West Georgia Woman Magazine March 2018 by West Georgia Woman Magazine/Angel Media, LLC

Woman

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March 2018

West Georgia

Ally Poole

Walking on Faith Postpartum Depression More Than Just the Baby Blues

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Teens and Self Injury: Things Every Parent Should Know 1

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside... 10

Walking On Faith

Hearing the Last Bird Sing

Postpartum Depression: More Than Just The Baby Blues

Are Vitamin Supplements Necessary?

Teens And Self Injury: Things Every Parent Should Know Colonoscopy FAQs

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Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015

Tristan, age 15, at his dad's birthday party. March 29, 2009

ristan was such a cut-up, and he was always the life of the party. This picture shows how silly he could be at times. Most of the time when you were around him, you couldn't help but smile. Tristan was always a charmer, and he could pretty much talk his way out of any trouble he got himself into. He was 15 years old in this picture – my brother had obtained full custody of him in Dec. 2008 – and he had just moved from Long Island, N.Y., a few months prior to move in with my brother in Georgia. Divorce deeply affects children, and the effects are even greater in families where one parent – or both – just can't get past their

need to hurt one another – regardless of how their behavior impacts their children. I often wonder if Tristan would still be here if his and Nathan's wants and needs had been placed before the anger and selfishness of others after his parents' divorce. I firmly believe the things that happen to children during their formative years affects many of the decisions they make later in life – of course it does. I try not to think about it too much – because I usually feel sad and angry when I do – but there were already far too many scars underneath the silly exterior of this precious young boy in the photo. – Angela Dailey 7

Time Keeps Marching On

It's so hard to believe we're in the month of March already. I've experienced some sadness, lately, just thinking about my daughter, Sydney, and her upcoming graduation. Time is moving much too quickly, in my opinion. We have been very busy the last few months exploring different colleges online together, she's been busy applying for various scholarships and we have been visiting college campuses to see which one may be the right one for her. There are several colleges that have asked her to play soccer, and she's exploring those options as well. Sometimes I think all of this must be quite overwhelming for her – it's been excruciating for me! – but she's taking it all in stride. It's frightening for me to realize she will be out on her own in just a few months. My little girl, all grown up now, but still very much my baby in my heart. She wants to study sociology, and possibly work with a nonprofit organization after she graduates. She's always been the kind of person who wants to help others, and hates to see anyone suffering or in pain. I'm so proud of her and the woman she has become. I want so many things for my talented and beautiful daughter. I want her to embrace her college experience with everything she has, and explore all that college has to offer her. I wonder if she will join a sorority? Will she study abroad? Will she play soccer? Will she be a part of any civic organizations? I'm excited for her, but also more afraid for her than I've ever been in my life, because I won't be there to protect her from all of the bad that is in this world. But, she's smart and has a good head on her shoulders, so I will try my best not to worry too much. Who am I kidding? Meanwhile, she's having her cap and gown pictures taken next week. My heart is breaking. This parenting thing is tough. In This Issue Our cover feature this month is Ms. Ally Poole. At the age of 19, Ally was in an auto accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Three years later, Ally is using her experience to teach other young people about the incredible power of the human spirit through her strength, perseverance and determination. Read about Ally as she shares how she is walking on faith on page 10. West Georgia Technical College has had some exciting things happen lately. The college was named one of the nation's top military friendly schools for 2018, they recently signed an agreement with Mercer University facilitating the transition of WGTC students with associate's degrees into Mercer's Douglas County Regional Academic Center, giving the students more opportunities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their desired career field. Also, Fastenal Company has furthered its partnership with WGTC by giving $3,000 toward student scholarships for WGTC commercial truck driving students. Read more about WGTC and these developments on page 54. Oak Mountain Academy has announced a new head of school for the 2018-2019 school year. We will certainly miss the current Head of School, Mrs. Paula Gillispie, who will be retiring in June, but Oak Mountain Academy is turning over the reigns to Mr. Patrick J. Yuran, who we are confident will continue to build upon Paula's legacy of promoting academic excellence at Oak Mountain Academy. Read more about this transition on page 59. Thank you for reading West Georgia Woman magazine. As always, please support our valuable advertising partners included in this publication. Without them, there would be no West Georgia Woman! Happy Spring!

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Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference. TM

West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia. Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives. This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our advertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women! Please be sure to tell them we sent you! Inspiring women wanted.

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Volume 3 • Issue 5 March 2018

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Photographer for cover and page 8 Keith May

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Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com Angela Brooks Dailey, owner and publisher of West Georgia Woman magazine, has lived in West Georgia most of her life and has a deep love and appreciation for the area. She received her B.B.A in management from The University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga., and is a Civil and Domestic Relations mediator and arbitrator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. She lives in Carrollton, and has two wonderful children, Zachary and Sydney Dailey. Angela enjoys reading, spending time with her children and extended family and loves to watch Sydney play soccer.

Walking on Ally Poole Shows Strength Beyond Her Years After Paralyzing Accident

10Photo by Ashlee Burgess Photography

By Janet Flanigan

Faith 11

vehicle. The driver of the hay truck fled the scene and – three years later – is still at large. Fortunately, a person who was driving behind Ally witnessed the horrific accident and called 911. Also witnessing the accident were Kim and David Thompson, whose home is on Bowdon-Tyus Road. They immediately ran out to assist. “After I was thrown from the car, I landed flat on my back," shares Ally. "I remember someone asked me to say something, and all I said was ‘help’.”

Fight Of Her Life The EMTs arrived quickly, and – though she has no memory of it – one of them found her phone and asked Ally for her security code to access her contacts. The rescuers then called her mom, Lisa Pope, and her boyfriend of six months, Amos Grizzard, and told them come to Grady Hospital in Atlanta. Life-flight helicopters are named as such for a reason – they are in a flight and race to save lives. “I’m told on the flight I drew my last breath,” Ally Photo by Keith May

he power of positive thinking helps many people through some of life's most difficult moments. Waco resident Ally Poole has had more obstacles thrown at her than most. Yet she not only believes in an optimistic approach to life, she has even created her own motto: “Aspire to Inspire!" On Jan. 31, 2015, when Ally was just 19 years old, she was in a car accident that left her with a T12 spinal cord injury causing paralysis from the waist down. She also suffered two gastric lacerations in her stomach, a C2 hangman bone fracture in her neck, collapsed lungs, a ruptured spleen and internal bleeding throughout her organs. At the time of the accident, Ally lived in Bowdon and was a nursing student at West Georgia Technical College. On that day, she was driving her 6-week-old Yorkie puppy, Lilly, to a veterinarian appointment. As she was driving down Bowdon-Tyus Road, a truck carrying a load of stolen hay crossed into her lane, forcing her to swerve to avoid hitting him head-on. As a result of her swerving to avoid the truck, Ally's car flipped end-over-end for 75 yards before Ally was ultimately ejected 50 feet outside the

Ally with her dog, Lilly, and Ally's mother, Lisa Pope. Ally says her mom and her boyfriend, Amos Grizzard, were a huge source of support for her following the horrific accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

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recounts. “The first responders did not think I was even going to make it to Grady, but thank God I did.” The EMTs heroically resuscitated Ally on the way as she was flown to Grady’s Intensive Care Unit. Little puppy Lilly was found hours later – unharmed but frightened – hiding in a chicken house down the road from the accident site.

The Intensive Care Unit When she arrived at Grady, Ally had no pulse or blood pressure, but the emergency room doctors were able to stabilize her enough to be rushed into the operating room. Because the ruptured spleen was causing her other internal organs to bleed, it was removed. Ally was also put on a ventilator so she could breathe. She remained in intensive care for a couple more days before undergoing a grueling 8-hour back surgery, where rods were implanted to help stabilize her spine. Ally does not remember much about her more than two weeks in the Grady Intensive Care Unit, but she has been told her mother and Amos were the ones who explained her extensive injuries to her. While at Grady, Ally was on a ventilator and could not speak, but she had a white pad on which she wrote notes. “We saved some things I wrote from that time," she explains. "I kind of knew, but I didn’t really know until I wrote the words on the pad, ‘I can’t feel my legs.' But even then, from the very beginning, I was determined to walk again. God is going to throw things at you, but you just have got to keep going.”

A Long Road To Recovery After her time in the Intensive Care Unit, Ally was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta – a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical

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treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions. Unfortunately, in the haste to get Ally into rehabilitation at Shepherd, she says Grady had not dealt with her collapsed lungs. She was forced to endure another surgery before the actual rehabilitation could begin. Once her collapsed lungs began to heal and the ventilator was removed, Ally was finally ready to begin her therapy. She now had to learn how to live life without the use of her legs.

Life Before The Accident Ally was born in LaGrange, Ga., moved to Carrollton in 2010, then Bowdon in 2014. She participated in competition cheerleading from the early age of 4 and made the decision to stop cheering during her freshman year at Central High School in Carrollton. “I just got burned out on it and decided not to do it anymore," she shares. After graduation, Ally decided she would become a nurse, and began taking classes at West Georgia Photo by Keith May Technical College. She also met the A photo of Ally and her younger brother man she says she before her accident.

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knew she wanted to spend her life with, Amos. After high school, Ally's days were filled with college courses, four-wheeler outings, dates, church and fun. In all, a perfectly ordinary and marvelous life. Ally says she wasn’t angry or depressed when she learned about the severity of her injuries. Always one to keep a positive attitude, she realizes the gift she has been given and is able to enjoy the life she says God gave back to her. At the beginning of her time at Shepherd, Ally’s first workouts revolved around very basic care issues such as how to sit up and support herself; how to transfer herself to a wheelchair; how to properly push herself in the wheelchair; how to get dressed; and how to shower. Patients with new spinal cord injuries have to start over. “In the beginning, you have to rethink how you do everything,” she says. For someone who is paralyzed, even sitting up is extremely difficult. Patients must relearn how to sit upright without the use of their lower extremities. Overall, Ally spent 31-1/2 weeks at the Shepherd Center. During that time, she was able to come home for short periods to refresh and recharge herself. After she was discharged from the center, her treatment plan was for future rehabilitation to be performed on an

outpatient basis.

Everyday Life Ally's car was modified with hand controls – the gas and brake pedals are now accessed on the steering column – so she could continue to live the independent lifestyle she was accustomed Photo by Keith May

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so into her weight lifting that she started her own to living. One of her proudest accomplishments line of racerback, lightweight t-shirts. The t-shirts was transferring herself from her wheelchair to are emblazoned the driver's seat, with her own but her greatest Photo by Ashlee Burgess Photography motto “Aspire to challenge was Inspire,” and the how to get the tees are available wheelchair into for purchase online her vehicle after through iLIFT tees. she was seated. While she loves Because Ally wearing her line of considers her t-shirts, obviously wheelchair an she can’t wear extension of her them all day, every body, she has day, and dressing a small, manual did present certain and very light challenges after wheelchair her accident. Ally is designed and built just like most other to fit her specific beautiful, young body type, but women – she wants she must lean to look her best. “I out of her car to didn’t really think disassemble the about clothes until wheelchair and I got home from bring it into the Shepherd," she vehicle. “It was says. "But I found hard to learn how that clothes that to balance and do used to look good that without falling on me didn’t look out!” she relates. right anymore.” “I can now take my She found jeans wheelchair apart to be an interesting and have it in my conundrum: car within about 30 “Regular rise seconds." jeans will rise up As her balance on me and don’t improved, Ally look good,” she was very excited says, "and baggy to learn she and jeans just look Amos would still Ally is an accomplished wheelchair weight lifter with extreme upper body awful." Because able to do their strength. her legs are now favorite hobby: much slimmer, she four-wheeling. has found skinny jeans, leggings and jeggings are “The staff at Shepherd wants their patients to enjoy the best options for her. She also likes the look of the same activities that they always have," she tighter-fitting tops because she says large or flowing explains. "They worked to help me learn how to balance and hold on to the four-wheeler so I can still tops make her look so much bigger than she is. When wearing a dress, she prefers a maxi-length. “I ride. We love it." like the way I look in a mirror,” Ally says confidently. Once she was back in her day-to-day life, Ally began lifting weights as a wheelchair weight lifter. “I knew I needed upper body strength to use my chair, Inspiring Others and I found I really enjoy the workouts and how I look from working out,” she says. In fact, Ally got While working through her rehabilitation, Ally’s

optimistic attitude did not go unnoticed. In fact, one of her biggest fans is her physical therapist, Justin Rich. In addition to his work as a physical therapist, Rich also serves at the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Villa Rica. Ally says he believed her affirmative outlook was something the youth at his church needed to hear. “It was scary at first,” she admits. “I kept saying ‘No, no, no!’,” but Justin kept prodding and reminding Ally that she had a great story to tell. “I really felt like God was calling me to speak, so I did,” she shares. Ally told her story to Justin’s youth group at the end of November 2016, and her testimony is available to view on YouTube. After that first appearance, she became more comfortable with public speaking, and has shared her story with young people at Central Middle School and various church youth groups in Villa Rica, Temple, Carrollton, LaGrange and her home church – Baptist Tabernacle in LaGrange.

Life With A Disability

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Even the most positive person can have bad moments or bad days. “The staring of strangers was very hard to accept, and it is still difficult,” Ally admits. She says it seems since she appears normal and healthy, people just don’t know how to react that she is in a wheelchair. “One man even asked me, ‘What did you catch?’ because I was in a wheelchair!” she says. Ally understands people are curious – but rather than stare – she suggests folks smile or speak just as you would to any other person. Another thing Ally has found difficult is asking for help. “I want to do everything for myself, and it is difficult to ask for assistance,” she says. If you see someone with a disability struggling with something, like reaching something on the top shelf in the grocery store, she says it’s okay to ask if you can grab it, but even that type of request is tough for someone as independent as Ally. “I can’t stand it if people think I always need help. But if I actually do want help, I’ll ask,” she explains. “I am not perfect,” she admits. “I still get so aggravated some days, but I try to remind myself that there will always be some people who have it much more difficult. I am grateful for my independence.”

Relationship Challenges While her relationship with Amos grew ever

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stronger after her accident, unfortunately, most of her friendships have not fared as well. She is very honest in sharing that only one close friendship has remained from before the accident. “It is just that my old friends don’t – and can’t – understand how the dynamics have changed," she explains. "They didn’t do anything wrong.” Ally finds she is drawn to others who are also in wheelchairs because they understand each other. One new friend, Chelsie Hill, really opened her eyes to the possibilities of a person who is in a wheelchair. Chelsie is an actress and wheelchair dancer who was also paralyzed in a car accident at age 17. She was a cast member on the Sundance Channel television reality series,“Push Girls,” featuring five girls who live life to the fullest from wheelchairs. Chelsie happened to visit the Shepherd Center while Ally was an in-patient, and the two young women bonded right away. The pair has much in common – including selling clothing. Chelsie has her own clothing line geared toward women in wheelchairs called “Endless Abilities.” Ally and Chelsie have stayed close friends, and Chelsie has been trying to get Ally to come visit her in Los Angeles. She has also developed a friendship with

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another West Georgia Woman magazine cover feature, Sara Claudia Tillman, who was featured in the May 2017 issue. Sara Claudia woke up from a routine tonsillectomy to find herself blind and the loss of hearing in one ear. Like Ally, Sarah Claudia has not let her situation stop her from attacking life with gusto. The two inspiring girls have bonded over gym workouts and enjoy each other’s positive outlook.

A Bright Future

Photo by Keith May

Since her accident and rehabilitation, Ally has made some exciting decisions about her life. After being released from Shepherd, Ally got on with the joys of living. While working on increasing her

Ally, with her physical therapist, Justin Rich. Her goal is to walk down the aisle on her wedding day, Oct. 6. She has recently mastered no hands walking in braces with Justin lightly holding her waist.

physical health and strength, Ally’s relationship with Amos grew deeper and more committed. Last May, the couple purchased a home of their own in Waco, and are engaged to be married on Oct. 6 of this year. She has made it a goal to walk down the aisle on the arm of her father, Brandon Poole, and stepfather, Jason Pope, and she has recently mastered no hands walking in braces – with her therapist just lightly holding her waist. Ally and Amos have not finalized honeymoon plans but hope to go somewhere out west, such as Wyoming or Colorado. Lilly continues to be a huge part of Ally and Amos’ lives. She has become a certified therapy dog, and is able to accompany Ally just about everywhere. They've also added to their canine brood by breeding Lilly with a Maltese. They kept her two Morkie puppies, Lizzie and Harper. Ally and Amos hope to continue adding to their family by planning to have children of their own eventually. She has been told that she can expect a normal pregnancy and delivery. The only physical accommodation she will need to make is she can’t receive an epidural during labor because of the rods in her back. “We plan on starting a family right after

our wedding,” she says with excitement. The couple says they hope to have two or three children. Ally also reevaluated her professional plans and decided to switch from a nursing career to a career as a residential mortgage loan originator. She has finished her training and is currently looking for a position in this field. In addition to physical fitness, four wheeling, her dogs, shopping and friends, Ally has recently discovered a passion for Rae Dunn pottery. “I love the stuff," she says. "Her pottery is clean and simple, and she has a sense of humor.”

Pediatric, Hand & Speech Therapy

A Wonderful Life Ally has made it a mission to spread her positive affirmation throughout her community – and the world. She has an extensive Instagram following of 11,000 people, and she recently posted the following: “If there's one thing all of you should know, it's that life will test you, but remember this: when you walk up a mountain, your legs get stronger, always.” Because she is so inspiring and positive, it is easy to forget that Ally does get discouraged at times. “That first year was rough, for sure,” she admits.

Photo by Ashlee Burgess Photography

“You have to dig deep and find the strength within to keep going. No matter how rough life might get, it is all going to be okay.” She depends on her faith in Jesus Christ when times are particularly challenging, and uses the mantra: “It’s a bad day, not a bad life." "I always know that even when things are difficult, there are other people who have it much worse than I do,” she says. “Through it all, I’ve become a better person, a

stronger person and I’ve become more ‘me’ than I’ve ever been," she relates. "Now, I use every chance I get to inspire and motivate others to keep going. There are great things ahead!” WGW

Learn more about Ally on Instagram @allypoolefit or on Facebook @prayersforallypoole

Photo by Keith May

1. DO speak to me like you would speak to any other person. 2. DON'T speak to me like something is mentally wrong with me just because you see I'm in a wheelchair. 3. DON'T park in a handicap parking space if you aren't handicapped. 4. DON'T park in the lines next to the handicap parking space â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the lines are there for a reason. I need them to unload/load my chair without hitting another car. 5. DON'T assume I can't do something just because of the wheelchair. You would be amazed at everything I can do. 6. DON'T beg to help me shop for my groceries or to help me get something off of the shelf that I can reach just fine. If I need help, I'll ask you. 7. DO ask me what my story is if you are curious. I don't mind sharing. 8. DON'T stare at me like I am a robot and don't belong. I am human just like you. 9. DO ask to help if you see me struggling and having a difficult time. 10. DO know that everyone who is in a wheelchair doesn't have the same injury, the same level of independence and preference of do's and don't's. If you're unsure about what to do, please ask.

Photo by Keith May

Do's and Dont's For Relating to People in Wheelchairs: Tips From Ally

Postpartum Depression:

More Than Just The

Baby Blues 24

”P

ostpartum depression is far more common than gestational diabetes," says Dr. Ruta Nonacs of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. "All women receiving prenatal care are screened for diabetes, but how many pregnant and postpartum women are screened for depression? PPD is also more common than preterm labor, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure; in other words, PPD is the most common complication associated with pregnancy and childbirth.” Announcing a pregnancy is beautiful news to a family who has been anticipating the birth of a child, a grandchild or just another family member. The nine months had its ebbs and flows during the pregnancy journey, and then came your new bundle of joy. Visitors came to the hospital; well-wishers sent flowers, gifts and even offered to help with the other kids. Everyone seemed to be so happy weeks and sometimes months after the birth – but not you. You, who took the journey of nourishing and cherishing this little body inside of you. This little treasure that you have always wanted and now hold in your arms is here! Yet, at times, this reality scares you, because you have become afraid. Afraid that you may hurt this little treasure. You recognize this

feeling is not normal, but "What is it?" you ask yourself. "What is wrong with me?" Many women are careful to go for their prenatal visits and do exactly what their physician recommends. Often, these women may express feelings of sadness, only to have their feelings dismissed as merely hormonal changes. Or, women may even view their feelings as normal and present them as such to their physician. They may dismiss their own feelings of sadness, lethargy and lack of motivation as a "normal” journey of pregnancy. Women may also feel that expressing any anxiety related to their pregnancy – or wanting to hurt this new little person once it arrives – may have others perceive them as unfit, or a bad mother. What these women may be experiencing are symptoms of postpartum depression, or PPD. PPD does not discriminate. It affects individuals of any ethnicity, age or socioeconomic status. PPD usually lasts longer than the first two weeks after the child is born, and can occur anytime time within the first 12 months after birth. PPD symptoms are more severe than what is considered the “baby blues," because the "baby blues" usually dissipate within two weeks. PPD does not go away without treatment, and is impactful

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MEDICINE BEYOND MEASURESM

enough to disrupt a mother’s daily functioning after giving birth. As postpartum depression impacts the entire family system, screening and treatment are of utmost importance. If postpartum depression is left untreated, it may become harmful for both the newborn and other children within the household, it may affect the attachment and bonding between the mother and the infant and can impact the child’s development.

Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression • • • • • • • • •

Consistent crying Sadness Irritability Worry Lack of interest in daily activities Inability to sleep Frequent waking Isolation Feelings of wanting to hurt the child or themselves. • Suicidal thoughts • A sense of hopelessness • Feelings of guilt These feelings may be persistent and frightening. The mother may struggle in bonding with the baby, and lethargy may be severe. She may also feel very nervous, and have repeated panic attacks. Sometimes postpartum depression may include psychosis, termed, Postpartum Psychosis, where the mother experiences delusions or

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hallucinations. She may have a decreased need for sleep and her mood may change abruptly. She may also have paranoia and suicidal thoughts. There are several treatment options available for someone struggling with postpartum depression. Contact your healthcare provider should you experience any of the symptoms above beyond two weeks after childbirth.

Tips For Managing Postpartum Depression • Keep all follow-up appointments. Be open with your provider about what you are experiencing, and do not dismiss any symptoms. Allow the professional to make the decision about what you may be experiencing. Your provider may recommend and prescribe medication management to help you manage your mood. • Speak with a licensed professional about attending individual or

Foster open communication regarding the needs of both you and your partner. group therapy. There is no shame in speaking with a mental health professional. They are here to help you manage your feelings in the best way possible. Sometimes it feels good just to talk to someone who won't judge you or your feelings. • Know that it is okay to ask for help. Superwoman is not real! Allow those you trust to know what you are experiencing. Enlist the help of family members, friends or your other children when you need a break. • Rest when your baby rests. You need and deserve rest. Everyone will understand if the house isn't as clean as you like it, and hopefully the other members of your immediate family will pitch in and help with maintaining the household.

• Take care of your body. Eat nutritious foods and take time to get out of the house for walks – even if only for 10 minutes at a time. • Engage in mindful activities. Engage in meditation or mindful breathing. Mentally scan your body for things that may need attention. • Do not isolate yourself. Even though you may feel that is what you need, this will only intensify your depression.

How Your Partner Can Help • Encourage you to express all fears and feelings, acknowledging them without judgement. • Provide help and support as much as possible.

• Recognize there will be time to have the house in tip-top shape after all becomes stable, and take on more of the household responsibilities while you recover. • Allow you to rest and obtain adequate sleep. Lack of sleep increases symptoms of postpartum depression. • Encourage you to ask for the support of friends and family, and take care of the baby while you connect with those support systems. • Practice patience, especially when it comes to having sexual needs satisfied. Emotions may be impacting your partner's sex drive. Seek out other ways to provide affection. • Foster open communication regarding the needs of both you and your partner. Having postpartum depression can be frightening, but you are not alone. In fact, more women will suffer from postpartum depression and related postpartum illnesses this year than the combined number of new cases for women and men of

Dr. Howard Seeman

Dr. Thelma Lucas

Dr. John Arledge

Dr. Prashant Sharma

Dr. Peter Ojuro

leukemia, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease, according to Postpartum Progress. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to the ones described, talk to your healthcare provider to receive proper medical treatment. You and your baby deserve to be healthy, happy and well. WGW Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the owner of The Heart Matters Wellness Services LLC, a full-service counseling agency. She is certified as a Mental Health First Aid Adult trainer and regularly provides seminars and trainings to the community on various mental health issues. She has partnered with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy to train individuals in the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Visit heartmatterswellness.com for more information about Cheryl and her work.

Susan Prescott, NP

Corie Price, NP

Are Vitamin Supplements

Necessary?

mericans have been buying and taking multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements since they first became available in the 1940s. Multivitamin/mineral supplements are still the most popular choice among U.S. consumers, and MVM purchases account for 40 percent of all vitamin and mineral supplement sales in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin sales are big business, and an estimated $36.7 billion of all dietary supplements were purchased in the United States in 2014. People take MVMs for many reasons, including to improve their health or prevent chronic disease or to increase their nutrient intakes. But do most people really need these additional supplements? Multiple studies have been performed for years to try to prove that MVMs are beneficial â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or not â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with most results being inconclusive at best â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and some results show MVMs may actually do more harm than good. In an Iowa Women's Health Study, more than 38,000 women age 55 and older were tracked based on their supplementation habits for close to 20 years. Taking a multivitamin seemed to increase the risk of premature death, according to their findings.

Because of this study and others, there is growing evidence against taking most supplements for the prevention of disease or for general health reasons, according Donald Hensrud, M.D., with the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin D and calcium, for example, are the exceptions for bone health, but even certain exceptions should be approached cautiously, he says. Many people take supplements to increase their nutrient intakes. But, in developed countries, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are not common, unless there is an existing condition causing the deficiency. Often, taking supplements to increase nutrients provides exceedingly more of what is actually necessary for good health. Another reason people take supplements is to help prevent serious and chronic disease. There have been consistent studies that show diets high in antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits and other plant foods are correlated with lower rates of heart disease and cancer. However, studies regarding supplements, including antioxidants such as vitamins E and A and beta carotene, have shown little benefit and there is some evidence they could cause harm to those taking them.

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Mineral Supplements And Vitamins That Carry Potential Risks: • Folic acid (vitamin B-9). Most adults who are older consume sufficient amounts of folate in their food. Supplementation has been shown to prevent birth defects, and doctors commonly advise women who are pregnant to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid a day from supplements or fortified foods, in addition to eating foods that have folate in them naturally. Evidence of any other benefits has been difficult to find in studies. • Vitamin B-6. Studies have shown that vitamin B-6 taken in hefty doses each day (more than 100 milligrams) can cause nerve damage over time. • Vitamin B-3 (niacin). In large doses, this has been shown to help lower high cholesterol levels, but this should only be taken under the close supervision of your health care provider. Severe liver disease, as well as other side effects, can occur.

• Trace minerals. Zinc, magnesium, copper, selenium and chromium are included in the essential trace minerals. But, there isn't any significant evidence to show that supplementing with trace minerals has any benefit without a deficiency – and a deficiency is rare. • Iron. In postmenopausal women and healthy men, having an iron deficiency is rare. Doctors suggest women who are pregnant take a prenatal vitamin that includes iron or have them take a separate iron supplement. If you're in one of the first categories and are deficient in iron, further evaluation by your health care provider is best. There has been some evidence that shows consuming too much iron can have adverse effects, which could possibly include increased mortality. • Vitamin A. A review of research in 2012 that was published in the Cochrane Database found vitamin A supplements taken in large doses were also associated with an increased risk of premature death. Using beta-carotene, a compound the body converts to vitamin A, as a supplement was also shown to increase the risk of dying, especially for former or current smokers. Because having a vitamin A deficiency is very uncommon in the U.S., it's probably not worth the potential risk to take this supplement, says Dr. Hensrud. • Vitamin E. The above published review also found that taking supplements of vitamin E every day may increase the risk of premature death.

Supplements That Older Adults Might Consider: • Vitamin B-12. Close to 15 percent of older adults are deficient in vitamin B-12, according to the Mayo Clinic. Even in large doses, vitamin B-12 has not been shown to cause any harm, and it may be beneficial for people who are older to take a supplement of B-12 that contains a minimum of 2.4 mcg to help prevent deficiency, which is the Recommended Dietary Allowance. • Vitamin D. Vitamin D improves calcium absorption, and older adults are encouraged to consume 600 to 800 International Units (IU) each day from supplements and diet combined to support healthy bones. Some health

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organizations and physicians believe that even higher doses may be appropriate for older adults. • Calcium. For men over age 70 and women over age 50, doctors recommend taking 1,200 mg each day. A meta-analysis found that using a calcium supplement did increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but not all studies have backed this conclusion. Because there was no evidence of more risk with dietary sources of calcium, Mayo Clinic experts support meeting daily calcium requirements – but not exceeding them. Most health organizations and physicians are in agreement that if you eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, lowfat dairy products and legumes, there is no need to take additional vitamin supplements, but there may be some exceptions.

Who Might Benefit From Certain Supplements Or Fortified Foods? • Adults age 50 or older • Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant • Those who consume fewer calories than their bodies need or those who don't eat well • Women who have heavy menstrual bleeding • Those who have had digestive tract surgery and cannot

•

• • •

absorb or digest nutrients properly Those who don't drink enough milk due to having a milk allergy or those who are lactose intolerant. Also, those who don't consume enough dairy products Those who don't eat two to three servings of seafood on a weekly basis for heart health Vegetarians or vegans who eat limited foods Those with a medical condition that affects the absorption of nutrients – food intolerance or allergies, liver disease, chronic diarrhea or disease of the pancreas or intestines

Supplements can't duplicate all of the benefits and nutrients of whole foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and they aren't intended to be a substitute for food.

Whole Foods And Their Benefits • Essential fiber. Vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fruits provide dietary fiber. Along with a healthy diet, fiber can help prevent

Adults age 50 or older may benefit from certain supplements or fortified foods.

certain diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and can help manage constipation. • Greater nutrition. Whole foods are complex, and are made up of a variety of micronutrients that your body needs. • Protective antioxidants. Many whole foods are excellent sources of antioxidants – substances that slow down the natural process that leads to tissue and cell damage. Plant foods contain multiple helpful compounds called phytonutrients – a substance believed to be beneficial to human health and help prevent certain diseases. It isn't certain that antioxidant supplements provide the same benefits as antioxidants in your food, and some high-dose antioxidant supplements have been associated with certain health risks. There are two different types of vitamins: fatsoluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's cells and cannot be eliminated as easily as water-soluble vitamins. Though essential amounts are necessary, fat-soluble vitamins do not have to be consumed as often as water-soluble

vitamins. In fact, if you take fat-soluble vitamins in excess it could potentially be toxic. Your body is particularly sensitive to too much vitamin D and vitamin A from animal sources, or retinol. Having a balanced diet will usually provide enough fat-soluble nutrients.

Fat-soluble Vitamins In Food • Vitamin A. Needed for tooth and bone growth, healthy skin, immune system health, healthy mucous membranes and vision. Plant sources: pumpkin, winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe, leafy dark green vegetables, carrots and sweet potatoes. Animal sources: eggs, butter, liver, cheese, cream and fortified milk. • Vitamin E – an antioxidant that protects the cell walls. Sources include: wheat germ, liver, egg yolks, whole grains, seeds, nuts, leafy green vegetables and polyunsaturated plant oils such as cottonseed, soybean, corn or safflower. • Vitamin D. Stored in bones and needed for absorption of calcium. Your skin can make

your body in small and frequent doses. Although they aren't as likely to become toxic as fat-soluble vitamins, some do have upper intake limits. Vitamin B6, vitamin C, niacin, folate and choline all have upper intake limits, and vitamin B6 has been shown to cause irreversible nerve damage over a long period of time. vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Sources include: fatty fish, liver, fortified milk and egg yolks. • Vitamin K. Needed for blood clotting. This is made in the intestinal tract naturally by bacteria. Sources include: leafy green vegetables, milk and vegetables that are a part of the cabbage family. Water-soluble vitamins move throughout the body and any excess are normally excreted through the kidneys. Water-soluble vitamins are needed by

Water-soluble Vitamins In Food • Folic acid. Part of the enzyme necessary for creating new cells and DNA, particularly red blood cells. Folic acid has been added to most all refined grains now. Sources include: orange juice, liver, seeds, leafy green vegetables and legumes. • Ascorbic acid. Helps with the absorption of iron and needed for immune system health. Is part of the enzyme necessary for protein metabolism. Sources include: mangoes, lettuce, papaya, peppers, strawberries,

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With certain exceptions, most people can get all the vitamins necessary for good health through a healthy and balanced diet.

•

potatoes, kiwifruit, cantaloupe, tomatoes, the cabbage family of vegetables and citrus fruits, especially. Biotin. Part of the enzyme necessary for energy metabolism. Created naturally in the intestinal tract by bacteria and is found in numerous food sources. Niacin, or vitamin B3. Needed for skin health, the digestive system and nervous system. Part of the enzyme necessary for energy metabolism. Sources include: peanut butter, poultry, meat, enriched or wholegrain cereals and breads and vegetables – particularly in leafy green vegetables, mushrooms and asparagus. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2. Part of the enzyme necessary for energy metabolism. Needed for skin health and normal vision. Sources include: whole-grains, milk and milk products, enriched cereals and breads and leafy green vegetables. Cobalamin, or vitamin B12. Part of the enzyme necessary for creating new cells and important for nerve function. Sources include: milk and milk products, poultry, fish, meat, eggs and seafood. Pantothenic acid. Part of the enzyme

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necessary for energy metabolism. Widespread in numerous food sources. • Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6. Helps create red blood cells and part of the enzyme necessary for protein metabolism. Sources include: fruits, meat, poultry, vegetables and fish. • Thiamine, or vitamin B1. Important for nerve function and part of the enzyme necessary for energy metabolism. Sources include: all nutritious foods including nuts and seeds, enriched or whole-grain breads and cereals, legumes and pork. Because people usually take vitamin supplements to improve their overall health, any of the reported risks from clinical studies involving supplements can be worrisome – no matter how small. With certain exceptions, most people can get all the vitamins necessary for good health through a healthy and balanced diet. Bottom line: Vitamins can occur in many forms and supplements may not provide the right amounts in the right forms. Talk with your doctor to see if taking vitamin supplements are right for you, and ask for her recommendations for your specific health needs. WGW

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Hearing the Last Bird Sing How hard it is to hear the last bird sing, To see the last sun rise then watch it set. I haven't finished all my living yet! I want this winter past – bring back the spring! Roll back the hands of time before the haze, To time before death entered not a thought, When excellence I passionately sought And life was fresh. Bring back those younger days. But God, my God, has been so good to me. My three score ten: long passed into the past, And I have heard the last bird sing at last. But harbinger of spring it yet will be! I know who waits beyond life's final stings: The One who writes the song the last bird sings. G.S.Royal ©2007

Daily Fare With

e s o R f e Ch

Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband Shawn. She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts. After graduation, she began her career as a chef at the Carrollton Kroger Marketplace where she works in the bistro.

Photos by Keith May

This stir fry dish is perfect for busy weeknights with a total prep and cook time of about 15 minutes.

Super Fast Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry " Feel free to play around with the ingredients in this dish, using beef

instead of chicken, and carrots or snap peas instead of broccoli. As long as you keep the proportions as one third protein, one third vegetable and one third noodles, this can become your go-to meal for busy nights.

Ingredients 8 oz. or 1/2 package of rice noodles 2 small or 1 large chicken breasts 1 pound broccoli 2 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons soy sauce Salt and pepper 2 eggs, beaten Vegetable oil for sautĂŠing 1 lime Sesame oil

Preparation Soak the noodles in hot water for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. While the noodles are softening, butterfly

the chicken breast and place between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Roll with a rolling pin to get the breast as thin as possible. Slice very thinly so the chicken will cook quickly and evenly. Cut broccoli into individual stalks and peel and thinly slice the garlic. Heat a wok or large skillet with sloping sides over high heat and add vegetable oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and stir fry until golden brown. Add the garlic and stir fry for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and soy sauce to wok and continue to stir fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. Once the broccoli is tender, pour the contents of the wok into a large bowl and set aside. Add more vegetable oil to the wok and drain the soaked noodles. Add the eggs to the wok, season with salt and pepper and stir until cooked. Add the noodles and toss well, then return chicken and broccoli mixture to the wok. Top with fresh-squeezed lime juice and a light drizzle of sesame oil.

â&#x20AC;? This banana nut bread

is a delightful twist from the original recipe.â&#x20AC;?

Salted Caramel Cashew Banana Bread Ingredients For the bread 2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 ripe bananas, mashed 1/3 cup milk

3 tablespoons salted Caramel Sauce (I used a salted caramel ice cream topping) For the streusel topping 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces 1/2 cup cashew halves and pieces

Preparation Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. With a mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar on medium speed, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas. With the mixer on low, mix in half of the dry ingredients. Add the milk. Once milk is combined mix in the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not over mix. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and drizzle salted caramel sauce over the batter. Use a knife to swirl in the salted caramel sauce. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cold butter pieces. Rub the mixture together with your fingers until combined and crumbly. Stir in the cashew pieces. Sprinkle streusel topping over the batter in the pan. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, loosely covering the bread with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes if the top of the bread is getting to dark. A toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf will come out clean when the bread is done. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes on a wire cooling rack. Use a knife to loosen the bread. WGW

” The streusel and caramel mixture on top makes a great crust that you can’t wait to bite into. ”

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As set forth in its student catalog, West Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity (Title IX) coordinator is V.P. of Student Affairs. ADA (Section 504) coordinator is V.P. of Administrative Services. Both are located at 401 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117. 678.664.0400

From Her Point of View: Chronicles of a Teenage Girl

Teens and Self Injury

Things Every Parent Should Know By Carissa Clanton

trigger. Once the action becomes a habit, self-harm hen I was in eighth grade, my best friend can be as difficult to stop as any other addiction. came to school with self-inflicted cuts. At Teenagers are at the highest risk for nonsuicidal 14 years old, I’d already learned to cringe self-injury, with one-third to one-half of the away from forearm scars. My classmates had taught adolescent population of the United States me that girls who hurt themselves were attentionengaging in self-mutilation, according to the seekers, people to be ridiculed and avoided at all National Institute of Health. Teens of all genders, costs. I would never repeat them to my best friend, but I backgrounds, races and sexualities are vulnerable to knew all the jokes associated with her condition – all self-harm urges, but children with lower social status or who have been subjected to bullying are much the names. Her scars made her a leper. By keeping more likely to hurt themselves. her secrets, I protected the rest of the world from Self-harm is an extensive issue, but it isn’t what I wrongly assumed was a terrible disease. I could have protected her instead. I should have tried unconquerable. Once you’ve recognized the problem, you can discover solutions that will help harder to convince her that self-harm wasn’t her you, your children or your best friend heal from this only option or gone to an adult for help when her injuries multiplied. Perhaps if I’d considered her well- affliction. being over her social status, I could have saved her brutalized skin. How You Can Help Self-harm is not a mental illness; it is defined as an unhealthy coping strategy by the National Alliance • Talk about it. The first step to resolving any on Mental Health. My friend was not the only one dilemma is to air it out. It doesn’t matter buried underneath pressure in middle school. Nor how strong you think someone is; if you’re was she the only one to turn to blades to alleviate unwilling to discuss it, they will never get her stress. better. Self-harm is an addiction and it can Any action someone performs to deliberately only get worse if you treat it as a taboo. hurt themselves is classified as self-harm. This often • Don’t hide. It’s not your place to tell the world means someone cuts themselves with a blade or what your kid is experiencing, but refuse to razor, but self-harm can range from hair pulling speak of self-harm as a disease. It’s a trial to throwing oneself against a hard object. These these people are overcoming, and it should individuals are overwhelmed and distressed, and be treated as such. If your child is comfortable don’t know how to survive their stress without doing so, let their siblings know the struggle hurting themselves. There’s a stigma surrounding they’re experiencing. Your home should be a self-mutilation that has escalated the isolation they safe place, not another place to pretend. already feel. • Consider therapy. There are very few It’s important to note that self-harm is not a direct individuals who can overcome their selfindicator of suicidal mutilation without thoughts. Some professional help. people who hurt Don’t make Google themselves may be your psychiatrist. suicidal, but not all Therapy may not are. Self-harm serves be the best option a much different for everyone, but purpose than suicide; it’s nothing to be they’re using their ashamed about, mutilation as a either. If your child release, much like is self-harming, you running or painting may be tempted may calm another to force them to person. The urge to There are very few individuals who can overcome see a doctor, but if hurt themselves may they’re unwilling to their self-mutilation without professional help. stem from frustration, participate in therapy anger, anxiety, it can’t benefit depression or a completely unrelated emotional them. Allow the afflicted person to make this

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222 Cross Plains Road Carrollton, GA 30116 770-834-6651 ~ www.oakmountain.us decision for themselves, too. • Determine triggers. To begin the healing process, you need to know what’s hurting. Once you discover your child’s triggers, try to cut them out of their life or limit their exposure to them. Parents can be especially helpful here if they’re compassionate and thoughtful, as they often control a large portion of their kids’ lives. Listen to your child, even if you learn that their trigger is you. • Explore alternatives. Teenagers who selfmutilate may not know all of their options, and discovering them together will strengthen your role in their healing process. There are many suggestions out there, and they aren’t all going to work for everyone. Help your child learn what substitutions for self-mutilation exist. • Accept the failures. Your child will have bad days, and they may turn back to their old habits. Relapses don’t mean their journey is over, but they might feel like it is. It’s up to the people who love them to help them through backsliding. Let them know they are loved, and that every major change has a few setbacks.

People who self-mutilate are extremely talented at hiding their pain. They’ve become experts at pretense, and they may be too scared to end their silence. If you suspect someone is hurting themselves, start the conversation. Don’t accuse them of anything, but make it clear that you love and support them, particularly if they’re your child. Adolescence is terrifying, and we may not always – or ever – see eye-to-eye with our parents, but trust me: teenagers still need the same love and approval you lavished us with as toddlers. Our problems are bigger now, and we need your patient behind-thescenes guidance to help us overcome our demons. WGW Carissa Clanton is a senior at Bremen High School and the oldest of three children. Her passion for writing, which has influenced every aspect of her life, stems from her love for books and reading. After graduation, Carissa plans to attend college and pursue a degree in English. She hopes to have a career as a copy editor and ultimately publish her own novel.

RalphE.E.Fleck, Fleck,Jr., Jr.,M.D. M.D. Ralph JubalR. R.Watts, Watts,M.D. M.D. Jubal GregoryS.S.Slappey, Slappey,M.D. M.D. Gregory AnthonyW. W.Colpini, Colpini,M.D. M.D. Anthony BradG. G.Prybis, Prybis,M.D. M.D. Brad KevinM. M.Charron, Charron,M.D. M.D. Kevin TaylorB.B.Cates, Cates,M.D. M.D. Taylor FranklinPence, Pence,M.D. M.D. E.E.Franklin Ki-Hon Lin, M.D. Ki-Hon Lin, M.D. Shomari A.Ruffn, Ruffin, M.D. Shomari A. M.D. Bryan Kirby, M.D. Bryan Kirby, M.D. David A.Scruggs, Scruggs,P.A.-C P.A.-C David A. MichaelC. C.Gravett, Gravett,P.A.-C P.A.-C Michael AndreaMaxwell, Maxwell,F.N.P. F.N.P. Andrea AlishaSchuchman, Schuchman,N.P.-C N.P.-C Alisha BritniLockwood, Lockwood,P.A.-C P.A.-C Britni 24 48

FAQs

Editorial provided by our advertising partner, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates.

Can you reduce your risk of getting colon cancer? To reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer, know your family’s cancer history and follow the recommended guidelines to schedule a colon cancer screening. Don’t smoke, and maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables. If you experience symptoms, don’t ignore them – make an appointment to see your physician.

What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is considered the single best method for detecting and preventing colon cancer. The procedure is performed under light sedation and allows a trained gastroenterologist to look at the inner lining of your large intestine – or colon. The physician uses a thin, flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope to visually inspect your colon for inflamed tissue, ulcers, bleeding and any abnormal growths (polyps). Not all polyps found during a screening are pre-cancerous or cancerous, but over time, they can grow and become cancerous. So when polyps are found, they are removed at the same time to prevent cancer from forming.

How long does the procedure take? The entire process – from check-in to check-out – typically takes about two hours. A colonoscopy itself usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. You should plan to rest for several hours after the procedure.

“West Georgia Woman

west georgia’s Pat Dickson photographed at Our lady of perpetual Help by Keith May.

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teaches us to live a life filled with joy and also shows us how we can give back.” -Heather A.

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aving a colonoscopy isn’t something people get excited about, but preventing colon cancer before it starts should be. Colon cancer is ranked as the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and approximately one in 23 people will develop it in their lifetime. But, when detected in its early stages during a colonoscopy, colon cancer is one of the most highly treatable and preventable cancers. In fact, research has shown that many colon cancer deaths could have been prevented with a screening colonoscopy.

Some things you just can’t put off. Getting screened for colon cancer is one of them. Don’t procrastinate. Schedule your colonoscopy today.

www.atlantagastro.com 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242]

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid, and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

When should you get screened? Because the risk of getting colon cancer increases with age and the disease often doesn’t cause symptoms until it is advanced, screening colonoscopies are recommended for every adult beginning at age 50 and at age 45 for AfricanAmericans, according to the American Cancer Society. For those with a family history of the disease, or other risk factors, screening could start even earlier.

For example, if your mother or father was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 50, you should be screened at 40. Screening every 10 years is usually the recommendation, unless you’re at a higher risk for colon cancer. Talk with your physician to understand your risk and the guidelines you should follow for testing. The board certified physicians at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates (AGA) perform this procedure regularly at AGA-affiliated outpatient endoscopy centers located throughout Metro Atlanta as well as area hospitals. If it’s time for your screening colonoscopy and you’re in good health, you may be able to schedule your procedure directly – without a preprocedure visit. When you make your appointment, ask about our Direct Access Program. Visit our website at www.atlantagastro. com or 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242] WGW

Maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables.

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “Boxing is much like life, it's a continuous fight. There will be obstacles, but you have to overcome them.” – Mary Kom, mother of three and the first female boxer to win a medal in six boxing championships.

“Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” – Coco Chanel

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling

“If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much." – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

“At the end of the day, don't forget that you are a person, don't forget you are a mother, don't forget you are a wife, don't forget you are a daughter.” – Indra Nooyi, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo

Local Happenings Healers and Helpers Wellness Group

Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program

This group meets the last Saturday of every month in Douglasville or Austell. For more information, contact Cheryl at theheartmatters@gmail.com or 678.754.5840. Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.

This group meets the fourth Saturday of each month at WellStar - Douglas Hospital from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. This program is open to all girls from ages 10 -17. Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the lives of young girls and women. For more information call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org

Hope For The Journey This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Tracy Stallings Community Center at 118 South White St. in Carrollton. These events are free to breast cancer survivors or those currently battling breast cancer. Learn more at www.hopeforthejourneywestga.org, email execdirector@hopeforthejourneywestga.org or call 770.214.1491.

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton.

These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free weight checks will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us. Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com. For more Information call or email Anne Lussier at 470.270.9520 or IBCLC@nursingfromtheheart.com

GriefShare at Tabernacle Baptist Church Utilizing a video seminar, support group and workbook, each of the 13 weekly GriefShare meetings center around a topic important to the grief recovery process. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each evening. Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Room 256, Carrollton, Ga. Classes are free. Participation workbooks are $15.

DivorceCare at Tabernacle Baptist Church Utilizing a video seminar, support group, and workbook, each of the 13 weekly DivorceCare meetings center around a topic important to your recovery process. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each evening. Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Room 260, Carrollton, Ga. Classes are free. Participation workbooks are $15. For more information on GriefShare or DivorceCare, call or text John Pearson at 404.368.2746.

Mercer University, West Georgia Technical College Sign Agreement Facilitating Transition for Students from Associate’s to Bachelor’s Programs Lithia Springs – Representatives of Mercer University and West Georgia Technical College gathered in Douglas County January 24 to sign an addendum to the current statewide articulation agreement between Mercer and the Technical College System of Georgia. Under this updated agreement, Mercer and WGTC

affirm that both entities will support the smooth transition of qualified students enrolled in eligible WGTC associate’s degree programs into Mercer’s Douglas County Regional Academic Center. “Everyone majors in changing the world at Mercer, and many of our graduates are making great strides within the communities that Mercer serves. Through the continuation of this second decade of partnership, Mercer and WGTC are providing greater access to education throughout the state of Georgia and the West Georgia region,” said Dr. Penny Elkins, senior vice president for enrollment management at Mercer. “While we’ve had a system-wide articulation agreement with Mercer University for some time now, the signing of this agreement makes it personal for West Georgia Technical College and our students,” said Dr. Scott Rule, acting president of WGTC. “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Mercer through this agreement, which gives our students more pathways and opportunities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their desired career field.” Under the terms of the agreement, WGTC students are eligible to enroll into Mercer’s Penfield College, Stetson School of Business and Economics and/or Tift College of Education. Students then have the option to pursue bachelor’s degrees in the areas of accounting, general business administration, communication, criminal justice leadership, early childhood/special education, early learning and development, healthcare leadership, homeland security and emergency management, human resources administration and development, human services, informatics, liberal studies, marketing, middle grades education, organizational leadership, and psychology. A particular provision in this new agreement allows an undergraduate WGTC student who earns an associate’s degree to transfer into Mercer’s Stetson School of Business and Economics to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with concentration offerings in marketing, accounting and general business. “The quality of students entering Mercer from West Georgia Technical College continues to be impressive,” said Dr. Susan P. Gilbert, dean of Stetson School of Business and Economics. “This partnership will enable us to help WGTC students transition into a bachelor’s degree program that will support their business career goals. There is so much demand in the market for these students who have exactly these credentials.” Mercer’s BBA is available to students online or in person at the University’s locations in Douglas County,

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Henry County and Atlanta. Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 8,600 students in 12 schools and colleges – liberal arts, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and Penfield College of Mercer University – on campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah – and three regional academic centers in the Atlanta metro area. The Mercer Health Sciences Center includes the University’s School of Medicine and Colleges of Nursing, Health Professions and Pharmacy. Mercer is affiliated with five teaching hospitals – Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah; The Medical Center, Navicent Health, and Coliseum Medical Centers in Macon; and Midtown Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital in Columbus. The University also has an educational partnership with Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex in Warner Robins. It operates an academic press and a performing arts center in Macon and an engineering research center in Warner Robins. Mercer is one of only 286 institutions nationwide to shelter a chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society; one of eight institutions to hold membership in the Georgia Research Alliance; and the only private university in Georgia to field an NCAA Division I athletic program. www.mercer.edu West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the fourth largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit westgatech.edu.

Officials from Mercer University and West Georgia Technical College flank Mercer Senior V.P. of Enrollment Management Dr. Penny Elkins and WGTC Acting President Dr. Scott Rule as they sign an agreement to ease transfer of WGTC credits into bachelor’s degree programs at Mercer. The signing took place at Mercer’s Douglas County Regional Academic Center.

WGTC NAMED AMONG NATION’S TOP MILITARY FRIENDLY SCHOOLS Pittsburgh – With a mission of making life better for veterans and their spouses by setting the standard for higher education institutions to provide positive opportunities, Victory Media has released the 2018 Military Friendly Schools list. West Georgia Technical College is recognized at the Bronze level. “We take great pride in receiving this designation,” West Georgia Technical College VA Coordinator Richard Williams said. “Our veterans have sacrificed for our country and should be afforded every available resource to help them succeed once they leave military service. It is an honor to serve them, as they have served us.” Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-2018 survey with 849 earning the designation. Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans. Victory Media’s Chief Product Officer Daniel Nichols stated, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to colleges creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to invest in programs to provide educational outcomes that are better for veterans.” About Military Friendly® Schools: The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Data calculations and tabulations were independently evaluated for completeness and accuracy by Ernst & Young. The survey is

administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www. militaryfriendly.com. About Victory Media: Founded in 2001, Victory Media is a servicedisabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. Victory Media and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about Victory Media at www.victorymedia.com.

FASTENAL BACKS WGTC PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHOLARSHIPS

Representatives from West Georgia Technical College – (l-r) Commercial Truck Driving Program Chair Judy Doggrell, Associate Dean of Trade and Technology Gary Welborn and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Kim Learnard – accepted funding to support student scholarships in the commercial truck driving program from Fastenal Company Regional Operations Manager Greg Campbell, Assistant Transportation Manager Ginger Bland and Transportation Manager Chris Tyson.

Fastenal Company is furthering its partnership with West Georgia Technical College, giving $3,000 toward student scholarships for WGTC commercial truck driving students. The gift is just the latest evidence of an eight-year partnership that shows how technical training can boost Georgia’s workforce. In 2010, Fastenal’s Atlanta distribution center employed 26 commercial truck drivers, Regional Operations Manager Greg Campbell said. “Today, we employ over 90 across the southeast. Forty-six of those new drivers are

based in Atlanta, and over half of those drivers came out of West Georgia Tech,” Campbell said. “That doesn’t include our terminal manager in Orlando, who was also hired as a driver out of West Georgia Tech in 2015.” Campbell, himself, is a WGTC graduate. West Georgia Tech offers both day and evening commercial truck driving courses on both the Carroll and LaGrange campuses. The day program takes eight weeks and the night program takes 10 weeks to complete. Judy Doggrell, WGTC’s commercial truck driving program chair, said Fastenal is one of the best industry partners her program has. “Fastenal is a great supporter of our program, and we are proud to partner with a global company,” Doggrell said. “Our students visit their Atlanta facility and get a first-hand look at what they have to offer. Drivers are a vital link in every aspect of our daily lives. Partners in industry, like Fastenal, offer insight to how we can better equip our students to enter the workforce and be productive from their first day of employment.” Campbell was equally complimentary of Doggrell, other instructors and their product – the graduates. “We invest as much time and energy as possible into every session of this program because quite honestly, the quality of the drivers coming out of this program is exemplary. We send our own warehouse employees to this school for training,” Campbell said. “We are working to double the size of our organization in the coming years, and we rely on WGTC as a strategic partner in helping to support that growth by training and providing us with world class commercial truck drivers.” Scholarship funding from Fastenal will be managed and awarded by the West Georgia Technical College Foundation. Students will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships when they register for the course. “Georgia’s HOPE Career Grant goes a long way toward funding the commercial truck driving program for many students,” WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Kim Learnard said. “If they are eligible for the HOPE Grant and the HOPE Career Grant, this scholarship can potentially cover the balance of costs.” Learnard said Fastenal is the second company investing in commercial truck driving scholarships in just the last three months. “Industries need more and more qualified truck drivers,” she said. “They partner with West Georgia Tech to assure a pipeline of talent.”

“The relationship between Fastenal and the WGTC commercial truck driving program is a case study for how industry can partner with the Technical College System of Georgia to help fuel our state’s economic growth,” Campbell said. For information about giving to support student scholarships, visit www.westgatech.edu/foundation.

in place for the OMA community to look towards future growth. “I am looking forward to Patrick joining the OMA family” says Karen Middlebrooks, member of the OMA Board of Trustee and Chair of the Head Search Committee. “He was an immediate stand out for the entire search committee with his passion for education and contagious out-going personality. He truly lights up when discussing his students Oak Mountain Academy Announces New Head of School, and contributing to the development of the entire student. I believe Patrick is the one to build on Mr. Patrick J. Yuran Mrs. Gillispie’s legacy and continue the academic excellence of Oak Mountain Academy.” Mr. Yuran will assume leadership at the beginning of the school’s 56th year. He brings more than 20 years of education experience to Oak Mountain Academy. He is currently Head of School at Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School in Athens, Ga., where he has been part of the leadership team since 2011. At Monsignor Donovan, his leadership has touched all areas of the school including board Mr. Patrick J. Yuran governance, fundraising, special events, human On Jan. 12, 2018, the Oak Mountain Academy resource management, operations and building Board of Trustees announced the appointment of community programs. His leadership has inspired Mr. Patrick J. Yuran as OMA’s next Head of School. the launch of five new sports programs, the design The national search culminated with a unanimous and implementation of a dual enrollment and home recommendation of the Head Search Committee school program, and an enrollment increase of 65 along with unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees percent. Mr. Yuran states, “My overall goal as an to appoint Mr. Yuran whose leadership will begin educator is to instill a desire to learn, a passion for July 15, 2018. new endeavors, and an unshakable self-confidence Mr. Yuran will succeed Mrs. Paula Gillispie, who in students. Having these skills will provide endless announced in June 2017 that she will conclude her opportunities for them to realize their dreams and tenure at Oak Mountain Academy in June 2018, become successful, productive members of society. concluding 45 years in education. Upon retirement, Through an engaging, relationship-based Mrs. Gillispie will have served eight years with environment [at Oak Mountain Academy], I hope to distinction and extraordinary service to OMA and provide the time, space, knowledge, skills, and tools the surrounding community. A life-time educator, necessary for all students to realize their dreams and Mrs. Gillispie taught in public schools for twenty-five become successful and prosperous.” In addition, Mr. years beginning her independent school journey in Yuran has taught various Performing Arts courses Virginia in 1998. and has extensive experience in acting, costume During Mrs. Gillispie’s headship, Oak Mountain design, set design and theater production. Academy has grown by more than 26 percent in Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now enrollment. Enhanced campus safety measures have has more than 200 students enrolled in Pre-K3 been put into place, and a new-found excitement through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy has been felt by faculty and administration as the is an innovative school of academic excellence college-preparatory experience in all grades has where students receive a personalized, faith-based, become even stronger. She recently led in the recollege-preparatory education on a vibrant campus accreditation process which earned Oak Mountain that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering Academy a five-year approved re-accreditation them to become leaders committed to living lives of status through SAIS and AdvancED/SACS. Mrs. service and integrity. Gillispie will leave OMA with Mountain View 2022, a For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at recently implemented strategic plan of excellence, 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us

Kidz Korner By Charlene Brooks

Super Cute Foam Easter Bunny

Materials White,blue,pink,orange, green and black foam sheets, or you may use construction paper. 2 wiggly-eyes Glue

ecause Easter falls on April 1 this year, we thought we would share these adorable Easter crafts with you ahead of the holiday. This foam bunny craft is an incredibly easy craft to make on a rainy day, and these crispy rice treat Easter egg nests are a delicious treat to make for school parties or any Easter gathering.

Instructions Cut out the bunny rabbit shape and all the other shapes from the white foam and the colored foam sheets. Glue the shapes and eyes to the bunny and allow to dry.

Happy Easter!

Really Delicious Crispy Rice Treat Easter Egg Nests Ingredients 6 cups crispy rice cereal 1 bag marshmallows 3 tablespoons butter 1 muffin pan Assorted candy Easter eggs Instructions

Don’t Let Pelvic Issues Keep You From Moments Like These.

Melt butter over low heat in a large saucepan. Add the marshmallows until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add cereal and mix well. Place the mixture in the butter greased cups of the muffin pan. After the mixture has cooled, form the mixture in each muffin cup into the shape of a bird nest. Place each nest onto the platter of your choice and fill the bird nests with the assorted candy eggs. WGW

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Word Bank

Luck Rainbow Legend Emerald Irish Bagpipes Green Saint Patrick Ireland Tradition Pinch Leprechaun Holiday Fortune Mischief Gold Clover Brogue Celtic

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