Kathe Aydlotte is more that just a cancer survivor

Kathe Aydlotte has been a fixture in Ballard County most of her life. After attending MSU, she worked for Harris Engineering as their very first employee, then medical director H.G. Sargent encouraged her to work for the new Health Department in LaCenter where she stayed until retiring in May of 2006.

In 1999, through a self evaluation, she found that she had stage 3 breast cancer. A mastectomy and chemotherapy stopped it from developing further. This experience “made me want to tell everyone to get a mammogram.” She went many steps further by attending the Relay for Life event in Paducah in 2000 and by 2001, with the help of co-chairs Karen and Bob Morrow, went to work bringing Relay for Life to Ballard County. She has been the chair for Relay for Life for 4 years. Their first year there were 20 teams who collected $36,000, in 2006 they set their sites for $100,000.00 and brought in an impressive $90,000!

This year there were 30 teams bringing in $86,000.

Kathe also works with Reach to Recovery. This is a program in which other survivors are introduced to the newly diagnosed. They provide support in many ways, some of which are providing arm pillows for those with mastectomies, as “when they remove the lymph nodes under the arm there is this ‘hollowness’ that is very uncomfortable. I really loved my pillow,” she said. They also explain procedures, provide instructions on how to eat properly during chemotherapy and help the patient to prepare for what they will be experiencing.

“I enjoy helping others, it gives me personal gratification. We are God’s helping hands and I hope that people I touch can see that God working through me.”

She has a daughter, Kelley Scott and two grandchildren, Mason and Lexie. Kelley has her mother’s drive for working within the community.

Kathe is very involved in the community and with her church. She is the on the board of the Citizen’s Core Council, a member of the CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team), the United Appeal, and is volunteering at His House on Fridays.

Kathe, along with 20 other Grace United Methodist church members will be going to Nicaragua on a mission trip in April (2009). They will be based in El Ayudante and work with orphanages in the area. At this time they are planning to take Bibles (in Spanish), flip-flops, and other items as well as taking along a barber and a hairstylist for the children.

She is very excited about this trip and looking forward to next year’s Relay for Life campaign which has its first mimi-kick off meeting in October.

And here is a ‘a little known fact’ about Kathe. “I love to dance! I took ballroom, disco, etc. and belong to ‘Night Moves’ dance club in Paducah.

Keep on moving Kathe, you are an inspiration to all of us!

A woman Chief of Police in Kentucky? You bet!

Paducah Police Chief — Sandy Joslyn inspires all

By Tina Forrest

She was working part-time as a contractor and had just bought a kayak; looking forward to spending her fall days drifting lazily down the lake when she started receiving the phones calls. Phone calls requesting she come back to work for the Paducah Police Department. She admits she was hesitant to apply, she was enjoying her summer with her children and never even considered going back to the police department.

“The more calls I received, the more thought I gave it. I felt bad about the situation the department was in, and felt that I would be a logical choice for the position. I prayed about it, and submitted my application about 5 minutes before the deadline,” she said.

Meet Sandy Joslyn. wife of Doug, mother of two sons; Ian and Keegan, and Paducah’s Interim police chief. She graduated from Daviess County High School in 1976 and went to Murray State University with a double major in Criminology/Corrections and Rehabilitation. Joslyn worked for the Paducah Police Department for 25 years prior to her retirement in 2005.

Amid controversy and disagreements among the department, Former Chief Randy Bratton resigned July 23 of this year. Two weeks later, after some serious thinking and a lot of praying, Joslyn applied to be Bratton’s temporary replacement.

In the process of being a wife and working mother, Joslyn has earned her place in the community. She was involved in various organizations over the years such as Child Watch, Rape Crisis, Women Aware and the Lions Club. She also served on several boards and Task Forces, and was active in several law enforcement organizations. Since her retirement in 2005, she shifted her commitments to church and family. She currently serves as vice-president of the Paducah-McCracken County Drug Council as a parent representative.

“In some ways, it feels like I just stepped back in time three years,” said Joslyn about her return to the police department. “I am very comfortable with the position after serving as assistant chief for five years. The department has hired 26 new officers and 8 civilians since I left three years ago, so some faces are new. There have been a few operational changes, but the biggest change is the new reporting systems. I am amazed at the technology the officers have at their fingertips. Reports, accidents and citations are generated through mobile data terminals located in the patrol cars. This was just being introduced when I retired. We have certainly come a long way from correction fluid and carbon paper!”

Joslyn didn’t always want to be in the law enforcement field. She went to college with the intentions of becoming a teacher. She was studying Elementary education and became interested in Criminology after taking a few criminal psychology courses. She changed majors and later interned at the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville, Ky as a caseworker.

“There was a freeze on state hiring right after graduation, so I changed gears from correctional rehabilitation as a career goal to the law enforcement field,” said Joslyn.

After working briefly for the Madisonville Police Department, she got hired by the Paducah Police. It was in the Paducah police department where she gained most of her law enforcement experience, working her way up from patrol to assistant chief.

“The first few years I was married my husband worked out of town a lot. With him gone so much, I was absorbed in my work as a detective. After the boys were born, the real juggling act began. I managed to nurse both babies, carried a gun in my diaper bag, and usually had a pacifier in my pocket! We had lots of help with the oldest, but the youngest put us to the test. Keegan had health problems, so Doug and I worked opposite shifts for a long time so the kids would always be with one of us. I was a homeroom mom every year for both of them, and never missed their events. My job was demanding, but our children have always been top priority,” she said.

The commissioners hired Joslyn with a 4-1 vote on July 31, Mayor Bill Paxton being the hold out-stating the department needed “outside leadership.”

Joslyn somewhat agrees, “The mayor was right about “leadership.” The police department has had a 100% turnover in the last 7 years. If it were a private business, the CEO would have been gone a long time ago. The former chief brought a lot of much needed changes to the department. The policies and procedures were outdated, and he had a strong base to pull from coming from a larger department. The support he had from city hall generated money for equipment, training and personnel that was long overdue. But, as the leader of an organization, if you check your rear view mirror and no one is following you, there’s a problem,” said Joslyn.

She also stated she doesn’t agree that leadership comes from the outside, and the department needs familiarity, trust and someone with a personal investment in the department and community.

“Let’s face it, recruiting from the outside, you get someone looking for the best job offer. The department needs someone who will be a rock, not someone who will use it for a stepping-stone, “ she said.

When fully staffed, the Paducah Police Department has 79 sworn officers. Currently there are only seven female officers including Joslyn. There are also 23 civilian employees. She said the obstacles she experienced are not relevant today and that she could write a book on the issues that she, as well as other females officers experienced in the early stages of her career. “But that’s all in the past,” Joslyn stated.

Despite the past and the small amount of women on the force today, Joslyn would give anyone the same advise: “For females interested in a career in law enforcement, I would tell them the same as men: study, take some law enforcement classes, take care of your body and keep it strong, ask questions, participate in the ride-a-long program, go through the Citizen’s Police Academy,” said Joslyn.

Can T.V. weight loss shows help the viewers lose weight?

By: Julia Peek, R.D., L.D.

Attitude

A person must be ready and willing to make changes to their lifestyle. There are no quick fixes, it must be a way of life. The more time and effort put into making changes, the faster a person will see results.

Diet

• Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats.
• Increasing fiber intake increases your satiety causing you to eat less and feel satisfied longer.
• Eat at least 4 cups of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Bake, steam, grill, or broil lean cuts of meat.
• Avoid processed meats (i.e. bologna & hot dogs)
• Choose low fat or non-fat dairy products.|
• Eliminate sugary drinks (kool-aid, regular sodas)

Support

Find someone to be your weight loss buddy or cheerleader. It is much easier to adhere to healthy changes when you have a friend going through the same challenges. Many people find going to weight loss meetings such as Weight Watchers the incentive they need to keep up the hard work. Also remember that if you do get off track, don’t beat yourself up, just get back on track and go from there.

Food Journal

Write down everything you eat on a daily basis and the times that you eat. This lets you see exactly how much you are consuming and the times of day you have the most problems with. Think of your journal as your food checkbook. You can’t spend more money than you have in your bank account, therefore, you can’t eat more calories than you have budgeted for your day.

Exercise

Aim to gradually increase your physical activity. You will definitely see more weight loss when diet and exercise are combined, plus you will build more muscle which burns calories at a faster rate than fat.

All in all, the results seen on these popular weight loss shows may not be the typical results of the “normal” weight loss endeavor, but the shows can be beneficial to the individual who wants to lose weight and become healthier. The shows can be great motivating factors and the general guidelines and principles for diet and exercise are very consistent.

A Super Woman with a flair for style

By LaShea Wyatt
Special Features Writer

Could women today have super powers or be super women? Of course! As women, we seem to be experts and sometimes super women at conquering our children’s crisis; cooking dinner with our blackberry in hand while discussing issues of the day. We all can relate to hectic lifestyles and schedules these days.

Mrs. Gayle Kaler could tell you a lot about juggling many things at once. She is one of three super women featured on the 4-Her cover this month.

Gayle is the owner of Chantellies Salon in Paducah. With 43 years as a hair specialist; for 37 of those years she has owned her own salon. Not only is she an established and great hairstylist and a specialist in hair color, she also manages the business which involves administrative details.

“I feel I am a good steward of my time,” Gayle said.

Her husband, Andrew Kaler, is a businessman himself so he understands the hectic lifestyle that each of them have. They have one daughter who lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Gayle was born and raised in a rural area of Livingston County. Her parents were of the working class, not rich by any means, but rich as a family. “My mother was a source of encouragement by telling me that I could be whatever I wanted to be in life.”

“College was my dream although student loans were not readily available like they are today and affordability seemed impossible.”

Gayle continued, “Cosmetology had long been a dream of mine so with the direction and instruction of Fitzpatrick Beauty School, I completed the requirements to become a licensed cosmetologist.” At the beauty school she learned the tricks of the trade from a great mentor.

Tracey Johnson was the ‘stylist’ of the time and inspired Gayle in more ways than one. When Ms. Johnson became pregnant, Gayle received a lot of her clientele and continued to build her own clientele as well. To this day she said she still has some of the same clients she had in beauty school—now that is a legacy!

With enthusiasm, she said, “I am a people person and feel my customers are my family.” After having some of the same customers for 43 years, one can see how they would become family in heart. Watching customers age gracefully has also been a benefit. She said, “For my own age processing it has been most helpful having customers when they were in their 30s whom are now in their 80s.” Gayle said she has seen these customers change over the years with their cuts, colors, and styles and it has prepared her to see herself in a positive manner as she ages.

Gayle is a tremendous woman of stamina and truly believes that what you give in life and what you think is what you get out of life. Gayle said the hardest part of life is just living.

Being a woman of inspiration and strong faith, she has conquered many battles in her own life. One of her toughest was breast cancer. After Gayle became stricken with an invasive breast cancer of the left breast, she discovered surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation were the options she faced. Surrounded by her family, friends, and community she received the support she needed and she survived with a wonderful life to follow.

Revealing her humorous side, for her last chemotherapy treatment, she dressed up as a witch, walked into Dr. Carloss’s office, and signed in as “trick or treat.” As one might guess, her last treatment was on Halloween.

In 2006, she again faced a pre-cancer of the right breast. Only this time she opted for a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Gayle was not only faced with an upcoming surgery dilemma, but she also learned of this during her campaign for City Commissioner. Gayle certainly has this courage and used it to take a stand against life’s difficult situations.

Gayle is one of the few women who have served as city commissioner for a two-year term. She currently serves as Paducah City Commissioner and will be a candidate for re-election this November.

Gayle has been nominated for many awards and honors. One she received is the National Women Achievement with the Paducah Business and Professional Women.

Even with all her accomplishments and her ability to overcome the struggles of cancer, with an enthusiastic voice Gayle said, “My true reward is seeing my satisfied customers when they leave my salon.”

Gayle states serving as City Commissioner allows her to be involved with assisting people of the community and solving their problems. She delves into many programs and projects for our city to promote the beauty of Paducah. One project that Gayle chairs, along with the Riverfront committee, has already begun making decisions for next year’s budget for Shultz Park. This entails working with the Greater Paducah Recycling Group on curbside recycling for the city.

Gayle is a great woman of inspiration. If you are looking for a “cut” above for your next new look contact Gayle at Chantillies located at 540 North 32nd Street or call 270-444-7502. Or, if you have a concern about the City of Paducah call her at 270-444-8637.

You can learn more about Gayle’s campaign for reelection at kalerforcommissioner.com

Ways to Detoxify your body

By M. Couillard PhD, ARNP

What is detox?

It is a term used to describe the process your body goes through to get rid of toxins.

Possible toxins:

Internal: these toxins come from internal waste products usually the body has mechanisms to eliminate these wastes but sometimes due to genetics or metabolic errors it cannot. An example is homocysteine a by-product of protein digestion, builds up in the body because the body cannot use folic acid properly. Excess homocysteine accumulation may cause cardiovascular disease and other health problems. You health care provider can measure your homocysteine level to see if this is a problem for you.

External: The majority of toxins come from pollution (air/water), preservatives, pesticides, alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics, cleaning agents, carpets, plastics, heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, fungi, chemicals, exhaust, etc. All of us are exposed and take in toxins but not all of us can eliminate the toxins as we need to.

Ways the body rids itself of toxins:

The natural organs of elimination are: skin, kidneys, lungs, bowel and liver.

How does detox work in the body?

Most water soluble toxins are eliminated in the stool others (fat soluble) are absorb and sent to the liver for special processing. Poor elimination can result in toxins being re-absorbed into the body.

The liver is the major organ of detoxification. It changes a toxin (necessary for elimination) using Phase I and Phase II detoxification methods.

Phase I: turns the toxic into an intermediate substance. If all is working well it sends the intermediate metabolite into Phase II. However there can be several problems.

If you are a pathological phase I detoxifier your liver might go too fast in Phase I and this results in the liver dumping intermediate toxins (sometimes more toxic) into the blood stream This can cause damage to DNA, RNA, Proteins.

Phase II: The liver conjugates the intermediate toxins into water soluble metabolites and lets the kidney get rid of them through urination. This system relies on protein, vitamins, minerals and other plant materials to function. If these raw materials are not present phase II may not work.

When one or more organs of elimination is not working well then the other elimination organs have to work overtime. For example, if a smoker has damaged the lungs then the liver must work harder and may get overwhelmed and send toxins to the skin or the brain. Symptoms of stress on that organ will be apparent, such as, skin rashes.

How can I tell if I am toxic?

Signs of toxicity are varied. And depend on the parts of the body affected. Generally if you feel a lack of energy, headaches, brain fog, diarrhea, constipation, skin rashes, allergies, or are irritable and run down-you could be toxic. Acid urine Ph, inflammation, thick blood (incr. fibrinogen & Hemoglobin), high or low cholesterol and high triglycerides are some indications of toxicity.

There are several tests to help in identifying toxins. The simple blood test for a suspect metal is only useful for acute toxicity. A chronic exposure or a test sometime after exposure will not be positive. This is because the body will store toxins in organs or fat or expel them as part of its detoxification process. Challenge urine test, hair analysis, and organic acid testing for heavy metal toxicity are available from alternative providers. Based on your symptoms your provider will recommend testing for heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and nickel; neurotoxins such as pesticides or organopesticides, hormone disruptors, and viral or bacterial toxins. You can test yourself for neurotoxins by going to www.chronicneurotoxins.com and taking the online test for $10. There are also test to determine if you are a pathological detoxifier.

Maintain low toxicity:

• Drink clean water
• Drink Green Tea (binds toxins and balances phase I & II)
• Cut down on caffeine, tobacco & alcohol
• Use grass fed free range poultry, meat & dairy
• Eat organic locally grown produce, as much as possible
• Have only natural cleaning & pesticide products
• Dry clean rarely and air-out if do
• Limit fish intake
• Get plastic free

What are safe ways to detox?

• Remove/reduce external toxins – Doris Rapp’s book Our Toxic World: A wake up call.
• Remove/reduce internal toxins (inflammation)
• Maintain a urinary Ph of 7.0-7.5
• Avoid dehydration
• Insure normal elimination (colonics, fiber, diet)
• By pass the liver using FAR sauna
• Use a trampoline to mobilize the lymphatic system
• Clay baths
• Ionic Foot Detox
• Slow detox methods (chlorella, KM, bentonite clay)
• Support the liver and kidneys
• Detox the liver (only if colon is working properly)
• Chelation oral or Intravenously (supervised)

What are unsafe detox methods?

• Fasting–the liver needs proteins, vitamins and minerals to detox.
• Liver & Gallbladder cleansing that is harsh, doesn’t follow the principles listed above and is used alone. (olive oil etc).

Mary Couillard PhD, ARNP is the owner of GINKGO GARDEN, Inc. 462 Barkley Dr., Grand Rivers, KY 270-362-5009, ginkgogarden.com

Going the distance with your Nail Tech

by Barbara McIntosh
Nail Wellness Technician
Studio-A on Broadway

A foot is a runners first point of impact. Runners need a pedicurist who understands your individual needs.

More and more women are running into today's healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, running brings some problems.

A runners foot hits the pavement close to 800 times during each mile run, with a force of close to 3 times your body weight. The shock your feet take may translate in a multitude of problems.

Callused Feet: A callus is an area of skin that has thickened due to repeated excess friction and pressure. The body tries to protect itself by adding another layer of protection, resulting in a callus. Regular

pedicures can reduce the calluses and your pedicurist can help you decide on the proper tools for your at home care.

Blisters: When there is too much friction applied to the skin, the body may respond by forming a ­blister. Shoes too big or small may cause blisters. Hot or wet whether may also cause blisters. Do not pop the blister, and you should seek medical care if it becomes infected. Finding the right size shoe and socks that don’t hold moisture will help reduce blisters.

Bruised Toenails: or “runner’s toe” is also caused by ill fitting shoes and the toe hits against the top of the shoe repeatedly. Which can also cause lost toenails. Many runners lose their toenails. You can go to a podiatrist and they can determine what is causing the problem. After the loss of toenail it is very important that you nail technician is certain that the nail area has healed before performing a pedicure on you.