Plastic Surgery Dealing With Aging Parents - HERLIFE Magazine

®HERLIFE MAGAZINE APRIL 2012HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COMPlasticSurgeryMaking the RightChoice for YouDealing WithAging ParentsThe Sandwich GenerationKEEPING WOMEN CONNECTEDMargo Murdock MurphyStrong at Heart

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herlife | contentcontentapril 2012welcome 8health 12integrative medicine 14Spotlight 16cosmetic surgery 18beauty 20inspirations 22cravings 2622MARGO MURDOCK MURPHYMargo Murdock Murphy’s world changed in a heartbeat one day in 2011. She went from caregiver topatient overnight, but learned valuable lessons along the way. Now she shares her story to help others live alonger life.recipes 28wine 30Culinary 32trendsetter 34spotlight 42mother’s perspective 44green living 46working women 48Spotlight 5030WINE & WOMEN:FOR THE HEALTH OF ITStep aside, politics, stilettos, and trash TV!There’s a tasty new topic pouring into femaleconversations around dinner tables and winebars everywhere, fueled by crushed grapes andestrogen all rolled into one long necked bottle: Iswine good for women?56LITTLE THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCEMaking over your home doesn’t have to be a big deal.A variety of small and simple changes can make a bigdifference in the look of your home. Here are some ofour favorite simple room makeover ideas that can helpyou refresh and redefine your interior style without thetime and expense of a major remodel.Finance 52Home 56real estate 60Scene and Be Seen 64Love and Relationships 68She Said Yes 70tie the knot 72IN THE valley 766 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | welcomeSpring BreakSpring is the in the air and the anticipated kick off to Spring Break ishere! Now that my son, Jackson, has turned three, we have startedthinking about planning a family vacation. We have taken a fewsmall trips here and there, but haven’t officially had a vacation since Jacksonwas born. So, the debate begins in our family of where to go and I’mreminded of so many family vacations I took growing up. We always had agood time on our family trips, but we always had some sort of debacle orminor injury along the way. Nothing compared to the Griswold family inthe movie Vacation, but we have had some close calls.On a summer trip to Sunriver, Oregon, we drove north on I-5 withour bikes on a roof rack. About two hours into the trip, my dad noticedtraffic swerving behind him. One of the tires fell off the roof and wasbouncing down the freeway! We pulled over and five minutes later, mydad returned to the car with the tire. That same trip, eight hours later,as the Mullen Family approached the swanky family resort, my dadwas about to miss the entrance when my mom alerted him to the sign.Thinking he was in his manual 1980s Land Cruiser, he downshiftedin his automatic 1990s Land Cruiser to make the turn. The car spun acomplete 360 degrees as we entered the gate. My mom was screaming,and Kenny and I were wide awake at this point. A stunt driver could notre-create the move, and my dad shrugged his shoulders casually like itwas nothing and smirked. We coasted into the resort, thankfully with thetransmission still intact.Some of our biggest debacles usually included some sort of injuryor illness with one of us kids. My oldest brother Chris managed to land ahatchet into the top of his right foot while camping. My dad sutured himphoto by studio mohsohup at the campsite like it was nothing. The worst trip of all was on a summertrip to our family cabin. My dad convinced my mom to take my three older brothers and me to the cabin for a week during summer break whilehe stayed behind and worked. We all came down with the stomach flu and threw up everywhere! There was my mom at our cabin with four sick kids,no air conditioning and most importantly, no washer and dryer. She had to drag all of us sick kids and all of the sheets, towels, clothes and blankets wehad soiled to a laundry mat. I don’t think she spoke to my dad for weeks.As I remember our vacations and the trouble we always seemed to get into along the way, I thought about my mom. I never noticed, but my momwas always the one to pack our bags, unpack our bags, do the laundry, pack the snacks and make the lunches. Looking back, family vacations didn’tseem to be much of a vacation for my mom. It makes sense to me now that in 1992, my mom started taking her own vacations without us, even withoutmy dad. A dear friend of hers introduced my mom to the health spa, Rancho La Puerta in Baja, California. She lovingly refers to it as “The Ranch”and it became her safe haven.Even though we had some mishaps along the way, our vacations were always memorable. I guess when you are a parent, your biggest concern is ifthe kids are having fun. Relaxing vacations are out the door, but I hope to create as many memories for Jackson as my family created for me.Kimberly MullenreadsharerecycleJoin HERLIFE of Central Valley on Facebook and stay current on the hottest events and biggest deals around the Central Valley!8 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM


herlife | healthDealing WithAging Parentsby elizabeth rosenbergerTime Magazine quoted Bette Davis saying, “Old age isn’t forsissies!” My mother-in-law used to say, “It’s for the birds!”Have you asked yourself this question, if my parents needhelp when they grow older, am I willing to help them? As the cost ofeldercare escalates and Social Security spirals down, am I planning fortheir future, as they have planned for mine?Steven Ross, a recipient of the Henry Pearce Award from the JewishAssociation of Services for the Aged wrote, “Hard working, caringwomen and men, who were in the past only expected to be parents totheir children, are now expected to also assume a parenting role withtheir parents. Parents are living into the eighth and ninth decades oflife.” Ross had even more insight in his introduction when he added,“As children we were naturally taught the skills, values and rolesneeded to be good citizens, workers, moms and dads. But where in ourupbringing were we educated on how to care for our aging, dependentparent or spouse?”Nine years ago, my husband and I made this type of decision.Due to Macular Eye Degeneration, my mother-in-law Corrinnecould no longer live on her own. The time came when my husbandrealized his mother needed help. They now call this assisted living.So we packed up, left our home across town where we raised our twochildren, two dogs, one cat and a short-lived hamster in an alreadyestablished neighborhood, and moved in with Corrinne.For the baby boomer generation, also known as the ‘sandwich’generation, we are experiencing the decision whether to take care ofour parents, how to take care of our parents, and when to take care ofour parents. The latter can be a painful decision, because no one wantsto lose their independence; the person assuming the care giver role, orthe parent that has to come to terms with being cared for.To some, this decision or mission is easy, and for others a dailystruggle. For my husband and me, we began to prioritize. I had thetype of job that enabled me to be home in the middle of the day. Thishelped with doctor appointments, shopping needs and other thingsthat would come up.“If my mother comes to live with me, I will have to give up mylife!” That is the number one reason I hear from most of my friendsthat are facing this situation today. When we started assisting Corrinneat home, I tried to do it all myself and quickly realized I couldn’t. Itwas healthy for her and I to use outside sources that are available to us.Ladies from two different church organizations come weekly to takeher out. Maybe they would go to lunch or Wal-Mart. Sometimes shewould do a ride along for a doctor’s visit. And we always encouragedher to continue doing what she loved, like bowling. Even though shedidn’t see very well, she continued to go bowling once a week with thesenior citizens group. And if you were to ask what her average was, thereply would be “terrible.” Her “terrible” was a 154 average. I would tellher she still did better than me if I was using bumper pads.There are also organizations such as Elder Care that will come12 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | integrative medicineVitamin Dby dr. lisa hunt | photo by dawn kelly photographyDid you know that Vitamin D is actually considered to be a hormoneand is produced in our bodies? Its chemical structureis very similar to cholesterol. Our bodies produce Vitamin Dthrough the absorption of the sun’s rays. It is also available through somefoods such as: sardines, salmon, eggs, sunflower seeds and liver, thoughin much smaller amounts. Vitamin D receptors are located in the brain,bones, intestines, kidneys, adrenals and thyroid glands.Vitamin D has a multitude of functions: needed for bone andteeth growth; needed for thyroid function; helps calcium absorption;necessary for the release of insulin for the pancreas; regulates geneexpression; and, essential for blood clotting.Vitamin D also has an effect on multiple disease states: chronicmusculoskeletal pain; diabetes; multiple sclerosis; cardiovasculardisease; and, cancer of the breast, prostate and colon.Currently there is a worldwide epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency,especially in infants, pregnant women, the elderly and those who avoidsunlight or have malabsorptive diseases. Dietary sources of VitaminD are not adequate enough to meet daily requirements. Some of ourdaily needs are produced by exposure to UVB radiation from the sun.However, several factors can impede this production such as clothing,dark skin pigmentation, sun screen and pollution.When UVB sun exposure is inadequate, a minimum of 1000 IUof Vitamin D is needed per day. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiencyinclude bone pain or muscle weakness. However, most symptomsare subtle and often unnoticed.Therefore, having your Vitamin Dlevels checked is an essential part ofa healthy lifestyle. ■For more information on VitaminD, please visit DrLisaHunt.com.Dr. Lisa HuntLisa J. Hunt, D.O., is the Medical Director of Valley Wellness Center in Modesto whose mission “is to build on every levelof your health to achieve the best quality of life.” She is board certified in Family Medicine and Holistic and IntegrativeMedicine. She specializes in anti-aging treatment, natural thyroid replacement, menopause/andropause therapy (includingbio-identical hormone replacement), strengthening the immune system, neurotransmitter analysis/replacement and nutritional support guidance.14 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

“Additionally, we incorporatean anti-bullying component intothe program that teaches thekids relevant life skills such asmanners, respect and discipline,and also promotes extendingrandom acts of kindness towardsothers. These are things to whichthey hold onto as they get older.”as I found my 100-pound, 15-year-old body excitingly transforming intosomething else.”As his competency, skills and enthusiasm grew, Chris soon beganto compete and by 1981, was ranked nationally and eventually foughtin Japan for the silver medal in 1985, competing against teams from allover the world in the World Championships. The successes Chris hasenjoyed over the resulting years cultivated his passion for working withothers in this arena.“I like working with people and watching them develop confidence.Not only are there the obvious physical benefits of the discipline,but it also encourages a positive mindset in which kids andadults learn to overcome obstacles that at one point might have seemedimpossible to them,” said Chris. “It’s not just about breaking boardsand throwing around a few punches. It goes way beyond that dynamic.It’s amazing how the kids who practice karate begin to set goals forthemselves in other areas, becoming champions and self-advocates oftheir own lives. Additionally, we incorporate an anti-bullying componentinto the program that teaches the kids relevant life skills such asmanners, respect and discipline, and also promotes extending randomacts of kindness towards others. These are things to which they holdonto as they get older.”Just as driven and motivated as Chris, Jeanne also began hercareer in the martial arts more than 15 years ago, initially earning thecoveted black belt in Karate. She has taken those skills and respect shegained from traditional Karate and infused them into the fitness andself-defense programs she, Chris, and the other instructors use.Jeanne and Chris have been trained by, and are certified trainersof, many internationally successful programs. Jeanne is one of fewwomen instructors of the Israeli Self-Defense program called KravMaga, which is today’s cutting-edge self-defense and hand-to-handcombat system that enjoys international recognition from experts inmartial arts and combat instructors, and is hailed as an innovative,effective and highly practical self- defense fighting method. Plus, it’s afun way to enjoy a rigorous workout!Jeanne also heads the center’s Ultimate BodyShaping Course(UBC) which is a five- or ten-week program designed to elevate one’sfitness levels to new heights while at the same time transforming theway people feel about themselves..“UBC is an exciting program that incorporates fitness kickboxingand strength training along with a solid foundation of nutritional guidancein a setting where each participant is encouraged to be accountablefor his or her participation and the desired results,” she said.American Martial Arts also offers a Cage Fitness class. Don’t letthe name fool you. There is no ring, contact or partners involved. Thisclass was designed by nine-time welterweight champion Matt Hughesto get in shape before his fights. This fast-paced, high-intensity classwill work your entire body in 30 minutes.When students come to American Martial Arts, there is a distinctfeeling of family and acceptance. It’s that familiar place where “everyoneknows your name” in an environment that fosters friendships andpositive relationships with others in the community. After 15 successfulyears at 1 location, they moved a block away to their beautiful, new3,600 square foot, high ceiling location that better accommodates thefast-paced classes.With classes Monday through Saturday that are staggered at avariety of times, some beginning at 5:45am and not losing steam untilthose that end at 8:30pm, there are no excuses to not find time to putAmerican Martial Arts onto your calendar. ■For more information on the programs and class schedules, go tostocktonkarate.com or call 209-952-4000.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 17

herlife | cosmetic surgeryQ:Is there a recommended timeframe for facialA:This month we continue the discussion of therecommended timeframe for cosmetic procedures forpatients in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond.cosmetic surgery?The timing of any cosmetic procedure is based primarilyon the specific needs of the individual patient. It is certainlytrue that patients are seeking smaller cosmetic proceduresat an earlier age than we observed years ago. I believethat patients wish to enjoy the benefits, both physicaland emotional, of looking better now, rather than allowingthemselves to first look “old” before they would considersurgery to once again look “good.” Personally, I endorsethe idea of a “preventative maintenance” approach, doingsmall procedures in intervals over the years as opposed tohaving a very large surgery later in life. This is, of course,the philosophy of many famous entertainers who seemedto “never age” while everyone else around them appears tolook “older.” An outline of the most popular proceduresperformed in each age group follows:Patients in their 40’s:In this age group, the emphasis is on preventing prematureaging and feeling attractive, vibrant, and desired.Men and women in their 40’s typically begin to noticeincreased skin laxity in the face and body as a result ofdecreased skin elasticity. This is the age group where themajority of surgery procedures are performed. The keyconcept here is that patients elect to have plastic surgeryto restore their youthful appearance and to continue tolook as good on the “outside” as they feel on the “inside.”The most common procedures performed in this agegroup are: (1) upper and lower eyelid surgery to removethe extra skin, puffiness, and “tired” look of the eyelids,(2) abdominoplasty [“tummy tuck”] surgery for patientswho have lost weight and wish to regain a trim figure isvery popular, (3) conservative face lifting [emphasis on thecheeks] for patients who have spent too much time in thesun as a youth, or who have a family history of very elasticskin. Further, patient’s in their 40’s are frequent consumersof Botox and Juvederm and other skin care treatmentsthat help them look younger.Patients in their 50’s, 60’s, and Beyond:In this age group the emphasis is on restoringyouthfulness. All aspects of facial rejuvenation [browlift,facelift, eyelid surgery, treatment of the deep linesaround the mouth] are popular due to the appearanceof aging and sagging skin of the face and neck. For thebody, treatment of sagging skin is achieved through otherprocedures [arm lift, breast lift, abdominoplasty [“tummytuck”], and thigh lifts]. Juvederm is especially importantin this age group as it “fills in” areas of the face thattypically lose volume as a result of the loss of underlyingfacial soft tissue [fat] with age.If you have questions or would like to hear about a certaintopic relating to cosmetic surgery or skin care, pleasesubmit your questions to our Facebook Page—HERLIFEof Central Valley.18 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

You Told Us What You Wanted and We Listened!$99 hYdrafaciaLs! *hydrafacials cleanse and hydrate the skinwhile exfoliating and extracting impurities.a non-surgical treatment with effective results!*$99 HydraFacials require a skin care product purchase of $45 or more at the time of treatment.Without product purchase regular HydraFacial treatments are $130.Joseph R. Burlin, mdExperience Counts...www.jburlinmd.com 209.870.71001805 North California Street, Suite 405, Stockton, CA 95204HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 19

herlife | beautyPlastic SurgeryMaking the RightChoice for Youby linda marannoAlmost everyone has something about themselves that theydon’t like. And, as we age, that list of things we don’t like canbecome a lot longer. At some point, the reflection you see inthe mirror no longer matches how you feel inside. So, as you removeyour makeup at the end of the day, you start the nightly ritual of grabbingyour skin on each side of your face and pulling upward. Suddenly…youlook ten years younger! It’s at this moment most women start towonder whether plastic surgery might be an option worth considering.There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to look your bestand plastic surgery is an option that can provide stunning results whenperformed by a qualified skilled surgeon. Whether you are consideringimproving specific areas of your face—such as your eyes or nose, orthinking about a more extensive procedure such as a facelift, there aremany things to consider and finding the most qualified surgeon shouldbe your number one priority. Where do you start? Your first step shouldbe to find a surgeon in your area who is board certified by the AmericanBoard of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). You can do that by visiting their website(abplsurg.org) and searching their directory by city or zip code.A plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of PlasticSurgery has graduated from an accredited medical school and hascompleted at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon.This includes a minimum of five years of residency training in all areasof surgery, including at least two years devoted entirely to plastic surgery.To become certified, the doctor must also pass comprehensive writtenand oral exams.Some plastic surgeons also have additional board certification fromthe American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (abfprs.org), and their online directory can be a good resource for surgeons aswell. To be certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and ReconstructiveSurgery the surgeon must complete an approved residency thatincludes training in all aspects of facial plastic surgery, must have earnedprevious board certification from another board recognized by theAmerican Board of Medical Specialties (preferably from the AmericanBoard of Plastic Surgery) and must be able to submit proof of at least twoyears of clinical experience and having completed a minimum of 100facial plastic surgeries.These are really the only two certifications you should consider inyour research for a qualified plastic surgeon, because they both requireextensive training and/or experience in plastic surgery. The AmericanBoard of Cosmetic Surgery (americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org) doesnot require training in plastic surgery.As you review a surgeon’s profile or bio, it’s important to make noteof where they attended medical school and where they completed theirresidency. It would also be to your advantage to find a board certifiedplastic surgeon who is affiliated with a medical school medical center,and if they are also a faculty member—that’s even better.Of course, just because a doctor is board certified doesn’t necessarilyguarantee that his or her patients are always satisfied with theirresults or that their personality will be a match for you. Fortunately, thereare a couple of websites that feature doctor reviews by patients that canprovide valuable information so you can make an informed choice—RateMDs.com, a user-friendly, free service which enables you to accessreviews nationwide, and AngiesList.com, which requires a membershipfee and limits access to reviews only in your geographic area.In addition to taking the time to do thorough research on thebackground and qualifications of any surgeon you may be considering,20 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

it’s also important that you fully understand the process involved for theparticular procedure you are interested in as well.The most informative and helpful online site for reviews of cosmeticand plastic surgery procedures is called RealSelf.com, an onlinecommunity created to help people make informed decisions aboutcosmetic procedures by enabling consumers to share reviews about their“real” experiences regarding various cosmetic procedures, includingoverall satisfaction rate, cost, pain, recovery time, doctor ratings, photosand video diaries. You can search their site for patient reviews of any particularprocedure you might be interested in—eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty(nose job), facelift and many others.In your plastic surgery research you will more than likely comeacross intriguing ads for “branded” facial surgical procedures marketedby national companies that promise great results in less than an hour ataffordable rates. Just remember, pretty pictures don’t always tell the fullstory, and when you make your decisions based on cost alone, you runthe risk (high risk) of getting substandard results. Although the AmericanSociety of Plastic Surgeons hasn’t taken an official stand on thesebranded procedures, it advises consumers to “Get a second opinion fromsomeone who doesn’t have a big ad.”Getting a second opinion is always good advice before deciding onany medical procedure, and it is especially important when consideringplastic surgery. If you invest extensive time and effort in your research tofind a qualified plastic surgeon, you will be pleased to see that the newreflection in your mirror will be a younger more vibrant you. ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 21

As the feelings intensified and it became difficult for her tobreathe, panic soon set in. She noticed there were others in the area,but they appeared to be too far away to take notice of the situation. Herusual sense of calm control gave way to deep anxiety, and she tried tocalm herself by hoping that this ill feeling would soon pass. However,by the time she realized she needed help, she was not able to dial herphone. Her breathing quickly became more labored and she knew thatsomething was terribly wrong. While she was not in any specific painthat she recalls, she broke out in a cold sweat and attempted to cry outfor help as she sat on her knees, her head in her hands.She noticed a gentleman and his daughters playing nearby. Shepointed them out to Reed and asked him to go get the daddy sitting onthe bench. As she pleaded for Reed to get help, this “wise beyond hisyears” young boy refused to leave his mom’s side. Yes, he was obviouslyfrantic, but his mom’s lesson regarding “stranger danger” deliveredweeks earlier, coupled with the fear he had over her situation, did notallow him to go up to someone he didn’t know and ask for help.Fortunately, someone realized Margo was in trouble and thefather sitting on the bench rushed over, called the fire department andhelped with the boys until Margo’s friend arrived. Even though it hadjust been a few minutes since all of this transpired, to Margo it felt likean eternity. As Margo left by ambulance, despite her despondence ofleaving her boys, she was grateful that her friend was there to take careof them and to call her family.Once she was at the hospital, oddly enough, she began to feelmuch better. “I remember the paramedics asking me if I had anxiety orif I had just suffered a panic attack,” she said, noting that panic attackscan often mimic a heart attack, especially in women.After several tests were conducted, Margo was kept overnightfor observation. She was told she had sustained a heart attack, anunbelievable concept for someone who fits none of the establishedcriteria for someone most likely to have one. After all, she was young,fit, active, healthy and had no family history of heart disease.In retrospect, Margo was actually somewhat relieved to learn thather trip to the ER was valid. Like most busy moms who continuallyassume the caregiver role, she felt guilty for upsetting her childrenand friend, disrupting a play date in the park, and causing her familymembers worry and stress as they rushed to the hospital.“It was comforting to me to know that I wasn’t overreacting tosomething and that I had actually experienced major physical trauma,”she noted, referencing how, as the consummate wife and mother, thelast thing she wanted to do was inconvenience people.Cleared to go home with the requisite medications, she still hadno solid diagnosis as to the cause. She underwent an echo cardiogramand an exercise electrocardiogram (stress test) which she successfullypassed at the time. A follow-up appointment with the cardiologist wasscheduled for two weeks later.Ordered to rest at home until the next appointment, Margo beganHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 23

to feel better within a week, almost as if nothing had happened. Thenone evening hours after going to bed, she was suddenly awakened at3 a.m. with that familiar feeling she had in the park the week before.Frantic, yet feeling more in control this time, she awakened Chester,her husband, who called 911 as she moved herself closer to the frontdoor to wait for the fire department so as not to awaken and traumatizeher boys once again.This time, she was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Centerin Stockton. Again, this 40-year-old woman was experiencing a heartattack yet fell far short of any obvious characteristics that would puther in the category of even considering it would be a possibility.“How could this be?” she nervously wondered, her thoughts primarilyfocused on her two boys and husband.The second episode was much greater than the first, and an initialangiogram revealed a blockage while a subsequent one identified thatshe had experienced what is medically known as spontaneous coronaryarterial dissection, triggered by a tear in her coronary artery whichstopped the flow of blood to her heart. Medically speaking, she had twoarterial dissections.Six days later, Margo underwent open heart surgery. Again, theinvasive physical trauma of that procedure paled in comparison to thepain she felt when she saw the concern and fear in Reed’s young eyes,not only at the park the week prior but as he stood by her bed oneday in the hospital. She knew he had questions, but she couldn’t yetdeliver the answers. It goes without saying that it was just as difficult forChester and her family, too.“As a caregiver, it is frustrating to not be able to continue in thatrole. I knew the doubt and uncertainty Reed was struggling with abouthis mommy was too much to bear,” Margo noted, her confident voicetrembling under the weight of the overwhelming emotions as theycascaded down upon her as if this had just happened yesterday.Not surprisingly, when Margo returned home, she faced monthsof rehabilitation and noted that the heart attacks did not just happento her—they happened to her whole family. Routines were disrupted.Schedules drastically changed. Chester assumed many of thecaregiving duties formerly fulfilled by Margo in addition to continuingwith his work responsibilities. The day-to-day familiarity to which herkids had become accustomed disappeared. In actuality, they all had torecover on their own terms.“For three months, I could not lift, push or pull anything morethan five pounds,” Margo said, noting that simple tasks we all takefor granted, such as opening the refrigerator door or getting dressed,proved to be impossible. “The hardest part was not being able to pickup or hold my children.”Still, life goes on and Margo is in awe of the troopers her boysbecame and how her husband courageously stepped up to the plate.Through it all, Chester and the boys drew closer, and now celebrate abond that might not otherwise have developed. The unconditional loveand support from family and friends also helped make recovery possible.Margo is exceedingly grateful for the knowledgeable and expert24 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

nurses and staff at the cardiac rehabilitationcenter at St. Joseph’s renowned heart centerwho guided her every step of the way throughher recovery.“I feel like myself again,” she beamed.“My life is back to a new normal. This pastyear has made me realize that I need to makemy health a priority. Heart disease can happento anyone, anywhere. As the number onekiller of women, we need to trust our instinctsif we think something is wrong. The more youknow about the symptoms, the better preparedyou will be if ever faced with this situation.Knowledge is power.”Margo still wonders if the trauma of itwas too much for Reed to bear, but this youngman seems even more determined to be themature and responsible young boy he’s alwaysbeen. The scar on his mommy’s chest remindshim of that fateful day. He articulately recallsthe events of the day it happened, but does soin a matter-of-fact way, as if to suggest that healso appreciates the lessons learned amonglife’s greatest challenges.Margo will share her touching andinspiring story on April 27th at the Go Redfor Women Luncheon sponsored by theAmerican Heart Association at the HiltonStockton at 2323 Grand Canal Boulevard inStockton. She credits Julie Whitehouse, theExecutive Director of the Stockton chapter,for working tirelessly to bring awareness to theissue of heart disease.“We all will have personal experiencewith heart disease, either through ourown battles or in knowing someone whostruggles with it,” emphasized Margo. “Ittouches people’s lives and impacts countlessindividuals. While this all seems so surrealto me, I am honored to be able to share mypersonal journey so others can become moreknowledgeable. For that, I am grateful.”For her boys, her husband, herentire family, her community, and peopleeverywhere, Margo is now fully committed tofighting heart disease and bringing increasedawareness to this issue. This is grand testamentto truly having one’s heart in the right place. ■To learn more about heart disease, go toheart.org.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 25

herlife | cravingsby adriana broggerphotos by bre baszler, bw black & whites photographyWith the catchphrase of “an updated twist on an oldtradition,” Town and Country Café in Tracy, formerlyDeVinci’s, is a Central Valley delight. The food is freshand it tastes phenomenal. The owners, Mike Trotter and Claudia Nicolau,are two really cool people who know a lot about high-quality food.They aren’t professionally trained; they just love good, local ingredientsand know what tastes good. Personally, I think those can be some thebest chefs.When you walk into Town & Country Café, the café décor is tastefuland comfortably chic. Motivating and inspiring quotes hang on thewalls and are tucked into corners. Throughout, there’s a little bit of townand city chic mingled with country warmth. The tables are branded withthe café’s logo. If you look closely, you’ll find an elk somewhere in therestaurant. When you find him, ask the owners why he’s tucked away,and the answer will likely make you smile and appreciate the blend oftown and country even more.Now, on to the food! Bre and I were spoiled here. They treated usso well that we almost didn’t leave. Let’s start with breakfast. We had theMigas, a tasty dish made with corn tortilla pieces lightly fried in extravirgin olive oil and then scrambled with eggs and cheddar jack cheeses,served with pico de gallo, sour cream, enchilada sauce, fresh cilantroand onion. You can add chicken or seasoned ground beef, if wanted.Next, we tried the bacon pancakes stuffed with sausage and scrambledeggs. Talk about creativity with an egg!Moving onto lunch, we had the Random Spinach salad which wasanything but random in taste! It was a celebration of flavors featuringbaby spinach, mixed with quinoa, slivered almonds, hard-boiled egg,dried cranberries and Parmesan cheese. It’s served with an herbed goatcheese crostini. This salad was amazing!Next up was the Heart Attack Burger! This burger is as deliciousto eat as it is impressive to look at. The burger is made with two halfpoundhandmade beef patties, cheddar, jack and provolone cheeses..It is then loaded with hickory-smoked bacon and your choice of lettuce,tomato and red onions. And as if that wasn’t enough, this massivemeal pushes the taste buds to delight with a serving of speciallyseasonedFrench fries! Mmmm!Then we had the City Chick Panini! It’s got prosciutto, pear, brieand arugula, which is a winning combination with amazing flavors! Wealso had the Twisted Turkey Panini, a hand-carved roasted turkey withHavarti cheese and a special blend of pesto mayo. For more traditionalfolks, there are also cold sandwiches, but no thin deli slices here! Theyhand-carved a roasted turkey breast into thick slabs. With cranberry andavocado added to the mix, this is heaven on a Dutch crunch roll.For those familiar with the De Vinci name, you know thatDeVinci is synonymous with great ravioli and focaccia bread. Youcan still get all that tasty goodness here but with an updated twist. Myfavorite pasta meal is one called Laura’s Favorite, a pasta dish withchicken breast and pesto sauce tossed in with capellini, then toppedwith sundried tomatoes and pine nuts. I loved it! Then we were offeredthe cheese ravioli with creamy marinara sauce–definitely a twiston the traditional ravioli. It was so good!You cannot go wrong with any item on the menu. All of the foodis prepared fresh, using as many local ingredients as possible, highlightingmany of the local vendors and growers throughout California’sCentral Valley.In addition to offering spectacular food, they also carry specialtyitems such as Uncommon Grounds coffee blend out of Berkeley, and26 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

other great items like California Extra Virgin Olive Oils and grocery items. Claudia says she and Mikeare always on the lookout for opportunities to bring unique items to the Valley. In fact, some of theitems found here are not found anywhere else locally. Take note, home chefs–come here and enjoy thefood on the menu and then check out the grocery items to whip up your own amazing dish at home.If you have more of a sweet tooth, there is plenty to satisfy you at Town & Country Café. They offerbaked goods temptingly displayed in a large glass case, ready for customers wanting a tasty treat. TheDowntowner and Cinnamon Roll are so good, it’s almost sinful! Add the best cup of coffee in town, andyou have just found a new reason to drive to Tracy… no matter where you live! Trust me, the food isworth the drive. Even if there is a well-loved pasta shop with a similar name in your neighborhood, thisplace takes great food to a whole new level. ■Town and Country Café is located at 27 West 10th Street in Tracy. They offer catering services, privateparties and shrimp and crab feeds. For more information about specials and hours, visit them onlineat facebook.com/devincistownandcountrycafe or call 209-835-6751.Adriana Brogger is an assignment editor and writer for the #1 rated television news station in the Sacramento,Stockton and Modesto areas, KCRA – 3. When Adriana is not working or spending time with her husband andfour little boys she is buried in a textbook as she pursues a Master’s Degree. She enjoys reading, writing, playingwith makeup and watching YouTube tutorials, until her real life of work, dishes, laundry and messy little boys comescalling! If you know of a great local restaurant that would welcome a visit by Adriana, please send an email tokimberly@herlifemagazine.com.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 27

Parmesan TilapiaIngredients:¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese3 Tablespoons butter, melted2 teaspoons lemon juicesalt and pepper to taste(4) 4-ounce tilapia filetsInstructions:1. Preheat oven to 400° F and spray a foil-lined baking sheet with non-stick cookingspray.2. In a shallow dish, combine the cheese, butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper.3. Place tilapia on the foil-lined baking sheet. Spread cheese mixture over the topof the tilapia filets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until fish is opaque in the thickestpart. ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 29

We’ve all heard the saying and it’s so true! “Cooking and pairing foodwith wine is like taking an ordinary experience and turning it into ahighly creative experience,” says Carey Skinner, owner of El DoradoCounty’s Skinner Vineyards. “It’s relaxing and it relieves stress after along day of whatever; to cook and have that glass of wine and really appreciatethe wine itself, I love it.”“Wine is good for you and good for the soul,” says Stephanie Priosteof Tracy’s Windmill Ridge Winery, “and it’s associated with pleasurabletimes.” When socializing with friends, she says, it’s usually over a glassof wine. Prioste’s grape of choice? She often favors a spot of their 2008Souzao. “It’s full-bodied, rich in color and palate, and it has a smoothfinish.” A stress buster for sure!While most clinical studies found positive attributes in red wines,thanks to those antioxidant-rich skins, white wine lovers everywhere arebreathing easier thanks to one study that claims drinking white wine overa lifetime is associated with better lung function. You can read all aboutit at ScienceDaily.com.Looking pretty darned healthy, Niki Natsis of Lodi’s Omega Cellarsexplains that wine has always been a part of her life. “When I wasyounger, my parents would add a little water to the wine. It’s healthy foryou. We’re Greek. Drinking wine just comes naturally!”Ladies, do the research and make an informed decision as to whichside of the wine barrel you stand on. It can be a weighty issue and if youneed a scale, I know where you can find one, really cheap and rarely used.Cheers! ■van ruitenfamily winery“2011 Winery of the Year”-Visit Lodi! Conference & Visitors Bureautasting room open daily 11:00am-5:00pm 340 west highway 12 lodi, ca ph 209-334-5722 www.vrwinery.comHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 31

herlife | culinaryAll about Saltby kristen doyleIn almost every kitchen across America,it’s likely you will find salt, one ofthe most common seasonings used.Although table salt is the most well-knownform of salt, there is a wide assortment ofsalt varieties on the market today. HERLIFEexplored the qualities of the most populartypes of salt to help you take the guessworkout of which salt you should use in yourkitchen and when.Table salt is a superfine salt commerciallyrefined with preservatives to deflect moisture,making it easy to pour out of salt shakercontainers. Table salt is often kept out onthe table, allowing people the opportunityto adjust the flavor of their food to suit theirindividual tastes. Table salt can certainly beused in most recipes but its physical propertiesof fine grains that dissolve quickly makeit ideal for using in recipes for baked goods.Inexpensive and widely popular, KosherSalt is a coarse salt with large flakes thatcooks can easily “pinch” to sprinkle overdishes as they cook. Kosher Salt is ideal foruse in savory dishes, and is also a key ingredientin preserving food. The large flakes ofKosher Salt draw out moisture in food withthe most effectiveness. Kosher salt is a great“go to” salt, no matter what your skill levelmight be in the kitchen.Sea salt is derived from evaporatedseawater and has a distinct coarse minerallook and feel. Strong in flavor, a pinch of seasalt goes a long way to enhance soups, savorydishes and sometimes can even be used as afinishing touch on desserts such as caramelsor chocolate cookies.Grey salt is a salt that has taken on greatpopularity in the culinary world over the pastseveral years. Made popular among mainstreamcooks by idolized television chefs,Grey Salt is currently considered one of thepremium choices when it comes to salt forcooking. Available in both coarse varietyas well as an extra fine grain, Grey Salt isworthy of room in your spice drawer.If you are looking for a lightly flavored,delightful salt to splurge on, Fleur de Sel isan excellent option. Fleur de Sel (“flowerof salt”) is a French salt hand-harvested byskimming the top of the sea. Fresh, witha delicate flavor, Fleur de Sel is the idealfinishing salt to enhance special recipesWhen you think about salt, think beyondyour kitchen to the healing powers of thisspecial seasoning. Salt has been used for centuriesto heal irritated skin, and to reduce theswelling of injured muscles and joints. Seasalt dissolved in water can do wonders for anaching body, which is why sea salt soaks areoften offered at spas.Salt has many excellent properties whichmake it an ideal seasoning to have around.When salt is used correctly, and in moderation,it is one ordinary ingredient that canmake an extraordinary difference in yourhealth and cooking. ■Source: The Spice Bible by Ian Hemphill32 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM


herlife | trendsetterStage Two308 lincoln center, stockton209-957-8463stage2danceandswim.comphotography by briggs photographymodels baylee davis, sophia karp, allison naaszhair & makeup by jessica van ruiten and melanie lopez of perfect balance day spashot on location at lincoln center34 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM








herlife | mother’s perspectiveMother andDaughterRelationshipsBuilding aDynamic Duoby elizabeth rosenbergerIt happens in a flash. Your baby girl’s tiny hand is wrapped around yourfinger, then wrapped around a crayon, wrapped around the steeringwheel of a car, then wrapped around a diploma. It takes 18 years forall this to happen because if it went any faster, it would break our hearts.How do we, as a mother, navigate the transition of our baby girls fromdolls to diploma, and crayon to college, while building a bond of motherdaughter,a deep sense of family and friendship that will last a lifetime?I am sad to say, my mother and I never had the bond of friendshipthat pulsated deep within me to have. However, I’m glad to say thatbefore my mother passed from this life, I finally became resolved withthat desire. Taking the bull by the horns, I made a conscious choiceto care for her in her dying days, and from that came a great bond thatcarries me through not only the moments of deep loss in missing her,but in building a strong connection with my own adult daughter.Deborah Tannen, author of the best-selling book You’re WearingThat? explains why mother and daughter relationships are so complicated.She says, “Mothers and daughters talk more about personaltopics. That means they may be closer but they also risk offending eachother much more.”Like looking through a kaleidoscope, the landscape of themother-daughter relationship is ever-changing in a myriad of colors,shapes and sizes. Although there is no magic formula and no perfectmother-daughter relationship, Tannen says there are ways to make yourrelationship thrive beyond traditional boundaries.COMMUNICATIONThis is probably the most important element in your relationship.If your daughter feels like she can talk to you about anything…chancesare she can. Of course, age appropriate conversation takes precedence,but once you are able to establish a pipeline of conversation, do whatyou can to keep it that way. As she grows older, her problems grow withit and become more complex. She may not always be seeking yourapproval or input, but that’s not the point here. Letting her know thatyou are a ‘safe place’ where she can say anything without judgment orbeing criticized is the goal.LISTENIf this means biting your tongue, then so be it. It’s easy to callyour daughter ‘Your Best Friend’ when she’s small and does everythingyou ask. But what about when she’s older and she’s deviated from thepreconceived path you’ve laid out for her? The more you try to talk,the less she’ll listen. The more you listen, the more she’ll talk to you.Eventually, after the turbulent years of middle school and pressurizedsociety of high school, the most beautiful words that you will hearsince she first said “Mommy, I love you” will be “Mom, what’s youropinion?”PLAY/HUMORJust because your daughter is growing up doesn’t mean there’sno longer room for play. As she transitions, so should you. The days ofsitting at a child’s table surrounded by her dolls and pretending to siptea and munch cookies may be gone, but that same sense of play needsto pulsate through your relationship even more so as she grows older.Mother-daughter dates can be made magical by stepping outside thebox and doing something daring and fun. Remember one importantrule: your daughter has her own sense of style—so go with it. Yes, that44 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

includes going to a rock concert where you can’t pronounce the nameof the group or seeing a movie you have no interest in watching.TRUSTThere comes a point in your daughter’s life where watching youractions becomes louder than hearing your words. When this happensexactly no one really knows. She watches how you interact with yourfamily. She watches how you act at the grocery store, or when drivingthe car. Do you practice what you preach? You have the awesomeresponsibility to teach your daughter how to trust…and how to betrustworthy.PRAISE = POWERWords of affirmation can be your strongest parenting tool inraising your daughter. This doesn’t mean we can’t give constructiveinput or our point of view. Just be sure it doesn’t carry an overtone ofcriticism. As mothers, we tend to call it ‘caring’ but our daughters readit as ‘criticizing.’ Positive words create powerful connections.A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful momentsof the present, and the hope and promise of the future. It does go in theblink of an eye. But you can still savor the moments. For it’s those verymoments that become memories which warm and comfort your heartafter your daughter has long moved out and started her own life. ■Visit Deborah Tannen’s website at georgetown.edu/faculty/tannend.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 45

herlife | green livingOrganicFlower sThe Eco-Friendly WayTo Say You Careby linda marannoWith Mother’s Day quickly approaching next month,most of us will be sending flowers to our mothers,grandmothers and other loved ones. In fact, according toflower industry expert, Amy Stewart, Americans spend $1.9 billion onflowers and plants on Mother’s Day.I would imagine it’s probably safe to say that most of us rarelythink about where or how flowers are grown when purchasing anarrangement. We just want to send someone we care about somethingbright and cheery.Cut flowers are a $40 billion industry worldwide, and Americansspend about $6.2 billion on cut flowers each year. An estimated 78percent of all cut flowers sold in the United States are imported,primarily from Colombia and Ecuador, and almost all of those flowersare grown with conventional methods using synthetic pesticides,herbicides and chemical fertilizers.If you want to send your loved one a more eco-friendly gift offlowers for Mother’s Day and other occasions throughout the year, hereare a few options.Organic BouquetHeadquartered in Northern California, Organic Bouquet is theleading online organic florist and the first company to create a marketfor sustainably grown flowers. All flowers sold are grown in an environmentallyfriendly manner on select flower farms in California, Ecuadorand Colombia that follow stringent growing practices monitored bya number of certification agencies and associations.Their eco-friendly flower arrangements include roses, calla lilies,tulips, gerbera daisies, hyacinths, sunflowers, alstromeria lilies and blueiris. Roses are available in classic red, pink, white, lavender, yellow andpeach, and sell for $49.95 for one dozen. Other arrangements rangefrom $29.95 to $79.95.Not only are their flowers and plants grown using sustainablemethods, their packaging is also eco-friendly as well. Their shippingboxes are made from recycled and recyclable materials and printedwith nontoxic, low VOC water-based ink. Paper plant sleeves are madefrom Kraft paper that is manufactured with sustainable processes and alarge percentage of recycled fiber content. All gift cards and inserts areprinted on recycled materials using soy-based inks. And glass vases thataccompany all orders are made from 100 percent recycled glass.You can also purchase flowers to benefit a variety of charitiesthrough their Flowers for Good program. Organic Bouquet willdonate five percent of your purchase to the charity of your choice.You can select from 53 different charities participating in the programincluding PETA, Physicians for Peace, EarthShare, Breast CancerFund, Action Against Hunger, American Lung Association andAmnesty International.California Organic FlowersBased in Chico, California, California Organic Flowers is asmall family farm with just a handful of employees that includes anall-female farm crew lead by the co-owner. They plant every seedthemselves and harvest each bloom by hand. All flowers are certified46 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

organic and field-grown without the use of chemical pesticides or otherdangerous chemicals.Their website includes a photo gallery featuring a lovely selectionof their flowers and videos explaining helpful tips for arranging a livingbouquet, as well as how to improve your soil with a cover crop.Their selection of flowers available changes regularly dependingon the season and include anemone, dahlia, chrysanthemums, tulips,ranunclus, lilies, sunflowers and ornamental pepper.Average price for an arrangement is $47.95, and all flowers areshipped Priority Overnight for $14.95 regardless of location.Whole Foods MarketIf you plan to deliver your flowers in person, your local WholeFoods Market may have just what you’re looking for. They offer flowerssourced locally throughout the U.S. and around the world that includeroses, lilies, orchids and hydrangea, as well as seasonal favorites such astulips, peonies and sunflowers.Their earth-friendly selection includes: World Trade Flowers– grown according to strict criteria for ethical trade, earth-friendlyfarming and the highest quality; Veriflora Certified Flowers – that meetstandards for sustainability, such as equitable hiring and employmentpractices, safe workplace and housing conditions, and the preventionof child labor; and Certified Organic Flowers—grown withoutpesticides and other harmful chemicals, but available only in verylimited supply.Local HarvestThis website is an excellent resource to find local sustainablygrown products including flowers. Just key in “flowers” and your location,and search results will provide a list of local farmers in your areathat grow flowers. Please note that not all farmer listings specify exactlyhow their flowers are grown, so you may need to contact them to askwhether they use synthetic chemicals.Eco-TulipsIf you’re looking for the perfect gift for a devoted organic gardener,surprise them with organic tulip bulbs for their flower garden.Based in Brightwood, Virginia, Eco-Tulips is the only American sourceof organic pesticide-free tulip bulbs. Each year, the U.S. importsapproximately 800 million tulip bulbs from Holland, all grown usingtoxic pesticides that negatively impact the environment and have beenlinked to the hive collapse in the honey bee population.In addition to tulips, Eco-Tulips also offers crocus, daffodils,hyacinths and fritillaria. Prices range from $8.99 to $11.99 dependingon the number of bulbs purchased. All bulbs are shipped in the fall—the appropriate planting time for all of their flowers, and free shippingis available for orders over $50. ■Sources: organicbouquet.com, californiaorganicflowers.com,localharvest.org, wholefoodsmarket.com and ecotulips.comHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 47

important role in making a workplace ergonomic. The desk shouldhave adequate clearance for the user’s legs underneath. It’s also veryimportant to make sure that the desktop keyboard and mouse are in acomfortable position because incorrect keyboard and mouse height cancause damage in elbows and shoulders. An often overlooked aspect ofan ergonomic workstation, but one that is extremely important, is howeasily work materials can be viewed. The monitor should be at or aroundtwo feet away from, as well as directly in front of, the user. Leaning toor away from the monitor causes improper neck posture and puts stresson the spine, and shoulder and neck muscles. The top of the monitorshould ideally be positioned slightly below eye level. Pay attentionto where the ergonomic workstation is set up in relation to windowsand outside light to avoid glare on the screen. Of course, keeping themonitor screen free of dust and smudges will help with easy viewing ofwork materials. A dirty display makes it difficult for eyes to adjust to andread what is on the screen.If cost is an issue, begin an ergonomic rehab by replacing one itemat a time throughout the office space. This will assist in bringing theoffice current on ergonomic regulations without having to spend a largechunk of money at once. Making small improvements will help take themonetary pressure off, while still allowing for ergonomic improvements.There’s much value in peace of mind, knowing advances are beingmade toward working in a safer, healthier environment. ■Sources used for this article are thefreedictionary.com,articlesnatch.com and ezinearticles.com.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 49

herlife | spotlightVinyasaFlowYogaSTRONGER BODY, BALANCED MINDby ann e. butenasphotos by bre baszler, bw black & whites photographyThere is something to be said about going with the flow. Rightnow, I bet your mind is going in a thousand different directionsand your “to do” list has a list of its own. Isn’t it time to quietyour mind, still your soul and find that much-needed balance yourmind, body and spirit not only crave but wholeheartedly deserve?Welcome to Vinyasa Flow Yoga Studio in Stockton. Owned byPam Lewis and located at 2389 West March Lane, Suite 202, this excitingnew yoga studio was created with you in mind.With an impressive 30-year history in the fitness industry as anaerobics instructor, spinning teacher and personal trainer, Pam, whois also a licensed massage therapist, has always enjoyed a fit, healthyand active lifestyle. She is also all too familiar with the aches andstrains that can affect one’s body through the rigors of competitionand the challenges of daily workouts. When she discovered the art ofyoga about ten years ago while visiting her son in Los Angeles, she wasstruck by the silent strength it had on her body as well as on her mind.“I took my first class at Bryan Kest’s Power Yoga studio,” Pamrecalled, noting how quickly and enthusiastically she took to this discipline.“Once I began to practice yoga, I realized that it really openedup my hips and shoulders, and created a powerful core in me. I alsosustained fewer, if any, injuries from my other athletic endeavors as aresult. Prior to doing yoga, I was lacking in overall flexibility.”While she indulged her newfound passion for yoga, she practicedat a variety of yoga studios around the state and then came to therealization that there was really nothing quite like it available to theStockton community. “I wanted to be able to offer something like thisin our area,” she said.As she considered the possibility of opening a studio, she began tostrengthen her own skills in this arena and trained in San Francisco atUrban Flow Yoga with Rusty Wells. The more she grew to love yoga,the more intense the desire to open her own studio became.After practicing yoga intently for seven years, Pam followed herheart and took to the task of opening Vinyasa Flow Yoga, with its doorsofficially opened in September 2011. A natural-born competitor, shefinds solace and peace in a discipline that promotes personal awarenessand connection to one’s body over the head-to-head intensity ofcompetitive sports.“The classes we teach are available to beginners as well as moreseasoned yoga enthusiasts,” she explained. “We encourage our studentsto honor their bodies and practice at their own pace.”Vinyasa, also known as power yoga, is based on Ashtanga poses.“Vinyasa takes those poses and connects them with breath,” commentedPam. “Every move and hold is done while inhaling or exhaling.Poses are sequenced together to connect the body, the breath and themind. It is truly like a dance.” Vinyasa yoga physically challenges itsstudents while producing strong, lean muscles and at the same timecreating a sense of calmness. It also enhances balance and flexibility.The invigorating classes are a mix of yoga, music, sweat, stillness50 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

and energy. The room is gently heated to a comfortable 85 degrees topromote deeper stretching. Pam has four other instructors includingMichele Stone, Nichol Chase, Teri LaRue and Nicole Mathis. Shefeels blessed to work with such a dynamic group and truly feels she isnot only filling a need but a calling as well.“When I decided to open Vinyasa Flow Yoga, it was a now ornever decision. I believe in it so much and feel greatly connected tomy community because of it,” Pam reflected. “This truly is a place tofocus on you and to still your body, mind and soul. There’s no competitionor need to compare yourself with others.”In short, Vinyasa Flow Yoga endeavors to bring out the best in youon all levels. With a spirited laugh, Pam concedes, “Like many individuals,I am still learning yoga. Every day you have the opportunity toimprove. That’s what it is all about.”Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 9:00am–10:00am,5:15pm–6:15pm and 6:30pm–7:45pm; Monday and Thursday (only),12:00pm–1:00pm; Friday 9:00am–10:00am, 5:15pm–6:30pm; andSaturday, 9:00am–10:30am.A variety of payment options are available. Students may dropin, purchase class passes in packs of 5, 10 or 20 or pay by the month.There is a great plan available for everyone. ■For more information, join them onFacebook.com/vinyasaflowstocton or call them at 209-473-1332.Vinyasa yoga physically challengesits students while producing strong,lean muscles and at the same timecreating a sense of calmness. It alsoenhances balance and flexibility.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 51

herlife | financeTop Things You ShouldNot Buy Usedby candi smithThere are items that you canpurchase which are gently usedthat work well. But you need to becareful when purchasing. While it’s temptingto buy used items from time to time,HERLIFE offers some recommendationsfor items you should never buy used.Some of the most important items youcan purchase for your child are their criband furniture. While you might be temptedto buy a used crib, don’t do it because youdon’t know if the crib had previous recallsor is missing important components. Andthe same goes for car seats. Every year, safetyengineers are improving on car seat designsso spend the extra money to get a safe product.When it comes to your car’s tires, alwayspurchase them new. You don’t know thehistory of used tires and it’s not worth the riskworrying if they’ve been involved in a previousaccident. Plus, most new tires come with a warrantypackage which is nice if you find yourselfwith a flat and needing a replacement. Usedtires won’t offer that degree of security.In today’s electronic age, people arebuying and selling laptops, hardware andsoftware on a fairly routine basis. However,the problem with used computer items isyou have to consider if the items are stolen,refurbished, not covered under warranty orunusable due to preregistered serial numbers.And, laptop damage is not always visible soyou don’t know if it’s had liquid spilled in itscomponents, if it’s been abused, etc. It’sbest to buy new because most manufacturersoffer free tech support, extended warrantiesand the peace of mind of knowing yourlaptop’s history.Plasma and high definition televisionshave expensive replacement partsthat often cost as much as buying a newTV outright would run. When you considerthat older TVs had a seven percentmalfunction rate (as is common with newtechnology), it’s best to get something updated.Plus, you can purchase an extendedwarranty on a new set that wouldn’t beoffered if you buy used.When it comes to your car’s tires,always purchase them new. You don’tknow the history of used tires and it’snot worth the risk worrying if they’vebeen involved in a previous accident.52 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

Some electronics take a beating that’s not always visible to thenaked eye. For instance, many DVD players, speakers, microphones,and digital and video cameras have laser parts that don’t work well afterthey’ve been dropped, mishandled or banged about. Do your shopping,look for sales and you’ll be able to find a new, updated version ofthe gadgetry you seek.Buying a used vacuum cleaner isdiscouraged because they tendto get a lot of use, you don’tknow what’s been sucked upthrough its hoses and they areprone to faulty wiring.If you’re a photographer, you might be tempted to purchase usedcameras and photo bulbs. However, considering a camera’s lens is itsmost important asset, you want to be sure that there’s nothing damagedthat would affect the outcome of your photos. Additionally, whilephoto bulbs tend to be pricey, they generally have a long lifespan. Sopay the price to ensure that your memorable moments aren’t ruinedbecause you saved a few bucks.Continued on page 54HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 53

Buying a used vacuum cleaner is discouraged because they tendto get a lot of use, you don’t know what’s been sucked up through itshoses and they are prone to faulty wiring. Plus, fixing older vacuumscan be costly if you have to find outdated parts and bags.Pros and ConsBicycle helmets make the list of no-no’s when buying used.Usually, during an accident, a helmet will only have its interior foamcrushed, and doesn’t alwaysofshow damageOwningon the helmet’s exterior. Butsince they are built to sustain a single crash, it’s best to err on the sideof safety and purchase a new one.IncomeBoats can be a big ticket itemPropermany people might want to buytyused. However, unlike cars that are driven and maintained regularly,boats don’t get serviced often and tend to have more maintenanceissues. Since it would be tough to test drive a boat, and getting amechanical diagnostic test can be expensive, you’d bebybettercandioff buyingsmithsomething new with a warranty.Finally, while you can save a pretty penny by buying engagementsets and fine jewelry from another individual or through estatesales and consignment shops, you have no way to verify the jewelry’squality. Unless you are dealing with a professional jewelry reseller whocan provide a certification of the stone’s quality, you are taking a hugefinancial risk. Purchase from a trusted source so that if you have problemsdown the road (such as a loose prong or you simply want a goodcleaning), you have a business you can rely upon. ■Sources for this article were found at wisebread.com,shopping.yahoo.com, foxbusiness.com and money.msn.com.According to CNN Money 201054 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM



herlife | real estateWhat to Expect from YourHomeInspectionby candi smithBuying a home has a lot of layers to it. There’s searching for theperfect house, loan qualifications, down payments and otheraspects that must be considered in the overall picture. Buteven if you’ve found your dream digs, it’s important that you get aninspection so you can make an informed decision about the propertyyou’re purchasing.Dwight Barnett, master inspector certified by the American Societyof Home inspectors and contributor to the HGTV website, says it’simportant for homebuyers to do their research. Whether a home is preownedor brand new, it should be inspected to ensure that items whichneed to be fixed, aligned or adjusted are uncovered and addressed.When selecting a home inspector, find one who is experiencedin building or remodeling. They will have a better overall view of allthe components that make up a finished home. And don’t allow anyperson who has an interest in selling the home (such as a realtor) makethe choice on whom you choose for your inspector.Once an inspection has been completed, the home inspector willgo over the report with you, explaining the findings as well as pointingout areas that may need maintenance in the near future. Several homeinspectors provide a summary list of defects that need to be repaired.60 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COMHowever, they caution that the buyer should not rely solely on thesummary list. It is the buyer’s responsibility to read the whole reportbefore writing a letter of “response to the inspection” to give to thesellers. In your letter of response you need to outline the defects youwant the sellers to correct prior to closing on the sale of the home. Insome instances the buyer asks for a monetary sum so that they canmake the repairs themselves, or they can hire contractors who will beresponsible to them.Some homeowners find that after they’ve had a home inspected,they’ve purchased it and moved in, some problems are found thatwere neither disclosed by the seller nor found by the inspector. Sowho’s held accountable in these situations? Sadly, the answer may bethe homeowner. A home inspection encapsulates the condition of thehome on the day it’s inspected, which doesn’t mean that things won’tbreak down or problems won’t happen in the future. Additionally, theinspection report should not be considered an appraisal of the value ofthe home or its code compliance.And while any home inspector should do their best to discoverproblems or defects in areas they’re able to access, this isn’t a fail-proofprocess. For instance, if a sellerAccordinghad a leakytoroofCNNthatMoneythey repaired2010andContinued on page 62

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square footsquare footfreethen they repainted their ceiling to cover any stains, it’s tough for aninspector to find those problems. And it begs the question—did theseller fail to disclose the problem, did they consider the problem asresolved when they fixed the leak, or were they even aware that a leakhad occurred because previous sellers might have fixed it? A situationsuch as this makes it very hard for an inspector to find a problem thatmight have existed at one time.At the time problems crop up, the homeowner just wantsrestitution and if they’re able to determine who should have disclosedthe problem, they should contact that person directly. Shady sellerswho willfully hide defects on a disclosure statement can be held liablein a court of law. However, if an inspector failed to detect flaws becauseof a shoddy inspection, they can be held accountable for repairs. Andsometimes a realtor can mediate or help mitigate problems by seeingif a contract included a home warranty. But the bottom line is this—homes are going to have problems. If you can’t determine if a problemshould have been disclosed by a seller, or if it should have beendetected by the inspector, then you’ve just received a harsh welcome tohome ownership.When selecting a home inspector,find one who is experienced inbuilding or remodeling. They willhave a better overall view of all thecomponents that make up a finishedhome. And don’t allow any personwho has an interest in selling thehome (such as a realtor) make thechoice on whom you choose foryour inspector.Tell us your tale at TigressaTales.comsave oN HarDwooDs& LaMINatesSTORE HOURS:Monday – Friday9:00AM–6:00PMSATURDAY10:00AM–5:00PMHurrY –36saLe eNDsaPrIL 15!sPeCIaL fINaNCING*TIGRESSA ® PRODUCTS ONLYHouse of Carpets | Since 1950 | 120 McHenry Ave. (at Roseburg), Modesto*see store for detailsMoNtH209.523.5664www.carpetonemodesto.comWhen a home is occupied, there are areas of the home thatcannot be visually inspected—areas inside filled closets or understairways, floors under furniture, etc. When the home inspectorcannot inspect an area of a home, it should be noted in the report andshould signal a potential homebuyer to investigate those areas morethoroughly on their own. An inspector can find only the problems ordefects that exist and are viewable at the time of the inspection.Two great resources for inspection Standards of Practice canbe found at the National Association of Home Inspectors website orthe American Society of Home Inspectors website. Although thesestandards vary somewhat, they generally cover what a home inspector isrequired to inspect and what areas are exempt. ■Sources for this article are hgtv.com, nahi.org and ashi.org62 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM


herlife | scene and be seen13th Annual Bridal Fair in Lodiphotos by herlife staffBridal Events Productions hosted the 13th Annual Bridal Fairin Lodi at the Grape Festival Grounds on February 26th.Brides-to-be enjoyed food from local caterers, met weddingvendors and enjoyed a fashion show by The Elizabeth Bridal andFormal Connection. Elite Entertainment provided the music for thefashion show and Media Fusion entertained guests with a weddingvideo montage of local weddings from the past year. For moreinformation on upcoming bridal events, visit bridalevents.info.Hockey With Hear tphotos by bre baszlerThe Stockton Thunder teamed up with the AmericanHeart Association for the first Hockey with Heart event!On February 3rd, the American Heart Association held anational casting call for heart attack survivors to come to the Thundergame and share their stories of survival. Attendees also enjoyed hearthealth and healthy living information from several companies whohosted booths at the event. For more information on the AmericanHeart Association, please visit americanheart.org.64 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

ScheduleMonday: 9-10 aM Basics/level 1 - Pam12-1 PM Gentle Flow - Michele5:15-6:15 PM all levels - Michele6:30-7:45 PM Basics/level 1 - PamTueSday: 9-10 aM all levels - nichol5:15-6:15 PM Basics/level 1 - Teri6:30-7:45 PM Vinyasa for athletes - nicholWedneSday: 9-10 aMall levels - Pam5:15-6:15 PM all levels - Pam6:30-7:45 PM Gentle Flow - MicheleThuRSday: 9-10 aM Gentle Flow - Michele12-1 PM all levels - Pam5:15-6:15 PM all levels - Michele6:30-7:45 PM Basics/level 1 - nicholFRIday: 9-10 aM all levels - Michele5:15-6:15 PM Basics/level 1 - TeriSaTuRday: 9-10:15 aM all levels - Michele/PamHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 65

MD Plus Unveils Venus Freezephotos by herlife staffMD Plus celebrated the unveiling of a new cutting-edgetreatment called the Venus Freeze! On February 6th,women enjoyed food, drinks and more while thedemonstration commenced. Owners of MD Plus, Dr. Gradie Mixonand Rachel Mixon, RN, Owner of MD Plus Skin Fitness, Cristina Mixon,and Owner of GET FIT, Erica Hughes, all partnered together to throwthis informative and enjoyable evening for skin health and fitness. MDPlus is excited to be the only medical spa in the Valley to offer thisamazingly beneficial new treatment! Stop in and see them soon at MDPlus Medical Spa at 418 McHenry Avenue in Modesto.Women Wear Red Annual EventOn February 9th, Emmy Award-winningactress and comedienne, TraceyConway, shared her personal storyof living with heart disease at the annual WomenWear Red event. Minutes after spoofing ERon her sketch-comedy show, Tracey literallydropped dead from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.Her chances of survival were barely 1 in 20, butafter 6 defibrillator shocks, paramedics broughther back to life. Tracey had the opportunity totour the new Hybrid Operating Room (OR) atMemorial Medical Center. The Hybrid OR usesunique technology in the operating suite, andthe most advanced imaging systems to providequick and detailed information for shorter, moreaccurate treatment with substantially less X-rayexposure for cardiac procedures. The event wassponsored by Memorial Hospital Foundation andco-sponsors Memorial Medical Center, SutterGould Medical Foundation and Stanislaus CountyOffice of Education.66 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM


herlife | love and relationshipsCoAskJaimee Leeby jaimee leephoto by la vene stephensQ:I’m almost 22 with a kind, sweet, caring boyfriend wholoves me. We’ve been together for over a year now. Butabout three months ago, I met another man. He wasfascinating and charming. We almost got together, but Ireminded him and myself that I had a boyfriend and didn’t want to doanything. He respected my wishes and we haven’t met up or spokensince. I’m infatuated with him and want to go out with him, but wearen’t friends on Facebook, and don’t have each other’s phone number.I’m afraid that this is a silly crush and he doesn’t feel the same asme. I’m so confused! ~ Aimee in StocktonLook at you, girl, with two men tripping over themselvesfor you! But that can pretty much suck, too! YouA:know why you are so infatuated with this other guy?Because you can’t have him. If you’d have left yourboyfriend for this other guy, you’d probably have your old boyfriendstuck on the brain. You have two options. Go with the safe bet (yoursweet boyfriend), or risk everything and try to contact the other guy,hoping he feels the same way. But DON’T date them both. No doubledipping! That’s like eating every night at the buffet, then stopping off atMcDonald’s for a Big Mac. If your boyfriend finds out you contactedthis other guy, it’s pretty much over because intent was there. Pictureyour life long-term with both of these guys. Be honest with yourself!Both relationships will get tough at some point. Consider everythingfrom their personality, friends, hobbies, career, goals, morals and familyideals. Whose world do you fit in? But the burning question hereis...how would you even contact this guy? If he never gave you hisphone number and you’ve never seen his Facebook page, that’s a redflag. What is he hiding? If he had wanted this to go further, he wouldhave provided you a way to contact him. Sounds to me like you wereabout to be a cold side dish to the main course! I’d keep the sweet,reliable guy.Jaimee Lee rocks the airwaves on Kat Country 103’s, “DJ Walkerin the Morning Show!” She has given relationship advice to hergirlfriends and thousands of listeners over the years. Now youcan ask her the secrets to a long-lasting and happy relationship.Jaimee Lee has been happily married for eight years. Please emailJaimee Lee with your love and relationship questions,jaimeelee@herlifemagazine.com.68 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM


herlife | she said yesKacey+PaulEngagement date:September 24, 2011by candi smith | photos by stephanie bakerKacey Megee and Paul Skifter met over five years ago on a NewYear’s Eve snowboarding trip at a mutual friend’s cabin in Strawberry,California. They had occasionally crossed paths a handfulof times before but the timing had never been right for them to begintheir love story. Kacey initially brushed off Paul’s advances so he tookthe time to woo her with a series of thoughtful dates geared aroundtrying new adventures together. She eventually fell hard for Paul, andhe continues to introduce her to new adventures and amaze her withhis big heart.The engagement took place in Coronado, California. One evening,Paul asked Kacey to take a walk on the beach and she jumpedat the chance to spend time with Paul. They walked to the Hotel DelCoronado, one of Kacey’s favorite places to walk the beach. Duringthe walk, Paul professed his love for her and told her all the wonderfulthings a woman wants to hear from the man she loves. However,once they reached the water, the cold sand and chilly breeze forcedthem to change their minds about the beach walk, so they startedwalking back to the hotel. Once they reached the cement, Paul saidhe had sand in his shoe and needed to get it out. He bent downand appeared to be getting down on one knee. After five years andknowing that one day this moment would happen, Kacey’s heartstopped and a million things went rushing through her mind. ThenPaul stood back up. She was confused but when he pulled her closefor a hug, she could hear his heart racing and knew something wasdefinitely going on. He again said there was sand in his shoe and gotdown on one knee, and this time he stayed there! He professed hislove in a short, sweet and perfect way with a perfect custom-madering, while Kacey stood there like a deer in the headlights. Afterwhat felt like an eternity to Paul, she said, “Yes,” all the while still notbelieving that this moment had actually happened!Paul and Kacey have been in their relationship for over fiveyears but those years weren’t always easy. When they met, Paul livedin Oakdale and Kacey was in Modesto. Approximately a year intotheir relationship, Paul joined the United States Navy and the longdistancerelationship expanded much further. For about three and ahalf years, the couple endured a true long-distance relationship. Paulwas stationed in San Diego, California, where they agreed to see eachother one weekend a month. At this point, they thought once a monthwas hard, but over the next five years, Paul was deployed twice onseven-month deployments overseas. In the meanwhile, Kacey earned70 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

her degree in Communications at Stanislaus State University andworked full-time with Starbucks in Modesto. Three and a half years ofa long-distance relationship and numerous deployments takes a lot ofdevotion, communication and compromise. But the couple enduredand accepted every challenge as a blessing that brought them to wherethey are today. In May 2011, Paul returned from his latest deploymentand Kacey graduated from Stanislaus State. The two finally felt it wastime to focus on their relationship. They decided that Kacey was goingto make the move to Coronado, California, to be closer to Paul’s navalbase, and she moved in July. Paul proposed on September 24, 2011.He leaves the Navy in May 2013, and the couple will move back totheir hometown to plant their roots.The wedding date is August 25, 2012, at Union Hill Inn inJamestown, California. They want their wedding to be small andintimate, which proves to be quite a challenge since Kacey is fromModesto, Paul is from Oakdale, and most of their friends and familylive in other states or countries. For the last five years the couple hasstrived to connect all areas of their lives and ensure that those theylove can be a part of each other’s lives. In order to create an intimatewedding day, the couple has opted to have a wedding weekend. TheUnion Hill Inn has the option of renting out the entire property for theweekend which will open up the grounds for anyone coming from farand wide to stay and relax, and enjoy the foothills from Friday throughSunday. They desire for the wedding festivities to be just as fun,relaxing and special for their guests as it will be for them.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 71

herlife | tie the knot&LOCAL BUSINESSES THATSHARED IN THE LOVEBridal gown:Mira Bridal Couture,ModestoBridesmaids’ gowns:Mira Bridal Couture,ModestoHair styling:Jennifer Fisher of Republic Salon,Folsommake up:Alyssa WhalenPhotography:Stephanie Baker,TurlockFlorist:Ashley’s Aunt Ronda bought andassembled the centerpieces herselfBAND:Part Time Band,StocktonCaterer:Seascape Beach Resort,AptosCake:Aunt Shara and Pop MillerVENUE:Seascape Beach Resort.Aptos72 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

y candi smithphotos by stephanie bakerTied the KnotJuly 23, 2011Ashley Anne Mussi (formerly Hobbs) is 25 years old, and grewup in El Dorado Hills. She received an Associate’s degree infire science, and then got an EMT certification from SierraCollege in 2005. She followed that education with Medical Assistingand Phlebotomy certifications. Ashley used to volunteer firefight. Shestarted out in the Explorer program when she was 16 because she lostone of her best friends in a car accident. After the accident, she knewshe wanted to be involved in the medical field so she went on to firefighting,then decided to pursue her education in the medical field.Garrett Christopher Mussi is 29 years old, and grew up in thecountryside of Stockton on his family’s ranch. He received his Bachelor’sdegree in Agricultural Business in 2006 from Fresno State. Garrettis very dedicated to his family business, working hard for his dad anduncles at their farming company, L & R Mussi Farms. He also runs hisown business with his two cousins, Triple M Custom Farming. In hisspare time he hunts duck and deer with passion and skill. Garrett andAshley now live on the outskirts of Stockton.The couple met at a friend’s Halloween party in Sacramentowhere Ashley had been in attendance for years. In 2007, an acquaintancewho grew up in Lodi invited Garrett and one of his buddiesto the party. Ashley almost didn’t go to the party because she wassick but her roommates begged her so she caved in. When she firstwalked through the door Garrett approached her, and they talked forhours. Later that night, he asked for her number, and they’ve beentogether ever since.Ashley and Garrett planned to attend a birthday lunch at Garrett’sparents’ house on January 31, 2011. They then planned a littlemini-birthday party Sunday evening for some of Garrett’s friends tocome over to their house. Ashley was at Costco that Sunday morning,getting snacks and beverages, when Garrett called and said notto be late for lunch. She rushed home, still in sweats, and they wentover to his parents’ house for his birthday lunch. They enjoyed anice lunch, and then Garrett got up to get his birthday cake (whichAshley thought was strange). When he came back, he set it in frontof Ashley. At first she thought they gave him the wrong cake becauseit read, “Will you marry me?” When Ashley looked down again, shecould see “Will you marry me, Ashley?” and turned to Garrett as hewas down on one knee. He asked, “Will you marry me?” and she saidyes! Everyone was in tears!Ashley’s Maid of Honor was her sister Heather Dostart; herbridesmaids were her friends, Amie Walker, Victoria Grande, StacyHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 73

Barrington, Jennifer Fisher, Andrea Perez, Jodie Mazzanti, her cousinKendal Killerman, and Garrett’s sisters, Alexis Mussi-Porter andMarissa Mussi. Scott’s Best Man was his best friend, Anthony Piccardo;his groomsmen were his friends, Michael Mayer, Roger Varwig, RandyVarwig, his cousins Gino Celli, Nathan Mussi, Nicholas Mussi andJoseph Cowan, Ashley’s brother Christopher Hobbs, and his brotherin-lawChristopher PorterTheir wedding was special because they were able to step outsidethe normal Catholic Italian church wedding with the approval of theirparents and have an outside Catholic wedding at the beach. It’s stillrecognized in the eyes of the Catholic Church because they found abishop out of San Francisco who would marry them outside. It was alsospecial because their families both played a big role in their weddingday, other than the financial obligations both sets of parents took on.They had family members who made their cake and centerpieces, andplayed a big role in setting up for the wedding. It was made even morespecial because of the handiwork of their relatives.The happy couple honeymooned in Europe because they wantedto do something other than sit and relax on a beach, and Garrett’sancestors are from Italy so they thought it would be a perfect trip. Theytraveled through Rome for four days, then boarded Celebrity Cruiseswhere they vacationed for two weeks, visiting Sicily, Pompeii, AmulfiCoast, Sorrento, Positano and Capri in Italy; Athens, Rhodes, Santoriniand Mykonos in Greece; and Ephesus in Turkey. Their favorite sightseeingspot was Ephesus, and their favorite beach was Rhodes.74 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM


herlife | in the valleyCalendar of EventsNOTE: All calendar events must be received by April 1st for the May issue and adhere to our guidelines.Email kimberly@herlifemagazine.com for guidelines and to submit entries.april 2Welcome to Life TourLocation: St. Joseph’s Medical CenterAuditorium, StocktonDate: April 2Time: 7:00pm–9:00pmDetails: St. Joseph’s Medical Center willbe holding this class to give you specificinformation about where to go and what to dowhen it comes time to have your baby. Pleaseaccess the Medical Center through the mainentrance. If you have any questions aboutthis free class call 209-461-5213 or visit us atStJosephsCares.org/baby.april 12Stockton Symphony’sClassics V: SymphonySuperchargedLocation: Atherton Auditorium at SanJoaquin Delta Campus, StocktonDates: April 12 & April 14Times: Thursday at 8:00pm; Saturday at6:00pmDetails: Stockton Symphony presents ClassicV: Symphony Supercharged, featuring theamazing Italian pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi.This will be an event you do not want to miss,so come and enjoy the beautiful music createdby Pompa-Baldi. Tickets start at $22 andcan be purchased by calling 209-951-0196 orvisit stocktonsymphony.org.april 18Stork Tours at LodiMemorial HospitalLocation: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975South Fairmont Avenue, LodiDate: April 18Time: 6:00pm–7:30 pmDetails: Parents-to-be are invited to attenda free stork tour. Prospective parents mayview the labor, delivery and recovery areas ofthe hospital, and ask questions of the nursingstaff. Call 209-339-7520 to register. For moreinformation on other classes available at LodiMemorial, visit lodihealth.org.april 20Keys to Successful FamilyCommunicationLocation: Community Hospice, 4368Spyres Way, ModestoDate: April 20Time: 12:00pm–1:00pmDetails: Are you caring for an aging lovedone? You are not alone. Join Community Hospiceand gain practical information to becomea better family caregiver. Class is free andlunch is provided. RSVP at 209-578-6300.april 21Studio V Wellness SpringGrand OpeningLocation: Studio V, ModestoDate: April 21Time: 5:30pmDetails: Join Studio V as they kick off springand their Grand Opening! Meet the extraordinaryFitness Trainers, Skin and Body Therapists,and enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and livemusic. Special pricing for fitness classes, spaservices and more. Swag bags provided withany purchase in the spa during the event. Formore information, visit studiovwellness.com.may 12Ride for MOM Save the date!Location: Johansen High School, 641Norsemen Drive, ModestoDate: May 12Times: VariesDetails: The Rotary Club of SunriseModesto kicks off the inaugural Ride forMOM event. This will be a 10, 30 and72 mile bicycle ride that is family-friendlyand open to all. The Ride for MOM event will include rest stops and support, ahealthy lunch and a lifestyle fair. For moreinformation, contact rideformom.com. Toregister, go to Active.com.Walk for the Health of ItLocation: LodiDate: May 12Time: 8:00amDetails: On your mark…get set…let’s goto Lodi for the 22nd Annual Walk for theHealth of It. Everyone in the community isinvited to join in this fun-filled event. Enjoyhealthy snacks from the Culinary School ofSacramento, a health fair, face painting andawards will be presented to the top qualifiers.Some come out and participate in either the10k run, 5k run or the 5k walk. This will befun for the entire family. All proceeds benefitLodi’s community-owned Hospital (LodiMemorial). For more information on howyou or your company can get involved or be asponsor, please call Jill De Herrera at209-330-7833.76 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM



Innovative Dedicated cardiac care saves lives.I’m living proof.Judy MimsCardiac survivorTo her students, she’s “Mrs. Mims,” but friends and family call her“Miracle.” When first responders found Judy Mims collapsed in aLodi store, her heart had stopped due to a sudden cardiac arrest.At a nearby hospital, her heart failed four more times. She was in acoma, her prognosis was grim. If she lived, brain damage was likely.But after 10 days, she surprised everyone, waking just long enoughto talk. Doctors acted fast and whisked her off to St. Joseph’s whereshe underwent heart bypass surgery. After three and a half weeks,she returned home—and incredibly, beat the odds again. It wasthought her capacity for a normal life would be greatly diminished,but today, she’s back in the classroom, living each day with a newsense of joy.St. Joseph’s cardiac program is nationally recognized for qualityoutcomes. When it comes to matters of the heart, trust St. Joseph’sfor award-winning cardiac care.(209) 943 2000 StJosephsCares.org/Heart1800 N. California St., Stockton, CA 95204

Effortlesshome improvement ®Contractor’s Lic. #886537209-334-40602303 S. Stockton St. • Lodi, CAwww.classicdesignftc.comHours: M-F 9-5 • Sat 10-5

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