©Publishing, Copyright 2013. Fader Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved. © Copyright 2014. Fader LLC. All Rights Reserved.
March 2014
September - October 2013
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 3
from the
Staff Publisher
We are proud to share our newest issue of Simply 55+ magazine. While we featured a number of interesting and informative articles in our first and second editions, the whole staff really stepped up their game in our third installment. While we pride ourselves on diversity of articles and stay away from the single overriding topic style of most publications, this edition of Simply 55+ does look extensively into ideas to create a better life for our readers. Simple changes over time can serve to make a huge positive impact in our lives at any age.
Scott Worrall
Editor in Chief Wayne Morgan
Creative Director Dallas Arnold
Contributing Writer Barbara Worrall
Advertising Director Dan Stern
Executive Assistant Martha Zerblis
Circulation & Distribution
Our dedicated staff has worked diligently on a variety of articles that are sure to inform, entertain, and educate, our increasingly loyal readers. We hope you enjoy! Please continue to send your comments to staff@simply55+.com as we read all your comments and ideas to make our publication the best it can possibly be.
LV Distributing
Mission Statement To provide a comprehensive guide for value, quality and affordable ways for seniors. To enhance and elevate the standard of home, as well as senior leisure life in Southern Nevada. While making you feel informed and a part of our growing community.
Subscriptions
With Warmest Thanks, — Simply 55+ Staff
You can mail your subscription request to: 1176 Center Point Dr, Henderson, NV 89074 Simply55+ Magazine is published Bi-monthly by Fader Publishing LLC. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.
The staff and writers at Simply 55+ are not medical doctors therefore we cannot give medical advice. The information provided on any topics presented herein is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. This information is for entertainment purposes only. No responsibility is assumed by Simply 55+, the authors nor anyone connected with this magazine, or it's companion website for the use of this information and no guarantees of any kind are made for the performance or effectiveness of the recommendations and information provided. If you have questions please contact a licensed medical professional.
4 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 5
Contents March 2014 PAGE
How To Fit Weight Loss Into Your Busy Schedule
PAGE
What is Krill Oil, and What Are The Benefits?
PAGE
Do You Make These Expensive Mistakes When Eating Out?
PAGE
Healthy Local Eating You May Not Know About
9
12 15 16 PAGE
20 PAGE 26
Why People Love Dogs
PAGE
5 Reasons Why Volunteering is Good For You
30 PAGE
Preparing Your Garden For Spring
34
Your Getaway To Mesquite Nevada
PAGE
4 Ways To Make The Most of Your Frequent Flyer Points
PAGE
Ten Ways To Ruin A Car
39 41 PAGE 45 PAGE 47
Page 16
Seven Best Travel Apps
Page 20
Tips On Staying Productive While Working From Home
From The Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 New Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 38 Simply Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 42
Page 34 6 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 7
8 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
How to
Fit Weight Loss Into Your Busy Schedule Between commuting to and from work, putting in hours at the office, and meeting the needs of your family, you are probably left with little time to exercise and prepare healthy meals. However, with careful planning and a few tweaks to your diet and exercise regimen, you can lose weight and still meet the demands of your busy schedule. Read on to learn more.
Promote Weight Loss with a Quick High Intensity Workout A bout of high intensity exercise can help you burn extra calories, even for
Not That Old And Loving It!
hours after you have finished your workout. A 1991 study published in the journalMetabolism showed that participants who exercised at high intensities burned an additional 150 calories post exercise, because of the body's increased oxygen consumption following this type of exercise. Participants who performed the high intensity exercise also experienced 10.5 hours of increased calorie burn following exercise, compared to the only .3 hours of increased calorie burn experienced by participants who performed lower intensity exercise. To enjoy the calorie-blasting benefits of high intensity exercise, choose workouts that involve sprints. For instance, warm up with five minutes of jogging, and then do ten repeats of 50meter sprints outside. Or, do a tenminute jump roping workout, and aim to keep your speed high. You can easily torch some major calories with ten to twenty minutes of high intensity exercise, making this type of workout a perfect fit for someone with a packed schedule. Squeeze in a quick high intensity workout whenever you have time; there is no need to spend hours at the gym when you can melt away calories with a shorter workout.
Drink Water to Lose Weight Instead of reaching for a soda or a glass of juice, drink water, and you may lose weight without putting in any time or effort! A study published in a 2008 edition of the journalObesity found that overweight women who
drank at least 1 liter (about 4 cups) of water per day lost an average of 5 pounds more during a 12-month period than women who drank less than 1 liter of water per day. This effect was considered significant, and it remained significant even when other factors, such as food intake and physical activity, were measured. Increased water consumption was also associated with a decreased waist size and body fat perMarch 2014 • Simply55+ • 9
centage among women in the study. The relationship between water consumption and weight loss may exist because water contains no calories, whereas other beverages tend to be high in calories. In fact, a study published in 2012 in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals who replaced caloric beverages with calorie-free beverages like water lost 2 percent to 2.5 percent of their body weight. Begin drinking more water to drop pounds effortlessly!
Invest in a Crock-Pot to Prepare Healthy Meals at Home You are likely to consume more calories and therefore to stall your weight loss if you eat high calorie restaurant meals. A study published in a 2012 edition of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that women who ate out every week for lunch lost 5 pounds fewer than those who ate lunch at home. Furthermore, a 2013 re-
port published inManaged Care Outlook stated that recent research has shown that the typical fast food meal contains 836 calories, but people tend to underestimate the number of calories in their fast food meals. To avoid the high calorie content of fast food and other restaurant meals, prepare your meals at home. You will be able to create healthier meals and to control your portion sizes, thereby increasing your chances of weight loss. To fit home cooking into your busy schedule, invest in a crockpot, and you will be able to make a dietfriendly dinner in no time at all. Search for healthy crock-pot recipes online. You can spend a few minutes throwing ingredients together before work, and when you come home, dinner will be ready! This is an ideal solution for those who want to lose weight on a busy schedule. By investing in a crock-pot, you can create diet friendly meals without taking hours out of your busy day to cook a meal. You can also fit weight loss into your demanding schedule by making simple changes, such as drinking water, and by choosing fast, high intensity workouts. You do not have to spend hours per day on your diet and exercise regimen to lose weight. With the simple strategies discussed here, it is easy to lose weight, even if you have little time to spare! Gold’s Gym Las Vegas (Aliante) 2745 N Centennial Parkway Suite 115 North Las Vegas, NV 89084 Gold’s Gym Las Vegas Summerlin NW 7501 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89128 Gold’s Gym Las Vegas (Centennial) 6564 Losee Road Las Vegas, NV 89086 Gold’s Gym Las Vegas (South) 9310 S. Eastern Ave., #110 Henderson, NV 89123 Gold’s Gym Las Vegas (Southeast) 35 S. Stephanie Henderson, NV 89012
10 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Early Bird Menu r r Luncheon Buffet r r Off-Site Catering r r
702-227-9100 ricardosoflasvegas.com Convenient Location
1 mile west of The Palms 4930 W. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103
Happy Hour Monday thru Friday r r Game King Video Poker Machines r r
Groups and Banquets Welcome
Not That Old And Loving It!
OPEN 24 HOURS
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 11
What is Krill Oil, and What Are the Benefits? Krill oil is the oil derived from krill, a small crustaceous creature very near the bottom of the food chain. It mainly eats phytoplankton and zooplankton. Krill are harvested mainly for pharmaceutical use and for bait in sport fishing, although some krill is eaten, mainly in Japan, and goes by the name okiami.
Cardiovascular Health Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids promote cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. What is the krill oil cholesterol connection? Krill oil promotes good cholesterol in the body. Although our bodies need omega-3 fatty acids, they don't produce them. Our bodies rely solely on our diets to provide the omega-3 fatty acids that they need. Supplementing with krill oil ensures that our bodies have enough of the essential fatty acids that they need to function properly.
Brain and Cognitive Development One of the essential fatty acids is called DHA. DHA is essential for promotion of healthy brain and cognitive development. It's so important that OB/GYNs are now encouraging pregnant and lactating women to supplement with DHA to ensure that their growing infants get the DHA support that they need for proper cognitive development.
12 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Shortly after harvesting, krill is processed to make oil, where it is bottled, and sent to store shelves. Krill oil supplements have the same benefits of fish oil supplements, with some distinct advantages. Keep reading to discover the amazing krill oil health benefits that you could reap by taking a krill oil supplement.
There is research that has linked krill oil, ADHD, and ADD together. Some children who used krill oil showed a reduction in ADHD and ADD symptoms when taken regularly. While the research is in no way definitive, this offers hope for those who suffer from ADHD and ADD. Certainly, taking a krill oil supplement couldn't hurt!
gives relief to those suffering from joint pain. Even for those people who cannot find relief in medications have found relief from the anti-inflammatory properties found in krill oil.
PMS and Menstrual Cramps
There is major debate over which is better, fish oil or krill oil. Krill oil offers the same omega-3 fatty acid benefits that fish oil provides. Krill oil, however, has some added benefit that fish oil just doesn't have. While you can take other supplements to add these benefits to your fish oil supplement, krill oil has all of the benefits in one simple supplement.
Krill oil provides natural relief for PMS symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids work to balance hormones at a time when hormone levels are elevating in anticipation of the menstrual cycle. Uterine menstrual cramps can be quite painful. The anti-inflammatory properties of krill oil also work to minimize or eliminate uterine menstrual cramps.
Krill Oil Arthritis Relief Krill oil is anti-inflammatory, which means that it can offer relief for those who suffer from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and even rheumatoid arthritis. Krill oil also
Krill Oil Health Benefits that Extend Beyond Those of Fish Oil
Antioxidants When our body undergoes natural processes, oxidation can sometimes happen. Oxidation is simply the process in which free radicals are produced as a by-product of natural chemical changes in the body. Free radicals, when left in the cells, can cause cell damage and even cell death. This promotes aging of the body. Antioxidants Not That Old And Loving It!
eliminate these free radicals. For this reason, antioxidants are considered to slow the aging process and help you to look younger.
Other Benefits of Krill Oil over Fish Oil Supplements
Vitamin A
In addition to the health benefits that go beyond fish oil's reach, krill oil has some other benefits that fish oil supplements fail to offer.
Krill oil contains vitamin A, which is an important vitamin for the body. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant to boost immunity in the body. An improved immune system is better able to fight off germs, viruses, and bacteria it encounters.
Vitamin A also may help prevent some types of cancer and cardiovascular disease (especially in combination with the omega-3 fatty acids also present in krill oil). Vitamin A helps to keep your skin smooth, too. Although that's not a top 10 health concern, smooth skin is important to many people. It's a nice little bonus for taking krill oil!
Vitamin D Vitamin D is another important vitamin for our bodies. There are several health benefits to having a steady intake of vitamin D, including: • Reducing the risk of heart disease • Reducing the risk of cancer • Helping combat osteoporosis • Boosting the immune system • Reducing the occurrence of acne • Fighting depression • Combating type 2 diabetes • Helping to prevent pathological muscle weakness Not That Old And Loving It!
• Krill is at the bottom of the food chain. While that doesn't sound like a benefit, being at the bottom of the food chain means that krill eat only plant life in the ocean. This reduces the likelihood that it will contain mercury. There is very little chance that you will accidentally ingest mercury when taking krill oil because krill don't eat other mercurycontaining fish. • Krill oil doesn't have a fishy taste. Whether it's when you are taking fish oil or 20 minutes after, that fishy taste is just nasty. Krill oil doesn't have a fishy taste, either when you take it or 20 minutes later. Krill oil is pure, and you won't burp after taking a krill oil supplement. While the debate over krill oil and fish oil supplements goes on, you can see for yourself that krill oil offers some distinct advantages over fish oil. When deciding which supplement is right for you, take into consideration the benefits of each type of supplement. Ask your health care provider which might be better for your individual situation. Disclaimer: The staff and writers at Simply 55+ are not medical doctors therefore we cannot give medical advice. The information on Krill Oils and any other topics presented herein is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. This information is for educational and intertainment purposes only. No responsibility is assumed by Simply 55+, the author nor anyone connected with this magazine or it's companion website for the use of this information and no guarantees of any kind are made for the performance or effectiveness of the recommendations provided. If you have questions please contact a licensed medical professional. March 2014 • Simply55+ • 13
14 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Do You Make These Expensive Mistakes When Eating Out? Dining out used to be much more affordable than it is now. Restaurant gratuities are two or three times more expensive now than they used to be, for instance. It's important, then to be smart about eating out. You can't afford to make the simple mistakes anymore.
Do you make your reservations on the phone? Certainly, even popular restaurants can have free tables sometimes if you call before 5 in the evening. If you're serious about snagging a table, though, calling restaurants up directly usually turns out to be an exercise in frustration. It's a far better idea to use an online restaurant reservation service like OpenTable. Reservation services give you dependable availability information for thousands of restaurants and also offer you discounts when you use them. Savored, a restaurant reservation service by Groupon, only lists 10 US cities at this point. They offer 30% discounts for same-day reservations and 40% discounts if you are willing to eat early at 6 PM. .
Do you order your entire meal all at once? Personal finance experts often tell people that if they hope to keep their grocery shopping bills down, they should make sure never to go shopping when they are hungry. Hungry shoppers tend Not That Old And Loving It!
to be more free buying snacks and other expensive junk food. This is good advice when you go out dining, too. People who go to restaurants when hungry often overestimate how much food they will need. They make the mistake, then, of ordering too much. It's only when they are halfway through the meal that they realize that they'll never be able to finish everything they've ordered. If you are going in hungry, you should sidestep the over-ordering risk by simply ordering a snack and an appetizer first. Once these little dishes take the edge off your appetite you should be able to estimate accurately how much you have room for.
You order the house wine Unbranded restaurant house wine is usually cheaper than any well-known name. Since restaurants know that these wines are easy to sell, they usually mark them up greatly. In other words, you get very little quality for your money. Most of the price tag is markup. It's a much better idea to order an imported wine - say, from South America. These wines have fallen in price lately. You get much better quality for your money. You should also remember to not order by the glass if your party plans to order more than four glasses. Buying an entire bottle makes more sense then.
You choose the wrong vodka for your vodka tonic Restaurant waiters are trained to offer
the most expensive brands of vodka when diners ask. If you order a vodka tonic, for instance, the waiter will usually only offer Belvedere and Gray Goose, even if the restaurant stocks less fashionable names like Smirnoff, Absolut or Stolichnaya. Paying three times more for a French brand like Grey Goose only makes sense when you drink your vodka straight. If it's part of a mixed drink, it won't make any difference to get a good, but moderately priced brand. It'll make a real difference to your bill, though.
Finally, be aware that waiters can pull a few tricks for a bigger tip As the cost of living has risen through the years, restaurant waiters have continued to make just about the same $2.13 an hour. While federal law requires that no state have a minimum wage rate lower than $7.25 per hour, restaurants get away with paying little because they expect their waiters to make up the difference in tips. This is why restaurant standard gratuity has gone from 10% 20 years ago to the 22% that it is now. This isn't enough, though. Restaurant workers have a worse quality of life today than they used to. If they try to be manipulative to earn a bigger tip, then, it's understandable. You should know, though, that if you ever ask waiters for menu suggestions, they will always suggest the most expensive dish possible. A bigger bill equals a bigger tip. March 2014 • Simply55+ • 15
Healthy Local Eating You May Not Know About Healthy eating means different things to different people. Healthy eating to a vegan means eating only fruits, vegetables and grains. Healthy eating to a Paleolithic dieter means nonprocessed meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Healthy eating means eating only organically grown foods to some people. To others, anything digestible is fair game as long as no
genes have been tinkered with. Healthy eating to diners with specific medical needs means food that is low in fat, or with low sodium content, or with no cholesterol, or high in “good” cholesterol, or high in fiber, or low in carbohydrates, or dark, leafy 16 • Simply55+ • March 2014
greens, or bright oranges and reds, or no added sugar, or sugar but only natural cane sugar, or any possible permutation of any or all of the above. It’s bewildering.
nitely danger zones for calorie counters, but they also provide fantastic seafood, salad, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The fact that the buffet has 103 types of desert doesn’t obligate you to try any of them. All it takes to eat healthy in the casino buffets is the willpower to make smart choices.
Las Vegas, a city known for hedonistic indulgence and excess, would seem to be an unlikely place to find healthy eating estab- For vegans, the big news in Vegas is undoubtedly Steve Wynn’s adoption of a vegan lifestyle. Wynn owns The Golden Nugget, Treasure Island, The Mirage, The Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Las Vegas. He switched to a vegan diet in 2010 after viewing Mike Anderson’s documentary “Eating” and asked chefs at all his Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Las Vegas restaurants to present vegan options for the guests. They now all offer a completely vegan menu if you ask for one.
lishments. It is, after all, “Sin City.” In fact, however, Las Vegas has an amazing selection of healthy eating options regardless of your specific definition. First, consider the famed casino buffets. These buffets are defi-
For any other type of healthy meal, at almost any restaurant in Las Vegas, simply ask the wait staff. All of the upscale restaurants take great pride in their service, and world-class chefs are very willing to accommodate almost any dietary needs. The best steakhouse in Vegas will offer up Not That Old And Loving It!
grilled portabella or royal trumpet mushrooms in lieu of steak without blinking an eye if the customer requests it. Granted, vegetarians probably aren’t the most sought demographic in a steakhouse, but it is a perfect example of how accommodating fine dining establishments are. Hussong’s Cantina at Mandalay Place has a separate vegan menu that will be provided upon request. Canyon Ranch Grill at The Venetian has vegan options on the regular menu. If your taste buds crave something on the spicy side of life, Mint is an Indian restaurant with many vegan and vegetarian options. Komol is a Thai restaurant with a separate vegetarian and vegan menu. NAGA in Henderson is a Thai restaurant that will prepare many of their dishes vegan to Not That Old And Loving It!
order. Mantra Masala is another wonderful Indian restaurant with vegan options on the menu. Pura Vida Bistro & Bakery is an entirely vegan restaurant with raw and cooked foods on the menu. Glutenfree options are also available here. Simply Pure is a gourmet vegan and raw food restaurant in downtown Vegas’ Container Park. There are also wonderful sushi restaurants and bars in Las Vegas that will fit many diners’ idea of healthy eating. Don’t be afraid to ask the wait staff of any dining establishment about a healthy meal. Once the restaurant knows what your particular version of healthy entails, the chef will almost certainly have something wonderful for you to try. March 2014 • Simply55+ • 17
18 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 19
Why People Love Dogs One of the most profound reasons why people love dogs is because they provide companionship to those who are living alone. After spending a long, stressful day at work, when you come home you are immediately greeted by your dog running towards you, and kissing your face to make you feel better. A dog has the innate capacity to discern when you are sad or unhappy. This instinct makes such an animal valuable and special to a person who needs to have their mood lifted. In addition to unconditional love, bringing a dog into your home provides other benefits as well.
Benefits of Having A Dog Protection The joys and benefits of owning a dog are limitless. Trained dogs are very good at protecting the property from intruders, who might break into your home. Having a dog stationed in the yard allows you to have a better peace of mind that your family and property is protected.
Conversation Starter There are some individuals who are unable to connect, or those who might be socially awkward in public. Owning a friendly dog is a good way to break the ice, making it easier for a person to start a conversation.
Physical Disabilities People with physical disabilities have the benefit of owning a trained dog that will help them to be more independent.
20 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Guide dogs are faithful companions for the blind or visually impaired. They help their owners cross a busy street, lead them around the house, retrieve items, or to simply warn them of imminent danger.
Why People Love Dogs So Much Studies have shown that dogs are the most common household pets, while the second most popular are cats. It is general knowledge that before you bring them into the home, dogs serve as better companions when they are properly trained. It is difficult to own an untrained pet that will become a nuisance to the neighbors, or not performing to the commands you give them. Training enables dogs to have good manners toward strangers, they have more agility, they are more enjoyable, and owners have a better time bonding with them.
The reason why people love dogs so much is that they are able to reciprocate affection bestowed upon them. A trained dog is a great benefit for the owner and the dog! They depend on their owners as much as their owners depend on them. They need to be walked daily to get their regular exercise, fed, and to play with other dogs to increase social interaction. Dog owners have the responsibility to take care of their pets, so that they remain active and friendly. For such precious animals, there are many dogs that need to be adopted from an animal shelter. Since most people are dog lovers, these pets are constantly adopted as a new addition to the household. Another reason people love dogs is because they are able to develop an initial closeness that might be harder to express with another human being. Dogs are highly intelligent pets that are useful and trained to improve your way of life. Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 21
22 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 23
24 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 25
the soil isn't frozen, and prune dead leaves from perennial plants, sterilizing your pruning shears with household disinfectant before you begin, when moving to a new plant and after you finish.. Remove general plant debris from your yard and any support structures, such as trellises, arbors, posts and bamboo canes, and put any plants or debris showing signs of disease in the trash. Other plant material can go on your compost pile if it's active and heats up enough to steam when you turn it.water to drop pounds effortlessly!
Preparing Your Garden for Spring When dark, cold winter days dampen your spirits, it's a good time to get out in the yard and start preparing for spring. Working in your yard for just a few hours here and there over winter gives you a head start on weeding chores, and helps prevent pest and disease outbreaks during the growing season. Winter is also a good opportunity to improve the condition of your soil.
Prune Away Problems slow weed regrowth. When you're ready to plant in spring, simply remove the covering material.
Patrolling for Pests Pests and diseases overwinter on dead plant material, and removing their sheltering sites now helps prevent outbreaks later when the weather warms up. Dig up or pull up dead annuals if
Most shrubs and small trees require winter pruning to remove dead, diseased and crossing growth. Some plants should be pruned at a different time of year, so check plant labels or ask at your local garden center if you're unsure about pruning requirements. Remove dead and diseased stems and branches first, cutting just above a leaf node or where the stem joins the plant. Cutting stems elsewhere causes them to die back later in the season, which
Winter Weeding Weed growth slows down and sometimes stops entirely over winter. Clearing weeds from your yard now can mean there's no need to weed again until late spring. On a fine, dry day, use a dutch hoe, which has a blade shaped like the letter D, to slice through weed stems at soil level. Remove the cut green growth, then cover the area with black plastic or landscape fabric to prevent the weeds growing back from their roots. Secure the material in place with stones to prevent winter winds lifting it. Alternatively, spread a 3-inch layer of shredded bark, leaf mold or another mulch, or lay cardboard or layers of newspaper eight sheets thick, to 26 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 27
28 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
A Winter Blanket for Soil Garden soil benefits from a cozy winter blanket of organic mulch. Winter rains and freezing temperatures break the mulch down, releasing nutrients and providing water-retaining humus for plant roots in spring. Soil organisms such as earthworms and bacteria also break the organic matter down when temperatures begin to rise. Spread a 3-inch layer of garden compost, well-rotted manure, crushed corn cobs, spent hops or other organic mulch over any area of bare soil. Straw and hay blow away in strong winds, so only use these in very sheltered areas.
encourages disease. Check for any areas where stems or branches cross and touch each other next. These areas rub together when the plant moves in the wind, and wounds appear where diseases can enter, so remove one of the stems.
Not That Old And Loving It!
None of these tasks take more than a few hours and all can be left for finishing later if rain or snow threaten, so spend a little time in your yard whenever it's dry this winter. Breathing the fresh, crisp air, and getting your muscles and blood moving with a few simple gardening chores does you and your garden good.
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 29
sickness and make our immune system stronger. Spirituality - Volunteerism makes us question our values and often leads us to seek new life paths. We invest our energies in causes and projects that our bigger than ourselves. We become aware of human suffering and inequities that exist in society, issues that we need to address with compassion and creativity. Tackling such questions lead to a re-shaping of our beliefs and spiritual growth.
4
5 Reasons Why Volunteering is Good for You Volunteerism signifies an organized way of giving of ourselves to help others. We spend a good part of our lives providing service to others, either in a paid job or helping our families. In contrast, volunteering implies a firm commitment to dedicate a fixed number of hours each week for a cause we care about. We offer to give of our time, talents, and skills for free to further our cause. Studies indicate that volunteerism provides the following benefits. Longer life - Studies conducted by two psychologists, Stephanie Brown and Sarah Konrath show that volunteering leads to a longer life. The co-relation between volunteering and longevity is found to be strong for people who support others for selfless reasons, with no expectations of fame or fortune. Our sense of physical and emotional wellbeing deepens when we devote our time to help others.
1
30 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Authentic living - Volunteering often leads to looking inward and reevaluating our lives. We tend to let go of behaviors that flatter our egos for ones that create positive changes in others. External trappings get discarded. There is a tendency to appreciate the strength of the human spirit. We realize that each one of us can do our part to create positive changes in others or our environment. Volunteering can even lead to decisions relating to changes in careers or relationships.
2
Social connection - Volunteering is a beneficial activity for people who are lonely or coping with grief as it provides them an opportunity to interact with others. When we reach out to help others, we let go of our self-interest and become stress-free. It is believed that social interaction can speed up recovery from
3
Social entrepreneurship Volunteering is beneficial for all of us, irrespective of age. Younger people have proved that they can pool their talents, skills, and resources to help others. Youth groups initiate projects that require inventiveness, patience, co-operation, and accountability. Along the way they acquire good leadership traits such as financial control, time management, presentation skills, and team-work. This grounding can contribute to decisions about a specific career path or a life devoted to philanthropy.
5
To summarize, volunteering involves committing a part of our time and talents to help others. When we take up a cause that is bigger than ourselves, we stand to benefit in a number of ways. We tend to distance ourselves from the selfishness and greed that drive our consumerist society. Instead, we begin to question our values and seek a more authentic lifestyle. Our interactions with society help improve our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Volunteerism is an activity that needs to be promoted among people of all ages.
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 31
32 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 33
PLACES TO KNOW ON YOUR GETAWAY MUSEUMS & FINE ARTS Mesquite Fine Arts Center and Gallery 15 W. Mesquite Blvd. Mesquite, NV 89027 Phone: (702) 346-1338 Gallery Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 4pm Virgin Valley Museum 25 W. Mesquite Blvd. Mesquite, NV 89027 Phone: (702) 346-5705 Open Tue-Sat 10am - 4pm No cover
HOTELS CasaBlanca Hotel (877) 438-2929 950 W Mesquite Blvd. Mesquite, NV 89027 Eureka Casino Hotel (800) 346-4611 275 Mesa Blvd. Mesquite, NV 89027 Holiday Inn Express & Hotel Mesquite (888) 465-4329 1030 W. Pioneer Blvd. Mesquite, NV 89027
Has the hustle and fast paced demeanor of your everyday life got you exhausted and ready to drop everything for a well deserved escape? If that’s the case, then let us give you some insight to a completely affordable and relaxing retreat to beautiful Mesquite Nevada. Nestled in the rugged Virgin River Valley, Mesquite sits on the edge of the Nevada/Arizona border and is just a short drive away for complete family leisure. Soothe your body and spirit with an assortment of attractions suitable for every age group. Get your golf chops up to par in the
growing and highly sought after Virgin Mountain foothills that cradle 5 different golf courses, each offering a unique playing experience. So pack your clubs and reserve a tee time! Relieve yourself from the stresses that surround you with a luxurious Mesquite spa treatment. Get wrapped in sensual
Once night falls, try and choose between at least 14 different dining locations from gourmet all the way buffet and cafe. We’re positive you’ll find satisfaction! Mesquite knows how to keep your nights full and brimming with excitement. Take in an exciting show or catch a headlining act coming through beautiful Mesquite. Entertainment and leisure are completely at your disposal.
seaweed. Pamper your muscles with a massage or mineral bath. Let all your worries melt away. Gather the family for some arts and culture that can’t be found anywhere else but here. The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery & Center provides a venue for artistic culture and education in the Virgin Valley. The fine arts gallery promotes the arts for all age groups and cultures in the community and surrounding areas. While on your get away, try one of the numerous outdoor adventures available. You'll find hikes of all levels, shooting ranges, mountain bike trails, nature tours, and much more. If you’d rather play indoors, visit the Cosmic Bowling Center Complex or the Mesquite Recreation Center.
So, sit back and get ready for an extremely easy and affordable vacation for you and your family. Tell the boss you won’t be able to come in this weekend due to circumstances that are beyond your control. Little does he know that you’re on your way to a home away from home… Mesquite.
PLACES TO KNOW ON YOUR GETAWAY GOLF COURSES • Casablanca Golf Club 1100 W Hafen Ln Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 346-6764 (877) 438-2929 Coyote Springs Golf Course 3100 State Hwy 168 Coyote Springs, NV 89037 (702) 422-1400 (877) 742-8455 Falcon Ridge Golf Course 1024 Normandy Lane Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 346-6363 Oasis Golf Club 100 Palmer Ln Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 346-7820 Palms Golf Club 711 Palms Blvd Mesquite, NV 89024 (702) 346-4067 (866) 401-6020 Wolf Creek Golf Club 403 Paradise Pkwy Mesquite, NV 89027 (702) 346-1670 (866) 252-4653
‘01 MERCEDES E-CLASS
$5,995*
‘04 BMW 325i
$7,599* AUTOMATIC, SUPER CLEAN!
‘06 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
$8,999* CLEAN, LEATHER, SUNROOF!
‘06 NISSAN MURANO
$10,999* 3RD ROW SEAT, LOW MILES!
LOW MILES, EXTRA CLEAN, AUTOMATIC!
*CASH PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE TAX, LICENSE, DOC, AND SMOG FEES. FINANCING ON APPROVED CREDIT.
36 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 37
UTILITIES Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson POWER • www.nvenergy.com Nevada Power • NVEnergy 24 hour customer service 367-5555 Para servicio En Espanol 367-5554 Toll Free 1-800-331-3103 TDD 367-5080 Boulder City Utilities 293-9244 GARBAGE • www.republicservices.com Republic Services Inc 735-5151 Clark County Sanitation District 458-1180 City of Boulder City 293-9244 GAS • www.swgas.com Southwest Gas Corp Customer General Offices 876-7011
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES & PUBLIC SAFETY 486-4368 • www.dmvnv.com 8am-5pm M-F 8am-4pm Sat. LAS VEGAS LOCATIONS 8250 W. Flamingo (near Durango) 2701 E. Sahara (at McLeod) 7170 N. Decatur (at Elkhorn) NORTH LAS VEGAS LOCATION 4110 Donovan Way (The Express office) Closed on Saturdays HENDERSON LOCATION 1399 American Pacific (at Stephanie) BOULDER CITY By appointment (only on Wednesday) 293-5673
DID YOU KNOW...
SEWER • www.cleanwaterteam.com Clark County Sanitation 458-1180/800-782-4324
Once you have made the move, you can use your out of state drivers license for only thirty days until you have to get your new Nevada license.
TELEPHONE Century Link 479-7711 /800-201-4999 Vonage 877-756-3254
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
WATER • www.snwa.com Las Vegas Valley Water District 870-4194 Henderson Water Department 267-5900 City of Boulder City 293-9244
CAT Bus 228-7433 • www.rtcsnv.com (CAT bus runs throughout the valley 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fare is $2 each way, and senior citizens and children ages 6-17 are eligible for reduced fares with a CAT reduced fare photo ID - 5 & under ride free.)
CABLE • www.cox.com Cox Communications 383-4000 /866-961-0027 Century Link/Prism 800-201-4999 Dish 800-823-4929 DirecTV 855-838-4388
38 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Frequent Flyer Points schemes now also offer partnership points with major retailers. Find out which businesses your airline has joined forces with, so that you can earn as many points as possible.
Check the expiry dates
Frequent flyer schemes are a great way for airlines to reward customer loyalty, but many travelers fail to get the most value from their hard-earned points. Although it doesn't make sense to make extra trips just to earn miles, it's still important that you stretch your points as far as they will go. Whether you're a seasoned traveler, or a relative beginner, these tips will help you make your frequent flyer points go as far as possible.
Only use points for flights Airlines offer members of frequent flyer schemes several ways to spend their points, and travelers can often now use their points to buy goods online. This is probably the worst way to spend your points because the items for sale give you the lowest value per point. Stay away from frequent flyer shopping catalogs, and use your points solely for free or discounted flights.
Look for partners to earn points with Most large airlines now have partnerships with other companies around the world, so you have more ways to earn points. Big airlines often partner themselves with smaller domestic flight operators, or even with other long-haul providers. Some frequent flyer Not That Old And Loving It!
Frequent flyer points normally have an expiry date, even if this is not for one or two years after you have earned them. It's really wasteful to allow those precious points to expire, so make sure that you redeem all your miles before they disappear from your account. Check your statement regularly, and work out realistically how many more you can earn before you have to redeem. If you aren't going to fly any time soon, you may as well use them now.
Use online resources There are millions of frequent flyers around the world, and they all like to share tips and ideas about how to use your points wisely. Sign up for free online resources, such as forums and newsletters, so that you find out straight away if there are any good deals available. Remember that some deals are for a limited time, or run out very quickly due to demand. Many travel sites also regularly feature articles with details of new ways to use your points, so it pays to do your research as often as possible. Frequent flyer points are never a waste of time and money, even if you don't fly very often. A surprisingly small amount of points may still allow you to get a large discount on a future flight. Treat every frequent flyer point as a valuable commodity, and make sure that your miles work as hard as possible. March 2014 • Simply55+ • 39
40 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Ten Ways to Ruin a Car 3. Never check the tires
Cars are expensive items to purchase, often being the second-most valuable item people own. If you for some reason love to throw away money and want to ruin your car, here are some tips to help you do just that. On the other hand, if you don't like to waste your hard-earned money, do the exact opposite of the following ten tips and help your car last longer.
Tires are perhaps the most neglected thing on a vehicle. Tires with low air pressure not only wear out faster, they also cause your engine and transmission to work harder than necessary. Even worse are tires that are worn out, with little to no tread left and the steel belts exposed. Excessively worn tires make it so your car takes a longer distance to stop, plus they can suddenly blow out, resulting in complete loss of steering control.
for looks. Believe it or not, cleaning up the paint job also offers considerable protection. Washing removes buildup that can eat away at the paint, the finish and even the body panels. Waxing builds up a protective layer that keeps any corroding elements at bay. By neglecting both, you help ensure a quicker death for your car.
8. Always take short trips
Manufacturers all make recommendations on routine maintenance. If you want to ruin your car, you'll skip all of these recommendations since they help keep everything running smoothly.
Some people might think that driving your car for long distances is bad. The reality is that shorter distances driven on a regular basis are much harder on your engine. If you notice that the engine temperature gauge never reaches the normal level when you run errands, that's a bad sign and will result in premature engine wear.
1. Never check the fluids
5. Ignore the dummy lights
9. Forget to use the parking brake
Cars need various fluids to run properly. If you don't want your car to last very long, you should never check any of the fluid levels under the hood. For example, running the oil too low can cause serious engine wear, potentially to the point that the whole engine seizes up. Neglecting the coolant can lead to the engine overheating, which can also cause serious damage.
The so-called "dummy" lights are the warning lights that sometimes illuminate on your dash, such as the low oil pressure warning light or the notorious check engine light. The worst thing you can do is completely ignore any of these lights. Depending on the problem, this could result in immediate or long-term damage.
With most cars sold today having automatic transmissions, many people think that parking brakes are completely unnecessary. The reality is, not applying the parking brake puts extra pressure on the transmission. If you park on an incline of any sort, that pressure only increases. Eventually, not using the parking brake will cause the transmission to fail.
2. Idle long and regularly Modern cars really don't need to be idled very much. At the most, on a cold morning a car's engine should be idled for one or two minutes. Beyond that, you're not only needlessly generating more air pollution, you're also doing damage to the engine. The same is true if you're idling your engine for long periods of time in a drive-through or while waiting somewhere. Not That Old And Loving It!
4. Skip routine maintenance
6. Drive hard all the time If you want to see your car die faster, perform burnouts, jackrabbit starts, hard stops and sharp turns constantly. Driving like you're constantly in a race wears out various mechanical components quickly. This is why many race cars are rebuilt at least every few races, if not after every race.
7. Never wash or wax it
10. Ignore warning signs If you want your car to wear out faster, ignore any strange noises, smells or smoke of any kind coming from under the hood or chassis. Drive around listening to loud music, with your windows rolled up so you're sure you won't notice anything. And certainly don't take your car to a mechanic if you do happen to notice something odd.
Washing and waxing your car isn't just March 2014 • Simply55+ • 41
42 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 43
44 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
The Seven Best Travelling Apps enough - fitting it all into your suitcases can be a difficult task. Tell Packing Pro where you're going and how long your trip will last and it will tell you what you'll need. It can even tell you what the other members of your party will need to bring.
JetLag Genie iPhone • Price: $2.99
The hassle involved in travelling can keep a person from enjoying their vacation, or keep a businessman from their A-game due to how much of a hassle travel can be. There are a lot of things to keep in mind, a lot of things to track. Fortunately, these apps will help reduce the hassle and make sure that your vacation or business trip goes as smoothly as possible.
XE Currency Pro iPad, iPhone, Windows, Android Price: $1.99 XE Currency allows you to figure out just how much money you'll have when you decide to go abroad. Not only is it free and available on a wide variety of mobile devices, it also uses live rates, making it accurate.
you're travelling. You could just lay it on thick each time, or you can use Sunscreen. Sunscreen checks your current location and tells you when you should apply a new layer of sunblock. All you need to do is to tell it what skin type you have and the SPF value of your lotion and you're all set.
Tipulator iPhone • Price: Free Figuring how much to tip can be a real chore. For example, a cheap tip in New York can actually cause the restaurant to take offense if you give the same amount in Tokyo. Tipulator not only tells you how much to tip, it'll also help you split the bill. This has extra value for businessmen who want to make sure that they don't offend anyone while on a business trip.
Sunscreen Pro iPad, iPhone • Price: Getting sunburned isn't fun, but it can be difficult to determine just how much sunscreen you need to lather on when Not That Old And Loving It!
JetLag is a serious concern for any traveller who wants to make the most of their hours abroad. JetLag Genie can help you minimize the effects of time zone change syndrome. Just tell it when you're leaving, your sleep schedule, and your destination and it will give you a personalized alarm clock schedule to help you adjust ahead of time.
WeatherPro Windows, Android, iPhone Price: $2.99 Having an idea of what kind of weather you'll be facing will help you pack for your trip efficiently. It'll tell you everything from the atmospheric pressure of your destination to the humidity levels. It is also extremely accurate, which means that if it suggests sunny days ahead, you'll probably be safe leaving that raincoat behind. These apps should make planning and organizing your trip a lot easier. With proper use, these can make the trip far more enjoyable than it would have otherwise.
Packing Pro iPhone • Price: $2.99 Packing is both a science and an art. Deciding what to bring is difficult March 2014 • Simply55+ • 45
46 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Tips on Staying Productive While Working From Home Stay Organized - When you work from home, it can be easy to procrastinate and to get off of task. A truly organized office and daily schedule will help you to stay motivated and on task. Get rid of clutter in your office and create an organizational system where every document has a place and is easy to find. Creating a daily to-do list every morning before you sit down to work will also be helpful. Set Goals - With no boss standing over your shoulder, many telecommuters find themselves often doing the most minimal amount of work possible. To combat this, set goals at the beginning of each week. Whether your goals are financially related or geared more towards professional improvement, these goals will help to give you something to work towards and motivate you.
Working from home can be a great lifestyle change for many people. When you decide to telecommute, you're saying goodbye to long commutes, nasty coworkers and micromanaging bosses. However, some people experience a dip in productivity when they begin working from home. Here are four ways to make telecommuting more productive. Be Ready To Communicate - It's crucial that all telecommuters are able to communicate with their clients and hold meetings, even if they never leave the comfort of their home office. It's important that all home businesses are able to conduct video and voice meetings over the internet to keep communication open between them and their clients. If you work from home and don't have the technology to conduct meetings from home, it's key that you upgrade your technology to enable digital meetings and communication. Not That Old And Loving It!
Eliminate Distraction - It's easy to get distracted when you're working from a home or non-traditional office. This is why it's crucial for telecommuters to proactively create a distraction-free workspace. If you work from home, make it clear to your family members or roommates that you need to be left alone while working. Find the right background noise that allows you to work the most productively. For some people, this might be talk radio or music. For others, it might be silence. When you start working from home, you might find it difficult to stay productive and ignore distraction throughout the day. However, the more you work towards creating a productive home work environment, the more that at-home productivity will become a regular habit.
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 47
48 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
50 • Simply55+ • March 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
Not That Old And Loving It!
March 2014 • Simply55+ • 51