I have been blessed with a large, extended family. What’s more is that despite divorce and remarriage, even step-family has always been considered “real” family. My “step” grandfather was a tremendous basketball player. He played at the University of Georgia and was even drafted into the NBA, but blew out his knee. He instead poured his love and talent into young players as a coach. By the time I came along and started playing basketball, his coaching days were over, but he would take time every summer to either come to our house or have me over to his for basketball practice. Specifically, for practice shooting. The one thing he said over and over was, “Make sure you follow through.” What he meant was not to just shoot quick, but to let my hand and arm linger in the air after the ball had left in order to make sure it stayed on course. It really did make all he difference…if I would just do it.
The thing about sports, though, is that those lessons often translate into life lessons. Following through in life makes all the difference. It is the difference between telling someone you will pray for them, and actually making a difference in their life by doing it. It is the difference in thinking about your dreams, and watching them come true. Follow through makes the difference in friendships, in marriages, in work, and in play.
In trials in my life, countless people, I am blessed to report, said they would be praying for me. But those who went the extra mile to call, email, bring food, or just visit made the difference. As I branched out and started my own practice, many people offered to help, but those who followed through made my dream a reality. I think what we have lost equals that which we have gained through social media. Having “friends” on Facebook is wonderful, until you really need a friend. Those who follow through, make good on their promises, and reach out to physically and emotionally lend their hand and support are the ones who shape our lives.
Over the weekend, David and I were playing Corn Hole in the backyard. Despite his SUPER competitive nature, he was giving me pointers. When he said, “Make sure you follow through,” I thought of Granddaddy and all those summers ago playing basketball in his driveway. It wasn’t just Granddaddy’s basketball advice that made a difference in my life; it was how he followed through to make sure we were loved and included that was really something special. I haven’t played basketball in a long, long time, but I have never forgotten that lesson. Let’s all make a special effort to follow through with someone this week. Don’t just tell them you will pray; actually do it and then tell them you did. Real love, real support, can mean more than you may ever know.
God bless, Allison Key, MD
Staff Spotlight: Kimberly Forbus, CMA
Kim Forbus is one of the newest members of our 3:16 work family! She graduated from Temple High School in 2008, followed by an associates degree in Biology from Keiser University. She then completed her Certified Medical Assisting certificate through the National Healthcareer Association. Kim has over three combined years of CMA experience in Primary Care and General Surgery. In her free time, she enjoys shopping for antiques and going to festivals. She loves spending time with her close friends and being anywhere near water–the lake, the beach, the river! She also has a sweet pup named Max who gets a lot of her time and attention!
Botox vs. Fillers…What’s the Difference?
Both Botox and facial fillers are effective methods of improving or reversing signs of aging. Their popularity and prevalence have risen over the years. But the two are often confused and considered to be interchangeable, which is just not the case! The truth is that they are very different in how they work, and they tackle specifically different problems.Botox and Xeomin are common trade name for this substance. It is also known by its scientific name botulinum toxin. Its primary objective is to treat and prevent facial wrinkles, although it can also be used to treat blepharospasms, strabismus, and muscle dystonias, and to prevent migraine headaches. In 2002, Botox was approved by the FDA as a cosmetic treatment for frown lines above the eyebrows and wrinkles. Since then, it has become one of the most sought-after treatments for those who want to prevent the signs and effects of aging from occurring in their face or to correct any present signs.Facial fillers are also known as dermal fillers. Like Botox, it is also used to prevent or eliminate signs of aging in the face like wrinkles. This is where they often get confused. The primary difference between the two is that Botox reduces the activity of muscles in the face that cause wrinkles. Facial fillers, however, fill the trouble areas with collagen, which helps to stimulate collagen growth in the face as well as plump and lift the skin to replace collagen loss. This helps your skin achieve as youthful of a look as possible, as well as eliminate signs of aging that occur as a result of collagen depletion.The important things to consider when choosing between Botox or Xeomin and facial fillers is what kind of wrinkles you want to get rid of and how. Botox is the better choice for dynamic wrinkles as it will reduce their motion and visibility. These wrinkles occur when the face is in motion or making expression. They are usually positioned in the forehead and around the eyebrows. Facial fillers are ideal for static wrinkles, which are visible even when your face is relaxed and making no expression. These areas are depleted and sunken in and will benefit from the fullness that facial fillers give them.Knowing the difference between Botox and facial fillers and how they work matters significantly when seeking treatment for your wrinkles. Whichever one you choose, both forms of treatments are very efficient ways to recapturing and maintaining a youthful appearance.
Workout of the Month
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen. The workout provided below should be done to your own comfort level.
No Excuses Work-Out Do this workout anywhere, anytime to improve your health!
Warm Up with 5-10 Minute Walk/Jog, Then: 50 Jumping Jacks 50 Vertical Leg Crunches 25 Regular Crunches 25 Tricep Dips 50 Squats 25 Side Leg Lunges (Each Leg) 50 Bicycle Crunches 25 Wall Push-Ups 50 Russian Twists Repeat 2-3 Times Cool Down & Stretch!
Healthy & Easy Recipe: Avocado & Shrimp Salad
Diced apple brings a sweet crunchiness to this tangy shrimp salad, which is elegant enough to serve as lunch for guests yet portable enough to add to a container for a work lunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 246.8 Per Serving
Protein: 29.3g Per Serving
Fiber: 5.1g Per Serving
Ingredients
Servings 4
- 2 Tbsp fat-free, plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoon canola oil
- 3 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 small apple, cored and finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 pound large cooked, peeled shrimp, tails removed and chopped
- 1 avocado (pitted, peeled, diced)
- 4 large pieces Bibb lettuce (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, add yogurt, oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to whisk until combined.
- Core the apple and finely dice it; finely chop the celery too. Add both apples and celery into the bowl. Chop both the cilantro and scallions, adding into the bowl too.
- If tails remain on the shrimp, remove and discard each of them. Chop the shrimp and add to the bowl, mixing together to combine all the ingredients.
- Slice the avocado in half and remove the pit. Use a knife to gently make a cross-hatch pattern into the avocado’s flesh. Use a spoon to scoop out diced avocado from the flesh and add to the bowl.
- Gently mix ingredients together. Serve immediately or chill salad in the refrigerator for a couple hours. If desired, spoon salad onto Bibb lettuce cups to serve.
Copyright © 2018 American Heart Association, Healthy For GoodTM, heart.org/healthyforgood