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About the CoverThis month’s cover was takenby the children’s father,Nate McKnight on a county outi ng. Read their adopti onstory on page 12.
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8 Good News
9 Good Events
10-11 Good News: Schools
12-13 Good People
26-27 Good EatingEati ng Healthy on a BudgetFood Finds Around the County
The Good Stuff
Features14
The Science and Benefi ts
of Gratitude
15An Attitude of Gratitude
Starts at Home
16-17Show Your Gratitude
Attitude Giveaway
18A Note from
Pinellas County Schools
Dr. Michael A. Grego
20A Note from
Juvenile Welfare Board
Dr. Marcie Biddleman
22Breast Cancer:
True Prevention
Dr. Christopher Hood
24Mind-Body-Health with Juli
New Insights on Bras for Better Health
Juli Steinocher
28-2910 Things I Wish All Americans Knew
About Toxins
Ed Brown
30My Story
Melissa Dohme
Has anyone seen what happened to 2013? Th is year has fl own by in a fl ash and here we
are at the beginning of the holiday season that starts with Halloween and runs as fast as
it can to the New Year. It’s like downhill momentum isn’t it? Th ese last three months of
the year will be a blur.
It is certainly my intention to stop and savor as many of the moments as I can, by saying
“no” to some things that aren’t really necessary. “Simple yet meaningful” is my mantra for
the next three months.
School is in full swing and kids are all a fl urry with studies and activities. Th ere are
several issues on the minds of parents when it comes to education in Pinellas County
and so we started a Facebook Group called GoodLiving ~ Parents in Pinellas. We’re
building this to be a page where parents can talk to one another about our local schools
and education issues facing our community. All parents who have children from 1 to 18
should join this group.
We’ll be actively involved with the Children’s Movement of Florida again this year as
the organization continues to educate our state legislators on the importance of early
childhood education. We strongly encourage everyone who cares about the development
of our children, individually and as a community, to sign up for email alerts so they can
stay informed and involved. ChildrensMovementFlorida.org.
And fi nally, on a more timely note, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has a
rare opportunity to pursue building a new aquarium on the site of the current city hall.
A vote of YES means the CMA can pursue the funding it needs to make this beautiful
project a reality for generations to come. We think that adding a gorgeous new facility
to downtown Clearwater will be a GOOD boost to the county’s economy, as well as
creating a new destination for our local families to enjoy. Filming is about to begin for
Dolphin Tale 2, so we congratulate the CMA for their success and we thank them for
their vision.
Enjoy this fall issue with a focus on gratitude as we near Th anksgiving.
We are thankful for you.
Until next time,
Letter from the Editor
Pamela Settle
Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving
full of memories and grateful hearts Fall Issue 2013
®
PublisherLight Shine Media Group, LLC
Editor-in-ChiefPamela Settle
Design and LayoutMarcie Kelliher
Contributi ng WritersDr. Marcie Biddleman
Ed Brown
Melissa Dohme
Dr. Michael Grego
Dr. Christopher Hood
Juli Steinocher
Distributi on provided by ASAP Distribution
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Fall 2013 8
news
Cloth Diaper DriveOne of the reasons moms choose cloth diapering systems is to
reduce the number of disposable diapers that get thrown away.
Cloth diapers have a long life span, so why not pass them on
when baby outgrows them? Th e online merchant Cotton Babies
has created a program for moms to help other moms who can’t
aff ord them new. To make it easy, the awesome baby boutique,
Th ank You Mama, in St. Petersburg is a local drop-off location
for the Tampa Bay area. Bring in any style of cloth diaper and
they will see that it gets to the right place. Th ankyou-Mama.com
Stay at Home Dads Group FormingTh e owners of Growing Up, a local store that sells healthy and
organic baby and kid products and clothing is holding a weekly
meet-up for stay at home dads- because they need support and
socializing, too! Right now meetings are on Monday afternoons at
their location, 689 Martin Luther King St. N, Suite B in
St. Petersburg. Learn more about them at Growingupstpete.com
Achieva’s Annual Box Car Rally a HITTh e Box Car Rally is a really GOOD time, in a truly old-fashioned,
community-comes-together for fun and education kind of way.
Young people, and even some adults, build homemade cars and
race them down one of the only hills in the county. You hear the
starting bells, the board drops and two racers go neck and neck
down the hill. Fans are cheering and taking pictures. Schools
are competing against one another for bragging rights, as are
some local businesses. Some are built from kits and some are
well… interesting forms of raw engineering. Kids get the chance
to break away from their electronics and use their hands to
build their cars. And then they get to sit in that car and feel the
exhilaration of their work. Now is the time to make plans for
next year’s event. Get a team together, plan a car and get ready
for special time.
Grandparents are Parents AgainAcross Florida today, over 150,000 grandparents are raising their
grandchildren, and right here in Pinellas County, more than 17,000
grandparents are the primary caretakers for their grandchildren. In
honor of National Grandparents Day in September, the Juvenile
Welfare Board partnered with Th e Children’s Home Kinship
Services Network to host the First Annual Grandparents Day
celebration to honor and pamper Pinellas grandparents raising
their grandchildren. Th e Children’s Home Kinship Services off ers
several support groups during a month for those who are raising a
relative’s child, including grandparents raising their grandchildren.
Find more info at Childrenshome.org under “kinship services” or
call Ashley Spring at (727)785-2762 x2128.
Making MusicKip Curtis of the Edible Peace Patch Project is helping
17-year-old Brad Winshop put together a music studio where
young people can gather and make music. He believes having a
space for creativity to blossom is as a way he can help his friends
stay out of trouble. Th ey have the space, but need equipment
donated to get the rest of the way. If you can help him see this
vision through, he needs mics, headphones, line mixers, blank CDs
and a keyboard. Donations can be delivered to Th e Edible Peace
Patch Project, 622 1st Avenue S., #2, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.
City of Dunedin Completes Flowering Tree Garden at Trailside Oasis ParkWhen you are out for a stroll on Pinellas Trail, visit the new City
of Dunedin Tree Arboretum. Th ere are 33 diff erent fl owering trees
that were planted by volunteer groups and park employees. Each
tree has an individual information plaque. Th ere are also large
educational signs that describe tree benefi ts, how to select a tree,
threats to trees, and friendly-Florida landscape principles. Purple
Leaf Plums, Scrambled Egg Trees (pictured), White Geiger Trees
and Magnolias are just a few of the trees planted at the Arboretum.
Th e Arboretum is located on the northeast corner of Curlew Road
and Bayshore Boulevard and parallels the Pinellas Trail. Trees are
available for adoption at the park through a partnership with the
Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department and Bay Bouquet Garden
Club. For more information call Dunedin Parks & Recreation at
(727) 812- 4531.
Fall 20139
events
Art Harvest in DunedinFor 50 years, art lovers have strolled through Highlander Park,
taking in the wide variety of art showcased at this popular
event. It has since become a juried show with more than 200
artists. Bring the kids to enjoy the Children’s Pavilion for an
arts and crafts project. Th is is the largest autumn art show in the
Tampa Bay area. Presented by the Junior League of Clearwater-
Dunedin, Inc. with proceeds benefi ting local charitable work.
November 2-3rd, from 10 am to 5 pmHighlander Park • 1920 Michigan Blvd. in Dunedin
DogtoberfestTh e Suncoast Animal League presents their 6th Annual
Dogtoberfest & Super Pet Adopt-a-Th on. All pets are welcome.
Th is is a fun, family oriented event. Dogtoberfest.infoSaturday, November 9th from 11:30 am to 5 pmHighlander Park • 1920 Michigan Blvd. in Dunedin
Stargazing Atop theClearwater Main LibraryTh e Clearwater Main Library hosts “Stars and Constellations,” an
event for young people to create crafts, listen to stories and then take a
trip to the library’s rooftop to view the night sky through a telescope.
November, 13, starti ng at 5 pmClearwater Library • 100 N. Osceola Ave. (727)562-4970 or myclearwater.com/cpl
Christmas Under the OaksTh is annual crafts event sponsored by the GFWC North Pinellas
Woman’s Club has raised $400,000 for local charities and
community service organizations. gfwcnpwc.orgNovember 10th from 9 am to 4 pmCoachman Park in Clearwater$2 entrance donati on
Girl TalkYou are invited to attend Girl Talk, a free event sponsored by Florida
Hospital North Pinellas. Th e event kicks off at 5 pm with pampering,
prizes and free health screenings. Dinner is at 6:30 and hospital
staff physicians will take questions starting at 7 pm. Attending are:
Effi e Pappas Politis, MD, ABPS, plastic and reconstructive surgery;
Cynthia P. Roever, MD, internal medicine and geriatrics;
Lourdes T. Santiago, MD, colorectal, general surgery; Parveen
Vahora, MD, FACOG, gynecological surgery; and David F.
Marler, MD, FACOG, obstetrics/gynecology. Space is limited.
Call (727)943-3600 for reservations. Innisbrook Golf Resort
and Spa in Palm Harbor.
Largo Salutes VeteransTh e City of Largo will honor all Veterans and active duty
personnel in a Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, November
11 at 7pm. Th is event will be held at the Military Court of Honor
in Largo Central Park (101 Central Park Dr, Largo 33771) and
will feature special music, a color guard presentation and keynote
speaker. All ages are welcome to attend this free honorary event.
Safety Harbor Salutes VeteransOn the 11th day of the 11th month at 11am, the City of Safety Harbor, American Legion Post 238 and VFW Post 10093 will salute our heroes that serve and have served our country. Monday, November 11th at 11 amVeterans Park at the Safety Harbor MarinaFREE • (727)724-1572
Folkfest Families love Folkfest in St Pete. Art and music all day, plus a family
area and great food. Event is a fundraiser for Creative Clay Cultural
Arts Center that makes the arts accessible to adults with developmental
& physical disabilities. $5 donation requested at the gate.
Saturday, November 2 from 10 am to 8pm andSunday, November 3 from 10 am – 6 pmAlbert Whitt ed Park in St. Petersburg
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremonyand Illuminated Park DisplaysTh is community celebration is a must for getting into the
St. Petersburg holiday spirit.
Friday, November 29 from 5 – 7 pmNorth Straub Park
Holiday in the ParkArts and Crafts ShowLargo Central Park is getting in the spirit with a fun weekend of
talented crafters and artists off ering original and unique items and
specialty food vendors for gifts. And for entertainment, Santa Claus
will be in the park plus Christmas carolers and the illumination
of the spectacular lighting of one million lights in the park. Th e
park illumination is on Saturday from 5 pm until 9 pm. Saturday,
November 30 from 10 am to 9 pm. Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Snow FestBring your mittens and slide down the giant 20’ snow hill or
make a snow angel while helping a good cause. Th e Annual
Elena Tresh Foundation Snowfest comes to Safety Harbor City
Park with live entertainment, carnival games, food, arts & crafts,
and snow activities for all ages. Saturday, December 7 from 4 to
9 pm. $7 Unlimited Ride wristband/$1 no ride entry.
Fall 2013 10
news
Northeast High SchoolDedicates Athletic Center
From left, PCS Superintendent Michael A. Grego, former School Board
member and longtime educator Mr. Lee Benjamin, and Northeast High
School Principal Kevin Hendrick share a moment at the dedication of the
Lee Benjamin Athletic Center. Photo by Sean Clark.
In the days since Northeast High School dedicated their Athletic
Center to former principal Lee Benjamin, he’s driven by to see
the sign at least fi ve times according to his daughter, Pinellas
County School Board Member Terry Krassner. Th e dedication
ceremony was a big night for Benjamin who began at Northeast
as a PE teacher in 1954. Now 86, Benjamin plays tennis six days a
week, which is a testament to his commitment to live a clean and
active life. “Our whole family came in for the dedication and the
opportunity to celebrate his life,” said Krassner. “He is a humble
man and we are grateful that we could see him recognized for his
decades of service. Th ere were many tears and smiles.”
Lee Benjamin started his career at Northeast when it opened in
1954, becoming principal in 1970, just in time to lead the school
through desegregation. He retired as an area superintendent in 1986
and then served on the school board for 14 years before offi cially
retiring from education in Pinellas County. Congratulations to
Mr. Benjamin and “thank you” for all you’ve done for generations
of young people.
Green and Healthy SchoolSan Jose Elementary School received the “Green and Healthy
School” Certifi cation. Th ey are one of only a handful of schools
in Pinellas County that have qualifi ed for this prestigious and
rigorous certifi cation.
schoolsSchools Recognized for Communityand Family InvolvementTh e Florida Department of Education has awarded 29 schools
with their Five Star School Awards for commitment to family
and community engagement. Qualifying schools set the standard
for student, community, business and family engagement.
Th is year’s Five Star Schools are Bauder, Bay Point, Belcher,
Cross Bayou, Curtis Fundamental, Cypress Woods, Garrison
Jones, John Sexton, Leila Davis, Marjorie K. Rawlings,
Oldsmar, Orange Grove, San Jose, Starkey, Sunset Hills, and
Tarpon Springs Fundamental elementary schools; Madeira Beach
Fundamental; Clearwater Fundamental, Joseph Carwise, Osceola,
Palm Harbor, Seminole, and Tarpon Springs middle schools; and
Clearwater, East Lake, Northeast, Osceola Fundamental, Palm
Harbor University, and Seminole high schools.
Congratulations to those schools. We agree it takes an involved
village to raise healthy, happy and well-educated children!
Tarpon Springs H.S. Band in theMacy’s Thanksgiving Day ParadeTh e Tarpon Springs High School Band is hard at work,
preparing to perform in the 2013 Macy’s Th anksgiving Day
Parade. Th e band, which has a history of winning awards, is one
of 11 bands selected to participate in the 2013 parade, and the
only one in Florida to earn the honor. With less than a month
to go, the band is still trying to meet its fundraising goal of
$450,000, so that all students in the band can participate.
To make a tax deductible donation, contact them at
news
Constitution HallTampa Bay Eighth Graders will now get to visit the new
Constitution Hall as part of their trip to Finance Park at
the Gus A. Stavros Institute in Largo. A partnership of
the Stetson University College of Law and the Pinellas
Education Foundation, the exhibit will teach eighth grade
students about the importance of being civically active
and responsible, the three branches of government, and
their rights protected by the U.S. Constitution.
Dating 101Th e GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club held its 7th
Annual Dating 101 Workshop at Countryside High
School for parents and teens. Done in partnership with the
school, its PSTA, Th e Haven of RCS and the Clearwater
Police Department, the workshop teaches young people
about what is okay when it comes to dating and what
constitutes a healthy and positive dating relationship.
Th is year, domestic violence survivor Melissa Dohme
was the guest speaker (read her story on page 30). ABC
Action News also profi led their program as part of their
Taking Action Against Domestic Violence Special that
aired on October 16th.
Achieva Donates $25,000Also happening at Th e Pinellas Education Foundation:
Achieva Credit Union donated $25,000 to support the
foundation’s teacher classroom grant program. Th e funds
were raised at last year’s Box Car Rally sponsored by Achieva.
Eighteen Pinellas County School teachers were awarded up
to $2,000 to teach fi nancial literacy in their classrooms.
Fall 2013 12
people
The McKnight
Family...and Grace Makes Five
Amazing… Amazing… Grace. Th at’s what Desiree McKnight
has titled the blog that chronicles their miracle international
adoption story.
“We were the most unlikely people to ever do this. We didn’t
have the money. We live in a small house. But we believed that
God wanted to show us what He could do and who were we to
stand in His way?”
Drawn initially to the plight of orphans at church, Desiree and her
husband Nate planned to help the orphan ministry as volunteers.
Desiree was already inspired by Th e Missional Mom, a book that
encourages “regular” moms to fi nd ways in their life to make a global
impact. So when her heart moved on “Orphan Sunday” in the
direction of adopting a child into their own home, she felt ready.
“Once you make the decision to adopt, the long paper chase
begins,” she said. It took them six months for the paperwork, one
step at a time, to get to the point where they could enlist the help
of an overseas agency. After much research, they chose A Miracle
World for an Ethiopian adoption.
At this point, prospective parents are put on a waiting list if they
want young, healthy babies. Th ere is another waiting list, though.
Th e list that contains special needs and older children waiting for
families to want them, too.
“I saw her picture on the waiting list and I just knew that she was
meant to be our daughter.” Th at was December 2012 and the girl was
estimated to be ten years old. Th ey started the paperwork immediately
and by June 2013, they brought their new daughter home.
It took two visits to Ethiopia to handle proceedings, something
that changed Nate and Desiree’s perspective on life forever. Th e
extreme poverty shocked their souls. It was a harsh contrast to
the abundance and waste in America. For the daughter from
Ethiopia, now named Grace, the adjustment to her new, wealthy
homeland is an adjustment for her sensibilities.
Imagine growing up where children starve and then a week later
shopping at Publix.
Despite the cultural and language adjustments, Grace is now in
a loving home with two little brothers and two parents who give
her acceptance and security. And a very diff erent future.
“None of this would be possible if we didn’t get help from a community
of friends,” said Desiree when asked about the costs for the adoption.
Without a big savings account or credit cards, the McKnights put their
story out on the Internet and began fundraising.
Th eir fi rst step was to contact Give1Save1.com, a website started
by a mom who wanted to help orphans by raising money for
worthy parents who lack the $20,000+ for adoption fees. Th e
concept is to donate one dollar per week to the family of the
week featured in a video on the website. “Th ousands of people
give a dollar every week. Th ey are probably people who can’t
adopt, but want to share in the miracle of adoptions. We received
help from all over the world and it was wonderful to share our
joy with them in return through our blog.”
One post had 4,000 hits in one day. Every time they needed
extra money for another round of fees, their new friends
responded quickly. Fundraising paid half the fees. Th e
McKnights worked second jobs to pay the other half.
You can follow their new journey as a family of fi ve at
desireemcknight.blogspot.com and you can let Grace touch your
heart in her video.
I always want family. It is really hard to wait. I was sad. I was crying. She called me in to talk to me. I was thinking I had family. She told me I had family. I was praying and waiting and praying and waiting. So God hear me. So God gave me family. It was like dream. Because I can’t believe it. All kids want family.
Th ank you Amazing Grace. Th ank you.
Editors Note: November is Nati onal Adopti on Month. Children are waiti ng locally and around the world for families.
people
A staggering 1 in 5 teenage
girls, who have been in a
relationship, said a boyfriend
has threatened violence or self
harm if presented with a break up.
And 1 in 4 girls who have been in a
relationship report repeated verbal abuse.
Th ese are statistics that motivate these Women of Action every day.
Jane Hussar is the volunteer coordinator at Countryside High
School, who along with other women from the GFWC North
Pinellas Woman’s Club created a Dating 101 seminar for teens
that is in its seventh year.
Jennifer Saulpaugh is the Youth Advocate for Th e Haven of
RCS. She has an educational program for youth groups and
schools, so she can speak the truth to young people who often
don’t know how to handle violence or potential violence in
dating relationships.
Melissa Dohme is survivor who believes she was saved in order
to save others. Just more than a year after her deadly attack,
she is out talking to anyone who will listen about the dangers
of dating someone who is controlling and threatening violence.
(More on her story is on page 30).
What they want parents and youth to understand is that
dating violence happens in our community. Young people are
often unaware that what they are experiencing is not normal,
or they don’t know how to get away. Th ey keep it a secret and
if a friend does know about the situation, that friend usually
does not know what to do.
Jennifer Saulpaugh,Melissa Dohme & Jane Hussar
Th ese are the warning signs to look for.
Ask yourself if you are dating a person who:
• Gets very serious very quickly and pressures
for a commitment
• Acts jealous and attempts to control my behavior
• Isolates me from activities and friends
• Is verbally abusive, calls me names and puts me down
• Uses threatening behaviors and body language
• Th reatens to hurt me or his/her self
If a teen is trapped in a troubled relationship, there is help available.
Every high school has a social worker, a school psychologist and a
student resource offi cer who can be the fi rst contact. Th e Haven
of RCS has counselors, support groups and legal assistance.
Th eir 24-hour HOTLINE is (727)442-4128.
We salute these Women of Action for their eff orts in educating
teens about healthy and unhealthy relationships. To schedule
a program for your youth group or school, contact Jennifer
Saulpaugh at (727) 441-2029, ext. 208.
Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship
Fall 2013 14
The Science and BENEFITS
of GratitudeBy PAMELA SETTLE
At the time of this writing, the nation is caught in another bitter
political struggle. Th e arguments draw attention to what we don’t
have, what we need more of and what the other guy has. Anger
and frustration are in the air.
Combine this with the harsh realities of the recession: foreclosures,
job loss, reductions in income and an eroding sense of satisfaction.
As I speak to people in the community, I hear them say they are
treated with an attitude of “be glad you have a job,” something
that only adds insult to injury when one is working longer hours
with more responsibility and less pay.
While not everyone has suff ered a setback these past fi ve or six
years, many have. Th at discouragement can impact our daily lives
and most certainly impacts how we relate to our friends, our
children and the community as a whole.
One of the nation’s leading researchers on gratitude, Dr. Robert
Emmons of the University of California Davis, off ers hope, and
that comes with a conscious and active choice to be grateful in all
circumstances.
In his best selling book, Th anks! How Th e New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, Emmons found that people who view life
as a gift and consciously acquire an “attitude of gratitude” will
experience multiple advantages.
Gratitude improves emotional and physical health. It can
strengthen relationships and communities. Some strategies he
recommends are keeping a gratitude journal, learning prayers of
gratitude and using visual reminders.
“Without gratitude, life can be lonely, depressing and impoverished,”
said Emmons. “Gratitude enriches human life. It elevates, energizes,
inspires and transforms. People are moved, opened and humbled
through expressions of gratitude.”
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is tough. It is, according to
Emmons, a “chosen attitude.” We must be willing to recognize and
acknowledge that we are the recipients of an unearned benefi t.
Emmons’ research indicates that gratitude is not merely a positive
emotion; it also improves your health if cultivated. People must
give up a “victim mentality” and overcome a sense of entitlement
and deservedness.
As a result, he says, they will experience signifi cant improvements
in several areas of life including relationships, academics, energy
level and even dealing with tragedy and crisis.
His research provides some interesting insight:
Well-BeingGrateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life
satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression
and stress. Th e disposition toward gratitude appears to enhance
pleasant feeling states more than it diminishes unpleasant
emotions. Grateful people do not deny or ignore the negative
aspects of life.
ProsocialityPeople with a strong disposition toward gratitude have
the capacity to be empathic and to take the perspective of
others. Th ey are rated as more generous and more helpful by
people in their social networks.
SpiritualityTh ose who regularly attend religious services and engage in
religious activities such as prayer and reading religious material
are more likely to be grateful.
MaterialismGrateful individuals place less importance on material
goods. Th ey are less likely to judge their own and others
success in terms of possessions accumulated. Th ey are less
envious of wealthy people and are more likely to share their
possessions with others.
Thanksgiving came fromremembering the bad. Emmons says that trials and suff ering can actually deepen gratefulness.
Our national holiday of gratitude, Th anksgiving, was born of
hard times. Th e fi rst Th anksgiving took place after nearly half the
pilgrims died from a rough winter and year. It became a national
holiday in 1863 in the middle of the Civil War and was moved
to its current date in the 1930s following the Depression.
Why? Well, when times are good, people take prosperity for
granted and begin to believe that they are invulnerable. In times
of uncertainty though, people realize how powerless they are to
control their own destiny. If you begin to see that everything you
have and everything you count on may be taken away, it becomes
much harder to take it for granted.
Emmons off ers another book to help people fi nd practical ways
to develop their Gratitude Attitude. Gratitude Works!: A 21-Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity is available at Amazon.com.
Fall 201315
Before children can begin to live a grateful life, they will fi rst
need parents who choose to make this a priority through their
teaching and through how they model this behavior themselves
in their everyday life. Being thankful shouldn’t happen on just
one day of the year in November. Th is year, use the Th anksgiving
holiday as a spring board to start your family on a journey to
grateful living all year long. Turning gratitude into the person-
ality of a family can create a legacy of happiness, joy and peace
for generations to come.
Create a daily routine that becomes a way of life by
instituting these gratitude-building actions:
• Demonstrate words and attitudes you want your kids
to emulate.
• Praise your children every time you catch them in the act
of doing something kind and let them hear the words,
“I appreciate you for…”
• Every day, fi nd a time to refl ect on the best part of the day.
Th e ride home from school, dinner and bedtime are good
times to have this conversation.
• Use art and writing to develop the habit of identifying the
positive. Younger children can draw pictures and older
children can maintain their own gratitude journals or photo
books. Have siblings combine their work into a Family Gratitude Book at the end of the year.
• Make thank-you notes a requirement. Th ey can be
hand-made and smaller children can draw pictures.
Th e action recognizes that someone did something special
and that we shouldn’t take those things for granted.
• Make cleaning their rooms a lesson about sharing with
others. Together, go through books and toys and teach them
to pass their blessings on to siblings, friends, relatives or
charity organizations.
• Celebrate big and small everyday! Share news with
grandparents, friends or other family members.
• Teach children that life is an ongoing journey of learning
and to be kind to themselves as they begin new challenges.
Shift focus on the progress rather than the end goal.
• Make a Gratitude Jar for small pieces of paper that tell of a
variety of GOOD things that have happened. Include
accomplishments, positive outcomes, happy memories, service
projects and answered prayers. Kids can use this to refer back
to and see a visual representation of the GOOD in your family.
• Be an aware family. Know what is happening in the community
and use real events and fundraisers to regularly teach why
others need your help.
• Move awareness into ACTION. Choose issues of concern to
your family and fi nd ways to give money, items and/or time to
local organizations.
• Find ways to show kindness in every day life. Open a door.
Help an elderly neighbor. Write an encouraging note to a teacher.
Pinellas County. Being Grateful for our Home.We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful county. From the
sparkling sands of St. Pete Beach to the woods of the Brooker Creek
Preserve, we are surrounded by some breathtakingly beautiful nature.
Add in our recreation centers, city centers, libraries and venues, parents
have much to be grateful for when it comes to our home county.
We asked parents what they are grateful for in Pinellas County
and here are some of the top responses:
Great programs at the librariesLargo Central ParkHoneymoon IslandDunedin Spray ParkSUNSETS!Walking the Pinellas TrailWinter the DolphinRuth Eckerd HallJohn Chesnut ParkThe Rays!Clearwater BeachDowntown DunedinFort DeSotoKids can play outside all yearLargo Rec Centers & programsLots of beauti ful beachesSunken Gardens
An Attitude of Gratitude Starts at Home!
Fall 2013 16
Parent’s Name
Child’s fi rst name
Child’s age
Child’s school
Parent’s Mailing Address
Parent’s Email Address
Signature I certi fy that I am this child’s parent, have given permission to enter this contest and agree that GoodLiving magazine can use the words or image submitt ed in promoti ons.(Last names will not be used.)
Show Your Gratitude AttitudeGIVEAWAY
®magazine’s
In the space below, have your child draw a picture or write a paragraph that shares something or someone he or she is grateful for.
Winners will be selected in a drawing to winthe prizes on page 17 and noti fi ed by email.Entries must be received by November 20, 2013.Open only to Pinellas County residents.Children must be under the age of 18.
Mail entries by November 20th to:GoodLiving magazine
Show Your Gratitude Attitude
PO Box 1795
Oldsmar, FL 34677
2013
Fall 201317
Santa’s Magic Key and Book
We learned from the North Pole that Mr. and Mrs. Claus
have developed beautiful, magic keys made out of
pewter to help Santa get into houses or apartments
that don’t have fi replaces on Christmas Eve. Children
hang Santa’s Magic Key on the front doorknob on
Christmas Eve for Santa to use, and then he leaves the
key on the tree to use again the next year. Th e key comes
with a book, Th e Magic Christmas Key, that can be
shared for generations.
Santa has asked his friends at wendellaugust.com to help
parents get these magic keys, but he has given one to
GoodLiving magazine for one lucky boy or girl!
Laurie Berkner ChristmasPopular children’s artist, Laurie Berkner, has brought her lyrical
style to Christmas favorites like Jingle Bells, Jolly Old St. Nicholas and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
With 15 songs in all, the
kids will love rocking around
your Christmas tree while
singing along to these happy
tunes. Laurie wanted to share
some of her new CDs with
our friends here in Pinellas
County, so we will have more
than one winner!
GoodLiving’s 2013 Show Your Gratitude Attitude Giveaway
Mail in Your Entry to Win One of These Holiday Prizes
Santa’s Elf MagicShhhh! Th is is a secret for moms and dads. But Santa himself
asked GoodLiving to fi nd some new children for his visiting
elves. Each year Santa sends his specially-assigned Magic Elves
to spend the weeks before Christmas hanging out and having
fun with their human families. Th e elves also make sure that
kids are not being naughty because they can send in reports.
During the day, they are plush toys to play with and love on, but
at night, when everyone is asleep, they come alive and create all
sorts of Christmas mischief in the house. Th ere’s even a website
for parents to post their funniest pictures. Children adore their
magic elves and they look forward to their visits year after year.
Th ey create a warm memory to carry out of childhood. Santa has
boy elves and girls elves, and even some Hanukkah Helpers that
he sends out. Grown-ups only can learn more at Elf-Magic.com
Family Holiday Portrait SessionWin a private one-hour photo session with
local photographer Brandi Morris for your
special holiday family photo. In addition to
the session, winner will get a CD with fi ve
digital images from their session. Use those
images on your own to create Christmas
cards or make prints for holiday gifts. Photo
session must take place within Pinellas
County before December 31, 2013.
Brandi schedules portrait sessions throughout the year for all
special occasions including holidays, new babies, graduations and
weddings. Learn more at Brandiimage.com
Family Four-Packs to Lowry Park Zoo’s Wild Wonderland Get your family ready for the season by planning the date you’ll take the kids to
Lowry Park Zoo for their annual Wild Wonderland celebration. Be spellbound
by their millions of lights and elaborate holiday displays. See live reindeer.
Meet Santa. Take on the 100-foot Artic Blast Ice Slide. Enjoy traditional
holiday treats and free unlimited zoo rides. It’s a magic evening for all ages.
Wild Wonderland starts December 7th and runs select evenings.
lowryparkzoo.com
Fall 2013 18
Pinellas County Schoolsa note from
Dear Parents,
Pinellas County Schools is committed to increased achievement
for all students. In that spirit, our district off ers a wide variety of
high-quality programs designed to inspire students and provide
them with the skills they need to achieve success in college, career
and life. Our magnet, fundamental and career academy programs
give students opportunities to customize their education and
choose programs that cater to their specifi c interests and talents.
Th e district has scheduled events throughout November to help
parents understand the annual application process and learn about
District Application Programs.
Here are the dates and location for information sessions on the
overall application process and timeline:
Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Boca Ciega High School, 924 58th St S, Gulfport
Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pinellas Park High School, 6305 118th Ave. N, Largo
Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Countryside High School, 3000 State Road 580, Clearwater
District Application Program Information Fairs give parents and
prospective students a chance to talk with school representatives
about specifi c aspects of various application programs. Th ere will be
two of these fairs:
9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 16
Pinellas Park High School, 6305 118th Ave. N, Largo
6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 19
Gibbs High School, 850 34th St S
Schools that off er application programs will host open house
events called Discovery Nights between Nov. 18 and Jan. 9.
Discovery Night dates are posted on the district website at pcsb.org
Th e district’s application period for these programs will be Jan. 8-17,
2014. For more information about District Application Programs,
contact individual schools or the offi ce of Advanced Studies at
(727)588-6466. For information about the application process, contact
the Student Assignment Offi ce at (727)588-6210.
Our objective is to provide the best possible
learning experience for your child. Th ank you
for your involvement in your child’s education
and for working with us to achieve our vision
of 100 percent student success.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
The following are ways to make a diff erence in
your child’s education. Try one or all of them!
• Make education a priority in your home.
• Discuss the importance of education with your child.
• Have your child attend school every day. If they are
not in school, they will miss information.
• Talk with your child daily about his/her school day,
homework, and activities.
• Assist with homework, when needed. Check
homework to see if it is complete and correct.
• Attend your child’s performances and other
school events.
• Celebrate their accomplishments!
• Communicate with your child’s teacher.
• Let the teacher know the best way to communicate
with you – email, phone, etc.
• Let the teacher know the best time to contact you.
• Find out the best way and time to communicate
with your child’s teacher.
• Attend Parent/Teacher conference and Open
Houses.
• Address issues early.
• Join a Parent-Teacher Organization such as PTA
or PTO or SAC (School Advisory Committee).
• To have your voice heard about issues at your
school, attend PTA/PTO/SAC meetings.
• To learn more about what is going on in your
child’s school and to be a part of the decision
making process that impact the school, participate
in your school’s PTA/PTO or SAC.
• Volunteer at your child’s school, inside or outside
the classroom.
• Provide classroom assistance. It could be as easy as
cutting out shapes or alphabetizing.
• Coach a program or event.
• Mentor or tutor a student.
• Chaperone a fi eld trip.
• Listen to your child.
• You will learn as much from them as they learn
from you.
Fall 2013 20
Juvenile Welfare BoardThe Children’s Services Council of Pinellas County
a note from
Dear GoodLiving Readers,I’d like to tackle a topic you’ve heard about before, but defi nitely
one worth bringing to your attention again: BULLYING.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, however
bullying is an issue that should be on the forefront all year.
Bullying is bad for the kids who are bullied, and it’s bad for
kids who do the bullying. Th e numbers are alarming:
Kids who are bullied…Nearly one third of all school-aged children, or 13 million students,are bullied each year
About 64% of kids who are bullied do not report it (mostly for fearof retaliation from the bully)
More than half of all instances of bullying stops when a peer intervenes for the victim
Children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers
About 35% of kids have experienced threats online (cyberbullying)
Kids who bully other kids…About 15% of youth ages 10 to 17 bully others with some frequency; of these, 6%-7% were bullied themselves
Kids who bully are more likely to quit school earlier, use alcohol and other illicit drugs, and commit crimes compared to youth who aren’t involved in bullying
What is JWB doing to turn the tide and address bullying in
our schools and communities?
JWB partners with Pinellas County Schools to promote Violence
Prevention Programs in targeted middle schools. JWB also
supports a violence prevention curriculum for young chil-
dren called Peacemakers. Th rough our Neighborhood Family
Centers, eff orts are in place to inform and empower kids,
parents and professionals to speak up, get involved, step in,
intervene, and seek assistance. And JWB staff members are
dedicated to stopping bullying through planning, research,
training and technical assistance throughout the community.
Th e following are some practical tips for parents, but by far
the best thing parents can do to prevent bullying is TALK to
their children and LISTEN empathetically when they share
information or seek help.
Bullying: What Parents Can DoBe Available and AwareTalking and listening to children about bullying is a crucial step
in preventing and protecting them from it. Be empathic and
stay informed. Monitor the media and know that the amount
of violence in the media is increasing, not decreasing. A great
resource is available at StopBullying.gov.
Get DetailsAsk specifi c questions (who, where, what, and how long) and
write everything down. Th e “how long” is very important, because
it defi nes whether the behavior is bullying or teasing. Know your
children’s friends – and their parents.
Limit Computer AccessCyberbullying can happen at any age, but is more prevalent
during high school years. Place guidelines on cell phones and
computers, as you would the television or car. Understand that
with a smart phone or computer your child has access to the
world…literally. If your child is threatened or bullied online,
teach them to report it, and save messages- don’t delete. Don’t be
afraid to monitor your child’s social media sites and be “friends”
on their sites. It doesn’t show lack of trust; it shows you care.
Role Model Empathy and AcceptanceParents, teachers, coaches and mentors play a major role in
preventing bullying behavior. Teach children to value their
community and give back. Whenever possible, role model
empathy and acceptance of others. Celebrate diff erences and
practice inclusion. Look for teachable moments. Children are
always watching the adults in their lives, so if you’re a bully –
they’re watching and taking notes.
Act. Act. Act. Don’t stand on the sidelines. Teach your kids appropriate ways
to intervene when they see bullying behavior. As a parent when
you see warning signs, take action. Ignoring the signs won’t make
them go away. Seek professional help through your child’s school,
pediatrician or family counselor. Or call 2-1-1 to fi nd a professional
who can help.
Th e Juvenile Welfare Board is committed to strengthening all
children and families in Pinellas County. Th ank you for following
us in GoodLiving, as well as on our website and social media sites,
as we continue to be a resource.
Because all kids matter!
Sincerely,
Dr. Marcie BiddlemanExecutive Director,
Juvenile Welfare Board
Learning Express
Fall 2013 22
Th e most promising approach to the control of cancer is a national commitment to prevention. New England Journal of Medicine, 1997
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Th is
topic begs for a considerable discussion of the many approaches
for prevention. I say this because every time I read an article on
Breast Cancer, it seems to swing toward “Early Detection.”
Let me assure you Early Detection is not PREVENTION! Recent
studies have shown that cancers, such as breast, can begin to
develop anywhere between 10-40 years before they are diagnosed.
(Blaylock, M.D., 2005).
One thing is for certain: more fast food and chocolate candies
won’t lead you down the road to cancer prevention. And although
this is contrary to everything you’ve been taught and may even be
diffi cult to believe, more testing has also been found not to be the
answer. So what’s a girl to do? Not that I’m a girl, but my years
in private practice have taught me several things women can start
doing right now to create true prevention for themselves.
Stop using topical (skin) products that contain Sodium Laurel
Sulfate. Th is is a common “frothing or foaming” agent that has been
shown to cause cancer. Please be aware, the skin, or integument
system, is your largest defense organ (second to the gut or
G.I. system) and absorbs water and other nutrients. Th erefore
anything you put on your skin can be absorbed into the body.
In my opinion, if it has been shown to cause cancer, it DOES
NOT GO ON my skin.
Stop using artifi cial sweeteners, especially saccharine (pink
packet). Artifi cial sweeteners are chemicals in all forms. Blue,
pink or yellow- they are all ARTIFICIAL. Saccharine by itself
has been shown to cause cancer. In my opinion, if it has been
shown to cause cancer, it DOES NOT GO IN my body.
Purchase a Chlorine fi lter for your shower and home. Chlorine
competes with iodine for uptake and usage by your thyroid
gland. In other words, your thyroid gland uses iodine to make
thyroid hormones. When your skin is exposed to and absorbs
Chlorine (from drinking water, showers or pools) the thyroid
gland doesn’t get enough iodine because the Chlorine inhibits it.
Th erefore, you can’t make the necessary thyroid hormones
(problem#1) and your hormone system is thrown out of balance
(problem #2). Th is endocrine disruption increases your risk of all
cancers. You can purchase a Chlorine fi lter for your shower and
home online fairly easily.
l of cancer is a nationalntrol
Breast Cancer:Breast Cancer:True PreventonTrue PreventonLimit exposure to environmental toxins such as Biphenol A
(BPA). BPA is an environmental toxin found in carbonate plastics
and epoxy resins that cause cancer through endocrine disruption.
It can be commonly found in many consumer products from
eyeglasses to recycled plastic bags to cans that hold food. If at all
possible, limit exposure to household cleaning agents and plastics.
BPA can be released into food if you are storing food and/or
heating it up within plastic containers that contain BPA. Look
for BPA free containers and water bottles and reduce exposure
as necessary.
Get adjusted, it’s not just for neck and back pain. Dr. Rod
Perue from NYU’s medical research team has shown that
patients under chiropractic care have immune system function
300% above normal. Since cancer is a disease of the immune
system, it stands to reason that you want to do everything you
can to boost immune response. Regular chiropractic adjustments
have been shown time and time again to “turbo charge” you
immune system. Get adjusted!
As a doctor, as a patient, I understand that it is easier to stay well than
to get well. As our knowledge in understanding the function of the
body advances, we as health care professionals realize that the body
is self-healing and self regulating and that the true cure comes from
doing everything you can to prevent it in the fi rst place. Th at, instead
of waiting until you are diagnosed with a problem, makes you live a
proactive life. Please learn to be proactive with your family’s health
instead of reactive. Th is is the key to “reset” your body’s ability to heal
function and operate. My goal for all patients and family members
that I am blessed to serve on a daily basis is to transform their
concept of health in an eff ort to transform their lives. Blessings to all.
Dr. Christopher Hood is the author of three books. His most recent book, True Wellness is available at Amazon.com and on Kindle. He speaks locally and nati onally to audiences on the subject of health, including pastors who are looking to create a wellness program for their congregati ons. Dr. Hood can also be heard on his weekly radio show “Original Health” every Tuesday at 11:30am on WTIS, AM 1110.
By DR. CHRISTOPHER HOOD
Breast Cancer:True Preventon
Fall 2013 24
If you are among the 90% of Western women who wear a bra,
you likely take it off as soon as you get home and then breathe a
sigh of relief!
Without the bra, we instantly feel less constricted as our energies
begin to fl ow more freely through our body… energy that is
critical to our mental and physical health.
Th e bra acts as a constrictor in what happens to be a very
complex part of a women’s body. Our chest area acts as a multi-
modal intersection where energy meridians, lymph glands, and
vital organs (heart, lungs) come together.
For example, key lymph glands under the arm-pits assist in the
elimination of toxins in our bodies. Th e sides of our bras restrict
many of these areas and over time – deadly toxins build up to
create havoc on our entire body – and not just in our breasts!
To make matter worse, most women select bras with wires (and
plastics) that act as an antenna - subjecting our bodies to attract
additional emfs (electromagnetic frequencies) – long suspected
to negatively aff ect the natural fl ow of our body’s energies.
Th e long enduring bra wearing body can only take so much
before these artifi cial restrictions block the natural fl ow of ener-
gies – and we fi nd ourselves tired, confused, lethargic, irritable
and just unhappy. But rarely do we connect back these everyday
feelings to our old friend - the bra.
Since most of us will wear one regardless of comfort and health
– there’s new insights for choosing the right one and simple ways
to take care of your body to compensate for a day’s wear.
Mindbodylab strongly recommends wearing bras free from wires or
plastics. Yes, it’s hard to fi nd ones today that don’t have an underwire
component of some type – but they simply must be avoided.
If you’re in the market for a new one – there’s a few popular wireless
styles including Ahh Bra (Rhonda Shear), Spanx Bra-llelujah (Sara
Blakely), and even Victoria Secret has a wireless bra! Whatever
you choose, be sure to get a professional fi tting – it ensures
proper fl ow and support.
Good news for those with a drawer full of their favorites. If
you’re wanting to change the ones you have - simply cut the side
seams of your bras and pull out the wires/plastic and side stays.
Th is little trick will instantly restart the fl ow of energy to your
breasts and throughout your body!
Now that you’ve done all you can by selecting the right bra when
it’s on, it’s time to take care of your body once you take it off .
I’m always teaching others the power of self-massage and self-touch
acupressure. Our body is a well-documented map with many key
places that benefi t greatly from a few seconds of self massage.
Try this series of 3 quick self massage techniques
focused on getting and keeping vital pathways open
for a happier healthier you. Th e three locations identifi ed in the diagram should be deeply
massaged on a regular basis.
Get in the habit of massaging these areas once in the morning
and once again in the evening. It only takes a few times before
you fi nd it easily becoming part of your daily routine.
And you won’t need to massage for very long – a quick 10
seconds on each is all it takes.
Don’t worry if some areas are more tender than others – it
usually indicates a congested intersection needing some extra
TLC. As an added bonus, massaging along the side of each
breast (#2) helps improve metabolism. Women have lost weight
doing this after each meal with no change to diet or exercise.
Deeply Massage Three Key Locations:With breast cancer now accounting for one third of cancer
diagnosis and 15% of cancer deaths in US women, let’s make
a conscious intention to improve the health of our breasts and
ourselves. Do away with those underwires, massage these 3 key
areas regularly and go “au natural” when you can. You’ll quickly
fi nd new energy and feel better mentally and physically.
Go to mindbodylab.com to download a list of more companies
off ering wire-free bras.
Mind - Body - Health with JuliNew Insights on Brasfor Better Health
Juli Steinocher is founder of mindbodylab.com, a counseling center dedicated to treati ng the whole self. Educated, licensed and certi fi ed in a rare blend of approaches and techniques, Juli created the mindbodylab as a unique place connecti ng traditi onal therapy with modern and ancient approaches.
Fall 2013 26
eating
With the holidays approaching and food prices rising, people are
looking to save money wherever they can. Th at however, doesn’t
mean one has to sacrifi ce a healthy, quality diet consisting of
whole foods, clean meats and organic products.
In her book, A Simple Guide to Pregnancy & Baby’s First Year, Princess Ivana Pignatelli Aragona Cortes advises moms to be
sure they are paying attention to the food their children are
eating. “Th eir developing brains, organs, and nervous systems
are being built cell by cell during infancy and early childhood.
Specifi cally, babies’ brains grow faster from birth to three years
than at any other time of life—and that growth is fueled by the
food they eat,” she says.
She points to a recent study from the University of Bristol in the
UK that suggests early childhood eating habits, especially up to
the age of three, “may play a role in shaping the development of
the brain, and thus aff ect behavior, learning performance, and IQ
in later life.”
We also know that older students do much better in school with
nutritious food and not Doritos and Red Bull. With all that in
mind, doesn’t it make good sense to fi nd ways to put healthier
food on the table and in lunch boxes, even if you’re on a budget?
It may seem overwhelming or down right impossible at fi rst, but
good meal planning, smart shopping and an open mind to eating
new foods will get you on your way!
1. Plan meals through circulars.Shop around and hit the sales. And look to local food shopping
expert Liza Ford who can help you with her wildly popular blog
at Addictedtosaving.com. She gives details on what is on sale and
where the coupons are for diff erent stores.
2. Break the one store habit. Th ese days you can add variety and save money by shopping at a
variety of sources. Did you know that local Big Lots carry products
like whole wheat fl our, organic snacks, dried beans and oatmeal?
Aldi stores also carry their own line of healthy products, plus
aff ordable produce, Almond Milk, baked potato chips and many
other products at lower prices (just bring your own sacks). Target
stores are carrying a more diverse line of healthy products like real
fruit snacks, healthy grain bars and sustainable frozen fi sh.
EATING HEALTHYON A BUDGET
3. Buy LocalTh is is a wonderful time of year for the produce stands, the
corner grower’s stand and farmer’s markets, and Pinellas County
is full of them! Check out Steve’s Produce in Palm Harbor,
Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete, Odessa Organic Market
and the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market. Th ey are just some of
the many GOOD options where you can fi nd aff ordable produce.
4. Use whole ingredients. While it’s tempting to buy ready-made products, cooking with
whole foods can be cheaper in the long run. Fall and winter are
terrifi c months for making soups, which can be made on Sunday
for the week ahead. Chopping the squash and soaking the dried
beans may take a little more time, but if you are cutting corners
on money, a little labor can ensure the vitamins get on the table.
5. Opt for frozen foods.Frozen is not a bad option. For yogurt, smoothies and oatmeal,
berries are low in calories, high in fi ber and contain vitamins,
minerals and antioxidants. For soups and casseroles, use frozen
vegetables and beans, especially when you can buy them on sale.
Same goes for fi sh. Stock up at sale time to make sure you are
getting omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Go in on a side of meat.Find some friends and go in on a side of grass-fed beef. You’ll
need an extra freezer, but they can be found for under $200 and
can go in the garage.
7. Buy select items in bulk.Find ways to buy certain healthy staples in bulk quantities from
online sources, specialty vendors or even at the warehouse stores.
Th is takes knowing which products you use most frequently and
planning ahead.
8. Follow the healthy food bloggers.“Meatless Mondays” is one of the movements started by mom
bloggers who wanted to cut monthly grocery bills. Be inspired by
their collective wisdom, experience and recipe experimentation
by following them in social media or subscribing their emails. It’s
their job to create delicious but healthy mac-n-cheese, so don’t
feel you are in it alone.
9. Seek out healthy food coupons. Many health food stores and health food brands publish coupons
in sale circulars or online. Sure this takes time, but once you get the
hang of it, it will be easier, especially for products you use frequently.
10. Don’t miss an issue of GoodLiving® magazineand follow us on Facebook for tips, recipes, restaurant reviews
and product recommendations. We are committed to helping
families fi nd the best local resources for Good Eating!
Fall 201327
eating
FOOD FINDSFarm to Plate in St. PetersburgTh e Edible Peace Patch Project (EPPP) is doing an amazing
job bringing urban gardening to St. Petersburg. It’s all part of
the vision to increase the availability of fresh, locally-grown
produce in St. Petersburg, a vision that lives deep inside founder,
Kip Curtis. “It’s become my calling,” he says. Th e EPPP now
has gardens at four elementary schools, and up to fi ve more are
planned. Volunteers of all ages meet every Saturday to work the
gardens, including help from the Junior League of St. Petersburg.
“Art Dunham of Food Services for the school district has agreed
to purchase our food and the goal is to eventually sell them
15,000 side dishes a day,” says Curtis. Th eir work also includes
teaching students how to prepare the food they grow on campus.
Th e Fit 4 All Kids program uses their portable kitchens to hold
cooking classes for students, and Dunham agreed to let them
brand their recipes as Peace Patch Food. Th is certainly brings it
all full circle for the kids when they see their vegetables in the
school lunch line, something researchers know works when it
comes to changing eating habits.
Th e EPPP has plans to purchase land to start a farm in
St. Petersburg to expand their farm-to-plate operations. Th eir
fi rst major fundraiser, Farmraiser 2013, is October 27th. Funds
raised locally will help them attract large foundation grants to
the project, and so community support is greatly needed.
Learn more at Peacepatch.org
Grow Your OwnWe didn’t mention gardening in the story on the previous page,
but certainly growing one’s own food can save money on the
grocery bill. So we asked Kip Curtis of the Edible Peace Patch
Project what he recommended. “Leafy Greens,” he says!
“Kale and collards can be grown year round in this part of
Florida,” he said, adding that collards are by far the heartiest crop
for local yards, because they will grow in our sandy soil. He says
to take the leaves from store-bought collards and stick them in
the wet soil. “Water them and they keep growing.” Starter plants
for kale varieties, Swiss chard and romaine lettuce can be planted
through the end of October. Kale will do well in amended soil, but
the lettuces should be in beds or planters so they don’t dry out.
For a daily dose of nutrients, use greens in smoothies and juices,
or add to eggs, sauces, soups and salads.
Squeeze Juice Works A small St. Petersburg business that does the juicing for you,
either as a daily supplement or for a cleansing juice fast. Delivery
is available. Squeezejuiceworks.com
Southern SteerA new butcher shop in Clearwater reminiscent of the specialty
corner markets found in big cities. Th ey sell clean, high quality
and fl avorful meats including Black Angus Beef, pork, chicken,
fresh seafood and fresh ground sausage. Th e store is beautiful
and is a welcome addition for those looking for good meat.
SouthernSteer.com
Sweet Peas CaféA darling spot in beautiful downtown Dunedin for parents and
children with outdoor tables and play dates on Tuesdays. Sit
under the trees and chat with friends while the kiddies play. Eat
some healthy food. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
Th eSweetPeasCafe.com
Sweet Caroline’s BakeryNestled in the corner of a strip mall on Tampa Road in Palm
Harbor is this gem of a bakery and café. It is a rare made-
from-scratch bakery that off ers whole grain breads, gluten-free
desserts, custom cakes and a variety of pastries, breads and baked
goods. Pick up their homemade chicken pot pie turnovers and
bake them at home for a hot dinner. Also fi nd Jacqui’s Smart
Foods (vegan and sugar free), baked fresh on site by Jacqui
herself. SweetCarolinesBakery.com
In our travels around the county looking for Good Eating options, we came across these establishments that are worth your business.
Fall 2013 28
Th ere are currently 82,000 synthetic chemicals in the foods we
eat, the toys our children touch, the products we use to clean our
homes, the air we breathe, and the cosmetics we apply to our
skin—and only a fraction have ever been tested for safety.
What do we really know about how they aff ect our health?
If so few have actually been tested, how can any company claim
that their chemical-laden products are actually safe?
If some chemical levels are considered “acceptable,” what
happens when these chemicals react to each other inside of us?
Finding answers can be overwhelming. (Th at’s why I created
the documentary called Unacceptable Levels, chemicals in our
bodies, how they got there, and what we can do about it.)
Here are 10 things I wish every American knew about
toxic chemicals… and what we can do about it:1. Today, you’ve already been exposed to at least 127 unique
synthetic chemicals. And that was before you walked out the
door. Personal care products carry or may carry numerous highly
toxic chemicals, including cadmium, mercury, aluminum and lead.
2. “Acceptable levels” of toxic chemicals is an oxymoron. Th e
levels are “acceptable” by industry and regulatory standards, but
our exposure to other “acceptable levels” of toxic chemicals that
then interact with each other and dance with our cells within our
bodies is never taken into consideration.
3. We have over 200 synthetic chemicals in our bodies right
now. Our exposure to toxins is that pervasive. Most of us do not
detect their presence every moment of every day, but we have to
wonder—how are they aff ecting us? What does this mean for
future generations?
4. Childhood disease is increasing exponentially. Cancer is the
leading cause of death (after accidents) in children younger than
15 in the United States. Autism now aff ects one in 50 children.
In the last 20 years, there’s been a 300% increase in allergies;
300% increase in asthma; 400% increase in ADHD. We have to
ask ourselves, why?
5. Chemicals are big business. Chemicals account for an annual
$3.7 trillion in sales across the globe—the United States
makes up almost 19 percent. Many jobs rely on this industry,
yet 85 percent of the chemicals in commerce today have not
been tested. How are the products containing those chemicals
Th ere are currently 82,000 synthetic chemicals in the foods we
eat, the toys our children touch, the products we use to clean our
10 ThingsI Wish All AmericansKnew About
TOXINSby ED BROWN
impacting our health? What’s the impact on those who work or
live near the chemical plants?
6. About $2.6 trillion of the GDP is spent on treating disease
every year. One can’t help but wonder if there’s a direct correlation
between our skyrocketing healthcare costs and the onslaught of
chemicals in our daily lives. What would happen if we spent that
much on prevention?
7. Many of us eat and drink chemicals every day. Artifi cial
sweeteners, preservatives, nitrates, artifi cial colors, MSG... if it’s
processed, chances are it contains one or more of these ingredients.
Sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate are preservatives that are
sometimes added to sodas to prevent mold growth, but benzene
is a known carcinogen. Butylated Hydroxynaisole (BHA) is
another preservative that’s potentially cancer-causing. Reading
labels is an easy solution—if you don’t recognize an ingredient,
don’t buy the food product.
8. Organic food can be aff ordable. Factor in the potential health
costs of processed and conventionally grown (read: pesticide rich)
foods and organic food doesn’t break the bank. Unfortunately, it’s
not always available. Th e good news: organic food is the fastest
growing sector in agriculture. Would we spray a piece of fruit
with Raid, then rinse it off and eat it? If we continue to vote with
our dollars, organic can become the norm.
9. Your body is the biggest investment that you will ever have in
your life. We all know people who spend more time and more
money on their cars than they do their own bodies. Th e fuel we
put into our bodies will determine how well it performs and
fi ghts against the burden of chemicals.
10. Toxic chemicals are everywhere, but you can do something
about it. Start with just one thing: change your personal care
products; overhaul your diet by buying only organic fruits and
vegetables and avoiding processed “foods” as much as possible;
throw away your old household cleaning products and replace
them with non-toxic ones.
What can we do? We are all in this together. Around the world—in every single
culture, every religion, every race, every age, every gender and every
species, rich or poor—we’re all being aff ected by toxic chemicals.
Th ere are also many companies already making organic or
nontoxic products. By switching to these products—one step at a
time—you’re casting a vote for the greater GOOD!
About the Film, Unacceptable LevelsUnacceptable Levels examines the results of the chemical revolution
of the 1940s through the eyes of fi lmmaker Ed Brown, a father
seeking to understand the world in which he and his wife are
raising their children. To create this debut documentary, one man
and his camera traveled extensively to fi nd and interview top
minds in the fi elds of science, advocacy and law. Weaving their
testimonies into a compelling narrative, Brown presents us with
the story of how the chemical revolution brought us to where we
are, and of where, if we’re not vigilant, it may take us.
Over 80,000 chemicals fl ow through our system of commerce,
and many are going straight into our bodies. Even our unborn
children are aff ected. Due to this constant exposure, we have
approximately 200 synthetic industrial chemicals interacting
with our cells every single day. Until recently, modern science
really didn’t understand what that could mean for all of us in the
long run, but that is changing.
Globally, disease rates are on the rise. Th eories about the causes
abound, yet the issues are complex and often muddied by the
maneuvering of political and corporate interests. To explore
diff erent facets of common chemical exposure, Unacceptable
Levels was made in consultation with experts in multiple fi elds
and is guided by a father on a personal journey as he attempts
to bring these issues to light for everyone. Its primary goal? To
determine whether we can prevent disease before it strikes us.
Unacceptable Levels opens the door to conversations about the
chemical burden our bodies carry so that we can make informed
decisions now and in the future. Th e fi lm poses challenges to our
companies, our government, and our society to do something
about a nearly-unseen threat with the inspired knowledge that
small changes can generate a massive impact.
Read more at UnacceptableLevels.com. Ed Brown recommends these
organizations that are working every day to help us in this challenge:
Environmental Working Group EWG.orgHealthy Child Healthy World Healthychild.orgMoms Clear Air Force Momscleanairforce.comSafer Chemicals, Healthy Families Saferchemicals.orgTh e Center for Environmental Health CEH.org
Fall 2013 30
Th ey say hindsight is 20/20, and when I look back I realize many
things I didn’t before.
During my senior year at Clearwater High I began dating my
ex. We quickly became inseparable friends and fell in love. Over
the next year, I graduated and started college, but he didn’t. He
became controlling and jealous, easily angered, lied a lot, and
called me names. I confused this sort of emotional and verbal
abuse with his being a jerk.
When I tried to break it off with him, he threatened me. He said
he was nothing without me; I was all he had and meant everything
to him. If I left him, he would kill himself. I felt guilty and stayed,
but the threats escalated targeting me. He said, “I know where
you work. I know where you go to school. I know where you live
and who you hang with. If you break up with me, I fi ll fi nd you
and either kill you or make your life a living hell.” I was terrifi ed,
walking on eggshells to keep him happy. Th e emotional and verbal
abuse then turned physical. On three occasions he put his hands
on me. After each incident, he threatened to kill me if I told. He
blamed me, and said if I didn’t act that way, I wouldn’t be hurt. I
began to wonder how a smart, determined and independent girl
like me fell into the deadly trap of domestic violence.
On October 25, 2011 I broke the silence. Th e hitting and abuse
continued but this time I broke free, ran away, and called 911.
He chased me until the police arrived and arrested him. I was
fi nally free. Over the next three months I learned what it was
like to live a happy and healthy life again.
On January 24, 2012 my life was forever changed. On the
morning of the 23rd he went to court for the October battery
charge. Around 1 AM the morning of the 24th I was awakened
by calls and texts. He said he
went to court, wanted to see
me and have closure from our
two year relationship. He was
crying and was in my area. He
said to me, “After everything
we have been through over
the last two years, you can’t
just give me a hug? It will only
take a second, and I will never bother you again.” I ignored my
gut yelling NO, only wanting to hurry and get this hug over so
I could return to sleep and get up for my chemistry exam. I took
my phone and pepper spray… just in case.
When I walked outside, he wrapped his arms around me for his
hug. He was hiding a switchblade in his hand. He immediately
began stabbing me repeatedly. He stabbed me in the back of my
shoulder and neck, then my face. Th irty-two stab wounds total. My
face, head, arms and hands were all cut through. My skull, nose and
jaw were fractured, teeth were missing, and nerves were severed.
I was airlifted to the hospital where I fl at-lined four times. I was
saved despite the trauma, blood loss, and stroke. Th e doctors say my
survival is a true miracle.
When I woke up I realized I had survived, and he could never
hurt me again...I felt a massive weight lifted. I knew at that
moment I would never be bitter but strive to be better. I was not
a victim, but forever a survivor. With God’s love, a community’s
support, and a mother always by my side, I was able to persevere
and come out on top.
Prayer and forgiveness healed my heart, mind, and soul. I’m now
a domestic violence advocate and speaker. I share my story in
hope to save a life. I know what it’s like to be scared into silence.
I want everyone to realize silence is deadly!
Please call the hotline, create a safety plan, and take every threat
seriously. Th ere is life after abuse. A life full of love and happiness…
a life I have been blessed to have. If God brings you to it, He will
bring you through it, I promise.
My Storyby MELISSA DOHME
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