cover spread JAN 2010 12/16/09 2:48 PM Page 1

She
She Magazine
When someone you love needs emergency care... ...it’s a woman thing!

HAPPY NEW ( AND IMPROVED) YOU !

M A G A Z I N E

CH- CH- CH- CH- CHANGES - IT'S ABOUT TIME -

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JANUA RY 2010
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Volume 7 • Issue 11

Discover the Carolinas difference.

805 Pamplico Highway • Florence, South Carolina • (843) 674-5000 • www.carolinashospital.com

HAPPY NEW (AND IMPROVED) YOU!

Glossy 2 12/17/09 11:28 AM Page 1
Glossy 147 11/20/09 12:40 PM Page 1

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Glossy 4 12/17/09 11:16 AM Page 1
5 12/21/09 1:13 PM Page 1

Florence’s Only Certified Bariatrics Center

Florence Wellness
& Weight-loss Center
J. MARSHALL DENT, M.D.,
under the direction of
FLORENCE’S ONLY BARIATRIC PHYSICIAN
NOW OFFERING FULL & MODIFIED FAST AS WELL AS OTHER PROGRAMS TAILORED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

“ I’ve lost over 59 POUNDS!

Janice Huggins tells her story.
”
HER STORY... I was motivated to start a weight-loss program because I was tired of being tired and having
no energy. I wanted to feel better about myself. A co-worker had been on a weight-loss program at Florence
Wellness & Weight Loss Center for about two months, and she made it look simple. I decided to make an
appointment to see Dr. Dent, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
When I first talked to Dr. Dent, I told him about the problems I had losing weight. I could lose twen-
ty pounds easily; but, after that, the weight loss would just stop. Discouraged, I would give up and gain the
twenty pounds back. This was a continuous cycle.
I had been on a high dose of hormone therapy for several weeks when I started seeing Dr. Dent. He
talked to me about reducing the dose, and I immediately started crying. With the hormone therapy, I had
stopped having hot flashes and was able to sleep all night without waking up. He saw how upset I was, and
he immediately reassured me that he wouldn’t change anything until I was ready and agreed to it. He took
the time to explain to me, in detail, how balanced hormones affect the body and hinder weight loss. I trad-
ed in the oral hormones for a patch and began weaning myself to a lower and lower dose each time I
changed the patch. I was completely off the patch in a couple weeks.
At that time, Dr. Dent checked some labs and, of course, they were not in normal range. That day,
I started with a monthly injection. The first injection was a miracle in itself. I had so much energy, I
couldn’t stand it. I don’t mean an unnatural type of energy; it was the kind you have in your early 30s. I
could think clearer, and I had a smile that wouldn’t wipe off. I started walking on my treadmill and actual-
ly started running some. Before I knew it, I had dropped 40 pounds.
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I started out at 223.5 pounds on May 4th, 2009. By September, I was down to 165 pounds. I’ve
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And, you can do it, too. You’ll have all the support and motivation you need with this program.
Take the challenge and the chance. You have nothing to lose except your unwanted weight.

after
before

Top 10 reasons to choose

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1. The ONLY board certified bariatric physician in the Pee Dee
2. The ONLY certified Bariatric Center in the Pee Dee
3. The most cost effective program in the Pee Dee
4. Individual programs tailored to your needs and the flexibility to change programs
5. Thorough metabolic laboratory evaluation on every patient
6. The knowledge and experience to offer hormone balancing to enhance weight loss
7. Bonafide maintenance program once goal weight is obtained
8. Each patient seen by physician every visit
9. All inclusive plans (no hidden cost)
10. Flexible hours and late hours to better accommodate your schedule

Complete Women’s Health Care

See Dr. Dent’s article

J. Marshall Dent, M.D.

on pg. 106

Member of North American Menopausal Society • Member of American Bariatrics Physicians

410 South Coit Street • Florence • 665.5055

38 12/18/09 9:14 AM Page 1
Jeannie Funderburk with Dr. Michael Gibson.
In the summer of 2009, longtime Hartsville resident
Jeannie Funderburk went to her doctor with allergy symptoms.
But after a chest x-ray revealed a spot on her lung, Jeannie was
referred to Carolinas Hospital System (CHS).
After her case was thoroughly reviewed, the CHS Tumor
Board diagnosed Jeannie with Stage One Lung Cancer.
While the cancer diagnosis was certainly a shock, Jeannie was
comforted by the professionalism of the CHS team. “They
explained everything they were doing and why,” she stated.
“We were able to make really informed decisions.”
Fortunately, Jeannie was a perfect candidate for the VATS
(Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery) Lobectomy. Using
this advanced, less invasive procedure, Dr. Michael Gibson
successfully removed one lobe of the lung through a two inch
incision with the assistance of a camera. This is the same
technology used for laparoscopic gallbadder surgery. “It’s
good to know that we have this caliber program in Florence,”
Jeannie said.
DIAGNOSIS:
Lung Cancer
PROGNOSIS:
Recovering well and
spending quality time
with her husband.
After the surgery, she and her husband received the kind of
compassionate, thoughtful care that CHS is known for. “The
doctors are very knowledgeable, thorough and conscientious,”
she said. “Everyone took really good care of us.”
Today, Jeannie is feeling great and doing what she loves
most: spending quality time with her husband. She sums up
her experience perfectly: “My husband was by my side every
step of this journey. And thanks to the entire CHS team, I’m
going to be by his side for many more years to come.”
For more information on the VATS Lobectomy, please
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All the technology. All the heart. All the time.

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7 12/17/09 12:25 PM Page 1

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8 12/17/09 12:26 PM Page 1
9 12/21/09 12:45 PM Page 1

The Art of

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10 12/17/09 3:19 PM Page 1

Our Assisted Living

is a picture of the top of the line...where it feels like family and where you know your loved one

will be in the best care. We feature professional staff and the best living accommodations for

your family member. At PEE DEE GARDENS, your loved one is in the best of hands.

Call Shannon Berg & inquire about our friendly assisted living today!

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11 12/17/09 12:28 PM Page 1

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12 12/21/09 12:53 PM Page 1

She january ‘10

Happy New (And Improved) You!
in every issue
14 Letter from the Editor

16 She mail

28 In His Own Words

Robin Thompson

34 Shop Talk contributing writers

Eastern Carolina Medicine
22 Jumana A. Swindler
feature stories
36 The Sir-Vey Wouldn’t It Be Wonderful If...

41 The World According to 26 Marti Miller 76 Polly Jones

Holly Young Beaumier Exercising Futility
78 Billie Jo Pilotte
42-43 Women at Work 30 Cookie Cawthon
Toni McGiboney, RN, BSN Out of Africa 80 Courtney Sullivan

48 She’s Closet 32 Ferebe Gasque 82 Joan Shelley

A Time of New Beginnings
51 Chick Lit 84-85 Helan & Randy Ellis
Emily Phillips
38 Latrelle P. Fowler,
86 Bree Boyce
57 She Wants to Know RN, PhD, Life Coach
It’s About Time!
60 What Advertisers Say
88 Lesley Kirby, AuD
First Impressions 44 Anna K. Pitts
90 Brenda Jacobs
Say Yes to the Dress!
64 Wee She
92 Ashley Hanna
Emily Frances SantiAnna 52 Paige Self Thomas
Why You Love Me So
68 Fabulous Finds 94 Glenette Eaddy

70 Wings for the Spirit

67 Ouida K. Page, RN, LPC
96 Jessica McQuage
Out With the Old,
Sherry S. Page Atkinson In With the New!
98 Mary Lee
72 And She Cooks,Too!
114 Molly Symons Summerford Maxwell
100 Purse Strings Dive In to Being Fit:
Angela Polk At Any Age!

102 Chicks of the Month

The Pathology Service
Associates Billing Team
in Florence medical experts
108 Shero 62 Edward “Buddy” Scearce,
Karen Galloway Psy. D.
The Emotional Energy Crisis
110 There She Goes
112 What’s She Doing? 104 Krista M. Kozacki, MD
A New Year, A New You
116 Ask Dr. Avie
Avie J. Rainwater, III, PhD, ABPP 106 J. Marshall Dent, III, MD
Why Do I Gain Weight Every
118 Beauty Buzz Time I Eat?

120 Mary Unmarried 122 Dr. Maria Recio

Mary R. Dittman, MBA The Power to Prevent Stroke

128 Who’s That Girl?

Alexis Reid Johnson
13 12/21/09 11:38 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 13

She M e l ia
a Flowers Berry
Publisher/Editor Thanks To Our Past,
editor@shemagazine.com
Present, And
Tuesday Taylor Future
General Manager
Customers For
we are

Advertising & Graphic Design

tuesday@shemagazine.com
Keeping Us
Dresden Tucker Florence’s #1 Jeweler.
Graphic Design
dresden@shemagazine.com

Le ig
gh Clary Abdou
Production Manager
Advertising & Design
leigh@shemagazine.com

Heather Frick
Editorial Assistant / Advertising
hfrick@shemagazine.com
Quality Jewelers Since 1948
A sh l e y R o g e r s &+*& LZhi EVabZiid HigZZi ™ ;adgZcXZ ™ ++'"**'(
lll#_dcZh"hb^i]#Xdb
Graphic Design
ashley@shemagazine.com

Beverly Kelly - Executive Assistant

Ray Gasque - Distribution Manager ...Always Dancing and

Creating Performance
Jacob Tucker - Distribution Memories to last
a lifetime!

She mail RAISING THE STANDARD!

E m a i l t o : e d i t o r @shemagazine.com The Kelley’s Fine GYM
Art Extreme PIZZ
P A
Mail to: 609 North Main Street • Marion, SC 29571 Team performs JAN ARTY
. 29 TH
Raise It Up 6-9p
Call us: 843.423.2393 office line • 843.423.9837 fax line Open m
for the Festival f o r Gym
2 1/2 ages
of Trees 2009. hrs 2-12
pizza of gym
& dr t
inks ime

take us home Flying High Academy/KFA

is now enrolling for:
For a copy to be placed in your mailbox, send a check or money order
cheerleading, tumbling,
for $38 to the above address for a year's subscription. high school cheerleading
programs, private tumbling,
She Magazine is published monthly and distributed at over 500 locations throughout and all star cheerleading
for info call: 877-982-4337
the Pee Dee. She Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or con-
or 803-513-3755
tent we deem inappropriate for the publication. Editorial contributions are welcome

and will be considered by the editor. Please include name, address and contact

number (email editor@shemagazine.com). Letters to the Editor may require editing 629-0033 or 374-4KFA
due to space limitations. The design, editorial and photo content in She is copyright Florence • Lake City • Olanta
of She Magazine and may not be reproduced without written permission by the
publisher. She Magazine is a registered trademark.
“HOME OF THE KFA DANCE COMPANY”
14 12/21/09 12:34 PM Page 1
letter from the editor:
JANUARY 2010
To work out or not to work out? That’s the question
I’m struggling with as this lazy Sunday comes to an end. The exercise angel sitting on
my right shoulder says,“Yes, do it! You know you’ll feel better afterwards.” The enemy
on my left shoulder coaxes, “Ah, come on. You worked out three times this week.
That’s not so bad. Besides, think about how good this chair feels.” The lights are
down, candles are lit, and the glow from the Christmas tree adds to the tranquility of
the room. The odds are definitely stacked up against me moving from this chair.
I would like to say I’m one of those (very few) people who love to work out.
However, I’m not and the struggle taking place in my mind is one that plays out most
every day. Very rarely is it because I’m being a couch potato – or, as I am in this
moment, a chair potato. The opposite is usually the case. I’m busy! I get home from
work and rush to cook dinner, all the while doing laundry and tidying up around the
house. Then, most evenings, I go to check on my mother before rushing home to
change into my workout clothes. By then, I’m tired, and my elliptical machine begins
to look like a torture device. My heart desires to get a bath and snuggle up on the
sofa for the rest of the evening. And, as much as my mind and body do not want to
go 40 minutes on the elliptical, they know it’s what I need and they’ll both thank me
when it’s over.
The truth is; that elliptical machine is the best gift I ever gave myself. After
continued frustration over not being able to fit going to the gym into my crazy life, I
broke down and made the investment last January. That piece of equipment and I
have become quite close. Through sweat and struggle, I’ve worked off more stress and
worked out more problems than a shrink in a beauty parlor. All through the winter
months last year, I remained faithful and worked out from four to five nights per week.
Then, when summer rolled around, I began “wogging” (walking and jogging) until the her-
niated disk in my back decided it had enough of the pavement pounding. So, it was
“Hello, old friend, elliptical” once again.
Although I’m honest in saying I’m not a lover of the actual act of exercising, I do
love the way it makes me feel afterwards. I know that once I’m done, my energy soars,
I’m calm and the stress of the day lessens somewhere between minute five and “Yah!,
I’m done.” I aim for five nights per week but usually make it four and, occasionally, like
this week, only manage to fit in three. I’ve learned to accept that three workouts are
better than no workouts. An off-week, however, is not an excuse to take the month
off; it’s reason to try harder to fit that extra day in next week.
Honestly, I get scared when I start to slip because there was a long period in
my life, in the early years of She Magazine, when I cheated myself and my health by
Happy New
(and Improved) You!
not making exercise a priority. When I realized I had to start taking care of myself, I
slowly began to find ways to fit exercise back into my life. It hasn’t been easy, and I
have gone through phases of dedication and periods where I couldn’t find the time or
willpower. Thankfully, the hiatus was always short-lived as my body reminded me how
much better I felt when exercising, and that was motivation to get moving again.
Alas, as the New Year approaches, I have, again, begun to ask myself the ques-
tion that millions ask each year, “What can I do to improve the quality of my life?” As
someone who has always made Resolutions and broken most everyone I’ve ever
made, I’ve learned a few things about setting goals – at least those that follow the
phrase,“This year I will . . .” Instead, I choose to say,“This year, I will try to . . .” And,
to increase my chance of actually doing what I will try to do, I limit it to one or two
things instead of the list that is long enough to be mistaken for something that Santa
left behind. This year, I simply want to kick my Diet Pepsi addiction and add Pilates to
my workout routine (while keeping my relationship going strong with the elliptical).
What about you? If cultivating a healthier new and improved you is your
goal for 2010, you are in the right place. What provides more inspiration than learn-
ing about an actual person’s success? Nothing, I say. For this Annual Health and
Fitness Issue, HAPPY NEW (AND IMPROVED) YOU, we chose an eclectic bunch of
women who, through various means, have made lifestyle transformations. Some did it
the old-fashioned way and on their own; others sought the support, advice and
resources of weight loss and fitness professionals. All achieved success. Read their
stories and decide for yourself which route you think will work best for you. Or, you
may gain inspiration and come up with your own plan.
Beyond health and fitness goals, I have been burdened for some time with the
realization that I’m not utilizing the awesome resource I have in this magazine to help
others to the fullest. “. . .When someone has been given much, much will be required
in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be
required (Luke 12-48). With She Magazine, I have been entrusted with much and much
is expected of me in return. (I hear You Lord, and I'm working on it). My staff and I are
working to establish She CARES in which we will tap into She Magazine ability to
reach thousands to raise awareness of non-profit organizations within our area whose
purpose is to help the disadvantaged and numerous other important causes. If you
are working for the good of others and would like She to join your cause in 2010,
send an e-mail to editor@shemagazine.com with SheCARES in the subject.
I am very excited about the coming year! Just saying “2010” sounds
intriguing. I feel like a breath of fresh air has been breathed into She Magazine even
as we prepare to enter our eighth year. I have been blessed with a renewed sense of
excitement for my work, which has been a God-send. We have added two new
“IN EVERY ISSUE” features. “Mary Unmarried” by Mary R. Dittman, MBA, is proving to
be quite a provocative account of singledom. The first column was printed last month
and has already produced quite a bit of “She mail.” “ASK DR. AVIE,” authored by
Dr. Avie Rainwater, PhD, ABPP, debuts this month and gives our readers the opportu-
nity to write in anonymously with questions about relationships and men to get “a
man’s perspective on things women care about.” Looking ahead, in February,
Lisa Hudson, a local vocal talent will join our fabulous lineup of contributing writers
to bring us a look at a local artist each month.
Some time ago, a reader made the comment to me that She Magazine has
life, saying, “ She breathes.” That was one of the most touching things anyone has
ever said to me about She. I often think about that comment. And, believing that it
is true, “She breathes,” I realize that you – our readers – make it come alive. With your
letters and comments and interaction through the stories you share, She does
breathe! We really are a family – our Staff, our Readers, our Advertisers – we’re all
connected through this magazine.
It is my prayer, for each of you, that this New Year will bring you Health,
Happiness, Peace and Love. Like a pretty new journal filled with clean, crisp pages,
twelve new months lie ahead. I feel giddy at the thought of all that we can dream,
explore and create with each new issue. Ah, the possibilities!
Happy New Year! Enjoy this issue . . . It’s a woman thing!
Melia Flowers Berry
15 12/17/09 12:35 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 15

The King’s Academy

“Mind, Body, Spirit...Educating the Whole Student”

Do you have questions about

The King’s Academy?
Join us for "Getting to Know Us
Night" Thursday, January 28th
6:30 pm at the Fine Arts and
Athletic Facility.
4K-12th Grade Teachers will be
available to discuss curriculum,
spiritual life, fine arts and athletic
opportunities offered at
The King's Academy.
TKA is an independent,
Christ-centered 4K-12th grade
school offering Honors, College Prep and Dual-credit classes.
843.661.7464
1015 S. Ebenezer Rd. • Florence
Accredited by SCISA www.tkaflorence.com
(South Carolina Independent School Association)
Member of ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International)
TKA does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national or ethnic origin.
16 12/18/09 1:41 PM Page 1
Dear
SheMAIL
She,
I love what you do every month
with She Magazine! And, now I’m a
fan of “Mary Unmarried” – the new
feature by Mary Dittman. It’s hard
being single at our age, and I can
relate to what she says. I’m glad
you thought about us single ladies.
Sincerely,
Melissa Bartick Brown, Hartsville, SC
Dear She,
I love She Magazine! Is there anywhere in Robeson
County, North Carolina, that your wonderful maga-
zine is distributed? I like to read the personal stories
and look at the girly-girl advertisements. I’ve been to
several stores that were advertised in She Magazine
and made purchases.
Thanks,
Jennie Lee, Robeson County, NC
Dear She,
I enjoy the articles in She Magazine every month.
The story about Rebecca Smith in the November’s
“Remarkable Women” Issue was really good. I know
Rebecca personally, and she is a great person and a
good friend. I hope you will continue the good work
with She by printing stories about people we know.
Annie Goff, Florence, SC
Become Friends with us on Facebook!
{ Send an E-MAIL to editor@shemagazine.com
or MAIL us at 609 N. Main St., Marion, SC 29571}
Dear She,
I am a big fan of She Magazine! I love the layout and design.
It’s colorful and edgy, and the artwork on the front is always great.
The articles are so meaningful to women. And, because it features
locals, I think it fosters a great She community. The advertising is
applicable – things we want and things I didn’t even know were avail-
able. Plus, through She Magazine, I’ve found out about more special-
ty shops and items than I ever knew existed in this area.
I think She Magazine is a great platform for building aware-
ness of sensitive and important topics. I feel like I know She and her
Staff (as I’m sure most of your readers do). It’s like one of our
friends publishes it. But, even so, I’m still amazed and thankful that
we still get She Magazine for free!
Last – but surely not least – I believe
that you believe in what you are doing.
The entire tone of She – its articles and
ads – are connected, meaningful and, many
times, blessings. Thanks for the product
you all put out.
I’m a Sales/Marketing Manager for Coca-Cola, and I enjoy
selling it every day because I believe in it and know it’s a good prod-
uct. I imagine the same is true of the She Team. I envision good
friends, having great times and enjoying their work when I think of
what it must be like at the She office.
Blessings to You All and Happy, Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Nicole Cribbs, Florence, SC
Dear She,
My husband and I really enjoy
She Magazine. The articles and pic-
tures are great! We scurry around each
month just to find one; they disappear quickly. I like
being informed about not only Florence but sur-
rounding towns, as well. Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Judy Port, Florence, SC
17 12/21/09 10:17 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 17

The Earring Lady

• These earrings are hand crafted in
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18 12/21/09 12:04 PM Page 1
JAN 2010
In Every Issue
Contributors
1. J. Marshall Dent, MD is Board Certified in Family Practice & Obstetrics and
Gynecology and also holds an Advanced Certification in Menopausal Medicine. He can
be contacted at Complete Women’s Health Care in Florence. This month, in keeping
with the health and fitness theme, Dr. Dent explains how insulin resistance leads to
weight gain.
2. Avie J. Rainwater, III, Ph.D., ABPP This month, She Magazine is happy to
bring to our readers the debut of ASK DR. AVIE - A MAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON
THINGS WOMEN CARE ABOUT. A Senior Partner of LifeCare Psychology Group,
LLC, Dr. Avie J. Rainwater is the only Triple-Boarded Psychologist in SC, holding
Specialty Certification in Clinical Psychology and Sub-Specialty Designations in both
Biofeedback and Pain Management. He and his wife of 31 years, Karen, have three
children together. Chelsea, Seth and Josh.
3. Marti Miller lives and writes in Marion, SC. She cherishes her children,
loves one man, tolerates the pets and thanks God every day for the many
blessings bestowed by faith. And she has an overpowering urge
to bake chocolate chip cookies right now.
4. Ouida K Page is a Licensed Professional and National Board Certified Counselor
with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and is a member of the International Honor Society
of Nursing. She specializes in families and issues relating to children, adolescents and
women of all ages.
5. Cookie Cawthon is wild about her family. She totally digs serving as a
greeter at NewSpring Church every week, and she flat out loves reading, writing,
speaking, teaching, and blogging www.cookiecawthon.com.
6. Jumana Swindler is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for
McLeod Health. Her personal favorite pastimes, reflected in her writings, are RV'ing,
movies,Theater, fishing, reading and spending time with her son and family.
7. Ferebe Gasque is looking forward to the opportunities that 2010 will bring.
She loves her work at McLeod Hospice House, selling Pampered Chef Kitchen tools,
and writing for She Magazine. Friends and fans can reach her at ferebe.she@earth-
link.net.
8. Sherry Page Atkinson lives in Marion with her husband, Jimmy. This
month in Wings for the Spirit, she asks the question, “Will This Be The Year?”
9. Anna Pitts lives in Florence, SC. She is currently pursuing her career as a School Library
Media Specialist and loving every minute of the journey! This month, Anna continues to write
about her upcoming wedding and fitting into her dream dress.
10. Paige Self Thomas lives in Florence with her husband, Joey, and two Sheltie chil-
dren,Timmy and Buddy. Together, Paige and Joey have seven grown children. She works
part-time as Business Administrator for the Francis Marion University Center for the Child
and is a Licensed Realtor with Prudential Segars in Florence.
11. Mary Dittman, MBA, is an Instructor of Marketing and Director of the
Internship Program in the School of Business at Francis Marion University. She con-
sults for a variety of local and regional companies and is actively involved in the
Florence community. Her new column “Mary Unmarried” is catching on quite quickly.
12.
13. 13 14 15
16 17 18.
2.
1.
5
3 4
8
6 7
9 10 11
In This Issue
12. Robin Thompson lets us know what men think about the topic of weight loss
in N HIS OWN WORDS this month as he talks about his own experience. A lifelong
resident of Florence, Robin is the Director of Music & Organist at Main Street United
Methodist Church of Dillon.He is a graduate of Francis Marion University & Coker
College. Robin sings with the Masterworks Choir and has served as Musical Director
and Accompanist for over 50 productions at the Florence Little Theatre. He is current-
ly directing the music & playing piano for The Fantasticks, the musical which will open at
FLT on January 15, directed by Scarlett Knight.
13. Angela Polk This month’s author of PURSE STRINGS, works in Florence
Office of WebsterRogers, LLP, and is a Manager for Wealth Management and Tax
Services. She also provides ProSystem Support. She obtained her Undergraduate
Degree from Francis Marion University and her Master’s Degree in Accountancy
from the University of South Carolina.
14. Donna Squires is a skin care specialist at Dr. David Chapman’s office in
Florence, where she lives with her husband Jay and daughter Kelsey. Donna answers
this month's Beauty Buzz Question which relates to keeping skin healthy and mois-
turized in the winter.
15. Latrelle Fowler, RN,PhD and Life Coach, lives in Florence with her
husband, Tony. For this issue, we asked Latrelle to tackle the issue of TIME. In her
article,What Is the BIGGEST TIME-WASTER in Your Life, And What Will You do
About It This Year?, she offers advice on making the most of your time in New Year.
16. Edward Scearce, Psy.D., also known as “Buddy” is a Licensed Psychologist
practicing in Florence. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, marriage, and
family issues and chronic pain. Dr. Scearce joined LifeCare Psychology Group in 2009
after moving to Florence with his family. He enjoys family time, college football and
reading.
17 Krista M. Kozacki, MD is Board Certified in Family Medicine. She is affil-
iated with Florence Health Care, PA, and is a member of the medical staff at
Carolinas Hospital System. Her article, New Year, New - Healthy Weight Loss
Resolutions can you help cut through the fads and get real results.
18. Molly Symons shares her experience of fitness through swimming and
winning two gold medals in the Senior Olympics while doing so.
Artist Spotlight
19. Collin Smith is repsonsible for the fabulous “after”
shots for the women in this month’s feature stories. A portrait
and wedding photographer based out of Florence, Collin
launched the $100 Portrait Project that donates 50% of its rev-
enue to the Children’s Miracle Network & stays in the
Florence area. He is also the man behind the creative photos
in the CYNTHIA ads. cmsmithportraits.com
19 12/17/09 3:20 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 19

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22 12/21/09 10:00 AM Page 1
J ust when I felt comfortable writing "2009" on all my correspondences
or checks, it's apparently time to change the date to 2010.
Now don’t get me wrong. Being around for this new decade is certain-
ly better than the alternative. And besides, I do love the number Ten. My old college
sweetie had that number on his intramural baseball jersey. He wasn't really a good athlete,
but he was a great sport. (And forget any ideas of matchmaking out there; he's a happi-
ly married investment banker up north now. It never would have worked anyway. I hate
dealing with math figures and I love the south. He travels to Europe once a year and I
rather enjoy RV roving around the country when I get a chance. It would have been a
big disconnect, except for the fact that we both love to eat. Once, he ordered a His and
Her Steak Dinner special just for himself.)
At any rate, it's a New Year, and whole new decade in the new millennium.That
means lots of opportunities to make changes and get things better than ever. So I would
like us all to consider at least ten new ventures as part of 2010 to wish for and try to
be a part of as we improve ourselves and the world around us.
Wouldn't it be wonderful …..
Number 1 … if this year, we could all AFFORD to buy the car of our dreams,
(a convertible BMW in my case) and it wouldn’t wear out, require gas, repairs or any
attention, except what you give it behind the wheel or the stares it may bring you while
you drive it around friends.
Number 2 … if carrots were made this year to taste like chocolate, bacon or butter
pecan ice cream flavors. And, better yet , says Erin Faile, my Weight Watcher partner,
"What if they could make chocolate taste like carrots - - so we wouldn’t crave it as
much!"
Number 3 … if people in Florence actually stopped at red lights instead of pretending
they are yellow and proceed driving straight through them at local intersections.
Number 4 … if The Lifetime Movie Channel never aired reruns or commercials. And,
just how many times are they going to show "The Notebook" or "The Woman Next
Door" this year?
Jumana A. Swindler, a resident of Florence, is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for McLeod Health.
Her personal favorite pastimes, reflected in her writings, are RV'ing, movies,Theater, fishing, reading and spending time with her son and family.
Wouldn’t
It Be
Wonderful
If...
Sincerely Yours, Jumana A. Swindler
Number 5 … if it did not rain on
the very same afternoon that you retrieve your
pooch from the groomer. (This, for me, is every Friday.)
Despite sunny skies everywhere else in the Great Pee Dee Region,
there is always a sudden torrential shower or downpour overhead just at the pick-up
time and place when my dog is clean and freshened up.And, when it's not raining,Vegas,
my pup, skillfully romps through the very part of the yard where there happens to be
one puddle, no matter how big the surrounding acreage is.
Number 6 … if the nation and president quit bickering about all the political stuff going
on in Washington and just got down to the basics of what we all need and want. If they
would pass one bill that essentially fits the criteria for everyone's work and school
schedule. Congress, since it seems responsible for everything in our lives lately, should
make it mandatory that we all have a three day weekend - one to do all the stuff needed
around the house, one day to play and one day to worship. Choose the order that you
prefer.
Number 7 … if there was a side road set apart for fearful and cowardly navigators like
me, so you would never have to drive down I-95 to get anywhere.
Number 8 … if money actually did grow on trees, the way your mother said you
thought when you were a kid.
Number 9 … if smart manufacturers could make dress shoes that are as comfortable
as tennis shoes or flip flops for both men and women and pantyhose that always fit and
never run.
Number 10 … And on a serious note, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could really eradicate
disease, eliminate poverty, preserve the dignity of all life and create a climate of
compassion and respect for each other around the world.
Number 10 and One-Half. And wouldn’t it be wonderful if number 10 could really be
achieved in 2010 or one day soon.
Happy New Year to All Our Readers.
John 6:35
23 12/18/09 9:12 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 23

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24-25 12/21/09 12:14 PM Page 1

Let Old Man Winter

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26 12/21/09 9:39 AM Page 1
Exercising Futility:
Letting WHAT IF Run You Ragged
Ah, the sweet and wonderful smell of a freshly baked loaf of
New Year being pulled from the calendar oven! Is there any better scent in this world?
Well, maybe.There’s always some healthy competition from bathed and powdered baby
and brand new car interior (okay, or truck) and ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies
cooling on a tray. Nothing scents up a room like the first page of a new year though. It
brings with it freshly-picked resolutions and clean slates galore. But wait…
• WHAT IF this New Year brings the scent of troubles anew?
• WHAT IF I can’t lose those holiday pound cakes hanging off my inner thighs?
• WHAT IF there’s too much month left at the end of my money when the Christmas
bills arrive?
• WHAT IF this new love I cherish beyond words disappears as quickly as it arrived
because the doubting words won’t stop spewing from my mouth?
• WHAT IF my son does not return from Afghanistan? WHAT IF he returns
broken? WHAT IF he returns changed and angry?
• WHAT IF I can’t keep up with the aerobics class after
a self-destructive one month break? WHAT IF I have a
heart attack trying?
• WHAT IF my friends forget about me because it’s winter
and the pool water’s too cold (and leafy)?
• WHAT IF those two great people
decide not to be one anymore?
• WHAT IF my daughter doesn’t call at
the anticipated time?
• WHAT IF I burn the grits? WHAT IF
they’re lumpy? WHAT IF I can’t ever be
southern enough to fit in here? WHAT IF I
never know for sure what grits are?
• WHAT IF I lose my ability to find the
humor in anything because I’m so dog-
gone determined to worry about every little
(and big) WHAT IF that pops into my sorry brain? •
WHAT IF I continue to live on my feelings instead
of my faith?
• WHAT IF God tires of my seeming inability to let
go of this futile WHAT IF exercising?
It’s simply exhausting, this WHAT IF list seems to get
longer each day. Try living inside my tiny little mind for a day or
two…please…I’m so tired of me I could sleep for weeks. If only I
could shut off that annoying, gnat-like WHAT IF tape playing in my
head.
As I attempt to attack this month’s topic, I am so focused on
the WHAT IF exercises regarding my son (he deploys January 8th to
Afghanistan – prayers are appreciated) and my new love life (next
month’s topic) and my friends’ lives (both northern and southern) that
I am too tired to go to aerobics class – the place where endorphins are
released and peace descends for at least a few brief, breath-catching,
sweaty moments. I missed the ENTIRE month of December. Let’s not even
discuss the upper arm flapping. Let’s just say that the breezes created when
I raise my arm to point or wave or reach out for something could cool off a
hot pastrami sandwich in a heartbeat.
by Marti Miller
Worry has been a relatively constant companion of mine for a very long time
(yes, I’m way old enough to make that statement).When I took a biblical self-confronta-
tion class (several times…I’m a slow study) and learned that it is a sin to fear and worry,
it caused me to feel incredibly guilty as I continued to worry (slow learner, remember?)
but decided to call it concern instead. It was still worry. I just renamed it so it wouldn’t
sound so ugly.When we allow fear and worry and WHAT IF thinking to cloud our faith,
we do not give our Father his due.
And then, as God would have it, something wonderful happened just in the nick
(my son’s name, by the way) of time, to allow me the grace to move away from exer-
cising futility and running myself ragged.A friend who knew the struggle I was facing with
the news about my son’s deployment and the “concern” over possible relationship
cracks, copied a Journey devotion page for me. It was entitled “What If Vs. Who Is”.
Basically, it cautioned the reader to let go of WHAT IF thinking and remember who God
is and what He can do. He is in charge.When we exercise the “WHAT IF”, we place our-
selves in the driver’s seat. We rob today of its joy by worrying about
tomorrow or yesterday. God expects more of his children. He expects
us to trust Him. Because it spoke so clearly to me, I shared it
with the aerobics group at our Christmas party (nope, I
didn’t miss THAT event – cranberry eggnog cheesecake –
hello?). Evidently, I’m not the only one who lets WHAT IF
thinking rule her life sometimes. Everybody wanted a copy.
So that one shared page had a lovely ripple
effect. God showed who He is through a
friend’s kind gesture.
The relationship cracks got fixed
because we chose to look at our “concerns”
through the filter of faith instead of listen-
ing only to the white noise of WHAT IF.
God is who He says He is, if we just
believe - and communicate biblically
rather than emotionally. Or maybe we fought just
so we could make up? Isn’t that a song? Yes and what
beautiful music it makes...and the older I get the more I
wander off the topic. Plus, I tried to write a note with my
car keys last month. Sorry.Too much information?
But here’s the troublesome undercurrent of exercising
the futility of “WHAT IF”. It keeps coming at us. Even
after grasping the reality of who is in charge, I slip back
to WHAT IF thinking every day. Perhaps it is in this exer-
cise that we have the chance to strengthen our faith muscles over
and over again? I surely hope so. Meanwhile, I will seek the following
verses for continued fuel: Romans 8:28, Matthew 6:33-34, I John 4:18,
Philippians 4:6-9.Worry never illuminates anything. It only shadows our
joy. May this year bring more joy than worry, more prayer than pain, and,
please Lord, more love than loss.
Marti Miller lives and writes in Marion, SC. She cherishes her children,
loves one man, tolerates the pets and thanks God every day for the
many blessings bestowed by faith. And she has an overpowering urge
to bake chocolate chip cookies right now.
27 12/17/09 12:51 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 27

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28 12/18/09 12:27 PM Page 1
IN his OWN WORDS
MY WEIGHT
My weight has been an issue for me since my teenage years. Now, as an adult
and a musician, most of my time is spent seated at a piano or desk with very little phys-
ical activity. I also eat many meals later in the evening after rehearsals. Therefore, my
weight rose gradually over time. I don’t think that people has allowed my weight to
influence their opinion of me adversely; I’m simply seen as “the overweight musician.” I
can remember, however, being hurt when a good friend asked me once if I had always
been “plump.” What a horrible word to describe a person!
My heaviest weight was when I graduated from Coker College in 1991 – 290 pounds.
When I first started my job at Main Street in Dillon, I lost down to 225. But, the weight
slowly crept back. And, in about two years’ time, I was back up to 265 pounds, where
I stayed until the beginning of 2007.
In the summer of 2006, I was attending the United Methodist Annual
Conference at Wofford College. I was so short of breath from walking up and down
the hills and stairs; I had no energy at all. After climbing a particularly steep set of
steps, I experienced sharp pains in my arm. I was afraid that I was having heart prob-
lems. When I got back to Florence, I saw my doctor and had a stress test. Fortunately,
I passed and no severe problem was diagnosed. Needless to say, the situation got my
attention. I was on blood pressure medication and my cholesterol count was rising.
Quickly approaching my 47th birthday, I knew I had to take control of my health and
make some changes.
I didn’t want to say I was going on a diet for fear that I would fail. I began to
watch how much food I was eating, and I started reducing that amount little by little.
By the end of 2006, I had lost down to 250 pounds. At the beginning of 2007, I began
weighing myself each morning. I tried not to eat between meals, and I eliminated second
and third portions. By the summer of 2007, I was down to 225 pounds. I joined McLeod
Health and Fitness Center and started walking and working out with the FitLinxx
machines two to four times a week. By the end of 2007, I was down to 210 pounds.
2008 was quite a year! I finally reached one of my goals, which was to weigh
Robin Thompson, a lifelong resident of Florence, is the Director of Music and Organist at Main Street United Methodist Church of Dillon, a position he has held since 1991. Robin is a graduate of
Francis Marion University and Coker College. An active local musician, Robin sings with the Masterworks Choir and has served as Musical Director and Accompanist for over 50 productions at the
Florence Little Theatre. He is currently directing the music and playing piano for The Fantasticks, the musical which will open at FLT on January 15, directed by Scarlett Knight.
“While controlling
weight can be one
of the most difficult
issues a person
faces, I feel it’s
even more difficult
for women
than men.”
ROBIN
THOMPSON
feeling Fantastick
less than 200 pounds. When I attended my 30th Class Reunion in July, I weighed 185
pounds – the exact same amount I weighed when I graduated from West Florence High
School in 1978. I have fluctuated between 190 and 195 since then, but my loss from
265 to 195 gives me a total loss of about 70 pounds.
My main goal is to stay between 185 and 190, so I’ve almost met my goal. The
biggest challenge is to maintain the weight loss. Thankfully, I met this challenge for all
of 2009. The most difficult thing about my weight loss journey is the fact that I love
good food, and I enjoy eating. I will never be a salad or broccoli eater. Therefore, to
maintain my desired weight, I must learn moderation in what I do eat and keep work-
ing with my exercise program.
Taking control of my weight has given me more energy to do the things I love
to do – play for the musicals at Florence Little Theater and singing. I can also go on
trips and walk and not feel like an old man. Another good thing about losing the weight
is I don’t mind looking in mirrors or at pictures of myself anymore. And, I thoroughly enjoy
buying clothes again. However, the best thing about my accomplishment is that I feel good
about my health. I enjoy my life and hope to have many, many more good years.
While controlling weight can be one of the most difficult issues a person faces,
I feel it’s even more difficult for women than men. Women are more aware of being
overweight and are more adversely affected because society is less accepting of over-
weight women. Men are “big guys,” but women are “fat.” That attitude isn’t fair. The
show I’m preparing for right now, The Fantasticks, is about a young girl and young boy
maturing and learning “the ways of the world” in an effort to find happiness. As the young
couple learns, there are many important issues that people must face. And, although I
hope that a person's happiness is not controlled by his or her size, if controlling your
weight can make you happier, then make every effort to be the size you would like to be.
My encouragement to others faced with being overweight is this: just make
a start and try. There will be times when you fail and have to begin again, but don’t
stop. Slow progress is the best progress. If I can control my weight, you can, too.
29 12/21/09 12:08 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 29

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30 12/18/09 11:10 AM Page 1
O kay, I don’t do well with endings. I don’t prefer
them. They generally make me sad. I’m not a huge fan of beginnings
either. They tend to be difficult. So the close of one year and the start
of another isn’t really my favorite time of year.
2009 may well have been one of the most eventful years of my life, and it
sped by faster than any other for sure. Certainly the highlight was my trip to Kenya
in November. I still can’t stop talking about it, much to the dismay of those who have
to listen to me on a regular basis (thank you for your patience, guys!). True to form,
I had a difficult time during the first two days of the trip; beginnings are hard. I missed
home. I missed my family. I missed the comforts of my life. I was sleep-deprived
and missed my Diet Pepsi. I remember sitting at dinner
on the second night, clenching my jaw - working dili-
gently to dam tears. After eight hours of sleep and a hot “ ‘Cause my greatest
Diet Coke with my breakfast the next morning, I loved
every minute of the trip. Then. We came home, and
fear is that over the
though I was beyond grateful and excited to be home course of time my
with my kiddos and my man, the end of that experience
has made me quite sad.
eyes will forget what
While in Kenya, one of our group’s goals was they have seen and my
to work alongside the people of the Segera area as they
pursue solutions to their community’s needs: clean
heart will forget what
water, improved hygiene and personal care, and higher it feels and I will be
quality education. They determined the greatest needs,
prioritized them, established a plan for addressing the
unchanged in the end.”
problems, and then set out about the work. We brought
manpower and resources, in Jesus’ name, to join them in their efforts. There’s a big
fat reason we didn’t go in with our own plan and agenda, and it’s called sustainable
change. The long term goal is that the locals will own the process for change and
will continue to move forward to better their quality of life. Even when teams and
resources are no longer visiting the area. That principle so resonated with me.
So, I came home and found myself caught between two worlds. What I had
seen and felt and cherished about that place and those people didn’t at all fit into my
life here. My experience there was not a nice little puzzle piece that I picked up in
Africa and fit cutely back in my life in America. I am still wrangling with how to be
different. I feel differently. I see differently. Now how do I live differently? ‘Cause
my greatest fear is that over the course of time my eyes will forget what they have
seen and my heart will forget what it feels and I will be unchanged in the end.
Sustainable change. How does that happen? When the memories are no
longer as fresh as they are right now. When I am back in the saddle and moving
smoothly through the well-oiled routine again, how can I ensure that the change
sticks?
Many of you may be pondering the same question in a different context. There’s
probably some change that you are claiming as your New Year’s resolution – even if you
Cookie Cawthon shares much more than you care to read about her trip to Kenya
and other randomness about her life on her blog at www.cookiecawthon.com.
by Cookie Cawthon
vowed not to tell anyone what it is. The hope and promise of a new year gets us all.
In January 2007, I made a commitment to lose weight and seriously live a
healthy lifestyle. Through the help of First Place, I lost twenty-five pounds, exercised on
a regular and consistent basis, and took the best care of myself I ever have. I ran a
half marathon in February of 2008 and wrote about that year of transformation in
the March issue of SHE – before I became a contributing writer.
People who read that article continue to ask if I still run. The answer is a
little greyer than it used to be. ‘Cause I don’t run as consistently or as often as I
once did. I have kept most of the weight off, but I have gained some back, and I sure
do like to dabble in some unhealthiness more than I should.
Did sustainable change happen in my life? I think
the verdict is still out on that one. I am different. I
have changed, but I am now looking at the place where
I do what it takes to move towards my goals again or
I throw it all to the wind and rush headlong back to
the place I have no desire to revisit.
Sustainable change. How does that happen? It
happens when we own the process for change and
continue to move towards a better quality of life –
against all the odds. It happens when we educate our-
selves and then act on our knowledge. It happens
when we invite accountability and when we disallow
excuses. It happens when we live day to day – cele-
brating the good days without permitting the bad ones
to sabotage the whole process. We acknowledge that
this is hard, that it feels hopeless, that the journey makes us crabby and ill, and that
we want to give up, and then we fight harder to be true to what is at work within
us. It happens when we prioritize, make a plan, and set out about the work. It hap-
pens when we are strong. It happens when we choose what is best over what is
good.
So. Here goes. I invite your accountability on my two areas of change. If you
see me out and about, you are free to ask me how I am living differently because of
Africa (though you will then be obli-
gated to listen to me ramble on end-
lessly) and you may ask if I am running
on a consistent basis. You are not,
however, free to ask how much I
weigh because I may punch you
[sweet smile with head tilt].
Sustainable change.
Make it happen.
31 12/17/09 12:57 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 31

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32 12/17/09 4:01 PM Page 1

a time of

by Ferebe Gasque
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied,
'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'
first time in the Trauma Unit at MUSC, he died the final time. When my aunt (my dad’s
maiden sister) was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease, my mother once again became
those things for her sister-in-law. So, to take care of my mother was an honor for me.
Having studied classes in grief and counseling both in college and seminary and
being a Board Certified Music Therapist working at Hospice House, I thought I knew
how my life would change. I could not have been more wrong. Grief is a strange ani-

I first heard this quote many years ago from the pulpit of First Baptist Church,
Florence, as Dr. Edward L. Byrd preached his New Year’s sermon. I don’t
remember much else about the sermon today; but that quote has stayed with
me through the years. In fact, I once saw it in a church bulletin in some other city,
cut it out, and taped it to the inside cover of my Bible. I learned later that it was from
a then-obscure poem, written in 1908, quoted by King George VI in his Christmas
speech in 1939. It is just as true today as it was on the brink of World War II.
mal. It runs its course at its pace in its own way with each circumstance. Sure, there
are predictable stages. However, the order of the stages and the length of each stage
are in a to-be-determined category.
So, February 1, 2008, began my search for my “new normal.” Thankfully, my
faith and trust in God’s control started long before that day. I knew beyond a shadow
of a doubt that He had placed me at Hospice House in His time. I knew He had placed
Christian friends and co-workers around me to support me and pray for me and cry
January is traditionally a time of new beginnings. While January 1 is just anoth- with me. I knew He had me securely in the palm of His hand. But, it still wasn’t easy.
er day, sometimes we need that extra push to “begin again.” This issue of She Magazine During the next eighteen months, I continued to struggle with God’s leadership and
is on lifestyle changes. Some of those changes are by choice. Losing weight, stopping direction in my life. I knew He was there. I knew He had plans for me. I knew He was
smoking, changing less-than-desirable habits, starting new projects, and other similar res- still in control. But, I was also reminded that when we are seeking God’s best in our
olutions are typically by choice. There are other lifestyle changes, however, that are lives, Satan is not a happy camper. So, there were days when my security was a little
unplanned and often unwelcomed. How we act and react during those changes wobbly. I still knew deep down… but, sometimes it was WAY deep down.
(whether or not by choice) speaks volumes to those around us. But, I’ve learned that This past summer, I felt God’s movement in my life. I didn’t know where nor
my actions and reactions speak most loudly to me. how He was leading. But, I knew something was going on. I loved my job. I had been
As many of you know, these last two years have been a time of transition in my a Service Coordinator for Florence County Disabilities and Special Needs Board for five
life. For more than four years before my mother years. Granted, I loved the hands-on advocacy and meeting the needs of those I served
went to Heaven, I spent every night at her house, much more than I enjoyed the paperwork.
taking care of her needs. For me, it was a labor But, I loved my job. Additionally, I knew that I needed the job
of love. But, trust me, there were times when it and the benefits. After all, as a single woman, I had no
was also a labor of commitment. I will be the other source of income than that which I brought to
first to admit that I am human the table. However, in August, I felt God’s strong
and I get tired. But, I will also leadership to resign. I knew, again, that He knew best.
tell you that I watched my And, He did. There was yet another period of grief
mother take care of others in my life after leaving that position. And, I contin-
without complaint. When ue to miss the people I served so very much.
my dad’s mother broke her As I stood at that crossroads, I admitted to
hip, my mother stayed with God that I could no longer hold on. He
her every weekday for seven would have to hold on to me. He has con-
years so my aunt (who lived tinued to do so. He has provided for me
with her) could go to through my continued work at McLeod
work. In 1973, Momma Hospice House, through my
and Daddy were in a Pampered Chef business, and
near-fatal automobile through little surprises every now
accident which left Daddy and then that only He could have
in Medical University for orchestrated.
months and then at home in a So, as I begin this new year with
body cast for a year. In 1978, he my hand securely in His hands, I
developed ALS (Lou Gehrig disease). know that He will never let go. He
Though it is well known now, ALS was never promised it would be easy.
rare at that time. She never left his But, He did promise that He would
side. She was his nurse, his chauffeur, be there… always, no matter what.
his banker, his maid, and his source of
strength. Seven years after dying the

Ferebe Gasque is looking forward to the new

adventures of this new year in her continued search
for her "new normal" -- whatever that may be.
33 12/17/09 1:33 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 33

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shop
talk Pictured Top: (left to right) Bottom row: Alexus Lee, Alison Jordan, Kay Collins, Sandra Feagin
Second row: Dr. Dipali Patel (Intern),Teresa Evans,Wanda Coates, Ashton Lowman
Top row: Alfred Mitchell, Dr. Stephen Tuel, Dr. Joseph Carter

Eastern Carolina Medicine

with Dr. Joseph Carter
from The University of South Carolina • The Clinical Experience: Thin, solid, sterile stainless steel
School of Medicine in 1987. He acupuncture needles are inserted into acupuncture points.
became a Diplomat of the National Insertion of the needles goes unnoticed by some patients,
Board of Medical Examiners in 1988 while others feel a small pinch followed by a sensation of
and Board Certified in Anesthesiology tingling, numbness, ache, traveling warmth or heaviness.
in 1992. Needles remain in place for 15 to 40 minutes, during which
• Dr. Dipali Patel (Intern) has been an time most patients experience a sense of profound relax-
Intern under Dr. Carter since October ation. Acupuncture is most commonly known for its ben-
Dr. Stephen Tuel, Dr. Joseph Carter, Dr. Dipali Patel (Intern) and recently completed her residency efits as they apply to the following musculoskeletal and
in Chiropractic Medicine at Logan neurological conditions:
College of St. Louis. She also studied under Dr. Carter at • Arthritis • Neurogenic Pain • Neck
ABOUT US: Eastern Carolina Medicine serves the National University of Health Sciences for Acupuncture.
(rheumatoid, • Bell’s Palsy • Fibromyalgia
Greater Florence and Pee Dee region with a variety of • Alfred Mitchell works directly with our patients concen-
non-invasive treatments and procedures based on long- trating on Myofascial Release and Increased Range of Motion. degenerative and • Sciatica • Shingles
standing principles of Alternative Medicine Acupuncture • Teresa has worked with Dr. Carter for 16 years as osteoarthritis) • Bursitis • Headache
and Chiropractic Treatment. Pain Management is our spe- Administrative Assistant. As Senior Ranking Associate, she • Neuralgia • Spinal Stenosis • Tendonitis
cialty. Eastern Carolina Medicine was established in 2002. handles all day-to-day office functions. • Infertility • Carpal Tunnel • Herniated Disc
• Sandra is the Receptionist for Dr. Carter. She schedules • Back Pain • Syndrome Stiff • Trigeminal
OUR STAFF: Our Doctors and Office Staff are here to appointments for Chiropractic and Acupuncture, as well as Patients typically feel some relief from their symptoms two
make your visit a pleasant experience. all referrals for Dr. Carter’s patients. to four weeks after treatment begins.
• Dr. Carter attended East Tennessee State University and • Alexus has a myriad of responsibilities in our office. She • Cervical and Lumbar Epidural Injections: To help relieve
Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Missouri. He holds handles all aspects of patient billing, electronic claim filing, pain, medication is injected into the epidural space. This
a Bachelor of Science Degree in Science and Human personal injury cases and worker’s compensation claims. In space surrounds the dura within the spinal canal. During
Anatomy. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic addition to those duties, Alexus is our LPN, Nerve this procedure, medication is injected near a specific nerve
Degree from Logan College in 1979. He also holds a Conduction Technician and is CPR Certified. root (the part of the nerve that leaves the spinal canal). A
Certificate in Impairment Rating from National College in • Alison is our newest addition to the insurance department, nerve block can help your doctor find out which nerve or
Chicago and Logan College in St. Louis. He has served working as our Patient Account Representative. She is nerves are the source of your pain.
three times as Vice President of the South Carolina responsible for electronic claim filing, patient billing and per- • Trigger Point Injection: A trigger point is a tight, painful
Chiropractic Association. Dr. Carter is the first chiroprac- sonal injury cases. She has been cross-trained in front desk “knot” of muscle fiber. It can form where a muscle is
tor in South Carolina to be given permission to practice duties, as well as assisting Dr. Carter when needed. strained or injured. The knot can sometimes be felt under
Acupuncture by the South Carolina Board of Medical • Ashton is the Receptionist for Dr.Tuel and Dr. Honaker. She the skin. A trigger point is very tender to the touch. Pain
Examiners. He is on the Post-Graduate Faculty of Logan schedules appointments, handles referrals and works direct- may also spread to other parts of the affected muscle.
College and the National University of Health Science in ly with the patients. Muscles around a knee, shoulder blade or other bones are
Chicago. Dr. Carter has been in practice for 30 years. • Wanda and Kay are the Chiropractic Assistants that work prone to trigger points. This is because these muscles are
• Dr. Stephen Tuel joined the practice in 2006 and added directly with Dr. Carter. Wanda also assists with physical more likely to be injured.
Physiatric Care for our patients. Dr.Tuel graduated from the therapy patients and proudly represents our office at local • Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conductions
University of Texas in 1980 with a Master’s Degree in job fairs. Studies (NCS): These are tests that measure muscle and
Biomedical Engineering and in 1983 with an M.D. Dr. Tuel nerve function. During a NCS, mild electrical currents are
treats pain and disability from neuromuscular trauma, includ- WHAT WE OFFER: With three doctors and a trained applied to the skin on some parts of your body. This is
ing injuries to the head, neck and back. He specializes in the support staff of Nurses, Clinicians and Administrative done to see how quickly impulses travel between nerves.
diagnosis and treatment of trigger points, which are very Personnel, we can provide the best possible alternative care An EMG assesses muscle function. A fine needle is placed
painful spots in the muscles, and musculo-ligamentous strain in the region. under your skin into the muscle being tested. No electrical
in the neck and back. In his experience, most pain in the • Acupuncture is an ancient, non-medical technique used to currents are applied with the needle.
head, neck and back can be treated successfully without sur- treat and relieve chronic pain. It is the oldest natural-healing
gery or narcotic drugs. method known to man. For more than 2000 years,Asian cul- FIND US: Eastern Carolina Medicine is located at 3124
• Dr. Patrick Honaker joined the practice in 2007 and added tures have depended upon the skilled application of South Cashua Drive in Florence. We can be reached by
Anesthesiology Care for our patients. Dr. Honaker graduat- Acupuncture as treatment and a preventative for a variety of telephone at 843-665-2600 or 843-665-7500. Call today
ed from the University of South Carolina in 1983 with a conditions, as well as a means of enhancing recuperative for an appointment, and see how we can improve your
Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, and he received his M.D. power and immunity. quality of life.
35 12/18/09 11:37 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 35

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36 12/18/09 12:28 PM Page 1

In what area of your

life do you need the
most growth, and what
will you do about it in
the New Year?

1 Walt Peterson - Hartsville

“I need more growth and knowledge concerning today’s
technology like Twitter and Facebook in marketing insurance
products. My son and daughter should be able to help me
with this unless they get frustrated trying to teach an old
dog new tricks. I certainly need a tune-up using our com-
puters in the office. I plan on attending seminars, webinars
and asking my wife for help.”

2 Tommy Benton - Manning

“At this stage in my life, I need to slow
down and not work as many hours. I
want to spend my time with my grand-
children and my family.”

3 Don Walter - Florence

“The Lord has blessed me with so much throughout my life. I have a
wonderful family and great friends. While there are many areas in my
life that need growth, perhaps the most pressing is giving back to the
community that has been so special to me and my family over the past
25 years. So often, busyness prevents us from using our time in the
most effective ways. So, in 2010, I’ll be looking for ways to prioritize
my time and find ways where I can honor God and serve others through
giving back. As a new Rotarian, I’ve already seen some excellent ways
where they are doing just that.”

4 Arden Gatchell - Florence

“In my opinion, the area of my life which needs the most growth is
in the spiritual arena. With extended family, a newly opened busi-
ness, children, service organizations and the economic conditions we
now live in, it’s hard to focus on the true reason we’re here on earth.
You can go to church, temple or mosque, but each of us must strive
to have a personal relationship with what we deem to be our ‘high-
er power’ prior to anything else materializing spiritually in our lives. Sometimes, this gets lost in the hus-
tle and bustle of our daily lives – at least it has in mine. This year, I plan to get back to the basics – read
the Bible, enjoy nature at every opportunity and improve my relationships with family and friends. I plan
to ask if what I’m doing is in the plan He has for me and try my best to listen and be aware of poten-
tial answers that may come my way.
37 12/18/09 9:13 AM Page 1

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38 12/21/09 9:30 AM Page 1
It’s About
TIME!
What Is the BIGGEST
TIME-WASTER in Your
Life, And What Will You do
About It This Year?
AS I PICK UP the clutter left from
Christmas family time and stack the boxes, I notice the camera with all the pictures
just waiting to be printed. This leads me to burn a CD, send the pictures to a web-
site for printing and all sorts of other thoughts. Then, I notice that my desk is clut-
tered with old mail and bills needing attention. Before I know it, my day is gone and
the clutter still remains, some pictures are printed and some bills are paid.
“Do I have an attention disorder?” I privately wonder. “What is my biggest
time waster and what can I do about it?” In my role as a Teacher, Mentor and Life
Coach, I see distraction – or lack of ability to focus – as the number-one killer of qual-
ity time.
While procrastination, perfectionism and overload haunt many women who
perform multiple roles, some individuals just do not know where to start to priori-
tize their tasks within a limited timeframe.
Let’s meet Judy (a hypothetical person) who works full-time in retail, serves
as the single mother of a two-year old and is starting college part-time. With the
added responsibilities of studying, on top of her already-full schedule, she quickly real-
izes that she is overloaded. How can she manage her time to effectively achieve her
number-one goal – becoming a nurse so she can earn more money and do what she
has always dreamed?
She has to put first things first. What is the most important goal, right now,
in her life? For example, juggling motherhood, work and college seems impossible.
Each hour of each day counts and our example mom will get no extra time in her
schedule just because she adds college courses. Where can she find time to study?
I suggest she write down two columns. One column will include the goals
she must do for the month. In the next column, beside each goal, she will list each
available resource needed to accomplish the goal. While she pictures all she has to
do, she may discover she has family or friends who will help her with childcare, gro-
cery shopping, etc., during study time. Next, she should number each goal/task in pri-
ority order. This will lead to the next step – realigning daily routines that fit her pri-
oritized schedule, like having a routine at home with her child between 6 and 8 PM.
And, a specific bedtime can help her feel good about her actual number-one priority
– motherhood – before moving to the next priority of making a “B” in the courses.
Perhaps, she then lists all the other goals/duties that she must meet in the
next six months with another list beside it of resources to achieve these goals. If this
Latrelle P. Fowler, RN, PhD and Life Coach, lives in Florence with her husband,Tony.
by Latrelle P. Fowler, RN, PhD, Life Coach
seems impossible, then she might ask for help with finances, work less, take less than
a full-time college course load or move in with a supportive friend to share expens-
es. Nothing is impossible when one believes in God’s sovereign will to provide the
way to reach one’s higher call.
The daily struggle many of us have is to focus on the number-one priority.
The important thing is not always the seemingly urgent matter at hand. Discerning
what is important and taking care of urgent “fires” that we keep getting thrown our
way is the art of motherhood, womanhood – and especially career building.
Successful leaders have repeatedly shown that putting out everyone’s urgent fires
cloud the prime vision, and thus they quickly move into the not-so-urgent but impor-
tant list of goals for the organization. Stephen Covey and others find effective lead-
ers operate more with planning and doing the important tasks and shy away from
urgent/unimportant tasks.
How do I get the Christmas mess cleaned up and get important goals like
my Bible study met? Sometimes, I literally set a time-limit to do the de-cluttering and
then reward myself with a cup of coffee as I transition to focusing on what I really
need to do. Other times, I have to choose to ignore the “unimportant, obvious prob-
lems” and focus solely on getting the hardest task of the day done first. I can save e-
mail, Facebook and bills to pay until I have given my mental energy to the articles I
have to read or write. Urgent may be redefined when you prioritize the important
things in your life. Having a regular time to do the “messy” jobs and hardest jobs can
prove helpful.
When the focus of life seems entirely confusing, an outside party like a coun-
selor or life coach can help. We define our values daily by how we spend our time
and money, but to decide ahead of time how to live life with purpose takes regular
focused energy.
Try answering these questions: How do you want to feel at the end of this
month? How do you think your friends/family see you spending time? How do you
want to be remembered when you are no longer in their lives? If all you see your-
self doing is putting out fires for others, when will you refill your cup? In other words,
what is your purpose and highest calling?
It’s never too late to redefine the focus of your life, yet some may wait until
crisis of life and death calls. It’s never too late to refocus on our main purpose. What
is yours today?
41 12/17/09 3:51 PM Page 1
42-43 12/17/09 4:47 PM Page 1
Toni McGiboney, RN, BSN
Nurse Coordinator for Carolinas Hospital System's
Lung Management Program
After struggling for years to quit smoking,
Toni McGiboney finally kicked the habit and
now uses her success to help others.
Lung cancer. Emphysema. Bronchitis. None of us
want to hear this kind of diagnosis from our doctors. For
patients at Carolinas Hospital System, however, you won’t have
to walk this road alone. Toni McGiboney will be by your side.
Toni commutes each weekday from Marion to
Carolinas Hospital System in Florence where she holds the
position of Lung Program Coordinator. In this position, she
works closely with patients suffering from the harmful
effects of smoking. She understands personally how easy it
is to get hooked on cigarettes and how difficult it is to quit
smoking. Because Toni was finally able to quit herself, she
is able to encourage patients with her story.
Toni’s struggle with cigarettes began in her early
teens. At that time, there were no regulations on the sale
of cigarettes, and any age person could buy them straight
out of a machine. Smoking was the popular thing to do
among the youth and, in order to fit in,Toni started smok-
ing. She didn’t know that it would be so difficult to quit.
Toni continued to smoke for years, trying numerous times
to quit. She would do well for a while; but, as soon as a
“stressor” would hit her, she would go right back to her
cigarettes. In many ways, the cigarettes were her way of
coping with life’s difficult moments.
Toni’s final motivation for quitting came from her
husband, Keith, after they were married. Keith “gently” told
her that he would prefer that she quit. He didn’t like the
smell of cigarettes, and he was worried about her health.
Once more, Toni attempted to quit. This time, however,
was different because she had the support of someone
who loved her.
She had to change her behavior patterns. She
loved to sit down after a meal and have a cigarette. Now,
Toni had to find something else to do during that time.
One of the most important steps, though, was her decision
to remove herself from situations where she knew there
would be smoking. This meant saying no to invitations to
go out with friends or to some parties. In the end, that
decision paid off. Toni finally kicked the habit.
She very quickly noticed a change in her health.
She didn’t wake up coughing in the mornings. She noticed
that it was easier to breathe. It was almost like a weight
was lifted off her chest. Toni was more energetic.
Something as simple as walking became so much easier for
her. She was on the road to a healthier lifestyle. Little did
she know at the time that the decision to quit smoking
would ultimately help her years later in her career and that
she would be working alongside those who shared the very
same struggle.
by Cheri Jordan
Toni now works with patients at Carolinas
Hospital System who are struggling with the ill effects of
smoking. As the Lung Program Coordinator, she follows
patients who have had an abnormal imaging study. She is by
their side through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Toni
accompanies patients to their doctor visits and educates
them on their diagnosis and treatment options. She works
with doctors to determine the best treatment options and
if a patient can even tolerate treatment.
Toni was inspired to take this position at
Carolinas after her mother-in-law battled tonsil cancer due
to smoking. In many ways,Toni put her life on hold in order
to care for her. She moved in with her mother-in-law and
helped nurse her back to health. She coordinated with the
“This time, however,
was different because
she had the support
of someone who
loved her.”
doctors and made sure she had a clear understanding of
what her mother-in-law needed and what she was facing.
Toni believes that this ordeal gave her an awareness and
understanding of what the family members deal with when
they have a sick loved one. She understands the fear, the
uncertainty and the sense of helplessness they often face.
Toni is happy to report that her mother-in-law is
now a four-year survivor; however, each day, she sees many
stories that don’t have such a happy ending. Her work with
her mother-in-law helped to better prepare her for the
position of Lung Program Coordinator because, often-
times, her work involves family members, as well. She often
becomes a counselor of sorts. People will frequently need
someone to talk to, and they don’t feel comfortable talking
to their family members – especially about death. Toni is
the person they turn to.
As sad as it is, death is a very real part of Toni’s
work. More often than not, she explains that by the time a
patient is diagnosed with lung cancer, it’s in the advanced
stages. There are no methods of early detection, and insur-
ance doesn’t pay for regular screenings. Last year, there
were 196,000 cases of lung cancer reported and 159,000
deaths due to lung cancer. The odds are not in the patient’s
favor. Many times,Toni has to discuss “quality of life versus
quantity of life” with these patients. Sometimes, after edu-
cating patients about their choices, the patients will decide
that treatment is pointless, and they would rather spend
the remainder of their lives enjoying their time with loved
ones rather than in treatment.
While becoming personally involved in the
patients’ lives can be difficult, especially when it’s a terminal
case, Toni says that it’s the most rewarding aspect of her
work. Her patients have become her “extended family,”
and she cares very deeply for them. She believes that she
is a better person today because of these people that have
crossed her path. “I don’t take life for granted anymore. I
know that I may not have tomorrow, and I live for the
moment now.”
Her work has made Toni a better wife, mother
and friend. She realizes that she could be in the same posi-
tion that many of her patients are. She is happy that she
made the decision to quit smoking years ago, but she also
realizes that she is at a higher risk – even now – of devel-
oping a lung disease. She encourages others with her story
and hopes that everyone will become educated about the
harmful effects of smoking.
Toni’s advice for those who are trying to quit
smoking: “You can do it, and it’s never too late to make a
difference in your health. Set a quit date and tell others
around you about this date. You need a support system
around you.”
Toni also advises that you remove not only the cig-
arettes from your home, but the smoky smells, as well. Wash
the smell out of fabrics; wipe down the walls – whatever it
takes. Simply smelling the nicotine can prompt a craving.
Most importantly, Toni says that if you fail in your endeavor,
don’t quit. Simply set a new date and try again. You will even-
tually conquer this obstacle.
Toni McGiboney should be an inspiration to us all.
Whether you’re trying to quit smoking, lose weight or start
an exercise routine,Toni is an example to us that persistence
pays off. With determination and support, you can live a
healthier lifestyle and, like Toni, you can spread your knowl-
edge to others around you.
Toni has had many patients come across her path at
Carolinas Hospital, System and there is no doubt that she has
had a tremendous impact on each and every one of those
lives, as well as the lives of their family members.
Cheri Jordan is a Florence resident and has been married to her
husband, Robert, for eleven years. She is a stay-at-home mom to
four children, Abbi, Luke, Savannah and Matthew.
42-43 12/17/09 4:48 PM Page 2

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44 12/21/09 9:31 AM Page 1
Say to
the
S Some thirty-five years ago, my parents were married at First
Baptist Church in Florence. They met through mutual friends
and dated a short while before my mom knew that my dad
was the man she wanted to marry. He was honest, hard-
working and loyal, not to mention handsome with his tanned
skin, dark brown eyes and dark brown hair. The daughter of a
Navy service man and a mother who could turn anything into some type of treasure,
there was little money to pull off a grand to-do wedding or buy a brand new gown. But,
none of that mattered to Mama – or Daddy (for these details seldom
matter to boys). All she wanted was to be married to Mitchell Pitts. The fact that I
So, she borrowed the wedding dress that belonged to her
mother’s sister, a classy Charleston chick with an eye for style, who may finally be
had worn a gown of tea-dyed satin adorned by thousands of bugle able to play
beads to form a gorgeous scalloped neckline. Already in its thirties, it
was the perfect dress for an October wedding – a full-length gown dress-up with
with long sleeves accented by covered buttons. Few alterations were her wedding
necessary and with her tall, slender stature, Mama indeed wore the
dress well. My dad and his groomsmen complemented the dress nice- dress was
ly in their chocolate-colored tuxes and vanilla shirts with ruffles.
enough to push
Until I began my weight-loss journey four and a half years ago
that brought me to the size I am now, I had not known, or cared, what me through
size Mama’s dress had been. It was a minor detail that I didn’t need
because I was nowhere close to that size. And, I dreamed of another
those last 50
dress – a strapless A-line dress with lace details that would carry me pounds!
down the aisle one day. There was no groom, nor perspective groom, on the scene at
the time, either. But, as I began to shed pounds and inches and began to see myself
squeeze into size 20s, 18s, 16s, then 14s, I actually began to believe what I never expect-
ed – that I may actually, one day, be able to wear a size 10! My mama saw it, too (though
she may have always believed I could), and she used the opportunity to say, “You’re
almost the size I was when I married your daddy.” The fact that I may finally be able to play
dress-up with her wedding dress was enough to push me through those last 50 pounds!
In June of 2006, right around my 60-pound-loss mark, Brandon and I began dat-
ing. We had known each other for several years since his brother had begun to date,
and eventually marry, one of my best friends. Over the years, there had been several
scattered summers tinged with simple flirting and short-lived crushes with Brandon as I
have always been attracted to tall red heads with glasses. However, nothing more had
ever come of our friendship – until that summer. He will tell you that he had always
enjoyed my company but never considered dating me because I was so far away (me in
Anna Pitts lives in Florence where she is the Media Specialist at Greenwood Elementary. She loves reading, writing, and is having a blast planning her wedding in June!
by Anna K. Pitts
Florence and him in Georgetown). But, as time went by, the distance seemed much less
significant.
It had been about a year since we had seen one another last and I had been
working rather hard to exercise and eat differently in order to lose weight when I came
to the river to unwind that Memorial Day weekend. Brandon says the first thing he
noticed was not that I looked thinner but that I looked healthier. He grew more
attracted to me as we talked about how I was losing the weight, appreciating that I was
taking better care of myself. How’s that for a fairy tale?! Within a few weeks, we were
dating. And, three and a half years later, we’re six months shy of our
wedding day!
I hoped very early on that he would be the one. And, I knew not long
after that, I wanted him to be. There is no question that I have been
given many beautiful, valuable gifts during this lifetime – gifts that
other women deeply long to have. I want our wedding to celebrate
our families and our lives. I want to bring in details significant to spe-
cial people who are no longer with us and make our day a reflection
of all those who love us and raised us up to be the perfect match for
one another. The dress my mother wore is now over sixty-years-old
and has been preserved by two beautiful brides in the hopes that one
day someone else might wear it. I never dreamed I would have the
chance to be that someone else because of my size, but it has been
given to me, along with so much else.
Last January, Aunt Delores passed away. We had talked several times
about me wanting to wear her dress and how I might change it to
make it more flattering to me. She got so excited when the conversation would come
up and I would talk about the type of wedding I wanted and when it might finally take
place. And, while she didn’t get the opportunity to actually share in this time with us,
she did fully give her blessing for me to wear the dress and make it my own.
Mama is ecstatic that I would even consider wearing it. In the back of her mind, I’m
sure she always hoped I might, but even she can’t understand how utterly amazed I am
to even be able to put it on and zip it up! Being able to wear their dress means having
both of them embedded into my special day – two strong, beautiful women who cele-
brated their romance and happiness in this dress, as I will do in June.
I have maintained this size now for over a year. It’s the longest amount of time
I have ever been the same size. And, while all these plans are being made and alter-
ations are taking place, I’m doing my best to build and train my muscles and firm and
tone so that I will do the dress proud. It’s so exciting to finally say, “Yes to the dress!”
But, I also want the dress to say yes to me!
45 12/17/09 3:34 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 45

Our CARE Team

(Compassionate And Reliable Experts)
includes:
• Physician
• Licensed Master of Social Work
• Registered Nurse
• Volunteers
• Chaplain
• And many others
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Ascension Hospice is a family-owned and operated

hospice agency serving terminally ill patients
across South Carolina.

We bring to our patients and their families

the same personal attention and care
we would for our own families.

1303 W. EVANS S
FLORENCE, SC
(843) 468-9700
7142 WOODROW ST. • IRMO, SC • (803) 796-9296
46 12/18/09 12:30 PM Page 1

Be MOTIVATED
Be She

“You don’t have to be a fantastic hero

to do certain things – to compete.
You can be just an ordinary chap,
sufficiently motivated.”
- Edmund Hillary
47 12/18/09 1:47 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 47

New for 2010/2011:

The Middle School at the
Happy New Year
Montessori School of Florence!

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Rita Buck, Cosmetologist, Brenda Mattox, Nail Technician
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Bethea Baptist Retirement Community is a division of South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging, Inc.
48 12/18/09 1:40 PM Page 1

1
She’s closet
Lift your fashion spirit with

5
The Winter Blues
2
1. Trendy 3-Strand Turquoise
& Black Stone Necklace
Handpicked, Florence
2. Electric Blue Tube Dress
Lulu’s Boutique, Hartsville
3. Dior-Inspired Purse
First Impressions, Florence
4. Turquoise top by Karlie
Flossie Mae’s, Hartsville
5. Embellished Dress with
Ruffle Sleeves from the Miss
Me Sweet Collection
Flirt Boutique, Florence

3
51 12/17/09 3:58 PM Page 1
chicklit:
Eat This, Not That! 2010:
The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution
BY David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding
Note from Emily: “This book has altered what I put in my gro-
cery cart and ultimately what is found on the shelves of my
pantry and refrigerator. It offers advice on simple switches in
products that help eliminate fats, carbs and sugars in my fam-
ily’s diet.” - Emily Phillips
Two years after the runaway success of the
original Eat This, Not That!, co-authors David and Matt
noticed an interesting trend – restaurants were actually
cleaning up their menus! With consumers avoiding the
country’s worst calorie offenses, some restaurants saw
fit to remove them from the menu entirely.
Consider this. After Chili’s Awesome Blossom
took the runner-up spot on the “Worst Foods in
America” List, Chili’s removed the appetizer from their
menu entirely. Pepperidge Farm followed suit after being
Emily Phillips lives in Hartsville with her husband, Clark, and daughters, Carly and Rachel. She owns and operates Burry Bookstore, which she purchased from her father in 1994.
What’s on
Emily Phillips’
Best-Seller List?
placed on the Worst Foods List and discontinued their
Roasted Chicken Pot Pie. When Jamba Juice earned a
citation on the Worst Drinks in America List, the chain
stopped serving the largest size of their Chocolate
Moo’d Smoothie and recommitted itself to becoming
one of the healthiest restaurant chains in the nation.
The problem is, as the old crop of calorie atroc-
ities were eliminated, a new army of gut-bombs emerged
in their place. That’s why the authors created Eat This,
Not That! 2010, to empower you with the knowledge to
battle a food industry bent on sabotaging your waistline
with unwanted and unnecessary calories. In this new-
and-expanded edition, you’ll find fresh restaurant and
supermarket comparisons, an encyclopedia of food pack-
aging lies and the invaluable guide to eating healthy on a
budget. Essentially, you’ll learn how to make effortless
Burry Bookstore has been in Emily’s family since 1972.
food swaps that will help you strip away 10, 20, 30
pounds or more. You’ll be able to eat all your favorite
foods and watch the pounds disappear!
David Zinczenko, Editor-in-Chief of Men’s
Health magazine, is the author of the New York Times
best-sellers, The Abs Diet and The Abs Diet for Women.
Once an overweight child growing up in Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania, Zinczenko has become one of the nation’s
leading experts on health and fitness. He is a regular
contributor to the Today show and has appeared on
Oprah, Good Morning America and Primetime Live.
Matt Goulding is the Food and Nutrition Editor
of Men’s Health. He has cooked and eaten his way
across the world, touching down in Allentown,
Pennsylvania, where he divides most of his time between
keyboard and stovetop.
52 12/17/09 3:59 PM Page 1

Why You
Love Me So by Paige Self Thomas

J Jesus loves me. Simple enough. I so wish that all of life – and the problems that come with it –
were that simple. Yet, in the midst of it all, it becomes a basic truth we need to remember. And, one that
we need to cling to.
As we celebrated the Christmas season and brought in the New Year, I came across a song that has
meant a lot to me over the years. Initially, I heard it when our drama team at church performed it in sign
language, and it brought me to tears. While visiting family in December, I heard it again over a Christian radio
station and learned that it was recorded on a Christmas CD. Of course, I had to rush and buy it when
I returned home. And, again and again, it stops me in my tracks and brings me to my knees.
“Now, Behold the Lamb.” In itself, the title gives me chills. Yet, as I experienced the passion and the
meaning of the song and lyrics again, I was reminded of the steadfastness and gentleness and endless love
of God. “Behold the Lamb of God. Why you love me so, I shall never know. The Precious Lamb of God.”
There are times when I’m not ashamed to cry like a baby, and this is one of them. The realization
that it’s all about Him and His infinite power to love us in spite of it all is absolutely a reason to celebrate
and rejoice and be thankful.
Sometimes, when we’re living our lives day to day, such an awesome and unconditional love is
hard to grasp. We just don’t take the time to stop – or even have the capacity to realize what a gift He
has given. I think that even then, God meets us where we are. About a year ago, I was in one of those
places where I just felt like life had lost its purpose. I had changed careers and was making some person-
al adjustments, which included having an empty nest after years of raising my three boys. Being Mom was
not my most important identity anymore, and I was searching.
I decided to take a Beth Moore Bible Study called “Stepping Up.” Her studies have always proved
to give me encouragement and direction. However, right on the very first page – the first lesson – she made
a request that some might find unusual and even intimidating. She proclaimed that one of the commitments
we were making was to get down on our faces before God daily. Yes, we were to literally get down on our
faces.
As I began that first lesson, sitting at my kitchen table all alone, I went through a thought process. I
don’t ever like doing things “just because,” or maybe even because a well-respected Bible teacher told me to.
Yet, I had chosen to do this study to get myself out of a place that felt empty, and I was willing to place myself
in a position to do that, even if it meant lying flat on my face.
As silly as I felt that morning, I went into my den and got on my belly, face to the floor. I began to con-
fess – nothing evil or bad – just telling God that I had no idea why Beth would have her “students” do this.
Nevertheless, I believed obedience to be a principle He promoted, and I was doing all I knew to do. Within a few
minutes, I was surrounded. My two precious pup children came into the den after me. Seeing me on the floor,
they proceeded to nudge me and lick me and try to lift my head up. It didn’t take me long to realize what was hap-
pening, and I found myself weeping.
I may not know a lot, but I do know that God knows how to speak to each of His children. My dogs are a
very special part of my life, and He used them on that day to let me know just how near He was – and is. As Timmy
and Buddy continued to try to find out what was wrong with me while I lay on the floor and walk all around me with
their own way of love and concern, I knew in my heart that God was speaking,
“My love is just like that. When you are weak or weary or just don’t know which way to go, I am there. I will love you
and lift you up, and you can always count on my presence. You may not always understand it, but I want you to know beyond any
doubt that My love is unchanging and eternal. I love you – pure and simple.”
I don’t have to express how much that lifted me on that day. And, it’s something I will never forget.
I don’t know why it’s hard for us to accept something unconditional and simple. But, God loves; He loves us uncon-
ditionally, and He simply loves us. He will love us through everything and forever. He so desires for us to know Him in that
way that He will use whatever means necessary for us to come to know that. As we have been told, He has used bizarre
things – a burning bush, a divided sea, a talking donkey. And, as though He had not done enough, He sent His own Son, Jesus,
who was born to live and die for humanity, because of His love. “Now, Behold the Lamb, the Precious Lamb of God. Why You love
me so, I shall never know.”
May the simplicity and magnitude of this belief carry you into and through this New Year – whatever it holds, what-
ever it brings and wherever it takes you.

Paige Thomas lives in Florence with her husband, Joey, and two Sheltie pups. She has three grown sons and four stepchildren.
She works part-time as Business Administrator for the Francis Marion University Center for the Child, and
she is currently licensed as a Realtor with Prudential Segars Realty in Florence.
53 12/21/09 12:17 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 53

843-536-0660
Florence • Hartsville • Lake City
Dr. Lesley Kirby, AuD | Jane Heath, HIS #443

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2639 W. Palmetto St., Florence, SC • 843.669.1466 • www.RacewayAutomotive.com

54 12/17/09 2:00 PM Page 1
57 12/21/09 12:19 PM Page 1

What is the single most important

thing you could do to improve
the quality of your life this year
and the life of your family?

Dana Holt
Pamplico
“My life is so wonderful,
there’s no need for
improvement. My hus-
band and children are
perfect!”
Kathy Griffin
Florence
“The most important
thing I could ever do to
improve the quality of my
life and that of my family in
the New Year is to pray for
God to continuously give us a
desire and passion to know Him
more intimately and to have a long-
ing to study His Word daily. This is God’s will.
And, as we are obedient to Him, our lives will be
fulfilled, and He will be glorified and honored.”

Debra Hanna
Florence
“The single most important thing I can do is attempt to stay
well by eating healthier and pampering myself more.”

Jennifer Howell
Florence
“I want to spend more qual-
ity time with my family doing
activities that we all enjoy.
That and getting more exer-
cise are the things I need to
do to improve my life.”
Naomi LaCosse
Hartsville
“The single mos
important thing I can
do is to take better care
of my health by eating
better and exercising
more.”
58 12/21/09 9:48 AM Page 1

Be in She
This March She
will be eight years young!
To celebrate our birthday,
we want to celebrate yours!

If you think your age

is something worth
celebrating , let us
hear from you!

Celebrate
your AGE!
To CELEBRATE YOUR AGE,
send an e-mail to
editor@shemagazine.com.
Tell us your age and what’s
so great about being there.
Include a day and evening
phone number and
CELEBRATE YOUR AGE
in the subject line.
Deadline for consideration is
January 31, 2010.
59 12/17/09 2:10 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 59

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44 12/18/09 11:18 AM Page 1

What

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(Side) Back Row:

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First Impressions in Florence

We have been advertising in She Magazine since its incep-
tion. We remember when Melia first started promoting She. The
entire She Magazine Staff was – and still are – very friendly and so
easy to work with.
However, we soon learned that month after month, advertis-
ing in She proved consistent results. Now, out of all of the places
we advertise, She gives us the best results. Advertising in She
Magazine reaches the customers we need – women! Look at the
name – She Magazine! What we do is all about She! Although,
women will come in and realize that we do many men, then they
bring in their husbands or boyfriends. We end up having the whole
family visit our salon and gift shop!
She’s makeover issue always brings in great customers, as
well. Not only do the women we give the makeovers to keep com-
ing back, it also brings in new customers. Jane Church from First
Citizens Bank in Dillon saw a makeover we did several years ago
and had to give us a visit. Jane’s been with us every since!
We repeatedly see good results. As a competitive salon, we
vow to be the most advanced colorist and stylist salon in the area.
In January, we have a high-end colorist from the Paul Mitchell
Company coming to teach an advanced color class to introduce
their new color line.
We like to stay with the latest hair techniques, including the
hottest line of purses and accessories. Advertising in She
Magazine is the best way to get this information out.
As women, we like to see results. She Magazine shows us
the results we like to see. And, advertising in She lets us show
viewers the results they like to see.
62 12/21/09 9:52 AM Page 1
“ Focus on what
you can control
and begin to do
something about it.
”
The EMOTIONAL
Energy CRISIS:
Why Running on Empty
Affects Your Mood
by Edward “Buddy” Scearce, Psy. D.
Looking around while attached to those futuristic-looking pieces of exercise
equipment, I see people entranced, staring off into some unknown void before them. I
used to wonder what on earth they were thinking until I took the plunge and joined the
gym. What I discovered is that those mouth-breathing zombies were using one of the
most natural methods of producing energy – listening to music.
What does Lady Gaga, Miley or Carrie have to do with energy? Simple. The
music one chooses to listen to is inseparable from emotion. Whether it’s dancing in the
living room with the kids or memories of some of our greatest times, music has the abil-
ity to change our mood in an instant. When we feel more positive emotionally, we per-
ceive the control we have over our situations. Essentially, positive emotions help us to
feel in control of our lives. In the gym, people feel they can gut that run out. They can
focus on the long-term goal of health and wellness when they have motivational music
piped into their brain. Music can temporarily give us a boost of energy through positive
emotion. We can clean the house faster or make it that extra twenty minutes on the
Stairmaster, but this shot of energy burns quickly. What we need is a long-term solution.
While it seems instinctive that music can change our mood, tying emotion to
energy is more difficult. To do so, we need to look at how our thoughts and feelings
are related. As a Psychologist, two of the more common themes I hear in my office are,
“I’m too tired” and “I don’t feel like it.” In certain cases, the thought produces the emo-
tion; other times, the emotion influences the thought. In either case, these two are
closely connected and easily seen at play in our lives.
We’re usually well aware of when we are exhausted. What we often struggle
with is accurately naming our emotions. We use “upset” for everything from tired to
angry to disappointed. Before a person can become active in changing their emotions,
they must first be honest about what they are feeling. Sometimes, getting to the heart
of the emotions we experience can help us to better appraise what emotion would be
appropriate. If we can better name how we feel, we can make a better decision on how
to respond. For instance, I frequently find myself frustrated when I should be disap-
pointed. For me, it feels more comfortable to be frustrated, so I go there as a default
negative emotion. If I acknowledge my disappointment, I can often do something about
it, whereas my frustration turns into me having an imaginary argument in the bathroom
mirror (which helps no one except my wife, who gets a shot of energy from laughing at
my ridiculousness). These negative emotions can give us a burst of energy, but it rarely
lasts very long. If we experience too many negative emotions, we begin to feel unable
to be active in ways that produce positive emotions.
Edward “Buddy” Scearce, Psy. D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Florence. He specializes in treating Depression, Anxiety, Marriage and Family issues and Chronic Pain.
Dr. Scearce joined LifeCare Psychology Group in 2009 after moving to Florence with his family. He enjoys family time, college football and reading.
Negative emotions drain us of energy over time, and the most dangerous neg-
ative emotion is feeling helpless and overwhelmed. When we are suffering from these
emotional states, we feel powerless to have an impact on our situation. We can only
see the things that remind us of how helpless we are. If we stay in a place where we
feel chronically overwhelmed, we come to a state known as “learned helplessness.”
Learned helplessness has one very damaging impact; we fail to act on what we can
change because we can no longer see what we can control – only what we can’t.
Now, I’ve taken you pretty far from energy and emotion, so let me bring you
back. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress in your life, you’ll eventually feel fatigued
to the point of exhaustion. When we lack energy – either mental or physical energy –
we fail to act. When we fail to act, we perpetuate the cycle of inactivity and failure that
ultimately leads to depression and anxiety. How you change this cycle is simple but dif-
ficult. You act. Focus on what you can control and begin to do something about it.
Using the example of healthy living choices, we cannot control the fact that we
have already allowed ourselves to get so far out of shape. We can control what we do
about it today. We can control what foods we choose to consume. We can control the
influence we allow others to have on our self-image. We can say no to bad habits and
yes to good ones. We can begin to develop a better sense of what we can control in
our lives and begin to do something about it.
However, before we run out and tackle the Stairmaster or sign up for college
courses today, we need to answer one question: What do I want? Not, what do I want
right now; but, what is my ultimate goal? What do I want my life to be? The question
addresses purpose. If we have a clearly-defined purpose for our lives, we are better able
to make decisions that move us closer to that ultimate purpose. When we become
active in moving towards our purpose, we’ll experience more positive emotions. When
we experience these positive emotions, we feel more energetic. When we feel more
energetic, we get more accomplished and reverse the cycle of negative emotion and
fatigue. We are now living with more energy, more positive emotions and a sense of
purpose.
Whether the issue is weight loss, raising children or advancing in our careers,
we need energy to be effective. One way to ensure we have the energy we need is to
be mindful of where our emotions are because we have more power to affect our mood
more than anyone else we know.
63 12/17/09 2:14 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 63

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64 12/18/09 12:33 PM Page 1

ON A WARM NIGHT this past summer while driving my daughter, Emily, to her gym-
nastics banquet, I decided to better prepare her for the evening. This was her first year com-
peting as a gymnast on the Freedom Florence Gymscamps Team and, tonight, they would be giving
out awards to the gymnasts who received the highest scores in each level throughout the com-
petition season. Emily had a great year, and we have been so very proud of her; however, I was
fairly certain she would not be receiving a trophy. I wanted to be sure she understood good
sportsmanship and make sure that she wouldn’t sit there crying if she didn’t get a trophy.
Emily was seated at her table facing me, so I had a perfect view of her through-
out the awards ceremony. Some girls got one trophy; some had as many as four. But,
some girls didn’t get any. And, Emily was one of them. I watched her face through-
out the ceremony, and I was very proud of the fact that she looked genuinely happy
for her teammates. As her coach, Ms. Pam, got to the end of the awards, she stat-
ed that she had one more special award to give out. In her hand, she held a bou-
quet of flowers with some balloons attached to them. The minute Ms. Pam began
her story, there were tears. They were not tears of disappointment; however, and
they were not from Emily. There I sat with my husband, both of us unable to con-
trol our tears, because Emily made us so proud. Although I’ve wanted to nominate
Emily for She Magazine’s “Wee She” many times in the past, I realized when we got
home that night that I really needed to sit down and write about her.
Back in February, the Gymscamps competed at the Tiger Paw Classic, which
is a very large and exciting competition for the girls. After the awards ceremony for
that competition was over, one of Emily’s teammates was the only one on her level that
didn’t get a medal. Her teammate was a little disappointed because she didn’t score high
enough to get a medal, but even more so though because she loves Clemson – and the
medals they gave out to the girls were so Clemson with the little paw and everything!
Emily worked hard for the two medals she had won and she was wearing them
proudly around her neck. She looked down at them and asked us if we thought it would be
okay if she gave one to her teammate who hadn’t received any awards. We told her that we
thought it was very generous of her, but to just make sure that she wanted to do that because
there was no getting it back once she gave it. The next day she wrote a note to go along with
the medal and gave it to her teammate, who was ecstatic! The mom of her teammate thought it
was such a nice gesture that she went to Ms. Pam and told her what Emily had done.
So, that night at the awards ceremony, Emily’s coach told the story of Emily’s kindness, and
she gave Emily a “Heart of the Gym Award.” As Emily stood there – so thrilled with her award –
I realized that she has definitely learned a tremendous amount in her eight years of life and her first
year competing as a gymnast. She has learned hard work, team spirit and how to win or lose gra-
ciously. More importantly though, Emily has learned kindness and compassion.
She is a student at Montessori at McLaurin Elementary School, and she is in the third grade this
year. She really enjoys school and most especially loves art and reading. She also attended AWANA
this past year at Church of Sandhurst, which has taught her so much. When she’s not practicing or com-
peting in gymnastics, Emily can be found jumping on her trampoline, swimming or playing in the park.
She loves animals – anything living, really, even frogs and crickets! Her only pet is her hermit crab,
Tiffany. But, she’s hoping for a puppy soon! Emily’s best friends are Anthony (her brother) and Maia
and Izzy.
Emily is a fun-loving, energetic eight-year-old who filled our hearts with love from the
moment we saw her tiny little face, and we couldn’t be more proud of the little lady she has
become. I’m thinking that next year on the way to her awards banquet, she might want to pre-
pare me for the evening. I can just hear her now, telling me not to cry no matter what happens!

This month’s “Wee She” was submitted by Emily’s mom, Donna. If you would like to nominate a little girl
for “Wee She,” send an e-mail to editor@shemagazine.com with “Wee She” Nomination as the subject.
67 12/17/09 3:57 PM Page 1

(How to KICK bad habits and establish good ones)

by Ouida K. Page, RN, LPC

There are four things that must happen for change to occur and our habits or
It’s very hard for any of us to break patterns to become different. The first element is motivation. We must realize that our
old habits. In this article, I’m going to lives aren’t going well or something is not right and we need to make a change. The sec-
discuss why it’s so hard to make ond thing is to realize that change will not happen without a struggle and a great amount
changes in our lives and in the patterns of effort. The values of the world may oppose the values we are trying to obtain. We

that have become established and must keep our motivation for change in the forefront of our minds, write it down and

entrenched in our daily routines. look at the goal we have set every day. Thirdly, realize and remember that changing any
habit into a positive habit will require use of your will. You must use effort and set your
When we mention habits, they’re either good or bad habits. As Christians, our habits
either lead us to God or away from Him. According to Elder Joseph of Vatopedi, “The mind and will to accomplish the goal or make the change that you are trying to establish.

beginning of acquiring character lies in insistence on following an ordered and system- Finally, the last step is to take action. You can have good intentions, but they must be put
atic way of life.” He says, “Regulation in life is the main factor in spiritual progress.” into action or they are never realized. Doing nothing always results in zero success.
In other words, we need to become organized and have a realistic routine with In summarizing, you must use self-
established goals if we are going to make progress and accomplish anything and grow
spiritually. We need to have a plan and be consistent. (I love this stuff!)
discipline to change the old bad habits
If you don’t clean up around yourself in the morning and everything is a wreck to your into new good habits. Having realistic
right and your left, how can you get past square one? If you want to get another degree
or start your own business but not making your bed or cleaning up the mess in the
goals and realizing that you will face a
kitchen where you had breakfast or getting your day-timer out to see what’s on the goal great deal of resistance when you’re
list you made is part of your daily routine, eventually your house will be a wreck, and trying to make any change in patterns
you won’t be able to find anything – much less accomplish goals such as returning to
school or starting that business you’re excited about. You must have an established rou-
and habits will help you set up a good
tine to get the small things out of the way so you can start on the bigger and more routine and stick with it.
important things. The best to you as you identify one – or maybe two changes – you want to
The same protocol is needed to change a habit. Scientists have decided that it make that will propel you forward spiritually and help you accomplish the goals you have
takes six weeks – or forty days – to make a certain practice into a habit. In the case of established and enable you to use all your gifts God has given to you.
sinful habits, we must repent (turn away from them) and get our hearts right so that we
can prepare to change.

Ouida K. Page is a Master’s Prepared Licensed Professional and National Board Certified Counselor. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau (International Honor Society of
Nursing). She has been in private practice in the Hartsville and Florence areas for over 15 years, specializing in families and issues relating to children, adolescents and women of all ages. She is married
and has one son who has graduated from Wofford College. To contact Ouida, you may call 843-398-0915. You may also contact her by e-mailing editor@shemagazine.com with “Ouida” as the subject matter.
68 12/18/09 12:45 PM Page 1

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69 12/21/09 10:24 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 69

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70 12/17/09 3:55 PM Page 1
Will this Be the Year?
2010? Wow, how time flies! The holidays have just
passed, and we are already into a fresh New Year. Looking
back over this past year, each of us has been tremendously
blessed by our loving Father God. His favor has allowed us to
see another year. While everyone has experienced the good-
ness God gives, many have had difficult, sorrowful and faith-
stretching times.
As 2010 begins, you and I may wonder what this fresh
To make a fresh
New Year holds. Will this be the year our prayer will be
answered? Will this be the year for something to happen I
have been waiting and hoping for? Will I see improved changes
be determined
in my life and in the lives of my loved ones? Will this be the
year for my breakthrough? Will our world situation get bet-
ter? Will Jesus come back this year?
Isaiah 43:19 tells us, “Behold, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it, and will
you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilder-
ness and rivers in the desert.” God wants to do a new thing
in our lives. His power and strength is available to us to do
whatever we need to do.
Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things
through Christ Who strengthens me.” II Corinthians 12:9
reassures us, “His strength is made perfect in our weakness.”
Though our strength may fail, God’s strength never fails.
The most important and fulfilling beginning we will
ever experience is new birth in Christ. Every day is a new day
of blessings and opportunities with our Lord as we seek Him.
II Corinthians 5:17,“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone and the new has come.” Whatever has hap-
pened in our past, it has passed. It is time to start fresh again.
In the Bible, many people encountered new begin-
nings. You and I face times when our faith is stretched as we
make fresh starts. Turning over to some new chapters in our
Sherry S. Page Atkinson lives in Marion with her husband, Jimmy. Those wishing to contact her may do so at the following address: 6526 South Highway 41.
Wings for the Spirit
by Sherry S. Page Atkinson
lives can be exciting, while others are extremely difficult.
To make a fresh start, we must be determined to let go of
what lies behind and press forward to what lies ahead
(Philippians 3:13). Disappointments, past hurts or failures
can be healed as we move forward with expectant hope and
faith in our Lord. Choosing to live in the past will cause us
to miss God’s blessings and plans for us today. God’s Word
can give us life, revive us, heal and rescue us according to
Psalm 107:20 and Psalm 119:50. Lamentations 3:22 and 23
start, we must encourages us that the Lord’s compassion and kindness
never fail, and they are new every morning. God wants to
do something new for us as we commit our lives to Him.
Expect good things to happen in 2010. With God
first in our lives, we have hope. No matter what our past or
to let go of
present situation is or how much unjust hurt we have suf-
fered, God loves us! He will show Himself strong in our cir-
cumstances. Matthew 19:26 reminds us all things are possi-
ble with God.
Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I
what lies behind shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God (Psalm 42:5). He
is able to do in us and through us far over and above all that
we dare ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). By drawing closer to
and press God because of Who He is, you and I can be victorious in
starting a fresh New Year.
If you are not sure of your salvation and would like
forward to be, you could pray something like this: Dear Heavenly
Father, thank You for loving me and for sending Jesus to die
on a cruel cross for my sins. I am sorry for my sins, Jesus,
to what lies and ask You to forgive me. Come into my heart and save
me. Help me start a fresh new year with You. Baptize and fill
me with Your sweet Holy Spirit that I may be strengthened to
ahead live a victorious Christian life, serving You. Help us, Lord Jesus.
In Your precious Name, I pray. Amen.
(Philippians 3:13).
71 12/21/09 9:36 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 71

Commercial & Residential Design,

Gifts of Distinction and Furnishings

843.332.5103
bgrant@mantissarow.com
Visit us in our Upscale Loft Condo:
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72 12/18/09 12:35 PM Page 1

Editor’s Note: “I asked Shirley Mace to share her Fruit Salad with Lime Syrup
recipe with our readers in the January issue because it is the best Fruit Salad I
have ever eaten! It’s so light and yummy and will be the perfect way to light- .Shopping List for Fruit Salad with Lime Syrup:
en up meals as we seek to recover from the rich foods we enjoyed during the
Fruit: Syrup:
holidays. It’s just sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth without a sugar over-
1 Container of Strawberries (sliced) 1/2 Cup of Sugar (*)
load. And all that fruit! It’s so good for you!” ~ Melia Flowers Berry
1 Container of Blueberries 1/4 Cup of Rose’s Lime Juice (found in the
2 Cups of red or green Seedless Grapes mixed drink section of the grocery store)
(halved, optional)
3-4 Kiwis, halved lengthwise and sliced (*) For a quicker and lower-calorie ver-
1 Can of Dole’s Tropical Mixed Fruit sion, mix 1 cup of Splenda with 1/4 cup of
Rose’s Lime Juice. Do not cook.
(cut any large pieces)
1 Small can of Mandarin Oranges
1 Small can of Pineapple Tidbits
2 Bananas (may want to add just
before serving)

Directions for Fruit Salad with Lime Syrup:

1. Put all the fruit into a bowl

2. Stir together the sugar (*) and lime juice in a 2-cup glass measuring cup

3. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute on high, watching CONSTANTLY

4. Stir and continue to heat in 20- to 30-second intervals, watching to make
sure it does not bubble over

5.When it starts to appear clear and most of the sugar is dissolved, remove
from the microwave and drop in one ice cube

6. Set aside to cool

7.Toss the fruit with the cooled syrup

(*) For a quicker and lower-calorie version, mix 1 cup of

Splenda with 1/4 cup of Rose’s Lime Juice. Do not cook.

From the Kitchen of Serves 8-10

SHIRLEY MACE Actually, I came up with this Fruit Salad with Lime Syrup recipe years ago.
The fruit choices were based on what was in season and what I had in my pantry.

YÜâ|à ftÄtw I wanted a way to keep the fruit fresh and thought that the Rose’s Lime Juice would
work. After adding the lime juice, the fruit salad wasn’t quite sweet enough, so I
came up with the syrup. Now, it’s a part of my signature meal – the one I always

ã|à{ _|Åx fçÜâÑ make for first-time guests.

Shirley Mace and her husband, Mace live in Marion. They have two sons,Thad and Nathan. Shirley is a Speech-Language Pathologist with McLeod Medical Center Dillon.
73 12/21/09 12:36 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 73

Visit our lovely little city and you'll see why residents love their home!
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75 12/21/09 9:57 AM Page 1

NEW YEAR, NEW (IMPROVED) YOU!

CH- CH- CH- CH- CHANGES -
THEY DID IT; SO CAN YOU!
MEET THE WOMEN IN THIS YEAR’S
LIFESTYLE TRANSFORMATION STORIES.

FEATURE STORIES BEGIN ON PAGE 76

76 12/21/09 9:50 AM Page 1

new year, new (improved) you!

Polly Jones fit for life

by Ferebe Gasque
When Polly Jones moved to Florence in 1950 with her husband and
her new little baby girl, she thought she would be here for just a year until Dr. Earl Jones complet-
ed his internship. She was from Kershaw and he from Bethune. Sixty years later, she looks back on those
early days fondly. Later came a son and another daughter to add to the Jones family and the house in Forest
Hills became home.
Shortly after moving to Florence, the young family became involved in Calvary Baptist Church, where
Polly is still an active member. After completing his internship, Dr. Jones went into the ENT practice with
Dr. Mobley and Dr. Bobbett, where he remained until his retirement.Together, they raised three wonderful chil-
dren. Wanda went to the University of Virginia where she met and married her husband. They have two chil-
dren. Charlie went to Clemson and is now a chemist in the Washington, DC, area, where he and his wife
added five more children to the Jones clan. The youngest daughter, Rosalynn, married local boy,Alan Clayton.
They live in North Augusta. The Claytons have four children and now have twin three-year old grandchildren.
Polly is so very proud of all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
After fifty years of marriage, Dr. Jones passed away in 2000. This was quite a transition for Polly, who
was accustomed to sharing her life and activities with her devoted husband. The first year was difficult and
brought challenges to every aspect of her life. Fortunately, her optimistic nature, strong faith in God, support-
ive friends, and healthy lifestyle routines sustained Polly during that year and in the years thereafter.
Polly continues to be active in Calvary Baptist Church. She sings in the choir, participates in exercise
class three times each week, goes on trips, and loves her Sunday School class. Her teacher, Joyce Rogers, has
been of particular support and encouragement through her teaching as well as through her life.
Her activities do not stop with church, however. Polly
also enjoys going on excursions led by David Eagerton. She and
her friends agree that he must be the best tour guide ever! She
walks regularly in her neighborhood, is in a bridge club (she was
in two of them until the other one disbanded), and loves solv-
ing the word jumbles in the newspaper.
Each Friday, friends and passersby can see Polly work-
ing in her immaculately manicured yard along side her faithful
yardman, James (who edges the front yard by hand). She is also
president of her garden club.
Polly attributes her youthful 83-year-old energy and
enthusiasm to a life of good choices. She exercises by walking
and by working in her yard. She maintains an ideal weight by
eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Of course, she is
delighted that the medical professionals have concluded that
dark chocolate is good for you. She knew that long ago and has
made it a regular part of her diet (in moderation, of course).
According to Wanda,“we can all learn a few things from
“ Polly attributes her
youthful 83-year-old
energy and enthusiasm
to a life of good
Collin M. Smith Photography

this true Southern Belle. Making good choices all of your life will
make you strong and resilient enough to face the rough times and
choices.
challenges ahead. Those good choices will also enable you to
move on and appreciate the beauty and blessings all around.”

Ferebe Gasque loves meeting new folks and telling their stories in She Magazine.
”
77 12/17/09 3:24 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 77

78 12/18/09 11:22 AM Page 1
new year, new (improved) you!
Billie Jo
Pilotte
MY TURNING POINT: I’ve struggled with being
overweight for the last seventeen years of my life.
Throughout my adult life, I’ve tried every weight-loss plan
on the market. Nothing worked. I’ve participated in
programs I saw on TV. I joined various weight loss cen-
ters and gyms. I ordered and ate specialty foods and
shakes, but I would see very little results. What I did lose,
I would always gain back. I was tired of being fat, and I was
tired of being miserable. I couldn’t run or play with my son,
and I was winded from walking a flight of stairs or even to
the mailbox. I was to the point that I thought gastric
bypass surgery was my only option for a healthy future.
MY PLAN: I knew I had to do something about my
weight for my health, my son – and myself. I heard about
a rapid weight-loss program through a friend of mine,
Wendy Woods, who had great success. She had been a
patient of Dr. Kevin Sattele’s at Skinsations MediSpa. I
thought maybe his program would work for me, too, and
I wouldn’t have to do something as drastic as bypass sur-
gery. I had my consult with Dr. Sattele on March 17th. I
will never forget that day! After talking with Dr. Sattele,
I started the program that night. During my initial evalu-
ation, I was a size 22 with high blood pressure, and I was
a pre-diabetic. My BMI was almost 40, and the numbers
on the scale were very depressing. My weight at that
point was almost 270. I had to make a lifestyle change,
and I had to make up my mind that this time I would suc-
ceed. Dr. Sattele discussed the parameters of the plan
with me. The plan consisted of a couple medications to
help with metabolism, hunger, cravings, irritability and
moodiness. I took a multivitamin and calcium with vita-
min D. I had two B12/Lipotropic injections each week.
Every week, I would go in and weigh. Once a month, we
would do a BIA test to see exactly what my body was
made up of and how much true fat I had lost for the
month. At my six-month anniversary on September 17, I
had lost 81 pounds!
MY EXERCISE: I didn’t exercise for the first three and
a half months I was on the plan. It was tough for me to
get up the courage to go to the gym and work out in
front of people. I started the Rapid Weight Loss Gym at
the end of June. I tried to work out five days per week.
I would do cardio every other day and strength/weight
training every other day. After about six weeks at the
gym, my trainer, Keith, persuaded me to join his boot
“ I’m healthy
camp class. It was difficult at first because I didn’t feel like
I was in good enough shape for boot camp, but it didn’t
take long for me to see that the class allowed me to work
at my own pace, and no one around me cared if I could
do one push-up or 100. Within a couple
weeks, my body was starting to adjust, and
MY ADVICE: I tell others that I am living proof that it
can be done. With motivation and willpower, the lifestyle
I was beginning to see improvement in my change can and will happen. It’s an amazing journey, and
abilities. I continue to do boot camp today, from time to time, it may be tough; but, the payoff in the
and I love it! I’ve met some great ladies, end makes every bump in the road so worth it. Never
and we are all there for the same reason. give up! And, never tell yourself you have to stay the way
So, everyone understands, and we motivate you are. If you want to make the change, you can do it!
each other. We can talk about how we’re It’s never too late to change the rest of your life. Don’t
doing and encourage each other. It’s wonderful! I love let another day pass you by! I would also recommend Dr.
going to the gym! It’s important to me now, and I feel bad Sattele’s program to anyone who wants to lose weight. I
when I miss a workout. I plan to continue the routine owe a lot to him and his staff. They were right there with
because, now, I realize how important exercise is. me every step of the way. They always made me feel com-
fortable – and that’s
MY MOTIVATION: Being healthy is my greatest
so important when
accomplishment and my biggest motivation. My blood
you’re trying to
pressure is normal. I’m no longer a pre-diabetic, and I’m
lose weight.
no longer considered overweight by my BMI. But, my
favorite thing about my accomplishment is the shopping.
For the last 17 years, I haven’t been able to go into the
mall and shop at regular stores. Now, I can shop at any
store I want to and actually buy cute clothes. I started
the plan at a size 22; now, I’m a size 10. I’m able to wear
things I never thought I would be able to wear. The
downside is I’m broke. But, at least I look cute in my new
clothes!
NOW!
MY SHINING MOMENT: To date, I’ve lost about 88
pounds! I’m not quite to my goal; I’d like to lose anoth-
er fifteen pounds and continue to tone my entire body.
My weight loss has completely changed my life. I’m
healthy and happy. I have my self-esteem, self-worth and
my confidence back that I was missing for so long. I’m
able to run and play with my son. I jump on his trampo-
line, and I’m no longer over the weight limit. I feel good
physically and mentally. I haven’t been able to say that for
a long time.
and happy.
I have my
self-esteem,
self-worth
and my
confidence before
back.
”
Originally from Illinois, 35-year-old Billie Jo Pilotte is the mother
of 11-year-old Noah. She is the Regional Manager for
Consolidated Medical Staffing. She also works part-time for
Go Powersports in Florence.
79 12/18/09 1:02 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 79

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80 12/18/09 11:23 AM Page 1

new year, new (improved) you!

Courtney Sullivan
MY TURNING POINT: Weight has been an issue for me since my pregnancy with our twins. It didn’t hold me back
or keep me from living up to my best except that I was worried that I would develop more health problems. I already
developed high cholesterol and high blood pressure after having the twins. My father had heart problems and was a heart
transplant recipient. His life was shorter than most due to these problems. The simple fact was I wanted to be a bet-
ter role model for my family, and I wanted to be here for my family and friends.

MY PLAN: A friend told me about his wife, who is a Personal Trainer at McLeod Health and Fitness Center. I decid-
ed to call her, and it was one of the best calls I ever made! Aligning myself with someone who makes me want to
exercise and eat healther is the only plan I needed. In addition, I receive coaching and counseling – all from my
Personal Trainer. Having someone who wants me to become healthier is so helpful. My Personal Trainer
motivates me; but just as importantly, she makes me accountable.

MY EXERCISE: I work out with my Personal Trainer twice a week. I do cardio training the other days.

MY MOTIVATION: I feel so much better! I have more energy, less stress and I can’t wait to live each
day to the fullest. Living a healthy life is an ongoing part
of my life. I realize that going to the gym takes some
time away from my family, but knowing that I’m doing Aligning myself
this to be able to have more time with them in the
future by being more healthy is well worth it and is all
the motivation I need.

MY SHINING MOMENT: I’ve lost

25 pounds! I’ve lost two dress
sizes, and I’ve toned up all areas of
my body. I’ve got 25 more pounds
to lose to reach my goal weight; but,
now, I know I can do it!

MY ADVICE: You can do it, too! A

Personal Trainer will definitely help you
“ with someone who
makes me want to
exercise and eat
healthier is
the only plan
NOW!

to get started and help you along the

way.
I needed.
PERSONAL THOUGHTS: My main
goal for sharing about my weight-loss
journey is to let other women know that

”
Collin M. Smith Photography

we all have stages in our lives where we

focus more on others than ourselves. My
focus was going from one to four children
in seventeen months. It was a wonderful
part of my life, but one where there was a
great deal of transition for our family. Also,
I want to say a personal thank you to my
trainer, Reena Malik. She has saved my life in
so many ways!
before

Courtney Sullivan and her husband of over fifteen years, Patrick, have four wonderful children,Wright (11), Anna (6), Madison (4)
and Morgan (4). She is a Social Work Director and Certified Adoption Investigator for Adoption Hope International, Inc.
81 12/18/09 11:49 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 81

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82 12/18/09 11:17 AM Page 1

new year, new (improved) you!

When Daddy passed

Joan Shelley
Being a mom is the most rewarding role I have infant was to
“ away, I thought,
“I want to be like him.
I want to be
healthy like that.”

”
ever had. However, with that being said, my weight wasn’t a sleep late – and
really big issue until I had children. I lost weight after I had my she still does it
two girls, but I didn’t lose the weight after having my son. I real- well. I started
ly didn’t have the stamina once I had him. I credit that to the exercising with
crazy life of having three children, being a wife and the daughter the Wii Games in
of older parents who don’t live in the same town as I do. the mornings. I
started out doing
MY TURNING POINT: I lost my daddy in November of 2008. the thirty-day chal-
lenge; however,
NOW!
Without a doubt, that was the most devastating event of my life. I was
– and certainly will always be – my daddy’s little girl. After he died, I after a few weeks, I
reflected upon his life. He was simple, down to earth and had very
high standards. When he was 77, he had major back surgery for an
realized it was best
to make exercise a
before
injury he sustained in the yard. After the surgery, the surgeon spoke part of my school
to us and questioned his age. The surgeon told us that 77-year-olds day. So, now, I exer-
were generally not active enough to have that kind of injury. Then, at cise mornings,
79, Daddy had open heart surgery to replace two valves. The heart Monday through
surgeon said that he usually didn’t recommend that kind of surgery for Friday. I try to be finished by 6:30 AM so that I can
a person his age, but Daddy was in good health. My daddy retired shower and be ready to go by 7:30. I’ve even started
when I was in high school. I often remember walking in from school getting up a few minutes earlier. Daddy would be so
and he would be exercising in the den – doing his version of bicep proud of me. He always woke me up; I didn’t have an
curls. I would laugh, thinking how silly he looked exercising in his farm alarm clock until I went to college.
clothes. When he took radiation for cancer, he would walk after his
daily treatment. He had a two-mile path around the farm that he MY MOTIVATION: Now, I understand more about
would walk sometimes, three times a day. Do the math! He would my metabolism and the medicines I was taking, and it has
walk six miles a day after radiation! When Daddy passed away, I made a tremendous difference in my life. I have more
thought, “I want to be like him. I want to be healthy like that. I want energy. I’m more focused. I have encouraged others to
to know that I have done everything I can do to be the best that I can step out. I have a family member that also went to Dr.
be like my daddy was.” Sattele and has discontinued treatment of diabetes because
it’s now under control. Losing weight is not about my van-
MY PLAN: When I would go to my doctors, they would comment ity; it’s about doing the best I can do and being the best I can
about my weight. I would tell them that I wanted to lose weight, and I be.
was interested in losing weight, but I needed help. At a recent yearly
physical with my gynecologist, I asked him if he knew of a weight-loss MY SHINING MOMENT: I’ve lost about 50 pounds and
plan for me. He had a family member going to Dr. Kevin M. Sattele’s ten inches in my waist. My waist is now half my height! That’s
Collin M. Smith Photography

Rapid Weight Loss & Fitness Center. He made an appointment for me
that day, and I went a week later. The rest is my new lifestyle. I par-
ticipated in the Rapid Weight Loss Plan. The things I had to adjust
were sugar, carbs and caffeine. I take multivitamins and a few other
things. Dr. Sattele reviewed my medicines that I was already taking and
adjusted only one medication that he thought was a problem.
MY EXERCISE: Under the Rapid Weight Loss Plan, I also had to
add exercise. During the summer, it was no problem. I would get on
the treadmill for about forty minutes per day. Sometimes, I would
swim laps in the pool. The problem came when school started. I teach
first grade at Pee Dee Academy, and my children play sports after
school. The only time that I can call mine is when they are asleep. So,
I started getting up thirty minutes earlier. If anyone knows me, they
know that I am not a morning person. I didn’t take my children to
Mother’s Morning Out programs consistently because I didn’t like to
get out in the mornings. The first thing I taught my oldest to do as an
supposed to be one of the key indicators of a healthy person.
My BMI has dropped eight points. I’ve gone down three pant
sizes, and I’m within nine pounds of my goal weight. It is getting
harder, but I try to concentrate on my accomplishments.
Nevertheless, I think one of the best things about this adventure is
that others have asked me what I’ve done to lose the weight. I like
helping others. This journey’s been a real blessing.
MY ADVICE: There are programs that can help. Don’t let the price
tag of a program or your schedule prevent you from making the
changes that you need. It’s worth every dime, and it’s worth every
change to lose the weight.
PERSONAL THOUGHTS: To maintain my weight, I’ve changed
my lifestyle. My children get frustrated because there are very few
snacks in our house. Oh, well. They are not coming back! If they
come in at all, they will be in very small quantities – like one
serving! We’re not going to have things to tempt us.

Joan Shelley married the man God chose for her in 1988, and they have three children, Anna (17), Mary Margaret (14) and James (10).
She attended Presbyterian College where she received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She also went to the
University of South Carolina where she received her Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education.
 
83 12/21/09 12:25 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 83

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84-85 12/21/09 9:51 AM Page 1
new year, new (improved) you!
Helan & Randy Ellis
January is known as a time of res -
olutions and high hopes. How many
of us have made the lofty New Year’s Resolution to
change our eating habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle of
consistent exercise? By mid-February, most have fallen
off the bandwagon and are back to their
Collin M. Smith Photography
old but comfortable bad habits. Helan and Randy Ellis
have a journey that must surely sound more than vaguely
familiar to many couples. However, it’s refreshing because
they stuck with a healthy “new leaf” and have developed
some remarkable new habits.
They are both from large families raised in small
South Carolina towns. They met in college when they
were both part of the University of South Carolina
Marching and Symphonic Bands. They apparently
made beautiful music together because they
married in 1974. Helan was a Public School
Teacher for thirty-three years and retired in
2006. Randy began working in the family
business at an early age and has now man-
aged Ellis Transfer & Storage for thirty-six
years.
In college, Helan recalls that
Randy lost about fifty
pounds, and she was
very active in
NOW! sports. So, their
weight was
not a more. Her doctor encouraged her to see a diabetic
tremen-
dous issue
then. Once
they were
married and
began working
full-time, their
lifestyles became
more sedentary.
With the routine of
long hours at work leaving
little energy for exercise,
unhealthy habits began to
form. The addition of their
two amazing children, Ashley
and Alden, brought a new focus
to their lives and their time.
But, again, exercise was not a
priority.
“Looking back,” Helan shares,
“our lives were totally centered
around our children and their
activities. We really didn’t
carve out time for our health
and well-being. I definitely
feel that if we had taken some
time to really look at our
lifestyle of personal physical
inactivity and poor eating
habits, we wouldn’t have
become as overweight and
fatigued as we did. It was so
easy to say tomorrow or
next week, we’ll make lifestyle
changes; but, it seemed to
by Erika Chapman
never happen. Personally, I do feel the extra weight kept
me from being as involved in activities as I would have
liked because I was conscious of my size. But, I guess not
enough to do much about it.”
There were times when their weight became an
embarrassing issue. Helan remembers going on a ride at
Carowinds, and the attendant had trouble closing the
safety bar. Randy had an embarrassing experience on a
plane when a flight attendant had to get a seatbelt exten-
sion to fit over him. At their highest weights, Helan
weighed 288 pounds, and Randy weighed 350 pounds.
A turning point came for Helan when she
retired from teaching. She had more free time, and when
a dear friend encouraged her to come with her to the
YMCA and participate in some water aerobics classes,
Helan agreed. She realized she needed to do something
about her weight and if she just stayed at home, it would
get worse. She loved swimming in a pool, so she agreed
to try the classes and do something for herself. It turned
out to be one of the best decisions she ever made.
She enjoyed the water aerobics and could tell
they were making a difference, but she knew she needed
counselor to help her focus on losing weight and bring-
ing her blood sugar level down. The counselor gave her
nutritional advice, which led her to healthier eating
habits, as well as keeping a food diary. She also began
working out on some of the exercise equipment at the
YMCA.
Helan’s weekly routine was to work out five
days a week, if possible, which included walking on the
treadmill and riding the bicycle three days, working on
the weight machines two days and working out in the
water three days, as well as preparing healthier meals.
At about the same time, the YMCA started a
Coach Approach to Wellness Program in which coun-
selors would meet with clients weekly to evaluate their
eating and exercise programs. For about seventeen
months, Helan had been trying to convince Randy to
work out at the YMCA, as well, but with no success.
Finally he decided to go and agreed to try the program.
Helan and Randy found great guidance and encourage-
ment through the counselors in the program.
Randy discovered that exercise was a great
stress reliever for him; so, initially, he worked out at night,
and Helan would go in the morning. Sometimes, she
would work out again at night with Randy. So that they
would have more time together in the evenings, however,
Helan suggested that they both work out together in the
morning before Randy went to work. This schedule
worked well for them, and now they set the alarm for
5:30 AM and are at the YMCA on the elliptical machines
by 6:10 AM. Although Randy was resistant to exercise,
now he’s extremely dedicated to getting up early and can
spend 65 minutes on the elliptical with seemingly little
effort every day. This routine has become part of their
lifestyle and something they do together. (continued.)
84-85 12/17/09 4:52 PM Page 2

Trained in

“ Helan and Randy have

found losing weight has
made them look better and
feel better
about
themselves.
New Jersey.
Practicing in
Florence.
Serving the
Pee Dee.

before

Helan has lost about 75 pounds, and

Randy has lost about 100 pounds. They would
”
both like to lose about 45 to 50 more pounds each. They agree that the
hardest part was making the commitment and sticking to it. At times,
they find that they will stray from the plan – especially when it comes
to healthy eating. But, the important thing is they forgive themselves
and get back on target right away.
Helan and Randy have found losing weight has made them look
better and feel better about themselves. They shared that it feels great
to bump into someone they haven’t seen in a long time and have them
be extremely complimentary or not even recognize them because of
their weight loss.
Their children and grandchildren are also so proud of the
lifestyle changes they’ve made. Their daughter, Ashley, is married to
Carolinas Hospital System
Nathan Neighbors, and they have two little boys, Anderson and Ellis. is pleased to welcome
Their son,Alden Ellis, is married to Deanna, and they have a son, Bryce.
Their family and the desire to live a long life and enjoy time with them Dr. Eduardo Donato
is a huge motivation for Helan and Randy to be healthy.
The encouragement and support from one another has been to Carolinas Medical Practice.
essential in their success, as well. When Helan started exercising and
Randy saw her results and the compliments she received from others, Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Donato completed
it motivated him to begin exercising. Now, his dedication and determi- his residency at Jersey City Medical Center, New Jersey, after
nation motivate her. This journey toward improved health has made receiving his M.D. from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila.
them stronger as a couple.
When asked what she would say to others that want to begin Dr. Donato has been serving the Pee Dee Region since 2000.
the New Year with the Resolution to pursue a healthier lifestyle, Helan “Medicine is an ever-changing field,” said Dr. Donato. “My
replied,“Randy was never really into exercise, and I had been away from commitment to my patients is to remain current in order to give
it for too long. We’re both food-aholics; so, if we can have success, any- them the best treatment possible.”
body can! Just remember, you are human. You will have backslides and
Dr. Donato is currently accepting new patients. His practice
plateaus along the way. Just get right back up and start again. Also, it’s
easier to do if you have a partner to work with, confide in and encour- is located at 1594 Freedom Boulevard, Suite 102, in Florence.
age you. Develop a good support system – family, friends, doctors – To make an appointment, please call (843) 679-4221.
anyone who will advise you and tell you like it is.”
“Finally, and most importantly,” Helan asserts, “I will tell them Member of the Medical Staff at
to remember Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Jesus Christ
who strengthens me.’”

Erika Chapman lives in Florence with her amazing husband and three busy little
boys. She gets excited about discovering a great read, NewSpring Church and
All the technology. All the heart. All the time.
sharing her most recent adventures at www.erikaivory.wordpress.com. 805 Pamplico Highway • Florence, SC • (843) 674-5000 • www.carolinashospital.com
86 12/21/09 9:50 AM Page 1
new year, new (improved) you!
Bree Boyce
Miss Florence - on a mission -
eating healthy and fighting obesity
The hum of treadmills, the clash
of weights and the buzz of spinner
bikes will soon escalate at gyms and
health clubs everywhere as people
resolve to greet the New Year
with novel exercise programs.
Squeaking scales will tally an
NOW! untold sum of pounds
relinquished – and
regained.
Therein, perhaps,
resides the beginning
of a tale from Bree
Boyce, a sophomore at
Francis Marion University,
who was recently crowned
Miss Florence 2009. Bree, who
has struggled with her weight since
she was very young, recalls becoming
discouraged by a seemingly endless
“
I became aware of my
body and its need for
Collin M. Smith Photography
physical activity and the proper
nutrition to keep
my body happy
and healthy.
” before
by Angela Crosland
cycle of fluctuating weight and health issues
and ultimately resolving to get fit.
Bree said that as she got older,
she realized the importance of good
health. “I started to have really bad asthma.
And, my doctor told me the risks of devel-
oping Type II Diabetes, which really scared
me. I realized one day that I wasn’t happy
– and I most definitely wasn’t healthy.”
Besides the health issues, the
then 230-pound Bree said the weight
kept her from living her life to the fullest.
“When I was younger, I wouldn’t go to
pool parties because I didn’t want to get
in a bathing suit in front of all my friends,”
said Bree. “It also held me back in other
things such as pageants as a young girl. I
always enjoyed competing, but there
came a point where I realized that I didn’t
look like the other girls and the dresses
wouldn’t fit me.”
Like many stubborn
problems, weight gain and
sedentary habits are some-
times better approached
from an uncommon per-
spective, but Bree chose
to lose the weight the
old-fashioned way –
through diet and exer-
cise. “I joined the gym
and started to try
healthy foods that I
would have never
given a chance before.
I became aware of my
body and its need for
physical activity and the
proper nutrition to
keep my body happy
and healthy,” Bree said.
“I set a realistic goal of
ten pounds. After I
reached that, I set another
goal for twenty pounds.”
Angela Crosland works with Francis Marion University in the Office of Public and
Community Affairs. She and her son, Daniel James, II (19) reside in Marion.
Bree continues to set those
small goals to this day. Last summer, she
became interested in running, and she
now runs a couple miles every day. Her
new goal is to participate in a marathon
in January. In addition to the cardio, Bree
lifts weights to keep toned and fit.
“Exercise works for me because, after-
wards, I feel so good about myself,” she
said. “I can really think about a lot and
clear my head after a stressful day when
exercising. It has become a habit and, with-
out it, I don’t know what I would do!”
Since beginning this trek to live
healthy, she has lost 83 pounds, with a
goal of losing a total of 100 pounds.
“But,” Bree admits, “the journey hasn’t
been an easy one. I love all kinds of food,
and it was really hard for me to cut out
things that I really enjoyed. But, now, I love
good foods,” she said. “I eat lots of vegeta-
bles and fruits that I would have never tried
before. I’m big on the organic stuff now
and love trying new healthy things.”
Bree acknowledges that she still
eats some of the foods she loves, but in
moderation. “People need to realize that
you can have the foods you really enjoy as
long as you don’t overdo it and eat in
moderation,” she added.
Bree is set to move on to the
Miss South Carolina Pageant on July 3. In
the meantime, however, she wants to
focus on what she can do now for the
Florence community. “I really want to go
out in the community and into local
schools to talk to students about the
importance of their health,” Bree said.
With such a dramatic increase in
obesity among children in recent years,
Bree said it is important to introduce a
healthy lifestyle sooner in life. As part of
her efforts to fight obesity, she has estab-
lished the Facebook page, “Bree Boyce –
Eating Healthy and Fighting Obesity,” and
she encourages readers to visit the site.
87 12/18/09 9:28 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 87

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88 12/21/09 9:41 AM Page 1
new year, new (improved) you!
Lesley Kirby, AuD
Weight, it seems, has always been an issue for
me. I remember as a young child (probably third grade)
going to my annual pediatrician’s well-check appointment.
Dr. Thompson (in Milwaukee, WI) weighed me, looked
directly at my mother and said,“We need to start watch-
ing what Lesley is eating. She’s starting to gain too much
weight.”
My, how one sentence can last with someone
her entire life! I learned one of life’s great lessons right
at that moment – the power of one’s words is enormous!
I was always quite athletic (after all, my father
was an NBA professional basketball player and coached
the Milwaukee Bucks to a National Championship). My
sport of choice, along with my three sisters and mother,
was tennis. I became a High School All-American and
played for Syracuse University. So, although I was always
a “big girl,” I was always active and athletic. I can’t say that
my weight held me back, but I always knew that I had a
greater tendency to be heavy. My teammates were
always, always thinner than I was (although not quicker!).
MY TURNING POINT: My mother unexpectedly and
suddenly passed away last year. I was devastated,
although I know that she is in Heaven, and I don’t want
her to return here. It’s so funny how the valleys in one’s
life can eventually turn into the peaks. Priorities came
into great focus for me – that being my family. I knew
that I wanted to spend more quality time with them. Life
is so short, precious and fragile. We never know what
tomorrow will bring. I also realized that I wanted to be
as healthy as possible with as much energy as possible to
experience life. I just knew in my soul that I needed to
make some changes.
MY MOTIVATION: I am a member of
BNI (Business Network International), and
we have weekly meetings to help
promote and network our
businesses amongst its mem-
bers. Karen Leatherman,
owner of Fitness Forum, was
describing a new weight-loss
program that she was begin-
ning. It sounded like I would be
a perfect candidate for the pro-
gram, so we talked about it. I
agreed that I would do anything
she wanted me to do – exercise,
eat correctly, exercise, exercise
(you get the picture). After par-
beforesoul that I needed
ticipating in her three-month
program, I had lost close to forty
pounds and three dress sizes! As
for my highest weight, let’s just
say that it was over 200 pounds.
(Even my husband doesn’t know
exactly how much.)
MY PLAN: The Fitness Forum is now my home-away-
from-home. I have become a “gym rat,” and I love going
to the classes. More importantly, though, I feel so much
better. I also realize that losing weight is not a one-time
challenge. I really wish that it was just a “won-and-done”
deal and I would never have to worry about my weight
again. After all, how many times have we gained weight,
and then lost it, just to gain it back again (with more!)? I
still remember my pediatrician’s words in my head from
so many years ago. The Fitness Forum has taught me that
I will always need to exercise on a regular basis. There is
no permanent quick-fix. I can eat whatever I want (okay,
within reason!), just in limited portions. I know that I will
never deprive myself of cheesecake, chocolate, bread,
cheeses, etc., because if I do, I will completely fall off the
wagon and eat everything in sight! However, I have
learned portion control – eating smaller amounts and
being conscious of what is being eaten – and how cardio
and weight training will help keep the weight off.
MY EXERCISE: As for my exercise plan, Karen
initially told me to exercise six times a week.
Before I knew it, I was exercising seven times a
week (and sometimes two times per day!). I’m a
member of Fitness Forum’s Functional Training
Group, which utilizes both cardio training (running,
stair stepping, bike riding, rowing, treadmill, etc.)
with weight training, often using large rubber bands
for resistance, weighted balls and Fitness Forum’s
awesome weight machines. I also got involved in
their group power classes (lifting weights to
music), and I love to use their elliptical
“
I realized that I
wanted to be as
healthy as possible
to experience life.
I just knew in my
to make some
changes.
”
machines that have personal built-in televisions. I used a
personal trainer one time a week. All the other times, I
was in classes and used my elliptical machine at home.
MY DIET PLAN: As for nutrition, Karen uses an awe-
some on-line program that actually comes up with menus
for you to eat using foods that you already love. For
example, I hate broccoli, so all my meals had no broccoli
in them. The best part of the program, however, is that it
actually prints you a shopping list of all ingredients you’ll
need at the grocery store! How easy is that!
MY MOTIVATION: Now that I’ve reached my initial
weight-loss goal, I know that I’ll need other goals to take
its place. I’ve always tended to be an achiever and do well
if I have a goal. So, my next goal is to start training for a
10K race in the spring – the Cooper River Bridge Run in
Charleston.
MY SHINING MOMENT: I never thought in my
wildest dreams that I would be able to run a 5K race, but
this month will be my third!
PERSONAL THOUGHTS: “A huge thank you to the
staff of the Fitness Forum. Each has
played a huge part in my weight
loss, and I am forever thankful
(as is my family).” ~ Lesley
Dr. Lesley Kirby has been happily
married to Ronnie Kirby for thirteen
years, and they have two children,
Garrett (12) and Kelsey (5). They
reside in the countryside in
Timmonsville. Lesley is a Doctor of
Audiology and owner of
Lifetime Hearing Services, Inc.,
in Florence with satellite loca-
tions in Hartsville and Lake
City. They provide hearing
evaluations on newborn
babies through the geri-
atric populations. Her
office is the only
authorized dis-
penser of Beltone
Hearing Aids
within the Pee
Dee Region.
NOW!
89 12/17/09 4:25 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 89

90 12/21/09 9:49 AM Page 1

new year, new (improved) you!

Brenda Jacobs
I was a very thin person, even after I had all of
my children. About three years ago, however, my
weight became a major issue for me. Being over-
weight definitely kept me from being my best.
Carrying extra weight drained my body, leaving
there was nothing for me to lose but the weight! I called and made an
appointment for a free consultation. When I saw the photo of myself
that was taken at the Center before my weight loss, it was an eye
opener because I saw how I actually looked. That was definitely my
turning point.

NOW! me constantly tired. And, worst of all, at

188.6 pounds (my highest weight),
there were people who actually
were heavier than I was who
were calling me fat!
MY TURNING POINT:
One of my twin daugh-
ters told me about
Physician’s Weight Loss
Centers. She suggested
that I go in for a consulta-
tion because she knew I
wanted to lose weight – and
MY DIET: My diet consisted of three small meals a day that were
low in carbohydrates and high in protein. I drank two protein shakes
provided by Physicians Weight Loss Centers. The hardest thing
about my weight-loss journey was dealing with my craving for pota-
to chips at night and during my break at work. But, I changed my eat-
ing habits, which is a lifestyle change. And, making a lifestyle change
will help me to maintain my weight.
MY EXERCISE: I engaged in 30 minutes of exercise each day. I
would walk a mile, and I used the Ab Coaster exercise machine.
MY MOTIVATION: I’m motivated because I look better, I feel
better, I have more energy and my self-confidence has increased. I’ve
overcome something that I thought I
couldn’t do. And, having a great support
group like the Physicians Weight Loss
Centers Staff to keep me motivated

“ When I saw the

photo of myself
that was taken at
was great!

MY SHINING MOMENT: I’m at my

goal weight! I’ve lost 50 pounds and 75
inches!
Collin M. Smith Photography

MY ADVICE: I know this sounds

the Center before cliché; but, if I can do it, anyone can do
it. As long as you follow your diet plan,
before my weight loss... you will lose the pounds. I recommend
that anyone who wants to lose weight
that was definitely should register with Physicians Weight
Loss Centers. Their Staff will be both
my turning point. your coaches and your cheerleaders in
your journey to lose weight. I thank
God for sending such caring people into
my life.story

”
Brenda Jacobs has been happily married to Jerry Jacobs for 30 years, and they reside in Dillon County.
They have three adult children, Angela Thompson and twins, Dale and Gale Jacobs. She is also the
proud grandmother of three boys. Brenda works at The Pines Nursing Home.
91 12/17/09 2:47 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 91

Ensure Yourself a Forget about...

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Florence, SC
92 12/18/09 11:12 AM Page 1

new year, new (improved)you!

Ashley “ Looking in the mirror and

seeing the physical changes,
and being able to clean out

Hanna my closet of clothes that

now fall off of me feels
pretty great!
Weight has been an issue for me my entire life. I was always
slightly bigger than most of my peers, but it wasn’t a drastic size differ-
ence; it was just enough to make me uncomfortable. Then, when I had my
second child, I gained seventy pounds. After that, it just skyrocketed. My
highest weight was 253 pounds. I kept putting off trying to seriously lose
the weight, though, because, over all, my weight never really affected me
doing anything except at the end when I was at my biggest. I would get
winded by walking up the stairs in my house or playing with my children.
Not being able to play with my children was the worst part.

MY TURNING POINT: When my oldest daughter was in 5K, she told

me she didn’t want me to go on any field trips because I was too big and
none of the other mommies were big like me. That certainly did sting a bit.
The final straw, however, was when our family had pictures made in
before

” NOW!
December 2008. When they came back and I saw just how big I was, I said
to myself, “Okay, enough is enough!”

MY PLAN: My mother told me about Physician’s Plan. She said that when
I was ready to really make a lifestyle change, we would go together and talk with them. So, after truly looking at myself
and what I was doing, I called and told her I was ready. Together, we went the next week, and I really liked and understood
what they were telling me. That same week, I started with my plan. I started off on a 1600-calorie diet. I chose to do the
B12 injections twice a week and for the first couple months, I did take the diet pills. The worst thing about my weight-
loss journey has been changing the way I eat. Aside from just loving food in general, I’m an emotional eater, so I’ve had to
retrain myself from a lifetime of bad eating habits. I will always have to watch what I put into my body. I’ll never be able to
go back to my old eating habits; but, with continued exercise and sticking to the diet that was designed for my body, I can
keep the weight off.

MY EXERCISE: After dropping my daughters off at school, I meet my mother at McLeod Fitness Center and we walk the out-
Collin M. Smith Photography
side track for about an hour – which wasn’t easy for me in the beginning. Now, whether the weather is hot or cold, we’re out
there. And, honestly, there have been times we’ve walked during a light rain. I also have a treadmill at home, and I walk an extra
two to three miles on it about three to four times a week. So, basically, my exercise plan consists of a lot of walking – along with
running after two very energetic children!

MY MOTIVATION: To date, I’ve lost 94 pounds! That’s a lot of motivation in itself! But, even more importantly, one of the
main things in my life that has changed is now I can get up and play chasing-type games with my daughters for more than five
minutes. That, alone, means so much to me! My main goal is to lose 100 pounds. With that being such a big goal, I decided to
break it down into stages. Otherwise, I was afraid I would become discouraged. I would say,“Let’s get to 220, 210, 200 and then
under 200, and so forth.” I’ve reached and bypassed all those goals. As far as my main goal of losing 100 pounds, I’m six pounds
away. I have a little over a month left in the year’s time I set for myself, so I’m focused and confidant that I will meet my goal.

MY SHINING MOMENT: Looking in the mirror and seeing the physical changes, and being able to clean out my closet of
clothes that now fall off of me feels pretty great!

MY ADVICE: There are no magic cures, pills or fixes. It’s hard to lose weight! There is no doubt about it. You have to be
ready to make a change. You can’t do it for any other reason. But, the good news is it gets easier as you learn new lifestyle
habits. And, a day will come when you don’t even think about it as a “diet” or anything other than a way of life. If I can do it,
anyone can!

Ashley Hanna is 24-years-old. She is a wife and a mother of two girls, ages 7 and almost 5.
93 12/18/09 12:03 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 93

MCLEOD HEALTH RED HEART LUNCHEON

In support of American Heart Association National "Go Red for Women" Day

Friday, February 5, 2010

Presented by:
DR. KIEVERS
CUNNINGHAM
McLeod Family Medicine Center
“Women & Heart Disease”
Space is limited. To register,
call McLeod Reservations & Scheduling
777-2005 or 1-800-667-2005
McLeod Plaza Auditorium
800 E Cheves Street
Florence, SC 29506
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Free to the Public
Lunch Provided
Please come dressed in Red.
HEART HEALTH
RISK FACTORS SCREENINGS
Friday, February 5, 2010
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McLeod Plaza Auditorium
Learn about modifiable risk factors and 800 E Cheves Street
the relationship of heart disease to other Florence, SC 29506
areas of health concerns.

• Blood Pressure Screenings

• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Screenings
• Stroke Screenings
• Fingerstick Cholesterol Screenings (at a reduced rate)
• Body Mass Index

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94 12/18/09 11:55 AM Page 1
new year, new (improved) you!
Glenette Eaddy
MY TURNING POINT: Since 2006, I gained 30 pounds, which has
been difficult to get off. The weight showed up in the telltale places of
the stomach, hips and thighs. I went from a size 6 at 130 pounds to a
size 12 at 160 pounds at my highest weight. The weight gain caused me
to have very high cholesterol at my last physical in July of 2008, acid
reflux, and I would get winded quickly when walking up stairs. In addi-
tion, I felt sluggish often. Not only was I having health issues, I felt like
the weight gain made me feel less confident about myself. I started to
feel like I was not at my best and that I could do better. In August 2009
when the scales tipped 160 pounds, that was my final straw! I made
up my mind then that I would begin to follow healthy lifestyle patterns.
MY PLAN: On August 7, 2009, I began a self-imposed diet
and lifestyle change. I was going to be 46 in four months and
knew it would be only more difficult to lose weight as the
NOW! years passed. My plan included cutting out all carbonated
drinks, drinking more water, eating less meat, eating more
fruits and vegetables and exercising by walking three times
a week. The most difficult and only goal in my plan that
I haven’t met consistently is walking at least three times
a week. I have been 100% true to all the others. I still
exercise, even if it’s only sixty repetitions on my “Leg
Magic” exerciser a few times a week. Giving up the
carbonated drinks was difficult for the first few weeks;
but, after that, my body no longer craved them.
“ I’m excited
about what
God is doing
Collin M. Smith Photography
in my life
and health!
before
” yourself. Once I reach my goal weight, I will continue to make pos-
Glenette Eaddy and her husband, John, have one son, Joshua. She and John have been married for 20 years and were high school sweethearts.
Glenette has worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC as an Operations Manager for 20 years.
MY DIET: Since August 7, 2009, I haven’t had a Mountain Dew or any
other soft drink. I drink lots of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables
and I use meat as a garnish rather than an entrée. I rediscovered peanut
butter and jelly sandwiches as a source of protein. Beans are another
source of protein since I eat little or no meat. I love to cook limas, pin-
tos and black beans in the crock pot. These days, my favorite lunch is a
Fruit Salad from Edible Arrangements. If I don’t get to walk three days a
week, I don’t beat myself up. I adjust my schedule and keep moving for-
ward. To kick the soft drink habit, I drank water with a Crystal Light pack-
et for about two weeks. I would alternate plain water and then flavored
water throughout the day. After about two weeks, the cravings for the
soft drinks went away completely, and now I crave just plain water.
MY MOTIVATION: My life has definitely changed for the better
because of the changes I’ve made. I feel robust and energetic on a daily
basis. I’ve had acne since I was a teen, and it carried over into adulthood;
so, my skin certainly likes the water better than it did the carbonated
drinks. It is much clearer! In addition to feeling great about myself, I’m
not easily winded anymore, and I expect my cholesterol to be in the nor-
mal range when I have my physical in early December. The acid reflux
episodes have also diminished. A month after making changes, I’m more
energetic and have gone from a size twelve to a size ten!
MY SHINING MOMENT: To date, I’ve lost 15 pounds! I’m five pounds
from my goal weight of 140. Although I haven’t met my goal weight, I’ve lost
enough pounds and inches to fit in some size 8 clothing, which is my goal
size. In addition to dropping inches from the hips, thighs and stomach
areas, I can certainly tell a difference in my skin. One of my makeup rou-
tines is to use the mineral foundation by Mineral Glow and dust with a
loose mineral powder by Mary Kay. These days, I’m only using the loose
mineral powder by Mary Kay because my skin is so much clearer.
MY ADVICE: To others trying to embark on the journey of getting
healthier when there have been past failures, I would say,“Don’t look for
a quick fix!” Work out reasonable and measurable goals that you feel
you can achieve, and take it one day at a time. If you fall off the wagon,
pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back on. You’re driving the
wagon; the wagon isn’t driving you! Therefore, it will go at the pace you
set. Having more than one goal makes it easier to have success stories,
as well. If you meet one of your goals and fall short on another, then
you still have made progress – and that is a measure of success!
PERSONAL THOUGHTS: At the beginning of August, I made up my
mind once and for all that I was going to make a change. I was encouraged
by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.” I was also encouraged by the fact that I did-
n’t gain it all in a month or two; therefore, I shouldn’t expect to
lose it in a month or two. I’m excited about what God is doing in
my life with my health! The best thing about my accomplishments
is that I no longer have the health challenges that I had, which
should add years to my life as a wife and mother. And, I plan to
maintain my success through faith in God and perseverance. My
fan club – my husband and family who support me – makes all of
the difference in the world. I believe that God wants us to be whole
in every area of our lives. Making lasting, healthy lifestyle changes
not only affects you, but everyone you come in contact with. People
notice when you are healthier because you are more confident about
itive healthy choices in the way I live. I’m living life God-style!
95 12/21/09 12:37 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 95

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96 12/18/09
new year, new (improved) you!
NOW!
Collin M. Smith Photography
12:36 PM Page 1
Jessica McQuage
I’ve had a weight problem all my life. Even as a
child, I was always bigger and taller than other children my
age. I didn’t particularly feel held back in any way, though. I
just had to adjust to looking older because I was big-
ger and taller than the others. I’m sure there were
hurtful comments made about my weight. I’m
thankful I have a forgiving memory, and I wasn’t
scared by the remarks.
MY TURNING POINT: I was at Dr.Windham’s
office, and I was asked if I was there for the weight
management program. Even though I weighed
236 pounds, I said that I wasn’t. When I was
called to the back, I asked Donna what the weight
management program was about. She told me that
Dr. Windham was supervising a program in which
I would go to the office once a month and meet
with her. At that time, they would track my blood
pressure and weight. I always thought that if you
wanted to lose weight, you lived in the gym and
ate rabbit food. Was I wrong! Before that day, I
had passed the point of caring if I was overweight.
“ I always thought that
if you wanted to
lose weight, you lived
in the gym and ate
before
rabbit food. Was I
wrong!
” Jessica McQuage is a Traveling Nurse.
I just had too much to do and no time or energy to do it all. But,
on that day, I told Donna I wanted to try the program. I didn’t
realize that my “lifestyle” needed so much work. As a single per-
son on the road 24/7, fast food was easy. Who wants to cook for
one? However, just the thought of a weight management pro-
gram makes you stop and think before you eat.
MY PLAN: Dr. Windham’s program is a physician-monitored
weight-loss plan. Prescription-strength appetite suppressants
were prescribed and I received fat-burning B12 injections to
increase my metabolism.
MY DIET: I’ve started really reading food labels when grocery
shopping, and I make conscious and healthy food decisions. I’ve
put a stop to the fast food.
MY EXERCISE: I started wearing weights to work. As a nurse,
I constantly walk or run up and down halls. That sure does work!
MY MOTIVATION: All the members in my family have Type II
Diabetes. I want to break that cycle. I’m going to show my fam-
ily that it can be done and that it’s not all genetics.
MY SHINING MOMENT: I’ve lost 68 pounds and too many
dress sizes to count! I’ve passed my first goal, and I’m three
pounds from the second. That’s another great thing about Dr.
Windham’s weight management program. I didn’t know what a
safe weight was for me; but, she did.
MY ADVICE: Try it! What have you got to lose – except the
weight?
PERSONAL THOUGHTS: Even though
I had given up on losing weight when I went
into Dr.Windham’s office that day, now I plan
on maintaining my weight loss by keeping up
with the weights, reading food labels and
making conscious and healthy food decisions.
I am going to be the one to break that Type II
Diabetes cycle in my family.
She hasn’t been blessed with a family of
her own yet, except for her dog.
97 12/17/09 2:59 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 97

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98 12/17/09 4:49 PM Page 1
INSPIRATION
At the time of year when health
and fitness is on everyone’s mind,
we found a beautiful, full-of-life,
one-hundred-year-old and
thought you would like to know . . .
How’d she do that?
Mary Lee Summerford Maxwell by Connie Windham
My mother, Mary Lee Summerford Maxwell, cele-
brated her birthday two days early, on December 6th, at
the Fellowship Hall in Central United Methodist Church of
Florence. On December 8th, her actual birthday, she
turned One-Hundred-Years-Old!
So, at a time of the year when people are making
New Year’s Resolutions to get healthier, you might ask,
“How does one live to be one hundred?” My mother
would tell you, quite simply, that the secret to her longevi-
ty is “in her genes.” Considering the fact that her mother
lived to be one-hundred, as well, might validate her claim.
Mother has six children, 23 grandchildren, 44
great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren, as
well as two living siblings whose families are such a large
part of our lives, Lillian Mays Grantham Sheepe and
Harriett Mays Hyman, who joined us in Mother’s birthday
celebration.
Besides being blessed with good genes, I can’t say
that Mother has subscribed to a life of careful diet and
exercise. She has, however, always remained active, even to
this day. She has never been one to lie in bed, unless she
absolutely had to. Even now, she takes physical therapy to
remain mobile. She loves taking care of herself, putting on
jewelry and makeup; she’s a real “Miss Priss.”
When it comes to staying healthy, I believe her
state-of-mind has more to do with it than anything else.
She’s always been a very positive person. Mother is full of
love for her family and friends, and I think that keeps her
going.
Last, but certainly not least, my mother is a strong
believer in prayer. When she or anyone else has been sick
(and my mother endured much sickness in her life, includ-
ing malaria) she would always say, “Pray.”
She has, indeed, lived a long life, and she has lived
it to the fullest. Mother grew up during the time the rail-
roads were building their tracks all around this area. Her
dad, Papa Mays, worked for the railroad and spent his days
and nights at the railroad work camps. This was in the
early 1900s when transportation was mostly railroad, and
these men had to stay at their work places. The camps
had their cooks, but no one who could make the loaves of
bread the men hungered for.
At that time, Mother was about twelve. Her
mother (Mama Mays) would put her on a train with a large
cardboard suitcase full of bread and rolls. Mother could-
n’t lift the suitcase because it was so large, but she would
Connie Windham lives in Florence. She has three daughters, Sharon Kennedy, Laura Revell and Sissy Grimsley; and two sons;Windy, a Major in the United States Army, and Jeff.
head toward Papa
Mays’ camp as
guardian of that bread.
Soon, she would
acquire the nickname,
“The Bread Girl.” photo by Heather Jordan
She had
friends that we all knew throughout the years, but Mae and
Lory Evans were especially close to her. Lory had a friend
named Major Summerford, and she introduced Mother to
him. He was immediately smitten by this girl, although she
was much younger than he. He took her to the fair on
their first date – and many dates afterwards. They would
ride around and flirt and laugh many months before
Mother agreed to marry our daddy.
Mother was only 15 and Daddy was 27.
However, in his defense, back at the home of Mama’s par-
ents, Mama Mays was still having babies. So, Mother real-
ly saw Daddy not only as this handsome prince on a white
horse that had come to rescue her from many runny-
nosed siblings, she also fell deeply in love with this quiet
man with the beautiful gray eyes.
Our parents were married in the Parsonage of
the First Baptist Church in Florence in 1924. They would
have five children, two years apart. Major, Jr. was first.
Then, Tommy was born, with Wren, Doug and me to fol-
low. The last child of the six would come four years after
I was born. Her name is Linda, and she is Mother’s baby.
World War II came and stayed. We were all very
innocent of the world around us. We were getting ready for
breakfast one morning and noticed that Mother was quiet
and oblivious to everything going on. As we questioned her
about what was wrong, her reply was, “Pearl Harbor has
been bombed, and I don’t even know where that is.”
We were young, but we were still aware that her
mind was with her two oldest children, who, in a couple
years, would look pretty good in a uniform to Uncle Sam.
We had been living in our own little place, doing our own
little things, not even concerned about the rest of the
world – the world that we were connected to by the rail-
road tracks that our mother, in her own way, helped build.
The same tracks that were ridden by the troop trains that
did eventually take our oldest brother, Major, to the Marine
camps for training.
Mother did everything she could to help the Red
Cross. She sold baked goods to donate the money and
She also has nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
made squares to be used to for bandages. She did all that
and kept us all fed and clean. She also fed a lot or our
friends. She also made our clothes. Sometimes, she did a
lot of this in a little pair of heels.
When Major’s training was over, he fought in a
battle on the Island of Okinawa and was wounded in both
legs. Mother was very strong and helped hold our daddy
together. Soon afterwards, Uncle Sam called Tommy. We
all went to the bus station to say our goodbyes to him, but
fate gave us a better deal. This time, the young lady check-
ing the roster of names noticed Tommy’s. She knew he
suffered from asthma and put him off the bus. It wasn’t
long before Mother had all of her children at home again
and the whole family under the same roof one last time.
It was a very cold February morning when our
fireman daddy answered a four-alarm call. A child stood
outside a house in flames, crying for the grandmother that
had been trapped inside. Our good and wonderful daddy
gave his life trying to rescue that child’s grandmother. We lost
our beloved daddy that morning, but Mother lost her hus-
band, her soul mate, her provider and the father of her chil-
dren. She was only in her late 30s and the year was 1947.
How would a woman support her children in those days?
You know the saying about what the tough do in
hard and desperate times? Well, our mother was not only
tough; she was refined, reserved and resourceful. And, she
was smart. With the finances that we had, she sent Major
to school; then, she sent Tommy.
She was still a very lovely woman. Soon, she met
someone that found his way into her heart. She married
George Elliott Maxwell and, together, they owned and
operated Maxwell’s Shoe Store in Florence until they
retired in the 1970s. He passed away with cancer in 1980.
Today, Mother retains her quick and dry wit, and she
is still all-knowing with that hound-dog-like perception. She
keeps her children close, she loves her Jesus, she loves her
family, and she is loved. She is as healthy as a one-hundred
year-old could hope to be – and she is still enjoying life.
99 12/21/09 12:38 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 99

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100 12/18/09 11:52 AM Page 1
by Angela Polk with Sampling of
WebsterRogers, LLP
PURSE
2009 Tax Law
Changes that May
strings Benefit You
Enhanced Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers:
In an attempt to help the housing industry, the “American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009” included an Enhanced Tax Credit for first-time homebuyers.
The new credit initially applied to homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 through
the end of November 2009. However, this credit was extended and expanded under the
Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (“Assistance Act”) for pur-
chases made by April 30, 2010 or before July 1, 2010 under a written, binding contract
before May 1, 2010. The maximum credit equals the lesser of (1) 10% of the purchase price
of the principal residence or (2) $8,000 ($4,000 for married filing separate) for first-time
homebuyers.
This Assistance Act also made a special provision for longtime residents. For pur-
chases made after November 6, 2009, any taxpayer that has maintained the same principal
residence for any five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period ending on the
date of the purchase of a subsequent principal residence is treated as a first-time home-
buyer for purchases after November 6, 2009. Their credit is, however, limited to $6,500
($3,250 for married filing separate). No credit is allowed for residences costing over
$800,000 and acquired after November 6, 2009.
Residences under construction may also qualify as long as the taxpayer owns and
occupies by April 30, 2010. This refundable credit does not have to be repaid like the 2008
credit. The new credit may also be claimed on an amended 2008 return if the taxpayer
does not want to wait until 2009 to claim the credit.
Please note that for taxpayers who are on qualified official extended duty as a member of
the uniformed services, the Foreign Service of the U.S. or an employee of the intelligence
community, the deadline is extended until April 30, 2011. This is for individuals who are
serving outside the U.S. for at least 90 days during the period beginning December 31, 2009
and ending before May 1, 2010.
The credit is also available when two or more taxpayers who are not married pur-
chase a principal residence. The credit is allocated among the individuals using any reason-
able method. Reasonable methods include allocation of the credit based on (1) the taxpay-
ers’ contributions toward the purchase price of the residence as tenants in common or
joint tenants, or (2) the taxpayers’ ownership interests in the residence as tenants in com-
mon.
For principal residence purchases before November 7, 2009, the credit is phased
out ratably as the taxpayer’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)
increases from $75,000 to $95,000 ($150,000 to $190,000 for
joint filers). For principal residence purchases made after
November 6, 2009, the credit will phase out as
MAGI increases from $125,000 to
$145,000 ($250,000 to
Angela Polk works in the Florence Office of WebsterRogers, LLP, and is a Manager for Wealth Management and
Tax Services. She also provides ProSystem Support. She obtained her Undergraduate Degree from Francis
Marion University and her Master’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of South Carolina.
$290,000 for joint filers) for the year of purchase. For qualified homes purchased after
December 31, 2008, the credit must be recaptured only if the taxpayer disposes of the res-
idence, or the residence ceases to be the taxpayer’s principal residence during the 36-
month period beginning on the date of purchase.
American Opportunity Tax Credit:
There is also a new measure aimed at making college more affordable for low-
and moderate-income students. The new provision temporarily replaces the Hope Tax
Credit with the American Opportunity Tax Credit for 2009 and 2010. The maximum
amount of the American Opportunity Tax Credit is $2,500. The credit is 100% of the first
$2,000 of qualifying expenses and 25% of the next $2,000, so the maximum credit of $2,500
is reached when a student has qualifying expenses of $4,000 or more. The tax credit is
available for up to four years. The act expands the qualifying expenses from just tuition and
fees to include textbooks. Forty percent of the credit is also refundable.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limits were also expanded. The credit begins phas-
ing out at $80,000 for single to $160,000 for joint filers. As a reminder, costs associated
with room and board, insurance, medical expenses (including student health fees), trans-
portation and similar personal, living or family expenses are not qualified tuition and relat-
ed expenses. Further, any expenses involving sports, games, hobbies or any noncredit
course, except under special circumstances (such as part of the student’s degree program)
do not qualify. When fees are bundled with qualified and nonqualified costs, the institution
has to make a reasonable allocation to determine the nonqualified portion of the fee.
Changes to Section 529:
Additionally, the definition of higher education expenses under Section 529 (qual-
ified tuition) Plans was expanded to cover computer technology and equipment, Internet
access and other related services for 2009 and 2010. Prior to the Act, a computer did not
qualify unless it was required by the college or by a specific degree program or course.
Various Other Changes:
There are numerous other credits and deductions such as extension of the 50%
bonus depreciation, the $250,000 179 Expense Limitation, etc., included in the legislation,
impacting numerous individuals and businesses in 2009. Temporary relief from Alternative
Minimum Tax (AMT) for 2009 has been provided by increasing the exemption amounts
above last year’s levels and allowing nonrefundable credits to offset AMT, as well as regular
tax. Net operating loss carryback rules have been liberalized, also.
There are far too many changes to cover in one article. The main idea here is to
note that there are a lot of changes this year that we need to be aware of.
101 12/18/09 1:26 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 101

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102 12/18/09 12:38 PM Page 1

Chicks OF THE SheMagazine and

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pictured: (back row, left to right) Tracy Grainger, Becky

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April White, Harriett Wilson, Heather Stokes, & Latasha
Green. (front row, left to right) Anjanette Howell &
Cathy Yarborough.

In a letter to She Magazine, Nadia F. Rogers wrote:

I work in the Billing Department at Pathology Service Associates
(PSA) in Florence with an excellent group. At PSA, we bill and collect for
pathologists and doctors all over the United States. We also have other
departments such as Refunds, Customer Service and Collections.
I’m a Member of the Alabama/Virginia/Washington Billing Team.
Our team surely deserves to be She Magazine’s “Chicks of the Month”
because we work very hard every day to keep our clients happy. We’re
exceptionally well-trained, and we take pride in our work. We work great
together as a team.
And, most importantly, our team deserves to be “Chicks of the
Month” because we all love She Magazine!

If you would like to receive lunch courtesy of She Magazine and Chick-fil-A at the Magnolia Mall, Magnolia Mall Drive-In and Florence
Darlington Tech locations, send an e-mail telling us why your office or group should be Chicks of the Month to: editor@shemagazine.com
103 12/18/09 11:07 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 103

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104 12/21/09 9:40 AM Page 1
A New Year,
A New You:
HEALTHY WEIGHT
LOSS RESOLUTIONS
Every year as the ball drops and a New Year begins, millions of Americans prom-
ise themselves they’re going to lead healthy lives and lose weight. It’s a resolution that
often lasts only a few weeks – or possibly a couple months – but it won’t be destined for
failure if you follow a few pointers.
Exercise: Performing regular physical activity helps control your weight by using excess
calories that would otherwise be stored as fat. Doing a combined number of physical
activities (like the ones below) for just thirty minutes a day can greatly improve your phys-
ical condition, as well as the general state of your health. Consider the health benefits of
making a minor adjustment in your everyday habits when you:
• walk the dog or enjoy conversation with a friend over a long stroll,
• do simple yard work,
• park your car farther away and walk further to work or the store,
• take the stairs instead of the elevator.
After steadily increasing your daily activity, you may start to notice a moderate
increase in your overall stamina. You may consider joining a gym and taking part in some
planned physical, aerobic activity. A physical trainer and physician can help put together an
exercise plan that is right for your body. The key is finding an activity you enjoy so you are
more likely to do it several times a week.
Once you have established the trend of an exercise routine for a few weeks, you
will emotionally and physically feel better. Our mind is a very powerful tool for many
things, and the increased thoughts that you will experience regarding your self-image will
help to continue your motivation toward a healthier, slimmer you. The goal with exercise
is to view it as a part of your necessary daily activities. That period of time is just as impor-
tant for you as an individual as working and participating in the many responsibilities that
we have throughout the day. Try to keep from making excuses and putting aside exercise
time when other less-fulfilling options present themselves to you. The physical boost you’ll
experience once you begin your routine will enhance your ability to perform in all other areas
of your life.
Start slow if you’re a beginner. Set a goal to reach 45 to 50 minutes of steady
cardiovascular exercise four days a week. The first 20 minutes of that exer-
cise is “heart healthy” and the remaining is “fat burning.” Put your head-
phones on or set your exercise area to take place in front of your
favorite TV program, and you will have met your time goal with
ease. Exercise in front of others; you may motivate the entire
family. Make exercise time a family experience and com-
pete. Or, use this time as your “get away” from daily
stressors and sweat away the worries from the day.
Exercise helps to clear one’s mind and create a
great sense of self-worth.
Lastly, check off on the calendar every day
that you completed your exercise routine, and
reward yourself at the end of each month with a non-
edible surprise. If you don’t complete every day as planned,
then the surprise is not yours!
` Dieting: Instead of thinking about how you should cut
back, focus on what you can add to your diet. Make sure
you’re getting the recommended five to nine servings of
fruits and vegetables every day. Plan your meals and
snacks in advance, and you’ll be less likely to let your
stomach make poor decisions for you. Every
mealtime must include protein, which
by Krista M. Kozacki, MD
most people are deficient in. Protein is necessary to reach your goal; it will help to pre-
vent fatigue you may experience if the proper amounts are not present. Choose healthy
fruits and starches, placing whole grains at the top of the list. Simple sugars found in all
sweet drinks, desserts and white starches such as potatoes, breads and pastas need to be
eliminated or limited. Substitute with whole grains, brown rice, wheat pasta and even
sweet potatoes. Water needs to be a mainstay in your success. Whether flavored with a
sugar-free substitute or with added lemon or lime, this is a necessity.
Ask your physician to calculate your daily requirements to maintain your present
weight and then subtract 300 to 500 calories a day for aggressive weight loss in a healthy
way. No male or female should consume less than 1100 to 1200 calories a day if losing
weight appropriately. Remember, exercise is a portion of your daily routine, and you must
be able to function during the remainder of your day.
Don’t Skip Meals: Research shows that, on average, those who eat breakfast
weigh less than those who skip out on the meal. Ironically, eating fewer than three meals
a day usually leads to the intake of more calories throughout the day. Also, when you skip
meals, you are training your body to survive almost as though it was “starving” itself. This
will cause your metabolism to decrease and then weight loss will be impossible or negli-
gible. Think of your metabolism as a campfire. If you don’t continuously add wood to the
fire, it will go out and all will be cold. Your metabolism will burn calories more effectively
if you maintain appropriate caloric intake with the right foods. You’ll lose weight by eat-
ing. Protein drinks are a good supplement in between meals. If used as a meal replace-
ment once during the day (such as for breakfast),then make sure that it is equivalent to
the amount of calories required for that meal.
Avoid Liquid Calories: A recent study shows that more than 20 percent of
Americans’ caloric intake comes from beverages. You may forget to consider your caloric
intake from drinking when planning your diet. To avoid excess weight gain, only drink alco-
hol, sugary coffee drinks and regular soda in moderation. Consider substituting with
water, light alcoholic drinks and diet sodas to eliminate excess calories. Many people can
easily shed two to five pounds a month by eliminating sweetened drinks. Consider every
time you take in 150 to 175 calories from a sweet drink, you must exercise it off to suc-
ceed. That’s typically 35 to 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise just to break even!
Re-Think Your Goals: This year, make your goal more specific than just trying to
lose weight. For example, plan to:
• go to the gym three days a week,
• only eat out twice a week,
• walk thirty minutes a day,
• only consume one glass of alcohol a week,
• choose your restaurant foods wisely,
• lose weight eating a balance of regular foods so that you will not gain it
back after the “fad” diet or liquid drinks are gone.
Remember, weight loss is about becoming a healthier you. It should become a
fun part of your everyday life – and you should look forward to it. Creating healthy new
meals and learning to cook them needs to be a part of the family routine. For parents,
your children learn from you and change by following your example. Change the mold for
the whole family!
With specific guidelines to follow, you’ll find your resolution easier to stick with
on a daily basis. Let it become the new you. More importantly, pick a weight goal that is
healthy for your body.
Krista M. Kozacki, MD, is Board Certified in Family Medicine. She is affiliated with
Florence Health Care, PA, and is a Member of the Medical Staff at Carolinas Hospital System.
105 12/21/09 12:27 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 105

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106 12/21/09 12:29 PM Page 1
Why Do I Gain Weight Every Time I Eat?
Insulin Resistance
May Be The Answer
by J. Marshall Dent, III, MD
i see at least four or five patients a week that have tried many diets to lose
weight with limited success and an even more difficult time keeping it off. In my work-
up of these patients, oftentimes, I find they are battling Insulin Resistance. One of the
key factors to the metabolic causes of obesity is by far, Insulin Resistance.
There is much confusion about the condition of Insulin Resistance between
doctors and patients. Many patients confuse the diagnosis in thinking they have dia-
betes, and some doctors don’t address the situation until the patient has actual dia-
betes. It is an essential, and many times overlooked, condition that makes it impossible
for one to lose weight and keep it off if not corrected.
What is Insulin Resistance? Normally, food is absorbed into the blood-
stream in the form of a sugar called glucose. The increase in sugar signals the pancreas
to increase the secretion of a hormone called insulin. This hormone attaches to cells,
removing sugar from the bloodstream so that it can be utilized as energy. In insulin
resistance, the body’s cells have a diminished ability to respond to the action of the
insulin hormone. To compensate for the insulin resistance, the pancreas secretes more
insulin. People with insulin resistance can develop high levels of insulin in the blood as a
marker of the disease rather than a cause. Insulin is a very anabolic hormone that leads
to a marked increase in obesity. Over time, people with insulin resistance can develop
high sugars, or diabetes, as they can no longer compensate for the elevated sugars.
What are the signs of Insulin Resistance? Impaired fasting glucose, or
impaired glucose tolerance or Type II Diabetes, is the processes which occurs from
untreated insulin resistance. High blood pressure is associated with insulin resistance,
as well. Abnormal cholesterol levels, which include a low HDL or good cholesterol, and
high levels of a blood fat called triglyceride, are also present. Heart disease and an
increase in blood clots are associated with insulin resistance. A major factor in the
development of insulin resistance syndrome is obesity – especially abdominal obesity or
belly fat. Obesity promotes insulin resistance in a person. Weight loss can improve and,
many times, cure insulin resistance.
How is Insulin Resistance diagnosed? There is no simple test to diagnose
insulin resistance syndrome. Your doctor may suspect the syndrome if you have any of
these risk factors:
• More than one parent or sibling who has Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure or
cardiovascular disease
• Obesity or overweight (BMI – Body Mass Index above 25)
• Difficulty losing weight or many failed diets
• Weight gain that does not commensurate with dietary intake
• More fat around the waist than around the hips
• Gestational diabetes when pregnant
• A condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); a syndrome associated with
obesity, abnormal hair growth, difficulty getting pregnant and irregular menses
• Obesity in children place them at risk for insulin resistance syndrome
If you have questions about the information in this article, you may contact Dr. Dent at Complete Women’s Health Care in Florence.
Dr. Dent is Board Certified in Family Practice and Obstetrics and Gynecology and also holds an Advanced Certification in Menopausal Medicine.
There are some laboratory tests that help to make a diagnosis such as an ele-
vated fasting insulin level. A fasting glucose greater than 100 is suspicious for insulin
resistance. An HDL below 40ng/dl and a fasting triglyceride greater than 150ng/nl are
the abnormal lipids that raise awareness for insulin resistance. The key component is
to have a high index of suspicion for the disorder in order to make the diagnosis early.
What is the treatment for Insulin Resistance Syndrome? First and
foremost is to recognize the risk factors and be aggressive in the diagnosis and treat-
ment. The aggressive treatment will prevent one from going on to overt diabetes. An
aggressive diet is essential because there is a race against the clock to prevent diabetes.
Once the diagnosis of diabetes is made, the patient has lost at least 50% of their pan-
creatic function, and the longer the diagnosis is carried, the less likely there can be a
cure. The wonderful thing about weight loss is the return of normal blood levels of glu-
cose, insulin, triglycerides and HDL. A patient will start to see improvement in lab and
clinical findings with as little as 10% weight loss. I do encourage a modified fasting diet
to achieve 6-8 pounds of weight loss every two weeks. This diet can be reduced once
the insulin levels normalize.
As far as medical therapy is concerned, there are several agents used to
treat insulin resistance syndrome. The mainstay of treatment includes Glucophage
(or Metformin). This drug makes the body more sensitive to the actions of insulin
through the liver metabolism of insulin, thereby lowering your insulin levels. The nice
thing about metformin is the cost and the fact it doesn’t bottom out your blood glu-
cose levels if you don’t eat, making it very safe. The downside is that it frequently can
cause GI irritation such as diarrhea or nausea. Other medications used include Actos
(or Pioglitazone) and Avandia (or Rosiglitazone). Both are approved to treat insulin
resistance that occurs with Type II Diabetes.
Is Insulin Resistance Syndrome preventable? Yes, insulin resistance syn-
drome is preventable if we are aggressive in the diagnosis and treatment. Diabetes is
one of the most preventable diseases and one of the most deadly for the profound
impact it has on the whole body. The sad thing is diabetes has reached epidemic pro-
portions because of the obesity crisis. We, as physicians, are often not aggressive
enough in the treatment of insulin resistance before diabetes occurs. The patient must
also take on some of the responsibility. There is not a day I don’t see a patient that has
insulin resistance and all the talk in the world about diabetes and the risk is not enough
for them to make a change in their lifestyle. I tell them they are at a crossroad in that
one way leads to diabetes and the other is to a life without diabetes; the choice is
theirs. Many times, I think they want to wait until they have diabetes until they make a
change.That is definitely the wrong plan.
I hope this article will open some eyes about what changes can occur when
one takes control of his or her choices. As the New Year begins, let’s not take some-
thing that we oftentimes take for granted – the blessing of good health. I guarantee you
the diabetic that has to check her sugars up to four times a day and give herself insulin
shots wishes she could have made some changes earlier.
The choice is yours. Now is the time to make the change!
107 12/18/09 1:50 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 107

2015-J WEST EVANS ST. • Florence • PH: 665.2526 • FAX: 676.0990

108 12/18/09 11:11 AM Page 1
Shero
Karen
Galloway Written by Sharon Bixler
“ Karen had some stirrings in her heart to do
something for special-needs children but hadn’t
found what that “something” was until 2004.
“Angels we have heard on high...” This is not so for
the Angels of Mercy Bargain Barn that is located on Route 52 in Darlington (right
across from the road that takes you to Bethea Retirement Center). Seemingly – and
sadly – a well-kept secret, the organization is the heart’s desire and longtime dream of
Karen Galloway.
Karen is the single mother of nineteen-year-old Steven, a special-needs child.
He was born in Charleston, where Karen was living at the time. Steven was later diag-
nosed with trainable mental retardation. Karen lived and raised Steven in Charleston
for several years, during which time he attended many community-supported activi-
ties, including both group and individual. However, stress and personal choices brought
changes for all.
Karen and Steven moved back to Florence to live with her mother. Karen
explained how extremely fortunate she is to have such a good support system. Joyce
Thompson, Karen’s mother, provided all their needs so Karen could continue to be a
stay-at-home mom.
The move from Charleston to Darlington seemed to decrease the opportu-
nities provided by the community for Steven. He participated in the Special Olympics
in Hartsville until it was combined with the Florence event. Searching for family activ-
ities for Steven and her were unfruitful.
Karen had some stirrings in her heart to do something for special-needs chil-
dren but hadn’t found what that “something” was until 2004. What started in her
mother’s garage soon became a collection area for various and sundry items;Angels of
Mercy Bargain Barn was born. Angels of Mercy collects all types of good used items
and resells them, with all the profits going toward activities for special-needs children.
The “thrift shop” is individually owned; Karen is the President, and her mother, Joyce,
Sharon Bixler is blessed to be the wife of Hal, mother of Holly (Stanley) and grandmother of Ian. She is a Member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hartsville.
”
is the Secretary. There are no paid employees. Karen has three volunteers who help
with all aspects of the store. Karen says that the business is doing “okay” but feels
there are many people who have never heard of it. She also admitted that the busi-
ness aspects are a lot larger than she expected.
The first event that Angels of Mercy sponsored was a Christmas party in
December of 2005. She explained that this is now an annual event providing twelve
to twenty-four middle and high school children with gifts, animated entertainment and
food. Karen shared that, this year, the event was twice as large, thanks to the support
of the Lake View Baptist Church. She explained that the church volunteered to pro-
vide not only the location for the party, but also gifts, food and transportation (which
have been unmet needs in the past). Karen was very involved with all the intimate
details of the party.
Karen’s goal is to continue to open doors of opportunity where special-
needs children can gather together with friends and family and have a grand time. She
bubbled and said,“The most rewarding part is to watch their faces light up and see the
sparkle in their eyes spill into an overwhelming excitement that spreads through the
whole party like wildfire! Nothing could be more fulfilling or motivating!”
What the future holds is always somewhat uncertain for Angels of Mercy;
however, there will certainly be more Christmas parties and an expansion of opportu-
nities for more and different activities. We can all help by bringing clean, resalable items
(furniture, clothes, dishes, small appliances, etc.) to Angels of Mercy Bargain Barn,
Highway 52 in Darlington. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM
until 5:30 PM. All donations are tax deductible. You may also purchase good used
items. If you have any questions, please call Karen Galloway at 843-395-2292.
And, don’t forget; spread the word about Angels of Mercy.
109 12/18/09 9:37 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 109

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110 12/17/09 4:02 PM Page 1

April 09 She Mag

azine

agazine
July 09 She M
Woody Dorrell me a hard time for
ve
at work would gi
“I knew the guys ag azine, but the girls
at work
w ith She M
taking a picture e up if I didn’t.” (Pictu
red in
ou ld be at m
told me they w eum of Rome)
front of the Colis

Libby Villesc
as and Renee
“My mom, Re Beach
nee Beach, too
Ireland, Scotlan k me on a trip
d and Paris in to England,
he Magazine year via plane July and August
September 09 S and cruise. O
n thre e o f
of last
we took along our bus tours
She Magazine.” ,
- Libby Villescas
September 09 She Magazine

Judy & Jack Port

d m e at th e G ra nd Lido Braco in
“This is Jack an e fo r our eldest son’s
w er e th er
Jamaica. We o k place on Saturd
ay,
di ng , w hi ch to
(Aubrey) wed - Judy Port
October 10th.”
Doris G. Sessoms, Linda Grice Proctor & Geraldine Johns
July 09 She Mag “A few weeks ago, we had a large group of about 25 travel
azine
to Charlotte, North Carolina, to the Billy Graham
Library. The group traveled with M&M Ministries
out of Bennettsville, South Carolina. They
enjoyed the tour and a wonderful meal before
returning back home.” - Linda Grice Proctor

“During a recent tr
ip to our
‘second home,’ we
thought it
fitting to take a pict
ure of the
first woman Presid
ent of the Going Somewhere?
Republic of Panam
Moscoso is from m
a. Mireya Take She along!
y mother’s

{ }
village of Pedasi on To be featured in “There She Goes,” send
the Pacific an e-mail to editor@shemagazine.com.
Coast of Panama.”
- Shirley Include a picture of yourself (friends are
Harrison, Florence Kristen Pr yor, Beth welcome!) with a copy of She Magazine
Greene, Chandler along with a brief description.
and Shirley Harriso Harrison
n
111 12/17/09 3:28 PM Page 1
112 12/18/09 12:42 PM Page 1

operation christmas child

• She Staffers, Ashley Rogers, Dresden Tucker and Heather Frick
packed “Shoeboxes” full of goodies for the Operation Christmas
Child Program. Later, Heather went to Charlotte, NC, with
friends to help sort the boxes that came in from all over the U.S.

relay in the pink

• On October 31, 2009, we contributing
joined with the American Cancer
Society and Magnolia Mall to
writer’s luncheon lake view high
Magazine Editor & Publisher,
sponsor a walk to benefit Breast
Cancer Awareness.
• She
Melia Berry, and several of She’s
visits She
(She Staffers pictured left to right: Dresden Contributing Writers gathered at • In December, Samanthia
Tucker,Tuesday Taylor, Leigh Abdou & Melia Berry) Top Hat Special-Teas in Florence Evans, Viewpoint Adviser at
to celebrate the season and the Lake View High School, and
Writers’ contributions to She. the Year Book Staff visited
our She Magazine office in
twin banquet
She Staffers: Dresden Tucker & Heather Frick
Marion.

(Leigh Abdou not pictured)

• Three She staffers attended
the Second Annual Tribute to
Women in Industry Banquet
at Florence-Darlington Tech
on October 13, 2009.
If you have an event or non-profit
promotion that you would like She to
be a part of, send an e-mail to
editor@shemagazine.com with
“What’s She Doing?” as the subject.
113 12/21/09 10:18 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 113

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114 12/18/09 11:19 AM Page 1
I didn’t plan to win anything; but, to my
“
What does it take
amazement, I won two Gold Medals.
to swim well and stay fit? Is it about endurance, stamina or
good genes? Does it take something special to win a
Gold Medal at the Senior Olympics? Recently I pon-
dered these thoughts.
My participation in swimming started as a small
request from my teacher, Jennifer Jones. She knew I liked
swimming but was too old to be a lifeguard and had little
interest in teaching children.
“So, what’s next?” I asked Jennifer.
“Why not compete in the Senior Olympic
Games in South Carolina? This event is taking place right
here in Florence. And, besides, it will be good for you
and you’ll learn a lot,” Jennifer added.
I thought, “Okay, why not take the risk?” Little
did I know what was ahead of me. After we completed
all the paperwork, I was ready to begin my swimming
practice. That meant a lot of hard work, using muscles
that I never felt before. When it came time to try my
hand at freestyle and the backstroke, I raced through the
water. I didn’t plan to win anything; but, to my amaze-
ment, I won two Gold Medals.
This was a stepping stone leading up to the
National Senior Games in California. The many sports
events were taking place outside San Francisco in Palo
Alto from July 31 to August 15th, 2009. Swimmers were
coming from all fifty states with many levels of talent. I
was representing South Carolina and the only swimmer
from Florence.
Going to the National Senior Games was a real
treat. I had no idea what to expect. After all, I had not
competed in sports until I was 63. Here was my chance
to do the 50-yard freestyle and the 50-yard backstroke at
the age of 65. There were so many people at the pool; I
was amazed by the number of swimmers. Some were old
and some young. What’s interesting is that their ages
ranged from 50 to 93. I had the chance to cheer the 91-
and 93-year-old swimmers on. We all clapped as they fin-
ished their race.
Among the swimmers were two ladies with
profound difficulties. One was a minister’s wife and blind.
by Molly Symons
The other was a woman in her fifties who had multiple
sclerosis and could hardly walk. Both wanted to partici-
pate in these races and give their all to the sport of swim-
ming. And, they did – to an encouraging crowd that
wished them well.
I breathed heavily as I began my warm-ups in
the pool. Stanford University certainly had the best
pool. Somehow, all these swimmers who were in my
immediate age bracket (between 60 and 69) appeared
faster and sleeker in the water. “Just swim. Do your best,
perfect your stroke and be calm,” I said to myself as I
raced through the water. Nonetheless, competition
seemed overwhelming at first. A swimmer of 78 gave me
good advice,“Just breathe easily and relax. Then, you will
do well.”
When I think back on my first weeks in the
Florence pool, I was simply doing what my swim coach,
Charlie Knapper, asked. “Get your endurance up and
your breathing right.” That meant doing laps working on
my form, as well as the rhythm of breathing.
Charlie is a competitive swimmer and knows
the ropes of what is expected in major competitions.
Working with him was a real blessing. Despite our age
differences, he gently demanded that I analyze my stroke
and try to make it look beautiful in the water. This did
not come easily. There was so much to think about;
there were days the whole idea of going to the Senior
Games was a bit daunting.
What I learned most in becoming a healthy ath-
lete over 60 was to focus on my intentions. And, that
means taking things slowly. Part of the preparation was
studying the stroke, paying close attention to my hands
and feet in the freestyle and going deep. When I arrive at
the pool, I leave all my worries at the door. My mind that
is filled with clutter becomes empty. I have only one goal
– to make my swimming better. Can I move through the
water with fluidity? This is what I search for; this is what
I must know.
My father, who is now 98, knows about swim-
ming. In his youth, he was a lifeguard at a public pool near
Chicago. He loved to swim, and on vacations, up to the
Molly Symons resides in Florence.
“
age of 95, he swam in the warm waters of the Caribbean.
It was something he was passionate about. He also took
great care with his diet. He ate sensible foods and lived
a life of moderation. Being practical by nature, he was
never in a rush. He made sure that he went to bed early
and read a good book every evening. Slow and steady is
still his motto.
In sports, that same philosophy applies well.
Whether it’s biking, kayaking, tennis, badminton or swim-
ming, any athlete must start at the beginning to develop
the necessary skills – and I certainly had to with swim-
ming. The process cannot be learned overnight. To real-
ly comprehend what the coach was saying meant giving
my all to the moment and focusing 100 percent. That
takes a healthy discipline.
When I think about good health, it’s everything
in life. Without it, we can’t do the things we love.
Moderation is the key, plus a good healthy diet and exer-
cise. These are the essentials if we want to live life pro-
ductively. To have good health, we have to maintain good
health and keep moving down the path of life – whether
it’s on land or in the water.
Although I did not win a medal or a
special ribbon at the National Senior Olympics, I partici-
pated with the best swimmers in the country. It was
thrilling to swim in such a beautiful pool. I was the only
one from Florence. The other South Carolina swimmer,
Bonnie Sotire, lives in Bluffton. We both felt proud rep-
resenting South Carolina.
One quote that stimulates me to practice every
week is this: “Go confidently in the direction of your
dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” This is a famous
quote by Henry David Thoreau, and I look at it every day
while having breakfast. In the pool, I think about this
quote and try to live up to my goals. Perhaps these
thoughts may serve as an inspiration to others – despite
their age or physical limitations.
Note from the Author: “A special thank you to Charlie Knapper,
Bill Pickle and John Symons who gave me confidence and encour-
agement in this writing.” - Molly
115 12/18/09 9:42 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 115

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116 12/18/09 11:14 AM Page 1

ASK
A MAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON THINGS WOMEN CARE ABOUT

ASK
Dr. Avie
with Avie J. Rainwater, III, Ph.D., ABPP

Dear Dr. Avie,

I was thrilled to read that you are going to be taking our questions
for She Magazine. I have one for you. One of my New Year’s

S
Resolutions is to get my husband to agree to go to counseling. He
believes that we need to take care of our relationship ourselves and
that it isn’t right to get other people involved in our private lives. How
can I convince him that I’m serious about this and agree to go?

Hello, and thanks for your encouragement about “Ask Dr. Avie.” We ( She Magazine and I) are hoping it will be a helpful addition to
this already terrific magazine.
First of all, let me reassure you that this is a very common problem. I frequently see one member of a couple (typically, it is the wife
who initiates care) alone, because the spouse (i.e., husband) is hesitant for any number of reasons. Your husband not wanting to get other people
involved in your private life is not an uncommon argument against starting couple’s counseling. Stereotypically, men just do not go to the doc-
tor. A man has to have an arm falling off or something “serious” before he’ll go to his family physician. So, if he is hesitant to go see his physi-
cian, he’s probably going to be even more reluctant to go see his psychologist. It’s a guy thing. We’re used to fixing things ourselves and to ask
for help is tantamount to admitting failure. (That’s another thing we don’t like to do.) It’s part of why we are such wimps when we are sick.
(Did I type that out loud?) Let’s not get into that right now; that’s a whole separate issue! Just see it for the excuse that it is – and one that
you can’t change in him.
Another reason to not start couple’s counseling is because “we can take care of this on our own” is frequently cited, but it’s almost
always a wrong notion. Think about it this way: If you really could fix it yourself, wouldn’t you have already done so? Sure, you would! You
haven’t fixed it because it is terribly difficult to reverse an ingrained problem. The most practical definition of crazy is doing the same thing over
and over and then being upset or frustrated that nothing changes; nothing gets better. That definition fits 95% of the population. It’s the way
normal people – like you and your spouse – engage in crazy patterns.
Now, don’t get me wrong. This does not mean you can show this article to your husband and say,“See! I told you that you were crazy!”
I can almost guarantee you that is not going to help. It would, however, be helpful for you and your husband to discuss the concept of dysfunc-

K
tional repetitive patterns. You do have them. We all do. If your husband can grasp how common a problem such patterns are, he might be more
open to coming to couples therapy to work on your marriage’s version of this normal, common problem.
So, rather than continue to argue about the same things over and over and being frustrated that nothing is changing, you and your husband
need help to break out of the problematic pattern. Couples therapy is the place to learn how to make those changes. You learn this skill, and then
you actually can handle future problems on your own.
After all is said and done, if your husband won’t agree to begin counseling, take the initiative and begin individual psychotherapy your-
self. While this is the more difficult route, you can learn a lot and do much individually that will have an impact on the marriage relationship. No,
you can’t make your husband change. It’s hard enough to make changes in our own lives, so it’s impossible to make changes in a reluctant spouse.
However, you can make quality changes in your life that will have a positive impact on your quality of marital life.
When your husband begins to complain about your changes – and, he will, I promise – that’s another opportunity to invite him into cou-
ple’s counseling. Often, when one member of a couple begins to make changes in their life, they find their spouse warming to the idea of mari-
tal therapy because they want their side of things taken into consideration with the changes being made. Even if your husband never comes
around to that decision, you can make changes that will improve your life – and the life of your marriage.

Senior Partner of LifeCare Psychology Group, LLC, Dr. Avie J. Rainwater is the only Triple-Boarded Psychologist in SC,
holding Specialty Certification in Clinical Psychology and Sub-Specialty Designations in both Biofeedback and Pain
Management. He and his wife of 31 years, Karen, have three children together. Chelsea, Seth and Josh.

* If you have a question that you would like to have answered in

ASK DR. AVIE, email anonymously to askdravie@shemagazine.com
117 12/18/09 12:51 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 117

Member reception starting at 6:30pm.

Door open to the public at 7:00pm.
Ticket price includes food, drink (beer & wine) & live music.
This is an open event for both members and non-members.
For membership information contact Lindsey Dawkins at lct204@aol.com
23 years of giving back to the Hartsville Community
BENEFICIARIES: • Durant Children's Center • Kalmia Gardens (making of the sun dial)
118 12/18/09 12:43 PM Page 1
To answer this month’s Beauty Buzz
question, we sought the advice of
Donna Squires, CMST, with the office
of Dr. David Chapman in florence.
The Weather Outside
is Frightful...
the buzz: k
Dear She,
I’m in my mid-forties, and I have
really dry skin – especially around my
eyes. My skin also tends to get a bit flaky
around the tip of my nose, which can be
really embarrassing. I use drugstore
moisturizers, which don’t seem to help
much this time of year.
With that being said, I have several
questions. Do medical-grade moisturiz-
ers or skin care really do a better job
than drugstore brands? Are there any
professional products or procedures that
can help? And, finally, I heard that using a
humidifier in the winter helps. Is this true?
Thank you,
Roberta D. Cook, Florence
E-MAIL your beauty
questions or suggestions for
a topic that you would like
to know more about to
editor@shemagazine.com.
Include “Beauty Buzz” as
the subject.
Winter Skin Needs
Special Care!
by Donna Squires, CMST
Weather certainly plays havoc with our skin. One day, the weather is fair with humidity; and, the
next, it’s cold and dry. Our skin usually reacts to these changes by patchy dryness that can become red
and itch or appear thick and flaky. Medical-grade skin care products really are better than the “over-the-
counter” products because they contain prescription-strength ingredients that do penetrate the skin’s lay-
ers and are recommended by a professional for your skin’s needs.
I recommend an in-office procedure once a month to exfoliate and rid the skin’s surface of dead
skin cells that often inhibit the penetration of moisturizers. When the skin is free of debris, your prod-
ucts can penetrate further and can actually keep your skin balanced with moisture. Exfoliation not only
gets rid of dry, flaky patches, it also deep cleans so the skin retains a healthy glow.
Our most popular treatments are the MicroPeel at $70.00 and Vibraderm at $150.00. These pro-
cedures are safe for all skin types and a free skin evaluation is done prior to your first treatment to cus-
tomize your treatment and skin care products for optimal results. Procedures can be done in less than
one hour and makeup can be applied immediately after.
La Roche-Posay has several eye creams that can be worn day and/or night to soothe and repair
the delicate eye tissue. Eye cream is different from regular face moisturizer because it contains ingredi-
ents formulated for the delicate eye area and is usually richer in ingredient formulation.
Humidifiers are helpful in winter because not only is our humidity level lower, when the heat is
on, it’s usually a dry heat, which dries our skin even more and dehydrates our bodies. Humidifiers add
moisture to the air and to our skin. However, they can be bothersome. Most are noisy, have to be filled
with water and cleaned on a regular basis (not cleaning them properly can lead to respiratory problems).
I prefer to keep the thermostat no higher than 72 degrees, and I turn it down to 68 degrees at bedtime
and exfoliate and moisturize the face and body with an extra rich moisturizer.
Some professional products that can help include: Hydraphase Moisturizer, Hydra-Recovery
Moisturizer, Active C Eye Cream, Hydraphase Eye Cream, Redermic Eye Cream with Retinols 15, 30 or
60 to promote exfoliation and Lipikar Surgras Body Wash, Lipikar Body Milk or Lipikar Body Balm for
extra dry skin. Biomedic and La Roche-Posay have products for all skin types and are very affordable.
They prove it doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg to save your skin from winter.
Donna Squires is a skin care specialist at Dr. David Chapman’s office in Florence, where she lives with her husband,
Jay and daughter Kelsey.
119 12/17/09 3:14 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 119

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Body fat analysis with body mass index, blood pressure screened & heart rate checked
• Customized nutritional program
• Personal exercise program with detailed workout schedule
• Three month follow-up evaluation

Under the direction of

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Member, Board of Directors She Magazine readers will
SC Cardiopulmonary Rehab Association get $5 off when they sign
up in January.

For more information call

1-843-320-3378
*Program is offered to healthy individuals with no major Please discuss this program with your family physician.
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5:30-10 pm • Bar open until midnight
120 12/18/09 11:20 AM Page 1
UNMARRIED
`tÜç
The Reason You May Be Single:
Spiritual Temper Tantrums
(Warning: This column may hurt your feelings.
Proceed at your own risk.)
\ I don’t have children, but my best friend has a
five-year-old and a two-year-old, so I’m learning a lot
about temper tantrums. Recently, her five-year-old
daughter threw one humdinger of a hissy fit while at
school. Here’s how our conversation went:
• Me: Yikes! Sounds embarrassing. Did you give in just
to get her to shut up?
• BFF: No way! If you give in, the kid learns two things:
(1) The temper tantrum is effective, and (2) they’re in charge.
(Valuable information: Parents learn not to give in to
temper tantrums because it’s not good for the child
to learn to handle the “bad” things in life (i.e., not
getting your way) by acting out.
So, here’s the question. Do you think your
Heavenly Father will give in to your spiritual temper
tantrums? “Well,” you say,“I’m a mature, spiritual woman;
I don’t throw hissy fits anymore.”
I’ll bet you do. (We all do.) See if any of these
sound familiar.
• Why doesn’t he like me (love me? want me?)? I’ve given
him everything. We could be so happy together if only ...
• How come the girls who run around with married men
end up getting married and I’m still alone?
• I’ll never be happy if I don’t find someone.
• I wish I had a boyfriend.
Other forms of the temper tantrum: snarky
comments about your friends who get engaged, trashing
your ex all over town, holding onto anger and bit-
terness about failed or non-exis-
tent relationships. Let’s be
clear. God will not reward
that behavior by giving you
what you want.
On the spiritual
plane, the universe is not
invested in your stagnation
and in promoting anger and
death. God wants you to live,
flourish, prosper and be abundant.
“But, I’m not prosperous in dating.
No one ever asks me out.”
Well, let’s look, also, at the
material (physical) plane. Guys
don’t like angry women.
by Mary R. Dittman, MBA
I love the Book of Jonah. We all know about the giant fish
and Nineveh, but I find a lesson in Jonah’s temper tantrum.
The Lord sends Jonah to warn the Ninevites that He’s
angry and is going to destroy the city. The people listen
to Jonah and repent, so God spares the city.
Now Jonah throws a temper tantrum (see Jonah,
chapter 4). You can read the story for yourself, but I’d like
to take some creative license and rewrite the scene for us
single girls. I’ll use myself in the role of “Jonah” because
I’ve played this part before.
• Mary: This is what always happens, God. I have to
watch everybody else find someone and get married and
I’m stuck being a stupid bridesmaid. What’s the point? I
just wish I was dead, and I might as well be since I’m going
to be an old spinster.
• God: Why are you angry?
• Mary: (goes into the den with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s
and plops down on the couch to watch Grey’s Anatomy
while bingeing on sugary dairy foods) If I’m going to be
alone, it doesn’t matter if I get fat. (The phone rings and
it’s a friend who wants to go see a movie, but I respond
that I’m too depressed and just need to be alone.)
• Mary: I wish I had someone to watch TV with me.
• God: I send you good friends who want your company,
but you can’t enjoy anything in your life because you’re
angry over everybody else’s “good fortune” in relationships.
You don’t even tend
to the ones you have
now. Why should I send more?
• And . . . scene.
I know you don’t want more girlfriends or pla-
tonic guy friends, but maybe the Lord is sending you these
people because you’re not ready for something else. We
always want to think He’s getting us ready for some
super-fantastic guy, but maybe God’s protecting that guy
from you. Are you missing out on the good things in your
life right now because you’re throwing temper tantrums
with God because you’re not getting your way?
I do not believe God grants us every desire in
our heart. Jeremiah says the “heart is deceitful above all
things.” King David (as detailed in I Chronicles 28:2) had
it as his heart’s desire to build the Lord’s temple. Sounds
pretty good and noble, but God said no. David had to
content himself with storing up the supplies because
Solomon was to build the temple. Just because you want
something really badly, it doesn’t mean God is going to
give it to you.
Meanwhile, you should be enjoying your life and
glorifying Him. Believe me, no one wants to become a
Christian when they see us as angry, bitter and discon-
nected from life. And, men won’t want to be around you
if they pick up on that temper tantrum. (And, they will.
Men are very perceptive in their own way.)
No more temper tantrums! Part of spiritual
maturity is disciplining yourself not to pull that stuff with
God. He won’t reward your bad attitude. Put down the
ice cream and plug into the life you have now.
Mary R. Dittman, MBA, is an
Instructor of Marketing and Director
of the Internship Program in the
School of Business at Francis Marion
University. She consults for a variety
of local and regional companies and
is actively involved in the Florence
community.
121 12/21/09 12:39 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 121

LifeCare Hospice of SC offers a special way of caring for patients facing a life-threatening illness.
Patient care is provided by a team-oriented approach that includes expert pain and symptom
management, along with emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient's wishes.
Please call or visit our website for more information.

lifecarehospicesc.com
(843) 332-2221 • 202 South 2nd Street • Hartsville
122 12/18/09 9:58 AM Page 1

THE POWER
TO PREVENT
STROKE
Dr. Maria Recio
McLeod Hospitalist Specializing in Neurology

S troke is a significant problem in South Carolina with stroke rates

among the highest in the nation. Stroke is also the number three
killer of women over the age of 25 in the United States. More
women than men die of stroke, according to statistics.
When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost.The longer it takes a
stroke patient to receive care, the greater the chances of permanent disability
or even death.
All of these risk factors can be controlled by medications and/or
lifestyle changes.
They are found in men and women equally.

Some risks factors unique to women include:

To provide our patients with the best chance of returning to a
pre-stroke state of health, McLeod is a partner in the REACH Stroke
Network.
REACH (Remote Evaluation of Acute Ischemic Stroke) is a web-based,
tele-medicine system. Through this system, urgent, stroke consultations by
the specialists at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are delivered
to the physicians and nurses caring for acute stroke patients in emergency
departments such as at McLeod. Emergency departments often receive
stroke patients but do not have 24/7 coverage from a neurologist for the
rapid evaluation of patients presenting with stroke symptoms.
By working in partnership with MUSC, the physicians at McLeod can
diagnose and treat stroke patients with the latest therapies quickly and without
delays.
It is vital stroke care be delivered early with treatments performed by
healthcare professionals in an Emergency Department. Since time is of the
essence, it is very important for individuals to be aware of and know the
warning signs of stroke. If you experience or witness any of the warning signs
while with a friend or loved one seek medical attention immediately.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - using HRT can increase the risk of
stroke especially if other risk factors are present particularly smoking.
• Migraine Headaches - Because stroke is a vascular disease and migraines
affect the vascular system, women who suffer with migraines have to be more
careful about stroke prevention.
Take control to prevent a stroke by following these guidelines:
1) Control hypertension with effective treatment. This involves lifestyle
modifications, dietary changes and careful follow-up with a physician for
appropriate medication. Many people who have high blood pressure are
unaware they have it. Hypertension is also the greatest risk factor for both
heart disease and stroke.
2) Quit smoking.
3) Become physically active.A sedentary lifestyle is associated with higher
stress, increased obesity and decreased cardiovascular fitness. Walking is the
simplest exercise to start and should be included in every family's schedule.

When it comes to stroke, know the warning signs! 4) Lower cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol can be modified with healthy
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms, or legs, especially on one eating habits and avoiding saturated fats. Medical therapy may be necessary
side of the body for treatment of significant elevated cholesterol.
• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
5) Manage stress. Stress alone can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure.
• Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
All stress can not be avoided but it can be managed. Learn to recognize stress
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
and take the appropriate steps to alleviate it whether that is talking out
• Severe headaches with no known cause
problems with friends or doing some slow regular meditative breathing to
blunt the effects of stress.
In addition to the warning signs, everyone should know the risk factors of
stroke.
Education is key in preventing a stroke. Know the signs and symptoms
of a stroke and talk to your primary care physician about reducing your risk
What are the risks factors of stroke?
factors for stroke.
• Elevated blood pressure
• Smoking tobacco
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Elevated cholesterol Dr. Maria Recio is a McLeod Hospitalist caring for inpatients at
• Diabetes McLeod Regional Medical Center. She specializes in Neurology.
123 12/21/09 10:07 AM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 123

The New Year Awaits You

at Asbury Village
Experience a renewal of your
own- experience Asbury Village
patio homes at Methodist Manor.

Designed for active seniors,

Methodist Manor offers
worry-free, maintenance-free
living with all the amenities and
services you could ever want!

• Custom-built, all brick patio homes

Host a Cooking Show!
It’s simple and rewarding!
• Learn easy recipes and cooking and entertaining tips.
• Earn FREE and discounted products of your choice.
• Have fun with your friends.
Call me to schedule your Show today!
• Five single-level designer floor plans
• Basic utilities, property taxes, and
insurance included
• Weekly housekeeping, linen, and
laundry service
• Interior/exterior maintenance and repair included
• Restaurant-style dining with flexible meal plans
• Full daily calendar of recreational, social and cultural activities
• And so much more!

Ferebe Gasque
Independent Consultant
Phone: 843-673-0810
singingchef@earthlink.net 2100 Twin Church Road • Florence, SC • 843-664-0700
www.pamperedchef.biz/singingchef www.methodist-manor.com
124 12/21/09 10:11 AM Page 1

If you find yourself

seeking something
in the New Year,
consider this...
The God of all creation
loves you and has a good
and perfect plan for you.

Seeking Something?
Seek God.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares

the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
125 12/17/09 3:17 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 125

Business
Women
Love To
Barter

Carolina
Barter EXCHANGE

www.Barter.sc
(866)532-4725 Info@ Barter.sc
126 12/21/09 12:40 PM Page 1

Kimberly Kelly
chose a permanent solution!

“ I’ve had a belly roll since I was a teenager, and I hated it. When I had my two
boys, it got even bigger! My friends would tell me not to worry about it because it was-
n’t that big. To me, it was, and I felt really bad about it. I tried all kinds of exercises
and dieting, and nothing seemed to help. There was always that little pooch. I would
lose weight in other places, but never in my tummy.
When I found out that SmartLipo™ was one of the services being provided by
Dr. Edward O’Dell with Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center, I decided to talk with him and
Mary Daniels about the procedure. I was a little hesitant at first; but, after speaking with
them, I knew that SmartLipo™ was what I needed.
The procedure was not bad at all. I went in at 8:30 in the morning and was out
by 12:30. After numbing the area, Dr. O’Dell made eight very small incisions. Then,
he put a solution in and sucked it back out. Finally, he lasered the fat cells so they will
not come back. That’s another reason I chose the SmartLipo™ procedure – the fat
won’t come back! Dr. O’Dell did my upper abdomen area, my lower stomach area
and my love handles all at the same time.
After four weeks, I went back to Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center, and they
were amazed at the way I looked. I had lost two pants sizes – without any dieting!
Before, I was a size 12. Now, I’m in a size 8. And, the good thing is, I’m still some -
what swollen and will be even smaller when the swelling goes down. I hope by the
time it’s all over, I’ll be in a size 5. I wear a bodysuit during the day and will for about
three more months. The longer I wear it, the smaller my tummy will be.
When my son, Kelly, saw me after the procedure, his reaction was, “Mom! Your
stomach is gone!” And, the look on his face was like, “Oh, my goodness! Where did
it go?!”
Dr. O’Dell and his staff at Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center are the best of the
best. He is training for another procedure that I want to do next – a breast lift using
my own stem cells. It will involve taking some of the fat from another part of my body
to make my breasts lift.
I feel so much better about myself now. I can wear clingy shirts instead of
baggy ones. I’m pleased at the way it all turned out. If I had to do it again, I would not
hesitate at all!
My advice to anyone who is considering liposuction, make sure you know

”
which lipo procedure you are receiving, and make sure it’s the right one for you.

ONLY AT GENESIS will you find Smart Lipo® and

Vaser LipoSelection combined to give you superior results!

10% off Smart Lipo ®

and Vaser LipoSelection
“We Are By Far The Most Comprehensive Laser Center Of Its Kind In The Pee Dee.”

Board Certified Board Certified

Mary Daniels, L.R.C.- C.M.A.
Medical Esthetician • Laser Instructor
Holding a Masters Certification
in Laser Technology
Certified Dermatician
Edward O'Dell, M.D.- FACOG
Members of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery
Medical Director
1273 Celebration Boulevard • Florence, SC • 843.669.2220
www.genesiscosmeticlasercenter.com
127 12/21/09 12:31 PM Page 1

She Magazine • January 2010 • 127

First Impressions Last.

The Clear Alternative to Braces

In business, your appearance often

speaks before you do.
If you feel like your smile is holding you back,
look into what Invisalign can do for you.

• Clear, comfortable, virtually invisible aligners

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your activities
• Easy to remove to eat, brush, and floss

It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!

Drs. Welch & Bonds, P.A.

SPECIALISTS IN ORTHODONTICS

843.665.8176
Hartsville Office Florence Office
1300 South Fourth St. 1343 Second Loop Rd.
Hartsville SC 29550 Florence SC 29505
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Special Events • Bed & Breakfast • Tours & More

For Reservations, call 843.423.5220 or visit www.montgomerysgroveinn.com

128 12/17/09 3:54 PM Page 1

My Family: Parents, Steve

and René; Brothers, Stephen &
Trent

My Home:
Dillon, South Carolina

My School:
Dillon Christian School

My Accomplishments:
Teen Miss Latta Springfest
2009

My Dreams for the Future:

To attend the University of My Personality
South Carolina where I will
cheer and major in Fashion in One Word:
Design

My Favorite Movie:
Loving
The Polar Express
My Favorite Song:

by Uncle Kracker Words That Inspire Me:

“So, do not fear, for I am with
you. Do not be dismayed, for
My BFF:
I am your God. I will
Katelyn Williams strengthen you and help you.
I will uphold you with my
If I could meet anyone in righteous right hand” (Isaiah
the world, it would be . . . 41:10).

Miley Cyrus
What Makes Me Laugh:
If I could go anywhere in My family and friends
the world, it would be . . .
The Coolest
Greece
Person I Know:
My little brother, Trent
Photo by Ricky Ford
Glossy 137 12/16/09 3:04 PM Page 1

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Glossy 138 12/16/09 3:08 PM Page 1
Glossy 139 12/16/09 3:10 PM Page 1

Often, back pain or injury doesn’t happen

as the result of a major accident. It is
the simple everyday task that can
be a real pain in the back.

PAIN MANAGEMENT
DR. JOSEPH CARTER
IS OUR
SPECIALTY.

DR. STEPHEN TUEL

Eastern Carolina Medicine

3124 S. Cashua Drive • Florence, SC
New 843.665.2600
Location
3/10 of Mile past Celebration Blvd.