Our Mother’s Day giveaway has been so much more than I expected. Reading your submissions, I have laughed, I have cried, and I have prayed for so many of you. There are some themes, however, that were evident in all of the submissions: unconditional love, forgiveness, sacrifice, and hard work.
I know first hand about all of these things because of one very important person in my life–my own precious Mother. I am able to do and be all that I am today because of her. She has sacrificed more than I could put into words for the sake of her family and children. There was never any doubt that we were the most important thing in her life. She didn’t buy things for herself. She went without so we could have.
Some of the most important things she taught me may seem boring on the surface, but they have lent to my life’s greatest successes. Honesty is not an option, but a requirement, in all circumstances. Responsibilities are not to be taken lightly. When you tell someone you will do something, do it; reliability goes hand in hand with honesty. And never leave dirty dishes in the sink….always clean that up before bed. :0)
She is kind and loving. She is sweet and friendly. She is humble and modest. She is a Christian, and by example, she taught me about the love of Christ. She is always the same. When life gets tough, she is a sounding board. When I need to cry or vent, she is my shoulder on which to cry. In the worst of times and the best of times, she gives wise and measured advice.
My mother is the kind of mother everyone wishes they had. I have always been proud she is mine, and while she has always been my best friend, I knew growing up where the line was and what would happen if I crossed it. To disappoint her would be the worst thing I could do, because she is just so good. Truly and honestly good to the core.
We have been through things in life that tear many families apart, but she has been both a rock and a soft place to land. She has never let me down or disappointed me, and she has been my biggest cheerleader in all things. She is always, always there when I call or need help, and I never needed her more than after I had children of my own. If I am just half the mother and example to them that she has been to me, then I will have done a excellent job as a mother.
Now with this adventure I call 3:16 Healthcare, my mother is right beside me, putting in as many hours as I am to help make this dream a reality. Like so many of you in your Mother’s Day submissions, there really aren’t words to describe how much she means to me, but I hope I make her proud.
For those of you who are missing your mother’s this Mother’s day, or who may not have a good relationship with your mother, you are in my prayers. But remember, a Mama is not just genetics, a Mama is someone who nurtures your soul. Maybe its a friend, a coworker, someone you go to church with, a grandparent, or a neighbor, but whoever it is, thank God for their influence in your life. And don’t forget to thank them for loving on you! And for those of us who are Mamas, pat yourself on the back and cut yourself some slack. Everybody’s kids have Cheetos for breakfast sometimes. :0)
God bless, Allison Key, MD
Staff Spotlight: Kristi Shadrix, RMA
Kristi Shadrix is a lifelong resident of Bremen, Georgia. She graduated from Bremen High School in 2005, an then attended West Georgia Technical College where she obtained her Medical Assistant degree. She worked in the dental field for almost ten years before joining the 3:16 Healthcare team. She and her husband Jeremy have two handsome boys–Jase, who is seven, and Jax, who is three. She enjoys spending time with her family and watching her sons play baseball. Her favorite food is all things Mexican, and her favorite part of being an RMA is the daily impact she gets to make on patient’s lives.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Age Healthier & Live Happier
Starting May 2018, we will be offering BioTe bioidentical hormones in the form of subcutaneous pellets!
After an office visit with a medical provider, the patient will have lab testing to determine if there is a hormone imbalance. If an imbalance is detected, a custom dose based on the lab work will be formulated to ensure optimal hormone delivery over time. These hormones work more efficiently with the body because they closely resemble the body’s naturally occurring hormones.
Every pellet is specifically designed to deliver consistent amounts of hormone throughout the day. This differs from creams and oral therapy which can often release inconsistent amounts. The pellets typically last 3-6 months and are dependent on gender, weight, and absorption rates.
Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance:
What are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in men? Low levels of testosterone in men is much more than just low sex drive or sexual dysfunction (ED). Symptoms consistent with low testosterone are:
- Low sex drive
- Sexual dysfunction (ED)
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat (especially in the waist area)
- Decreased bone mass
- Mood changes
- Lower mental capacity
- Depression
- Irritability
- Brain Fog
Studies have shown there are some disease states/conditions that are consistent with low levels of testosterone which include:
- Diabetes
- Cardio vascular disease
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Alcohol use
- High cholesterol
What are the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women? There are a variety of symptoms from hormone imbalance in women. Symptoms of hormone imbalance may include:
- Fatigue
- Night Sweats
- Hot Flashes
- Decreased Sex Drive
- Weight Gain
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cold Hands and Feet
If your menstrual cycle has stopped before menopause, or if you are experiencing this or any other symptom of menopause, you may have low estradiol. An increase in UTIs, depression or painful intercourse may also indicate low estradiol in women.
Call today for your appointment! 770-537-1236
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.
20 Minute Workout! Repeat this circuit twice for a 20 minutes, at-home workout!
Jog in place 3 minutes 50 Jumping Jacks 15 Crunches 10 Hip Bridges Step-Ups for 1 minute 15 Reverse Crunches Mountain Climbers for 1 minute 15 Push-Ups Squats for 1 minute
Cool Down & Stretch!
Healthy & Easy Recipe: Kid-Friendly White Bean & Avocado Wrap
This kid-friendly favorite makes a delicious meal or snack that you can have again and again, and your kids can even make it themselves!Ingredients
- 15 oz. canned, reduced-sodium white beans (navy, cannellini or Great Northern), drained, rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado (pit removed)
- 3 Tbsp. vinegar (red wine, white, apple cider)
- 1 1/2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1 carrot (shredded)
- 2 cups green or purple cabbage, washed, cored, shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered)
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro (coarsely chopped, divided)
- 4, 100% whole-wheat 8-inch, wraps or tortillas
Directions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, honey and pepper to create the dressing (marinade).
- Add the carrots, cabbage, cherry tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of the cilantro to the bowl. Toss gently to coat the vegetables with the dressing. Set aside and allow to marinate for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the white beans and avocado. Mash with the back of a fork and mix until thoroughly blended and spreadable.
- Place four wraps/tortillas on a flat surface. In the center of each wrap/tortilla, place 2 heaping tablespoons of the mixture. Using a knife or spatula, spread the mixture out until it is two inches away from the edges of the wrap (to allow for easier assembly).
- Stir the cabbage mixture again, and place 2 heaping tablespoons on top of the bean/avocado mixture.
- Add cilantro as a garnish on top, if desired.
- Begin folding the two sides inward. Hold with fingers and lift the bottom portion of the wrap up with our thumbs to create an “envelope.” Once the bottom of the wrap is touching the two sides, begin rolling the wrap until it’s completely closed. Place on a flat surface with the smooth side up.
Recipe copyright © 2016 American Heart Association. This recipe is brought to you by the American Heart Association’s Simple Cooking with Heart ® Program. For more simple, quick and affordable recipes, visit www.heart.org/simplecooking.