Heart Disease doesn’tCare What YOU Wear

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Volume 51 Issue 2

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Providing comprehensive gynecologic care

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Chetanna Okasi, M.D.

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FEATURE STORY Submitted by Chetanna Okasi, M.D.

Women often endure health issues in si-lence, especially if the problem is embar-

rassing,affects only them and doesn’t pose a serious health risk. Yet issues that appear minor and personal can have a major impact on a woman’s quality of life - and ultimately on the lives of those around her. Here are three common health issues that women tend to discount as “minor,” and avoid talking about. Yet each of these issues can deeply affect not only a woman’s physical health, but her mental, personal and professional well-being as well.• Incontinence - Defined as the in-

voluntary release of urine from the bladder, incontinence affects 25 million Americans, accord-ing to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Seventy-five to 80 percent of them are women, the National Association for Con-tinence estimates. Women may remain silent about their problem thinking incontinence is a nor-mal part of aging (it’s not) or that

it only affects sufferers on a per-sonal level. From bladder train-ing to medications, treatments can help. The first step is to talk to your doctor about the problem.

• Heavy periods - About 10 million women experience heavy peri-ods that require hourly changes of pads or tampons even at night, bleeding that lasts a week or lon-ger, and that restrict their daily activities. Consulting with their doctors can help women decide on a treatment for their heavy periods. Oral contraceptives and hysterectomies have been tra-ditional options for severe cas-es. An alternative, NovaSure, is a nonsurgical, non-hormonal treatment that can be done in a doctor’s office with a single five-minute procedure. For more than 90 percent of women, Nova-Sure can dramatically reduce or even eliminate menstrual bleed-ing. To learn more about the pro-cedure call 443-380-0060.

• Digestive health - From chron-ic constipation to irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux to severe

gas, digestive disorders affect millions of American women, ac-cording to the National Institutes of Health. It’s important to find out if your digestive problems are relatively innocuous or indicate a more serious issue, so talk to your doctor.■

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Phone numbers:443-380-0060410-730-7722

Health Issues Women Shouldn’t Put Up With and Don’t Have to3

“Three common health issues

that women tend to discount as

‘minor’.”

April - May 2016 3

Nearly one-third of adults have high LDL-choles-terol levels, which is also known as bad cholester-ol, a key risk factor for heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

tion. And, unfortunately, about 70 percent of adults with high LDL-cholesterol don’t have the condition under control.

For the many people working to manage their choles-terol levels with the help of their diet, including corn oil may provide important heart-health benefits. Recent re-search in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology shows that a diet with corn oil, like Mazola, helps lower LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol more than extra virgin olive oil. Addi-tionally, corn oil has four times more cholesterol-blocking plant sterols than olive oil and 40 percent more than cano-la oil. Plant sterols are plant-based compounds naturally present in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes

and vegetable oils. When consumed as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, plant sterols can help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut, which, in turn, can lower LDL-cholesterol.

And, when it comes to heart health, the type of fat in the diet matters. In fact, in the newly released 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the emphasis is no lon-ger on eating a low-fat diet but instead choosing quality fats. This includes replacing saturated fats that are known to contribute to heart disease with unsaturated fats, including polyunsaturated fats, like those in Mazola Corn Oil. Corn oil has more than five times the amount of polyunsaturat-ed fats compared to olive oil. Replacing saturated fat with heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats can reduce the risk of heart disease.

What’s more, corn oil’s neutral taste complements the natural flavors of foods, making it perfect for stir-frying, sautéing, grilling and even baking. Get more delicious reci-pes at Mazola.com.■

COMMUNITY

Yield: 8 servings / Prep Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients12 ounces uncooked whole grain rotini pasta

2 tablespoons Mazola Corn Oil1/3 cup chopped onion

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved2 cups chopped kale

1/2 cup no-salt or reduced sodium vegetable broth1/4 cup lime juice

2 teaspoons chili powder1 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

InstructionsCook and drain pasta according to package direc-tions. Set aside. Heat oil in large skillet over medi-um heat until hot. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, kale, veg-etable broth, lime juice, chili powder, garlic salt and crushed red pepper. Cook 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine hot pasta, tomato mixture, feta cheese and cilantro in a large serving bowl. Toss lightly and serve.■

Food for Thought:Cooking for Your Heart

Warm Tomato & Kale Pasta

wjwomen.com4

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

April - May 2016 5

Yield: 3 quarts / Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients 1 tablespoon Mazola Corn Oil

1 cup chopped onions 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 quart unsalted chicken OR vegetable broth 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 cans (15 ounces each) no salt added diced tomatoes

1/2 cup quinoa 1 can (15 ounces) no salt added OR reduced salt

black beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups frozen corn

Garnish with green onions, chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños

PreparationHeat Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat and add oil. Add onion, bell and jalapeño peppers and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are soft-ened. Add chili powder and cumin and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until spices are aromatic. Add chicken broth, sweet potatoes and garlic. Bring soup to a boil; reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes, quinoa, black beans and corn and cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes and quinoa are tender. Serve with fresh green onion, cilantro or jalapeños for garnish.■

Quinoa & Sweet Potato Chili

Learn to prepare healthy food that taste good.

Take a Cooking Class...It’s Fun!

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COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

April - May 2016 7

Potatoes are the vegetable that take breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to the next level of yum. They are quick to disappear but also quick

and easy to buy, prepare and serve. Not only are potatoes uber satisfying, but research published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition also shows that when prepared healthfully, they can be a part of a weight loss program-just call them the 9th Wonder of the World. If you’re looking for flavorful and nutritious dishes that can be part of your weight management plan this new year, then look no further.

Here’s a little inspiration for potato dish-es sure to become favorites in 2016:

DIY potato chips: This is a super easy and delicious recipe. Boil a russet potato and a few purple potatoes for 5 minutes, drain, dry and cut into thin slices. Toss the freshly cut slices in one beaten egg white. Spray a non-stick pan with cooking spray and evenly space the chips throughout the pan. Bake slices at 400 degrees F for 35 minutes, turning halfway through. Top chips with sea salt or a sprinkle of bleu cheese.

Season with new flavor favorites: Spice up your baked or roasted potatoes with healthy toppings that really raise the bar on nutrition and flavor. Start with a plain, thick and creamy yogurt and a good source of protein. If you’re serious about spice, try adding a tablespoon of Sriracha and orange juice to a half-cup of your yogurt, mix, and add a dollop to your po-tatoes. Love a Mediterranean flair? Top your taters with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon, garlic, roasted red peppers and oregano.

Wholesome mashed potatoes: Mash your potatoes with a low-fat spread, Greek yogurt or skim milk for that creamy, deli-cious texture you love, without all the extra calories.

Slim-belly baked potato bar: Families will love a baked potato bar. Top a baked po-tato with ground turkey, salsa and light sour cream for taco night, or top your potatoes with tomato sauce, turkey pepperoni, Italian blend shredded cheese and other veggies for a pizza-style delight.

Grilled potatoes: Potatoes are the perfect addition to your backyard barbecue menu. Grilling potatoes adds a unique flavor you can’t get from the stove or oven. Create your own spud rub with onion powder, lemon pepper, paprika, sea salt and ground cumin and coat potatoes with a little extra virgin ol-ive oil. Place the potatoes on a grill rack or basket, and within 15 minutes, you’ll have yourself the most spectacular side dish.

Customize a nutritious breakfast hash: Drizzle a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet and add diced potatoes (fresh, fro-zen or refrigerated) with bell pepper and on-ion, cover and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. To serve with soft-cooked eggs, use a spoon and make 4 shallow depressions in the hash and carefully crack an egg into each hollowed-out spot. Cover the pan and cook eggs for 5 minutes, or until the whites are set and yolks are still runny, then serve imme-diately. Alternatively, scramble four eggs and top your hash. For a final touch, top with hot sauce or a sprinkle of tarragon, salsa or chi-michurri sauce.

One medium-sized skin-on potato has just 110 calories and contains 45 percent of your daily value of vitamin C. On its own, a potato contains no fat, no sodium, no choles-terol and has more potassium than a banana. Healthy eating is so much better with foods you love and new ways to enjoy them.

For more potato recipes, visit PotatoGoodness.com.■

fReSH New waYS tO eNjOY pOtatOeS6

wjwomen.com8

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

SiMple StepS tO CReatiNg gift

baSketS tHat ROCk5

April - May 2016 9

COMMUNITY

Graduations, weddings, birthdays, office celebrations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and barbecues - spring and summer are full of occasions

that cry out for a great gift basket. A big basket bursting with a bounty of goodies can be costly, however, if you buy a pre-made one. Worse yet, store-bought baskets can be predictable and impersonal. Creating your own gift basket can save you money, allow you to really personalize your gift and be as much fun to make as they are to receive!

Not sure how to start? Follow these simple steps to create gift baskets that work for every occasion:

First, pick a personalized theme. Store-bought gift baskets can be pretty homogenous - snacks, beverages, candy, etc. Instead of going with a predictable theme, think about the re-cipient’s favorite activities or hobbies. Choos-ing a theme that’s meaningful for the recipient personalizes the gift basket and will help you brainstorm just what items to include.

Here are four theme ideas to help you get started creating amazing, personalized gift bas-kets this spring and summer:

* Spice of life - Your giftee doesn’t have to be a foodie to appreciate a basket of spices that will add flavor and excitement to any dish. Frontier Co-op can help you make your own personal-ized spice blend to be the star of a gift basket full of seasonings and cooking accessories. Frontier Co-op’s website even has a downloadable label you can print to place on the bottle.

Try their recipe for Spicy Buffalo Popcorn Seasoning:

Ingredients:• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Frontier Organic Cay-

enne (according to heat level desired)

• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Frontier Organic Paprika • 1 teaspoon Frontier Celery Salt • 1/2 teaspoon Frontier Sea Salt • 3 tablespoons Frontier White Cheddar

Cheese Powder

Directions: Mix spices and place in an airtight jar or tin.• Go team, go! - Of course, team-themed

items are a must for a sports-themed gift

basket, but don’t forget to include all the ex-tras that make watching the game so much fun. In addition to a new mitt and cap, base-ball fans might appreciate a gift certificate to the best hot dog joint in town. A beer-of-the-month membership certificate and team jersey work great for football fans.

• Movie night at home - Packets of gourmet microwave popcorn, all the accoutrements you need to make a rootbeer float, and a gift card for DVD rentals are sure to please every film fan.

• Tea for two - For the sophisticated tea-lov-er, a basket of accessories like a tea infuser and teapot cozy are ideal. Boost the appeal with a selection of bulk teas packaged in beautiful or themed glass jars - it’s a great way to treat your tea lovers to all their fa-vorites while introducing them to new va-rieties, too.

Once you’ve chosen a theme, it’s time to pull the basket together with these simple steps:1. Set a budget - It’s easy to get carried away

when you’re buying items to put in a gift basket and overspend. It’s just as easy to under purchase, ending up with a skimpy, unsatisfying basket. Setting a budget will help you know just how much you can and should buy.

2. Make a list - Once you’ve decided on a theme, write a list of items that fit that theme. Keep in mind list items should eas-ily fit in a basket or other container. Orga-nize your list with one or two centerpiece, must-have items at the top and would-like-to-have items in descending order of desir-ability.

3. Choose a unique container - Yes, it’s called a gift basket, but you don’t have to stick with a traditional wicker basket. Choose a container that really fits your theme. For example, a decorative plastic flower pot is a great container for a gardening lover’s basket. Your sports enthusiast might appre-ciate a cooler stocked with team-themed items.

4. Stock your basket - Now that you have the container, you know how much you need to buy to fill it. Grab your list and head to the store!■

wjwomen.com10

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

While many can only dream of the day they’ll retire, for baby boomers, that dream

is quickly becoming a reality. By the year 2030, approximately 20 per-cent of Americans are expected to be age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But retirement doesn’t necessarily mean relocating to a senior community. More and more, adults choose to “age in place,” re-maining in their current home, even after retirement. Here are a few ways to add extra convenience today - and ensure a safe home in the future.Change up common areas

When thinking about the long-term, start with the layout. In a per-fect world, it’s ideal to have all the key living spaces - bathroom, kitchen and bedroom on the first floor. If your home wasn’t built with a first-floor bedroom or bath, and stairs have to be a part of your plan, install no-slip

strips on the edge of each stair to help limit trips and falls.

Next, make sure there’s plenty of room to move. Aim for doorways that are at least 32 inches wide, though 36 inches is ideal. Tight corners and doorways are a challenge for those with walkers or canes. For stress-free opening and closing, change out door handles from traditional knobs to le-ver handles for an easier grip.

Then, focus on the flooring. In-stalling carpeting can provide warmth and cushioning for you to enjoy now, and offers an added element of safety when it might be harder for you to ma-neuver around in the future. Choose a low pile carpet to minimize tripping - too much shag is a safety hazard. Area rugs are a major no-no, as unsecured rugs and loose carpet are one of the main causes for slips and falls. If you can’t bear the thought of losing your area rug, use carpet tape to secure it firmly to the floor.

Boost the bathIf you can only update one place in

your home, make it the bathroom. The bathroom typically offers the most op-portunities for injury. In fact, roughly 234,000 injuries occur annually in the bathroom alone, as stated by the Cen-ters for Disease Control and Preven-tion. An easy way to incorporate safe-ty is to install grab bars. Today’s grab bars are stylish, fitting in seamlessly with your space, rather than seeming obtrusive and sterile. Install them near the toilet, (make sure you have a com-fort-height commode for easy sitting and standing) as well as in the show-er. Some models, like the corner shelf with grab bar from Moen, pull double duty adding an element of addition-al storage you can take advantage of immediately, providing room to store your shampoo, and will help keep you safe while entering and exiting the bath. Check out retailers like Lowes for a wide array of options that are fash-ionable as well as functional.

In the shower, a handheld shower-head, like the Magnetix Engage shower-head from Moen, is an ideal option for those who may want to be seated while they bathe. Engage with Magnetix is also handy for cleaning the shower, by eliminating bending and squatting which can be hard on your joints as you age. Finally, at the vanity, choose a fau-cet with lever handles - they’re easiest to grip and turn - and install sconces near the mirror for additional lighting.

In general, the most important advice for any room in your home is to think efficiently. Locate items that work together near each other to make tasks easier today, tomorrow and in the years to come.■

Transform yOur hOMe Today, Stay Safe Tomorrow

April - May 2016 11

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Have you ever wished you could just snap your fin-gers and be able to run a marathon? If only it were

that easy. Whether you’re training for a race, want to get in shape or simply enjoy the rhythm of your feet hitting the pavement, running takes consis-tency and practice.

“No matter where you fall on the running spectrum, there’s always room for improvement,” says Re-bekah Mayer, National Run Training Manager for Life Time Fitness - The Healthy Way of Life Company. “If you’re striving to become a better runner, you might need to make some changes or switch up your routine.”

Below are five tips from Mayer to help amp up your run so you can feel great while making each workout count:ease into your outdoor runs

If you’ve been hitting the tread-mill all winter and are just beginning to run outdoors, take it slow. Pave-ment is harder on your knees and joints than a treadmill belt, and your running form is a little different when you’re outside on the ground. Start by taking some easy workouts outdoors, and then progress into harder work-outs. By then, all the trails will be fully clear and your legs will have a chance to adapt.Ditch the background noise

Consider leaving your head-phones at home. While music is es-sential to beat boredom on a tread-mill, many runners come to enjoy the quiet solitude or group chatter when running outdoors, especially when you run with a friend. Without head-phones, it’s also easier to hear traffic,

animals or approaching pedestrians. If music is absolutely necessary, try running with only one ear bud in.

Make it memorableTake the time to make some of

your runs a little more interesting. Is there a trail system a short drive from your home or nearest health club? Even if it doesn’t fit into your daily rou-tine, doing some runs at a more scenic location every so often can make the miles much more enjoyable. Changing up your routine also helps keep your body challenged so you can continue to build strength and endurance.Gather your running buddies

Running with friends is one of the best ways to stay motivated. Running with a buddy on a treadmill is fun as well, but an outdoor running pal or group can help the time and miles pass more quickly. Life Time destina-tions nationwide host Tuesday Night Social Runs with varying distances and they’re complimentary for mem-bers and non-members. There’s noth-ing like good conversation to keep

waYS tO RevaMp YOuR RuN5

you entertained during your workout. Running partners can be good pace setters as well and might even suggest some new running routes or trails you’ve never tried before.Dress the part

If you run in the dark, choose re-flective clothing and a headlamp for safety. On rainy days, add a water re-sistant jacket and a cap to keep water out of your eyes. This will make the weather more tolerable. If tempera-tures are cool, choose an outer layer you can easily remove if you get too warm. Life Time is a firm believer that the right pair of shoes can help pre-vent injury, so make sure you find a pair that works for your running style.

Use these tips to make the most of each run or if you’re one of the thou-sands of Americans who’s currently training for a marathon, check out lifetimerun.com to sign up for a vir-tual or in-person run training plan.■

“No matter where you fall on the

running spectrum, there’s always room for improvement.”

wjwomen.com12

Volume 51 issue 2

02 - 1011 - 1920 - 30

featuRe StORY & COMMuNitYHealtH & wellNeSS

buSiNeSS & aDS

W Jomen’s ournal

With over 32 years of experience, The Women’s Journal is a brand you can trust. It is a primary resource for women. Each edition is published bi-monthly and distributed free of charge. You can find a copy of the journal where savvy women shop. The journal also has subscribers that pay to have the journal delivered to their home or business.

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April - May 2016 13

HEALTH & WELLNESS

“Mood Swings R US” should be the name of the years between 30-60 when hor-mones for both females and males change and decline. If you are won-

dering whether hormones have something to do with your anxiety, depression or changing emotions, come have your hormone blood levels checked at New Day Vitality (new-dayvitality.com).

WOMeNLow estrogen levels can cause severe PMS, depression

and serious mood swings in some menopausal women. Restoring hormones to pre-menopausal levels at the earli-est opportunity can be a lifesaver and can avoid the risk of deeper more serious depression.

There are three key aspects of lifestyle when it comes to mood: hormones, exercise and nutrition. Of these, hor-mones are actually the simplest for a health practitioner to figure out, and the rest are up to you.

Hormones influence mood for about 70% of women. In menopause the vast majority of women find that their moods are improved by taking estrogen. Women who struggle with depression are often very responsive to hormone therapy and see improvement with a low dosage of estrogen.

Hormonal loss can make you feel like you are going cra-zy. There is a reason Suzanne Somers labeled the common symptoms “The 7 Dwarves” of the change of life:• Bitchy• Sleepy• Sweaty• Bloated• Forgetful• Itchy and • All dried up

MeNUsually the mood symptoms of most men with low tes-

tosterone are fairly mild. Some men will say they feel more ir-ritable, tired or not interested in the things they used to enjoy.

But when men have their testosterone supplemented at New Day Vitality Hormone Center (newdayvitality.com) some comments I hear in my office are:• “I have way more energy”• “I can keep up with the young guys now”• “My wife is REALLY happy!”• “My co-workers can tell the difference”

The majority of men who have low testosterone and get it supplemented with bio-identical pellet therapy describe improvement in their sexual function, better moods, their

Feel Happier with Bio-identical Hormones!by j. Robin Musiol, CRNp

partners found them less irritable and their workouts were improved. Often they feel more motivated, brighter and en-ergetic.

At New Day Vitality Hormone Center our comprehen-sive history, physical and blood panel enables our medical practitioners to provide natural hormone replacement spe-cifically for you.■

For more vital days and romantic nights call New Day Vitality hormone Center (newdayvitality.com) for a free consultation 410-793-5212.

“There are three key aspects of lifestyle

when it comes to mood: hormones, exercise and

nutrition.”

wjwomen.com14

HEALTH & WELLNESS

In the past 40 years, there has been a significant decrease in both the number of cases and deaths associated with cervical cancer. In the 21st century, cervical cancer is one of the few malignancies that is now considered a

preventable disease. This is possible through early detection programs and/or vaccination. Despite all of this, an estimat-ed over 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical can-cer, and over 4,000 women will die as a result of this disease in 2015. Although this still seems like a large figure for a highly preventable cancer, it is far less than what he had seen in the past and is no longer one of the most common cancers in women in the United States. Unfortunately, cervical can-cer still remains a significant problem is parts of the world that are less economically fortunate. Due to this, worldwide, cervical cancer still remains one of the most common can-cers in women accounting for 275,000 deaths in 2008.

Based on the advancements in cervical cancer screen-ing, review of years of data on this subject, and recent in-formation regarding the role of HPV in cervical cancer, the screening guidelines were recently updated. In March 2012, the American Cancer Society released these new guidelines for cervical cancer screening. e whole idea behind cervi-cal cancer screening is to detect cervical cancer in its earli-er stages in patients who do not yet show signs of cervical cancer. In recent years, due to this early detection, physi-cians have been able to diagnose and treat cervical cancer at much earlier stages thus increasing the potential for cure.

At the present time, there are two different types of screening modalities utilized: a pap smear and the HPV test. A pap smear is a method for detecting cells suspicious for turning into cancer or fordetecting cervical cancer in its early stages. The HPV test can detect the certain strains of viruses that are known to eventually develop into cervical cancer.

The latest screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society now recommend that all women should begin cervical cancer screening at the age of 21. The most drastic change is that yearly pap smear are no longer re-quired, since we now know that it can take years for cervical cancer to develop. More frequent testing can in turn lead to further unnecessary procedures. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should undergo a pap smear every three years. In this age group, the HPV test should be performed only if the pap smear shows any abnormalities. A pap smear along with the HPV test should be performed every five years for women between the ages of 30 and 65. In this age group, if the HPV test is not done, then a pap smear should be done every three years. If a woman has had normal screening re-sults throughout her years of testing, she no longer needs screening for cervical cancer after the age of 65.■

Dr. Kashif Ali earned his MD degree from Ross University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. While at Seton Hall University, he became the Chief Resident and then went on to complete his training in Hematology and Oncology. During this training he was appointed Chief Fellow. Dr. Ali is presently board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology.

Update on Cervical Cancerby kashif ali, M.D.

April - May 2016 15

The decision to pursue cosmetic rejuvenation can be daunting with so many choices appearing on the horizon daily, each promising to be the pana-cea. The key to rejuvenation lies in your choosing

the optimal combination of treatments. If tightening and lifting your face and evening the tone and texture of your skin speak to you, we can accomplish just that. Dr. Pache-co offers the perfect combination of Thermage CPT® and Fraxel® Dual, a procedure we have fondly dubbed “Ther-mafrax”.

Thermage CPT® is a non-surgical, FDA approved ra-diofrequency treatment that tightens and lifts brows, cheeks, jowls and neck, as well as the tummy, thighs and arms with absolutely no downtime.

Through the use of radiofrequency heating, Thermage CPT® induces the production of new collagen, which leads to a process of tightening and lifting that continues for at least six months – with results lasting up to 3-4 years. Ther-mage CPT® can re-tighten a previous facelift, and has also been shown to improve acne.

While Thermage CPT® lifts and tightens the skin, ad-ditional measures are needed to improve the skin surfaces’ tone and texture. Fraxel® Dual Laser Treatment is the per-

fect partner to Thermage CPT® and revolutionary in achiev-ing flawless skin.

Over the years, your skin changes due to the sun, envi-ronmental insults, and natural genetic factors. This prevents you from looking as good as you feel. Loss of collagen mani-fests in larger pores and fine lines, and brown spots develop.

Imagine your skin is a digital picture made up of thou-sands of spots or pixels. Fraxel® Dual treatment targets your skin by using microscopic laser columns called micro ther-mal zones. This precise treatment eliminates old, damaged cells and penetrates into the inner layer of the dermis to invite the body’s own natural healing process to build new collagen and eliminate unwanted pigment.

The Fraxel® Dual Laser is the first technology that can produce dramatic skin rejuvenation with a speedy healing process and with minimal down-time. Fraxel® Dual treats uneven pigmentation, acne scars, melasma, brown spots, improves skin texture, facial lines and wrinkles, and is one of the most effective procedures for treating the delicate skin areas of the neck, chest, hands and forearms. In fact, Fraxel® Dual can be used on the skin, anywhere.

Dr. Pacheco and the Adoro Medical Spa team look for-ward to seeing you soon as you relax and rejuvenate!■

HEALTH & WELLNESSthermafrax 101

Spring Event: Thermage® and Fraxel® Dual

Lift & Tighten the Face & Achieve Bright New Skin

wjwomen.com16

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Did you know a simple test of your legs may be able to tell you if you have a higher risk for heart disease?

The test is quick, painless and non-invasive. A health professional fits pressure cuffs around your ankles and upper arms, and uses a small ultra-sound device to measure the systolic blood pressure in your limbs. It is sim-ple and painless. The disease is called Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD.

Why is this important?Heart disease is the leading killer

of Americans of all age groups, races and genders. Detecting heart disease risks early is important in order to live an active and healthy life for as long as possible. Yet the general public re-mains largely unaware of PAD as in-dicator of heart blockages.

A recent study by University of California researchers, published in the journal Circulation Research, found a strong link between PAD and coronary artery disease and stroke. PAD occurs when fatty deposits build up in the

small arteries outside the heart, and it usually affects the arteries that supply blood to legs and feet, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The condition can not only cause tissue damage in the affected area, it could be a sign of chronic blockages throughout the arteries in a person’s body. About 8 million Americans have PAD, accord-ing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Shockingly, the CDC says that 40 percent of people who have PAD may have no symptoms at all, and so be unaware they have the condition. This is why it is important to get screened. You may not have any idea that you are at risk. Having a screening may give you a hint at what lie in your future - in time to do something about it.

People who do have symptoms may feel muscle pain in the calves, hips and thighs while doing any kind of exercise that involves leg muscles - such as walking or climbing stairs, or experience cold legs, wounds that heal poorly or slowly, and burning, tingling or numbness in the legs.

Common PAD risk factors include:• Smoking - The AHA says people

who smoke may have four times the risk of developing PAD.

• Being overweight or obese• Diabetes• A sedentary lifestyle• High cholesterol• High blood pressure• Family history• Age - Approximately 12-20 per-

cent of people older than 60 have PAD, according to the CDC.

Because you can have PAD and experience no symptoms, many people may be unaware they have it - and that they’re at greater risk for developing heart disease. While health insurance may cover a PAD test for people who show symptoms of the disease, health experts recommend anyone with cer-tain risk factors should be screened.

You don’t need a doctor’s prescrip-tion or a trip to the doctor’s office to have the test done; Life Line Screening performs affordable PAD testing in community settings throughout the country. To find out when a screen-ing clinic may be scheduled in your area visit www.lifelinescreening.com/HeartCheck or call (877) 754-9631.■

the HeaRt SCReeNiNg You Should do Now

“heart disease is the leading killer of Americans of all age

groups, races and genders.”

April - May 2016 17

HEALTH & WELLNESS

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association and the National Center for Health Statistics, childhood obesity has more than doubled in chil-

dren and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Defined by the National Institutes of Health overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors. Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.

Overweight and obesity are the result of “calor-ic imbalance”—too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed—and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental fac-tors.

Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being. Some of the immediate effects include cardiovascular issues that may develop. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Overweight children also experience instability in glucose lev-els which often result to pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes diabetic conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

Some long term affects include; heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Overweight and obesity are associ-ated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple my-eloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma states the Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

The Journal of Pediatrics published that Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and phys-ical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases. The dietary and physical activity behaviors of children and adoles-cents are influenced by many sectors of society, in-cluding families, communities, schools, child care settings, medical care providers, faith-based insti-tutions, government agencies, the media, and the food and beverage industries and entertainment in-dustries. Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behav-

iors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and phys-ical activity behaviors.

Take charge of your child health. Encourage healthy eating habits and lead by example. If your children see you trying healthy foods they will be more inclined to try them also. And exercise doesn’t have to be boring! Get out and Play with your child. It’s a fun way to burn calories and bond with your family.■

Chil

dho

od

obe

SiTy

Dr. Corder attended medical school at Howard University College of Medicine and graduated in 1977. He is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Corder was formally the Chief Health Offi-cer for Prince George’s County and

the medical Director of several health plans. Dr. Corder has been in Pediatric practice for over 35 years. Dr. Corder, his wife Dr. Marilyn Corder ad their daughter Adrienne Cord-er started the Corder Pounders Youth Fitness program and the Family Fitness Center.

Frederick Corder, MD FAAP

Bowie, MD • (301) 805-2229Cheverly, MD • (301) 341-7494

Children’s Medical CenterWashington, DC • (202) 291-0147

Obese youth are more likely to have

risk factors for cardiovascular

disease, such as high cholesterol or high

blood pressure.”

“by Dr. Corder, M.D.

wjwomen.com18

HEALTH & WELLNESS

In my office we utilize hormone therapy, both by topi-cal creams and subcutaneous pellets to improve health and function.Our hormones determine our vitality, youthfulness,

how we feel and how we look.While hormone replacement is not for everybody, for

those who do choose to use them an enormous difference can be made in health for both men and women.

Hormones are chemical messengers from one part of the body that travel to our tissues and organs to produce an effect. Without hormones, we could not live, could not function, and could not reproduce. Examples of hormones include testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, growth hormone, and many others (like insulin!)

As we age our hormone levels decline. However, anoth-er way of viewing this relationship is that as our hormone levels decline, the aging process is accelerated. Bio-identical hormone replacement is an approach to optimize the natu-ral hormonal status of a man or woman to allow for health and well being in the safest possible way.

This is done by using hormones that are chemically and molecularly identical to the hormones that are already in the human body. It is important to draw this distinction be-cause many of the hormones that have been studied and that (legitimately) aroused concern about the safety of hor-mone therapy have been hormones that are synthetic and do not necessarily belong in the human body and do not promote optimal health.

There are not as many studies done on bioidentical hor-mone therapy due to the enormous cost of medical studies that are only done when the pharmaceutical companies can make huge profits out of synthetic medications. It makes intuitive sense that the hormones that belong in the human body are the ones we were born with! And there are studies that do demonstrate the safety and benefits of bio-identical hormone therapy.

So, what are the benefits of BHRT? Treating the symp-toms of menopause with safe and effective doses of estro-gen, progesterone, and, in some, testosterone can reduce the hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness often ex-perienced. As well, judicious use of hormones can improve heart health, libido, sexual function, cognitive function, and bone health.

Men with low testosterone levels are at a higher risk of dying from many causes than are men with normal levels of testosterone. As well, low testosterone can cause fatigue, loss of muscle mass, low libido, elevated cholesterol and can

Dr.Weiss completed his undergraduate work at University of Virginia and is a graduate of McGill University Medical School; he completed his Internship at the University of Hawaii and Residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston. As head of Annapolis Integrative Medicine, Dr. Weiss specializes in preventative health, alternative approaches to wellness, and treating complex issues including CFS and Fibromyalgia.

preserving and enhancing vitality:Safe and effective Bio-identical Hormone replacement

by alan weiss, M.D.

play a role in the development of diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Optimizing testosterone levels to an optimal lev-el helps men experience heightened vitality and well-being.

These hormones can be delivered by creams or by sub-cutaneous pellet insertion.

Hormone pellets can provide a sustained delivery of bio identical hormones to achieve optimal health. As well using a hormone called HCG in combination with a rigorous diet can produce significant weight loss in a short period of time.■

“Our hormones determine our vitality, youthfulness, how we feel

and how we look.”

April - May 2016 19

Healthy and thick hair is our crown and glory. It is normal to lose 50-150 hairs per day. But when excessive shed-

ding is noted, medical attention should be sought. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 80 million people experience androge-netic alopecia or male and female pattern baldness. is is the most common form of non-scarring alopecia and is genetic. Telogen effluvium is an acute form of hair loss usually triggered by an event. Triggers include hormonal changes as seen with birth control pills, post-partum, meno-pause, thyroid dysfunction, and severe stress. Other causes include medication, depression, anemia, poor nutrition, and major surgery. Alopecia areata is an au-toimmune disorder where immune cells attack the hair follicles. The cause of this condition is unknown but has been asso-ciated with stress and may have a genetic component.

Scarring alopecias include central centrifugal scarring alopecia, traction al-opecia, discoid lupus, and lichen plano-pilaris. In this family of alopecia, an in-citing factor results in inflammation that damages and/or destroys the hair follicles. Central centrifugal scarring alopecia and traction alopecia has been associated with tight styling practices such as weaves, corn-rolls, braids, and dreads. Discoid lupus and lichen planopilaris are autoim-mune conditions of unknown etiology.

Treatment for hair loss must incorpo-rate a multifaceted approach. Blood work may be performed to determine if an un-derlying medical condition is the cause for the alopecia. A fungal culture may be obtained to determine if ringworm may be the culprit. FDA approved treatment for androgenetic alopecia is minoxidil for both men and women while Propecia is an approved treatment for men. Prescription strength minoxidil can be compounded in a special formulation to reduce inflamma-tion. The most common over the count-er 5% minoxidil preparation is Rogaine. When used once or twice a day for at least 4 months, dormant follicles may begin to produce hairs. Active follicles will produce thicker hairs. To maintain the benefits of

minoxidil and Propecia, the medications must be used daily.

The suggested treatment for telogen effluvium is observation as regrowth oc-curs in the majority of cases. Once the underlying medical condition has been addressed, the hair follicles cycle out of the resting phase into their growing phase. Other medical treatment options include the use of minoxidil, cortisone injections to the affected area, stress management, and adequate nutrition and sleep.

The treatment for scarring alopecia is more difficult as inflammation under the skin eventually destroys the hair follicles. Early medical intervention is absolutely imperative for scarring alopecia. As once the follicles are gone, regenerative treat-ments will not be effective. The goal of treatment is to slow down and/or halt the underlying inflammatory process so that additional follicles are not damaged. In the early stages of scarring alopecia, where the follicles have not been completely de-stroyed, then treatment can assist in push-ing follicles into their growing phase. Cor-tisone injections and minoxidil are also used to treat those with mild to moderate involvement. It cannot be stressed enough that early intervention is crucial.

In addition to medical therapy, prom-ising cosmetic therapies are available for hair loss. These options include low level la-ser therapy, platelet rich plasma injections,

and hair transplantation. Low level laser therapy 2-3 times a week increase blood flow to the scalp to support the follicle health. ere are few well-designed, double blind, randomized studies that support the effectiveness of this treatment. It appears to be more effective when used in combina-tion with other treatment options such as minoxidil and hair transplantation. Platelet rich plasma injections also increase blood flow to the area and provide growth factors that aid in providing nutrients support to the follicles. Small studies have demonstrat-ed that this treatment option is helpful in treating alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. Hair transplantation is an effec-tive surgical approach that transfers healthy hair to deficit areas. With all treatments, hair restoration is a slow process. It takes 6 months to 1 year to see results. Unfortu-nately, no treatment option is a guarantee. In most cases, a combination of treatments may be utilized to obtain optimal results.

If you notice increase shedding of your hair, seek medical attention by a board certified dermatologist to deter-mine if there is an underlying medical condition and to develop an individual-ized treatment regimen. Early interven-tion is imperative.

For a consultation with Dr. Katina Byrd Miles at Skin Oasis Dermatology, call 410-451-0500, to schedule an appoint-ment. www.skinoasisderm.com.■

help,I’m Loosing My Hair!by katina byrd Miles, M.D. HEALTH & WELLNESS

wjwomen.com20

BUSINESS

OffiCe ORgaNizatiON tipS tO bOOSt pRODuCtivitY10

April - May 2016 21

BUSINESS

Empty boxes, piles of paper, pens strewn about - everyone is guilty of office disorganization. What most people don’t realize is a messy, disheveled of-fice space can actually dramatically reduce worker

efficiency and productivity.A staggering 98 percent of office workers say they’d be

more productive at their jobs if their offices were more orga-nized, according to a 2015 Post-it Brand Office Organization study surveying 1,000 full-time office workers. That means it’s time to get organized and these 10 simple ideas will help you tidy up your work area and stay on-task for good.Reduce and recycle

Go through drawers and get rid of paperwork and sup-plies you never use. Recycle paperwork and give unused supplies to coworkers or donate them to your community’s schools. If you’re never going to use these things, they’re just taking up valuable space.

Keep supplies stocked Ninety-four percent of office workers are less produc-

tive when they don’t have all the supplies they need to work. Order necessary supplies like Post-it Notes, flags, tabs, daily planners, professional notebooks and pens. Then, put col-ored flags on the calendar to mark when you need to re-or-der supplies so you’re never without the necessities.

Rethink your desktop A clean desktop is essential to productivity, however

many people are guilty of having their desk covered with unnecessary items. If you don’t use it weekly, find another place for it. That means unused folders, staplers, tape dis-pensers, and the like can go in a drawer.

An office supply staple Despite the rise of the digital office, Post-it Notes are

still an office staple. On average, office workers use 30 Post-it Notes per week. Keep these handy note pads close by so you can easily use them to mark paperwork or write your coworker a note of encouragement.

Corral pens Pens and other office extras like scissors, letter open-

ers and highlighters look tidy when placed in a jar on your desk. A big jar can hold everything or use smaller jars to

sort each item into its own container. Clear glass jars makes it easy to see what’s inside.

Think vertically If you’re short on desktop space, think vertically. Walls

provide ample opportunity for unique storage. One stylish and affordable option is to cut a peg board and place it in an open frame. This eye-catching wall hanging allows for easy access to office essentials.

Write it down Sixty-two percent of office workers prefer to manage

their to-do list on a piece of paper rather than a computer or digital device. Write your task list on a Post-it Super Sticky Note and place it somewhere you’ll see it, such as the edge of your computer monitor or the front of your notebook. This visual reminder will keep you on-task throughout the day.

Don’t sweat the small stuff At a loss for how to organize paper clips, tacks and oth-

er small office items? Small tins are a great way to sort and store these office odds and ends. Place them in drawers so they are out of sight.

Systemize folders Tackle that pile of folders in the corner and create a

simple organizational system using Post-it Tabs. Color code the folders based on your work responsibilities so each tab color is tied to a specific task or status of a project.

Cut cord chaos Are you always digging under your desk for the right

cord? Black binder clips typically used to hold paperwork together are also great for organizing USB, cell phone char-gers and other cables. Clip to the side of your desk and thread the chord through the metal to eliminate tangles.

Want more office organization tips? Visit Post-it.com/officeorg to tidy up and streamline productivity fast.

Survey details: The 3M Post-it Brand Office Organiza-tion survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (http://www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 full-time U.S. office workers in 2015, using an email invitation and an on-line survey.■

A staggering 98 percent of office workers say they’d be more productive at their

jobs if their offices were more organized.”“

wjwomen.com22

Congratulations! You have scheduled your first ini-tial consultation with your estate planning attorney.

What should you do to prepare for this meeting to be the most efficient use of your time and the attorney’s time? Estate planning is all about you and your family and your assets.

One of the first questions you can expect your attorney to ask you is who the members of your family are. Your family may include your spouse and your children. Perhaps you do not have children, but you have brothers or sisters and nieces and nephews. It is useful for the attorney to know whether your children are married, how many children they have, and where they live. Your attorney may also ask you what they do for a living. Knowing how long you have been married and what you did for a living are also relevant questions that per-tain to your estate planning.

Next, your attorney will ask you about your assets. You should bring to the meeting a list of your assets and the approximate value of each ac-count. The type of account is sufficient for this first meeting, such as a money market account or an annuity. Even-tually, you may be asked to provide more detail and beneficiary forms after a plan has been determined. e total value of your estate helps the at-torney establish whether you need to do estate tax planning.

You should expect your attorney to ask you who you want to adminis-ter your estate upon your death and who you want to step into your shoes to handle your finances and health care if you become incapacitated. Most clients usually name a family member to act for them. If you do

not have a family member you trust, then consider close friends or trust-ed advisors. It is not unusual to have a disinterested third party settle your estate, such as a corporate trustee. A corporate trustee can be a bank, credit union, or your attorney.

Also expect your attorney to ask you who you want to leave your as-sets to upon your death. Clients often leave their assets to family members. You need to think about what per-centage they should receive and how they should receive the money. Per-haps, your children are minors right now. You should think of an age that you want them to be able to control their inheritance. Or even if you have adult children, you can also leave your assets to them in a trust. Some exam-ples of trusts for children are incentive trusts, spendthrift trusts, divorce pro-tection trusts, or special needs trusts. Your attorney will ask you whether or not you think your beneficiaries are responsible and whether or not they are facing a disability.

Finally, you need to have a back-up plan in place. After you determine who should settle your estate, I want you to think of a backup person in case your first choice is not available. I also want you to start thinking about who should receive your money if your primary beneficiary dies before you. A comprehensive plan should span several generations to cover dif-

ferent circumstances that may occur in your life before you die. At Sinclair Prosser Law, we value legacy planning and preserving wealth through sound estate planning advice to clients with an emphasis on avoiding probate and minimizing taxes.■

BUSINESS

how to Prepare for Appointment with an estate Planning Attorney

yourby Nicole livingston

EDGEWATERFri., April 15th @10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

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Comfort InnUS 50, US 301 @ MD 3

ANNAPoLISTues., April 19th @7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

(Refreshments)Double Tree Hotel Annapolis

210 Holiday CourtPASADENA

Wed., April 20th @10:00 – 11:30 a.m.(Continental Breakfast)

The Reserve at Two Rivers4105 Mountain Road

MILLeRSvILLeThurs., April 21st @7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

(Refreshments)The Firemark Building

8684 Veterans Hwy., 4th Floor

April 2016 SEMINAR SCHEDULE

SinclairProsser Law, LLC focuses its practice on estate planning & administration, includ-ing the interaction of retirement plans & el-der law. An established member of the Amer-ican Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys & the National Academy of Elder Law Attor-neys, Colleen Sinclair Prosser, Nicole Living-ston, Jon J. Gasior & Victor A. Lembo offer years of knowledge & experience in matters associated with protecting estates & families from issues arising from death and disability.

For more info: 410-573-4818

April - May 2016 23

Hello, and thank you once again for all the emails and phone calls. I’m so humbled by your positive responses.

Well, taking a look back at all the ar-ticles I’ve shared with you, I noticed that I’ve told you several times about how im-portant it is to pre-plan for your funeral arrangements and burial. So I will not beat that horse this time. However, what I’d like to share with you is just as im-portant. It’s the Spiritual Care Program offered at Wiseman Funeral Home. Many family members have a hard time coping with the loss of a loved one. I call it “The Empty Space Syndrome”. Wise-man Funeral Home offers assistance free of charge to those who we have served. Please allow me to introduce to you, my sister and a powerful minister of God, Rev. Marline Reese-Gamble.

Marline Reese-Gamble, a chap-lain at Wiseman Funeral Home and a funeral officiant, Rev. Gamble passion-ately supports the integrity, mission, vision and values of Wiseman Funeral Home. She provides pastoral care, spir-itual comfort and bereavement support to grieving families. She has a profound ability to respect different lifestyles, cultures and beliefs, as well as people with no faith tradition.

When someone dies, grief can be very difficult for family and friends. Rev. Gamble provides competent and com-passionate spiritual care and emotional support. With a loving and considerate presence, Rev. Gamble specializes in helping clients recognize and utilize in-ner strengths when struggling through the bereavement process. The focus in-volves developing appropriate coping mechanisms. Some clients desire prayer, attentive listening and assistance in rec-

onciling spiritual beliefs or answers to end-of-life questions. Rev. Gamble is always prepared to provide the highest quality spiritual care.

The Wiseman Funeral Home Team understands that chaplaincy, in the spirit of excellence, involves empa-thy, compassion, and enhanced skill in dealing with the spiritual dynamics of loss and death. When clients desire prayer or religious support, Rev. Gam-ble complies with unique and person-alized ministry consistent with the di-verse needs of each grieving family.

Rev. Gamble is a certified grief facil-itator and ordained minister. Her values: caring, compassion, honesty, excellence and integrity. Her motto “This ministry is a rich and rewarding experience.”

Rev. Gamble is dedicated and de-voted to serving Prince George’s Coun-ty residents with nurturing spiritual support. This journey has taken her into jails, hospitals, hospice centers, nursing homes and halfway houses. She’s helping individuals to find hope, comfort and purpose during difficult life circumstances.

This passion compels and drives her and has taken her on a path of countless hours ministering to inmates. Rev. Gamble motivates inmates to ex-amine their issues, make wise choices, and establish positive/realistic goals for personal development and growth.

When making rounds at various hospitals and hospice centers, God re-veals the spiritual needs of each patient. Rev. Gamble is anointed to administer spiritual care with compassion and em-pathy. She is helping patients manage fears, control anxieties and seek divine comfort and strength during difficult circumstances.

wiSeMaN fuNeRal HOMe & CHapel

SeRviNgtOgetHeR

SistersBUSINESS

Wiseman Funeral Home, established in November 2008, is a full service fu-neral care provider, spe-cializing in earth burials, cremations, memorial services, national and In-ternational shipping and

receiving of human remains. The company is well versed in the practice of funeral pre-plan-ning as well as funeral trust and Medicaid spend downs. We are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve you professionally with utmost respect.

contact7531 Old alexandria ferry Road,

Clinton, Maryland 301-899-2005

michelle@wisemanfuneralhome.netMarline.gamble@gmail.com

by Michelle Reese-wiseman & Marline Reese-gamble

Also, Rev. Gamble is committed to investing in the spiritual lives of peo-ple through sound biblical teaching, preaching, comforting prayers and spiritual coaching. This ministry serves the community with integrity.

Her other ministerial services in-clude officiating weddings and pre-mari-tal workshops. Rev. Gamble is devoted to helping couples build a solid foundation for enriched and lasting marital relations. These workshops include the following sessions: Good Communication, Intima-cy / Passion, Money Management, Bibli-cal Foundations of Marriage and Experi-encing the Power of Oneness. In spiritual excellence and integrity, Rev. Gamble is teaching people how to live victoriously by applying God’s Word (biblical princi-ples) to their lives.

Rev. Gamble passionately stud-ied theology, completed seminary and holds a Master of Ministry/Divinity de-gree from Freedom Bible College and Seminary. She’s committed to helping individuals achieve spiritual and emo-tional wholeness. Clients are encour-aged to explore thoughts, emotions, actions, and circumstances to enhance spiritual growth and inner healing. Rev. Gamble may be contacted via email at: marline.gamble@gmail.com

We love our community. We are committed to excellence. We are sisters serving you together.■

wjwomen.com24

the Most of

BUSINESS

This year,Resolve to Make

your employee Benefits

April - May 2016 25

BUSINESS

Many Americans start the New Year by resolving to improve their lives by exercising more, los-

ing weight or making other changes. Based on research findings, one in five should resolve to put their financial house in order.

Research by MassMutual shows that many Americans struggle with their personal finances, especially when it comes to making the most of their employee benefits:• 22 percent of Americans admit

they don’t understand their per-sonal finances;

• 22 percent don’t know which em-ployee benefits such as healthcare coverage, life or disability insur-ance or retirement savings should be a priority;

• 42 percent say they don’t know if they are on track to retire com-fortably; and

• 64 percent don’t know the details of their life insurance.“Many people muddle through

personal financial decisions and sim-ply hope for the best,” said Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president, MassMutual Retirement Services and

Worksite Insurance. “Unfortunately, all too often people make the wrong choices and risk leaving themselves unprepared for life’s financial realities. Making the right choices can lead to greater peace of mind.”

Financial planning is a discipline built on a hierarchy of needs. Psychol-ogist Abraham Maslow first intro-duced the hierarchy in the form of a pyramid to explain human behavior, starting with basic needs such as food and shelter at the bottom or founda-tion. Other needs build from there, in order of priority, including safety, so-cial connections, self-esteem and, at the top of the pyramid, growth.

According to Maslow’s theory, basic needs must be satisfied before higher needs can be addressed. Food, water and shelter take priority over other needs such as whether or not your car has heated seats or a sun roof.

The hierarchy of needs work well when establishing financial priorities and making financial decisions, ac-cording to Sarsynski. The layers of the pyramid can be matched to financial planning choices and even benefits se-lections:1. Be Safe: The foundation of the

pyramid is safety. Most people and their families need financial protection from dying premature-ly, suffering a long-term or even a short-term disability, or becom-ing seriously ill. That means most people should prioritize signing up for healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance.

2. Build Savings: Once financial protection is in place, many of us should address shorter-term goals such as accumulating personal savings, building up cash for emer-gencies, and eliminating short-term debts such as credit card bal-ances and car loans. Purchasing critical illness coverage can help protect savings, potentially avoid future debts, or provide a financial cushion in the event you or some-one in your family suffers a serious illness or injury.

3. Plan for retirement: Next, most of us need to plan for the future, which means building wealth and reducing debt over the long term. Saving for retirement through an employer’s 401(k) or other retire-ment savings program is a good long-term priority. Other long-term goals should be saving for college if you have children and eliminating mortgage debt.

4. Pursue Dreams: Those who ac-complish those goals and who are fortunate enough to have addi-tional financial resources can then consider their financial dreams that fall into the esteem and growth categories. Travel, pursu-ing expensive hobbies, purchasing a vacation home and other goals should be pursued only after other needs are met.“We all have important financial

needs, wants and dreams. The key is to understand the difference and to take care of your most basic protec-tion needs first,” Sarsynski said. “Your employer’s benefit package should be a place to start.”■

“research by MassMutual shows that many Americans struggle with their personal finances, especially when it

comes to making the most of their employee benefits.”

wjwomen.com26

April - May 2016 27

to order, call

1(866)730-0545

wjwomen.com28

A leaky roof can ruin your home

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