Page 7 - RVO What Women Want Feb 2016

What Women Want • An Advertising Supplement to the River Valley & Ozark Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette • Sunday, February 7, 2016 • 7VV
years ago from a dietitian at Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center. “I decided I could change myself,” Pinkett said.
She said she has to go slowly. “I’ll go back to my old habits if I don’t do it for me,” Pinkett said.
She walks every day at the McGee Center in Conway, and she counts carbohydrates. No more frying food; whole-wheat bread has replaced white.
She drank from a water bottle during the interview.
“I’m missing my Diet Coke,” she said, laughing.
Pinkett said her family and friends — those whom she’s told
of her plan — have been supportive.
She also praised the care she’s received from cardiologist Dr. Donald
Steely and his nurse practitioner, Gray Wagnon, who has been a good sounding board, as well as a health care professional, Pinkett said.
Pinkett, a member of Antioch Baptist Church, said her faith has been important to her, too.
She said she has a lot to look forward to — her son’s last Conway High School baseball season is starting. He has received a schol- arship to play at Independence Community College in Kansas. Her daughter just celebrated her 7th birthday, and Pinkett plans to take Sloan to Disney World this month.
Someday, Pinkett said, she wants to be involved with the Amer- ican Heart Association.
“I want people to see where I’ve been and where I am,” she said.
And she wants women to take care of themselves and know heart disease is a real threat in their lives.
“I need to get heart-healthy. You have to do it for yourself — nobody’s going to do it for you — and just listen to your body,” she said.
And if something’s not right, tell someone.
from the HEART Passionate pendant
EILISH PALMER / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Monica Pinkett sits with her children, Sloan, 7, and Greyson, 17. “My children are my life,” Pinkett said. Her family is a big part of the reason
she vowed to get healthier after having a heart attack in August.
Beautiful blossoms
Love is in the air, and so
is the sweet fragrance of flowers. This Valentine’s Day, surprise your sweetheart with a classic bouquet crafted with love at The Flower Booth Florist & Gifts in Conway, which offers exceptional arrangements for special occasions.
TO BUY: The Flower Booth Florist & Gifts, Conway
Get fit
The Garmin Vivofit 2 is a wearable fitness tracker that learns your activity level and proposes a personalized daily goal. The Vivofit 2 tracks steps, calories, distance and time of day on a backlit display. The device also monitors sleep and automatically syncs to Garmin Connect to save, plan and share your progress. TO BUY: The Sporty Runner, Conway
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with Melanie Watson, Conference Services, University of Central Arkansas, Conway
Q: What is something you wish everyone knew about UCA Conference Services?
A: At UCA, we have so many great spaces on campus, which now includes the new UCA Downtown, and all of them can be rented to the public. That is the thing we want to convey most to people: You don’t have to be a UCA student, alumni, or faculty or staff member to utilize the university’s beautiful venues. Everyone in the community is invited to rent our spaces.
Q: How does UCA Conference Services stand out from other planners and venues?
A: I would have to say that would be our unbeatable customer service, as our team goes above and beyond to make everyone’s event as special as possible. We have so many resources at our fingertips here on campus, and we work really hard to pull everything together to make events as seamless as they can be for our clients. Whether for a wedding or reception, a multiday conference, business trainings or meetings, or a more specialized event, we are here to make your event as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Show your affection with this cushion red-agate necklace
from Allison Kaufman. The pendant, surrounded by sparkling diamonds and set in 14-karat yellow gold, is sure to make that special someone’s heart melt for years to come.
TO BUY: Shelton’s Jewelry & Gift Gallery, Heber Springs
with Elissa Douglas, executive director, Independent Living Services, Conway
Q: What is Independent Living Services?
A: Independent Living Services is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to educate, advocate and provide supportive services to empower families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ILS strives to advance the independence, productivity and confidence of people in the community. The services offered by Independent Living Services include group homes and apartments, as well as the Profiles Enrichment Center day program, which offers classroom-type environments in areas such as computers, advocacy, home economics, art, crafts, music, and health and wellness. ILS also provides occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. In 2015, ILS added Community Access Supported Employment to assist individuals with obtaining gainful employment in the community. Independent Living Services has a goal to cater to each individual’s needs, growth and development while helping that individual make choices and be a part of the community.
Love is in bloom
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a luxurious bouquet of red and white roses. Displayed in a modern ceramic cube vase, its wrap-around heart graphic and sweet sentiment can brighten anyone’s day. TO BUY: Daisy-A-Day Florist & Gifts, Greenbrier
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