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I don’t have time for a skin care routine!
Do you think you don’t have time to take care of your skin? Think again. If you knew how much your skin depended on fresh air and being clean, you would never go to bed with make-up on again. Your skin is an organ and needs to be taken care of every day, and that means having a healthy skin care routine—cleansing, toning, and moisturizing the surface. Importantly at night your skin is regenerating and repairing, so you need to have it ready for the renewal process. One of the worst things you can do is go to bed with make-up on. It not only makes your pores enormous, it suffocates your skin causing it to wrinkle, dry out, and breakout. Falling in love with a good skin care routine is essential for having radiant, youthful, beautiful skin.

When clients come in complaining about how they never have time at night to wash or take care of their skin, I advise them to take off their make-up when they get home from their day. This habit of taking off your make-up and taking care of yourself is part of the self-love your skin needs to function and balance correctly. If they wait until bedtime they may be so tired they could skip this very important detail and their skin will suffer.

I tell my clients to start a 28 day beauty challenge for themselves and simplify their skin care routine. To simplify this nightly routine I tell them to start with cleansing the skin with a gentle cleanser, apply a toner to remove residue, massage an eye cream around the eyes, then use a good antioxidant moisturizer. Easy, right? You can add things later like serums and face masques when you start loving the routine and seeing results.

With a 28 day beauty challenge they not only see dramatic results in the smoothness of their skin, this habit forming routine begins a lifelong routine that adds youthfulness to the skin, decreases wrinkles, and reduces breakouts and problematic skin conditions associated with suffocation.

Simplify
In the morning use your facial scrub in the shower or you can apply a face masque before your shower while eating breakfast or having coffee, giving the skin an extra boost of hydration and smoothness. When you put on your make-up for the day your skin will look glowy and radiant. The benefits and outcome are amazing.

Skin Care Routine Simplified
Let The Rouge Cosmetics Professionals help you simplify your beauty routine with a simple and effective skin care solution. At The Rouge, our professional aestheticians offer expert advice and can identify what is needed to care for the skin. With years of experience and knowledge, they are dedicated specialists in the comprehension of each person’s skin needs, keeping it simple and effective with intelligent results. Everyone has unique needs. That is why at The Rouge we do not use a one-size-fits-all skin care approach; we use an advanced pharmaceutical skin care line made exclusively for us called Ongrien Advanced Skin Care, where all the products are state board regulated with superior ingredients at the most potent levels, giving every woman the opportunity to have the best in skin care. We offer skin care consultations seven days a week for your convenience. Remember: Clean skin is happy skin.

Somehow, sequels don’t seem to live up to their expectations. In this case, however, that adage is certainly not so; instead it simply reminds me of the old Paul Harvey adage, “And now, the rest of the story.”

In 2014 Unbroken was released, can you believe, in the U.S., on Christmas Day? I say that because Unbroken is a graphic, relentless, World War II movie. Did I love it? I answer with an unequivocal, yes! Did I enjoy it, not so much, but it was a story that needed to be seen. This film was based on the bestselling 2010 non-fiction book written by Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption. The film stars Jack O’Connell as USA Olympian and Army Officer Louis “Louie” Zamperini, who survived on a raft for 47 days after his bomber crash landed in the ocean during WWlI. He and the pilot were then sent to a series of prison camps.

Louie was a bit of a handful, so to speak, in his youth. He steals, he drinks, and he smokes. Fortunately, he had a big brother. Pete realizes Louie is being picked on for his Italian heritage and decides to help. He knows how fast Louie can run so he starts training him as a runner. Louie becomes disciplined and excels in his running and is soon nicknamed “The Torrance Tornado.” He qualifies for the 1936 Summer Olympics, comes in 8th and then sets a record in the final lap of the 5,000 meter race.

His life up to now is setting the stage for the man he becomes. After the crash landing in the Pacific and his rescue by the Japanese, he is sent to his first prison camp. Mitsuhero Watanabe, nicknamed “The Bird,” runs the camp. He finds out early on that Louie is somewhat of a celebrity and takes on the challenge to break the great Louie Zamperini. It is a battle of wills for sure. Two years of unspeakable, non-stop torture and the boys back home win the war and liberate the prisoners.

Now, the rest of the story. With a September 2018 release, Unbroken: Path to Redemption picks up with Louie (Samuel Hunt) being home, but damaged. What he went through in the camps, no man should have to endure. He has night terrors, and starts drinking again just to numb the pain and live another day. He’s married but his wife has tried everything she knows how to do but still can’t help him. She attends a Billy Graham revival tent meeting and decides this may be something that would help Louie. She issues the ultimatum, he goes with her or the marriage is over.

Louie Zamperini, war hero, finally broken, finally finds peace and becomes friends with Billy Graham until the day he dies. In fact, in this film Will Graham, Billy Graham’s grandson, portrays his grandfather.

Not to confuse you, but there is a third film that was done between the two I’ve already mentioned. After you’ve watched both of the movies I’ve reviewed you might want to see Zamperini’s story from the source. Louis Zamperini Captured by Grace, tells his own story of returning home a hero; the personal battles he faced, and what happens next. Its’s only 28 minutes long but well worth watching.

I would like to say something about Louie and all the other war heroes. So many have sacrificed their lives for our freedom but they don’t always come home draped in an American flag. Some, like Louie, come home just broken. The United States of America has fought battles all over the world, not to colonize, not to create subjects, but because we believe in freedom for all. Our flag, our anthem, and yes, our war heroes, deserve respect. I invite you to watch all three of these amazing movies and as always I welcome your comments at Carolyn@carolynhastings.com.

I always relish the gentle change of seasons, but the transition from summer to autumn may be my favorite time of all. Nowhere is this evolution more apparent than at the farmers’ market, where the vibrant shades of summer produce are gradually replaced by soft golden hues that mimic the colors of autumn leaves. We now have the opportunity to savor the very last of vine-ripened tomatoes while simultaneously celebrating the arrival of fall’s harvest. The best of both worlds.

Crisp mornings, shorter days, and cozy evenings at home rekindle my nesting instinct. No trip to the farmers’ market is complete without a wreath for the front door; an armload of unripe persimmons destined for display in a favorite blue and white china bowl; or a family of big bumpy pumpkins and other winter squash to decorate the front porch. Nor can I resist pomegranates, or the allure of voluptuous pears and crisp, fragrant apples.

If you’ve ever bought a supermarket apple in the summertime, it was probably a mealy, flavorless specimen that had been waxed to a high shine for visual appeal; trucked in from another state (or hemisphere); and then held for months in cold storage. It takes only one lackluster bite to realize you’ve made a big mistake. One must wait for autumn to buy apples at their sweet, tree-ripened best. Just follow your nose at the farmers’ market to revel in this fruit’s perfection. And then you’ll understand why poor Adam didn’t have a chance.

When baking with apples, you want one that’s pleasantly tart and won’t fall apart during cooking. In other parts of the country my choice might be limited to the ubiquitous Granny Smith, and there would be nothing wrong with that. When grown and stored properly, they fit the bill. But since we live in the heart of several renowned apple-growing regions, it’s easy to add complexity of flavor and texture by mixing things up a bit. Along with—or instead of–that old reliable Granny, I like to add any other variety tucked away in my refrigerator: Golden Delicious, Gala, McIntosh, Jonathan, and Pink Lady are all proven winners. My current fave is the rosy-fleshed Pink Pearl.

Growers at the farmers’ market welcome your questions, and may lead you to a suitable apple you have never even heard of. Whichever the variety, I’ve found that an interlude in the oven can be a very noble demise for any aging apples losing their “snap,” and therefore less appealing to eat out of hand.

As we settle in to cool-weather routines, try this recipe for a seemingly plain-Jane apple cake that’s humble appearance belies its moist apple goodness. No fancy ingredients; not too sweet; just simple home cooking .Sweet, heady aromas wafting through the kitchen will make you forget those days at the beach. Consider it a cheap form of aromatherapy.

Autumn Apple Cake
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large apples suitable for baking, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping (recipe follows)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch springform cake pan or an 8-inch round cake pan. (If using the latter, cover the bottom with a round of parchment paper and grease again.)

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk gently to blend.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition until incorporated, and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the apples.

5. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading to the edges. Sprinkle Cinnamon-Sugar over the top. Bake until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Run a dull knife around the edge of the cake to loosen, and carefully release the springform.(If using a standard cake pan, unmold onto the wire rack, peel off the parchment, and invert onto a serving plate.) Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Serves 6.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until well blended.

Cook’s Tips
A simple cake like this welcomes improvisation. If the spirit moves you, consider adding toasted chopped walnuts or almonds; or maybe golden raisins, chopped dried apple, or candied ginger. You could also add another layer of flavor by incorporating a bit of finely grated lemon or orange zest; or reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add a tablespoon or two of Calvados, bourbon, or dark rum. Instead of cinnamon, consider something more exotic, like ground cardamom.

Serve this cake as is, or get fancy by topping each serving with a drizzle of custard sauce, a spoonful of yogurt, lightly whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad & Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.org. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well!

Oh Autumn, how I love thee. What about you? Are you a fall lover? Picture this: cozy layers, muted tones, candles lit, and anything pumpkin spice. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! There’s just one thing wrong with this picture. Walnut Creek, California weather doesn’t mesh well with the cozy layers that fall typically lends itself to.

I grew up in the state of Washington, where fall is absolutely stunning. The trees are beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. The air is crisp and the days are cool—perfect for layering. While I do miss my hometown, California is truly filled with the most amazing sunshine year round—one of its many stunning qualities. So, I’m combining my love for fall in Washington with my love for the beautiful sun in California, sharing six must-haves for fall style perfection in the Bay Area.

For all my fall lovers out there in beautiful, sunny, and oh so warm Walnut Creek, let’s talk fall fashion—fashion that fits the temps and still allows for all the fabulous trends of Autumn.

Six must haves for fall:
1. Kimono
2. Utility vest
3. Cotton knee-length dress
4. Colored denim
5. Booties
6. Mules

Lightweight outerwear, like a kimono or utility vest, is perfect for creating dimension with your style. A floral kimono with a fall color palette is awesome for throwing on over a basic tee with jeans or fitted cotton dress. Same goes for a utility vest. I love a utility vest paired with colored pants; something like burgundy denim. Utility vests have been popular for a while and are a great closet staple. The fact that there are no sleeves is awesome for the hot temps lingering through October.

A cotton knee-length dress is a favorite basic of mine. It literally goes with anything and can be dressed up or down. If it happens to be a cool day, throw on a chunky knit cardigan and booties. If the day turns out to be warm, wear your cotton dress with a denim jacket or utility vest and mules. For a more casual look, pair it with sneakers.

Colored denim for any season is awesome! They’re especially fun for Autumn. The color palette is so yummy, and it adds some spunk in such an easy way. Burgundy, mustard yellow, or olive green are a few options. They work well with a kimono, utility vest, booties, and mules. All of the pieces we’re discussing are interchangeable for creating a fab fall outfit.

Leather booties for fall? Um…yes, please! They look great with that cotton dress, distressed jeans, or colored denim. Cognac-brown booties is a great place to start; the color is so rich and pairs well with anything. You can wear cognac with black, grey, brown, burgundy, mustard yellow, or blush pink. The options are endless. Plus, for an area like Walnut Creek tall boots are not the most practical for heat. No one needs extra layers on their legs when it’s 75 to 80 degrees out, right?

Lastly, a pair of mules is a great way to create the fall feeling. Best of all, no socks required! Perfect for those warm fall days. There are so many different styles out there right now. Mules are definitely on trend—from studded, snakeskin, blush pink, mustard yellow, classic black, and so much more. Plus, they’re super easy to wear and add a level of sophistication.

There ya’ have it: Six super fun pieces to up the ante for your Autumn wardrobe. Stop by maccarose.com to add these fall must haves to your closet!

Fall is definitely in the air! The mornings are greeting us with crisp, cool air; the leaves are displaying vivid bright colors, and the days are getting shorter. As we settle in and adjust to the final quarter of 2018, retailers are changing their displays, decking their isles, and preparing for their busiest time of the year. And, this preparation just keeps getting earlier and earlier.

This year, Starbucks introduced their Pumpkin Spice Latte in August (its earliest official launch date ever) and in September, a stroll through Costco, Target and many other retailers, leaves you wondering if you should be shopping for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. All these fun and festive holiday displays are making consumers feel the stress of holiday shopping and we are only in October!

The reality is, we have entered the most expensive quarter of the year and retailers are ready to rake in the profits. Take a look at these facts:

According to the National Retail Federation, in 2017, Americans were expected to spend 9.1 billion or an average of $87 per household on Halloween loot, and a whopping $691.9 billion or an average of $967 per household on Holiday Shopping. These figures have been steadily increasing over the past few years. Trick or Treat, I think the retailers have trained us how to deck the halls. So, how do you get through the most wonderful quarter of the year stress and debt free? Here are a few tips.

Set a budget: Determine the maximum amount you are willing to spend on each holiday. Set a budget for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Hanukkah. For Halloween , this figure should include costumes, candy, and décor/parties. Thanksgiving should include meals, beverages, and travel. And, Christmas/Hanukkah should include gifts, parties, holiday cards, décor, travel, and food.

Make a list and check it twice: Make a detailed list now of everyone that you have to shop for and determine the maximum amount you can spend on each person. Once you have the list created, total the amount and see if the amount matches your budget for gifts. If it is too high, adjust the amount for each gift until the total matches the figure you set in your budget. If your family pulls names, pull names now and set the spending limit.

Shop early and shop smart: Once you know how much you want to spend on each individual, determine what you want to purchase and shop early. An early start will allow you to wait for sales, comparison shop online, and take advantage of cyber deals.

Stick to your list: When you go into a store to purchase a gift, stick to your list and avoid the temptation of purchasing more than you intended. When retailers offer deep discounts, it is easy to shop for one gift and leave with several items. Most of the time, these extra items are not on the list. Stick to your list to avoid overspending and exceeding your budget.

Rather than walk into retailers and feel stressed about getting your holiday shopping done now, relax, and use this time to prepare your holiday spending guide. Taking the time to do this simple planning task now will allow time to put money away for each holiday, shop at a relaxed pace, take advantage of sales, stick to your budget, and ring in the New Year without a holiday spending hangover.

Be sure to pick up next month’s copy of Alive Magazine to learn how to entertain on a budget!

For these and many more financial tips and money saving strategies, look for my new book “Digging Out” that will be available for purchase this fall (it makes a great Holiday gift). Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for launch dates, worksheets, and more!

Let’s say you own stock in a company that you like, but you would like it even more if it paid you extra income. Additionally, you might like to reduce your risk in owning the stock. You accomplish both by using a strategy called the “Covered Call Writing Strategy.” Simply put, this is selling the right to buy your stock to the market. The buyer (who is paying you) is the gambler. He/She is betting the stock will go up by a certain amount in a specified time.

The advantages, again, are increased income and decreased risk. The increased income comes from selling (“writing”) a “call” option on your stock. This strategy is conservative and fairly simple. For every 100 shares of stock, you can sell one call option. So, on your 500 shares of ABC stock, for example, you could sell five contrasts. You pick two important variables: the strike price and the expectation date. The strike price is the price you [should be] willing to sell your stock; aka having it “called” away from you. You are obligated to sell your stock at the strike price if called. The expiration date is when the option expires.

Here’s how it works using the hypothetical ABC stock example. Suppose ABC stock is currently trading near $81, you could sell a call option with an $85 “strike” and a December “expiration,” expiring in two months. At this time, the market for that call option is $1.50 per share. Remember, you are selling call option contracts, each one representing 100 shares of your stock. So, in this example you would collect $150 per contract, which is $750 from covering all of your 500 ABC shares. This option income is called the option “premium.”

In this example, the option income equates to an annualized return of 11.11% (6 x (1.50/81). I call this “manufacturing dividends.” If done just once a year with a dividend paying stock, you would get paid five times per year; four dividends and one option premium. Your frequency of receiving cash flow from your stock could increase to 16 times, 12 monthly option premiums plus four quarterly dividends. That’s clearly an increase in stock investment income.

How is your risk decreased? By lowering you stock cost basis by the amount of option premiums you receive. The stock can fall below your original cost basis equal to the option premiums you collected before you have a loss on your investment. However, while you have reduced your downside risk, you have also limited your upside return. This is the “opportunity cost” of the covered call writing strategy (notice I don’t call it risk). Any time your stock rises above your strike price, you could have it called away. That results in a forced sell of your stock. In the ABC example, you may have your stock sold at the $85 strike in the next two months. While you made $5.50 per share ($4 gain from 81 to 85, plus the $1.50 of option premium), which is nearly 7%, you would have missed out on gains over $85. So, if ABC unexpectedly jumped to $105, you would get only $85. Less money was made on the investment; however, money was still made. Not a situation of principal risk, but rather of missed opportunity.

The 9% Solution
When you consider owning a stock that pays a modest dividend, provides a small capital gain, and generates additional income from option premiums, you can see why I call this, “The 9% Solution.” Making $9 on a $100 stock in a year from all three positive inputs is realistic. As mentioned above, the covered call strategy is conservative. Aside from the opportunity loss, there is no principal risk with this strategy. One must never forget, though, that there is always risk of loss of money in a stock investment; regardless of option income that is received.

Not for all investors. Not for all stocks.
We can all think about those great growth stocks, especially now, that seem to just go up and up. The likes of the “FAANG” stocks (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google) have been remarkable investments over the last few years that have provided market-crushing returns. They would not have been the ideal type of stock for this strategy. I say, “Let growth grow and cover income stocks for more income.” The best candidates for this strategy are moderate-to-high dividend paying stocks that typically are unlikely to shoot up in price in the short term.

There, of course, are exceptions to these general rules of thumb. The more risk averse, conservative investor is best suited for the covered call strategy. It is not a wise approach for all investors, though. Younger, growth-oriented investors with lots of time on their side should pass. For the rest of us, the covered call writing strategy is a proven, conservative way to approach double-digit returns from stocks year in and year out.

As some of you may already know from my previous articles, I am the mother of a pediatric stroke survivor. Due to brain trauma from the stroke, my daughter has special needs. The day she was born was the day my life became intertwined with the special needs world of prescriptions, paperwork, doctor appointments, and physical/occupational therapy. Along with all of the obligations came the whirlwind of emotional adjustments.

I am the type of person who asks, “Why is this necessary?” or “How can I find out more on my own?” Some call that resourceful, others call it irritating. Either way, I will immerse myself in digging up more information. This benefits me in many ways. For example, after some research on the internet, I was led to a non-profit organization for pediatric stroke families (CHASA). I finally did not feel alone with my fears of the many future scenarios that played in my head. It turned my despair into one of hope and solutions. So began my activities within the special needs communities.

My book about Naomi also stemmed from a frustrating search to purchase a special needs book that I could read to her brother, Stefan, who was eight at the time. I could not find a reading that really got to the heart of the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual essence of someone who has developmental delays. I wanted a book that my son could relate to, as his new world now included a little sister that almost didn’t survive. Instead of giving up, I decided to write my own children’s book that would educate others about medical conditions while instilling compassion. That was the day I wrote I See You, Little Naomi.

I was once advised to take the first step without expectations of the outcome (which I am horrible at doing). Deciding to step over my doubts was a blessing. Through my family’s outreach efforts, we are now on the board of a non-profit called inClusionClubHouse, whose mission is to build a clubhouse where special needs individuals and the mainstream population can join together. Since my involvement with their fundraising events such as the Special Needs Prom, I have happily taken on the task to expand that mission to the East Bay. To network with other special needs families in my area, I formed the “It Takes a Village” group through New Hope Church in Concord. My hope is to connect with people who may be struggling, and tell them that they no longer have to feel like an island.

Tests in life are inevitable and worrying that one’s child might be stereotyped, bullied, or misunderstood, is quite common. It’s even more intense for those with a loved one who has endured medical setbacks. What better way to turn a test into a testimony by building a community where the mainstream and special needs are included on this journey?

It isn’t always easy. It is a rollercoaster ride, but our tests are always transformed into testimonies once we take that first step toward healing. Just trust the universe’s process to turn a mess into a message. The saying, “Let go and let God,” could not be more appropriate.

Hopefully you will be able to join me in letting go of the outcome, for sanity’s sake. We all have something to offer, including our special loved ones. The best things offered are given from the heart, and what we give away, the universe will give back. We remember the tests, but live in the testimony through our actions and growth. May our special ones be encircled with understanding and inclusion. Remember that we all need support sometimes because, “It takes a village.”

Stefanie Boggs-Johnson is the Northern California Facilitator for inClusionClubHouse and published author of I See You, Little Naomi and soon to be released I See You, Little Andrew. Her educational children’s books promote special needs awareness and compassion. For more information, please visit inClusionClubHouse.org or her Facebook page @ItTakesASpecialVillage.

As we live our lives we are apt to experience a multitude of “coming of age” moments. One of those moments is when we realize that an elder in our family circle, who was previously known as the “care giver,” now needs us to care for them in a way that we are unaccustomed. Some people seem to grow old and infirm inordinately quickly; perhaps from too many heartaches and disappointments. Life isn’t easy but I believe that we are here to help each other ease the path. There oftentimes is no “START” sign that alerts us to the fact that a family member or friend now needs our help navigating their health issues.

When I moved to California my mom would visit from the East coast with her oversized luggage in tow. Seriously, the airlines marked it with a “HEAVY” sticker every time because she would also pack her favorite snacks. On one occasion while I was picking her up at Oakland airport, I was unable to lift her big red bag into my Jeep Wrangler. I left her at the curb to get the car but I had to come back for her. In retrospect, she was having trouble walking due to leg pain but she never said a word about that. She told me to just go ahead and put the bag in the Jeep myself and I started laughing because it was HUGE. Normally, I can handle most physical tasks, but I was literally afraid of busting a gut or something. Eventually, we hoisted the bag into the car together and laughed all the way home.

My mother never told me when she was hurting or that she needed help and I therefore assumed she was the same strong woman that I had known all my life. When she went to the hospital in Pittsburgh for unclear reasons, but related to abdominal pain, I assumed she would tolerate the event with minimal difficulty. Devastatingly, my mom died unexpectedly during that hospitalization. My biggest regret is that I wasn’t there to support her when she needed me.

Older patients may get better medical care when they have family with them at their doctor visits or when they are in the hospital. Understandably, this isn’t always possible due to social, economic and logistic reasons; however, the reason they do get better care when accompanied by someone who knows and cares for them is multi-factorial. The art of medicine and the medical practice model have changed vastly over the last fifty years. As a result, the amount of time that a doctor has to spend with her patients and conceptualize an idea of the problem and issues to focus on is reduced to a fraction of what it should be.

If a patient comes to the office alone, we have only the information that they can give us to help formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. Not infrequently, patients can’t remember specific facts or incidents surrounding the issues for which they are seeking help. They may be overwhelmed by the medical experience or may have impairments with memory or thought processes. Patients may even be too embarrassed to mention issues that are significant and crucial for the doctor to know. Also, due to time restrictions with each patient, we physicians are losing the ability to develop trusting relationships with the people for whom we are assuming responsibility. Patients are reticent to heed the advice of a doctor they don’t know well or if they don’t understand the information that is being given to them.

In my experience, if a close relative or friend accompanies a patient, I have an opportunity for a better view of that person’s medical issues and how they are affecting her life and to what degree. Even if that support person is only present for the initial office visit, it is helpful to have a familiar point person who can be contacted if I have future questions or concerns. Also, my treatment of a particular pain issue may involve medications or therapies that an older patient is unacquainted with. I do my best to teach and explain the rationale behind all of my decisions and treatment plans, but it is frequently much easier if I can simultaneously relay the information to the support person who may have a better understanding of my thoughts as well as the ability to reiterate the recommendations after the office visit to the patient.

All of the aspects of the complex medical system we have today along with the numerous health issues that people are dealing with make it more important than ever that we take the time, whenever possible, to be there for our friends and family. Sometimes we might just have to insist to be an “extra ear” to accompany our family member but most likely the offer will come as a relief in knowing that they are not alone.

Q. My perennials are looking shaggy with brown leaves, and leggy branches. Do I have to wait until spring to cut them back or can it be done now? Also, what perennials can I plant for year-round color? I don’t want to mess with annuals anymore because I’m tired of replanting them.

A. Perennials are groomed now, or you could wait. I’d groom the spring blooming ones now, so they are ready to take off as the temperatures warm up in March. Most of the Sages, Evening Primrose, Shasta Daisy and Penstemon can be pruned off to the ground as they produce basal shoots while others are trimmed back for shaping. You’re correct in that perennials don’t need to be replanted like annuals, however their blooming cycle is seasonal and I’m not aware of any herbaceous perennial that blooms year round. Flowering ornamental plants such as Floral Carpet Roses or Euryops have a very long bloom season. Garden Mums, Cyclamen, and English Primroses are the primary fall perennials. Mums have the shortest flowering season while Cyclamen and English Primroses bloom continuously through May. Next spring and or summer, you could add Iberis, Foxglove, Coreopsis, Penstemon, Verbena, Phlox, Bacopa, Million Bells, Rudbeckia, and Echinacea, the Coneflower just to mention a few. Also, don’t overlook the contribution from variegated foliage from landscape shrubs and grasses. Your favorite garden center now has a selection of small perennial plants in packs. Planted now, these varieties will bloom next year. If you wait to plant in the spring, these plants won’t bloom until the following year. You avoid this with those plants growing in four-inch pots and larger sizes. Your first step might be to step back and evaluate the blooming pattern of the existing perennials to see which season needs to be enhanced. Also give some thought to the type or shape of flowers you prefer—daisy shape, columnar, or just dainty-type flowers. Do they need to be large, small, or somewhere in between? There are lots of right answers but what is the right one for you? The areas do not need to go colorless as you would mix in a few annuals. I’m a believer in mixing annuals and perennials to bridge the color gap. You could add Primulas, Primroses, Calendulas, Pansies, and Violas for next color. Planted now, they will continue blooming until next April/May. I’d plant them close to one another as they’ll grow very little between now and next February and add some nutrients with a Starter Fertilizer to prevent the leaves from turning yellow. You now have year-round color with a minimal amount of replanting. And finally, as the leaves drop, be sure to gather up all the debris that accumulates at the base and around the plants. The foreign material packs down around the crowns with the winter rains. It can cause the plants to rot during the rainy season. It’s repeated as needed during the fall and winter. I think it’s only time a think a blower make sense.

Q. Two years ago, I dug up ten little Rugosa rose seedlings and planted them. One of the bushes is four times larger than the others and never bloomed. Can I rectify this problem by adding extra phosphorous? Also, is it possible that a hybrid wild seed produces a seedling(s) that is not capable of blooming?

A. Adding additional phosphorus is not going to correct this problem. With nutrient deficiencies, all the bushes would be experiencing the same problem, not one out of ten. Your second assumption is correct. You’re dealing with genetics. Seedling roses like many other plants are unpredictable when started from seeds. The genes from one parent combine with a second. Flowering is one of the many characteristics that may or may not transfer from seedling to seedling. Hence, vegetative plant parts are used to produce commercial plants such as cuttings, budding, grafting, divisions, etc. Vegetative reproduction guarantees that every cutting will mirror the parent or donor plant. I’d then select the most vigorous cutting(s) to replace the non-blooming plant.

Q. I started a compost pile and was amazed at how fast everything decomposed once the pile got going. I used food scraps and yard clippings including the pruning from my peach tree that had leaf curl. Before planting this spring, I added the compost to my vegetable garden. Now, my bell peppers and pole beans have what looks to me to be leaf curl. Is my soil contaminated?

A. As a general rule, we don’t compost diseased plant parts. The internal temperature of a compost pile doesn’t get hot enough to destroy the disease organisms or weed seeds. Diseased plants trimmings are disposed of in your garden trimming container for weekly pickup with the other household solid waste and recyclable. Although in this case, the diseased leaves have done no harm and your soil is not contaminated. The leaf curl on peaches is called Peach Leaf Curl. It’s a water-activated fungus that attacks only peach and nectarine trees. It will not affect any other species. Also, the fungus spores overwinter above ground not in the soil. Curly leaf on plants can be caused by many different things such as insects, herbicide damage, and changes in temperatures along with the fungus diseases. On apple, cherry and plum trees, Aphids are the primary cause of leaf curl. Aphids are sucking insects, and you’ll find them on the new growth. They cause the leaves to curl up like an Italian cookie. The herbicides in Weed and Feed turf products cause curly leaves with Mulberries and other shade trees planted in and near a lawn. The leaf curl is a reaction to the chemicals absorbed by the roots. Citrus leaves curl up from cool temperatures in the winter months. So, again there are many reasons for leaf curl. The good news is that Peach Leaf Curl hasn’t contaminated the compost or vegetable garden soil. I’d take a few samples of the curly leaves on the peppers and beans to your local garden center and have a nursery professional help identify the problem(s). My guess would be you have some type of sucking insect problem.

Joint pain, known as arthritis, comes in many forms. The most common type is osteoarthritis, known as “wear and tear arthritis.”
Joint pain can flare up for a number of reasons—some of which may be overlooked by conventional practitioners. Many of my patients ask me if their pain is caused by arthritis. Sadly, it is estimated that one in five Americans has been diagnosed with some form or arthritis. There are over one hundred different arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis being the most well known.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the synovial fluid of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the hands and feet and is frequently accompanied by a hot or warm feeling in the joint, stiffness for over 30 minutes in the morning, the same joint affected on both sides of the body, polyarthritis (more than one joint affected at a time), and pain that can last through the night. With this form of arthritis, most of my patients notice the pain eases the more they use the joint.

Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, feels worse the more we exercise and as the day wears on. Also linked to inflammation, this type of arthritis can be traced back to a breakdown in the joint cartilage. It generally affects the hips, knees, spine, hands and feet, and develops as more of a wear-and-tear situation, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is closely tied with genetic factors that lead to an autoimmunity problem.

What you need to know if you suffer from arthritis.

All forms of arthritis involve some kind of inflammation, either local or systemic. When injured, a chain of events in your immune system known as the inflammatory cascade is triggered. This is what causes the redness, swelling, and pain we often see with an acute injury. When this process, known as local or acute inflammation, turns on and then off in response to injury, it’s a sign of a healthy immune system. Yet when the symptoms of inflammation don’t disappear, it tells us that your immune system is unable to turn itself off when it should and therefore leads to a state of chronic inflammation.

How do I begin to heal my arthritis pain naturally?

1. Adopt a healthy diet rich in natural anti-inflammatories. Choose a diet of richly colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and pure omega-3 fatty acids. Remove foods that contribute to inflammation such as refined sugar, white flour/baked goods, canned or packaged foods.

2. Correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function and contribute to chronic degenerative processes such as chronic inflammation, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Special blood testing can reveal what your body has absorbed from your food and/or supplements over the past six months and zero in on what is deficient. Micro-Nutrient Testing allows a person to know exactly what to eat and/or supplement in order to support the healing process. By correcting nutritional imbalances, the body is given the building blocks it needs to naturally create its own anti-inflammatories and heal from the inside out.

3. Class IV Laser Therapy. Ending the pain caused by arthritis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser therapy creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is quickly relieved.

We have great success helping people solve the causes of their joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain, and which combination of therapies will help heal it. The good news is, you can do it without drugs, and you don’t have to give up any of the activities you love!

For more information or to set up a consult with Dr. Niele Maimone call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.