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June, 2015 – Discovery Center, Just in Time for Summer

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June, 2015 – Discovery Center, Just in Time for Summer

Mommy MomentsBriana D'Andrea2

Discovery Center Revealed in Time for summer

By Briana D’Andrea

 

As the 2015 school year comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on my little guy’s first year. It’s been an amazing ride, full of ups and downs. Most of all, I think of how much his vocabulary has advanced, how amazing his social skills have developed and how much he has transformed from a budding toddler into a little boy. Every year, the teachers put together an assessment of each child. I am truly in awe of all of the things my son has managed to learn and pick up, as a result of being around his friends and in a classroom setting alongside some great teachers. I am one proud parent!

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Enough boasting on my end…with the school year coming to a close, it’s now the parents turn to pick up where the teachers left off…to continue to forge the education he was afforded in every way possible until school picks up again in the fall. Let’s be honest, there’s only so much to do in this Florida heat. Aside from the beach, pool and the playground, parents are always looking for something to do to sneak away from the scorching days. That’s where the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium comes into play. We were lucky enough to spend the day there with our family. The Science Center unveiled a new kiddie play area for children aged 6 and under called the “Discovery Center.”

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Upon walking into this cute and secluded pre-k zoned area for our kiddies to sneak away from the older ones, to give them a space to play, we were welcomed by a 16 by 5 foot water play table. The ultimate of water tables, I must say! Each child is welcome to wear a smock and choose from an array of floating water toys to toss down a flowing river. The table also features a series of colored plates to create pathways for the toys to drift. It’s a great way to teach the youngsters about science in the simplest form. After my son managed to get soaked despite the smock (proof he had an awesome time!), we made our way over to a life-sized Lite-Brite wall! It was probably my favorite portion of the room, because it brought back some great nostalgic memories for me as a child. Lite-Brite was by far my favorite toy of all time. I still remember finishing a work of art and the accomplishment I felt upon turning off the light switch. My son had the best time taking these life sized pins and poking them into the wall in order to create instant illumination. I vowed to figure out a way to create one of those walls at home.

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Lastly, there was a small lounge area for parents to watch their children either dress up in pretend clothing or choose from an array of books to read. There were also a number of musical instruments for the kids to play with. Additionally, the science center now boasts a number of hands on exhibits for the children to explore. I consider it a win-win, when you get to have fun while educating our children. We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to come back in the fall when they are scheduled to re-do the outside portion of the museum. If you’re looking for somewhere to duck in the shade, check out the newest additions to the museum. Happy summer!

***

Briana D’Andrea is a former news anchor, reporter, producer and writer turned mommy. She traded in travel and red carpets to raise her almost 2-year-old baby boy and wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world. She keeps up with her love of writing as a healthy foods examiner http://www.examiner.com/healthy-foods-6-in-west-palm-beach/briana-d-andrea. She loves spending time in her backyard with her husband, son and shih-tzu. Her hobbies include bike riding with her hubby and coloring with her son. 

June, 2015 – Burgerfi Offering All-Natural Angus Beef Burgers

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June, 2015 – Burgerfi Offering All-Natural Angus Beef Burgers

Wellington Burger, Inc. Brings Burgerfi to Wellington

The All-Natural Angus Beef Gourmet Burgers, Fresh Ingredients and a Super Cool Vibe Restaurant is Now Open

Burgerfi now open in Wellington, FL. Photo by Lois Spatz.
Burgerfi now open in Wellington, FL. Photo by Lois Spatz.

Wellington, FL – June 1, 2015- Burgerfi opened its doors in Wellington last Thursday to hundreds of excited locals who celebrated Burgerfi’s long anticipated grand opening where fresh ingredients are always the star of the show.

The “Cut, Chop, Mix” themed restaurant located on the corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd. ( next to Starbucks) is filled with menu items that are handmade and homemade fresh daily and is styled with environmentally sustainable furniture made from items such as recycled Coca-cola bottles, milk jugs and wood pallets. Burgerfi also features energy-efficient fans and stringent recycling programs.

 

Burgerfi originated in Delray, Florida when gourmet chefs from five- star kitchens came together and created original recipes for everything from the gourmet Black Angus burger to the super tasty special Burgerfi burger sauce. One could say it’s farthest from fast food and closer to a gastronome’s dream come true.

 

Burgerfi burgers are made from hormone free, antibiotic free, free -range cattle served several different ways; there is the Breakfast All Day Burger featuring bacon, maple syrup, fried egg, hash brown, grilled onions and ketchup. The Twenty Eight Burger is a double 28 day dry aged ground brisket burger with Swiss and blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and burgerfi sauce. And for those that want to keep it simple, the double Angus Burgerfi Burger and Double Angus Cheeseburger that are both topped with lettuce, tomato and Burgerfi sauce.

 

For those choosing to enjoy a non-meat meal, there is the Burgerfi Veggie Burger made from lentils, onions grilled in a reduction of thyme and merlot and crispy quinoa all topped with white cheddar, lettuce, tomato with Burgerfi sauce served on a multi-grain bun. And if you are not sure, there is the Conflicted Burger which has both the Veggie Burger and a natural Angus Burger together.

 

Building on variety that has made them compellingly popular in over 67 locations, the burger menu shares a space beside Kobe style beef, Chicken and Apple and Vienna Beef Dogs. State styled toppings include the New York which is simply kraut and mustard, Texas – chili and cheese with hot sauce or the Chicago topped with mustard, neon-relish, diced onion, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt and a pickle all on a poppy seed bun.

 

Burgerfi French fry chefs don’t cut any corners either. Burgerfi starts with hand-cut potatoes that are soaked to remove the starch and fried twice to create the ultimate crispiness. And the onion rings are always double battered and cooked to a golden brown. All ingredients are never frozen and offered with a variety of homemade combination toppings like parmesan and herb, Cajun, chili and cheese, salt and vinegar or Urban Style which is parmesan, herb and garlic and Alternative Style; grilled onions, American cheese, mustard and Burgerfi sauce.

 

Burgerfi offers a selection of draft and bottled craft beers and a wine list that includes Hogue Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio and Rex-Goliath Merlot. There are fresh-squeezed lemonades made daily as well as real cane sugar Coca-Cola and Boylan sodas. Guests can also create their own recipe from over 100 selections of flavors in the restaurant’s freestyle Coca-Cola machine.

 

As for dessert, Burgerfi custards are made from fresh eggs, sugar, and cream and offered with a colorful and flavor filled host of toppings. The special custard formula is churned to eliminate excess air and create extra flavor.

 

Rounding out the dessert menu, are old-fashioned malted shakes in red velvet, coffee mocha, black and white, peanut butter or simply banana, strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. There are also floats and cows made from custard, custom creative concoctions called “Concretes” and sundaes served with a variety of toppings.

 

Even though the first Burgerfi was first mapped in February 2011, their restaurants already have an established a reputation for supporting local charities such as American Red Cross, Creatively Caring and many local area PTA/PTO organizations.

 

Burgerfi is an attraction in the heart of Wellington,” says Village of Wellington councilman John McGovern. “It is a place that will really bring Wellington together.”

 

Burgerfi in Wellington is independently owned and operated by Wellington Burger, Inc. and located at 12836 W. Forest Hill Blvd. 

Store Phone # 561-612-7853

Operating hours as follows: Sunday -Thursday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM and Friday/Saturday 11:00AM-11PM.

June, 2015 – Sciatica

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June, 2015 – Sciatica

Health & FitnessCheryl Alker

Sciatica Vs. Piriformis Syndrome

by Cheryl Alker

Most of the people who are referred to me suffering with back pain will more often than not have some form of sciatica and having “been there, done that and brought the t-shirt!” I know first-hand the discomfort and pain this far too common problem brings.

Sciatica refers to irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve which arises from nerve roots in the lumbar spine. The most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation is compression of one or more of its component nerve roots due to disc herniation, bulging discs or spinal degeneration in the lower lumbar region. Pregnancy can also cause sciatica if the position of the baby or shape of the uterus presses on the nerve. Sciatica usually begins in the buttock area and, depending on the severity of the underlying nerve compression and inflammation, may extend down the entire leg to the ankle and foot.

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There is another cause of Sciatica though and whilst it often referred to as “pseudo-sciatica” (false sciatica) the pain and discomfort are pretty much identical with pain, tingling, burning and/or numbness down the leg to the foot.  However, the second cause of sciatic pain is caused by tightness and knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle and is called Piriformis Syndrome. Even though in most cases it is the muscle causing the pain some people (approximately 20%) do have true sciatic nerve irritation from this muscle because the sciatic nerve may run underneath or even directly through the muscle.

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So here is the problem, both give almost identical symptoms, both tend to be related to biomechanical functional problems in the joints of the back and pelvis and both can be present simultaneously in the same person. However, treatment is totally different for both so determining the correct diagnosis is paramount in knowing what treatment you should seek and what movements are safe for you to do.

Two simple maneuvers will distinguish sciatica from piriformis syndrome.  Please be aware though that these maneuvers will only identify a difference between the two when the problem is one versus the other and not both conditions at the same time as mentioned above.

First Maneuver

  • Take a seated position
  • Straighten the leg on the painful side (so that the leg is parallel to the floor)

If the sciatica symptoms increase, this is usually an indication of true sciatic nerve irritation.

The second maneuver is done in two parts.

  • Take a seated position
  • Bend the leg and pull the knee on the painful side towards the same-side shoulder.

In all but the most severe cases, there is usually no major increase in pain in this position.

  • The second part of the maneuver is to pull the knee toward the opposite side shoulder.

An increase in the sciatica-like symptoms is a strong indication of piriformis syndrome.

It is important to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome, because the treatment for the conditions varies, and getting the diagnosis right typically leads to more effective treatment.

If you would like more information visit www.secretbackpaincure.com or visit our FaceBook page.

***

Cheryl Alker specializes in flexibility training, facial exercises and postural alignment. Her 30 year career started as a group fitness and personal trainer, she has lectured and directed fitness training programs in both Europe and the USA and was an advisor for a Governmental health promotion program. Alker and her company Stretch Results International continues to work with a select clientele from a base in Palm Beach County, Florida, certifying health professionals in her results based stretching program, educating consumers through public speaking and offering consultation to clients who wish to lose their muscular pain and gain flexibility to achieve full and active lifestyles. Alker has a proven totally natural program that alleviates back pain visit www.secretbackpaincure.com. For more information about professional continuing education and consultation options, e:books or DVD’s please call Cheryl on 561 889 3738 or visit www.stretchresults.com.

 

 

June, 2015 – Fatherhood, an Art unto Itself

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June, 2015 – Fatherhood, an Art unto Itself

Cultural Corner

Fatherhood

An Art Unto Itself

By Lori Hope Baumel

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Father and Daughter, Musée d’Orsay, Paris 2007 Photo: LH Baumel

 (Painting: Girls at the Piano, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1892)

I came from an era where if a man changed a diaper he was worthy of a standing ovation. With the rise of feminism in the 60’s the baby boom generation experienced the growing pains of whose role it was to take on the various jobs required to raise a family. Yes, fathers cooked for barbecues (to protect us from the dangers of the hot grill?) and coached the baseball games. When it came to bathing, feeding, food shopping and all things domestic – that was Mom’s job. Well, as Bob Dylan said, “The Times They Are a Changing” – and it’s taken over fifty years to do so.

 

Yet, I will admit, I find that this generation is experiencing inherent confusion. We just haven’t quite organized what our roles as parents are. Baseball, once the predominant sport of extra-curricular activities has expanded to basketball, skating, lacrosse, hockey, swimming, and a plethora of choices. Here in Wellington, children from all over the world come to study the equestrian arts like jumping and dressage. And, of course, we have mastered the role of the “Soccer Mom” with year round competition and extraordinary recreation facilities.

 

Progress is good. What was once “The Boys Club” has become “The Boys and Girls Club.” Athletics have gender-integrated teams. Although it was a bit of a novelty back in the late 90’s, my son had several girls on his hockey team. We’re finally reaching a point where both men and women with equivalent skills are being recognized as capable for the same jobs. Equal pay in the workplace has a long way to go, but with a strong enough fight we will get there.

 

So… what role do fathers still have in today’s society? First and foremost, they must teach their children to respect their significant other. How do they do this? By demonstrating it. Couples raising children have to have an understanding. If one chooses to stay home with the children, it doesn’t mean that doing so is any easier than choosing to work full-time.

 

Then there’s the mere physicality of being a man. Biologically speaking, men tend to be more muscular and taller. Yet, with the rising emphasis on plant-based diets and exercise a woman can now prove to be just as strong. Intellectually, women are finally being recognized as equally capable in the most intricate of fields. Fathers should be encouraging their daughters and sons to become proficient in much-needed computer and science skills.

 

All parents should understand that exposure to the arts is an essential ingredient to the development of a well-rounded child.  In previous columns, I have extensively discussed how to expose your child to the arts. Therefore, that topic has been covered (see the Around Wellington “Cultural Corner” archives for more). If, by chance your child chooses to pursue the arts as a profession it should not be discouraged.

 

On the other hand, if your son or daughter chooses to become a “starving artist” that does not mean you have to pay for it. When a child is truly talented, many colleges offer scholarships to entice a student to attend. As in any field, if no scholarships are offered, it has to be clearly understood that student loans can be applied for. When your children have to pay for it, they might think about how seriously they want to pursue a particular career path.

 

Gone are the days when a man must be forced to take on the role as “the sole provider.” Double-income coupling is more common than single-income. Nowadays, many people are choosing to hold off or not “reproduce” at all… that’s okay too! Our children should not feel compelled to make us grandparents. It’s their life and they have to live it their way.  Raising a child is no easy task!

 

Finally, studies have shown that physical affection should be encouraged. Once again… gone are the days where giving your child a kiss or hug is demeaning for a man. Affection is the sincerest form of approval. To this day, my husband gives his father a hug and a kiss upon greeting him. Why? Because my husband saw his father and grandfather do it. It didn’t make them any “less of a man.” It fills my heart with joy to see my sons greet their father in the same manner.

 

I consider myself to be very fortunate. My husband has split all of our responsibilities 50/50. He has played the role of provider, coach, chauffer, scoutmaster and so much more. Those who know me well know that I simply adore my husband. I can vouch for my children by saying he is loving and wise. He has demonstrated respect for gender equality at home, in the workplace and in the larger world. That attribute is an art unto itself.

 

Live… Go… Do!

Here’s my “Top 5” (plus a bonus) for June 2015

 

1) R.I.P.…

2_Mad Men

 

Yes, the party’s over and we had a great run. By the time this goes to print, the final episode of one of the most iconic shows on television will be just a memory. For those of you who missed the ride and want to take the summer to glide through the decade of events from 1960 – 1970 (coupled with incredible story lines), start from season 1 and enjoy the show slowly on Netflix or a variety of on-demand platforms. Binge watching is NOT advised. This is the type of series that requires a few days between episodes to think about the responsibilities of men and women in America and how their roles changed “post Korea to Vietnam.”

(Adult themes – viewer discretion advised)

2) Watch:

3_ Tonys

Let Broadway come into your home. On the evening of June 7, 2015 you can see the best of New York City Theater from your own home screen. For nominees and information go to:

http://www.tonyawards.com/index.html

3) An intriguing summer read based on the true story:

4-Henrietta Lacks

 

“Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, and more. Henrietta’s cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can’t afford health insurance.

Soon to be made into an HBO movie by Oprah Winfrey and Alan Ball, this New York Times bestseller takes readers on an extraordinary journey, from the “colored” ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers filled with HeLa cells, from Henrietta’s small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia, to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live and struggle with the legacy of her cells. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew. It’s a story inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we’re made of.”

– Rebecca Skloot website

 

For a wonderful slide show about Henrietta Lacks and more information on the author, Rebecca Skloot, go to:

 

http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/book-special-features/photos/

 

For videos explaining the importance of HeLa cells go to:

http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/book-special-features/#video

4) It is summer movie time!

 

I always look forward to the smell of popcorn and summer movies. June is the time to ignore the serious critics and support your local theaters. Amongst the June releases will be Jurassic World, Spy and Ted 2. Light fare and fun for the whole family.

 

For the full June Film release schedule see:

http://www.movieinsider.com/movies/june/2015/

5) Free entertainment here in our own town:

The Wellington Ampitheater

12100 Forest Hill Boulevard

 The Wellington Amphitheater is a 3,200 square foot facility located adjacent to Scott’s Place, a Barrier-Free Playground. The facility includes a state of the art sound and lighting system for events such as concerts, plays, school functions, and movie nights. The Wellington Amphitheater was funded by a Palm Beach County grant and can accommodate up to 1500 persons. – Village of Wellington website

5_Wellington Ampitheater

http://www.wellingtonfl.gov/business/economic-development/town-center/amphitheater.html

Bonus!

 

6) Hey, it’s summer! Here’s a list of much more to do from an incredible resource…

6-Cultural Council

 

The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County

***

Lori Baumel Lori Hope Baumel and her husband Eric live in Wellington and have three children. Their eldest, Sam, 28, is a media producer and conceptual artist who currently resides in (extremely hipster) Brooklyn, NY. Her younger children, Evan and Rachel, wrote the Around Wellington “Teen Talk” column in previous years. Rachel, 25, has returned from Boston, MA and is a paid intern at the Cultural Council of Palm Beach. Evan, 23, graduated from American University in Washington D.C. and is an editor and public policy writer for VersaTech, Inc. His current assignment  has him writing and editing for the Dept. of Defense Health Agency. Eric, has practiced radiology in Wellington since 1991. His many talents include artist, cook, photographer and, recently, medical app developer for both the iPhone and Apple Watch. You can learn more about Lori at www.loribaumel.com or read her blog:www.grownupcamp.tumblr.com

June, 2015 – Feasting on Waves: Dining on the Disney Dream

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June, 2015 – Feasting on Waves: Dining on the Disney Dream

The Florida FoodieSaucy Sarah

Feasting on Waves: Dining on the Disney Dream

By Saucy Sarah

 

Cruising is a fun way to see the world, and Disney does it as Disney only can, with lots of magic. Sailing from several US ports, the Disney cruise line offers itineraries that fit any family’s wishes. Though each ship is unique, one thing remains the same, the impeccable quality of the food offered by each ship. The foodie will not be disappointed in the bounty and quality of service found.

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My family and I recently took a three night trip to the Bahamas aboard the Disney Dream, the fleet’s newest and biggest ship that sails out of Port Canaveral, Florida. It was our first sailing experience with Disney and we were all impressed by the whole voyage. The ship is focused on catering to a family’s every whim and wish and that extends to the dining options on board.

Casual Dining includes several walk-up eateries that are open early and close late in the evening. Most dining options are included in the cruise fare. On the Dream, there is a pizza place, a sandwich shop, a grill, and a soft-serve ice cream station. These are the ideal places to grab a quick lunch or snack while playing in the pool or sunbathing. The grill even offers an impressive hamburger topping bar so you can create your favorite burger concoction!

In addition to the quick service eateries, the dream offers a casual buffet-dining option for breakfast and lunch at their restaurant, Cabanas, located on deck 11 next to the pools and quick-service stations. The buffet is a popular place for breakfast and lunch, so be sure to go early. I was very impressed with the endless array of offerings including, the ever-in-demand Mickey waffles for breakfast and an enticing cold seafood station—including stone crabs—for lunch. There is something for everyone, and all the items are prepared with high standards. The eggs benedict I had one morning are now in my top five best benedicts of all time; it was that good. At night, Cabanas opens as a casual, sit-down restaurant offering family-friendly dinner options for those who seek a simpler fare.

The highlight of dining on the Disney Dream is the dinner rotating restaurant experience. It is not to be missed! Each night you dine at a different restaurant on board the Dream. Your wait staff remains the same, joining you each night in the different establishments, but you get to try new themed menus and experience a new environment each night. This makes dinner very exciting and adventurous. Our favorite restaurant was the Animator’s Palate. Here you dine and interact with Crush from Disney’s, Finding Nemo, movie on giant screens. The food has an Italian/Caribbean flare and all was delicious.

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The main ingredient in what makes Disney Dream dining so spectacular is the staff. They go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure you are taken care of and enjoy all of your meals. My oldest son has autism and has many sensory issues when it comes to food. Our servers made sure that he was served his favorite foods each night, even though they were not on the menu. This made him feel very special in a world where he is typically treated as an odd man out. I cannot express my gratitude for this seemingly small gesture. You feel pampered every moment of your meal.

For the adventurous foodie, The Disney Dream offers two premium dining experiences, Remy and Palo, for adult-only dining. There is an additional fee per person to dine at these exclusive restaurants, but they are well-worth the charge. Palo offers a contemporary Italian menu prepared by world-class chefs. Remy, a more upscale dining experience, offering classic French-inspired dishes created by some of the best chefs in the world. This is a rare opportunity to sample some fine cuisine while sailing the seas. For the passionate foodie, these experiences are not to be passed up.

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In addition to the various dining options on board, the Dream also offers several wine and liquor tasting lectures. For the kids, the impressive Kids Club hosts cooking classes for specific age groups throughout the duration of your cruise. The kids club also offers special kids-only dinners on certain nights of your voyage where your kids can dine with their friends and counselors and give you some adult-dining time.

A Disney cruise has something for everyone, so book your next adventure, bring some roomy pants, and prepare for a tasty adventure on the high seas!

***

In her previous life, Sarah, a Palm Beach County Native, spent ten years working in various high-end eating establishments around South Florida. She is currently a fiction thesis candidate in the MFA program at Florida International University where she also teaches creative writing and rhetoric. If that is not enough, Sarah is also the owner of Cakes by Sarah, a local custom cake shop. Sarah lives in Lake Worth with her husband and two beautiful boys. “Food, fiction, and family are my life.”

June, 2015 – Clueless for 82 Years

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June, 2015 – Clueless for 82 Years

Cantankerously YoursWendell Abern - Cantankerously Yours

Clueless for 82 Years

By Wendell Abern

 

Dear Readers,

Many people believe that wisdom comes with age. In my case, that may be true, but only because I had so much to learn. In fact, looking back over my 82 years, it’s clear I never had any idea of what was going on.

Because I was so clueless, I have learned many lessons over the decades; I will share some of the more painful ones with you.

Omaha, 1941.

I was eight years old. After short stints in Bismarck, Fargo and Sioux Falls, I was entering my fourth school in three years. I had already learned that on my first day of school, I had to have a fight with the bully of my age.

The Omaha bully – a very large bully – confronted me at recess with three of his minions.

“You da new kid?”

“I just started today.”

“Whashyur name?”

“Wendell.”

“What kinda name izzat?”

“Same name as the man who ran for president last year.”

“Big deal.”

“So what’s your name?  Barbara?”

Fight.  I sensibly yelled, “I give,” very quickly.

Lesson I should have learned and never have:  know when to keep your mouth shut.

Minneapolis, 1942.

          The bully was my size.  His cortege consisted of two behemoths.

“You’re the new kid.”  Not a question.

“Yeah.”

Bully turns to his followers and says, “He’s pretty ugly, don’tcha think?”

Turns back to me.  “Whashyur name, new kid?”

“Terry.  Terry Dactyl.”

“What kinda name izzat?”

“My parents named me after a dinosaur.”

Fight.

The bully said, “I give!”  Then his lumbering cohorts beat the hell out of me.

Lesson learned:  do not resort to humor if your opponent is too dumb to understand.

Chicago, 1945.

I was twelve years old, a very good student and read at least four books a week.

Then I discovered girls.  Over the next five years, I read two books.

Until eighth grade, I had thought girls were just sort of, like – well, soft boys.  Suddenly, they were attractive! Curvy! Sexy!  My hormones, constantly in avalanche mode, tumbled pell-mell if a girl so much as smiled at me.

I had no idea what to say or how to act with girls. The first time I kissed a girl, I asked her to marry me.  I was thirteen.

And then I met Jackie, this bubbling, straight “A,” beautiful brunette who sat across from me in freshman English.  I had to call her!  An absolute must!

I came home from school one day, determined to make my first phone call to a girl.  I made a list of subjects to discuss and called Jackie.

Our conversation lasted about 45 seconds.

Lesson learned:  When you call a girl, don’t start by asking her who her favorite baseball team is.

 

Chicago, 1948.

I had been taking piano lessons for about a year and-a-half. I wanted to. I thought I would be a hit with the girls.

At fifteen, I went to a birthday party at Iris Nudelman’s house. Big party.  Lots of kids. Iris had a piano.

“She’s got a piano!” I said excitedly to my date, luring her into my trap.

“Oh. Do you play?”

“Sure,” I said, seating myself on the piano bench.

I stumbled through a mistake-riddled version of “Ol’ Buttermilk Sky.”

“That was, um, good,” my date said among polite applause.

Then Ronnie Goldman sat down and whipped through “The Polonaise” like Vladimir Horowitz.

Lesson learned:  Before playing the piano in front of a crowd, check and see if anyone else plays; then slip a laxative into his drink.

Newport, Rhode Island, 1955.

I had been in the Navy for two days.  I went to my first inspection.  Our Chief marched down the line of sailors standing at attention and stopped when he came to me.

“Whaddayou tryin’ to be funny?”

“No sir!”

“Uh huh.  Go change your shoes.  And after an hour of marching, you can run a mile around the track.  And then report for KP duty.”

Lesson learned:  Never report to a military inspection wearing blue suede shoes.

Chicago, 1958.

Married four and-a-half years. First child due any minute. I had become the quintessential nervous new father, a basket-case cliché.

Carol, my wife, called me at work and said, “Guess what!  My water broke!”

“What? Why?

“What do you mean, ‘Why?’ Get to the hospital, you idiot.”

Later, as I waited in a small room with two other expectant fathers, a nurse walked in carrying a small bundle. “Mr. Abern,” she said, “you have a perfect little daughter!”

“Wonderful!” I shouted.  “What’s her name?”

Lesson learned: To not make a fool of myself, keep my mouth shut.

Chicago, 1965.

For our tenth anniversary, I planned a special surprise for Carol: a weekend downtown at a fancy hotel, with reservations at two of her favorite restaurants and the theatre.

And just to give the weekend a spicy little twist, I registered us at the hotel, the restaurants and the theatre under a phony name:  J. Quigley Sandelmaier.  My in-laws, who were baby-sitting, knew the phony name and loved the idea.

When we went to sign in at the hotel desk, the clerk asked for my credit card.

“No credit cards,” I said. “I want to pay in cash.”

“I’m sorry, sir. We have to see a credit card.

I turned and grinned at the seven or eight guys lined up behind me.  Then I said to the clerk in a loud whisper, “Look, I don’t want my wife to find out about this. I have to pay cash.”

Many chuckles behind me as Carol turned a shade of red never before seen on this planet.

“He’s just kidding,” she said. “We’re married. Really.”  Lascivious grins. “Really!”

Carol seemed to take it all in stride, and we had a delicious week-end. However, when we got home, I spent the next three nights on the couch.

Lesson never learned:  Know when to keep your mouth shut.

Cantankerously Yours,

Wendell Abern

Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@gmail.com.

June, 2015 – Helmets Can’t Stop Concussions . . .

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June, 2015 – Helmets Can’t Stop Concussions . . .

Ask the Docs

Dr. Jonathon Chung
Dr. Jonathon Chung

 

Helmets Can’t Stop Concussions, but this can….

 

By Dr. Jonathon Chung

See the video! https://youtu.be/hXHyk24rAbM

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Minnesota Concussion Summit. What was unique about this seminar was that it wasn’t geared towards doctors like neurologists or neurosurgeons who are usually responsible for the medical care of concussion patients. It was actually geared towards coaches, fitness professionals, physical therapists, and athletic trainers who work most heavily with the population at highest risk for concussion – the youth athlete.

 

While doctors need to be focused on effective treatment and therapy for the concussed patient, there are numerous professionals that are in a uniquely suited position to help PREVENT head injury from happening in the first place. The main problem with concussion prevention programs is that the focus on technological improvements on athlete equipment has produced little to no results.

 

Lesson 1: Helmets Can’t Prevent Brain Injury

 

When most people think about concussion prevention, you usually think about the quality of helmet that can be used. Helmets are lighter and tougher than ever, and they are subject to rigorous laboratory testing. Intuitively, it makes sense that protecting the brain should start with the hard hat.

 

Here’s the truth. Helmets were designed for one purpose: to stop skull fractures. To that end, helmets are doing a remarkable job, as almost no one playing football or hockey have been diagnosed with skull fractures since helmets became modernized.

 

However, in the wake of the growing national concern with concussions and head safety, improvements in helmet technology have been marketed as the tool for concussion prevention. The truth is that helmets are limited in their ability to stop concussions because helmets can’t stop the brain from moving.

 

While direct helmet to helmet contact is likely the easiest way to sustain a concussion, there’s no doubt that a serious hit can put tremendous acceleration forces into the neck, head, and brain. As we’ve seen in many cases of concussion from whiplash, your head doesn’t need to make physical contact to create damage to the brain.

 

Additionally, there are those who make the case that improved helmets have led to an increase in those bone shaking hits we tend to cheer for as football fans. Because the helmet has become so effective in protecting players from damage to the skull, it has turned into a weapon to make hits more brutal.

 

Bigger hits = faster head acceleration = more brain damage

 

Lesson 2: Stronger Necks May Help

Most concussion research has been focused on what’s happening to the head, but a few studies have shown that the answer to prevention may be in the neck.

neck-strength-300x300

Here are links to a few studies that show that increasing neck strength may play a role in reducing someone’s odds of having a concussion:

 

Neck strength: a protective factor reducing the risk of concussion in high school sports.

 

Effect of neck muscle strength and anticipatory cervical muscle activation on the kinematic response of the head to impulsive loads.

 

The influence of cervical muscle characteristics on head impact biomechanics in football.

 

When someone has strength in the musculature of their neck, they have an increased ability to produce stiffness and resist acceleration of the head. This accomplishes two things:

 

Stiffer, stronger necks prevent head movement which will prevent movement of the brain. Stiffer, stronger necks can prevent damage to the ligaments and soft tissues that support the neck.

 

Most of us will do anything possible to rid ourselves of neck stiffness, so the thought of training the neck seems terrible. However, it may be a key component to protecting athletes from the devastating effects of head and neck injury.

 

Big Hits Get Most Scrutiny But Small Hits in Youth Athletes are at Greatest Risk

 

So let’s be honest. Some of these big hits that we see on TV are likely to cause a concussion regardless of how strong someone’s neck is. The same thing can be said for things like a hard helmet to helmet collision. While professional athletes NEED to get their necks stronger just to handle the rigors of their sport, having appropriate neck strength may ensure that some of these big hits won’t cause fracture or neck dislocation. If it doesn’t prevent concussion, neck strength may save their life.

See the video! https://youtu.be/Vf-qgqLqzds

 

The important thing to remember is that MOST concussions happening now are not a result of huge direct hits seen in professional football and hockey. Most concussions are happening in our backyards.

 

  • They happen when girls collide while going for a header in soccer.
  • They happen when you get into a car accident on the way to work.
  • They happen to normal people when they fall while riding a horse.

 

These common and seemingly harmless activities are where a bulk of head injuries happen today and these are the places where improving neck strength can make the biggest difference.

 

Conclusion

 

At Keystone Chiropractic, we are happy to report that our office is undergoing certification in evidence-based neck strengthening methods to help reduce head and neck injury. If you want to learn more, please feel free to reach out to us and talk about how we can develop a strength program for the neck and protect the health of yourselves or your athletes.

 

Did you like this article? Feel free to share it with the people you care about and see if a Complimentary Consultation is the next step to regain their health.

Dr. Chung is a practicing Structural Chiropractor in the West Palm Beach area. He has been published in peer reviewed scientific journals and is a sought after speaker in health and wellness. Follow his blog at http://chiropractorwellington.com/category/keystone-chiropractic-blog/ or find him on twitter at @drjonathanchung.

 

 

 

June, 2015 – K Park Town Hall Meeting

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K Park Town Hall Meeting (Part 1)

The Village of Wellington will hold the first in a series of K Park Town Hall meetings on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Village Hall, Council Chambers.  Staff is soliciting input from Wellington residents on the future of the K Park property located at the southwest corner of State Road 7 and Stribling Way.

Meetings will consist of a brief presentation on the site’s history, followed by an interactive polling session to gain insight on how residents want the K Park property to be used. The meeting will wrap up with public comments. Residents have 4 opportunities to attend the presentation and participate in the K Park discussions. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Polo Park Middle School.

K Park Town Hall Meeting Series (Part 2)

The Village of Wellington is preparing for a series of Town Hall meetings to solicit input from Wellington residents on the future of the K Park property located at the southwest corner of State Road 7 and Stribling Way.

Meetings will consist of a brief presentation on the site’s history, followed by an interactive polling session to gain insight on how residents want the K Park property to be used. The meeting will wrap up with public comments. Residents have four (4) opportunities to attend and participate in K Park discussions. A list of times and locations for each meeting is listed below. All meetings are on a Tuesday and begin at 7:00 pm.

 

DATE

LOCATION
 

June 2, 2015

  

Village Hall, Council Chambers

 
 

July 21, 2015

  

Polo Park Middle School

 
 

August 4, 2015

  

Wellington Landings Middle School

 
 

September 15, 2015

  

Village Hall, Council Chambers

 

 

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

June, 2015 – Speakfest

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June, 2015 – Speakfest

June, 2015 – Speakfest

June_20_Event_Toastmasters_Final

May, 2015 – Butterfly Day at the Palm Beach Zoo

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May, 2015 – Butterfly Day at the Palm Beach Zoo

Butterfly Day Announced for Palm Beach Zoo

Public invited to attend first-ever event

Monarch Garden logo

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is inviting the public to its first-ever “Butterfly Day” on Saturday, May 30, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy a day of butterfly fun with special crafts, a Butterfly Talk, and learning how to make their own butterfly garden at home. All activities will take place at the Zoo’s Monarch Garden.

At 11 a.m., the Zoo will receive a donation check from Monarch Garden sponsor Jarden Consumer Solutions. 

While supplies last, guests can donate $50 to make a stepping stone of their own design for the Zoo’s newly-expanded Monarch Garden. After completing a stone, Zoo volunteers will dry it and place it in the garden for everyone to enjoy. Guests can then come back and see their artwork all year long.

To reserve a space at the stepping stone station during Butterfly Day, email info@palmbeachzoo.org for payment instructions.

“Many people don’t think of the need for conservation when they think of butterflies,” explained the Zoo’s horticulture manager, Donna Porter. “But they are what we can an ‘indicator species,’ which means they show if an environment is healthy.”

“Without butterflies in an ecosystem, we don’t know if other species could survive there,” she continued. “They also serve as a food source for predators such as birds and bats.”

 

About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field. Our commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.

The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org. 

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