Make 2016 a Year of Wellness
Be Active
When developing an exercise routine, set discrete goals on a timeline and sign up for classes or events to promote accountability. When the going gets tough, remember that doing a little bit of something active — even if it falls short of your greatest goals — is always better than nothing. Keep moving at all costs!
Dr. Thomas Sheesley, Owensville Primary Care, Owensville: www.owensvillepc.com, 410-867-4700
Create a Wellness Vision
Learn how to let go of the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to weight problems in our workshops Success Habits™ and Back On Track™, specifically created for bariatric patients. Health coaching teaches you how to create a Wellness Vision based on your individual needs and desires to keep your post-surgery journey on the right path.
Denise Roden, Bariatric Center for Success: www.bariatriccenterforsuccess.com, 301-325-4269
Get Immunized
Childhood immunizations improve health and lifespan. Adult immunizations for flu and pneumococcal disease also work to prevent illness. Ask your doctor about vaccines for yourself and your children: aahealth.org/programs/comm-diseases/immunizations.
Anne Arundel County Health Dept.: www.aahealth.org, 410-222-4896
Consider Multifocal Cataract Lenses
Today’s technology now offers many cataract patients the opportunity to choose a multifocal lens over the basic single-focus lens. These advanced lenses allow patients to see near, far and intermediate versus the single-focus lens that provides either distance or near vision, requiring glasses after surgery. For the patients who qualify for a multifocal lens, it is a lifelong gift worth considering.
With more people living longer, active lives, having the choice to see at all distances often without glasses is liberating. Additionally, using laser technology and ORA Precision Vision further enhances cataract patients’ visual outcomes.
Dr. Maria Scott, Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center, Annapolis: www.chesapeakeeyecare.com, 410-571-8733
Fight Colds
The common cold is highly contagious, spurred by more than 100 viruses that are spread when inhaled or picked up from tainted surfaces and rubbed into an eye or the mouth or a nostril. Beyond frequent hand washing, there are a number of ways you can raise your immunity: Catch more ZZZs, de-stress, exercise. A little Vitamin C won’t hurt.
Ginni Morani, AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care, Edgewater: www.doctorsexpressedgewater.com, 410-956-3394
Plan a Healthier Lifestyle
Getting healthy is all about lifestyle changes. Add movement into everyday activities. Park far away from your destination, and take the stairs instead of the elevator.
When it comes to controlling your food intake, planning is essential. At the grocery store, shop with a list, and don’t shop hungry. Decide what you’re going to eat before you go into a restaurant; don’t get sucked in by today’s special. For long days and road trips, pack a small cooler with healthy snacks — pre-cut veggies, fruit, whole-grain crackers, hummus, yogurt. If you have healthy food available, you’ll be less tempted to make bad decisions.
Dr. I. Monet Ouwinga, Calvert Primary Care, Dunkirk: www.calvertphysicianassociates.org, 410-414-4552
Lavish Love on Your Lashes
Help your natural lashes grow by including these vitamins and products in your beauty routine. Vitamin B3 stimulates blood flow to hair follicles. Vitamin C prevents eyelashes from infections by strengthening the immune system. Vitamin E repairs damaged hair follicles. Biotin promotes growth of additional eyelash follicles. Calcium prevents eyelashes from breaking. Amplifeye replenishes amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants at the follicle level; it is compatible with eyelash extensions. Moi Products Sleeping Mask contours to the face area so lash loss due to friction while sleeping doesn’t occur (available at moiproducts.com).
Julie Nguyen, Lash Moi Salon, Crofton & Bowie: www.lashmoi.com, 410-721-LASH
Get Back to the Farm
Consider horse riding as exercise? It is actually quite relaxing and therapeutic. You can exercise your whole body while being outdoors and getting exercise in the fresh air in a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great stress reliever. We offer lessons for all ages and abilities.
After you’ve finished your ride, you can buy steroid- and additive-free meat and eggs raised right here in Harwood.
Deana Tice, Enticement Stables at Obligation Farm, Harwood: www.enticementstables.com, 410-798-4980
Try Organic
I often hear those wishing for better health say eating organic is too expensive. My suggestion is to start small. Pick a meat, pick dairy or pick one shopping week a month to go organic. Any effort is good!
Dr. Kathryn Hodges, Maryland Disc Institute, Annapolis: www.mddiscinstitute.com, 410-266-3888
Protect Your Skin from Sun
It’s never too late to develop healthy habits to protect your skin. Wearing a moisturizer with a sun block (SPF 30) on your face and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors is not only helpful in preventing sunburns and future skin cancers but also will help keep your skin looking young.
Inspecting your skin for any growths or ugly ducklings that look different or are changing in size, shape or color on a monthly basis is really important. Use a full-length mirror along with a handheld mirror to check your back and tell your doctor if you have any concerns.
Dr. Faris Hawit, Calvert Dermatology, Prince Frederick: https://calvertdermatology.com, 410-535-4561
Think LEAN in 2016
Being overweight has significant impact on your health and wellbeing. Weigh in by January 15 with Calvert Memorial Hospital’s Biggest Loser Winter Challenge and we will help you reach your healthy weight with weekly weigh-ins, weight-loss tips and support from our registered dietitian. Lose the weight, reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer — and win a chance at a Total Wellness Package to keep it off. Go to www.calverthospital.org and see other classes and programs for a healthy lifestyle.
Margaret Fowler, Director of Community Wellness, Calvert Memorial Hospital: www.calverthealth.org, 410-414-4573
Help Yourself to Home Care
You may be used to handling everything yourself, dividing up duties with your spouse or relying on family members for help. But as circumstances change, it’s good to be aware of all the home care services available that might be of help.
Help with activities of daily living — such as dressing, bathing, feeding or preparing meals — is called personal care or custodial care. You can hire personal care aides, home care aides and home health aides from a few hours a day to live-in care. Home health aides might also provide limited assistance with things such as taking blood pressure or offering medication reminders. Contact Response Senior Care LLC for a no-obligation professional consultation to review your options.
Gary Franklin, Response Senior Care, Annapolis: www.response-seniorcare.com, 410-571-2744
Screen for Colon Cancer
Schedule a colonoscopy if you are 50 or older. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable when early screening is performed. If you are under 50 and have a family history of colon cancer or a history of ulcerative colitis or are experiencing bleeding, abdominal pain or weight loss, ask about a colonoscopy. Insurance often covers this preventative screening. If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible for a free colonoscopy through the health department.
Tammy Halterman, Calvert County Health Department: www.calverthealth.org, 410-535-5400
Feel Better with Bowenwork Therapy
Bowenwork is a gentle, safe, powerful and effective muscle and tissue therapy practice, used to stimulate the body to heal itself. It takes an hour or less and can be done through light clothing. Beneficial for a wide range of conditions including recovery from traumatic injury and illness, Bowenwork can also be used to promote relaxation and wellness.
Dawn Groves, The Bowenwork Center for Wellness, Churchton: http://bcfwellness.com, 410-867-8776
Women: Wear the Right Bra
A good bra is a woman’s hardest-working piece of clothing. Most women wear a bra every day, eight hours or more. That’s why it’s important to wear a good one and get fitted by a professional who can help you select the bra that is right for you.
Many women suffer back, neck and shoulder pain from the weight of improperly supported breasts. Your bra should feel comfortable to your unique body and should match your activity level and lifestyle. A good-quality bra in the correct size can protect sensitive breast tissue from the effects of time and gravity.
Patti Platt, a la mode Intimates, Annapolis: www.alamodeintimates.com, 410-280-9771
Practice Basic Wellness
Start with the basics. Make sure that you are eating enough clean foods, getting enough sleep and moving your body. Surround yourself with loved ones, and learn stress management techniques that work for you. A happy, nourished soul helps to keep your body healthy.
Sara Poldmae, Meadow Hill Wellness, Annapolis: www.meadowhillwellness.com, 410-263-0411
Make Your Skin Winter-Ready
Are you ready to eliminate dull, dry skin and expose hydrated, flawless skin this season? Diminish fine lines, tighten, brighten and smooth your skin to reveal the beautiful skin within. Start with a consultation with one of our experienced estheticians. A thorough skin analysis followed by a facial treatment is the first step. From there, your esthetician will recommend a treatment plan along with a home care regimen to get you the results you desire.
Radiant skin isn’t just for your face. Your body needs tender loving care as well. You’ll want to exfoliate regularly to remove dry, dead skin and hydrate to renew your skin’s moisture balance. Your therapist can recommend a perfect at-home moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and supple. And don’t forget proper nutrition and water. Both are crucial for healthy, vibrant skin. Staying hydrated and nourished inside and out is the key to a healthy body and beautiful skin.
Jackie Martin, Jacqueline Morgan Day Spa, Prince Frederick: www.jacquelinemorganskincare.com, 410-535-6059
Soak Away Stress
Hot tubs are a great way to relax your aches and pains, especially if you are exercising again in 2016. Soaking can flush out toxins, improve your circulation and help you sleep better. You can test our tubs before you buy.
Harry Early, Chesapeake Spas, Edgewater: www.chesapeakespas.com, 410-798-5674
Remember Your Financial Health
We equate New Years with weight-loss resolutions, not insurance; However that is exactly what should be at the top of the list. Start off the new year by reviewing all your current insurance coverages. Ask yourself these questions: Is my dwelling limit at 100 percent replacement cost value? Should my personal liability limit be increased? Is water backup covered under my homeowners policy? Should I combine my home and auto coverage to take advantage of the Home/Auto discount, which can be 10 to 15 percent? Do I need umbrella coverage? Do I need life insurance, and is the limit adequate for the need?
Marshall & Associates Insurance can help answer all these questions and more. We specialize in both commercial and residential insurance, including homes, businesses, farms and wineries.
Robin C. Marshall, Marshall & Associates Insurance, Prince Frederick: www.somdinsurance.com, 410-586-2381
Talk Out Your Troubles
Therapy is for anybody and everybody. In fact, you don’t even have to call it therapy. Maybe you just want your life to be better or hope that your relationship won’t be so messed up. If you would spend a couple of weeks looking at these things and be open to someone helping you, you’ll grow, find new ways to laugh and be a stronger person.
Barbara Ripani, The Street For Men & Boys Counseling Center, Annapolis: 443-254-5731, [email protected]
For Your Animal Companions
Take the Stress Out of Animal Companionship
Stress can exasperate many serious health problems. Begin 2016 by reducing your dog-related stress and bringing peace of mind to your home. Teach your dog to make good choices without your micro-management. Teaching your dog manners makes living with him stress-free. Obedience training helps reduce stress by teaching your dog to listen to you.
Still, that’s only one piece to the puzzle. Set your home up for success by managing your shared environment.
Kim Greco, Paws and Possibilities, Arnold: www.pawsandpossibilities.com, 410-424-0858
Feed Your Pet for Health
Obesity in pets is common and has been shown to decrease their life expectancy by two years. Weight management should be discussed with your veterinarian during puppy/kitten visits and should continue throughout the life of your pet. Your veterinarian should be equipped to develop a feeding and exercise plan for your pet to optimize body condition. Schedule your pet’s annual exam, and come prepared with the specific diets and treats you are feeding them, including the nutrition labels from the foods.
Dr. Zaun D. Kligge, South Arundel Veterinary Hospital, Edgewater: www.southarundelvet.com, 410-956-2932
Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
Good oral hygiene and dental health care are the same for dogs and cats as for people. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of mouth problems and can lead to your pet not eating, having low energy and unpleasant odors. As the disease progresses, bacteria enter the soft tissue and begin destroying the periodontium. The tooth may be loose and painful, and the infection can cause a discharge of debris, organisms and toxins into the bloodstream, affecting the liver, heart, lungs and kidneys.
For a thorough, safe, ultrasonic dental cleaning in veterinary patients, anesthesia is essential. Home oral hygiene is recommended in between dental cleanings.
Muddy Creek Animal Hospital, West River: www.muddycreekanimalhospital.com, 410-867-0770
Winterproof Your Pets
Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin. These are only some of the discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, please heed the following advice from our experts:
Keep your home humidified, and towel-dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to feet and in between the toes.
Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is shorthaired, consider a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.
Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and lead to dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and rinse.
After walks, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals — and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes. Massaging petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside protects them from salt and chemicals. Booties provide even more protection and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation.