Five Ways to Renovate a Used Car, Make it Sparkle Anew

Reconditioning an old car is a great way to save some cash. Slightly changing just a few things can make a used car look just like new. Not only can you make your car look better, but you can also improve its functionality. Here are five approaches to reviving used cars and making them look like new.

1. Freshen Up the Paint Job

The most apparent way of refurbishing a used car is through repainting. The paint on a car can chip and fade with time, making the vehicle look old, but a fresh coat of paint completely changes that. You can allow a professional to do it for you or decide to take the challenge on yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you clean and sand the car before painting so that there are no bumps. You can experiment with custom paint kits to add a personalized feel. There is a wide range of colors and patterns that you can select to make your car unique to you.

2. Upgrade the Interior

The interior quality of a car is essential to those who ride in it often. If the seats are worn or there is a crack on the dashboard, it can make the car look old. This can be easily fixed with interior upgrading. First, vacuum and polish the inside of your car–especially on the carpeting. If the seats are beyond repair, consider getting them reupholstered or adding seat covers for a different modern look. You can replace any cracked or faded plastic panels on the dashboard as well as add accessories, such as new floor mats or a steering wheel cover, to provide an updated look.

3. Install New Headlights and Taillights

The headlights and taillights are important from both a visual and safety standpoint. Over time, these lights could fade, becoming foggy and making them inefficient. When changing them, you can decide between the same stock lights or switching to the energy-saving LED ones. Consult the car manual to ensure that the lights you buy will connect properly to your car. This change will not only make your car look better, but it will also give you a clear night view.

4. Add New Wheels and Tires

The wearing out of the wheels, tires, or both has a massive effect on how a car appears. The switch to contemporary wheels and tires makes your second-hand vehicle look more stylish as well as elegant with a single sweep. You can opt for various designs and sizes depending on your car’s style and size. In addition, upgrading to good quality tires can also boost the performance and safety of a car on the road.

5. Repair Mechanical Defects

Restoration of a secondhand car does not only mean cosmetic changes. Mechanical repairs are just as important, if not more so. Have your car fully checked by a mechanic if it hasn’t been run in some time. This will allow you to detect any potential issues and thus fix them before they get worse. Minor repairs like fluid replacement, worn-out belts, and switching out old filers can improve your used car’s efficiency and safety.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Liquid Concepts

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Health & Wellness: Infrared Exercise For Stress Reduction, Mental Clarity

Striking a balance between work, home life, and obligations to ourselves can be mentally and physically draining. In the search for stress reductions and mind clearing people are inventively opting trying out techniques, one of which is infrared exercise.

Usually, an infrared exercise involves the use of infrared saunas and workout equipment which utilizes infrared light to penetrate body and produce heat. This unique form of exercise produces various effects such as the reduction in stress and improved mental health.

Infrared Exercise Can Have Many Benefits Including Stress Reduction and Improving Mental Wellbeing

Infrared exercise stands out as a highly efficient method in the reduction of stress. The infrared rays penetrate deep into tissues that result to a very relaxing muscle tone, improved blood flow and circulation. This physiological response allows to get rid of the accumulated physical stress giving rise to a peaceful state. Additionally, the heat produced during infrared exercise causes an endorphin release, which are natural stress relievers. These released endorphins are natural mood elevators, which stimulate a flood of positive feelings to negate stress and contribute to overall feeling good. Infrared exercise not only relaxes the body, but also provides a therapeutic retreat for the mind an invaluable practice for those reduced to frenzied living.

Aside from the physical impacts, infrared exercise contributes positively to mental wellbeing as it works on the delicate balance between body and mind. When the stress hormone cortisol is released in large quantities, it often disrupts mental health. Infrared exercise is known to control the cortisol levels thereby avoiding the adverse effects of chronic stress. The achieved hormonal balance results in better concentration, sharpened cognitive clarity, and also a more balanced emotional state. Furthermore, infrared exercise, especially mindful forms such as infrared yoga also focuses on the mind-body connection. Heat produced by activity complements intentional movement and activates such high level of consciousness that people manage to clean their minds off, gain mental clarity. And including infrared exercise into a wellness routine, individuals can find the perfect balance of physical and psychological effects leading to a stable foundation for overall mental health.

What Are Some of The Other Benefits of Infrared Exercise?

1. Weight Loss

Infrared exercise makes the body sweat even at deep cellular level which to detoxify removing harmful waste materials from the body and ensure burning of calories effectively. With the proper diet and regular exercise, it can help with weight loss.

2. Improved Sleep Quality

The sleep quality will improve because of the relaxation that comes with infrared exercise. With a decrease in stress levels, people tend to have much better and more refreshing rest forcing them to get more energy towards further living.

3. Detoxification

Infrared light heat penetrates deeply into the skin and motivates detoxification by enhancing the elimination of toxins through sweat. This purging procedure thus can help to contribute and make skin well even in general become healthy.

4. Cardiovascular Health

Infrared exercise boosts cardiovascular activity, which improves blood circulation and heart function. Participation in regular sessions may lead to lower blood pressure and better general cardiovascular health.

Who Benefits Most from Infrared Exercise?

1. Busy Professionals

For those busy people who have stressful jobs and highly pressurized schedules, infrared exercise helps relax the body and keep minds clear to ensure wellbeing.

2. Fitness Enthusiasts

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can use infrared exercise to improve their recovery, reduce muscle soreness and increase performance.

3. Individuals with Chronic Pain

People suffering from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia may benefit by using infrared exercise for its analgesic properties.

4. Anyone Seeking Overall Wellbeing

Infrared exercise is very effective because of its versatility and accessibility that allows everyone to practice regardless of individual preferences.

Infrared exercise benefits are much more than simple body fitness exercises. The fact that it lowers stress, improves mental wellbeing, and helps with weight loss, makes it an excellent addition to anyone’s healthy lifestyle regimen. Whether you are an athlete trying to promote recovery or just someone in search of a holistic approach toward stress management, applying the infrared exercise will certainly present you with a highly functional and efficient tool for your health benefit realization. Think about adding this revolutionary form of fitness to your everyday life and reap the drastic changes that it can bring both physically and mentally.

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60th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival Results Announced

VANCOUVER, WA — After three full days of the return of the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival, the outstanding musician awards and the evening finals results for the 60th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival have been announced. For 2024, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy was awarded to Bothell High School Jazz 1, Bothell, WA

Thursday, January 25, 2024 Middle School Silver division jazz ensemble finals results:

1st place – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

2nd place – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

3rd place – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

A Division:     

1st place – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

2nd place – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

3rd place – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Musician certificates were presented to:

Cody Halley – Laurin Middle School, Battleground, WA

London Coy – Laurin Middle School, Battleground, WA

Tyson Ruark – Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver, WA

Henry Ormson – Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver, WA

Oliver Armstrong – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

Elliot Foster – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Daniel Liu – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Jacob Weinstock – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Dylan Her – Aspire Middle School, Lacey, WA

Nate Richardson – Aspire Middle School, Lacey, WA

Emily Chen – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Ellie Bailey – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Margo Cox – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Oren Sternberg – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Rowan Armintrout – Liberty Middle School, Camas, WA

Charlotte Summers – Liberty Middle School Camas, WA

Katie Evert – Liberty Middle School, Camas, WA

Gavin DeMoss – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Eli Lennick – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Marilyn Ruthruff – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Iris Ruthruff – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Nate Lyon – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Lhamo Doryang – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Judah Macarro – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Dante Churchill – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Lizzy Bloom – View Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield, WA

Danica Jahr – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Zach Pan – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Ben Mittge – Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis, WA

Maxton Hill – Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the A Division were presented to:

Olin Nelson – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Corbyn Orchard – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Lincoln Toland – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Jackson Pierce – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Basil Middlemas – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Joseph DiPrima – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Parker Zaemann – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Kyler Dixon – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Stephen Samwel – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Danny McCarthy – Concordia Christian Academy, Tacoma, WA

Jason Nguyen– Concordia Christian Academy, Tacoma, WA

Anna Zendt – Columbia High School, White Salmon, WA

August Peterson – Columbia High School, White Salmon, WA

Jeremy Solis – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Graham Rank – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Kristin Dunlap – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Dominic Stub – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Aleks Chygasov – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Jordan Stout – Adna Middle/High School, Adna, WA

Myra Medina – Adna Middle/High School, Adna, WA

Stacti Dore – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Emma McCaullough – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Sam Purcell – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Harland Wakefield – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Friday, January 26, 2024 AA division high school jazz ensemble finals results:

AA Division:  

1st place – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

2nd place (tie) – Richland High School Freshman, Richland, WA

2nd place (tie) – Lakewood High School, Lakewood, WA

Outstanding middle school and high school musician awards for the AA Division were presented to:

Michael Grove – Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, WA

Naomi Halbrook – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Cynthia Reyes-Mendoza – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Jocelyn Cole – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Preston White – Columbia River High School, Vancouver, WA

Amanda Linwood – W.F. West High School, Chehalis, WA

Parker Morrison – W.F. West High School, Chehalis, WA

Zandy Owens – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

Henry Van Mason – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Victor Zinchuk – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Leo Sandoval – Lakewood High School, North Lakewood, WA

Isaias Fuentes-Palominos – Lakewood High School, North Lakewood, WA

Hayden McCarty – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Chloe Kalson – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Thilo Kluth – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Jack Smith – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Levi Brown – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Adam Haunreiter – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Blake Bruning – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Saturday, January 27, 2024 AAA and AAAA division high school jazz ensemble finals results:

AAA Division:           

1st place – Heritage High School Jazz I, Vancouver, WA

2nd place – Bothell High School Jazz II, Bothell, WA

3rd place – Battle Ground High School Intermediate Jazz I, Battle Ground, WA

AAAA Division:        

1st Place – Bothell High School Jazz I, Seattle, WA

 2nd Place – Lake Stevens High School Jazz I, Lake Stevens, WA

3rd Place – Grant High School Jazz I, Portland, OR

Outstanding high school musician awards for the AAA Division were presented to:

Cooper Givens – Union High School, Camas, WA

Kieran Iyer – Union High School, Camas, WA

Liam Purcell – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Cadence Sempk – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Nathan Lauruhn – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Cannon West – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Tyler Hornell – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Heidi Anderson – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Ryan Jackson – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Allison Llubit – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Mark Rodeheaver – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Christian Oversvee-Choi – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Nathan Bardsley – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Sachita Kadievelu – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Aliah Bragg – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Logan Gillespie – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Janae Clark – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Gavin Williamson – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Sam Arslanian – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

McKelvey Brewer – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Kyle Davenport – Prairie High School – Battle Ground, WA

Judah Bollock – Prairie High School – Battle Ground, WA

Maggie Roth – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Felix Lewis – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the AAAA Division were presented to:

James Brady – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Henry Rice – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Gavin Bunbury – Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA

Addisyn Johnson – Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA

Henry Goss – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Nathan Doyle – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Kono Tiyaamornwong – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Will Damrose – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Trevor Nix – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Alejandro Santana – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Sean Malcom – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Ethan Park – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Ian Park – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Izzy Cryan – Union High School, Camas, WA

Evelyn Lo – Union High School, Camas, WA

Andie Townsend – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Carter Stafford – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Phineas Ruji – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Jack Santos – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Sasha Burns – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Xander Buck – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Oli Rangle – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Dylan Reed – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Thomas Holmes – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Aaron Mamula – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Nicholas Ang – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Congratulations to all the fine bands who participated!  

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Visit Pike Art Gallery’s Once in a Blue Moon Sale Saturday

Pike Art Gallery is participating in the downtown Camas annual “Once in a Blue Moon Sale” happening this Saturday, January 27th from 10 am to 5 pm. 

The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition spot. During the special sales event, all fine art is offered at 15 percent off. Plus, pick up a FREE gift of ART for your Valentine, one per family, while supplies last on Saturday, January 27th.

“Come visit us this Saturday at our Once in a Blue Moon Sale and get a sneak preview of new works of art ahead of our next show on First Friday, February 2nd,” said Pike. “All that snow and ice provided an abundance of quality time in my studio,” said Pike. “I’m thrilled to share my latest original works of art on canvas with the public.”

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7  pm. 

“We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” said Pike.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild, Society of Washington Artists and the Ridgefield Art Association. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at 360.281.8720. Her next festival on the calendar is HeART Fest on Saturday, February 10th at Lacamas Lake Lodge in Camas. The HeART Fest is presented by Artisans Guild of Camas and is open free to the public from 10 am to 4 pm.

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How Can CBD Help With Mental Health Issues?

The increasing use of social media, instability in the world today, and the COVID-19 pandemic are just some of the reasons that many people are experiencing mental health disorders. The treatments that the mental health community has for this population result in unpleasant side effects that some people are unwilling to accept. CBD is a candidate that may be able to replace these medications and reduce the unpleasant side effects.

Why Do People Take CBD?

Research has demonstrated that CBD can improve the following medical conditions:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD

The mental health community characterizes PTSD as a condition in which people avoid activities that can trigger memories of an unpleasant event. It also causes people to experience nightmares, intrusive thoughts and relive traumatic events. The research demonstrates that CBD can reduce these symptoms. One study in particular from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that psychiatric treatment and one oral dose of CBD reduced the symptoms of PTSD.

Difficulties Sleeping

CBD is known to calm the nerves of people taking it. The adults in one study experienced anxiety and the inability to sleep well. After taking 25 milligrams of CBD daily for a month, 65% of this population registered improved sleep scores.

Depression

Researchers investigated whether or not CBD decreases depressive symptoms for those who take it. Antidepressants work to increase serotonin levels in the brain, and studies done on animals demonstrated that CBD increased the subjects’ serotonin levels. Another 2018 study found that CBD helps the brain respond to the serotonin levels that are already present.

Anxiety

Some studies show that CBD reduces anxiety levels in participants. A study done in 2015 also found that CBD improved the conditions for people experiencing PTSD, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Epilepsy

CBD demonstrated its ability to decrease the frequency of seizures in those diagnosed with epilepsy. Two epileptic conditions that improved because of CBD were two types of epilepsy that do not respond well to anti-epileptic drugs. In a study focusing on children with Dravet syndrome, one of the conditions that do not respond well to medications, CBD reduced seizures to half in 43% of the subjects. After this, the FDA approved a medication that contains CBD for children.

What Side Effects Does CBD Have on Mental Health?

In animal studies, CBD improved the psychotic symptoms that mice with schizophrenia experienced. Also, when introduced at high levels, CBD did not cause the mice to experience catatonia. Another study showed that CBD decreased the instances of visual hallucinations in the population.

How Can CBD Help Soothe Mental Health Issues?

Many people currently use CBD to medicate their psychiatric symptoms. However, half of these people are doing so without informing their physicians. This shows that CBD is working for many psychiatric patients, but the medical community is concerned that these patients are not informing their doctors. Because CBD use is not currently regulated, the risks are high because people could be taking low-quality CBD. It could also contain THC, which would cause them to experience a high. The industry needs CBD products that are of high quality and effective. Be sure to consult your doctor when considering using CBD to medicate your psychiatric symptoms.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for CBDistillery

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Understanding the Difference Between Hemp and CBD

The legalization of marijuana for recreational use is sweeping across the United States with now 21 states plus the District of Columbia making the use of cannabis in all forms legal. Additionally, 38 states have approved cannabis for medical use.

Along with this has come an array of products made from cannabis that range well beyond just a substance for getting high. Cannabis products include foods, cooking oils, clothing, health supplements, soaps, candies, animal feeds, textiles – even plastic!

Hemp, Marijuana, and CBD

As legalization opens up the cannabis market, more people are looking at these products for the first time. This had led to some confusion, however. For example, what is hemp and how is it different from marijuana or cannabis? And what’s this new CBD product everyone is talking about? Let’s talk about that.

Hemp vs Marijuana

Both marijuana and hemp are the same species of plant called cannabis sativa. Plants of the same species can have small to large differences. For example, think of all the different kinds of wheat — bulgur, farro, freekeh, spelt, buckwheat, red wheat, and einkorn. They are all different, but they are all wheat!

The most notable difference between hemp and marijuana is a psychoactive component called THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. That is the substance that makes people high when they smoke or eat marijuana. Hemp also has some THC but in very tiny amounts.

Hemp contains 0.3% or less THC so it simply can’t make a person get high.

CBD

CBD is a compound found in both hemp and marijuana. CBD stands for cannabidiol. There are hundreds of kinds of cannabidiols including THC. But CBD which is made from hemp is a highly valuable substance with many known health benefits. Because it comes from hemp, it can be used without the intoxication of marijuana-derived CBD.

Researchers believe CBD is effective because it interacts with human cell receptors that influence a variety of functions, such as appetite, anxiety, depression, and the sensation of pain. Clinical research has shown that CBD may be effective in treating seizure disorders like epilepsy. Other studies – although some scientists claim these studies are not yet conclusive or rigorous enough – show that CBD is an effective agent for treating pain.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

This tends to be an area of major confusion because hemp oil and CBD are both oils, but they are two very different things.

For example, many supermarkets now sell hemp oil alongside all the other common cooking oils, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, and so on. Hemp oil is used for cooking and salads like the other oils.

But hemp oil does not contain CBD! Hempseed or hemp oil is made by cold pressing only the seeds of the hemp plant.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is a complex compound made from all parts of the cannabis plant. One quick way to tell the difference while shopping is to look at the price. A small one- or two-ounce bottle of CBD oil is far more expensive than, say, a liter-sized bottle of hemp seed oil.

The careful shopper should always check the ingredients listed on a product. For example, some gummies are billed as “hemp gummies” but do not contain CBD. If you want to make sure you are getting gummies, oils, or other products with active CBD, make sure the ingredient list on the package specifies CBD not just hemp oil.

One last thing to remember: CBD may not be sold in the form of oil at all. It is made into pills or supplements, vaping juices, gummies, teas, and other products.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Nothing But Hemp

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Pike Art Gallery Celebrates First Friday of New Year in Uptown Camas

Camas, WA — Pike Art Gallery is ushering in a great new year at Camas First Friday Art Walk this week. Gallery owner and local artist Liz Pike invites the public to a swanky artists’ reception – serving up lively conversation with complimentary beverages and charcuterie on Friday, January 5th from 5 to 8 pm. The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition every first Friday of the month.

“I’m unveiling more new works this month,” said Pike. “I love winter painting,” said Pike. “The change of season brings me indoors to the studio.” 

After a successful year of art sales in 2023, Pike says she is inspired to create more work. Bond also has new works of art on display at Pike Art Gallery for the month of January.

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7pm. 

“We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” she added.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild and Society of Washington Artists. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at (360) 281-8720. Her next festival on the calendar is HeART Fest on Saturday, February 10th at Lacamas Lake Lodge in Camas. The HeART Fest is presented by Artisans Guild of Camas and is open free to the public from 10am to 4pm.

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Health & Wellness: Getting to Know Pins & Needles Aesthetics in Camas

Meet Aleksandra Cherednichenko, a surgical Family Nurse Practitioner, who owns and operates Pins and Needles, a medical aesthetics clinic in Camas. Lacamas Magazine interviewed Cherednichenko, and asked her several questions about her background, her clinic and the services she provides.

1. What services does Pins and Needles provide? 

I provide wrinkle relaxers to treat natural aging lines in addition to treating excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and migraines, dermal fillers to replace lost volume in the facial area, microneedling of the facial area to reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and to boost collagen, and chemical peels.

2. Can you explain your focus on the medical portion of aesthetics? 

As medical practitioners, I believe that it’s our duty to offer patients only evidence-based and FDA approved products. It is also up to us to educate patients on the risks of each procedure and say no to patients when something is not medically indicated. For example, when the “Barbie” movie came out, aesthetic providers started marketing Barbie tox to patients to reduce the size of their trapezius muscles. This is not medically indicated unless a patient is suffering from chronic pain or migraines, yet people were requesting this service and you saw this trend pop up all over social media. Aesthetic procedures are medical procedures that carry risks, they are not just beauty treatments.

3. What are some common misconceptions about aesthetics medicine? 

I think a common misconception about aesthetic medicine is that only wealthy people get treatments, when in fact people from all walks of life seek out these services. Aesthetic medicine is also a partnership between the provider and the patient, where goals are set and different treatment modalities are used to achieve desired results.

4. What does it mean to be a surgical NP? 

My full-time job is being a liver transplant nurse practitioner and I get to practice as part of a multidisciplinary abdominal surgery team, with an emphasis on liver and kidney transplantation. This means that I am intricately aware of how our bodies work and can foresee complications from invasive procedures, like the kind that we perform in aesthetic medicine. 

5. What is your background as an FNP? 

I was an RN for almost a decade prior to obtaining my FNP from Maryville University, and spent my time at bedside in acute and critical care. After completing my clinical rotations for graduate school I knew that I wanted to specialize and found that my critical care background matched well with my current surgical specialty.

Pins and Needles is located inside Whole Glow Health and Beauty:

5420 NW 38th Ave

Suite #33

Camas, WA 98607

503.214.2431 and texts are welcome

Her Instagram handle is @pins_needles_aesthetics

Learn more at www.pinsneedlesaesthetics.com where you can book an appointment. 

Pins
Aleksandra Cherednichenko is a surgical Family Nurse Practitioner, who owns and operates Pins and Needles, a medical aesthetics clinic in Camas.
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Six Tips, Protocols For Smoking in Public Spaces

When you head out into public spaces, it is important to be considerate of those who may be bothered by the smoky air that you are creating. Here are six tips for smoking in public that do that.

1- Follow the Regulations

Of course, if there is any legal reason for you to not light up in an area, you should follow that as doing so will result in you being considerate of others as well as avoiding legal issues. As you surely know, restaurants and bars are no longer as legally smoker-friendly as they used to be, but also be observant of other things, such as signs stating that no smoking is allowed close to a building’s entrance.

2- Ask for Permission

If you are near others and it is legal for you to smoke there, you should still ask if they mind if you do. In many cases, they will say that they do not, even non-smokers, but doing so allows you to refrain when there are those there who will in fact be upset if they are unexpectedly breathing in second-hand smoke. This is especially frustrating for them if they cannot easily move to a different area.

3- Where Is the Wind Blowing?

Even when those around you do not mind or you are in a place where smoking is expected, it is considerate to be aware of which direction any breezes are blowing so that, when possible, you can direct your smoke away from others. Also be careful of smoking near a building’s entrance as the wind may be blowing your smoke into the structure, particularly if it is a non-smoking building.

4- Be More Considerate in Parks

Consider that many go to parks and other natural settings in order to breathe in the nature-infused air that exists there and may be much more upset at breathing second-hand smoke in that type of setting than they would somewhere else. For that reason, if you do smoke in a park, ensure that there is a considerable amount of space between you and others.

5- Treat Cigar Smoking Differently

If you are smoking cigars instead of cigarettes, you should treat that situation differently. For one thing, most people take longer to smoke cigars, meaning that you will be potentially annoying others for a longer time period. Also, keep in mind that cigars tend to produce more ash, and all of that ash should be disposed of in a manner that is least disruptive to others.

6- Avoid Places With Poor Air Circulation

Regardless of whether permission is given or implied, you should avoid smoking anywhere with poor air circulation unless it is an area that has been specially designed for smokers, such as a smoking room in an airport. Examples include cars and elevators as well as many indoor spaces but especially so if they are small. If you are smoking indoors, make sure that nearby windows are opened to improve the air circulation.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Road Runner Cigars

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Living: Five Fun Hobbies That Are Easy to Pick Up

Setting time aside to unwind is just as important as working hard. That is why medical practitioners emphasize the need for a person to have at least one hobby. These are five hobbies that are easy to pick up and start:

Painting

Remember how fun and calming painting was when you were in kindergarten? You can go back to these stress-free times by picking up a brush every so often. Time flies by with each stroke, and you’ll soon be lost in your world as you create beautiful paintings.

You can take some inexpensive classes online or use different social media platforms. The great thing about taking up painting as a hobby is that you can be good at it later. To get the maximum benefits, you can play music and sip your favorite drink. All you need is a painting kit and canvas, and you are ready to go.

Embroidery

Who doesn’t love a hobby that produces useful gifts in the end? No one. That is what you’ll have once you get into embroidery. This hobby allows you to create beautiful patterns and liven up old clothes and bags.

Using a needle and string requires a steady hand and great concentration. This means you will have to forget all your troubles as you focus on the task. This is one of the fastest-growing hobbies bringing back the sewing era. Different stores have curved-out serene spaces where people can sit and embroider for hours. You can join such clubs and make friends while at it. What was once a pass time reserved for grandmothers is now significant for the young and young-at-heart.

Gardening

There is something quite calming about getting in touch with nature. You don’t need a large area to get your gardening hat on. A small portion where you can plant herbs, vegetables, and flowers works well. You get double the benefits because you relax and enjoy healthy home-grown vegetables.

If you live in an apartment, you can develop your green thumb by planting and caring for potted plants. Be sure to leave the pots on your window so they can get the sunlight they need. Beginners are advised to start with plants that only require a little attention to thrive. This will ease you into the gardening world, and soon you’ll be able to nurture and grow complex houseplants. It is advisable to research the plants that do well in your region. Doing so ensures you will see the literal fruits of your labor. So get your gardening tools and boots on and get started.

Journaling

Old is gold, and nothing quite compares to the relief you get when jolting down your thoughts, hopes, fears, and dreams. Pen to paper is one of the oldest forms of unwinding and is encouraged now more than ever.

When journaling, you can plug off all your electronic gadgets and free your mind by simply writing. Journaling frees up your mind; this way, you can come up with new ideas and solutions for your problems. It is no wonder therapists highly recommend journaling for everyone. Journals now have many features that can help you start and allocate time each day to write.

Cooking Classes

There is no one who doesn’t enjoy a scrumptious meal. This is what makes cooking classes such a great idea. If you love getting in the kitchen and using different ingredients to create delicious recipes. In that case, this is the hobby for you.

After attending a few cooking lessons, you’ll make restaurant-quality meals right in your kitchen for a fraction of the cost. A common trend with cooking classes is frugal meals. The idea behind frugal cooking is to use inexpensive ingredients to make mouth-watering dishes. You get to save money and enjoy a unique meal. You can find night-time cooking lessons that you can attend after work. Virtual classes are also a great idea if you want to cook in the comfort of your kitchen.

So long as an activity allows you to come down and ease your mind and body, you can do it as a hobby. The list above can direct you in the right direction. Pick one that you enjoy and embrace the relaxation.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Southern Sketch Designs

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