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A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

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Financial literacy

Avoid a holiday spending hangover Pg. 4

Holiday recipe

Aint Luverta’s Dr. Pepper Cake Pg. 9 December 2015 • Vol. 16, Issue 1 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Holiday crafting classes and events to keep seniors busy PAGE 6

PUBLISHER Crystal DuPre

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR/ PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shauna Lewis

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Sean Lewis

shauna.lewis@theeagle.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER Linda Brinkman

SPECIAL PROJECTS/ MARKETING COORDINATOR Erika Liesman

CONTENTS

Financial literacy: Avoid holiday spending hangover Holidays: Gifts for holiday hosts Memory : Seniors are distractible Feature: Holiday crafting classes and events Physical therapy: Help for pelvic pain Calendar: Local events for seniors

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Cover photo contributed by City of College Station: Participants in last year’s Jingle Bell Run in College Station stop for a photo. Story on 2015 holiday craft classes and events, page 6.

Senior Circle is out to expand your horizons

Come play with someone your own age!

with an exciting calendar of events scheduled around town and around the world. If you’re 50 or better, want to meet new people, learn more about your health, travel and just have fun, then Senior Circle is for you. Dues are just $15 a year.

To join or for more information, call 979-764-5107 or visit CSMedCenter.com.

Become part of the Circle.

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T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Suggestions for surviving the holidays well

Thanksgiving is done, and now Christmas is bearing down upon us.

This is a time of togetherness, family, friends and good cheer. It’s a season of joy and celebration.

It can also be a little crazy. Black Friday has invaded Thanksgiving.

The frantic hunt for the perfect deal is well underway. Holiday shopping has become a competitive sport. It can be downright dangerous out there. You can almost feel the tension in the air.

“Tis the season to be stressed out! Fala-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!”

Deep down, we might even wish, along with the Grinch, we could “stop Christmas from coming!” Not out of meanness or a desire to steal another’s joy, of course, but simply to preserve our own sanity.

Holidays are stressful for another reason, too. They surface our losses like Gary Roe nothing else can. We Hospice gather to celebrate, but we’re also keenly aware of who’s missing.

We have loved ones who aren’t with us this holiday season. Some live far away. Others have died. Perhaps some are still here, but no longer remember.

Others are chronically ill. Perhaps for some reading this, you are alone in ways you never have been before.

Holidays can be wonderful, but they can also be hard. Very hard.

As a hospice chaplain, I see a lot of holiday grief. Many are hurting badly this year, and wondering how they are going to navigate this time emotionally.

If that’s you, or if you find yourself wanting to live a little more sanely this December, here are two things to remember: 1. This holiday will be different, but it can still be good.

2. You must find ways to use this holiday season for good, or it will use you.

“Does Christmas have to be THIS stressful?”

No, I don’t think it does.

“Is there a way I can make this season good for myself and others, even if I’m hurting?”

Yes, I think there is.

Let me share three suggestions with you: T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

1. Identify and manage your expectations Unmet expectations are the root of most disappointments in life. The problem is most of our expectations are hidden. They slink under the surface and silently dominate our hearts. And when it comes to holidays, our expectations can be killers.

First of all, let’s admit it. We all have expectations: • Expectations of others (what they will and won’t do, and when).

• Expectations of how things will go (who, what, when and where).

• Expectations of ourselves (how we should feel, how much we should do, being able to please others, etc.).

Hidden expectations set us up for frustration, disappointment and a whole lot of physical and emotional stress. We can easily be crushed under the weight of them.

What are your expectations? What do you expect of others, yourself and the holidays? Write them down. Now evaluate them. Are these expectations realistic? What are you actually in control of ? If you had to pare this list down to just one or two, which ones would you choose?

Stay sane. Identify and manage those unruly expectations.

2. Make a plan.

We’re not in control of much, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a plan. When it comes to the holidays, having a plan for emotional, physical and spiritual health is non-negotiable.

Now that you’ve identified your expectations and hopefully pared them down, you get to decide how you will fulfill them.

You get to choose what to do, how, when and with whom. As you decide, make sure you’re being loving to yourself. If you choose what’s good for you, chances are it’s also good and loving for those around you (though they might not see it that way). And if what you decide doesn’t fit with someone else’s expectations about what you should be doing, well, that’s more about them than it is about you.

If you’re missing someone, make sure they are part of your plan. Find ways to include them: • Continue a holiday tradition that reminds you of them.

• Set up an empty chair in their

memory.

• Give a charitable gift to honor them.

• Write him or her a letter.

• Have a special time of remembrance or sharing at a family gathering.

Be proactive. Make a plan. Don’t let the holidays use you. Determine now to use them for your benefit and for the good of those around you.

3. Don’t go it alone!

We often feel alone, especially when we’re hurting. Plenty of folks are struggling this holiday season. We at Hospice Brazos Valley want to help.

On Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m., I’ll be presenting a free, brief, practical program called “Handling Holiday Grief” at The Brew Coffee House, at 410 Harvey Road in College Station (next to Connecting Point Church, adjacent to Fazzoli’s). I’ll be sharing how you can navigate this time well, honor those who’ve gone before you, and make this holiday season the best it can be.

Helpful resources will be available and refreshments will be provided.

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For more information or to RSVP, call us at 979-821-2266 or go to www. hospicebrazosvalley.org. Again, this event is free. It’s our gift to you this holiday season.

If you can’t make the Dec. 5 event, consider watching the “Beating Holiday Grief” video series. This free series of four three- to five-minute videos is designed to be comforting, encouraging and practical. Available at www.garyroe.com/holidaygrief2015.

Holidays are tough. Don’t let those expectations get you. Identify and manage them. Make a plan. Be proactive about what you choose to do, how, when and with whom. And don’t go it alone. Get the support and help you need this holiday season. These holidays will be different, but they can still be good.

Gary Roe is an author, speaker and chaplain with Hospice Brazos Valley. He is the author of four books, including “Surviving the Holidays Without You.” Contact him at 979-821-2266 or groe@ hospicebrazosvalley.org, or visit his website, www.garyroe.com for more holiday grief resources.

2015

December 1, 2015 | 3

Avoid holiday spending hangover: Four ways to maintain control

It’s December. Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? Most people laugh at me when I tell them I finished a few months ago. Whether you are done or you have a long list of gifts yet to get, here are some tips on how to keep TracY Stewart control over your Financial Literacy spending level.

What have you already bought?

I find the holidays a bit easier when I plan throughout the year. Yes, I start shopping for the holidays in January. I feel I am running late if my shopping is not finished by September. I just dislike making last-minute purchase decisions and seeing big numbers on my credit card statement. I keep an ongoing list of purchased gifts and their cost in the Notes app on my phone. This way I know when I am finished shopping for each person. This list helps a great deal when you want to spend the same amount on each person.

I store all the gifts in one closet.

I label each gift with the recipient’s name and event. This allows me to swap out gifts between birthdays and holidays. The recipient never knows and it gives me flexibility. I can easily see what I have on hand because my closet has a lot of shelves.

Online shopping When shopping online, resist the draw of urgency and scarcity. “Only one left in stock!” Take a breather. How do you know they are telling you the truth? There’s probably an equal or better option just a few clicks away. I swear that as I am typing, an email has come in with the subject line “Get them before they’re gone!”

Shipping costs seem to be rising.

Include the cost of shipping in your holiday gift budget. If you shop online a lot all year round, consider getting the Amazon Prime membership. Even after paying the annual fee, by mid year I have recouped the membership cost, and the shipping is truly free for the remainder for the year. Of course, I

recommend that you compare product prices. I have seen one Amazon product price that was higher than another source with free shipping, but without the Amazon Prime speedy delivery.

Aim to spend less than last year Dig out your credit card and bank statements from last year’s holiday shopping. Mark them up. Make notes of what you bought for whom. If you cannot remember, then just circle the ones you think were for holiday spending. Now, identify your non-gift holiday spending. That would include holiday cards, giftwrap, decorations, hostess gifts and hosting your own gettogethers. Alternately, you could make a new budget for this year’s spending.

When I help my clients create annual budgets, we list every gift recipient for every event. Then my client tells me how much they want to spend on each person. If you do this, remember to include sales tax and shipping.

Purchase early Right after the holidays, start

looking for next year’s gifts. I like to buy birthday and holiday gifts while traveling. I find unique small items that fit into my carry-on bag. Yes, my daughters have a fine collection of handmade earrings. Check through your holiday cards and giftwrap supplies now. Pick up more when the discounts begin in the local stores.

There is one exception to this suggestion: small children. Mine seemed to change so fast that I had to wait until closer to the event to buy age-appropriate gifts like toys and books.

Even the most careful money managers can wake up with a holiday spending hangover. Paying on these bills for months after the holidays can be unpleasant. By planning ahead and keeping track of your spending, you can enjoy your holidays more and carry that contented feeling into the next year.

Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® at www.

TexasDivorceCPA.com.

Ideas for gifts to give hosts of holiday gatherings (MS) - Millions of people will travel this holiday season, and many of them will lay their heads to rest in the homes of family and friends. Hosting guests come the holiday season can make this time of year that much more special, but hosting also is a significant undertaking that asks a lot of those who open their homes to loved ones.

Guests who want to express their gratitude for their holiday hosts can do so in any number of ways, and the following are a few ideas for your hosts this holiday season.

Night out on the town Holiday hosts have a lot on their plates. Before guests arrive, hosts clean their homes top to bottom and may even rearrange rooms in their homes to accommodate overnight guests.

Once the guests arrive, hosts work to cater to their guests’ needs. Guests can show their hosts how much they appreciate them by paying for a night out on the town. Babysit hosts’ kids so mom and dad can enjoy a night out together, or take the whole family out and foot the bill. A night out can be

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enjoyable for all involved, and it gives hosts the night off from cooking.

Cater a meal

If your family is too big to take out or if the family simply prefers to stay in and enjoy one another’s company, pay for a catered meal to be delivered to your hosts’ home. This can be a great way to catch up, and hosts can join in the fun because they won’t be busy preparing dinner in the kitchen.

Wine rack Those who offer to host for the holidays likely don’t mind hosting at other times of the year, as well. A brand new wine rack can make for a great gift for your friend or relative who loves to host dinner parties. Stock the rack with a couple of bottles of wine and crack one open to celebrate your loved one’s new toy.

Linens If you want to give your holiday hosts something practical, then some linens they can use right away make great gifts. Quality bed sheets, some warm blankets and some soft, high-

quality towels can help hosts replenish show their appreciation in many ways. their linen closets, and they might appreciate IN-HOME SENIOR CARE SERVICES using these new items ® once the holiday season has come and gone.

Interactive Caregiving

Cook breakfast Another great way to show your appreciation to your holiday hosts is to make breakfast for everyone each morning during your stay. Let your hosts relax with a cup of coffee while you prepare breakfast each morning for everyone staying at the house. Hosts will no doubt appreciate the hassle-free mornings, and a fresh, home-cooked meal is a great way to express your appreciation for their hospitality.

Holiday hosts accept a lot of responsibility when welcoming guests into their homes. Guests can

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Seniors deal with problem of distractibility

brain cortex in fMRI scans, whereas “Focus, focus, focus.” That is what the encoding of attended targets (faces) we seniors told our children, and now would activate the face-responsive area our grandchildren, to do. Children do of the cortex. tend to be scatterbrained. But seniors may be more so, at least in the sense of Results indicated that in young being distractible. people, activity response in the face area diminished with repetition of In March of 2011, the visual stimulus, but activity in I wrote a column on the place area was always the same.

12 ways to be more Decrease in face-area activity indicates attentive because of that the stimulus was being registered research showing and the brain was learning to recognize that seniors are it and not needing to use so many more susceptible to Dr. Bill Klemm neural resources. distractions compared The Memory Medic with younger adults.

Older adults, on the other hand, The deficiency is most evident under exhibited diminished activity in both conditions of “cognitive load,” place and face areas as the visual situations where the brain is trying to stimulus was repeated. Thus, older hold a lot of information in its working people showed decreased activity in the memory. place area because they were encoding the superimposed place images rather This distractibility has been than ignoring them as younger people traditionally explained as a lack of were able to do. “executive control,” which is the ability to sustain focus in the face of We are led to the conclusion that distractions. But most people grow in seniors have less ability to ignore executive control, expressed as will distractions because their brains power, as they age. Researchers may encode them more robustly than young now be able to explain this paradox people, thus allowing distractions to by research that focuses on the ability be more disruptive to attentiveness. Is to ignore because that produces the there a way to reduce this age-related same result, but uses a different neural deficit? Clearly, seniors need to avoid mechanism. multi-tasking and strive to regain the focusing ability of their youth. The 12 In a study of visual attentiveness, ways to be more attentive mentioned in a research team at the University of Toronto demonstrated that perceptual attentiveness is impaired in older individuals (average age, 77) compared to subjects averaging 22 years of age.

Dedicated to being your preferred provider of medical equipment & supplies The age-related impairment was explained as a deficit in ability to encode visual targets of attention. The explanation may seem a little convoluted, but bear with me. The visual targets were 50/50 superimposed face/place images that subjects were to judge as male or female while at the same time recognizing the superimposed places but discounting them as task irrelevant.

Ask us about REBATES! The hypothesis was that ignored distractors (places) would fail to induce activity in the 979.696.0261 | altusmedicalequipment.com place-responsive areas of 2551Texas Ave South Suite A | College Station,TX.

the earlier column were not analyzed from this perspective of reducing distractions. Here is a summary of the 12 ways mentioned before: 1. Value attentiveness.

2. Live in the now.

3. Be more aware.

4. Notice the little things.

5. Set goals; monitor progress.

6. Identify targets of attention.

7. Shut out distractions.

8. Don’t multi-task.

9. Fight boredom.

10. Make emotion work for you.

11. Practice attentiveness.

12. Learn how to meditate.

Several of these approaches seem more likely to improve the ability to ignore task-irrelevant stimuli.

Be more aware of details that need special attention. Avoid multi-tasking, fight boredom, and use emotional commitment to the task at hand.

Avoiding distractors is actually a mental skill that can be learned through practice on real-world tasks.

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In a more generic way, mindfulness meditation can help train the brain to develop ability to focus.

Growing old gives us the ability to “see the forest instead of the trees.”

That can be a good thing. But the price we pay is that we lose ability to see the trees.

Source: Schmitz, T. W., Cheng, F. H. T., and DeRosa, Eve (2010). “Failing to ignore: paradoxical neural effects of perceptual load on early attentional selection in normal aging.” J. Neuroscience. 30(44), 14750-14758.

William Klemm is an author and senior professor of neuroscience at Texas A&M University. His works include the e-book, “Improve Your Memory for a Healthy Brain. Memory Is the Canary in Your Brain’s Coal Mine” (available in all formats from Smashwords.com). The book, devoted exclusively to memory issues in seniors, includes review of many of the ideas in his columns over the last five years.

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December 1, 2015 | 5

Holiday crafting classes, events in the

By HOLLI L. KOSTER Special to The Eagle

Seniors have a couple opportunities this month to learn how to craft handmade, personalized gifts through city of Bryan classes, and there are also several fun holiday events in the Brazos Valley area.

On Dec. 8, instructor Braly Morse will teach a Holiday Greeting Card class from 6-8 p.m. at Bryan Parks and Recreation Office, 1309 E. Martin Luther King in Bryan. Participants will make a series of four handstamped holiday greeting cards from a kit that includes crafting paper, rubber stamps with ink and map pencils.

The class costs $35.

“When you give someone a handmade card, it says you took the time to actually think about the person you’re giving to,” Morse said. “You aren’t giving them a card out of a box of 20 that you bought and signed your name to.”

Morse said card making is also a fun hobby that seniors can do with friends. It isn’t physically demanding; it’s social; and it’s intergenerational – Morse has led classes with participants from age 6 to 80.

While the kit provided for the class will get participants started, Morse said participants will have to buy supplies following the class to create more cards. She will provide details on supplies and where individuals can buy them.

Another class being offered by the city of Bryan is a New Year’s Cookie Greeting Card class from 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 10-11 at the Bryan Parks and Recreation Office.

Taught by Peggy Higgins, owner of the cottage food company, Top That Cake Designs, participants will create a three-dimensional New Year’s “greeting card” made of three cookies – a base and two cookies that open and stand up like a card, with a personal message inside.

Higgins said the cookies will already be made, with a portion already covered in fondant.

“It’s a different kind of concept, and it really is something that does lend for anyone to be able to do,” Higgins said.

She said in addition to being given as a gift, the cards can also be used as centerpieces or place settings for New Year’s.

For more information on either class, or to register, call 979-209-5528 or visit parks.bryantx.gov.

If seniors are looking for fun events and activities year round, they can attend the city of College Station’s Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Seniors can enjoy sweet treats and entertainment, and explore the center’s activities and programs for older adults throughout the year. The city will also offer photos with Santa.

For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov.

More Brazos Valley holiday events

6 | December 1, 2015

Ongoing Santa’s Wonderland – Open though Jan. 3. At 18898 Highway 6 South in College Station. See millions of Christmas lights in the Trail of Lights. Hayride and horse and carriage tours of lights are available. Every night, musicians from Texas perform Christmas tunes.

Shopping and food and drink vendors are also available.

Other festivities include a winery, a chance to visit Santa, mechanical bull rides, children’s train rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and showing of Christmas movies on a giant outdoor screen. For more details, visit www.santas-wonderland.com or call 979-690-7212.

Lights On – 6 to 11 p.m., through Jan. 1, at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station. Enjoy viewing more than 1 million lights that will decorate the 47-acre park daily.

“Oliver!” performances – Through Dec. 6 at The Theatre Company, 3125 South Texas Ave., Suite 500 in Bryan. Based on Charles Dicken’s novel. For more information, call 979-779-1302 or visit www. theatrecompany.com.

Dec. 2 “Uncle EB, to Begin With” performances - 8 p.m., Dec. 2-5 and 9-12. Performances by This is Water Theatre, co-located with Texas Chiropractic, 2151 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, Suite 112 in College Station. For more details, visit thisiswatertheatre.com.

“Las Posadas” program – 6:30-8:30 a.m. at Reynolds Gallery in Texas A&M University’s Memorial Student Center. The program will present the re-enactment of the story of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem on their search for shelter. For more information, contact carram_124@tamu.edu or visit bit.ly/1HvIs7J. Dec. 3 Holiday Magic – 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Sue Haswell Memorial Park, 1142 East William J. Bryan Parkway in Bryan. Free event features train rides, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts and games, letters to Santa, sledding on real snow, hot chocolate and cookies. Free shuttle from Blinn College available.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” performances – Dec. 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19, at StageCenter Community Theatre, 201-B W. 26th St. in Bryan. For more information, call 979-823-4297 or visit stagecenter.net.

“A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas” performances – Dec. 3-6 and 10-13, at Navasota Theatre Alliance, 104 West Washington Ave. in Navasota. For more information, visit navasotatheatrealliance.com or call 936-825-3195.

“Miracle on 24th Street” performances – Dec. 3-20, at Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. in Brenham.

For more information, call 979-830-1460 or visit www. unitybrenham.org.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – 7 p.m., at George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station.

Modeled after the tree lighting ceremony on the White House grounds, the ceremony will include musical

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entertainment, a celebrity guest tree lighter and a public reception. Visitors are also encouraged to take photos of their family in front of the tree throughout the month. For more information, call 979-691-4014.

Dec. 4 First Friday – 5-midnight in Downtown Bryan.

Free monthly event features live music, vendors, food trucks and more. Shops also stay open late. For more information, see www.downtownbryan.com and www. facebook.com/downtownbryan.

Jingle Bell Market – 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 4 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5, at Ant Street Inn’s Ballroom, 107 West Commerce St. in Brenham. Arts and crafts and handmade and rare items will be available. Downtown shops will be open late in celebration of Brenham’s Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade. For more information, visit www.antstreetinn.com.

Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade – Starting at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 4-5, in Downtown Brenham. Free event features live entertainment and holiday shopping as visitors stroll along the lighted streets. All the shops will be open. There will be a giant slide and other fun things for kids throughout the day.

From 4-9 p.m. on Dec. 5, a synthetic ice skating rink will be open to the public, and at 5:30 p.m., there will be caroling and a lighting of the courthouse trees. At 6 p.m. on Dec. 5, the Lighted Christmas Parade will be held. For more details, visit www.downtownbrenham. com.

Christmas in the Park – 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 4; noon-9 p.m. Dec. 5; and 6-10 p.m. Dec. 6. At Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road in College Station. Daily activities at the free event include a tour of the park on a hayride, free cookies and hot chocolate, and photos with Santa.

On Dec. 5 visitors can enjoy dance performances, inflatables, a petting zoo, a giant snow slide and a Holiday Vendor Village with a variety of arts, crafts, jewelry, candles and more.

Guests may bring their own refreshments, but coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. For more details, visit cstx.gov/christmas or call 979-764-3486.

Gary Morris Christmas Concert – 7 p.m. at Rudder Theatre at Texas A&M University in College Station. Concert will benefit Healing Waters Fly Fishing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of active duty military members and veterans with disabilities through fly fishing. For more details and to buy tickets, see siteline2.vendini.com/site/boxoffice.tamu.edu.

“Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” performances – Dec. 4-6 and 11-12. Brazos Valley TROUPE will hold performances at the 29th Street Theater, 3705 East 29th St. in Bryan. For more information, visit bvtroupe.com or contact info@ bvtroupe.com.

Old Fashioned Christmas on the Square – Dec.4T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

e Brazos Valley to keep seniors busy 5 in Downtown Caldwell. Event on Dec. 4 includes an outdoor snow slide and real ice from 5-10 p.m.; a Christmas program at 6 p.m.; and the Lighted Rudy 5K Run from 6-7:15 p.m. Festivities on Dec. 5 include a Christmas Parade at noon; outdoor skating from noon to 10 p.m.; Christmas on the Square at 12:15 p.m.

(Christmas Pet Show, Christmas wreath judging and gingerbread house judging); covered wagon rides from 12:15-4 p.m.; Elf School and Reindeer Games from 1-4 p.m.; Christmas entertainment from noon-5 p.m.; bike giveaways at 2 p.m.; and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m.

For more details, visit www.burlesoncountytx.com/ christmasonthesquare.htm or call 979-567-0000.

Dec. 5 Holiday Storytime Party – 10-11 a.m. at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South in College Station. Enjoy a winter wonderland themed party with crafts, stories and food. Teens will perform a holiday play. Free. For more details, call 979-764-3416 or visit www.bcslibrary.org.

Holidays in the Rotunda – 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station. Held in front of the museum’s decorated 19-foot Christmas tree in the rotunda. Festivities will include live entertainment and a Santa’s workshop; children will be able to make holiday ornaments. There will also be cookies, hot chocolate and punch. The event is free, but regular prices apply for entrance to the museum. However, visitors can save $1 off admission per person with the donation of a canned or non-perishable food item for the Food for Families Food Drive; collection boxes will be at the main entrance. For more information, call 979-691-4000 or visit bush41.org.

“Handling Holiday Grief” program – 10 a.m. at The Brew Coffee House, 410 Harvey Road in College Station. Free program on holiday grief presented by Gary Roe, author, speaker and chaplain with Hospice Brazos Valley. Roe will share how to navigate through the holidays, honor loved ones who have died and make the holiday season the best it can be. Helpful resources and refreshments will be available. For more information or to RSVP, call 979-8212266 or visit www.hospicebrazosvalley.org.

Christmas Shopping for Fair Trade Handcrafts and Gourmet Food – 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Dec. 5-6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Center, 603 Church Ave. in College Station. Work of Human Hands sale offers fairly traded crafts and food produced by small-scale artisans and growers from around the world. All proceeds go back to the people who produce the goods. For more details, contact 979-846-5717.

Dec. 6 Jingle Bell Fun Run – 1:15 p.m. This two-mile run starts at the intersection of University Drive and T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

South College Avenue, and ends at the Texas Avenue and Villa Maria Road intersection. Dogs welcome. The run is not timed, and a shuttle will be available to pick up participants at the end of the route to transport them back to the starting line. Register at rectrac.cstx. gov. Packet pickup will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 5. For more information, see cstx.gov/christmas or contact 979-764-3486 or parks@cstx.gov.

Bryan-College Station Christmas Parade – 2 p.m. Route begins on University Drive at Polo Road and turns north on Texas to Sulphur Springs in Bryan.

Theme is “Winter Wonderland.” For more information, call 979-703-4421, email info@bcsparade.com or visit bcsparade.com.

“Holiday Spirit of Aggieland” concert - 3 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium on Texas A&M University’s campus in College Station. Texas A&M University’s Music Activities presents its holiday concert featuring A&M’s Century Singers, the Singing Cadets and Women’s Chorus. Purchase tickets at the MSC Box Office or online, siteline2.vendini.com/site/boxoffice.tamu.edu.

Dec. 8 Holiday Showcase – 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan. Free admission. Shop for gifts; meet local artists and authors; enjoy live music, wine and hors d’oevres.

For more information, visit www.brazosvalleymuseum. org or call 979-776-2195.

Dec. 9 “The Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp” concert – 7:30 p.m. at Rudder Theatre at Texas A&M University in College Station. For their Holiday Stomp concert, the Sardines infuse yuletide classics with their unique twist on New York, Paris and New Orleans jazz from the era of prohibition and beyond. For more details, call 979845-1234 or visit www.mscopas.org.

Dec. 10 Seventh annual Nutcracker Story Time with Ballet Brazos – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Clara B. Mounce Library, 201 East 26th St. in Bryan. Dancers in full costume. Cookies will be served. For more information, visit www.bcslibrary.org or call 979-209-5600.

Fall Dance – 7-9 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Free event for ages 55 and older. Enjoy an evening of dancing with music by a DJ, light refreshments and door prizes.

Dec. 11 Downtown Bryan Christmas Parade - 6:30 p.m. in Downtown Bryan. Lighted entries will wind their way down Main and Bryan streets. See www. downtownbryan.com.

Dec. 12 Home for the Holidays – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Navasota. The city of Navasota is presenting its fourth annual Home for the Holidays event. Ice skating will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning at noon, the area around City Hall will feature a Christmas train, snow slide and more.

Many downtown businesses will host activities

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throughout the day, such as pictures with Santa, live dulcimer music and cookie decorating. Several local nonprofits will be holding fundraisers by selling holiday snacks, beverages and crafts throughout the day. The Christmas Parade will be held at 6 p.m. as part of the event, followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree at 7 p.m. For more information or to participate in the parade, call 936-825-6475.

Christmas on the Brazos – 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400 Park Road in Washington. The historic Christmas traditions of Texas in the 1800s will transport visitors into the past. Free and low-cost activities include period music, craft making, readings, food samplings and sale of artisan gifts. The day culminates with the Candlelight Christmas event at Barrington Living History Farm, featuring vignettes of Texan frontier festivities with music, musket firing, dancing and a candlelit tour of the farm. For more details, visit www. wheretexasbecametexas.org or call 936-878-2214.

Dec. 13 Holiday Pops Concert – 5 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 4201 Texas 6 frontage road in College Station. Christmas concert will feature Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra brass musicians, organist James Faith, The Sanctuary Choir and Canticle Bells of Christ United Methodist Church performing holiday favorites.

For more information, visit bvso.org.

Dec. 17 “Melodies of Christmas” concert – 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18, at Blinn College’s Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center, 600 Blinn Blvd. in Brenham.

The Brenham Children’s Chorus will perform holiday favorites, along with “Party in a Pear Tree” and other Christmas melodies. For more information, contact 979277-3897 or brenhamchildrenschorus@gmail.com.

“I’ll be Home for Christmas” performances – Dec. 17-19. Brazos Valley TROUPE will hold performances at the 29th Street Theater, 3705 East 29th St. in Bryan. Will include favorite pop, R&B, comedic, country and western, traditional and sacred holiday songs. For more information, visit bvtroupe.com or contact info@bvtroupe.com.

Popcorn and a Movie – 1-3 p.m. Dec. 17. College Station Parks and Recreation will hold a free showing of the Christmas movie “Family Man” at Southwood Community Center, located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. For more information visit www.cstx. gov or call 979-764-6351.

Dec. 18 Polar Express Pajama Party – 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley, 4001 East 29th St. in Bryan. Event includes dinner, crafts, story time, train rides and a visit from Santa. Wear pajamas. For more details, visit cmbv.org or call 979-779-5437.

Dec. 20 Holiday Story Hour – 2 to 4 p.m. at Clara B. Mounce Library, 201 East 26th St. in Bryan. Spanish and English. For more details, visit www.bcslibrary.org or call 979-209-5600.

December 1, 2015 | 7

Physical therapists can provide natural help for pelvic pain in men and women I know you help women with incontinence. Can you do anything for men who have a frequent need to urinate? I am 53, and I have to go to the bathroom constantly day and night. I also started having pain in my left testicle. I know this is getting Leon Bradway personal, but it’s Physical Therapy really creating problems for me in sitting, sleeping, working, playing with my grandkids and just not being cranky all the time. This has been going on for over a year now. I’ve seen my physician, urologist and neurologist, and had multiple tests, but they don’t find anything wrong. I’ve read your column about women’s issues and noticed I have similar issues (need to urinate often, leakage, pelvic pain and erectile dysfunction), and wondered if this could be related to muscle, as well. – SW, College Station This is a great topic, and I’m glad you brought it up even though it seems personal. Many issues related to women and muscle with respect to pelvic pain are relevant to men, as well, as they both involve muscle and/or soft tissue structures.

Physical therapists are muscle specialists, and some like me have even more specialized training pertaining to pelvic region problems (male and female). It is not common knowledge, but over 10 percent of men worldwide suffer from pelvic pain problems; this is only the number reported. The actual number is likely much higher as many men are reluctant to seek help or talk about this with their healthcare provider. Pelvic problems include postsurgical pain, frequent need to urinate, pain in the pelvic area, testicular complaints, prostititis, epididimitis and sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.

When men have these problems, many are somewhat embarrassed and just “deal with it.� However, I strongly encourage anyone who has any of these issues to talk with a physical therapist who specializes in men’s and women’s health. It could be the symptom of a more serious problem,

8 | December 1, 2015

problems. He had extensive muscular of the muscle system is necessary to and if muscle related, will only get tension and guarding both externally determine where and what muscle worse if you don’t address it. and internally around his back and tension or weakness that needs to be Having a frequent urge to urinate pelvic area that was contributing to addressed during the treatment phase. or leakage problems can be caused his current urination and testicular Palpating soft tissue structures is by pelvic problems that will not show problems. This patient received one-oncritical to the therapist both internally up on an ultrasound or MRI, and may one physical therapy for his treatment and externally for a decision on not be related to an infection. If your plan, and in eight visits his testicular pelvic symptoms have been ongoing for why and where the pelvic symptoms pain went away and his urination are coming from. This systematic more than three months, and no cause frequency improved dramatically. I approach is critical for the therapist to has been identified, as in your case, I discharged the client with important understand what is going on and why. recommend you visit with a physical exercises to perform at home and In addition, the therapist will ask therapist for problems in the pelvic relaxation techniques to help reduce many questions. A physical exam and region. Not all physicians are aware muscle tension. detailed question/answer session will that physical therapists can help when If you’re having pelvic problems help the physical therapist determine the pain and/or dysfunction stems similar to above, don’t wait any longer. the true cause of your symptoms. With from a muscular problem, which is Talk to your family physician for a this information they can develop a more common than many realize. referral to a physical therapist who treatment program specific to your Physical therapists are experts in specializes in men’s and women’s needs and sit down with you one-onthe neuro-muscular system, a very health. one to discuss the problem so you large portion of your body that is understand the cause and the course of Source: still widely misunderstood when it treatment planned. comes to pain and referral patterns.

(1) Anderson SU, et al. Painful For example, I recently examined For example, a study performed by myofascial trigger points and pain and treated a male client with frequent Anderson and Wise (1) reported that 75 sites in men with chronic prostititis/ urination/urge and testicular pain percent of a majority of chronic pelvic chronic pelvic pain in men. J Urol. that was also affecting his social life. pain problems are neuromuscular.

2009;182(6):2753-2758.

His symptoms and problems had Using an extensive neuromuscular Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical been ongoing for 14 months. Similar examination, their study revealed that therapy and director of the Sports, Back to your situation, SW, he had been pelvic pain was often associated with and Pain Management Clinic. See www. seen by several doctors, including numerous trigger points, poor posture bvphysicaltherapy.com. specialists, and given two rounds of and either restricted or too relaxed antibiotics, with no help. muscular structures, all of which fall His complaints were a under a physical therapist’s expertise. constant feeling to urinate To determine if this is a muscle and pain with sitting, issue, a physical therapist who has standing and lying down special training in pelvic pain and in bed at night. After dysfunction will perform an extensive an extensive physical clinical examination on the lower therapy examination, back and pelvic area. This will involve I sat down with the examination of your posture, your client, and discussed muscle system (strength, rigidity, reasons for his pelvic flexibility, trigger points), and palpations internally and externally.

Posture is very important Julian McMurrey in pelvic Comfort is our Specialty.

C rtifi d P rs na Train r symptoms Trust is our Promise. to discern N w at A i and Fitn ss D m Bryan: 979-821-2266 reasons for Julian McMurrey prolonged Brenham: 979-277-9525 FIT for 979-255-4423 symptoms La Grange: 979-968-6913 and/or pain.

Certified Personal Trainer Inpatient Facility: 979-821-5030 A review dist7461@hotmail.com www.hospicebrazosvalley.org

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T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

A tasty treat for holiday guests

(MS) - Hosting family and friends is one of the joys of the holiday season. For many families, holiday gatherings are the one time of year when all family members get together to enjoy time as a family.

Holiday hosts not only have a lot on their plates, but they also want to ensure their guests end up with lots on their plates. Food plays a central role at holiday parties and dinners, and hosts who want to try their hand at creating a decadent treat their guests have likely never tasted before, can consider the following recipe for “Aint Luverta’s Dr. Pepper Cake,” courtesy of Patty Pinner’s “Sweets: Soul Food Desserts & Memories” (Ten Speed Press).

Aint Luverta’s Dr. Pepper Cake Makes one 9- by 13-inch cake.

Cake 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup Dr. Pepper 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dr. Pepper Frosting 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 6 tablespoons Dr. Pepper 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1-pound box confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chopped pecans Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease, but do not flour, a 9by 13-inch pan. Set it aside.

To make the cake, in a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Gradually stir in the sugar. Set aside.

In a saucepan, heat the

butter, marshmallows, cocoa, and Dr. Pepper.

Stir constantly until the butter and the marshmallows are melted. Do not allow the mixture to boil.

Pour the marshmallow mixture over the flour mixture. Beat well. Set side. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy.

Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix well. Beat the egg mixture into the flour mixture until well blended and the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center of cake springs back when lightly touched. Let the cake cool on a rack for 10 minutes.

To make the frosting, in a saucepan, combine the butter, Dr. Pepper and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat. Gradually stir in the confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth, then fold in the vanilla extract and pecans. Spread over the warm cake.

A filling morning meal for overnight holiday guests

(MS) - Many families enjoy hosting overnight guests come the holiday season. Waking up to a full house and enjoying a leisurely breakfast with family and friends is a great way to begin a new day, and such moments make for great opportunities to catch up with loved ones.

The following recipe for “Gratin of Eggs, Leeks, Bacon and St. André Cheese” from Betty Rosbottom and Susie Cushner’s “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books) includes the staples of a traditional breakfast: bacon, eggs and toast. But this dish also can be assembled the night before and simply popped into the oven the next morning once everyone wakes up, making it an ideal morning meal that allows hosts to join in the breakfast table conversation.

Gratin of Eggs, Leeks, Bacon, and St. André Cheese Serves 6.

1 baguette, about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter 6 thick slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts 6 ounces St. André cheese, well chilled (see note) T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

6 eggs 2 1/2 cups half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley or chives Unsalted butter, for the baking dish Generous 2 pinches of cayenne pepper

1. Arrange a rack at center position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter a 9- by 13-inch baking dish.

2. Cut enough 1/2-inch-thick slices from the baguette to make a single layer in the baking dish. (You will probably need between 20 and 24 slices; save extra slices for another use.)

Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake without turning until crisp and very lightly colored, 10 minutes.

Remove and arrange the slices in the baking dish.

3. In a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat, fry the bacon pieces until crisp and browned, 5 minutes.

Drain on paper towels.

4. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings and return the frying pan to medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring, until just softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle the leeks and bacon

(Note: St. André cheese is a mild, over the bread slices in the baking dish. triple-cream French cheese with a 5. Cut the St. André cheese with its white rind. It is available at many rind into 1/2-inch cubes and scatter grocers and cheese stores. If you are them over the leeks and bacon in the unable to find it, you can substitute a baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk triple-cream Brie.) the eggs to blend, and then whisk in the half-and-half, salt and cayenne. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Let the gratin stand Specialization in Diagnosis & Treating at least 1 hour, or cover the pan with plastic wrap •Abdominal Pain and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. (If the dish • Gallstones has been refrigerated, • Ulcers let it stand at room temperature for 30 • Diarrhea minutes before baking • Constipation if you have time. It also can go directly from the • Pancreatitis refrigerator to the oven • Hepatitis but will take longer to cook.)

• Colon Cancer Screening 6. Bake the gratin until • Endoscopy the egg mixture is set, the top is golden and the • Liver Biopsy mixture is bubbly, 40 to 45 • ERCP minutes (10 to 15 minutes longer if straight from Dr. K. Ragupathi Gastroenterology the refrigerator). Remove (979) 693-6641 and let cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with After Hours & Emergencies (979) 361-5082 minced parsley and serve 1602 Rock Prairie Road • Suite 200 • College Station hot.

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December 1, 2015 | 9

CALENDAR Ongoing Sit and Fit Chair Exercises - Seniors meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m. Gentle workout while sitting in a chair. Features fat-burning aerobics and weight lifting.

For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Line dance workshop for beginners – Seniors are invited to a free line dance workshop for beginners, held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first, second and third Monday of each month, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Learn the steps and terminology. No registration necessary. Contact 7646351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information.

Line Dancing Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, holds line dancing for seniors on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Low impact workout, to the hottest tunes. For more information, contact 979-764-6351, 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bluegrass Jam Session – Bluegrass Jam Session is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. All levels welcome.

Bring string instruments and a friend.

For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Friday Bridge Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers bridge for seniors on Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Learn how to play 42 dominoes Learn the game of 42 every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information.

42 dominoes - Seniors meet every Thursday to play 42 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, from 9:30 to

10 | December 1, 2015

11:30 a.m. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bible study – Bible study is held for seniors at 9:15 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Contact 979-7643779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information.

Learn to play Maj Jongg - Seniors interested in learning the game will meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station on Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact 764-6371 or mrodgers @cstx.gov.

Game Night - Seniors are invited to Game Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Table games and dominoes provided or bring your own favorite game. Meet friends and enjoy a fun game night. For more information contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Dominoes - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays dominoes all day on Tuesdays and Fridays and from noon to closing Wednesdays. Sack lunch for those playing dominoes from 11:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873/ www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com.

Bridge – Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bridge from 12:30 p.m. until closing on Tuesdays; noon to closing on Thursdays; and 12:20 p.m. to closing Fridays. Partner needed Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com.

Games - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays board games, Scrabble and other card games on Tuesdays.

For more details: 979-822-6873/ www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com.

Bible study - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds Bible study 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, call 979-822-6873 or visit www.brazoscountyseniorcitizens.

weebly.com.

Exercise class - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds exercise class 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com.

Bingo - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bingo 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com.

Canasta - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Canasta from 11:30 a.m. to closing on Thursdays. For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com.

Potluck luncheon - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, has a potluck luncheon 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays. For more, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com.

One-on-one computer help - 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S. in College Station. Contact the Reference Desk to schedule a 30-minute session, at 979-764-3416. For more information, visit www.bcslibrary.org.

the holidays, honor loved ones who have died and make the holiday season the best it can be. Helpful resources and refreshments will be available. For more information/to RSVP, call 979-821-2266 or visit www.hospicebrazosvalley.org.

Dec. 10

Holiday Dance – Free dance with a live DJ will be held 7-9 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Light refreshments served. For more information, contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Dec. 12

“Age of Elegance” Senior Pageant - Held 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Seniors are invited to an evening of fun, fashion and fellowship with a showcase of the latest fashion. Free food, entertainment and door prizes.

RSVP at 979-764-3779.

Dec. 16

Dec. 2

Computer Club for seniors - The Computer Club, open to all seniors interested in learning more about the computer world, will meet at 9:30 a.m. at Carter’s Creek Training Room, 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station.

The topic is “How to create a newsletter.”

No pre-registration needed. For more information, contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Exploring History Luncheon: “Battle of the Bulge Anniversary” The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present monthly lectures with lunch on the history of the community, at Aldersgate Church, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway S. A reservation is necessary for lunch; the cost is $5. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.

The speaker will begin at noon. RSVP the Friday before the luncheon at 979764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Genealogy Computer User Group: “How to find blue-collar workers”9:30-11 a.m. at Carter Creek Training Room, 2200 N. Forest Parkway in Bryan. The group shares an interest in computer genealogical information. No registration required. Open to all older adults. For more information contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Dec. 5

Dec. 17

“Handling Holiday Grief” program – 10 a.m. at The Brew Coffee House, 410 Harvey Road in College Station.

Free program on holiday grief presented

by Gary Roe, author, speaker and chaplain with Hospice Brazos Valley.

Roe will share how to navigate through

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Free Movie and Popcorn: “Family Man” - Seniors are invited to a free movie and popcorn at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Movie begins at 1 p.m. For more information, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Protect your purchases during the holidays (MS) - Holiday shoppers spend billions of dollars during the holiday rush. Although the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day make up a season marked by giving and sharing joy with others, criminals are well aware that the holiday season can be a prime time to rip off consumers. Shoppers need to remain extra diligent to safeguard against theft and other not-so-jolly crimes.

At the store Be aware of your surroundings at all times while at the mall or other stores. Packages, wallets or purses should never be left unattended. Take notice if anyone is standing too close to you, asking them to respect your personal space if necessary.

Try to reduce distractions while you do your holiday shopping. This may mean leaving the kids at home so you can focus better on the task at hand or letting incoming calls go to voicemail while you shop.

Make frequent trips to the car so that you can free yourself of cumbersome packages. Being laden

down with bags or boxes can make you an easy target for a thief.

In the parking lot Parking lots are notoriously crowded during the holiday season, so you may not be able to get an ideal spot. However, make every attempt to park near the entrance of the store or at least in a well-lit area of the lot.

It gets dark early during the holiday season, and you want to feel safe bringing packages to your car.

Store all items out of view, such as in the trunk. If you have an SUV, invest in a cargo bed cover that covers packages. If ever you do not feel comfortable walking to your vehicle alone, shop with a friend or ask a security guard to accompany you to your vehicle.

Purchasing power Paying cash for purchases can alleviate debt come the new year, but credit cards also have their advantages. Credit card companies

do not hold cardholders accountable for unauthorized purchases made with a stolen card.

This peace of mind can make it safer for shoppers to use credit cards over cash or debit cards when making their holiday purchases. If shopping takes you online, restrict buying to wellestablished businesses whose reputations can be verified. Make sure that purchases are made through a secure website or server to reduce your risk of falling victim to hackers.

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Packages left outside of empty homes can be ripe for the picking by thieves.

Establish an agreement with neighbors that you will take in each other’s packages so they aren’t left unattended

on front porches or in doorways.

The holiday season should be a joyous time, but shoppers should still exercise a certain level of caution when buying gifts for their loved ones.

Services Include Nursing:

www.healthquesthomehealth.com

Kimberly John, LVN Trini Perez, Owner Cody John, Marketing

Locally Owned and Family Operated “At HealthQuest, we understand that quality home health care begins with respect, compassion, and understanding.”

• Medication Administration • Diabetic Management • Blood Pressure Monitoring • Wound Care/Wound V.A.C. • Catheter Care • Colostomy Care • Enteral Feeding • PEG Care • PICC Central Line Care • IV Therapy

Medical Social Work:

- Trini Perez, Owner

HealthQuest Home Health

Certified Nurse Aide:

• Bathing • Toileting • Dressing • Linen Changes

Therapy:

• Physical Therapy • Ultrasound Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy

MSW helps with social and emotional concerns related to the patient’s illness. That includes, but is not limited to, the education of community resources.

Phone: 979-846-7870

Payment Options: Medicare (covers 100% in most cases) •Medicaid • Limited Private Insurance • Self-Pay • Worker’s Comp T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

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D e c e m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 11

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You want a doctor who's your link to a world of advanced treatment.

That’s why you want a doctor who’s committed to a strong personal relationship with you, but who is also your link to a trusted network of specialists, advanced practice clinicians, and resources. With the highest level of personal attention, our doctor-patient relationships are defined by careful listening, compassionate concern, and expert care.

Discover doctors who go above and beyond to keep you well.

Call 979.774.2121 or visit st-joseph.org/appointment now.

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