Life Is Good! Magazine

Whitewater: A Thrill a Minute! Nikki Andruik

Take Control of Your Inner ZooDr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

On Top of the WorldSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Mental OutsourcingJeff Wise

The Arizona Rim Country David Knowles

Our FEATURES

The Great OutdoorsM a y I J u n e 2 0 1 5

With Our Compliments!

The Great OutdoorsM a y I J u n e 2 0 1 5


Whitewater: A Thrill a Minute! Nikki Andruik

Take Control of Your Inner ZooDr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

On Top of the WorldSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Mental OutsourcingJeff Wise

The Arizona Rim Country David Knowles

Our FEATURES

GULF COAST HEALTHY LIFESTYLESGULF COAST HEALTHY LIFESTYLESA Health & Wellness Magazine for EveryoneA Health & Wellness Magazine for Everyone

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Real Estate 101: SOLD!

Selling or buying a home is a challenge. In fact, it can be a full-time job so it makes sense to hire an expert to handle the time-consuming tasks and the nitty-gritty details. Hiring the right real estate agent takes work o� your hands and will also help you get a better o� er.

Q. My husband and I are considering selling our home and down-sizing, but the thought of it is overwhelming—getting it ready to sell, selling, packing and moving. How do people do it?

A. Preparing your home for sale can be a daunting task, and most sellers do tend to feel overwhelmed. Many homeowners want to have their home “in shape” before contacting a Realtor®. However, trying to determine what should be done in order to best market your home can cause undue anxiety, easily leading to procrastination. In my experience, when a homeowner allows me to get involved—sooner rather than later—the entire process is much less stressful. My real estate services include a complimentary professional stager/organizer who will do a complete assessment of your home, and then o� er you an objective “To Do List,” from start to � nish. In addition, I prepare my clients on what to expect throughout the entire process. As with any decision-making situation in life, the better informed you are, the easier it is to make the correct decisions. My goal is to help you prepare your home for sale in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of out-of-pocket expense, and for you to realize the greatest � nancial bene� t.

Q. Should I list my home with you now, or should I wait until next spring? I want to get the best price!

A. Great question, I get this one often. For that very reason, some homeowners choose to wait until spring to list their home. However, what that does is cut down on overall

housing inventory and helps the other sellers who choose not to wait. Anytime there’s less housing inventory, there’s also less competition in the market. So, it could go either way—don’t allow this to be your deciding factor.

Q. Is it important to ask for references when deciding on a real estate agent?

A. Yes, it’s as important as for any other service provider—a contractor, doctor, lawyer, mechanic, etc. When choosing a Realtor® to sell your home, it’s very important to choose someone who will have your best interest at heart, as well as someone who has the knowledge and experience to tackle any situation that may arise.

Q. Is it important to choose a Realtor® who is familiar with my neighborhood?

A. I believe it’s extremely important to choose a Realtor® who has experience in your neighborhood: a Realtor® who knows what your neighborhood has to o� er and knows how to market it; a Realtor® who is familiar with the other homes for sale in your area and what homes have recently sold; and a Realtor® who has a good pulse for what potential buyers are looking for in your neighborhood.

Q. What separates you from other listing agents in our community?

A. There are plenty of good listing agents in our community. I can’t speak for other Realtors®, but I can tell you that my greatest strengths are that I am personable, experienced and very hardworking. My philosophy in all walks of life is The Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

“Joyce put a lot of e� ort into marketing our home and was always available to answer any questions. She made us feel that our house was her top priority. After six weeks we had multiple o� ers and Joyce helped us navigate through the entire process, secure a contract and close a short time later. We were very pleased with her service and professionalism.” – Craig and Nedra

“Joyce was more than friendly, she was very professional and had everything covered before it was time and made sure I understood things that I didn’t even know I needed to know! Very thorough and my every need taken care of. I will refer Joyce and use her again in the future.” – Todd and Kathaleen

“Joyce went above and beyond my expectations with her attention and energy. She made the entire experience e� cient and easy. I have highly recommended her to all my friends and associates.” – Kary

“Joyce was helpful from beginning to end. Not only did she have good insight about the area, but she acted as our advocate each step of the way, navigating us through a tricky negotiation and contract process and providing us with information on all our options, while giving us space to make the � nal decisions on our own without any pressure. I would highly recommend her. I know if we � nd ourselves moving again, we de� nitely hope to work with Joyce.” – Jason and Laura

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6 May|June 2015 LIFE IS GOOD!

Copyright 2015 by LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine Gulf Coast Healthy Lifestyles, LLC.LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine is published bi-monthly in association with The BC Media Investment Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine is not responsible for any advertising claims. The opinions and views expressed in the articles contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine. The health and wellness content in LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine is intended to inform, not prescribe, and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified health-care professional.

Please direct all editorial correspondence to the publisher at:

[email protected]

Gulf Coast Healthy Lifestyles, LLCP.O. Box 590933

Houston, TX 77289-0933

“A Health & Wellness Magazine for

Everyone”

PUBLISHER/EDITOR/DESIGNER Nikki AndruikEDITORIAL ASSISTANT Wendy WilliamsCREATIVE/GRAPHIC DESIGN Creative Juices Advertising & Design Marta L. Brown

FEATURE WRITERS MaryJane Butters Dr. Mehmet Oz Dr. Catherine Hansen Dr. Michael RoizenJean West Rudnicki Sue Mayfield GeigerDr. Michael Greger Kathy HarlanDavid Knowles Wendy Williams

COLUMNISTS Kathy MililloCindy Price Tabatha Holt Dave Ramsey Rhonda Porter Shirley Terry-Lopez Jan Denise Wendy Williams Lorraine Bossé-Smith David Knowles Dayna Steele Sue Mayfield Geiger Julie NiseDr. Alfredo J. Vazquez Dr. Steven Garner

GUEST WRITERS David A. Paulissen Captain Greg StandardJeff Wise Mark WilliamsBarbara Hammond Brian TreybigNicholas Gordon Ilan Shamir

PHOTOGRAPHY Marta L. Brown

OUR MISSION STATEMENT“To gently lead, teach and inspire our readers to

adopt healthy lifestyle choicesfor themselves and for their families.”

Active lifestyle. Adventure. New experiences. Travel. Who among us doesn’t long to have more time in their life to pursue these exciting realities? I know I do! But in the meantime—between adventures—I make a point of getting outdoors every single chance I have: enjoying my coffee and breakfast outside (along with a big dose of natural vitamin D from the morning sun), checking on the growth of fledgling veggies in new raised organic garden beds, stretching/yoga, power walking and/or cycling each morning. And, indulging in a glass of red wine with David in the evening. (And soon it will be pool season!) Yes indeed, life is very good!

The Great Outdoors. My first time whitewater rafting mirrors the title of my article, A Thrill a Minute! Born an outdoorsy, wannabe-adrenalin-junkie, it was the ride of a lifetime and I’m looking forward to repeating the experience again, soon (Colorado River through the Grand Canyon). With Take Control of Your Inner Zoo, The YOU Docs talk to you about maintaining a healthy balance in your gut, resulting in improved natural digestion. Kathy Harlan serves up another delicious article with, Menu Du Jour. In Woman to Woman: You Are Not Alone, Dr. Catherine Hansen gently reminds us that women supporting women creates healthier, more balanced and fulfilled lives. A farmers market located in a hospital? Read all about it in Jean West Rudnicki’s insightful, Let Food Be Thy Medicine—Literally. As a big fan of hiking, high elevation, breathtaking vistas and fresh air, I reveled in Sue Mayfield Geiger’s feature article, On Top of the World. If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing, this is the year to make it your reality—Captain Greg Standard shares his musings with us in, Sail Away. The Mediterranean Diet being all the rage these days, Dr. Michael Greger sets a few facts straight in, Nutrition Facts: Why Was Heart Disease Rare in the Mediterranean? Even though I am a tropical gardener at heart, I can still appreciate the unique beauty of arid gardenscapes created with cactus and succulents. Please enjoy reading, Their Own Kind of Beauty: Cactus and Succulents. My favorite companion in life, David Knowles, is our contributor for Great Explorations: The Arizona Rim Country—a laid back, relaxing journey filled with new experiences, natural vistas, plenty of fresh air and history. Our guest writer, Brian Treybig, lives life on his own terms and shares his thoughts with us in, Sharing My Story…Living on a Houseboat.

I exercise for one hour a day so that I can feel like a million bucks for the next twenty-three!

A note from NIKKI...

Nikki Andruik

7LIFE IS GOOD! May|June 2015

The Great Outdoors May|June 2015

A Health & Wellness Magazine for Everyone

LIFE IS GOOD!GULF COAST HEALTHY LIFEST YLES

Our FEATURES22 Whitewater Rafting: A Thrill a Minute! | Nikki Andruik 25 Take Control of Your Inner Zoo | The YOU Docs

26 Menu du Jour | Kathy Harlan

34 Woman to Woman: You Are Not Alone | Dr. Catherine Hansen

36 Let Food Be Thy Medicine—Literally | Jean West Rudnicki

38 On Top of the World | Sue Mayfield Geiger

42 Sail Away… | Captain Greg Standard

44 Mental Outsourcing | Jeff Wise

46 Book Excerpt: The Art of Pilgrimage | Mark Williams

48 Nutrition Facts: Why Was Heart Disease Rare? | Dr. Michael Greger

50 The Power of the Pepper | Wendy Williams

52 Spring Cleansing | Dr. Mehmet Oz

54 For a Touch of Class, Try Staining | Mary Jane Butters

64 Their Own Kind of Beauty | Nikki Andruik

68 The Arizona Rim Country | David Knowles

74 Sharing My Story: Living on a Houseboat | Brian Treybig

Our COLUMNS 14 How Great Thou Art | David A. Paulissen

18 The Doctor is IN | Dr. Alfredo J. Vazquez 20 The Garden Path | Tabatha Holt 21 Natural Connections | Cindy Price

28 Reaching Out | 29 Mind, Body & Soul | Rhonda Porter 30 The Spa Experience | Shirley Terry-Lopez

32 Just Ask Julie | Julie Nise

40 Financial Health & Abundance | Dave Ramsey 55 Saluté! Wine Appreciation | Wendy Williams

58 If Pets Could Talk | Dr. Steven Garner 61 BayDreaming | David Knowles

66 Sage Advice | Sue Mayfield Geiger

67 The Good News About Aging | Barbara Hammond

70 Get Your Move On! | Kathy Milillo

71 Inside Relationships | Jan Denise

72 Life in Balance | Lorraine Bossé Smith

73 Your Daily Success Tips | Dayna Steele

Also IN THIS ISSUE 12 BayWalking: On the Street Interviews 24 House Calls...You Ask, The YOU Docs Answer 56 Rosie’s Kitchen...Real Food, Real Easy, Real Fast! 58 Looking for Love...With Second Chance Pets


• The act of calling attention to one’s product or service.

• To arouse the desire to purchase or engage a service.

• The best way to present your business to the Gulf Coast/Bay Area Community!

“Put your advertising dollars to work

in LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine—a healthy experience!”

We’re Bimonthly = We’re Very Affordable!

ad•ver•tis•ing: n.

To advertiseplease call:

Nikki Andruik Office: 281.486.8278

Cell: 832.878.4600 [email protected]

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine is available

for complimentary

pick-up in hundreds of high-traffic

business locations throughout the

Gulf Coast/Bay Area.

Please support our advertisers who make it all possible!

Do You Enjoy Reading LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine?

Pick Up Your Copy

TODAY!

Read LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine online! www.lifeisgoodmagazine.net

GULF COAST HEALTHY LIFESTYLESGULF COAST HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Sugar or Artifi cial Sweeteners?Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & ThymeSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Women’s Hormones and NutritionDr. John R. Johnston

The Therapy of HandmadeMaryJane Butters

Over the RainbowKathy Harlan

T h e G o o d E a r t hM a r c h | A p r i l 2 0 1 2


Our FEATURES

Sugar or Artifi cial Sweeteners?Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & ThymeSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Women’s Hormones and NutritionDr. John R. Johnston

The Therapy of HandmadeMaryJane Butters

Over the RainbowKathy Harlan

Our FEATURES

A Health & Wellness Magazine for EveryoneA Health & Wellness Magazine for Everyone

T h e G o o d E a r t hM a r c h | A p r i l 2 0 1 2



The Great OutdoorsM a y | J u n e 2 0 1 2



The Great OutdoorsM a y | J u n e 2 0 1 2


Our FEATURESOur FEATURES

Where the Livin’ is Healthy!Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

Forget Milk. Got Broccoli?Jean West Rudnicki

Love is PreciousDr. Catherine Hansen

The Healing Path of LabyrinthsSue Mayfi eld Geiger

High Seas AdventureConnie Barnard

Where the Livin’ is Healthy!Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

Forget Milk. Got Broccoli?Jean West Rudnicki

Love is PreciousDr. Catherine Hansen

The Healing Path of LabyrinthsSue Mayfi eld Geiger

High Seas AdventureConnie Barnard


The Harvest SeasonSeptember | October 2012



The Harvest SeasonSeptember | October 2012


Our FEATURESOur FEATURES

Get the Kids Healthier (You Too!)Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

The Spice of LifeSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Has Anyone Seen My Libido?Dr. Catherine Hansen

Prescription: Let Food Be Your MedicineJean West Rudnicki

Nirvana in New MexicoSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Get the Kids Healthier (You Too!)Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

The Spice of LifeSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Has Anyone Seen My Libido?Dr. Catherine Hansen

Prescription: Let Food Be Your MedicineJean West Rudnicki

Nirvana in New MexicoSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Celebrating Tw

o Years!

Since launching LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine in September of 2010, we’ve received numerous inquiries whether we’re available by subscription. We are pleased to announce that we’re now offering a subscription service to our readers who wish to receive each issue of LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine directly in their mailbox. Please mail your full name, mailing address and payment of $60 ($10 per issue) made out to Gulf Coast Healthy Lifestyles to: P.O. Box 590933, Houston, TX 77259-0933. ($60 covers a full year of postage and handling—your magazine is still complimentary!)

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine Subscription Service Now Available!

My phone rings more often when I advertise in LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine than any other print media I’ve used. I’m very happy

with the return on investment dollar. I would recommend LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine to any business who wants to be seen in a

beautiful and classy publication that produces results.

– Julie Nise, Southeast HypnosisWe are getting tons of phone calls from our advertising in

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine, with two to three new patients coming in each week!

– Rebecca Renegar, Legend Physical TherapyWe began advertising Bryan Associates four years ago and the phone continues to ring with prospective clients telling us they

saw our full page ad in your magazine. It’s enlightening to hear compliments on our beautiful ad! Thank you so much for putting your heart and soul into creating such a great magazine—your

hard work and dedication is paying off and helping everyone!

– Desiree M. Bryan, Bryan Associates, Inc.We are having a great response to our advertising in LIFE IS

GOOD! Magazine. That’s exciting—our double-page spread is making a difference! – Johnita Matkins,

Practice Manager, Designer Smiles I can report that we have new patients coming in from the

magazine—this has definitely been our best advertising dollars spent with a magazine!

– Sandra Pickrel, Clear Lake Foot & Ankle Specialist

I had seen this magazine lying around various local businesses and enjoyed reading it, but I wasn’t sure if it would really affect the

target audience necessary to build my medical practice. I was wrong! Nikki and her team of graphic designer, contributors and other advertisers are professional, interesting, quality people. Each patient who books an appointment is asked how they heard about me and I am astounded by the number of women who site the LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine or website. As a regular contributor,

I have been blessed with a unique opportunity to disseminate accurate, up-to-date, quality women’s health information to

our community. I’m well aware of the impact that quality health information has to change lives and I’m excited about my ongoing

involvement in this excellent publication.

– Dr. Catherine HansenThe folks at LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine have been incredibly generous to us. Second Chance Pets has been given a complimentary ½ page

to feature cats and dogs in need of loving homes. It’s obvious the magazine is distributed in many places because we’re contacted by

people from all over the area. The magazine is beautiful and the photos and bios of our animals are wonderful. Some of us think LIFE IS GOOD is our lucky charm—the animals that show up on your pages often find homes immediately—our advertising in

your magazine really catches people’s attention!

- Sara Ryan, Second Chance PetsI really enjoy working with LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine. We have increased

patient traffic in our office and their staff is helpful and efficient. – Dr. Chanda Abbott, Bay Area Audiology

A d v e r t i s e r T e s t i m o n i a l s

This is the greatest time of the year to be living in Texas!Thank you for picking up and reading our May/June 2015 outdoorsy/travel/adventure issue of LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine, “The Great Outdoors.” Choosing the beautiful photos, and working on this issue in particular, gets my creative juices and adrenaline fl owing at high levels—while sitting in front of my computer I’ve already begun daydreaming about the adventures, travels and outdoor activities I’ll be happily pursuing this summer!

We are honored to be your local health and wellness magazine—off ering you important information delivered in our light-hearted, entertaining style. On a bimonthly schedule, we’re proud to publish six high-quality issues per year, each one graced with a beautiful, vibrantly-colored image on our front cover.

Each week as I’m out and about in our Gulf Coast/Bay Area community, attending various events and assisting with weekly managed distribution of the magazine, I’m often asked how we’re able to off er you this magazine on a complimentary basis, free of charge. My response is always, “We’re entirely supported by our wonderful family of advertisers.”

If you enjoy reading LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine, I gently request that you make a conscious eff ort to support our advertisers by allowing them an opportunity to earn your business. When you pick up your phone to make an appointment, or drop by in person, please let them know you saw their advertising in our magazine. Our advertisers are among the best in their various fi elds of endeavor, off ering superior service and value, along with a friendly smile!

Your continuing support of our advertisers will ensure that LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine continues for many years to come; boldly pursuing our mission of “planting seeds” for happy and healthy lifestyles to grow and blossom throughout our community. When you are fi nished reading your copy, please recycle by sharing it with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Whatever adventures the great outdoors has in store for you this season, stay healthy and happy so that you can pursue your joy of life to the fullest! Please enjoy reading this issue of LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine, cover to cover…it’s our pleasure to bring it to you. Happy trails!

Nikki Andruik, Publisher

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine

P.S. Please feel free to email me anytime with your comments—I enjoy hearing

from you and value your input: gulfcoasthealthylifestyles@

comcast.net


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True courage is to keep on travelling when you

can’t see the map.

You are not a product of your circumstances.

You are a product of your

decisions.

You never know how strong

you are until being strong

is the only choice you

have.

The greater danger for most of us is not our aim is too high and we miss it,

but that it is too low and we

reach it.

A woman knows the face of the man she

loves as a sailor knows the open sea.

Helping others is the very purpose of life. It’s the rent we pay for living on the planet.

The best antiques are old friends!

If you fuel your journey

on the opinions of others, you are going to

run out of gas.

May the angel of wildness disturb the

places where your life is

domesticated and safe.

When life presents

you with mountains, put on your hiking boots

and get climbing.

Become a label reader. Better yet, eat food that doesn’t

require a label. Just eat real

food.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just

a little nut that held its

ground.

You can never get enough of what you

don’t really need.

Enthusiasm is everything…it must be taut and vibrate like a guitar

string.

Space is precious. Don’t fi ll

your home with stuff

that doesn’t add to your happiness.

Of all the paths you

take in life, make sure a few of them

are dirt.

Your body keeps an accurate

journal no matter what

you write down.

If today were the last day of your life, would

you do what you are doing

today? – Steve Jobs

The best parts of this

world were not fashioned by

those who were realistic. They were created by those who

dared to dream.

No matter the situation, never let your

emotions overpower

your intelligence.

Set a goal to achieve something so big, so

exhilarating that it excites

and scares you at the same

time.

Follow your heart, but

don’t forget to take your brain with

you.

Do your work with your whole heart, and

you will succeed—there is so little

competition.

There is no greater gift

than sharing life’s journey with others.

Someone busier than

you is getting a massage right now. Make the time for yourself.

Your diet is a bank

account. Good food choices

are good investments.

You can’t be that kid standing at

the top of the waterslide,

overthinking it. You have to go

down the chute. – Tina Fey

Women and cats will

do as they please, and

men and dogs should relax

and get used to the idea.

Food for Thought


WARNING:Weight loss that doesn’t work isn’t a bargain at any price.

Please read this before you waste another cent on a diet that leaves you hungry, craving and frustrated. Emotionally and physically drained.

Being overweight hurts and diets don’t work. So what are you to do?

Now, fi nally, you have a FREE opportunity to fi nd out if you’re the kind of person who can be accepted into a hypnosis program and experience hypnosis fi rst hand through a

hypnotic test with a Master Hypnotist. Plus, we have a Written Service Guarantee. So call now for your

FREE 30 minute hypnosis screening.

281 996-8000Call now!

Southeast Hypnosis—Friendswood, TX www.southeasthypnosis.com

Julie Nise, M.A., Master Hypnotist

Most women have more

clothes in their closet

they can’t fi t into than

our whole program

costs. And, you will

never need to go on

another diet to fi t back

into them!

Hypnotic Weight Loss WorksThere’s a better way to lose weight. It’s hypnotic weight loss.

Here’s what a few of my successful clients say...

“In seven weeksI lost 21 pounds and 12.5 inches. My holidays were wonderful.” — Tina K., Friendswood

“Major changes in my stress, food and communication with my husband. Thanks!” — Lynette L., Santa Fe

“We’ve saved over $2,000 in eating out and I’ve dropped 2 pants sizes in 4 weeks!” — Diana G., Houston

“Weight loss with hypnosis is great, and my motivation to exercise is off the scale!”— Yvonne B., Dickinson

Frankly, I could fi ll up 50 pages of similar statements from people in our community who had results using hypnotic weight loss. Many had given up hope.


HOW DO YOU CONQUER WORRY AND FEAR?

What I do is remind myself, sometimes over and over again, that nothing I have ever worried about or feared has ever come to pass. These feelings belong in the “useless waste of emotional energy” category!

– Sara Beth Nash, League City

Years ago I immigrated to the United States with one bag of clothes, little money and my sponsor’s name and address in a pocket. I will never forget that, and the big bag of courage I needed then and still have

with me today.

– Alana Van der Vorst, Houston

With intelligent decisions. By working hard and getting a great education that pays all the bills, and then some. By making healthy choices…eating clean, exercising regularly, getting a good night’s sleep and not smoking. Also, a good glass of wine now and then never hurt anyone! – Lillian Northcott, Houston

I coach myself that it’s better to get a good night’s sleep and tackle the situation in the morning when I’m well-rested and in a better mood. A very simple solution that works. – Tonya Wallace, League City

As women we need to worry and be aware of a lot of things. Our personal safety and security, and that of our children, especially our daughters, their schooling, our jobs, keeping the bills paid and the lights on. – Kim Stockton, Houston

I work in a cancer clinic where I'm often humbled by how well the patients cope. They manage to remain present in the moment and appreciate the small things in life. I try to learn from their example by placing greater emphasis on what brings me simple joy on a daily basis.

– Lesley Gaugier, Houston

Engaged in mindless physical activities or chores, I mentally address my latest and great-est worry or fear by looking at it objectively from all sides. Nine times out of ten I usually come up with a brilliant answer!

– Rosalie Whitaker, Seabrook

I keep myself very, very busy with a demand-ing physical task or cerebral project—I’ll climb up a ladder to prune a tree or go for a 25-mile bike ride or start working on next year’s blink-ing taxes.

– Shauna Lee, Houston

Most events in life that we should worry about are completely beyond the realm of everyday thinking. September 11, 2001 for example. We survived that as a country, we can survive anything. – Paul Hill, Friendswood

Walking through my lovely neighborhood, I allow the sights, smells, and sounds to distract me from whatever troubles are whirling around in my head. I return home at peace again.

– Andrea Hill, Friendswood

My mother used to tell me, “The world has been ‘ending’ since the beginning of time.” Whenever I start worrying about something beyond my control, I remember her words and start feeling better.– Felicia Raudo, League CityOh, that’s becoming easy for me. I intentionally shift mental gears toward a more positive “attitude of gratitude.” Then I reflect on all the details of my life that are going splendidly on that particular day.

– Mavis Speers, League City

Exercise cures everything. I swear by it. With a calm, clear mind, I’m in full control of my life. Like they say, “No worries, no fears.”

– Mercedes Speakman, Houston

As parents in today’s culture, we all worry about our kids. I must believe that I have raised them to be intelligent beings with a well-developed sense of values, ethics, right and wrong. This belief helps me remain calm whenever they are out there in the world on their own.

– Jessie Wells, League City

When I was younger, more foolish, I’d go to bed and imagine everything go wrong that could possibly go wrong…my health, my family, being stranded on the freeway with a flat tire, getting fired from my job, getting mugged. Now I just take an Ambien!

– Norma Porter, Houston

We all know people who are what I call “Chicken Littles”—“over-thinkers” or “what-iffers.” They always think the sky is falling down around them. Their energy is negative, so I tend to avoid them.

– Dresden Murray, Houston

With a demanding, rewarding career that I love, this is difficult for me to admit. When I am seriously worried about something, I grab the iron and the board and take my fear out on collars, cuffs and creases. I’m not sure why this helps boost my frame of mind, but it does. At the same time I’ve eliminated a knarly pile of ironing. Double win!– Shelley D. Meyers, Houston

When I’m worried or scared about something or other I get on the phone to my sister in California. She has a God-given gift for re-focusing me on the positive and reminding me of my own natural strength and talent for coping with life’s little hiccups.

– Vivian Rice, Houston

There’s not too much that I worry about any-more. Instead I pray, I meditate, I focus on posi-tive thinking, I am grateful for what I have and I exercise. Used in combination, these practices are powerful “mojo!”

– Wanda Tillman, Houston

HOW DO YOU CONQUER WORRY AND FEAR?

BAYWalking: ON THE STREET INTERVIEWS

*Lyric can be worn up to 120 days. Individual patient needs may vary. Duration of device battery life varies by patient and is subject to individual ear conditions. **Professional fees may apply. Annual subscription begins the first day of trial. Lyric is not appropriate for all patients. See a Lyric Provider to determine if Lyric is right for you. Lyric, Distributed by Phonak, LLC ©2015. All rights reserved. MS038552 935

281-557-6077 x308 Call to make an appointment today

Dr. Chanda J. AbbottCCC-A, FAAA

Dr. Chris F. ArajCCC-A, FAAA

*Individual patient needs may vary. Duration of device battery life varies by patient and is subject to individual ear conditions.**Lyric is water resistant, not waterproof, and should not be completely submerged underwater. †Professional fees may apply. Annual subscription begins the first day of trial. Lyric is not appropriate for all patients. See a Lyric Provider to determine if Lyric is right for you. Lyric, Distributed by Phonak, LLC ©2013 All rights reserved MS025810 NEW901

Dr. Chanda J. Abbott, CCC-A, FAAA

EXPERIENCE LYRIC HEARING FOR YOURSELF Call us today!

281-336-0090extension 301

Your Hearing is Precious…don’t trust it to anyone but an accredited hearing professional… Dr. Abbott received her Doctor of Audiology and Masters of Audiology degrees from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a BS in Communication Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, Texas Academy of Audiology and the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She has been a practicing audiologist in Texas for 12 years.

The patients of Bay Area Audiology and Hearing Aids trust their hearing to us because of the high level of attention we provide. Our competitive pricing is strengthened by our expertise and years of education in the hearing instrument sciences. We offer the best products available and excellent, caring service. Take this opportunity to find out if help is available.Dr. Chanda J. Abbott

CCC-A, FAAA

17099 Texas Avenue, Suite 200Webster, TX 77598

Bay Area Audiologyand Hearing Aids

Risk-Free Trial† • Free Lyric Consultation

A REVOLUTIONARY HEARING AId THATCAN HEAR LIKE YOUR EARS dO.Lyric, the world’s first and only 100% invisible, 24/7 wearable, showerproof, for-months-at-a-time* hearing device can.

Lyric’s unique design and placement works with your ear’s anatomy to deliver exceptional sound quality• Lyricusesyouroutereartonaturallydirectsoundintoyourearcanal;

noneedformultiplesettingsorcomplicatedprograms• 100%invisible,soyouenjoyallthebenefitsofbetterhearingwithout

anyoneknowingyou’reusingahearingdevice• Lyricisdesignedtoremaininyourearcanalformonthsatatime• Itsproprietarybatteryisdesignedtolastformonths• Lyrichasaprogrammablesoundprocessingsystemdesignedtowork

millimetersfromtheeardrum• Wearexercising,showering**andsleepingwithnodailyhassles• Improveddirectionalityandlocalizationmeansbetterabilitytotell

wheresoundsarecomingfrom• Reducesfeedback(whistlingsound)• Reduceswindnoises• Lyricrequiresnoanesthesiaorsurgery• Letsyoueasilyuselisteningdeviceslikeatelephone,stethoscope

orheadphones

www.lyrichearing.com

Dr. Abbott received her Doctor of Audiology and Masters of Audiology degrees from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a BS in Communication Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, Texas Academy of Audiology and the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She has been a practicing audiologist in Texas for 14 years.

Dr. Araj is a native Houstonian who earned his B.S. in Communication Disorders from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX and his Doctorate of Audiology from Towson University in Baltimore, MD. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Academy of Audiology and is certified by the American Board of Audiology. He is also a member of the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

*Individual patient needs may vary. Duration of device battery life varies by patient and is subject to individual ear conditions.**Lyric is water resistant, not waterproof, and should not be completely submerged underwater. †Professional fees may apply. Annual subscription begins the first day of trial. Lyric is not appropriate for all patients. See a Lyric Provider to determine if Lyric is right for you. Lyric, Distributed by Phonak, LLC ©2013 All rights reserved MS025810 NEW901

Dr. Chanda J. Abbott, CCC-A, FAAA

EXPERIENCE LYRIC HEARING FOR YOURSELF Call us today!

281-336-0090extension 301

Your Hearing is Precious…don’t trust it to anyone but an accredited hearing professional… Dr. Abbott received her Doctor of Audiology and Masters of Audiology degrees from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a BS in Communication Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, Texas Academy of Audiology and the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She has been a practicing audiologist in Texas for 12 years.

The patients of Bay Area Audiology and Hearing Aids trust their hearing to us because of the high level of attention we provide. Our competitive pricing is strengthened by our expertise and years of education in the hearing instrument sciences. We offer the best products available and excellent, caring service. Take this opportunity to find out if help is available.Dr. Chanda J. Abbott

CCC-A, FAAA


Bay Area Audiologyand Hearing Aids

Risk-Free Trial† • Free Lyric Consultation

A REVOLUTIONARY HEARING AId THATCAN HEAR LIKE YOUR EARS dO.Lyric, the world’s first and only 100% invisible, 24/7 wearable, showerproof, for-months-at-a-time* hearing device can.

Lyric’s unique design and placement works with your ear’s anatomy to deliver exceptional sound quality• Lyricusesyouroutereartonaturallydirectsoundintoyourearcanal;

noneedformultiplesettingsorcomplicatedprograms• 100%invisible,soyouenjoyallthebenefitsofbetterhearingwithout

anyoneknowingyou’reusingahearingdevice• Lyricisdesignedtoremaininyourearcanalformonthsatatime• Itsproprietarybatteryisdesignedtolastformonths• Lyrichasaprogrammablesoundprocessingsystemdesignedtowork

millimetersfromtheeardrum• Wearexercising,showering**andsleepingwithnodailyhassles• Improveddirectionalityandlocalizationmeansbetterabilitytotell

wheresoundsarecomingfrom• Reducesfeedback(whistlingsound)• Reduceswindnoises• Lyricrequiresnoanesthesiaorsurgery• Letsyoueasilyuselisteningdeviceslikeatelephone,stethoscope

orheadphones

www.lyrichearing.com


SPECIAL LYRIC EVENT: May - June, 2015 Risk-Free 30-Day Trial† • Free Lyric Consultation

Lyric is a completely different wayto hear better.

INVISIBLE, INCREdIBLE, HASSLE-FREE HEARING.

CAN.

• World’s first and only completely invisible hearing device, it can’t be seen from any angle, even if someone is right next to your ear.

• World’s first and only extended wear hearing device, it’s not an implant but works 24/7 for months at a time without replacement.*

• Sits close to the eardrum so it uses your outer ear to give you incredibly clear, beautiful sound.

• No battery changes necessary.

Water, Wings and Wonders. I am a Texan, born and bred. While I was born in Denton Texas, my family and I moved to the “Bay” in Morgan’s Point, Texas when I was eight years old. Since I grew up beachcombing after school, the water, wings and wonders of the Galveston Bay system have been an early part of my life. I

graduated from La Porte High School and ultimately graduated from the University of Houston Clear Lake with a degree in Public Management. By profession, I am the General Manger for a local Water District, but photography fuels my artistic side. I got my fi rst camera when I was seven, and have been shooting for the better part of fi fty-fi ve years.When I was twelve I received what, in hindsight, became a life changing experience. My family and I moved to Holland for a year. For Christmas of my thirteenth year, my father got his fi rst ever single lens refl ex (SLR) camera. To my joy I received his ancient 1937 rangefi nder camera and a light meter

to replace my Kodak Brownie—for which I had saved my allowance prior to leaving the states. (I still have that old rangefi nder.) I was truly caught in the web of photography. This gift from my Dad was awesome—he and I enjoyed taking photos throughout Europe. Black and white fi lm was my medium of choice. Dad shot color slides. I shot fi lm off and on throughout high school and received my fi rst SLR just after I graduated. Color slides, and the “pop of color” that is Kodachrome, changed my photographic perspective. But nothing changed me like the conversion to digital imaging. In 2002 I discovered the digital darkroom when I purchased my fi rst digital camera.

Previous darkroom experience was a small darkroom I had as a child and the twelve or so hours of photography I took as electives in college. While I miss the tactile nature of the darkroom, I love the power I have to render and develop images in the digital darkroom. By 2003 I had my fi rst true digital single lens refl ex (DSLR), the famous Canon Digital Rebel. The wonders of modern photography were mine at last! That love of modern, digital, interchangeable, lens cameras and the art of photography remain to this day. This drove me to the outdoors once again. I joined a local photography group, the League City Photography Meetup Group. Within a year I was the organizer of that group, while continuing to focus on the outdoors and wildlife.

Wildlife and fi ne art photography now compel me to create wildlife images every chance I get. The Gulf Coast region of Texas is a veritable gold mine of wildlife opportunities. I focus on the fi ne art side of imaging and have been juried into shows at The Art Alliance of Clear Lake, and ArtCrawl Houston. I have gallery space at JoMar Visions in the Hardy and Nance Street Studios in downtown Houston. I subscribe to the realistic version of the art. Every image I take is developed in Photoshop but that is no diff erent than the old wet darkroom in use. My love of animals, and more specifi cally birds, provides true joy and peace to me.In this day and age, many people are unaware of the many wonders that exist in

our local, natural world. We are on the migratory route for birds ranging from Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes and the many songbirds that fl y through each year. I recently returned from a “bucket list” trip to Yellowstone National Park—the wildlife there is as incredible as you could imagine! So, come follow me in my photographic journey to the world of the outdoors in Texas and in the USA. Go visit the wild places right here in your own backyard. Take your kids to see the migration at The Audubon Society refuges on High Island. Go see the gators at Brazos Bend State Park. Take a trip to Yellowstone. But know it is all just a click away on the web as you visit the Water, Wings and Wonders of the outdoors at my website, DAPaulissenPhotography.com. You may also fi nd me on Facebook at DA Paulissen Photography. Please let me share my vision of the world of wildlife and photography with you.

How Great THOU ART...

FEATURE ARTIST: DAVID A. PAULISSEN

Bay Area Artists


When I had cancer, the world’s leading care was right here.My team of experts in the Bay Area focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Three months after I completed treatment, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Anderson was there for both of us. Having MD Anderson in our community kept me close to my wife and three boys and my mom close to her grandsons. I chose MD Anderson in the Bay Area. Find your MD Anderson today.

Appointments Available 713.745.9940 FindYourMDAnderson.com

I chose MD Andersonin the Bay Area

- Gary Truver, Jr.

15MDA_HL_GTBA_643/4_Life is Good.indd 1 4/7/15 10:23 AM

Ann E. Haggard, D.D.S.

Call us for aComplimentary Consultation!

Visit Designer Smiles for aSmile as Unique as You Are!

Laser,Im� ant

andCosmetic

Dentistry

1015 Medical Center Blvd.Suite 1600

Webster, TX 77598

281.338.9032Monday through � ursday 8 AM to 5 PM

WWW.DESIGNERFORSMILES.COM

We’re saying “Thank You” to First Responders with 10% Discount on Dental Services!

What is Dental Occlusion?And Why is it Important?

Have you ever heard a dentist use the word “occlusion,” but you weren’t quite sure what it meant? In the dental fi eld, occlusion refers to the position of your teeth when your jaw is closed, or more simply, your bite. Unbeknownst to many, the alignment of your bite contributes greatly to your oral health, as well as your overall wellbeing. For example, if undiagnosed and left untreated, bite misalignments can induce a variety of issues, including:

• Loosening of teeth• Tooth chips, cracks, and fractures • Tooth restoration damage• Recession of the gum line• Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)• Headaches• Jaw pain

So how do you know if your bite is aligned correctly? At Designer Smiles, Dr. Ann Haggard and Dr. Marcus Haggard employ an innovative diagnostic technology called T-Scan® to analyze dental occlusion for our patients. By simply biting down on a special sensor, the T-Scan® device will transmit detailed information about your occlusion to a chairside monitor on which you (and our dentists) can see which teeth touch fi rst, how long they remain in contact, how much force is applied in specifi c areas, and other important occlusion analytics.

Using this state-of-the-art system, our dentists can not only identify occlusion irregularities that currently (or have the potential to) cause issues, they can also develop the most effi cient and eff ective treatment plan to alter your bite, if necessary. For more information about the importance of dental occlusion, or if you would like to schedule an appointment at our offi ce, please feel free to contact us today.

Invisalign for Everyone—The Invisible, Hassle-Free and Hygienic Way to Straighten Teeth!

In the era of cosmetic dentistry, most everyone has heard of Invisalign—the clear, custom-fi tted, clear aligners that straighten teeth without the need for metal braces. Invisalign candidates are both adults and teens who are unhappy with their crooked or crowded teeth, but don’t want to go through the hassle and discomfort of lengthy orthodontic treatments with unsightly metal braces.

Invisalign off ers many benefi ts—wearers can continue to regularly brush and fl oss their teeth with ease, maintaining excellent dental hygiene throughout their teeth-straightening program. Metal wires and brackets causing pain and soreness are now a thing of the past.

Dr. Ann Haggard is the only solo dental practitioner in Texas to achieve the Elite Provider status from Invisalign. She has completed hundreds of Invisalign cases and participated in signifi cant continuing education, evidence that Invisalign has very stringent requirements for their Elite Providers.

Dental Implants are NOT All the Same!With professional, high-quality dental implants in place, your ability to resume eating a healthy diet will keep you looking youthful and feeling vibrant for many years to come!Designer Smiles only utilizes the three Top Grade Implant Technology Systems available in today’s market to design your implants and return your smile to a youthful appearance, while also achieving optimal dental hygiene for you. In addition, we now off er both regular and mini implant sizing.Dr. Ann Haggard and her team of dental implant professionals are committed to continuing education, utilizing the latest in cutting edge dental implant technology and the most advanced biotechnology systems and products. Additionally, our talented laboratory technicians will help achieve the highest level of predictable and stable results that you deserve.

With more than three decades of expertise, the Designer Smiles staff has perfected the art of the patient experience. From televisions in each treatment room, to a refrigerator stocked with Designer Smiles water bottles in the comfortable waiting area, patients feel welcomed and at home when they walk through the doors. “We treat our patients like they are family and strive to make them feel special and cared for during every visit,” says Dr. Haggard.

The Designer Smi les Diff erence—Keeping the Patient in Mind

We’re saying “Thank You” to First Responders with 10% Discount on Dental Services!

SUMMER ROSE—BEFORE SUMMER ROSE—AFTER


Cold Laser Therapy is a pain relief alternative to medication, side effects and suffering. More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. In fact, it’s the number one cause of adult disability in the United States. Backaches, headaches and joint pain keep Americans from enjoying their best life and, in many cases, addicted to over-the-counter and prescription drug medications.Health care providers struggle when it comes to treating patients who suffer from pain. In my practice, many patients are finding pain relief from Cold Laser Therapy. Cold Laser Therapy is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and is thought to help accelerate healing. It can stimulate all cell types—including muscle, ligament, cartilage, nerves and skin—and can be used on patients who suffer from a variety of acute and chronic conditions to reduce pain, swelling and spasms, as well as to increase their functionality.Certain low-level laser devices are FDA approved for relief from the following conditions:• Muscle and joint pain• Stiffness associated with arthritis-like conditions• Pain associated with muscle spasms and swelling• Hand and wrist pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome• Lower back, neck and heel pain• Post surgery tissue repairCold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive procedure that does not require a surgical incision. There is no recovery time after treatment. And, cold laser therapy does not involve taking any medications, nor does it have any serious side effects when used properly. Patients are treated with a series of laser therapy sessions—typically eight or less—depending on the severity and duration of their condition.Cold Laser Therapy is one option among a variety of treatment approaches that can potentially provide pain relief or pain reduction, especially for patients seeking a treatment without the use of surgery or drugs. It can be used alone or in combination with a number of other therapies. Cold Laser Therapy has been used in clinical practice all around the world for over four decades. In 1916, Albert Einstein conceived the theory of Light Ampliflication through Stimulated Emission of Radiation or LASER. In 1967, Professor Andre Mester began using low power lasers in medicine. Class 4 surgical lasers are used to cut, coagulate and vaporize tissue. This is different from Class 3A and Class 3B non-surgical lasers, which are painless, non-burning and non-cutting forms of lasers. Class 3A and 3B low level lasers do not have the intensity to damage cells. Class 3A low level lasers help heal superficial wounds and conditions and will typically not penetrate below the skin’s surface. However, Class 3B low level lasers have the ability to penetrate and assist in the healing process of deep tissue and joint problems.

Talk with Dr. Alfredo J. Vazquez about the options available to treat your pain. For an appointment, please call his office at 281-554-5550

The Doctor is INBY DR. ALFREDO J. VAZQUEZ, DC

Cold Laser Therapy

Advice from theWILDERNESS

Keep a sense of adventure.

Listen to the wind.

Be taken by wonder.

Tread lightly on the earth.

Immerse yourself in nature.

Let the storms pass.

Take a hike!

– Ilan Shamir

Texas Spine & Sports Rehab Clinic

103 Davis Road * Suite A

League City, Texas (Inside The Spa & Wellness Center)

(281) 554-5550

www.texasspinerehab.com

Chiropractic * Acupuncture Sports Therapy * Weight Loss

Cold Laser Therapy Non-surgical Spinal Decompression

Soft Tissue Therapy

“Love Dr Vazquez and his staff. He is the one constant ally in my struggle with Hashimoto. He is well informed and current on issues surrounding the treatment and care of autoimmune disease. Patient for life!” - Jamie E. “Thank you to Dr Vazquez and his staff for the amazing care that I have received! After a horseback riding accident a few years ago, I was left with a spine in much need of alignment! With the various treatment modalities utilized by Dr V and the therapists, I am feeling so much better! You all are the best!” - Caroline B. “Good food, no prepackaged meals, and no workouts...the Thin diet sounded too good to be true. I was skeptical at first, but this diet is for real. I lost 20 pounds in my first round and it was the easiest weight I have ever lost! Not only that, but it has changed the way I look at food, my eating habits, and being 20 pounds lighter has given me the energy and motivation I needed to get myself back to the gym. The ChiroThin Diet was a success for me.” - Desiree K.

We accept most private insurances, Workmans’ Compensation, self-pay plans and Medicare Office Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese and ASL

AFTER 5 AND SATURDAY

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE


Like the hummingbird sipping nectar from every flower,I fly joyfully through my days, seeing beauty in everything.

– Amethyst WyldfyreDuring temperate weather, one of my favorite pastimes is sitting on the patio enjoying the ethereal presence of the petite-winged hummingbird, an enchanting creature that delivers hours of mesmerizing joy. Native to both North and South, hummingbirds have been revered by the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The Taino people of Puerto Rico believe the hummingbird to be the spreader of life, while the ancient Aztecs honored a deity named “Huitzilopochli” whose name meant “Hummingbird of the South”—Aztec warriors believed that after dying in battle they would return to life as hummingbirds. The Pueblo tribes continue to honor the hummingbird in dance ceremonies, while the Maya Indians believe that the first wedding on earth was between two hummingbirds. There are roughly 300 species of hummingbirds. The greatest concentration of breeding “hummers” are located in South America and do not participate in long migrations. In the United States and Mexico, the number of breeding hummingbirds are estimated to be around 68. The migratory range of a select group of hummingbirds is impressive, with hummingbirds traveling along ancient fly zones from Chile to Alaska. Journeys filled with great peril are not unusual for these tiny winged wonders: Hurricanes, cold snaps, domestic and wild animals top the list of extreme hazards. Sightings of hummingbirds by oil rig workers 200 miles off the Gulf of Mexico coastline are not uncommon. It is nothing short of “mind blowing” that a bird as delicate and tiny in measure as a hummingbird would attempt a journey as perilous as a flight across an ocean. But the reasons are simple and primordial—hummingbirds travel to meet a mate and ensure both the survival of their species and that of a diverse group of tubular flowering plants via pollination. Hummingbirds eat small bugs, but to keep them going they also need the calories provided by nectar in host flowers.Many people who enjoy observing hummingbirds set up feeders filled with sugar water as a quick dietary supplement. Personally, I prefer creating a habitat in my yard by planting nectar plants that are free and clear of any applied chemicals, and that provide height and shade for nesting. Red is a favorite color for hummingbirds, but I have seen them equally interested in purple, white, yellow and orange. Various types of Salvias, Jasmine, Trumpet Vines, Hamelia, Vanilla Orchid, Russelia, Bottlebrush, Turks Cap, Esperanza, Tropical Milkweed, Texas Red Yucca, Mexican Honey Suckle, and Wild Olive are just a few plants that attract hummingbirds, as well as a number of other natural pollinators. Sadly, widespread damage is occurring to many hummingbird habitats. This means that creating natural habitats in our gardens will assist the happy and healthy existence of these bejeweled charmers for many years to come. Happy Gardening!

Galveston County Master Gardener Tabatha Holt may be contacted directly via email: [email protected]

The GARDEN PATH BY TABATHA HOLT

Winged Jewels in the Garden

Don’t buy anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food. Like anything orange that isn’t salmon, a carrot, or an orange.

Avoid products containing ingredients that cannot be found in an ordinary pantry. Even better, avoid anything that contains more than fi ve ingredients. Better still, if you cannot pronounce most of the ingredients, you don’t want to eat them.

Don’t buy anything that lists sugar in its fi rst three ingredients. And NO HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP! Not even a little.

Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay away from the middle—that’s where most processed food is shelved.

If it came from a plant, buy it (and eat a lot of it). If it was made in a plant, pass it by.

If it says lite, low-fat, or non-fat on the package, put it down. You’ll be more satisfi ed if you eat just a little of the real thing.

Avoid food that is pretending to be something it is not. This includes soy-based mock meats.

Food making health claims on the package is not food you want to buy. Don’t take “the silence of the yams” as a sign they have nothing valuable to say about your health.

Avoid food that is advertised on television. And remember, if it is delivered through the window of a car it is not food.

Get out of the supermarket. Look to farmers markets for the majority of your food and snacks.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.6.

7.8.

9.

10.

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. – Michael Pollan

If you follow these rules, you will be purchasing and eating real, whole food most of the time—and that’s

the simple way to a healthy diet.


Life on earth would not be possible without water.

There’s something about water that has always drawn people. During the coming summer season many of us will enjoy rafting on rivers, lounging by lakes, and sunbathing on the beach. Water seems so abundant and all around us, even drenching us when it falls from the sky as rain. Our planet is two-thirds covered by mighty oceans that make Earth look like a priceless blue gem when seen from space. Ours is definitely a water planet, unique in the solar system.

Years ago I moved to the Bay Area to be near Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. I brought my little pet goldfish with me and the first time I changed the water in its bowl, using the water from my kitchen faucet, it rolled over and died. I knew to add drops to remove chlorine from the tap water, but I didn’t know the local water also contained chloramines. Chloramines, derivatives of ammonia, are used as a secondary disinfectant to purify our household water. Local residents who have aquariums know to remove both chlorine and chloramines from tap water. I learned the hard way when my goldfish died.

I also remember an incident that happened at Galveston’s Sea-Arama Marine World a few years before it closed in 1990. The marine park had added chlorine-treated water to the outdoor dolphin tank, as it normally did to maintain clean water for the animals. One night a cold front formed an air inversion over the tank. The chlorine in the water, which outgases to the air, was trapped right above the water’s surface because of the air inversion, and the chlorine could not rise up as it normally did. The dolphins, which stick their noses out of the water to breathe, died from inhaling the chlorine gas hovering above the water.

What strikes me about these two incidences is that fish and dolphins live in water—water is their home—and yet our water can kill them. Today I use four different kinds of water for my pets: filtered, distilled, and water treated by two different methods. If I am this careful about the quality of water for my animals, you can imagine how concerned I am about the water used by my family.

Last March NASA released a report stating that Mars once had a sizeable ocean of water that covered the northern half of that planet. Today all that’s left of the great Martian ocean is Mars’s frozen polar cap. Scientists do not know how Mars lost its great ocean of water, or if the same thing could happen here on Earth. This summer, while you’re enjoying water recreation, think about how important water is to all of us, and how we should not take it for granted. Let’s all learn how to conserve water where we can, at home and at work. Let’s not learn the hard way that water is a precious, finite resource.

Cindy Price may be contacted directly via email: [email protected] Follow Cindy on Facebook at Cindy Price-Author Naturalist

Natural CONNECTIONSBY CINDY PRICE

Water: Our Most Precious Resource

• Reconstructive Foot Surgery• Geriatric Foot Care• Diabetic Foot Care• Sports Injuries• Children’s Deformities• Heel Spurs• Ingrown Toenails• Neuromas• Bunions• Hammertoes• Medicare/PPO’s/HMO’s

Please call for an appointment at the SouthTexas Foot Specialist location near you.

www.southtxfoot.com

Bernabe B. Canlas, DPMDiplomate, American Board of

Podiatric SurgeryFACFAS

Jeffrey Baxter, DPMDiplomate, American Board of


Brent Banks, DPMPodiatric Medicine & Surgery

Mark R. Sands, DPMDiplomate, American Board of


FRIENDSWOOD119 E. Edgewood

Friendswood, TX 77546281.996.9546

PEARLAND3322 E Walnut, Suite #106

Pearland, Tx 77581281.485.0505

SOUTH SHORE/LEAGUE CITY3023 Marina Bay Drive, #103

League City, Tx 77573281.334.5032

Temporary

location

Let us baby your feet…

We are your specialists in:

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. – Oscar Wilde

BY NIKKI ANDRUIK

Here’s a quick recap of the most thrilling, hair-raising moments of my fi rst whitewater experience while rafting on the North Thompson River in British Columbia, Canada: Picture a large, yellow raft heading straight for a rock jutting out of the raging water at the very top of a whirling, churning rapid nicknamed, “The Washing Machine.” Our guide instructs, “Two backwards paddles, then a front, then a back. Oh shoot, oh, here comes a big bump guys! Get down, lean in and hold on!” We crash—hard—against the rock. But then the raft bounces away, and everyone is still onboard and okay. We’re cold and soaked to the bone with snowmelt water, but the warm July sunshine feels amazing as it warms our chilled skin. As if on cue, a mutual cheer arises from our throats—“Let’s do that again!”

There’s a place for vacations that include museum tours and visits to the zoo, but sometimes you need to feel your heart pound and a lump catch in your throat. For the latter type of experience, head to the mountains, for the rivers are calling.

General Rafting Information. Select your rafting trip based on location, your experience and ability. A waiver of liability will be required by the company before you can participate. The company may have age/weight restrictions for certain rapids, especially for the higher classes. Record snowfall over the winter means serious snowmelt coming down from the mountains and rising water in the mountain-fed rivers from Canada to Oregon to Colorado to Tennessee.

The whitewater rafting season generally runs from May to September, with the swiftest and highest whitewater occurring in May and June and milder fl ows later in the season. When planning your trip be aware that the intensity varies—depending on the time of year and stretch of river, your trip could be a leisurely ride through placid waters or a thrill-a-minute adventure through the rapids. In May and June, melting mountain snow makes the rivers run faster for more exciting rides. By August and into September, the rivers are much milder. August provides more opportunities for milder, family-friendly rafting.

Half-day, full-day and multi-day trips are available. Half-day is recommended for those short of time or on a budget. Full-day is the most typical trip, and multi-day camping trips are for people who want a longer trip. Overnight trips can be tailor made to suit the level of diffi culty and excitement you’re looking for. Some overnight trips include camping and others comfortable lodging. Full-day trips include a lunch break with food provided and sometimes dinner.

What to wear. Most companies will have wetsuits to rent (it may be included/required). It is not mandatory to use them for some companies, but you should consider them. You should wear a swimsuit and non-cotton shirt. Do not wear jeans. Helmets and life vests are required. Sunglasses with string are recommended. Lipbalm, sunblock/sunscreen lotion is recommended (be sure it says waterproof) of SPF15 or higher. Bring a change of clothes to change into afterwards. Raingear is recommended as well. Wear river sandals or old tennis shoes (no fl ip fl ops). Don’t bring anything that’s not waterproof—or that you wouldn’t mind losing overboard.

Class I. Fast moving water with riffl es and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk is slight.

Class II. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels that are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.

Class III. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves diffi cult to avoid. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current eff ects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers.

Class IV. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character


of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards.

Class V. Extremely long, obstructed or very violent rapids that expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fi tness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or diffi cult to reach

Class VI. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of diffi culty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only.

Rogue River, Oregon, Class II-IV. The Rogue is one of America’s preeminent whitewater rivers. The churning rapids begin in Crater Lake National Park and wind their way to the Gold Coast. The upper stretch is by far the most diffi cult. Only for the experienced.

Dechutes River, Oregon, Class III. Paddling through the white caps of this river will keep one focused on the task at hand. Between running rapids, take a look around and notice the ancient lava fl ows that carve the landscape. Playful river otters also provide entertainment along this beautiful stretch of river.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho, Class III-IV. Idaho has more whitewater runs than any other state and this run is perhaps the premier stretch in the U.S. Rapids rage through pristine alpine forest scenery—America’s largest roadless wilderness area outside Alaska. Wildlife sightings may include a mother bear swimming across the river with her cubs.

Klamath, California, Class IV-V. There are more than one thousand rapids spread out along the 187 miles of this river near the Oregon border. Fishing and irrigation rights have been hotly debated on the Klamath for some time. But, what is truly hot are the series of runs that carve their way through the upper section near Hell’s Corner. The Upper Klamath fl ows through a secluded canyon with gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife, and a lot of whitewater. The fi rst fi ve miles are relatively easy with Class II and III rapids for warm up. The seven miles that follow are known as Hell’s Corner Gorge! The rapids are more frequent and they are long. The diffi culty increases due to the length of the rapids, the numerous 90 degree blind corners and the brown water that the rocks are camoufl aged by.

Arkansas River, Colorado, Class II-IV. The 100 miles of rapids pass through the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The Arkansas is a popular river, and for good reason. It touts heart pumping whitewater close to a major city, Denver. The Browns Canyon Run is the best way to get away from the highway and sometimes the crowds. As the river drops into a gorge it runs fast and narrow and supplies plenty of hair-raising rapids.

Colorado River, Arizona, Class IV Plus. The Colorado, which snakes its way through the legendary Grand Canyon, is whitewater heaven. On the 5-20 day trips on this wild run you’ll get a glimpse of the entire western U.S. from Indian ruins, wildlife, unusual rock

formations, and of course cowboys. Twisting its way through the Grand Canyon, the Colorado is an icon of the American West. Running the river with a commercial service will ensure not only safety but passage on the river. (The coveted non-commercial permits are fi rst-come fi rst-served and must be requested at least one year in advance.)

Green River, Utah, Class II-III. A classic trip, the river runs through Lodore Canyon, with lonely pine forests covering the high desert plateau. You’ll come across Bighorn sheep and an array of wildlife while battling the swirling rapids.

Upper Gauley River, West Virginia, Class III-V. Consistently named one of the top whitewater rivers in the U.S. and the world, the Gauley is a thrilling ride. Not for the faint of heart, the Gauley drops 650 feet in 24 miles and features over 100 rapids. The Upper Gauley should only be run by experts or with a guide service.

Chattooga River, Georgia and South Carolina, Class I-V. If the movie Deliverance scared you, read no further, because this is the same river. The rapids, varying with the loads of rainfall here, can be run in part or as a whole.

Cumberland River, Kentucky, Class III. The mostly serene Cumberland takes a wild turn as it enters the Big South Fork National Recreation Area. Rafts must maneuver around house-sized boulders as the “below the falls” run descends toward Tennessee.

New River, West Virginia, Class III-V. Despite being named the New River, this is the second oldest river on the planet. The lower New River has something for everyone, from roller coaster style rapids to the huge raft-sucking holes.

Magpie River, Quebec, Canada. A fl oat plane takes you to Magpie Lake, the start of this eight-day trip through the remote pine forests of eastern Quebec. Your fi rst rapids come as you leave the lake for the Magpie River, and from then on they grow in diffi culty until you reach the challenge of Class V rapids downriver from the spectacular Magpie Falls. You camp at night on river islands, and to the north you see the pulsating glory of the aurora borealis (northern lights). For a river fl owing just 500 miles from Manhattan, it’s almost unimaginable, boasting everything you’d fi nd in Alaska short of glaciers and grizzly bears.

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, Class II-IV. Just over the border from Washington, Whistler has whitewater adventures of varying levels, from the bouncy, family-friendly Green River to the dual river experience of Elaho-Squamish, among the more challenging rides the region has to off er.

Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, Alaska/Canada, Class III-IV. Glaciers and icebergs are among the attractions on these two rivers fl owing through an astonishing northern wilderness of mountains and tundra on the borders of Alaska and Canada. As well as superb whitewater, the trip off ers you an unforgettable experience of wildlife, from grizzlies and moose to spawning salmon and luscious blueberries. Trips on this river average 10 days.

Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to pull on your lifejacket, check the strap on your helmet and get a good grip on your paddle!

(story continues on Page 62…)



There’s talk about how vitamin supplements are unnecessary or even harmful. Do you still think I should be taking a daily multivitamin? I’m 57 and in good health.

We bet you’ve been hearing the fallout from a recent book called Vitamania. Headlines have declared that it proves we’re overdosed on supplements. But if you read what the author, Catherine Price, is actually saying, you’ll see the real headline: that

our food supply and eating habits make most North Americans undernourished, even as they’re overfed! More than 90 percent of Americans don’t get even 80 percent of the recommended daily value for one or more essential nutrients. Price says (and we agree) that ideally, poor nutrition should be corrected by eating more nutrient-packed foods. And we don’t want to become a nation of supplement takers in order to let the highly profitable producers of lousy highly-processed food get away with being nutritionally bankrupt. But until Taco Bell, McDonalds, Nestle, General Mills and others change the way they make their food, and our farmland is managed more responsibly, we should consider supplementing our nutrition. Even conscientious eaters struggle to get enough nutrients: The protein in wheat and barley has plummeted 30 percent to 50 percent since 1938, and calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin and ascorbic acid are far less present in today’s crops than they used to be. So if you’re 35 or older, take half of a good quality multivitamin in the morning and half at dinnertime. Get your vitamin D level checked; take a supplement if you can’t get outside regularly for a natural dose. And take an algal-oil omega-3 supplement (900 milligrams a day) to reduce inflammation and improve brain and eye health. Until the quality of our food supply improves, you need to make sure you’re getting the cancer-, heart-disease-, age and dementia-fighting nutrients your body craves.My city has put bicycle lanes all through downtown, but I wonder if riding on them is more dangerous than it is healthy. What’s your take on urban cycling?Bravo for your hometown! We all need to start to think about active commuting as a doable option. The average American spends almost an hour a day getting to and from work. How much more healthy if that hour a day could be on a bike! There have been a whole series of studies recently that show how everyone benefits from urban bike lanes. By commuting on your bike, you reduce yourcarbon footprint, maintain a healthier weight and improve your cardio fitness. And you roll back your RealAge bigtime. A study looked at 125 amateur, “non-elite,” but very active cyclists ages 55 to 79 (84 men, 41 women). After extensive cognitive and physical testing they reported that—this is amazing—it was not possible “to physiologically identify the [calendar] age of a given individual.” The older cyclists’ memory, reflexes, muscle mass, bone density, strength, balance and metabolic health simply didn’t provide a clue to what year they were born. Most cycling fatalities do occur in urban areas, but not in designated bike lanes. That’s why it was smart for your city to add them. So if you enjoy cycling, go for it. Always wear a helmet and protective eyewear—you can spot less-intelligent or inexperienced bicyclists, because they ride without them. Wear bright, high-viz, reflective clothing. Use a bell, as well as front and back lights. Know your hand signals. Obey traffic rules, and don’t take risks. If you bike with a friend, ride single file except to pass. When you pass another rider or a pedestrian call out in advance, “Passing on your left.” And, never, ever wear headphones—if you can’t hear, you can’t be aware.Several of my friends and I are really into cooking, and we want to learn about new foods and experiment with healthier choices. But it’s harder than we thought to get us all together. Any suggestions? We have a great idea for you: Get your pals together for a potluck dinner club. Host the first one yourself, and then the others can take turns hosting after that. Here’s how it works: Assign each member a dish or course: Appetizers, entrees, side dishes, desserts. Discuss serving sizes—limit the animal proteins to 3 to 4 ounce servings; provide 1 cup of whole grains per person; limit starchy veggies to 1/2 cup with other veggies and fruits pretty much unlimited. Everyone agrees to eliminate the Five Food Felons from the menu: That’s all added sugars and syrups, any grain that isn’t 100 percent whole and most saturated and all trans fats. When you avoid the Five Food Felons, you’ll avoid stimulating production of the “I’m still hungry” hormone called ghrelin. And when you prepare meals with walnuts, avocados, plus fruits and vegetables, you’ll stimulate the “I feel full” hormone called leptin. None of your club members will ever go home hungry. Your Potluck Club will show everyone that friendly get-togethers don’t have to include unhealthful foods like chicken wings and fried mozzarella. And when you don’t feel sluggish from eating lousy food, you’ll actually have more fun with your friends and family! (Publisher’s Note: Please check out the Get Healthy Clear Lake Potluck at gethealthyclearlake.com)

House Calls...YOU ASK, ANSWER


Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

One hundred trillion. Nope, it’s not the national debt. That mega-number is the population of microbes living it up in your digestive system. Most of you think about this inner zoo only when it pumps out too much gas at an embarrassing moment or sends you running urgently to the restroom. But these days there’s a lot of important research going on about this inner world, and it’s revealing that these bacteria are essential for your good health.

As Dr. Mike points out in his book, “This is YOUR Do-Over,” changing your inner zoo or microbiome so it has a healthy mix of these little critters is a key step to reclaiming or maintaining your health. Then you can make sure potentially harmful bacteria in the mix don’t trigger problems such as autoimmune diseases, persistent infections (like C. diff.) and even heart woes. In fact, if you keep the inhabitants of your microbiome plentiful and diverse, they can keep your arteries young, strengthen your immune system and help you slim down and live longer. So time for a gut check! Here’s how to start your gut-biome do-over today.

Move it. Moving your body regularly—walking, riding your bike, hitting the gym—helps support a more diverse mix of gut bacteria. In a recent study of 40 pro rugby stars, researchers from Ireland’s University College Cork found that the players’ intestinal biome contained a wider variety of bacteria than that of fairly sedentary men the same age and size. The rugby players also had Akkermansiaceae—a bacterium that’s been linked to lower risk for

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR “INNER ZOO”

obesity. That’s another reason for a minimum 30-minute daily walk, seven days a week, shooting for your target of 10,000 steps every day.

Enjoy probiotic-rich foods. Yogurt, kefir (a fermented milk drink) and fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and tempeh (a soy-based meat alternative) are good sources of beneficial bacteria. Many yogurts contain helpful probiotics. Look for the words “spore forms” or “live, active cultures” on the label. (Spores are activated in your gut rather than killed by your stomach acid.) Probiotic-rich foods often deliver Lactobacillus gasseri, shown in two recent studies to discourage weight gain and help with weight loss. There’s also evidence that a daily serving of probiotic-enriched yogurt can cut your risk for antibiotic-related diarrhea by two-thirds. This condition is triggered when the meds wipe out both the bad and good bugs in your digestive system and is a problem for 39 percent of people who take antibiotics. (Healthy plant-based yogurts are now available and taste great!)

Feed ’em plenty of fiber. Two important beneficial bacteria—bifidobacteria and lactobacilli—love munching on a family of plant fibers called fructans, especially a type called inulin. It’s found in abundance in bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, soybeans and 100 percent whole grain foods.

Eliminate red meat and processed meats. Gut bacteria release substances when they break down red or processed meats. The substances end up in your bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout your body, which increases your risk for clogged arteries, memory dysfunction and cancer. Egg yolks elicit the same response, changing your inner zoo in favor of harmful bacteria. Red meat also may prompt bacteria to produce substances that interfere with the constant, healthy renewal of the inner lining of the intestines, increasing your risk for colon cancer.

Watch your portions. Overeating encourages the growth of a gut-bug strain called Firmicutes that could accelerate weight gain, say researchers from Washington University in St. Louis. Turns out Firmicutes break down foods with extreme efficiency, making more calories available to your body for use—and weight gain! That means overeating could be a double whammy: You’re eating more calories and absorbing even more. In one study, a 20 percent increase in the number of Firmicutes in the human gut made an extra 150 calories a day available for absorption. So keep your calorie intake in a healthy lower range to encourage growth of bacteria that make fewer calories available.

Humor keeps us alive. Humor and food. Don’t forget food.

You can go a week without laughing. – Joss Whedon

While I am not a good cook, I am a wonderful diner who appreciates food in all languages. My husband Charlie and I travel modestly, preferring to eat as the locals do, with an occasional splurge. Driving a car instead of touring gives us more opportunity to eat adventurously.

While traveling internationally, I learned the wonderful results of asking, “What is the specialty of the house?” in the local language. Saying “Quel e especialedad de la casa” in Italy led to the enjoyment of cuttlefi sh in its own black ink, and pasta in nettle sauce.

Wiener schnitzel, a thin, breaded, deep fried piece of veal served with potatoes and gravy, was enjoyable in Germany, although I exclaimed, “It’s chicken fried steak.” Dal Bhat, or lentils and rice, is ubiquitous and fi lling in Nepal and in much of Asia. Turkey is one of the world’s major olive growers, and the rich olive oil makes everything better. Spain is known for its paella, a traditional rice dish normally made with vegetables, chicken or seafood and cooked in a special, very big, paella pan. Of course, you cannot lump the cuisine of a large country into one category. Is the USA defi ned by the burger?

A great discovery was made in rural France. Meal of the day—menu du jour—usually includes a starter, daily main course, and a drink (water or local wine). Sometimes dessert is included. Created mostly for locals, they are hearty, tasty, and the meal with wine often costs less than with water. I have heard that restaurants in the cities now off er an overpriced menu du jour—exactly the opposite of the bargain specials.

Good meals call for the appropriate drink. Beer, wine and tea hit the spot all over the world. Beer in Ireland is ever-present, and signs advertising Guinness are on every available spot—including church walls. Many tourist areas have free tastings of Guinness and Irish whiskey. Charlie learned where to sit to be selected as a special “taster.” The guides will tell you a story about the creation of the beer with the smoky, burnt fl avor but I have not found that story anywhere in beer references. In pubs, local beer or ale is the drink of choice. The food in England is often bland, but we discovered that its Indian restaurants create food with almost enough zing to compensate for Tex-Mex. We enjoyed most cheap, local wines with everyday food. While in Singapore, we dropped in at Raffl es Hotel, home of the exotic Singapore Sling. The hotel has the lovely aura of a Somerset Maugham novel, but the drink was overrated.

To enjoy a fi ne picnic abroad, go to a fresh market and buy the kind of cheese the locals recommend, along with bread,

berries and wine. One beautiful picnic I remember was on a bike trail overlooking the Mediterranean in France. Another memorable picnic location was the lonely canyon in Italy that inspired Dante’s “Inferno.”

Vienna is the home of Viennese Torte. The baklava in Turkey was fresh and delicious and decadently sweet. The High Tea at the Ritz Hotel in Paris was one of our splurges, with sweet cakes and delicate and varied dessert bites. Most impressive of all was the sherpa in Nepal who carried an iron stove on his back for the whole trek so he could bake us a chocolate cake at high altitude.

Charlie and I have compared our favorite meals while traveling. One was at a B & B in the Provence area of France—it was the farmer’s 50th birthday and his wife prepared a feast accompanied by many bottles of wine and toasts in many languages. The visitors that day were an international mix of people with few overlapping languages. Conversation needed two translations, but soon we were into gestures and giggling. Another was held in a modest building in Turin, Italy. We walked up three fl ights of stairs and knocked on a closed door. No one was admitted who was not on the list. There were fi ve tables. The waiters wore

tuxedos. The menu for the day was prearranged and printed in Italian. No price was visible. All the courses were delicious but we didn’t know then what Osso Bucco was until the waiter acted it out for us.

Ice can be scarce in many parts of the world. In Rome, we walked into a McDonald’s and pointed to “ice tea” on the menu, only to be served a warm glass of tea. I continued to point at the “ice” on the menu—trying to describe ice is harder than it sounds. On another trip, imagine our surprise when we rode by bus, canoes, and elephants to the Chitwan Forest, between India and Nepal. In the tent where we gathered for dinner, we found large buckets of ice—yes, ice!—fi lled with cans of beer. “The Most Beautiful Ice in the World” waiting for us in a remote, primitive destination.

Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian. Sour cream makes it Russian. Lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes

it Chinese. Garlic makes it good. - Alice May Brock

BY KATHY HARLAN

Menu du Jour


• Wellness and General Fitness• FMS—Testing and Corrective Strategies for

Sport Injury Prevention • Sport and Position Specifi c Performance Training• Proper Olympic Lift Technique Training for Athletes• Nutrition Plans and Body Fat Composition • Muscle Hypertrophy Plans for Athletes• General Weight Loss Plans

For more information please call us at 832-224-4735

Please join us in welcoming Garret Meier! Garrett is returning to Legend Physical Therapy as our Performance Specialist. We are excited to announce our new programs that will help you reach your optimal health and fi tness goals!

Garrett MeierPerformance SpecialistM.S. Fitness & Human PerformanceCSCS, USAW, FMSC

1117 Clear Lake City BoulevardHouston, TX 77062www.legendpt.com

CHRONIC PAIN HAS MET ITS MATCHJennifer Todd - LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION “I used to have pain in my lower back because of a disc herniation. It aff ected even the smallest part of my day, like shopping and housework. I had tried epidural injections, but then my neurologist suggested Legend Physical Therapy. On my fi rst visit I could tell I was in good hands. I later realized they are amazing people. I was afraid therapy wouldn’t help me much, but I began to see improvement in my second week of therapy. I was able to walk further, return to my normal activities with pain only recurring occasionally. Currently, I am feeling MUCH better! I can go to the grocery store, vacuum, etc. without hurting. Therapy was VERY eff ective. I can’t wait to recommend my family and friends. The staff at Legend PT gave me my life back!”

The best way to learn more about us is through our wonderful patients. Please take a few minutes to read the success stories and testimonials below to learn of our patient’s experiences and results with Legend Physical Therapy:

50% of our patients are referred by our previous patients

Our patients have given us a 99% satisfaction rating

Consistently voted in the Top 5% of Houston Physical Therapy clinics

In Texas you have the right to choose your physical therapy provider!

Geoff Rorrer - PINCHED NERVE “One morning I woke up with a ‘crick in my neck.’ It hadn’t gone away after a few days and was starting to cause sleep and work problems. My fi rst thought was to go to the chiropractor; it only worked for a while. Then I went to my doctor, but only fi nally got better at Legend PT. All the people I met were very professional and helpful. I decided that I wanted to give it my best shot so I could have as good results as possible. The treatments went well. I got better with each treatment. Everyone was helpful, happy and it’s a great environment. I no longer have any pain. I will tell my friends and family this is where you’ll fi nd great people and a great environment.”

Jana Pena - RIGHT IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME “I had a rotator cuff injury that caused pain in my left shoulder and chronic dystonia. Before I started treatment, the injury was aff ecting all of my daily activities. I had tried massage, personal trainer and a chiropractor—nothing lasted. My fi rst impression of the Legend staff was very professional. Legend PT has such a clean environment and state of the art equipment. Throughout my treatment, the staff were always very friendly and professional. I was always greeted by name. The staff is very knowledgeable and provided me with excellent instructions. I am now feeling better and I would defi nitely recommend Legend to my friends and family.”


Feel the fear and do it anyway.

The trouble is, you think you have time.

Unplug and go outside.

There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveler that is foreign.

Never allow your curiosity to ebb.

The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only a page.

I’ve never been skydiving, but I’ve zoomed in on Google Earth really fast!

Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.

Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example.

There are no wrong turns, only unexpected paths.

The hardest part of exercising is walking out the front door.

When life takes the wind out of your sails, it’s to test you at the oars.

A river cuts through rock not because of its power but its persistence.

Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try.

The brave might not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all.

Go somewhere!

� e Great OutdoorsWords of WisdomWords of Wisdom

To those that jump, no explanation is necessary.To those that don’t jump, no explanation is possible.

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.

Charles Plumb, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was a jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent six years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience. One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, “You’re Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!” “How in the world did you know that?” asked Plumb. “I packed your parachute,” the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, “I guess it worked!” Plumb assured him, “It sure did. If your chute hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Plumb couldn’t sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, “I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform: A white hat, a bib in the back, and bell bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said good morning, how are you, or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.” Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn’t know. Now, Plumb asks his audience, “Who’s packing your parachute?” Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day.

Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory—he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. He called on all these supports before reaching safety.

His experience reminds us all to prepare ourselves to weather whatever storms lie ahead. As you go through this week, this month, this year…please recognize the people who pack your parachute!

Who Packs your Parachute?

Reaching OUT


Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain. But all of the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.

A few years ago I took a self-guided tour through the Salzkammergut region of Austria. This area is considered the Lake District of Austria and runs from Salzburg down to the Dachstein Mountains. My destination on this week long hike was to spend a few days in the quaint village of Hallstatt; a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site with a rich history dating back to 800-400 BC. The town is built on the slope of a large mountain, and is surrounded by a dark blue, majestic lake that evokes angelic peace, creating absolute stillness and tranquility in the soul.

This was my first time to visit Austria. I had hiked around other countries in Europe and assumed this would be similar, with well-marked trails and easy to navigate paths. Since the majority of my hike would be alongside waterways that flowed down toward Hallstatt, I figured that fact would keep me from getting lost. I met with my travel agent and was given a trail map, along with a daily itinerary of the towns I was expected to arrive at each evening. The agency delivered my luggage to the inn where I had a reservation the following evening—all I carried with me was a small backpack with snacks and water for the day hike. I did not carry a cell phone or GPS.

So, on day one, off I went. With expectations running high that it would be an awesome day of hiking, I was also confident that the paths would be well-marked. However, as I approached the first fork in the trail, nothing was written in English. The arrow pointing to the path on the right looked less traveled, so I opted to stay straight on the path I was already on. As I continued straight, the path began ascending—even though my map indicated that I should be cutting across a forest range. Eventually I discovered a dirt road and decided that it would take me in the right direction. Unfortunately, it spiraled down the mountain instead of cutting straight across. Afternoon was fast becoming evening and I was not even close to reaching my first destination for the night. I needed a miracle to get me off that mountain.

Thankfully, I believe in a higher power, and during that day’s hike I’d continually expressed my faith and hope through silent conversation and prayer. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a young couple waved me down and asked if I was lost. Earlier that day, while they were picking wild strawberries, they had noticed me heading in the wrong direction up the mountain. They wanted to know if I’d like a ride down to the nearest village. Speechless, grateful and humbled, I said, “Yes, please!”

During the next day’s hike the trails were clearly marked and the rest of my hike was amazing. Sometimes I wonder if I took that wrong turn in order to learn a powerful lesson in faith.

Mind, BODY & SOUL BY RHONDA PORTER

A Powerful Lesson in FaithOf all the senses, sight must be the most delightful. - Helen Keller

Your Eyes are the Windows to Your World!

When was the last time you had yours checked?

CLEAR LAKE EYE CENTER

281-338-847417040 Highway 3

Webster, Texas 77598www.clearlakeeyecenter.net

Rachel Chen, O.D. and Jacqueline Brending, O.D.

Comprehensive Vision Care for the Entire FamilyFor the past twenty years, Clear Lake Eye Center has been providing vision care of the highest standard to the Houston Bay Area community. We offer routine eye exams, as well as advanced testing, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular diseases. We prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses to suit your needs. Combining cutting-edge technology in a friendly, personalized, patient-focused and professional atmosphere, we strive to deliver the best vision care for you and your entire family. We encourage annual vision checkups and look forward to taking care of your vision needs for many years to come.

Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive and personalized vision and ocular health examination for you and your entire family, using our State of the Art Equipment.

• Comprehensive eye exams • Gallery of classic & modern style frames• Contact lens evaluations • Frame adjustments and repair• Glasses/sunglass selection & fi ttings • LASIK Eye Surgery Consultation

Evaluation and Treatment for the following disorders/diseases:

• Cataracts • Diabetic Retinopathy • Macular Degeneration• Glaucoma • Red eyes/dry eyes • Computer eye fatigue• Astigmatism • Farsightedness/nearsightedness • Lazy eye (amblyopia)


Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows fall behind you.With the annual sun worshipping season just around the corner, a reminder of the effects of UV rays on your skin is more than relevant. While a moderate amount of exposure to sunlight has positive benefits—such as helping your body produce vitamin D naturally and serotonin—the idea that “if a little is good, a lot is better” definitely does not apply. Study after study confirms that overexposure to the intense rays of the sun does long term damage to the skin, and that as we age the effects become even worse. A mere 2% increase in damage gives you the appearance of aging three years—think about that the next time you want to lay out by the pool on a summer afternoon.

It’s true that other factors contribute to aging of the skin—smoking, poor diet, stress, illness, lack of sleep and even gravity. However, a recent study determined that 80 percent of skin damage is due to UV rays from the sun; causing everything from wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation, to reduced quality of skin texture. If you are fair-skinned, have a family history of skin cancer, or been sunburned numerous times, you are at a higher risk for skin cancer.

But don’t despair. With precautions in place you can still escape the confines of an indoor world to bask in summer breezes and the warmth of the sun. Always use sun screen—a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher is recommended. Be sure to reapply every two hours and be generous with the amount of lotion you use. Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA rays. Closely woven clothing can also block UV rays; there are special clothing lines that offer UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) ratings. No matter what you are wearing, fabrics that are stretched out or wet block fewer UV rays. Always wear a hat and limit your exposure time.

Poolside sunbathers and beach goers are not the only individuals subject to sun damage. As we go about our daily routine outdoors, the sun is ever present. If you are a woman who dislikes the heavy feel of sunscreen or sunblock on your face, I recommend using a mineral makeup. Jane Iredale’s Dream Tint Moisturizer, along with her base powder, is a great choice for everyday use. The moisturizer has a SPF rating of 15, and together with the base, feels very light and comfortable. There is the added benefit of no chemicals or toxins, so prevalent in other makeup lines.

I encourage you to maintain the health of your skin by practicing a good diet and lifestyle choices. Visit your skin care specialist if you have questions or need advice about a healthy skin care regimen. Healthy, well-nourished skin is better able to endure the ravages of the sun’s rays. Down the road you will be well rewarded for your efforts today with a glow and radiance that defies the passage of time.

The Spa EXPERIENCE BY SHIRLEY TERRY-LOPEZ

Love the Sun? Don’t Overdo It!

Before

I Was

MyselfBefore I was myself you made me, me

With love and patience, discipline and tears,Then bit by bit stepped back to set me free.

Allowing me to sail upon my sea,Though well within the headlands of your fears.

Before I was myself you made me, me.

With dreams enough of what I was to beAnd hopes that would be sculpted by the years,

Then bit by bit stepped back to set me free.

Relinquishing your powers graduallyTo let me shape myself among my peers.Before I was myself you made me, me.

And being good and wise, you gracefullyAs dancers when the last sweet cadence nears

Bit by bit stepped back to set me free.

For love inspires learning naturally:The mind assents to what the heart reveres.

And so it was through love you made me, me.By slowly stepping back to set me free.

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Your Relationship Problems Solved!

My friend lost her keys in a store and they were never turned in…A supermarket is not a restaurant; you pay for the food before you eat it…

My friend lost her keys in a store and they were never turned in. She wasn’t worried as her wallet with identifi cation was still in her purse. Two weeks later, her home was robbed—with no sign of forced entry. The police told her the supermarket/pharmacy tags attached to her key chain could be the culprit. The person who found her keys made a purchase, swiped her card and the receipt came up with her name. The thief located her house, used her key, walked right in and took whatever he wanted. Julie, I hope this information keeps at least one person from being robbed. – No Victim Here

People should be much more cautious about keeping their information private and protecting their property. One of my pet peeves is people announcing their vacations all over Facebook—before and during the time they are away. It’s like an engraved invitation for someone to come visit your house, stay a while and help themselves to some “souvenirs” when they leave.

A supermarket is not a restaurant, you pay for the food before you eat it. As a child I was taught grocery items are not to be consumed until paid for at the register, yet every day I see customers eat food they haven’t purchased. I mean, how can a store weigh the grapes you ate while browsing in the aisles? Parents send the wrong message to kids when everyone grazes while shopping. Employees are not allowed to say anything when we see it happen. This practice keeps prices higher, and is also unhygienic—shopping carts are fi lthy; they are never cleaned. Any thoughts to add? – Supermarket Sleuth

All I can say is be sure to use those bleach wipes on the handle when you grab your cart. And do your snacking after you pay. There are plenty of stores that give away free food samples if you really want to munch and browse, but you don’t get to do that on your own. If your kids helped themselves to a candy bar you probably wouldn’t like that too much—there is no way to explain how their taking a candy bar is any diff erent than your taking a handful of grapes.

I’m past retirement age, but must continue working. One of the salespeople is a big guy who barrels down the narrow aisles between cubicles. I’ve often executed a quick

side step to not be run over. After a recent miss I told him if it ever happens again I’ll let him plow into me. My question is, if I don’t get out of his way and do get knocked down, what recourse do I have? I would love to smack him (like Bette Davis would in an old movie), but I don’t want to be charged with assault. What say you? – On a Collision Course

Well, you’re probably better off to handle this situation with either practicality or a little humor. I might do something like put up a large speed limit sign, or a “SLOW: Employee Crossing” sign, etc. Another idea is to get a recording of an announcer during a horserace: “And they’re OFF! So-and-so is in the lead and coming into the fi rst turn!” and play that when he zooms by. He should get the hint.

Several months ago, my 35-year-old sister met a man online. After corresponding (via telephone and e-mail) for only two weeks, she moved in with him. This man—I believe he’s 45—now wants to communicate with my 14-year-old daughter. He tries to chat with her online and doesn’t understand why I think it is inappropriate. He says he’s “family” now, and I am being overprotective. I have never met or spoken to this man and feel he has no right to communicate with my daughter. Please advise how best I should handle this situation. – Protective Mom

This whole situation stinks—it’s all kinds of creepy. Nobody in their right mind starts living with someone after two weeks. That’s completely ridiculous. But your sister is an adult, so the bigger danger is for your daughter with whom this man seemed to waste no time wanting to connect with. He is not “family.” There should be absolutely no unsupervised contact of any kind, and my vote is that there is no need for this man to have any kind of contact with your daughter, supervised or not. This is the M.O. of a pedophile, not a sane, responsible man. Take no chances with this.

Julie has a marriage coaching and relationship counseling practice in Friendswood. If you would like to talk to her privately, call 281-996-6888 to arrange an appointment.

May|June 2015 LIFE IS GOOD! 32

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Woman to Woman . . .

The responses I have received to the Sexual Health series compel me to write about the positive impact of our coming together as a community of women sharing stories. (Find all of my articles at DrCatherineHansen.com—Patient Education.)

As women, we look to each other for support. Throughout history, and in most cultures, survival has depended on women helping and reinforcing each other. As men went off to hunt, provide and protect, women remained at home to prepare food, tend to the children and create a safe haven for all to thrive. Good or bad, women do most of their bonding over life’s challenges, and we learn ways to manage by watching and interacting with each other.

Menopause with all its inherent changes is no different. We want to know that others are experiencing similar difficulties and that there is a way forward. When we learn that other women have conquered the same problems, we feel reassured and comforted in knowing that we are not alone. Most women find relief from their menopausal symptoms with treatment, and they often tell me that they wish they had known what was happening to their bodies sooner. My patients want to share their stories for the benefit of other women.

At our last Woman to Woman retreat, conversations were intimate, revealing, supportive and caring. It was a genuine sharing of information that allowed each woman to feel less alone, more included. We all came away with the knowledge that the changes our minds and bodies go through with age and menopause are normal and that help is available for any problems that cannot be easily negotiated. Just verbalizing issues and sharing information is often enough when women reach out to each other in a positive and encouraging environment. The retreat was an opportunity to teach and be taught, to share and be heard and to know that we are not alone.

For me, the ability to bring women together to discuss life’s challenges is a real privilege. Providing care to women one-on-one is a beautiful thing but to see women helping each other is even more amazing. The wealth of information we can glean from each other’s experiences far outweighs

the facts and figures contained in medical textbooks. It puts symptoms into perspective and validates treatment options. It blends the mind, the body and the soul for true healing.

And not just for menopausal women—all women can benefit from an empathetic community of sharing and caring. Every resource that discusses improving quality of life, holistic healing, anti-aging and longevity includes an essential component of social networking. It has been proven over and over that having close social ties and a community of support leads to better physical and mental health, improved immunity and more complete healing from disease. The exact reasons for these findings evade us, but it is likely related to the outpouring of healthy hormones and neurotransmitters from our brains when we feel a sense of belonging. Feeling isolated and alone may trigger stress hormones, well known to negatively affect the body over time, leading to inflammation, increased blood pressure and multiple chronic diseases. The bottom line is that loneliness has negative health outcomes while surrounding ourselves with healthy relationships has very positive effects.

I most enjoy the company of friends who are real, transparent and authentic. The honesty of other women about life’s ups and downs makes me feel included and “normal.” Genuine friendships help us to see the humor in situations that would otherwise be overwhelming, such as less-than-perfect parenting or strained marital relationships. When we realize others are going through similar phases and stages of life, we can relax into the journey and see the light at the end of the tunnel. It allows us to flourish in our vulnerabilities and imperfections.

I have enjoyed the collaboration with many of you over this series, and I look forward to continued dialogue at the next Woman to Woman retreat where you will be reminded that together we can live healthier, more balanced and fulfilled lives.

When you let your heart feel, become resilient to shame, end your judgments of others, learn the art of forgiveness, practice being authentic, and lay bare your soul, you allow your mind to work its wonders, optimizing the body for

its natural state of self-repair. – Lissa Rankin M.D.

Sign up for Free Wellness Advice at: cHansenMD.com

Follow me on Twitter: @CHansenMD or Facebook: CHansenMD

Sexual Health SeriesPart Five: You Are NOT Alone

By Catherine Hansen, MD, MPH


Presentation topics include: • Improving relationships• Staying sexy• Healthy nutrition• Exercise, stress reduction • Making Yourself a Priority

Come and enjoy: • Coff ee and breakfast• Delicious home-cooked lunch• Camaraderie• Friendship• Happy hour wine

Space is limited—register today to reserve your spot:

REGISTRATION FEE: $150 To register contact: Sue

Mayfi eld Geiger at [email protected]

281-770-8989

Sign up for Wellness at:DrCatherineHansen.com

Dr. Hansen’s retreat was one of the most enlightening, relaxing, informative and

entertaining days I’ve spent in a long time. - C. Strong

Attending the Woman to Woman Retreat was exactly what I needed! - E. S.

Love Dr. Hansen’s down-to-earth approach and sense of humor! - C. B.

For the fi rst time in months there’s light at the end of a very dark tunnel—many thanks! - C.M.

Woman to WomanRetreat

Dr. Catherine Hansen

Board Certifi ed Ob/GynSaturday, May 30, 2015

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

In these times of being overworked, physically drained, stressedout and dissatisfi ed with life, let’s come together to discuss livingour best life. Please join me in a relaxed and trusting atmosphere

for a memorable and informative day. We will convene in an artist’s studio on fi ve wooded acres dotted with cottages, meditation

chapel and large observation deck overlooking Dickinson Bayou.

Open forum all day – Bring your questions!

Houston bariatric surgeon Dr. Garth Davis takes Hippocrates’ words, “Let food be thy medicine” to heart. He writes “prescriptions” for his patients, sending them to the Farmacy—the fi rst-ever, organic produce stand located in a hospital.

The Farmacy is the weight loss physician’s brain child, noting that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is health-promoting. “Eating fi ve or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day has been shown to prevent cancer, lower the risk of heart disease and help people live longer. It’s a form of medicine for the body and soul,” he explains in a press release. He initially teamed with Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram, founder and chief co-operator of the non-profi t, organic co-op, Rawfully Organic, and hosted the weekly Farmacy event at his clinic. Then one day while making patient rounds at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Memorial City, the idea came to him to sell the fresh fruit and produce at the hospital.

“As physicians, we perform surgery or prescribe medications to our patients to make them well. Why not also educate them on healthy eating, and make fresh fruits and vegetables readily available? These foods are also a form of medicine that can heal from the inside out,” he explains.

Dr. Davis and Carrillo-Bucaram presented the idea to the hospital leadership, who agreed. Today, patients with “prescriptions” can preorder a “Farmacy Box” for pick up. The box contains fresh, organic apples, oranges, pears, bananas, berries, lettuce, celery, carrots, spinach or broccoli, and tomatoes.

The innovative doctor is among the leading edge of a new wave of physicians who have discovered the powerful, health-promoting properties of a whole food, plant-based diet. Not only are these physicians embracing the dietary approach, but they are actively advocating its adoption to their patients and the general population.

Among them is Houston cardiologist Dr. Baxter Montgomery, who holds regular nutritional “boot camps” at his health and wellness center. Four weeks of raw, all veggie meals has his patients dropping weight, getting off many of their medications, and even reversing diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In Michigan, cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn looks out from a huge billboard overlooking Interstate-75 advising commuters to: “Prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes. Go Vegan.” Dr. Kahn has also recently published a book, The Whole Heart Solution, with plant-based diet recommendations included.

Last year, former Clear Lake area resident Amy Lee-Goodman co-authored a book with Houstonian Shushana Castle titled, Rethink Food: 100+ Doctors Can’t Be Wrong. The book features articles by more than a 100 physicians on the benefi ts of eating whole food, meatless meals to improve everything from periodontal health, to eyesight, to even having younger-looking skin. And Dr. Kim Williams, president of the American College

of Cardiology (ACC), pinned a somewhat controversial blog titled, Vegan Diet, Healthy Heart? appearing in MedPage Today, an online medical news service. Dr. Williams wrote that he began following Dr. Dean Ornish’s plant-based program for heart disease reversal after witnessing remarkable changes in one of his own patients. Noting the compelling nature of the data found in both the large, observational studies and the small randomized studies, Williams called for more testing so that a vegan diet might be included in the ACC’s disease prevention guidelines. He also posed the question: “Wouldn’t it be a laudable goal of the American College of Cardiology to put ourselves out of business within a generation or two?”

But perhaps the most compelling indicator that change is coming can be found at Kaiser Permanente, the largest HMO in the United States with more than 180,000 employees, including 17,000 physicians and 37 hospitals nationwide. In spring of 2013, the mega healthcare provider published, Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets in its Permanente Journal. It stated, “Physicians should consider recommending a plant-based diet to all their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.”

Through in-house studies, Kaiser discovered signifi cant cost savings by having their own employees follow a healthier way of eating, signifi cantly reducing the need for medications and surgical procedures due to chronic diseases. “The future of health care will involve an evolution toward a paradigm where the prevention and treatment of disease is centered, not on a pill or surgical procedure, but on another serving of fruits and vegetables,” it continues.

So it appears that the day is coming when your doctor will likely say, “Eat two carrots, and call me in the morning.”

Respect for food, is a respect for life, for who we are and what we do. – Thomas Keller

If you keep good food in your fridge, you will eat good food. – Errick Adams

BY JEAN WEST RUDNICKI

Let Food Be Thy Medicine—Literally



Adventure seekers have been turning to the great outdoors for centuries to get their thrills. In this issue we introduce you to three men and one woman who get their excitement high above sea level. It’s a challenge most are not willing to take, but those who do agree that there really is such a thing as a “Rocky Mountain High.”

Carl Devendorf, 63, of Plano, TX, has climbed over 50 mountains; mostly in Colorado, but also in Wyoming, Washington, Alaska, California, Canada, Mexico, Africa, and Switzerland. He climbed his fi rst mountain (Wheeler Peak in New Mexico) at age 14. Growing up in Santa Fe, NM, he was a Boy Scout and did a lot of camping with his family all over the western U.S. He began climbing religiously while in college, but eventually decided to get some technical training after a move to Texas, when he joined the Texas Mountaineers. He soon completed a 12-day Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership course in Bellingham, WA. As for overcoming any sort of jitters, he says it takes confi dence and practice. “As the risk becomes greater you rely on technical gear and your ability to use it,” he says. “Looking at the path up is always easier then looking down.” Mt. Rainier was his test piece. Then he tackled Mt. Hood and Mt. Shasta. Combining the snow and ice experience with rock climbing, he climbed the Matterhorn in Switzerland. “The hardest climb for me was Denali at 20,320 ft.,” he says. “We spent three weeks on the mountain with temperatures below -20 F. At the start of the trip I weighed 170 pounds; at the end I was 155 pounds.”

As for close calls: “The scariest was on our way down from Mt. Rainier,” says Devendorf. “We were traversing at the top of Disappointment Cleaver when we heard a loud bang like a shotgun. Looking up, enormous pieces of ice blocks came tumbling down right at us. We ran, roped together, across the glacier and managed to get out of the fall line.” Mountains on his bucket list: Aconcagua (Argentina), Patagonia (Chile), Mont Blanc Gouther Route (France), Cotopaxi and Chimborazo (Ecuador), and The Dufourspitze (Switzerland).

Jason Gross is somewhere between 35 and 45 years old—“I lost track of my age long ago”—grew up in Idaho, but currently resides in Denver, CO. His father was a rock climber, but Gross didn’t start climbing until his early 20s. He still has a fear of heights and says

that most climbers do. “We basically just learn to deal with it and keep moving,” he says. He’s climbed three of the seven summits, starting with Kilimanjaro because he wanted to see the glacier on top and the legendary snows before it disappears. “It was an easy climb,” he says. “It’s mostly a walk-up mountain with a few scrambling sections depending on the route you choose. At 19,344 ft. high, easy is relative.” (Maybe for him.) However, his easiest climbs have been at crags around Texas—Mineral Wells and Enchanted Rock. Like Devendorf, Gross’s hardest

climb was Denali. “It’s the highest peak in N. America,” he says. “I went early season and was on the mountain for 25 days.” But the highest mountain he’s climbed was Aconcagua in Argentina. “At 22,841 ft. high, it’s not too technical, but was a grueling 12 days.” He had a close call on Denali since he’d never practiced with a 50-pound pack on. “I was on a steep section of snow and ice and lost my footing. As I started to accelerate, sliding down the mountain, I had a hard time fl ipping over on my stomach to dig in my ice axe. Fortunately, I was roped in and my rope team was also clipped into a snow picket (snow anchor) which arrested my fall.”

As for reaching his elevation goal, he says the feeling is good, but he knows that he’s only halfway done and most accidents happen on the way down. “I fi nd big mountains transformational. I’m usually on them for several days to several weeks. During that time there are times of adversity and times of inspiration. After it’s all over, the best way I can describe it is that I am deeply content. Of course, that feeling only lasts for so long, and then I start looking forward to the next mountain.” Gross’s favorite mountain to climb is Grand Teton. In July, he’s headed to Russia to summit his fourth 7th summit of the world—the highest peak in Europe, Elbrus. “Someday I look forward to Vinson (highest peak in Antarctica),” he says. “Nearer term, an 8,000 meter peak (26,247 ft.) in the Himalayas sounds enticing.”

Mary Miller Carlisle, 62, grew up on Galveston Bay in Clear Lake Shores, TX, but currently lives in Dallas. She’s skydived, built and fl own ultra lights, white water kayaked and ice climbed, so tackling mountains seemed like the next step. “My fi rst attempt was Mt. Rainier in the 1990s,” she says. “The altitude liked to have killed me and I was totally unprepared. It turned into a hike to the scenic point. However, my fi rst successful summit was Humboldt Peak in

Climb Every Mountain, Search High and Low, Follow Every Byway, Every Path You know – Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein

Carl Devendorf, Mt. Wilson

On Top of the WorldBY SUE MAYFIELD GEIGER

On Top of the World

May|June 2015 LIFE IS GOOD! 38

Colorado in 1994. My next challenge will be Cotopaxi, a beautiful little stratovolcano located in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. “That one makes my heart go pitter-patter,” she says. At 19,347 ft., she’s (referring to the mountain) gorgeous. I had seen a posting of a photo of Cotopaxi by one of the mountain guides and liked what I saw. I’ve been working towards her ever since.” As for the easiest climbs, Carlisle says, “I don’t do easy. I like to push myself to the limits.” And for hardest climbs, that would be Longs Peak in Colorado. “My brother had just passed away and it was an emotional battle for me.” As for reaching the top, she says it’s like getting a dose of oxygen. “When you reach the summit everything is just perfect; then your focus is getting down safely,” she says. No close calls with mountain climbing for Carlisle, but she did break her leg after a bad skydive landing, and went through nine successful dead stick (engine failure) landings in her ultra light aircraft. On her bucket list: Nanga Parbat and K2 (Pakistan), Broad Peak (Asia) and, of course, Cotopaxi.

Charles Harlan, 77, a resident of Clear Lake, TX, went to Nepal in 1996 with wife Kathy. “I fell in love with the culture and the aura of this wonderful part of our planet,” he says. That trip ignited a desire to see Mt. Everest from the viewpoint of base camp. To condition himself, he climbed Mt. Whitney (14,505 ft.) in California to test his ability to adjust to the altitude changes. Returning to Nepal in 1999 proved successful, when Harlan achieved his goal by reaching base camp at 17,500 ft. “To go beyond that was quite a bit beyond my capability and requires a long term commitment,” he says. “For many, Mt. Everest is the main draw for Nepal, but Nepal is much more than its mountains.” Harlan has climbed eight mountains in the U.S., mostly in the 14,000 ft. range. His easiest: Breckenridge, CO. Hardest: “Any climb uphill through snow is diffi cult because of the footing,” he says. “You have to wear crampons (traction device) to maintain your footing.” Highest: “I climbed two peaks that were just a little over 18,000 ft. in Khumbu (Everest National Park in Nepal). We camped at 17,000 ft. there as well,” he says. Close calls include an episode on Mt. Rainer near Seattle. “I was at about 8,000 ft. on snow and got serious muscle cramps all over my body, causing me to fall down, so I had to call it a day.” The best part about reaching your elevation goal says Harlan: “The view.”

Carl Devendorf, Grand Teton

Mary Carlisle atop Grays Peak in Colorado

Jason Gross on top of Denali in Alaska

Matterhorn

Mt. Shasta Charles Harlan at Everest Base Camp

LIFE IS GOOD! May|June 2015 39


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Dave Says...

Financial HEALTH & ABUNDANCE BY DAVE RAMSEY

Those who don’t manage their money will always work for those who do.

My husband and I are 28 years old. We’re completely debt-free, and we each have great jobs. We don’t talk a lot about this kind of stuff, because we’ve found it causes other people to treat us differently. We realize how incredibly blessed we have been, so we always try to give God the credit, save, tithe and give regularly, and not brag about these things. How would you recommend handling a situation like ours?

When you start to win with money, build wealth and achieve some of your goals, you discover pretty quickly that there’s a very small group of people you can celebrate with. It sounds like you’ve discovered this already. A lot of times there are friends, and even family members, you can’t celebrate with because it comes off as bragging—even if you’re just happy you’ve reached a milestone. So, you learn to keep lots of stuff private and not even share the good things. Still, if you have a nice car or a beautiful home, these things can

indicate that you’re successful. Even if they’re a small percentage of your financial world, it will sometimes generate feelings of jealousy or envy in other people. Jealousy is, “I want what you have.” Envy is, “I don’t think I can have what you do, so I don’t want you to have it either.” These are two really evil spirits, and they’re loose in our country today like never before. Part of the price of making smart decisions, and being wise with your money, is that some people don’t understand when you win and don’t think it’s fair. But the truth is that you guys have every right to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ve earned it. You’re generous, giving people, and you take care of your family so the rest of us don’t have to pay extra taxes to take care of them for you. That’s the truth about winning with money. You guys are under no obligation to explain your income, net worth or the fact that you’re winning. And you’re not obligated to be ashamed of it either!

I have a problem with impulse spending. I switched to a debit card so money comes straight out of my checking account, but I still buy things I shouldn’t. Should I stop using the card?

Debit cards are great. You can’t spend money you don’t have with them like you can with a credit card, but you’ve still got to budget carefully and give a name to every single penny of your income. Otherwise, you can still overspend. When I made the decision to get intentional with my money, I just used cash. It’s hard to spend it when you don’t have any on you. It’s a tough thing, I know, but you have to make a conscious decision to start living differently. Try looking at your life as a whole, not just a moment at a time. All the moments you’re living right now will have either a positive or negative effect on your future. I decided I wanted the greater, long-term good, so I gave up on the short-term stuff. Trust me, the greater good is worth the sacrifice.

I have a question about home warranties. Are they a waste of money if you have a fully-funded emergency fund, with six months of expenses or more set aside?

In my opinion, they’re a waste of money even if you don’t have that much set aside for emergencies. I recommend an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses to cover the unexpected things that life will throw at you. This amount of cash, sitting in a good money market account with check writing privileges, will give you easy access in the event of a financial emergency. I don’t do extended warranties of any kind. They’re not a good deal. You’re better off to self-insure against things breaking down, and put what would have been profit and marketing dollars for the extended warranty company in your own pocket!



Warm southerly breezes blow across Galveston Bay, gently ushering in the sailing season in the Gulf Coast/Bay Area region. The rhythmic wash of waves against the starboard bow of a new 46-foot sailing sloop tickles my ears as I tighten up on the jib sheet. Rays of sunshine glimmer from the backs of dolphins as they frolic in family pods while riding the waves of passing ships. Just off port stern, they swim alongside our sailboat and look at us with watchful yet curious eyes. I listen as a seagull harasses a brown pelican for his midday snack, but the quick pelican greedily holds his meal close to his chest and the gull moves on to seek lunch elsewhere. In the far off distance, making no sound at all, cargo ships move as if mountains. No city or traffi c noise is to be heard, only nature’s lullaby fi lled with moments of relaxation and pure joy. These simple pleasures embody the sailing experience on Galveston Bay.

For those without nautical experience, and having heard stories of rough seas, storms, and crabby captains, the thought of sailing can be daunting. The reality is that our bay system is well-protected on all sides—you can always view land while sailing upon the waters of Galveston Bay. The best introduction to the pleasures of sailing is with a USCG (United States Coast Guard) licensed captain at the helm, on either a new or well-maintained sailboat. Our area boasts many well-seasoned captains who are passionate about their craft and enjoy introducing others to sailing. Typically, captains work for sailing charter companies that maintain a fl eet of sailboats of various sizes to fi t everyone’s budget. Some charter companies also off er sailing classes for those adventurous souls who wish to learn how to sail on their own.

If you consider yourself a romantic, plan to take your beloved sailing—it will relax both of you, while also invigorating your senses of smell, touch, vision, and maybe even passion. After your romantic sail, cap off a blissful day with a catered meal. Afterward, slumber aboard the sail boat in the security of an upscale marina—rising in the morning to fresh coff ee and breakfast at an old time café down the street. Anniversaries and birthdays are

also perfect occasions for onboard celebrations. As the sun sets over Kemah with brilliant golden, orange and red rays shooting upwards from the horizon, dating couples become engaged on the bow of a gently rising and falling sloop. These types of experiences are certain to have you looking forward to your next sail date!

Business-minded entrepreneurs sail upon Galveston Bay’s waters while entertaining their

clients aboard 50 foot sailing vessels—there’s just something about soaking up the sun and fresh salt air that lifts and enlivens moods; creating a conducive and harmonious environment for agreeing parties. Corporations treat employees and clients to team building events on the bay while everyone learns how important the TEAM concept is to both sailing and working together. Using only wind as the instrument, learning to sail a vessel is a fantastic way to promote healthy team spirit, while also participating in competitive regattas (sailboat races) with other teams from your group.

On the social side of life, sailing with a group of adventurous friends is the perfect way to minimize the cost of chartering a sailboat, and still enjoying the benefi ts of “sailing the seven seas,” while you “sheet in the main,” before you “jibe ho,” and “come about,” after you have “let the sheet fl y.” Groups up to 12 sail comfortably on the larger sailboats (45 to 50 foot) and groups up to six fi t well on medium sized (34 to 40 foot) vessels. Several local sailing clubs—such as TASS and Sail Le Vie—off er very aff ordable sailing trips. These two clubs take groups of members sailing on well-appointed, chartered vessels at a reasonable cost of only $45 per person.

So, no excuses accepted! “Cast off ” the dock lines and go sailing with loved ones, new ones, or fun ones—you must experience for yourself just how relaxing and mesmerizing sailing upon the sea can be.

The time a person spends sailing is not deducted from their lifespan.

BY CAPTAIN GREG STANDARD

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Welcome Aboard!Welcome Aboard!

The Secret of the SeaThe Secret of the SeaAh! What pleasant visions haunt me

As I gaze upon the sea!All the old romantic legends,

All my dreams, come back to me.

Sails of silk and ropes of sandal, Such as gleam in ancient lore;And the singing of the sailors,

And the answer from the shore!

Most of all, the Spanish ballad Haunts me oft, and tarries long,

Of the noble Count Arnaldos And the sailor’s mystic song.

Like the long waves on a sea-beach, Where the sand as silver shines,With a soft, monotonous cadence,

Flow its unrhymed lyric lines;

Telling how the Count Arnaldos, With his hawk upon his hand,Saw a fair and stately galley, Steering onward to the land;

How he heard the ancient helmsman Chant a song so wild and clear,That the sailing sea-bird slowly Poised upon the mast to hear,

Till his soul was full of longing, And he cried, with impulse strong,“Helmsman! for the love of heaven,

Teach me, too, that wondrous song!”

“Wouldst thou,” so the helmsman answered, “Learn the secret of the sea?

Only those who brave its dangers Comprehend its mystery!”

In each sail that skims the horizon, In each landward-blowing breeze,

I behold that stately galley, Hear those mournful melodies;

Till my soul is full of longing For the secret of the sea,

And the heart of the great ocean Sends a thrilling pulse through me.

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


Several years ago, Search and Rescue professionals started to notice a change in the kind of emergency calls that were coming in. Typically, a rescue mission would start when a hiker failed to report in by a designated time. But then, with increasing frequency, the calls started coming from the missing people themselves: “Hi, I can’t fi nd my trail, I don’t know where I am, I don’t have anything to eat, and it’s getting dark. Can you come get me?” The reason for the change was simple: more people were getting cell phones. Today, of course, everyone does, and the majority of missing-person searches are now initiated by the missing.

This has turned out to be a mixed blessing for Search and Rescue. On the one hand, lost hikers with cell phones don’t have to wait for a day or two before a search gets underway. On the other hand, more people are getting into trouble, because they know that if worse comes to worse, they’re just a phone call away from help. You don’t really need to study a map before you go into the back country, or carry a fi rst aid kit, or enough food and clothes to get you through the night. Just make sure your cell phone bill is paid up. People head off into the wilderness without thinking about it very much, because they feel that they don’t have to.

The dumbing down of backcountry rescue is just one example of a trend that’s aff ecting almost every aspect of our cognitive life. I call it mental outsourcing. More and more we’re using technology, especially smartphones, as auxiliary brains, delegating to them mental functions—such as memory, sense of direction, and problem-solving—that we used to routinely do ourselves. Which is perfectly understandable: Why do things the hard way when the easy way is right there at your fi ngertips? But a growing body of research suggests that the more we offl oad mental eff ort, the more we lose the ability to perform those functions for ourselves, with measurable degradation of the corresponding brain regions. Our clever gadgets, in other words, are making us dumb.

Consider memory. The human brain is capable of storing incredible amounts of information. London cab drivers have long been required to spend years studying “the Knowledge,” an encyclopaedic understanding of London’s dense road system. A 2000 study found that these cabbies experienced a marked increase in the size of the hippocampus, a crucial memory center. But thanks to mobile computing, the value of old-fashioned memorization is waning. It’s faster and easier to carry around

the information you need on a memory chip. The notion of memorizing your friends’ phone numbers seems as antiquated as rotary dialing.

Hippocampus, you’re fi red.

Then there’s cognition. Once, daily life meant solving a never-ending series of minor mental puzzles—such as calculating tips and planning driving routes—that engage the brain’s cognitive functions. Now there are apps for these sorts of tasks. Using them is the mental equivalent of taking the elevator instead of the stairs. Taking the easy way once in a while makes no diff erence, but if you make a habit of it, you’re going to get fl abby. A recent brain-scan study by researchers at McGill University found that people who use GPS instead of going through the eff ort of mentally mapping out their location have less gray matter in the corresponding region of the brain.

The implication, the researchers suggest, is that heavy reliance on GPS can cause such signifi cant cognitive decline and might even spur the early onset of dementia.

Finally, consider the left inferior frontal junction, the region of the brain involved in switching attention from one task to another. It’s the part you use when dealing with a never-ending fl ood of email, texts, tweets, and phone calls. Mobile computing has turned us into a nation of 24/7 multitaskers, but unfortunately we’re much worse at it than we realize. Drivers who have a phone conversation while driving function as though at a blood alchohol level of .08, the equivalent of being legally drunk. It turns out that frequent multitasking boosts the left inferior frontal junction, but that doesn’t mean we do it better. On the contrary, a team of Stanford researchers reported that “heavy media multitaskers are more susceptible to interference from irrelevant environmental stimuli and from irrelevant representations in memory.” To paraphrase: Hello, ADHD.

I’m not saying that this new technology is an overall detriment to humanity. I’ve got an iPhone, too, and I use it all the time. I’m grateful for its convenience and power, and I believe that when used correctly it can boost brain power instead of melting it. The trick is to use it as a tool, not a crutch. So when I call my wife, I dial her digits from memory. When faced with a simple arithmetic problem, I run the numbers in my head. And when I head out into the woods, I make sure that I study a trail map fi rst.

Jeff Wise is a journalist and the author of Extreme Fear: The Science of Your Mind in Danger

How our smart phones could be making us anything but.

Mental OutsourcingMental OutsourcingBY JEFF WISE



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I was not born for one corner. The whole world is my native land.

Award-winning writer, fi lmmaker and host of the acclaimed Global Spirits series seen on PBS and Link TV, Phil Cousineau weaves stories, myths, parables, and quotes from famous travelers with practical suggestions and accounts of modern-day pilgrims to show that there is something sacred waiting to be discovered in virtually every journey. Connecting these voices is a series of meditations that suggest diff erent ways to practice what pilgrims and poets have done for centuries, to see with the “eyes of the heart.”

The Art of Pilgrimage proves that every journey can be sacred, soulful, and transformative if it is undertaken with a desire for spiritual risk and renewal. Whether traveling to Mecca or Memphis, Stonehenge or Cooperstown, one’s journey becomes meaningful when the traveler’s heart and imagination are completely open to new experiences. This is also one of those books that has the power to change your life—it is a guide to feeding your soul. Phil gives us the motivations for taking a pilgrimage: the traveler as student, travel simply for travel’s sake, to discover the answers you are seeking, to quench a longing for the unknown, the enticement of traveling to a destination leaving behind your name and past, along with many more reasons. The idea that travel can restore a sense of passion and wonder is something of great interest to me—we can all feel that we’re stuck in the daily grind of seeing the same scenery and people and doing the same work. Yet, personally, my true spirit hungers for greater meaning, beauty, and adventure. This book is the ultimate guide for unconventional travel even if you are traveling somewhere conventional. It shows us how to observe and listen in a way that opens up a whole new world of exploration.

The Art of Pilgrimage isn’t just for the “spiritual traveler.” It’s for anyone who wants to do more than visit a shopping mall. Cousineau stresses that every trip--whether to The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, your ancestral village in Ireland, or the magnifi cent temples in Ankor Wat in Cambodia—can be sacred and soulful. With chapters that cover the cycle of the journey,

“the longing,” “the call,” “departure,” the pilgrim’s way,” “the labyrinth,” “arrival,” and signifi cantly “bringing back the boon,” Cousineau’s book is the ultimate pep talk for getting ready for, and experiencing what will surely become an unforgettable adventure.

Though composed in comprehensive chapters for the various stages of travel, the book is also an interesting collection of photographs and illustrations, along with anecdotes, quotations, insights, and guideposts—many of them as short as a

single line. I roamed through its pages at a snail’s pace because something on each caught my rapt attention. At times I found myself drifting into thought instead of reading on. It’s a wonderful book, perfect for a moment of contemplation and grounding at the start of any day and any journey, or to help shine new light on fondly remembered moments.

If you are not already of a mind to travel, you will be after reading this book. To put it simply, Cousineau loves to travel, and has written a book that will speak to the “wannabe traveler” in all of us. We are all descended from nomads, the instinct is there but, unfortunately, most of us get bogged down in “Mundania” instead.

This book is defi nitely your “cup of tea” if merely being a tourist is no longer satisfying and you hunger for more magical moments on the road. I’ve received valuable insights on the practical steps of pilgrimage while joyously making a spiritual connection to pilgrims down through the ages. Most importantly I’ve been reminded that a pilgrimage can happen anytime, anyplace and can become part of restoring the sacred to our daily lives. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and consider author Phil Cousineau a kindred spirit. Anyone planning to travel anywhere should read this book fi rst!

Book excerpt: The Art of PilgrimageBY MARK WILLIAMS


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NUTRITION FACTS: Why Was Heart Disease Rare in the Mediterranean?

The Mediterranean Diet is an “in” topic nowadays, in both the medical literature and the lay media. 450 papers published in the medical literature over just the last year alone. Uncritical laudatory coverage is common, but specifi cs are hard to come by: What is it? Where did it come from? Why is it good? Merits are rarely detailed; possible downsides are never mentioned, so let’s dig in.

After World War II, the government of Greece asked the Rockefeller foundation to come in and assess the situation. Impressed by the low rates of heart disease in the region, nutrition scientist, Ancel Keys—after which K rations were named—initiated his famous seven countries study. In which he found the rate of fatal heart disease on the Greek isle of Crete was 20 times lower than in the United States. They also had the lowest cancer rates and fewest deaths overall. What were they eating? Their diets were more than 90% plant based, which may explain why coronary heart disease was such a rarity. A rarity, that is, except for a small class of rich people whose diet diff ered from that of the general population—they ate meat every day instead of every week or two. So the heart of the Mediterranean diet is mainly vegetarian, much lower in meat and dairy, which Keys considered the major villains in the diet because of their saturated fat content.

Unfortunately, no one is really eating the traditional Mediterranean diet anymore. Even in the Mediterranean. The prevalence of coronary heart disease skyrocketed by an order of magnitude within a few decades in Crete, blamed on the increased consumption of meat and cheese at the expense of plant foods. Everyone is talking about the Mediterranean diet, but few are those who do it properly. People think pizza or spaghetti with meat sauce, but while Italian restaurants brag about their “healthy diet,” they serve a travesty of it (meat, cheese, butter, cream).

So if no one’s really eating this way anymore, how do you study it? Researchers came up with a variety of Mediterranean diet adherence scoring systems to see if people who are eating more Mediterranean-ish do better. You get maximum points the more plant foods you eat, but eff ectively get points deducted eating just a single serving of meat or dairy a day, so no surprise those that eat relatively higher on the scale have a lower risk of heart disease, lower risk of cancer,

and a lower risk of death overall. After all, the true Mediterranean diet can be considered to be a near vegetarian diet. As such, it should be expected to produce the well-established health

benefi ts of vegetarian diets. So less heart disease, cancer, and death and less infl ammation, and improved arterial function, a lower risk of

developing type 2 diabetes, and a reduced risk for stroke, depression, and cognitive impairment.

How might it work? I’ve talked about the elegant studies showing that those who eat plant-based diets have more plant-based compounds, like aspirin, circulating within their systems. Polyphenol phytonutrients in plant foods are associated with a signifi cantly lower risk of dying. Magnesium consumption is also associated with a signifi cantly lower risk of dying, found in dark green leafy vegetables, as well as fruits, beans, nuts, soy, and whole grains.

Heme iron, on the other hand, the iron found in blood and muscle, acts as a pro-oxidant and appears to increase the risk of diabetes, whereas plant-based, non-heme iron appeared safe. Same thing with heart disease, animal-based iron found to signifi cantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease, our #1 killer, but not plant-based iron. The Mediterranean diet is protective compared to the Standard American Diet (SAD)—no question—but any diet rich

in whole plant foods and low in animal-fat consumption could be expected to confer protection against many of our leading killers.

Michael Greger, M.D., is a physician, author, and internationally recognized professional speaker on a number of important public health issues. Dr. Greger has lectured at the Conference on World Aff airs, the National Institutes of Health, and the International Bird Flu Summit, testifi ed before Congress, appeared on The Dr. Oz Show and The Colbert Report. Currently Dr. Greger proudly serves as the Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at the Humane Society of the United States.

For more articles/videos: www.nutritionfacts.org

THE ORIGINALHEALTH INSURANCE

Research has shown that a “Mediterranean-type” diet could signifi cantly reduce the risk of having a second heart attack, but since many fi rst heart attacks are fatal, better to prevent

heart attacks in the fi rst place.

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We know our rich, Western diet is killing us. Fat and cholesterol in meats and cheeses along with the chemical-laden, nutrient-stripped processed foods are making us sick and overweight. A diet low in fat, rich in fruits and vegetables and void of animal products has been proven one of the most eff ective ways to lower cholesterol, lose weight, as well as prevent and reverse many chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.

“After years of eating meals designed around meat and processed foods, it’s hard to imagine one that’s not,” says Carolyn Williams, cofounder of Wholistic Kitchens. “With any lifestyle change there’s a learning curve that can be daunting. It’s easy for people to get discouraged, but that’s where Wholistic Kitchens comes in. We designed a series of classes to help you make the transition from the standard American diet (SAD) to a healthier way of eating. We demo quick and easy meals that are satisfying and fi lling, and best of all that can be ready in ten minutes. We also demo healthy, tasty alternatives to familiar dishes. Our class participants get to sample everything, so not only do they see how easy it is, they also get to taste how good it is.”

“We also teach people a simple, easy way to determine if a product should go in one’s shopping cart,” adds co-founder Jean Rudnicki. “Our last class features a trip to the grocery store.”

The series begins with an introductory class that includes viewing the highly acclaimed documentary, Forks Over Knives.

The course is divided into four, 3-hour weekly classes that include instruction in the basics of this dietary approach, how to read nutritional labels, along with preparing meals in minutes, as well as healthy alternatives to dairy, how to cook without oil, and how to survive eating out. There is discussion, questions and answers, videos, and cooking demonstrations, along with lots of recipes and delicious samples. Participants receive tips, shortcuts, and helpful handouts including great online resources for important up-to-date health and cooking information.

“Once you’ve been through the class you become a member of our Wholistic Kitchens Club,” says Rudnicki. “Ongoing support is a vital part of keeping the momentum of healthy eating going. We meet monthly and, like our classes, show videos, have cooking demos and hand out recipes. It’s fun and informative.”

The food you eat is either the safest and most powerful form of medicine,

or the most harmful and slowest form of poison.

- Ann Wigmore

This Whole Foods Plant Based class gave me the opportunity to acquire a wealth of knowledge that not only benefi ts me, but my family as well. It is very informative and shows how simple to prepare and deliciously healthy recipes are possible. The varied recipes, and also the teachers’ sensitivity to those of us who are gluten free was a positive, especially for me. If you are starting your journey employing a plant-based diet, this class gives simple and fl avorful solutions to eat better for physical and mental health. Bravo ladies! - N.S

I loved the classes and hated to see them end! Such great information to help me transition to a better, and healthier, way of eating. Thanks for all the great food we got to taste and the recipes for making wonderful things at home. - S.G.

Even though I practice a primarily plant based diet, this experience opened up a new avenue of endless possibilities of food, recipes and healthful knowledge. The course is very well organized and the food samples are abundant and incredibly delicious. The knowledge has enabled me to go strictly vegan and I am thoroughly enjoying the journey. The vegan resources, recipes and tips are priceless and my health has taken on a more important priority. Carolyn and Jean have a contagious passion and lead by example. I am eating more, weighing less and feeling GREAT! - L.W.

Let Wholistic Kitchens show you how to get started today. Visit our website for details: www.wholistickitchens.com.

Jean Lynda Carolyn

Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite veggies: the bell pepper! Bell peppers provide more than just color and crunch to dishes—these vibrant and versatile vegetables are a valuable source of nutrients, fi ber and antioxidants. Available year-round, bell peppers come into their peak during the latter months of summer.

Bell peppers are also one of the most popular vegetables in the world. They belong to the capsicum family and are distantly related to other well-known kitchen staples like eggplants, tomatoes and potatoes. Believed to have fi rst proliferated in the regions of South America more than 5,000 years ago, bell peppers have a distinctive dome-like appearance that inspired their name. Apart from their unusual plump shape, these vegetables are also prized for their sweet, fruity fl avor that makes them easy to pair with a variety of other veggies and fruits.

Fun facts. Did you know that all bell peppers come from the same type of plant no matter what color they are? Although red, yellow and green bell peppers may fl aunt diff erent colors, they simply vary in their level of maturity during harvest. Apart from the usual red, green and yellow, bell peppers can also be brown, black, purple and orange. Kitchen buff s recommend bell peppers that only have three bumps on the bottom because they have a sweeter fl avor profi le. Oddly, bell peppers keep longer in the fridge if they are stored without being washed.

Buy organic. Peppers heavily sprayed with chemical pesticides are considered among the “Dirty Dozen” and put a

bigger load on bodily systems that work hard to cleanse and detoxify chemicals from your body. When available, always choose organic!

Good for the eyes. Bell peppers contain very high amounts of vitamin A, which is needed by the body to help fi ght off eye problems like retinopathy, conjunctivitis and the formation of cataracts. A cup’s serving of bell peppers already contains enough vitamin A to meet the recommended dietary allowance of an average adult. Peppers also contain a compound called lutein, which has been found to play a valuable role in eye health. They also contain zeaxanthin, another chemical that helps maintain healthy eyes. Increasing the amount of both in your diet can help decrease your risk of macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.

Help prevent cancer. Bell peppers are loaded with various types of cancer-fi ghting carotenoids, namely zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, alpha-carotene and lycopene. These carotenoids help get rid of free radicals and toxins in the body.

High in antioxidants. As your body burns energy, it can generate harmful oxygen free radicals. The body has developed a variety of compounds to mop up these harmful compounds before they do too much damage, but it’s thought that antioxidants can help add an extra layer of protection. Peppers help contribute to that natural barrier by being rich in free-radical-fi ghting compounds.

BY WENDY WILLIAMS

Your body deserves the highest quality “fuel” you can give it.

The Power of the PepperThe Power of the Pepper


Boost digestive function. A single cup of bell pepper approximately contains three grams of fi ber. Apart from helping regulate the release of ideal gastric acid levels in the stomach, fi ber also helps keep bowel movement up to par. Remarkably, fi ber also has the ability to minimize bad cholesterol in the body.

Improve metabolism. Akin to its cousins in the capsicum family, bell peppers contain phytochemicals that stimulate the body to pick up the pace on metabolism. This is the reason why these crunchy vegetables are a mainstay in diet recipes and weight loss programs.

Improve the immune system. A couple of bell peppers can give you a whopping 119.8 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than double of what your body’s daily quota is. Vitamin C helps speed up the healing of damaged cells and tissues as well as toughens up the system’s overall resilience to diseases.

Keep skin supple. Bell peppers are packed with vitamin E which helps maintain the natural elasticity of skin. Moreover, suffi cient levels of vitamin E in the body also improve cellular resistance against toxins and free radicals.

Anti-Infl ammatory. Laboratory tests show that bell peppers contain a number of potent phytochemicals that help prevent infl ammation and alleviate its eff ects. Interestingly, these phytochemicals also have the ability to keep joint problems like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis at bay.

Prevent anxiety. Bell peppers contain antioxidants that stimulate the brain to produce more happy hormones called endorphins. Apart from improving the mood almost instantly, endorphins also help prevent anxiety attacks as well as stave off the onset of depression.

Bell pepper nutrition facts. In case you’re wondering exactly what vitamins and minerals these crispy, sweet veggies are carrying, here’s the nutrition facts for raw, green bell peppers:

Packed with vitamins. Bell peppers are packed with a variety of vitamins including vitamin A, most of the B vitamins and vitamins C, E and K. All of these nutrients support your body in a variety of functions from normal blood clotting to cellular respiration.

High in vitamin C. As peppers mature, they change from green to yellow to red. As this happens, their levels of vitamin C increase. Eating red pepper maximizes your vitamin C dose, which can hit 100% or more of your recommended daily dose.

Full of minerals. Bell peppers can boost your mineral levels by adding calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium to your meal. These minerals keep your brain functioning properly, help regulate your heart and participate in a variety of other essential functions.

Low in calories. Peppers make a great snack on the go and are a great addition to many meals. More mature red and yellow peppers tend to be sweeter, which makes them appealing as stand-alone snacks. One cup of chopped bell pepper is only 30 calories and is packed to the brim with nutrients and fi ber. They also boost the health factor of any dish you add them to.

Coring a Bell PepperCoring a Bell Pepper M Remove the sticky label from the bell pepper. If a label does not come away cleanly, use a paring knife to remove the skin with the glue (the glue tastes horrible). Wash the bell pepper thoroughly under running water and pat dry.

M Cut around the top of the bell pepper in a complete circle—about ½ across from the stalk. Do not remove the top section yet.

MNext, cut around the base of the bell pepper in a complete circle—about ½ from the center.

M Remove the base and twist the stalk of the pepper. This will remove the top section, along with most of the inner core and seeds.

M Rinse the hollowed out bell pepper under running water and trim back the cored edges. Rinse out any remaining seeds.

M The bell pepper is now ready for meal preparation.


Cleansing is like turning over a new leaf. In the same way that we might resolve to start a new exercise regimen, cleansing helps give us the swift kick in the pants we need toward healthier living. For most people, cleansing will mean venturing into the vegetable and fruit aisles to pick out exotic-looking plants they might never have otherwise tried. We know how good these foods are for us, and this is the gateway into learning how to live and eat healthier.

Talk to Your Doctor. Before starting any new “diet,” you should talk to your doctor, and cleanses are no different. Certain health conditions or medications may be affected by a sudden, significant change in food intake or by adding a supplement in a way that can be dangerous. Let your doctor know you’re thinking of doing a cleanse—it’s important to open a dialogue so you can be as safe as possible.

Why Do You Want to Cleanse? Your first step is to figure out why you’re doing a cleanse. Is it weight loss? Feeling like you need to turn the corner toward healthier eating? Is it a legitimate concern about environmental toxins? Be clear with yourself about what your goal is—sticking with a cleansing program may be challenging at the beginning. Having a clear goal will help you stick with it when you’re deciding whether you really want to eat those purple leaves.

Where should you start? Most cleanses are variations on a similar theme: eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans of different colors and varieties and include herbs and spices when possible. Fruits and vegetables are the most vitamin-and nutrient-dense foods we know of, and their vibrant color shows that they’re full of antioxidants and phytonutrients needed for a wide variety of cellular functions—when you choose a cleanse, make sure this is the basis of the cleanse. If there doesn’t seem to be a lot of fruits and vegetables, steer clear.

Juicing versus solid food. While juicing has become a very popular way to cleanse, you can cleanse just as well with solid foods. Juicers in particular can be expensive, which can be a barrier to starting a cleanse for some. If you don’t have a juicer or a blender, try a cleanse that doesn’t require juicing.

Juicing versus blending. Some juicing advocates say that juicing allows for faster and better nutrient absorption than blending. While the faster part is true, the better is not.

Nutrient absorption is essentially the same regardless of whether you juice or blend. While blended vegetables are sometimes less palatable, they retain the fiber that’s essential to good digestive health. Without fiber, the juice will spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling hungry soon after drinking. If you can make it work, blending is better than juicing.

How long should you cleanse? The length of your cleanse depends on the cleanse itself. Solid food

cleanses with several meals a day can be done for weeks or months. Pure liquid cleanses should be done for no more than three days. Beyond three days, your body starts to become severely depleted of calories. You may start to lose essential nutrients and muscle mass. Any weight loss during this time is the bad kind, not the good kind. For long-term cleansing, your plan should always include solid food and meals several times a day.

Danger Zone. People on shorter, liquid-based cleanses can sometimes get into trouble, especially if they extend it longer than they should. Always make sure you’re getting enough fluids by drinking when you are thirsty and monitoring your urine. You should stay away from any cleanse that restricts your fluid intake. If you feel dizzy or severely fatigued, eat something. You should be consuming something with calories every three to four hours

Keeping it up. Many who cleanse do it once and go back to the same unhealthy eating that got them in trouble. Use your cleanse as an opportunity to introduce new, healthy foods into your diet. If you’re juicing, try transitioning from that into a solid, higher-calorie cleanse. After the cleanse, aim to make at least one of your meals or drink every day a “cleanse” meal or drink with colorful, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.

If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live?.

The synergy between the ingestion of abundant nutrition and the absence of processed food gives the body

a chance to rest and heal itself.


We are What We Eat SPRING CLEANSING By Dr. Mehmet Oz


HVoted best health food store in the Bay Area fi ve years running!

H We carry all natural and organic food products and organic produce

HLargest selection of gluten-free/wheat-free products in the area

HWe only carry top-of-the-line nutritional supplements

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Visit Our All-Organic Farmers MarketEvery Saturday

from 10 am to 2 pm!

Monday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pmSaturday: 9:30 am – 4 pm

Phone: 281.333.474618045 Upper Bay Road • Nassau Bay, Texas 77058

Ellen Milstead, Ownerwww.ermasnutritioncenter.com

THE PLANT A SEED FEED THE NEED GARDEN

The Donation Garden is located at St. Christopher Episcopal Church in League City. Visit our website,

www.stchrischurch.org/outreach/community-garden or call our

offi ce at 281-332-5553 for volunteer information.

Corporate, volunteer organizations, ISD students and

home school groups are welcome!

Join us in The Plant a Seed - Feed the Need Donation

Garden.

Take this opportunity to serve our community

neighbors in need.

Naturally grown produce is donated to Interfaith Caring Ministries in League

City who serve families in need

within CCISD.

Garden volunteers meet each Wednesday morning

from 9 to 11 and 2nd Saturday of each month

from 8 to 12 noon.

Mediterraneo Market & CaféAuthentic Flavors of the Mediterranean

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MediterraneoMarket & Café

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Who doesn’t have a soft spot in their heart for antiques? That timeworn look seems to hold the magic of countless years and experiences. But what if you want to help the process along? What if you want to—dare I say—fake it?

Tea and coff ee staining is a great way to give an item the darkened, aged look of an antique if you don’t have 50 years to spare. You can customize it to almost any application and achieve so many shades that it’s nearly impossible to mess it up. As far as home decor goes, you’d be hard-pressed to fi nd a cheaper or more natural way to beautify—no noxious chemicals or costly dyes required. Plus, when you create an “instant heirloom,” you have the satisfaction of giving a new lease on life to an object you might have otherwise given away or discarded.

The most commonly stained item is paper, like the stiff writing paper you might bind into a handmade journal. But don’t stop there—think posters, frames, greeting cards, stationery, gift boxes, bags, bows and tags. Tinted labels add a bit of old-fashioned charm to jars of homemade preserves or pickles. If you’re feeling extra feminine, blend a dab of vanilla extract into some coff ee or tea and stain drawer paper that will leave your delicates smelling sweet ‘n’ girly. Fabric is a great candidate, too—stained tablecloths, curtains and lampshades make “primitive” home decor, while stained denim jackets and pants exude a Wild West vibe. Your options are only limited by your imagination. I reckon that before your fi rst stained item is even dry, you’ll be running around the house trying to fi nd other things to “vintage up.”

Tea and coff ee staining are identical in process. Which one you use will depend on a few factors, not the least of which is what you happen to have handy. But generally, if you’re looking to achieve a standout eff ect or statement, use coff ee. Lots more color and lots more punch for less work. But if you’d like to just barely tint something—say, a white object that you want to make a bit more ivory or a faint tan—try tea.

For tea staining, brew two teabags per cup of water, adjusting the strength to match your preferred shade. For coff ee staining, pick a strong, black brew made at double or triple strength. Instant

coff ee will work, too—mix two to three tablespoons instant granules to one cup warm water. If you’re staining fabric, pick a bowl large enough to hold the item and make enough mix to keep the fabric submerged, stirring occasionally. To ensure even coloring, fi rst get the fabric sopping wet with water and wring it out. Then submerge it in the tea or coff ee and soak until it’s the color you prefer, checking it every 15 minutes. When it’s ready, wring it out, and then dip it in vinegar. Wring it out again. Roll it in a towel, put the roll on the fl oor, and step along it to get out excess moisture. Hang it up to dry. If you want it to have a slightly streaked look, don’t use the towel step, just drip-dry it. The vinegar helps set the color, but don’t worry, the smell will disappear entirely once it’s dry.

If you’re talking paper, choose a large, shallow pan that will allow the paper to lie fl at, and only make enough mix to sit about 1/2 inch deep. Dip briefl y, with both sides coated, and then promptly remove to a cookie sheet, smooth fl at, dry out in a low oven for a few minutes, and move to a towel to cool.

If you’re staining a large or oddly shaped item, perch it on a cup or vase

set over a towel. Paint it with a rag, foam brush, or paintbrush until it’s the right shade, and then let it air dry.

Diff erent methods of applying stain create diff erent eff ects. For example, using an eyedropper to plop droplets of tea or coff ee onto the item will produce a varied, natural look. Brushing on streaks, swirling puddles with a toothpick, or even stamping with other dipped items will also make your item more distinctive. Wanna get wild? Old-fashioned methods of staining also made use of walnut hulls, berries and beet juice.

Paper, cotton, muslin and linen take to staining best, but don’t hesitate to try other things. For any item you’ll be washing regularly, the color might fade over time. A vinegar rinse defi nitely helps with color fade, though doesn’t eliminate it, so launder judiciously. And remember, staining isn’t easily reversed, so if you’re eyeing your Great Grammy Mae’s irreplaceable antique lace wedding dress, make sure you’re okay with whatever happens.

BY MARYJANE BUTTERSMARYJANE’S EVERYDAY ORGANIC

Collect things that you love, that are authentic to you.And your home becomes your story.

For a Touch of Class, Try StainingFor a Touch of Class, Try Staining


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Every time I open a bottle of wine,it’s an amazing trip somewhere. – Jose Andres

In a world full of countless choices when it comes to wine, sometimes it’s easy to just sit back and enjoy the comfort of your favorites again and again. While there is certainly nothing wrong with that—after all they are called favorites for a reason—it does rob you of the wonders of discovering great new wines. With trying new wines you may find something that you find delicious, or you may find something that is just cool or interesting; something with which to impress your friends.

Orange wine. When I first heard this term I figured I would try this right after Pineapple or Elderberry wine—which would be never. However, orange wine has nothing to do with the fruit, and everything to do with a different way to make white wine. The term orange wine refers to a white wine made more like a red wine, where the juice is left in contact with the grape’s skins. Deeper color and flavors are the lovely result.

Good Spanish sherry—dry and sweet. Sherries are fortified wines, meaning additional alcohol is added, but the process to make them is very unique. Part of the process of certain style of Sherry relies on formation of a “flor” or a film of yeast on the surface of the liquid that allows the incredible flavors and aromas to develop underneath. Sherry comes in dry styles including light and delicate Fino and Manzanilla, slight darker Amontillado, and darker richer Oloroso. The flavors are unique, can be strong, and may take some getting used to.

Rosé. Don’t be afraid to drink pink! There are tons of Rosé wines that are nothing like White Zinfandel, and should not be foregone because of any wine snobbery against that particular wine. Most countries that make wine will make some type of Rosé, but California, Washington State, and France are home to some favorites.

Chardonnay and Merlot. In some wine circles, the acronym “ABC” stands for “Anything But Chardonnay” as wine snobs shun the grapes popularity. Chardonnays can be made in a big oak aged style, but can also be quite delicate when unoaked. Merlot is a great wine when you’re looking for something a little less huge and tannic than a Cabernet Sauvignon. Also, Merlots produce some great value wines from places like South America.

Screw top wines. Another subject of much wine snobbery is the screw top wine. However more and more wineries are moving to the easy opening caps that eliminate the danger of cork taint in the wine.

Wines from up and coming wine regions. The great thing about trying wines from up and coming regions is that you don’t have to pay the premium price for a big name region, or be subjected to the law of supply and demand as bottles of wine from popular areas are bought up by those following the latest trend. It’s easy—find out what people will be drinking in the next year or two—and drink it first!

Adventures in Wine

Saluté - WINE APPRECIATION BY WENDY WILLIAMS

While this salad is at its peak shortly after preparation, it’s still tasty the next day and perfect to include in your brown-bag lunch. The cubed fruits lose a bit of their crisp edge, but the fl avors also have a chance to “marry” in a pleasing

manner. If you like your salad dressing a little more on the jazzier side, try adding a spritz of freshly squeezed lime juice to the mix.

1 cucumber (large/peeled/seeded/cut into ¼ inch chunks)1 watermelon (personal-size/cubed into ¼ inch chunks)2 mangoes (ripe/peeled/cut into ¼ inch chunks3 Tbsp. mint (fresh/roughly chopped/plus extra leaves for garnish)2 serrano peppers (medium-size/seeded/thinly sliced into rings)1 Tbsp. fi sh sauce (optional)2 Tbsp. rice wine (mirin) 2 Tbsp. oil (olive or grapeseed)Flaky sea salt (optional/to taste)

In the bottom of a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons mint, sliced serrano peppers, fi sh sauce, rice wine and oil. Gently whisk together with a fork.

Add the cubed cucumber, watermelon, and mango; toss gently with your hands to coat with the dressing. Add salt to taste (it may not need it as fi sh sauce is salty). Garnish with additional chopped mint leaves. Serves 4 to 6.

Mexican Lentiland Tortilla Soup

At the beginning of the week I prepare a huge pot of this satisfying soup and it lasts for several days. It makes the perfect healthy lunch when

reheated and topped with half an avocado. It’s simple and easy to make, too—it cooks fast on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Using fi lling

ingredients, such as lentils packed with plenty of fi ber and plant protein, is a terrifi c way to trim your waistline.

1 Tbsp. olive oil (optional)1 cup yellow onion (medium/diced)½ cup celery (diced)1 cup carrots (diced)2 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)½ cup lentils (any color/rinsed well)6 cups vegetable broth1 14 oz. can tomatoes (crushed)½ jalapeno pepper (seeded/minced)½ tsp. ground cumin½ tsp. ground coriander½ tsp. sea salt (optional/to taste)¼ tsp. pepper (to taste)¼ cup cilantro (fresh/chopped)3 Ezekiel sprouted corn tortillas (cut into ½ inch wide strips)Sliced avocado/lime wedges for garnishHeat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, tomatoes, jalapeno, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, cilantro and tortilla strips. Bring to a boil; then turn heat down to simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with sliced avocado and a lime wedge. Serves 4.

Caribbean Cucumber, Watermelon and Mango Salad

Rosie’s Kitchen


Singapore Stir-Fried Noodleswith Garlic Ginger Sauce

This popular rice noodle dish moved up the Malay Peninsula and became an important part of Asian cuisine. Make sure all of your ingredients are prepped before you start to cook. This recipe is fresh, light, full of color and fl avor. Now eat, eat, eat!

4 oz. rice noodles (thin)1 Tbsp. sesame oil2 bell peppers (red/yellow/washed/cored/thinly sliced)2 shallots (thinly sliced)1 cup bean sprouts (fresh/extremely well washed)1 tsp. curry powder1 cup shiitake mushrooms (fresh/washed/sliced)1 cup peas (frozen/unthawed)1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium)¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)3 Tbsp. rice wine (mirin)2 tsp. garlic (pressed or minced)1 tsp. ginger (minced or paste)½ tsp. sambal oelek (chili sauce adds spiciness)Sliced green onion to garnishSoak noodles in a large bowl of cold water. Wash and prepare the vegetables. Mix the sauce ingredients—broth, soy, mirin, garlic, ginger and sambal oelek—in a small bowl and set aside. Heat oil in stir-fry pan over medium high heat. Add peppers, shallots, bean sprouts, and curry powder; stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and peas; stir-fry for 2 more minutes—the vegetables should be bright colored and tender crisp. Drain water from noodles and add to the stir-fry pan. Add a splash of sauce—about 2 to 3 tablespoons—and stir-fry for two minutes, continuously moving noodles in pan so they don’t stick together. Remove pan from heat. Add the sauce in small increments, tossing/stirring noodles between each addition until you reach a desired “sauciness” level. The goal is for sauce to thicken slightly and “cling” to the noodles instead of soaking in. Top with green onion and more sauce, if desired. Serves 4

Spicy Moroccan Chickpeas

Chickpeas just seem to cry out for Moroccan spices. This hearty recipe makes a big pot of beautiful food so it’s well worth the time it takes to prepare. Whether served as a whole foods/plant-based entrée or as a hearty side dish, serve it one

way or the other—this dish will not disappoint! I serve it with hummus and whole grain pita bread on the side.

2 Tbsp. olive oil (optional)3 garlic cloves (large/peeled/pressed) 2 cups red onion (thinly sliced) ½ cup apricots (dried/chopped) 1 Tbsp. Moroccan spice blend (or garam masala) 1 tsp. salt (optional) 3⁄4 tsp. black pepper (freshly ground) ¼ tsp. red pepper (crushed) 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches) ½ cup water 1½ tsp. lemon rind (grated)1½ Tbsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)2 15 oz. cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans/rinsed/drained) 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes (not drained/cut into chunks) 6 cups escarole (torn into 1” pieces) 1 cup cilantro (fresh) ¼ cup mint (fresh) ½ cup almonds (whole/toasted/coarsely chopped) 4 cups couscous (hot/already cooked)Heat large pot over medium-high heat. Add oil to lightly coat bottom of pot. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add onion and next six ingredients (through cinnamon stick) to pan; sauté for 7 minutes or until the onion is lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add the half cup water, lemon rind, lemon juice, chickpeas and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in escarole; simmer for 1 minute or until escarole wilts. Remove from heat. Ladle over hot couscous, sprinkle with cilantro and mint leaves and top with almonds. Serves 6 to 8.

...real food, real easy, real fast!



Please visit our adorable adoptables every Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm at Petco (Bay Area and Space Center Blvds.) Cats may also be seen during the week at Petco.

Photos of our adorable adoptables are available on our website: secondchancepets.org. We are always looking for loving foster homes as we do not have a shelter.

If you can offer a foster home, please email us at: [email protected] • Thank you!

Looking FOR LOVE…

Why You Should Microchip Your Pet

If PETS COULD TALK

It’s the little things…like hearing the soft pitter patter of paws on the floor.

For a moment or two, imagine how you would feel if your pet went missing. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of missing dogs and cats are ever reunited with their owners, with over eight million animals ending up in shelters every year. One of the ways to increase the chances of finding your lost pet is by having it microchipped. The simple act of inserting a small device into your pet may actually help save your pet’s life.

It won’t hurt. The procedure is very simple and doesn’t take anesthesia like surgery does. It’s similar to a vaccination shot or having blood drawn—your vet will insert the chip (which is about the size of a grain of rice) through a needle into your pet. The pain your pet experiences will be very minimal—a quick pinch—and your furry friend will be back to normal in a matter of seconds. Some pet owners have it done when their pets are being spayed or neutered.

It’s permanent. Once the chip is inserted it is good for life—you will never need to replace it. Your chip will have a permanent number linked to it that animal shelters and vet clinics can scan and enter into a system in order to locate your contact information. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is registering your pet and keeping your contact information up to date.

It’s the best chance of getting your pet back home. Collars can come loose, and if your cat or dog is caught without one, there is not much a pet shelter or a veterinary clinic can do to locate you. Pet shelters euthanize thousands of pets per year, which is why providing contact information in some form is so important for pet owners. When an animal shelter receives a new animal, they scan the animal to locate a microchip. If they find one, a number will register and they can match this number to the number in a database, which is where your contact information is held when you register your pet’s microchip number. Then you are just a phone call or email away from being reunited with your four-legged friend.

It’s cheap. The cost to have the chip inserted is anywhere between $25-65 dollars (in addition to registration fees), but this pales in comparison to what it could cost you to create and set up “Lost Pet” posters and offer rewards; not to mention your mental anguish. And since it’s a one-time only procedure, you’ll pay this relatively small fee only once. Besides, your pet’s life is worth it!

When it comes to your fuzzy companion, you want to make sure you do everything you can to keep him or her safe and secure, and this is one simple way to do that. If you are still unsure, feel free to ask your veterinarian about your options. I wish you and your four-legged pal a long and happy life together!

BY DR. STEVEN GARNER

ANNIE

ASTRO

CATELYN

Meet adorable Annie, a DMH

tabby and white female. She is

not real fond of our adoption

events and gets very scared—

just look at those big round eyes!

She is wonderful with other

kitties and dogs (even large

dogs!). She is an independent

kitty who loves other animals

and enjoys having an animal

buddy. Please drop by and meet

her soon!

Our Astro is a four-year-old DSH, marmalade-orange tabby male. Astro is super sweet and very laid back. He is terrific with other kitties and small dogs—a friendly, loving and wonderful young fellow. Adopted when he was just a teenager, he has since come back to us and is now looking for his forever home this go-around!

Catelyn is the sweetest dog ever—a Lab-Border Collie mix about three-years-old. Found in bad shape while living on the street with a litter of puppies, she was malnourished and underweight. She has visited the vet several times since being taken in and is almost at 100% now. She loves other dogs and is also great with cats and kids. She is looking for a forever home to call her own!


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8 Reasons Why Facials Are Worth the MoneyWe are proud to off er our clients the advantage of an expensive facial without breaking their budget.

Come to us for excellent skin care at a reasonable price!1. Professional aestheticians are not kidding around. The objective opinion of a professional who looks at skin all

day is valuable—they give you their honest opinion on your skin.2. You’ll take better care of your skin afterwards. After a facial, maintaining the “fresh glow” becomes more

important and a healthier skin care regimen can begin.3. Product recommendations are top notch. Your aesthetician will help you put together a skin care regimen that

works best for your skin type and condition.4. Extractions. At home extractions are a recipe for complexion disasters—like stretched out pores. Let the professional

do it right.5. Media free zone. No time for gadgets when you’re having a facial—it’s so relaxing you’ll forget about being

connected.6. Calm your nerves. A facial can easily mollify you into a deeply relaxed state of mind—you might just nod off , too!7. Treating yourself feels good. Sometimes a little pampering is all you need to pick you up—you relax, you cheer up,

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THEIR SUMMER TO SHINESummer Programs at the YMCA

Register today at ymcahouston.org.

YMCA summer programs offer the perfect opportunity to make playing and learning a family goal. Registration is now open for Day Camp, Summer Sports, Swim Lessons and more!

Edgar A. Smith Family YMCA • 14650 Hwy 3, Webster • 281-486-9622

Perry Family YMCA • 1700 League City Parkway W., League City • 281-338-9622

JUMP FOR JOY!If you LOVE reading LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine

And please support our loyal advertisers with your business—

they make this magazine possible by supporting us.

(Our advertisers are among the very best in the community!)


Zen Therapy

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Footprints in Time

BayDREAMING...

Two young lovers, walking on the sand, Gazing at each other, talking hand in hand,

The prints they leave behind them, Marking memories of the past, The long beach laid before them,

Hoping love will last, The ocean captures the footprints, And erases them from the shore,

Taking with it remembrances, [But] leaving them with more. (Excerpted from Footprints in Time by Praveen Kumar)

To celebrate my recent birthday, Nikki and I took a day off and went “sploring” (our favored expression for “exploring”). Sploring is a great pastime—we never know where we will end up or what we will do along the way. Our greatest pleasure lies in the journey, not the destination. This trip began on Galveston Island’s west end, then continued southwest on the Bluewater Highway. Crossing the San Luis Pass Bridge at low tide, we noticed inviting stretches of sandy beaches where West Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. Before long we were pants-rolled-up-shoes-off walking along the surf. A quick glance over my shoulder showed the track of our footprints slowly succumbing to the incoming tide. What a shame I thought…there will be no record of this moment. Then, as I recalled the story of the Laetoli Footprints, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself for having this most unoriginal of thoughts.3.6 million years ago, two early humans were on a journey. They happened to walk through wet volcanic ash in a place now known as Laetoli, Tanzania. The footprints they left behind were covered by ash from subsequent eruptions of a nearby volcano. In 1978, Mary Leakey’s team of paleoanthropologists discovered the Laetoli footprints while searching for fossils in that same sediment layer. The fossilized trail they found extended 88 feet and included 70 of the oldest known early human footprints. One might ask: Who were these people? Where did their journey begin? Where were they going? Did they wonder if they would leave a record of their existence or even if they might impact the future?Buried in humankind’s DNA is an eternal quest for meaning and understanding of life’s journey. I certainly experienced a twinge of melancholy watching the record of our presence on that beach slowly wash away. But that feeling quickly vanished as we journeyed further southwest through Surfside, Freeport, and eventually to Bay City. Along the way, we conquered several junk stores, antique shops, and a garden nursery or two. We wound up enjoying a delightful late lunch at one of our favorite patio cafes, Fat Grass—an oasis situated on the Matagorda County Square (an edible treasure discovered during a previous summer trip to Rockport). Our take-home bounty from this most recent “sploration” included a key lime tree, Sweet Million cherry tomato plants, two rustic trellises to be affixed behind our organic raised garden beds (for climbing beans and zucchini), and one whimsical, metal “GARDEN” sign—not bad for a day’s “sploration.”Later I contemplated those footprints we made in the sand of San Luis Pass. Unlike those of the prehistoric Laetoli travelers, our prints did not last. But life’s journeys are footprints in time—imprints on the heart that last forever. Take some time this season to go “sploring.” Leave lots of footprints and while you’re at it, Happy BayDreaming!

BY DAVID KNOWLES


K lamath—This Whitewater River Did Not Disappoint! BY TABATHA HOLT

(story continued from Page 23…)

Of the three rivers my family and I have rafted (Kennebec, Snake and Klamath), Klamath was by far the best. Our guide was incredible. When our raft became lodged between two large boulders—causing us to take on water and beginning to sink into cold snowmelt waters—our guide immediately implemented emergency procedures that kept everyone calm. Putting us to work with precise detail and technique that allowed us to safely free ourselves from the grip of the Class IV rapid.

Since there were many wildfires in the area, we observed teams of Smoke Jumpers parachuting into the rough backcountry as they traversed canyon walls in their

valiant attempts to keep the fires at bay. My husband took great delight in shouting out words of encouragement and praise for a risky job well done.

While we didn’t spot any large wildlife, we saw lizards and enjoyed the flight of Black Winged pelicans, Osprey, Bald Eagles, and a particularly curious Swallowtail butterfly that soared alongside us, occasionally landing on our raft to rest.

Reaching the tamer waters of the river valley signaled we were near the end of our rafting trip, but

nature offered us one more wonderful surprise: Along the river’s edge were huge canes of blackberry bushes loaded with delicious, ripe blackberries—nothing short of a gift from God.

When you are young, you’re doing many things for the first time, and your brain notes them as particularly memorable—so when you look back at those years, they seem to have lasted forever. As you get older, you’re having fewer novel experiences, so it’s easier for the days to slip by quickly, one after the other.

To stretch time out, make new memories—visit places where you’ve never been before, take a different route to work, eat your lunch in the park. You can’t harness the time-space continuum, but for now this is the next best thing. That, and get up an hour or two earlier in the morning!

Can You Slow Down Time?

The summer season of overcrowded airports, mammoth check-in lines, exorbitant baggage fees and lost luggage is fast approaching. Figuring out what to pack for your vacation can be a daunting task—you don’t want your suitcase to be too heavy, yet you don’t want to leave anything behind. Here are five tips to make sure you get it right.

Assess the situation. Decide on the clothing you’ll need depending on what activities you’ll be doing. If you’re hiking or biking you’ll need riding shorts or hiking boots. Roaming around a city? You’ll need comfortable clothing and shoes. Get the picture?

Build an action plan. Develop a packing list so you don’t leave essential items behind. When something goes into your suitcase or carry-on bag, check it off.

Be realistic. Lay out what you think you’ll need and then cut it in half. Put outfits together beforehand and then ask, can you mix and match anything? It’s helpful to put clothing in clear, plastic bags—this helps you stay neat and organized throughout your trip.

Pack sample sizes. When packing toiletries, don’t pack full-size bottles. Stock up on travel-size plastic bottles and fill with your favorite products.

Find out what’s available. If you use a hair dryer or bath robe, call ahead to see if they’ll be available in your room. If not, ask yourself if you can survive without them.

Bon Voyage!

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Reach for the stars, even if you have to stand on a cactus.

BY NIKKI ANDRUIK

As an avid, fellow gardener always seeking new challenges, why not consider expanding your horizons and create an arid cacti gardenscape? For starters, there are numerous varieties of cacti to choose from—many that can be successfully grown both outdoors and indoors in our Gulf Coast region—with most being relatively easy to care for. If I have piqued your interest, please continue reading and learning more about cactus and succulents as you ponder upon a unique garden that will likely become the envy of your neighborhood!

What is a cactus? The name cactus, derived from the Greek word kaktos, means prickly plant. Cacti, or cactus, are water-storing, fl owering plants that appear in many shapes, sizes, textures and fl oral colors. Cactus abandoned leaves long ago and evolved into usual body shapes—spherical, pillar, cushion and candelabra—to help prevent loss of water. Some cacti are ribbed or segmented and likely to be covered with prickly spines, bristles or hairs. They grow to a variety of heights—from small to tall—with others, such as the Old Man cactus, growing to nine feet tall. There are some 200 genera and several thousand species; their origins in Southwestern USA, Central and South America and Southern Canada.

There are two groups of cactus. Desert groups (usually prickly), and the jungle or rainforest groups (often not prickly; and epiphytes—plants that grow on others but are not parasitic). Desert groups have spines that maximize the surface area of each plant. Often their only source of moisture is wet mists passing through the desert in winter—they collect water which then condenses on

their spines. On the other hand, rainforest groups need more water, high humidity and they do not want full sun. (Do not mix or grow desert cactus with jungle cactus, as the two groups require diff erent growing conditions.)

What is a succulent? Succulents are plants originating from more than 60 families and 300 genera. They have evolved special water-storage tissues

in thickened or swollen leaves, stems and/or roots as an adaptation to arid environments. By making the most of scarce available moisture, succulents can survive in arid habitats that are far too dry for most other plants. Succulents appreciate well-drained soil that is loose and sandy. In zones where winter may be harsh, plant in containers that are easy to move indoors—they do not tolerate cold or freezing temperatures. Plant succulents in containers that are not too large; they do best in clay pots that dry out quickly and allow air circulation to their roots. The soil should dry out completely each week.

Leaf succulents. Leaves are almost entirely composed of water storage cells covered by a thin layer of photosynthetic tissue. Stem succulents. Fleshy stems contain water storage cells overlaid by photosynthetic tissue. Leaves are almost or entirely absent, reducing surface area to prevent evaporative loss of water (cactus also fall into this category). Root succulents. Swollen fl eshy roots store water underground away from the heat of the sun and hungry animals. Stems and leaves can be deciduous and shed during prolonged dry

seasons.

Why do cacti and succulents store water? Rainfall in the arid regions


where they naturally occur is infrequent, so they’ve adapted to survive long periods of drought. Cactus and succulents in the garden would not remain healthy and happy if you didn’t water them at all, however, they would perish if you water them too much.

Growing cactus and succulents outdoors. Be sure the plants you have chosen are appropriate for your hardiness growing zone. Plant as early in the season as possible, allowing them to become well-established before the winter season arrives. Light freezes won’t hurt hardy cacti if they are well-established, acclimated to freezing temperatures and are not actively growing. However, don’t allow your plants to freeze hard at night—protect them well until night temperatures rise above freezing.

Plant in well-drained soil. To build up a garden bed, add a bottom layer of rock and cover with rocky, loose grained (mineral) soil. The best planting soil is a mix of two parts compost, one part red soil and half part sand. Avoid organic soil (peat moss, cellulose, bark, anything organic). Cacti look very nice mixed in among large rocks which also off er a measure of protection from the elements.

Off er shade until established. Shade cloth works best as it allows your plants to adjust to the sun gradually. Some cacti varieties do best sheltered beneath “nurse plants”—providing shade and thermal cover during winter.

Growing cactus and succulents indoors. Many cactus and succulents are well adapted to living in homes where the relative humidity is low (10-30 percent). They do need abundant light, and should be placed in a bright, sunny window, but still require only modest amounts of water and fertilizer. Insuffi cient natural light can be augmented by artifi cial

lighting—a cool, white fl uorescent tube, or a combination of natural daylight and natural white fl uorescent tubes will give good results. Position them 6-12 inches above the plants and keep them on for 14 to16 hours per day. If cacti are partly in shade, turn them around towards the light every now and

then to maintain even growth. If you notice elongated growth, your plants require more light. Be careful when fi rst placing cacti in a sunny window so that they do not sunburn. Some people grow cactus and succulents in pots outdoors during the spring/summer growing season and then bring the pots indoors during the winter season.

Watering during the growing season. Water your cacti garden/pots whenever there is

limited natural rainfall (every two weeks or so) during the April through September growing season. They can do without water for a longer period of time but they won’t fl ourish.

Check to see if the soil is dry. The worst enemy of cacti is over-watering and/or poor drainage. Place a thin wooden stick or pencil in the soil. If soil clings to it when removed,

do not water. Empty saucers of excess water—cacti do not like having “wet feet.” During the growing season, water well and allow the water to drain off . During winter, water sparingly—allow your cacti to rest.

Fertilization. As a general rule, cacti do not need a lot of fertilizing, however, they do appreciate it occasionally. Give low nitrogen fertilizer sparingly (1/4 suggested amount) every other watering, especially if they are receiving good light and growing vigorously.

Pests and diseases. Prevention is always the best cure. Every now and then examine your

plants closely in order to detect any insects or fungi.


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Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. – Mark Twain

1945. Marseille, France. The Coast Guard lands Red Cross workers on the Riviera to catch up with the advancing allied forces in Southern France. The French Riviera. Cote d’Azur. All glitz and glamour and a vacation haven for the wealthy and year-round tanned. The South of France beaches beckon thousands each year to soak up the Mediterranean sun, dine at 5-star restaurants and stay in elaborate hotels. Yet, there was a time when these beaches were not pristine. In1945, France (and most of Europe) was at war. The Red Cross was a lead civilian agency working closely with the military that directed the efforts of 7.5 million civilian volunteers, serving the U.S. Armed Forces both overseas and at home. More than 200,000 women participated in the Red Cross Volunteer Nurse’s Aide Corps. Other women suddenly had to fill jobs normally undertaken by men so that the men could be sent to the front to fight. The women worked in textile mills, clothing and electronic industries, food preparation facilities, shipyards, munitions plants and aircraft factories. They worked six days a week plus overtime. An estimated 3.5 million women volunteered with the Red Cross in their hometowns, rolling bandages, putting food and care packages together and collecting blood donations. The American Women’s Voluntary Services trained women to drive ambulances, fight fires, and provide emergency medical aid in anticipation of aerial bombing. Women serving in the military in non-nursing jobs met with opposition, but following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Congress authorized women to serve with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Coast Guard in 1942, and the Marines in 1943. Oveta Culp Hobby was the first director of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC)—later known as the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). She helped pass the bill authorizing women’s participation in the U.S. Army along a difficult path through Congress. Mildred McAfee, President of Wellesley College, was named to head the Women’s Reserve of the Navy known as the WAVES (Women Accepted for Emergency Volunteer Service). She developed policy and programs to recruit, train and deploy more than 80,000 women officers and enlisted personnel between 1943 and 1945.According to the National Women’s History Museum, members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) logged more than 60 million miles delivering new planes, instructing male cadet pilots, training troops for antiaircraft gunnery, simulating bombing and strafing runs, testing new and repaired planes, breaking in new engines, delivering planes in need of repair to maintenance facilities, and transporting government officials. During the course of the war, women pilots flew over 70 different kinds of aircraft. Of the more than 400,000 women serving in the military during World War II, over 400 died and many were prisoners of war. On the home front, thousands of American civilian women were killed and even thousands more were permanently disabled while serving in war-related capacities. Between 1940 and 1945, the female labor force grew to 19 million, more than a third of the American civilian labor force. As the war came to a close, women were allowed to engage in traditionally male jobs and it became socially acceptable for married women to work.

Sage ADVICEBY SUE MAYFIELD GEIGER

A Salute to the Women of World War II

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The Good News ABOUT AGINGBY BARBARA HAMMOND

The Real Secret to Staying YoungYoung at heart. Slightly older in other places.

I have to admit, I don’t look my age. Although, to quote Nora Ephron, “I feel bad about my neck.” If I could wave a magic wand, I would. Better yet—what if we had a futuristic vacuum that miraculously pulled tight everything from our baggy knees on up? Someone needs to work on that. In my 20s and 30s, I did some modeling and opened a modeling agency. I’ve done a lot of research on skincare, and I know that the most expensive products are no match for good genes. Despite the good genes my mother gave me, I do take good care of my skin—for the most part. I am careful in the sun, use good moisturizers and some cosmeceutical treatments. But I’m more of a “do as I say, not as I do” kind of gal. I used to preach: “Never go to bed with your make-up on.” But, I could probably count on one hand (well, maybe two) how many times I’ve followed that advice. Honestly, my face should be lying on my chest. When I had the modeling agency, I used to speak to civic groups. One group comes to mind now because my words have come back to haunt me. I was about 32, probably looked 22, and I was speaking to a women’s gardening club about how to take care of your appearance and grow old gracefully. These lovely ladies were hanging on my every word. At the end of my presentation, a charming woman (who looked to be in her 80s) asked me what I thought about face-lifts. The only reason I remember my answer is because afterward everyone came up to thank me for being so honest. The woman who had asked the question said, “You made my day. We need to feel good about the way we look and stop trying to be something we’re not.” What did I say, you ask? “If you take care of yourself, and have a good skincare regimen, you will age gracefully. But every line on your face is a line you’ve earned. It’s part of your story. Make the most of what God gave you and celebrate every line.” What the heck was I thinking? Now that I’m 60, I marvel at how naive I was. I am not celebrating every line. Puhleez! But what I have learned is that aging gracefully involves more than skincare. First and foremost, it’s attitude. If you think you’re old, you are. A wise friend once told me: “The key to staying young is to always have friends that are younger than you.” He was so right. People and activities keep your mind active, and an active mind contributes to a youthful appearance. If I were speaking to that same group of ladies today, I would tell them that age, to a large degree, is in the head. If you want to stay youthful, keep your mind eager and curious. In my heart, I will always be 30-something with more life to live, lessons to learn and stories to share. I can’t promise I’ll remove my make-up every night, but I know I will always keep a youthful spirit. Besides, aging seems to be the only way available to live a long, happy life!

BY DAVID KNOWLES

Great Explorations…

Back in the good old days of my youth, Friday nights at 8:30 would fi nd me in front of the black-and-white TV soaking up every second of Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theater. This series, which ran for fi ve seasons, was based more or less on the writings of Zane Grey. These tales not only cemented my keen interest in all things western, but also helped forge my ideals of adventure, morality, and heroism—themes that ultimately led me to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.I suspect the Zane Grey quote above evokes images popularly associated with Arizona. I have witnessed similar vistas during previous explorations in central Arizona—from Nogales on the Mexican border, Green Valley with its Coronado National Forest, Tucson and Phoenix in the great Sonoran Desert, and north to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. For me, one part of Arizona remained a mystery—the eastern Arizona Rim Country with its Ponderosa pine forests, gurgling mountain streams and, yes, a nostalgic link to the writings of Zane Grey. Nikki and I were headed for Kohl’s Ranch Lodge—a western resort near the town of Payson AZ. Payson is situated approximately 90 miles northeast of Phoenix on the Mogollon Rim. Locally pronounced “muggy-own,” the Mogollon Rim is a huge, slanting escarpment of volcanic and sedimentary rock and pine forest measuring 200 miles long. The Rim forms the southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau and creates a transition between two distinct worlds—the cool high country and the burning desert below. Neither Nikki nor I were prepared for the immensity of the vistas or the contrast in landscape as we traveled from Phoenix at 1100’ above sea level to Payson at 5000’. The fi rst two thirds of the drive was Sonoran Desert with its fascinating array of native plants—prickly pear, barrel cactus, cholla, yucca, organ pipe and the ever intriguing saguaro. A quick Google on the majestic saguaro pointed out that they can grow to up to 70’ tall and live 200 years. It was truly an amazing sight to see thousands of these statuesque plants dotting the sun soaked hillsides as we climbed towards the rim. Passing through 3500 feet, the saguaro disappeared, giving way to scrubby plants like the mesquite tree and creosote bush, then eventually to the pines at higher elevations.

Payson is located in an immense green valley called the Tonto Basin. Framed by the Mogollon Rim, the Tonto Basin was one of last strongholds of the Tonto Apaches, who held out there until 1873. The fi rst white settlers

arrived in 1876, but the fi rst paved road into the area was not completed until 1958, which suggests the remoteness of the area. Zane Grey fi rst visited Payson in 1918. Hiring a guide, he explored the top of the Rim. Of the experience he wrote in Tales of Lonely Trails: “At last, we surmounted the rim, from which I saw a scene that defi ed words. It was diff erent from any I had seen before. Black timber as far as the eye could see! Then I saw a vast bowl of forested ridges, and dark lines I knew to be canyons. For wild rugged beauty

I had not seen its equal.” Nikki and I witnessed these same vistas and experienced the same wonder when we explored the rim’s crest at 7500’. Remnants of the winter’s snowfall still lingered in the shadows and along the north slopes.Traveling east from Payson, we came upon our destination—Kohl’s Ranch positioned along the bank of Tonto Creek at the base of the Mogollon Rim. The Lodge is shaded by towering treetops of the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest in the world. This idyllic woodland retreat would be our home for the next week. Kohl’s Ranch, originally a cattle ranch, dates back to 1917. During the Great Depression years, the Kohls began opening their estate to tourists to augment their income. My specifi c interest in Kohl’s Ranch stemmed from the fact that in the 1920’s Zane Grey built a hunting cabin a few miles north. From his cabin, Grey wrote a number of his books and magazine articles. In fact, no fewer than 20 of his books were written from or set in and around the Rim Country. Occasionally, Zane’s wife would stay at the ranch while he wrote at his cabin higher up on the Rim. It was not uncommon for Grey to ride down to the ranch for dinner and story-telling with the Kohls and their other guests.Nikki and I slipped into a cozy routine during our stay at the ranch. Since I was only six weeks into my recovery from shoulder surgery,

Organ Pipe Cactus

The so-called civilization of man and his works shall perish from the earth, while the shifting sands, the red looming walls, the purple sage, and the towering monuments,

the vast brooding range show no perceptible change. – Zane Grey

Saguaro


Great Explorations…

there were limitations to what I could do physically…so no serious climbing, rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking. Nikki, on the other hand, could not resist the opportunity to explore both Tonto Creek and the rim on horseback. Our days would start with an early morning hike on any of the many trails converging at the ranch. The hike would invariably end in the lodge’s hot tub—which rivalled a small pool in size. After breakfast, we would relax poolside or upstairs on the deck where in the shade of the great rim we curled up with a good book. For me that meant—you guessed it—Zane Grey’s Riders of the Purple Sage and The Rainbow Trail. We occupied our afternoons with side trips to Payson’s western museum, Tonto State Park, and the site of Zane Grey’s cabin. Tonto State Park is home to the Tonto Natural Bridge—a natural bridge hidden in a valley surrounded by a pine tree forest. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world with an opening 183’ high, 150’ wide, and 400’ from end to end. Perhaps the most amazing experience of the entire trip occurred in the vicinity of Grey’s cabin, an area that is now a fi sh hatchery. As Nikki and I explored the various concrete tanks containing trout sized from fi ngerlings to releasable 12 inchers, we were joined by a Native American family. As if on cue, a bald eagle fl oated from the sky and landed in a tree near the hatchery. The reverence and awe with which the Native Americans beheld the eagle were nothing short of spiritual. We were inspired by the magic of those moments.

The major side trip of this exploration was a two-day jaunt to the red rocks of Sedona. To get there we had to fi rst motor up the south rim to Strawberry AZ, then descend down the west rim to Camp Verde. The

scenery was as breathtaking as any I have witnessed. Upon arrival, we had lunch in the Airport Grill on Sedona’s central plateau where we enjoyed a 360° view of the magnifi cent red rock formations, including Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Rock, Snoopy Rock, Ship Rock, and Coff eepot. Aside from short hikes in search of the famous Sedona vortices and, of course, the mandatory shopping excursions, we most enjoyed

the Diamondback Gulch/Ancient Ruins jeep tour—four hours of 4 X 4 rock hopping and arroyo diving. The best part of the tour was observing wildlife, which included javelina, coyotes, roadrunners, and rattlesnakes—we just missed an elusive bobcat spotted by a group ahead of us. Equally interesting was exploration of 700 year old Sinaguan native peoples’ cliff dwellings. Our guide was well versed in the legends and myths surrounding these mysterious peoples. Who were they? How did they live? What do the ancient symbols mean? What happened to them? Our trip to Sedona was an all too short stay on this all too short exploration of the Arizona Rim Country. Our experience was much more than a week of invigorating daily hikes and picturesque sightseeing—it was a deep dive off the beaten track into the history and lore of the “old west,” especially as seen through the eyes and words of Zane Grey.

Kohl's Ranch Lodge

David Hiking in Ponderosa Pine Forest

Nikki at Tonto Natural Bridge


Get Your MOVE ON! BY KATHY MILILLO

EverywhereStop saying I wish and start saying I will.

Everywhere I go I am asked about diet and exercise. This has been the case for the last 28 years. People who don’t know me personally are usually shocked to discover my age. I don’t say this to impress you, but to motivate you to exercise and take charge of your health. Is it easy? Not always, but nothing worth having is ever easy. Changing your life for the better is a matter of implementing healthy new habits—ever heard the expression, “Just take it one day at a time?”

When I’m approached by someone asking my advice on how to get in shape, or get back in shape, or make dietary changes, they listen carefully at first before they start countering me with a myriad of excuses as to why the options I suggest won’t work for them—they’re too busy, too tired, have too much responsibility for others, no extra funds for a gym/personal trainer, etc. I tell them I understand, and that yes, we all have responsibilities that can prevent us from making time for ourselves. I then ask them who would do the things they do now if something unforeseen were to happen. Inevitably the excuses quit while they ponder my question for a minute or so. The world will keep on turning whether we are here or not.

Take a moment to ask yourself at what level of importance do you place you? Each of you reading my column today have people who love and need you; people who also don’t want to lose you before your time. However, you are the only one who can take charge of what you eat, what you drink, whether you smoke or not, and whether you exercise to maintain your muscles, bones and brains.

The serious point I am making here is that you are ultimately in control of what you allow into your life, and that includes nutritionally-dead, processed food to toxic people. Just by altering your path a little at a time you can make great strides. Next time you write down your grocery shopping list, plan to add several healthier choices. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes a day for “you time”—use this time to take a brisk walk, strength train (jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups), or simply sit still to meditate, giving your mind a welcome break. By making time for yourself, you’ll quickly find that you have that much more energy and enthusiasm to offer your loved ones, both physically and mentally.

As I get older I’m realizing how quickly time passes. There was a time that I longed for the days to whirl by so I’d be older and get to do all the things I wanted. (Now there’s a tough lesson in life learned: Be very careful what you wish for!) There is no better time than today to begin making important changes in your life. Begin with just one small, healthy step and continue to build on that. If you need my help and/or motivation to begin taking better care of yourself, please check out my M-Powered ad and give me a call!

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Inside RELATIONSHIPS BY JAN DENISE

Turn Off TV/Games/Phone/ComputerWhen you’re ready to look up from your cell phone, I’m already gone.

Most of us are smart enough not to go to a movie on a first date. We can get to know each other better while we eat in a quiet restaurant or walk through a park. However, we seem to lose some of our smarts after we commit—and sit in front of the TV an average of 21 hours a week. And it’s not really three out of 24 hours; it’s closer to three out of the seven hours we have left after sleep and work. You don’t get to know your sweetheart once and for all; people are evolving, learning what works and what doesn’t, and learning more about themselves and what they truly want. Knowing each other is an ongoing process, made possible only by ongoing disclosure.

We list communication as one of the top two reasons for divorce — it reads like common knowledge. Yet we still don’t take the time to communicate. Effective communication doesn’t just happen. Two people have to be interested and attentive—like two people wanting to get to know each other well enough to share that first kiss. Flirt. Tickle each other. Tease each other. Ask about your partner’s day like you’re really interested, and then give them a chance to answer.

It’s unlikely that you’re going to shift about six gears and have a heart-to-heart talk during the commercial break. You’re more apt to go to the bathroom, get a bowl of popcorn, or flip channels. “The remarkable thing about television is that it permits several million people to laugh at the same joke and still feel lonely,” said T.S. Eliot. Of course, TV’s not the only means we have of being together and still lonely. But, when it’s consuming three hours a day, it’s a factor that demands our attention.

Imagine what you could do with your partner in three hours! Yes, that and that and that—every day. I can hear the objections, “Hey, watching TV is the only thing we do together.” Think about the ramifications of that. It might be a relaxed way to spend a date once a month or even once a week but it’s not a meaningful way to spend time together. Instead, you can spend those three precious hours learning more about your sweetheart, yourself and life. You can satisfy some of your questions and dreams. You can be healthier and happier, and teach your children how to conduct a meaningful relationship.

Go out to breakfast—without the cell phone, newspaper or laptop. Sit down to dinner, and really look at each other. If you’re not used to doing that without distractions, it might be uncomfortable at first, a very telling sign. If you have to do something, go for a walk, or sit in front of the waves on the beach. Spend quality time together, giving yourselves a chance to open up. If you’re bored and boring, plan an interesting activity—rent a canoe, go to a museum, take a massage class. Remember, you have a real life to live.

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Sports Injuries/Fractures • Neuromas/Soft Tissue MassesTendon & Joint Pain • Arthritis

Other Services Provided: Nail Trimming • Custom Foot Orthotics

We understand…when it comes to the health of your feet and ankles, you have unique needs. You need expert care so you can heal, move, work and maintain your lifestyle. We can help you achieve a better quality of life through improved foot and ankle healthcare.

Our goal…Develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We will take the time to get to know you, answer your questions and educate you on how to take better care of your feet and ankles to prevent future injury.

Our practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive, quality foot and ankle care to all ages of patients. We believe that prompt diagnosis, early intervention and prevention are essential for the care and treatment of your feet. We provide a full range of podiatric medical care including both conservative and surgical therapies. We spend quality time with each patient in order to better understand your foot care needs, and to recommend the best course of treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult & Children Foot & Ankle Disorders

Angela C. Dagley, DPMBoard Certifi ed Diplomat

American Board of Podiatric Surgery

Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Your feet take you everywhere you want to go…

3

45

FM 2351

CLEAR LA

KE CITY BLVD JOHN

AUDUBONPKWY

13810-B John Audubon PkwyWebster, TX 77598

281-488-8300www.ClearLakeFoot.com


Adults call it working out. Kids call it playing.

What better way to connect with your child than to be physically active with them? Outside the world is fresh and green—renewed—and the perfect time of year to get your family outdoors and physically active!We’ve all heard the alarming statistics on childhood obesity (60 percent of kids), which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Research is now uncovering another staggering truth: kids are ending up with fatty liver disease for which a cure does not exist. Typically, such liver failure was reserved for alcoholics who abused their liver by drinking in excess. However, estimations are that 48 percent of teen boys, and upwards of 50 percent of adults, already have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [Life Extensions, April 2015.] Folks, this is way beyond being overweight and uncomfortable—this is an immediate and life threatening situation, and a serious call to action.Listed below are fun activities to help your family get fit together. As you make living a healthier lifestyle a habit, I have no doubt you will come up with some of your own great ways to make fitness fun:• Host a family Olympics in the backyard or park. Plan events that every

family member can enter, such as the long jump and throwing a weighted ball. Involve everyone.

• Create contests for jumping rope, hoola-hooping, running in place, or doing jumping jacks.

• Canoe! Yes, even your dog might like going out on the water.• While walking the dog, do a boot camp by stopping and doing a set of

lunges (15 per leg). Walk more, then do more lunges. Weave in tricep dips, push-ups, or squats.

• Exercise in the pool! Get noodles for everyone, play upbeat music, and do a cardio workout in the water. Jog in place, run the length of the pool, do jacks, and swim fast.

• Play tennis. If you have an odd number, do a two against one and switch. This is an awesome workout. The single person gets the wider boundaries, and the team of two must use the singles’ lines.

• Bump and spike with a volleyball—no net required! Practice these drills anywhere.

• Jog on the beach—not on the hard-packed sand, but in the soft stuff. Feel the burn, then swim in the ocean.

• Play several exciting rounds of badminton.• Attend a fitness class together. Great classes are hi/low aerobics, kick

boxing, spin classes, aqua fitness, boot camps, step, or circuit. • Cycling or roller blading around the neighborhood or park.• Do yoga outside. Take turns leading in stretches and breathing exercises. Whatever activity you choose, be sure to make it fun. The family that exercises together stays fit and healthy together!

Lorraine Bossé-Smith is a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst and the author of seven books. She rewires businesses for success through consulting and training. She has a passion for helping people balance

work and home with her workshops and presentations, which you can bring to your organization or club.

Contact her at www.lorrainebosse-smith.com

Life IN BALANCE... BY LORRAINE BOSSÉ-SMITH

Fun Family FitnessBay Area’s Most Humorous Author

Cindy PriceIn My Humble Opinion

Thoughts on Life, Love, Family, Friends, Neighbors, Work, Play, Death, Aging, Gardening, Exercise, Space Travel, Nature, Pets, and More

“Price’s writings offer many things - humor, enthusiasm,

iconoclasm, originality, sassiness and wit”-- Mark Lardas, Galveston Daily News

“I found myself laughing out loud.”-- V. Biondo

“I thoroughly enjoyed the humor.”-- M. Rianto

Available online or ask at your favorite bookstore

Dynamic speaker • Author of seven published booksCorporate trainer • Business consultant • Executive coach

Rewiring your business & life for success!

www.lorrainebosse-smith.com

Lorraine Bossé-Smith

Available at Amazon.com

521 E. Nasa Parkway Webster, TX 77598

281-554-2280

Monday-Saturday 8 AM - 6 PMSunday 9 AM - 5 PM

TXSPLISHSPLASH.COM

Part of the Prosperity Team

Off ering full-charge bookkeeping services for business, professionals and entrepreneurs.

• Intuit QuickBooks • QuickBooks ProAdvisor

Offi ce/Cell: 281-731-1065 Email: [email protected]

1120 NASA Parkway, Ste 220A, Houston, TX 77058


It takes nothing to join the crowd. It takes everything to stand alone.

Tip #11. Stand out today. Quit being a sheep in the herd. We are giving you permission today to be yourself, even if you are a little different, a little off than everyone else. Bill Gates was different, Steve Jobs was an outcast, and Joan Jett rocked a stage like no other woman at the time. So are Richard Branson and Lady Gaga. The list of “different” successful people goes on and on. Success means working hard, taking a risk, going for it, and doing what you love. Quit following the pack. Quit doing it that way because that’s how you’ve always done it. Quit trying to be like everyone else. Quit worrying about what other people think. Make ’em look at you and make ‘em talk about you. Make them never want to look away because they are so fascinated by or curious about you. Step out there today and take a chance at something. Be the sheep wearing the bow tie.

Tip #12. You are not wanted by the FBI. You pull out your phone to check messages and your phone is locked with an ominous message from the FBI (or another official looking agency) such as: This phone has been locked by the Federal Bureau of Investigations for viewing prohibited content. Pay a $300 fine and you are good to go. Or not. Yes, it is another scam, this one special for Android users. The message looks official and it’s such a shock to most, they pay the fine. Yet all you need to do is change your password. Change your passwords on everything occasionally and always use 2-step verification when available.

Tip #13. Love to travel? If you are a U.S. citizen, you can’t travel out of the U.S. if your passport expires within the next six months. Check the expiration date on your passport. Recently back from Cuba, we watched a few people find this out at the Miami airport—when it was too late to do anything about it—and subsequently had their trip cancelled.

Tip #14. Cheapest airline tickets on weekend. According to a study from Texas A&M University (whoop!), the best time to buy a plane ticket is on the weekend: “It’s the best time to book airline tickets because airlines are more likely to discount fares on Saturday and Sunday.” Tuesdays have long been thought to be the best day—you can find literally hundreds of reports online that say Tuesday. Experts and researchers at Texas A&M say, “We couldn’t find any systematic analysis to back that up.” Instead, the report says the weekend is the best time for the best prices. The report also takes a look at business and pleasure travel—the airlines count on business travelers booking flights on weekdays and raise the prices during that time period. People who travel for pleasure tend to book those tickets on the weekend and are looking for deals.

Check out Dayna’s website at: yourdailysuccesstip.com

More Nuggets of Wisdom

Your Daily SUCCESS TIPSBY DAYNA STEELE Sharing My Story…

Seeking Aspiring Writers to submit an essay of YOUR real life experience!

We are seeking submissions from aspiring writers who would like to share their story of an interesting

and positive real life experience with our readers and, in the process, become a published guest writer in

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine.

Do you have a humorous or insightful tale about your workplace or a vacation you enjoyed? Perhaps you

have an inspiring weight loss story (non-surgical), that you’d like to share? Maybe you have a story to tell of a diffi cult situation you overcame by harnessing sheer

will and determination. Or, you’ve made a courageous mid-life career change that has proven to be more

spiritually and emotionally rewarding. Yours may be a story of your decision to become 100% responsible for your health by adopting a nutritious daily diet and regular exercise program. You could be someone who loves to write about nature and/or animals. Or, you are a volunteer who has a compelling and compassionate story to tell the community. You might be an outdoor enthusiast and adventure-seeker who had a close call

and lived to write about it. The beauty of writing is that there is no end to the list of wonderful topics to

write about!

Please do not be concerned that you are not a professional writer—we are more interested in the

story you have to tell. Our editorial staff will turn your story into a “highly polished apple!”

All submissions will undergo our editing process.No remuneration is stated or implied.

Please include your full name and your email address—a photo is optional.

Please email your story of approximately 700 to 750 words to:[email protected]

sharing my story...

Living on a houseboat is pretty much luxurious camping; a trailer park on the water if you will. For over 20 years I’ve encountered many strange, as well as glorious, situations. The diversity of the Clear Lake region is both educational and inspirational—why would I want to leave?

It leads to excellent subjects to talk about on my radio show. That’s right, I am an actor, writer, musician, and radio show host. Weeknights at 9 PM central I broadcast my show called, Simplicity. Taking complex issues, I simplify them and move on. Because common sense is so rare these days, it’s a kind of “super power.” Reaching out to the masses behind a microphone even helped me through a divorce. I’ve spoken with people all over the world from Australia to England, and many in the good, ole’ U.S.A. On the air, I’ve hosted many celebrity guests, which include Shondrella Avery from the movie, Napoleon Dynamite, Jesse James from West Coast Choppers, and John McEuen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. It’s healthy for all of us to stay educated and entertained.

Career-wise, I’ve never known exactly what I wanted to do. I am an actor, writer, musician, jack of all trades, and radio host. Acting gives me the ability to become many people: Doctor, choir boy, an 80-year-old man, Jekyll and Hyde, Renfi eld from Dracula, Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks, The Producers, and my favorite, Sherlock Holmes. If you’ve ever attended the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse in Dickinson, you will have witnessed my crazy antics up on stage. Or, you may have seen me on television in, Stop the Threat, where I portrayed diff erent characters breaking into homes and cars, in addition to being shot at. I’ve been in a few movies as well. In the movie, Puncture, I was Juror #2, sitting beside Chris Evans. (Yes, Captain America!) In a golf comedy called Fore! I played the character of Timmy the groundskeeper whose only famous line was, “Quack!” People ask how I get into character. I tell them it’s no character. In whatever role I play, I become that person. I convince myself that is who I am—the result is a believable person that takes you away from your everyday life to tell a story.

On the music side, I play the acoustic/electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums. I compose songs in my mini-studio on the houseboat, and sing as well. Over the years my taste in music has changed, but my passion for making music remains the same. Electric piano is next on my list of instruments to learn to play, as soon as I fi x the darn thing. (Currently, the piano is a table holding various tools and hats.)

Once upon a time, I hosted ghost tours in Galveston—off ering insight into the rich history of the island, including ghostly stories people have experienced. For a one-man/two-hour show it was a terrifi c gig; speaking to over a

hundred people in a single night. (Although, I did have my share of the crazies!) The tours gave me a great opportunity to experience speaking to a very diverse crowd. Most of the time, my audience loved my performance and it was rare that anyone dissented. However, there was one time a person wrote a long review saying how awful I was. But I didn’t take it personally. I believe they were just upset with themselves, for some reason or other. Sometimes we do that as people.

Life may seem complicated and diffi cult to understand, but it’s really just the opposite. The forces we deal with on a daily basis are good and evil. That’s it. Cut and dried. You wake up, you go to sleep. An idea pops in your head to bake a cake, so you bake a cake. It’s easy as pie, or cake. You are born, then you die. Over-complication can kill a perfectly good system. Racism is rampant, but I only see good people and bad people—it doesn’t matter what you look like. Are you a good person doing some good work in this world? That’s all I need to know. Don’t judge a book by the cover. Adults teach children lessons they need to practice themselves. It’s a long, tough road, but with the right intention and insight we will slowly alter the perceptions and goals of humanity. Living is the best game in town, if you do it right. That’s why I do the things that I do. I also want to have enough stories to tell my grandchildren so that someday they will think I am their lovable, crazy grandpa. If I may leave you with a lesson, it’s this: Be aware, be respectful, and keep it simple. Much love, Brian Treybig.

BY BRIAN TREYBIG

sharing my story...Living on a Houseboat

simplicityradio.com • facebook.com/briantreybigyoutube.com/user/briantreybig

Current and past radio shows: www.blogtalkradio.

com/simplicityradioThe call-in number is: 646-478-3271

Brian, Stacey and Milo, the dog


American Stress TherapyMy massage pricing remains the same:

65 and older is $35.55 to 64 is $45.

All other ages: $55.

I will continue to work on Sciatica, Shoulder Pain Relief

and Chronic Stress. Please book your appointment early.

Look forward to seeing you soon!

I have now moved the practice to my home in Friendswood.

“Since April of 1998 I’ve visited Valli for her amazing brand of massage therapy. She has extensive knowledge about muscles and tendons and their negative effects on one’s physical and mental well-being. I’ve experienced one problem after another—she’s always been very patient and calming. Her practice has recently moved to her home, but I don’t mind driving a few extra miles to spend time with the best Massage Therapist in the world! “– Peggy Camp

“I started going to American Stress Therapy 18 years ago with neck and shoulder pain. Valli was very professional; she listened to my issues, and my pain and stiffness were gone by the third treatment. I’ve seen her regularly for general relaxation and stress reduction—she even treated a painful muscle spasm for me after offi ce hours. She’s taught me a great deal about dealing with the symptoms of stress,

healthy eating, and the healing power of laughter.” – Sharon Pribil

American Stress Therapy

American Stress Therapy Client Testimonials:

Valli Lea

American Stress Therapy

281.923.3643

2401 S. Mission CircleFriendswood, TX 77546

[email protected]

Directions to 2401 S Mission Circle, Friendswood, TX 77546. I am located

approximately 6 miles west of I-45 takingFM 528 (Nasa Road 1). 12 stop lights to

San Joaquin Parkway. On the left is aConoco Station. Take a left. Go to the

second stop sign. Take a right and I amthe 8th house on the left.

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