vTRISTA continued from page 17 vWHOLISTIC continued from page 25 She easily gives me a short lesson of the amount of carbs in various foods and several options for “free” foods, including fruits, meat, eggs, diet pop, cheese and non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower and broccoli. The “free” foods, containing carbohydrates of 15 grams or less, allow her a snack without having to take insulin. Michelle explains that, while Trista is normally a picky eater, she has ventured out of her comfort zone to try new foods. Trista remembers something her doctor said that sticks in her mind, “You can’t say you don’t like it if you don’t try it.” She still visits the Sanford hospital regularly for check-ups, though not nearly as often as before. When they venture through the facility for the appointment, they look up at the ceiling tiles, which are painted by children during their stay, and they find Trista’s painted tile. They speak highly of the staff and doctors at the facility, crediting them for easing the family’s stay and patiently helping them learn so much about the condition in such a short time. I comment to Trista that I am amazed at how the young girl already knows so much about her condition. She showed me a Pink Panther book about diabetes that helped her understand everything at her level. Chad is thankful for amazing support that he’s found in online support groups. The extremely compassionate pre-teen is already looking to help other children facing this challenge and grins as she gives advice for others diagnosed with it. “I know you might feel like it’s changed your life, but you’re still the same person, just with an autoimmune disease.” n simply stress management. Stress can be a significant contributor to illness. Karen shares how her massage therapy instructor had a client that had a leg amputated during the war, and he was still suffering from ongoing phantom pain. As part of her massage she’d actually move her hands in a virtual massage where the missing limb once was, and it brought the man tangible relief. This is one example of how the brain can continue to feel pain from previous injuries long after it originally occurred. Karen’s experiences with MS and changes in diet have positively influenced her three children also. Robbie, aged twenty-six who lives in Springfield, plans on building a greenhouse and growing his own food. “At one point he had to carry an EpiPen all the time because he kept having allergic reactions so bad. He now eats a more Mediterranean style diet, does his own baking and creates his own healthy recipes, and no longer needs the Epipen.” Shelby, aged twenty-five and has a graphic design business she shares in the same office with her sister, Dena that is conveniently housed in the same building as their mom. Shelby has discovered a line of all natural cosmetics and beauty products called Beautycounter that she uses and sells. Even Dena, aged 33, with four children, is careful about what she feeds them. Although she grows some vegetables and herbs at home, Karen is lucky that her dad has a huge organic garden with free range chickens, and a brother ranches on the family farm too. The farm is just outside of Avon. She has a cornucopia of wonderful food available close to home. Everyone in the family shares whatever produce they are growing. “It just makes me so sad when I go to a grocery store somewhere and I see people filling up their grocery carts with processed foods, but they’re in wheelchairs or they have canes. My heart goes out to anyone who is suffering.” Karen in no way wants to discourage people from seeking traditional professional medical help. She just wants to spread the word that there are many complimentary therapies available that can greatly improve even the most serious illnesses, and enhance or prolong the wellness of the already robust. Depending solely on pharmaceutical medication, when there is so much more we can do to help ourselves, is a disservice. Healthy food can be our medicine too. Being healthy is a lifestyle decision that embraces many components, we need only to be receptive to putting them into practice to harvest the results. n vSAM continued from page 19 “Before a child was said to having learning disabilities and they went for special help,” Amy said. “Sadly, those children were often ridiculed and bullied but today, a child goes to the resource room and it’s no big deal.” Amy would like to encourage parents if they have any suspicions about their children, to not be proud. Ask questions, whether it be the pediatrician or a teacher. Teachers are with the children everyday and if a parent has a suspicion, the teacher probably has the same suspicion. Good help is there; parents just need to take the step and do it. “We do admit Sam knows a lot of things we don’t, and we just let him talk,” Amy said with a laugh. “Yep, Sam. Really, Sam? Some days are an education for us, too.” n vHOW THEY ROLL continued from page 23 ventured out of state for rides in Iowa and Nebraska. She recalls going to the Black Hills four or five times, commenting, “I had a good time there, too.” The ride in Lee Valley, Nebraska, was another fond memory of hers, remembering their stop at an auction place, with the ride followed by supper and a dance. She enjoys the rides and appreciates the scenery on each route. She reflects over the routes that they have taken over the years and the various images of countryside they have all given her. She loves socializing with others and looks forward to being with long-time friends and meeting new people at the events. Though each driver and rider are just as unique as each tractor enthusiast’s preferred models, they all share one commonality. Their love for old iron is undeniable and their passion to keep the tradition alive is appreciated by many. n Yankton interactive Content That Brings Print To Life! Download the FREE Yankton Interactive App today to experience all the adventures waiting for you in the paper! HERVOICEvSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018v27