Mtn 7-1-09

Health Insurance: Reasonable options are available

middletennpaper.com

July 2009

Contents Consumer Tips

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Bright Spots Sawrie Becker, M.S.E.

3

Calendar of Events

4

Sudoku

4

Small Business

5

Tech Talk

5

Green 101

6

Hickman Happenings

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Boomer’s

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Councilman’s Corner Charlie Tygard

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Help! I’m Shrinking Dr. Steve Olivas

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Take Your Best Shot Kaye Ivanoff, RN

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COUPONS !!!

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Health Markets provides a variety of options for individuals & small businesses By Middle Tennessee Now staff Say the words ‘health insurance’ to someone today and chances are that you will get a reply that is not very positive. Two-thirds of those surveyed say health benefits are either a primary reason for taking a job or a primary reason for remaining with a job, according to an Insure.com survey. Rising premiums have been a topic for several decades now with a variety of possible solutions never quite making it past the chopping block. According to the CDC website, in 2007 there were 43 million Continued on page 6

Exchange Club, area volunteers clean up Bellevue Long-time member, Don Johnson passes away; helped Bellevue in many ways By Middle Tennessee Now staff On June 13th, volunteers came together with the exchange club of Bellevue for a morning of Bellevue beautification. Everyone pitched in and applied some elbow grease to areas around Highway 70 and 100 as well as Old Hickory Blvd and points in between. They cut, pulled, trimmed, raked, painted and picked up over 100 bags of trash, weeds and other debris. Earlier in the week, a couple of zealous ‘Exchangites’, Dave Morris and Carl Becker, took to the Harpeth River to clean up the shore line. They Don Johnson (r) and Charlie Tygard were key in getting volunteers to help during Bellevue Clean Up Day

Continued on page 11

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Fast Food or Fast Fruit? Life got you busy? With less and less time we are relying on convenience to get us through each day so that at the end of the day, we can find some ‘extra’ time. Unfortunately, by the end of the day, we are so tired, it doesn’t matter as we crash on the sofa, easy chair or fall into bed exhausted. Our health is harder to take care of, in part, because of our fast lifestyle where we just don’t have 24 hours anymore. The drive-thru window has made life easier for those grabbing lunch because they got up late and had to rush to work, and also for the family with a two-earner income. Do we really know what is in our fast food? We educate ourselves in front of the TV and along with that, see advertising that markets where we will get dinner tomorrow after work or where we take the kids on Saturday after the ballgame. According to www.foodfacts.info, here are some quick facts to think about when you are placing your next order of fast food: • each can of soft drink (12 oz ) contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar • a medium fry has 22 grams of fat (from

Consumer Tips

one of the famous burger houses) • throw in a small cheeseburger and you have another 14 grams of fat • top it off with a hot fudge sundae and yet another 12 grams of fat When you add it all up, you have eaten almost a day’s worth of fat and sodium just at lunch! Doesn’t leave much room for dinner, now does it? And don’t even think about upgrading to a large! Where does proper nutrition come into play? In order for our body to function properly, it must take in enough of the right nutrients or there will be a shortage. Disease is what happens when there is a continual shortage of nutrients, disallowing the body to fight the free radicals that bombard it every minute of every day. Getting your complete daily requirements of fruits and vegetables have become easier and we will discuss the benefits of proper nutrition and how to get a better selection in the upcoming columns. For questions, please contact Tyler Chandler at 615-268-2001 or visit his website www.tacwellness.com

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How do you know when (or if) you need a lawyer? If you are waiting for your landlord to fix a leaky roof -- you may need a lawyer. If you are adopting a child -- you may need a lawyer. If your business partner, or spouse, is cheating on you -- you may need a lawyer. If you are lucky enough to be selling or buying a home these days -- you may need a lawyer. And if “dog bites man,” it may not be news -- but you may need a lawyer. How do you know if you really need a lawyer? Every day, Americans face situations that can raise significant legal issues. From starting a business to making a home purchase, shopping online to adoption, from divorce to bankruptcy, it’s often helpful -- and sometimes essential -- to get legal help to resolve problems if they arise. A newly revised reference book, “The American Bar Association Complete Personal Legal Guide -- The Essential Reference for Every Household,” brings together the expertise of the ABA’s judges, lawyers and law professors to provide the average consumer with guidance in a practical, easy-to-understand format. “Consumers need to know when they can handle something on their own, and when they need legal counsel,” says ABA president H. Thomas

Wells, Jr. “Many issues can be resolved or avoided altogether, provided people are aware of the basic laws, their own rights and the rights of others.” This book helps consumers sort out whether and how to hire a lawyer for the various situations they might face. The Guide now has tips on buying and selling real estate, fighting discrimination in the workplace, managing bankruptcy and creating wills, trusts, contracts and other legal documents. The updated version also provides a new chapter on legal matters facing the parents of children with special needs. Using real-life examples, the book gives straightforward information on these and other legal issues. There is also a helpful glossary of terms, and a section called “The World at Your Fingertips,” that provides information on government agencies and chapter-by-chapter resources on relevant organizations and Web sites. “The ABA’s Complete Personal Legal Guide” is available online at www.ababooks.org and is also widely available in book stores and through online book sellers. For more information on the book, visit www.ABALawInfo.org, which includes the “Top 10 Legal Issues for Families,” a podcast and a sample chapter. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Bright Spots A Place to Find Informational and Inspiration For Your Life

Welcome to “Yes”! By Sawrie Becker, M.S.E. Personal Life Coach SBB Life Coaching Recently I watched the movie “Yes Man” with Jim Carrey. It was a fun story about a man who had decided good things were not possible for him so he would say “no” to everything and everyone in his life which made him a miserable person to be around and ultimately perpetuated his belief that he was undeserving of a fulfilling life. When Jim Carrey’s character has a dramatic encounter with a personal development guru, he promises to say “yes” to every request and opportunity that comes his way resulting in some hilarious consequences and of course concludes with a happy ending. Watching this movie made me feel good and it reminded me of how good it feels to say “yes” to life. It also reminded me of an advertisement for a homebuilder I had noticed earlier this year that used the statement “Welcome to Yes!” to get the reader’s attention. It certainly caught my attention and I even cut the words out because I liked the way the words made me feel when I saw them. In the midst of the economic downturn and frequent bad news, seeing these words actually made me feel better! It’s kind of funny how one little word, “yes”, can impact your emotions and make your life better. The positive energy this little word carries is so powerful and life transforming; yet we don’t use it as much as we could. Our ability to say “yes” to people, opportunities and life appears to be hindered by all of the reasons we should say “no”. We don’t believe we have enough money or enough time, perhaps we believe we may get hurt either physically or emotionally or we perhaps we are afraid we may not have the ability or know how to do something we say “yes” to. Where does this come from? I guess you could say it starts at a very early age. When we are young it is our parents’ responsibility to protect us so as a child we hear the word “no” a lot.

At that time it seems to be in our best interest mostly to keep us safe from harm. We hear things like – “No, don’t touch that”; “No, don’t run”; “No, you can’t have dessert”; “No, you can’t go to that party” or “No, you don’t have permission to date yet”. We get somewhat conditioned to hear “No” and consequently we begin to say “No’ a lot to ourselves and others. It seems only natural. Yet, we miss out on the power that comes with “yes”. Pay attention to yourself this week and do a “Yes Check”. See if you can catch yourself saying “yes”. Take note of how often you are using “no” and see if you can find a way to reframe the “no” into a “yes”. For example, what if your child ask you for a new toy – instead of saying “no you don’t need one”, reframe it by saying “yes you can as soon as you save enough allowance”. Another example would be if a friend asks you to go out for a dinner that you can’t afford – you could say “Yes, I would love to spend time with you – how about we take a walk and then go for ice cream”. There are a lot of ways to reframe “no” into “yes” – consider it a fun challenge, get creative and discover how much more fulfilling. Remember, the more you say “yes”, the more you get “yes” back! Be “Welcome to Yes!” - become a “Yes Man (or person)” and embrace the possibilities life has in store for you.

DENISE FULL

CUSTOM SERVICE. PERFECT FIT. If you would like to learn more about what life coaching can bring to your life, contact Sawrie at 352-0978, email at [email protected] or visit www.sbblifecoaching.net.

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Calendar of Events July 3

Belle Meade Plantation Farmer’s Market 6:00pm. The Carriage House at Belle Meade Plantation 5025 Harding Road, Nashville, TN. James Gardner of Gardner Grove will return for Belle Meade Plantation’s Thursday Farmers Market! James Gardner of Gardner Grove will be on hand Thursday from 12:30 to 4:00 with loads of delicious blueberries and other fresh, local items.Free Admission

July 4 Shores and Stripes Boat Parade 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Nashville Shores, 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN For additonal information including an official entry form, complete times and the parade route, please click here. Cost, $20/Entry Fee -----------------------------Nashville Sounds vs. Albuquerque Isotopes 6pm. Herschel Greer Stadium 534 Chestnut Street, Nashville, TN 37203 Come and enjoy a baseball game as the Nashville Sounds play the Albuquerque Isotopes. Cost: In Advance: $6/ General Admission, $10/Reserved Gameday: $8/General Admission, $12/Reserved

July 6 Summer Nights at the Hill 6:30pm. Owl’s Hill Nature Center 545 Beech Creek Road South, Brentwood, TN 37027 A mini-camp for adults & families Gather in the Pavilion for a Nature talk; then follow Guides through gathering dusk to enjoy the sights & sounds of a Southern Summer Evening. Cost-$10 per person. Event details at naturefind. com!

July 6-10 Antebellum Academy Oaklands Historic House Museum 900 North Maney Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN. This week long camp is available for girls ages 13 and up. The girls will have classes in etiquette, dance, penmanship, music, art and needlework. Space is limited and reservations are required. Cost-Call for pricing. Event details at nowplayingnashville.com!

July 7

Bike Maintenance 101 7:00 pm 261 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN The basics of bike maintenance will be covered in this class. Learn how to repair a flat tire, adjust cables and proper lubrication will all be discussed. Cost: Free

July 9 Glitter and Glam: A wine tasting and fashion show for the animals 6:00 pm. Pink Slip Lounge at Hotel Preston 733 Briley Parkway, Nashville, TN 37217 Feat. wine tasting, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a fashion show with models and even a few dogs. Proceeds benefit the animal shelter.write your comment From Glitter and Glam:Celebrate Agape’s 5th anniversary on July 9, 2009, at Hotel Preston as we host our first annual Glitter and Glam wine tasting/fashion show to commemorate how far we have come…and how many lives have been saved! This will be a night to remember with wine tasting, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a glamorous fashion show featuring models and yes, a few dogs! Agape has rescued, rehabilitated and found loving homes for over 400 animals in Middle Tennessee over the past five years. We cordially invite you to join us at Glitter and Glam as we celebrate these efforts to save animals’ lives. All proceeds will benefit Agape Animal Rescue -----------------------------Bellevue Career Transition Group 6:30 pm (repeats weekly on Thursdays until July 30) The Church at HopePark 8001 Highway 70 South, Nashville, TN 37221 The Church at HopePark is hosting a Career Transition

If you have an event you would like to put in our paper, please email it to: [email protected]

Support Group on Thursday evenings, starting January 22 on the HopePark Campus. The Bellevue group is expanding in coordination with the Nashville Career Transition Group. Meetings will focus on sharing strategies for new career directions, volunteering and networking, and job fair events. The group also has a great speaker lineup, including local job recruiters. Cost: Free Admission -----------------------------Family Night Out: NPL Puppet Truck Presents Anansi 6:30 pm Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum 1200 Forrest Park Drive Nashville Tennessee Cost: Admission to Family Night Out is free for Cheekwood members. Normal gate fees apply to nonmembers: $10/adults; $8/seniors (65 +); $5/Youth (6 - 17), College Students with ID and Active Military Personnel with ID; 5 and under are free; $30/household cap

July 10

32nd Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival 12:00 am. Murfreesboro, TN Contact: Gloria Christy, 615-893-2369 Cannonsburgh Village - This old-time music and dance festival is one of the very few old-time festivals in the country, featuring the National Championships in Old-Time Banjo, Old-Time Buck Dancing and OldTime Clogging. You will enjoy juried arts and crafts, specialty foods and impromptu jam sessions throughout the village. -----------------------------National Stepping Festival 1:00 pm West End Middle School West End and Bowling, Nashville, TN 37205 Cost: Before June 1: $50/Member $65/Non-Member $30/ Youth After June 1: $75/Member $95/Non-Member $40/ Youth. Event details at nowplayingnashville.com! -----------------------------Friday Night Adrenaline Drags 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Nashville Superspeedway 4847 F-McCrary Road, Lebanon, TN 37090 Cost: Single Event $20/Competitors $5/Spectators $10/ Show & Shine $25/Competitor / Show & Shine $10/Buy Back (First Round of elimination only) Free/Children 12 and UnderENTRANCE GATE WILL ACCEPT CASH ONLY. Event details at nowplayingnashville.com!

July 11 Thomas and Friends Live on Stage: A Circus Comes to Town - 10:30 am. Sommet Center, 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN

July 14 How to Start a Business Workshop 4:00 pm TSBDC @ Vol State Gallatin, TN Contact: 615-230-4780 charles.alexander@volstate. edu This workshop provides basic information on starting a business and explains the services offered by the Small Business Development Center. These services are Free and t h e r e i s n o c h a rg e f o r t h e workshop.

July 18

EMPOWERED FOR LIVING! CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN A women’s conference called Empowered for Living! will take place on July 18th, from 9am-4pm, and is open now for reservations. The all day event is being presented by Lisa Kinakin, a Christian speaker and writer, and will take place at her home in Bellevue. “It’s really

a mini-retreat,” said Kinakin, “and will include inspirational teaching, encouragement, and personal growth exercises, along with fun time just to make new friends. “ The day is designed to pamper and energize women and to help them get re-enthused about their life and purpose. Nashville life coach and counselor Kyna Moore is also slated to speak. Lunch will be provided, along with snacks and a gift bag. The fee is $60 per person or $100 for two signing up together. Space is limited. For more information, please contact Lisa Kinakin at 615 456-2653.

July 19

United States Highland Dance Championship 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Doubletree Hotel, Downtown Nashville Competing at all levels (primary through premier), Scottish Highland dancers contend for the United States’ top awards in this sport. Spectators can expect to see the Highland Fling, Sean Truibhas, Sword Dance, the Lilt, Irish Jig and other wonderful Scottish dances by the best the U.S. has to offer. A colorful, cultural and exciting event for the whole family!! Presented by The Federation of United States Teachers and Adjudicators (FUSTA) Southeast Region. Cost: $5 per person, per day

July 20

Senior Monday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm Frist Center For The Visual Arts 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 Presenting Sponsor: Guardian Home Care; Program Sponsor: HealthSpring. Cost: $4.25/non-member seniors.

July 25

Container Creations: Creating a Mini-Garden 10:00 am Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum 1200 Forrest Park Drive Nashville Tennessee Add some color to your porch or deck with a festive container. Learn the basic principles of garden design as you create your own beautiful container with ideas and assistance from Cheekwood botanical garden staff. The demonstration will include a discussion of the various types of containers, successful summer plants, and the specific care recommended to guarantee your container thrives all season long. All supplies and plant material provided by Cheekwood. Cost:

5 Bedroom Williamson County Lease with Option to Buy, Rent or Buy Outright 5 Bedroom (with the potential for 6), 1 1/2 baths, Screened in Porch, New Roof, New Water Heater, New Air Conditioning Unit, One Bedroom Has Separate Entrance. Great Value In A Great Neighborhood

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$37.50/Members; $50/Non-Members ---------------------------Pleasant View Car Show First Baptist Church 2555 Highway 49 East, Pleasant View, TN Event details at carshownews.com!

July 31 - Aug. 2 Food Network Southern Food & Wine Festival at Gaylord Opryland Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, 2800 Opryland Drive. Hit the road to Nashville, Tennessee this summer and see your favorite Food Network stars at the Food Network Southern Food & Wine Festival at Gaylord Opryland. This premiere event will be held at the popular hotel from July 31-August 2, 2009, and will include a variety of exhibitors, food and wine samplings, food competitions, plus live cooking seminars and exclusive opportunities to meet Food Network celebrity chefs including Alton Brown, Bobby & Jamie Deen and The Neelys. Cost: Packages are on-sale now starting at only $135.

July 31 Arrington Vineyards Wine and Swine 2009 7:00 pm The Carriage House at Belle Meade Plantation 5025 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205 Arrington Vineyards Wine and Swine 2009, is a festive summer wine and food event that pairs wines from Arrington Vineyards with delicious pork dishes from local restaurants. Enjoy a glass of wine from Kix Brooks’ and partners’ award winning vineyard, while tapping your toes to sweet southern country. (615) 255-1167. Cost-$75

Sudoku

Answers on page 7

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Small Business

Money-saving, year-round tax tips for small business owners Small business owners face a variety of financial challenges, from securing financing and creating a marketing plan, to maintaining accounting books and minimizing tax liabilities. Regardless of whether business owners do the bookkeeping themselves or outsource it, they are responsible for staying organized and strategizing to increase the bottom line. Standard deductions, such as automobile expenses, must be tracked on a regular basis. Automobile expenses can either be tracked by multiplying mileage by the standard mileage rate of 55 cents for 2009, or by claiming the actual business-related expenses for the vehicle. (Note that standard mileage rates cannot be included on Forms 1065, 1120 and 1120S.) In addition, travel expenses can include the cost of plane tickets, taxis or vehicles, as well as lodging and meals if the primary purpose of the trip is business. When family or friends accompany the business owner, just the owner’s travel

expenses can be deducted. Expenses related to advertising, promotions, interest on borrowed money (with record of where and how the money was spent) and bank fees are also fully deductible. The amount and purpose of all expenses should be documented and tracked in the event that the IRS requests proof of expenditures. A receipt-scanning program such as Shoeboxed helps users to quickly and easily store and categorize receipts with deducible expenses. Mileage logs should include odometer readings, total miles driven, percent of mileage used for business, destination and purpose of the trip. Other expenses are more challenging to discern, but the time taken to research and document them can save thousands of dollars in taxes owed. Legal and professional fees are generally deductible in the year they are incurred. However, if the consultation relates to future years, the fees must be deducted over the life of the benefit. Business entertainment expenses may be 50 percent deductible if business

is discussed during the gathering. The business purpose and attendees should always be noted on the receipt or bill. Higher contribution limits for 2009 allow business owners to save additional retirement money. For example: * SEP and profit-sharing plan limits increased from $46,000 in 2008 to $49,000 in 2009. * The defined benefit (pension plan) limit increased from $185,000 to $195,000. * 401(k) elective deferrals are now $16,500 versus $15,500 in 2008. In addition, those age 55 or older can contribute another $5,500, up from $5,000 in 2008. The 2009 tax year brings changes that can minimize tax liability for all small businesses. A tax-free reimbursement for bicycle commuting can be passed onto employees, up to $20 per month for buying, maintaining and storing a bicycle used to travel to and from work. Businesses with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can contribute more this year, up to $3,000 for individual high deductible health plans, and $5,950 for family coverage. Those 55 years and older can add $1,000 to those amounts. Don’t overlook the small stuff because it all adds up. Deductions for bad debts (goods sold, not services), customer gifts, business-related books, postage, seminars

and trade shows, business association dues and even coffee exist. At the end of the day, small business owners need to find an expense tracking and filing system that works best for them. The old-fashioned use of folders categorized by expense type or date range is ideal for some. Others prefer technological solutions, which also provide data back up. Important receipts, charitable contributions, bank statements, credit card bills and other key documents can be scanned and filed by fiscal quarter. Owners should make copies for themselves or their accountant. Tax software can be used throughout the year to help small business owners understand how different financial decisions can affect their tax situation. By organizing early, owners can plan ahead, maximize deductions and save time when it’s time to prepare their tax returns. TaxACT customers who pre-order their Preparer’s Business software can use preview versions as soon as they’re released. Preview versions of TaxACT Preparer’s Business 1065, 1120 and 1120S are released in October, with final versions released in January. Detailed tax information for small businesses is available at www.IRS.gov, and TaxACT product information can be found at www.TaxACT.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tech Talk

Computer 101 with Core Technologies Q: How can I save time on my computer? A: Below are some suggestions to help you save time on your computer: • Learn keyboard shortcuts (esp. CTRL + A, CTRL + C, CTRL+ V & CTRL +P) • Learn Window commands (esp. Window key + D, and Window key + F) • Check email on your Blackberry or Smartphone instead of computer • Clear Internet Cache and Junk files regularly • Online Banking can save time and money • Use the quick launch bar for shortcuts to most often used programs (just drag and drop) • Use the start bar for programs used frequently but not often • Minimize items in start up – these programs use resources • Have multiple web browsers on your

PC (i.e., I.E., Firefox, Google Chrome) • Optimize your PC by running defrag once a month – try “Defragler” to defrag the files you want without having to process the whole drive • Make sure you have 15% of hard drive free. Kathy Diaz is both a mother and an owner of a full service IT firm. She fell in love with technology in 1989 when her children attended one of five elementary schools in the nation that used computers for 50% of their school work, had children video-tape plays, and transfer the film to the computer to edit the final product. It was then she was “wowed” by the amazing capabilities of technology. Kathy Diaz received the Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals, was responsible for introducing 21st century technology into a middle school, is a founding member of Attachment Parenting International, and serves as an IT consultant for several non-profit organizations. She is proudest of having her three children live close by and is actively involved as a grandmother. She built a computer for her granddaughter when she was eighteen months old, and continues to build a new one every few years to help her keep up with the pace of new technology. Of the many custom services her firm provides, she enjoys personalized instruction the most because she gets to see the shine in people’s eyes as they grasp the techniques necessary to make technology work for them.

Student of the Week Alexia Medina Alexia attends Brentwood High School where she is a rising sophomore. She is in the AP Honor Roll and has already decided that she wants to pursue a degree in law. Alexia is the reigning Miss Teen Tennessee Latina and the spokesperson for Active Life Awareness (ALA). She is working with C.A.R.E. helping to raise awareness for AIDS among her peers. She also volunteers at the local animal shelter several times a month. Her latest initiative is working with the 5th Precinct in Hermitage designing several programs for juvinile offenders to help them take control of their lives. For more on Alexia, visit www.alexiamedina.com

Sponsored by:

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Green 101

Green Proof Your Home for Baby - Part 3 Decorating the Nursery and Kids Rooms

Health Insurance: Reasonable options are available Health Markets provides a variety of options for individuals & small businesses Continued from page 1

By Tara Biller It’s a GIRL! O u r d a u g h t e r, M a c i e Vivienne, was born on April 22nd. Hard to believe that it has already been seven weeks, and now I’m slowly getting back to work. In my last column, I said I would share more with you about “green” choices for decorating your nursery and children’s rooms. In the months leading up to and after Macie’s birth, my husband and I worked with a decorator to create a fun and eco-friendly environment for our children’s bedrooms. The designer we worked with did not have a lot of experience with “green” decorating, so we researched and learned together about all of the options. The following is a category breakdown of what to look for: Paint: Make sure to use a Non-Toxic, NO, or LOW-VOC Paint. Most paint manufactures now offer this option. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases or vapors emitted by various solids or liquids, many of which have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Household products that emit VOCs include paint, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, glues and adhesives, building materials and furnishings. VOCs can have adverse health affects on infants and young children. It has been reported that “respiratory, allergic, or immune effects in infants or children” are associated with indoor VOCs and other indoor air pollutants. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Volatile_organic_compound#cite_ note-350) Fabric: Today there are many beautiful ecofriendly fabric options for bedding, curtains, and other fabric needs for decorating. From organic cotton, hemp and bamboo to recycling old fabric, look for fabrics that are made in a sustainable way for from

sustainable materials - meaning that the process by which the fabric is made does not deplete the earth’s resources. Furniture: When it comes to furnishing your nursery or toddler’s room, avoid pieces made from plywood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), because they often contain formaldehyde in their glues. A “greener” and less expensive option is to use what you already have, or refurbish second-hand furniture. We used the same crib and rocking chair for all three kids. We just had the cushions on the rocker recovered for Macie’s nursery. Buying New; If you are starting from scratch or need a few new pieces, look for the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification seal, which assures you that the wood was harvested from sustainably managed forests. Flooring: Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting if you can. FSC certified hardwood or bamboo floors are the best option. You can find great area rugs that are made of recycled plastic bottles or other sustainable materials. Lighting: As I’ve mentioned in other articles, look for energy efficient lighting. Use CFLs or LEDs (light emitting diodes). The “green” options for decorating your children’s rooms are endless and affordable. Have fun with it and feel good about creating a healthier environment for them to grow in.

uninsured people in the United States with many more probably under insured. There are options still available, according to Tom Law of Health Markets, who himself once came close to losing his health benefits. Health Markets, one of the largest providers of individual and family health insurance products in the country, is a broker for several health insurance companies, allowing him to help each customer based on their specific needs. He says the most often asked question is why do rates keep rising, with the answer being a complicated one that is not always answered completely. One piece of the puzzle, Law says, is that most of the health benefits are based in groups of people. A business will apply for insurance and based on the average risk of the group, rates are applied. If the group has a lower than normal claim history during a premium period (usually a 12 month period), rates might only go up slightly or not at all for the next premium period. However, if the group has several larger claims or too many claims considered more than the average group should have, then the rates can jump for the next premium period very substantially. Law states that his company offers options that are based on individuals’ needs instead of groups. As an individual, you are not penalized for being grouped with other people who are poor health risks. Being overweight is one reason for higher premiums because of the complications that eventually follow if one continues to remain above their ‘normal’ weight. Medications are another reason a group’s rates could continue to climb because once you are on a medication, chances are you will remain on it for the

rest of your life. “Our carriers pay you, in a sense, for your good health, by giving you preferred rates”. “It gets better, Law continues, because once you are insured with us, we never raise your rates based on your claim history, nor will we cancel you. The only way you could lose your coverage with us is by not paying your health insurance premiums”. Of course, you have to be approved first by going through the underwriting process. And just because you may have some pre-existing health conditions doesn’t mean that you are uninsurable. They have excellent underwriters so if you have a health history, make sure you explain everything up front. It will save time during the underwriting process and will allow them to make a better decision. Your rates will probably be higher but you will have health insurance. Law has been able to save some groups as much as 50% off their premiums with his insurance plans. He can also write a policy for an individual a la carte, which allows that individual to pick major medical or hospitalization only. They can also add a variety of supplemental insurance riders such as dental, vision and accidental death to the main policy or you can purchase them separately if you already have coverage elsewhere. For over 25 yrs, Health Markets has been one of America’s leading providers of health and specialty insurance products for individuals, families, self-employed and small businesses. The Tennessee office is located at 104 East Park Dr. Brentwood, TN 37027. You can reach Tom Law by cell: 615.828.1494 or visit his website: http://www. healthmarketssales.com/tomlaw

Montessori Academy Expands Educational Program The new Montessori Toddler program, for ages 18 months to 3 years, will begin fall 2009. Ms. Gretchen Kalus, a certified Montessori toddler teacher, has been hired to be the lead teacher. She, along with a teaching assistant, will maintain a class of 15 young students in a fully refurbished room that will include a Montessori learning environment, an indoor playground, and a large open space for group and rest times. An

outdoor fenced playground will be easily assessable from the back porch. The Montessori Toddler program currently has one full-time opening left with a waiting list for part-time positions. The toddler program will become part of the accredited educational offerings at Montessori Academy. More information about the program is available on the website at www. montessoriacad.org or contact via email [email protected].

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Hickman Happenings If you think there’s nothin’ happenin’ in Hickman County…. listen up!! By Colleen Ray

Can you believe it is July already?!! I’ll bet the children aren’t any happier about how this summer is flying by! It seems the older I get, the faster the time goes! Summertime is a time for relaxation and regeneration, so… With so many families on vacation and away during the summer season, blood supplies are low. To help with this, there will be a bloodmobile on July 6th from 12:30 to 5:30 pm at Fairfield Church of Christ. Persons 17 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate. On July 11th, the Shady Grove

Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their Summer Blow-Out at their location on Highway 50 East from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food will be available at noon, along with a fun tunnel, horseshoes, a cake walk, petting zoo and games. All proceeds will benefit the community. If your child is 11-15 and wants to begin babysitting, please take advantage of the Babysitter Class being offered by the Hickman County Red Cross on July 11th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bon Aqua United Methodist Church. The charge is $30 and covers a babysitting manual, a first aid kit and hands-on training, plus certification for those who stay all day. Bring lunch and a drink. Call 670-6106 to sign up. Come join your friends and neighbors for “A Revitalization Celebration” on the Centerville Public Square to recognize the new look of the downtown

Hickman County High School Student Athlete of the Week

business area. Refreshments and live music are planned for July 11 from 6 pm to 9 pm. Do something good for your pets this summer…have them spayed or neutered! The Hickman Humane Society has funds to help low income families pay for the cost of the service for dogs and a lowcost program is available for both cats and dogs. Call the hotline at 1-866-3043352 for information. Don’t know what to do with those “new fangled, curly-que compact bulbs” when they blow out? Well, MLEC can help! They’ve set up a drop-off bucket for disposal in their Centerville lobby. Remember, it is NOT SAFE to just discard them in the trash, so PLEASE, take advantage of this service. Season tickets for the Clay Harris Dinner Theatre, including five shows and one concert, are now on sale for $100 each. Contact the Hickman County Public Library for information.

Save the dates of August 7-8 for the Relay for Life of Hickman County. The event, which will be held at the East Hickman High School from 6 pm to 6 am, needs teams to participate. All the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society for cancer research. Donations of at least $5 for luminaria bags, which will be lit during the relay, are being accepted. Contact Sheila Brady, 1068 Riverview Road, Centerville, TN 37033 or call 729-9789. All checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society. The chairperson for the event is Janice Shavers and she can be reached at 670-4395. Please make sure to use sunscreen in the sun and keep yourselves hydrated in the heat! We love our Tennessee summers, but keep yourselves healthy so that you can enjoy our beautiful fall, as well! Email me at raynbow53@bellsouth. net with your tidbits and tales! God Bless you and I’ll be talking to ya’ll!

Before

Jaclyn Wise

Jaclyn graduated in May with a GPA of 3.2. She played shooting guard for the basketball team for all four years and served as Captain her senior year. Jaclyn will be attending Dyersburg Community College in the fall on a full basketball scholarship and will be studying Criminal Justice.

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Boomer’s

dentists check most: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar, fresh breath and whitening.

Leading expert says healthful aging depends on current daily habits

Exercise and Energize: People who exercise frequently not only look better, but they feel better too. The short-term effects of exercise include better stress management and increased energy. Longterm benefits include easier weight control, stronger bones and muscles and a decreased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Consider tennis, golf, yoga and walking as these activities can be catered to any fitness level and age.

When it comes to healthful aging, a preventive approach is the key to success. By implementing some simple healthy habits today, we can achieve a healthier future. “Our bodies’ health -- particularly as we age -- requires that we take precautionary measures to strengthen ourselves,” explains Donnica L. Moore, MD, women’s health expert and advocate, and editor in chief of Women’s Health for Life (DK 2009). Consider her tips for healthful aging as part of an improved wellness plan. Sleep Smart: Sleep not only helps revive the body, but also the mind. Research shows that skimping on sleep can have serious effects such as an increased risk of developing memory loss, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Getting enough rest encourages a positive mood, healthy weight and better skin elasticity.

If falling asleep is challenging, try lighting a soothing lavender candle or lowering the room temperature to help cool the body’s core temperature to a comfortable sleeping level. Lather Up: Warm weather entices many people outdoors, but sun safety is essential. Aside from same-day dangers, like sunburn and heat exhaustion, overexposure to the sun can cause premature aging and, in some cases, skin cancer. To safely enjoy the summer season, apply -- and reapply -- an oilfree, anti-aging sun block every day for skin that is properly moisturized and protected from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Also, remember to wear a hat and sunglasses to help protect the scalp and eyes. Shield Your Smile: The health of your smile is influenced by daily dental health routines, as well as dietary factors.

Enamel loss can occur when acids from everyday food and beverages, such as fruit, yogurt, salsa, orange juice and sports drinks, attack the tooth surface. If left untreated, the result can be irreversible enamel loss, which can lead to larger issues such as cavities, sensitivity, veneers, dentures and even oral surgery. New Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield toothpaste contains the active ingredient stannous fluoride, which binds to enamel to create a micro-thin shield against acid attack. It protects all these areas

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Hearing

Will hearing aids help me hear in background noise? By Dr. Sheri E. Weiner, Doctor of Audiology

Please send your questions to us at audiomom@ comcast.net or write to 7640 Highway 70 South Suite 207 Nashville, Tn. 37221.

Aging is unavoidable, but the transition can be made easier -- and healthier -- by implementing a few small daily habits that have positive effects on the body and overall wellness.

Background noise can include traffic noise, music, reverberation, people laughing, several people talking at once, or any other sound that interferes with your ability to hear what you want to hear. Noise reduction systems help to separate the speech and noise. Having a good noise reduction system can make wearing hearing aids in noisy environments less stressful and more comfortable. The challenges we face with noise reduction systems are when the background noise is people talking. Unfortunately, no hearing aid has been designed that will filter out ALL background noise. In fact, you need to hear some background noise in order to understand some of the parts of speech (endings of words and other consonant sounds). There have been tremendous advances in hearing aid technology that make noisy environments more comfortable and improve speech understanding. Today’s digital hearing aids have sophisticated noise reduction systems and directional microphone systems

that search for the speaker’s voice to help in noisy situations. When you use these systems with a few communication tips for better hearing, listening ability can be quite improved. Wear two hearing aids so that your brain can receive information from both ears to help you focus on what you want to hear and tune out those sounds you don’t want to hear. Face the person you want to hear. If possible, sit or stand with your back to a wall or window. Importantly, remember that even people with normal hearing experience greater difficulty in a noisy listing environment than they do in a quiet listening environment. So, don’t expect to do as well in a noisy room as you do in the quiet places in your home. To quote my patient Mr. Taylor on Wednesday, “This has been a very positive experience. It was not at all what I expected. I have worn my new instruments 18 hours a day from the beginning. Thank you for helping me hear again.” Please send your questions to us at audiomom@ comcast.net or write to 7640 Highway 70 South Suite 207 Nashville, Tn. 37221.

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We are living in historical times, as evidence of our new White House administration. Much has been said about “change”, which can be both exciting and disconcerting. Recently, there has been massive media coverage on the topic of healthcare reform. Healthcare reform can mean many things, but mostly it means an overall consideration of all citizens and their healthcare needs. But what does this all mean for the Medicare beneficiary? In July 2008, Congress passed the MIPPA (Medicare Improvement Patient & Provider Act), which in itself provided some “reform” to Medicare. Changes included reductions in payments to Medicare Advantage plans, new marketing guidelines for private plans, and changes to the process of bidding for durable medical equipment (i.e., wheelchairs, walkers, etc.). So already, we have witnessed steps toward the so-called reform. But this is not where it will end; this is just the beginning. There are many proposals being discussed and the goal is for Congress to vote in August this year. We will most likely see expansions to public programs and more coverage possibilities for those who are currently uninsured or under insured. For the Medicare

beneficiary, you should not be too worried. For the most part, you should not see drastic changes to your current coverage. The details are sketchy at best as of now – there is much to be discussed and debated. To find out more about what is being proposed, the President lays out his ideas at www. whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/. If you have your own ideas or opinions about what healthcare reform should or should not be, it is vital that you share them NOW! The vote is very close and a move will be made quickly and precisely to create changes to the way we receive health care across the country. I suffer no illusions that this will be an easy process. It will be hard. But I also know that nearly a century after Teddy Roosevelt first called for reform, the cost of our health care has weighed down our economy and the conscience of our nation long enough. So let there be no doubt: health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year.” – President Barack Obama, Feb. 24, 2009 Mary Beth Best President & Program Manager Voice, Inc. - P.O. Box 306 Pleasant View, TN 37146 www.myvoiceinc.com - 615-772-4288

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Councilman’s Corner

Take your best Shot!

By Charlie Tygard

International Adoption Requires Vaccine Protection For Your Family!

As I sat down at my computer Saturday morning to write this column, probably about either the May Town project or several issues regarding traffic in and around Bellevue, I was jolted by a call announcing the death of Don Johnson, my friend of 40 years. I first met Don as a naïve freshman at Vanderbilt as I pledged Sigma Nu fraternity. Don was two years older, but being a native Middle Tennessean, he helped show a rookie the ways of both fraternity and college life. And even though our paths drifted apart for a few years as Don built highrise condominiums in Destin, our path was destined to cross again in Bellevue. Fast forward a few years and you’ll find two young parents with kids beginning to play sports in school and the local sports league our community has to offer. And later on, Don even built my first new house in 1992 in an emerging new subdivision back then, Poplar Creek Estates. Don served as the developer for this project and built a large number of homes in a subdivision today that houses 375 families. But the story of the true Don Johnson is not what he accomplished as a builder, but the contributions he made to the community behind the scenes. Many of the more successful community initiatives, such as the “Welcome to Bellevue” beautification projects (located at Suntrust Bank on Hwy 70S, in front of Harpeth Valley Elementary School on Hwy 100, and in front of the MTA/Metro Recycling lot on Hwy 70S) and the

“Community Announcement” signs (a dozen strategically-placed signs notifying the community of youth sports signups and major charitable and events of public interest) could not have been done without Don’s help. An even the future expansion of the Bellevue Exchange Club’s athletic fields and accompanying Metro Greenways system would not have been possible without Don’s help and influence within the Branstetter family. Many of you may never have heard Don’s name, but that was his true nature – helping the community not for glory and fame, but because it was the way he was raised and the right thing to do. The Bellevue Exchange Club will soon be meeting to plan a landscaping project to beautify Harpeth Valley Elementary School in Don’s memory. If you’re interested in being involved this fall, contact me. That way, when Don’s two grandchildren start kindergarten a couple of years down the road, they will have a true picture of who their Paw Paw was and why many of us will honor Don’s contribution in the community. As always, feel free in contacting me at 646-3295 (home) or 256-7146 (work) or 243-3295 (cell) or at [email protected] if I can be of service. As always, please feel free to contact me at P. O. Box 210945, Nashville 37221 or 256-7146 (work) or 243-3295 (cell) if I can be of service.

By Kaye Ivanoff, R.N. SHOTS, etc. International adoption is a wonderful way of expanding your family and providing a caring, loving home to a child without one. Over 20,000 infants and children are adopted from abroad each year by citizens of the United States. Infants and children from Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe account for over 90% of international adoptions. Most people are unaware of just how much preparation is required in order to adopt a child from a foreign country. Many feel the process of international adoption is less complicated because more babies are generally available, especially from less developed countries around the world. In some cases, the time frame from start to finish may be shorter, but there is still considerable red tape and formalities which much be completed before adoptive parents are finally allowed to bring their new family addition home. To complete an international adoption and bring an infant or a child to the United States, prospective parents must fulfill the requirements set forth by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS]), the foreign country where the infant or child resides, and sometimes the state of residence of the adoptive parent(s).* If you are just beginning the process of determining if international adoption is right for you, there is a step-bystep guide that can be accessed from the website of the Joint Council for International Children’s Services at http://www.jcics.org/ International_Adoption.htm. One requirement that is surprising to many people is that all of the family members of the adoptive family are required to be up-todate on all of the vaccines that are normally recommended for children, adolescents and adults. Because many children from foreign countries are either under-vaccinated or have never been vaccinated, our government requires the child to receive certain vaccines either before arrival or immediately upon arrival to the United States. Because many vaccine-preventable diseases are highly infectious, the government also requires adoptive family members to be protected in order to decrease the likelihood of these diseases, such as measles/mumps/ rubella being reintroduced to the American populace. Before adoptive parents and other family

members can travel to their adoptive child’s country, they may also need to receive certain vaccinations that are recommended or required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or by the child’s country of origin. If the vaccines are RECOMMENDED or REQUIRED by the CDC, they are primarily to protect YOU from diseases you may contract while there. If the vaccines are REQUIRED by the other country, they are to prevent YOU from possibly infecting them with diseases from elsewhere. Whatever the case, you must be certain you are up to date on all of the vaccines recommended for your age group AND for your specific travel plans before you can bring your new family member to their new home! We are happy to offer you a FREE consultation to help determine you and your family’s vaccine needs. Please obtain a copy of your vaccination record(s) from your current or previous healthcare provider(s) that will accurately reflect the vaccinations you have received in the past. Then give us a call to talk about your specific needs. You may also access the Childhood/Adolescent/Adult Vaccine Schedules and the International Travelers pages on our website, www. SHOTSetc.com to compare your vaccine history to what is recommended for you. At SHOTS, etc., we know that most health insurance plans do not cover adult vaccinations of any kind. It is still worth a phone call to your plan representative once you have determined your vaccine needs to see if there is any coverage available. If so, you may either obtain them through your primary care physician, your local health department or from SHOTS, etc. with reimbursement to you as an out-of –network expense. Please keep in mind that most primary care physicians do not administer most travel-related vaccines. At SHOTS, etc., we provide ALL recommended vaccinations for adolescents and adults and travel vaccinations for everyone ages 9 months and older. We look forward to helping you and your family stay healthy during this most exciting time of your life! *This information was taken from the CDC Yellow Book Information for International Travelers. Kaye Ivanoff, RN is President and CEO of SHOTS, etc., a Nashville-based provider of vaccines and other wellness services that keep children, adolescents and adults healthy for work or school requirements, world travel and everyday life! Walk-in service is available at 7648 Hwy 70 So. suite 15 at I40 exit 196. Call 615.469.7413 or visit www.SHOTSetc.com for details of services and pricing.

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Exchange Club, area volunteers clean up Bellevue Long-time member, Don Johnson passes away; helped Bellevue in many ways Continued from page 1

launched their canoes at Hwy. 100 and worked their way down to Pegram before running out of sunlight. They plucked 3 canoes worth of junk and debris from the river and shores but could have got more. “We found the usual stuff that tends to unfortunately find its way into the water” Morris said, adding that “they did come across a couple of unusual finds: a mannequin that ‘escaped its retail life in a store’ and a couple of inflatable boats that didn’t quite fulfill their purpose”. They plan on doing it again at the next clean up day so if you love water and canoeing; you can contact Dave Morris through the Exchange Club. Sheri Weiner, Past-President for the Club stated that over 100 volunteers spent the morning ‘spit-shining’ Bellevue. Over 8,000 pounds of paper was shredded by Knight Horst Shredding. Goodwill Industries picked up much needed donations of clothing, toys, books and household items. Public Works supplied 4 dumpsters which were filled to capacity with a variety of items that couldn’t be handled by the regular trash pickup. Mobile Emission Testing by TDOT was a big hit for the locals who came by because it was FREE! Weiner added “The success of this one will carry over to the next one, which will happen sometime in the late summer or early fall. When the date is set, we will On a sad note, long time member Don Johnson passed away on Saturday, June 27th. Don was active in the Exchange Club of Bellevue and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, having served on the Board of the latter for many years. He rarely missed a monthly Chamber meeting, except in the most unusual of cases, and was in attendance even in the most difficult final days of his illness, holding court at his same table. In his typical comedic form, he joked to Lee Cannon that “we don’t seem to ever have enough women at this table”. Last Thursday he was surrounded and Lee could not find a seat at that same table. He was instrumental in putting together the Bellevue Clean Up

put out a press release or you can check our website at exchangeclubofbellevue. org ”. Lou Farringer, Jr. put on his ‘grillin’ apron’ and grilled over 200 hamburgers and hot dogs for the hungry group. Many were seen going back for seconds. If Bobby Flay would have shown up for a cookout throw-down, Lou would have won hands-down! The best surprise was hearing that familiar musical jingle every kid wants to hear: the ice cream man is coming! Brian Way of Goody’s Ice Cream donated lots of free ice cream to all the volunteers to top off the day. Publix, Sam’s and Costco all pitched in with donations to help make this clean-up day the best one yet. All in all, everyone went away tired but full, happy they were able to make Bellevue a prettier place to live in.

A special thank you to: Publix – Stacey Greathouse Costco – Patsy Forbes Sams – Scott Burley KnightHorst Shredding – Matthew Evans Goodwill Emissions Public Works Bryan Way from Goody’s Ice Cream All the volunteers – Thank you! Days, removing graffiti and cleaning up trash and taking down illegal signs in and around our community. Don also helped to establish the community signs that help to tie the Bellevue civic groups and organizations to the residents of Bellevue. Don was honored as Bellevue’s Citizen of the Year which is an annual award given to the community member who, as in Don’s case, dedicated himself to the needs of Bellevue going above and beyond the call of duty. As Charlie Tygard shared, “Many in Bellevue do not realize how much Don did for this community, including and beyond Beautification.” The spirit of that award typified Don….always giving more without asking for anything in return.

Help! I’m Shrinkin’

When Others Look After Our Kids By Dr. Steve Olivas With summer just around the corner, the question I am most often asked is, “Dr. Steve, I have to work all day… Is daycare bad for my kids?” Actually, the question I am MOST often asked when people see me is, “Egad! Did you get dressed in the dark this morning???” But that’s neither here nor there… Parents can get anxious as they approach summer vacation. If you are fortunate enough to have a stay-at-home caregiver (mom, dad, grandma), then consider yourself blessed. Most working parents are scrambling right now to find placement for when the final bell rings and our little bundles of joy are released upon the world. And its not only daycare – we have a slew of summer camps, drop-in centers, and people advertising nanny services. There are a lot of options, but none seem as attractive as a structured school setting or a lazy afternoon fishing with granddad. I’ll address the question directly: an alternate care setting does NOT have to be negative for a child. Obviously, there are bad scenarios. But in fact, there can be psychological advantages to placing your child in daycare – either short term (like summer vacation) or long term (like placement during the pre- school-age years). First, the bad news. You can actually do emotional wreckage to your child if they are placed in an awful daycare setting. And I’m not talking about the physical setting – your child’s emotional wellbeing is dependant upon the caregivers in a facility. Angry, stressed, depressed, or cold people are terrible when it comes to interacting with children. Children will eventually reflect the emotional characteristics of the adults caring for them. However, a good daycare can be liberating… and actually good for the kids in a few areas. First, staying active with different children and adults can improve mental

and social flexibility. Kids learn to get along with others, to share, to compromise, and to discover their personal strengths and weaknesses when compared to the larger group. Don’t we wish all those American Idol disasters – who angrily argue that they’re FABULOUS, despite what the judges say - would have had friends step in at some point and say, “Dude… seriously, you stink.” Second, separating in a healthy way from parents can foster a sense of independence in children. Being too distant from your children is indeed a problem, but being too close to your kids (“enmeshed”) can also be problematic. Kids need to know they can survive and flourish both with and without parents looking over their shoulder. Too, learning that parents will return after they leave builds confidence. Being able to separate from parents is a life skill we all need to develop at some point. Just ask any woman who has ever dated or married a “mamma’s boy.” Lastly, kids are stimulated by groups of their peers differently than they are stimulated at home with mom. They may have a few friends they hang with over the summer, but a camp or daycare has more opportunity for variety and choices. I’ll say this too: there is NO relationship more powerful or significant to a child than the one they have with their parents. I will defend camp and daycare ONLY if there is a strong bond with healthy parents underscoring the whole ordeal. Lousy parents will always give their kids more problems, daycare or no daycare. So take advantage of the opportunities available to your kids this summer. Lots of camps and daycares have really cool activities for kids to experience. And at the end of the day, they still come home to you. You may email Steve for questions or comments at d r. s t e v e . o @ hotmail.com

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