Thinking ahead

It’s vital that we prepare for the future now. As I am quickly approaching 50 years of age, I find myself thinking more about the long-term plans as retirement approaches.

I ask myself questions: Where will we end up living? What if we need an assisted living facility one day? Which one will we choose? And I’m thinking of how to make sure we have a plan for memory care or home health, if needed, to live out the best life that we can and be prepared. I’ve even just recently collected information about a longterm care policy.

It seems like just yesterday that I started my nursing career. I overheard social workers advising patients on preparing for the mature years of their lives, and I thought that I was so far off from thinking about that subject that I didn’t even pay attention.

The years have flown by, and now I have to start thinking about the next half of my life. Maybe you do, too.

In this issue, we provide detailed information that you need to know about elder care facilities, “aging in place” at retirement communities and even end-of-life issues when hospice is needed. This feature is meant to be a guide for people who are seeking answers and for anyone who doesn’t even know the right questions to ask. This entire issue is packed with great information, so make sure to check out all the special articles in our sections. They each have great ideas as we look into a new year!

Hoping you all have a very merry Christmas. See you next year!

Doug Akers / President doug@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers / Publisher/Editor-In-Chief kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Sabrina Ciceri / Associate Publisher sabrina@akersmediagroup.com editorial, design & photography

Jason Fugate Creative Director jason@akersmediagroup.com

Chris Gerbasi Managing Editor chris@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs Staff Writer james@akersmediagroup.com

Theresa Campbell Staff Writer theresa@akersmediagroup.com

Victoria Schlabig Staff Writer victoria@akersmediagroup.com

Volkan Ulgen Art Director volkan@akersmediagroup.com

Michael Gaulin Production Director michael@akersmediagroup.com

Megan Mericle Designer megan@akersmediagroup.com

Douglas Tyler Director of Photography douglas@akersmediagroup.com

Anthony Rao Staff Photographer anthony@akersmediagroup.com contributors

Dr. Richard T. Bosshardt, Dave Ramsey, Sine Wallace, Brian Clement, Andy Roman, Dr. Rob Carter III and Dr. Kirti Salwe Carter, Dr. Clint Van Nagel and Shannon Kelleigh with John A. Maiorino sales & marketing

Tim McRae

Vice President, Sales tim@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin Director of Marketing melanie@akersmediagroup.com

Dillon True Advertising Executive dillon@akersmediagroup.com

Shaena Long Sales Assistant shaena@akersmediagroup.com administration

Deb Matlock Director of Client Services deb@akersmediagroup.com

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Scott Hegg / Distribution Manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Sabrina

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Dashing Through The Streets

Jingle all the way to a 5K. Participants in Santa’s Twilight 5K in Clermont won’t have to feel guilty about indulging in a large Christmas dinner feast. During the Dec. 21 event, competitors will complete a 3.1mile course through downtown and the surrounding residential streets and trails of Clermont. Each participant will receive a stained-glass finisher medal, colorful event shirt, hot chocolate and holiday cookies. To register online, visit sommersports.com/events/running/ santas-twilight-5k-clermont.

Care For Caregivers

Being a caregiver to a loved one can be physically and emotionally demanding. Without support, it’s easy to fall into a trap of depression and burnout.

Fortunately, there is help for caregivers in Lake and Sumter counties. A local support group will meet at 4pm Dec. 13 inside the Leesburg Public Library, providing caregivers with an opportunity to share their troubles and interact with people enduring similar everyday experiences. The goal is to empower caregivers to improve care for themselves and others.

For more information, call at 352.728.7289, ext. 790.

Lifesaving Training

Hats off to Jonathan Carey, Lake County Office of EMS district chief of training, who recently provided training to employees of the Lake County Tax Collector’s Office on how to properly use automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Jonathan also teaches the American Heart Association’s CPR course to county workers who are not in health-care-related fields.

“When it comes to cardiac events, time plays a key role in ensuring the best positive outcome for the patient,” Jerry Smith, Lake County Office of Emergency Medical Services director, says in a press release.

“I highly encourage all citizens to receive training in how to properly perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator so that when an emergency happens, they are prepared and can give that person a fighting chance prior to the arrival of EMS.”

Be Thankful This Christmas

Americans tend to gripe this time of year. Planning for meals and parties, shopping in crowded stores and decorating homes leaves many people feeling grumpy and tired. Let’s look at some common complaints and then realize how good our lives are:

Complaint

“I’m sick of turkey. We’ve had it three times since Thanksgiving.”

“We’re having 15 guests over for Christmas. Feeding all those people will cost a fortune.”

EYE-OPENER

In the poorer parts of the globe, someone dies of starvation every 3.6 seconds, according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Drink Up

Red wine in moderation may be good for your gut, according to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology. Researchers found that the intestines of red wine drinkers contain a greater diversity of bacterial species, which is a marker of a healthy digestive tract.

Eighty percent of humanity lives on less than $10 a day, according to globalissues.org.

Feel Whole

“I hate the holidays because there is too much food and I always gain weight.”

Approximately 28 percent of children in developing countries are underweight due to malnourishment, according to globalissues.org.

“Mommy, you’re seriously going to make me drink water for Christmas dinner? I want something with

There are 785 million people who lack a basic drinking-water service, according to the World Health Organization.

“Feel Whole,” the theme of AdventHealth, represents a commitment to healthy mind, body, and spirit, and it’s being embraced at Long & Scott Farms, 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. The farm calls the hospital its “super-sponsor” in supporting a 6.5-acre cornfield maze for youths to be able to exercise and have fun outdoors. The maze is open 10am-5pm Saturdays and noon-5pm Sundays through Dec. 8. To learn more, visit longandscottfarms.com.

“You all didn’t buy me the new bicycle I wanted. I’m never speaking to you again!”

Approximately 387 million children in this world live in extreme poverty, according to UNICEF.