Loving the Emmy's and Twitter

I sent out 35 "tweets" last night during the Emmy's. That was a first. It was so fun, I just became addicted-I couldn't stop myself. Anyone else experience this? Welcome to the land of technology, home of twitter and all things "social." Although, now that I really think about it, I was being a little anti-social with my family. Oh well, at least I was being virtually social on-line. Right?

The Emmy's and after-party show was a lot of fun to watch. I thought Jimmy Fallon did a good job, Tina Fey was hilarious and Channel 12's Faye and Tram brought it all home beautifully. And, how gorgeous is Kim Kardashian and actress Sofia Vergara? I mean, WOW!

After enjoying the back and forth banter with twitter friends, I think I might have to watch TV like this from now on...with a laptop...on my lap.

Photo Courtesy: Seth Katz, Extra

A "Pink" Pause -- For the Cure

We're gearing up to celebrate breast cancer awareness in October and partnering with the Phoenix affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Look for our Valley physicians guide in our upcoming Sept/Oct issue.

It's important to make your health a top priority, and we hope you take it as seriously as we do. In so doing, we’ve researched, interviewed and explored a number of health topics affecting women, and within the pages of the magazine, we’ve brought you what we’ve learned...also available online.

These topics include the latest in breast health screenings, why weight-loss surgery has become so prevalent, which hormone therapy is changing lives and how sporting vein-free legs is an office-visit away.

Also deserving of attention--our fashion spread featuring fresh, new faces and local talent as we kick off our first ever Phoenix Woman model search in partnership with Get Image Ready. Our winners look amazing and can be found on pages 16-23. This contest has been extremely rewarding as we feature aspiring models and photographers—making their dreams of magazine success come true.

And isn’t that what life is all about? Learning everything we can, helping others along the way and taking time to enjoy ourselves, our surroundings and our families—truly reveling in all of life’s pleasurable moments.

As a way to soak in every minute, I’ve paused—several times—as you’ll see in these snapshots. And, boy am I delighted I did—these pictures will forever remind me of the fun times, the friendships gained and my incredible journey, as I get to meet the coolest people (Olivia Newton-John was one of them) and do some pretty cool things—ride sky high on a ski lift, just for fun.

And for a brief moment, in my son’s eyes, I was “the coolest” for having met “Malcolm in the Middle” star, Frankie Muniz. So, I propose—especially during our “pink” month of October—we all take pause—in honor of our health, appreciating breast cancer heroes, as a way of savoring life and in solace of all the special experiences this world brings.

Another Boost for Women

Accounting & Finance Personnel, Inc. has promoted Pamela Zanzucchi to Vice President of the Phoenix office. Pamela has an MBA-Accountancy, and obtained her degree (Finance) from ASU. She has been with the company since 2007. Accounting & Finance Personnel, Inc. is a locally owned top executive search firm specializing in full time and temporary accounting & finance staffing, and has been in business for 20 years.

IKEA Holiday Gifts Support Global UNICEF and Save the Children Educational Programs

This holiday season, the softest, sweetest and cuddliest IKEA soft toys--amazingly priced--are available at IKEA Tempe. These soft toys range in price from $0.49 to only $19.99. With each purchase, between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, approximately $1.47 ($1 Euro dollar) will go to IKEA’s partners UNICEF and Save the Children’s educational programs.

Proceeds from the IKEA Soft Toys campaign have or will benefit projects in more than 30 countries including India, Uganda, China and many others.

Since the start of the Soft Toy program in 2003, IKEA has raised over $22 million dollars ($16.7 Euros) to help improve the lives of millions of children in Asia, Africa and Central and Eastern Europe.

This year’s campaign will enable UNICEF and Save the Children to extend or start up new projects in nine countries, as well as finance ongoing projects. Donations focus on improving children’s educational needs which includes books and good school facilities.

One Euro dollar ($1.47 American dollars) is enough to provide five children with school books for one year. It’s a program with a big heart; one that makes it possible to join efforts to ensure all children have access to education. This program helps to build the knowledge necessary to combat disease and eradicate poverty and hunger for millions of children around the world.

Last year, the IKEA U.S. stores helped lead the IKEA global effort with the second highest soft toy sales. The result was almost $500,000. These funds will go a long way toward helping children reach their full potential.

"The IKEA Soft Toy promotion will provide valuable resources to help us reach the world’s most vulnerable children with life-changing opportunities,” said Charlie MacCormack, President and CEO of Save the Children. “This program can help us ensure that children in marginalized and remote communities have access to education and are able to learn.”

“Continuing a long tradition of leadership as a socially responsible company, IKEA, through its soft toy initiative is helping UNICEF to ensure that children can attend school in a safe and protective environment,” said Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “A quality environment is a vital element in helping us in our goal of reducing the number of children dying from preventable causes from 24,000 a day to zero.”

This year also marks the 21st Anniversary for IKEA and the UNICEF holiday greeting card sales partnership. When you purchase UNICEF holiday cards at any IKEA U.S. store, 100 percent of the proceeds from the sales of the cards go directly to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, with IKEA donating an additional $1 per pack sold. The cards come in boxed choices, from 10 up to 20 cards per box and range in price from $10 to $20. IKEA customers have helped to generate over $3 million in support of UNICEF’s life-saving programs through greeting card purchases since the partnership began in 1988.

‘Tis The Season Weight Watchers Tips for Avoiding Holiday Overindulgences, Not the Scales

It's easy to be tempted to overindulge during the family dinners, parties and various celebrations that fill the holiday season. But consider that an extra 500 calories a day translates into one pound of body weight per week. With a little advance planning, some great advice and steely resolve, the season can be celebrated without any movement on the scale. Consider these tips from Weight Watchers®:

Don’t starve
Arriving at any party famished can lead to overdoing it, so eat a healthy meal or snack beforehand, leaving just enough room (and POINTS® values) for a few small treats.

Drink!
But make it water or other low-calorie beverage—you’ll slow down your eating and help fill yourself up. And limit your alcohol intake—it’s not only a major source of calories and POINTS values, it can weaken your ability to stick to your eating plan.

Know what you eat
Just because it’s the holidays, don’t forget all the weight management skills you’ve already acquired. When you choose to indulge, keep journaling. By writing down what you’re eating, you’re less apt to eat mindlessly.

Don’t deprive yourself
But do limit your portions. By eating small portions of only things you really want you’ll enjoy the specialties while staying on track.

Set priorities
Rate each dish on the buffet from 1 to 10, with “10” being the best choices for you and “1” being foods you know you should limit or avoid. Fill your plate with the high numbers and only try a minimal amount (or none!) of the others.

Move!
Reduce sedentary behavior like surfing the net and gradually work up to 60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. It will help in your weight-loss efforts or allow you to eat a bit more without guilt.

Be realistic
Perhaps losing weight during the holiday season might not be the most practical objective for you right now. Allow your weight goal during the holidays to be to stay right where you are, not necessarily to lose weight. Then, once the holidays are over you can get right back to losing.

“Lighten Up”
With a few smart, common-sense changes in food preparation and eating habits, you will save calories and POINTS values without sacrificing flavor. Here are some suggestions to keep your holiday recipes healthy:
•Replace dark meat turkey with white meat plus remove the skin.
•Make stuffing with a fat-free broth instead of turkey drippings.
•Skip the butter for broth and prepare mashed potatoes using fat-free or 1% milk.
•Modify the traditional green bean casserole by using low-fat soup and breadcrumbs.
•Try baked sweet potatoes with light butter instead of candied potatoes.
•Top fish dishes with a fresh fruit salsa instead of a hollandaise sauce.
•Get on the gravy train using fat-free broth or bouillon instead of turkey pan drippings.
•Serve a one-crust pumpkin pie instead of a double-crusted fruit pie.

Celebrating 42 years in Arizona and 48 years nationwide, Weight Watchers is America’s trusted name in weight loss and the global leader in weight-loss services, with approximately 50,000 weekly meetings held worldwide. For information about pricing, programs and services call 1-800-651-6000 or click WeightWatchers.com/Arizona.

Arizona Wineries Produce Record Harvest

Wineries and vineyards in Arizona? Absolutely! The Verde Valley (Arizona wine country in the Sedona, Cottonwood red rock region) is not only one of the most beautiful regions of Arizona, it is an exceptional place to grow grapes and make delicious Arizona wine. This year the local vineyards produced a record harvest. Eric Gomski, Page Springs Cellars Owner & Winemaker says, "2009 is one of those rare vintages where everything was perfect: no rain, perfect temperatures and no late season frost. The harvest was not only bountiful, but the character of the young wines indicates this year's grapes will produce one of the finest vintages ever."

Page Springs Cellars is one of four wineries with tasting rooms looking out on vineyards that are on the Verde Valley Wine Trail. The wine trail connects the dots between the communities of Cottonwood, Sedona, Camp Verde, and Jerome. The surroundings are rich red rock formations, desert foliage, lush canyon greenery and the flowing water of the Verde River, Oak Creek and Page Springs. Nestled here are four wineries: Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards and Javelina Leap Vineyards and two tasting rooms: Caduceus Cellars and the Jerome Winery. The wineries and area activities can be found at www.vvWineTrail.com

"We have visitors who love to come to the winery at this time of year to enjoy the fall weather, have a picnic on our lawn overlooking the vineyards, and sample the wine tastings" says Barbara Predmore, Owner of Alcantara Vineyards. "Alcantara, like the other Verde Valley wineries, are family farms in the best tradition of American agriculture. Our wineries connect consumers directly with winemakers and their staff who share a very personal passion for their unique jobs of hand-crafting wine...what could be more fun?"

The Wine Trail vineyards and wineries have matured over the past 9 years. Rod Snapp, Javelina Leap Winemaker, says "Surprisingly, Arizona's sunshine, heat and the unique rocky soils of the Verde Valley are an excellent environment for growing grapes. The soils and stressful growing conditions force the vines to struggle to survive which causes the vines to put their energy into developing less abundant but higher quality, more intensely flavored fruit--just the characteristics the winemaker wants to craft great wine."

The Verde Valley, Arizona's wine country, is under-discovered but the people who have been to the region and tasted the wine it produces attest to its excellence--quite a few wines have won national awards for their quality. The wineries' offerings include Syrah, Petite Sirah, Viognier, Rousanne, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, just to name a few. Every winery has its own unique personality and distinct wines for visitors to discover at each stop along the Wine Trail. Every Tasting Room has a sampling menu that changes throughout the year as wines reach the proper age after maturing in barrels in the wineries' aging rooms. All of the Tasting Room menus can be viewed on the Wine Trail website.

For details on Arizona's Verde Valley Wine Trail visit www.vvwinetrail.com

Give Your Pet a Reason to Be ThankfulFriends of Animal Care & Control Urges Pet Owners to Take Thanksgiving Precautions

While the holiday signals a time to give thanks, neither you nor your pet will be grateful if you have to spend Thanksgiving Day at your local Emergency Animal Clinic. Friends of Animal Care & Control urges pet owners to keep these simple safety tips in mind.

Don’t feed your dog or cat poultry bones! Cooked turkey, duck, geese and other bird bones are brittle and can easily snap or splinter and become lodged in your pet’s throat. Additionally, sharp bone fragments can tear or block your pet’s intestines.

Vegetarian households beware! There are many non-meat items that can be harmful to pets. Sage and many other herbs contain essential oils, which are especially hazardous for cats. Onions, raw bread dough and chocolate are a few other popular holiday items that can be dangerous for pets.

Watch the table! Unsupervised food is tempting to curious cats and dogs. Not only can animals find food on the dinner table, they are also adept at seeking it out on kitchen counters. Ask your guests to keep dishes and alcoholic beverages off of low-lying tables and away from pets.

Keep leftovers and trash out of paws reach! The smell of table scraps could prove too much of a temptation for pets, so it’s best to remove garbage as soon as you are finished. Make sure all trash cans are secure and difficult to open.

Give pets a quiet retreat during busy festivities. The constant hustle and bustle of a Thanksgiving dinner may be too much stress for your pet to handle. Give your companion animal a retreat where he can escape the noise--a spare bedroom with a radio tuned to soft music and a comfy bed is a perfect spot for your dog or cat.

If you and your family are looking for a meaningful way to enjoy the holiday season, consider making a donation to Animal Care & Control’s Spay/Neuter Assistance Program. The program provides no-cost spay and neuter services to companion animals of Maricopa County residents in need of financial assistance. Last year the program received more than $1 million in funding from Friends of Animal Care & Control; however the demand for assistance remains high and more funding is needed to keep the program alive. Tax deductible donations can be made online at www.azfaccs.org.

Weight Watchers® “Great Eight” Tips to Lose Weight, Maintain Healthy Lifestyle

As the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31 and 2010 rolls in, many of the 60 percent of U.S. adults who are overweight will make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. But this year, instead of hopping on the diet bandwagon, why not stop dieting and start living a healthy lifestyle that could last for years to come?

Weight Watchers, in an ongoing effort to help real people transform themselves and achieve weight loss goals in a safe sustainable manner, has created the “Great Eight” tips to start the New Year off right:

Tip #1: One Step at a Time:
Prepare for success by setting a realistic weight loss goal. Losing just 10% of your starting weight can help you lower blood pressure and reduce risk for having a stroke; reduce the risk of developing diabetes; or for those already affected, losing weight helps to improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol count.

Tip #2: Move for You:
Get active in small ways that pay off with big rewards. Exercise, in addition to helping shed unwanted weight, offers health and mobility benefits that last a lifetime. Activity can reduce the risk of heart diseases, promotes better sleep, strengthens your lungs and even improves mood. Plus it is a critical part of long-term weight loss success. Research shows that active people are much more likely to maintain their weight loss. Start small and make a commitment—even if it is taking the stairs instead of the elevator—to get up and move!

Tip #3: Don’t Diet:
A sensible weight-loss plan should not deprive or prevent you from eating certain foods or even eating out; it should teach how to eat the right foods and right portions. Experiment and have fun with food by making over recipes you’ve enjoyed in the past by using different ingredients to create a healthier version of the dish. When eating out, don’t be afraid to ask for a weight-conscious menu. Navigate large portion sizes by asking the server to bring only half the dish and immediately pack the other half to go. Instead of going without or being bored, make eating an adventure!

Tip #4: Get By With a Little Help from Your Friends:
Whether it is a husband, wife, mother, sister or friends, losing weight together can positively contribute to weight loss success. Those who go to Weight Watchers meetings lose three times more weight than those that go it alone. Plus, research shows that people who attend a weight-loss program with friends lose more weight and keep it off better than those who join by themselves.

Tip #5: Forgive but Don’t Forget:
There are 21 total meals in a week—if two nights didn’t turn out as planned there are still 19 chances to recoup! Learn from mistakes made in the past and make better decisions in the present. Remember every experience is valuable and don’t let little lapses spoil success.

Tip #6: Shop till You Drop:
It is fun to pick out new pieces of clothing and accessories as weight loss progresses. Use those holiday gift cards to celebrate small successes and keep motivation high.

Tip #7: Lay the Foundation:
A healthy lifestyle program educates people that weight-loss success is about behavior modification—doing things differently—not perfectly. Learn to make better food and activity choices to set the groundwork for overcoming future challenges.

Tip #8: New Year, New You
Believing it can be done, setting an achievable goal and then “going for it” is the roadmap to overhauling a regular lifestyle and making long term weight loss and health a priority. With regular advice, and the assistance of Weight Watchers Momentum™ plan, you’ll learn to “Stop Dieting, and Start Living.”

Celebrating 42 years in Arizona, Weight Watchers is America’s trusted name in weight loss and the global leader in weight-loss services, with approximately 50,000 weekly meetings held worldwide. For information about pricing, programs and services call 1-800-651-6000 or click WeightWatchers.com/Arizona.

Aquafresh Celebrates Amazing Moms in Phoenix

In celebration of mothers and the special role they play within their families, the makers of Aquafresh® announced the “Amazing Mom” Celebration contest for moms in the Phoenix area. The Aquafresh “Amazing Mom” Celebration invites children 6 years of age and older to write in and tell Aquafresh what makes their mom special. If selected, Aquafresh will treat her and 49 other moms to a day of relaxation and pampering at Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort.

“As a mother to seven children, I understand the hard work that mothers put in around the clock for their families. I am thrilled to be part of this exceptional contest that recognizes and rewards amazing moms in Phoenix,” says Brenda Warner, wife of Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner. “What better time than the busy holiday season to give 50 moms a well-deserved break?”

Aquafresh “Amazing Mom” Celebration contest entries are being accepted now through Nov. 2 at www.aquafresh.com/amazingmom. Fifty moms will be selected to enjoy a day of relaxation and pampering at Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort on Dec. 5, complete with breakfast, a facial treatment, massage, manicure or pedicure, and lunch, hosted by Brenda Warner.

“We spend a great deal of time making amazing Aquafresh products that help mom with her family’s oral care needs,” says Patrick Seiffert, senior brand manager of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. “Moms spend so much time and energy taking care of their children. This is our chance to recognize and pamper them in return.”

For contest rules and information, visit www.aquafresh.com/amazingmom.

Halloween Doesn't Have To Be Scary For Pets

By Melissa K. Gable

While Halloween is often fun for children, it can be a nightmare for pets. Friends of Animal Care & Control has advice for pet owners to make this year’s holiday safe for furry family members.

Make sure your animals are safely indoors for Halloween. There are many stories of pranksters teasing, scaring or harming dogs and cats that are kept in front yards or wandering the streets on Halloween.
If possible, keep animals safely tucked away in a spare bedroom for the evening. Dogs and cats can quickly dart out the front door unnoticed during the festivities. Even the calmest dog may be scared by costumed visitors – which could result in a bite.
Keep pets away from Halloween candy. Chocolate can be toxic and cellophane or tin foil wrappings could get caught in your pet’s digestive tract – causing illness or possibly death.
Watch your pet around jack o’ lanterns! Curious kitties may try to play with the flickering flame and a rambunctious pup could accidentally knock over the festive pumpkin.
Don’t force your pet to wear a costume. If your dog or cat enjoys dressing up, make sure the costume isn’t constricting or interferes with your pet’s vision. Always supervise your pet while he is in costume.


Easley’s Fun Shop to Help Pets in Need This Howl-o-ween
This Halloween will be anything but scary for Valley pets; that’s because Easley’s Fun Shop has designated Friends of Animal Care & Control and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control to be one of their charities for the upcoming holiday. Easley’s will donate 10% from every sale/costume rental to anyone who mentions Friends of Animal Care & Control (FACCs) or Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. The promotion runs through Oct. 31. Easley’s Fun Shop is located at 509 West McDowell, just east of 7th Avenue in downtown Phoenix.

Money raised through the Easley’s promotion will fund Maricopa County Animal Care & Control’s Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). Through SNAP, Valley residents in need of financial assistance can have their companion animals spayed or neutered at no cost.

Melissa K. Gable is the Executive Director of Friends of Animal Care and Control.

www.azfaccs.org

Not Just a Gown, a Walking Story

Creative ingenuity with cultural expressions and artistic ploy, designer Danell Lynn brings new life to fashion and human nature. Her company, Dl-couture, is as unique in the fashion world as they are based in humanitarian endeavors. Each year they create a gown where 100 percent of the proceeds go to charity. This year, the gown is made of Arizona Cardinal game jerseys and is signed by the NFC championship team. It is up for silent auction until Oct. 31 and can be seen on www.dl-couture.com. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to Partners in Malawi, 30 percent to Kurt Warner's First Things First Foundation, 10 percent to Threading Hope and 10 percent to Highwire.

Creating a gown each year for charity is a great gesture in itself, but more so because they only make 13 custom gowns a year. Therefore, the exclusivity makes each dress seem almost more like a limited edition work of art than a clothing item. This is because Dl-couture provides beautiful fabrics from all over the world for clients, even flying to pick up the perfect fabric for a specific gown. Lynn also travels the world and hand selects the fabric used in her gowns and buys directly from the merchants, supporting global economy.

"How does it feel to create something that has never been done before?" asks Gillian Ferris-Kohl of NPR, regarding the Cardinal’s gown. As many question, where did the idea even come from to make a gown from NFL jerseys? The answer is simple. "The abstract side of my mind is overly active in creativity and an exact location can not be pin-pointed. It is a blend of my love for art and athletics, and I hope for many more ventures with professional sports," says Lynn.

Dl-couture is considered a rarity in the world of high fashion, not just because of the innovative designs but because of their true mission for blending clothing and compassion. Lynn received her start when she trained at Miami International University of Art and Design, and earned awards such as Advant-Garde Designer of the Year. She was also one of five in the nation winning a spot to present wearable jewelry design in the Lourve Museum in Paris. Situated in Florida’s fashion market, she worked as an assistant designer to a couture house on South Beach before following the road less traveled, embracing her imagination and creating Dl-couture. Lynn took the parts of the industry she loved and left behind that which she didn’t, blending artistic details, sustainability and creativity of fabrics from unique communities throughout the globe, and the seeds began to sprout.

She is building a name for Dl-couture with her graceful ability to carry out even difficult creations, from dresses made of playing cards, to elegant gowns of Chinese silk, to green friendly recycled creations of old jerseys that have hit the NFL playing fields time and again. She has dressed Mrs. World and Miss America and enjoys the variety and excitement that making a pattern only once entails. Clients have playfully mocked her mind's ability to create and expertly execute garments. "What’s next, an engineering degree?" asks a client who commissioned a dress of playing cards for their educational playing cards company.

Dl-couture is a custom clothing line that believes looking beautiful can also be meaningful. It specializes in Haute Couture, and they donate 15 percent of all their custom gown sales to aid those in need. "Every time our clients wear the handmade garments, they are reminded of their commitment to helping children and families less fortunate," says Lynn. "It is not just a gown, but a walking story."

The company is also heavily rooted in humanitarian work. As a global ambassador, Lynn travels the world for aid work and has also developed Threading Hope, a humanitarian entity of Dl-couture that creates and accepts donations from quilters around the globe to bring warmth to a child in need. "We are always looking for those with large hearts willing to create a quilt for us to take to foreign countries,” says Lynn. “Next year we are off to Malawi to deliver quilts to the sickest of the sick in the In Patient ward for Partners in Malawi hospital."

If you are interested in helping to donate go to www.dl-couture.com and click on the Threading Hope page for more information. For more information on Dl-couture or to contact Danell Lynn please visit www.dl-couture.com or email info@dl-couture.com.

Illuminating Awareness in the Fight for a Cure

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year marks the third annual fundraiser for the Arizona Institute for Breast Health (AIBH), The Pink Light District. The AIBH is a non-profit organization providing education and support to newly diagnosed patients about their treatment options, completely free of charge.

Now through Oct. 31, valley residents will be able to show their support of the AIBH by sponsoring pink light bulbs to be placed on the Canal Bridge located in downtown Scottsdale. Each light bulb is $25 and will serve as a representation of the strength of a survivor, the memory of a loved one, or a personal struggle with breast cancer. The Bridge, which links the Scottsdale Waterfront to the Old Town Scottsdale, will be lit during The Pink Light District Ceremony on Thurs., Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at Olive & Ivy restaurant and stay illuminated throughout the month. All donors will be recognized on the AIBH website in their Pink Light District Honor Album and a personalized Tribute Card will be emailed to the honoree(s) designated.

This year as an added distinction, AIBH will recognize one individual who has made extraordinary efforts in the fight against breast cancer. Now through Sept. 15, AIBH is accepting nominations for The Pink Light Award. The recipient will have the honor of flipping the switch the night of The Pink Light District Ceremony¸ transforming the Canal Bridge into a symbol of hope in the cause’s signature color. To nominate a brave advocate for breast cancer awareness for the Pink Light Award, please go to www.thepinklightdistrict.org.

Julie Robinson, AIBH Board Member and President of corporate sponsor Jani-King Southwest, hopes to showcase the exceptional strides exceptional individuals in the community are making towards the cause. “It is estimated that more than 190,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, 3,900 in Arizona alone,” notes Robinson. “With these kinds of statistics, it is imperative that there is a huge amount of community support.”

Robinson adds, “This is a simple and powerful way to raise breast cancer and breast health awareness – and hopefully become one step closer to finding a cure.”

For more information about AIBH, please visit their website at www.aibh.org.

Giving birth in U.S. riskier than in Cuba or Czech Republic

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 7 of every 1,000 babies born in the United States will die before their first birthday, and the rates among African American, Hispanic and Native American populations are even higher. Premature births occurring before 37 weeks and low-weight babies (less than 5 pounds) account for the highest number of these deaths.

Since September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway, a board-certified ob-gyn, an advocate for quality healthcare and patient safety and author of The Smart Mother's Guide to a Better Pregnancy offers these SMART tips to help pregnant women improve their chances of having a healthy baby.

S = Seek prenatal care early. Tests for potential chromosome problems, including mental retardation and spina bifida (a condition that causes paralysis) can be conducted only in the first and second trimesters. A first trimester ultrasound is also the most accurate in terms of determining a due date.

M = Mention all risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, Rh negative blood, premature labor, bleeding problems or genetic conditions to your healthcare professional as soon as possible. Do not omit information such as smoking or using recreational drugs because such activities can affect your baby.

A = Ask to have your cervix measured during your ultrasound if you have a history of premature contractions or delivery. A cervical length of 2.5 centimeters or less is a risk factor for preterm labor. If you are at risk for delivering before 37 weeks, ask your healthcare provider about receiving steroids to help your baby's lungs develop.

R = Research your hospital and prospective physician or midwife carefully. Is the physician or midwife skilled in managing high-risk conditions? Will your care continue if you lose your insurance? Has the newborn nursery had any recent outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant infections? Is the hospital a level-three facility?

T = Test for potential problems such as gestational diabetes, sickle cell trait and cystic fibrosis, and check for appropriate fetal growth with an ultrasound.

The United States is one of the most industrialized countries in the world, yet The World Factbook indicates that we rank below Cuba, Taiwan, Greece, Ireland, Canada, England, Czech Republic, South Korea and other countries in national infant mortality rate. Being aware of your risk and following these SMART tips will help you to have a healthy baby.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center made new beneficiary of Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation's Thirty-Fourth Honor Ball

Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation’s 34th annual Honor Ball has a new beneficiary: cancer research and treatment at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare.

One of the Valley’s most elegant and exciting black tie events, The Honor Ball will be held Saturday evening, Feb. 6, 2010 in The Phoenician Resort Grand Ballroom.

Cancer research at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare is led by world-renowned cancer researcher and chief scientific officer Daniel Von Hoff, MD. New drugs and therapies being studied at Scottsdale Healthcare are the first step from the research lab to cancer patients, and may eventually to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to become standard treatment.

The Scottsdale Clinical Research Institute at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare administers this groundbreaking cancer research. Cancer research patients from across the United States and beyond are seen by Dr. Von Hoff and his team. Dr. Von Hoff is co-leader of the Stand Up to Cancer “Dream Team” for pancreatic cancer research, and led the study of a potential new skin cancer treatment featured this month in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Several studies conducted at Scottsdale Healthcare have yielded promising results to advance the battle against cancer. Skin, lung and pancreatic cancer clinical trials conducted at Scottsdale Healthcare have been the subject of scientific papers and presentations at recent international cancer conferences.

"Patients in our community have access to ground-breaking, world-class research right in their own backyard," said Mark Slater, PhD, vice president of research at Scottsdale Healthcare. "Our goal is reducing the time it takes to get new treatment discoveries from the research lab to the patient, and we are pleased that proceeds from The Honor Ball will support this important work."

The Honor Ball has raised more than $8 million to benefit Scottsdale Healthcare. To learn more about cancer research at Scottsdale Healthcare, visit www.shc.org/cancer.

Reservations for the 34th annual Honor Ball are $500 per person or $1000 per couple; tables start at $7500. For more information, call 480-882-4510.

Sleep America Partners with Serta for Adopt a Sheep Campaign

Sleep America is excited to be partnering with Serta for their second annual Adopt a Sheep campaign. From Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, Sleep America retail locations will be housing sheep to help benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. The two primary beneficiaries are Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Tucson Medical Center.

Sleep America President Debbie Gaby said, “I love these Serta counting sheep, but I love them even more knowing that every one we adopt out of our stores, directly benefits the children in our hospitals!”

“It is Serta's honor and privilege to partner with Sleep America on this important and worthwhile event. It's not often that we get a chance to make a child's life more bearable and provide a little more happiness in their lives, while they are going through the toughest of times. The funds that will be raised by the 'Adopt A Sheep for Children' Event will hopefully help relieve some of the financial burden the families of these precious children have to bear,” said Steve Feldman, Arizona Serta Sales Rep.

Customers will be able to “adopt” the plush (3/8) Serta Sheep that star in the commercials for a minimum $10 donation. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Children’s Miracle Network.

Susan O’Donnell, Children's Miracle Network Coordinator at Phoenix Children's Hospital said, “This is such a great promotion. Not only are the sheep adorable, but the proceeds will benefit some of Arizona's youngest patients. We are extremely grateful to Sleep America for thinking of us and for creating this amazing opportunity.”

Sleep America is the largest mattress retailer in Arizona. Founded in 1997 by Debbie Gaby and her husband, Len, Sleep America has more than 150 employees and has over 40 store locations statewide. This year Sleep America proudly celebrates twelve successful years in business. For the Sleep America store nearest you call 1-888-94-SLEEP.

Photography exhibition to open at Phoenix Art Museum

Portraits are taken by both professional photographers and amateurs everyday. They document significant milestones, record special moments, convey credentials and when done well, provide an intimate view of the subject. But what do these photographs also say about the person behind the lens – the photo taker? On September 19, Phoenix Art Museum unveils Face to Face: 150 Years of Photographic Portraiture, a new photography exhibition that reveals the concealed stories portraits tell.

Face to Face investigates nearly 70 portraits by 58 different artists by exploring the ways photographers express the essence of their subjects and the impact of personal, professional or cultural relationships. Drawn from the Center for Creative Photography, as well as local collections, this unique exhibition features evocative portraits by some of the greatest photographic image-makers of the 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-centuries including Southworth and Hawes, Gertrude Käsebier, Edward Weston, Dorothea Lange, W. Eugene Smith, Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus, Yosuf Karsh and Richard Avedon.

“Portrait photographers take the expressive potential of clothing, gesture, pose, facial expression and setting and expand on them by using photographic elements to create a picture about their subject,” commented Rebecca Senf, Norton Family Assistant Curator of Photography, Phoenix Art Museum. “Beyond the visible elements in a photograph, there are aspects of the portrait that may not be obvious. Uncovering those relationships or the circumstances through research enriches our understanding.”

Portraiture was one of photography’s earliest applications and has become the primary mode for capturing a person’s likeness. Face to Face spans the medium’s history, from the earliest form of photography – the daguerreotype, used in the mid 19th century – to works made in the last few years.

“By closely investigating the works presented in the exhibition visitors will have the enhanced ability to read a portrait, a style of picture-making everyone personally knows, and to see more in every picture of people they view,” commented Senf.

Exhibition Details

Face to Face: 150 Years of Photographic Portraiture is presented by Phoenix Art Museum and the Center for Creative Photography and will be on view in the Museum’s Doris and John Norton Gallery September 19, 2009 through January 10, 2010. Face to Face is organized by Phoenix Art Museum.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Museum is hosting a special evening with photographer and author, Nick Kelsh on December 2 at 7 pm. Kelsh is the author of the popular “how to” series including How to Photograph Your Baby and How to Photograph Your Family. In addition to sharing best practices, he’ll discuss the life lessons he has learned from four decades of photography and the inspirations behind some of his most noted photographs. This is a free Museum event open to the public.

Admission to the exhibition is included in general museum admission, which is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens (65+), $8 for full-time college students with ID, $4 for children ages 6-17 and free for children under 6 and for museum members. The Museum offers free general admission for everyone on Wednesday evenings, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and for First Fridays, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some exhibitions have special admission fees.

Phoenix Art Museum is located in downtown Phoenix at the corner of Central Avenue and McDowell Road.

Museum hours are Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.; First Fridays, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some exhibitions have special hours. The Museum is closed Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays. The Museum Store and Arcadia Farms at Phoenix Art Museum are open during Museum hours.

A Landmark Photography Partnership

In 2006, Phoenix Art Museum and the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona in Tucson inaugurated a highly innovative and unprecedented collaboration to bring the finest in photography to Phoenix Art Museum visitors. It established a vibrant new photography exhibition program at the Museum, while bringing the Center’s world-renowned collections to new and larger audiences.

The Center for Creative Photography is one of the world’s largest repositories of materials chronicling photography. Founded in 1975, it now houses 3.8 million archival items and 80,000 fine prints by photographers including Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Harry Callahan, Aaron Siskind, Frederick Sommer, W. Eugene Smith, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, and Garry Winogrand.

About Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum is the Southwest’s premier destination for world-class visual arts. Popular exhibitions featuring artists such as Rembrandt, Norman Rockwell, Annie Leibowitz and Monet are shown along side the Museum’s outstanding collection of more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. A community epicenter for nearly fifty years, Phoenix Art Museum presents festivals, live performances, independent art films and educational programs that enlighten, entertain and stimulate. Visitors also enjoy PhxArtKids an interactive space for children, vibrant photography exhibitions through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, the lushly landscaped Sculpture Garden, dining at Arcadia Farms at Phoenix Art Museum, and shopping at The Museum Store.

To learn more about Phoenix Art Museum, visit PhxArt.org, or call the 24-hour recorded information line at (602) 257-1222.

Under the Influence Overcoming Addiction with Hope

by Barbara Nicholson-Brown

There is nothing unusual or special about my story—it happens every day. Women, men, children, young adults and teens all over the world struggle from the same disease I have: addiction. Not only does this disease destroy families, relationships and careers, it also claims thousands of lives through overdoses, illness, auto fatalities and violence.

Addiction affects 23 million people of all ages in the United States alone. Two-thirds of Americans have friends or family who struggle with addiction. It’s estimated that 5.3 million women in the U.S. drink in a way that threatens their health, safety and general well-being. Alcohol and drugs are incredibly destructive; long term chronic drinking or drug use ravages the body, mind and soul.

In a few more days, I’ll have been clean and sober for 19 years. One of my purposes in this recovered life is to let others know it is possible to live without being chained to a bottle, glass or pill—there is a special freedom that comes from not being under the influence.

Addiction dragged me into the shadows of darkness, hopelessness and isolation. While I was filled with embarrassment and shame for years, asking for help and having to admit to this “problem” seemed unbearable. What would everyone think? Then, one remarkable day after years of hangovers and blackouts, I surrendered. It took time, but I slowly began to understand, feel and believe that I was not alone.

Today, recovery from addiction is more openly talked about. Celebrities and the media have begun making a concerted effort to raise awareness, and little by little, inch by inch, the stigma associated with addiction is slowly lifting—but we have a long way to go. Many people still feel that they must hide their addiction out of fear or shame. I believe that part of my responsibility is to offer the message that hope exists by extending myself to others who have felt the struggle and putting a face to this disease.

Five years ago, in my quest to be part of the larger solution, my husband and I created the Art of Recovery Expo. We envisioned a day when we would have the opportunity to open the doors of the Phoenix Convention Center to the general public. Here, anyone and everyone would have the chance to meet the leading treatment providers, counselors, therapists and professionals in the field of mental health and addiction at no cost.

We would bring in highly recognized speakers and offer workshops, resources, education and—most of all—hope. Today, the Expo has grown to be one of the largest recovery events in September as the nation celebrates National Recovery Month.

As members of our community, we need to speak up about the successes that occur and talk about the realities of this disease. We need to make a difference by removing the stigma addiction still carries. I know for a fact that miracles are abundant for those who make the choice to change. It’s not an easy task, but it is possible. It happened for me in my worst moment of despair; I was offered something as simple as a glimmer of hope. I invite you to join us at the Expo this year and see the smiles that recovery brings. Today, my life is under a new kind of influence: hope.

Visit the 5th Annual Art of Recovery Expo
This year’s presenting speaker at the Art of Recovery Expo will be Christopher Kennedy Lawford, the first-born child of President John F. Kennedy’s sister, Patricia, and famous Rat Pack actor, Peter Lawford. Lawford is an actor and bestselling author who struggled with addiction for many years. Sober now for 22 years, he shares his personal story with others in his memoir, Symptoms of Withdrawal, Moments of Clarity and Healing Hepatitis C, in hopes of making a difference.


5th Annual Art of Recovery Expo
Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phoenix Convention Center, Hall G
480.767.7880
www.artofrecoveryexpo.com


Barbara Nicholson-Brown is Founder of the Art of Recovery Expo and Publisher of Arizona Together, a monthly publication with a focus on addiction recovery.

Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club to donate 400 backpacks

This Thursday, Aug. 6, Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club will deliver 400 back to school backpacks loaded with back to school supplies to Arizona Children’s Association.

Last year the office located at 11327 W. Bell Road in Surprise received a total donation of only two backpacks. Upon learning of the plight of this office which serves about 800 children who are mostly poverty stricken and in crisis family situations, the Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club came to the rescue. Between member donations of 300 backpacks and help from Wal-Mart, which donated another hundred, members of the Rotary Club will deliver the 400 backpacks and supplies Thursday, Aug. 6th between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.

This is a mighty effort from a 60-member Rotary Club, showing how we can make a difference in our community, even in times of great financial need.

Donate School Supplies and Jump for Free in CrackerJax’s New Bungy Dome

CrackerJax is hosting a grand opening for their newest attraction, the Bungy Dome, on August 9, 2009 from 10am to 10pm. Kids and adults alike are invited to bring school supplies to donate that will benefit Save the Family, an Arizona based non-profit that aids families in crisis. Everyone who brings a donation will get to jump for free. It’s the perfect send off to a Valley summer as many area kids get ready to start school the following week.

The Bungy Dome houses four jumping stations. Participants can jump up to 30 feet high as well as complete a variety of aerobatics. Bungy safety cords are attached to the participants’ harness as they jump on a trampoline structure that shoots the riders high up into the air! The dome shade structure is designed to keep everyone cool, comfortable, and out of the elements. The Bungy Dome is open day & night during regular park hours. After the grand opening, 5 minute access to the Bungy Dome will cost $10.00, but on August 9th, 2009 participants get access for free in exchange for donating school supplies!

CrackerJax is located in Scottsdale just ¼ mile south of Bell Road in North Scottsdale. The family fun and sports park is open from 10 am to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday, 10am to 12am Friday and Saturday. As Arizona’s largest family fun and sports park, CrackerJax offers the widest variety of entertainment in one place in the region including: Can-Am style go-kart track (plus kiddie go-kart track), bumper boat lagoon, three miniature golf courses, Water Wars, battling cages, volleyball courts, arcade, two story automated driving range, golf instruction for all skill levels and more. In addition to being Arizona’s largest family fun park, CrackerJax has been recognized as a premier venue for corporate gatherings, team building events and group parties.

Save the Family is a Mesa-based foundation that benefits Arizona families in crisis. Their mission is to help children in homeless families by treating the entire family with applicable programs that enable them to break the negative cycle of poverty, abuse, and homelessness. Save the Family strengthens Valley communities by facilitating the transition of families to financial and emotional self-sufficiency. They look forward to working with CrackerJax to raise the necessary school supplies that will be dispersed amongst children in need in Save the Family programs. For more information on Save the Family access their website at: www.savethefamily.org.

For more information on CrackerJax or the charity drive to donate school supplies to Save the Family contact JP Mullan at jpm@CrackerJax.com or 480-998-2800. Information, specials, directions, videos of attractions, etc. are accessible online at www.CrackerJax.com.

10th Annual Care Card shopping event

The Board of Visitors is proud to announce their 10th annual “Shop, Save, Give” Care Card shopping event, to take place Oct. 16 - 25. More than 500 participating retailers will grant a 20 percent discount to card holders during the specified ten days. The primary beneficiary will be The Board of Visitors Ryan House.

Participating retailers will sell Care Cards during the event; however, Care Cards can also be purchased through the Care Card hotline staffed by Kathy Rios at 602.235.9554, by visiting Care Card’s Web site at www.TheCareCard.org or from members of The Board of Visitors or the Junior League of Phoenix, Inc. The cards cost $55.

For the fifth year, Ryan House will be the main beneficiary of the Care Card proceeds. The Board of Visitors’ Ryan House, an Arizona 501(c) (3) non-profit, will provide essential care in a home-like setting where families of children with life-limiting conditions will come for respite and, as needed, end-of-life care. The Ryan House facility is set to open in the spring of 2010.

More than 500 retailers are participating in the Care Card program this year, ranging from hardware stores to home furnishing stores, boutiques, salons and jewelry stores. Participating retailers are located throughout the Valley, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Paradise Valley. A complete list of retailers can be found at www.TheCareCard.org.