volume 2issue 4|NovemBeR 2009 |theVIPmag.com VOLUME 6ISSUE 12 |October 2013 |theVIPmag.com

of southeast texas

thehealthy living issue taking shape

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ModEl PICTurEd noTaCTualPaTIEnT.IndIVIdual rESulTS WIll Vary. vip magazine

contents

Editorial Editor 07 vip home DAVID CONSTANTINE 07 Home gyms inside october [email protected] Contributing Writers 11 vip style CATHLEEN COLE 11 Sporty chic fashion LArENA HEAD grACE mATHIS 16 Hotpink accessories jANE mCbrIDE 11 HOLLI pETErSEN 19 vip leisure CHEryL rOSE 19 The WWIII.5 mud run Editorial Assistant 23 MixedMartial Arts LAurEN mCgEE

Photography 26 vipersonality Contributing Photographers 26 Lindsay Oxford: SCOTT ESLINgEr Bikini pro LACIE grANT rENé SHEppArD 28 vip worthy LEE E. STINSON 28 Recovering from a Graphic Designer DAVID CONSTANTINE sports injury Advertising 32 vip viewing To advertise in VIP, 409.880.0700 32 Inside the newVictory 19 Medical Center Contact Us VIP of SoutheastTexas 380 main Street 36 food&drink beaumont, TX 77701 36 9superfoods you should be eating to sUbsCribE pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 Or SubSCrIbE 39 Recipe: Grilledsalmon ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm

40 vip spotlight to disPlAythE mAgAzinE AT yOur buSINESS LOCATION, 40 SE Texas events pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821

45 vip adviser sUbmissions TO SubmIT AN EVENT,OrgANIzATION Or pErSON 45 5great dates this month fOr CONSIDErATION IN AN upCOmINg ISSuE, 46 Calendar 36 SubmIT ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm Or TO 48 Crossword puzzle [email protected] Or by uSpS AT ADDrESS AbOVE. 49 vip voices 49 The “C”word 50 Howtoget your body Adivision of hearst newspapers back after ababy Publisher mArK ADKINS

jOIN uS ON fACEbOOK! www.facebook.com/thevipmag on the cover Don’t call Beaumont’sLindsay Oxford abody builder.She’saprofes- sional bikini girl. The self-described gym rat recently turned her love of fitness and alot of hard work into apro card with the International Federation of Body Building and Fitness. Now she hopes to share her passion for ahealthy lifestyle as aboot camp instructor and personal trainer for women across Southeast Texas Photography: Lacie Grant

4 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com

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text by CHERYL ROSE Whitneyworld of fitness Dailyfitness activities arepartofthe venwith all the best fit- lifestyle of Jason and Jessica Whitney, ness intentions, lifeoften whotake staying active and healthy gets in the way. Getting to seriously. Both have personal trainers in addition to their running and cycling Eand from agym on top of routines, usuallygetting in twoormore an alreadybusyschedule sessions of exercise every day. can mean exercise goals end up on the Loyaltogyms foryears, theybegan considering building their ownhome backburner.With the readyavailability gym when agarage remodel created the of sophisticated home fitness equipment opportunity foralarge second floor. and videos forevery exercise regimen, “When Ifirst thought about doing this, Ithought, ‘Oh, we’ll put some equip- creating adesignated space at home for ment in the garage,’but I’mglad that we working out can be apractical solution. did adedicated room,”Jason said. Here’show twoSoutheast Texas families Longtime friend Jody Nolan, the owner of World Gym in Beaumont, make working out work forthem: helped the Whitneys transform the >>

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 7 How Much Space Do YouNeed? The American Council on Exercise recommends these square footage guidelines for fitness equipment: Treadmill—30 sq. feet Elliptical trainer—30 sq. feet Free weights—20–50 sq. feet Stationarybike—10 sq. feet Rowing machine—20 sq. feet Stair climber—10–20 sq.feet Ski machines—25 sq. feet Single-station gym—35 sq. feet Multi-station gym—50–200 sq. feet space, consulting on the equipment to buyand which vendors to use. Theypadded the concrete floor and installed professional-style rubber floors. Theypurchased commercial- grade equipment including a bench press, leg press, Smith machine, treadmill, ellipti- cal and dumbbells from 15 to 180 pounds. Then theyadded asurround-sound stereo and large-screen TV. “If youcome by the Whitney home around noon, youcould find me, my wife, our 18- and 22-year-old kids and their boyfriend and girlfriend, along with several friends, all work- The fully-stocked Whitney family gym. photographybylee e. StiNSON

Setting Up to Work Out

Setgoals Designate space Startsmall Measurefor activity What do you want to achieve with Ahome gym can be asmall corner or a Depending on your activity level and Cardio and weight training machines ahome gym? Are you wanting an dedicated room. “You can do amillion goals, Hansen recommends starting can be big and may need more occasional option or adaily workout? fitness options in asmall space with with less expensive equipment until you space then you think. “I almost put Do you want to emphasize cardio, just ayoga mat and access to You- are sure of your dedication and consis- in machines that were too big,” strength-training, flexibility or all of the Tube,”Hansen said. However,ifyou do tency.Resistance bands, hand weights, Jason Whitney said. “Fortunately, above? Do you have aphysical goal outfit agym space, be sure to consider mats and jump ropes represent asmall the equipment vendor came out to such as weight loss? Answering these the necessaryactivity space for each commitment in space and money. measure and advised me to have questions is important before canceling piece of equipment, not just the physi- “Start small and you can always grow it more space between the machines. your gym membership or investing in cal footprint. Also, Jason Whitney noted into abig room,”she said. My plan would have made the room expensive equipment. Tanya Hansen, a the importance of picking aplace that smaller and the machines bigger.” personal trainer and instructor at can take the punishment and the noise. Christus Health &Wellness Center in “My wife isn’t doing Pilates, she’sdo- Beaumont, suggests considering the ing Crossfit, so we needed afloor that longevity of your goals. “Are you doing could take the pounding if you drop a this for one goal you want to achieve in weight,”hesaid. Other considerations two months or are you doing this to be can include access to electrical outlets, better for the rest of your life?” ventilation and natural light.

8 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com ing out in this room together,” Jason said. Jessica believesitwas worth every pennybecause their fit- ness routines arenow family- friendly. “You want to instill so manythings in your children, such as morals and integrity,and that should include staying in shape and staying healthy,”she said, referring to her four chil- dren. “What Ireallyenjoyabout this room is that all of our kids can be therewhile we work out and it becomes apartoftheir UP routines, too.” TO A Hansen homestudio AND ACHANCE FOR US TanyaHansen is apersonal Tanya Hansen’smore modest gym trainer and group instructor at equipment. TO PAYOFF YOUR LOAN*. the Christus Health &Wellness Center in Beaumont. She loves mats, kettle balls, dumbbells gyms, but she likes having her and atelevision. Most of her ownspace at home, too.Asa equipment is low-tech, but that wifeand mother,Hansen knows doesn’t mean it isn’t effective. Want that new truck, car,pool, deck, or that running off to the gym “I’msuch an advocate of beforeorafter work can eat into bodyweight functional work- big screen TV? It's easy with amoney- familytime. outs,”Hansen said. “People can saving loan from FivePoint! For alimited “I love the idea of a15- to make differences in their body 30-minute workout that youcan with no equipment. Youcan just time we're offering loan rate discounts of do in abedroom or living room add equipment fordiversity and up to 2%* on avariety of loans. Come get that still givesyou results for to keep it new.” those days youcan’t make it to ForHansen, the critical piece yours today! the gym,”she said. “Then you’re is not the size of the space or the not neglecting your personal fit- sophistication of the equipment, ness. Youdon’t have to take the it’s consistency.“Afew pieces of Your Loan Could Be Paid Off time to drive anywhereand can equipment can give youfabulous be at home with your kids.” results, but it’s your consistency Up To $50,000* Her dedicated workout studio with the program that is your is in their garage, which means determining factor,” she said. Wanna be debt free? Simply fund aloan at no air-conditioning, making it a “It’s all about internal motiva- seasonal retreat. Inside, she has tion. When youget in ahabit FivePoint from now through November 29th and atreadmill, bench, TRX straps, of fitness, youmiss it when you you'll be entered to have your FivePoint loan paid ahanging bar,jump ropes, don’t do it.” VIP off up to $50,000. We'll draw alucky member's name each month during September,October and November to win the $50,000 loan payoff. The quicker you fund your loan the sooner your name is Quality matters Consider professionaladvice entered in the $50,000 drawings. Good luck! When you are ready to invest, find If you’re taking your workout home, equipment that is comfortable for consider hiring acertified personal Call or stop by aFivePoint store today.Orapply you. “In my opinion, the benefit of trainer to develop asafe and ef- belonging to agym is you aren’t us- fective plan. Afew sessions with a online at 5pointLoanPayoff.org and start building ing rubber-band stuff, so you don’t trainer will ensure you are using safe your fortune with money-saving loans only at want to buy the cheapest machines techniques to avoid injuries that can you can for your home,”Jason Whit- be caused by even basic equipment ney said. “I’m glad Ispent alittle and that the exercise performed *Automatic 1% rate discount. Must more than Ithought on machines gets you the maximum benefit. qualify for additional 1%. Normal credit granting criteria apply.Maximum loan because they’ve held up and Ifeel payoff is $50,000. Excludes mortgages, safe on them and my family is safe credit cards, lines of credit and on them.” Hansen agrees, having business loans. gone through multiple machines that Federally Insured By NCUA were bouncy,noisy or otherwise off- Equal Housing Lender putting. “You’re not going to use it if www.5pointLoanPayoff.org it’snot enjoyable,”she said.

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 9

vip style styling and text by Larena Head and Grace MatHis fitness wear photographybyLacie Grant hair by HaLey Hardin, On staGe makeup by Beauty witH Grace shot on location at wP HeBert HeaLtH and weLLness center sporty modeledbycarrie cHessOn chic itness wear is meant for sweaty workouts in the gym, Fbut can inspire sporty chic looks for any occasion. Take hints from your exercise regimen and bring unexpected fitness elements to your everyday wardrobe. The ball is in your fashion court.

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theVIPmag.com |October 2013 11 Make your pants the MVP of your look with asporty cut and punchy pattern. Keep other elements simple and classic. From Daisy Parc Bou- tique: Fitted sleeve- less top, $19; Gold lion necklace, $13; Geometric print pants, $63; Black strappy wedges, $49. From Stellar Treasure: Oversized sunglasses, $12.

12 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com Vintage inspiration with atouch of modern mesh and metallic create afun, wearable look perfect for the fitness trend of 2013. From Splash of Karma: Black and gold lace-up flats, $36; Polkadot bangle, $17 each. From Daisy Parc Boutique: Black and white romper,$59

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 13 Acheeky bodysuit can be worn in many unexpected ways. Tryitinthe office with slacks and ablazer. From Daisy Parc Boutique: Floral bodysuit, $49; Black leggings, $15; Embossed stretch belt, $15; Studded ankle boots, $49; Neon earrings, $13

14 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com The muscle shirt and sweatpants are elevated to glam new heights. Aneutral color palette is the key to class. From Daisy Parc Boutique: Metallic muscle shirt, $41; Charcoal sweat pants, $63; Silver heels, $39; Quilted handbag, $59. From Splash of Karma: Dangle earrings, $12. Model’sown ring

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 15 vip style 5 pink fashion

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compiledbyLarena Head photographybyscott esLinger how your style and support for Breast Cancer Awareness with our pink picks from local boutiques. This month, stay chic by mixing your favorite pink accessories into your daily ensembles. From lush leather Shandbags to statement-making adornments, you’ll want to don these pink pieces long after October. pi1 7 nk

2

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12 13

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From Splash of Karma: 1. Embroidered Cosmetic Case, $33; 2. Hoop Earrings, Vanessa Mooney,$48; 3. Beaded Stretch Bracelet, Vanessa Mooney,$56; 4. Fiber Necklace, $20. From Posh &Co.: 5. Leather Cross Body Bag, Jesslyn Blake, $300; 6. “Broome” Tote Bag, Deux Lux, $180; 7. Polka dot scarf (3), Pine Cone Hill, $58 each. From Monica’sMark: 8. Beaded Choker,$28; 9. Tassel Earrings, $18; 10. Crystal Drop Earrings, $8. From YaYa Club: 11. Thin Faux Leather Belt, $10; 12. Snake Miniadure, $64; 13. Ikat Classics, TOMS, $60; 14. Round Dangle Earrings, $25

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 17

vip leisure

mud run GOOD DIRTY FUN

The mud minions are getting ready for WWIII.5 in Winnie

text by CATHLEEN COLE t’s 8 a.m. on a Saturday morn- ing at a ranch in Winnie and the obstacle course beckons the anxious participants who are ready to get down and dirty. For 3.5 miles (or 7 miles if they think they’re tough enough), people of various shapes, sizes Iand ages run, walk, crawl, climb and slither over, under and through muddy obstacles. Why? “People want to be muddy. If you don’t end up muddy, you’re a pansy,” says Michael Langley, co-owner with his wife, Jenny, of Jenesis Events that produces the mud run. The Disneyland of all mud runs WWIII.5: Winnie Wars V – Retribution mud run is scheduled for Nov. 2 in Winnie at XL Ranch, owned by Robert and Betsy Smith. Langley’s first vee nt was in Orange in the spring of 2011, but he moved it in November 2011 to the 1,700-acre ranch that he leases twice a year for his mud run. Langley knew he had a good thing when the first vee nt in Orange drew 1,436 partici- pants. “It was a total shock to us,” Langley said. “They got us to realize we need to continue this.” He expects about 3,000 participants at the November event. If 4,000 or more people register, they’ll make it a two-day event. Other mud runs have the same presen- tation every time, Langley contends. He wanted to make his event different vee ry >>

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 19 time, so he changes up the obstacles. His biggest compliment waswhen a fanonce called his event “the Disney- land of all mud runs.” It takes alot of work to live up to that title. “Myplans areoverayear out,”Langleysaid, adding that he builds the course throughout the year. “Every weekend, I’mout there.” Contestants can choose the 3.5-mile Adventureobstacle course or the 7-mile Kamikaze course, which is the Adven- turecourse plus a3.5-mile detour with additional obstacles. The obstacles change foreach race with the exception of some fanfavorites. Obstacles in the past have included passenger planes, cars, school buses, tunnels, rock walls, ship fenders, swinging punching bags, bungee webs, a30-foot foam-filled pit and, of course, mud holes. Fanfavorites arethe cars in the ground that mud runners go into and come out through the hoods. Theyalso like climbing onto the 45-foot-long shrimp boat salvaged after Hurricane Ike. No mud minionleftbehind Langleyhas about 50 people on the course monitoring the runners, and he stays in radio contact with them. Medi- cal personnel and an ambulance areon the grounds, but so farinjuries have been minor. The race, which costs $60 to enter and includes aT-shirtand food and drink vouchers, goes in wavesof150 to 200 people about every 60 minutes. The minimum age of mud runners is 15, but thereare no age or gender divisions. Participants whocomplete all the obstacles and finish the course get “challenge coins” that arespecially minted foreach race. Theymight also win some prizes. Everyone whoenters finishes the course. “Every single person fin- ishes,”Langleysaid, adding that other competitors often help those lagging behind. “I’ve neverhad asingle person not finish.” Langleywants participants to have agood time and not feel rushed. “You can run, walk or crawl,” he said. “We don’t care.” The race starts and finishes in the festivalareawherespectators and race participants can patronize the food concessions and listen to live music. In the past, therehavebeen helicopter, balloon and hayrides. Langleyisstill finalizing entertainment plans forthis year’s event. After the race, mud runners can choose to be washed down with afire hose or take awell-water shower. “Be prepared to be cold,”Langleywarned. Mudbadge of honor Running an obstacle course is atest of strength and endurance, but what’s up with the mud? “The mud is the allure,”Langley,

20 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com photographycourtesy of beaumont enterprise and jenesis events Get muddy WWIII.5: Winnie Wars V–Retribution XL Ranch, 37702 I-10 E., Winnie; Saturday, Nov.2at 8a.m. Registration closing date: Monday,Oct. 21 at 7:59 a.m. Entryfee: $60 (includes T-shirt, food and drink vouchers) survive35.com

aka Mega Minion, said. “It’s the badge of honor.” He believesthat the brown goo puts everyone on alevel playing field. “It’s the equalizer,” he explained. “Atthe end of the day, they’re all mud minions.” It’s also an entertaining waytoget exercise. Langleydecided to produce mud runs because he and his wife, both ex-military personnel, had participated in afew and thought they were fun. And it’s not just aguy thing. About 76 percent of the people participating in Langley’smud runs arewomen. “The girls love that mud!”hesaid, not- ing that some dress up as princesses or cheerleaders just to get filthy. “They come out unrecognizable.” TheMud Minions “Wehaveseveral high-ranking repeat offenders,”Langleysaid of his mud minions. One is Lisa Beall, aka Mud Turtle, of Beaumont whohas participated in all of Langley’smud runs. “It wasapersonal challenge forme,”she said. “I’mdeter- mined. I’mgoing to finish eventually.” The camaraderie has impressed Beall whoisafraid of heights. People have stopped to hold her hand to cross abridge. Total strangers help each other over obstacles. Sometimes, though, the obstacles can get reallytough. On one run, she wastrying desperatelytoclimb up the shrimp boat. An unkind specta- tor (apparentlyhedidn’t get the “be nice” memo) yelled at her,“Give it up, big momma! Youwill nevermake it up that boat!”But she did. “I showed him!”she recalled. And Beall lovesthe mud. “You get to get dirty,” she said. “You get to be akid again. Nobody’sworried about what theylook like.” Clifton English from Vidor likes to dress in costumes forthe mud runs. He’sbeen ablue man and alumberjack in the past. “It adds to the whole fun,” he noted. He also volunteers to help with last-minute preparations before the race. StevenSebok from Angleton is an avid mud runner whotravels all over Texas to participate in different events. He’safaithful Winnie Wars mud minion. “I’ve run every one of his events,”hesaid of Langley’smud runs. “His is the most original mud run out there.” VIP

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 21

vip leisure

mma fighting fight club Mike Berryhill’sAmerican TopTeam Beaumont is kicking it up anotch

text by cATHLeen cOLe

wo young fighters, both lean T and hungry for a win, stand in the middle of the mixed martial arts “cage” ready for battle. The referee explains the rules, they bump fists and the combat begins. The opponents start throwing rapid punches, but the fighter in the green trunks gets the upper hand — striking quickly. The other fighter tries his best to fend off the blows that just keep coming until he’s knocked flat on his back. His attacker rushes in and straddles his torso, fists pumping like pistons until the referee declares the fight veo r. Beaumont’s Cody “Wolverine” Williams leaps off his downed opponent

and jumps to the top of the photograph rail — king of the cage, the new International Extreme Fight Association Pro 135-pound Champion. yby GrAnT LAcie A full-contact combat sport Mixed martial arts — MMA for short — is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling tech- niques from a variety >> Mike Berryhill

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 23 of other martial arts. MMA started in the United States with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship event held in 1993. From there, the sport exploded in popularity. “Everybodycould see what you could do when youput different styles together,” said Mike Ber- ryhill, chief instructor and owner of Texas Karate Academyand head coach of his MMA American Top Team -Beaumont. As aspectator sport, MMA is in the same league with professional boxing and professional wrestling. “It’s fast-paced,”Berryhill ex- plained. “It’s got the kick boxing, the grappling, the take-downs. It’s reality fighting. That’s what makes it exciting.” AmericanTop Team -Beaumont Berryhill, afourth-degree black belt in karate whowas amember of the 2001 U.S. National Karate Team, started American TopTeam -Beaumont in 2006 as an academy affiliated with the main American TopTeam based in Coconut Creek, Fla. The Beaumont team has four professional fighters and eight amateur fighters. The pros include Williams, Ryan Spann, Will Spidle and Martin Walker. The MMA trainer takes his fighters to one otor tw ournaments amonth in Texas and Louisiana. While preparing them to fight, he also teaches them to staycalm and channel their nervous energy be- fore competitions. He doesn’t want his mixed martial artists expending all their energy on the jitters and have nothing left forthe battle. “Good breathing techniques seem to help out alot,”henoted. What makes guys want to get in the ring with the possibility of getting pulverized? “I think it’s the competitiveness in aperson,”Ber- ryhill explained. “It’s the ability to test the skills that youlearned. You want to go at 110 percent at times. It’s an adrenaline rush.” Berryhill dismisses critics who sayMMA is too violent. “When youunderstand the sportasa whole, it’s no moreviolent than football,”hebelieves. “It’s acon- trolled atmosphere. Thereare rules to protect the fighters. It’s not any different than ahockeymatch or a football game.” TheWolverine Williams, the first Beaumont- based fighter to goo, pr earned the From left, Cody “Wolverine” Williams, Will Spidle and Martin Walker.

24 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com title International Extreme Fight Associa- tion Pro135-pound Champion in 2012 and 2013. “He’s100 percent at what he does,” Berryhill confirmed. “He has an aggres- sive style of fighting. He’sdedicated to training and learning everything he can about MMA and he’shungry.” Williams started training with Berry- hill in 2009 with no previous experi- ence in martial arts and onlyone year of wrestling training at West Brook High School his senior year.“Ipicked it up as ahobby,”hesaid, adding that he has a competitive streak that came from playing off balance with an overhand right. “After baseball in high school. “I found MMA. that, it wasfinish mode,”hesaid. The What better waytotest yourself —your other fighter dropped to the mat and Wil- strength and mental edge?” liams followedthrough until the referee Berryhill dubbed the fighter “Wol- stopped the match. verine” beforehis first amateur fight. “I But Williams has his shareofbattle waswilling to get in therewith anybody,” scars. He broke his arm punching the mat Williams recalled. His first oMpr MA when an opponent rolled out of striking fight wasinApril 2011 when he was26. distance. He’sbroken several toes and he’s “I woninavery exciting fashion,”he had afew lacerations stitched up.Still, he remembered of the fight at Nutty Jerry’s. loveshis career as aprofessional MMA “I fought areallygreat opponent. It wasa fighter and instructor.“Being amixed third-round submission. The whole build- martial artist is whoIam,”heempha- ing waselectric.” reacts. But thereare breaks in the action sized. “I’maprofessional fighter and When Williams is fighting, he’susually wherehehas time to calculate his next people see me as that.” planning his strike strategy.But his body move. As forthe appeal of mixed martial arts often goes on autopilot –knowing instinc- Sometimes he doesn’t need too much fighting events, he explains it this way: tively what move to make. “Normally, time. In afight last year,Williams’ op- “People love combat sports, action, enter- it’s alittle bit of both,”heconfirmed. ponent immediatelymade amistake that tainment and sportsmanship.You can get Once the fight ramps,hea up utomatically left him wide open. Williams knocked him all that at an MMA event.” VIP

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 25 vipersonality

lindsay oxford bikini body

text by CATHLEEN COLE photographybyLACiE GrANT

indsayOxford politelycorrects people whocall her abodybuilder.She’s afitness competitor whocompetes in the Lbikini division. “I’m as muscular and lean as Iwant to be,”she explained. “The bikini girls look healthyand still have curves.” Oxfordwas somewhat of agym rat when her adventuretook off.“Iwas always at the gym,”she said. “I wasalways into working out.”That’s whysome fellowfitness enthusi- asts at the gym suggested that she compete. She wasalreadyworking out with Kerry Bennett, apersonal trainer and former pro- fessional football player, at Exygon Health &Fitness Club in Beaumont. The former Washington Redskins running back went with her to her first competition in Austin in July 2011.“She wasdefinitelyborn with agood body, but youcan build on that,” Bennett noted. She wanted to compete and Bennett thought, “Whynot?” She alreadyhad the correct physique, in his opinion. “I kind of encour- aged her,” he said. Although it washis first time training someone fora fitness competition, sanohe’ ld pro at training young athletes forcollege and professional football careers. “Bodybuild- ing –that wasnever my thing,”hesaid. “I learned alot at the competition. It was definitelynew to me.” When Oxfordfirst arrivedatthe competi- tion and looked around she thought, “I just want to go home. What in the world have I gotten myself into?” Even though she and Bennett were both newbies at the fitness-competition game,

26 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com Lindsay Oxford is strong and fit and not afraid to show it

Oxfordwon first place the first time outin do the pageant-poofy look.” the fitness-model category.“Iwasn’t sur- Bikini bombshells on stage prised,”Bennett said. “She had the look.” The posing had them both worried Oxfordisamember of the International though. Oxfordhadn’t prepared Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness. forthat aspect of the com- She competes around the country and just petition. She got on stage earned her professional cardthis year.She and just did it. “She just is affiliated with Team Bombshell based in picked it up naturally,” Daytona Beach, Fla., which supports her Bennett said. Oxfordex- with on-line coaching and helps her at the plained it this way: “On shows. stage, that competitive In the bikini division, the judges want natureofmine took off. to see afeminine look with alittle edge of I’msocompetitive.” muscle. “Theyare looking foranoverall proportionate, fit bodythat has curves Born this way but muscle definition,”Oxfordexplained. “Since Iwas alittle girl, I’ve always “Theywant youtokeep your booty.” been in sports. I’ve always worked out,” The bikini division is the biggest divi- Oxfordconfirmed. “I’dnever been on a sion, according to Oxford. “It’s afeminine, diet in my life.” glamorous division,”she said. It’s broken Once, when she arrivedather hotel up into height and age groups. Oxfordis foracompetition, some other competi- 5-feet-2-inches tall and 35 years old. She tors asked, “Where’syour food?” They’d competes in the 30-plus age group. brought bountiful bags of special edibles. When she’sonstage, she doesn’t have Oxfordsaid she had eaten at arestaurant and the diet gets stricter,” she said of the time to worry.“It’s going so fast that you’re and had brought some nuts and afew pre-competition routine. not even thinking,”she said. “It has to packages of tuna. The other ladies couldn’t She admits that her restricted food come naturally. Youare on autopilot. You believe Oxfordcould maintain her phy- choices affect her familythat includes literallyhaveabout 8seconds to do all of sique on such adiet. “I’ve got good genes!” her husband, HubertOxfordIV, and her your posing.” she remarked. children, Lila and Quintin. Dinners can be Headingfor Olympia In between competitions, Oxfordworks difficult when she has to be on astrict diet, out twohours aday,six days aweek, and but she’sdetermined not to deprive them Oxfordteaches “boot camps” to help she’snot ayo-yo dieter.She still stays on of foods theylike that she chooses not women get into shape and is apersonal the same basic diet. “I like structureinmy to eat. “I’mnot going to take away from trainer at iRule Dance in Beaumont. She life,”she noted, which helps her stayon them,”she emphasized. has big plans forher fitness career. course. “Mymain goal is to compete at That doesn’t mean she passes on good- Itsy bitsygreen bikini Olympia,”Oxfordsaid, describing the ies all the time. “I have amajor sweet When Oxfordfirst started competing, competition as the Olympics of the fitness tooth,”she admitted, adding that she likes she wore asimple bikini that cost about competitors’ world forprofessionals where pizza and ice cream after acompetition $70.Now she gets her suits custom-made the best of the best compete. She also and sometimes craveschocolate. “But from acompanyinFlorida forabout $300 wants to open her ownfitness boutique in you’ve got to practice what youpreach. It’s each. Thereare moreexpensive ones, she the near futurefor personal training, boot what Ilove. It’s not ajob to me.” explained. It just depends on howmuch camp classes and working with women Her competition diet that she goes on bling youwant. whowant to compete in the bikini division beforeashowincludes up to twogallons Color and fit eiar mportant aspects of of fitness competitions. of water and about 1200 calories aday. the bikini. “Suit selection plays abig part,” Becoming afitness competitor has made She eats healthyfoods every twohours to she noted. “Green has been my lucky- Oxford’slifebetter,she contends. “It’s giv- keep her bodyfueled forher three-hour charm color.” ing me morechallenges,”she observed. “I workouts that she does twice aday.(She She keeps the jewelry modest and does look better.Ifeel better.I’m healthy. Why cuts back on the water as the competition her ownhair and makeup.“Idomyhair can’t youmaximize your potential?Who nears.) “The workouts become grueling natural, not teased up,” she said. “I don’t says youcan’t have it all?” VIP

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 27 DOWN OUTDOESN’TMEAN Sports medicine specialists tackle scaryinjuries in Southeast Texas text by CHERYL ROSE

hen a young athlete Wof the cali- ber to be chosen pre-season Mr. Football in the state of Texas gets injured, not onlyhis familybut le- gions of fans, coaches and recruit- ers hold their collective breath. Tony Brown, asenior at Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beau- mont, is atrack star with Olympic aspirations and the nation’s No. 14 overall prospect in football. A cornerback with morethan 30 scholarship offers from football powerhouses such as Alabama, Baylor,Texas, LSUand UCLA,he TammyWalker-Brown, Tony’s called him and said, ‘Giveme Bringingplayers back has serious potential as acareer mother,who currentlyworks at the name of agood person.’He Sports medicine often in- athlete. However, football is an Ozen as the girls head basketball reminded me not to get caught volves torn tendons and dislocat- impact sport. Brown’sbudding coach, an assistant track coach up in that idea that Houston is ed joints, particularlyinvolving career could have been jeopardized and aspeech therapist. always bigger and better,” she the knee, shoulder and elbow. by ashoulder injury he receivedas As aformer collegiate bas- said. “I took him at his word.I With the advantage of signifi- asophomore. ketball playerherself,Walker- had worked herewith Dr.Gene cant advances in technology and “Myfirst thought wastogoto Brown’sfirst call wastoafriend Isabell beforewhen some of my materials over the last decade, Houston to find the best doc- from her alma mater,Texas Tech, female athletes had injuries and orthopedic surgeons can often tor that Icould in that Tony’s a whoisaphysical therapist and Iknowheisvery meticulous in help athletes recoverfromsevere high-profile athlete,”remembered teaches at Baylor University.“I what he does.” sports-related injuries.

28 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com vip worthy

sports injuries

“With newadvancements in Tough breaks arenolonger Drew Brees recoveredfromatorn ten involving the knees. Girls fre- techniques and implant design, we automaticallycareer-ending, labrum ligament to star forthe quentlycome in because of abad arenow able to perform rotator as manyathletes can overcome New Orleans Saints and later win landing from ajump when playing cuff repairs and multi-ligament injuries and even improve. Isabell aSuper Bowl. volleyball, soccer or basketball. knee reconstructions using an cited twoprofessional football The majority of Isabell’spa- Statistically, female athletes have all-arthroscopic approach, forex- players as examples: Minnesota tients arestudent athletes, though four times the incidence of ACL ample,”said Isabell, an orthopedic Viking Adrian Peterson came back he gets some morematureweek- injuries, he explained. surgeon with Beaumont Bone & from atorn ACL(anterior cruciate end warriors and shares the hospi- Isabell and his colleagues stay Joint Institute. “In the past, ortho- ligament) to achieve the second- tal on-call duty with his partners. busier during the school year when pedic surgeons had to use more highest rushing yardage total in Manyofthe young boys come in the sports leagues areinsession. invasive,open procedures.” NFL history and quarterback with football-related injuries, of- The practice also serves as the >>

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 29 team physicians forall Lamar Univer- sity sports teams. Sports Risks &Kids Some sports injuries mayrequire aspecialty surgeon, Isabell explained. recently released survey of emergency room visits conducted by Safe Kids Acomplicated knee fracturemight Worldwide, anonprofit advocacy group, showed that more than amillion times be seen by atrauma specialist or a Ain 2011-2012, or about every25seconds, ayoung athlete visited ahospital complexhand injury might be seen by emergency room for asports-related injury. ahand specialist. The study found that more than 1.35 million American children ages 6to19visited Forpeople in Southeast Texas, an ER for asports-related injury, anumber that does not include urgent care or orthopedic Isabell believesit’simportant to know clinic visits, which would likely push the total much higher.The most common injuries that the levelofexpertise in our com- reported were sprains and strains, fractures, contusions, abrasions and concussions. munity is exceptional. “The implants, Football led the list with the highest number of pediatric injuries and highest concussion grafts and techniques we practice in rate. Ice hockey,wrestling and cheerleading also had high concussion rates. Beaumont arethe exact same as they use in Houston or anyother major city,” he said. “Nobody’scompromis- would have been running from place that thereare orthopedic specialists in ing anything by staying here. It just to place and making the trip multiple Houston whoare better trained or per- savesyou the 150-mile roundtrip.” times. Here, Tony receivedall of his form different procedures than what is Though Isabell has worked on elite treatment in one location. available Southeast Texas. athletes, a12-year-old soccer player “Dr.Isabell wasanathlete himself “Thereare good docs in Houston with an ACLinjury is just as impor- so he understood alot of the fears –Iwent to medical school thereand tant to him. “Morethan anything else, Tony had and wasable to calm him,” held afellowship with the head physi- the most gratifying thing is watching Walker-Brownsaid. “He wassoac- cian of the Texans and Astros there,” your patients get better and function cessible and as amother,not just as Isabell said. “But Iwas born and at ahigh level,”hesaid. acoach, that wasvery reassuring. raised here. The reason my colleagues Localpride He waslike asmall-town doctor who and Iare in Beaumont isn’t because we makes house calls and checks on you The Brownfamilymade the deci- didn’t have opportunities elsewhere. just to see if you’re OK.” sion to staylocal forTony’smedical It’s because we wanted to raise our Isabell disputes the perception careand rehab,achoice theydon’t children here. I’mproud of growing regret. Walker-Brownbelievesthat up here. Ihavealot of pride in taking had theytraveled to Houston, they careofthe people from this area.”

Tony Brown, asenior at Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, is atrack star with Olym- pic aspirations and the nation’sNo. 14 overall prospect in football.

30 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com From Athlete to Surgeon

he son of afootball coach, Dr. to Fort Worth for afive-year residency.After Gene Isabell began playing sports completion, he went back to Houston for early.Asasmall boy,heplayed his orthopedic sports medicine fellowship Tbaseball when his family was at Baylor College of Medicine. He studied living in Woodville. When he transferred under respected orthopedic surgeons David to the Hardin-Jefferson school district, he Lintner and Walter Lowe, who in addition switched to basketball. He claims he was to their roles at Houston hospitals and the worst Little Dribbler in the county in universities, also work with professional seventh grade, but by 1991, he was named Houston sports teams including the Astros, 3A Player of the Year and helped his school Texans and Rockets. win the state championship. He accepted a “It was aonce-in-a-lifetime opportunity full basketball scholarship to Sam Houston to learn their techniques and bring those State University. back to the people here in Southeast However,hewas playing high school Texas,”Isabell said. “It was interesting to football when he determined his future meet alot of people Ithought of as heroes career path. “I tackled aguy from Anahuac growing up.” and tore atendon in my hand,”Isabell said, His fellowship began the year after the describing the flexor tendon injurythat Astros went to the World Series. He met prevented him from closing his hand. He several stars of the era, including Roger was treated by Dr.Marshall Hayes, who is Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Craig Biggio. today one of his partners at Beaumont Bone Though he’d played sports at the collegiate &Joint Institute. level, the hoopla at the professional level still “I missed the remainder of the football surprised him. “At the NFL, there was such a season, but after recovering, Ithought, ‘This giant difference of scale and everything was is what Iwant to do for living,’” he said. red carpet and over the top,”hesaid. “With Experiencing asports injuryand witness- the Texans, it was amazing how gigantic ing teammates’ issues, Isabell decided these guys are (Isabell is 6’7” himself) and to specialize in sports medicine. After the level of athleticism is just astonishing.” graduating from Sam Houston, he went Today,instead of big stadiums, he’soften to the University of Texas Medical School, on the sidelines of Southeast Texas’ school photographybyrenÉ SheppArd where he met and married his wife, Dawn. teams, including those of his four children, The day after their honeymoon, he reported ready to assist if an injuryoccurs. VIP

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theVIPmag.com |October 2013 31 V Victis forory

New boutique hospital features 1-on-1 care

text by JaNe McBride

ophisticated wall col- ors, wood-and-slate- hued flooring, vibrant original artwork, skillfully-arranged Sfresh bouquets and furniturewith clean lines —almost everything about the rooms hints at acontemporary boutique hotel. Even the bed offers hotel-quality linens and asoft-hued blanket. The onlything that givesthe true function of the room away is the medi- cal equipment hanging on the wall and a large tiled showerthat can accommodate a wheelchair. The rooms at Beaumont’s Victory Medical Center arerepresentative of one of the latest trends in medical care—the boutique or concierge hospital. Victory Beaumont CEO BeckyAmes describes the surgical center as “a first class environment with revolutionary Victory HealthcareCEO and Chairman beds or less; the one in Beaumont has 17 technology and aone nurse forone patient RobertHelms about opening acenter in private rooms and suites. ratio.” Beaumont. Victory Healthcareisbased in Physician-owned Victory’sbeginning The Woodlands. Beaumont neurosurgeon Dr.Irwin In the past year,the companyhas The small for-profit centers typically Lo had performed surgeries in aVic- growntonine hospitals, including two arepartiallyphysician-owned. Beau- tory Medical Center in Houston. He was in San Antonio,two in Houston, one in mont’s center has 25 partners, including impressed with the smaller environment Plano,one in McKinney, one in Hurst, the owner physicians whopractice there. and nurse-patient ratio that all Victory Beaumont medical center and one under Other physicians whoare not partners hospitals offer,Ames said. He spoke to construction in Ft.Worth. All have 25 also areonstaff and perform surgeries

32 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com vip viewing

victory hospital

large screen during surgery.Wehave photographybylee e. stinson and proAxis beds forneurosurgery,which can courtesy of victory medical center tilt, flexand bend, adding morefunction- ality.” One-on-one care Feedback from the nurses indicate theylovebeing in aone-to-one relation- ship with the patient. The same nurse meets the patient in pre-op,accompanies them to surgery,then takes careofthem in post-op recovery.Unlike most hospi- tals, thereare onlytwo shifts -day and night. If apatient requires overnight stay, the daynurse will bring the night nurse in, introduce the nurse to the patient and give an overviewofhis or her care. The concierge approach means astaff member is with the patient from the moment theywalk in the front door until and outpatient procedures. suites. The physicians and supportstaff theyare discharged, providing exemplary The physician partners areinvested in saythat it givesthem room to navigate. personal attention and comfort. its success, Ames said, “not onlyfor qual- It also accommodates the state-of-the art “One of the nurses told me it’s the best ity medical careand patient satisfaction, equipment. We have extremelyhigh-res- thing that has ever happened to her as a but from every aspect, including an appre- olution image-guided surgical equipment surgical nurse because she gets to see the ciation forthe caliber of employees. “ that provides forsafer,morethorough outcome,”Ames said. Physicians love performing surgery and procedures. The images can be viewedon other patient careatthe center,Ames said, 65-inch monitors in all of the OR suites. Procedures andservices in partbecause theyhelped design it. The ENTsand neurosurgeons can display The majority of the procedures are “Wehavefive oversized operating MRI images from aCDdirectlyonto a done as an outpatient, Ames said, though >>

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 33 overnight stays arepossible. The suites have alarge, comfortable couch foraspouse, familymember or friend to sleep on and ameal will be provided forthem. The longest apatient has stayedwas three days, which is atypical. The center has its ownchef, Traci Gates, whose menus include salmon, steaks, sun-dried tomato and parmesan-stuffed chicken breasts, braised shortribs and omelets. The center serves breakfast and lunch dailyinthe cafe, with 24-7dining for in-patients and physicians. The center specializes in neu- rological, orthopedic, bariatric, gynecological, podiatry,ear nose and throat, vascular and general surgery, as well as complexspine procedures and pain management, Ames said. Victory Medical Center also offers a24-hour,7-days-a-week emergency room staffed by Golden Triangle Emergency Physicians Group.The ER handles low-to-mid-levelemer- gencies; if apatient needs ahigher levelofcare, theycan be transferred to anearbyhospital. Victory opened May14, 2013 and by August had performed its 500th surgery. VIP

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theVIPmag.com |October 2013 35 food dining

healthy eating

1 Chia Remember the flax revolution ayear or so ago? The seed of the moment is Chia. Why? It’seven richer in omega-3, and we know how much the third Omeans these days to heart and brain health, as well as reducing inflammation, which is seen as the culprit in many adverse health effects. Touted by many as an effective aid in weight loss because of its feel-full, high-fiber count and fatty acids. It can be sprouted, just like our number 9 2choice, to increase its nutritional value. superfoods

text by Jane MCBride hile the latest designer handbag, shoes or hairstyle can up your fashion quotient, might we suggest spending alittle time Wdiscovering the up-to-the-moment trends in health-promoting foods? Debra Hammonds, supplement buyer at Basic Foods in Beaumont, spends alot of time researching the best ways to eat healthy. 2 Quinoa 3 Cacao “There are so many superfoods, it’shard to choose one,” One cooked cup delivers 8grams of Why? This straight-from-the-tree she admits. Her top choice, which she eats everyday,either protein and important minerals like raw form of the cocoa bean is sprinkled in cereal, on toast or English muffins, is first on our copper,iron, phosphorous and mag- loaded with antioxidants, which list. She touts its nutritional benefits of protein, fiber and omega nesium, all of which promote good help knock down those nasty free fatty acids. bones. And don’t forget manganese, radicals believed to damage cells, Patti Howie, Associate Manager and buyer for the raw and which reportedly can help with PMS. leading to cancer,heart and other living department at Basic Foods, stresses the importance of Not that you necessarily wanted to diseases. Make sure you have the fatty acids in good health. know that. It’salso gluten-free which true, raw form not from genetically “Everycell in the body is made of fatty acids as afat-soluble helps those who can’t consume the modified trees. The kicker? It has membrane. They are constantly multiplying and dividing. You troublesome substance in grains. potent feel-good properties, caus- need the good fats to keep the cells permeable to allow nutri- ing the brain to produce ananda- tion in and toxins out.” mine, aneurotransmitting “bliss” Debra believes turmeric is the most versatile herb available molecule verysimilar to the one because of its strong anti-inflammatoryproperties and contribu- produce by cannabis —and the tion to good brain health. She takes it almost daily in supple- phenyl ethylamine in cacao helps ment form. She also puts our number 1pick high on her list. prolong the sensation. Get happy. Here are 9foods that you might not have heard much about Stay happy. but should consider including in your diet. These highly-touted, nutrient-rich foods put the super in superfoods by amping up the level of nutritional value.

36 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com 6 Seaweed While planting aveggie garden on the sea floor is, umm, unrealistic, you can enjoy the harvest of those who do such things. Along with fellow sea vegetables wakame and nori, seaweed is protein-dense and loaded with all the minerals found in seawa- ter,such as iron, calcium, potassium and iodine. Also contains fucoid- ans, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Can be found in dehydrated form to sprinkle on foods. Nori sheets are great for wraps. Sushi, anyone?

photographycourtesy MCT, ASSoCiATed preSS 5 Cupuaçu This Brazilian native fruit is aclose cousin to cocoa. It offers micronutri- ents that are said to stimulate metabolism and boost the immune system and is packed with antioxidants and vitamins B1, B2, Niacin, Aand C. Burt’sBees and John Masters take advantage of its butteryproperty and use it (along with cacao) in their lotions, which ups its hipness level. Tastes like pear/banana or chocolate/pineapple, depending on whom you ask. The fruit. Not the lotion. 4 Turmeric Turmeric is astaple in Indian traditional medicine. According to ayurvedic nutritionists (ayurvedic comes from the Sanskrit roots ayu and veda, or life and knowledge), turmeric should be akey ingredient in your masalthani —orspice box. It’s rich in antioxidants and aids digestion. And yes, it has two “r”s, so practice your pronunciation.

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 37 www.floydsseafood.com 2290 IH-10 S @Washington Beaumont, TX 409-842-0686

9 Coconut Water Unlike high-fat coconut milk or oil, coconut water is acholesterol-free clear liquid found in the center DINNER SPECIALSMONDAY-SUNDAY of young, green coconuts. It’s Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm become ahealthier substitute for sports drinks, which are loaded ���������� ����� ���������� ����� with sugar and salt. Coconut water ���� ������ ����� ������ ����� �� is high in electrolytes and potas- �������� ������������� sium (600 mg) and has alow gly- cemic index. Make sure the brand 7 Kefir you choose doesn’t have added sugar or flavorings. Available in Yogurt no longer is the little black organic and natural forms. dress of foodies. Meet the creamy, liquid kefir,afermented cow’s or goat’smilk product which is a healthier substitute for sour cream in the non-fat version and easier to digest. Instead of yogurt, use kefir as the base for your favorite smoothie. It has the additional benefit of offering more protein and those all-important, STOP! digestive-aiding probiotics. !!!MISSING AD ALERT!!!

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8 Baobab This coconut-resembling fruit from Africa has 14 vitamins and minerals, from Ctocalcium, and is high in disease-fighting antioxidants. The white fruit inside the shell has high pectin content and is great in smoothies and juices. The powdered form also shows up in nutrition bars. The flavor is tangy and sweet. It’salso the signature botanical in Whitney Neil London Dry Gin, the Gin Trophy winner at the 2011 International Wine &Spirits Competi- tion. Pair with ahigh-quality quinine-infused tonic, and you’ve got awinner. In oil form, it’sanexcellent moisturizer. VIP

38 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com food dining

healthy recipe

Secretsto Grilled salmon perfectsalmon hen it comestogrilling,I findthat many folksavoid with salsa and pineapple Wsalmon —orany fish— because it canstick to thegrill or turn outdry from toomuchcooking. text by SuSan M. SelaSky Onereasonfor overcooking could fyou buy awhole salmon filet and cut be that many recipes saytocookfish it into individual portions, cut them untilitflakes easily. Ihavefound that from the center or thickest part. Save by that time,it’soverdoneand dry. the thinner portions, such as the tail, Other recipes saytofollow therule I of 10 minutes of cookingper 1-inch for another use. thicknessoffish.Pairedwithbrining, Ingredients that practice generally works. 1pounds center-cut salmon filet Whetheryou bake,broil, grill or 2tablespoons olive oil, divided cook salmon in theskillet,brine it ½teaspoon smoked paprika first. It’sasure-fireway to make ½teaspoon all-purpose seasoning surethe salmon turnsout moist. The Sea salt and freshly ground black pep- brine, amixture of water,saltand per to taste sometimessugar,sortofplumps the SALSA salmon,addingseasonedmoisture. 5mini red bell peppers It’seasyenoughthatyou can 6pineapple slices, about ½-inch thick brinethe salmon foraminimumof ¼cup sliced green onion 30 minutes or up to 2hours,but ¼cup diced red onion no longer.Once you’ve brined the salmon and follow atimed cooking SALAD method,itshouldn’t turn outdry. 8cups mixed field greens To preventfish from stickingto Olive oil thegrill, it’s agoodidea to first oil Red wine vinegar it abit. Make sureyourgrill is hot. Salt and pepper To oilthe grates,foldseveral pieces of paper towel —you should have Directions athick wadofit—intoabout a Preheat the grill to medium. Cut the 3-by-3-inchsquare.Dip much of salmon into about four even 4-ounce por- that square into abowlofflavorless tions or desired size. Place the salmon on oil, such as canola,and,using long aplate and rub with about 1tablespoon handledtongs, rubthe oiledtowel olive oil. Season with the paprika, all- on thegrates. Closethe lidand letit purpose seasoning, salt and black pepper. heat againfor afew minutes. Set aside. Usesalmon filletwith skin on Brush the bell peppers and pineapple and placeitonthe grates flesh slices with the remaining 1tablespoon side down.The piece of salmon will olive oil and season the peppers with salt immediatelyclingtothe grates until and pepper. it’s cooked enough to release its grip.Once this happens, youshould When the grill is hot, place the pep- abowl, drizzle with olive oil and red Remove it from the grill by sliding a be able to slip aspatula underneath pers and pineapple on the grill. Grill the wine vinegar and season with salt and spatula between the salmon and the it easily and turn it over.The time peppers and the pineapple slices until you pepper.Divide salad among four serving skin. Place the salmon the salad greens get nice grill marks on each side of the it takestodothisdependsonhow plates. and top with about 2tablespoons of the pineapple and all sides of the peppers. thick thefish is, butitcan be about Place the salmon pieces on the grill, Remove from the grill. Chop the peppers salsa and serve with grilled pineapple. 7minutes.That’sabit longer than flesh side down and grill about 5min- thegeneral rule of thumbofcooking and half of the pineapple and place in a Serves: 4/Preparation time: 15 minutes / utes depending on the thickness. When fish5minutes perside. So once bowl with the green onion and red onion. Total time: 45 minutes the salmon releases from the grates youflip it,grill it just afew minutes Season with salt and pepper and set easily,turn it skin side down and grill 437 calories (42 percent from fat), 21 grams more. When thesalmon is done,slip aside. Cut the remaining pineapple in another 5minutes. The salmon should fat (3 grams sat. fat), 38 grams carbohy- aspatula betweenthe flesh andthe slices to serve with the salmon. be flake easily —not come apart in drates, 28 grams protein, 394 mg sodium, skin, leavingthe skin on thegrate. For the salad, place the greens in shreds. 70 mg cholesterol, 6grams fiber. MCT

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 39 vip spotlight

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theVIPmag.com |October 2013 43 scott eslinger CASA Volunteer Gala

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44 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com DOG-tober Fest October 12 9a.m.-1 p.m., on the green area next to the Julie Rogers Theatre, Beaumont. Families and their favorite canines can enjoyfood, music, a “Strut Your Mutt Parade,”“SPAW,” PAWreadings, BarkArt, abone Appetit food court, blessing of the pets and contests, including the cutest dog, best-dressed dog, Mr.and Ms. DOG- tober Fest, best howlin’ dog, best tail waggin’ dog, most talented dog and “Master/Dog Look-a-Like Contest.” Free. (409) 838-2202 or www. beaumontmainstreet.com great dates in october

ArtofBeer October 9 6-10 p.m., Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. Samples of new brews, gourmet food, beer pairings and Lamar Homecoming entertainment. Reservations: (409) 832-3432 or www.amset.org. October 19 6p.m., Provost Umphrey Stadium at Lamar University,Beaumont. The Lamar Cardinals will host Central Arkansas. Fortickets, call (409) 880-1715, or go to www. lamarcardinals.com/tickets/ Texas Rice Festival footbl-s-tickets.html. October 2-5 5p.m.-midnight Oct. 2-3; 9a.m.- midnight Oct. 4-5, Winnie-Stowell Park, Winnie. Carnival, arts and crafts, livestock and longhorn shows, nightly street dances, antique car show, rice cooking contest, pageants, food and concerts including Bronco Jr., the Jobe Wilson Band, Captain Legendary Texas Cool Autumn Band, Jamie Talbert and Band of Nites Demons, and the RandyRogers Band, Oct. 2; Lee Brice, Oct. 3; Wayne Toups, October 18-19 Oct. 4; and the Bellamy Brothers and 2-6 p.m. Oct. 18; 8a.m. Oct. 19, the Molly Ringwalds, Oct. 5. Adults $8, Crockett Street Entertainment students $5, children 5and younger, District, Beaumont. Open run car, seniors 65 and older and military truck and bike showwith trophies, with valid ID free. Carnival wristbands outdoor movie Friday night, cruise $25; carnival passports $60, good for both days, live band, 50/50 pot, all days, and are available at Market games, goodybags, door prizes Basket in Winnie only.(409) 296-4404 and more. (409) 769-7599 or www. or www.texasricefestival.org. coolautumnnites.com. Event Submissions Do you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us details—dates, times, location, contact phone, web address and abrief description—to [email protected]. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 45 vip magazine calendar

OctOber 1 “Much Ado About Nothing” Yappy Hour CavOILcade Parade William Shakespeare’sbattle-of-the- 6:30-9 p.m., LePeep Café, Beaumont. 10 a.m., downtown Port Arthur. National Night Out sexescomedy, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4-5; Bring your favorite four-legged friend Honors the area’s oil industry.(409) 5p.m., Port Neches Riverfront Park, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Port Arthur Little and bid on dog beds created by local 983-1009 or (409) 498-1793. Port Neches. (409) 722-1424 or (409) artists. Admission $40 per person, TheatrePlayhouse, Port Arthur. Fourth Annual Jane Long Festival 722-9154. Adults $11,seniors $9,students $6. $75per couple. (409) 838-2202. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Fort Travis Seashore (409) 727-7258. OctOber 2-5 OctOber 11-12 Park, Port Bolivar. The festivalhonors OctOber 5 the “Mother of Texas” and includes Orange Lions Charity Carnival Cruise’n Silsbee aplay, art, crafts and food booths, 6:30 p.m., Lions Den Park, Orange. BISD Education Summit 2013 Annual car,truck and motorcycle children’s pavilion, silent auction and (409) 313-0827 or www.orangelions. 8a.m.-2 p.m., Central Medical Magnet show, KirbyMemorial Football live music. Bring alawnchair forthe org High School, Beaumont. Register at Stadium, Silsbee. www.cruisensilsbee. play. www.janelongfestival.org. com. OctOber 3 bmtisd.com. (409) 617-5616 or (409) Texas CountryMusic Show 617-5624. OctOber 11-13 7:30 p.m., Palace Theater,Kirbyville. “The Ugly Duckling’ and ‘The Fire Prevention &Safety Festival Adults $7,children 7-12 $3. (409) Tortoise and the Hare” Larry’sOld Time Trade Days 11 a.m.-3p.m., Fire Museum of Texas, 423-3319. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Lutcher Theater 8a.m.-5 p.m., 14902 FM 1663 Road, Beaumont. Children’s activities, forthe Performing Arts, Orange. The Winnie. Antiques, collectibles, arts The Beaumont Art League Annual equipment demonstrations by first showisgeared toward children in and crafts, home decor items, plants, Membership Show responders, displays of firetrucks, grades K-4and features glowinthe clothing, jewelry and more. (409) Reception 7-9p.m., Beaumont Art rescue equipment and an ambulance, dark electroluminescent wirepuppets. 296-3300 or larrysoldtimetradedays. League, Beaumont. (409) 833-4179 or food and more. Free. (409) 880-3927 Tickets $4. (409) 886-5535 or www. com. www.beaumontartleague.org. or www.firemuseumoftexas.org. lutcher.org. Adventure Kingdom Renaissance Texas Renaissance Festival First Thursdays on Calder Avenue OctOber 5-12 Festival Runs weekends through Dec. 1., 9a.m.-8 p.m. weekends, festival 5-9 p.m., starting at the Mildred 4-8 p.m., Oct. 11; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. Shangri La Orchid Festival grounds, FM 1774 between Magnolia Building, Beaumont. The monthly 12; noon-6 p.m. Oct. 13, Adventure 9a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5-11; noon-5 p.m. and Plantersville. www.texrenfest.com event features food, live music, and Kingdom, Lumberton. Adults $12, Oct. 12, Shangri La Botanical Gardens or (800) 458-3435. sidewalk vendors offering clothing, children 5-12 $8, toddlers $3. (409) and NatureCenter,Orange. Daily jewelry,art,photography, recycled 751-5464. tours of orchid displays, classes and OctOber 13 and handmade items and more. (409) presentations about orchids and guest Haunted Hotel 833-9919. Charity Car and Bike Show speakers. (409) 670-9113 or www. See previous listing. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., American Legion Post shangrilagardens.org. OctOber 4 OctOber 11-19 7, Port Arthur.Awards, raffles, door prizes and food. Registration $15. Port Neches Chamber of Commerce OctOber 6 Trinity Valley Fair and Rodeo (409) 983-6931 Golf Tournament Wedding Preview Trinity ValleyExposition Rodeo Registration 7a.m., tee time 8a.m., Honky Tonk Second Sunday Chopper 1-4p.m., MCM Elegante Hotel and Arena, Liberty.Doors open at 9a.m. BayouDin Golf Course, Beaumont. Shindig (Biker Day) Conference Center,Beaumont. most days; rodeo events 7:30 p.m. (409) 722-9154 or (409) 722-7380. 3p.m., HonkyTonk Texas, Silsbee, The showfeatures everything for most days. The event also features (409) 698-5555, (409) 386-1995 or the perfect wedding, including acarnival, barbecue cook off and a Girls’ Haven Annual STARS Dinner www.honkytonktexas.us. Honoring Myla and Mike Ramsey, 7 photographers, florists, wedding dance, featuring CodyJohnson, 8:30 p.m., Event Centre, Beaumont. Tickets planners and designers, disk jockeys, p.m.-1a.m. Oct. 12. www.tvefair.com. OctOber 15-31 $75per person, $150 per couple, table photo booths, venues, health and (936) 336-7455. Scarecrow Festival for8$500.(409) 832-6223. beauty,linen rentals and more. OctOber 12 Admission $10.(409) 658-5515 or 9a.m.-5 p.m., Shangri La Botanical OctOber 4-5 www.southeasttexasweddings.com Big Boy Toys Expo Gardens and NatureCenter, Orange. Hand-crafted scarecrows “Noir,Pointblank” 9a.m.-6 p.m., Beaumont Civic OctOber 7 Center,Beaumont. Motorcycles, created by local organizations, Kirby-Hill House Mystery Dinner cars, boats, fitness equipment, home businesses, schools, families and Theater,7p.m., Kirby-Hill House Triangle AIDS Network Annual entertainment, fishing, hunting and individuals. (409) 670-9113 or www. Museum, Kountze. Five-course meal, Update Conference more. (409) 833-9421. shangrilagardens.org. door prizes awarded, including a HolidayInn Hotel and Suites, prize forbest-dressed guest in vintage Beaumont. Registration begins at 8 Screaming Locust Grassroots Art Sale OctOber 17 1940s fashions. Tickets $64. (409) a.m. (409) 832-8338 Ext. 231. Noon-10 p.m., home-studio of Greater Beaumont Chamber of 246-8000,www.kirbyhillhouse.com. artist Nathan McCray, 2555 Gulf St. Commerce Annual Meeting OctOber 10 Art, music, food, films and more. 6-10 p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre, OctOber 4-6 Admission free; artist’s participation 2013 Julie and Ben Rogers Beaumont. Recognizes an outstanding $12. (409) 225-5425. Haunted Hotel Community Service Awards business in the community with the 7:13 p.m., Sports Connection, 3-5 p.m., Mary and John Gray Library The Painted Daisy Informational Meet Spindletop Award, which will go to Beaumont. www.thehauntedhoteltx. on the Lamar University campus, and Greet Coburn’s SupplyInc. Entertainment com or on Facebook The Haunted Beaumont. Forinformation, email 10 a.m.-4 p.m., HobbyLobby, by the Lost BayouRamblers www. Hotel-Texas. (409) 729-3300. [email protected] Beaumont. (409) 656-6566. bmtcoc.org. (409) 838-6581.

46 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com OctOber 18 Beaumont. (409) 880-8921 or email [email protected] “ArcAttack” Breast Cancer Awareness 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Lutcher Theater, OctOber 19-20 Orange. Children in grades 3-6 will take an interactive journeyof BRA-vo!Project Gallery ARTofberFEST 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 19; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. discovery and explorethe world of October 1-31 science and technology.Tickets $4. Oct. 20,Postoffice Street between 21st Julie Rogers Gift of LifeProgram Exhibition honoring breast cancer (409) 886-5535 or www.lutcher.org. and 23rdStreets, Galveston. (409) survivors, reception Oct. 1at6p.m., Runs through Oct. 31,Art Museum of 770-5066 or (800) 821-1894. Playhouse Disney Live! presents Southeast Texas, Beaumont. “Three Classic FairyTales” Harvest Festival 7p.m., Beaumont Civic Center, Paul Anka Concert 9a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Oct. 19; and 9 Beaumont. Reserved seats $15, a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 20,Heritage Village October 3 $22, $32 and $42. Tickets at all Museum, Woodville. The folklife 7p.m., Julie Rogers Theater,Beaumont. Gala emcee is talk showhost and Ticketmaster outlets, online at www. festivalfeatures pioneer East Texas inspirational speaker,Pat Smith, wifeofformer NFL football star Emmitt ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745- crafts, pioneer demonstrations, Smith. Tickets $100.Benefits Gift of Life. (409) 833-3663 or go to www. 3000. characters dressed in period costume, giftoflifebmt.org. music, dancers, food and more. Adults OctOber 18-19 Julie Richardson Procter 5K Run/Walk $6,children 5-11 $3, children younger “Boeing Boeing” than 5free. (800) 323-0389 Beaumont Community Players October 5 Gun and Knife Show present the 1960’sFrench farce Beaumont City Hall, Beaumont. Registration 6a.m.; welcome and warm 9a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 19; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. up,7:30 a.m.; race at 8a.m.; celebration ceremony, featuring soul singer about aself-styled Parisian lothario Oct. 20,RobertA.“Bob”Bowers Yvonne Washington, 10 a.m. Registration $20.(409) 833-3663 or www. whose Italian, German and American Civic Center,PortArthur.Adults $7, giftoflifebmt.org. fiancees all vecon rgeonhis apartment weekend pass $12, children younger at the same time, 7:30 p.m., Betty than 12 free. (713) 724-8881 or www. GreenbergCenter forthe Performing Making Strides AgainstBreastCancer 5K Walk realgunshow.com Arts, Beaumont. Tickets $12, $23 October 12 and $25. (409) 833-4664 or www. 9a.m., Dauphin Athletic Complexparking lot and the Montagne Event OctOber 22-23 beaumontcommunityplayers.com. Center parking lot at Lamar University,Beaumont. Formoreinformation, email [email protected]. “Disney’sBeauty and the Beast” OctOber 18-20 Musical about ayoung woman who “BreastCancer: An Individualized Disease” falls in love with an enchanted prince Orange Trade Days whoistrapped in the bodyofabeast, 9a.m.-5 p.m., Orange Trade Days October 24 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23, grounds, Orange. Flea market, Community presentation, noon-1:30 p.m., medical professional Lutcher Theater,Orange. (409) 886- farmers market, food and music. Free. presentation, 5:30-7p.m., Capital One Bank, Beaumont. Earn 1.5CNE 5535 or www.lutcher.org. (409) 883-4344. hours. Alight meal will be served at each session. Part of the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Cancer Education Series. RSVP to (409) 833-3663 Haunted Hotel OctOber 24 See previous listing. Strands of Strength Southeast Texas Senior Celebration OctOber 19 October 26 and Consumer Expo 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Altus Cancer Center,Beaumont. Donated ponytails will be 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Beaumont Civic Live United 5K for adults and Kids 1K made into wigs and giventowomen fighting cancer through the American Center,Beaumont. Admission and 7a.m., Port Neches Park, Port Cancer Society.Toschedule an appointment, call (409) 981-5510,(409) 861- parking free. (409) 835-5951 Ext. Neches. To register,gotoactive.com 2000 or email [email protected] 117oremail debbiebridgeman@ (409) 729-4040 bbbsetexas.org. Illustrated Family Day “Touch aTruck Day” games, door prizes and more. (409) Movie Night: “Bride of Frankenstein” 9a.m.-3p.m., Stark Museum of Art, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bennie Hickman 842-1478. 6:30-8:30 p.m., McFaddin-Ward Orange. The event includes atour of AgricultureScience Facility, House Visitor Center,Beaumont. the exhibition, “Tales and Travels,” Legends at the Jefferson Beaumont. Children can explore Doors open at 6p.m. Free. (409) ascavenger hunt through the vehicles of all types: public service, JohnnyWinter,James Cotton and J 832-1906,(409) 832-2134 or www. museum to win aprize, stories, light emergency,utility,construction, Paul Jr and the Zydeco Nubreeds, 3 mcfaddin-ward.org refreshments and more. Free. (409) landscaping, transportation and p.m., Jefferson Theater,Beaumont. 886-2787 or www.starkmuseum.org. delivery,make crafts and enjoy Admission $10.Tickets at all OctOber 24-27 Ticketmaster outlets, online at www. Fall Fest on the Avenue kid-friendlyfood. Admission $5, “Almost, Maine” 9a.m.-4 p.m., downtown Port family$20,children younger than ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745- Nine shortplays that explorelove Neches. (409) 722-9154. 2free. (409) 651-8435 or www. 3000. and loss in aremote, mythical town, beaumontchildrensmuseum.org. Tyler’sBarbecue Bash 2013 Lamar University Alumni 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24-26,and 2p.m. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Flipper’s Skin Flix, Lot Party Homecoming Tailgate Oct. 27,University TheatreatLamar Bridge City.(409) 735-2119 or email 11 a.m.-3p.m., CowboyHarley- 4-5:30 p.m., on the porches of the University.Tickets $7-15. (409) 880- [email protected] Davidson, Beaumont. Music, food, Montagne Center at Lamar University, 2250.

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 47 OctOber 25-26 The SymphonyofSoutheast Texas in Concert vip magazine “Boeing Boeing” “Russian TragedytoTriumph!” See previous listing. crossword Classics Series Concert2,7:30 p.m., Island Oktoberfest Julie Rogers Theatre, Beaumont. The 5-11 p.m. Oct. 25;11a.m.-11 p.m. concertfeatures Brahms’ “Tragic” Oct. 26 on the grounds of and Overtureand Rachmaninoff: “Piano streets adjacent to First Evangelical Concerto No.2,” with pianist Lutheran Church, Galveston. Nobuyuki Tsujii. Season tickets Free. (409) 762-8477 or www. $77-$153; single tickets $17-$41. galvestonoktoberfest.com Senior,student and group discounts OctOber 25-27 available. (409) 892-2257 or www. sost.org. Kountze Trade Days 7a.m.-7p.m., Big Thicket Trade Bill Bellamy,with Ali Siddiq Days Grounds, Kountze. Free, 8p.m., Jefferson Theatre, Beaumont. parking $2. (409) 246-3413 or (409) Tickets available at all Ticketmaster 880-5667. outlets, online at www.ticketmaster. Haunted Hotel com or call (800) 745-3000. See previous listing. OctOber 26-27 OctOber 26 Triangle Trade Days ARC Buddy Walk 9a.m.-6 p.m., Lakewood Shopping One-mile walk in supportofDown Center,Vidor.(409) 673-8982. syndrome awareness, 9a.m., on the lawn of the Event Centre, Beaumont. OctOber 29 (409) 838-9012 or email teri. Cosmic Costume Bowling [email protected] Tournament Dinosaur Day 6-8 p.m., Maxbowl,Port 9a.m.-1p.m., Texas Energy Arthur.(409) 963-1107 or www. Museum, Beaumont. Educational portarthurtexas.com program features outdoor activities forchildren to learn about dinosaurs OctOber 29-31 and howfossils arefound and ACROSS DOWN studied. Free. (409) 833-5100 or Haunted Hotel 1 Northwest’smother 1 Laker basketball great, __ Bryant www.texasenergymuseum.org. See previous listing. 3 He played Mr.Smith, first name 2 Slytherin student, Draco ____ in The Beaumont Chamber Foundation OctOber 31 5 Tech department the HarryPotter books Barbecue Cook Off 8 “Pitchman” ____ Mays 3 She played Foxxy Cleopatra in 9a.m.-4 p.m., Crockett Street Spindletop Spookfest 9 Race driver,Bobby ___ “Goldmember” Entertainment District, Beaumont. 4-6 p.m., Spindletop Gladys City/ 10 “Waiting on The World to Change” 4 Zany detective’sfirst name, ___ (409) 838-6581 Ext. 102 or www. Boomtown Museum, Beaumont. singer (2 words) Monk bmtcoc.org. Trick-or-treat through the boomtown 12 Soup container 6 Over 6foot? Throwin’ Smoke Barbecue Cook Off buildings and take partingames. 13 YoYo ___, cellist 7 Chuck E. ____, family and Fundraiser Free. (409) 880-1750 or www. 14 “Jurassic Park” creature, last name entertainment centers Noon, Coconut’s Entertainment spindletop.org. 15 “Graduation” singer,last name 11 Fashion company,___ Factor Complex, Crystal Beach. (713) 416- 19 Expression of delight 13 Wimbledon winner,____ 1486 or email rdhamerly@gmail. Beaumont Police Department 20 Paris’sgirlfriend, Nicole ____ Sharapova com. Trunk-or-Treat and Haunted Jail 22 High society lady 15 He took the Miami Heat to their first 4:30-6:30 p.m., Beaumont Police 24 Kentucky horse race NBA championship, Dwyane ____ “WeShall Not Be Moved” Station, Beaumont. Free. (409) 880- 25 “Philadelphia” star,___ Banderas 16 Brazilian dance Beaumont Branch NAACP30th 1092 or go to www.beaumontpd.com. 26 Teacher’sAssistant, for short 17 Unnamed ones Annual Freedom Fund and Awards 18 Rapper turned detective (2 words) Banquet, 7p.m., Beaumont Civic PRCAChampionship Challenge 21 Place to stay Center,Beaumont. Tickets $25per 7:30 p.m., Nutty Jerry’s,Winnie. 23 Paintings, etc person, $200 foratable of 8. (409) General admission covered 24 __ or die 842-0294 grandstands $15; general admission Bulls and Barrels Rodeo lawn seating $10.Buy arodeo ticket Little Cypress Mauriceville High and get into the Don Williams School HoneyBear Drill Team’s concertfreeafter the rodeo.Concert Eighth Annual Bulls and Barrels tickets only$35, $40,$45.Buy a Rodeo,7p.m., CowboyChurch concertticket and get afreelawn of Orange County Rodeo Arena, ticket to the rodeo.(877) 643-7508 Orange. Gates open at 5p,m. Events or www.nuttyjerrys.com. include bull riding, barrel racing and mutton bustin’. (409) 886-4064 or “Boeing Boeing” email [email protected]. See previous listing. Find answers on page 4

48 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com vip voices

guest column TheCword text by cathleen cole alone? In the end, Mom got ast weaker and slept more. October, One dayshe told my oldest sister whowas my young staying with her that son told my father had come to visit her and asked if me that she’dseen him too.My one of his dad’sbeen dead for16 Lfriends years. Maybethe mor- phine wasmaking her wasusing bad words, in par- mind playtricks on her. ticular the Cword. Iwaited. Maybemyfather really did come to visit her, Iknowwhat the bad Cword and he told her it was is forme. He continued with time to go with him. his story and said that his That’s what Ibelieve. Even though we buddywith the potty mouth were givenmoretime wassaying crap.Isuppressed with my mother than we thought we’d had aheavy sigh of relief —not left, Istill am sad and the CwordIwas thinking of. ask God, “Why?”I am afraid formeand Afew days later,Iwas hit my sisters. Iamafraid with the trulybad Cword: formydaughter.Will cancer.Not me, my mother. breast cancer strike us Iwas prepared forthe tumor too? Will another type in her small intestine to be of cancer attack my cancer.Ithought that when familyagain?Itisthe C the surgeon removedthe word.Itisthe Fword. I rancid section, that would curse it daily. be the end of the story —a Well, what areyou happyending. Ithought gonna do? I’mgoing wrong. Cancer wasin11of to fight it. Ican’t let it the 20 lymph nodes that were win. I’mgoing to get examined. The doctor said my mammogram every the cancer wasaggressive — year and acolonoscopy which turned out to be true I’mthankful that my middle sister lived every fiveyears. I’mgoing to encourage since asubsequent X-rayofher lungs in the same city with her and my old- everyone Ilovetotake measures to pre- found it in full force. est sister could go in the months that vent cancer.I’m going to supportcancer Upon hearing the news, my mother Icouldn’t.With each visit, Icould see research. didn’t cry.She’dsurvivedthe breast can- the rapid decline in my mother’s health Ispoke to my mother forthe last time cer that tried to kill her 22 years before. starting with her slowrecovery from sur- by phone twodaysbeforeshe died. It But, at 85, the cancer wasback. “Well, gery to her horrible reaction to chemo- strained her to talk, but she wanted to what areyou gonna do?” she asked. It therapyand then, on hospice, having the tell me that she wassoproud of me and wasarhetorical question. She knew cancer do its dirty work on her old body. that she lovedme. The night beforeshe what she wasgoing to do.She wasgoing Forawhile, Mom could manage afew passed away,she asked my middle sister, to get out of the hospital, go home and outings to run errands. She’dget her “Wheredid he go? He wasjust here.”I try to fight it. Icried fortwo weeks. thinning hair coiffed once aweek and go think my father wascoming to get her. Afriend told me that she grievedfor out to lunch when she felt up to it. She Ididn’t make it to Albuquerque in time, her gravely ill father foryears before liked to take me to Chili’swhereher fa- but my sisters were with her when she he finallypassed away.She advised me vorite waitress, Leah, treated her like an slipped away.Now we will grieve. not to grieve,not while my mother was honored guest. Mom seemed to eat more The Cword—what adirty word.I still alive.SoIdid not grieve.Itraveled when we went out, and an El Presidente praythat one dayitwill be eradicated to Albuquerque several times after my Margarita helped whet her appetite. I from our vocabulary.Until that day, I mom’s stage IV colon cancer diagnosis. always had one, too.Who wants to drink cling to the Hword—hope. VIP

theVIPmag.com |October 2013 49 vip voices

guest column Mind,Bodyand Soul AfterBaby

text by holli petersen up night after night and would sympa- thize with the frustrations of traveling ix weeks after giving with that cumbersome infant car seat. A birth to my thirdchild, I particularlysensitive greeter might even stroke your greasyponytail and insist that slithered into compression youlook beautiful, even if youfelt like a spandexand schlepped rumpled dish towel. to the gym. Gripping my It goes without saying that full-length Swater bottle like asecurity mirrors would be outlawedatthis gym. Fragile newmothers don’t need to see blanket, Iperused the room of hardbodies their bodyjiggle in areas that were once beforedeciding on an elliptical machine tight. Jiggling does nothing forself- farthest away from the crowd. esteem. This newgym would provide asteady It is an arduous undertaking to ask supplyoftissues forthose afflicted with ahighlyemotional woman to bounce hormone imbalances and unexpected away on an exercise machine, while mood swings. After all, aheartwarm- resembling aflabbier,stretched out ing commercial or fleeting melancholy version of her former self.But, thought might ignite an endless wave of forher to then be surrounded uncontrollable sobs. by taunt co-eds, jogging along Postpartum gyms would have excel- on treadmills with the blank- lent childcare—grandmotherlytypes stared boredom of someone whowould happilyrock acolickybaby, whosimplyhas nothing boasting that theynever beheld amore better to do is… well... adorable creature. Theywould encourage excruciating. the moms to take alittle time forthem- And, yetIfirmly selves—norush. believe that newmothers Instead of hardcoretrainers, this gym need to workout more would staff workout doulas that compas- than anyone else. Not sionatelycoach youthrough the careand forweight loss, per say, functioning of your newbody. Theywould but because after nine applaud even the most minor successes months of quite literally and, just like in the delivery room, would living and breathing for calmlydirect your focus to long-term the survivalofanother, goals, rather than short-term struggles. theydeservethose feel- Instead of cold, stark showers in the good endorphins. locker room, the postpartum gym would So,asIplodded along featureprivate, jetted tubs, inviting new on the elliptical, Ireimag- mothers to engage in aforeign concept — ined anew sortofgym –a relaxation. therapeutic environment The heartofthe facility would be its specificallydesigned for mother’s lounge, adimlylit room filled women working to rebuild with lush couches and luxurious gliders. their bodies and confidence It would be asafeplace formothers to after giving birth. talk, comparenotes and sharetheir woes, In my mind, Ipictured afit- while rocking, nursing or caring fortheir ness center exclusive to mommies. little ones. Sometimes it takes afellowmom to In the postpartum gym, therewould be reallyappreciate howanother woman no rush to “return to normal” or urgency could walk around oblivious to the spit- to “jump back into the swing of things.” up in her hair.Other moms don’t flinch We wouldn’t be competing with the glossy when youconfess not remembering when images of celebrities whobaretheir bikini youlast brushed your teeth or if youeven bodies mereweeks after delivery. applied deodorant that morning. It’s just Instead, therewould be one message partofthe job description. We get it. and one message only: At this workout facility,you’d be met Thereisnogoing back. at the door with ahug because the greeter The truth is that, whether or not you would understand just howchallenging ever squeeze back into your skinnyjeans, it is to fit in aworkout between an erratic youare changed forever—mind, body nursing schedule. Theywould innately and soul —but, onlyinthe most beautiful, sense howexhausted youare after staying spectacular and miraculous of ways. VIP

50 October 2013 | theVIPmag.com nationallyranked in 12 specialties. the difference between practicing medicineand leading it.

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