Life Is Good! Magazine

Healing with Culinary Herbs Nikki Andruik

Truth about Drinking AlcoholDr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

Pieced Together: QuiltingWendy Williams

The Lure of GemstonesSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Great Explorations: The UK David Knowles

Our FEATURES

It’s a Wonderful Life!November I December 2015

With Our Compliments!

It’s a Wonderful Life!November I December 2015

With Our Compliments!

Healing with Culinary Herbs Nikki Andruik

Truth about Drinking AlcoholDr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

Pieced Together: QuiltingWendy Williams

The Lure of GemstonesSue Mayfi eld Geiger

Great Explorations: The UK 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 November|December 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 Dr. Steven GarnerCindy Price Tabatha Holt Dave Ramsey Clare Freeman Shirley Terry-Lopez Jan Denise Wendy Williams Lorraine Bossé-Smith David Knowles Dayna Steele Sue Mayfield Geiger Julie NiseDr. Alfredo J. Vazquez Kathy Milillo

GUEST WRITERS Jim Willis Liza Harrison Hailey Smith Kim Campbell Devon Young Sandra Moore George Mussenden

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.”

Happy holiday season to all of my lovely readers! While working on this issue, it took on a life and direction of its own, thus I have created a little different “look”—no glitz, no glamor, very little in the way of “cutesy” Christmas décor. Instead, it evolved into more of a folksy, homespun, warm and fuzzy visual experience. In my opinion, a reflection of the way Christmas used to be before mad consumerism, getting deeper in debt, and ”Made in China” became the unfortunate norm. Additionally, this issue is dedicated in honor of my senior readers, and to those of you who will one day become seniors. (Hmmm, I guess that means all of us!)

It’s a Wonderful Life! The Healing Power of Culinary Herbs is a genuine reflection of how I like to prepare home-cooked meals for David and I—at least when I’m not under a magazine deadline! Then we both starve. The YOU Docs, The Truth About Drinking Alcohol; offers important, pertinent information for this “party hearty” season. Kathy Harlan pulls another fabulous article out of her proverbial rabbit hat; please enjoy the good vibes while reading, My Generation. Perhaps you may be inspired to adopt quilting as an artistic hobby after viewing the stunning array of colors and patterns in Wendy Williams’ Pieced Together: The Art of Quilting. (My imagination is running wild!) Jean West Rudnicki’s humorous article about hearing loss, Entering the New Age of Acquisition, should bring on a smile and a chuckle or two. Indulge in eye candy with Sue Mayfield Geiger’s lavish feature article, The Allure of Gemstones. (Dear Santa: I’d like one of each please!) How Do You Define Success? is Dr. Catherine Hansen’s provocative Woman to Woman topic in this issue—an excellent question for each of us to ask ourselves, especially as this year draws to a close. My sweetheart, David Knowles, wrote our Great Explorations travel story, Great Britain Calling. He’s woven a heart-warming tale of traipsing around the UK with his elderly dad, seeking long lost kin, while sipping a pint of ale, or two, along the way. Sharing My Story guest writer, George Mussenden, enlightens and teases with, Life is easy when you follow the directions on the box; interesting new perspectives on astrology, relationships and life.

I will do my best and it will be enough.

Merry Christmas!

A note from NIKKI...

Nikki Andruik

7LIFE IS GOOD! November|December 2015

It’s a Wonderful Life! November|December 2015

A Health & Wellness Magazine for Everyone

LIFE IS GOOD!GULF COAST HEALTHY LIFEST YLES

Our FEATURES14 How Great Thou Art | Liza Harrison

22 The Healing Power of Culinary Herbs | Nikki Andruik 25 The Truth About Drinking Alcohol | The YOU Docs

28 My Generation | Kathy Harlan

34 Pieced Together: Quilting | Wendy Williams

36 Entering the New Age of Acquisition | Jean West Rudnicki

38 The Allure of Gemstones | Sue Mayfield Geiger

44 How Do You Define Success? | Dr. Catherine Hansen

48 Holding Up the Sky | MaryJane Butters

50 Nutrition Facts: Got Fiber? | Dr. Michael Greger

52 We Are What We Eat: Fact or Fiction? | Sandra Moore

56 Whole Grains: Good or Bad? | Nikki Andruik

62 Book Excerpt: The PlantPure Nation Cookbook | Kim Campbell

64 Nine Keys to Aging Well | Devon Young

68 Great Explorations: The UK | David Knowles

74 Sharing My Story: Life is Easy | George Mussenden

Our COLUMNS18 The Doctor is IN | Dr. Alfredo J. Vazquez 20 The Garden Path | Tabatha Holt 21 Natural Connections | Cindy Price

30 Reaching Out | Hailey Smith

31 Mind, Body & Soul | Clare Freeman 32 The Spa Experience | Shirley Terry-Lopez

42 Just Ask Julie | Julie Nise

46 Financial Health & Abundance | Dave Ramsey 49 Saluté! Wine Appreciation | Wendy Williams

60 If Pets Could Talk | Dr. Steven Garner 67 BayDreaming | David Knowles

67 Sage Advice | Sue Mayfield Geiger

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 54 Rosie’s Kitchen...Real Food, Real Easy, Real Fast! 60 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]

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

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!)

Subscription Service Available!LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine is available for complimentary

pick-up in hundreds of high-traffic business

locations throughout the Gulf Coast/Bay Area.

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!)

Pick Up Your Copy

TODAY!

May the peace and joy of the holidays be yours…

Thank you for picking up and reading our November/December 2015 holiday issue of LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine, “It’s a Wonderful Life!” As you gather together with your loved ones, be ever so grateful for the abundance you are blessed with. And remember, a hug is the perfect gift—one size fi ts all!

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.

I don’t want much for Christmas, I just want my readers to be healthy, happy and feel loved. Wishing you warm hugs, loyal friendship and good cheer! Please enjoy reading this issue of LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine, cover to cover…it’s our pleasure to bring it to you.

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: [email protected]


I opened two gifts early this morning. They were my eyes.

The most interesting fact about science

is that it’s true whether or not

you believe in it.

Eventually people will

realize mistakes are for learning,

not repeating.

A smile is a woman’s best

accessory, sequins are

appropriate for any occasion,

and some days simply require

a glass of champagne.

You don’t need a New Year. You don’t even need a Monday. Start

today!

“Rescued” is my favorite

breed for a pet.

When life hands you

scraps, make quilts!

Tomorrow Land: A place

where old people will be

replaced by us.

The more you are grateful for, the more good you bring into

your life.

The real revolution is

the evolution of consciousness.

You can do nothing to

erase the past, but you can

do everything to build the

future.

Laugh at the confusion, live for the moment

and know everything

happens for a reason.

You can easily judge the

character of a person by

how they treat someone who

can do nothing for them.

“Someday” is an excuse that will take your dreams to the

grave with you.

Be a “girl” with a mind, a chick with

an attitude, a woman of God, and a lady with

class.

Happiness is not the absence

of problems. It’s the ability

to deal with them.

Fitness is 20% exercise and

80% nutrition. You can’t

outrun your fork.

Don’t stumble over something

behind you.

When you see “Fat-

Free” or “Low Fat,” think “Chemical

Storm.”

Whatever you choose to do, do it with passion and child-like enthusiasm.

Life has no remote. You

have to get up and change it.

The most reliable way

to predict the future is to create it.

Health, your greatest

possession. Contentment, your greatest

treasure. Confi dence,

your greatest friend.

The best gift you can give yourself is

a lifetime of adventure.

Anyone can work out

for an hour. Controlling

what you eat the other 23 hours, that’s hard work.

Every time you eat is another opportunity to

nourish and love your body.

Small daily improvements

are the key to staggering

long-term results.

The smallest feline is a

work of art, a masterpiece.

Food for Thought


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Always a FightI’ve struggled with weight my whole life. It got really out of control and stayed that way no matter what I did. I hated it! I looked terrible in clothes, I felt like people were judging me, and I never felt like I � t in. It was miserable just walking around in my life. It seemed the more I tried, the fatter I got.

Not Good Enough“Not good enough” ran in my head all the time. Even when people gave me compliments. IF they only knew me! I had no con� dence when I became a teacher and NEVER in social situations. Dating wasn’t even a remote possibility, even though I dreamed of being married and having a family. Somebody might want to date me? � ere’s NO WAY!

First Big JobMy � rst year of teaching I felt like I was drowning. I doubted myself and my ability to be a good teacher even though I wanted to be good in the classroom more than anything. I actually wanted to hide from the other teachers because I was so uncomfortable and felt so much less than them. Going to work meant I had to face my insecurity every single day.

My Therapist was Out of OptionsI was desperate to � nd something to change my life. My therapist referred me for the free screening to see if I would be a good candidate for hypnosis. Nothing else seemed to work—diets came and went, advice from a medical doctor—everything failed.

Hypnosis was My Answer!When I � rst came to Southeast Hypnosis, the goals sounded outrageous —I thought, “Never going to happen!” � en I met my � rst goal, and my second goal. It was easy and fun! � at surprised me. I got more con� dent because I had successes early and consistently. It was di� erent from anything else I tried…and it worked.

Big ChangesI started my � rst year of teaching afraid, unsure and no faith in myself. Now I just � nished my second year, and I’m the lead 3rd grade teacher in my school! I’ve gained a tremendous amount of self esteem. Oh and did I mention how much I lost??

50 pounds and 8 pant sizes� at’s not a “size 8 pants” size… that means I LOST 8 pants sizes! I’m actually a size 6! And I love being social now. When I began my program, and I thought about meeting new people or even dating, I could only think, “� ere’s no way!” Now, I’m dating for the � rst time, and in a relationship!

10 on a scale of 10My happiness level is de� nitely a

10! � e transformation has been amazing. Hypnosis did more than I could imagine.

In order to determine if you can be accepted as a client you will

need to attend a free 30-minute hypnosis screening. � ere are

several programs available and individual results vary.

Good-Bye Fat Bridesmaid,Good-Bye Fat Bridesmaid, Hello

Size 6 Girl

Friend!

Hello Size 6

Girl Friend!


WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE

YEAR’S END?

BAYWalking: ON THE STREET INTERVIEWSWHAT DO YOU PLAN TO

ACCOMPLISH BEFORE YEAR’S END?

Clean my apartment from top to bottom. What a wonderful feeling to begin a New Year living in a fresh, sparkling environment. – Wynn Bailey, League City

I froze a bumper crop of strawberries from my garden this year. So, make homemade strawberry jam before the holidays get too busy. It’s great for gift giving, too! – Hawk Dennison, Houston

Fall off the grid with a quick getaway weekend to the hill country. – Liza Manzano, Webster

It would be great to find someone special to spend the holidays with. They tend to suck when you’re single. – Michael Black, Houston

Getting an early start on organizing my financial papers before tax season. Sorting all those little pieces of paper before my paychecks suddenly say 2016. – Spencer Liu, Friendswood

Mmmm, how about this? Attend more yoga classes and drink more wine! – Marie Naranjo, Houston

Get my nutrition blog up and running. I’ve been working on it for over a year and it’s time to get things rolling. – Suzette Hall, Houston

Fly out to visit my hilariously funny family on the west coast for Thanksgiving. My mom’s house becomes a “zoo” every year! – Helena Gardiner, League City

Drive out to the country for an evening of stargazing. Stretching out on a blanket beneath the stars is pure bliss, so peaceful. Calms my holiday stress level. – Ada Meyers, Houston

Spend as much time as possible on the beach, by the water, with my easel, blank canvas, brushes and

watercolors.

– Arthur Cummings, Galveston

Finish re-decorating our kitchen. I’m embarrassed to admit it’s been a work in progress for almost two years! – Darby McMillian, Seabrook

Setting some “me” time aside. To think about the “big picture,” the goals and tactics I need to put into place to help create the life, career and future I dream of. – Paisley Brookes, League City

Definitely update my resume. I work for a jerk and plan to quit, look for a new employer, possibly a new career. – Russ Klein, Webster

Get out of debt. I've read most of Dave Ramsey's books on saving and budgeting. I'm so close I can almost touch financial freedom! – Pearl Etienne, Houston

I’m still young, but my dream is to retire early so I can travel the world, anytime. I plan to continue working on my early retirement plan, get all my ducks in a row. – Marian Shilling, Houston

I married this year so need to update financial items like a will and other pertinent documents. If I kicked the bucket tomorrow, I don’t want to leave a mess behind for my bride. – Steve Daniels, League City Make appointments with my dentist, my doctor and my optometrist for teeth cleaning, check-up and eye exam so I don’t leave any dollars in my FSA account. – Jayna Post, Seabrook

As a gift to myself, order DVD’s on Amazon.com and learn to speak French. I’m going to Paris for my honeymoon next year! – Ariel Schmidt, Houston

Get my financial papers in order, once and for all. – Kyle Marsh, Houston

A lifelong dream has been learning to play the piano. Obviously, it’s not going to happen before the end of the year, but I’ve made the commitment and signed up for lessons! – Tanya Lee, League City

For a Christmas gift, earlier this year I began knitting

a sweater with matching hat and scarf for my little

niece (she lives up in Maine). One more session of

knitting and I’m finished! – Shawna Thomas, Houston

I’d like to learn to play chess from my grandfather. He’s very competitive and still sharp as a tack! – Kendall Purvis, Seabrook

I bought a clunker a few years ago with the intention of fixing it up. Just getting started on it before year’s end would be half the battle. – Corbett Gilmore, Houston

My list of things to do is endless! I have serious issues with procrastination, putting off almost everything until the last minute. – Linea McFadden, HoustonI’m getting a very nice bonus this year, which is terrific, but keep forgetting to ask my boss to defer it until 2016. – David Perrault, Houston

Since spring my wife has been kicking my butt to clean the gutters. Maybe I’ll pull out the ladder and set it up on New Year’s Eve. – Sebastian Morales, League City

If I don’t hold a big, intense Garage Sale before the end of the year, my house will explode from all the new stuff my kids get for Christmas! – Darla Mason, League CityI have a friend I haven’t spoken to in months. We didn’t see “eye-to-eye” on a topic very important and personal to me, so I shut her out. Before year’s end I plan to call to wish her a Merry Christmas! – Wendy Carmichael, Webster


FREE YOGA CLASSESI want to thank everyone who came out and joined us for LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine’s

spring through autumn Tuesday evening yoga classes.

I’m thrilled with the turnout; it was wonderful to meet so many of you who made a decision to live in the moment.

And a big thank you to our yoga instructor extraordinaire,Clare Freeman, who exceeded all expectations.

– Nikki Andruik, Publisher

What is “Volunteer Support?” Volunteer Support is where a product or service is complimentary/free, but because it is of great value to you,

you’d like to off er something anyway; it’s your way of saying, “Thank you!”

Since launching LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine in September of 2010, it has been my pleasure, and my goal, to off er you a complimentary, high-quality, health

and wellness publication that always includes HIGH editorial content (features/articles/stories/columns/etc.) and LOW advertising content.

With print costs on the rise, I gently encourage you to consider becoming a Volunteer Supporter at this time. Whatever volunteer support

you feel comfortable with, according to this magazine’s benefi t to you over the years, will be appreciated.

Gulf Coast Healthy LifestylesP. O. Box 590933

Houston, TX 77259-0933

With this November/December 2015 issue, we’re excited to be in our sixth year of publication—your generosity will enable us to continue “planting seeds” for healthy lifestyles in our community, and to

publish the best possible health and wellness magazine for you!

– Nikki Andruik, Publisher

I love everything about quilting. I’ve been quilting for over 20 years, and still thoroughly enjoy the entire process from start to fi nish. You probably have to be a little crazy to be a quilter, but I like to think more of myself as “creative.” After all, who in their right mind would spend a lot of money to purchase perfectly good fabric, then spend hours and hours cutting it into a million

little pieces, and then spend even more time stitching it all back together?So much goes into the making of a quilt. As I’ve learned over the years, there’s always a “story” behind each one—a quilt is so much more than just the fabric, thread and batting. A quilt begins life with someone wanting to create something beautiful for a reason. The reasons vary, but they always involve a desire to show someone how much you care about them. I always enjoy talking to my customers about the story behind their quilt. It’s often a quilt being made for a happy event, like a wedding, a new grandchild, a birthday, a graduation, or Christmas gift. These quilts are custom made with so much thought given to choosing specifi c colors and patterns—it has to be perfect for the recipient. But mostly, the quilt is made with so much love from

the quilter. After all, we can never get back the time spent in creating a quilt, so that in itself becomes a precious gift.Sometimes a quilt’s story involves not-so-happy events, like an illness or loss of a friend or family member. These quilts are fi lled with prayers from the quilter for healing and comfort. They’re usually made with the softest of fabrics, providing warmth and the feeling of a “hug” when we can’t always be there with those who need us. Sometimes the story is simply about the process of making a quilt; it was created just because all your friends were making a certain style of quilt at a retreat. It becomes a reminder of a wonderful time spent together quilting, talking and eating lots of chocolate (us quilters are known to eat lots of chocolate!). Sometimes a quilt is made while spending quality time

with an aging parent who needs extra help and patience in doing something that once came so easily to her. This quilt becomes a priceless memory of irreplaceable time shared with someone who once did the same for you. I like to think that my quilting adds a little bit to the story behind each quilt. The right quilting stitch design can take a very simple quilt to a new level by adding “frosting and sprinkles.” Or the right quilting stitch design can be just enough to simply enhance an intricately pieced quilt. It’s also very rewarding to see a customer’s quilt again, long after it’s left my long arm machine.In a world where we don’t always feel like we can control very much that happens to us or to those we care about, it’s nice to know that quilting is a way to create a little piece of quiet. A quiet place where we can control everything, where we are in charge, where we can create anything we want, where we can simply change a color or a shape to achieve the exact eff ect we desire. And when it’s fi nished, the end result is always just the way we want it to be.Not many people I know can honestly say they love their job. I absolutely love my so-called “job,” and I plan to continue quilting as long as I’m able. Whenever I’m asked, “How many quilts do you really need?” I always reply, “Quilts are not really a necessity, they are a blessing!” Besides, I’ve got a fabric stash that’ll last forever!

Stitching together the layers of life, with love

How Great THOU ART...

FEATURE ARTIST: LIZA HARRISON

Bay Area Artists

Liza HarrisonGreenThread Designs

Custom Quilting409-370-4186


www.BayAreaKitchens.com281.338.2737

17306 Highway 3@ Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TXAppointments Recommended

Let us design your…Dream Kıtchen

Bay Area KitchensClearly Di� erent—Clearly Superior—Since 1983Our showroom features the latest trends and technologiesKitchen & Bathroom Remodeling—Cabinetry for New Homes

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Better healing from within. Tooth loss and damage to the jaw bone and tissues are often challenging during oral surgery or implant placement. Without enough support in the jaw bone, dental implants cannot be immediately stabilized and tissue healing can be a long process. The solution to these and other diffi cult situations is a new Platelet Therapy created from your own blood. Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) changes all the rules as it promotes healing and bone growth from within your own body. Unlike other treatments that use artifi cial components, Platelet Therapy with L-PRF uses only your own blood. With a simple blood draw and an advanced technology protocol, L-PRF is individually made for you—from you. The end results are improved healing response and signifi cantly less recovery time.

Natural growth factors already present in your body are concentrated using L-PRF. Your own concentrated platelets and other key blood cells and their unique healing abilities are simply re-introduced at the site of your surgical procedure. As a result, your own body releases powerful healing proteins, and creates a scaff old for healing.

L-PRF is not chemically altered and doesn’t contain any synthetic, animal, or other human ingredients. A natural choice, pure and simple.

3M™ True Defi nition ScannerImproved care and a better experience for you, the patient. 3M™ True Defi nition scanning technology gives you and Dr. Haggard a clear and precise view of your teeth and gums. This enhances understanding of your oral situation, and improves communication—it’s a true educational experience. Plus, it’s

more comfortable and less time-consuming, not to mention better chances of attaining the best possible results from your procedure. There are no messy putties to deal with, and your restorations can be created more rapidly and with less chance for error. This advanced digital impression technology will make the entire treatment process faster, better, and easier.

PreXion 3D ElitePreXion3D off ers the highest image quality and most powerful software in the dental industry for precise implant planning, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, restorative, general dentistry and much more. PreXion’s advanced technology allows for greater functionality and provides Dr. Haggard with an excellent tool for diagnosing clinical criteria with higher levels of accuracy. The stunning images generated by PreXion3D provide a powerful visual aid for educating patients to help explore the options of available treatments in the new standard of care. Dr. Haggard’s investment in high quality diagnostic imaging will be one that greatly benefi ts you, the patient.

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

Continuing our Reputation on the Cutting Edge of Dental Technology!


Things you don’t feel like doing when you’re in pain; like moving.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 repair Cold 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 Amplification 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

Cold Laser Therapy

It was the coldс t winter ever. Many creaturс died because of the ex treme cold. T he porcupinс , realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. In this way, they covered each other, shared their warmth and protected themselvс ; but, unfortunately, the quills of each porcupine wounded their closс t companions.After a while, they decided to distance themselvс from one another, and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth forever.Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. T hey learned to live with the litt le wounds caused by living in close relationship to their companions in order to receive the heat that came from the others. I t is in this way they were able to survive during the most severe winters.T he moral of the story: The bс t relationships are not the onс that bring together perfect people, but rather when individuals learn to live with the imperfections of others and learn to admire their good qualitiс .

Fable of the PorcupineHave you ever seen a baby porcupine?

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

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Maybe she’s born with it. Or maybe it’s the juice?

At this time of year, festive occasions abound and the endless array of sweet, not-so-healthy goodies tempt us beyond our better judgement, and pant size. Not indulging requires the type of discipline demonstrated by the Queen of England’s Guardsman standing silent watch while coaxed to crack a smile by passing tourists.

It’s this form of discipline I’ve decided to model during the holiday season, especially when taunted and tempted by confectionary delights! Providing a more nutritious and beneficial alternative to nibbling on holiday treats, and to assist me in my campaign of restraint, I’ll be incorporating a regimen of juicing—while also cultivating many of the ingredients in my own home garden.

For those of you unfamiliar with “juicing,” juicing is the process of extracting liquid from fruit, vegetables and herbs, using an appliance commonly referred to as a “juicer.” A juicer is actually a centrifuge that finely grates items to the point where liquid is released from the plant’s cells. The liquid collects and flows down a spout into a pitcher or glass to become the fresh juice we drink. The pulp or fiber left behind in the centrifuge’s strainer is extremely beneficial for digestion—reconstitute a couple of tablespoons of pulp by stirring it back into your glass of juice. The pulp from juicing may also be simmered as a pot of vegetable broth, added to your compost bin or directly tilled into the soil of your garden. Spreading pulp evenly over the garden’s surface, along with a light tilling, allows it to serve as food for your garden’s “soil web,” and provide nutrients for newly planted vegetables. Fall into winter gardens on the Gulf Coast are notably productive, especially for the vegetables I prefer for juicing: beets, carrots and celery. Ginger, easily grown next to a warm, sunny window, and red apples, wildly abundant at this time of year, are tasty additions to juicing. They also aid in settling the stomach and lightening the strong mineral-rich flavor of fresh beets.

Many of us avid gardeners planted fall gardens in September. During the months of November and December, we are now ready to re-plant with other cool weather crops. Dividing my garden into four separate sections, I’ll plant and then rotate beets, celery, carrots and mustard greens. (The variety of mustard green I plant will not be for consumption, but instead serve as a green manure/soil borne disease and weed suppressor.) Once harvested, the next vegetable planted will bump to the right with the fourth replacing the first; i.e. 1st mustard, 2nd beets, 3rd celery and 4th carrots.

If growing your own vegetables is not an option, juicing is a much less laborious endeavor. Visit your local farmers market or grocery store for fresh naturally grown organic produce. And, whether you choose to try juicing or not, my hopes and wishes for all of you this holiday season are to find peace, health, happiness and respect for one another. Happy holidays everyone!

The GARDEN PATH BY TABATHA HOLT

The Juicing Garden

Our menu items are fresh, healthy and made from scratch daily.

• Check out our new updated menu

• Tuesdays: Free Glass of House Wine with Entrée after 5 PM

• Bring your own bottle of wine ($8 corkage fee)

• Custom catering and private events available

• Sunday Brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM with bottomless Mimosas for $12

If you haven’t stopped by recently to dine with us, come enjoy our delicious new menu items!

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER PHONE: 281-538-8103

Monday—Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM Friday & Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM

Sunday Brunch 11 AM to 3 PM

2951 Marina Bay Drive, Suite 220, League City, TX 77573 (Three doors down from South Shore Randalls)

www.tuscany-bistro.net

Experience Old World Atmosphere & Taste


Animals are God’s creatures…by their mere existence they bless Him and give Him glory. – Catholic catechism

Animals have always played important roles in major holidays. What child hasn’t made a colorful paper turkey for Thanksgiving? This wild bird was much loved by early American colonists. It is true that Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the turkey the symbol of the United States, and not the eagle. Today we are more familiar with the white farm-raised domesticated turkey than its more colorful wild cousin.There are lots of birds given as gifts in the popular Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. The partridge, a type of grouse, was very common in the Holy Land and is mentioned three times in the Bible. Turtledoves, or doves, are mentioned in the Bible more than any other bird—over 50 times. The gentleness and innocence of doves symbolizes trust and love, representing the Holy Spirit. “Three French hens” may refer to the Faverolles breed of chicken named after the Faverolles village in France. “Four calling birds” were originally four “colly” birds, meaning blackbirds. The final gift of birds is seven swans-a-swimming. Picture those in your pool!The Christmas story tells us that Jesus was born in a manger—a trough to feed cattle—after Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. Many illustrations show Mary riding a donkey, a very important animal in the Middle East, and one of the first beasts of burden, or carrying animals. Later, donkeys came to symbolize peace and meek obedience. Donkeys have two stripes on their backs in the form of a cross, reminding people of their important service to the Holy Family. Also, most Nativity scenes show the Holy Family in a barn surrounded by cattle and sheep. Cattle have long been domesticated animals prized for their milk and pulling plows.At the time of Jesus’ birth, shepherds were watching their flocks of sheep by night, protecting them against marauding wolves. Jesus became known as the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. He warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Three Wise Men followed the Christmas Star to Bethlehem, traveling great distances on camels, most likely the first carrying animal. Called “ships of the desert,” camels made travel, and life itself, possible in the great Middle Eastern deserts.On the secular side of Christmas, there are Santa’s famous reindeer. Santa’s carrying or pulling animals had to be reindeer, a northern type of deer, since Santa’s workshop is at the frozen North Pole. Yet other types of deer frequently show in the Bible. Deer were admired for their beauty of form, their swiftness and shyness. Mother deer were known for the loving care they gave their fawns. No wonder “dear” became a term of endearment. This holiday season be a dear to the animals. Feed the birds. Donate to an animal shelter, animal welfare cause, or zoo. Adopt or foster a homeless pet. Give your pets a treat, toy or hug. Go vegan. Animals deserve holiday love, too.

Follow Cindy on Twitter @CindyPriceOrbit.

Natural CONNECTIONSBY CINDY PRICE

The Holiday Animals

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Season your holidays—with good taste and healthy benefi ts!BY NIKKI ANDRUIK

I love stepping out the back door of my home and into the garden, kitchen scissors in hand, enjoying a bounty of fresh oregano, basil, rosemary, peppers, spearmint and chives ready for snipping. Ready to help fl avor, and pump up the nutrition, of whatever dish I’m preparing—whether it’s a scratch tomato sauce to be served over whole grain linguini pasta, a fresh, homemade veggie pizza or a green, tossed salad paired with a freshly blended dressing. Returning to my kitchen, I’ve been known to ask David to close his eyes while I stick a fresh “bouquet” of basil in his face, and instruct him to breathe deeply!

Since ancient times people have used herbs and spices, not only for seasoning food, but also for the benefi ts of their healing properties. Fresh herbs and zesty spices off er us powerful antioxidant and anti-infl ammatory benefi ts. Add herbs to your daily menu and let your diet do double duty by eating well to feed your appetite, and your health. Aromatic, fl avor-rich herbs are intoxicating—not only in a culinary sense, but medicinally, too. Herbs (and spices) help us digest our food, detoxify our bodies, and keep our hearts and minds active. Even when added in small quantities, their fl avors add richness and interesting nuances to our delicious home-cooked meals.

Digestive herbs. Most culinary herbs help digestion—the following are outstanding. Mint. Spearmints, peppermints and other mints are all respected for their digestive benefi ts. In the early Christian church, peppermint was so highly valued it was accepted as payment of tithes. Well-studied for its digestive eff ects, peppermint contains several carminatives—menthol, anethole and carvone—that settle the stomach and relieve gas. Peppermint is also a gentle “bitter herb.” Bitter herbs are those that aid digestion by stimulating bile production. Caraway. Caraway seeds contain carvone and other compounds that relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Seed extracts used in certain commercial herbal digestive aids (sometimes along

with peppermint oil) have been found to improve chronic indigestion. Enjoy a small dish of caraway seeds on their own, or sprinkle them into soups or lentil stews. Ginger. The gingerols and shogaols in ginger are antispasmodics, soothing the stomach and stimulating peristalsis. Ginger encourages gastric emptying. It also relieves constipation, and may ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Gingerols degrade with cooking, processing and storage, so enjoy ginger fresh or minimally cooked.

Antimicrobial herbs. Herbs that deter harmful bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms keep foods from spoiling and help protect our bodies from such microbes. Thyme. During World War I, thymol from thyme was a famous battlefi eld antiseptic. Modern disinfectants subsequently usurped its place, but even in today’s kitchens you couldn’t have a fi ner herbal weapon. Thyme combats a wide range of toxic bacteria and fungi, including those associated with food poisoning. Cilantro. Cilantro contains a volatile constituent called dodecenal, which is antibiotic against salmonella. The bactericidal action apparently defends against any stage of growth of the salmonella bacteria. Use the grass-scented leaves fresh, as their aroma, fl avor and medicinal action decline with storage. Coriander seeds are also eff ective. Other good antimicrobial herbs. Garlic, lemon balm, oregano and cinnamon.

Antioxidant herbs. Free radical damage to cells and tissues contribute to many aging-related ailments, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, dementia, atherosclerosis and arthritis. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals. In foods, they also help prevent spoilage. Oregano. There is no better antioxidant herb than oregano. The USDA’s Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) list, which rates the antioxidant strength of many foods, ranks oregano highest among herbs. Only the spices cinnamon and cloves beat out oregano. Oregano’s potency resides in its fl avonoids and phenolic acids, used by the plant to protect itself from light damage. Greek oregano, the most aromatic subspecies, was used in the tests. Basil. Antioxidant action in purple basils comes mainly from anthocyanins, and in green basil from other fl avonoids. Purple basils are better antioxidants, especially ‘Dark Opal’, which rivals

Greek oregano for antioxidant action. Basil is most eff ective when fresh. If you cook with basil, add it towards the end and sprinkle extra as a garnish. Parsley. Don’t just toss your parsley garnish, eat it—it contains the antioxidants apiol, myristicin, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin. Both fl at- and curly-leaved types appear to have similar nutritional profi les. Parsley is most

healthy uncooked. Rosemary. Rosemary loves sunshine and poor, dry soils—conditions that encourage development of

antioxidant phenolics, including carnosic acid. Carnosic acid may protect brain cells as it can penetrate the blood-

The Healing Power of Culinary Herbs


brain barrier. It is an intriguing potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Unlike more delicate herbs, rosemary retains its healthy properties when cooked.

Memory-boosting herbs. Some herbs help our brains function more eff ectively. Sage. Sage is considered a brain stimulant. It is a good antioxidant, containing—like rosemary—carnosic acid as well as rosmarinic acid. It is also anti-infl ammatory, which can help allay degenerative brain diseases. Sage extracts have been shown to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, implicated in Alzheimer’s. Turmeric. Turmeric is vying for super-herb status. The herb supports macrophage cells in clearing out plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s suff erers; discourages chronic nerve-cell infl ammation; neutralizes free radicals; and binds toxic heavy metals so they don’t congregate in the brain. Low amounts taken over a long time are more eff ective than high doses. Other good memory herbs. Garlic, ginger and rosemary.

Heart-healthy herbs. Healthy, vibrant functioning of the heart depends highly on the quality of the blood. Several herbs have become famously known over the centuries for their healing and supportive properties in favor of the heart. Fenugreek. The seeds of fenugreek—which are used in some Indian curries—contain sapogenins that help the body excrete cholesterol. Fenugreek helps lower triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (aka LDL or “bad” cholesterol). Garlic. For years, garlic was thought to benefi t cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, but thorough reviews in the last few years indicate that’s not necessarily the case. Instead, it appears that garlic may be most helpful in preventing blood clots. Small amounts (a clove or two daily) of fresh garlic over a long period can be helpful. Obtain your doctor’s approval if you are taking blood-thinning medications. More heart-friendly herbs. Onions, chives, juniper berries and ginger.

A little will do. Because many herbs are potent, small amounts used regularly may be the safest course. Anything beyond culinary amounts may be too strong for certain individuals—individuals with some health conditions (e.g. liver disease), or those taking medications such as blood thinners and blood sugar-lowering drugs.

Herb or spice. Which is it? Culinary herbs are the leaves or fl owers of plants, whereas spices come from barks, seeds or roots. Some plants supply both—the coriander plant yields both coriander seeds and cilantro leaves, and dill, its seeds and foliage both well-liked. Some seasonings, like the underground rhizomes ginger and turmeric, are accepted as either an herb or spice.

Cooking with love provides nourishment for the soul.



My grandmother has multiple health problems making it difficult for her to enjoy life. I wonder if all the fancy drugs and treatments are really worth it. We want her around as long

as possible, but we’d also like her to feel good and be happy.

We understand where you’re coming from. Life expectancy in the U.S. today is at an all-time high of around 76 for men and 81 for women; in Canada it’s 80 for men and 84 for women. And a lot of folks are living much longer than that: Around 55,000 folks in the U.S. are 100 or older; a 66

percent increase since 1980. In part, the increased longevity results from better treatments for heart disease and some cancers, such as breast and prostate. These cancers, along with some other potentially fatal diseases, are now often considered chronic conditions to be managed. Plus, we have effective ways to repair and replace arthritis-damaged joints so that people can stay active longer. But according to new data from The Global Burden of Disease Study, while people are living longer, they often have to contend with troubling disabilities or illnesses. And that’s as true in the U.S. as anywhere. Healthy life expectancy is only 67 for guys and 72 for gals. The main causes of this discrepancy are obesity, smoking, dietary risks and alcohol. We don’t know what your grandmother’s specific health issues are, but we do know the elderly can reap huge health benefits from upgrading their diet, getting more physical activity, learning to manage stress and taking their medications as prescribed. Ask if you can come along to her next doctor’s appointment, and talk with her and her doc about these issues. And remember, you have her DNA—make sure you get the exercise and good diet you need to live a long, healthy life!

I recently went for an annual checkup. Now my doctor tells me I’ve had a silent heart attack. I’m scheduled for a catheterization and maybe an angioplasty to open up a closed artery. How is that possible? I never felt anything that I thought was a heart attack!

Silent heart attacks or myocardial infarctions—episodes in which the heart is deprived of blood and oxygen, but there are no obvious signs of distress—are a lot more common than you might think. The statistics say that overall, 20 to 30 percent of heart attacks are silent, and a study of almost one thousand 67- to 93-year-olds found that UMIs (unrecognized myocardial infarctions) are more common than heart attacks that produce clear symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea), especially in folks over age 75 or people with diabetes. Diabetes-related nerve damage can mute pain sensations. Researchers also found that most folks who had suffered UMIs weren’t aware they had heart disease, but had more severe atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) than people in the study group who had already had a heart attack and survived. The symptoms of UMI (if any) are easily mistaken for a bout of the flu, a cold, fatigue or heartburn. So it’s very possible to have a UMI and, if you survive, go on your merry way without getting heart-helping treatments or making adjustments to a more heart-friendly lifestyle. But it’s not too late (you were very lucky!) to start. Talk with your doc and find out about what you can do now, such as taking two 81-mg aspirins with a glass of warm water every day, lowering your blood pressure, upgrading your diet (losing weight), safely increasing your physical activity and taking a statin.

I yelled at my sister yesterday and can’t remember why. My husband started treatment for A fib; my daughter wants to drop out of college; one car is in the shop; and a week after the warranty expired, the water heater died. Now I can’t find the dog. I’m really off my game and the holiday season is looming! Any suggestions?We’re sorry things are piling up right now, but you can’t ever completely eliminate times of stress, disappointment and family concerns. What you can do is build up resources inside yourself to handle those challenges so they don’t throw you off balance. Fortunately, taking steps to find your balance can be rewarding. By eating good food, spending time with friends, doing what’s important to you and helping others, you’ll find yourself growing stronger, calmer and more able to handle whatever life dishes up. Here are three simple steps to get started. Fuel up to calm down. To stimulate your calming neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA, try adding kefir, kimchi, oolong tea, pumpkin seeds, edamame and nori (seaweed) to your diet. Dispel stress. Nothing tames the stress hormones—cortisol, epinephrine—like moderate physical activity. Take time for yourself by walking 10,000 steps a day. Find the dog, and head out together on your new walking routine. The walks will help you sleep better, lower your blood pressure, improve your mental focus and build resilience. You can help dispel cortisol by eating spinach, beans, walnuts (12 halves daily), citrus and dark chocolate (one ounce a day). Think about others. Studies show that altruism reduces stress and eases depression. Volunteer (maybe with your hubby) at a local community center or charity; reach out to family, neighbors and those in need. Help yourself by helping others.

House Calls...YOU ASK, ANSWER


Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michael Roizen

Blame it on craft beers, more affordable wines, the economy or the stress of the holiday season—North Americans are sipping more alcohol, more often. (Twenty-two percent of you say you drink too much, up from 17 percent a decade ago.) And while you all know that problem drinking is a serious health risk, the current hoopla about how wine is good for you may have led even the most abstemious sippers to believe there’s no harm in a good belt or two. So we’re going to blow the cork on the most common myths about alcohol.

Myth No. 1. Seven to 14 drinks a week is a heart-healthy number, so there’s no harm in having them all in a day or two. Truth. Saving up your weekly quota in order to guzzle four to seven drinks on each weekend day could raise your LDL cholesterol by 40 percent, and women who have seven to 14 drinks a week raise their risk for breast cancer between 30 percent and 60 percent. Better idea. If you’re not at high risk for breast cancer or alcohol-abuse/dependency, having a half to one drink a day for women, and one to two a day for men keeps arteries supple and discourages impotence, wrinkles and even heart and brain threatening blood clots.

Myth No. 2. A little alcohol’s okay when you’re pregnant. Truth. Don’t risk it. There’s a lot of talk (and one study) saying that moderate sipping is harmless, but there are plenty of studies that show drinking during pregnancy increases risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term delivery, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and

THE TRUTH ABOUTDRINKING ALCOHOL

even sudden infant death syndrome. Better idea. We agree with the CDC: “There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe to drink while pregnant.”

Myth No. 3. Red wine is best for your ticker. Truth. Yes, red wine contains resveratrol, but in amounts too small to offer you any cardiovascular benefits. (Fresh red grapes have more!) A second or third glass won’t get you to a beneficial level, either. Better idea. For real heart protection, take 900 milligrams of DHA omega-3 algal oil (from plants, not fish); walk 10,000 steps a day; keep good friends close; get your blood pressure to 115/75; learn to manage stress; and get plenty of sleep every night.

Myth No. 4. Introducing kids to alcohol at home is the safest option. Truth. Kids who drink at 15 or younger are six times more likely to develop alcohol problems than those who start at 21 or older. And almost half of those youngsters report that they get alcohol at home. Better idea. Drink responsibly (occasionally act as the designated driver), and set a good example. Explain to kids just how dangerous drinking too much can be—it lowers brain power, interferes with social development, impairs judgment and driving skills, and can lead to obesity.

Myth No. 5. Drinking instead of eating helps you lose weight. Truth. Alcohol boosts cravings by messing with levels of the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin. You feel hungrier and less-than-healthy foods look extra-tempting. In fact, a drink is twice as likely to fuel overeating as watching TV or skimping on sleep. Better idea. Sip a half to one drink with your meal, then leave the table before you reach for seconds.

Myth No. 6. Alcohol’s okay with most medicines. Truth. Everyone knows, or should know, not to mix alcohol with painkillers, but any med can be risky. Alcohol alters how your body breaks down and absorbs everything from blood thinners to some heart and high blood pressure drugs. That means you may get a big, intense dose or not enough medication. Better idea. Skip alcohol while taking medications.

Myth No. 7. Drinking keeps colds at bay. Truth. Alcohol weakens your immune system by making virus-fighting white blood cells 75 percent less effective. This leaves you vulnerable to viral infections and more susceptible to catching colds and the flu. Better idea. Warm your bones in fall and winter with hot coffee, hot tea or hot cider spiced with immune-boosting cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers are encouraged to put their tobacco habits aside, leave their lighters at home, and forget about the vapors of their electronic cigarettes. It’s just one day—24 hours—and although that seems like a reasonable request, it is not an easy task. Smoking is not only an addictive habit; it is the leading cause of preventable death.

The Great American Smokeout (GASO) challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps them discover the tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit. Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol (BACODA) is in the third year of a fi ve-year grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services that has given them the tools to focus on the prevention and cessation of smoking. The grant enabled them to form the Tobacco Prevention Task Force whose goals are: 1) Prevent tobacco use among youth; 2) Help those who want to quit; 3) Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke; 4) Promote enforcement of existing federal, state, and local tobacco laws; and, 5) Support statewide capacity for comprehensive tobacco prevention and control.

BACODA employees leading the Task Force are: Rusty Cockrell, Director; Debi Hart, Media Specialist; Stephanie Carrizal, Education Prevention Specialist; and Emely Barajona, Community Liaison. They are passionately dedicated to Task Force’s mission to “prevent and reduce the illegal and harmful use of tobacco products in Galveston County.”

Hart is quick to point out all the tools that are at their disposal to get their message out to the masses, like the Texas Quitline App (yesquit.org). “Doctors ask patients if they are smoking and if they are ready to quit,” she said. “If yes, they educate them regarding treatment options, explain the benefi ts and success rates of doing so as well as advising them regarding nicotine replacement therapy and/or prescription medication.” Hart went on to say how patients are off ered free counseling and support and up to three months of free nicotine replacement therapy. A former smoker herself, Hart knows how hard it is

to break the habit. “I quit smoking July 4, 2013,” she said. “I had certain triggers that would make me want a cigarette, and when they occurred, I acknowledged the feeling—once I did, the urge passed.” When she speaks to groups, she shares with them that she is a former smoker and that she knows how hard it is to quit, but that it is possible.

Barajona works with colleges and has set up a smokeout event with the

Galveston campus of Texas A&M that will occur November 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “This is the second time we have partnered with A&M Galveston to celebrate the GASO. This year we are planning on having an actual Smokeout outdoors at the campus—we are excited to have such a strong partnership with A&M and we expect a great turnout!”

Carrizal collaborated with BACODA’s Youth Program last month and went out to Barber Middle School in Dickinson during their lunch periods. “We had a 6-foot banner for students to sign and pledge to be smoke free,” she said. “Last year we collected more than 900 signatures from Dunbar Middle School in Dickinson.”

Cockrell says that due to the lack of staff , they are unable to keep up with statistics regarding success rates, but that their focus is more on prevention. “The more people we can educate, the more we hope the seed is planted,” he said. “We hope the ones who hear our message will go home and tell family members how bad smoking is for them. That’s our goal every year.”

Over the summer Carrizal did education fi eld training at the YMCAs in Galveston and League City, as well as the Galveston Boys and Girls Club. “I worked with elementary kids and did a curriculum called TATU (Teens Against Tobacco Use) and TNT (Toward No Tobacco). I also worked with elementary kids on the cause and eff ects of tobacco and how to handle peer pressure,” she said.

Of course, no one is ever too young to learn about the harmful eff ects of tobacco. Cockrell advises that scarier visuals work well with elementary

kids, but not so much with middle schoolers and beyond. “That’s when we work at getting a youth coalition established where the youth are communicating with each other,” he said. “They will listen to their peers more than adults.” Yet Cockrell cautions that how they present the perils of smoking really depends on who they are talking to. “If we are talking to a corporation, they are more in tune to the fi nancial aspects, like lost days at work, higher insurance premiums for smokers, etc. From a community standpoint, there are also the risks of second-hand and third-hand smoke,” he said.

Third-hand smoke? Yes, it’s out there and if you’ve not heard the term, it is the residue that is in the walls, furniture, carpet, bedding, automobile interiors, and just about anything and everything that can absorb tobacco smoke. “You basically inhale the chemicals that are embedded in these items,” Cockrell said. “For instance, if your child has been at a relative’s house who is a smoker and that child comes home with his or her blanket that has absorbed cigarette smoke, the child will go to bed with that blanket and be subjected to third-hand smoke.” Third-hand smoke has been attributed to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and asthma.

As for smoking bans in public places, Barajona says there is a lot of room for improvement, especially in Galveston County. “There was a time when the City of Galveston passed a non-smoking ordinance, but it was revised and somewhat relaxed in 2010,” she said. “However, Transforming Galveston—a federally funded initiative—is recognizing any bars, restaurants and businesses promoting smoke-free establishments.” Stickers are on display at these establishments and can be found online (transforminggalveston.com). Some places are slow to acknowledge that the majority of people are no longer smokers, but a few establishments still cater to the minority group at the expense of others. And although national data shows that smoking is on the decline, the sale of electronic cigarettes is skyrocketing. Nicotine, the addictive element, is in the vapors, along with other chemicals. Although they are tar free, carcinogens reside within e-cigarettes. The big misnomer is that they are healthier; they are not, even though adolescents think they are.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 480,000 deaths of smokers in the U.S. per year including 42,000 deaths resulting from second-hand smoke exposure. And even though it takes 15 years for the lungs to revert back to how they looked before you took that fi rst puff , the body starts to repair itself the minute you stop smoking. Blood pressure, heart rate and other bodily functions start to normalize.

Barajona likes to remind everyone that even though it takes the average person seven times before they fi nally quit smoking, they ultimately do, so don’t get discouraged, because it can happen.

To learn how to be considered for leadership opportunities, concerned citizens, parents or teens may create a volunteer profi le at www.bacoda.org or contact Emely Barajona at 800-510-3111. Questions about tobacco prevention and strategies of the Tobacco Prevention Control Coalition-Galveston County may contact Rusty Cockrell at [email protected] or 800-510-3111. Galveston County Community Coalition and Tobacco Prevention Control Coalition are projects of BACODA, a community-based substance abuse prevention organization that provides sustained leadership and support for the Coalitions. BACODA has provided comprehensive prevention/intervention services since 1974.

Bay Area Council on Drugs & AlcoholPrepares for the Great American Smokeout

November 19, 2015BY SUE MAYFIELD GEIGER

BACODA Tobacco Prevention Task Force (L to R):Emely Barajona, Community Liaison; Stephanie Carrizal, Education Prevention

Specialist; Rusty Cockrell, Director; Debi Hart, Media Specialist


kids, but not so much with middle schoolers and beyond. “That’s when we work at getting a youth coalition established where the youth are communicating with each other,” he said. “They will listen to their peers more than adults.” Yet Cockrell cautions that how they present the perils of smoking really depends on who they are talking to. “If we are talking to a corporation, they are more in tune to the fi nancial aspects, like lost days at work, higher insurance premiums for smokers, etc. From a community standpoint, there are also the risks of second-hand and third-hand smoke,” he said.

Third-hand smoke? Yes, it’s out there and if you’ve not heard the term, it is the residue that is in the walls, furniture, carpet, bedding, automobile interiors, and just about anything and everything that can absorb tobacco smoke. “You basically inhale the chemicals that are embedded in these items,” Cockrell said. “For instance, if your child has been at a relative’s house who is a smoker and that child comes home with his or her blanket that has absorbed cigarette smoke, the child will go to bed with that blanket and be subjected to third-hand smoke.” Third-hand smoke has been attributed to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and asthma.

As for smoking bans in public places, Barajona says there is a lot of room for improvement, especially in Galveston County. “There was a time when the City of Galveston passed a non-smoking ordinance, but it was revised and somewhat relaxed in 2010,” she said. “However, Transforming Galveston—a federally funded initiative—is recognizing any bars, restaurants and businesses promoting smoke-free establishments.” Stickers are on display at these establishments and can be found online (transforminggalveston.com). Some places are slow to acknowledge that the majority of people are no longer smokers, but a few establishments still cater to the minority group at the expense of others. And although national data shows that smoking is on the decline, the sale of electronic cigarettes is skyrocketing. Nicotine, the addictive element, is in the vapors, along with other chemicals. Although they are tar free, carcinogens reside within e-cigarettes. The big misnomer is that they are healthier; they are not, even though adolescents think they are.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 480,000 deaths of smokers in the U.S. per year including 42,000 deaths resulting from second-hand smoke exposure. And even though it takes 15 years for the lungs to revert back to how they looked before you took that fi rst puff , the body starts to repair itself the minute you stop smoking. Blood pressure, heart rate and other bodily functions start to normalize.

Barajona likes to remind everyone that even though it takes the average person seven times before they fi nally quit smoking, they ultimately do, so don’t get discouraged, because it can happen.

To learn how to be considered for leadership opportunities, concerned citizens, parents or teens may create a volunteer profi le at www.bacoda.org or contact Emely Barajona at 800-510-3111. Questions about tobacco prevention and strategies of the Tobacco Prevention Control Coalition-Galveston County may contact Rusty Cockrell at [email protected] or 800-510-3111. Galveston County Community Coalition and Tobacco Prevention Control Coalition are projects of BACODA, a community-based substance abuse prevention organization that provides sustained leadership and support for the Coalitions. BACODA has provided comprehensive prevention/intervention services since 1974.

BACODA Board is very proud of the impact TPCC is making in Galveston County

Teaming up with BACODA Youthworks for Boy Scouts of America Outdoor Experience

Emely sharing info on a tobacco free lifestyle at Kick Butts Day

“Just Say No” to e-cigarrettes, too!


Rock n’ roll music is a safe kind of high.

Who would want to see and hear a bunch of old rock and rollers prancing around a stage singing 50-year-old songs? Quite a few people, as it turns out, including my daughter, Jennifer, and her 14-year-old son, Reed. During the past year they chose to spend their vacation time and hard-earned money attending three historic concerts by bands who have been pleasing people for more than half a century: The Who’s 50 Tour in Houston; the Rolling Stones Zip Code tour in Dallas; and The Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well concert in Chicago.

Of course, none of these groups are intact but a core group of each one remains. The Who still boasts Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey. Two younger musicians take the place of John Entwistle and Keith Moon. At one time or another, every generation’s music was considered to be wild and crazy. And what generation hasn’t felt, at one time or another, the emotions expressed in The Who’s hit, My Generation.

People try to put us d-d-down (Talkin ‘bout my generation) Just because we g-g-get around (Talkin’ ‘bout my generation) Things they do look awful c-c-cold (Talkin’ ‘bout my generation) I hope I die before I get old (Talkin’ ‘bout my generation)

Their lifestyles and their music both contribute to the legends that are The Rolling Stones. Seventy-two-year old Mick Jagger is still awesome as he cavorts around the stage. Keith Richards’ face refl ects the years of hard living which he wrote about in his 2010 autobiography, Keith Richards on Keith Richards. The group has changed over the years, but Jagger and Richards have remained constant. They were joined by Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood during their most productive years.

You can’t always get what you want. You can’t always get what you want. But if you try some times, You just might fi nd You get what you need.

The Who and The Rolling Stones were important parts of the British Invasion of the late 1960s. But there is no question The Grateful Dead is American. Ranging from quintet to septet, the band was known for a unique style that fused elements of country, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae and jazz, and for their devoted followers known as “Deadheads.” Thousands of Americans of all ages used their vacations to trek to concerts, and the Deadheads became the most loyal fan base of all time. Even though favorite band member, Jerry Garcia, died

in 1995, we still have “Cherry Garcia”—a favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream fl avor—to keep his image alive.

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Grateful Dead, four original members—Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bob Weir—reunited at Chicago’s Soldier Field, nearly 20 years to the day of the last Grateful Dead concert which took place at the same site. “Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead” occurred on the July 4, 2015 weekend. They say it marked the original members’ last-ever performance together.

Truckin’, like the do-dah man. Once told me you’ve got to play your hand

Sometimes your cards ain’t worth a dime, if you don’t lay’em down

Sometimes the light’s all shinin’ on me Other times I can barely see Lately it occurs to me what a long,

strange trip it’s been.

Honestly, I would like to have gone with them. They invited me, but I was not hearty enough to fi ght the crowds, or cool enough to enjoy the familiar smells. Over the years, my children and I have talked about the music of our times and argued about which generation’s pop music is the greatest. I win because my favorites have lasted the longest. I can’t see how the popular music of today can hold a candle—yes, we held candles in the dark arenas—to those who helped us through a changing world. The Beatles is the group I have most adored for the past 50 years.

When I get older losing my hair Many years from now Will you still be sending me a valentine Birthday greetings, bottle of wine? If I’d been out till quarter to three Would you lock the door? Will you still need me, will you still feed me When I’m sixty-four.

Lyrics by Lennon–McCartney

“Sharing music leads to a deeper conversation about what is taking place in our lives,” says Rhonda Cagel. “Listening to music together opens up a dialogue that circumvents barriers of style or genre. Good lyrics stir the soul and ask the questions that too often lay silent and unspoken in the heart of the listener. By listening together, we are able to explore those questions in unison and learn from the diff erent perspectives we hold.”

BY KATHY HARLAN

November|December 2015 LIFE IS GOOD! 28


Celebrating our 44th Anniversary!


HumorousWords of Wisdom

Holiday Survival Tip: A candy cane can be sucked into a sharp point.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but ten extra pounds on hips, thighs

and rear…

Christmas carols. The real reason earmuffs were invented.

For once we‛re going to have a happy family gathering —I‛m cooking with Prozac.

Every Christmas it‛s the same thing. You dress me up, then wonder why I knock over the tree.

– The Cat

I‛ve decided to bake homemade Christmas cookies this year, so don‛t tell me miracles

don‛t happen.

I‛m dreaming of a white Christmas, though red wine‛s okay with me, too.

I could begin my Christmas shopping now, but what would I do on Christmas Eve?

If Santa had to untangle Christmas lights, he‛d be on the naughty list, too.

I parked two miles from the mall, and almost dropped before I shopped!

I‛m only a morning person on December 25th!

It’s A Wonderful Life!

HumorousWords of Wisdom

Christmas, my child, is love in action.Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.

The ornaments on my Christmas tree tell the stories of my life and I’m reminded of them every year when I decorate our family Christmas tree. There’s the crystal champagne bottle from the year I married my college sweetheart. Two “baby’s first Christmas” ornaments for the years my kids were born. Vacation souvenirs of palm trees, sea shells and mermaids from every beach I’ve ever walked upon. But no decoration stands out—and still pulls upon my heartstrings—like a small Teddy bear ornament. I proudly hang this forlorn-looking, shabby memory from my childhood on a tree branch each year because it reminds me of a time in my life when I was shown a little Christmas magic.

While I was in the sixth grade, my parents were in the midst of a difficult divorce. My mom and I moved into a one-bedroom basement apartment in a seedy complex because that was all she could afford. I didn’t know it wasn’t a great place because to me it was. My mom worked two jobs to keep that apartment and she made sure we had all the essentials. But when December rolled around, essentials didn’t include a Christmas tree.

That first week of December, a note showed up on our door and on the doors of our neighbors. A boxed Christmas tree had been sitting in the laundry room and it was in the way of the tenants. Management was asking that the owner remove it by the end of the week or it would be thrown away. We checked a few times throughout the week to see if it had been taken, but it hadn’t. By Saturday it was still there. My mom and I took it as a sign the tree was meant for us.

We dragged the box down to our apartment and began assembling its contents. As we separated the branches, a small Teddy bear ornament fell to the floor. We proudly hung her with our small collection of family ornaments and my mom’s hand-crocheted stockings. The tree was almost as sad as the Charlie Brown Christmas “branch” and not nearly as charming, but it was ours and it made that Christmas good at a time that was actually very sad.

When I hang it, I’m reminded of the magic of that Christmas and how it brought us such happiness. When I look at it, I feel such gratitude for having experienced and overcome some of life’s greatest challenges. It reminds me of how blessed I am in my life. So while it may be shabby and humble-looking, I will happily find a place for it on my tree every year and be reminded of the magic it holds for me.

Why I Believe in Christmas Magic

Reaching OUTBY HAILEY SMITH


Keep calm and get your Ho-Ho-Ho on!

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening…deeply and intuitively to yourself? The holiday season is quickly marching in, carrying great big bags of (fill in the blank). Each of you fills in the blank differently. As you consider the season, are you making lists, crinkling your nose in distaste, baking cookies, or something else? You may rejoice at the sound of Christmas carols being played. Or, you may run for cover from the twinkling of holiday lights. The one thing you may want to do is observe your reactions to what’s going on around you.

Do you get excited about decorating the Christmas tree? Are you looking forward to Black Friday and bargain-hunting? Are you put off by aisles full of cheap holiday merchandise? Do you find the whole gift giving activity fun? Or a debacle? Do you face good, bad or neutral childhood memories? Whatever comes to mind as Rudolph-the Red-Nosed Reindeer prances around, take three minutes to just sit quietly, breathe consciously, and take an internal journey. Psychologists and cognitive scientists refer to interoception to describe one’s sense of the physiological condition of one’s body. It means consciously examining one’s quality of breath, one’s sense of fullness from eating, one’s heart rate, one’s emotional state, and more.

Try this experiment: go into a big box store and see that smiling Santa or freaky Frosty. Stroll the aisles for a short while and then find a bench to sit on. Sit relaxed and comfortable with your legs uncrossed and feet grounded. Rest your hands on your thighs and inhale deeply. Look around. Listen. Let your jaw and tongue relax. Now question the quality of your breath: is it short, deep, ragged, labored, or smooth? How about your heart rate? Is your heart racing, beating normally, or feeling taxed? Are you hungry or thirsty? Are you calm, agitated, annoyed, frustrated, tired, sore, excited, happy, anxious, sad, bitter, relaxed, content, or feeling something else? How do your feet feel resting there on the floor in those shoes? How do your shoulders and upper back feel?

Take stock of any physical sensations that arise. Are you in pain, either physical or emotional? Once you’ve really let yourself settle and feel, find the words to describe how you are feeling. Then slowly get up and do what you came to do. Hopefully, you will feel more aware, alive, and focused. Maybe not. But taking stock of your internal life can help you get to know yourself better.

There’s a lot of craziness during the holiday season—ridiculous consumerism, crowded parking lots, rude shoppers, non-stop celebrations, and too much overeating. Greeting the season with more awareness, you’ll find steadiness and balance. Whether fake snowflakes are cheerful or disastrous, let them fall while you just casually observe.

Mind, BODY & SOUL BY CLARE FREEMAN

Joy to the (Internal) World!

Nikki, Congratulations on � ve awesome years of publishing

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine

– Your LIG! Magazine Team

(Bouquet by la Mariposa Flowers)

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The best “foundation” you can wear is glowing, healthy skin!One of the best ways to get visible improvement in the look and health of your skin is with a gentle chemical peel. Layering enzymes and acids removes dead skin cells from the surface of your face, revealing the new vibrant skin that lies beneath. This occurs naturally over time, but a peel definitely speeds up the process.

Peels can range from progressive to deep and intense. Your esthetician can tailor your peel to achieve the desired results based on how much downtime you can afford. For example, some peels can be done during your lunch hour with no downtime whatsoever. Final results are achieved with a series of three to six treatments one to two weeks apart. If you don’t mind giving up a weekend, other peels can be performed on a Wednesday or a Thursday with exfoliation occurring within two to three days. You will experience light flaking similar to a sunburn. These peels can be repeated monthly for desired effect. When you desire immediate results, a deep, intense peel can be utilized. It remains gentle, superficial, and non-invasive, but does require some downtime. Flaking occurs in large segments, three to four days after treatment, as your skin becomes brown and crusty. The full process takes anywhere from seven to ten days. This type of peel can be repeated up to three or four times per year.

When you, along with your esthetician, have decided on a regimen that will best work for you, make sure to include the appropriate pre- and post-treatments. It’s easy to jump to the “main event,” so to speak. But pre- and post-treatments greatly impact the overall result you achieve and are vital to your success. Pre-treatments may vary according to your specific skin challenges. Some examples include pigmentation, acne, acne scarring, aging, rougher/thicker texture, and sensitive skin. In each of these cases your esthetician will choose a treatment specifically designed to address your condition and initiate the rejuvenation process prior to the actual peel.

After your treatment, your skin’s health must be supported while it repairs and rebuilds. There can be complications associated with peels, so post-treatment options are used to alleviate issues such as itching—common for many types of skin, not just sensitive skin. There are several products that can relieve these symptoms. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be caused by picking at peeling skin—clients should always be cautioned against this. Epidermal growth factor products help with this condition. Mild pain or discomfort (usually subsiding within 24 hours) may occur, however, there are different ingredients available that can be used to cool and soothe your skin.

Remember, a peel is a trauma to your skin, but with proper care and support during the healing process, chemical peels stimulate your regenerative process, improve your hydration, tone and texture, and are a great way to reclaim the healthy look of a younger you!

The Spa EXPERIENCE BY SHIRLEY TERRY-LOPEZ

Recover Your Glow this Holiday Season!

Love.

Trust.

Laugh.

Listen.

Be open.

Be sincere.

Be creative.

Be yourself.

Be true to yourself.

Trust your instincts.

Learn from experience.

Read between the lines.

Don’t repeat mistakes.

Do things differently.

Don’t make assumptions.

Don’t jump to conclusions.

Don’t take things personally.

Accept what comes to you each day.

Open your eyes—beauty surrounds you.

Give without expecting anything in return.

Ask for advice but make your own decisions.

Stuff happens—it’s your response that counts.

There is a reason for everything that happens.

When you feel defensive, examine what you fear.

You must do what you think you cannot.

Accept change.

Keep learning.

Friends are precious.

Attitude is everything.

Life is short.

Overcome your fears!

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PIECED TOGETHER: THE ART OF QUILTINGQuilts are unique expressions of love.

BY WENDY WILLIAMS

Overheard: A woman said, “It’s strange. When I walk into a quilt shop, even for just a minute or two, it’s usually three hours before I come out.” The other woman replied, “It must be some bizarre interruption of the time continuum.”

Though I have never tried my hand at quilting, I come from a long line of talented women—mother, grandmothers and aunts—very skilled in the arts of weaving, sewing, crocheting, knitting and quilting. Strong women who have embraced their creative spirits and love to work with their hands, while at the same time creating something useful and beautiful.

The history of quilting. The history of quilting began long before any European settlers arrived in the New World. People in nearly every part of the world had used padded fabrics for clothing, bedding, and even armor. With the arrival of the English and Dutch settlers in North America, quilting took on a new life and fl ourished. The term “quilt” comes from the Latin culcita, meaning a stuff ed sack, but it came into the English language from the French word, cuilte. The word “quilt” has two meanings: used as a noun, it means a three-layer stitched bedcovering; used as a verb it means the act of stitching through the three layers to hold them together. The quilt, as we know it in America, was originally a utilitarian article, born of the necessity to provide warm bedclothes. Quilts were also used as hangings above doors and windows to help keep out drafts.

On the frontier, fabric was a valuable commodity—early settlers could not aff ord to simply discard items when they wore out—and quilts were a practical way to use leftover scraps and worn-out clothing. When blankets became worn, they were patched, combined with other blankets, or used as fi ller between other blankets. These were not carefully constructed heirlooms, rather they were functional items for the sole purpose of keeping people

warm. Pioneer women soon discovered the artistic possibilities of quilt-making, and it became one of the few outlets for creativity and beauty in a diffi cult life. Quilts also became a valuable cultural record—they were a way of chronicling important life events such as births, marriages, and even treasured friendships. Only in later years, when fabrics became more aff ordable, did the artistic type of quilting become

widespread and the humble “patchwork quilt” blossomed into a distinctive and ubiquitous folk art form.

What exactly is a quilt? A quilt consists of two layers of fabric—the quilt top and the backing—with a third layer of soft insulating material between them, called the batting. Hand or machine stitching holds the three layers together. A quilt can be “whole cloth” (which means the top is one piece of material), but the more colorful and popular forms are patchwork and appliqué. In patchwork, small patches are sewn together to form larger patterns, while in appliqué the motifs are stitched onto a background fabric. Patchwork quilts are more likely to be arrangements of geometric fi gures, such as squares and triangles. Appliqué is more frequently used for freeform or representational designs.

Quilting mathematics. Many traditional quilt designs are mathematically based, even if their inventors had no formal training in mathematics. A common geometric motif is the square. In the nineteenth century, many girls’ fi rst sewing project was a “nine-patch,” a simple arrangement of nine squares in a grid. Another common fi gure is the isosceles right triangle, obtained by cutting a square along the diagonal. Hundreds of traditional blocks consist of these fi gures, arranged in diff erent sizes and orientations to form stars, animals, buildings, or whatever the quilter’s imagination suggested. Quilters have learned that the skillful use of contrasting fabrics leads the eye to see larger “secondary patterns,” camoufl aging the underlying grid. A very traditional

A day patched with quilting seldom unravels.


pattern called Jacob’s Ladder illustrates this technique. Circular symmetry is another common geometric theme. Many quilts, instead of using a repeated pattern of square blocks, feature an elaborate symmetric “medallion” in the center, such as an 8-pointed Lone Star or a 16-pointed Mariner’s Compass.

Measurements and tools. In order to make the pieces of a quilt fi t together correctly, quilters depend on precise measurements. If the diagonal lines in Jacob’s Ladder were off by even a quarter inch, the sense of continuity from one block to the next would be ruined. The fi nished quilt can also develop unsightly ripples or bulges if the patches are not measured and cut with accuracy. Modern quilters have access to an array of specialized tools for design and execution. The rotary cutter, a device somewhat like a pizza slicer, can cut more swiftly and accurately than scissors. When used with special see-through rulers that have grids and oblique angles marked on them, the rotary cutter also allows quilters to skip the tedious step of marking fabric with a pencil. Other measuring devices associated with mathematics include protractors, compasses, and both rectilinear and isometric (triangular) graph paper. In recent years, quilt designers are also using computer programs to design, preview, and calculate yardage.

The color wheel. Color is one of the most important aspects of quilt design. While there are infi nite variations possible, it’s important for quilters to eff ectively use the right colors to create visual appeal within their quilts. While sometimes colors work well together, bringing balance and contrast to the quilt design; other times they don’t, resulting in a project that’s not quite as beautiful as originally envisioned and desired. A helpful tool for determining which colors to incorporate in quilts is the color wheel. By showing the relationships between colors, this tool aids quilters in seeing how colors play off of and complement one another. Understanding a color wheel ensures quilters will select the right hues to make their quilts a masterpiece.

Over the generations, the practical importance of quilts has diminished. Today, anyone can go to the store and buy a factory-made comforter. But over the last 30 years quilting has enjoyed a tremendous renaissance as a hobby and as a form of artistic and social expression. There are a myriad of diff erent patterns to choose from, plus fabrics, tools and machines now available that would astound previous generations of stitchers.

All of your questions about life

after death will be

answered if you mess

with my fabric stash!

Lone Star

Jacob’s Ladder

Fan

Good Luck Star

Mariner’s Compass

Patchwork with Yarn Knots

Appliqué


BY JEAN WEST RUDNICKI

Entering the New Age of AcquisitionMy husband and I have reached that point in life when you start to acquire new things. Not so much cars and houses, more like new hips, and knees, an occasional heart, or a liver. Our bodies, like beloved autos, have logged enough miles to be due an overhaul. Aging isn’t easy, and while denying that it is happening is hard, accepting that it is, is even harder.

I don’t remember exactly when my husband fi rst began to mumble. It happened gradually, as most age-related maladies do, but it was becoming increasingly annoying for both of us. Me, for having to stop what I was doing in the kitchen umpteen times, cross the dining room to the living room and ask, “What did you say?” He, for having to repeat it for the umpteenth time, but this last time repeating it ever so slowly, carefully e-n-u-n-c-i-a-t-i-n-g every word, but making no eff ort to hide his total frustration.

He was convinced the problem was me not him, but then that’s nothing new. He always believes it’s my fault. Like the time the fi berglass on the underside of the car fell off . It had nothing to do with the 99 times he had scraped the car’s bottom against the parking block while pulling too far forward. Nope. It only counted the one time I did it, because that’s when the piece fi nally fell off .

Besides his mumbling, there were other signs that he was having trouble, too, like with the television. Oddly, when the station was tuned to his NASCAR channel, the sound reverberated off the walls of our townhouse, but when tuned to my favorite murder mystery, it was barely above a whisper. Aggravation was escalating such that soon if something didn’t change, we wouldn’t have to watch a murder drama, we would be living it.

I knew the only way to resolve our issue was for me to get a pass from the doctor saying I was fi ne. Then I could wave it in front of him, and we could decide which doctor he needed to see. Conveniently, I had an upcoming appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor regarding a bout of dizziness (that’s a story for another day), and decided that while I was there it

would be the perfect time to get a hearing test.

“Your hearing isn’t bad,” the audiologist announced when she opened the door to the test booth. Yes! I thought, and was in the midst of a celebratory high fi ve when I thought I heard her mumble something more. “It’s not bad, it’s REALLY bad.”

“What did you say,” I asked, hoping I hadn’t heard right.

She showed me the chart with my test results. The ideal auditory range is shaped like Mount Everest, slowly rising to a peak and then gently tapering down the other

side. The goal is for your hearing to fall within that range. Looking at the results it was evident that my hearing hadn’t even reached Base camp. In fact, according to the chart, my hearing was still sitting at home waiting to buy tickets to Nepal.

That was how I learned that I needed “new ears.” Shockingly awakened to the reality, the audiologist assured me she had just the fi x, the latest thing in hearing technology. Two tiny devices, one for each ear, fi t deep in the ear canal, totally invisible to the external world. They remain in place 24/7 for up to 120 days, no need to change batteries, or remove them when taking a shower, or going to bed. These little gems are not your momma’s hearing aids. There is no fumbling with minute batteries, no buzzing, and no feeling like a wad of bubble gum is stuck in your ear, as my dad used to complain.

You can “test drive” them free for 30 days, the audiologist added. “Plug ‘em in,” I said.

I love my shiny, new ears, even though I don’t brag about them. They are almost as good as new, and best of all, no one need ever know. Peace has returned to our little household. Well, except on NASCAR days. Some things will never change.

Now, about that hip…

He said, “Why don’t we light a candle and make some whoopee?” She answered, “Why would we want to ride a

camel and bake some cookies?”

Entering the New Age of Acquisition


*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. MS-041828 937

281-557-6096 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!

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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

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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 15 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

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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.

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millimetersfromtheeardrum• Wearexercising,showering**andsleepingwithnodailyhassles• Improveddirectionalityandlocalizationmeansbetterabilitytotell

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

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Although Ray Charles may have been referring to lost love, the name Ruby is actually taken from the name of the deep red gem. Ruby is derived from the Latin rubeus (reddish) via the Old French rubi. And if you know a gal named Pearl, that name is from the English word pearl for the concretions formed in the shells of some mollusks, ultimately from Late Latin perla. Like other gemstone names, it has been used as a given name in the English-speaking world since the 19th century. Opal ranked in the U.S. Top 100 girls’ names from 1904 through 1919, making her key for revival in 2015.

If you were born in November or December, you no doubt own a piece of jewlery made of topaz or turquoise, the respective birthstones for those months. Almost everyone knows the stone that is synonomous with their birth month, but do they know the history? While the jury is still out regarding the authenticity of that history, some sources say they originated on the breastplate of Aaron, with each representing the 12 months of the year and accruing 12 signs of the zodiac. Others say that they signifi ed each of the 12 tribes of Israel. Eighth and 9th Century religious treaties were written associating particular stones with apostles. While we really don’t know, what we do know is that many believe these gems have therapeutic properties.

In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers standardized the list, which was updated in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America. Among the changes were the addition of alexandrite to the month of June, citrine to November, pink tourmaline for October, replacing alternate lapis with zircon in December, and switching around March’s primary and alternate gemstones of aquamarine and bloodstone. In 2002, tanzanite

was added as a December stone. But for all practical purposes, let’s stick to the common stuff before jewelers started messing around with the original birthstones we all grew up with (at least some of us).

The American Gem Society lists the following gemstones and their meanings for each month:

January (Garnet). The garnet signifi es eternal friendship and trust. People often imagine garnets as

red in color; however, the name “garnet” refers to a group of minerals that is available in a full variety of diff erent colors.

February (Amethyst). Amethysts are purple quartz found throughout the world. Some of the fi nest amethyst was found in Russia and is typically associated with royalty. However, it is also said to keep its wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Modern amethyst is often sourced in Brazil or Zambia.

March (Aquamarine). Aquamarine, Latin for “water of the sea,” is a bluish-green or greenish-blue variety of beryl. It is considered a tranquil gemstone that imbues the wearer with calmness and a level head. In earlier times it was thought to protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage.

April (Diamond). Available in every color imaginable (white to black), diamonds are commonly associated with eternal love and commitment and have become the primary trademark stone of engagement rings.

May (Emerald). The emerald pure green stone has been mined and cherished since antiquity. It is said to symbolize rebirth and to imbue its owner with youth, vitality, and good fortune.

“They say, Ruby you’re like a dream, not always what you seem, and though my heart may break when I awake; Let it be so, I only know,

Ruby, it’s you.” - Ray Charles

Ruby

The Allure of GemstonesBY SUE MAYFIELD GEIGER

The Allure of Gemstones


Modern emeralds are commonly sourced in Zambia, Brazil, Colombia, and Afghanistan.

June (Pearl). Pearls are unique among gemstones because unlike all other gemstones they are actually formed from living creatures: oysters, clams and mussels. Pearls are prized for their use in all sorts of jewelry, but are famously associated with elegant pearl necklaces.

July (Ruby). Rubies are second only to diamonds in terms of their natural hardness and strength, making them extremely durable and ideal for daily wear. They signify a variety of positive traits, including wealth, wisdom, health, and success in love. Rubies are most valuable when they are a medium to medium-dark, vivid red or slightly purplish-red.

August (Peridot). Formed deep within the Earth, the peridot is typically brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions. For this reason, in Hawaii peridot is said to symbolize the tears of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, fi re, lightning, and wind. Peridot colors range from yellowish green all the way through to brown, though lime green and olive green shades are typically the most popular. In addition to Hawaii, peridot is often sourced in Arizona.

September (Sapphire). Long prized for their beauty and the belief they would protect loved ones from envy and harm. During medieval times clergy often wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, whereas commoners often wore sapphires to attract heavenly blessings. Blue sapphires are the most popular color.

October (Opal). Opal derives from the Greek meaning “to see a change” of color. Opals change appearance depending on their backgrounds and the base gemstone itself varies widely in color from milky white all the way to black.

November (Topaz). Available in an array of colors, yellow is most commonly associated with the stone. One of the most valuable colors of topaz is Imperial Topaz, which was named during the reign of the Russian Czars in the 1800s. It is a rich orange with pink hues. Blue topaz is also an enduring favorite.

December (Turquoise). Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones. Its name comes from the thirteenth century French meaning “Turkish stone.” Its color ranges from greenish-blue to sky blue and its transparency may range from translucent to opaque.

If you are curious about famous people born in your birth month, here are a

few:

January: Elvis Presley. His favorite piece of jewelry was a 14KT gold ring comprised of diamonds and garnets.

He was fascinated with Astrology and his goat’s head ring represents his sign, Capricorn, the goat.

February: Barbra Streisand. Her amethyst pendant necklace sold for

$3,125 at an auction in 2009.

April: Queen Elizabeth. How fi tting

that the Queen of England was born in the month of diamonds. Of course, her diamond collection is enormous, but among her faves are her Coronation necklace, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, and Queen Alexandra’s

Kokoshnik Tiara.

May: Audrey Hepburn. She graced the 1964 cover of Vogue in emerald and

diamond earrings, wearing an emerald green velvet hat.

June: Marilyn Monroe. She received a 16-inch cultured Akoyal pearl necklace, consisting of a single strand of 44 Mikimoto pearls from her second husband Joe DiMaggio, who purchased the necklace from Mikimoto in Japan while on their honeymoon in 1954.

Amethyst

Diamond

Emerald


September: Beyonce. Jay-Z gifted his wife with a $35,000 blue sapphire ring after she gave birth to their daughter, Blue Ivy.

December: Taylor Swift. A few years back, she wowed the crowd with over-sized turquoise drop earrings that she wore with a stunning white dress at the People’s Choice awards.

Whatever the meaning of an individual birthstone, we have been enamered by precious gems for centuries. As the holidays get closer, consider gifting your favorite person with his or her birthstone gem, because birthstones can be given any time of the year—not just birthdays. Seasons greetings to all and may your holidays sparkle!

Pearl

Sapphire

Topaz

Blue and Green Turquoise

Aquamarine



Holiday Commentary. Stealing during the holidays is like taking candy from a baby. I’d like to share tips to help your readers avoid becoming victims: Thieves hate bright lights —install outside lights and keep them on at night. Purchase timers for your indoor lights—set them to appear like someone is home. (Lights left on 24/7 are a dead giveaway!) Leave a radio playing, loudly. Have your mail and newspaper delivery halted. Leave curtains, shades and blinds in their normal position, with no gifts or valuables within view. Be sure door and window locks work, and use them. Beware of courier deliveries—criminals use that ploy to look inside or force their way in. Be alert and aware of your surroundings when shopping. Park in a lighted area—if you feel unsafe, ask security for an escort. Place purchases in the locked trunk of your locked car. Avoid carrying cash—pay by credit/debit card or check. Carry your closed purse near your body. Men, carry a wallet in an inside or front pocket. Happy, safe holidays to you and your readers, Julie! – H.P.D. Offi cer Kurtis

Dear Offi cer Kurtis, Many thanks for your excellent and timely advice. And thank you, too, for your service to our community as part of the thin blue line. Just Ask Julie and LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine appreciate that you care about our readers and for all you do!

Julie has a long-standing relationship with the Dr. Phil Show where she has treated

people after they have been on the show for follow-up care. Dr. Phil has invited her

to be on the show six times since 2006.

Your Relationship Problems Solved!

Stealing during the holidays is like taking candy from a baby…� ree years this Christmas, I gave myself the best gi� possible…

Three years this Christmas, I gave myself the best gift possible: I quit smoking, cold turkey. After fi nishing the last one in the pack, I thought about how much I hated cigarettes. I decided then and there I’d never smoke again. I started smoking when I was 13. I am now 52 and hope to live another 30 years. My parents were smokers, but quit 30 years ago; they are now 79 and 83. My mother lost three sisters to lung cancer (two of them smokers). My father lost two brothers and two sisters: one to emphysema, one to cancer, and two to heart attacks (all heavy smokers). Julie, I want to say to your readers, “Never give up. If at fi rst you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again. I feel terrifi c every day and look forward to the rest of a long, healthy life!” – Not Killing Myself

Congratulations! May I add to those with a sincere desire to quit smoking: only about 3% of people can quit cold turkey. (Interestingly, that’s how your humble columnist quit smoking—over 30 years ago.) Most people must deal with the anxiety or stress causing their bad habit in the fi rst place. In the end, smoking (over-eating, over-drinking, biting your nails, etc.) happens because people need to change how they feel, and they use a variety of harmful things to do so. Controlling smoking, over-eating/weight, and over-indulgence of any kind, is eff ectively achieved with hypnosis—hypnosis being the “gold standard” of treatment for anxiety and stress. Learning how to calm down inside your head, instead of lighting up a cigarette or grabbing a second helping, is a really big deal.

After a long battle with cancer, our beloved mother died. After the initial shock, we looked through her room and saw an old jewelry box us kids had given her for Christmas many years ago. The latch was rusty, but we fi nally managed to get it open. There was no jewelry inside. Instead, nestled in the red velveteen were treasures from a lifetime of loving—infant hospital bracelets, locks of baby hair, Mother’s Day cards, a romantic note written by my father before we were born—items priceless to our mother. We assembled a scrapbook of these treasures, and consider it our mothers’ legacy to us. While missing our mother this Christmas, we will smile through our tears. Julie, please remind your readers, in the end all that matters is the love we give. And isn’t that the greatest gift of all anyone could ask for? – A Grateful Daughter

You’re so right; what matters most is the love we show to others while we’re here on the planet. Your mother did an excellent job of raising you guys!

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.

www.aimcounselingcenter.com



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Woman to Woman . . .

Are you successful? Am I successful? This is a good question to ask ourselves, but first let’s define “success.” Webster’s Dictionary would have us believe that “success” is the attainment of wealth, respect or fame—great things to achieve.

But you can’t put a bank balance on success. And fame comes with a downside, too. Imagine the pressure of never being able to just be “yourself” or age gracefully without onlookers questioning if you missed your Botox appointment? We desire fame because we think it brings wealth, but more often than not it also brings temptation and overwhelming choices. If you ask a famous person what their greatest contribution to the world has been, it won’t be just selling albums or increasing network ratings. If there isn’t something deeper, altruistically guiding them, they are just a waste of tabloid ink.

Achievement is temporal, and while some personal goals are worth striving for, most will pass and leave an empty space once you step off the podium. Growing your bank balance to pay the bills and put groceries in the fridge is essential, but the attainment of greater affluence will never fill your love tank. I see examples every day of how striving for success, when defined in this way, is suffocating our society and imprinting our children with lives of deeper and deeper unhappiness.

Many of my patients express complete hopelessness with their lives. They have reached the end of their rope, and all but given up. They are looking for a solution, anything that will take away the pain that robs them of an innate sense of purpose, leaves their marriage strained, and their family fragmented. These are problems that prescriptions or surgery will only temporize. These are genuine issues that the medical system doesn’t acknowledge as “real” and insurance companies don’t cover. I deal with women mostly, but society expects even greater external success from men who are also being crushed by the burden. I see women in the prime of their lives feeling completely exhausted on all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Heck, I was exhausted too!

My colleagues, the men and women in healthcare, are weary. If we aren’t careful, we walk through life with our eyes blurred, one foot in front of the other in unconscious motion. The goal is to get patients through the door and tasks completed, working tirelessly to stay “on schedule,” spending more time on charting and insurance than looking into the eyes of our patients. In all walks of life it’s common to believe “it’s not my fault,” and feel victimized by the constant quest for more—to go from morning to night with a sense of not having enough. We crave more time, more money, more respect, more fashionable clothing, more expensive cars, more in our retirement funds and more square footage to live in. It’s becoming crystal clear that we will never be satiated if we continue to be guided by this “pie in the sky” sense that one day we will have “enough.” This is not only impossible to achieve, it is directing our daily habits, influencing our buying decisions, stealing from our family time, and damaging our world.

Some of the most authentically happy people I’ve ever met are living under thatched roofs in Africa—singing street-side while bartering their handmade crafts. While we strive to achieve a six figure income, they pray for a bag of rice. While we run from soccer games to drive through windows to pick up another unhealthy fast food meal, they cook real food and dance around the fire in an inter-generational chorus of peace. It’s time to understand what success really is, and revisit what brings us true joy.

Have you ever sat next to a sick or dying person and asked what they desire the most? I bet it isn’t money or fame; instead they would ask for health and more quality time with their family. If you asked a rich person what amount they would pay to keep their children safe, the answer would likely reflect their entire net worth. So, when times get tough priorities come sharply into focus, and the things that matter are redefined. What if we all lived inside these values all of the time? I envision a world of balanced people making positive, loving decisions, sharing their greatest gifts and talents toward the greater good of a peaceful and thriving world. But it all starts with you. How do you define success?

True success in life is not measured by how much you make, but by how much of a difference you make.

Receive information, resources and invitations to upcoming events. Sign up for Wellness at:

DrCatherineHansen.com

How Do You Define Success?

By Catherine Hansen, M.D.


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Women’s Wellness Retreatwith Dr. Catherine Hansen

Friday, February 5, 2016 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dickinson, TX

“I personally invite you to enjoy a day with me – a chance for women to gather, share concerns, fi nd answers and just unwind with friends. Relaxing fi reside, we will talk about menopause, relationships, feeling sexy and reclaiming your vitality. As a Board Certifi ed Ob/Gyn with expertise in Sexual Health, I

help women get their lives and relationships back on track - let’s share some time together

and make 2016 your best year ever!” DrCatherineHansen.com

Based on demand…N E W D AT E N OW AVA I L A B L E

Friday, February 5, 2016 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.


Dave Says...

Financial HEALTH & ABUNDANCE BY DAVE RAMSEY

All I want for Christmas are things money can’t buy…My wife and I are still paying off debt, so we didn’t budget anything for Christmas. How much do you think we should spend on close friends and family members?Not having a budget for Christmas probably isn’t a great idea if you want to have a happy marriage! It’s really not that difficult. I don’t know if there’s a certain amount that works for everyone, because everybody’s circumstances are different. But you must have a plan when holidays or other special occasions come along—especially while you’re trying to get out of debt. If you have kids, you certainly need to budget for them. They may not get everything they want, but there’s no reason there can’t be something from Santa under the tree. You also need to budget a little something for your spouse. The good thing is you can have a little fun with these gifts and make them more from the heart than the wallet. What if you gave your wife a coupon that says you’ll cook a real dinner for her and the kids once a week for the next three months? Or perhaps it’s a voucher for a free back rub any time she’s feeling stressed and tired. Maybe you could find a nice but inexpensive frame and put a favorite picture of the two of you inside. Things that come from the heart, and include little acts of kindness and serving the other person, go a long way. Those types of things are especially meaningful during the holiday season. You can enjoy a wonderful, loving, quality Christmas without spending a lot of money. You’ll have to spend a little here and there, but just make sure it’s an amount that’s appropriate for your financial situation. If you’re making $200,000 and trying to get out of debt, that’s one thing. But if you’re making $20,000 a year and trying to get out of debt, you need to get creative.My husband and I disagree on whether or not you recommend buying warranties to cover appliance repair. I’ve read your books, and I think you’d say no. He thinks you believe it’s a good idea. Can you settle this for us?No, I wouldn’t recommend it. I don’t buy warranties of any kind, and here’s why. Warranties are usually based on somewhere between 12 and 18 percent of the cost of the warranty actually going to the probability of the repair. The rest is eaten up in profit, overhead and marketing costs. In other words, for 18 percent of what you pay—give or take—you could put that money aside to cover the repair yourself. I don’t buy extended warranties, either. Whether you’re talking about a home, car or other item, these are the types of things you should self-insure against with your emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. Besides that, if you can’t afford to fix something you bought, you couldn’t afford to buy that item in the first place. So, put the profit, overhead, marketing costs and all that money in your own pocket!I just got married, and my husband and I want to book a combination honeymoon and New Year’s trip to celebrate. We don’t have all the money for it right now, but will have in a few weeks. We were thinking about booking the trip on a zero-interest credit card, and paying it off when we have all the money. I know you hate debt, but would this be okay since it would be a very short-term debt?I know you guys are excited and happy about being married. And I wish you all the happiness in the world. But I don’t recommend credit cards of any kind, for any reason, whatsoever. I don’t want to burst your bubble, but if you can’t pay for this trip up front you can’t afford it. Believe it or not, lots of people postpone wedding trips until they’ve had a chance to save up a little bit of money. Some folks have never even gone on a honeymoon trip, and they have great, loving marriages. My advice to you and your new husband is to work, and save up a little bit more. Maybe one or both of you could pick up extra jobs for a little while, and make it happen sooner. Then, when you can pay cash for the trip, go have a blast on a honeymoon you can afford!

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s easy to lose track of your spending. Even the hardcore budgeters out there can fi nd themselves lured into the retail marketing engine telling them to buy more, more, more!

That’s because our emotions tend to infl uence our spending on a whole new level during the last several months of the year. Instead of getting sucked in, make a plan for your money today. Because, really, who wants to be paying for Christmas in April? Here are three simple steps to help you budget during this busy time of year.

Wait on the stuff . Before we talk about budgets, let’s talk about stuff . We love stuff ! What we don’t love, however, is the debt that comes along with buying new stuff you can’t aff ord. Those Italian leather gloves? They’re a fantastic splurge if you have some disposable cash. But if you’re barreling through debt, it’s much more important to stay focused on your debt snowball than on buying hand candy. Sounds obvious when you put it like that, doesn’t it? Delaying pleasure is a sign of maturity. Your diligence and sacrifi ce now will set you up for plenty of debt-free fun later on.

Make your plan. Instead of giving in to every seasonal whim, make a realistic plan for the months ahead. Do this before Thanksgiving and Christmas arrive—and all the little “must-haves” and “must-dos” along with them. This doesn’t have to be a complicated contract. It’s just a simple agreement of “We are going to spend X amount of dollars for gifts, X amount for potluck-gathering food, and X amount for traveling.” Make sure this amount aligns with your budget for each month. After you and your family decide on a plan for your holiday spending, go ahead and pinky-swear, spit-shake or whatever you must do to establish that you’re committed to seeing it through.

Stick with it. Don’t stress if the amount you’ve set aside for these celebrations isn’t as high as you want it to be. Visiting family and giving gifts are fun, but these should be blessings not burdens. So stay strong! As the holidays near, you’ll see others overextending themselves on everything from expensive electronics to the latest video games. And you’ll be tempted to do the same. But ask yourself this: Is it worth it to buy hundreds of dollars’ worth of stuff now, pay for it later, and still be no closer to your fi nancial goals by this time next year? The choice is yours. Make it a good one!

– Courtesy of EveryDollar.com

No Holiday HeadachesThree Actions to Take Now!Don’t allow debt to become your way of life.


Provenzano Promoted to ManageHomeTown Bank League City Branch Bill Provenzano has been promoted to Senior Vice President and manager of the HomeTown Bank League City branch. Formerly Vice President at the bank’s Downtown Friendswood branch, Provenzano joined HomeTown Bank in 2011 and has 30 years of combined financial, investment and banking sales and service experience.A member of Friendswood’s Economic Development Committee, Provenzano is also the outgoing president of the Rotary Club of Friendswood. “I’m looking forward to working in the fine community of League City,” Provenzano said, “and with the many business leaders, customers and friends I know in the area.”

1406 W. Main St. (FM 518) • Phone: (281) 554-3265 OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded June, 2015 OOOOO

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of Hilltop Securities Inc.

How incredible it is to be blessed with another chance to go forth with dreams in hand during this holiday season. The sky is the limit! Tilt your head back and take note. No matter how tough things have been during this past year, or how many trials you’ve yet to face, the sky still arches faithfully overhead, awaiting your every aim.

I’m sure you remember the fabled cry of Chicken Little, “The sky is falling, the sky is falling!” But do you recall what started all the fuss? An acorn. Yep, one small nut to the noggin, and Chicken Little went into a feathered frenzy, spreading worry far and wide. We’ve all been hit by proverbial acorns at one time or another, and sometimes they rain down pretty hard. Economic woes, political strife, environmental disasters—these are big issues that aff ect everyone, and if you pay attention to the news you may feel pelted by bushels of acorns day after day. Worrying may be a knee-jerk reaction, but it can cripple even the most productive people, grinding good intentions to a halt. That’s why we need to remind ourselves sometimes—now is a great time—that the sky has not come down on our heads. We can pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and get on with good work: creative eff orts, preparing healthy food, charity, hugs and the sharing of brilliant ideas. It’s not the size of our actions that matter, it’s the heart within each gesture that holds up the sky. Here are a few seeds of inspiration that’ll reap immediate results within arm’s reach.

Welcome wildlife. Urban expansion and alteration of natural environments are taking a toll on wildlife populations, reducing the availability of food and living space. How can the average individual or family make a diff erence? It’s easier than you think. A few changes in your backyard can better the chances of survival for wild birds and lots of other critters, too. The lean months of winter are a perfect time to start lending a hand to help wildlife in your area. Check out the family-friendly tips at www.nwf.org. (Search “Kids can help wildlife.”)

Nurture a need now. These days, donating money to big organizations with grand-scheme goals can leave you with a sense of disconnectedness. You mail the check, but where does it go—how does it help real individuals? If you’d like to scale

down and donate to a more immediate need, consider a Modest Needs’ grant to help an individual, family, or shelter facing an unexpected fi nancial crisis (www.modestneeds.org). The goal: stop the cycle of poverty before it starts. Just a few dollars can make a diff erence.

Foster a pet. Helping homeless pets is a deeply gratifying gesture, but few of us are in a position to provide a permanent home for every animal in need. You can actually help more pets fi nd loving homes by acting as a foster pet parent. Volunteer

with a local animal welfare organization to provide short- or long-term in-home care for dogs, cats and other animals until they are adopted. Veterinary care is generally paid by the fostering organization and food may also be provided. (To learn more about foster parenting in our area, please email Second Chance Pets at [email protected].)

Hone a new hobby. A hobby has far more profound eff ects than mere self-indulgence. Research is providing proof that pouring our hearts into any kind of creative eff ort makes us healthier, happier and more productive. In an interview with Natural Health magazine, Erik Rosegard, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies at San Francisco State University, explained, “The sense of freedom that comes from doing something for its own sake and not for external reasons, like a paycheck, enhances self-worth and that reverberates through every aspect of your life.” Spend spare moments doing something you enjoy, and you’ll spread goodness wherever you go.

Make bread, break bread. I believe in a particular kind of magic that happens when you gather friends around a home-cooked meal. The crispness of a kneaded crust, the festival of fresh seasonings, and the company of good people combine to stir visions and dreams. Inspiration sizzles, fueled by a sense of shared sustenance, and we realize that this is how great things begin. The smallest eff orts can seem overwhelming alone, but together, we’ll keep the sky aloft. In the words of anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” All you need is some fi ne food to fi re ‘em up!

BY MARYJANE BUTTERSMARYJANE’S EVERYDAY ORGANIC

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Holding up the Sky


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…it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!– Sir Winston Churchill

For centuries, Champagne—the wine produced in this region of northeast France—was a still, pinkish wine. Champagne in its familiar bubbly form is said to have been “invented” by a monk in the mid-17th century. According to legend, Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk (and much later a prestige brand), called out to his friends and fellow monks, upon tasting the very first sparkling wine, “Come quickly, I am tasting stars.”

Is it the bubbles? The bottle? Or simply the name? Even nondrinkers know what Champagne is—even if they don’t know where it comes from or how it is made. It’s a wine that’s at once completely familiar and yet entirely unfathomable. “How do those bubbles get in there, anyway?”

Where the bubbles come from. All wine is made via a simple fermentation process that converts sugar into alcohol. With Champagne, there’s a secondary fermentation that takes place in each individual bottle due to the addition of sugar and yeast. As this second fermentation takes place, bubbles of carbon dioxide form. When the process is complete, Champagne bottles are gradually turned upside down until the yeast has collected on the crown capping the bottle. This process is called “riddling.” After a period of time—18 months (the legal minimum for nonvintage Champagne) or three years (the vintage minimum) or as long as 10 years—the bottle is “disgorged.” The cap is removed, the yeast is forced out, and the wine is topped off with a small “dosage” of wine and sugar (the higher the sugar level, the sweeter the resulting finished Champagne). The bottle is then finally corked. The bottle remains in the cellar for a few months or years before it’s shipped.

The sweet spectrum. While the first Champagnes were very sweet, Champagne has grown much drier over the years, and the average dosages are getting smaller. Some producers aren’t adding dosages at all. Moving along the spectrum in order of ascending sweetness, you’ll find Extra Brut, Brut (the most common designation), Extra Dry, Dry, Demi-Sec and Doux. There are also several colors of Champagne: Blanc de Blancs (all Chardonnay), Blanc de Noirs (a white wine made from red grapes), and rosé, which is produced either by blending red and white wine or by the “saignée” method which allows brief contact with the skins of red grapes.

Time in a bottle. If you’re drinking Champagne this holiday season, the odds are very good it’s nonvintage—a blend of several vintages, from dozens to even hundreds of wines from different harvests, styled to taste the same year after year. Nonvintage Champagne accounts for the majority of production for most Champagne houses. For example, at Louis Roederer, the home of Cristal, the Brut Nonvintage accounts for 75% to 80% of their total production.

Start the day with a smile and finish it with Champagne!

Is it the Bubbles?

Saluté - WINE APPRECIATION BY WENDY WILLIAMS


NUTRITION FACTS: Got Fiber?Vegetarians and vegans are all too familiar with the question: Where do you get your protein?

Well, we can fi nally put to rest the question of whether vegetarians get enough protein thanks to a large study that compared the nutrient profi les of about 30,000 non-vegetarians to 20,000 vegetarians and about 5,000 vegans, 5,000 fl exitarians (vegetarian most of the time), and 5,000 pescetarians (no meat except fi sh). The average requirement is 42 grams of protein a day. Net results were meat eaters get way more protein than they need, and so does everyone else. Vegetarians and vegans average 70% more protein than the recommendation every day.

It’s surprising that there’s so much fuss about protein in this country when less than 3% of adults don’t make the cut, presumably because they’re on extreme calorie-restricted diets and aren’t eating enough food period. But 97% of Americans get enough protein. There is a nutrient, though, for which 97% of Americans are defi cient. That nutrient is fi ber. Less than 3% of Americans get even the recommended minimum adequate intake of fi ber. That’s something we really need to work on.

On average, we get only about 15 grams a day. The minimum daily requirement is 31.5, so we get less than half the minimum. Men are particularly defi cient. If we break down intake by age and gender, after studying the diets of 12,761 Americans, the percent of men between ages 14 and 50 getting the minimum adequate intake is zero. (The only nutrient Americans may be more defi cient in than fi ber is potassium.)

This defi cit is stunning in that dietary fi ber has been protectively associated in population studies with the risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and various cancers as well as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugars. Therefore, it is not surprising that fi ber is listed as a nutrient of concern reported by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Protein is not.

One problem is that the majority of people have no idea what’s in their food; more than half of Americans mistakenly think steak is a

signifi cant fi ber source. By defi nition, fi ber is only found in plants. There is absolutely no fi ber in meat, dairy or eggs, and little or no fi ber in junk food. Therein lies the problem. Americans should

be eating more beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains—but how are we doing instead?

96% of Americans don’t eat the minimum recommended daily amount of beans, 96% don’t eat the measly minimum for greens,

and 99% don’t get enough whole grains. Nearly the entire U.S. population fails to eat enough whole plant foods on a regular, daily basis.

Even semi-vegetarians make the fi ber minimum, though. Those eating completely plant-based diets triple the average American intake. When closing the fi ber gap, you’ll want to do it gradually though, no more than about fi ve extra grams a day each week until you can work your way up. But it’s well worth it: Plant-based diets contribute signifi cantly less fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and food-borne pathogens, while at the same time off ering more fi ber, folate, vitamin C, and

phytochemicals, all essential factors for disease prevention, optimal health, and well-being. And the more whole plant foods the better. If we compare the nutritional quality of vegan versus vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian and omnivorous diets, traditional healthy diet indexing systems consistently indicate that the most plant-based diet is the healthiest one.

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

Caulifl ower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.

Watch for Our ExcitingNew Class Format in the New Year!

Wholistic Kitchens off ers its signature course, A Whole Foods, Plant-Based Lifestyle Made Easy, to individuals ready to transition to a healthier diet.

SATURDAY CLASSES ARE

BACK!

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

The food we consume every day is about so much more than quieting a growling tummy and satisfying an urge or an appetite. What we choose to put into our mouth, chew and swallow influences every single one of our essential bodily functions—from our digestive and cardiovascular systems, to the regulation of our sleep and mood. Study after study has shown that eating healthy, eating “clean,” promotes our long-term physical, mental and emotional well-being, so that essentially, we are what we eat.

It’s been my experience some people choose not to believe these facts, or at least they continue to eat like they don’t believe them. Others eat whatever they like, thinking regular exercise protects them from their poor food choices (no one can outrun a bad diet!). Sadly, there are those who don’t care what they eat—remaining deaf to the facts, and eventually becoming a burden on our already over-taxed health care system. Thankfully, the segment of our population who does understand, that “gets it,” is steadily growing in numbers and conviction. They acknowledge and believe the evidence that supports the facts, and eat accordingly. Here are five good reasons why:

Disease. The underlying cause of most disease are the long-term consequences of lifestyle—specifically a poor diet, the Standard American Diet (SAD), that often goes hand-in-hand with years of inactive, sedentary habits. SAD is a diet epitomized by the daily consumption of highly processed refined foods and animal-derived products (salt, sugar and fat), yielding scant viable nutrition. (Sugar primarily in the form of high fructose corn syrup.) With heart disease killing record numbers of Americans annually, one can confidently make the connection poor diet is a leading cause.

Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is another lifestyle-related health epidemic, especially in wealthier countries like the U.S. Anyone with diabetes faces a myriad of health problems in the future: heart disease, stroke, blindness,

poor circulation in the limbs, impotence and kidney disease, to name just a few. Diabetes is not a new

disease, though it is more prevalent now than ever before. As American diets changed over the past couple of decades—with greater consumption of highly processed/refined foods, sugary sodas, fast foods, snack foods, animal products and alcohol—diabetes has skyrocketed.

Energy. Many people lack enough energy to get them through their day. Their solution? They drink numerous cups of coffee and/or energy drinks to obtain a false energy boost, remaining unaware a poor diet leads to low energy levels. For adequate daily energy, eat five to six

small meals throughout the day; small meals consisting of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Consuming a healthy diet generates bundles of energy in your body; a poor diet leaves you feeling stupefied and lethargic, and often still hungry for more fat, salt and sugar.

Mood. Many people do not equate the food they eat with their mood. However, anyone who wakes up and eats a healthy breakfast begins their day energetic, enthusiastic and more than likely to feel happy and content. Eating an unhealthy breakfast—fast food anyone?—or no breakfast, leaves you dragging, and possibly suffering from clouded thinking and feelings of sadness.

Appearance. People who eat healthy not only look healthier, they also look younger. In the process of eating well, valuable minerals and vitamins they need are extracted from their food; with a poor diet the body does not receive the important nutrients it requires on a daily basis. Over time, this becomes obvious in skin, hair and nails. A well-hydrated person eating a nutritious diet is likely to have healthier versions of all of these.

Young people often feel they can get away with a poor diet and lifestyle, but it’s likely to catch up with them and become problematic later on in life. We indeed are what we eat, in every way!

A healthy outside appearance begins with a healthy inside appearance.


We are What We Eat FACT OR FICTION?By Sandra Moore, C.N.


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

HExperienced and knowledgeable sta�

HWe carry unique gi� items!

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

CaféBest Gyros • Falafel Kabobs • Hummus

MarketFresh Olives • Cheeses

Spices • Olive OilAnd much more!

Family Owned and Operated bySonia and Magdy Kotb

Featuring Live EntertainmentBelly Dancing! Local favorite Mickey Hobbs!

FREE WIFI

281-333-3180www.mediterraneomarket.com

18033 Upper Bay Rd Nassau Bay, TX 77058

MediterraneoMarket & Café

Nasa Rd 1Saturn Ln

Upper Bay Rd

Johnson Space Center

Space Center Houston

Space Center Blvd

MediterraneoMarket & Café

Visa • MasterCard • Discover • American Express

Soup season is in full swing and I’m loving every tasty minute of it! This hearty and healthy soup is just what we all need to get back to normal after indulgent

holiday feasts. It’s loaded with veggies—carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes and green beans. This soup is vegan and one of my all-time

favorite vegetable soup recipes to prepare.

1 Tbsp. olive oil1 white onion (medium/diced)2 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)2 carrots (medium/chopped)2 celery stalks (chopped)1 zucchini (small/chopped)1 yellow squash (chopped)1½ cups green beans (fresh/cut into ½” pieces)4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)1 15 oz. can tomatoes (diced)2 bay leaves1 tsp. dried thyme½ cup basil (fresh/chopped)2 cups quinoa (cooked)Salt and black pepper (to taste)Heat olive oil in soup pot over medium-low heat. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans and continue to cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme and basil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until vegetables are fork tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in the cooked quinoa and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. Serves 4.

Garlicky Chickpea Soup

All I want to do this weekend is stay warm and eat some comfort food. This garlicky chickpea soup will defi nitely do the trick. Whipping together this soup

couldn’t be easier. It takes just 20 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking—and you’ll have plenty of leftovers to take for a lunch that will keep

you feeling satisfi ed and energetic throughout your workday afternoon—thanks to the soup’s high protein and fi ber content.

1 Tbsp. olive oil1 yellow onion (large/chopped)8 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)2 tsp. rosemary (dried/crumbled)¼ tsp. salt (optional)¼ tsp. black pepper (freshly ground)¼ tsp. red pepper fl akes (crushed)3 15 oz. cans chickpeas (drained/rinsed)1 15 oz. can tomatoes (diced/undrained)1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegarHeat oil in soup pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and allow to simmer for 3 more minutes. Serve hot. Serves 4 to 6.

Rosie’s Kitchen

Vegetable Quinoa Soup


Basil Cream Pasta

I can never get enough of recipes that use fresh tomatoes and basil—I’ll blame it on the “wannabe Italian” in me! Since whole grain spaghetti is “al dente” in

only 7 minutes, you can prepare this sauce in the time it takes to boil the pasta. Raw cashews form the base of my favorite whole foods/plant-based cream

sauce—they’re very rich tasting and blend easily—allowing you to create a velvety smooth sauce in your blender.

8 oz. whole grain spaghetti (uncooked)1 tomato (large/ripe)½ cup cashews (raw)¼ cup water1 Tbsp. tomato paste½ Tbsp. olive oil3 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)1 tsp. salt (optional)4 Tbsp. wine (or water/optional)1 tsp. black pepper (freshly ground)1 cup basil (fresh/packed/fi nely chopped)Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook “al dente” according to package directions. Chop tomato and place in blender. Add cashews, water, and tomato paste and blend until smooth. Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat to medium low. Sauté the minced garlic, being careful not to burn it.Pour the creamy sauce from the blender into the skillet, stir, and simmer for 4 minutes. If desired, add wine (or water) to thin out the sauce. Remove sauce from heat and stir in the chopped basil and pepper. Drain pasta. Gradually add basil cream sauce to pasta. Stir and serve immediately. Serves 2.

Quinoa, Sweet Potatoand Pecan Craisin “Stuffi ng”

I’m taking an untraditional approach to stuffi ng this year. I probably shouldn’t even call it stuffi ng since I’m not stuffi ng it anywhere, except in my mouth. This recipe is both delicious and nutritious as a main course or side dish during the

holiday season. Believe me, no one will even miss the big bird!

½ cup red quinoa½ cup white quinoa3 sweet potatoes (medium/peeled/diced)½ red onion (medium/chopped)1 clove garlic (pressed or minced)1 Tbsp. olive oil2 tsp. cumin½ cup craisins (dried cranberries)½ cup pecans (toasted/coarsely chopped)3 Tbsp. parsley (fresh/chopped)Salt and pepper (to taste)In a medium saucepan, add 1½ cups water, red quinoa and white quinoa, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cover baking sheet with foil, spray with non-stick, and add sweet potatoes, onion and garlic. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and toss to coat. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes or until soft. Combine sweet potatoes, onion and garlic with cooked quinoa. Stir in cumin, craisins, toasted pecans and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.

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


BY NIKKI ANDRUIK

I had the good fortune of growing up in a home where my mother baked homemade bread once a week. I remember coming home from school and the yeasty aromas wafting from her kitchen were mouth-watering! She fed her family well—kneading her bread with whole grain fl our, adding millet, fl ax, and sunfl ower seeds for added nutrition. Cooked oatmeal from scratch or “Sunny Boy” cereal was our norm for breakfast. Since I don’t have time to bake my own bread, yet, a staple in my fridge is Ezekiel’s Sprouted 100% Whole Grain Bread, off ering four tasty grams of protein and three grams of fi ber per slice.

Today, when it comes to the consumption of grains, confusion and misinformation seem to abound. Some popular diet books tell you to ditch wheat or gluten to shed pounds. Others recommend you follow the Paleo Diet in an eff ort to eat like we used to back in the day, way back in the day. If a cavewoman couldn’t eat it, neither can you. This means anything hunted, caught or gathered—meats, fi sh, nuts, leafy greens, regional veggies, and seeds. But the USDA recommends that we eat whole grains on a daily basis for good health. And the key words here are: whole grains; they are defi nitely not recommending refi ned, bleached, highly processed grains. Unless you have celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or another reason to cut back, you don’t want to miss out on the health benefi ts of regularly consuming whole grains. “You’re getting fi ber, a healthy plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals and a variety of phytochemicals that will improve your health,” says Lilian Cheung, DSc, RD, a lecturer in nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Whole grains possess all of the original kernel—bran, germ and endosperm—in their original proportions. Whereas, with refi ned grains, the bran and germ—the healthiest parts—are stripped away. Also, make sure whole grain is one of the fi rst three ingredients listed on the label. (Look for a “whole grain” stamp from the Whole Grains Council.) And don’t be fooled by bread that looks healthy because it’s brown; it could be colored with molasses or brown sugar.

Whole grains contain fi ber. Fiber is one of the biggest reasons to eat whole grains. Adults need about 25 to 35 grams of fi ber daily, and whole grains contain two types—soluble and insoluble—which are both benefi cial to your health. You’ll get 5.8 grams of fi ber in two slices

of dark rye bread, and 5.5 grams of fi ber per half cup uncooked brown rice. Because it digests slowly, fi ber helps you feel fuller longer.

Whole grains help digestion. Whole grains have other digestive benefi ts as well. The fi ber content keeps bowel movements regular, and they help ward off diverticulosis, the condition in which little pouches form in the colon wall, causing infl ammation, constipation, diarrhea and pain. Though fi ber is responsible for much of the benefi t, whole grains also contain lactic acid which promotes “good bacteria” in the large intestine. These organisms aid digestion, promote better nutrition absorption, and may even beef up the body’s immune system.

Whole grains help lower cholesterol. Whole grains not only help prevent your body from absorbing “bad” cholesterol, they may also lower triglycerides, both of which are major contributors

to heart disease. In fact, whole grains lower the risk of heart disease overall. Any form of whole grain—including whole wheat, oats, brown rice, barley, corn, quinoa, rye, buckwheat and millet—off ers benefi ts for heart health.

Whole grains lower blood pressure. The heart benefi ts of whole grains don’t stop with cholesterol and triglycerides. They also lower blood pressure, one of the most important risk factors for heart disease. “Eating whole grains instead of refi ned grains substantially lowers blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and insulin levels,” says Cheung.

Whole grains help control weight. People who eat whole grains are more likely to keep their weight in check and less likely to gain weight over time than those who eat refi ned grains. During a study conducted over the span of 12 years, middle-aged men and women who ate a diet high in fi ber gained less weight than those who regularly ate refi ned products.

Whole grains redistribute fat. Even if eating whole grains doesn’t actually make you lose weight, studies have shown that it can help you cut down on the amount of body fat you have and lead to a healthier distribution of that fat. Specifi cally, eating whole grains can leave you with less belly fat—what scientists call “central adiposity”—which increases your risk of diabetes and other health woes.

WHOLE GRAINS : Good or Bad?

Adequate fi ber in your diet is like a new broom—it sweeps clean.

The Nutritious Benefits of Eating Whole Grains


Whole grains make you feel full. One way whole grains may help you control your weight is by making you feel fuller than refi ned products such as cookies, pastries or white bread. Whole grains take longer to digest and have a more satiating eff ect. This also helps keep your portions under control—try rye bread or protein-packed quinoa for maximum fullness.

Whole grains help regulate blood sugar. One of the main benefi ts of whole grains is that compared to refi ned grains, they help keep your blood glucose from spiking, which can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Something as simple and easy as swapping one third of a serving of cooked white rice a day (about two ounces) for brown rice was associated with a 16 percent decline in type 2 diabetes risk.

Whole grains are a good source of B vitamins. Whole grains are rich in the B vitamins thiamin, ribofl avin and niacin, all of which are involved with metabolism. Another B vitamin, folate (folic acid), helps the body form red blood cells and is critical for preventing birth defects. Bran is also a good source of B vitamins.

Whole grains deliver essential minerals. Along with vitamins, whole grains are a great source of the minerals our body needs to stay healthy. These include iron, which transports oxygen throughout the body and helps prevent anemia, magnesium, which builds bones, and selenium, which protects against oxidation. They also contain zinc, necessary to keep your immune system in fi ghting shape.

Whole grains cut markers of infl ammation. One study found that whole grain barley, brown rice or a combination of the two reduced markers of infl ammation in the gut. Whole grains may also cut levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of infl ammation that has been linked with heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Whole grains may even lower cancer risk. Evidence is emerging that whole grain consumption may lower the risks of certain cancers, such as colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancer. Although the evidence is mixed at this point, what could possibly lower your risk of cancer is eating a diet that includes not only whole grains, but lots of fruits and vegetables, and not a lot of meat, dairy or processed foods.

Whole grains contain resistant starch. Carbs can be good for you. The trick is to fi nd the right kind of carb and resistant starch is one. It’s a carb that acts more like a fi ber. Because it’s not easily digested, it moves slowly through your digestive system burning more fat, stoking the hormones that make you feel full, maintaining your insulin in good working order and keeping blood sugar and cholesterol levels down. Try for 10 to 15 grams daily. Oatmeal and brown rice are good whole grain sources of resistant starch.

The Nutritious Benefits of Eating Whole Grains



Regenerative Medicine…The Future. Applying regenerative cells from your pet’s own healthy tissue directly to the site of an injury helps their body heal itself by secreting growth factors, reducing infl ammation, modulating the immune system and regenerating injured tissue in a potent but natural way. This is the way of the future; healing the body by using its own natural processes to replace or improve surgical techniques.

Safari Stem Cell Lab. Safari Veterinary Care Centers now has a fully functional stem cell processing laboratory. First a small sample of fat is removed from your pet using a sterile procedure. Next, the tissue is processed within our biological safety room to maintain tissue sterility and to isolate and prepare regenerative cells. The regenerative cell preparation is then injected back into your pet at the site of the injury.

The Swahili word safari (se’fari) means journey, originally from the Arabic (safariyah) meaning a journey; the verb for “to travel” in Swahili is kusafi ri. Stem Cell Safari is your pet’s “Journey to Wellness.” This safari does not require drugs or major surgery and uses your pet’s own cells for restoration, regeneration and healing.

Your Pet’s Journey to Wellness

Safari Veterinary Care Centers off ers a holistic approach that not only cares for all aspects of pet care but also includes the relationship you have with your pet. You would not be considering stem cell therapy if you did not love your furry friend. At Safari we understand that the restorative Journey to Wellness involves a process of rebuilding strength and stamina once the stem cells have done their job. We can help with this process, too.

Dr. Garner and Mrs. Garner have both attended the Certifi ed Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRP) program at the University of Tennessee and are experts in the fi ed of restoring your pet to the best he or she can be.

Holistic Approach

Pet Rehabilitation• Safe

• Natural

• Effective


How Does It Work? Fat tissue is obtained and regenerative cells (including stem cells) are prepared for reinjection in about 90 minutes. After injection, these stem cells are then recruited by the local conditions of the body to specifi cally transform into the proper cell type necessary for repair. Joint repair requires cartilage cells, heart repair requires heart cells, and kidney repair requires kidney cells, and so on. These cells have the ability to adapt and respond to the local conditions of the body. In some cases, the cells are injected intravenously and allowed to seek out injured tissue in need of repair on their own. This safe, natural therapy can be used in addition to or as an alternative to chronic drug therapy. It is also more cost eff ective and less invasive than many surgical procedures.

The Process A Case History: Panzer

2402 Marina Bay DriveLeague City, TX 77573

281-332-5612 www.safarivet.com

www.stemcellsafari.com

Fat TissueRemovedFrom Pet

Stem Cells Separated

Cells Applied to Site of Injury

Results Seen in Weeks

Diagnosis: Elbow and hip dysplasia; 13-year-old male neutered Rottweiler

Adult stem cell therapy off ers aging family pet new “leash” on life. Despite pain medications and months of aquatic treadmill therapy, Panzer still growled if I came too close to touching his painful elbows. Last September, the thirteen-year-old German Rottweiler had been diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, a congenital condition that caused bone fragmentation and progressive damage of the joint in both elbows. Panzer’s family sought an alternative to orthopedic surgery and opted to enroll him in rehab. In the underwater treadmill, Panzer was able to stand and walk with greatly reduced pressure on his joints, allowing him to gain a level of mobility and muscle strength without causing further wear and tear. However, his condition persisted; at home, his mobility and quality of life gradually deteriorated. Spurred to fi nd a way to save Panzer’s life, Dr. Garner began to research adult stem cell therapy, a process being used worldwide to treat athletic injuries in humans and competition/race horses.

Dr. Garner conferenced with stem cell research companies with branches in the United States, investing thousands to establish a fully-functioning stem cell processing lab at Safari. He and three Safari veterinary technicians traveled to observe the treatment process in person, and in return, laboratory technicians from the stem cell lab traveled to Safari to guide us through the process. Panzer was unanimously nominated to be our fi rst stem cell patient.

Treatment: Panzer received one treatment on May 14, 2015. Regenerative cells were administered to both elbows and both hips, as well as an intravenous (IV) dose. The IV dose disperses in the bloodstream; stem cells identify areas of infl ammation to start repair. On average, benefi ts from stem cells for orthopedic injury have been shown to last 1 to 3 years from a single treatment. Additional cells are frozen and stored, making later treatments quick and cost eff ective.

That same day, Panzer was discharged from the hospital with instructions to restrict strenuous activity and perform range-of-motion exercises to encourage stem cell activity within the joints. With orthopedic treatment, regeneration of damaged cartilage is a slow process, and it can take up to a month to see results. After two-and-a-half weeks, Panzer was already standing for longer periods of time, and by three weeks, he was running to the front door to bark at the sound of trucks driving by. The stem cells will continue to work rapidly to repair joint damage for the next month, off ering Panzer lasting comfort and improved mobility. Although the results from stance and gait analysis speak to the success of the treatment, Panzer’s owners say that seeing the spark in Panzer’s eyes is most meaningful to them.

Figure 1 - Panzer unable to hold himself up on the “peanut” early in physical rehabilitation.

Figure 2 - Panzer with rehabilitation is able to do more, but still the pain of his arthritis keeps him from supporting his own weight normally.

Figure 3 - Panzer at six weeks after stem cell therapy, walking on the treadmill while standing up on the peanut - a remarkable success. Watch a video of Panzer at www.stemcellsafari.com


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…

‘Tis NOT the Season to Give a Pet!

If PETS COULD TALK

Remember, pets aren’t just for Christmas, they’re for life.

It’s the season for giving, and we all have good intentions when shopping for special gifts for our loved ones. We have visions of them opening a beautiful box with an adorable kitten inside, or leading them into a room where a puppy or cat wearing a big bow is waiting. With a pet, it seems we can give the gift of unconditional love. But, here’s the sad reality when the holiday season is over: visit your local shelter in late January or February and you’ll have your pick of pets who’ve already worn out their welcome as Christmas gifts. It happens every single year. And if that’s not enough incentive, here are more reasons to consider:

The holidays are crazy enough. The holiday season is often very busy for families. In addition to the usual hectic daily routine of school, work and other activities, end-of-year festivities mean even more demands on your time and energy. Extra shopping, cooking and cleaning chores are usually involved, plus trimming the tree, decorating the house, gift wrapping, parties, overnight guests, trips away from home to visit family and friends, and so forth. With all that going on, the last thing most households need is a new puppy or kitten to add to the commotion and stress. Nor does a new four-legged member of the family deserve to be introduced to a brand new, slightly scary environment in the midst of chaos. A new pet requires a great deal of time and attention from her new family. It’s in everyone’s best interests to wait for a less busy time of year to bring home a new dog, cat or other pet.

Pets should not be surprises. Surprising a loved one with a puppy or kitten on Christmas morning is a romantic, but usually misguided idea. Yes, the recipient may be extremely excited and happy with a new puppy or kitten, but unless the ‘surprise’ has actually been well researched and thoroughly planned for, it can be a risky thing to do. It’s hard to resist a warm, furry little bundle under the tree on Christmas morning. But unless the new pet parent is wholly committed to the idea of raising a puppy or kitten, the bloom can come off the rose in a hurry. In my experience, it’s best to let a prospective pet owner, no matter what age, be very engaged every step of the way in selecting a new pet and preparing in advance for the homecoming.

The weather outside is frightful. Puppies and many adult dogs must be house trained upon arrival in their new home. Short days and cold, wet weather around the holidays, and into the New Year, are far from ideal for this chore. Why not wait for the warmth of spring if you’re planning to add a pet to the family? Another good reason to wait for warmer weather is so children are out of school for the summer. Without school and related activities to distract them, they’ll have time to bond with a new pet, help with house and obedience training chores, feeding, litter box duty, accident clean-ups, playtime, dog walking, etc.

BY DR. STEVEN GARNER

FRODO

ANASTASIA

JAX

My name is Frodo, a 1½-year-old gray tabby male. I’ve had a rough life; my previous owner threw me outside when he moved. I sat in a shelter, in a tiny cage, for almost a year—most don’t make it out alive after sitting in a shelter as long as I did. (Luckily, the shelter staff adored me!) SCP took me in when they heard about me. Won’t you please help me find a loving, forever home with you? I love to play and entertain. A home with no other pets, where I can be “King of the Castle,” would be purr-fect!

My name is Anastasia, a 1½-year-old DMH dilute torti female. Barely surviving a bad situation, I ran up to the SCP volunteers there to trap, fix, and release cats. I was easy to pop into a carrier. Purring the whole time, they realized how grateful and sweet I am and placed me in their foster program to find a permanent home. My foster mom feeds me well and I’m gaining weight. I love everyone and get along well with other kitties. All you need do is pet me, or say a kind word to me, and I will be yours forever!

I’m Jax, a 1½-year-old pug mix. I’m full grown and weigh 11 lbs. I love to play with my toys, stay active, walk on a leash and have fun. I’m sweet-natured and dog/cat friendly. An ideal home for me is with a loving family that will have time to take me out for regular walks and to visit friends—I am very sociable and long for the loving companionship of my own family.


350 Texas Avenue, Suite CWebster, TX 77598www.dermacultureofclearlake.com

Our Mission “To meet your needs and exceed your expectations.”

(281) 332-8224

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Do you or someone in your life have: An active lifestyle? Contact lenses or visual impairment? Hay fever and watery eyes? Sparse or light-colored brows and lashes? Alopecia (absence of hair)? Diffi culty applying makeup? Unsteady/arthritic hands? Cosmetic allergies?

With 13 years of experience, Evelyn has been helping women enhance their looks and creating easier lives with permanent makeup. Modern application of the age-old art of tattooing provides a safe and natural looking alternative to your daily makeup routine, re-creating what nature missed or time has faded. She off ers two new services to her Permanent Makeup line-up:

Microblading or MicroStroking Brows is a way of implanting pigment leaving thin realistic hair strokes for the most natural fi nish, restoring sparse or missing brows. A fantastic treatment for anyone looking to enhance the appearance of their eyebrows.

Skin needling is used for a variety of therapeutic skin applications due to its collagen and elastin rejuvenation. Benefi ts of needle therapy include smoothing wrinkles, diminishing stretch marks, and softening acne, injury, or surgical scars. Skin needling has been around since the beginning of tattooing but is now gaining newfound popularity for its lasting results for facial rejuvenation and collagen-boosting treatments.

Evelyn is a member of the SPCP (Society Permanent Cosmetic Professionals) and adheres to the strict sanitation and sterilization guidelines set by OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards. She is trained in both the Softap hand method and Machine Method. She is also trained and has performed many Areola Color Re-pigmentations for breast cancer survivors and works closely with several plastic surgeons

Please call to book a free consultation with Evelyn.

Permanent Makeupwith Evelyn Morales

since 1937

A pet for a child shouldn’t be viewed as a new toy. A living creature shouldn’t be considered the same kind of ‘wow’ Christmas gift as, say, a new bike or the latest Xbox console. Caring for a dog or cat is a big responsibility and far different from getting a new toy that is taken out, played with, and put away again. It’s important to impress upon a child the difference between her belongings and her pet, from the very first minute a new dog or cat enters her life. Even if your youngster is pleading for a pet and you think he or she is old enough to take on the responsibility, I recommend you keep the ‘pet project’ separate from the holiday festivities. Adding a dog or cat to the household is a big undertaking all on its own, so my advice is to plan for it accordingly, and not around the holidays.

Pet stores, backyard breeders, puppy mills. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, certain disreputable individuals and businesses are bursting at the seams with all the latest popular puppy models. Most of these babies are shipped in from puppy mills. Some are healthy. Many are not. All are bred and born in inhumane, often filthy conditions. Every time a dog is purchased from an irresponsible breeder or mill operator, it is incentive for those businesses to stay up and running. So while you may give a puppy mill baby a good home for Christmas, her mother remains back at the mill, having litter after litter until she’s too sick or old to reproduce—at which point she’s disposed of.

Since many shelters and rescue organizations shut down adoptions this time of year to prevent problems associated with giving pets as Christmas gifts, there is a greater tendency by people who would ordinarily adopt to go the pet store or backyard breeder route. Please don’t be one of them. Wait until the holidays are over and then visit your local shelter, foster pet or rescue organization.

Every animal deserves a home. But not every home deserves an animal.

The Animals’ SaviorBy Jim Willis

I looked at all the caged animalsIn the shelter…the cast-offs

Of human society.

I saw in their eyes love and hope,Fear and dread, sadness and betrayal.

And I was angry.

“God,” I said, “This is terrible!Why don’t you do something?”

God was silent for a moment, andThen He spoke softly.

“I have done something,” he replied.“I created you.”

BY KIM CAMPBELL

I was sixteen years old, in a high school near Cornell and dreaming of studying nutrition, when I met my husband, Nelson Campbell, and his family.

I grew up in a small rural town. My parents were raised on dairy farms and I too lived on a family dairy farm in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. At that time, Nelson’s father, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, was also at Cornell and in the middle of the research in China that would become the best-selling book, The China Study. Though Colin often traveled back and forth as he gathered data and compiled results, the fi rst time Nelson brought me home for dinner, he happened to be there.

Colin loves to talk about his research, and I love asking questions. During one of my fi rst visits to their home, Colin spent hours showing me slides of family pictures and his travels around the world doing research. He shared what researchers were learning about the incredible diff erences in health between those who ate a plant-based diet and those who ate a meat- and dairy-heavy Western diet. I was fascinated.

In my teen years, I loved to cook for my parents and siblings. I’d grown up eating a traditional diet of meat and dairy, supplemented by fresh vegetables grown in my father’s large gardens. After meeting Nelson’s family I began experimenting with vegetarian and vegan recipes. I went on to study nutrition at Cornell, but in my classes I met the harsh reality of nutritional instruction during that time. It was the 1980s, and plant-based nutrition was far from mainstream. Despite the incredible fi ndings in China, Colin’s colleagues, even those in his own department, were shunning, sometimes even mocking him. I became disillusioned by the ignorance, ego and cowardice in this fi eld. Though I still earned a minor in nutrition education, I decided on a diff erent career path: childhood education.

As a public school teacher, I brought my passion for helping young people make the right food choices into the classroom.

I incorporated food and nutrition into my curriculum any way I could, teaching my students to take responsibility for their diet and health. At home, Nelson and I did the same for our three children, and our family has been cooking and eating primarily plant-based cuisine for more than twenty-fi ve years.

The recent movie, PlantPure Nation, spearheaded by Nelson, grew directly out of our work in wellness. The fi lm shows the impact plant-based nutrition has had on the health and well-being of the rural North Carolina community of Mebane. It also addresses the larger political issues

surrounding the idea of plant-based nutrition, especially why this idea has been suppressed for so long.

We understand that switching to a plant-based diet can feel like a huge change, especially at fi rst. I wanted to provide familiar fl avors and recipes that would appeal to entire families, including kids. What you’ll see in this cookbook I’ve learned through trial and error over the past twenty-fi ve years, and also through talking to and learning from other plant-based chefs and experts. My philosophy as I travel the path of plant-based cooking is simple: never stop trying new things or learning from others, and always share what you have learned.

As you, too, travel this path, you should know that cooking need not be a mechanical process of measuring and combining ingredients and following instructions. Cooking done right is an art. There are infi nite combinations of ingredients, just as there are infi nite ways of combining the colors from a painter’s palette. Most of all, though, remember that cooking is a life-giving act from which you should derive joy. When you serve yourself, family, and friends, you are serving good health on a platter.

Cooking is not just a hobby to me, but a way of life. I love building, creating, and revising recipes. I’m not afraid to make mistakes, and I never limit myself to just one idea. I hope that my recipes will become yours, and that you will take them and adjust them to your family’s preferences and your own. I wish you abundant health, and many joyful mealtimes with the people you love!

Book Excerpt: The PlantPure Nation Cookbook

The offi cial companion cookbook to the breakthrough fi lm

…with over 150 plant-based recipes

Caulifl ower Buff alo Bites



Seeking Guest Writers for Great Explorations

Travel StoriesTraveled to an interesting destination?

Would you enjoy writing about it?And share some great photos?

LIFE IS GOOD! Magazine seeks guest writersto submit stories/photos for future issues—this is your opportunity to become a published writer!

No need to be a professional—all submissionsgo through our editing process.

Please contact the publisher, Nikki Andruik, at:[email protected]

What did youcall me?

Look out…ice hole!

I’m not getting older, I’m just getting started!

BY DEVON YOUNG

We’d all like to make it to 100, but let’s face it, some people age a lot more gracefully than others. What’s the diff erence between someone who looks and feels vibrant in midlife and beyond, and someone who’s sick, sad, and already old? Scientists are turning up some not-so-surprising key factors: approaches to attitude and lifestyle that not only add years to your life, but add a better quality of life to your years. “Studies on successful aging have shown only one third of what predicts how well we age is controlled by genetics. The other two thirds are based on personal lifestyle choices that are under our control,” says psychiatrist Gary Small, director of the UCLA Center on Aging and author of The Longevity Bible (Hyperion).

Yes, there are some things that do get better with age. On our best days, we embody a kind of grace. We patiently understand that we are works-in-progress, embracing new interests and new experiences as they come along. We adopt fresh attitudes that help us unlock the rewards of getting older.

We are more relaxed and able to enjoy life. We are often playful and like to laugh. We have moved well beyond the need to look “cool”—this leads to all kinds of fun, at unexpected moments. Even our idiosyncrasies are now quite entertaining. When we hit a bump, we are sometimes bemused at the ridiculousness of life. We also enjoy recalling the oddities we have witnessed. Some of them have been amazing. We’ve had enough disenchantment for a lifetime. We’re willing to be enchanted again.

We make the most of what we have. We are fi nally gaining some perspective and even a little wisdom. We have a bit more inner stability. We have the guidance of memory that often routes us around trouble. We are coming to terms with our limits, and celebrate what we can do. At long last, we seem to have a sense of who we are. We like ourselves more than we expected. We are getting better at trusting our own tastes and preferences. We appreciate the freedom to indulge in our interests, new and old. A grateful heart lets us take pleasure where we fi nd it.

We appreciate people. Family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers have unexpected qualities. Their faces are surprising

in ways we didn’t notice before. Also, we have decided that most people are good enough as they are. There’s no need to change anyone. We realize it wouldn’t do much good to try, anyway. We appreciate those who have been good to us. We have received a great deal of aff ection over the years, and such gifts last. We have the friendship and love of a lifetime with us always, even from the people who aren’t around anymore. We are thankful to have had such excellent company on the journey.

We accept our fl aws. We don’t have to be perfect. On most days, we relish the diversity of our personalities. We can be fl exible or stubborn, clueless or profound, depending on the moment. We tend to honor the delicate parts of

ourselves. A life with nothing to be sorry about would be rather uneventful. We are even starting to appreciate our past disasters. Old humiliations have become essential parts of a fi ne story—a story we like to tell over and over again, all the while laughing at ourselves. We occasionally even feel a tender fondness for the ragged edges of our lives.

We are at home in the world. We enjoy our surroundings and often discover new secrets about familiar places. Watching the explorations of small children, animals and “critters” in the garden delights us. The small piece of cake we allow ourselves is especially delicious now that we don’t indulge often. The scent of a fl ower or gentle touch of a breeze seems more sensually rich than before. Sometimes, we glance around our home spaces to relish how our belongings refl ect our personalities. Perhaps we have become more effi cient in the pleasure department. Maybe, having had our share of diffi culties, we just appreciate things more.

We have less to prove. We are learning to avoid comparing ourselves with others—or even with our former selves. It is a relief when we can begin to overcome feelings of competition. We can sometimes even deal with envy as a bad mood, not to be trusted. By focusing on our best personal qualities, and favorite current interests, we can fi nd something fulfi lling in almost every day. We might have more contributions to make, but don’t feel quite as


driven to do something of great importance. Most of the time, we are able to work and play for its own sake, not to look good in the eyes of others. Now that the need to “show off ” has eased a bit, fi nding opportunities to use our talents is a manageable task.

We have strong priorities. We are getting better at tending to our deeper yearnings. Now that we’re not in charge of fi xing everything, we are free to devote our energies to neglected passions. It may be creative expression, reading, gardening, yoga, dancing, hobbies, or working on causes. Certain projects virtually call us. It might surprise friends that we are so energized by these activities, but we feel no need to explain ourselves. On most days, we use time in more immediate and present ways than ever before.

We accept our moods. We know that life is rich with nuances of emotion. We like being happy, but indulging in a little

grumpiness has its rewards, too. We can usually let sadness come and go when it wants, without making a big deal of it. Life has its ups and downs—there’s no point in getting frustrated. We avoid fretting about things, if at all possible. We are often able to be philosophical about life’s ordinary disappointments and tribulations. When we can accept our feelings, a natural buoyancy usually restores tranquility soon enough.

We take time to refl ect. We are able to ponder an inner life more than in the past. Allowing quiet to enter us seems to change the fl ow of time and make it larger. We fi nd ways to open to the mysteries within. For some it is meditating, for others it is knitting, still others fi nd it during a daily walk. It is simply being receptive to something beyond our ordinary thoughts. Partly, it is using the gifts of experience and long memory. Refl ecting on fi ne moments in the journey reminds us of the richness of our lives.


You’ve just woken up, and you’re on the wrong side of the bed. Is there any way to switch to the other side? Absolutely! For those times when your mind is addled, and your center is shaky; open this little black bag of cures and discover your beautiful balance!

As soon as the alarm rings. Spend your fi rst 15 seconds awake planning something nice to do for yourself today. This can really set you up for a good mood—even if it’s just planning to go for a brisk walk around the block or swinging by the farmers’ market to pick up fresh produce.

Get up. The longer you lie there the more you ruminate and the darker your outlook is likely to become. So get vertical, make a cup of coff ee, take a shower and feed your cat.

Drink. Make that two glasses of water upon awakening, the time when our bodies are dehydrated. Dehydration causes fatigue which aff ects your mood.

Move it. You already know the number one way of chasing away a bad mood: exercise. A workout at the gym sure helps, but even just a few minutes of movement—a brisk walk or cycle around the neighborhood—raises energy and reduces

tension.

Investigate. When you’re dogged by anxiety or the dread you woke up with,

try to pinpoint what’s causing it. Did someone say something upsetting the day before? Do you have a meeting today you wish you didn’t? Was it the dream you were having when the alarm went off ? If you can fi gure out why you’re upset, you are halfway to feeling better.

Be kind and thankful. This isn’t exactly news, but generosity and gratitude are both big contributors to happiness. Do something nice for a stranger or friend and see if you don’t feel better about yourself. Also, jot down three things every day that you’re grateful for. It seems so simple, but counting your blessings just has a way of helping you remember the sun is shining.

Laugh at yourself. Talented comedians are good at poking fun at the mundane aspects of life—relationship strife, a boring job, a closet full of too-tight clothes; they exaggerate those circumstances, and give us a perspective we can laugh about. Look at your own life and try to appreciate the absurdity of what doesn’t go according to plan (the diets, the dates, the new hair cut).

Seven Ways to Restart Your DaySeven Ways to Restart Your Day

Having a rough morning? Place your hand over your heart.Feel that? That’s called purpose, you’re alive for a reason.


Being Native American is in the heart.It’s a way of walking with the earth instead of upon it.

November is Native American Heritage Month and a time to recognize the many significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S. Native Americans always had a devout respect for the land and were basically our first ecologists. They never killed anything they could not use; they lived in harmony with nature and did not abuse the natural world. Many of the foods we eat today were first grown by Native Americans. They learned how to use herbs, roots and other natural plants as medicine. They used spirituality in tandem because they believed that all things in nature are connected. They knew that it was just as important to heal the emotional part of the body as well as the physical.Music and dance were important components of Native American rituals. Drums, rattles, whistles, rasps, rhythm sticks and flutes were most popular. There is nothing more soothing than the sounds of a Native American flute to put you in a relaxed and meditative mood. Having just two chambers, the length and number of holes varies depending on which tribe is creating them. However, they are all tuned to a specific pentatonic minor key and can only play notes in that key. Thus, the enchanting, melodic sound. Thanks to the New Age movement in the 1980s, Native American flute music blossomed. The peaceful, slow, haunting notes were a welcomed change from the ’70s disco beat.I became mesmerized with flute music as a mode of relaxation while visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico a few years ago. I walked into a retail store and heard these beautiful tones coming from a CD the shop owner was playing. I asked her who the artist was and she held up the CD cover. It was “Canyon Trilogy” by R. Carlos Nakai of both Navajo and Ute heritage. I did not leave Santa Fe without buying that CD. Although Nakai is one of the greats, any Native American flute recording will definitely calm your mind and mend your spirit. Every worrisome thought will leave your brain and transport you to a place of balance.Although Native American flute music is just one way to be enriched by sound meditation, listening to the seashore, a recording of rain, birds singing, a gentle stream or soft bells are also easy on the soul. Deepak Chopra teaches primal sound meditation for inner calmness and deep relaxation. (LIFE IS GOOD! magazine writer Jean West Rudnicki is a certified Deepak Chopra primal sound meditation teacher.) Chanting a mantra and even deep breathing are forms of meditation. All of these are ways to manage stress and tap into your inner silence. For me, Native American flute music can easily put me in a trance. The publisher of this magazine, Nikki Andruik, listens to flute music while doing yoga. Do whatever works for you, but find a way to honor Native Americans during the month of November and don’t forget to set aside at least 30 minutes a day to shut out the world and go within. With the holiday season approaching, it’s the best 30 minutes you’ll spend.

Sage ADVICEBY SUE MAYFIELD GEIGER

Saluting Native American Heritage Month


How is your Holiday Ride?

BayDREAMING...

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly

used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming—WOW—what a ride! – Anonymous

Those words may be somewhat strong for the average among us, myself included. However, they do strike a chord with me as we enter a holiday season rife with themes of thanksgiving, feasting, family and spiritual health. Two recent events helped set my stage for the holidays. First was the passing of an American hero—Yogi Berra. Yogi was not a boyhood hero like Stan “the Man” Musial, Ernie Banks or Mickey Mantle. In fact I thought he was rather “dopey.” But with maturity I grew to respect his gifts—commitment, sportsmanship, humor. So what does Yogi have to do with the holidays? You are familiar with his most famous quote: When you come to a fork in the road, take it. This was his euphemism for living life to the fullest. Many of us tend to slide into the winter holidays seeking mostly the comfort of those themes I mentioned earlier, while overlooking other possibilities.

The second event I mentioned was the recent Wings Over Houston—our world class airshow that every Houstonian needs to visit at least once. This year I reveled in the thrill of introducing my grandchildren to an old flame—the aging but still formidable B-52 Stratofortress—in the service of which I spent ten years of my life and over 3000 flight hours. The kids got to peer into the impossibly cramped cockpit, touch the giant wheels, and gaze into the gaping bomb bay. Oh, the stories I could tell them, but through their eyes what I felt was adventure. Airplanes, like ships, seek the comfort of the tarmac and harbor, but that is not what they were designed to do. Their worth is measured in the job they perform—every launch a new adventure.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” How can we take that advice during the holidays? First, let’s examine our lives. When we make money, we achieve wealth. When we make a name, we achieve fame. When we make a difference, we achieve significance and create change. It may be possible to be wealthy, and famous, and significant; but if you could choose only one of these, which would it be? Second, consider the contrast between real and counterfeit adventure. Real adventure requires risk. Choose to make a difference; do a kindness for a stranger; encourage a friend to make a tough choice; right a wrong; apologize. By contrast, video games, movies and fiction books may be fun, but these are counterfeit adventures, as are TV shows, cheating on a spouse, gambling and excessive partying.

As we launch into the holidays, make each day an adventure. Choose to make a difference. Above all, enjoy the ride. And while you’re at it, Happy BayDreaming!

BY DAVID KNOWLES

BY DAVID KNOWLES

Great Explorations…The voice on the other end of the line said, “I hear Great Britain calling!” I checked the time—7 a.m. Through a fog of half-sleep, I recognized the voice of my 89-year-old father. “Dad, what did you say?” He replied that he had found the trip we were looking for. Dad is a retired educator, who worked until he was 75, later regretting having retired so early. After Mom passed away in 2004, Dad traveled to add excitement to his life. Our opportunity to take a trip together had arrived—his travel club was headed to Great Britain.

Dad has a keen interest in Britain, considering England our ancestral home. A distant relative had visited England and returned saying there’s a village in County Lancashire where almost everyone is named Knowles, but he never mentioned the name of the village. Lancashire is in north England, bordering on the Irish Sea. I had learned the name Knowles was indeed English, derived from Old English “cnoll”—a topographic name for someone who lived at the top of or by a hill. The old family legend says that village headmen always occupied the high ground, thus we Knowles’ are “born leaders.” My research suggests that we most likely emigrated to America in the colonial era from Ireland where we “born leaders” had been sent by the Royals to help civilize the heathen Irish. We failed. Dad had travelled to Ireland several years earlier, but had found none of our clan—not even in the pubs.

On the day of departure, we rendezvoused with the travel club at Lambert Airport in St. Louis. Following an eventful fl ight to London, we arrived at our hotel around 10 p.m. London time, where we accomplished our fi rst good deed of the trip. While checking in we noticed an elderly lady from our group sitting by herself near the lounge. After settling into our room, we returned to the lounge (to begin our search for kin) for a nightcap. The woman was still there, looking lost. Being helpful, we asked if she was okay. Turns out she was waiting for the 9 a.m. tour of London. An inexperienced traveler, she’d succumbed to jet lag and went to bed. Thinking she’d slept through the night, she arose—12 hours early. We helped her to her room before resuming our search for kin, and a nightcap, in the lounge.

Day two of our trip was a guided tour of London. We saw all the sights: The Tower of London (Anne Boleyn lost her head there), London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. We even called on the Queen at Buckingham Palace. My favorite attraction in London was the British Museum. I liked it because of all this cool stuff —they call them artifacts—that had been collected from all over the British Empire. I overheard other visitors in the museum—foreigners—claim these artifacts were “stolen.”

They even said it’s a good thing the sun has fi nally set on the British Empire. Hey, I thought the sun set every day?

On day three we boarded the bus for our next destination, Edinburgh, Scotland. On the way out of London, we stopped at the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson. Next stop: Stamford. Stamford is famous for its 17th and

18th-century stone buildings, timber-framed buildings and fi ve medieval parish churches. We visited All Saints Church, which dates back to 1086. (We checked the cemetery, but no luck fi nding relatives.) Leaving Stamford, we drove up the A1 to York—England’s best preserved medieval city. York was founded by the Romans in AD 71. Much evidence of the ancient Roman presence remains, including walls and towers. The York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. While searching for ancestors in the cathedral’s cemetery, a worker approached and asked if we had come to repair the stained glass.

One of the interesting, but little known facts about Great Britain is their public restrooms close after tourist season. Since it was late October, no public restrooms were

available. You can use a restroom in a pub—but you have to buy something. Dad and I developed a clever strategy: Get off the bus—go to the nearest pub—look for relatives—buy a pint of ale—use the restroom—drink the pint of ale—get back on the bus—hold it until the next stop, then do it all over again. We didn’t fi nd any relatives, but ale was plentiful.

Day four dawned bright and clear as we boarded the bus for Edinburgh, by way of Heddon-on-the-Wall—Hadrian’s Wall. This coast-to-coast wall was built in AD 122 by Roman Emperor Hadrian to protect the Roman legions from marauding northern tribes (probably Knowles’). It’s 80 miles long, ten feet wide, and originally 16 to 20 feet tall. Finding

safe passage through the wall, we continued our journey northward through the scenic Northumberland National Park, where the sunshine melted into rain showers. Crossing over into Scotland was an experience. In pouring rain, we de-boarded the bus for a photo shoot on the border. (If any of our relatives were around, they still did not claim us.)

Edinburgh was most impressive. We spent two days touring the city, including the Edinburgh Castle (once home to Mary Queen of Scots), the boyhood home of Robert Louis Stevenson, and the current home of the legendary James Bond 007, Sean Connery. We invited him to tea at our hotel, but he was busy test driving an Aston Martin. The fi rst evening in Edinburgh, our group attended a Highlands Festival. We enjoyed

The Knowles Gang, Dave and David, visit statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson


Great Explorations…highlands’ music and dancing, and were served traditional Scottish fare which included haggis, off al mixed with suet, oatmeal, and seasoning and boiled in a bag, traditionally the animal's stomach. (Probably the real reason my ancestors fl ed to Ireland.) My favorite experience in Edinburgh was visiting the Chapel of St. Margaret. The chapel is the oldest surviving structure at Edinburgh castle, having been built in the early 1100s by Margaret’s son David I, King of Scotland. A pious woman rumored to have spent eight hours in daily prayer, Margaret was my mother’s patron saint and namesake.

Day six found us heading southwest towards Cardiff , the capital city of Wales. Intermediate stops along the way included Gretna Green, where a blacksmith used to wed runaway couples; the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District; Grasmere, home of the famous poet Wordsworth; and a walking tour of Chester, another old Roman city.

On day seven we visited Stratford-upon-Avon, once home to and now a living monument to William Shakespeare—I actually thought I saw Shakespeare peering out of an upper bedroom window. The tour guide said “No. It’s not really him. It’s his ghost. We see him all the time.” Overnighting in Cardiff , Wales, we spent a fantastic evening touring Cardiff Castle and attending a Welsh celebration with dinner, music and folk dancing.

On day eight, we departed Cardiff for London, taking intermediate stops at Bath—dating to Roman times and famous for the curative powers of its spring-fed pools—and an ancient, mysterious wonder: Stonehenge. What you see is not all there is; there is more of Stonehenge underground,

and buried in the surrounding Salisbury Plain, than above the surface. Advances in ground penetrating radar technology have resulted in the discovery of subterranean chambers and structures. The mysteries of Stonehenge include: Who were the people that built it? How did these Neolithic people quarry, shape, transport and erect those enormous 35 ton stones? What was the purpose for the monument and its design? Dating from 3000 BC (fi ve centuries before the Great Pyramids of Giza were built), Stonehenge most likely served ceremonial and/or spiritual purposes. We know it was designed to specifi cally align with the winter solstice, to mark the turning of the year. Perhaps the most signifi cant marvel about Stonehenge is the more we learn, the more questions we have.

The evening of day eight marked our return to London, along with the realization our adventure was nearly over. Dad and I agreed we had seen enough sights, yet there was one fi nal box to check—a night in the Theatre District. We enjoyed the performance of a classic, “Who done it?”—Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, in its record-breaking 63-year run. What a treat!

Later, as Dad and I winged westward across the Atlantic, we agreed that, even though we failed in the mission to locate our ancestral hometown, we’d discovered a treasure trove of history, and created lifelong memories to further seal the bond between father and son.

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

Great Britain Calling

Outside Buckingham Palace

Scottish Highland Dancers

Stonehenge

London Jekyll & Hyde Pub Hadrian's Wall Roman BathsSt. Margaret's Chapel



The Second Bailout:A Personal Memoir of Bombing Missions Over Nazi Germany and Life as a POW

by Cindy Price

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Lorraine Bossé-Smith

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Get Your MOVE ON! BY KATHY MILILLO

It’s Never Too LateDo not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

The years keep rolling right on by, don’t they? More quickly than ever it seems, and they are going to continue to do so. Every single day we grow a little bit older. But this doesn’t mean that we have to get old, old. On the contrary, we now understand it’s possible to turn back the clock through the lifestyle choices we make—consuming healthier foods, and by exercising regularly. Study after study proves that regular exercise offers incredible benefits to both your body, and your mind.

Never exercised before? Do you feel like it’s too late to get started? Well, the happy news is it’s never too late to begin making improvements to your overall health.

What would you say if I said you could start exercising—maybe for the first time in your life—and become a bodybuilder? That is exactly what 77-year-old Ernestine Shepherd has done (see her photo above). At the age of 56, Ernestine and her older sister, Velvet, made a decision to take much better care of themselves—initially so they’d look good wearing bathing suits—and began working out together for the first time in their lives. They inspired each other and pushed one another. At one point, Velvet told Ernestine she wanted Ernestine to continue working out if anything were to happen to her. A year later, Velvet died suddenly from a brain aneurism. It took Ernestine a year to return to exercising; she later admitted to being a very unhappy, depressed and mean-spirited person during that time period, and didn’t want to exercise anymore. Ernestine claimed Velvet came to her in a dream one night and accused her of not fulfilling her promise. And, once she started exercising again she noticed feeling so much better emotionally, as well as physically.

Ernestine is an amazing inspiration to all who know her and those who hear her story. At the age of 74 she won the Guinness Book of Records title for the, “World’s Oldest Female Bodybuilder.” She now teaches others and believes exercise to be an” anti-aging pill.” (Google Ernestine Shepherd or watch videos of her story on YouTube.)

The point I want to make is it’s never too late to make positive, healthy changes in your lifestyle. All it takes is a first step, a first try, a mindset that believes, “I can do this!” I understand you probably have no desire to become a bodybuilder, however, the natural human desire to feel younger, stronger and healthier—vibrant and alive!—is the best possible motivator there is to begin exercising. In so many ways, regular physical exercise will aid you in feeling better about yourself. No matter what your age, make an important decision today to begin improving your fitness level and your lifestyle. It starts with a simple walk around the block or by giving me a call @ M-PoWered to start your exercise program. Get your move on today!

For more detailed info on the Power Plate visit www.powerplate.com/usFind Kathy on Facebook @ MPoWeredFitnessTraining or email [email protected]

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Inside RELATIONSHIPS BY JAN DENISE

Falling in Love Under the MistletoeEven if I lose my memory, I’ll always remember our first kiss.

Usually around the holiday season, friends getting married and company parties, you become motivated (mostly by your ego and what people think) to find a sweetheart. No problem. Infatuation only needs a few seconds. And, it tastes like a delicious bite of heaven. Somebody finds you irresistible and quickly develops an insatiable appetite for you. They are interested in every word you have to say, aware of every little movement you make and want to spend every waking moment with you. Finally, somebody recognizes you in all of your glory!

Well, sort of. What they really see is their own salvation. We all have this innate, albeit mostly unconscious, longing to return to the paradise of the womb, where we are connected to both our mother and the ultimate source—our needs are seamlessly met, nobody’s picking on us and everybody loves us. Infatuation seems to make everything okay—it gives you somebody to warm up with on a chilly evening, somebody to call when the plane’s late, and somebody to love you when nobody else does...somebody to love you even when you don’t love yourself.

Infatuation doesn’t last, but for now it provides a date for the office party. You won’t have to show up at Aunt Martha’s alone and answer 20 questions that all sound like, “Why can’t you find somebody, settle down and get married?” And, you’ll be too busy shopping for another present and a new sweater, and lighting candles to feel sorry for yourself.

The problem is that unless you take the time to recognize your pattern—falling for someone who seems to meet your needs before you really get to know him (or her)—you’re likely to do a repeat the next time you find yourself in need of a date (or an ego or sex fix). The key word is need. The reason infatuation is a short-lived bite of heaven is that it’s born of need. When you have yet to discover that you are lovable and learn to love yourself, you desperately look for somebody else to prove—to you and the world—that you are worthy. It’s not showing up without a date that hurts. It’s feeling unlovable that hurts.

True love for a sweetheart is born of desire. And that desire isn’t to get your need for self-esteem met; it’s to share the love you have come to know for yourself and life. Ideally; it’s to share the paradise you’ve already created in your life. That would be real love; and alignment with it is the narrow pathway into heaven. Having found true love within, you can saunter into the party alone with a mystical aura of mistletoe all around your head. Granted, not everybody is going to see it, but the ones who do are your best prospects. True love will help you discover the one you spend the rest of your life with.

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A little spark of kindness adds sunshine to someone’s day.Am I the only one who feels like we just celebrated Christmas? My goodness, this year has gone by fast! I’m already feeling overwhelmed just thinking about shopping, wrapping gifts, cooking, baking, and attending parties. On top of that, I’m disappointed by the political mudslinging going on. But instead of throwing my arms up in defeat, I’ve decided this is the perfect time of year for encouraging the practice of Random Acts of Holiday Spirit!

And we can always use a little encouragement. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, encouragement is defined as giving hope or promise; to inspire with courage, spirit, and hope. Many songs, books, and ad slogans have been created to uplift and inspire people: Just Do It, Hang in There, Lean On Me…to name but a few. The amazing thing about encouragement is that positive words and small deeds have a huge impact. Far too often, though, we underestimate the power of encouragement and the difference it offers others. Instead, we may think, “Who am I? What do I have to offer? I’m just too busy.”

The beauty of encouraging others is that whatever energy or effort we give away comes back to us, often tenfold. Don’t believe me? Just give it a try. All you need to do is open your heart, and do something. Thinking isn’t the same as doing. We all have good intentions, but those good intentions need to turn into action. Always remember, we get back what we give away. Here are some easy ideas for practicing Random Acts of Holiday Spirit:

Compile a gift CD of uplifting, inspiring music (or playlist) for a discouraged friend. Place a rose on the windshield of a lonely, elderly friend. Bake cookies for your neighbors. Visit a shut-in and bring along a funny DVD and popcorn. Walk with a co-worker under a lot of pressure and just listen. Send a snail mail card “just because” or “thinking of you.” Offer to babysit for exhausted parents who need a date night. Create a romantic evening with candles and music for your spouse. Help a co-worker with a big project. Write a poem for a special friend’s birthday. Treat a young adult to lunch and listen to their dreams. Create a vacation photo collage for a family member. Wrap and send a holiday care package to a member of the military. Volunteer anywhere you are needed. Call someone just to say “Hi.” Buy a stranger a cup of coffee. Give your kids extra hugs. Schedule lunch with a long, lost friend. And, wish everyone you meet a very, Merry Christmas!

Lorraine Bossé-Smith is a certified professional behavior analyst (CPBA) who has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs across the country. She is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, fitness professional, and author of seven published books who helps companies rewire their business for success and

inspires people toward a healthier, more balanced life. She can be reached at www.lorrainebosse-smith.com

Life IN BALANCE... BY LORRAINE BOSSÉ-SMITH

Random Acts of Holiday Spirit

to:YOU

love: LorraineJUMP FOR JOY!

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Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters. Tip #26. Have you seen the date today? It is someday. Someday is here. Hiking around the 360 Bridge in Austin we came across this message carved into a rock (see above). Looked like a tip to me. Someday I’m going to travel. Someday I’m going to try something new. Someday I will pursue a passion. Someday I will jump out of an airplane. Okay, maybe not that one. Someday starts today.Tip #27. Your car is not a giant purse. Leaving your valuables in a vehicle, locked or unlocked, invites trouble. There have been several car robberies over the past few weeks in our otherwise quiet neighborhood. Watching surveillance camera footage, I viewed male teens simply open vehicle doors and help themselves to valuables left in the car. Don’t make this so easy for them—take your valuables inside and lock your vehicle. Even if you park in a locked garage, play it safe, and take all valuables inside.Tip #28. Make a point to move your body every day. Or lose it. You know it. I know it. Sometimes we just need to be reminded. Ride a bike, take a walk, borrow a kayak —something—just get up and move every day. Traveling? Don’t just sit, walk a few laps around the airport. Sitting at a desk all day? There is now a bike you can put beneath your desk and pedal while you work. Standing in line? Rise up and down on the balls of your feet, stretching your calves. Now try it one foot at a time for balance as well.Tip #29. You aren’t blocked, you are crowded. The definition of crowded: Leaving little or no room for movement; packed. Maybe you can’t write, you can’t create, you can’t make a decision, you can’t figure out what to do. Look around and see where your crowds are. Too many things on your desk or in your house? Too many people around all the time? Too many things on your to-do list? What is in your way? Move it, put it away or get rid of it. Clean out the things crowding your goals and then get to work.Tip #30. Never make someone wait to do their job. Timing is planning ahead. This tip is a short but timely reminder from Son 2.0—he has a college professor who apparently has never been taught this: Early is on time. On time is late. Late is fired.Tip #31. Think long term with your money, no matter the amount. Save some of it every day, even if it’s just a few dollars. We are big Empire fans—watching the adventures of Cookie and her boys each week on CBS. Enjoyed a recent interview with Taraji P. Henson aka Cookie, the matriarch of this famous TV family. She talked about a message she delivers often to her TV actor sons—asking them, “Are you keeping your money?” Adding, “This will not last forever, make sure you are saving money for later.” It’s a good question for anyone. Are you keeping any of your money?

It’s the end of another year. Whatcha gonna do with it?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...

My wife died in 2007 after enduring a four-year battle with cancer. After she passed away I had many questions. My primary question was, though I loved my wife dearly, why had we argued constantly? She would say up and I would say down. She would say right and I would say left. Thus my research began…

There is so much discord throughout the world—in politics, in nations, between people, and within families, as evidenced by a 50% divorce rate. This discord was also refl ected in my marriage. Then, one day while I was sitting on a park bench watching a waterfall fl owing eff ortlessly into a pond, as a beautiful rose bloomed nearby in the garden, I felt peace all around me. A thought occurred to me, “How can this be a world of two such extremes?” I then realized that everything—from the sun on my face to the boiling kettle of water for my morning tea—is driven by energy.

If energy drives everything, it’s only logical that men and women should be able to get along if their energies are compatible. I researched diff erent sources until I came upon a book that included a chart displaying compatibility levels among diff erent astrological signs. My research became more and more amazing as I began to notice distinct patterns emerge.

You know your astrological sign—85% of the U.S. population does. Read the following questions, along with their answers, and you will understand what I discovered:

What happens when you put water on fi re? Water puts out fi re.

What happens when you put earth on fi re? Earth puts out fi re.

What happens when you put fi re to water? Fire evaporates water.

What happens when you put fi re to earth? Fire scorches and dries out earth.

What happens when you put too much air to earth? You get the Sahara Desert.

What happens when you put too much air to water? Air evaporates water.

Now here comes the good part: What happens when you put air to fi re? You get a jet engine! What happens when you put water on earth? It blooms!

Fire and air complement each other, but are destructive to water and earth. My wife was a Sagittarius (fi re sign), and I

am a Scorpio (water sign). She was the extreme of fi re and I was the extreme of water. Our diffi cult relationship now made all the sense in the world!

Our diff erences went even further: Fire and air are positive signs. Air signs are oxygen and receive energy from communication. Fire is enthusiasm and gets energy from joy. They verify a relationship intellectually, meaning he can be in New York and she in can be California, but as long as they communicate by whatever means they have exchanged energy. Water is emotion and gets energy from aff ection. Earth is practical and gets energy from fi nancial pursuits. They verify a relationship physically—hugs, kisses and proximity are important to them.

Other diff erences between positive and negative signs are: positive lives outside the home; negative lives inside the home. Positive values freedom; negative values security. Positive signs are 100% on or off . Negative signs have degrees, like water temperature. So romantically speaking, positive signs are raring to go full steam ahead into lovemaking, while negative signs need time to warm up.

The bottom-line implications for careers, personal relationships, marriages, etc. are astounding. We are all born to make each other happy. When you are with the right partner, what you want to give, they want to receive; and what you want to receive, they want to give—by the bucket load. Positive signs receive freedom and joy, and negative signs receive love and security. All is good.

So what is the moral of my story? When choosing your life partner, do your best to choose a same energy type partner. Life is really that easy when you follow the directions on the box.

BY GEORGE MUSSENDEN

sharing my story...Life is easy…when you follow the directions on the box

George MussendenAstrology Matchmaker

and Business Consultant With Japanese friends at base of Mt. Fuji


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.

American Stress Therapy

American Stress Therapy Client Testimonials:

Valli LeaAmerican 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 taking

FM 528 (Nasa Road 1). 12 stop lights toSan 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.

You are invited to my Annual Christmas Party!Holiday Munchies and WassailParty location is my home (see address in bottom RH corner)

On Saturday, November 14, 2015

11 AM to 4 PM

“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

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