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Montgomery CountyFREE!omen’s ournalJune/July 2015Cradles to CrayonsLASER HAIR REMOVALLaser hair removal is one of the mostcommonly performed cosmeticprocedures in the U.S. It beams highlyconcentrated light into hair follicles.Pigment in the follicles absorb thelight thus destroying the hair.Page 7LOSE FAT WHEREYOU WANT TO ANDKEEP IT OFFTransform Your Body WithOur Powerful Technologyfor a Better Life!Page 11A Bi-monthly Resource for the Women of Montgomery CountyVisit us at www.mcwomensjournal.comBRAIN HEALTHNow’s a good time tostart tuning into yourbrain health. According toresearch, you can make adifference by starting early.Page 13

publisher’s noteMontgomery Countyomen’s ournalPublishersCeleste KlineLinda HunsickerDesign/EditorialClaire O’Neill • www.ccodesigns.comWeb DesignReggie CunninghamPC Resources • www.rpcr.comP.O. Box 162Coopersburg, PA 18036Contact us at267.281.3375 ormcwomensjournal@yahoo.comwww.mcwomensjournal.comThe County Women’s Newspaper is publishedbi-monthly and is available free of charge at displaystands in approved private and public establishmentsand authorized distributors only, or by paid mailsubscription.Trademark and U.S. Copyright Laws protect TheCounty Women’s Newspaper. No part of this papermay be reproduced without the written permissionof the publisher.The County Women’s Newspaper is not responsiblefor any editorial comment (other than its own),typographical errors from advertisementssubmitted as camera ready or any reproductionsof advertisements submitted as camera ready.If an advertisement does not meet our standards ofacceptance, we may revise or cancel it at any time,whether or not it has been already acknowledgedand/or previously published. The advertiser assumessole responsibility for all statements contained insubmitted copy and will protect and indemnifythe Women’s Newspaper, its owners, publishers,and employees, against any and all liability loss orexpense arising out of claims for libel, unfair tradenames, patents, copyrights and propriety rights, andall violations of the right of privacy or other violationsresulting from the publication of this newspaper or itsadvertising copy.The publisher shall be under no liability for failure, forany reason, to insert an advertisement. The publishershall not be liable by reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement.The publisher will not be liable for delay or failurein performance in publication and/or distributionif all or any portion of an issue is delayed orsuspended for any reason. The publisher will exercisereasonable judgment in these instances and willmake adjustments for the advertiser where and whenappropriate.The Women’s Newspaper assumes no responsibilityfor unsolicited material or reproductions made byadvertisers. This newspaper will be published by the15th of every other month.SUMMER IS HERE!LINDA HUNSICKERCELESTE KLINEDear Readers,June has arrived and finally the start of summer. For most of us we are looking forward to thesunny days ahead after a long cold winter. We should be aware of so many children and families inneed. In this issue we are featuring, once again, Cradles to Crayons and their Kids Care Corps., whichoffers families the opportunity to teach their children the values of service while volunteeringtogether to help children and families. The goal of the Kids Care Corps is to excite and engagechildren about how community service can truly shape their understanding of the importance ofbeing involved and making a difference in their community. Read more about Cradles to Crayonson pages 24 and 25.If you or someone you know has diabetes, you will want to check out the article on page 10about counting carbohydrates to gain insight on how nutrition is an important part of diabetestreatment.Educate yourself regarding what you put in your body and help debunk the misconceptions aboutorganic hair care. Jade Salon helps you become your own advocate regarding personal health andbeauty, see page 14.Look great this summer with radiant skin. Salon Rouge Med Spa offers several different ways tohelp you achieve just that. Rejuvenate your skin with SkinMedic products or get a facial treatmentfrom experts in their field, see page 15.There are also many summer events that you don’t want to miss — so go out and enjoy!We send our best wishes for a great summer ahead.Sincerely,Celeste Kline and Linda Hunsicker, PublishersFEATURED ON THE COVERWhile Cradles to Crayons welcomes volunteers ages 6 &up for hands-on volunteer experiences, it’s the uniqueopportunity of engaging young children and their parentsside-by-side that provides such a wonderful lesson on thesignificance of giving back to the community.What People Are Saying About the Women’s Journal“We have had people call for appointments referencing my articlesin the Journal. I am very content with the effect that these advertisingdollars have had on my business.”— Marc Baker, DMD2 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

contentsmedicalCreating Your Family -He Wants to be a Dad but isHe Willing to Take a Closer Look?........................................4How Severe is Your Sore Throat!...........................................5The Speech Pathologists Role withTraumatic Brain Injury Patients............................................6Laser Hair Removal - All of the DetailsYou’ve Always Wanted to Know! .........................................7dental careAre Dental X-rays Necessary? ...............................................8Soda, Sports & Energy Drinks -Their Impack on Teeth.............................................................9health & wellnessCarbohydrate Counting for Diabetes.............................. 10LOSE Fat Where You Want to and Keep it OffTransform Your Body With Our PowerfulTechnology for a Better Life! .............................................. 11Transform Your Posture, Transform Your Life:Rolfing by Robert Toporek.................................................. 12senior careBrain Health - Important LongBefore Senior Years................................................................ 13health & beautyMisconceptions About Organic Hair Color .................. 14Salon Rouge Med Spa........................................................... 15businessThe IRS and Social Media..................................................... 16Women and Retirement....................................................... 16Protect Your Name!................................................................ 20Why Are Brewscuits® BeerGrain Biscuits Good For My Dog?..................................... 21Sales Professionals Wanted................................................. 22women ofMongtomery CountyWomen in Profile..............................................................18-19financeMoving Past Your Fears in Divorce -Second Satruday..................................................................... 17communityMy Weight Loss Journey:Rachel Stevenson Continues toReshape her Relationship With Food............................. 23Cradles to Crayons...........................................................24-254-H:The Best Kept Secret of Youth Organizations! .... 26Plymouth Community Center............................................ 27art & educationAllentown Art Museum........................................................ 28Art Quest................................................................................... 29fine diningHangovers - May be the Least ofYour Problems From Drinking Wine................................ 30Bay Pony Inn............................................................................. 31The Lederach Tea Room....................................................... 32RecreationYamaha Boats and Bayside Jet Drive.........................33-34fine art and photographyGary Nevitt................................................................................ 35Night Falcon............................................................................. 36Montgomery Countyomen’s ournalSMART WOMEN MAKE SMARTCHOICES BASED ON KNOWLEDGE.But it’s not always easy to know where to go to find the information tohelp me make those choices. That’s why I turn to Montgomery CountyWomen’s Journal. Every issue features articles written by experts in theirfield. So I know that when the time comes and I need to find someoneI can trust, the information is right there, with the turn of a page.www.mcwomensjournal.comTo advertise, call 267.281.3375 oremail mcwomensjournal@yahoo.comMCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 3

medicalCREATING YOUR FAMILYHe wants to be a Dad but is he willing to take a closer look?BY WENDY J. SCHILLINGS, MD, FACOGMany women who are having difficulty getting pregnantoften wonder if they or their partner have a problem thatis preventing them from conceiving. Evaluation of bothpartners is advised if a couple has not conceived after oneyear of trying. For women over 35 testing is advised after6 months of trying to conceive. Approximately 15% of allcouples have difficulty becoming pregnant. Of these couples,50 % have a male infertility factor that is contributing to theirinability to conceive. This high percentage may be a littlehard to believe, especially for your partner. However, it is realand it can be a serious obstacle for couples trying to buildtheir family.Male factor infertility is typically due to low sperm quality or quantity. Here is a brief list ofthe most common factors that can impact sperm quality and production.Medical Issues• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) or other infections• Use of anabolic steroids• Cancer treatment including surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy• High blood pressure• The use of prescription drugs that are known to affect sperm production.(This information can typically be found on the medication information packetor by asking your physician)• Blockages that prevent the release of sperm (either due to injury or from birth)Above all things, it is important to keep the lines of communication open with yourpartner during this emotional process. You should make sure that you are both on thesame page when it comes to creating your family. Couples often feel frustrated that theyare not able to be “like all their friends” or even their siblings when it comes to creatinga family. You may feel that you are the only ones with this problem or that you have nooptions available to you to help achieve your dream of building a family. There are manyresources available to couples in your situation. You are not alone. There is hope!HERE ARE A FEW WEBSITES THAT YOU MIGHT FIND USEFUL:• American Society for Reproductive Medicine – www.asrm.org• American Urological Association – www.urologyhealth.org• Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology – www.sart.org• Fertility Life Lines – www.fertilitylifelines.comFor more information on infertilityand treatment options,visit our website: www.rmapa.com orhttp://www.reproductivefacts.org.Lifestyle or Environmental factors• Prolonged exposure to heat (ex. hot tubs or whirlpools).Even sitting with a laptop on your lap may hurt sperm production• Alcohol consumption or smoking• Lubricants (including petroleum jelly or vaginal creams)• Exposure to toxins (pesticides, radioactivity or X-rays)• Illegal drug useEvaluation of sperm is done by a laboratory test called a Semen Analysis. This test looks atthe number of normal sperm present, sperm volume and the quality of sperm movement(do they swim fast or slow). This simple test is ordered by a physician and is oftencovered by your insurance. No one ever wants to find out that they have an abnormaltest results. If the test indicates there may be a problem, you and your partner shouldconsider making an appointment to see an Reproductive Endocrinologist and InfertilitySpecialist (REI) or a Urologist who specializes in male factor infertility. These physiciansmay have options to correct or improve the sperm abnormalities or offer treatmentsthat can enable pregnancy even with sperm abnormalities. Available options range fromsimple lifestyle changes and/or medication to complex surgical procedures. Since spermtakes 3 months to be made in a man’s body, any treatment will take 3 to 6 months to seeimprovements. You, your partner and the physician should determine which options areright for you.In addition to testing your partner, it is important that you receive testing to determineif your body may be contributing to your difficulty in conceiving. These tests can bedone by either your regular OB/Gyn or an REI specialist. It is important to keep in mindthat there are many treatment options that can help improve your chances of gettingpregnant. Some of the treatment options that may be offered by an REI specialist includeIntrauterine Insemination (IUI) of your partner’s sperm directly into your uterus or InVitro-Fertilization (IVF). Both of these treatment types require the female to take someform of medication.4 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

medicalThe Speech Pathologists Role withTraumatic Brain Injury PatientsBY SUSAN F. LEVY, M.S., CCC-SLPAccording to the Brain Injury Association of America 1.7 million people suffer from a traumaticbrain injury every year. A traumatic brain injury is an injury caused by sudden trauma to thebrain. Traumatic brain injuries are caused primarily by falls, motor vehicle accidents (includingpedestrian accidents), collision related accidents and violent assaults. Other causes includesports-related injuries and military/combat injuries. The populations that are most susceptibleto this type of injury include adolescents aged 15-19, adult males aged 65 and older, and malesacross all age groups.Biologically, when the brain suffers from a trauma, there may be a breakage of the neuronalmembranes and a decrease in cerebral blood flow. Decreased oxygen to the brain occurs, aswell. Patients may experience deficits in their physical movement, sensory, behavior, cognition,communication and swallowing. Often there is a team of specialists involved in the treatment of traumatic braininjury. These professionals can include a Physiatrist (Rehabilitation doctor), Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist,Recreational Therapist, Social Worker, Neuropsychologist, and a Speech-Language Pathologist. In addition, Behaviorists,Vision Therapists and Vestibular Therapist may be involved in the team. Every patient is different as are their needs. It is thejob of the rehabilitation team to evaluate each patient and determine a proper course of treatment. The ultimate goal is toreturn the patient to their previous skill level and to become as independent as possible.As a Speech-Language Pathologist, our main role in the treatment of traumatic brain injury is to increase a person’sfunctional communication skills, clarity of speech, motor planning skills, high level thinking, reasoning, organization andactivities of daily living. Counseling is also a large part of the therapy, as we are helping to rebuild peoples’ lives and assistthem in being as functional and productive as possible. Family counseling is an integral part of therapy.Initially, the Speech-Language Pathologist will evaluate the patient’s ability to comprehend and express speech. Thisassessment includes reading, writing and mathematical skills. Pragmatic language (social skills such as eye contact, turntaking, interpretation of body language and emotion) is another area of assessment. There may also be a concern about apatient’s swallowing ability. This may be evaluated by both a bedside evaluation and videofluroscopy, which is completedin conjunction with a Radiologist.Another major function of the Speech-Language Pathologist includes the assessment and treatment of cognitivecommunicationskills. Oftentimes a patient is diagnosed with a mild brain injury. This may include difficulties withattention, memory, organization, judgement, impulsiveness, response time, orientation and initiation, as well as a host ofother issues. Compensatory strategies are taught and utilized to increase level of cognitive functioning, through the use ofmemory logs, organizers, checklists, sticky notes, etc. It is the Speech-Language Pathologist’s job to work alongside eachpatient and his or her family to devise a program that addresses areas of need. Therapy should be a collaborative programinvolving the patient, family members and professional team members to help the patient reach their maximum potentiallevel.Protection and education are the most valuable tools that we can provide to our children, our patients and our loved ones.Wearing helmets, never drinking and driving, and being aware of one’s surroundings are only a few of the many ways thatwe can prevent these accidents from happening. By being diligent in educating and reinforcing safety techniques, we maynot only save lives but prevent these kinds of injuries from occurring. We at Collegeville Speech and Hearing are alwaysavailable to provide education, evaluation, therapy, support and counsel. Our therapists are well educated in working withchildren and adults with a large variety of speech, language, swallowing and cognitive difficulties.Susan F. Levy, MA, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language PathologistSusan Levy is an experienced, certified and licensed clinical Speech-Language Pathologist. She has been providing services at CollegevilleSpeech and Hearing since November 2006. Susan enjoys helping individuals achieve their communication goals. Susan hasbeen practicing speech-language pathology services since 1981, when she received her Master of Art degree from the University of Cincinnati.She has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and birth to three programs. She has extensiveexperience with neurologically impaired individuals, with specialties in stroke and traumatic brain injury. In addition, she has expertisein the areas of voice disorders, cognitive rehabilitation, eating and swallowing therapy, verbal apraxia, dysarthria, oral motor planning,articulation, expressive/receptive language, and fluency. Susan works with both pediatric and adult populations. Susan is a member ofthe following organizations: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Susan and her husband, Seth moved to the Collegeville area from Danbury, Connecticut in 2004. She has two grown children, Stephanieand Phillip and a son-in-law to be, Derek. She is also the proud grandmother of an 11-month old little girl, Ava. In her spare time, Susanenjoys singing in the local choir and performing in community theater productions around the area.Leaders in Speech and HearingCare for Children and AdultsSUMMER SPEECH THERAPYSessions available for Preschooland School-Aged Students.Check out our website andLike us on Facebook.CALL TODAY!610-454-1177..........................Collegeville Speech and Hearing, LLC555 Second Avenue, Suite D-204Collegeville, PA 19426collegevillespeechhearing.com*Some restrictions may apply-please call for details.Collegeville Speech and Hearing Services• Evaluation and Individual Treatment Plans• Articulation Therapy• Voice Therapy• Fluency/Stuttering Therapy• Language Therapy• Stroke and Cognitive Therapy• Preschool Speech/Hearing Screenings• Diagnostic Audiologic Services• Cochlear Implant Candidacy Evaluations• Cochlear Implant and BAHA Bone ConductionHearing Implant External Fitting and Programming• Auditory Processing Evaluations and Therapy• Hearing Aid Consultations• Hearing Aid Fitting and Rehabilitative Services• Hearing Aid Supplies• Assistive Listening Devices• Battery Options6 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

medicalLaser Hair Removal…All of the Details You’ve Always Wanted to Know!BY ERIN CORNE, MEDICAL ESTHETICIAN, LANSDALE PLASTIC SURGERYAre you tired of shaving,tweezing, or waxingto remove unwantedhair? Are you tiredof ingrown hair, shaving nicksor razor bumps? Then laserhair removal may be an optionworth considering.Laser hair removal is oneof the most commonlyperformed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It beams highlyconcentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the folliclesabsorb the light thus destroying the hair.BENEFITS OF LASER HAIR REMOVALLasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from the face,leg, arm, underarm, bikini line, back, and other areas.Benefits of laser hair removal include:• Precision. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarsehairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.• Speed. Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of asecond treating many hairs at the same time. The lasercan treat an area approximately the size of a quarterevery second. Small areas such as the upper lip can betreated in less than a minute, and large areas, such asthe back or legs, may take up to an hour.• Predictability. Hair grows in several phases (anagen,telogen, catagen) and a laser can only affect thecurrently active growing hair follicles (early anagen).Hence, several sessions are needed to destroy hair inall phases of growth. Most patients have permanenthair loss after an average of six sessions.HOW TO PREPAREFOR LASER HAIR REMOVALLaser hair removal is more than just ‘’zapping’’ unwantedhair. It is a medical procedure that requires training toperform and carries potential risks. Before getting laser hairremoval, you should thoroughly check the credentials ofthe doctor or technician performing the procedure.If you are planning on undergoing laser hair removal,you should limit tweezing, waxing, and electrolysis for sixweeks before treatment. That’s because the laser targetsthe hairs’ roots, which are temporarily removed by waxingor tweezing.You should also avoid sun exposure for several weeksbefore and after treatment. Sun exposure results inlaser hair removal being less effective and can increasecomplications after treatment.WHAT TO EXPECTDURING LASER HAIR REMOVALThe morning of your procedure, your hair that will beundergoing treatment should be shaved. The laserequipment will be adjusted according to the color,thickness, and location of your hair being treated aswell as your skin color. Depending on the laser or lightsource used, you and the technician will need to wearappropriate eye protection. It will also be necessaryto protect the outer layers of your skin with a cold gelor special cooling device. This will help the laser lightpenetrate the skin.Next, the technician will give a pulse of light to thetreatment area and watch the area for several minutes tomake sure the best settings were used and to check foradverse reactions.When the procedure is completed, you may be given icepacks, anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, or cold waterto ease any discomfort. You may schedule your nexttreatment four to six weeks later.RECOVERY AND RISKSFor a day or two afterward, the treated area of your skinmay look and feel like it’s sunburned. Cool compressesand moisturizers may help. If your face was treated, youmost likely will be able to wear makeup the next day.Over the next month, your treated hair will fall out.Wear sunscreen for the following month to helpprevent temporary changes in the color of the treatedskin.Blisters are rare but are more likely in people withdarker complexions. Other potential side effects areswelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring orchanges in skin color are rare.COSTS OF LASER HAIR REMOVALThe cost varies widely, depending on factors thatinclude:• Size of the area being treated and time requiredfor treatment• Number of treatments required• Whether a doctor or someone else is performingthe procedure• The part of the country where you are having theprocedureIf you are interested in obtaining exact costs orfurther information for your particular case, pleasebook a complimentary consultation today at TheLaser and Skin Care Center at Lansdale Plastic Surgery(215)855-1122.Erin Corne is a certified Laser Technician and PA licensed Medical Esthetician with over 15 years of experience treating high profileclients. She recently brought her skincare expertise right here to Lansdale Plastic Surgery so there is no longer any need for you totravel into Philadelphia for top-rated skincare!MCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 7

dental careAre Dental X-rays Necessary?PRESENTED BY MARC BAKER DMDDentists are committed to delivering the highest qualityof care to patients. We are charged with establishing andmaintaining our patient’s dental health. Since the oral cavityis used by each and every human while eating, speaking,and breathing, and is the natural environment of manybacteria, this is a daunting task.Radiographs and other imaging modalities are used todiagnose and monitor oral diseases, as well as to monitorthe development and progress of therapies we prescribeand complete. In other words, at times, x-rays are needed.Dental x-rays allow a dentist to view in between teeth as well as the bone supportingthe teeth. These images allow a dentist to diagnose cavities, periodontal diseaseand pathologies. Dental cavities, periodontal disease and pathologies have a betterprognosis if diagnosed and treated early.Once a professional decision has been made to obtain a dental x-ray it is the dentist’sor dental staff’s responsibility to follow the ALARA principle (As Low As ReasonablyAchievable) to minimize a patient’s exposure to radiation. We follow the ALARAprinciple by using the fastest image receptor to take the image, meaning we exposethe least amount of radiation to obtain the image. We also place the x-ray head asclose to the face as possible and process the image according to manufacturer’sguidelines. The use of a leaded apron and a thyroid collar are necessary. Digitalsensors have dramatically reduced the exposure of radiation needed to achieve theimage necessary for diagnosis.The American Dental Association has guidelines for the selection of patients fordental radiographic examination. X-rays can be exposed at intervals from every6 months to every 36 months depending upon rate of cavities and/or presenceof gum disease. No special considerations apply to an x-ray exam for patientsundergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck. These patients are at a high riskof developing dental diseases and the radiation exposure from the dental x-rays isnegligible when compared with the therapeutic exposure already being exposed fortreatment. Careful consideration is prescribed for pregnant patients however dentaldisease left untreated during pregnancy can lead to problems for both the motherand the developing child. Proper dental x-rays may be required for diagnosis andmanagement.TYPICAL RADIATION EXPOSURESourceDose, in milliSievertsDental bitewing X-ray............................................................................................... 005Airplane flight from New York to Chicago*.......................................................... 008Chest X-ray................................................................................................................... 0.1Mammogram (2 view............................................................................................... 0.36CT Scan, head..................................................................................................................2CT Scan, chest.................................................................................................................7CT Scan, abdomen....................................................................................................... 10*from naturally occurring cosmic radiationSources: Health Physics Society; New England Journal of MedicineDr. Marc Baker has a baccalaureate degree from the University of Michigan and aDoctor of Dental Medicine degree (DMD) from Temple University School of Dentistry.He has worked with the Montgomery County Center for Technical Studies and the PADept. of Labor and Industry, and has lectured in the area.Like any medical procedure, dental x-rays have an upside and a downside. The upsideis that an x-ray allows a dentist to see areas of the teeth and supporting bones notviewable with the naked eye. The downside is that x-rays expose a patient to ionizingradiation although in small doses. Radiation exposure is cumulative through lifeand affects certain organs more than others. The thyroid is particularly sensitive toradiation and must be protected during radiation exposure. A thyroid collar should beused to protect this organ during x-ray exposure. You may request a thyroid collar ifone is not provided to you.If a patient has many cavities or other dental problems more x-rays may be necessarythan a patient with little dental problems. As always a patient should discuss the needfor any dental x-ray exposure. Your dental team should explain the necessity for anyprocedure, including x-rays.Your mouth is important to your overall health. It is also the most useful part ofyour body: it is used to eat, it is used to speak and it is used to breathe. You have alifelong need for ideal dental health. We are passionate about your health and takepride in providing only the best care. Please visit www.markbakerdmd.com for moreinformation and to learn about my dental office. Come meet my staff and me and letus check out your smile.8 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

dental careSoda, Sports & Energy DrinksTheir Impack on TeethBY DR. DEANNA DUDENBOSTEL, DMDHave you ever wonder what the dental effects of softdrinks, sports drinks, energy drinks have on teeth sincethe rise of consumption by children & adolescents overthe past several decades? Immature teeth are porousand are more easily dissolved by acids. Parents needto understand the potential dental implications associated withthe consumption of sugary, acidic beverages in order to help theirchildren decrease the damage to their teeth.THE LINK BETWEEN TOOTH DECAYAND TOOTH EROSIONRefined sugars play a role in the caries (tooth decay) process. Having1 oz. of soda daily increases a child’s risk of having extensive caries by 26%. Regular soft drinkscontain large amounts of sucrose or high fructose corn syrup that are considered to be causeof dental decay. A 12 oz. can of soda contain about 10 teaspoons of these sugars and our kidsare buying the 16 oz bottles! Daily between meals consumption of soft drinks 3 or more timesper day has been shown to increase the risk of dental decay by 179%. Research has shown thatbedtime is the worst time to have these sugary drinks. Brushing every night before bedtimethen having only water to drink will decrease the chance of dental decay. It is very important forParents to be very active with their younger children.Tooth erosion, or tooth wear, is the loss of tooth structure that is called enamel. The idealpH of the mouth ranges from 6.5-7.5. At 5.5 is the threshold level where dental decay candevelop. Both the soft drinks & sports drinks have been shown to have a pH around 2.5-3.5.Demineralization ( breaking down of the enamel leading to dental decay) of tooth enamelwill occur more rapidly if the pH drops below the critical 5.5 level for long period of time andif is done frequently. Besides the pH level of sports drinks & soda, the total acid content willdetermine the aggression towards the enamel. Citric acid is the most aggressive acid linkedto demineralization. A single acidic attack is of minor importance because the saliva cancompensate along with good tooth brushing. If the acidic attack is constant (continue sippingthe drink) the saliva has no chance of neutralizing the acid therefore the acid takes over andtooth enamel is prone to tooth decay. Hence soft drinks & sports drinks over a long period oftime in daily usage will cause dental decay. Besides tooth decay, imagine the intake of all thatsugar! What about the rest of the human body- excess sugar adds to weight gain then adds toincrease of nutritional imbalances along with child hood obesity. Then there is the decrease indairy products that our body uses to support the system. Less dairy products –less calcium canenter into the body which is needed for the structural integrity of bone and maintaining bonedensity throughout life. Also with the decrease in calcium the protective effects against toothdecay is loss. Diet soft drinks still have the same effect on demineralization of the enamel, thepH is very acidic only difference is that artificial sweetener. See the chart to the left for severalexamples.SOFT DRINK ACID PH SUGAR LEVELBarq’s Root beer......................................... acid pH 4....................... tsp sugar 11Propel Fitness water.................................acid pH 3.4........................ tsp sugar 1Red bull energy drinks............................ acid pH 3.3..................... tsp sugar 10Sprite.........................................................acid pH 3.3...................... tsp sugar 10Mountain Dew......................................... acid pH 3.3..................... tsp sugar 10Gatorade...................................................acid pH 2.9........................ tsp sugar 5Minute Maid Lemonade...........................acid pH 2.6...................... tsp sugar 10SoBe Energy drinks................................. acid pH 2.6..................... tsp sugar 12Pepsi..........................................................acid pH 2.5...................... tsp sugar 11Coke...........................................................acid pH 2.4...................... tsp sugar 10Dr. Deanna Dudenbostel is a pediatric dentist with a private practice in Colmar, PA.She is also on staff at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville and Lehigh-MuhlenbergHospital in Bethlehem.These are just a few. Imagine drinking these 3-4 times a day without brushing your teeth ordrinking water. Overtime this process takes its toll on the tooth’s enamel.What can a parent do ? Notice the amount of beverages that your child takes in on a daily bases.Notice what kind of drinks that they have a tendency to drink. Having a soda or energy drinkonce a week is not going to do harm. Now that spring is here , children are doing more outsidesports and play. They tend to drink more and usually first thing they will take from store is soda.We need to teach our children that water is better for the body. Try to eliminate between mealconsumption. Limit volume and exposure time by buying the smaller cans. Children should beencouraged to us a straw so that the liquid is push to the back of the mouth. Avoid childrensipping over a long period of time without the use of a straw. Chew sugar free gum to producemore saliva so as to promote quicker remineralization of the enamel. Do not forget to brush 2xper day and only water at night time!We as parents need to be more aware of the sugar and acid content in beverages that ourkids drink. The fact is that by decreasing these drinks, we can decrease the degree of dentaldestruction in children’s teeth.The information was taken from the article: Soft Drinks, Sports Drinks, Energy Drinks, and Flavored Waters: What is in ThemHow Has Their Increased Use Impacted Oral Health? How Can you Limit the Damage? What a Parent Should Know, By Dr. Jay Oltjen,D.D.S.,M.S.MCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 9

health & wellnessCarbohydrateCounting for DiabetesBY ERIN E. KLINE, MS. RD. CSO, LDNDiabetes mellitus is the group of disorders that share the primary symptom of high blood glucose resultingfrom decreased insulin production or insulin resistance. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes,is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas leading to a defect in insulinproduction. It most often occurs in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes, also known as adultonsetdiabetes, is due to insulin resistance by the body’s tissues. Although it has been labeled adultonsetdiabetes, the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in teenagers and children is increasing. Diabetes can result in severalcomplications if blood sugars are not kept within a normal range including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure,blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disease, amputations and dental disease. To avoid these complications,long-term glucose control is needed. Blood glucose monitoring can bedone on a daily basis to allow you to adjust either your dietaryhabits or medications. Nutrition is an important part ofdiabetes treatment. Read on to learn more about howto eat for your diabetes and carbohydrate counting.FOODS WITH CARBOHYDRATESFirst, you must be aware of which foodscontain carbohydrates. Breads, crackers,cereals, pasta, rice and grains containcarbohydrates. Starchy vegetablesincluding potatoes, corn and peascontain carbohydrates. Other foods withcarbohydrates include milk, soy milk,yogurt, beans, legumes, fruits and fruitjuices. Sweets including cakes, cookies,doughnuts, pastries, ice cream, jam andjelly contain carbohydrates. Sweetenedbeverages such as soda and sweet tea shouldbe monitored as well. You do not have tocompletely avoid all of these foods, you justneed to monitor how much of them you areeating at each meal and snack. It is also important tokeep carbohydrate intake consistent over the course ofthe day – do not skip meals!CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING AND MEAL PLANNINGThe basis of carbohydrate counting is that each serving of a food with carbohydrates hasapproximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Serving sizes of different foods that will provide 15 grams of carbohydratesinclude one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of oatmeal, 1/3 cup of rice or pasta, 1/2 cup of potatoes, 1 cup of milk, one smallpiece of fresh fruit, 1/2 cup of ice cream and 1/2 of a hamburger bun. Three to four servings, or 45 to 60 grams ofcarbohydrates per meal is usually adequate. Aim to get one to two servings, or 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates persnack. Speak with a dietitian to determine your specific carbohydrate needs. Make sure to include at least five servingsof fruits and vegetables daily. Eat at least three servings of whole grains per day. Choose lean sources of protein suchas chicken and fish. Limit saturated and trans fats.LABEL READINGIn order to determine how many carbohydrates are in a particular food, you must be familiar with reading the foodlabel. First look at the serving size. Then look at the grams of total carbohydrates. The grams of total carbohydrates iswhat is provided by one serving of that food. If you divide the grams of carbohydrate by 15 grams, you will get thenumber of carbohydrate servings provided by one serving of that food. If you plan to eat more than one serving, thenyou need to adjust the amount of total carbohydrates counted accordingly.Here is an example meal planto illustrate how carbohydrates arebeing counted at each meal:Breakfast1 cup fat free milk or soy milk (1 carbohydrate serving)2 large eggs, scrambled (0 carbohydrate servings)2 slices whole wheat bread (2 carbohydrate servings)1 cup melon or berries (1 carbohydrate serving)Total = 4 carbohydrate servingsLunch2 cups salad mix, cucumber slices, tomato, onion, withbalsamic vinaigrette dressing (1 carbohydrate servings*)3 oz grilled chicken breast (0 carbohydrate servings)2/3 cup cooked brown rice (2 carbohydrate serving)*1 cup of raw vegetables or ½ cooked vegetables are0 carbohydrate servings. However, if you eat 3 or moreservings at a meal, count them as 1 carbohydrate serving.The balsamic dressing also has a small amount ofcarbohydrates.Total = 3 carbohydrate servingsSnacks (morning, midday, nighttime)1 small banana (1 carbohydrate serving)¾ oz pretzels (1 carbohydrate serving)3 cups popcorn (popped) (1 carbohydrate serving)Dinner3 oz baked fish1/2 cup cooked green beans (0 carbohydrate servings)½ large baked potato (2 carbohydrate servings)1 cup melon or berries (1 carbohydrate serving)Total = 3 carbohydrate servingsErin E. Kline, MS, RD, CSO, LDN, is a registered dietitian for the Hayworth Cancer Center at High Point Regional Hospital.She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from UNC-Greensboro and a bachelor’s in biology from Binghamton University.10 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

health & wellnessTransform Your Posture, Transform Your Life:Rolfing by Robert ToporekThe first appointment of the day is Frank Zadlow, a builder and grandfather, with a six year old in tow. Looking at themyou would think they were going on an adventure together. Well they are, just not the kind most of us took with ourgrandfathers. Zadlow and his grandson Max, are going to be Rolfed, and have the wear and tear of gravity erased fromtheir bodies.Zadlow has been Rolfed since the mid 80’s, he has brought his entire family to be Rolfed by Toporek. Zadlow has witnessed theamazing differences on each family member: better posture, the elimination of chronic pain and, especially in his grandchildren,grace and confidence in their bodies as well as their lives. Toporek has known Zadlow for the last 30 years and has continuouslykept his body young and agile through Rolfing. Before meeting Toporek, Zadlow’s body was worn down from being a builder,and just growing old. When they first met Toporek could see what a change Rolfing would make and told Zedlow, “I think youshould get Rolfed - it will change your life!”The first 10 sessions made an amazing difference,” says Zedlow. “ I could stand up straighter, move freer and the aches and painsI had been storing physically and emotionally disappeared.” Ever since, every year he and Max come for a “tune-up”. Max trulyenjoys this time with his grandfather. This visit was extra special because the two of them met Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howeand his son Mark Howe!Gordie and Mark Howe were the next two clients. Mark had been seeing Toporek for more than 20 years since his near careerending back injury that Toporek helped alleviate in the early 90’s. Over the next few years Toporek continued working with Markto keep him on the ice. Since then Mark comes in once or twice a year to keep his body in the best shape possible.After Marks first Rolfing session, he saw a 75 percent improvement in his mobility. By the 10th session, Mark was back in fullskating force. Last summer he brought in his father Gordie Howe. At 85, Gordie had limited mobility. However, once he startedgetting Rolfed, Gordie was able to do many tasks that used to cause him pain in his growing age. He is amazingly more flexible“He can get in and out of the car more easily and he has far less trouble putting on his socks.”Gordie and Mark were not the last patients of the day. The Dabback twins, Melissa and Teresa, were also in later that day. Thetwins have been standing out since they were babies. As they grew older they became phenomenal gymnasts. Now they areboth at Temple University and still standing out. One is on the track team, the other is on the gymnastic club team, and theyboth attribute much of their success to Rolfing.At three weeks old they starting being Rolfed. Now they come back yearly to get tuned up. The years of Rolfing have allowedthem to have a strong level of confidence that they use in their schooling and athletics today. As they were growing up,whenever they had an injury, Toporek was the first person they would call for a session. Growing up with confidence andlack of stress allows them to have the confidence to take on great challenges and be successful.About Rolfingby Robert ToporekRobert Toporek is a Certified AdvancedRolf Practitioner since 1975. He studieddirectly with Dr. Ida P. Rolf, often timeson a daily basis the last four years of herlife. Robert has helped over 4,500 men,women and children transform theirposture, relieve chronic pain, turn stressinto vitality and release old physical andemotional traumas. The work he does alsotranslates into their lives more confidence,flexibility and self expression.Toporek is a pioneer in the field of Rolfingbabies and children. Dr Rolf choose Robertto head up a project to document anddemonstrate the amazing benefits of Rolfingbabies and children. Since her passingToporek continues to carry that torch.Gordie Howe, 84 years old,before and after RolfingMore can be found at www.newbabymassage.com.He is also the Author of The New Book of Baby and Child Massage.Robert began rolfinghis son in the very beginning12 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

senior careBRAIN HEALTHImportant Long Before Senior YearsBY BILL CARROLL, OWNER, HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE®SKIPPACK, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PAQ: when I am my mother’s age. My mom is notAs a woman in my 40s, I am beginning to worryabout what will happen to my brain healtheven 80 yet and she’s already having a lot of memoryproblems. What if that happens to me? My mother isgetting to the point where I’m not sure she’s safe at home.Now’s a good time to start tuning into your brainhealth. Because, according to research, you canmake a difference by starting early.The latest research finds those with poor physicalfitness in their 40s may have lower brain volumes atage 60. This is an indication of accelerated brain aging,according to information presented at the AmericanHeart Association EPI/Lifestyle 2015 meeting.A subset of 1,271 participants from the FraminghamOffspring Study participated in exercise treadmilltesting in the 1970s, when their average age was 41.Starting in 1999, when their average age was 60, theyunderwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of theirbrains as well as cognitive tests.The participants did not have heart disease or cognitiveproblems at the beginning of the study, and none weretaking medication that alters heart rate.• People who had a lower fitness level or greaterincrease in diastolic blood pressure (bottomnumber) or heart rate a few minutes into thelow-intensity treadmill test (2.5 miles an hour) hadsmaller brain tissue volume later in life.• People who had a larger increase in diastolicblood pressure during low-intensity exercise alsoperformed more poorly on a cognitive test fordecision-making function later in life.Talk with your doctor about ways you can stay healthynow when there may be a greater chance to influenceyour future brain health. Even your mother may benefitfrom exercise, if she is healthy. If she is interested, askher to talk with her doctor about ways she could stayfit, both mentally and physically.And why not contact your local Home Instead SeniorCare® office about in-home care and companionshipservices that could keep her safe in her home for aslong as possible?To speak with the author directly, or for moreinformation about your local Home Instead SeniorCare® office, contact Bill Carroll at 610-584-8200,via email bill.carroll@homeinstead.com, or go toHomeInstead.com/688.To learn more about the study, visit http://blog.heart.org/better-midlife-fitness-may-slow-brain-aging/.Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office isindependently owned and operated.The latest research finds those with poor physical fitness intheir 40s may have lower brain volumes at age 60Bill Carroll began to study the senior care industry a couple ofyears prior to his purchase of the Skippack Home Instead SeniorCare Franchise. Recognizing that the baby boomers are nowbecoming seniors, he reasoned that the need for quality carewould be a growth industry for many years to come. Bill choseHome Instead because of their strong history of support andsuccess. Home Instead was founded as a result of the founder’sexperience caring for their own grandmother. It became personalto them. It is that type of hands on personal involvementthat appealed to Bill and helped in his decision to become afranchise owner. “To us it’s personal”, has become the motto foreveryone at Home Instead Senior Care.MCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 13

health & beautyMisconceptions AboutOrganic Hair ColorPRESENTED BY CHERISE MORELLO-PONSWRITTEN BY NATALIE POSERINA, STYLISTOver the years, most of us in the hair industry have been guilty of using chemical processes that we don’t know much about.Consumers grew accustom to the burning, tingling, and smelly chemicals that color, curl, and relax our hair. We were always told“Beauty is pain”, and many women believed it, and, unfortunately, still do.Health and wellness is a rising concern for many. We are concerned about living healthy lifestyles, and watching what we put INour bodies. Many are forgetting to ask,“What am I putting ON my body?” As a stylist, I constantly hear skepticism about organic hair products. Addressing themisconceptions about organic hair color is our passion and continuing to educate our clients is a priority at Jade Organic Salon.Use of organic hair products is supported by the medical community.HERE ARE SOME OF THE “MISCONCEPTIONS” WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED AT JADE ORGANIC SALON AS ORGANIC COLORISTS:Misconception #1“Organic color doesn’t work.”Misconception #2“The FDA monitors and regulatesMisconception #3“Organic hair color is a fad.”The hair industry once believed ammonia was the ingredients in beauty products.”Organic Color Systems was developed in Europeonly substance with the ability to penetrate the While many other countries have strict rules about and has been catering to an organic clientelehair cuticle to make hair color last. At Jade Organic the safety of hair care products, the US has nosince the 1990’s; it became available in the US inSalon, we use the Organic Color Systems (OCS) hair agency that investigates the potentially dangerous 2003. According to the OCS website, the organiccolor line. With the organic color, we cleanse the ingredients in hair products. For many years, people beauty industry has been growing at an amazinghair before the coloring process. OCS shampoos have used ammonia or bleach to clean their homes. average rate of 15% annually for the last 15 years.and reconstructors pre-soften the hair to prepare it Imagine applying that bleach directly to your scalp, Additionally, 78% of Americans seek out organicfor the color. OCS has developed a technology that possibly adding a concoction of ammonia and beauty salons, but only 15% of the market caters touses oils derived from the fatty acids in coconut, coal tar, or mixing up a solution of ammonia and this niche.as well as medicinal grade peroxide, and heat that formaldehyde to straighten your hair. Sounds absurd,raises the ph level in the hair cuticle - allowing forStudies suggest stylists are suffering from illnessesright?full color penetration. Lastly, conditioners close thethat are directly linked to their occupation; illnesseshair cuticle completely, and restore the hair to its These are the exact chemical compounds used in such as, breathing and respiratory complications,natural ph level. The color is then completely locked salons everyday. OCS is a European-based company cancer, allergies, and infertility. I personally knowin, and the ph level is returned to its natural state. that strives to manufacture quality hair products stylists who have developed extreme contactWhen OCS shampoos and conditioners are used at while maintaining safety standards. They follow the dermatitis and occupational asthma, as a result ofhome on a consistent basis, the hair is constantly guidelines of the Health and Safety Executive, which years of exposure to chemicals.being prepared for the next color process. Resistant has provided a regulated framework for workplaceAt Jade Organic Salon, we educate and help debunkgrey requires some additional prep, but OCS provides health and safety in the UK for 40 years.the misconceptions of organic hair care. OurFULL grey coverage.everyday safety in the workplace, and the well-beingof our clients is not a “fad”. Before you decide that,“organic hair color doesn’t work”, we invite you to beyour own advocate regarding personal health andbeauty.Jade Organic SalonA HOLISTIC APPROACHTO BEAUTYIn the matter of hair color, what you don’t know canhurt you - what you do know empowers you.Located at 365 E. Butler Avenue,Ambler, PA(15 minutes outside Philadelphia)267-460-8307www.jadeorganicsalon.comCherise Morello-Pons is the creator of Jade Organic Salon.She is a certified Organic Colorist through Organic Color Systems.She is a certified Reiki Level III Master and has been the recipientof numerous awards and industry certifications over the past 30years.14 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

health & beautySalon Rouge Med SpaEveryone deserves to have naturally radiant skin. That’swhy SkinMedica has dedicated years of research toformulating advanced skin care products that rejuvenateskin. Their entire aesthetic product line is inspired bythe science of the skin. As skin ages, elasticity decreases,lines appear and overall appearance is diminished.SkinMedica skin care products contain specialtyingredients that improve the overall appearance of skin.Scientifically proven recovery compounds includeessential ingredients ranging from vitamins C and E toretinol to TNS® — patented blend of growth factors,soluble collagen, antioxidants and matrix proteins. Theimpact is clear beautiful skin. All results of SkinMedicacommitment to creating a lifelong skin care solution forhealthier looking skin.SALON ROUGE4059 Skippack PikeP.O. Box 1327 Skippack, PA 19474Phone: (610) 584-6015Fax: (610) 584-6012Email: info@salonrougeinc.netwww.SalonRougeInc.netWhat is HydraFacial MD®HydraFacial MD® is a non-invasive,multistep treatment that combines thebenefits of next-level hydradermabrasion,a chemical peel, automated painlessextractions (no pinching!) and a specialdelivery of Antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acidand Peptides. It does all of this in onequick treatment that delivers real resultswithout downtime or irritation.Who It’s ForGreat for all skin types, the HydraFacialMD® Treatment is not only highly effectiveat improving overall skin health, but alsoexcellent for remedying:• Fine Lines and Wrinkles• Elasticity & Firmness• Skin Tone Evenness & Vibrancy• Skin Texture• Hyperpigmentation/Photo Damage• Oily/Congested Skin• Enlarged Pores• Advanced Signs of AgingSALON ROUGE SERVICESHairNailsSkin CarePedicuresMassagesHair RemovalMake-UpMed SpaSpa PackagesBridal ServicesReal ResultsThe results driven HydraFacial MD® treatment deliversimmediate and long-term skin health benefits that youcan see and feel. The following, unretouched images areof people who have undergone a series of HydraFacialMD® treatments. The photos demonstrate its ability todramatically improve hydration while helping to eliminatethe appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, oil &congestion and even creases in the nasolabial folds.Latisse®LATISSE® is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis(inadequate or not enough lashes) to grow eyelashes longer,fuller, darker.Picture on the right: ActualLATISSE® patient withoutmascara - lashes not retouchedMCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 15

usinessThe IRS and Social MediaBY GORDON S. SHEARERThe IRS participates on the following social mediaplatforms, including:YouTube: The IRS has video channels that provide short, informativevideos on various tax related topics in English, American SignLanguage (ASL) and a variety of foreign languages. They include shortinformative videos.Twitter: IRS tweets include various tax-related announcements, newsfor tax professionals and hiring initiatives.Facebook: IRS has Facebook pages that post valuable tax informationfor tax professionals and those needing help in resolving long standingissues with the IRS.Tumblr: The IRS Tumblr blog posts important tax information andannouncements that link to IRS.gov and YouTube content.IRS has also updated IRS2Go, a smartphone application that lets you interact with the IRS usingyour mobile device. The mobile application includes the following features:• Get your refund status or request a transcript.• Get tax updates.• Watch IRS YouTube videos.• Follow the IRS.If you have an Apple iPhone or iTouch, you can download the free IRS2Go app by visiting theiTunes app store. If you have an Android device, you can visit the Google Play Store to downloadthe free IRS2Go app.Audio files for PodcastsSubscribe to IRS Podcasts on iTunes or download them from the Multimedia Center.Protect Your IdentityAt the IRS, privacy and security are paramount. They use these tools to share public informationwith you. Don’t post your social security number or other confidential information on socialmedia sites. Always protect your identity when using any social networking site.Shearer Associates, P.C.our new address is:1000 Walnut Street, Suite 114, Lansdale, PA 19446Our fax and phone numbers have remained the samePhone 215-361-1200 • Fax 215-361-9709Disclaimer: The content is not intended to provide tax, legal, accounting, financial, or professionaladvice, and readers are advised to seek out qualified professionals that provide advice on these issuesfor specific client circumstances.Women and RetirementWhy women need to reassess retirementplanning (BPT) - Men and women are notthe same when it comes to retirementplanning. Consider this: A husband anda wife of the same age, earning the samesalary and looking to retire during the sameyear need to account for different factors inretirement planning. This is true even if theyshare a household, hold joint responsibilityfor their finances and equally contribute tothe amount of incoming funds.Despite a remarkable career trajectory andrapidly changing roles in the workplace,women need to account for longer life spans as well as unique career patterns.Many women are feeling the impact of these differing retirement realties.“According to a recent Merrill Edge Report, nearly six in 10 women fear nothaving enough money throughout retirement, and their amounts are notablyhigher than their male counterparts,” says Sharon Miller, head of National Salesfor Preferred Banking and Merrill Edge at Bank of America. “It’s important thatboth women and men recognize the retirement landscape is changing, andproactively address the factors and situations that are personally unique tothem to help ensure a financially secure retirement.”So what can women do to better prepare? How can they plan to address thesefactors and live comfortably in retirement? Here are a few important tips to helpyou pursue your investment goals:• Start now to maximize contributions: Save and invest as soon as youcan through your employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k)or 403(b) account, or set up an automatic transfer from your bank orbrokerage account into your personal IRA, Simplified Employee Pension(SEP-IRA) or SIMPLE IRA.• Take advantage of unexpected money: If you receive a significant influxin funds, such as a lump-sum bonus, insurance payout, tax refund, divorcesettlement or inheritance, avoid the lure of spending frivolously and thinkabout the long-term.• Try not to sacrifice growth for safety: Guard against being too passive inyour approach to retirement investing. Be strategic by increasing your levelof involvement and make investment decisions based on your retirementliquidity needs and risk tolerance.• Take care of your health now: Practicing preventive healthcare can makean impact on your bottom line by lowering healthcare costs and allowingyou to contribute more to your long-term future. It can also help cut costsduring retirement and will hopefully lead to a longer and healthier life, too.• Consider waiting to collect Social Security: While everyone’s situation isdifferent, if you can delay retirement, you may be able to reap significantrewards. By working longer or using income from other sources first, yourSocial Security benefit grows 8 percent each year until you reach age 70 inthe current market.For additional resources on how to better prepare for the changing retirementlandscape, visit www.merrilledge.com/retirement.Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks,Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.Merrill Edge® is available through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & SmithIncorporated (MLPF&S), and consists of the Merrill Edge Advisory Center(investment guidance) and self-directed online investing.MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and wholly ownedsubsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products:Are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed and may lose value.16 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

financeMoving Past YourFears in DivorcePRESENTED BY SECOND SATURDAY DIVORCE WORKSHOP“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to beunderstood. Now is the time to understandmore, so that we may fear less.”— Marie CurieDealing with fear is one of the biggest challenges indivorce. Fear is designed to keep us safe; it stops usfrom touching a hot stove or running out into traffic.But when we let it dominate our thoughts, it can keepus stuck and unable to move forward toward a new life. Wehumans all suffer from fear of change and fear of the unknown.And yet, life is filled with change, and the unknown future maywell hold all the goodness we desire, rather than what we fear.HOW CAN WE GET A GRIP ON FEAR AND BEGINTRUSTING OURSELVES TO COPE WELL WITH CHANGE?As the wise saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” Fear is our own creation, a phantom of ournegative thinking. We can cut our fears down to size when we face them clearly and learn allwe can about what is worrying us. Fear is a feeling and not a fact. When we look at the facts andgather information, we can use our understanding and our clear thinking to generate optimismand hope—a positive and fearless outlook. Here, for example, are some ways to meet the mostimmediate fears that divorce brings up, those involving how we will continue to pay the bills:“I’M AFRAID I WON’T GET A FAIR SHARE OFOUR FAMILY’S ASSETS IN THIS DIVORCE.”The solution to this fear is first to determine what these assets are and then what they are worth.The more you know about what you own, the more empowered you will feel. If your familyfinances are simple, it may not be difficult to divide the assets. If they are more complex withmultiple homes, non-liquid investments, employer stock-options, family-owned companies,etc., it will take more investigating to sort things out. Learning all you can about what you haveto work with will help you fight fear with knowledge. Your ideas about “fair” and “share” will beimportant in determining how you experience divorce and move forward into the future.“I’M AFRAID OF NOT KNOWING WHATI WILL HAVE AFTER THE DIVORCE.”This fear of the unknown can once again be countered best with information. Once you knowwhat the family assets consist of and what they are worth, you can take a closer look at how theycan be useful to you in your new life. Be clear about what your post-divorce finances will looklike. Will you have enough liquid assets? You won’t be able to pay bills with home equity or stockoptions although their value may be great on paper. Making a post-divorce budget will help yousee the big picture of your financial future.“I’M AFRAID OF NOT KNOWING WHAT MYLIFESTYLE WILL LOOK LIKE AFTER THE DIVORCE.”Once again, fear of the unknown is at work. Although you can’t know everything about whatthe future holds, you can have faith that positive results are just as likely as the negative onesyou fear. You can have faith in yourself as well and try to be as informed as possible about yourfinances. Your post-divorce budget, created with all the information you have gathered aboutyour financial picture, can help with the facts about your money. How you feel about your newlife, will you be fearful or hopeful, is in your hands. Everyone has concerns about cash flow andfinancial well-being. Just as in driving a car, we make adjustments along each mile. Although thescenery may be changing, we can learn to stop scaring ourselves and begin trusting ourselves tobe capable navigators.WWW.SECONDSATURDAY.COMMCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 17

Women of Montgomery CountySusan F. Levy, MA, CCC-SLPSpeech-Language PathologistSusan Levy is an experienced, certified and licensedclinical Speech-Language Pathologist. She hasbeen providing services at Collegeville Speech andHearing since November 2006. Susan enjoys helpingindividuals achieve their communication goals. Susanhas been practicing speech-language pathologyservices since 1981, when she received her Master ofArt degree from the University of Cincinnati. She hasworked in a variety of settings including hospitals,rehabilitation centers, and birth to three programs.She has extensive experience with neurologicallyimpaired individuals, with specialties in stroke andtraumatic brain injury. In addition, she has expertisein the areas of voice disorders, cognitive rehabilitation, eating and swallowing therapy,verbal apraxia, dysarthria, oral motor planning, articulation, expressive/receptivelanguage, and fluency. Susan works with both pediatric and adult populations. Susanis a member of the following organizations: American Speech-Language-HearingAssociation and Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Susan and herhusband, Seth moved to the Collegeville area from Danbury, Connecticut in 2004. Shehas two grown children, Stephanie and Phillip and a son-in-law to be, Derek. She isalso the proud grandmother of an 11-month old little girl, Ava. In her spare time, Susanenjoys singing in the local choir and performing in community theater productionsaround the area.Michal SmithExecutive Director, Cradles to CrayonsSince joining the organization in November of 2010,Michal Smith, Executive Director at Cradles to Crayons,has watched the organization grow. In 2012, Cradlesto Crayons served its 100,000th child in need sinceopening its doors in 2007. Just two years later inspring of 2014, Cradles to Crayons doubled its impactand celebrated serving 200,000 children. Cradles toCrayons supplies diapers, baby equipment, backpacks,and KidPacks – a week’s worth of essentials includingclothing, shoes, coats and books – to disadvantagedchildren in the five-county southeastern Pennsylvaniaregion and Camden County, NJ.“Certainly, it’s bittersweet,” says Michal. “On one hand the sense of achievement insupplying our 200,000th child in need; on the other hand acknowledging that there ismuch more to be done in providing vitally-needed basic essentials to help area familieswho struggle financially.” Philadelphia has the highest rate of deep poverty in the nation,and is the poorest big city in America.Michal credits the organization’s achievements to the dedicated volunteers, ages 6and up, who tirelessly quality-check donations and build KidPacks. “More than 20,309volunteers put in more than 60,000 hours in 2014 alone,” says Michal. “I am proud to bepart of such a dedicated staff and volunteer force.”Dr. Melissa Neumann SchwartzDr. Melissa Neumann Schwartz is the founder ofMontgomery County ENT Institute. She graduatedfrom Brandeis University with a BA in Biology in 1987.She attended the Philadelphia College of OsteopathicMedicine (PCOM) and graduated in 1991. Herinternship and residency training were completed atPCOM in 1996.Dr. Schwartz was Board Certified by the AmericanOsteopathic College of Otolaryngology, Head andNeck Surgery (AOCOO-HNS) in both Ear, Nose andThroat and Facial Plastic Surgery in 1997. She hasbeen a Fellow of the AOCOO-HNS since 2003. Dr.Schwartz is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergists (AAOA). Dr.Schwartz is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Otolaryngology at PCOMand Drexel University School of Medicine. She enjoys teaching and mentoring medicalstudents and residents.Dr. Schwartz is on staff at Holy Redeemer Hospital and Medical Center, Albert EinsteinMedical Center-Elkins Park Division and Main Line Health System- Bryn Mawr Hospital.She offers care to both children and adults in ENT. She has special interests in Allergyand Sinus disorders, has pursued post graduate training in these areas and keeps abreastof the most innovative and current literature.Dr. Schwartz enjoys running, cooking and spending time with her family. She is also aninvolved alumnus of PCOM and other community organizations.Jude Henzy, Case Manager,Interfaith Housing Alliance of AmblerJude Henzy knows all about the significant impactthat Cradles to Crayons has on families and children.As Case Manager at Interfaith Housing Alliance ofAmbler (IHA-A) since 2012, Jude provides charitableservices to individuals and families located inMontgomery County whose life situations havebecome unstable. These charitable services includehomelessness prevention, temporary shelter, guidancein life skills, or assistance in locating appropriatehousing opportunities.IHA-A provides direct care to families living inlow-income or homeless situations, and is a greatcandidate in partnering with Cradles to Crayons.“Jude becomes our ‘eyes and ears,’” reports Kristen Gowing, Manager of Partner Relationsat Cradles to Crayons. “Because she sits right with the child, she’s able to providefirsthand knowledge and outline the ‘everyday essentials’ that Cradles to Crayons needsto supply to make each child feel safe and valued.”In the past two years, Jude has become a spokesperson for Cradles to Crayons bothlocally and nationally, and recently joined the Cradles to Crayons Board of Directors.18 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

Women of Montgomery CountyDebra RobertsDirector of Individual and Family Philanthropy,Cradles to CrayonsDebra Roberts joined Cradles to Crayons in April 2013as Director of Individual and Family Philanthropy. In thisposition, she’s responsible for developing individualand family philanthropic support through familycenteredinitiatives that strengthen families, foster civicengagement, empower children, and build communityresponsibility and good citizenship in young children.Stated another way, she loves that she “gets to play withkids all day, helping them see the value and the powerof ‘kids helping kids!’”At Cradles to Crayons, she developed the Kids CareCorps, a program for children ages 8-12, designedto combine hands-on volunteer experiences withan educational curriculum about poverty and thesignificance of community service.“When children get involved with Cradles to Crayons – whether donating their time orthe belongings they no longer use – it helps them understand that they’re in a position tohelp kids that are less fortunate,” says Debra. “It’s inspiring to witness as children discoverthat they can have a direct impact on kids in need.”A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her previous positions includedkey executive posts as National Marketing Director with TV Guide, Senior HospitalAdministrator with the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Executive Directorwith the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.Aine Scibelli Senior Director,Global Marketing, Teva PharmaceuticalsEven with all of the demanding duties that come withher position as Senior Director, Global Marketing at TevaPharmaceuticals, Aine Scibelli always puts a priorityon ensuring that she carves out time to volunteer atCradles to Crayons with her three daughters – andencourages their friends to join along. All three girls –Eimile, Aisling and Maeve – attend Ancillae-AssumptaAcademy and have participated in a variety of Cradlesto Crayons volunteer activities: a Father-DaughterVolunteer Day, a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Serviceat Ancillae-Assumpta Academy; three Family VolunteerDay events; three Kids Care Corps sessions; the firstMEGA Night Middle School event, and have collected new & gently-used children’s itemsfrom their community to donate.“We are thrilled with the variety of volunteer opportunities provided by Cradles toCrayons,” says Aine. “Nowhere else can I volunteer side-by-side with my girls and havethem see the impact they can have in helping children in our community. I am proud tosay that our daughter Eimile’s involvement with Cradles to Crayons has motivated her torun for Student Council and was recently elected as Commissioner of Community Servicefor the 2015/16 school year. Cradles to Crayons has helped bring service front and centerin her life and has shown her that she can make a difference.”Deborah Lentner, MMS, PA-CDeborah Lentner, MMS, PA-C is a certified PhysicianAssistant who has specialized in Otolaryngology since2006. She joined Montgomery County ENT Institutein Elkins Park, PA 2 years ago. She is on staff at HolyRedeemer Hospital and Einstein Elkins Park.Deborah received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish fromSamford University in 2002, and received her master’sdegree in Medical Science from Nova SoutheasternUniversity in 2006. As a Physician Assistant student,she helped administer medical care for those affectedby Hurricane Katrina in Biloxi, Mississippi. In 2006, shetravelled to Honduras as part of the medical team,Heart for Honduras. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants,Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, & American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.Deborah enjoys treating patient s with ear/hearing problems, sinus and allergy. Outside ofwork, she enjoys the outdoors, photography and travelling, and spending time with herhusband and 7 month old daughter.Erin Kline, MS, RD, CSO, LDNErin Kline, MS, RD, CSO, LDN, is the oncology dietitianfor the Hayworth Cancer Center at High Point RegionalHealth System in North Carolina. Her role as anoncology dietitian can be very challenging but also veryfulfilling. She is part of the Oncology CARE Team, whichis a partnership between Cornerstone Health Care andthe Hayworth Cancer Center. The team includes nursenavigators, social worker, dietitian, pharmacist, chaplainand a psychologist.The CARE Team collaborates with the medical team andeach other to address patients’ psychosocial needs withthe primary goal of helping patients live as long and aswell as possible.Erin is originally from the upstate NY area. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biologyat Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY. She has always been passionate aboutexercising and eating healthy, but it was while taking a nutrition class during college thatshe realized that a career in dietetics would best suit her. She then completed her master’sdegree in Nutrition at UNC-Greensboro, where she also completed her dietetic internship.North Carolina grew to be her home so she decided to stay in the area. Greensboro is alsowhere she met her husband, Adam. Family is very important to her.MCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 19

usinessProtect Your Name!BY WILLIAM R. CUNNINGHAM, OWNER OF REGGIE’S PC RESOURCES (RPCR)Imagine if one day you discovered that your companycan no longer send or receive emails and that yourwebsite URL no longer goes to your website, butinstead goes to another website. Imagine theimpact that would have on your company branding,reputation, marketing, business cards, letterheads, oreven you personally. What would happen if you realizedthat your domain name expired without your knowledgeand now someone else has registered it resulting in youlosing your domain name? This can happen to you or your company if you do nottake steps to protect your domain name.The domain name (e.g., rpcr.com) is used to access your company’s Internetresources such as email and websites. Protecting it is critical for businesscontinuity. Unfortunately many are not aware of the need to protect it. This articlewill provide some basic steps that you can take to protect your own domain namefrom loss and theft.HAVE CONTROL OF YOUR DOMAIN NAMEKnow where your domain name is registered (the registrar). Godaddy.com is apopular site for registering domain names. Make sure that you have the credentialsfor signing into your domain name registration account (username/password).The domain name registration consists of at least four contacts: Owner/Registrant,billing, administrator, and technical contacts. You MUST be sure that you are listedas the owner/registrant and administrator at the very least. If you will be payingfor the renewals then you should be listed as the billing contact as well. Your webdeveloper/webmaster may be listed as the technical contact. This will ensure thatyou get notifications from the registrar for renewals for example.DO NOT LET YOUR NAME EXPIREThe domain registrar will send notifications when a domain name will soon expire.These notifications can start as early as 90 days prior to expiring. Be sure to renewyour domain name before the expiration date. You could lose your domain nameonce it expires and becomes publicly available. Consider purchasing or renewingyour domain name registrations for more than one year.An expired domain name could leave you vulnerable to domain name squatting(someone registers your domain name after it expires for personal gain especiallyto sell at a greatly inflated price).OTHER STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR NAMEHere are some other things that you can do to protect your domain name:1. Keep track of the expiration dates of all your domain names and renew on time.2. Set the “Domain Lock” on your domain name. This is a feature that your domain registrarshould have available to you.3. Set your contact information to be private.4. Consider auto-renewing your domain name. However, you will need to ensure that thepayment information remains up-to-date.SUMMARYFollow the steps in this article to help protect your domain name from domain name thievesand squatters. These steps will also help you avoid the situation where your domain nameexpires and someone else registers it. You could lose your domain name within minutes onceit becomes publicly available. Feel free to contact Reggie’s PC Resources a5 215-362-0967 formore information and assistance in protecting your domain name.Visit us online at www.rpcr.com,or contact us by email at support@rpcr.comor by phone at 215.362.0967DO NOT RESPOND TO UNFAMILIAR RENEWALSA domain name can be hijacked when you receive a notification via email or U.S.postal service indicating that your domain name is up for renewal. Some people,without carefully reading the correspondence will simply send payment or clickthe link for renewal. The result of this is that you have inadvertently transferredyour domain name to someone else who then controls it. We recommend that yousign in to your domain registration account directly and check for renewals insteadof clicking links in emails or replying to postal mail.CONFIRM CONTACT INFORMATION WHEN REQUESTEDPeriodically your registrar may notify you that your domain name contacts haveto be reviewed and confirmed. This is to ensure accurate contact information. Ifyou do not respond within 15 days (sign into your registration account and reviewcontacts) then your domain name can be cancelled possibly resulting in you losingthe domain name if it becomes publicly available and someone else registers it.20 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

usinessWhy Are Brewscuits ® BeerGrain Biscuits Good For My Dog?BY PETRINA DIORIOAs we approach our two year anniversary we would like to take a momentto educate our consumers. As a company, we are asked repeatedly if grainsare good for dogs and the answer is yes. According to a study reported inScienceMag, dogs have evolved genes for digesting starch that wolves do not have.The wolves that became our domesticated dogs adapted so they could eat thesame kind of diet that early humans ate. Dogs have been able to adapt to humandiets, including eating starches. The grains and other carbs in dog food have beenpart of the dog’s diet since they began adapting to living with humans.If you have a dog that is allergic to a certain grain(s) then, absolutely, you shouldavoid feeding foods with those ingredients. However, food allergies account foronly about 10 percent of all the allergies diagnosed by veterinarians. Food intolerances make up another verysmall percentage. So, out of the 70-plus million pet dogs in the U.S., only a very small number are actuallyallergic to grains.Brewscuits® are made with whole grains including oats, rye, & barley. They are human grade grains whichmean they have low gluten component. The natural fiber does not convert to sugar in a flash; it burns slowlyand steadily and sustains energy levels and appetites. We use good grains and not bad grains such as corn.Corn is filler with no nutritional value. If your dog has an intolerance / allergy to ground yellow corn the corncan act like “puppy speed”.Brewscuits® do not contain salt, sugar, chemical preservatives (BHA and BHT) or grains that are difficult todigest. Many commercially produced treats contain sugar, in some form, in the first several ingredients.Brewscuits® are a good source of fiber. Each variety is almost 4% fiber.They are also a good source of protein. The pumpkin & sweet potato varieties are almost 16% protein and thepeanut butter is more than 19% protein.Veterinarians join nutrition experts in saying pets can reduce several health risks when their diet includeswhole grains. The very same health benefits can be seen in our beloved pets with consumption of wholegrains as part of a healthy diet – such as reduced risks of kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and somecancers.There are additional health benefits in the other ingredients we use.Pumpkin: Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber. It can also help dogs with indigestion or upset stomachs.Pumpkin flesh is loaded with beta-carotene, vitamin A, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, andzinc. They also contain antioxidants, which may prevent some cancers from forming and help your pet stayhealthy and young.Sweet potato: Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fiber and contain vitamins B6, C, beta carotene,and manganese. Other health benefits include a source of potent antioxidant to aid in healing, cancerprevention, and fighting the effects of aging, Vitamins A, C and B6, contains the minerals manganese, copper,and iron, and a source of dietary fiber to help with loose stools.Peanut butter: Peanuts are actually a type of legume, rather than a nut. As a result, peanuts are rich in healthyfats that are good for the heart. There are many vitamins and minerals and other healthy compounds that areknown to be present in peanut butter, such as vitamin B3, E, protein, magnesium, dietary fiber, folate, arginineand p-coumaric acid, an antioxidant.We hope that this information has been helpful in clarifying some confusing areas of pet nutrition.We know as pet-parents the care of our pets is paramount.Our second military K9/handler care package deployment was a huge success! We would like to thank thebusinesses that donated to the care packages. A huge Brewscuits® thank you goes out to Alcott Adventures,Danbella Foods, Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food, Fromm Family Dog Food, Beaverdam Pet Foods, PennridgeFamily Dentistry, Bergey’s Electric Supply, New Hanover Lutheran Church, & the women from the TelfordVFW. We would also like to thank Manheim Auctions for not only collecting & donating dog toys & suppliesfor our K9 soldiers, but they also donated their time to help pack up the care packages. Council Rock SchoolDistrict students provided us with cards for the soldiers. We also had numerous private individuals providingdonations. Without these wonderful people and companies we could not continue these efforts.RETAIL LOCATIONS1. Fabulous Fido - Stefko Blvd Bethlehem, PA2. Keystone Homebrew Supplies - Bethlehem, PA3. Woof World – Allentown, PA4. Keystone Homebrew Supplies - Montgomeryville, PA5. Cool Dog Gear - Montgomeryville Mall, PA6. Beer Etc. - Hatfield, PA7. Buttercreek Poultry - Quakertown, PA8. Fins, Feathers, Paws, & Claws - Quakertown, PA9. Fins, Feathers, Paws, & Claws - Harleysville, PA10. To Your Health - Quakertown, PA11. Beer City - Quakertown, PA12. Bakers On Broad - Souderton, PA13. Moyer’s Feed Store - Souderton, PA14. North Penn Beverage - Souderton, PA15. Dogtown Day Care - Colmar, PA16. Molly’s Country Kennel - Towamencin, PA17. Free Will Brewing - Perkasie, PA18. Blooming Glen Pork - Perkasie, PA19. Chris Deon Beverage - Dublin, PA20. Iron Abbey Brew Pub - Warminster, PA21. Perk Valley Pet Eatery – Trappe, PA22. Local 44 Beer Bar, West Philadelphia, PA23. The Foodery - Roxborough PA24. The Foodery - Northern Liberties, PA25. The Foodery – Center City, PA26. Link Beverages - Coopersburg, PA27. Hennings Market - Harleysville, PA28. Kinsleys Shoprite - Brodheadsville, PA29. Stockertown Beverage, Stockertown PA30. Spors General Store – Trumbauersville, PA31. Oh So Pretty – Glenside, PA32. Rolliers Hardware Store – Mt. Lebanon, PA33. 61 Brew Thru – Leesport, PA34. Pet Grooming Studio – Mt. Laurel, NJ35. Paw Prints - Stone Harbor, NJ36. Howl to the Chief – Washington, DC37. Ace Hardware – Leesburg, FL38. The Village Groomer - The Villages, FL39. WAGS A Unique Pet Boutique -Hendersonville, NC40. Crystal Clear Family Pet, Ellsworth, MEMCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 21

usinessMontgomery Countyomen’s ournalSALES PROFESSIONALSWANTEDMontgomery County Women’s Journal is looking for an experiencedadvertising sales professional to call on local businesses andarea professionals. The ideal candidate will have magazine,newspaper or B-to-B advertising sales experience.Straight commission — huge potential market.Call 267-281-3375 oremail mcwomensjournal@yahoo.comBecome your industry’s go-to specialist and get your message to thousands of readers by appearingin the Montgomery County Women’s Journal.• Each of our Women’s Newspapers is an informative and enlightening resource for the community. Published six times a year, we serve readerswith valued information in a wide variety of special columns and features written by local experts in their respective fields.• Montgomery County Women’s Journal provides the best in local contacts and the latest information available. We offer editorial coverage, a lowadvertising rate and, most important, targeted marketing to women. Read on to find out what we can offer you as a contributing writer.• Join our family of more than 18,000 other professionals nationally and educate the women of Montgomery County. This successful combinationof education and advertising creates community awareness for your business and offers tremendous growth potential.TARGET AUDIENCEAre you aware that womenmake 75 percent of allconsumer and health caredecisions? MCWJ is a primaryresource for the women ofMontgomery County. We’vefound our readership to be2.46 per copy with an averagelifespan of six weeks. Thisabove-average readership is dueto current information beingreferred to friends and familywho directly benefit from ourcontributors’ articles.EXCLUSIVITYEliminate your competitionby being the only professionalnoting your specialty anywherein our magazine. Whydivide the response of thereadership among yourcompetition? Distinguishyourself as the authority inyour field by taking theinformation you discuss witheach client and making itavailable to more than 40,000readers in the comfort oftheir homes.DISTRIBUTIONMCWJ distribution is extensivewith numerous direct drops.Free copies are provided toplaces such as area libraries,medical establishments, YMCA’s,lawyers, dentists, recreationcenters, health and fitness clubs,corporate office buildings,real estate offices, markets,salons, car care centers,craft stores, book stores,and more, and it isavailable online atwww.mcwomensjournal.com.REFERENCESInside each issue you will seereadership responses andprofessional testimonialsfrom our contributing writersand advertisers. Establishyourself as the contributingeditorial source for primaryinformation in your specialty inMontgomery County.WHAT WE ARE NOTWe do not print anythingpolitical or controversial.We do not cover local news.MCWJ is your direct link tothe target market of womenin Montgomery County. Ithas been proven nationally toincrease your advertising powerand get your message through.To explore the advertising and editorial opportunitiesoffered by Montgomery County Women’s Journal, call us today at267-281-3375 or email mcwomensjournal@yahoo.com.22 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

communityTogetherTMto End StrokeMy Weight Loss Journey:Rachel Stevenson continues to reshape her relationship with foodThe weight loss industryis a $20 billion dollarindustry. But what RachelStevenson eventuallyunderstood is that you have to putearnest efforts into changing yourrelationship with food. As a resultof her hard work, she has not onlyreshaped her body, but reshapedher mind.According to Rachel, 34, she was always a “chubby” child. How she felt about her body impacted herthroughout her childhood and teenaged years. “I avoided sports… anything where I had to be fast or quick.I was shopping in plus-sized stores while my friends were shopping in more fashionable places,” she says. “Iremember buying jeans with cut-outs and wearing colorful stockings underneath so the color would showthrough. That was my attempt at being trendy. And girls laughed at me. Because of things like that, I wasalways insecure.”Though her mother has since had weight loss surgery, both her parents and her older sister were alwaysoverweight and diabetic. At 5’8”, Rachel reached her heaviest weight of 280lbs. But she acknowledges thatshe was always yo-yoing: losing 20 gaining 25 or losing 60 and gaining 80. And the fact that she was in anunhealthy, enabling marriage did not help.Two things encouraged her to change her life: her 30-year-old cousin was diagnosed with diabetes (thatscared her) and she went to see the movie Julie & Julia (that inspired her). “During that movie, the maincharacter was getting a lot of her emotions out through blogging,” said Rachel. Now in a new relationship,she called her wife, Fay, and told her that she wanted to start an online blog about her weight loss. She says,“The blog was called Reshaping Rachel and I did it for 18 months. There was something about having onlineaccountability.”She joined a popular weight loss program (that she went back and forth with since age 14) and made upher mind to stick to it. At the same time Rachel finally decided to change her life, Fay was diagnosed withbreast cancer. “I stuck with the program this time because we were both going through journeys andwanted to support each other. We wanted to achieve the goals of being cancer free and losing weight,” shesays.She learned how to cook and taught herself about the benefits of different foods and grains and how toprepare them. Suddenly cooking was fun and her thoughts weren’t so much diet-focused as they werefocused on experimentation with food that didn’t come from a can.According to the Go Red For Women initiative, more women than men die every year from heart diseaseand stroke. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education andlifestyle changes. Rachel began her journey in October 2009 at 277lbs, keeping to the idea of little goals. ByMarch 2011, Fay was cancer free and Rachel was not only 164lbs, but her blood pressure went from 180/20to 100/60 and her triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood) were reduced by 50%.Before long, she quit her job in sales, got a degree in nutrition and dietetics and started her own business— Reshaping Nutrition — where she specializes in one on one consultations, group weight loss classes,wellness talks for corporations and cooking demos.But maintenance of weight, she states, is much harder than losing weight. Her struggle is very real. “ButI’m not giving up on myself, nor am I giving up on the people I teach. Actually, when I’m teaching I feel likewe’re in this together. I’m not one of these naturally thin people telling others how to eat, not knowing howtruly hard it is,” says Rachel, who wants to lose just a little more weight. “This is a lifelong journey; there’s noquick solution. I will always have food issues. I just know how to manage them a bit better now.”According to theGo Red For Womeninitiative, morewomen than men die every yearfrom heart disease and stroke. Thegood news is that 80 percent ofcardiac events can be preventedwith education and lifestylechanges.MCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 23

communityCradles to CrayonsLEAH MAFRICA, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE“Can my $500 buy everything on the table?”asks Casey, age 7, confidently.“I’m glad you asked,” answers Debra Roberts, Director ofIndividual and Family Philanthropy at Cradles to Crayons,the West Conshohocken-based nonprofit that provideseveryday essentials to children in homeless and lowincomesituations. “Because it can’t.”Casey ponders this response as she sits plopped at the end of a table situated in the middleof Cradles to Crayons’ 16,500 square foot warehouse. Giant cardboard storage boxes areclustered strategically along walls and next to pillars. They’re stuffed with plastic bags full ofclothing, boxes of barely-read books, colorful kids’ toys, protruding strollers, and backpacksfeaturing everyone from SpongeBob SquarePants to One Direction.Casey, age 6, makes big decisions during the educationalportion of a Kids Care Corps eventCasey sits at one of two tables populated by a handful of families attending the Kids CareCorps volunteer event on a warm spring Saturday. She has some decisions to make.Another table in the center of the room contains a dozen or so everyday objects: a backpack,a pair of sneakers, a box of Cheerios, cans of Chef Boyardee lasagna, an iPad, a half-gallon ofmilk, a bundle of chapter books. Each object comes with a price tag: a pair of sneakers is $40,an iPad is $500.Casey holds a bright orange, faux $500 bill. This will last her an imaginary month. With thehelp of her mom, Casey makes a list of the items she wants to “buy.” She prioritizes and makescalculations.On this Saturday afternoon, Casey is doing what hundreds of thousands of low-incomefamilies have to do every day. She’s learning that sacrifice comes with making ends meet.Philadelphia has the highest rate of deep poverty in the nation. In deep poverty, a family offour would live off of about $11,000 a year or less.Cradles to Crayons combats the effects of poverty by supplying diapers, baby equipmentlike strollers and bathtubs, and KidPacks – a week’s worth of everyday essentials includingclothing, shoes, school supplies, books, and toys – to families that need them by collaboratingwith human service agencies throughout Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware,Montgomery, and Camden counties. Items are collected through grassroots communitydrives and corporate donations, which are then sorted and quality-checked by more than2,000 volunteers per month before being made into custom packages for individual children.Some of those 2,000 volunteers are children as young as age 6. When volunteering, childrenlike Casey scrub sneakers, pack school supplies and sort toys.Today, Casey is participating in Kids Care Corps, a program developed by Roberts and a groupof strategic partners from area elementary schools, university education experts, and parentscurrently volunteering with Cradles to Crayons, and designed to engage children ages 8-12in a series of volunteer experiences at the Cradles to Crayons warehouse combined with aneducational curriculum about poverty and the significance of giving back.“The goal in creating this program is to ‘collapse the distance’ between the childrenvolunteering and the children we serve,” says Roberts. “When young children volunteer atour warehouse and see clothes and shoes getting packed up to go to a child in need, theybegin to understand how they are helping. When combined with an educational, hands-oncomponent, they start to understand why they are helping.”A young volunteer hand picks a bundle of books for a child in needWhile young children might not understand the statistic that nearly 40% of childrenin Philadelphia live in homeless or low-income situations, with hands-on learningand volunteerism, they do understand that there are children out there just like them– who love sports, reading, and climbing trees – but that not all children have themeans to play baseball for a neighborhood team, own a new set of chapter books, orwear a new pair of shoes each season.“The Kids Care Corps program provides a unique opportunity for young childrento learn how they can have a direct impact and help children living with far less,”says Aine Scibelli, who enrolled her daughters in Kids Care Corps in fall of 2014. “Mydaughters both love being members of the Kids Care Corps because it’s fun – andwhat they don’t see is how it wraps information regarding the reality of poverty in ourarea in an age-appropriate volunteer experience that’s fun while being educational.”At Cradles to Crayons, the goal is to engage children in philanthropy andvolunteerism early on, so that as they grow older, they stay engaged.24 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

communityEarlier this year, Cradles to Crayons hosted Mega Night, where more than 40 middle school studentsfrom area schools visited the warehouse for a Friday evening volunteer experience, which included an icecream sundae bar and dance floor.“It was very fun,” said Ainsleigh, a 7th grader at Waldron Mercy Academy. “But at the same time, it wasserious because we are helping people in need.”A survey was given out to students that attended the event at the end of the night. Their suggestionsfor a better Mega Night? Make the volunteer time longer and recruit more students to help more kids inneed.“We are one of the few agencies that can meaningfully engage young volunteers, but Kids Care Corpsand Mega Night bring it to a new level, and we’re thrilled by the response,” says Michal Smith, ExecutiveDirector at Cradles to Crayons. “It involves children and their parents in a unique and robust way, andreally helps them become aware of what’s going on in their communities and society at large.”Casey has a few more years before she’ll be able to attend a Mega Night. For now, she’ll absorb lessonsabout empathy from Kids Care Corps and the conversations about homelessness she has with her mom.With her $500, she prioritized food, sneakers, a backpack and chapter books.While the money she exchanged at Kids Care Corps was fake, Casey will gather some real life experiencewith saving money, too – she’s taking home a plastic Kids “Change” Campaign savings bank from Cradlesto Crayons, which she’ll fill with spare change and then bring back during her next visit. Her monetarydonations will be recorded so that she has the numbers to back up the impact she’s made on local kids inneed.In fact, Casey wants to take home two.“If you fill one up all the way, we’ll come back and get you another one,” promises her mom.Casey smiles in agreement. She knows they’ll be back for that second bank.If you are interested in bringing your children, ages 8-12, to a Kids Care Corps event, or would like toinquire about a middle school Mega Night, contact Debra Roberts at debra@cradlestocrayons.org.“Warehouse-in-a-Box” at Fort Washington ElementaryFor its sixth year in a row, Fort Washington Elementary hosts a “Warehouse-in-a-Box” event, wherestudents collect, quality-check, and sort donations on-site at the school, and then donate toCradles to Crayons. Fifth graders at Fort Washington Elementary also volunteer every year.“Cradles to Crayons is integral in helping us bring enthusiasm and spirit to service,” says AshleyFrearson, a school parent who helps organize the event. “It pushes children to think beyondthemselves and exercises the mind and heart.”For information about hosting a Warehouse-in-a-Box at your school, contact Renee Nicolo atrenee@cradlestocrayons.org or 215-836-0958, ext. 213.Jack, age 6,cleans shoes at the FortWashington ElementaryWarehouse-in-a-Box last yearCradles to Crayonsis integral inhelping us bringenthusiasm andspirit to service. Itpushes childrento think beyondthemselves andexercises the mindand heart.Warehouse-in-a-Box stationsset up in the gym atFort Washington ElementarySchool last yearDebra Roberts, Director of Individual and FamilyPhilanthropy,with Kids Care Corp membersGET INVOLVED ATUPCOMING FAMILY EVENTSCradles to Crayons is one of the only organizations in the region thataccommodates children as young as 6 in its volunteer experiences.Check out some of the upcoming family events below.“As a mother, I like volunteering at Cradles to Crayons because theyhave a high-impact, tangible effect on children. If we can teach kidsat an early age the importance of giving back, they’ll carry thatlesson with them into adulthood.”– Family Volunteer Day parentSATURDAY, SEPT. 12 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 7Family Volunteer Day1pm – 3pm; FreeEach Family Volunteer Event provides a unique and meaningfulopportunity for families interested in spending time together withtheir children or grandchildren to demonstrate the importance ofgiving back. Children as young as 6 are welcome. This event featuresa tour of the Cradles to Crayons warehouse and a special projectwhere families have fun sorting, selecting outfits, and “shopping”to help area children in need. To RSVP, contact Julianne Allman atjulianne@cradlestocrayons.org or 215-836-0958, ext. 204.Kids Care Corps3:30pm – 5:30pm; FreeThe Kids Care Corps is designed to engage children, ages 8-12, in aprogram combining a series of volunteer experiences at the Cradlesto Crayons warehouse with an educational curriculum about povertyand the significance of giving back. To RSVP, contact Debra Robertsat debra@cradlestocrayons.org.High School and College StudentsFor information about the Teen Leadership Corps and collegeinternships, contact Tyla Conicello at tconicello@cradlestocrayons.org or 215-836-0958, ext. 217.Other OpportunitiesFamilies, individuals, school groups and organizations are welcometo schedule a volunteer shift during the regular Cradles to Crayonsvolunteer schedule: Wednesday – Friday, and select Saturdays, 10am– 12pm and 1pm – 3pm; Tuesday, 6pm – 8pm. Contact JulianneAllman at julianne@cradlestocrayons.org or 215-836-0958, ext. 204to schedule a volunteer shift.MCWomensJournal.com June/July 2015 25

community4-H:The Best Kept Secret of Youth Organizations!BY JULIANNE SCHIEFFER, EXTENSION URBAN FORESTER, PENN STATE ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENTJOIN THE FUN!OPEN CLASSES AT THE FAIRHEAD. HANDS. HEART. HEALTH.These 4 words form the cornerstones of a child’s 4-Hexperience. Over 100 years old, 4-H is still around–changing with the times and continuing its purpose ofpositive youth development. In Montgomery County wehave over twenty 4-H clubs that meet year round andteach kids life skills. From raising animals, to leadershipand communication skills following nationally reviewedcurriculum that aligns with STEM principals, are allinstilled throughout 4-H. In addition to the monthly clubmeetings, there are other activities for 4-Hers such asfield trips, opportunities to attend regional, state andnational level events, community service projects and,of course, the annual 4-H Fair in August!Our Clubs• Alpaca• Archery• Air Rifle• Beekeeping• Cat• Cloverbuds (ages 5-7)• Cooking• Crafters – sewing, rocketry, etc.• Dairy Club• Horse – including Cloverbuds!• Livestock Club (cattle, sheep, pigs, goats)• Poultry• Rabbit & Cavy• Reptile Club• Seeing Eye Puppy• Senior Exchange• Teen Council4-H offers short courses throughout the year fromVeterinary Science to Toastmasters (public speakingcourse) to a new popular Agricultural Careers Class. 4-Halso presents opportunities in the way of youth campsfor members and nonmembers alike throughout thesummer.EVERYONE LOVES THE COUNTY FAIR!The Montgomery County 4-H Fair is held the second week of August at the4-H Center in Creamery. Dates for the 2015 Fair are:Thursday, August 6th – 4 pm-9 pmFriday, August 7th – 9 am-9 pmSaturday, August 8th – 9 am-4 pmThe 4-H Fair is a chance for the members to showcase all their hardwork to their family, friends and the community. There are events andactivities for people of all ages at the fair. Events include livestock shows,demonstrations from the Seeing Eye Puppy Club, an alpaca obstaclecourse, equine gaming, a performance by the 4-H Equine Drill Team, amodel rocket launch, kiddie tractor pulls, along with Parade of HorseBreeds, the Market Animal Sale, a pet show, a fashion revue just to namea few. Entertainment by the ‘The Daisy Jug Band’ is always a fan favorite.In addition to all the scheduled events and activities, you can always walkthrough the barns and buildings looking at the animals and 4-H projects,enjoy some fair food including the World’s Largest Sausage Patty, take ahay ride or pony ride, visit the vendor displays or stop by the huge fabricsale in the gym.There are many open classes at the4-H fair where Montgomery Countyresidents (youth and adult categories)are encouraged to enter their ownprojects including gardening, sewing,cooking, crafts, art, photographyand more! There is always a themedbaking contest as well! To check outa full list as well as all informationfair related, please visit our website:extension.psu.edu/Montco4HFair.Watch for ongoing updates and acomplete schedule of events.SAVE THE DATE!SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2015On Saturday, September 19th we willbe hosting our 4-H Open House at the4-H Center. This is the perfect chanceto interact with all of our clubs andsee what all 4-H has to offer. Fall is alsothe beginning of our 4-H year, so it’sthe perfect time to learn more aboutus and to join a club or two!For more information on what4-H has to offer, please contactMontgomery County ExtensionOffice at 610-489-4315.26 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

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fine diningHANGOVERSMay be the Least of Your Problems From Drinking WineBY ADAM KLINE,FOOD AND WINE CONSULTANTHangovers may be theleast of your problemsfrom drinking wine.A recent lawsuithas raised concernsabout wine drinkersconsuming high levelsof arsenic. The classactionlawsuit was filedagainst 28 Californiawineries. It claims after testing more than1,000 bottles of wine, 83 of them containedhigh levels of arsenic. Furthermore, the studyspecifically targets cheaper wines like Franzia,Sutter Home, Menage A Trois and Trader Joe’smore commonly know “Two Buck Chuck.”WHAT IS ARSENIC?Arsenic is a poison that naturally occurs in soil.Plant roots can assimilate it in the naturalcourse of growth. It can be a componentof pesticides. It can also enter wine thatis filtered for clarity using clay. Arsenic ispresent in drinking water and in a variety offoods. Federal regulations stipulate 10ppbas an acceptable arsenic level for drinkingwater based on a projected consumption oftwo liters per person per day. There is no established “safe” level for wine in theU.S., but may I suggest that if you drink 2 liters of wine a day, you just might havebigger problems than arsenic?IS THIS A CONSPIRACY?This all sounds pretty scary, right. Well, it was meant to. These tests were donethe company “BeverageGrades.” In addition to being the people who broughtthis story to all the major media outlets, also happen to want to sell their owntesting services to the wine industry. The day CBS News aired the segment onthe lawsuit, BeverageGrades sent out a news release offering its services toprovode “reassurance from arsenic in wine ”through “a tool for screening theiroffering to ensure the quality of their supply chain.” This seems to be more thanjust sheer coincidence. BeverageGrades is creating a fear within the public toforce winemakers to contract them.THE FACTS:The EPA’s threshold for acceptable amounts of arsenic in drinking wateris 10 parts per billion. As you can see, this is a very small amount, and it isunderstandable if people get worried about wine that exceeds this level. But onthe other hand, one must think about how much water you drink relative to howmuch wine you drink.The average adult consumes somewhere around 2 liters of water per day. If youtruly love your wine, an adult will probably drink 1 full liter (about a bottle anda half) of wine on a celebrated day. But seven days a week? If that is the case,alcoholism may be a bigger issue than arsenic poisoning. This is the amount youwould have to drink in order to get yourself a dose of arsenic that the EPA saysyou should be able to consume in drinking water.Arsenic is a dangerous toxin, but, um… so is alcohol.And sometimes so is the news.But before you pour your wine down the sink, consider this: even arsenicpoisoning at levels below what will kill you have unmistakable symptoms:brownish green spots on the hands, feet and sometimes trunk as well as whitelines in the fingernails. These can appear at low levels of arsenic intake, andthe risk increases as arsenic intake increases. If all the wine drinkers in NapaValley and across the country were consuming worrisome dangerously highlevels of arsenic, it would be hard to miss those spots, as well as symptomssuch as headaches, confusion, drowsiness and diarrhea.WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:You should drink wine that works for you. My personal prejudices around“works for you” include deliciousness, preferably sustainably-rendereddeliciousness, and preferably deliciousness that does not make me needa second mortgage. Your prejudice-mileage may vary. The evidence so farseems to indicate that the Poison Wine debacle is largely a bunch of hooey,but expect debate to continue on that.If you’re concerned about how clean your wine is, and that is a worthyconcern, seek out wineries that aggressively limit their environmentalimpacts. They might be certified organic, they might be completely orpartially biodynamic, they probably pay close attention to their waterfootprint, and they probably run smaller scale operations, pay employeesreasonably, and generally try to observe a Do No Harm ethic. They probablycost more than the wines listed in the class action. And that is probablyjustified, and worth supporting.Arsenic is a dangerous toxin, but, um… so is alcohol. And sometimes so is thenews.30 June/July 2015 MCWomensJournal.com

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