BY SARAH WILSONeditorialassistant@cdispatch.com

everyone seems toknow ColumbusLowndes

Development Link’s CEO,Joe Higgins, but the Linkoffice also has five power-ful ladies behind him whohelp everything runsmoothly. MaureenLipscomb, BrendaHardaway Lathan, MelissaCook, Shasta Nance andMary Cates Williams arethe heart and soul of theLink, and each have inter-esting stories of their own.

Maureen LipscombLipscomb, member-

ship programs and educa-tion/retirement director,moved to Columbus in1989. After attendingMiami DadeCommunityCollege andMississippiUniversityfor Women,she graduat-ed from theU.S.Chamber of Commerce’sInstitute of OrganizationManagement.

“I’ve lived in Columbusfor 23 years. As my chil-dren got older, I wasmade aware of more com-munity events and pro-grams,” she said.According to Lipscomb,that’s what made herwant to work with thecommunity.

She has been on theLink staff for 11 years andduring that time she hascoordinated the Link’sLowndes Young LeaderProgram and overseenthe Military Affairs andEducation, Seminar andDevelopment committees,along with planning manyLink events. She alsoholds the position ofHometown MississippiRetirement director forLowndes County.

“I love dealing with thepublic and love all of thedifferent directions ittakes me,” said Lipscomb.“Every day it’s somethingnew; new people to meetand help. I want to get up

every day and go towork.”

Outside of work,Lipscomb is the motherof Laura, J.R. and LindsayLipscomb and the grand-mother of Will, who is 4years old. She is the vicepresident of KiwanisInternational, and isinvolved in HeritageAcademy, the ColumbusArts Council, theColumbus JuniorAuxiliary andAnnunciation CatholicChurch.

“I feel so lucky that Ifound something that is

so interesting to do and Ifeel like I’m helping thecommunity,” she said.

Brenda HardawayLathan

Brenda HardawayLathan, vice president ofeconomic development,has lived in Columbus for37 years.

Whileshe reallylovesColumbus,she wants toimprove it.“I like thefact thatColumbusstill has that small-towncharm to it, but I love thechallenge of trying toimprove the quality of lifehere by creating newjobs, bringing new busi-nesses here, and helpingbusinesses we alreadyhave to expand. It used tobe that young people hadto leave to find good jobs,but now if they want tostay in the area, we havethose jobs available forthem.”

She has a Master ofScience degree fromMUW, and is a graduateof Oklahoma University

Economic DevelopmentInstitute and theUniversity of ShoppingCenters Course at PennState School of EconomicDevelopment. She is acertified economic devel-oper by the InternationalEconomic DevelopmentCouncil, and wasMississippi’s 25th practic-ing certified economicdeveloper, the secondfemale and first black.

Lathan says herfavorite part of her job isthe diversity. “I don’t dothe same thing any twodays in a row. I also lovethe interaction with peo-

ple; I get to deal with peo-ple from all over theworld.”

Because she has a loveof learning, she loves totravel for work. “When Iget to travel, I really enjoythat. Because I attendconferences, seminarsand workshops, it helpsme do my job better,” shesaid. “I like learningwhat other economicdevelopment organiza-tions are doing so I canbe better at what I do.”

The MississippiBusiness Journal namedLathan one of its 2005 50Leading BusinessWomen. She has servedas an adjunct professor atMUW, worked for KerrMcGee, ownedSweetnin’s bakery andworked for a nationaloffice equipment compa-ny.

Off the clock, Lathanis the matriarch of a verylarge family. She and herhusband, Charles, havefive adult children:Raymond, Al, Dedra, Joy,and Alonte, and six grand-kids. She is very involvedat the Tenth StreetBaptist Church, whereshe is on the finance com-

mittee and is president ofthe usher board. She isalso on the United Wayboard of directors.

“I just love Columbusand I want to do all I canto help it grow and pros-per,” she said.

Melissa CookMelissa Cook is vice

president of the Link anda native of Arab, Ala. Sheattended Arab HighSchool, AuburnUniversity and is a 1997graduate of the Institutefor OrganizationalManagement. She has

also graduated from theAlabama IntensiveEconomic DevelopmentTraining course and theBasic EconomicDevelopment Course andthe 2010 LeadershipMississippi Class.

She was the presidentof the Arab Chamber ofCommerce for 15 yearsbefore moving toColumbus. Since comingto the Link, she has initi-ated Leadership LowndesCounty and the YoungProfessionals group.She’s responsible for day-to-day operations of theLink and the financials.

Cook served on theboard of the NortheastMississippi ContractProcurement Office astreasurer, the Main StreetColumbus board of direc-tors as its secretary, thePolice Chief’s AdvisoryCouncil, and is a 2009graduate of the CitizensPolice Academy. She is

also a mem-ber of theAmericanChamber ofCommerceExecutives,the U.S.Chamber,the BetterBusiness Bureau, theSoutheast EconomicDevelopment Council, theMississippi EconomicCouncil and theMississippi EconomicDevelopment Council.She also serves as anadviser and mentor forthe Southeast Institute for

OrganizationalManagement.

“I love helping busi-nesses grow and thrive —it’s what motivates me,”she said.

Cook has two daugh-ters, Stevie Cryar, 24 andJessica Cook, 22, and ison the Main StreetColumbus executiveboard and involved inPilgrimage. She has alsoworked for Habitat forHumanity.

Shasta NanceShasta Nance, office

administrator, is fromLouisville.She is agraduate ofWinstonAcademyandMississippiUniversityfor Women,where she received herbachelor’s degree ingraphic design in 2006

and has been a Columbusresident since 2001.

While at MUW, Nanceserved as President of theTroubadour Social Club,a member of theBlackList HonorarySocial Club, andTreasurer for Interclub.

While at the Link, shehas completed the NewSouth EconomicDevelopment Coursefrom the University ofSouthern Mississippi andthe first year of Instituteof OrganizationalManagement in Athens,Ga. She is a board mem-ber for the Link’d YoungProfessionals, serves asadministrative assistant tothe Lowndes CountyIndustrial DevelopmentAuthority and is an activemember of BaseCommunity Council andPRAM Golden Triangle.

”I love working withthe public and I loveorganizing events,” shesaid. “I like being in theknow of things going onaround town.”

Nance does a lot ofwork with the Link’dYoung Professionals andfinds it a very rewardingpart of her job.

“It has not only broad-ened my network of pro-fessional relationships, ithas also taught me that ifyou get enough peopletogether with a communi-ty-minded goal, you canaccomplish anything.”

She is engaged to NickDodd and will be marriedin the spring of 2011. Sheloves music and her dogs,LuLu and Gizmo. She isalso a freelance graphicdesigner and has donelogos for several localbusinesses.

Mary Cates WilliamsMary Cates Williams,

executive vice president

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010 3TODAY’S WOMAN

cover story

BY SARAH WILSONeditorialassistant@cdispatch.com

velma Woodard, secretary toColumbus Mayor Robert Smithand Chief Operating Officer David

Armstrong, has her plate full. Betweenwriting proclamations, manning thephones, organizing the daily schedulesand travel arrangements, and occasionallyacting as a telephone directory, Woodard’sday is packed tight.

It’s a demanding job, but Woodardsays she always tries to treat peoplewarmly.

“I try to greet everyone with a smile,”she said. “I enjoy talking with people. Alot of times (Smith) is out, and peopletell me their stories and complaints.”

“For the most part, I think the cityruns smoothly,” she said.

It isn’t all smooth sailing for Woodardthough. “Last minute tasks are the moststressful and worst part of the job. Stuffcomes up at the last minute that’s perti-nent. You have to gather yourself inorder to get the job done.”

Woodard has been working in themayor’s office for three years. Beforethat, she was a secretary at WestLowndes Elementary School for 25

years and has also worked atWeyerhaeuser as a technician.

She grew up in Meridian and attend-ed Meridian High school. She also wentto Mississippi State University, whereshe graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor’sdegree in business education.

Woodard has been married to herhusband, Robert, for 18 years; and is themother of two children, 17-year-oldKayla, who is a junior at Columbus HighSchool and 11-year-old Robert II, who isa fifth-grader at Cook Magnet School.She is a member of Southside MBChurch, where she is on the ProjectSouthside Board, which provides child-care during the summers and beforeand after school. She is also a Girl Scoutleader and enjoys traveling and going toamusement parks with her family.

When asked how she balances such abusy schedule, she touts the value of“prayer and organization.”

“Usually after a 10-hour day, the firstthing I do when I get into my car, ispray. Pray, so I can go home and givemy husband and kids the same patiencethat I give my customers every day. Ialso always make sure to have the kids’schedules with me so I know where thekids are going, where I need to takethem, and what’s going on.”

The mayor’s task masterSarah Wilson/Dispatch Staff

Velma Woodard poses for a photo at city hall Wednesday.

WOMEN OF THE LINKLipscomb

Lathan

Cook

Nance

See LINK, Page 6

BY RYAN POErpoe@cdispatch.com

after herthreechildren

graduated in asmany years, stay-at-home momJeanette Bearddecided to spendher future in thepast.

She combinedher passions —interior decorat-ing and collectingantiques — andstarted JeanetteBeard’s Interiorsand Antiques onSecond Avenue in2007.

“When yourchildren leave,you look for whatyou enjoy in lifeand go for it,” shesaid.

Beard’s busi-ness grew quick-ly, allowing her tobegin rentingspace atAnnabelle’sAntique Mall inWest Point and atan antique deal-ers’ market inMemphis.

Now, the 29-year Columbus residentplans to open a market, Antiquities onFifth, on Nov. 3 with a ribbon cutting atnoon.

The market, which will be similar toMarket Central in Memphis, will bringtogether 11 dealers in antiques and artunder the same roof, she said.

“I think it’ll be great for Columbus,”she continued. “It’ll have something foreveryone.”

The market, which will be open from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays throughFridays, will feature a wide variety ofantiques, including Victorian, European,English and American pieces, as well asthe work of local artists.

Beard, whose mother owned a cloth-

ing shop in Lula, said buying and sellingruns in her blood.

“I grew up as a little girl going toantique shops,” she said. “I didn’t like itat the time, but I grew to love it.”

Since then, she has traveled acrossthe country with her husband to scoutestate sales and auctions for deals.

“It’s a fun business and I love it,” shesaid. “I wouldn’t do anything else.”

Her shop, which will coexist with theantique market, has also become asocial networking tool, introducing herto new friends and business.

“I’m just as busy as when I was astay-at-home mom,” Beard said. “I lovedbeing with my children, but I also lovewhat I do now.”

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com6 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010 TODAY’S WOMAN

Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff

Jeanette Beard combined her passion for interior design andantiques by opening Jeanette Beard’s Interiors and Antiques.

With success inantiques, mom findsnew passion in past

LinkContinued from Page 2

of governmental affairsand business develop-ment, came to Columbusin 2008 and is the newestof the Link ladies.

She is in charge of theLink’s coordination ofBase Realignment and

Closureactivitieswith theColumbusAir ForceBase, over-seeing out-reachstrategies

with Mississippi StateUniversity officials, and isan adviser to the LinkCEO and ExecutiveCommittee.

Williams graduatedfrom the University ofMississippi with a bache-lor’s degree in politicalscience and an Englishminor. She began hercareer in the Washingtonoffice of Sen. Thad

Cochran and eventuallybecame his legislativeassistant for foreignaffairs and internationaltrade. She also worked asan associate at SchmidtPublic Affairs, and hasprepared clients fornational media appear-ances in venues thatincluded The TodayShow, CNN, U.S. Newsand World Report andNASCAR.

Williams, formerlyPermenter, marriedRobert Wiliams Aug. 21.They’re members of FirstPresbyterian church inOxford and she’s theadviser for University ofMississippi’s chapter ofChi Omega Sorority. Sheis originally from Ripleyand has lived inWashington D.C.

She came back toMississippi because shethinks that “Mississippi ishome for me, and you

always want the place youlove to be better. I havethe opportunity to dothat.”

“I really enjoy learningeverything and seeinghow it all comes togeth-er,” she said. “Joe Max(Higgins) was the onewho inspired me to comedown here. He’s reallyenthusiastic about his joband really inspires all ofus.”

As for working withthe other women of theLink, she says it’s a wel-come relief from themale-dominated officesshe’s worked at previous-ly.

“It’s great workingwith the other women atthe Link. We all havesuch different personali-ties, but we all get alongwell together. We workreally well together.”

Williams

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

Talking about thingslike incontinence,vaginal pain and

other conditions can beembarrassing. You feellike you might be the onlyperson with this problemor maybe you feel likeeveryone has this prob-lem so you should justlearn to live with it. Thetruth is, pelvic pain andincontinence are notnormal and yourhealthcare providercan’t help you if youdon’t tell them there is aproblem.

Many physical thera-pists have specializedtraining which benefitswomen with a variety ofmedical conditions.Women’s health physicaltherapists use their physi-cal therapy training toevaluate and treat femaleclients to promote andenhance health and well-ness.

Carol Walters, awomen’s health physicaltherapist at OCHRegional Medical Center,specializes in the treat-ment of the following con-ditions which can be man-aged or improved withphysical therapy provid-ing conservative, non-sur-gical approaches. Thisinformation is not intend-ed as a substitute for pro-fessional healthcare.

Urinary incontinenceStress incontinence is

leakage of urine whenthere is increased pres-sure on the bladder. Thisusually happens duringexercise or during sneez-ing, coughing, lifting orother activities. Stressincontinence typicallyresults from weaknessand lack of support in themuscles of the pelvicfloor. These are the mus-cles that attach to the bot-tom of the pelvic bonesand run front to back,forming a bowl-like struc-ture that lifts to supportthe internal organs andcontrols the sphinctermuscles of the bladder.Women with stress incon-tinence often have “underactive” pelvic floor mus-cles.

Urge incontinence is

the leakage of urine whena person feels a suddenstrong urge to urinate.Women with urge inconti-nence often have weakand “overactive” pelvicfloor muscles.

Mixed incontinenceincludes symptoms ofboth stress and urgeincontinence.

“Many symptoms

of urinary incontinenceare caused by pelvic floorweakness and dysfunc-tion. Physical therapistshelp patients learn thecorrect exercises to gaincontrol of their inconti-nence symptoms. Mypatients have much suc-cess with physical thera-py,” according to Dr. J.Patrick Chaney, an OB-GYN physician withPhysicians and SurgeonsObstetrics andGynecology Clinic,Amory and Columbus.

Physical therapy treat-ment may include: tech-niques to help you findthe right muscles andlearn to use them correct-ly to strengthen, ways todecrease urinary urge

and frequency, biofeed-back to show you howyour muscles are work-ing, and/or electricalstimulation to improveawareness and strengthof the muscles.

Pelvic painPelvic pain is pain in

the lower abdomen, pelvisor perineum and may

include pain in the hip orbuttocks, pain in the tail-bone, limited sitting toler-ance, pain in the joints ofthe pelvis or pain withsexual intercourse. Pelvicpain may be caused byproblems with muscleand joint imbalances, ten-der points in the musclesof the pelvic floor, weak-ness of the muscles orscar tissue after abdomi-nal or pelvic surgery.Women’s Health physicaltherapists can identify thepossible muscular causesof pelvic pain and developa treatment plan specificto the pain.

Pregnancy and postpartum issues

Fluctuating hormone

levels both during preg-nancy and postpartummay cause excessive jointmobility, which can causepain. Due to the posturalchanges associated withpregnancy, some musclesbecome tight, while oth-ers are stretched andbecome weak. This mus-cle imbalance can alsocause pain. Women’shealth physical therapistsprovide hands on treat-ment to address spinaland pelvic joint dysfunc-tion, instruct in exercisesto address muscle weak-ness and imbalance, andinstruct modifications ofdaily activities that maybe difficult during preg-nancy and postpartum.

If you are interested inparticipating in physicaltherapy, you should talkwith your medicalprovider. A referral tophysical therapy isrequired prior to partici-pation. Referral sourcesare your family physician,internal medicine physi-cian, OB/GYN, urologist,physician’s assistant ornurse practitioner.

For more informationregarding Women’sHealth Physical Therapy,contact Carol Walters, PTat OCH RehabilitationServices at 662-615-3020.Information is also avail-able through the Sectionon Women’s Health,American PhysicalTherapy Association at 1-800-999-2782 or visit theSOWH consumer infor-mation website at women-shealthapta.org.

THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010 7TODAY’S WOMAN

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SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

Lymphedema isan abnormalaccumulation of

protein rich lymphfluid within the body. Itoccurs due to an insuf-ficiency of the lym-phatic vessels andnodes to transport theprotein rich fluid out.Lymphedema maydevelop in an arm orleg when the lymphvessels and lymphnodes have been dam-aged or removed. Itafflicts approximately 1percent of the U.S.population, 2.5 millionAmericans. There aretwo types of lymphede-ma primary and sec-ondary.

Primary lymphede-ma can be present atbirth, can developbefore the age of 35 orcan develop after theage of 35. With pri-mary lymphedema,the swelling occurs formany reasons usuallydeformities in thelymph nodes or ves-sels.Lymphangioscintigraphy (LAS) is a medicaltest using radioactivetracers to evaluate thefunction of the lymphsystem.

Secondary lym-phedema results fromsurgical removal of thelymph nodes, blockageof the lymph nodes,damage to the lymphvessels, scarringacross the vessels,radiation therapy,infection, trauma, obe-sity or chronic venousinsufficiency.Secondary lymphede-ma can occur at anytime postoperatively ormay not appear formonths or years.Secondary lymphede-ma is most often thecause of arm swellingin women after treat-ment for breast cancer.

Lymphedema is acondition that is verydifferent from personto person. Accordingto Carol Walters, PT,lymphedema therapist

at OCH RegionalMedical Center,“Although lymphede-ma is a chronic condi-tion with no cure, it ismanageable with earlyintervention.”“Treatment programsand home mainte-nance programs willvary depending onmany factors.” accord-ing to Katie Langley,PT, lymphedema thera-pist at OCH.

Your physician candiagnosis lymphedemaand make the requiredprescription referral toinitiate lymphedematreatment. Treatmentoptions include special-ized massage, exercis-es, bandaging andcompression gar-ments. Successfultreatment involves ateam approachbetween the patient,physician and lym-phedema therapist.Lymphedema thera-pists are physical ther-apists, occupationaltherapists or massagetherapists who havebeen specificallytrained in manuallymph drainage (mas-sage) techniques,bandaging and com-pression garmentapplications for thetreatment of lym-phedema. Diana W. ofStarkville comments“Physical therapy: thespecial massage, exer-cises, and arm sleevehave helped my armso much. The lym-phedema physicaltherapists are veryspecial, knowledge-able, and caring.”

To locate a lym-phedema therapist inyour area, contactCarol Walters, PT orKatie Langley, PT atOCH Regional MedicalCenter OutpatientRehabilitation Servicesat 662-615-3020. Formore informationabout lymphedema,contact the NationalLymphedemaNetwork at 800-541-3259 or lymphnet.org/

After breastcancer: Do I havelymphedema?

Health

For women of all ages:Health and physical therapy

Many symptoms of urinaryincontinence are caused by

pelvic floor weakness and dysfunction. Physical therapists

help patients learn the correct exercises to gain control of their incontinence symptoms.

Dr. J. Patrick Chaney, an OB-GYN physician withPhysicians and Surgeons Obstetrics and

Gynecology Clinic

“

METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS

C hances are someone you know maybe diagnosed with a gynecologiccancer in her lifetime. Just what are

these diseases, and what should oneexpect?

Gynecologic cancer is a broad term thatencompasses cervical, ovarian, uterine,vaginal and vulvar cancers. As of 2006, thelast year for which numbers were available,76,515 women were told they had a gyneco-logic cancer and 27,848 died from one ofthese diseases.

For those uninformed about the differ-ent cancers that can plague women, here isa brief look at each of them.

CervicalCervical cancer is one of the most pre-

ventable of the gynecologic cancersbecause screening is available through PAPtests. There is also a vaccine available toprevent human papilloma virus infections,which are known to contribute to the for-mation of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer forms in the cervix,which is the bottom part of the uterus andconnects to the vagina. While all womenare at risk, those over the age of 30 aremore likely to get cervical cancer. However,recovery is high, as the cancer is highlytreatable.

OvarianMore women die from ovarian cancer

than any other type of gynecologic cancer.However, detecting cancer early allows forthe best chance for successful treatment.

Ovarian cancer produces symptoms, butmany times they are mistaken for otherconditions, such as irritable bowel, stress

and depression. Symptoms may includeabdominal pain and pressure, constipation,urinary urgency, loss of appetite, feeling fulland changes in menstruation.

Women with any of these symptomsshould visit a doctor to rule out other con-ditions. Although it can affect many agegroups, 90 percent of those who experienceovarian cancer are over the age of 40.

UterineUterine cancer forms in the uterus, or

the pear-shaped womb of the woman. Thisis where a baby forms and grows. Becausethe cancer generally takes hold in the lin-ing of the uterus, it can be referred to asendometrial cancer.

No one is sure just what leads to uterinecancer, but there are some risk factors. Ageis one of them; women over the age of 50are more at risk. Also, women undergoinghormone replacement therapy formenopause or osteoporosis are at greaterrisk. Those who have had endometrialhyperplasia, or an increase in the numberof cells in the lining of the uterus, are alsoat a higher risk for uterine cancer.

Vaginal and VulvarThe vagina is the inner pathway to the

uterus. The vulva is the outer part of thevagina that is protected by two folds of skin.Cancers in these parts of the body are veryrare (1percent and 5 percent respectfully).

Just as with cervical cancer, HPV maycontribute to the formation of vaginal orvulvar cancers. Women should bring todoctors’ attention any symptoms that seemirregular, such as unexplained itching,bleeding or lumps in these areas of thebody.

Diagnosing gynecologic cancer

dr. Bethany ReedHairston, medicaldirector of The

Dermatology Clinic inColumbus, enjoys giving“simple bits of advice” fora person to help keeptheir skin healthy. As wetransition from summerinto fall, she offerstoday’s woman the follow-ing tips:

1. Moisturize, moistur-ize, moisturize

A daily bath or showercan add much-neededmoisture to the skin.Moisturizer traps existingwater in the skin, prevent-ing the water from evapo-rating. To trap water froma bath or shower in theskin, moisturizer must be

applied within three min-utes of bathing. Appliedregularly, this helpsdecrease dryness anditching. If skin is notice-ably dry and uncomfort-able, moisturizing morefrequently throughout theday can help the skinheal. Very dry skin mayrequire a prescriptionointment or cream. Dryskin also can be a sign ofan underlying medicalcondition such as eczema.

2. Don’t forget feetDry and cracked feet

typically worsen in thewinter and can be painfulwhen walking. Being dili-gent with application of a“foot balm” can hydratethat thick layer of skin onthe soles and reduce the

development of fissuresand callouses. Dr.Hairston’s favorite prod-ucts include alpha-hydroxy acids which helpto exfoliate the dead layerof skin cells that tend tobuild up on the soles ofthe feet.

3. Get a vitamin boostOf all the news coming

from the beauty commu-nity, the loudest buzz maybe about the power ofvitamins, minerals, andother nutrients to giveskin a more radiant,healthy, and, yes, youthfulglow.When it comes toskin, the single mostimportant B vitamin isbiotin, a nutrient thatforms the basis of skin,nail, and hair cells.

Without adequateamounts, you may end upwith dermatitis (an itchy,scaly skin reaction) orsometimes even hair loss.Biotin is found in manyfoods including bananas,eggs, oatmeal, and rice,plus your body alsomakes some biotin on itsown. There are manybrands of biotin supple-ments available on themarket such as supple-ments including biotinwith other vitamins likethe hair, skin, and nailvitamin varieties.

4. Avoid ‘neck neglect’Many people take care

of the skin on their facesby wearing sunscreen butforget their necks! Forthose who have a signifi-cant history of sun expo-sure with “neck neglect,”the skin on their necks isoften much more sundamaged and has differ-ent skin tone and texturethan the face. In women,the difference is madeeven more obvious bywearing facial makeup.Avoid “neck neglect” byremembering to use sun-screen on the neck aswell as the face and alsoto bring the moisturizingcreams down onto theneck.

5. Be smart with sun-screens

This is probably one ofthe most important anddifficult tips to remember.Even in the winter, expo-sure to the sun’s raysspeeds up the agingprocess in the skin. Thisexposure increases therisk of developing dryskin, wrinkles, age spots,and skin cancer. Daily useof a sunscreen can slowthese sun-induced signsof aging and reduce therisk of developing skincancer. Dermatologistsrecommend wearing abroad-spectrum sun-screen with a SunProtection Factor of 30 orhigher on all skin that willbe exposed. Dr. Hairstonrecommends a daily com-bination moisturizer/sun-screen for the face to sim-plify your morning rou-tine ... to get 2 productsin one application!

6. Latisse® for lashes Latisse® is one of

those products that willgive a person a “WOW”factor in a couple ofmonths. If you are tryingto add to lash length andvitality over the holidays,now is the time to initiateLatisse®. The medicinein Latisse®was originallyused in persons with glau-coma ... and then doctorsand patients notedincreased growth and full-ness of eyelashes in thepeople using the drops.Subsequently,

Latisse®was born and isnow marketed and usedspecifically in a way toaugment lash length andfullness. It is available byprescription at doctor’soffices including TheDermatology Clinic.

7. Antioxidants for anti-aging

The skin is constantlyexposed to free radicalsproduced by pollutants inthe environment and,most significantly, UVlight. To maintain healthy,youthful skin, antioxi-dants counteract thesenegative influences andare obtained throughdiet, supplements, andtopical products. Topicalantioxidants like resvera-trol, vitamin C, and coen-zyme Q10 will protect theskin and optimize skinhealth. Look for productsthat contain these ingredi-ents to deliver nutrientsto the skin.

8. Wash your faceBuildup of dead skin

cells, dirt, and environ-mental particles can clogpores, lead to acne, andcontribute to a dull andlifeless complexion! Dr.Hairston recommendstaking the time to washyour face everyday with aproduct appropriate forthe face. This is an impor-tant part of overall skinmaintenance ... it can eas-ily be done when a per-son is in the bath orshower. However, don’tnecessarily just use yourdeodorant body soapbecause it can dry theskin especially in the win-ter.

9. Beware of beauty ina bottle

The television andother forms of media arefull of advertisementsfrom products offeringdramatic results againstwrinkles and skin rejuve-nation. Dr. Hairstonwarns patients to be care-ful as they choose prod-

ucts from the shelves andto not believe every beau-ty claim out there. Justbecause a product may be“dermatologist recom-mended” or “dermatolo-gist approved” does notmean that all dermatolo-gists recommend thatproduct! Seek profession-al advice when investinginto your skincare routineand look for the sciencebehind the products.

10. When in doubtcheck it out

The best advice a per-son can get from a der-matologist is to make anappointment if they areworried about moles orother skin lesions. If youare unsure about whethera spot on your skin is nor-mal or not, then youshould seek a doctor’sopinion. Dermatologistsspend years learning toanalyze moles and otherlesions and have the abili-ty to biopsy if concernsexist. Dr. Hairstonencourages people toschedule an appointmentfor lesions of concern and“when in doubt ... checkit out!”

The DermatologyClinic is located inColumbus on the BaptistMemorial HospitalGolden Triangle Campus.The clinic is openMonday through Fridayand is accepting appoint-ments for new patient vis-its with Dr. Hairston.Persons interested inskincare products mayvisit the clinic without anappointment and workwith our skincareexperts. Many of theproducts Dr. Hairston rec-ommends can be found atThe Dermatology Clinic;Dr. Hairston is alwayswilling to help patientsfind additional productsthat would be of benefit atretail stores as well. Tocontact The DermatologyClinic, visit their websitewww.thederm-clinic.comor call 662-328-3375.

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ibelieve in the “olderwomen teachingthe younger

women.” I alsobelieve that mygeneration for themost part hasfailed miserably.For that I’m sorry.

In the lastdecade I’ve tried tobe a better teacherand role model partic-ularly in how youngwomen dress ormaybe not so youngwomen like me forexample.

I admit I have made somereal fashion blunders both nowand in the past. In the past mymanner of dress was due to

hubris and hard-head-edness. It was not

due to poorinstruction orlack of chiding.I receivedboth.

Barelytwenty, I inter-

viewed for ahostess job at a

nice restaurant. Iwas dressed in my

pretty pinkdesigner dresspurchased onsale at an exclu-

sive boutique. It was probablyon sale because it had a slitright up the front to your you-know- what. I figured if I stoodjust right that it would be okay.

It was not okay.At the end of the interview

Mr. What’s His Name said, “Ifyou get this job you cannotwear a dress like that. This is afamily restaurant.”

I responded, “This is adesigner dress.”

Apparently I thought that tid-bit relevant to his comment.No, I did not get the job.

Even now I have purchasedjeans that inexplicably slideright down to my hip bonesbefore the day is over or thatskirt to which I cautiouslyadded a slip only to find theskirt diaphanous in the sun-light.

I’m going to be very franksince we are just ladies. Here’sa little older womanly advice

based on experience. Pleaseremember at Communion theservers can see right downyour low-cut dress to yourkneeling knees.

If you have to tug at yourgarment while you are at homethat won’t miraculously changewhen you leave. Like the wed-ding soloist who continuallyhoisted her bosoms right infront of three hundred guests.It was very distracting.

And your nipples, no onewants to see your nipples.Okay, some people want to seeyour nipples but is that reallythe attention you want? Trustme a guy is not thinking, “Whata cute outfit she’s wearing.”Cosmo advertises “how todress sexy” because he is

thinking about sex. News flash. And short skirts? There’s

nothing new under the sun. Inthe ‘60s I burned my bottom onmany a hot car seat. Now whena young lady in a short skirtbends over, which they invari-ably do, I’m thinking, no, no,please don’t … then there shegoes; daylight where thereshould be none.

Girlfriends, why don’t wehelp each other out a little butbe nice ‘cause mistakes happen.

And Emma, you have askedsince you were 5 years old ifyou were modest. Yes, princess,you are.

Shannon Rule Bardwell is aSouthern writer living quietly inthe Prairie. Her e-mail ismsdeltachild@msn.com.

For ladies only

fashion

ShannonBardwell

beauty Dr. Hairston’s Top 10 healthy skin tips

Dr. Bethany Reed Hairston