HealthFeb2016

FLORIDA RETINA INSTITUTE 

PROVIDING 

COMPASSIONATE CARE 

SINCE 1979 By Nan Kavanaugh 

Florida Retina Institute is special because its doctors share the goal of always providing excellent cuttingedge 

clinical care in an atmosphere with sincere compassion. Since they have offices from central Florida to 

south Georgia, they are unique in their ability to provide comprehensive retinal coverage for the entire region 

unlike any other practice in the area. 

Dr. James Staman 

founded the Florida 

Retina Institute. “My 

professional inspiration 

came from my father 

who was an ophthalmologist. Once 

I was exposed to retinal surgery, the 

procedures and outcomes were so 

exciting that I was convinced retina 

surgery was what I needed to do. 

What really excites me the most is 

experiencing the profound evolution 

of technology for repair of retinal 

detachments and diabetic retinopathy. 

This month we are proud to be 

participating in our third national study. 

This investigation is to evaluate a 

revolutionary ocular implant for longterm 

treatment of macular degeneration. 

We are now able to save sight for many 

people that otherwise would have been 

blind even 10 years ago.” 

His son, Dr. Jonathan Staman, joined 

the practice three years ago. Aside from 

being inspired by his father’s dedication 

to his work, he knew firsthand how 

vision loss can be detrimental. “I 

have a strong family history of retinal 

disease. I’ve seen family members lose 

their vision to retinal disease and the 

profound impact that vision loss can 

have on life,” Dr. Jonathan Staman says. 

Retina specialists see patients who have 

no one else to turn to when faced with 

blindness. Vision loss is one of the most 

devastating experiences a person can 

go through. “Few factors are as tied to 

quality of life as vision. Being able to 

help my patients maintain their sight in 

the face of serious ocular disease is why 

I love being an ophthalmologist and 

particularly a retinal specialist,” says Dr. 

Jonathan Staman. 

It is not every day you go to visit 

your doctor, and he walks into the room 

dressed in a tuxedo. Dr. Elias Mavrofrides 

dressed in a shirt and tie every day at the 

start of his tenure at the Florida Retina 

Institute twelve years ago. As the years 

progressed, he found it more sensible 

to wear scrubs to work since he was 

going from clinic directly to surgery. One 

day, one of his longstanding patients 

mentioned that she missed his more 

formal attire. “At her next appointment, I 

made it a point to wear a tuxedo, when I 

came into see her,” says Dr. Mavrofrides. 

“She couldn’t have been more pleased 

and took a photo to mark the occasion. 

We continue to be a leader in the field 

here because of our dedication to patient 

care. We always have and always will 

treat our patients like family.” 

As a physician, when you have a 

personal connection to the diseases you 

treat, you can provide an unparalleled

understanding when working with 

patients. His colleague Dr. Thomas 

Barnard also comes from a family with 

careers in the field of eye care. While 

that gave him the foundation to pursue 

work in the profession, what made him 

choose to become a retina specialist is 

his passion for the dynamic nature of the 

field. “I come from a long family history 

of eye care, I guess you can say it was in 

my blood. Retina is a very challenging, 

exciting, yet rewarding field.” 

Recognizing the overwhelming stress 

patients cope with when facing severe 

vision loss, the team at Florida Retina 

Institute strives to create an atmosphere 

of comfort and support. Dr. Steven 

Houston joined the practice last summer, 

and aside from the advanced technology 

and procedures being offered, the quality 

of patient care is what ultimately made 

him decide to join the practice. “I visited 

and was drawn to the family atmosphere, 

not only amongst physicians and the 

staff, but the whole organization. I didn’t 

find that at the other practices I had 

looked at,” he says. “We provide the 

same quality of care that the best large 

institutions provide, but we treat our 

patients like family. All of our staff has an 

understanding that we want to provide 

the best experience, as well as the best 

care possible.” 

The physicians at Florida Retina 

Institute have trained at the best 

institutions in the world, and the quality 

of care provided within their practice is a 

testimony to their expertise. Dr. William 

Dunn joined the practice in 1991, and 

he has been rated a Top Doctor by US 

News & World Report every year since 

1999. “This honor is a testimony to 

the good work done at Florida Retina, 

because you are chosen by your peers. 

You cannot be self-elected, and I feel 

honored that others in my field entrust in 

the care that I provide,” says Dr. Dunn. 

Research, clinical trials, and state of the 

art technology are used to give patients 

access to world class care across North 

Florida, Central Florida, and Georgia 

at Florida Retina Institute, while also 

providing excellent patient-centered 

experience. Utilizing 

technology, like an 

App that allows for 

home vision testing 

is one example 

of the patient-first 

philosophy of Florida 

Retina Institute. A 

patient can check 

their own vision every day and the 

results are automatically entered into 

a portal that can detect a decrease in 

vision loss and immediately alert their 

physician. Timely intervention is key 

to the success of many treatments of 

retinal medicine, and the physicians 

of the Florida Retina Institute are 

laser focused on providing the most 

up-to-date procedures and technology 

available for its patients. Research is 

a key component to this facet of the 

practice. 

“Retina is a very dynamic field and 

there have been so many changes, 

that being involved in research 

and clinical trials allows us to be at 

the forefront of the field,” says Dr. 

Matthew Cunningham who has been 

with the practice for three years. Dr. 

Cunningham graduated from medical 

school with Honors in research 

after spending time at the National 

Institute of Health, and subsequently 

went on to receive numerous awards 

during medical school, residency, 

and fellowship training for research 

projects. “Florida Retina Institute 

embraced my desire to not only 

provide excellent patient care, but also 

my desire to enhance the field of retina 

through research.” 

It is not just being at the forefront 

here in North Florida, but across the 

globe where the physicians of the 

Florida Retina Institute make an impact 

with their expertise. Dr. Dunn has 

provided his services to developing 

nations through numerous mission 

trips. “Florida Retina Institute works 

diligent with the community and public 

to promote eye care and health,” says 

Dr. Dunn. 

The practice’s newest member, Dr. 

Benjamin Thomas, hopes to bring 

more charitable work opportunities to 

the practice. “I’ve been afforded some 

unique opportunities to work with 

doctors and non-profit organizations 

doing incredible things in the 

developing world, and as I continue to 

work with these projects I hope it will 

provide one more interesting facet to 

this already-talented group of people,” 

says Dr. Thomas. 

Giving the gift of sight is an 

extraordinary mission, and the 

physicians and team at Florida Retina 

Institute cherish the opportunity to 

provide that gift with a philosophy 

focused on compassionate care and 

respect. “We treat all of our patients how 

we would like to be treated ourselves,” 

says Dr. Raul Moreno. “We have almost 

no wait time, and we make sure our 

staff makes our patients’ visits as stress 

free as possible. We are a patient 

first centered practice, and we pride 

ourselves on that.” 

To schedule an appointment or 

for more information and full list 

of locations: 

800.237.3846 

floridaretinainstitute.com 

NORTH FLORIDA LOCATIONS: 

JACKSONVILLE 

2639 Oak Street 

Jacksonville, FL 32204 

904.387.5600 

8786 Perimeter Park Blvd 

Jacksonville, FL 32216 

904.997.9202 

PALATKA 

800 Zeagler Drive 

Suite 310 

Palatka, FL 32177 

386.325.2411 

ST. AUGUSTINE 

1100 Plantation Island Dr. S. 

Suite 130 

St. Augustine, FL 32080 

904.826.0663 

LAKE CITY 

265 SW Malone Street 

Lake City, FL 32025 

386.487.0090 

FERNANDINA BEACH 

6 South 14th Street 

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 

904.387.5600

letter from the editor •••• 

EDITOR 

Nan Kavanaugh 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR / DESIGNER 

Christine Tarantino 

My best friend’s mother lost her vision at the age 

of 17 in a car accident. 

SALES MANAGER 

Sean Scullion 

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

Stephanie Calugar 

MARKETING CONSULTANTS 

Joy Bell 

Nikki Schonert 

EVENTS COORDINATOR / SOCIAL MEDIA 

Erin Colatrella 

COPY EDITOR 

Sarah Musil 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Bob Fernee 

Maggie FitzRoy 

Allie Olsen 

Jon Vredenburg, MBA,RD,CDE,CSSD,LD/N 

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR 

Melanie Frenzel 

Stock photography provided by Thinkstock 

HealthSourceMag.com 

HealthSource Magazine is published 12 times per year by Times- 

Union Media. Reprints are available – 1 Riverside Avenue, 

Jacksonville, FL 32202. ©2016 HealthSource Magazine. All 

rights reserved. The contents of this publication, including articles, 

may not be reproduced in any form without written permission 

from the publisher. Content of the contributing advertisers 

do not reflect the opinions of Times Union Media. Advertisers 

have proofed respective articles and content is assumed true and 

correct. HealthSource is not responsible for the care given by 

its advertisers. HealthSource is for informational purposes only 

and is not meant as medical advice. HealthSource believes that 

choosing a medical professional is a serious decision and should 

not be based solely on an advertisement. 

She lived in New York City as 

single 20-something, graduated 

from college, married and raised 

two beautiful daughters. Today, 

she is the grandmother of four. 

She is a tough, strong mother 

and an extraordinary woman 

with a tender touch. I remember 

meeting her for the first time. I 

was in college, and my friend 

brought me to visit her home 

in Greensboro, NC. When I met 

Linda, I walked through her 

farmhouse thinking, “How did 

this woman do it?” 

I have two daughters of my 

own now, and I think about 

how different my life would be 

if I lost my vision. As much as 

I would miss seeing the vibrant 

colors of everyday life, the act 

of trying to find my 5-yearold 

daughter’s shoe under the 

couch without eyesight would 

be a relentless challenge to 

my sanity. Vision is the sense 

we take for granted the most, 

because we rely on it the most. 

We don’t indulge in our view of 

the beauty that surrounds us in 

life, and we don’t take special 

care of our eyes unless they are 

causing us trouble. Our eyes are 

our windows to the world, and 

they deserve to be nourished 

and maintained. 

This issue of HealthSource 

Magazine explores the way vision 

affects our lives, both literally and 

figuratively. I hope you enjoy it, 

and this month if you don’t have 

time to “stop and smell the roses,” 

maybe just take a good, hard look 

at them. There is so much beauty 

to see living here on the First 

Coast. Enjoy it. 

Best, 

Nan Kavanaugh 

Editor, HealthSource Magazine 

nan.kavanaugh@morris.com 

4—HealthSource February 2016

14 

20 

February 2016 

contents 

Features 

28 

6—HealthSource February 2016 

14 Fighting for 

Sight 

A son’s genetic vision 

disorder inspired his 

mother to help find 

a cure 

20 A CEO’s Mindset 

on Giving Back 

Doug Baer discusses 

the value of charitable 

works 

28 How to Dine Out 

and Diet 

Don’t let a Valentine’s 

Day date night ruin 

your New Year’s 

resolutions 

BODY WORKS 

10 Best Foot Forward 

Mind over Body: Thought 

processes of endurance 

running 

18 Exercise of the Month 

Coming to grips with love 

handles 

SOUND MIND 

24 Healthy Minute 

How healthy is your heart? 

FRESH EATS 

26 What’s On Your Plate 

Carob vs. Chocolate 

32 Grow Your Own 

Jewel Carrots

Winner of 

MAGAZINE 

OF THE YEAR 

— Florida Magazine 

Association 

If you love the First Coast you will love reading First Coast Magazine. 

Through captivating storytelling and photography, we showcase the vibrant life of the First Coast. 

There is so much to explore here, and we want to connect you with the people and places that make 

this region extraordinary. If you are new to town, or have lived here generations, 

First Coast Magazine has something for everyone. 

SUBSCRIBE TODAY. 

Only $19.95 for a full year of award winning photography and content. 

firstcoastmag.com 

7—HealthSource December 2015

FIND IT 

Online 

/ healthsourcemagazine / healthsourcemag 

@healthsourcemag 

/ healthsourcemag 

BABY IT’S 

COLD OUTSIDE 

Okay, so maybe it isn’t that 

cold outside….we do live in 

Florida. Regardless of the 

weather, soups are a wonderful 

winter food. Visit us online for 

some seasonal soup recipes. 

Diet Friendly 

Restaurants 

Just because you are going on 

a date night for Valentine’s Day 

doesn’t mean you have to over 

indulge. Visit us online for a list 

of restaurants with some great 

low calorie options! 

8—HealthSource February 2016 

Eye Health Tips 

Like any other part of your body, your eyes 

deserve to be healthy. Visit us online for tips on 

what you can do every day to maintain 

eye wellness. 

NEW 

WEBSITE 

IN THE 

WORKS! 

We are giving our website an upgrade, so be on 

the lookout this month! Visit our Facebook page 

to share your thoughts on how we can make it a 

stronger site for you. We will be announcing our 

launch sometime in late February. 

HealthSourceMag.com 

Visit healthsourcemag.com for the rest of the story…

DETERMINATION 

Find Yours Again 

The word addiction can be uncomfortable and it is often difficult to tell 

when you’ve gone too far. The good news is one of the best centers for 

understanding alcohol and medication misuse is right here in Jacksonville. 

Call confidentially today and let us answer your questions. 

Lakeviewhealth.com/today or call 888.612.9248 

Come in and get our FREE 5 Step Fit Process, which includes a foot pressure 

test, GAIT Analysis, and running test! Or come to one of our FREE weekly 

group runs from our stores! Visit: www.1stplacesports.com for details! 

SIX 

STORE 

LOCATIONS 

Baymeadows: 3931 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville | (904) 731-3676 

San Marco: 2018 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville | (904) 399-8880 

Town Center: 4870 Big Island Dr., Jacksonville | (904) 620-9991 

Jax Beach: 424 South 3rd St, Jacksonville Beach | (904) 270-2221 

Orange Park: 2186 Park Avenue, Orange Park | (904) 264-3767 

St. Augustine: 1000 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd., St Augustine | (904) 679-4237 

February 2016 

healthsourcemag.com—9

BODY WORKS • • • • Best Foot Forward 

“Preparation is first and foremost. Once the hard work of training has 

been done, competing at one’s maximum is possible.” 

— Jay Birmingham 


By Bob Fernee 

The thought processes of endurance running 

Poised on the starting line, certain things go through a marathon runner’s 

mind before the race. He thinks of everything it took to get there and how 

happy he will be when it’s all over. Mostly, he’ll pray that his endurance 

holds up. 

Endurance, is defined in the dictionary as “the power of enduring an 

unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.” It’s a word 

synonymous with the marathon; a race once considered too long and too 

demanding for all but the toughest of runners. 

Through training, the body must be conditioned to meet the 

extraordinary challenge of running 26 miles. Those training miles are the 

miles that will sustain the runner during the race. They will not only 

provide physical endurance, but psychological strength as well. 

February 2016 


“In the middle and end stages of any long race, the desire to 

keep pushing erodes. How one keeps pushing is mysterious, 

since it is easy to back off or drop out. I guess the satisfaction of 

a completed race is worth the battle.” 

— Jay Birmingham 

Local distance runner and coach, Jay 

Birmingham says, “Preparation is first 

and foremost. Once the hard work of 

training has been done, competing at 

one’s maximum is possible.” 

When the going gets tough, how do 

they keep going? 

The effect that spectators have on 

marathoners cannot be overestimated, 

especially during the latter part of the 

race. 

Days before the race, runners will 

begin hydrating and building up their 

glycogen reserves by eating lots of 

carbohydrates. These will help them 

avoid hitting “the wall” late in the race. 

Pacing during the race is also critical, 

and they must not begin too fast. 

“In the middle and end stages of any 

long race, the desire to keep pushing 

erodes. How one keeps pushing is 

mysterious, since it is easy to back off 

or drop out. I guess the satisfaction of a 

completed race is worth the battle,”says 

Birmingham. 

Much of the struggle is mental. 

Runners train their brains to stay positive. 

They use “self talk” and work on their 

“inner voice.” If that voice tells them 

negative things, then it will only magnify 

fears and doubts. But if it tells them to 

be strong, relaxed and confident, then it 

will strengthen them. 

Distance runners think in the present 

and about the manageable. Running 

from mile 10 to 11 is “just one mile to 

run,” rather than, “oh no, 16 more miles 

to go!” It is a mindset as much as it is an 

act of pure physical endurance. 


“It is not too often one is able to 

offer a testimonial that completely 

exceeds one’s expectations. 

River Garden provided me with 

such professional and loving care 

that I now can enjoy a more normal 

lifestyle. I thank the entire staff 

for making this possible. “ 

Private room for each Rehab client 

Private suites available 

Complimentary transportation to 

and from your referring physician 

follow-up appointments 

We also provide 

“I wish to convey the gratitude 

and applause I have for the 

superior care which I received at 

River Garden. I am grateful for 

the care which has re-launched 

me into a better tomorrow.” 

“The medical staff and therapist 

worked together to help me 

have a successful rehab. I'm so 

grateful for them all.” 

“My success in reaching my goals was 

due to the dedication of the staff. They 

became my family away from home. I 

could not have asked for more.” 

11401 Old St. Augustine Road • Jacksonville, FL 32258 • www.river garden.org/rehab 904 -886-8454 

HealthSource Magazine is Northeast Florida’s original and most widely distributed 

consumer health magazine. Learn how to be a healthier you with helpful recipes, exercises 

and stories that celebrate living a life of wellness here on the First Coast. 

PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY TODAY! 

healthsourcemag.com 

February 2016 


“Some people give up. But even people who 

are blind can be very productive people, and 

should be.” 

— Lisa Pleasants 

14—HealthSource January 2016

•••• 

BODY WORKS 

FIGHTING FOR 

and Photographed 

by Maggie FitzRoy 

SIGHTWritten 

A son’s genetic vision disorder inspired 

his mother to help find a cure 

Lisa Pleasants grew up knowing that if she ever had a son, he would have a 50-50 chance 

of inheriting an eye disease that runs in her family. Called X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, 

the disorder, affects only boys, and causes damage to the retina, resulting in impaired 

vision. Her two brothers had it, as did a cousin. So three months after her son and only 

child, Brendon Cavainolo, was born, she had him tested for the condition, hoping to beat 

the odds. They didn’t. 

“ 

I 

t was the worst day of my life, 

when I learned he had it,” 

Pleasants says of that day 17 years 

ago. She quickly accepted the 

situation, however, and raised 

Brendon to never let his vision impairment 

prevent him from doing whatever he 

wanted to do. Now a junior at Mandarin 

High School, Brendon is planning to 

become an aerospace engineer. In the 

upper 10 percent of his class, he excels 

in math and science, and even plans to 

apply to the Massachusetts Institute of 

Technology, “for fun,” he says. He’s on 

his school’s cross country and track teams. 

He also loves computers, all types of 

technology, science fiction, and plays bass 

guitar and writes songs for his teen band, 

Neurofrost. 

“Some people give up,” Pleasants says. 

“But even people who are blind can be 

very productive people, and should be.” 

While Brendon is conquering teendom, 

his mom is on a mission to help find a 

cure. She founded a local organization, 

MOMS for Sight, to raise money for 

research. A longtime member of the 

Jacksonville chapter of the Foundation 

Fighting Blindness, and currently its 

president, Pleasants founded MOMS for 

Sight in 2012 as a support organization. 

She realized that many other Foundation

Fighting Blindness members were 

also mothers of children with retinol 

degenerative diseases like her son’s, and 

that together they could raise even more 

money and awareness. That led to the 

formation of another support organization, 

Students for Sight, of which Brendon is a 

member. 

Brendon’s condition affects his central 

and peripheral vision, making everything 

look farther away, and causing some areas 

of his visual field to be missing altogether. 

He cannot drive, and only reads text in 

large print. He also uses a minocular, a 

binocular for one eye, in school, and has 

learned to not be shy about letting teachers 

know his special needs. 

“It teaches you to be an independent 

person,” he says. “You have to become a 

self advocate.” 

Brendon is on the front line of 

experimental treatments for his condition. 

He has been accepted for a gene therapy 

trial this year at Massachusetts Eye and 

Ear in Boston. Mother and son will travel 

there 12 times for an initial treatment and 

then for follow-up tests. The treatment, 

scheduled to take place this spring, will be 

“the scariest part,” Brendon says, because 

it will involve getting a shot in one of his 

eyes. “They will use a virus as a carrier to 

deliver a protein that my eye is missing.” 

Brendon has always had a positive 

attitude, Pleasants says. “When he was 

four, he would go around saying, ‘I want 

to be a rocket scientist,’ and he has never 

wavered.” 

He hoped a cure would be found before 

he was old enough to drive, but when 

one wasn’t, his hope still never wavered. 

Pleasants says she grew up not believing 

a cure would ever be possible for her 

family’s disease, but the mapping of the 

human genome changed that. While 

FOR MORE 

INFORMATION 

Visit momsforsight.org 

and studentsforsight.org 

to learn more about how 

to get involved with these 

incredible organizations. 


hopeful a cure will be soon found for 

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, “I’m not just 

in it because my son has the disease,” she 

says. “I will keep going until everyone’s 

kids are free from these diseases. 

Hopefully that will happen in my lifetime.” 

So far MOMs on a Mission has raised 

almost $25,000 through area fundraisers, 

and will hold a Black Ties and Blindfolds 

gala in April. Attendees will wear 

blindfolds during part of the event to 

personally experience blindness. 

Brendon’s proud that his band, 

Neurofrost (a “geeky” term for brain 

freeze) will perform at Blackties and 

Blindfolds. The guest of honor will be 

Shannon Boye, the researcher who 

discovered the best virus to use in the 

gene therapy injections. 

In addition to raising money for 

research, Pleasants says she and Brendon 

also enjoy the social support among 

members of Moms for Sight and Students 

for Sight. 

While Pleasants grew up watching her 

brothers go on to lead successful lives, 

many parents are unprepared to deal with 

their children’s diseases, she says. 

“Acceptance is hard,” she says. “But 

there is a lot of support out there. It 

doesn’t make you weaker, it makes you 

stronger.” 

February 2016 


BODY WORKS • • • • Exercise of the Month 

COMING TO GRIPS WITH 

LOVE HANDLES 

By Bob Fernee 

The good tidings of the holidays always seem to bring out the 

“love handles,” those unwanted bulges on the sides of the waist. 

What can you do to help shrink that “muffin top” back before 

Spring sets in? 

Unfortunately, you’ll have to put down that Valentine’s Day box of 

chocolates and pick up a diet plan. This will mean healthy eating habits like 

salads, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Calories will have to be cut, along 

with carbohydrates, junk food and snacks. Cardio exercises such as running, 

walking and cycling will burn calories and speed up the metabolism. 

A study published in The European Journal of Clinical Investigation 

discovered that fat cells behave differently depending on their location on 

the body. Areas that store more stubborn fat, like the sides of the waist, have 

less blood flowing to them. This means there is less chance of the fat being 

released and used for energy. Increasing the blood flow to a target area helps 

to ignite fat loss. 

Not feeling the love for those handles? Try these targeted exercises to 

help slim your waistline. 

SEATED RUSSIAN TWISTS: 

Sit on floor with both legs bent. Extend both 

arms out in front with hands together. Keep feet 

on the floor. Lower-upper body backwards until 

the back is at a 45-degree angle to the floor. 

Rotate arms from side to side; repeat 20 times. 

For a tougher, more advanced move, raise feet a 

few inches off the floor. 


STANDING SIDE OBLIQUE CRUNCH: 

While standing on left leg, raise right leg out to 

the side with knee bent. Lift thigh until parallel to 

floor. Lower right foot back to the floor and repeat. 

Complete 20 reps, then switch sides. 

SIDE BENDS: 

Can be done with or without weight. While 

standing, position left hand on top of left 

shoulder. Hold right hand at right side (or 

holding weight). Lower body to the right, then 

return back to starting position. Repeat for 20 

reps, then change sides. 

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and monitored, and learn about ways to 

eliminate pollutants from your home. 

Call Today! 

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• Attic Insulation 

• Heating and Cooling Sales, 

Service and Replacement 

February 2016 



•••• SOUND MIND 

A CEO’s Mindset on 

GIVING BACK 

Doug Baer discusses the value 

of charitable works 

By Nan Kavanaugh, Photography by Heather Blackwell 

Doug Baer is an exceptional man, but he doesn’t see it that way. As CEO of Brooks 

Rehabilitation, a non-profit that touches the lives of millions of people here on the First Coast, 

he works every day supporting the health community driven by a simple mantra: doing good 

by people makes you a better person. He serves on the board of a number of organizations 

including Dreams Come True, St. Pauls’ Parish, the Northeast Florida Health Exchange, the 

American Heart Association, as well as many others. 

“ 

I 

think if you do give back, and try to stretch yourself to do good things, it 

comes back to you,” says Baer. “I have always believed that.” He joined 

the board of the First Coast chapter of the American Heart Association in 

2009, and currently serves as its chairman. This year the organization is 

honoring him and his wife Laura as the 2016 Heart Ball Honorees. 

“One of the reasons we are honoring Doug as the 2016 Heart Ball honoree is 

because of the growth of the organization under his leadership,” says Lisa Craig, 

communication director of the First Coast AHA. 

Much of that is due to his work at Brooks. As a nonprofit, Brooks works in 

collaboration across the health industry, providing support to all hospitals and 

many other institutions. It is that community spirit that inspires the work they do 

and has allowed him to implement AHA programming and advocacy throughout 

February 2016 


“I think if you do give back, and try to stretch yourself to do good things, it comes 

back to you. I have always believed that.” 

— Doug Baer 

medical facilities across the region. 

He also encourages his employees to 

commit themselves to supporting the 

AHA through participating in walks 

and other fundraising events, as well 

as other nonprofit organizations on the 

First Coast. 

“When we survey employees about 

why they join our organization, one of 

the top answers is our involvement in 

the community. It is more important to 

employees than most employers realize. 

They value working for a company 

that is engaged in the community,” 

says Baer. 

His wife Laura attributes their staff 

involvement to the fact that the AHA 

team makes their events such a great 

time. “The group of people that work 

with this organization is what makes 

everything a lot of fun. That is what I 

love about it. They have a lot of energy. 

They are on fire,” says Laura. “It 

is a national organization with a lot of 

relevance to our community, and it is 

their team that makes it that way.” 

Aside from the Heart Walk, Brooks 

creates a wide variety of ways for their 

staff to engage in fundraising efforts 

for local organizations like the Heart 

Walk from bake sales, to car washes, 

to karaoke in the cafeteria. “It is a 

team building experience for our employees. 

We all come together, and we 

really try to contribute to the mission 

of the AHA. It is fun, and for a good 

cause. And it builds team work and 

contributes to the culture we establish 

here,” says Baer. 

It can also help to alleviate stress, 

which is always a boon in the workplace. 

A 2013 study published from 

the Carnegie Mellon University in the 

journal Psychology and Aging shows 

that people over the age of 50 who 

spend time regularly doing volunteer 

work have lower blood pressure than 

those who did not. The researchers attributed 

this to that the subjects found 

volunteer work as a productive activity 

that reduced stress, and that stress is a 


major contributor to a variety of health 

problems. Another study published in 

2012 showed that one key contributor 

to positive health benefits derived from 

volunteering is that the volunteer is 

motivated by altruism, rather than personal 

gain. Supporting an organization 

that is meaningful to you makes the 

volunteer work more beneficial. The 

Baers recognize this and it is a driving 

factor in their work with the AHA. 

“The mission of the heart association 

impacts so many people. All of 

us in the health industry are dedicated 

to support its mission, and that is 

a big reason why I got involved,” he 

says. But there is also a more personal 

reason. Baer’s mother suffered a heart 

attack in her early seventies. Dealing 

with shortness of breath, she went 

to the doctor only to find herself in 

an operating room the next day. She 

had 90 percent blockage in an artery 

in her heart and had an emergency 

open-heart surgery. “She lived another 

twenty years after that,” says Baer. In 

a way, Baer’s work with the AHA is 

paying it forward. 

The great Greek philosopher Aristotle 

described the quest of life was “To 

serve others and do good.” Taking that 

as an essential truth of what it means 

to live a fulfilling and positive life as 

a human being, lets just say Doug 

and Laura Baer don’t just talk the talk. 

They walk the Heart Walk, as well as 

many others in our community. 

“We feel very fortunate in all the opportunities 

we have provided, and to 

give back to the nonprofits is just the 

right thing to do for the community,” 

says Baer. 

Your City. 

Your News. 

Your App. 

Download the new mobile app from the 

award-winning Florida Times-Union and 

Jacksonville.com for iPhone and Android. 

Then start enjoying the full range of 

up-to-the-minute news and information, 

anywhere and everywhere you are. 

It’s just that simple. 

www.jacksonville.com/app 

February 2016 


Healthy Minute • • • • SOUND MIND 

How Healthy is Your 

HEART 

Compiled by Nan Kavanaugh 

What do you do for your heart? 

Are you a good person that feeds their heart by doing good deeds? 

Are you a healthy person that gives to their heart through a tough cardio workout? 

Both are necessary to living a long, full life. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in 

America. The American Heart Association is working hard to educate the public 

about how to make our hearts stronger through an initiative called My Life Check. 

You can go to their website at mylifecheck.org to take the quiz and find out where 

you rank when it comes to heart health. Here is a checklist for you to keep as a daily 

reminder of what you can do to keep your heart good and healthy. 

Manage Your 

Blood Pressure: 

There are a variety 

of places around 

town where you can 

go get your blood 

pressure checked for 

free. Most Walgreens 

offer this service. 

Control your 

Cholesterol: 

Stay away from 

eating too much of 

foods that are high 

in fat and calories. 

Reduce 

Blood Sugar: 

Diabetes is on the 

rise. Reduce your 

blood sugar by 

avoiding sweets, soda 

and foods that are 

high in sugar. 

Lose Weight: 

While dieting is one 

way to loose weight, 

exercise is the best. 

Get that blood 

pumping and burn 

some calories. 

Stop Smoking: 

There are so many 

tools out there 

to help you quit. 

Smokers have 

a higher risk of 

cardiovascular 

disease, so strive to 

curb your addiction. 

February 2016 


CAROB 

CHOCOLATE 

VS. 


What’s On Our Plate •••• FRESH EATS 

If you have been avoiding all forms of media for the past 

15 years, then it may come as a surprise to you that chocolate 

may impart some health benefits. 

By Jon Vredenburg, MBA,RD,CDE,CSSD,LD/N 

However, can the same be said for carob? Carob is the chocolate alternative that 

frequently turns up in many health food stores and may leave you wondering if it can 

compare to the powerhouse of chocolate. 

Carob is derived from pods of large evergreen trees, 

which are native to the Mediterranean region. Carob is 

also known as ‘St. John’s Bread,’ because St. John the 

Baptist allegedly survived in the wilderness by eating 

honey and carob bean pods. The pods contain an edible 

fruit that can also be roasted and ground into powder in 

a similar fashion as the cacao beans which give us cocoa, 

and ultimately chocolate. Carob has never been a common 

food, but it gained some popularity in the 1970s, when 

it began to be marketed as a “healthful” alternative to 

chocolate. 

The key nutritional difference between chocolate 

and carob is that there is no caffeine in carob. Carob is 

also lower in fat and contains more dietary fiber than 

cocoa. However, in terms of total calories, candies made 

with cocoa or carob are similar. They each require the 

addition of sugar and fat to neutralize their naturally bitter 

flavors. Nicole Woodsmall, a Registered Dietitian and 

Education Manager for the American Society for Preventive 

Cardiology, in Jacksonville, notes the limited benefit 

of using one over the other. “If you are trying to avoid 

caffeine, carob may offer benefits over eating chocolate. 

However, carob does not contain the same amount of 

flavonoids as chocolate, and carob also does not taste all 

that similar to chocolate,” says Woodsmall. 

Flavonoids are the healthful compounds found in 

chocolate, but they are not unique to the decadent treat. 

“Besides chocolate, flavonoids are found in a wide range of 

brightly colored fruits and vegetables: blueberries, plums, 

apples, cherries, oranges, strawberries, grapes. They are 

also found in nuts, red wine, soy products and tea,” says 

Woodsmall. 

The antioxidant activities of flavonoids appear to be what 

gives them many of their benefits. Flavonoid consumption 

has been linked to improvements in cholesterol levels and 

blood pressure, along with lower rates of heart disease. 

A 2014 study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, also 

found that consuming high levels of flavonoids may not 

only protect against heart disease, but also potentially 

lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Although they are perceived to be similar, carob and 

chocolate have distinctively different flavors and textures. 

In fact, the main commonality between the two is their 

brown color. For anyone sensitive to the ingredients in 

chocolate, like caffeine, then carob offers a quasi-chocolate 

experience. However, if you are seeking a lower calorie 

alternative to the chocolate bar, be sure to read the labels 

closely to see exactly what you may be getting. Carob 

may leave you unsatisfied and to make matters worse, you 

would also be unable to tout the familiar health food perks 

bestowed upon a decadent piece of chocolate. 

February 2016 


28—HealthSource December 2015

•••• FRESH EATS 

HOW TO 

DINE OUT 

AND DIET 

Don’t let a Valentine’s Day date night ruin 

your New Year’s resolutions 

By Jon Vredenburg, MBA,RD,CDE,CSSD,LD/N 

The calendar has turned to February, and there is a good chance 

your New Year’s resolutions are still right next to you on 

your path to wellness. 

Or at the very least, they are still visible in your rear view mirror. No matter 

your situation though, dining out healthfully is as much of an art, as it is 

a science. The culinary riches which are present in many Valentine’s Day 

dining celebrations require calorie-conscious customers to strengthen 

their resolve. However, a few simple maneuvers through each course 

of the meal can help you stay on a path that is both reasonable and accommodating, which 

should make you happy. 

DRINKS 

Water is by far going to be your best choice when counting calories. However, celebratory 

meals are often synonymous with wine. The key tactic here is to strive for quality over 

quantity. Most wines will provide about 140 calories per 6 ounce glass. White wines tend 

to be lower in calories than red wines. The more wine you consume, the more difficult it 

will be to fulfill the rest of your sensible dining plan. Look closely at the alcohol by volume 

(ABV) numbers, as the higher percentage will have more calories. Aim to keep the ABV 

below 12% and aim to keep your glass on the table, more often than not. 

February 2016 


APPETIZERS 

Conventional wisdom says to skip this 

portion of the meal if you are truly calorieconscious, 

but if the appetizer is going to 

be a part of your dining experience look 

to share a lower-calorie option such as 

seared ahi tuna or shrimp. As long as they 

are not fried, or covered in butter, both 

choices weigh in at less than 35 calories 

per ounce. A garden salad is always a 

great option too, but just keep a close 

eye on what you add to the salad. Each 

tablespoon of shredded cheese or bacon 

bits adds another 30 calories and a modest 

2 Tablespoon serving of a creamy dressing 

pours on another 140 calories. For general 

reference, 2 Tablespoons is about the size 

of a ping pong ball. 

Bread and rolls are frequent 

accompaniments to a meal out on the 

town. Research shows that when food is 

placed in front of us, we are going to be 

compelled to eat again, regardless if we 

have just eaten. Put yourself in a better 

position to eat fewer calories by asking the 

wait staff not to bring bread to the table 

at all. If you really want hot bread, make 

yourself some toast for breakfast. 

MAIN COURSE 

The entrée is the culinary centerpiece of 

the meal. In most restaurant settings, this 

is typically a meat-centered dish. As with 

most things nutrition related, size matters. 

A steak portion can top over 16 ounces on 

some menus, so it would be wise to opt 

for the petit sirloin if you are compelled 

to choose red meat. For example, a 

16-ounce T-bone steak provides over 900 

calories, while a 6-ounce sirloin provides 

just 325 calories. Try to choose loin or 

round cuts of meat whenever possible. 

Try to choose loin or round cuts of meat 

whenever possible. 


Take heart 

too, because 

if dinner 

leads to a 

post-meal 

smooch, that 

kiss can burn 

a few extra 

calories 

while 

bringing 

a smile to 

your face. 

After all, 

being happy 

should be 

your ultimate 

goal. 

Fish dishes typically offer a wider array 

of lower calorie options on restaurant 

menus, followed closely by poultry. What 

you place on the item also matters a great 

deal to your waistline too. Béarnaise, 

hollandaise and other cream sauces can 

add another 50-60 calories per Tablespoon 

which is almost like pouring salad dressing 

all over your entrée. 

It is a forgone conclusion that any 

special occasion meal will likely exceed 

your average caloric intake. However, 

you can lessen the caloric excess by 

pairing your entrée with a non-starchy 

vegetable such as asparagus, broccoli or 

grilled seasonal vegetables. Most starchy 

side items such as potatoes and pasta will 

end up being vehicles for added fat and 

calories. A loaded baked potato will easily 

top over 400 calories, and a sweet potato 

with butter can be just as hefty. 

DESSERTS 

Part of the dining experience on 

a special occasion is sharing it with 

someone. If you decide to order a dessert, 

then sharing is a must. Look for desserts 

that feature fruit, as these are likely going 

to be lower in calories. Avoid desserts that 

are served with ice cream or chocolate 

sauce, as these normally have double the 

calories than a slice of pie or cake. Look 

out for menu descriptors like ‘explosion’ or 

‘avalanche’ too, as these typically are not 

reserved for lighter fare. 

Maximizing your dining experience 

while minimizing the calorie payload is not 

an easy task, but with a few adjustments 

it can be done. Take heart too, because if 

dinner leads to a post-meal smooch, that 

kiss can burn a few extra calories while 

bringing a smile to your face. After all, 

being happy should be your ultimate goal. 

February 2016 


FRESH EATS •••• Grow Your Own 

jewel 

carrots 

By Allie Olsen 

An easy choice to grow with kids 

My 8 year old is a jokester. He also dislikes vegetables. He’s not one of those 

spit it out and throw a tantrum in the middle of the restaurant kids, but he 

doesn’t get excited about them either. I’m using our family garden and a sense 

of humor as a way to teach him to love Florida fresh produce! 


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February is our region’s coldest 

time of the year, but it is a fruitful 

time in the garden. Cold days offer 

bug-free soil prep and a great chance 

to prep for the spring planting. We 

cover dormant beds with heavy black 

plastic to keep additional weeds from 

sprouting and focus attention on a 

few winter crops. 

This month, plant jewel carrots. 

Carrots, like stubby Thumbelinas and 

brightly colored jewel carrots, thrive 

in the cool weather and will be ready 

in time for Easter dinner. The tops are 

edible when stirred into a hearty winter 

stew, and they are an excellent source 

of Vitamin A. 

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February 2016 


CARROT PLANTING TIPS: 

Dig deep. Since you’ll be eating the carrot roots, 

turn a foot of your soil over and ensure you’re 

planting in aerated fertile ground. 

Pay attention to spacing. Place the seeds about 

1/4” deep in the soil, and cover with dirt. These 

root vegetables yield a lot of goodness in a little 

space, but they need space to develop. Allow 3” 

between carrots when you thin your carrot patch. 

Give new plants TLC. Carrot seeds are slow to 

germinate. Water daily the first 10 days and keep 

moist afterwards to ensure plump, juicy roots! 

HOW TO TURN 

A GARDEN OF 

CARROTS INTO A 

DISH YOUR 8-YEAR- 

OLD WILL EAT: 

Scrub muddy jewel 

carrots. Rinse well. Repeat 

if necessary. 

Prepare to cook: Preheat 

oven to 400° and line a 

baking sheet with foil. Let 

little chef crinkle foil over 

the sides to hold it in place. 

Slice carrots into 1” 

chunks. 

Toss with several 

halved garlic cloves, 2-3 

Tablespoons olive oil and 

a rough-chopped red 

onion. 

Allow little chef to 

transfer veggies to 

roasting pan however he’d 

like…even if that’s one 

carrot at a time. 

Let the little chef grab a 

pinch of salt and follow 

with a few cranks of 

freshly cracked pepper. If 

you have any other herbs 

in the garden, let him add 

to your dish! Rosemary 

and thyme go well with 

carrots. 

If you need help getting a veggiehater 

to join you in the garden, try 

coaxing him with this carrot joke: 

Q: How do you make Gold Soup? 

A: Add 14 carrots!! 

Carrots are fun to watch as they 

grow. First the greens develop then, 

when it’s almost time to harvest, you 

can brush away a bit of soil and peek 

at the root. Digging carrots is like 

a treasure hunt, and we allow our 

kiddos to pick them at any stage as 

long as they eat what they harvest. 

Once my picky eater has gathered 

a bowl full of carrots, we head inside 

for scrubbing and cooking. Adding 

just a bit of water to a sink full of 

dirty carrots makes for a muddy mess, 

which my 8-year-old loves. Make 

gardening fun each step of the way, 

and you may be surprised what the 

kids will eat! 

Carrots are fun to watch as they grow. First the greens 

develop then, when it’s almost time to harvest, you can 

brush away a bit of soil and peek at the root. 

Roast until tender – about 

20 minutes.

HealthFeb2016

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