Gripping Memoir Details Life Before And After Debilitating Stroke

Trevose, PA, August 23, 2018 ― For Mary Reid-Hill, the word "no” means surrender. It means life on the couch. It means dying a slow death. So never tell Mary that she can't do something. Because she'll do everything in her power to prove you wrong.

Mary entered "adulthood” with a load of problems to unpack, including a twisted, abusive childhood; a misguided teen marriage; and a cancer diagnosis at the tender age of 22. Somehow, in spite of it all, she used her skills as a visual artist to carve out a career in the male-dominated world of sign design and installation.

But life wasn't done testing her. At age 38, at the peak of her success, she suffered a major stroke which left her with essentially half her brain and body capacity. For more than 15 years, she has defied doctors, therapists, and even friends and family to stubbornly and relentlessly find her own equilibrium and happiness, "in spite of” all of her health challenges, psychological roadblocks and spiritual upheaval.

But that's just Mary.

And now, she's sharing her remarkable story in her inspirational memoir, In Spite Of . . . How I Survived Abuse, Cancer, and a Giant F@#%ing Stroke, as told to David Tabatsky—author, co-author and/or editor of more than thirty books, covering a vast range of subjects. For more information on David, please visit his website at: www.tabatsky.com.

Mary's approach is refreshingly candid and infused with humor as she chronicles a series of life events that would emotionally cripple most people, including her messed- up childhood, two bad marriages, the devastating stroke, her battles with weight and insurance companies, and the death of her husband. Through it all, her no-nonsense prose underscores why she's become a living example of what the human spirit is ultimately all about and how, in spite of it all, she's still here.

Mary was born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and still lives there today, on the corner of Hope and Humor. For the past 17 years, Mary has been unable to hold down a job, due to a disability stemming from her stroke. However, she remains as active as possible, renovating her home, refinishing furniture and continuing her main passion––drawing. Her memoir includes 15 original drawings, some of which she created before the stroke, and several after, when she had to teach herself to draw all over again, this time with her left hand. On top of that, Mary cares for two dogs and occasionally her two closest sisters.

For more information, please visit the website at: www.inspiteof.life.

In Spite Of . . . How I Survived Abuse, Cancer, and a Giant F@#%ing Stroke
Legacy Projects
Release Date: August 2018
ISBN–13: 978-1722983352
ISBN–10: 1722983353

It is all too common to suffer skin damage from soaking up too much summer sun. Unfortunately, too much time in the sun can lead to UV-induced sun spots, acne, lines and wrinkles!

Board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark is sharing his tips for repairing summer skin damage so you can look and feel your best come the fall:

1. Identify the Damage: The sun can wreak havoc on your skin leading to sun spots, blotchy pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles as well as clogged pores.  All of these things can lead to a dull, less toned, and less radiant complexion making it imperative to isolate the problem.

2. Begin with a Fresh Face: Cleansing your face helps to prepare the canvas, making it easier to penetrate beneficiary anti-aging ingredients. Dr. Mark recommends his one step process All-In-One Cleanser, which effectively and safely cleanses and tightens, leaving the skin feeling refreshed.

3. Use Exfoliants: Exfoliants help unclog pores, smooth the skin, fade blemishes, and send signals to the dermis to produce collagen. Dr. Mark’s Moisture Cure and Exfoliating and Hydrating Mask contain natural and plant-sourced alpha hydroxyl acids that assist with this process.

4. Incorporate Antioxidants into your Regimen: Antioxidants produce new collagen and sift free radicals.  Dr. Mark’sAntioxidant Boost contains Astaxanthin – “nature’s most potent antioxidant,” which is up to 1000-times stronger than Vitamin C, Green Tea, and Vitamin E, helping to firm sun damage caused by the sun.

5. Protect Your Eyes: One of the most delicate areas of the skin for damage is the eye area.  The sun, wind and squinting can cause wrinkles and irritation. Dr. Mark’s Tighten and Lighten Eye Cream has a unique combination of key ingredients that not only treats the contour of the eye, it also safely lifts the fold of the upper eyelid.

Additionally, Dr. Mark says to keep an eye out for key ingredients like Shea butter, acai oil and Argan oil, which can help restore rejuvenate the outer layers of your skin.

Please let me know if you’re interested in featuring Dr. Mark’s tips editorially. Additionally, Dr. Mark is available to comment on any stories you may be working on where his medical expertise is a fit.

I’ve included Dr. Mark’s full bio below. I can also send you hi-res images of any of his products mentioned for editorial inclusion. Looking forward to hearing back!

ABOUT DR. KENNETH MARK:

Dr. Kenneth Mark is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs’ skin cancer surgeon practicing in New York City, the Hamptons, and Aspen. Dr. Mark, offering a wide range of services to his patients. He is a nationally recognized injectables expert, specializing in BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and VOLUMA®.

Dr. Mark recently launched his eponymous skincare line, made up of five technologically advanced, cutting edge anti-aging products: All-in-One Cleanser, Antioxidant Boost, Exfoliating & Hydrating Mask, Moisture Cure and Tighten & Lighten Eye Cream. Unique to this brand is his proprietary ingredient ASTA-ZOME™ (encapsulated Astaxanthin), which is a carotenoid up to 1,000 times as potent as Vitamin C.

To learn more about the products or to purchase, go to http://kennethmarkmd.com/.

Dr. Mark graduated from Cornell and completed his residency at the NYU Department of Dermatology, where he is also a Clinical Assistant Professor. He has twice been voted one of the “Best Doctors” in America by his peers, one of the most prestigious clinical honors a physician can receive and represents the top 5% of doctors.

Additionally, Dr. Mark spent two years of training after his dermatology residency to become an expert in Mohs’ skin cancer surgery - a minimally invasive treatment for skin cancer that minimizes scarring and has the highest cure rate.

Dr. Mark prides himself on taking the knowledge of anatomy and precision he learned from his skin cancer and plastic reconstruction training and applying it to the cosmetic procedures he performs.

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BELLY BLOATING: DOC SHARES WHAT TO EAT AND WHAT TO AVOID

Regardless of weight or body type, it’s common to see some belly bloat. The foods we choose, how we’re digesting and simply the air we’re swallowing, can all add up to feeling and looking bloated.

To help us keep our bellies as bloat free as possible, is Dr. Niket Sonpal, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Board Certified in Internal Medicine specializing in gastroenterology, digestive health and nutrition, who shares what to eat and what to avoid and why.

“It’s really important to pay attention to bloat, especially when it either comes on suddenly or is prolonged with pain. It is possible to develop an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine which gives that distended belly and full feeling,” explains Dr. Sonpal.

The discomfort caused by bloating is a fixable issue. Watching the choices you are making and the way your body is reacting to them is key.

According to Dr. Sonpal, here are some foods to steer clear of when it comes to banishing the bloat.

1. Simple Carbs 

The general population is aware that foods like soft drinks, sweets, desserts, and white bread are not conducive to a healthy diet. Simple carbs are processed into the bloodstream very quickly and have little nutritional value other than the energy they add to your body. When there is an overflow of energy being stored in your body versus what you are burning you begin to gain weight and feel bloated.

2. Processed starches

Limiting pasta or bread to a once per week treat can really make an impact when addressing bloat. These foods are like sponges when it comes to water.

When you cut starches, you’ll notice bloat minimizes pretty quickly.

3. Sugar substitutes and faux sweeteners

Here’s the catch, you may think you’re doing the right thing by opting for “fat-free” or “sugar-free” food options that say they are “derived from real sugar.” Dr. Sonpal clarifies that these kinds of sugars are actually low-digestible carbohydrates. Our bodies metabolize them differently due to their chemical structure leaving them hanging around in our small intestine leading to bloat.

4. Raw cauliflower (and other uncooked cruciferous vegetables).

Cauliflower has become the “it” vegetable because it takes on the flavor of anything it’s mixed with. We see recipes for cauliflower mashed, cauliflower pizza, fried “rice,” and even mac and cheese; all created with cauliflower as the main ingredient. When cooked, these vegetables are great sources of nutrition and fine side dish substitutes for pasta, rice, and potatoes. However, when cauliflower is chopped up and eaten raw along with kale, broccoli and brussels sprouts you can expect bloating to occur. Cooking is key!

5. Salt

If you want to reduce water retention which always leads to a bloated stomach, cut out the salt. In fact, if you have a lunchtime meal you can significantly reduce the bloat and puffiness simply by avoiding salty foods for the remainder of the day. People who are mindful of their salt intake, prepare their own foods and avoid things like canned soups, chips, bacon, sausage, lunch meats will look and feel leaner.

What not to fear:

1. Ripe Bananas!

What’s not to love about bananas. You can grab one on the go, they are high in potassium which is another thing that rids water retention.

2. Cucumbers

They’re known to reduce swelling and given they contain the flavonoid antioxidant, quercetin. Cool crisp and delicious they’re common to salads and they can also be eaten solo as a snack. You can also add them to water.

3. Watermelon

Chunks of watermelon are low calorie and filled with water (over 90%) and very low sugar.

Watermelons are mostly water — about 92 percent — but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There's even a modest amount of potassium.

4. Fermented Foods

Kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and kombucha. These high probiotic, bacteria-friendly fermented foods are key to maximizing digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.

5. Drink water and green tea!

Since carbonated beverages contribute to bloat stick to water and flavored teas. Sipping on these beverages throughout the day keeps the digestive system moving. When you are water deprived your body will hold on to the water already in your body without excretion leading to appearing bloated.

Things to avoid when dealing with belly bloat include:

1. Drinking from a straw

The mechanisms of straws make it so that you suck air in to take sips of your drink. An excess of this can fill you up with air and cause bloating.

2. Sleeping right after eating

Many people get drowsy right after a meal. The best course of action is to go for a walk or do something that gives you a bit of energy and helps your body process your meal. Going to bed right after eating cripples your digestive process, slowing down the breakdown of your food.

3. Eating Too Rapidly

If you find yourself struggling with bloating observing the pace at which you eat can help reduce the amount of air you intake while consuming the foods you love. Generally taking more time to enjoy your meal.

About the doctor:

Dr. Niket Sonpal is Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn and on the board of the NY‐ American College of Physicians (NYACP). He is completing his Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Lenox and has spoken and presented at over 25 national and regional conferences on his research and is a regular participant in national courses.