Issuu

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Plan for Better Health, Disasters and—Strawberries As I write this, a gentle snow is

falling with expected accumulations SHARE WITH US! of up to 4 inches depending on your Have an event you would like to run in Around Kansas? location. It’s welcome moisture for A story idea or comments you want to share with the some areas in the state that have not editor? A recipe and photo for us to consider publishing? seen significant rain or snowfall the Let us know: last three to four months. As long as ffevents@kansascountryliving.com we avoid conditions detrimental to life, ffletters@kansascountryliving.com livestock and electric co-op operations, I say let it snow! ffphotos@kansascountryliving.com The sometimes unfriendly winter ffeditor@kansascountryliving.com weather forces us indoors where a ffrecipes@kansascountryliving.com warm fireplace, a big screen TV and a hot dish of a favorite comfort food can quickly result in a sedentary lifestyle. heart disease. Eventually, though, spring will arrive with its Snow and ice storms, tornadoes, wildfires— warmer temperatures and moderate weather to Kansas is vulnerable to disasters that pose a hopefully jump-start our outside activities. significant threat to our communities, businesses According to the American Heart Associaand homes. The article on Page 22 reviews the tion, heart disease (including coronary heart most important steps you can take to keep you disease, hypertension and stroke) remains the and your family safe if disaster strikes. No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. Approximately It’s not all doom and gloom in February; 790,000 people in the country have heart attacks it’s the perfect month to begin planning your each year. Of those, about 114,000 will die. In garden. “Your Place in the Garden” on Page 18 this issue, we explore the latest concerning heart offers ideas for growing strawberries including health, including the differences between the ideas for vertical gardening in small spaces. sexes when it comes to diagnosing heart disease, Until March, stay warm, stay active, stay plus information that cuts through the confusion safe. KCL for nutrition and exercise. “Affairs of the Heart” begins on Page 10 with the author’s first-hand account of dealing with a loved one affected by VICKI ESTES , EDITOR

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2018

(ISSN 0091-9586) FEBRUARY 2018 VOL. 68, NO. 2 © KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2018 WWW.KEC.COOP

Bruce Graham

Chief Executive Officer

Shana Read

GETTY IMAGES CARBONBRAIN

Director of Communications

Vicki Estes Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

Jackie Kamphaus

Communications Specialist Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

FEBRUARY

Keith McNickle President

Terry Hobbs Vice President

Craig Kostman Secretary

Teresa Miller Treasurer

Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Kansas Country Living on behalf of the membership at a cost of $5.88 per year. Individual subscriptions are $10 per year (tax included).

Co-op Members: Please report address changes to your local electric co-op. Postmaster: Send returns to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267.

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook.

10| Affairs of the Heart

D E PA RT M E N T S

This special section explores the latest concerning heart health, the differences between the sexes when it comes to diagnosing heart disease and expert advice that cuts through the constant clutter concerning nutrition and exercise. It begins with the author’s first-hand account of dealing with a loved one affected by heart disease.

Kansas 4| Around February and March events

6| Commentary Cooperation: a way of life 18| Your Place in the Garden

Kansas is vulnerable to snow and ice storms, tornadoes and wildfires. Make sure your family is prepared to weather any storm.

Prepare now for strawberries

My Way Home 24| Cooking The morning gruel

26| Marketplace Find products, services you need

28| Safety Shred wisely Recipes 29| Monthly A little bit of everything

Kansas Country Living is published monthly by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS, and additional entry offices. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267; 785-478-4554. Advertising: Kansas Country Living is a member of American MainStreet Publications (www.amp.coop), collectively reaching more than 27 million readers monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

Your Utility Bills 8| Cut Do radiant barriers matter?

22| Preparing for Disaster

GETTY IMAGES/IPOPBA

You receive Kansas Country Living as a service of the following electric co-ops as a cost-effective way to share important information about services, energy savings, electric safety, director elections, meetings and management decisions. It also contains legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost: Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DS&O, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Lyon-Coffey, Burlington Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Radiant, Fredonia Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington Tri-County, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City

ON THE COVER No magic pill. No special elixir. No fairy dust. Heart health begins with a wellbalanced diet and ongoing exercise. P H OTO BY GETTYIMAGES/ UDRA

FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

T H I N G S TO D O

FEB. 10 C hocolate Lover’s Affair and Art Auction,

Lindsborg. This event from 7 to 10:30 p.m. features various local businesses and artists showcasing their talents while supporting the arts for Lindsborg and the surrounding Smoky Valley community in the J.O. Sundstrom Conference Center. Proceeds fund two $1,500 scholarships for college bound students from the Smoky Valley area. Make the rounds, snap a commemorative photo, taste the chocolates and beverages, pick up a fine art piece from the auction and support the arts and the artists of our community. 785-2278687, 888-227-2227, www.lindsborgcity.org.

THROUGH 2018 T rue Crime Exhibit, Garden City. This new exhibit features evidence from a 1920s crime spree and a 1950s murder case and is designed to show how the law enforcement community ended the robberies and killings perpetrated by the once-infamous Fleagle Gang and brought Richard E. Hickock and Perry E. Smith to justice. Open 1 to 5 p.m. everyday. 403 S. Fourth Street in Finnup Park. THROUGH APRIL E vening at the

Museum, Garden City. The series features a different presentation on the third Tuesday of each month through April and September through November. Programs begin at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the museum and run about an hour, followed by a question-and-answer period. Use the museum’s north entrance. Dessert and beverages provided. Listeners may bring their own dinner. 403 S. Fourth Street in Finnup Park, 620-272-3664. THROUGH APRIL 14 M ichael Jilg and

Leon Staab, Pratt. A guest exhibition highlighting exuberant flower images through the work of Michael Jilg, painter and Leon Staab, photographer. Vernon Filley Art Museum. 421 S. Jackson St., 620-933-2787, www.vernonfilleyartmuseum.org. THROUGH FEB. 16 “ Non Objectives”

paintings of Charles Rogers, Ellsworth. These works have not been seen

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2018

since the 1970s. The Ellsworth Area Art Center is open 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. 223 N. Douglas Ave. VARIOUS DATES IN FEBRUARY “ Same

Time Next Year,” Dodge City. One of the most popular romantic comedies of the century that ran four years on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for lead actress Ellen Burstyn. 620-225-1001. FEB. 2 L ive at the Longhorn, Dodge

City. Music and fun from 8 to 10 p.m. at Boot Hill Casino and Resort. 620-682-7777. FEB. 2 L ocal Food Producer

Entrepreneurship Workshop, Wichita. To have a thriving local food business it is still necessary to have modern business and marketing skills to compete in the marketplace. This workshop is designed to help aspiring and existing local food producers gain those skills. Held from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in 4-H Hall at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center. 21st and Ridge Rd. http:// sedgwick.ksu.edu, 316-660-0100. FEB. 3 M arket Grower and Vendor

Workshop, Wichita. Learn new skills to improve production methods and marketing skills for selling local vegetables, while meeting an increasing demand for locally grown produce. From 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in 4-H Hall at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center. 21st and Ridge Rd. Register

online at http://sedgwick.ksu.edu or by calling 316-660-0100. FEB. 3-4 Y oung Guns, Dodge City. Team roping. Western State Bank Expo, 620-338-8284. FEB. 3-4 V ike Fest, Lindsborg. Come indulge your inner Viking! Axe toss and games of skill are on the agenda at the campgrounds by the Old Mill in Lindsborg...Viking country! Sign up as a group or join individually for Capture the Flag. facebook.com/vike-festlindsborg/214425695767095. FEB. 10 D esign and Grow Gardening

Workshop, Wichita. This workshop is packed with ideas and information for beginning and longtime gardeners, alike. Learn from the pros, garner ideas for your garden and landscape, and find inspiration in new plants and gardening experiences. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center. 7001 W. 21st St. http:// sedgwick.ksu.edu, 316-660-0138. FEB. 10 S paghetti Dinner, Junction

City. St. Paul’s Lutheran Ladies Aid sponsors this dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chili and other soups will also be available. Active duty military and families eat free. Free-will donation appreciated. 9719 Clarks Creek Rd., 785-482-3213. FEB. 14-16 W omen Managing the

Farm, Manhattan. This conference at the Hilton Garden Inn and Manhattan Conference

Center provides a supportive setting in which women can develop the skills, resources and knowledge needed for success in a competitive agricultural environment. 785-5322560, www.womenmanagingthefarm.com. FEB. 16 “ Love Letters,” Dodge City. T he story of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, two young people from similar backgrounds who take very different paths in life but continue a 50-year friendship. From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Depot Theater Company, 620-225-1001. FEB. 16-17 Q uilt Guild Shop Hop,

Scott City. This two-day event at the Scott City Fairgrounds will feature a quilt show, door prizes, shopping and demonstrations. On Saturday enjoy homemade soup at noon. Friday from 1 to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 608 Fairground Rd., 620-872-2723. FEB. 17 M ine Run 5K, Hutchinson. One

of the deepest public 5K runs in the world. 620-662-1425, https://runsignup.com/Race/ KS/Hutchinson/MineRun5K. FEB. 17-18 G un and Coin Show, Phillipsburg. F rom 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Phillips County Fairgrounds. 785-543-5328. FEB. 17-18 Y oung Guns Youth Rodeo Finals, Dodge City. Both days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Western State Bank Expo Center, 620-338-8284. FEB. 23 F SMA Produce Safety Rule

Grower Training, Olathe. It is essential that growers and those handling produce along the chain to the consumer use best practices to ensure the safety of their produce. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. K-State Olathe Campus, 22201 W. Innovation Dr., www.ksre.kstate.edu/foodsafety/produce. FEB. 24-25 G un Show, Salina. Saturday

from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 am. to 3 p.m. at the 4-H Building. 785-823-1747.

MAR. 1-31 P arade of Quilts, Yoder.

S oak in the quilting tradition of this Amish community and delight in scores of handstitched creations of every pattern, color and size displayed at participating merchants throughout the horse-drawn community. Each an original work of art and ready to take home and become a part of your family’s heirlooms. YoderKansas.com. MAR. 3 B last of Bluegrass, McPherson.

T he Smoky Valley Boys are back, joined by popular young talents The Treble Makers and The McKinney Sisters who will perform at the McPherson Opera House beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets online at McPhersonoperahouse.org, by phone at 620-241-1952, or the box office at 219 S. Main St. MAR. 9 F SMA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training, Wichita. Since many types of produce are not cooked before eating, it is essential that produce growers and all those handling produce along the chain to the consumer use the safest practices possible to ensure the safety of their produce. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sedgwick County Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st St. N., www.ksre.k-state. edu/foodsafety/produce.

with silent and live auctions starting at 6 p.m. http://kansascasa.org/district-events/2017casa-chocolate-auction. MAR. 25 B lackwood Quartet, The Gospel Side of Elvis, McPherson. Incredible songs, amazing stories and the history of a legend all come together in one inspirational, uplifting performance at 6 p.m. at the McPherson Opera House. Tickets online at McPhersonoperahouse.org, by phone at 620241-1952, or the box office at 219 S. Main St. MAR. 31 E aster Egg Hunt, Phillipsburg.

1 0 a.m. at Phillips County Courthouse Square. Call Phillipsburg Chamber & Main Street at 785-543-2321, www. phillipsburgchambermainstreet.com. KCL

Need shelter for your Cattle or Horses?

MAR. 10 E xpo 3 Indoor Races, Great Bend. Indoor Kart Racing presented by The Barton County Fair Association. Expo III Arena. 620-797-3247, bartoncountyfair.com.

Let us build you a quality building at a reasonable price.  12’ x 10’ up to 12’ x 40’  New metal. Many Options / Colors

MAR. 15 F SMA Produce Safety Rule

See our products at:

Grower Training, Colby. Since many types of produce are not cooked before eating, it is essential that produce growers and all those handling produce along the chain to the consumer use the safest practices possible to ensure the safety of their produce. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Colby Community College, Student Union, 1255 S. Range Ave. www.ksre.kstate.edu/foodsafety/produce. MAR. 24 C hocolate for CASA,

Phillipsburg. S ocial hour will begin at 5 p.m.

3i Show in Dodge City  March 22-24  Outdoor Space O-062, O-064 Mid America Farm Expo - Salina  March 27-29  Outdoor Space K-058, 059

MCM Manufacturing, Inc. 26021 Hwy 40, WaKeeney, KS 67672

785-743-2026 or 800-542-4081

Larson Metal, Inc. Stromsburg, NE 68666

402-363-9130 or 402-764-3471 (Evenings)

FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C O M M E N TA RY

Cooperation Among Co-ops: A Way of Life BY B R U C E G R A H A M

Bruce Graham

Even though cooperatives are independent entities, we still rely on one another to share resources, information and, in these cases, manpower.

This issue of Kansas Country Living includes an article with general guidelines to help readers prepare for a natural disaster. I think Kansans are generally conscious of the risks we face from Mother Nature, from a car trip, or while at work and at home. Winter cold brings risk of hypothermia and dangers caused by ice and snow. Hospitals report more injuries from falls, vehicle accidents and unusual physical exertion this time of year. The spring and fall seasons carry new storm threats, flash floods and tornadoes. Summer can bring drought, the risk of fires and heat-related stress. Every season here in Kansas also brings a threat to your electric cooperative’s poles, wires and personnel—and we do our best to be prepared as well. It is difficult though to imagine preparing for the recent wildfires and subsequent mudslides in California. The tragic loss of life as well as damage to personal and public property is still being calculated. The magnitude would have been much worse if not for the thousands of emergency personnel who worked for weeks to extinguish the Thomas Fire—only to be called right back to deal with deadly rivers of mud and boulders that inundated and destroyed neighborhoods. Like the heroic teams of emergency workers from around California and the nation that responded to this disaster, electric cooperatives have a system in place to support each other in challenging times. When a major storm moves through our area, fellow cooperatives are standing by, ready to help restore power to the greatest number of members in the shortest amount of time possible. Even though cooperatives are independent entities, we still rely on one another to share resources, information and, in these cases, manpower. This type of assistance is known as our mutual-aid agreement. Your cooperative is staffed to conduct regular construction and

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2018

maintenance on the electric system and respond to many outages. However, when damage is widespread, they can contact colleagues here at Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC) to locate available crews and equipment from nearby cooperatives. Most cooperative lines and systems are designed and built to the same standards, so when fellow crews answer the call for assistance, little training is necessary. They report for duty and get the job done. In addition to coordinating crew requests, KEC communicates with the Kansas Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency on restoration efforts and possible assistance from the agencies. In 2017, there were three mutual-aid events in Kansas. A Jan. 15 ice storm spread damage across the state and four cooperatives received crews and equipment from 19 other Kansas cooperatives. March 7 saw tornadoes, high winds and wildfires that required mutual aid. Then on May 1, a snow storm hit western Kansas with such damaging force that three Kansas cooperatives received assistance from 17 Kansas cooperatives as well as help from cooperatives in Colorado, Nebraska and Missouri. Our mutual aid agreements do extend beyond state borders. When Hurricane Irma hit Florida and Georgia last September, cooperatives from across the country were asked to mobilize. In just a couple days, Kansas had 90 volunteers from 14 cooperatives ready to assist in Florida. And while the call for help was ultimately met by crews closer to those two states, we appreciated the cooperative heart and spirit demonstrated by the volunteers and their families. It is a reminder that for your electric cooperative, “cooperation” isn’t just a word, it is a way of life. KCL BRUCE GRAHAM is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas

Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.

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C U T YO U R U T I L I T Y B I L L S

Do Radiant Barriers Really Make a Difference?

BY PAT R I C K K E E G A N & B R A D T H I E S S E N

Dear Pat: I’ve heard that installing a radiant barrier in my attic could save me a lot of money on my energy bill. What exactly is a radiant barrier, and does it really make a difference? - Don Dear Don: A radiant barrier reflects radiant heat and can be used to keep heat in a home during the winter and to keep heat out in the summer. In order to understand the value of a radiant barrier we need to consider the three different ways heat travels. ffConvection is air movement from hot to cold. This happens through openings in your home, like doors, windows, vents and air leaks. ffConduction is heat traveling through a solid material, such as the sheetrock and framing of your home. This can be minimized by insulation. ffRadiant heat loss is a transfer of heat from the sun, or when a warmer material transmits infrared radiation to a colder material.

Radiant barriers are designed to reflect this type of heat loss. Radiant barriers often look like aluminum foil. Sometimes the foil is fastened to oriented strand board or foam board, but the foil will only reflect radiant heat toward an air space of at least 1 inch. If the foil is in contact with a solid material, it conducts excess heat into that material. A common location for application of radiant barriers is the attic; radiant energy from the sun is sent back out of the roof before it can heat the air and insulation in your home. It is commonly sold as a roll of shiny, aluminum material and is usually mounted on the underside of the framing that supports the roof. The radiant barrier is only effective in reflecting radiant heat, not as insulation or as a wrap to block air loss, but it can be very effective at its intended purpose. Even something as thin as a sheet of aluminum foil can reflect 95 percent of the radiated heat back through the roof if it’s installed properly, with an air gap between itself and the roof. With Radiant Barrier: While other Reflective surface reflects solutions such as some radiant energy back an attic fan try out and less heat is to remove the conducted into the attic. heat once it has accumulated, the radiant barrier stops the heat Heat: from building up Radiant Air Gap in the first place. energy The net from the impact of a Reflective sun radiant barrier Surface depends on whether you live in a hot or coldweather climate. For example, Without Radiant Barrier: homes that Heat is radiated from the roof were retrofitted into the attic. with attic radiant barrier

How a Radiant Barrier Works

Roof

Source: Col laborative Effic iency

Unwanted solar heat gain is reflected out of the home during the summer.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2018

Continued on page 17 

Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure Big Pharma stands to lose billions as doctors’ recommend drug-free “health cocktail” that adjusts and corrects your body’s health conditions.

Drug company execs are nervous. That’s because the greatest health advance in decades has hit the streets. And analysts expect it to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits. So what’s all the fuss about? It’s about a new ingredient that’s changing the lives of people who use it. Some call it “the greatest discovery since penicillin”! The name of the product is the AloeCure. It’s not a drug. It’s something completely different. And the product is available to anyone who wants it, at a reasonable price. But demands may force future prices to rise. TOP DOC WARNS: DIGESTION DRUGS CAN CRIPPLE YOU! Company spokesperson, Dr. Liza Leal; a leading integrative health specialist recommends AloeCure before she decides to prescribe any digestion drug. Especially after the FDA’s stern warning about long-term use of drugs classified as proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec®, Nexium®, and Prevacid®. In a nutshell, the FDA statement warned people should avoid taking these digestion drugs for longer than three 14-day treatment periods because there is an increased risk of bone fractures. Many people take them daily and for decades. Dr. Leal should know. Many patients come to her with bone and joint complaints and she does everything she can to help them. One way for digestion sufferers to help avoid possible risk of tragic joint and bone problems caused by overuse of digestion drugs is to take the AloeCure.

Acemannan has many of other health benefits?... HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CALM INFLAMMATION According to a leading aloe research, when correctly processed for digesting, the Aloe plant has a powerful component for regulating your immune system called Acemannan. So whether it’s damage that is physical, bacterial, chemical or autoimmune; the natural plant helps the body stay healthy. RAPID ACID AND HEARTBURN NEUTRALIZER Aloe has proved to have an astonishing effect on users who suffer with digestion problems like bouts of acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, gas and constipation because it acts as a natural acid buffer and soothes the digestive system. But new studies prove it does a whole lot more. SIDE-STEP HEART CONCERNS So you’ve been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for years and you feel just fine. In June of 2015 a major study shows that chronic PPI use increases the risk of heart attack in general population. UNLEASH YOUR MEMORY Studies show that your brain needs the healthy bacteria from your gut in order function at its best. Both low and high dosages of digestion drugs are proven to destroy that healthy bacteria and get in the way of brain function. So you’re left with a sluggish, slow-to-react brain without a lot of room to store information. The acemannan used in AloeCure actually makes your gut healthier, so healthy bacteria flows freely to your brain so you think better, faster and with a larger capacity for memory.

Analysts expect the AloeCure to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits.

Doctors call it “The greatest health discovery in decades!”

The secret to AloeCure’s “health adjusting” formula is scientifically tested Acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe Vera. But not the same aloe vera that mom used to apply to your cuts, scrapes and burns. This is a perfect strain of aloe that is organically grown under very strict conditions. AloeCure is so powerful it begins to benefit your health the instant you take it. It soothes intestinal discomfort and you can avoid the possibility of bone and health damage caused by overuse of digestion drugs. We all know how well aloe works externally on cuts, scrapes and burns. But did you know

SLEEP LIKE A BABY A night without sleep really damages your body. And continued lost sleep can lead to all sorts of health problems. But what you may not realize is the reason why you’re not sleeping. Some call it “Ghost Reflux”. A lowintensity form of acid reflux discomfort that quietly keeps you awake in the background. AloeCure helps digestion so you may find yourself sleeping through the night. CELEBRITY HAIR, SKIN & NAILS Certain antacids may greatly reduce your

by David Waxman Seattle Washington:

body’s ability to break down and absorb calcium. Aloe delivers calcium as it aids in balancing your stomach acidity. The result? Thicker, healthier looking hair…more youthful looking skin… And nails so strong they may never break again. SAVE YOUR KIDNEY National and local news outlets are reporting Kidney Failure linked to PPI’s. Your Kidney extracts waste from blood, balance body fluids, form urine, and aid in other important functions of the body. Without it your body would be overrun by deadly toxins. Aloe helps your kidney function properly. Studies suggest, if you started taking aloe today; you’d see a big difference in the way you feel. GUARANTEED RESULTS OR DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK Due to the incredible results people are reporting, AloeCure is being sold with an equally incredible guarantee. “We can only offer this incredible guarantee because we are 100% certain this product will work for those who use it,” Says Dr. Leal. Here’s how it works: Take the pill exactly as directed. You must see and feel remarkable improvements in your digestive health, your mental health, in your physical appearance, the amount inflammation you have throughout your body – even in your ability to fall asleep at night! Otherwise, simply return the empty bottles with a short note about how you took the pills and followed the simple instructions and the company will send you...Double your money back! HOW TO GET ALOECURE This is the official nationwide release of the new AloeCure pill in the United States. And so, the company is offering our readers up to 3 FREE bottles with their order. This special give-away is available for readers of this publication only. All you have to do is call TOLL-FREE 1-800-593-8218 1-800-746-2899 and provide the operator with the Free Bottle Approval Code: JC025. The company will do the rest. Important: Due to AloeCure’s recent media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

Affairs Heart of the

DEBRA GIBSON ISAACS

A Personal Journey into Heart Disease

“This is Amazon,” a man’s voice said on the other end of the phone. “I’m calling about your husband. He has been taken by ambulance to Saint Joseph’s Hospital—the main hospital.” “What happened?” I ask, panic ripping through me. “I don’t know any more than that,” the voice said. I’m sure he told me his name, but it was lost in a fog of fear. “Thank you,” was all I could think to say. Until the call, it was an ordinary Tuesday afternoon. Our basset hounds, Crosby and Gertrude, were stretched out at my feet as my fingers did their familiar dance on the computer keys. My husband, Mike, was at his job in quality control for Amazon. Now my mind imagined all manner of horrors. In the past five years, Mike’s leg had been ripped open by a German shepherd bite. It required 22 staples and left a scar worthy of Frankenstein. Just before that, a doctor had accidently For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. injected staph bacteria into We said the traditional vows at our wedding. his body while giving him We have experienced both sickness and health, a pain shot in that same and are now much more aware of what we need to do to be healthy. leg. His leg doubled in size, 10

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turned a watermelon pink, and was so hot that ice melted quickly when laid on the leg. It was days in the hospital before we learned he had a life-threatening staph infection. It was several more days before we found out if his leg could be saved. Ultimately, he would keep his leg but he has permanent lymph node damage. His leg now swells every time he stands on it. He will be in pain the remainder of his life. Neither party took any responsibility, financial or otherwise. Now this. At the hospital, one receptionist led me to another until I finally arrived at the hospital’s Cath Lab. Mike was inside undergoing a procedure. That was all I would know for two anxious hours although there was a glimpse of good news already. Amazon’s policy of having a nursing station in each warehouse had probably saved his life. When the nurse took Mike’s blood pressure, it was 200 plus over 100 plus. (Mike doesn’t remember the exact readings.) An ambulance had him at the hospital 10 minutes later. What you hear about fast action equating to better results is true. Dr. Jonathan Waltman, a cardiologist in Lexington, Kentucky, where we live, appeared in the waiting room sometime later. He explained that Mike had a heart attack at work. The cardiologist had put three stents into one artery, which had been 100 percent blocked. When the doctor left, I went to WebMD where I found that a “coronary stent is a tubeshaped device placed in the coronary arteries

On the following pages we explore the latest concerning heart health, the differences between the sexes when it comes to diagnosing heart disease, and expert advice that cuts through the confusion for nutrition and exercise. We begin with the author’s first-hand account of dealing with a loved one affected by heart disease. A RT I C L E S BY D E B R A G I B S O N I S A AC S

that supply blood to the heart to keep the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart disease.” It is a procedure called “percutaneous coronary intervention.” The procedure was successful. Mike was recovering. I could see him soon. What I didn’t know then was that this was just the beginning of what will be a life-altering journey. Panic, fear and uncertainty would become familiar guests. But after they left, other guests would arrive—gratitude, hope, contentment and joy. I had a decision to make. I recalled an old Cherokee story about such a choice and looked it up on the internet: An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil—he is anger, envy, sorry, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.” He continued, “The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The same fight is going on inside you—and inside every other person too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.” Which would I feed? Fear about the future—uncertainty, concern about Mike’s lifespan, mounting medical bills, medical emergencies arriving without warning. Or would I choose

contentment—joy that we had today together, a willingness to find a financial way to go on adventures we really wanted to, pleasure in simple, everyday things. We booked our dream trip for a few months later. We went to Minnesota for a black bear study course with renowned wildlife biologist Dr. Lynn Rogers. We would learn more about these intelligent, curious creatures we had come to love on our trips to Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. Before the heart attack, we had resigned ourselves to not going because of the expense. We looked at things differently now, not in a morbid, now-or-never way, but in a positive, priorities-first way. We would scrimp elsewhere for what turned out to be the best adventure of our lives. A heart attack strikes someone about every 43 seconds. It occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly narrow from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances (plaque). Often, there is permanent damage to the heart or even death. Cardiovascular events and cancer are the top two causes of death in America. We learned the seriousness of Mike’s condition a few days after his release from the hospital when we met Waltman for a follow-up visit. Waltman told us that Mike had been fortunate—little damage to his heart— because of prompt action—but he also said that Mike has congestive heart failure, hyperlipidemia (high FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Affairs Heart of the

cholesterol), hypertension (high blood pressure), and arterial fibrillation (commonly called AFib), which is when the upper chamber of the heart sometimes flutters instead of beating properly. This irregular, often rapid, heart rate commonly causes poor blood flow. Mike felt it days after the followup appointment. “I don’t have any strength,” he complained, which was quite unusual for my big, countrystrong man. We learned later that his heart was only working at about 50 percent of capacity. We were back at Waltman’s office the next day, and the doctor scheduled an electrical cardioversion to restore regular rhythms by sending an electrical shock to the heart. Like you see on television, the doctors applied paddles conducting electrical current to his chest. He was back in regular rhythm—for less than a week. The doctors scheduled a second electrical cardioversion, which had similar results. Mike was back to regular rhythm for a short time. Then another AFib episode. No more cardioversions, the doctor said. The body can only handle a few. We have now learned to live with AFib. One of the many medicines Mike takes helps control it, but doesn’t work all the time. When he is in AFib, Mike cannot work. He has no energy. He applies for short-term leave and we figure out how to pay or postpone the bills. The occurrence of AFib is neither regular in timing or length. You just never know. I have never been one for

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FEBRUARY 2018

Could the heart attack have been avoided? That thought still haunts me. uncertainty. I like to plan the use of my time and money. This is now an impossibility. No sorrow here, though. The new reality is better—more acceptance of what I can change (very little when it comes to heart disease) and cannot change (most everything). It is out of my hands, in the hands of faith, God and Jesus in our case, and secondly in the hands of the experts. I’ve found that this is a much better place for big, scary things like congestive heart failure. Worrying does no good. It only robs you of what you have left, like a thief taking most of your valuables and then you voluntarily handing over what he didn’t find. I’m not perfect at this by any means. There are still periods of despair. We are thousands of dollars in debt. We have to ask to pay bills over time. We will owe the hospital forever. All of this is fact. If I mention it to Mike, he feels guilty. We both know it could have happened to either of us. Blame is not useful or fair. We kiss, makeup and go on. And do the same thing when discouragement clouds my vision again. Mike now takes 12 medications a day, and each is a tiny miracle. Most days Mike tells me he feels better now than before the heart attack. Could the heart attack have been avoided? That thought still haunts me. I haven’t been able to vanquish it to the doesn’t-matter-now stack of questions, which is where it belongs. Mike was having warning signs—just not the classic chest pain. I didn’t know it, but he had passed out several times. He was vomiting a lot, which I didn’t know either. I did know he was always short of breath.

The shortness of breath led us to have him undergo several tests. He had an echocardiogram (which uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart’s chambers, valves, walls and the blood vessels attached to your heart) and a nuclear cardiogram (an imaging test that uses special cameras and a radioactive substance called a tracer to create pictures of your heart). That doctor reported no sign of heart disease. We relaxed about it. We shouldn’t have. The doctor was wrong. Two months later Mike described the pain in his chest “like he was being smacked with brass knuckles.” He was having a heart attack. One artery was 100 percent blocked. I am still mad about that, about paying doctors $3,000 to misdiagnose the tests, but I have had to let it go. Bad test results are a fact of life. He is alive and happy. Others have suffered so much worse, whether a wrong diagnosis, an act of nature like the hurricanes that have devastated so many of late, or simply being somewhere at the wrong time like the innocents in the shootings at so many schools. We’ve changed as many things as we have been able in the past year and a half. We still have a long way to go. Although we know better, we still eat out at times. We haven’t banished the butter and margarine entirely. We should. We get more exercise, but not enough. We are a work in progress. Mostly, though, we are people of gratitude. We are thankful for Amazon’s foresight, for the doctors who care for Mike, and for the medications that allow us to keep on keeping on. We are feeding the good wolf. KCL

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Affairs Heart of the

The Undeniable Truths of

Heart Health

BY D E B R A G I B S O N I S A AC S

The magic bullet for improving heart health? Diet and exercise remain key. Here are some ways to sneak exercise and better nutrition into your daily routine.

GETTY IMAGES/ VELIRINA

How to Sneak More Exercise into Your Day

Sonya Angelone, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who holds a master’s of science degree, is on the other end of the phone, explaining ways to sneak exercise into already-crowded days. Although most of us wish it weren’t true and wish there were a magic pill to keep our hearts healthy, diet and exercise remain the undeniable keys to a healthy heart. We know that but … we’re too busy for one more thing, can’t afford a gym membership, are too tired after work, want to spend what little time we have with our children. “Incorporate subtle exercises into things you already do,” Angelone suggests, rejecting the notion that we have to have chunks of time or money to improve our heart health. “For example,” she says, “do a wall chair when on the phone or while brushing your teeth.” What I don’t know at the time is that she is practicing what she teaches as we talk. “I’m

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doing a wall chair as we speak, she tells me a bit later. “I just put my back against the wall, my feet on the floor, and slid down the wall until you could set a book on my knees or a child could sit on my lap. This is engaging my quadriceps, lowering my blood sugar from just eating lunch, burning extra calories and strengthening my legs so I am less likely to fall.” Angelone, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a practicing nutritionist, has more examples—all simple and costfree or very low cost. “Lunge down the hall,” she suggests. “It only takes a few lunges a day to make a difference. Or alternately stand on your tiptoes and flat on your feet. This strengthens your lower legs.” Another idea is to hold both arms out to your side with a book in one arm. Your body will look like a “T.” Hold that position until your arms shake. Stop and repeat. How many can you do? It doesn’t matter, according to Angelone. The idea is to go from where you are to an ability to do more. Another few examples: ffWhile sitting in a chair or watching television, contract your abdominal muscles 20 times. ffWhile sitting in a chair, lift your toes, put them back on the floor, and repeat. This strengthens your shins. ffWhile sitting at the table, pedal a foot cycle. “The key is to avoid just being sedentary,”

the nutritionist says. “If you have a sedentary job, get up every half hour. Do something. Go outside and walk around the building, go up and down a flight of steps. Engage your muscles.

How to Sneak More Nutrition Into Your Diet

Eggs are packed with protein; they are good for you. Egg yolks have cholesterol; eggs are not good for you. Butter is better than margarine or is it that margarine is better than butter? What is the difference between monosaturated, saturated, partially hydrogenated and trans fats? Confusion abounds about nutrition. Sometimes it is hard to keep up with the latest science, sometimes the science changes, and sometimes we just can’t remember what the science says. Angelone spends her days counseling people about nutrition. Before she reveals the answers to some of the biggest nutritional conundrums, Angelone says there is one important point to remember about nutrition: There is no one-sizefits all. Each of us is different and can process food differently. Age and activity level make a difference. Medical conditions can also alter nutritional recommendations. Now, drumroll please, here are Angelone’s answers to two of the most common and perplexing questions about nutrition:

Eggs

Although the newest dietary guidelines remove the limit of eggs and dietary cholesterol, they still recommend avoiding excess. Eggs are a nutritious food, but whether they are good or bad depends on the person. Genes help determine how someone metabolizes nutrients, including cholesterol. Some people absorb excess dietary cholesterol and should limit eggs (one of the richest source in our diets). But, most people

can consume eggs regularly. They just need to be sure it isn’t cooked in excess oil and doesn’t come with bacon, hash browns, white toast and butter! Also, the recommendations are different for a healthy person wanting to eat a healthy diet versus someone with heart disease who is trying to reverse their disease. For the latter, I limit dietary cholesterol, including eggs. The American Heart Association is a good site for great information. On Balance: Neutral. Suggestion: Ask your physician to run a cholesterol balance test. This will tell you whether your high cholesterol is because your liver makes too much cholesterol or because you absorb too much cholesterol.

Butter or Margarine

I do not like margarine ever. It has trans fats. That simply means that something has been artificially added to make the margarine harden into a stick or tub. The producer transformed liquid oil into a solid fat by adding hydrogen atoms—thus the term hydrogenated. This process changes the fat into an unhealthy fat. Now there has been so much pressure from the government that producers are going back to using transformed fats. While they are not using palm oil, which is not healthy, coconut oil is not healthy either. The liver uses saturated fats to make cholesterol. Some people believe that coconut oil is not bad because of a study. There were two groups, one which substituted sugar for fat and another group which substituted coconut oil for fat. It wasn’t that the coconut oil was better. It was that the sugar is so bad. On Balance: Butter is always the best choice. Suggestion: Try nut butter instead. KCL Always consult your doctor for any matters relating to your health. This information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.

Confusion abounds about nutrition. Sometimes it is hard to keep up with the latest science, sometimes the science changes, and sometimes we just can’t remember what the science says. FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Affairs Heart of the

Female vs. Male Hearts: Is there a difference when diagnosing heart disease?

BY D E B R A G I B S O N I S A AC S

Women aren’t supposed to get heart disease. That was the thinking years ago, and

that thinking persists today in the diagnosis of heart disease, according to Dr. Gerald Fletcher, a cardiologist with Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. “Women will tell me, ‘I don’t feel right,’” Fletcher says. “They don’t like to say they are experiencing chest pain. They are vague about the symptoms that brought them to the doctor’s office. This is particularly true with the elderly population. The thinking that women don’t get heart disease or have heart attacks is a holdover from that thinking years ago. “Men, on the other hand, are more likely to say something like, “I have discomfort in my chest. They are more specific with their explanation of symptoms.” That common experience among physicians leaves Dr. Fletcher with a recommendation for all of us: Bring a family member with you to your appointment. This gives doctors a larger perspective about the person and the medical and emotional perspective the family has. There is one other distinction doctors see, but this one crosses genders. This distinction is between deniers and complainers. “A lot of people are deniers,” Fletcher says. “They don’t want to admit they have a medical issue. Others are complainers. They are at the doctor’s office with every little ache.” The American Heart Association lists the following differences in warning signs.

WARNING SIGNS FOR MEN

ffChest discomfort—the most common sign of heart danger.

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FEBRUARY 2018

ffNausea,

indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain. ffPain that spreads to the arm. ffDizziness or light-headedness. ffThroat or jaw pain. ffExhausted easily. ffSnoring. ffSweating.

WARNING SIGNS FOR WOMEN

ffUncomfortable pressure,

squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. ffPain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. ffShortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. ffBreaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness. ffAs with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you have any of these signs, call 911 and get to a hospital right away. KCL Always consult your doctor for any matters relating to your health. This information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.

C U T YO U R U T I L I T Y B I L L S Continued from page 8 

R E F L E C T I V E I N S U L AT I O N M A N U F A C T U R E R S A S S N . I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Products are getting better all the time, but even then, your expectations need to be realistic.

Foil is placed under the framing supporting the roof, reflecting unwanted radiant heat upward and out of the home.

exposed to the sun, an attic radiant barrier could be a cost-effective measure, and it could make your home more comfortable. Products are getting better all the time, but even then, your expectations need to be realistic. It’s a good idea to compare an investment in an attic radiant barrier to other energy efficiency investments, such as improving your attic insulation or sealing air leaks around doors and windows. Of course, the best way to compare your energy efficiency opportunities is to schedule an energy audit of your home. Start by talking to your friendly energy advisers at your local electric cooperative. KCL

systems in Florida were able to reduce air conditioning energy use by about 9 percent. In colder climates, the radiant barrier that reflects PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN are with Collaborative unwanted heat outside of the house in the Efficiency. Visit www.collaborativeefficiency.com/ summer will also be reflecting heat away from energytips. the house in the winter. In other words, the cooling bill may decrease but the heating bill may increase. So, is a radiant barrier in your attic a good investment? Sometimes. You Radiant: Heat need to do a radiates from the little research, roof into the attic. as savings vary in each situation and there are Conductive: Heat many inaccurate travels through the claims made wall. about the cost Convective: Air savings they leaks around bring. In a windows. warmer climate, a home with a large cooling load and a roof S o u rce : Co l la bo rat i ve E ffi c i e n cy that is fully

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FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

YO U R P L A C E I N T H E G A R D E N

Making Plans for Strawberries

BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .

Although the garden may not be inviting right now, spring is coming and planning time is upon us. Strawberries are a welcomed addition to any garden with the juicy rewards they provide. Start planning now so you’re ready to plant when the ground thaws. Strawberries can bring a bountiful harvest if the cultural requirements are Cynthia met. A location with full sun and wellDomenghini, Ph.D. drained soil is ideal. Choose a site that has not grown strawberries, tomatoes, peppers or eggplant during the last few years to avoid harboring and spreading diseases. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, into the soil where you will plant the strawberries. Once you’ve selected a location for your crops, it’s time to select the variety. June-bearing strawberries produce a single harvest from mid-May through mid-June. There are many varieties within this category that can be grown simultaneously to stagger the fruiting throughout this time. June-bearing strawberries spread more readily and should be planted 20 inches apart within rows spaced 48 inches apart. Everbearing strawberries fruit during early summer and again during late summer/early fall. The hot temperatures during the second fruiting period can impair the fruit quality. These varieties send fewer runners and can be spaced closer together. Begin your strawberry patch with disease-free plants by shopping at reliable sources. Shopping locally at a reputable nursery is preferred over ordering online to avoid damaged and dried out plants that can result from shipping. In Kansas, strawberries can be planted once the soil has thawed, typically mid-March through April. A soil test can indicate the soil fertility and pH. An optimal pH range for strawberries is 5.8 to 6.5. Incorporate an evenly balanced fertilizer if the soil fertility is unknown. Weeds are detrimental to low-growing strawberry plants and should be thoroughly exhumed from the area prior to planting. Once the strawberry plants are established, small weeds can be controlled with regular, shallow hoeing, but major weed infestations are difficult to manage after planting. During planting, be sure to spread the straw18

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GETTYIMAGES/ VOLGA2012

berry roots underground while keeping the crown of the plant level with the soil surface. Carefully pack the soil over the roots to hold the plant in place. Apply about 1 inch of water weekly during spring and 2 inches per week during the summer months. During the first year, remove flowers from June-bearing strawberry plants to prevent fruiting. This will promote healthier plants and fruit the following year. Blossoms from everbearing plants can be removed until July allowing the plants to fruit during the second cycle toward the end of summer. For gardeners who want to enjoy homegrown strawberries but don’t have the space for multiple plants, vertical gardening may be a solution. Strawberries can grow in hanging baskets, strawberry pots, terraced structures and many other systems. Containerized plants are more susceptible to drying out during the summer months and frost damage during the winter, so be cautious to avoid damaging plants. There’s nothing like strawberries fresh from the garden. The bright, red treasures tucked beneath lush green leaves are a perfect surprise for young gardeners. With relatively little effort, this summer your garden can be a sweet spot. KCL CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program.

These strawberry plants are growing in narrow window boxes placed on re-purposed stairs creating a strawberry tower that allows the runners to climb down each step.

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Affairs Heart of the

T E S T I N G,

BY D E B R A G I B S O N I S A AC S

T E ST I N G I expected a list of tests with

hard-to-pronounce names. After all, I knew heart disease often goes undiagnosed until something serious or irreversible occurs such as a myocardial infarction, aka a heart attack. Thus, the questions I posed to Dr. Gerald Fletcher, a cardiologist with the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, were: What tests should your doctor run to detect heart disease? And does this change by age, family history, or conditions such as pre-diabetes or highblood pressure? Instead of a complicated list, Fletcher had a readily understandable answer: Man or woman, young or old,

heart disease or not, the best test— and often the only test needed—is the treadmill stress test. Also known as an exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test or stress EKG, it tells your doctor how your heart responds to being pushed by monitoring changes in your heart’s electrical activity. You’ll walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike. A healthy person should be able to continue with the test for 10 minutes. If you can only go three or four minutes, you may have a problem. It could be coronary heart disease or simply a lack of exercise. Your doctor will explain further.

LIFE’S SIMPLE 7 Learn how to address the following behaviors: EAT BETTER – A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy—for life! CONTROL CHOLESTEROL – High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages. GET ACTIVE – Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life. LOSE WEIGHT – When you shed extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. You give yourself the gift of

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

active living, you lower your blood pressure and you help yourself feel better, too. MANAGE BLOOD PRESSURE – High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys, which keeps you healthier longer. REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR – Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. STOP SMOKING – Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. Courtesy the American Heart Association at heart.org/mylifecheck

FEBRUARY 2018

Can medical tests detect trouble before it’s too late? “There are more expensive tests such as an echocardiogram (sound waves create pictures of your heart’s chambers, valves, walls and blood vessels attached to your heart), or a nuclear cardiogram (imaging test using special cameras and a radioactive substance to create pictures of your heart), but in general the simple treadmill test is adequate. The success of this procedure is quite good.” Fletcher says interpreting the test is critical, particularly for women. “Women have different responses, and their tests should be interpreted carefully,” the cardiologist says. “There can be a false positive, and the person could be misdiagnosed with heart disease. There is no known reason for this, but it does happen.” Whether you have the test done or not, there is one similarly easy way to help prevent heart disease: walk six days a week. “The average person with no history of heart disease and no family history of a relative having heart disease before age 40, can start walking without even taking the treadmill test,” he says. Walking can be done anywhere, anytime, so excuses like business travel (walk around the hotel) or bad weather (think the mall) don’t hold up for Fletcher. He does have one caveat. “You need good walking shoes,” he says. “They are essential.” Back at the physician’s office, Fletcher concludes with a positive thought about the treadmill stress test. “This simple test gives you confidence that all is well or an accurate diagnosis if something is awry.” KCL

G E T T Y I M A G E S / J U L I A _ S U D N I T S K AYA

Eat Animal BY D E B R A G I B S O N I S A AC S

LIKE AN

Nut lovers such as squirrels, chipnut can contain 68–91 micrograms munks and black bears might not be of selenium per nut.) able to tell you about the nutrition ffCashews are very high in iron, zinc that nuts provide, but they know they and magnesium. taste good and are good for them. ffMacadamia nuts contain the most For human beings, most nuts provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fat significant health benefits, according to per serving. nutritionist Sonya Angelone. Each nut ffPecans contain more than 19 provides different nutritional benefits. vitamins and minerals, including ffAlmonds have more calcium than vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, any other nut, plus nearly 9 grams calcium, magnesium, phosphoof heart-healthy monounsaturated rus, potassium, several B vitamins fats, 6 grams of protein, and 3.5 and zinc. One ounce provides 10 grams of fiber per ounce. percent of the recommended daily ffBrazil nuts are high in protein, value for fiber. fiber, selenium, thiamine, copper f f Pistachios have high levels of vita71/8"However, W x high 41/2" H mins, minerals and antioxidants. and magnesium. levels of selenium can be toxic, so They are especially high in vitamin watch quantities. (A single Brazil B6, thiamine and copper.

ffWalnuts are rich in polyunsaturated

fats, particularly an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid the most abundant one. They also contain a relatively high percentage of a healthy omega-3 fat called alphalinolenic acid. The nutritionist says you do not have to eat a variety each time, just eat different kinds of nuts on different days. But, there is a catch. Nuts are high in calories. That is why Angelone recommends limiting consumption to 1 ounce of nuts each day. KCL Always consult your doctor for any matters NO BLEED relating to your health. The information on Pages 20-21 is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.

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FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Disaster Preparing for

BY T H O M A S K I R K

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that 2017 was the most costly U.S. disaster year on record with $306 billion in total damage. Every year, Kansas is vulnerable to snow and ice storms, tornadoes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes. The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial. Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on the type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: ffWATER: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons. ffFOOD: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelf-life items, such as wheat, soybeans, canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups. ffFIRST-AID KIT: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2018

ffFLASHLIGHTS AND CANDLES: Be sure to keep

extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand. For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www. ready.gov/build-a-kit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team classes. Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like tornadoes and winter storms. Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event.

B O N I E DWA R DS

It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located. While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred to few thousand dollars, depending on your needs. Be sure to test the generator before the disaster to ensure it’s operating properly. If you don’t have a backup generator and lose power, don’t panic. Most power outages in the U.S. are short and will not last more than a few hours. However, without knowing in advance

how long the outage will last, it’s wise to act as though it will last for days. After the storm, be cautious when leaving your home. Listen to government warnings and use common sense when approaching any damaged buildings or fallen trees. If you see a power line that is down, always assume the wires are live and dangerous. If possible, call your local electric co-op to report the downed power line. With a little bit of forethought, you’re highly likely to make it through a disaster without too many problems. Remember, you and your family’s safety should always come first. KCL For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www. ready.gov.

TIPS FOR WISE ENERGY PRACTICES DURING A DISASTER: ffConsume perishable and refrigerated foods first before they spoil. ffPack frozen foods close together and consider freezing water bottles to eliminate any air pockets. The frozen water

will help keep the food cooler longer. ffMake sure to have alternative lighting sources, like candles and flashlights (with spare batteries) throughout your home. ffKeep manual tools such as a can opener on hand to replace any electronic gadgets you typically use. ffSimilar to filling a bathtub with water before a storm (to provide potable water for sanitation purposes—not for drinking), make sure all cell phones are fully charged. Consider purchasing portable chargers and keep them charged. ffIf the disaster involves lightning, unplug all electronic devices to protect against a power surge. FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C O O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Gathering ‘Round the Morning ‘Gruel’

BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D

I think there is a moment when everyone

brown rice farina, Scottish and steel-cut oats, creamy buckwheat, cracked wheat, oat and realizes she or he has not escaped the familial wheat bran, corn and barley grits. My parents stamp. Whether it’s an inherited expression, a vocal tic, an ache or pain, or even a way of clear- topped their hot grains as simply as butter ing one’s ears, there comes a time when it cannot (always), brown sugar and milk, but sometimes added honey or maple syrup, walnuts, dried be denied: I am like my parents. apples, plumped dried apricots, dates and cherI know the exact moment I got this. It ries or sliced peaches and pineapple chunks. came later than one would expect, just several This healthy evolution—from decades of years ago, on one of my winter visits, a January Rebecca Howard breakfasts of daily fried eggs, bacon or sausage, morning of subzero temperature when my still toast or biscuits and sometimes gravy or special sleep-frozen eyes blinked with recognition at the platters of French toast or pancakes—came later scene: three bespectacled creatures—my parents in life, a healthy pursuit that was adopted willingly and I—at the kitchen table, dressed in layers and scheduled faithfully. The morning gruel was— of similar thermal and flannel, all wearing knit and still is almost without exception—on the stocking caps and bowed in the same silent but breakfast table every other day, between the bacon slurping hunch over steaming bowls of porridge. and eggs, as if to balance or pay penance for the Actually, “porridge” is too Goldilocks a grease on the alternate-day menu. term. What they call it is “gruel,” which, as It was not the first health habit adopted funny and unappetizing a term as that may by my folks, which included a stint where, in seem, sums up my folks, and yes, my sister and noticing their 9-year-old daughter’s exuberance me, too, and our penchant for naming or reto become a distance runner, they decided the naming things with a moniker that sizes up in entire family would take up jogging. But eventhe most comical way (even if only to us). tually, my parents were the only ones coursing “Gruel” meant hot cereal that came at first the dirt road, their practice eventually doomed in the form of basic oatmeal or cream of wheat (and excluding) by over-competitiveness and and evolved over the years into other grainy well, the impending winter. offerings that became more readily available: Gruel, however, stuck. It began with my dad’s cholesterol, but became something more. It was a simple, but do-able and (despite the name) appealing option, something small and attainable to make a healthy change, which is, according the experts, the way to bring better NOT quick-cooking) ff 2 cups water (2/3 cup can be habits into one’s routine. milk or apple juice, if desired) ff 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, The gruel, too, is stick-to-yourcherries, cranberries, dried apples, ff 1/4 tsp. salt ribs food. At least in the portions my chopped dried apricots, etc.) ff 1 cup rolled/old-fashioned/ mom serves, which might be triple whole oats (thick-cut preferred, ff 1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional) the recommended serving size. She lobs gruel high in my bowl, tapping Bring water and salt to a boil over medium heat; add oats, dried fruit and cinnamon. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 or more minutes, depending on desired consistency, in a spoonful of soft butter at the stirring occasionally. (If cooking steel-cut or other whole grains, it may take longer to end. This gruel is one of those foods cook—follow package directions). Turn off heat, cover and let steep for at least two that carries you through the morning minutes. Top simply with butter, sweetener (brown sugar, honey, maple syrup) and milk, without cravings, you are brimming or try one of the topping ideas presented on Page 25. Makes 2 servings. with fiber, B vitamins, iron and other Note: For best results, do not skip adding salt, cook the oats long enough and allow good stuff. them time to steep. The gruel practice really endured, though, because it is delicious, despite

Basic Stovetop ‘Gruel’ aka Oatmeal

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2018

This healthy evolution—from decades of breakfasts of daily fried eggs, bacon or sausage, toast or biscuits and sometimes gravy or special platters of French toast or pancakes—came later in life, a healthy pursuit that was adopted willingly and scheduled faithfully. its downright healthiness. And the variety of options is staggering. “All grains can be made into hot cereal,” wrote Marion Cunningham in “The Breakfast Book” (Alfred A. Knopf; 1987). If you are open to tasting the plethora of grains available and all the differences in their flavors and textures, and if you consider cooking them in things like apple juice or loading them with plumped fruits or topping them with creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy nuts. And sweetening them, too, with fresh raw honey or maple syrup or a spice like cinnamon or cardamom. The possibilities or endless. Do not reject what you have inherited, healthy or not, I tell myself on cold mornings in my stocking cap, slurping down a cup of grits with cinnamon and cream before starting the rest of the day. Appreciate your gruel when you have it. And if you tire of it, there will always be bacon. Tomorrow. KCL REBECCA HOWARD grew up in Kansas and has written for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Los Angeles Times and LA Parent Magazine, and currently writes the food blog, “A Woman Sconed.”

TAKE ORDINARY ‘GRUEL’ TO ANOTHER LEVEL

Oatmeal—or any hot cereal—is never boring with creative topping ideas full of textures, tastes and colors. Try these—or invent your own! ffTHE ELVIS: Sliced banana, a dollop of peanut butter and crumbled bacon. ffTHE HAWAIIAN: Dried or fresh pineapple chunks, coconut, chopped macadamia nuts and a drizzle of orange marmalade. ffBERRY HEALTHY: Fresh strawberries and blueberries or blackberries, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, walnuts and honey. ffCARROT CAKE: Finely shredded carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, a sprinkle of cinnamon and ginger, a tablespoon (or two) of whipped cream cheese, brown sugar or coconut sugar. ffTHE SUNFLOWER STATE: Fresh butter and cream, raw local honey, a sprinkling of wheat germ and sunflower seeds. FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

SAFETY

If Purging Paperwork is on Your To-Do List, Use Shredder Wisely Consumer model paper shredders have

become very popular as consumers realize the importance of protecting themselves from identity theft. By shredding documents you no longer need, you are taking an important step in protecting your personal information criminals can use to assume another’s identity. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants you and your family to be safe when using a paper shredder. CPSC has received reports of incidents involving finger amputations, lacerations and other finger injuries from paper shredders, especially those manufactured prior to 2007. These injuries typically occur to children under the age of 5 years. The reason children can be hurt is because many paper shredders have an auto on/off function. A sensor detects when something is being inserted and the shredder automatically turns on. Newer shredder models have narrowed the gap on the opening to the shredder, making it much harder to insert fingers. Some manufacturers have even curved the opening of the shredder and recessed the shredder blades to sit back farther into the shredder head. This isn’t to say newer models of shredders are 100 percent safe. Young children are interested in imitating adult activities, and children may try to activate the shredder when an adult is not present. This puts children at risk of injury. Injuries can occur even when an adult is supervising a child. Children’s fingers can be pulled into the paper shredding mechanism if they don’t let go of the paper. CPSC offers the following safety tips when

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2018

using a paper shredder: ffNever allow children to operate paper shredders, even under adult supervision. Shredders can pull children’s fingers into the shredder mechanism before they have time to react. ffPlace the paper shredder in an area less accessible to children. ffUnplug the paper shredder power cord when the shredder is not in use. ffDo not place hands or fingers in the shredder opening. ffDo not operate a paper shredder while wearing loose fitting clothing that may enter the shredder opening. Keep hair and items, such as a tie or a long necklace, away from the shredder opening. ffNewer paper shredders, manufactured after 2007, are safer in design. They minimize the chances of children’s fingers entering the paper shredder opening. The Federal Trade Commission reminds consumers to never shred documents related to major life milestones: ffBirth certificates or adoption papers ffSocial Security cards ffCitizenship papers or passports ffMarriage or divorce decrees ffDeath certificates of family members Also keep vehicle titles and home deeds stored safely for as long as you own them. And those stacks of tax returns? The FTC says its best to keep these forever. Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission, Publication 5127 0511 032012.

FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

White Bean Soup with Spicy Chorizo

Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, FEBRUARY 2018

This tasty, hearty soup is full of excellent sources of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, FEBRUARY 2018

Show your affection with a plate of these flavorful and fluffy pancakes.

Honey Barbecue Baked Chicken Tenders

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, F E B R U ARY 201 8

Baked, not fried, these tenders are a healthier take on traditional dippers.

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, F E B R U ARY 201 8

warm dish perfect for a snowy day.

Baked Spinach Artichoke Yogurt Dip Chase away February chills with this

GETTY IMAGES

ff 2 Tbs. red pepper, chopped

ff 1 garlic clove, minced

ff 1/4 cup green onion, chopped

part-skim Mozzarella cheese

ff 1 cup shredded, low-moisture,

Baked Spinach Artichoke Yogurt Dip hearts, drained and chopped

ff 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke

spinach, thawed and drained

ff 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped ff 8 ounces plain low-fat yogurt

Heat oven to 350 F. Combine artichoke hearts, spinach, yogurt, cheese, onion and garlic; mix well. Pour mixture into 1-quart casserole dish or 9-inch pie plate. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Sprinkle with red peppers. Makes 8 servings.

COURTESY MIDWEST DAIRY ASSOCIATION

ff 2 Tbs. honey

ff 1/4 cup honey ff 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken tenders ff nonstick cooking spray Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce: ff 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Honey Barbecue Baked Chicken Tenders ff 2/3 cup whole-wheat flour ff 2-1/2 cups whole-wheat panko bread crumbs ff 1/2 tsp. salt ff 1/2 tsp. pepper ff 1/2 cup barbecue sauce ff 1/3 cup milk ff 2 eggs, beaten

Heat oven to 400 F. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, mix flour and panko with salt and pepper. In another large bowl, whip together barbecue sauce, milk, eggs and honey. Dip tenders in wet mixture then generously roll chicken tenders in panko mix. Spray tenders with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken strips on baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Flip tenders and bake until cooked through and outsides are crisp, about 10 minutes. Serve with Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce. Serves 4. To make Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce: Combine barbecue sauce and honey, stirring together until fully mixed. COURTESY THE NATIONAL HONEY BOARD

ff 1/4 cup granulated sugar

ff 1 cup all-purpose flour

ff 1 tsp. red food coloring

ff 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

ff 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted

Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes ff 3 Tbs. baking cocoa

ff heart-shaped pancake cutters

ff fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

ff maple syrup, for garnish (optional)

ff powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

ff butter, for garnish (optional)

or cookie cutters (optional)

ff 1 tsp. baking powder ff 1/2 tsp. baking soda ff 1/2 tsp. salt ff 1 large egg

or low-fat milk

ff 1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well. In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes. Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook 2 minutes or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup and berries, if desired.

COURTESY NESTLÉ

Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping.

ff 1 medium onion, chopped

White Bean Soup with Spicy Chorizo

ff 2 garlic cloves, minced

ff freshly ground black pepper, to taste

ff salt, to taste

ff 3-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

ff 2 links precooked chicken sausage, diced

ff 4 cups kale, chopped

and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

ff 1 medium butternut squash, peeled ff 1 can (14 ounces) cannellini beans, drained ff 2 cups water, plus additional for rinsing ff 2 Tbs. olive oil

Rinse kale, squash and cannellini beans in water. Set aside.

In pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic, stirring frequently until softened, about 5 minutes. Add sausage and sauté 2 minutes or until warmed through and slightly browned.

Add squash, kale, broth and 2 cups water. Cook, partially covered, 15-20 minutes, or until squash is softened.

Reduce heat to low. Add beans and gently simmer uncovered 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, before serving.

COURTESY PUR

FEBRUARY 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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1-888-847-1189

Promo code:

94-436

Order online

45-DAY RISK-FREE HOME TRIAL

A+ Rating Better Business Bureau

Licensed hearing aid dispensers on staff

100%

Satisfaction

GUARANTEED

LIMITE D 1 YEAR WARRANTY

PROTECTION

ANTEED GUAR

“I get my power from my co-op so I can put my energy into waking up the neighborhood. Co-op members aren’t just customers, they’re family, working together to create a diﬀerent kind of energy network, one that puts members ﬁrst.” Touchstone Energy Coopera�ves. Your source of power. And informa�on.

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