No Rest for the Weary – The Battle Against Insomnia
By Mike Sweeney
We’ve all had our share of sleepless nights. You know, the ones spent lying awake in bed, thinking about that big project coming due or paying down those credit card bills that have been piling up. Or maybe you can’t find that perfect sleeping position or setting on the thermostat. Whatever the cause, insomnia can leave us frustrated, depressed and unable to keep up with our daily tasks. And while there’s no easy solution, there are plenty of steps you can take to conquer the sleep deprivation blues.
Up All Night
To help ourselves find a more restful slumber, we need to better understand both the external and internal causes of insomnia. What we put into our bodies has a dramatic effect on how we sleep. Loading up on caffeine and sugar close to bedtime can put you in a jittery state of mind. Drinking too many liquids late in the day leads to constant, disruptive trips to the bathroom. Late night spicy foods probably aren’t the best choice, either, with dishes such as garlic and red pepper chicken with extra Sriracha sauce being a recipe for troublesome midnight heartburn.
Mental factors also play a significant role in lack of sleep, with stress being one of the main culprits. Office problems, family troubles, breakups, financial concerns and many other life woes can weigh heavily on our minds as we attempt to drift off to dreamland. These thoughts keep our brains anxious and alert, not giving them time to properly shut down. Clinical depression, unsettled nerves or anything else that causes your mind to wander all play a role in how well you sleep. Changes in your routine can also result in a lack of proper rest. Switching from a day shift to a night shift, for example, can leave your body not knowing which end is up.
Nighttime tossing and turning can be exacerbated by physiological issues as well. Physical pain, even from something as simple as a twisted ankle, can inhibit your ability to properly relax. We also strongly rely on the production of a hormone called melatonin to regulate our sleep and wake cycles. Our bodies produce greater amounts when it’s dark out to help us sleep, while less is produced during the day to keep us awake. If we expose ourselves to too much artificial light during the night or not enough sunlight during the day, our sleep and wake cycle gets disrupted.
Fighting Back
So how can you keep yourself from enduring a weary, sleepless night? Start by avoiding frequent or long naps
during the day to help ensure that you’re tired enough at night. If napping isn’t the issue, there are other remedies to help you get more shut eye.
Engage Your Brain
When bedtime rolls around, if you can’t sleep, then get up! Lying in a dark bed in a silent room will just give your mind more time to think about how much you’re not sleeping. Go into the other room and watch TV, read a book or take a walk around the block. Do something to occupy your mind and body to help get them back in sleep mode. You may find that keeping a sleep diary will help analyze why you’re not getting decent rest. Use it to keep track of how many times you wake up during the night, stress factors, good or bad dreams and more to help paint an overall picture of your sleep patterns.
Just Breathe
Breathing exercises can work to ease your troubles and reduce chronic levels of stress for some restful shut-eye. Finding a proper breathing rhythm helps improve blood flow and optimize the functions of your nervous system, both of which make catching forty winks a much easier prospect. You can peruse several articles on breathing exercises by doing a search at www.livestrong.com. Adding some extra weight to your body can also help you fall asleep faster by boosting serotonin levels. This doesn’t mean dozing off with a barbell on your chest; a simple pillow between your legs can do the trick. For a more technical solution, Timothy Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Body, recommends a product called NightWave to put you in a calmer state of mind. The small device uses a soft blue light to guide you through a relaxing, medatative routine that allows you to drift off to sleep. You can find more info at www.nightwave.com.
Nature’s Way
Sleeping pills can be beneficial, but there’s always a concern of becoming too dependent on them. Instead, consider brewing healthy herbs into a nice tea for a more natural relaxant to help you unwind. Lavender acts as a strengthening tonic for your nervous system and helps soothe sleep deprived anxiety. Valerian root and chamomile are natural herbal sedatives that work even better when used in a nice warm bath and combined with soothing tunes. Instrumental music or collections of nature sounds often work best as your brain is more intent on relaxing than singing along to lyrics you can’t remember. For a wide selection of sleep accompaniment, download the White Noise app for your smart phone (available at www.tmsoft.com), which offers a range of forty ambient sounds to help you sleep such as ocean waves, rain and thunder storms or chimes.
Ritual and Routine
The proper frame of mind can work wonders for a good night’s sleep. One helpful solution is making sure that your bedroom is meant for a specific task. Aside from sleeping or intimate time with your spouse or significant other, try not to use your bedroom for other activities such as reading, watching TV, eating or playing on your computer. Just as your kitchen is used almost exclusively for cooking, designate your bedroom as a specific slumber zone. “One of the biggest mistakes people make in their bedrooms is they try to cram too much in there,” says Gary Zammit, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders Institute (www.sleepny.com). “They use it as an office and as an entertainment room right up until the clock strikes ten and expect to just hit the lights and fall asleep. But the brain doesn’t work that way.”
Getting into regular nighttime habits can also keep the tossing and turning at bay. Do your best to retire around the same time every night. Keep consistent with regard to when you brush your teeth, shower or make other pre-sleep preparations. “A bedtime ritual teaches the brain to become familiar with sleep times and wake times,” says Jessica Alexander of The Sleep Council (www.sleepcouncil.org.uk), a nonprofit group that offers advice on sleeping better. “It programs the brain and internal body clock to get used to a set routine.” And while it may sound like a cliché, don’t go to bed angry! Whether it’s an argument with a loved one or an internal rant about work or school, raising your blood pressure right before bed is a sure fire ticket to insomnia. Resolve personal conflicts as part of your nightly routine and you’ll sleep much better.
No matter how much we prepare or tell ourselves it’s not going to happen, we all have to deal with insomnia at one point or another. We may not be able to ensure that every single night is smooth sailing, but by taking steps to head things off at the start or by following through with physical and mental solutions, we can usually find the rest we need and win the battle for sleep.
Making A Difference – Freed’s Bakery
Freed’s Bakery has been providing tasty treats to people all across the valley for many years, baking cakes, cookies and other confections to satisfy any sweet tooth. But Freed’s has also been deeply involved in the community, spending as much time engaging in important charity work as they do in crafting their delectable desserts.
This past September, Freed’s hosted a special promotion called A Drive for Danny, a charity effort to benefit longtime employee Danny O’Briant, who is recovering from an auto-immune disorder that has limited the use of his hands, feet, arms and legs. O’Briant has worked for Freed’s since 1977, starting out cleaning the shop and working his way up to head baker in just a few short years. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the bakery’s cupcake sales went towards helping O’Briant and his family pay for physical, occupational and speech therapies at local medical facilities. All told, Freed’s sold more than 3,000 cupcakes at $1 per item and also received nearly $500 in additional donations from customers moved by O’Briant’s courageous story.
“We are touched by the outpour of communal support for Danny,” said Max Jacobson-Fried, owner and operator of Freed’s Bakery. “We will certainly be creating other opportunities at the bakery for the community to donate to Danny’s rehabilitation.”
For more information on Freed’s Bakery, visit www.freedsbakery.com.
Making a Difference – Tronox
Engineering students are growing up to change the face of technology, an endeavor to which the students of Basic High School’s Robotics Team clearly aspire. Thanks to a generous donation from Henderson company Tronox, this enterprising young group continues making strides toward new innovations.
The Basic High School Robotics Team teaches students the engineering components of robotics and how to build robots through advanced production methods. Tronox recently contributed a $5,000 donation to benefit the team and has also asked engineering leaders from its Henderson plant to help mentor participants. A global leader in the production and marketing of titanium products, Tronox has made numerous contributions to local schools and charities over the years.
“We are grateful to have Tronox as a community sponsor and partner of the team,” says Mark Reed, head of the Robotics Team. “It is through partnerships like these that we can foster educational growth in our students, and it is something we wouldn’t otherwise have the funding for.” Rick Stater, Henderson Plant Manager for Tronox, added, “We are proud to be contributing to such an admirable cause. At Tronox, we place a particularly high level of importance on helping to fund educational extracurricular efforts.”
Thanks to the giving spirit of local companies such as Tronox, students from southern Nevada high schools will continue to excel and make progress toward a better future for everyone, turning good will and generosity into results that can change the world.
For more information on Tronox, visit www.tronox.com.
Making a Difference
Polar Shades Sun Control and Henderson Professional Firefighters & Henderson Firefighters Benevolent Association
As the fall season returns and kids head back to school, many will do so without the necessary clothes and supplies needed to make it through the year. HopeLink of Southern Nevada’s Back 2 School Drive, held this past summer, set out to change that with help from some generous donations.
Since 1991, HopeLink of Southern Nevada has strived to provide support for the working poor in the community. Since then, it has grown from an all volunteer group to having a full time staff of thirteen. As part of their mission to help the needy, HopeLink hosts the annual “Back 2 School” fundraising event to encourage local residents and organizations to donate school supplies and outfits to economically challenged students for the upcoming school year. And thanks to selfless donors such as Polar Shades Sun Control and the members of the Henderson Professional Firefighters and Henderson Firefighters Benevolent Association (HFBA), the school year is already looking brighter for disadvantaged students across the valley.
Polar Shades Sun Control donated $250 worth of supplies to the Back 2 School program this year. The supplies were delivered to the HopeLink office by representatives Lynn Groesbeck and Steve Mevius, owner of Polar Shades, a family owned small manufacturer that supplies retractable sun shades worldwide. “It is an honor to be able to give back to the community,” says Mevius, “especially children in need of supplies for the upcoming school year. As a profitable small business owner in Henderson, I believe it is important to give to those who are going through financial hardships during these tough economic times.” Karen Kyger, Executive Director of HopeLink added, “We are grateful to have businesses like Polar Shades who understand the importance of our program and are willing to donate supplies.”
Another charitable donation of $500 was given through a joint effort by the Henderson Professional Firefighters and the HFBA, with the gift once again being personally delivered to HopeLink by members of both organizations. Community service remains a key component of the Henderson Professional Firefighters as they continue to fundraise and donate directly to nonprofit groups throughout the valley, including the American Red Cross, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Henderson Boys and Girls Club, Safe Nest and many more. The HFBA is primarily focused on providing charitable assistance to its members and local charities and was pleased for the opportunity to participate in HopeLink’s fundraiser as well.
School should be a fun and educational experience for all children, not a stressful time where less fortunate kids are forced to struggle with basic needs. Thanks to help from Polar Shades Sun Control, the Henderson Professional Firefighters and the HFBA, the dream of making school a rewarding experience for all children is coming true through the dedication of HopeLink.
For more information on HopeLink of Southern Nevada, visit www.link2hope.org.
In the Know
Contours and Curves
Dr. Ryan Mitchell of Contours and Curves prides himself in staying on top of time tested procedures and cutting edge technology to provide the safest and most advanced techniques in plastic and cosmetic surgery. With minimally invasive procedures that strive to bring you the best in patient comfort and care, Contours and Curves offers a wide range of cosmetic enhancement services such as eyelid rejuvenation, midface lifting, nose reshaping, liposuction and more. You can even get your skin feeling brand new with a chemical peel or laser resurfacing. Contours and Curves will do their very best to enhance your own natural beauty and wellness and help you start looking and feeling better than you could ever imagine.
376-3095 / 54 N. Pecos Rd., Suite C / www.drryanmitchell.com
Divan
The holidays are right around the corner, making it the perfect time to get things done around the house. The staff at Divan can help you pull any room together with beautiful new or re-upholstering services and custom draperies. With more than thirty years in the business, they’ll help you complement your color scheme or create a new one using the latest fabrics and trends. Give your home the update it deserves with a spectrum of offerings that include upholstered beds, pillows, Roman shades and custom sofas done in a variety of textile options including top grain leathers, faux leathers and vinyls. Call to set up an appointment today and reinvent your home living world with a stunning new look and a great sense of style thanks to the dedicated professionals at Divan.
998-1922 / 5125 W. Oquendo Rd., #3 (just west of Decatur) / www.divanllc.com
The Chuck Jones Experience
Immerse yourself in the world of legendary animation director Chuck Jones at The Chuck Jones Experience, now open on the promenade level of Circus Circus. The exhibit hosts a stunning array of Jones’ work, including such famous animated characters as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck and more. You’ll find an extensive gallery of drawings, sketches and paintings that showcase Jones’ art, along with interactive displays, 3D models and more. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore your creative side in their on-site classroom, which features workshops on drawing and animation with frequent visits from legendary animator Ron Campbell. Celebrate the life and work of a man who continues to inspire millions at The Chuck Jones Experience.
224-2580 / 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd. / www.chuckjonesexperience.com
Amari Dress Boutique
Find the kind of quality, trend setting clothes worn by your favorite celebrities at Amari Dress Boutique. Shop for stylish new looks from up and coming designers and discover versatile pieces that can easily transition from day to night, along with chic attire for any special occasion. Always up on the latest fashions, Amari will strive to get you into an outfit that accentuates all your best qualities and help you find the right accessories to go with it so you’re ready to impress. For your convenience, set up a private appointment before or after hours or invite your friends for a private shopping party either at the boutique or in the comfort of your own home. Find the standout style that works for you with help from Amari Dress Boutique.
476-3900 / 10271 S. Eastern Ave., #114 / www.facebook.com/amariboutique
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Revisit the spirit of the 1950s and bite into an all American treat at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Stack your fresh, made-to-order steakburger in a single, double or triple and add Freddy’s shoestring fries complete with their famous seasoning. If you’re craving something with more “ballpark” style appeal, grab a Chicago dog smothered in mouth watering chili, shredded cheese and diced onions. When you’re ready for dessert, cool off with a cone, cup or specialty sundae of frozen custard – or indulge yourself with a scrumptious concrete, a super thick custard creation you can customize with everything from Oreos to toasted coconut. Fill your heart with nostalgia and your belly with quality comfort food at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
434-3733 / 9809 S. Eastern Ave. / www.freddysusa.com
Doctors Express
Urgent care clinics are important to the health and well being of the community. Doctors Express of Green Valley helps provide the medical services you need most so you can avoid long wait times at the emergency room. Whether you’re suffering from the flu, fractures, cuts and bruises, minor infections, respiratory problems or any other non-life threatening condition, their experienced physicians will help diagnose and care for you with on-site lab tests and x-rays as part of their state of the art services. Most forms of insurance are accepted and no appointment is necessary. Find the right urgent care that you need to get yourself well in the capable hands of the medical professionals at Doctors Express.
825-1853 / 655 S. Green Valley Pkwy., #100 / www.doctorsexpressgreenvalley.com
In the Know
Samurai Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
Treat yourself to the incredible flavors and gracious hospitality of the Far East at Samurai Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, where you can add flair to your typical family dinner. You’re sure to be amazed by the skill and culinary artistry of master teppan chefs as they fire up the flat top grill with steak, chicken, seafood and more, all prepared with a dazzling sense of showmanship. If you want something more low key, they also feature a full sushi bar where their expert sushi chefs are ready to answer any questions about the latest arrivals. Don’t miss out on the fabulous lunch specials either, with bento boxes and sushi deals that hit the spot. Experience a unique approach to traditional Japanese cuisine at Samurai Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi.
898-8179 / 1199 W. Sunset Rd. / www.samuraivegas.com
Doctors Express
Urgent care clinics are important to the health and well being of the community. Doctors Express of Green Valley helps provide the medical services you need most so you can avoid long wait times at the emergency room. Whether you’re suffering from the flu, fractures, cuts and bruises, minor infections, respiratory problems or any other non-life threatening condition, their experienced physicians will help diagnose and care for you with on-site lab tests and x-rays as part of their state of the art services. Most forms of insurance are accepted and no appointment is necessary. Find the right urgent care that you need to get yourself well in the capable hands of the medical professionals at Doctors Express.
825-1853 / 655 S. Green Valley Pkwy., #100 / www.doctorsexpressgreenvalley.com
Divan
The holidays are right around the corner, making it the perfect time to get things done around the house. The staff at Divan can help you pull any room together with beautiful new or re-upholstering services and custom draperies. With more than thirty years in the business, they’ll help you complement your color scheme or create a new one using the latest fabrics and trends. Give your home the update it deserves with a spectrum of offerings that include upholstered beds, pillows, Roman shades and custom sofas done in a variety of textile options including top grain leathers, faux leathers and vinyls. Call to set up an appointment today and reinvent your home living world with a stunning new look and a great sense of style thanks to the dedicated professionals at Divan.
998-1922 / 5125 W. Oquendo Rd., #3 (just west of Decatur) / www.divanllc.com
Firehouse Subs
Robin and Chris Sorenson, founders of Firehouse Subs, really know how to heat things up! And with their new location open on Marks Street in Henderson, things are about to get even hotter. Leave it to two former firefighters to devise a way to steam heat high quality meats and cheeses for maximum flavor. From meatball, steak and hero selections to chicken or tuna salad and everything in between, the menu never disappoints. Try the New York delicatessen inspired NY Steamer with corned beef brisket, pastrami, provolone, Italian dressing and all the fixings for a classic sandwich that will keep you coming back. Anytime is a good time for a hearty meal at Firehouse Subs, so roll out today and enjoy a tasty treat for a firefighter sized appetite!
565-4444 / 501 Marks St., #110 / www.firehousesubs.com
Amari Dress Boutique
Find the kind of quality, trend setting clothes worn by your favorite celebrities at Amari Dress Boutique. Shop for stylish new looks from up and coming designers and discover versatile pieces that can easily transition from day to night, along with chic attire for any special occasion. Always up on the latest fashions, Amari will strive to get you into an outfit that accentuates all your best qualities and help you find the right accessories to go with it so you’re ready to impress. For your convenience, set up a private appointment before or after hours or invite your friends for a private shopping party either at the boutique or in the comfort of your own home. Find the standout style that works for you with help from Amari Dress Boutique.
476-3900 / 10271 S. Eastern Ave., #114 / www.facebook.com/amariboutique
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Revisit the spirit of the 1950s and bite into an all American treat at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Stack your fresh, made-to-order steakburger in a single, double or triple and add Freddy’s shoestring fries complete with their famous seasoning. If you’re craving something with more “ballpark” style appeal, grab a Chicago dog smothered in mouth watering chili, shredded cheese and diced onions. When you’re ready for dessert, cool off with a cone, cup or specialty sundae of frozen custard – or indulge yourself with a scrumptious concrete, a super thick custard creation you can customize with everything from Oreos to toasted coconut. Fill your heart with nostalgia and your belly with quality comfort food at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
434-3733 / 9809 S. Eastern Ave. / www.freddysusa.com
In the Know
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Revisit the spirit of the 1950s and bite into an all American treat at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Stack your fresh, made-to-order steakburger in a single, double or triple and add Freddy’s shoestring fries complete with their famous seasoning. If you’re craving something with more “ballpark” style appeal, grab a Chicago dog smothered in mouth watering chili, shredded cheese and diced onions. When you’re ready for dessert, cool off with a cone, cup or specialty sundae of frozen custard – or indulge yourself with a scrumptious concrete, a super thick custard creation you can customize with everything from Oreos to toasted coconut. Fill your heart with nostalgia and your belly with quality comfort food at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
434-3733 / 9809 S. Eastern Ave. / www.freddysusa.com
Amari Dress Boutique
Find the kind of quality, trend setting clothes worn by your favorite celebrities at Amari Dress Boutique. Shop for stylish new looks from up and coming designers and discover versatile pieces that can easily transition from day to night, along with chic attire for any special occasion. Always up on the latest fashions, Amari will strive to get you into an outfit that accentuates all your best qualities and help you find the right accessories to go with it so you’re ready to impress. For your convenience, set up a private appointment before or after hours or invite your friends for a private shopping party either at the boutique or in the comfort of your own home. Find the standout style that works for you with help from Amari Dress Boutique.
476-3900 / 10271 S. Eastern Ave., #114 / www.facebook.com/amariboutique
Movies & Candy
Looking for a place that combines the best of Blockbuster, Netflix and Redbox with enough treats to satisfy any sweet tooth? Movies & Candy has exactly what you need. Here you’ll find one of the best selections of new releases, cult classics and popular older movies available for rent, the perfect cure for a slow night at home. And what’s a movie without something to snack on? Browse their wide selection of sweets, where you can pick up enough tasty confections to make Willy Wonka’s head spin, starting at just a penny per gram. There’s no need to pay lots of money at the theater only to be distracted by ringing cell phones and chatty patrons. Movies & Candy has all the right elements to help create a sweet and simple home viewing experience.
241-8888 / 10895 S. Eastern Ave., #160 / www.moviesandcandy.com
Divan
The holidays are right around the corner, making it the perfect time to get things done around the house. The staff at Divan can help you pull any room together with beautiful new or re-upholstering services and custom draperies. With more than thirty years in the business, they’ll help you complement your color scheme or create a new one using the latest fabrics and trends. Give your home the update it deserves with a spectrum of offerings that include upholstered beds, pillows, Roman shades and custom sofas done in a variety of textile options including top grain leathers, faux leathers and vinyls. Call to set up an appointment today and reinvent your home living world with a stunning new look and a great sense of style thanks to the dedicated professionals at Divan.
998-1922 / 5125 W. Oquendo Rd., #3 (just west of Decatur) / www.divanllc.com
Doctors Express
Urgent care clinics are important to the health and well being of the community. Doctors Express of Green Valley helps provide the medical services you need most so you can avoid long wait times at the emergency room. Whether you’re suffering from the flu, fractures, cuts and bruises, minor infections, respiratory problems or any other non-life threatening condition, their experienced physicians will help diagnose and care for you with on-site lab tests and x-rays as part of their state of the art services. Most forms of insurance are accepted and no appointment is necessary. Find the right urgent care that you need to get yourself well in the capable hands of the medical professionals at Doctors Express.
825-1853 / 655 S. Green Valley Pkwy., #100 / www.doctorsexpressgreenvalley.com
The Chuck Jones Experience
Immerse yourself in the world of legendary animation director Chuck Jones at The Chuck Jones Experience, now open on the promenade level of Circus Circus. The exhibit hosts a stunning array of Jones’ work, including such famous animated characters as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck and more. You’ll find an extensive gallery of drawings, sketches and paintings that showcase Jones’ art, along with interactive displays, 3D models and more. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore your creative side in their on-site classroom, which features workshops on drawing and animation with frequent visits from legendary animator Ron Campbell. Celebrate the life and work of a man who continues to inspire millions at The Chuck Jones Experience.
224-2580 / 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd. / www.chuckjonesexperience.com
In the Know
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Revisit the spirit of the 1950s and bite into an all American treat at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Stack your fresh, made-to-order steakburger in a single, double or triple and add Freddy’s shoestring fries complete with their famous seasoning. If you’re craving something with more “ballpark” style appeal, grab a Chicago dog smothered in mouth watering chili, shredded cheese and diced onions. When you’re ready for dessert, cool off with a cone, cup or specialty sundae of frozen custard – or indulge yourself with a scrumptious concrete, a super thick custard creation you can customize with everything from Oreos to toasted coconut. Fill your heart with nostalgia and your belly with quality comfort food at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
434-3733 / 9809 S. Eastern Ave. / www.freddysusa.com
Amari Dress Boutique
Find the kind of quality, trend setting clothes worn by your favorite celebrities at Amari Dress Boutique. Shop for stylish new looks from up and coming designers and discover versatile pieces that can easily transition from day to night, along with chic attire for any special occasion. Always up on the latest fashions, Amari will strive to get you into an outfit that accentuates all your best qualities and help you find the right accessories to go with it so you’re ready to impress. For your convenience, set up a private appointment before or after hours or invite your friends for a private shopping party either at the boutique or in the comfort of your own home. Find the standout style that works for you with help from Amari Dress Boutique.
476-3900 / 10271 S. Eastern Ave., #114 / www.facebook.com/amariboutique
Movies & Candy
Looking for a place that combines the best of Blockbuster, Netflix and Redbox with enough treats to satisfy any sweet tooth? Movies & Candy has exactly what you need. Here you’ll find one of the best selections of new releases, cult classics and popular older movies available for rent, the perfect cure for a slow night at home. And what’s a movie without something to snack on? Browse their wide selection of sweets, where you can pick up enough tasty confections to make Willy Wonka’s head spin, starting at just a penny per gram. There’s no need to pay lots of money at the theater only to be distracted by ringing cell phones and chatty patrons. Movies & Candy has all the right elements to help create a sweet and simple home viewing experience.
241-8888 / 10895 S. Eastern Ave., #160 / www.moviesandcandy.com
Doctors Express
Urgent care clinics are important to the health and well being of the community. Doctors Express of Green Valley helps provide the medical services you need most so you can avoid long wait times at the emergency room. Whether you’re suffering from the flu, fractures, cuts and bruises, minor infections, respiratory problems or any other non-life threatening condition, their experienced physicians will help diagnose and care for you with on-site lab tests and x-rays as part of their state of the art services. Most forms of insurance are accepted and no appointment is necessary. Find the right urgent care that you need to get yourself well in the capable hands of the medical professionals at Doctors Express.
825-1853 / 655 S. Green Valley Pkwy., #100 / www.doctorsexpressgreenvalley.com
Samurai Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
Treat yourself to the incredible flavors and gracious hospitality of the Far East at Samurai Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, where you can add flair to your typical family dinner. You’re sure to be amazed by the skill and culinary artistry of master teppan chefs as they fire up the flat top grill with steak, chicken, seafood and more, all prepared with a dazzling sense of showmanship. If you want something more low key, they also feature a full sushi bar where their expert sushi chefs are ready to answer any questions about the latest arrivals. Don’t miss out on the fabulous lunch specials either, with bento boxes and sushi deals that hit the spot. Experience a unique approach to traditional Japanese cuisine at Samurai Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi.
898-8179 / 1199 W. Sunset Rd. / www.samuraivegas.com
Firehouse Subs
Robin and Chris Sorenson, founders of Firehouse Subs, really know how to heat things up! And with their new location open on Marks Street in Henderson, things are about to get even hotter. Leave it to two former firefighters to devise a way to steam heat high quality meats and cheeses for maximum flavor. From meatball, steak and hero selections to chicken or tuna salad and everything in between, the menu never disappoints. Try the New York delicatessen inspired NY Steamer with corned beef brisket, pastrami, provolone, Italian dressing and all the fixings for a classic sandwich that will keep you coming back. Anytime is a good time for a hearty meal at Firehouse Subs, so roll out today and enjoy a tasty treat for a firefighter sized appetite!
565-4444 / 501 Marks St., #110 / www.firehousesubs.com
Out of the Box – The Exciting World of CrossFit
By Michelle Vessel
Do you have a friend or officemate who’s been ditching your lunch dates and happy hours to spend time at a mysterious place called a “box”? Does she come back drenched in sweat, sometimes limping and speaking in a strange, acronym laden lingo? Is she looking more fit, more buff, younger and more alive than she has in years? If so, your pal may be caught up in the CrossFit craze that’s sweeping the globe and drawing in millions of fitness minded people.
What Is CrossFit?
Founded by former competitive gymnast Greg Glassman, CrossFit is a back-to-basics approach to exercise focused on improving overall functional fitness. Housed in rudimentary gyms that resemble garages or storage facilities, CrossFit participants are put through their paces in short but intense drills that last about fifteen or twenty minutes. CrossFit first caught on among first responders, law enforcement and various other hardcore types, including deployed military troops who enjoyed being able to perform the simple routines even in more desolate locations.
With the advent of the Internet, exercisers around the world began exploring CrossFit.com to check the Workout of the Day (WOD) and then started hanging around to gloat about their scores and times on the website’s forums. This expansion across the information superhighway has helped CrossFit grow from humble roots and bare bones appeal into a thriving big business. Glassman’s company oversees a worldwide network of more than 4,500 affiliated gyms and a certification program that turns out hundreds of newly minted CrossFit instructors every week.
WODs and AMRAP
CrossFit WODs offer a full body workout that combines explosive aerobics moves called plyometrics, pull ups, sit ups, squats, Olympic style weightlifting moves and more. Each day, a whiteboard on the “box” wall provides two or three new exercises that are to be performed in sequence as a round. Participants then complete “as many rounds as possible” (AMRAP) in an allotted time, with many CrossFitters doing three days of exercise followed by a day of rest. Although some WODs utilize minimal equipment, relying on the exerciser’s body weight for resistance, others require implements such as rowing machines, weights or medicine balls.
There’s no denying that an intensive workout can have a significant impact on your fitness level, but many CrossFit devotees point to the mental, social and spiritual benefits of pushing yourself beyond your limits in the company of intensely supportive people. These starry eyed disciples often use words like “life changing” and “transformative” to describe the CrossFit experience.
Caveats and Considerations
While the benefits of CrossFit may be high, there are still many factors to consider before joining the new craze. Some traditional fitness experts and other critics have expressed reservations about the safety and effectiveness of CrossFit, especially for beginners or those prone to injury. Some admit there’s a macho “no pain, no gain” ethos in the CrossFit community that can push others too far beyond their limits. Other CrossFitters speak of burning out quickly after the honeymoon period, and even the most devoted participants have been known to grumble about the steep membership fees. As with any fitness regimen, consult with your doctor beforehand.
If you already have a fair to moderate base of fitness and you’re ready to take your effort level from humdrum to herculean, consider signing up for a beginner’s class in CrossFit fundamentals at your friendly neighborhood box. You might make some new friends, lose a few pounds and even learn a little bit about yourself and your true capabilities in the process.
Days of Desert Past – The Nevada State Museum
By Heather Turk
If there’s one thing Nevadans take great pride in, it’s the rich history and cultural heritage of their home state, and nothing reflects that legacy better than the Las Vegas branch of the Nevada State Museum, now housed in its new $51.5 million facility at the Springs Preserve. Although the 70,000 square foot building was completed in 2009, the museum remained at its original, smaller Lorenzi Park location for several years because of state budget issues. The move to the Springs Preserve was worth the wait, however, as the new site continues to educate and enrich local residents about the incredibly diverse and remarkable past of the Silver State.
Living History
With nearly 14,000 square feet of space dedicated to Nevada history, from pioneers to flora and fauna and beyond, the museum hosts an impressive collection that’s sure to thrill young and old minds alike. Permanent exhibits detail everything from Native American cultures and local geology to atomic testing and the Hoover Dam, but the museum also hosts ever changing works of beautiful creative expression. Opening November 15th will be the costume exhibition “Vegas Style: Spectacle and Spectator,” which explores the past, present and future of fashion in Sin City. The show will be researched and curated by students from UNLV’s public history program.
Upon entering the building, guests are greeted by a beautiful resin model of an ancient bristlecone pine tree, Nevada’s state tree, a mock up so realistic that you’ll swear it’s the genuine article. A walk through the permanent exhibit gallery reveals something you won’t find in any old museum: a prehistoric Columbian mammoth skeleton with scars on its bones from predators both human and animal. Beside this awe inspiring giant sits one of the museum’s new state of the art exhibits: a large screen, multi-projection video about Nevada’s nocturnal wildlife titled From Dusk to Dawn, which incorporates real taxidermy specimens for a lifelike experience.
The Mother Lode
Mining has always played a key role in Nevada’s history, and you can learn more about it at yet another high tech experience called the Comstock Lode & Mining Exhibit. Three holographic projections known as “Pepper’s ghosts” detail life on the Comstock Lode, the site of the first major U.S. discovery of silver ore, located under what is now Virginia City. Each virtual actor spins a compelling yarn of a different individual whose life was impacted by the 1859 discovery: Eilley Bowers, who was briefly one of the nation’s wealthiest women before “the ore ran out;” Henry Comstock, an early prospector for whom the lode was named; and a miner from Cornwall, England, who describes the harsh working conditions for which he was rewarded “$4 a day.”
Neon Memories
Of course, no Las Vegas museum would be complete without a section devoted to the glitz and glamour of the Strip. The “Viva Las Vegas” exhibit includes a dazzling Costume Wall that showcases headdresses, bikini bottoms and other pieces worn by dancers from various shows, offering a nostalgic trip back to the days when the Rat Pack helped define Vegas entertainment. The costumes light up with a musical fanfare that some visitors may find a bit kitschy, but the eye catching spectacle happens to be a favorite among most museum patrons. It may not carry the same momentous weight of a mammoth skeleton, but it’s still a touchstone of local culture.
Once you’ve finished exploring the exhibits, browse the gift shop or check out the research library full of old newspapers, books and manuscripts, including personal papers of famous Nevada figures such as Helen J. Stewart. With so much to offer in this new venue, it’s no surprise the museum has seen a tremendous upsurge in attendance. Those numbers are sure to increase as more local residents take advantage of this hometown historical treasure.
For more information, visit www.springspreserve.org/attractions/nsm.html.
