALL YOU MOM AND DAD

“Mom” may refer to the person who beat him; “Dad” may be the person who left the family. If you feel comfortable, allow your foster child to call you by your fi rst names, or by whatever name he feels comfortable calling you.

DON’T DEMAND THAT THE CHILD FOLLOW YOUR RULES IMMEDIATELY

Your family may have a routine you follow on a regular basis. Depending on the type of household your foster child came from, he may not be familiar with your day-to-day routine. Indeed, he may come from a home that had no schedule at all. Even more, he may have lived in a home where there

were no expectations of him, and no rules for him to follow.

DON’T EXPECT YOUR CHILD TO ADJUST QUICKLY

It is important you include your foster child into your family — and into your routine. Before expecting too much from him, give him some alone time to become comfortable with his new home, family and surroundings. Allow him time to observe your family’s routine before expecting him to actively participate. Some of your routines might be informal, such as dinnertime habits, shoes in the house and respect for others when speaking. If he has questions about your family’s routine, answer them honestly and at a level he can understand. Let him know why you do such activities in your house.

Each time a foster child comes to live with you and your family, it will be a unique and special experience. Every placement will be different. You are sure to have surprises from time to time, and some placements may even be challenging and disruptive. Preparation, a welcoming smile and the passage of time will help your family and your foster child during this time of transition.

Is Your SPECIALIST… REALLY A SPECIALIST?

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As the first surgeon to perform ankle replacement surgery in Lake County, he is also the only surgeon in a three-county area with the experience, skill and training to perform highly-advanced ankle replacement surgery. Dr. Tankson receives referrals from physicians across the state who want to ensure the best options are available to their patients.

From conservative care for ankle injuries to complex care for foot and ankle trauma; arthroscopic surgery of the foot and ankle to ankle and foot fusion surgery to alleviate pain and instability; from joint replacements of the foot to total ankle replacement, trust the foot and ankle specialist other physicians trust. WHEN EXPERTISE MATTERS.

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HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE PRESENTS ITS INAUGURAL

CELEBRATION

OF NURSES

JOIN US FOR A GALA EVENT ON JULY 17

AS WE HONOR THE PEOPLE WHO TAKE CARING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.

Nominate a local nurse for the Nightingale, Barton or Whitman awards!

THE NIGHTINGALE AWARD

This award recognizes a lifetime of dedicated service in the field of nursing. The recipient exemplifies the spirit of Florence Nightingale, who laid groundwork for modern nursing by founding the Nightingale School of Nursing in 1860, and devoted her life to reforming her country’s health care system. The award is presented to a special individual who spent at least 20 years making a difference in numerous lives and leaving a lasting legacy of compassionate care.

THE BARTON AWARD

This awards pays tribute to a caregiver who has spent at least 10 years contributing to the well-being of others. He or she will have a record of going above and beyond the call of duty, just as Clara Barton did during the Civil War when she volunteered to bring medical supplies to the front lines and stayed to administer to sick and wounded soldiers.

THE WHITMAN AWARD

This award is presented to a unique person who has been involved in nursing or a related field for less than 10 years and is well on their way to leaving an indelible mark on society. Like, Whitman, who visited more than 100,000 wounded soldiers during just three years as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War, the recipient of the award bearing his name will have accomplished great things in a short time.

Live life like you mean it.

With better mobility and less pain, you’ll experience more of what life has to offer (note: swinging from chandeliers is optional).

Reserve a private preview before our February opening.

We are now giving advance tours of model homes and accepting reservations in the new Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care additions to our community. Be first in line to select your favorite floor plan and location. Our lovely golf cart-accessible retirement community alongside the Hacienda Hills championship golf course is the only one located in The Villages. Discover how state-of-the-art designs and experienced staff combine to assist senior bodies and minds for healthier and happier lives.

To schedule the next available appointment for your private preview tour, call (352) 750-1355 ext. 3127 or (352) 250-6580.

BODY

There are more than 1,000 possible microbial species in your mouth, 440 on the insides of your forearm, 150 behind your ear. All told, more than 10,000 species of microbes inhabit your body.

MULTITASKING YOUR WORKOUT

MAXIMUM BENEFITS COME FROM MINIMAL WORKOUTS

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

Most of us have said it at one time or another: “If only I had more hours in my day.” People who want those extra hours for exercise will be happy to know that they can maximize their limited workout time with these exercises that combine balance moves and resistance training.

BOSU CURLS

MUSCLES TARGETED: CALVES, CORE, BICEPS

• Begin with light dumbbells and balance with both feet on the bosu ball.

• Find a focal point straight ahead.

• Slowly curl the weights up toward your armpits, contracting your biceps as you do.

• Release gently and repeat 8–12 times.

TRAINER’S TIPS

• Try it in the corner first without weights. See how steady you are prior to adding dumbbells.

• Do not add weights until you can balance steadily for 30 seconds.

• Keep knees slightly flexed and maintain correct posture.

• Too easy? Do it on one foot without the weights; add weights once you can balance safely.

e you can

STAFF PICK S P

Over time adults tend to forget the wonderful things that link us to our childhood. However, food tends to have a universal link. Who can forget the gooey and slightly soggy PB&J sandwiches buried in a hardshell G.I. Joe lunch box, or even Strawberry Shortcake

Good Humor Bars from the neighborhood ice cream truck? Mmm, my favorite. Now, in my present health-minded adulthood, I have rediscovered another childhood classic: celery with peanut butter (almond butter preferrably). This fiber-rich veggie has the properties to reduce blood cholesterol levels and heart disease risk. Almond butter provides vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and healthy fats. So, savor this healthy childhood snack that never goes old and fits in all types of lunch boxes. Even G.I.

es s Even G.I types of lun u ch boxe J Jooe e lunch boxes.

TASTY BONUS:

Not a fan of celery? Use carrots or a combination of hummus and califlower. It’s crunchy, healthy and delicious.

SINGLE LEG SQUAT WITH STRAP

MUSCLES TARGETED: QUADS, GLUTES, SHOULDERS, BACK

• Hold strap with slightly flexed elbows and lean back, allowing weight to be borne on one leg.

• Hold the other leg off the ground in front of you.

• Keep weight on the opposite heel as you bend the knee to no less than 90 degrees (squat).

• Exhale, pull with your arms, shoulders and lats; return to starting position.

• Repeat 6–8 times per leg as long as form is maintained.

LUNGE KICKS

MUSCLES TARGETED: GLUTES, QUADS, CORE, HIP FLEXORS

TRAINER’S TIPS

• Keep your back straight and hinge from the hip joint (do not slouch forward).

• Too hard? Stand more upright and do a minimal squat until you are stronger.

• Too easy? Position your angle so you are closer to the floor.

• Stand with feet together and take a giant step backward into lunge position.

• Stand w backwar

• With all toes facing forward, bend both knees no more than 90 degrees.

• With all more tha

• Pull in your abs by exhaling.

• Pull yo

• Stand an return it

• Stand and bring back leg forward to a low kick, return it to the rear lunge.

• 8 manner (

• Repeat 8–10 times in a smooth, rhythmic manner (keep steady – balance!).

TRAINER’S TIPS

TRAI

• Start with a small lunge until you teach your muscles to balance correctly.

• Start wit to balanc

• Keep kne

• Keep knees at 90 degrees or more.

• Too easy b

• Too easy? Add a little jump while in the lunge position before each kick.

ID

OF MEN AND MICROBES

Who are you?

Who are we, really?

On the surface, the question seems simple, but as with so many things in life, dig a little deeper and it becomes progressively more complex. The question has been asked in various ways, within different contexts, over the ages and can have a multitude of answers.

In the context of science and, more specifically, biology, the question becomes very interesting, especially when you narrow it down further to the field of medicine. We are a very complex organism comprised of a functionally interdependent collection of organ systems. The organ systems are composed of interdependent organs. These, in turn, are composed of tissues and the tissues are made of populations of different cells.

Many researchers have attempted to calculate the number of cells that make up the human body and the numbers are all over the place. Of course, the number will vary with something like size of the body but for convention, we often refer to a typical adult as weighing about 154 pounds. Using various methods of calculating there seems to be at least some general agreement among scientists that the number is around 37 trillion cells for said typical adult.

Put these all together and

you have, well, you … or me … or someone else. Even that, however, fails to encompass who we are. When we die, those systems, and organs, and tissues, and cells do not all cease to function immediately. Long after we cease to be, according to legal and medical criteria, these continue to work for various periods of time, up to hours after we die. However, something vital is missing. Some call it our life force, some our spirit, some consciousness. Whatever it is, it imbues our physical bodies with what, for lack of a better term, we call “life”.

The question of who we are becomes a tad more complicated when you consider that we live in an environment teeming with microbial organisms. Some are friendly, some are neutral and some are dangerous, a source of infection, disease and death. Over millennia, we have adapted to live in relative harmony with our microscopic neighbors. The population of microbes that live on and in our bodies, called our microbiome, is vast. As with counting human cells, an accurate count is impossible, but it is generally agreed that we harbor 10 times more microorganisms than we do human cells, so from a strictly numbers perspective we are more bacterial than human.

I find that fascinating. However, this would be a bit

5,000,000,

0 0000 0 000 5 00 0

… FROM A STRICTLY NUMBERS PERSPECTIVE WE ARE MORE BACTERIAL THAN HUMAN.

of interesting but otherwise useless trivia if it weren’t for the very real implications to our health. Our health depends on the microbes we harbor. In fact, you could say they are critical to our health. Doctors have known this for years. If our microbiome is disturbed the result is often illness, or worse. Just ask anyone who has ever experienced an intestinal infection with Clostridium difficil, commonly referred to as C. diff.

C. diff. is just one of the nearly 1,000 different species of bacteria found in our gut. C. diff is a pathogen, a disease-causing bacteria whose numbers are kept in check by the presence of other bacteria in our gut that outcompete it. When we take antibiotics, these can kill off enough of the beneficial bacteria to allow C. diff to multiply and damage the lining of our intestines, producing a severe colitis with abdominal pain, fever and bloody diarrhea. Patients get very sick; some die. One of the treatments for antibiotic-induced colitis is to give people probiotics, which are formulations containing large quantities of beneficial bacteria to help repopulate the gut and restore its normal microbial status.

Ever since Antonie van Leeuwenhoek peered through the lens of his primitive microscope and saw the first microorganisms one constant theme in human history has been has been

a single-minded focus — some would say obsession — with distancing ourselves from our microbial past. We have developed antibiotics, antiseptics and countless processes to destroy bacteria around and in us. We treat cattle with antibiotics then pasteurize the milk they produce. We bathe and wash with antibacterial soaps. We wipe down our environment with disinfectants. In spite of these measures some say because of them we have not only failed to conquer the microbial kingdom, we have more health issues than ever due to the side effects of this misguided effort.

One of those issues is the rise of asthma, eczema, hay fever and other allergic disorders, which have increased by 1 percent every year since 1980. This has given rise to the hygiene hypothesis proposed by epidemiologist Dr. David P. Strachan. It is his contention that our obsession with hygiene has deprived children from exposure to enough bacteria, viruses and fungi in the environment to stimulate the development of a strong, effective immune system. This is also known as the microbial deprivation hypothesis.

Many researchers say what we need in our environment is not fewer microbes but more. A host of chronic illnesses ranging from cancer to heart disease have been linked, at least in part, to inflammation in our bodies.

NIE IE N

ANTONIE PHILIPS VAN

(1632-1723)

one byproduct of the concern about our over-sanitized environment. Advocates actively seek out live food and fermented foods, things like sauerkraut, kimchi and yogurt that all are teeming with bacteria. Foods are prepared in such a way that the microbes are not killed. Some of these foods cannot be produced commercially or sold legally in the U.S. because their preparation does not conform to federal standards of hygiene. In France, for example, you can eat cheeses made from raw milk and containing live cultures of fungi and/or bacteria that cannot be sold in the U.S. because of supposed health risks. These don’t seem to be bothering French consumers much at all.

As a physician, I am not advocating we completely abandon modern sanitation measures, stop using antibiotics and let our children play in sewers. As with so much of life, I think we need to strike the right balance between protecting ourselves from bad bacteria, viruses and germs and the injudicious use of antibiotics and an obsession with cleanliness and sterility.

Inflammation is the result of a cascade of cellular changes that eventually turn healthy cells into sick ones. There is a growing body of evidence that some, if not most, of this inflammation is the result of alterations in our microbiome.

The raw food movement is

000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

LEEUWENHOEK

was a Dutch tradesman and scientist considered to be the first microbiologist. Leeuwenhoek is known to have made over 500 “microscopes.” He discovered blood cells and was the first to see living sperm cells of animals.

MIND

BEING SKEPTICAL IS ONE THING; BEING A FULL-BLOWN SKEPTIC IS QUITE ANOTHER. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE?

in a car dealership will keep you from buying a lemon.

“A healthy skepticism while

An unhealthy skepticism might prevent you from obtaining a reliable means of transport.”

—BILLSHIPLEY,AUTHOR

OUTLOOK

POSITIVE THINKING CHANGES LIVES?

That’s affirmative!

If you’ve ever heard the saying that thoughts precede actions, you’ve just had the theory of affirmations concisely summed up.

Affirmations are positive statements about yourself and your life that you can say, read or write–preferably all three–to change your thinking from negative to positive.

People who use affirmations believe that programming your mind with positive thoughts and words, enables you to improve your thinking and your circumstances.

If you’re new to using affirmations, it’s time to learn the basics so you can begin and create the life you’ve always dreamed of.

1DETERMINE WHAT YOU WANT TO WORK ON Before you can compose or gather the affirmations you’re going to use, you must determine which areas of your life you want to work on. Psychology Today suggests making a list of what you consider your

GATHER YOUR AFFIRMATIONS

It is easy to provide love in a way familiar to us. But your spouse may not receive your message as one of love. It may be awkward, but if your spouse receives love via physical affection, you need to accept that, not try to change it or convince your mate that you are right.

USE YOUR AFFIRMATIONS EFFECTIVELY When you’re armed and ready with the list of affirmations that address areas of your life that you want to improve, find a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed. Read the affirmations aloud, repeating each one as many times as you feel necessary. Three to five repetitions of each affirmation are sufficient to begin with. Ensure that you spend at least five minutes each day speaking your affirmations aloud. If you’d like to spend more time on the affirmations, feel free to do so. If you find yourself in situations where you can’t repeat them aloud, try writing each affirmation in a notebook several times or simply repeat them mentally over and over.

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF AFFIRMATION According to experts at Carnegie Mellon University, using selfaffirmation techniques may protect your problem-solving abilities from the damaging effects of stress. Many people who use affirmations daily report an increase in confidence and an increasingly positive outlook. Even if you feel silly making your positive affirmation statements aloud in the beginning, continue with them until you’re comfortable. The longer you use them, the more you’ll find yourself believing them and using them to improve your life. While it may be hard to believe that simply repeating your list of positive affirmations can improve your life significantly, several people have reported amazing results. Changing your words changes your thinking and can ultimately change your life.

ARE YOU A SKEPTIC OR A CYNIC?

Keep your guard up without becoming overly distrustful.

Our society has become more suspicious, and our increased skepticism has changed the way we act and interact with each other.

Some amount of skepticism is wise. Those who are gullible and overly trusting are most likely to become scam victims. Don’t be either. Never give personal information over the phone, even if you know the caller.

And be forewarned that there’s a danger in being skeptical. It can turn into cynicism. Being a little skeptical is good; it can prevent others from taking advantage of you. Being cynical, on the other hand, can rob you of joy. You begin to mistrust everyone. Your attitude becomes pessimistic, leading you to sneer at the very possibility someone could be honest and noble.

So be cautious, yes, but avoid becoming overly suspicious. Even if you have been taken advantage of in the past, understand that not everyone is culpable for that. Set some policies that will lead to safe habits online and on the telephone, and then move on with life.

Allow yourself to trust and to love others.

THE SKEPTIC: THE CYNIC:

“I’m concerned about the issue, and I think we need to revisit X and Y. Perhaps we want to try Z instead? Or maybe there is a way we can tweak Y to work?”

“We did not discuss the issue enough. X and Y are both wrong. We’re not approaching this in the right way.”

Your partners for life

Samuel J. Goss, D.O., FACC, is one of our invasive cardiologists at Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County. He specializes in cardiovascular disease, and performs various procedures in the diagnosing and treatment of heart disease, such as Diagnostic Catheterizations, Nuclear Stress Testing, Cardiac P.E.T. and Echo-cardiography. He is one of 6 cardiologists on our staff performing Targeted Endovenous Therapy, a radio-frequency ablation procedure for the treatment of varicose veins.

As one of the oldest and most experienced private cardiology practices in Central Florida, at Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County, we are dedicated to bringing innovation in cardiovascular care to our patients. Since 1992, we have been your partners for life.

SPIRIT

WHAT DO CHILDREN WANT?

Video games, designer clothes, cell phones and tablets, of course. Are you sure? Last year, IKEA conducted a revealing experiment, asking 10 children in Spain to write two letters — one to the Three Wise Men (Spain’s version of Santa), and one to the kids’ parents. Predictably, the children asked the Three Wise Men for toys, musical instruments and pets. But the letters to parents were much different. The children asked their parents to play with them, for more time together, to be listened to, to be tickled, to have more meals together as a family, to do more experiments at home, to spend an entire day together as a family. What would your children ask for?

TREASURE THE HERE AND NOW WITH YOUR KIDS

Kids want presence more than presents

What will my children remember most about childhood? Will it be lessons I tried to impart about being a “good” person? What I taught them in terms of academics and proper study habits? Outings to get ice cream after school, or taking naps together on a Sunday afternoon?

It’s difficult to say what decisions and behaviors impact our children most.

Kids love receiving gifts and being spoiled with treats. But when it comes down to it, they value our time and presence most. They value doing activities together, whether it’s reading, going for a walk or driving back and forth from school.

I am painfully aware that spending time with me won’t always be No. 1 on my kids’ priority list. Already, my daughter prefers to close the door to her bedroom and read alone, rather than next to me in the family room. My son is asking about sleeping over at his friend’s home.

percent of children feel their parents are sometimes distracted when they want to talk to them. The No. 1 distraction? Technology — particularly cell phones.

We’ll wake up one day and our little ones will be adults. We’ll wonder where the time went, and we’ll miss the requests for one more story or snack before bed.

When we speak of mindful parenting, we speak of being aware of the present moment. Sometimes, when you are exhausted and have a screaming, sleep-deprived, hungry child in mid-tantrum, that present moment is not so wonderful. But if we can find a sliver of gratitude, even the tiniest bit, or an iota of compassion for ourselves and our children, we can create a space to step back and observe the child in front of us, the parent within us, and all of the mixed beauty that can accompany that journey we embark on together.

We also create a space to realize that, thankfully, this moment won’t last forever ... and, at the same time, tragically, this moment won’t last forever.

TOP 5 THINGS STUDENTS AROUND THE WORLD SAID THEY REMEMBERED AND LOVED MOST ABOUT THEIR MOTHERS.

1. Come into my bedroom at night, tuck me in and sing me a song. Also tell me stories about when you were little.

2. Give me hugs and kisses and sit and talk with me privately.

3. Spend quality time just with me, not with my brothers and sisters around.

4. Give me nutritious food so I can grow up healthy.

— Abigail Van Buren

5. we could do on

5. At dinner talk about what we could do together on the weekend.

“If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time, and half as much money.”

SYNE

TEEN SPIRIT

P.A.T. will help you reach your teen.

WRITER: GREG FRESCOLN

Teens eventually transition from feeling comfortable about sharing problems with parents to an age where they only discuss problems with peers.

After the transformation occurs, your teen may tell you nothing is wrong when something is clearly bothering them. Getting them to open up can be achieved in a variety of ways.

• EXAMINE YOUR POSTURE.

If you walk into your child’s room and stand there with your arms crossed, it can be seen as defensive and convey you really don’t want to talk. Uncross those arms, sit down and look at them at eye level. Lean slightly forward and really listen to what they are saying.

• EXAMINE YOUR OWN ATTITUDE.

Parents often approach teens when they are angry about something. Try to have conversations with your teen when there isn’t an agenda. Share something funny that happened at work, or something you heard on the radio or news. Perhaps you can discuss neighborhood and community events. If you walk in angry, the teen will become angry too and mirror your posture and attitude.

• THINK ABOUT THE WAY YOU ARE FRAMING QUESTIONS.

Listen to the tone of your voice, the words you are using and the way you are emphasizing dialogue. As you hear yourself, ask if you would want to talk to you.

MOM AND DAD DON’T UNDERSTAND.

REMEMBER P.A.T: POSTURE, ATTITUDE AND THINKING. And try to keep things upbeat. Although your teen may not initially respond, over a period of a couple of weeks you may notice drastic improvement.

… WEREN’T CONCERNED ABOUT TERRORISM … … DIDN’T KNOW ANYONE WHO USED DRUGS …

… couldn’t fathom a kid bringing a gun to school … YONE …

… didn’t have pornography at their fi ngertips …

… thought wars only happened in the Middle East …

… didn’t worry about XXX

… never heard of online predators …

ou you NKING. teen uple of SOUR

66%

SOURCE: Stageoflife.com teen poll

OF TEENAGERS SAY THAT THEY FEEL MOST PEOPLE DO NOT SEE THEM FOR WHO THEY REALLY ARE.

WHAT’S YOUR SEASON FOR SNEEZIN’?

Whether your allergy symptoms are seasonal or year-round, our team of board certified physicians, PAs and allergy nurses offer comprehensive diagnosis and customized treatments for seasonal and year-round allergies.

FINANCE

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN FLORIDA MUST TURN OVER

unclaimed assets to the state, which manages the money until rightful owners can be found. That's the law. The law, however, does not require the state to track you down and let you know that you have unclaimed assets from closed bank accounts, utility deposits, stock certificates, etc. Fortunately, you can find your missing money with a few simple clicks of the mouse.

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

PRACTI PRRA P

HELPING A FRIEND

Dear Dave,

I have a friend experiencing financial problems. She is between real jobs and bringing in only about $600 a month. But even when she’s working regularly, she doesn’t budget or manage her money wisely, and she’s always looking for more money. On top of all this, she’s holding out hope for her dream job out of state. She interviewed several months ago, and hasn’t heard anything from the company. What can I do to help her?

Dear Gina,

I don’t mean this as an insult so much as an observation, but your friend sounds kind of flighty and impulsive. She may also be a bit immature. What we’re really talking about here is how to get your friend to grow up a little bit and stop chasing rainbows. Don’t get me wrong. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a dream job, but you have to be realistic and practical.

I want her chasing three or four smaller job rainbows at once so she’ll actually have a chance of catching something. When you chase just one, in most cases you end up with nothing. The first thing I’d tell her is that the most employable people are ones who aren’t broke. When you go into an interview and you’re broke, you come off as tense and desperate, and you don’t make a very good job candidate.

The answer to that, when you’re basically unemployed, is to work any job — and any three or four jobs. Wait tables, deliver pizzas or mow yards. I don’t care what, just generate some income. Work all the time and smile! You never know when you might be

talking to your next employer. You could be walking someone’s dog one day and end up in their marketing department the next. But none of this will happen if you’re trying to feel better about yourself by sitting home watching Oprah reruns.

I assume since you’re friends, she’s willing to listen to what you have to say. But if she won’t, all you can do is pray for her. Remember the old saying:

IN

JOBS FOR

WAYS TO MAKE QUICK CASH

1. Sell Stuff On Craigslist

When you’re broke and unemployed, you cannot be picky. Take this job and love it.

DAVE RAMSEY

“THOSE CONVINCED AGAINST THEIR WILL ARE OF THE SAME OPINION STILL.”

TREASURE

HUNT

Big bucks are waiting to be found.

WRITER: B.E. CONRAD

Almost $33 billion in cash and assets is waiting to be claimed.

That startling statistic comes from the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, which is tasked with returning forgotten cash to its rightful owners, many who have no idea they’re entitled to a financial windfall.

Taking time to search for unclaimed property and lost money can leave you a lot richer. In fact, you can ensure that you never lose track of money that’s rightfully yours by making a search part of your yearly routine.

Start by going to unclaimed.org. Once there, go to the center of the page and click on the interactive map. That will open a window pointing to the unclaimed property department for your state. Each state maintains its own database of unclaimed

property, making it easier for residents to find bank accounts, brokerage accounts, tax refunds and other property they are entitled to.

Enter your last name or business name and click the search button. Only your last name is required, but providing your first name will narrow the search and make the results more relevant. Entering your first name is more important if you have a common last name.

Click on each matching record to see more details. The record will contain information about the financial institution the money came from, along with an estimated amount. Note any assets you feel belong to you.

Complete a claim form for money you believe to be yours. Each state has its own procedure for claiming lost funds, so be sure to read the claim form carefully, provide all the required information

and follow the instructions on the claim form.

And be sure to check the unclaimed property department records for each state where you’ve lived. Florida residents should check: www.fltreasurehunt. org/index.jsp

TOP 10 STATES HOLDING THE HIGHEST VALUES IN UNPAID UNCLAIMED PROPERTY CLAIMS

NEW YORK: $12 billion

CALIFORNIA: $6.1 billion

TEXAS: $2.2 billion

PENNSYLVANIA: $1.9 billion

MICHIGAN: $1.55 billion

OHIO: $1.53 billion

ILLINOIS: $1.5 billion

FLORIDA: $1.2 billion

NORTH CAROLINA: $1.14 billion

VIRGINIA: $1.1 billion

IN 2012, A RESIDENT OF THE VILLAGES FOUND AND CLAIMED MORE THAN $79,000 AFTER CHECKING AN UNCLAIMED MONEY WEBSITE.

MARCH 1

Orange Blossom Half Marathon and 5K

Celebrating its fifth year, this half marathon and 5K event is a flat and fast course along Lake Dora and Lakeshore Drive. Wooton Park, 200 Ruby St., Tavares. Information: 352.394.1320.

MARCH 6

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group: PUN (Pity Us Not)

The MS support group provides people with MS and their families an opportunity to share their MS experiences with those who can understand and identify. Educational, fun and positive support. Information: 352.638.0663

MARCH 13 -

14

Dragon Boat Festival

Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and steerperson compete for trophies and ranking. Professional performers, vendors and fireworks. Proceeds benefit Rotary Club’s local and international charities and scholarship. 5–9p.m. 100 E. Ruby St., Wooton Park, Tavares. $3 admission.

MARCH 14

GCCF 14th Annual Round Robin Tennis Tournament

Round Robin tennis tournament benefitting the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation. 7a.m.–4p.m. Summit Greens Tennis Club, Clermont. Information: 407.325.5054

MARCH 14 - 15

39th Annual Leesburg Fine Art Festival

MARCH 7

Bids 4 Kids: Annual Fundraiser

The Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center’s annual fundraiser to raise operating funds for the year. The event is an invitation-only barbecue with a silent and live auction. Corporate and private sponsors recognized. Savannah Center in The Villages.

Information: 352.323.8303 in Lake County or 352.748.3156 in Sumter County.

Over 100 fine artists and craftsmen. Musicians, actors, dancers, festive food, classic car zone and a student art exhibition at the Leesburg Center for the Arts. 10a.m.– 5p.m. Main Street, Leesburg. Free. Information: 352.365.0232

MARCH 13 - 15

Pig on the Pond

This annual event provides fun for the entire family, including cooking competitions and a 5K run/ walk. Proceeds go toward scholarship funding for South Lake County students. Waterfront Park, Clermont. $5 daily fee for adults, $3 for

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children ages 2-6. Information: PigOnThePond.org.

MARCH 15

Double Run Paddling Adventure

Paddlers will be guided along the shores of Little Lake Harris into Double Run. Guides will identify plants and wildlife along this scenic area. 9a.m.–1p.m. Astatula Boat Ramp, 12703 Florida Ave. Information: 352.343.3777

MARCH 17

Remy Time

Come together for story time geared toward children and families impacted by autism or Asperger’s syndrome.

10:30a.m. at East Lake County Library, 31340 County Road 437, Sorrento. Free.

Information: 352.383.9980

MARCH 20

Revolution Road Rally

Experience the excitement of ATV riding surrounded by a fun festival featuring live music, games and activities for kids. Bring your own ATV and ride on our fun and exciting obstacle course, or rent one for $10. 8a.m.–5p.m. Revolution Off Road, 4000 State Road 33, Clermont. Free. Information: 352.400.1322

MARCH 22

32nd Annual Great Clermont Triathlon Festival

Distances International Triathlon: 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run. International Aqua Bike:

1.5K swim and 40K bike. After racking your bike make sure to head down the finish chute to start celebrating. Clermont Waterfront Park, Clermont. Information: 352.394.1320

MARCH 22

World Water Hike Day

The Green Swamp is considered an Area of Critical Enviromental Concern and the heart of the Florida aquifer. Learn about its connection to Florida’s drinking water while exploring the park. 9a.m.–11a.m. Pasture Reserve, 5144 Lake Erie Road, Groveland. Free. Information: 352.253.4950

from top, left: John Pease,

If you’ve been to our Trust and Investment Services Department, then you recognize us. We’ve been dedicated to helping people build financial security for a long time, and built a lot of enduring relationships along the way. It comes naturally when you put your customers first. That’s what we promise to do for you.

When you want a bank that does more, come to one that cares more. First National Bank.

APRIL 11

Amazing Race for Charity

Two-person teams enjoy a 5to 6-mile race through Eustis, stopping at 20+ challenge stations on the way to the finish at lakeside Ferran Park for a festival, food, awards and music. This race attracts serious runners, as well as amateurs. 9a.m.–3p.m. Ferran Park, 50 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis. $125 per team. Information: 352.242.8111

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The people you know, the bank you trust.

FORE A GOOD CAUSE

Angel Flight Southeast held its 18th annual golf tournament at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg. The event, sponsored by Harper Family Charitable Foundation, included a helicopter ball drop raffle and a $1 million hole-in-one contest. Proceeds benefited Angel Flight Southeast, which provides free air transportation to distant medical facilities.

New Vision for Independence presents Dining in the Dark

April 24, 2015 at Lake Recep ons, Mount Dora

Experience food, drink and conversa on as you may never have before – without your sight. In this unique dining experience, you will eat dinner in total darkness. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, as part of a training exercise, will serve you wearing night vision goggles. The fi h annual Dining in the Dark event is designed to raise awareness about blindness and raise funds for New Vision for Independence, our local non-profit serving people with low vision or blindness and their families in Lake and Sumter Coun es and The Villages.

When: April 24, 2015

Cocktails & silent auc on 6:00

Dining experience 7:00

Where: Lake Recep ons, 4425 N. HWY 19A, Mount Dora

Tickets: $70 per person, $560 per table of 8 Sponsor a named table for $600

Purchase your ckets today!

New Vision for Independence 9501 US Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL 34788

www.newvisionfl.org (352) 435-5040

PINTS FOR PUPS

O’Keefe’s Irish Pub recently held a fundraising event for the new Misfit Spay/Neuter Clinic in downtown Tavares. The event included a silent auction where attendees could win Orange Blossom Cannonball train tickets, Orlando Magic tickets and gift certificates to area restaurants and businesses. The fundraiser also included a raffle and live entertainment.

Impressions

The value of anything you accomplish in your life is always greater when you do it yourself.

Delivering Comfort Joy Safety Privacy

Waiting for and welcoming a new arrival is a milestone for every family. Florida Hospital Waterman now makes the experience even more exciting with our new and improved Center for Women & Children. Our remodeled and upgraded private rooms now feature refrigerators and free Wi-Fi, and are sized to allow family members to celebrate with mom and dad. There are prenatal, lactation and other specialty courses to prepare you for the big event, and mom and dad enjoy a gourmet meal the night before returning home. Visit FHWaterman.com to view a tour of the new center and to sign up for classes.