A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley
Inside...
Spice up the New Year Chef Diane cooks up a tasty Moroccan Chicken Stew
Pg. 5
A Historical Ride
Mexico’s Copper Canyon Rail Tour popular with tourists Pg. 12
January 2011 • Vol. 3, Issue 9 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle
Resolution Time Tips for safely getting in shape in 2011 PAGE PA GE 8
50plus
CONTENTS Chef Diane: Moroccan Chicken Stew..................5 Volunteers Awarded.........................................6 Bradway: Treating high ankle sprains.................7 Cover Story: Getting fit in the New year..............8 Money: Warehouse club values.........................11 Travel: The Copper CanyonTrain......................12 Calendar...........................................................15
Ca Calendar ev events
January 2011
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50plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College Station Communications Inc. 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, Texas
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ENCORE
A Bereavement Support Group
Open to all active widows in the Brazos Valley at no cost.
Meet others to share the challenges of grief.
Fi r s t S a t u r d ay o f t h e m o n t h 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Sterling House
105 North Sterling , Br yan Call Joan for more information • 979.821.2266
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Bryan: 979.821.2266 Brenham: 979.277.9525 LaGrange: 979.968.6913
Visit us online at HospiceBrazosValley.org
Early stress can come back to haunt you later in life We all know that early ear -life stress can cause long-lasting emotional problems. A much less recognized problem is the effect ef of early ear -life stress on mental perfor perf mance as one gets older. Why do some old-timers seem sharp as a tack and others become senile? There are many causes, but one cause may be early ear -life stress. How one responds to stress obviously should make a big differ dif ence. This is especially important for children, because they have ha not yet learned how to cope with stress. If they don’t learn coping skills early early, ly, they may suffer suf long-term consequences. In order to systematically study such a possibility, possibility a team at the Unive Uni rsity of Califor Calif nia at Irvine created an early ear life stress en onment for baby rats. envir The stress seemed innocuous enough: the only differ dif ence from treatment of control rats was that beginning on postnatal day two, for one
FeMale Pa ern PaTT Hair loss
Female volunteers ages 18 and older are needed to participate in a 24-week long clinical research study with an investigational topical foam for Hair Loss. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: study related examination by a Dermatologist Topical study Foam compensation up to $525 for time travel trav call For More inForMa inForMaTion
week, the stressed rats had only one paper towel in their cage for the mother to make a nest. This was not enough paper to make a good nest, and the mother consequently spent less than the usual amount of time grooming and nursing the pups. Of those DR. BiLL KLeMM rats that were the memory meDiC examined immediately after the early ear stress period, clear bodily signs of stress were evident in the stressed group: enlarged adrenal glands, increased stress hormone levels, and mild weight loss. Control and test rats were tested for memory perf mance at 4-5 months of perfor age and at 12 months of age (which is old age for a rat). When rats were tested in a water maze task where they had to swim and learn how to find a submerged and hidden
Psoriasis sTuDy
Volunteers ages 18 and older are needed to participate in a research study to test the effectiveness of an investigational medication for mild to moderate psoriasis. Qualifications include: must currently have mild to moderate psoriasis –red, thicker patches that may have silvery scales and often itch– on your body, body arms or legs. Health insurance is not needed to participate. Eligible Volunteers must make visits to the clinical research facility and will receive at no cost:
study medication compensation for their time and effort call For More inForMa inForMaTion
safe platfor tf m, there was no tfor dif ence in perfor differ perf mance in either group when testing occurred at 4-5 months. But when tested at 12 months, the early ear -stressed rats could not learn the task. Sure, they could find the platfor tf m by tfor trial and error, but repeated testing indicated that they were not learning anything about the location of the safe platfor tf m from the cues in the tfor room that housed the water tank. The early ear -stressed, older rats also showed poor development in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is most crucial for formation of memories Enough of rats. You want to know how this applies to you. First, if you are a grandparent, remind yourself that newborn babies are especially sensitive sensiti to stress. Encourage the mothers of your grandbabies to make every effo ef rt to
See Memory Medic pa 13 page
Fa Facial acne
Volunteers between the ages of 12 and older, older with facial acne are needed to participate in a 11-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: study-related acne evaluations by a Dermatologist study-related Medication reimbursement up to $200 for time and effort. call For More inForMa inForMaTion
DiscoloreD ol oloreD
Toenails? Toenail Fungus?
Volunteers ages 18-65 are needed to par participate ticipate in a 36 Day Day long clinical research study with an investigational estigational topical medication for the treatment of an infection of the toenail called ony onychomy chomycosis. chomy cosis. Eligible igible volunteers lunteers will be required quired to make daily office visits for study drug applications. Qualified alified participants will receive at no cost:
study udy related examinations aminations by a Dermatologist atologist study Medication compensation up to $2,140 for time and travel trav call For More inForMa inForMaTion
Forr th Fo the la last st 20 year years, ars, JEA JEA Se Seni nior ni or Li Livin ving ha ving has be been en doing doing what what we do best, best st, and that that is ta taki king ki ng car care of senio iors rs.. At Hu rs Hudso dson Cree dso Creek eek we spe specializ cialize cializ in Alzh Alzheimer and Demen Dementi tia care, tia care, and we pride pride ou ours rsel rs el�es el�e �es in pro� pro�idin iding ing outstand outst standin anding ing care care in a wa warm rm ho home melike meli like en�iron en�ironmen ment.t. Ou Ourr hop hope is that that will re cogniz mmitment th ugh ou ality of care. care. you will reco cogn izee ou ourr co commi mmitmen thro roug ro ugh ourr qu quali ality
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January 2011
Lif at Hudson Cree Life Creek eek offer offers ers thesee amenitie ities itie ies for one monthl nthly nthl hly fee:
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A Heartfelt Choice
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50plus January 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com
Simplify yo your life in 2011 by letting us take care of the hassles of moving so you can begin enjoying the pleasures and benefits of Watercrest at Bryan. Wa Watercrest at Bryan is truly a destination d for those seeking a spirited and carefr efree active adult lifestyle. estyle. Call for a complimentar omplimentary lunch and tour to hear about out our fantastic move in specials,, including: i ● Free Pa Packing Service ● Free Mo Moving Service ● Free Unpac Unpacking Service ● Free Guest Suite
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3801 East Crest Drive, Bryan, Texas 77802 (near the corner of University Drive and Boonville Road)
Moroccan Chicken ick Stew icken
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 20 bite-sized prunes or dried plums • 10 dried apricots • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 medium onion, chopped
Senior Circle is out to expand your horizons 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. Call Mandy Williams today at 979-764-5107 and become part of the Circle.
Tropical Costa Rica • February 19-27, 2011 Enjoy a tropical adventure that includes spectacular activities such as a tour of the Doka Coffee Estate, a sky walk tour above the Monteverde Cloud Forest and a cruise of Lake Arenal.
New Orleans • April 11-15, 2011 Enjoy a leisurely motor coach tour that includes fascinating destinations, gorgeous scenery and a charming bit of history.
Colors of New England • October 10-17, 2011 Experience the lovely shades of fall with this tour of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger • 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Diane Lestina, a certified pe personal chef, holds cooking ing classes andd cooks ing for residents nt in the Brya nts Br n-College St ion area. To learn more, Stat re visit re, www hefd www.c he iane.com
Come play with someone your own age!
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Serves 4 • 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½ -2 inch cubes • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon salt
January is a good time to clean out your spice inventory. Send those spices out in style with this easy Moroccan Chicken Chick Stew.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth • 4 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted* • Fresh parsley, parsley minced for garnish. Season chicken with cumin, salt and pepper – refrigerate while prunes and apricots soak. Combine 1 cup water with prunes and apricots in saucepan; bring to a boil; then remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Heat oil in pot, sauté onion until soft, add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add remaining spices and cook 1 minute; add chicken and sauté 2 minutes; then add reserved prune water, ter dried fruits, and chicken ter, broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and simmer uncovered until chicken is done – about 10-15 minutes. Serve over couscous and garnish with the almonds and parsley. * I like to toast my almonds in a dry skillet on top of the stove where I can keep my eye on them. Toast until golden and remove from pan to cool so they don’t get too brown.
January 2011
After all those celebratory holiday meals, a nice light dinner is especially appealing. I like this month’s recipe because all the spices make the house smell great. Speaking of spices – January is a good time to clean out your spice drawer. Most ground spices start to get drab after about 1 year – so take time to do a quick inve in ntory. If you like, you can the empty jars and Diane Lestina go to the bulk spice section of Cook it Simple your grocery www.ChefDiane.Com store to buy just enough to fill them back up again. Buying only what you need when you need it is more economical, plus you get better flavo fla r by using fresh spices. I like to serve this recipe with quick-cooking couscous for an easy weeknight meal.
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Spice up the New Year with Moroccan flair
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RSVP recognizes elderly volunteers for their efforts By SHARON SHAR ROE
The Eagle • theeagle.com
January 2011
Special to The Eagl Ea e
The pearl pear necklace and $600 watch door prizes weren’t the only treasures at the 38th annual RSVP Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Dec. 10. Among the many being honored for service were nine special gems who, in spite of being over 90 years of age, have ha served the Brazos Valley community with over 100 hours this year. From working in the gift shop at the College Station Med to helping out in senior centers, these folks are invo in lved. Carolyn Kraus, Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) feels one of the program’s key functions is to help people explore their futures. “There is an aspect of gi giving that’s so important to positive positi aging,” said Kraus. “To keep healthy physically,emotionally,andspiritually, gi giving is such a key component. These nine people are prime examples.” Idell Carle Car gis, Doris Hoffman, Hof Strathwell Johnson, Anna Thomas Killough, Barbara Masters, James Nealey James Rothermel, Irene Nealey, Thatcher and Susie Tippitt were recognized for their volunteer effo ef rts. Each one of the nine volunteers has contributed their time in the areas of their interests and expertise, which is part of RSVP’s policy of matching the abilities of the individual indi with
Carlegis
Killough
local needs. 92-year-old Rothermel of Brenham, a retired high school principal with a Navy Na background, spearheaded the committee creating a Veteran’s Memorial in Brenham. “I’ve volunteered for about everything you can think of,” Rothermel said. “I’ve done church work, answered questions at the Republican Party of office in Brenham, and helped people fill out Medicare forms.” Thatcher, er 90, a retired small business er, owner, ner has served with RSVP for 17 ner, years and now works in the Sunshine Auxiliary gift shop at The Med in College Station. The gift shop raises scholarship money for local medical students working towards certification as physical therapists, technicians, RNs and LVNs. “We “W gave ga $7,000 in scholarships last year,” ar said Thatcher, ar,” er er, “and also $10,000 to redecorate the pediatric department. We did seven
Tippitt
Johnson
rooms all together.” Na sota resident Johnson, 92, has Nava served on the AARP advisory ad board and on the Area Agency on Aging ad advisory committee. He also has drive dri n other seniors to doctor appointments, church, the grocery store and the movies for 25 years. “It’s the simple things that mean so much to people,” said Johnson. “Just keeping them company makes such a differ dif ence. Especially those that are living li alone. Volunteering has made me more aware of people with needs. I don’t just take certain things for granted.” Masters has put in 22 years with RSVP, VP currently serving the Caldwell VP, AARP Hoffman AARP. Hof serves at the Caldwell Senior Center in Caldwell, and began volunteering in 2002. Nealey began volunteering in 1994 and now helps out at Two Mile Methodist Church in Midway. Tippitt was one of the first
Rothermel
Thatcher
dri rs in the drive drive dri r program in 1987 in Caldwell. She now volunteers at the Caldwell Senior Center. Killough volunteers at the Somerville Senior Center. Carle Car gis helps out at Hearne Health Care in the beauty shop, which she has done since 2005. When asked what keeps them contributing so much of their time when others are winding down, the answers were remarka mar bly similar: marka they receive cei more than they give, ceive gi and volunteering keeps them healthy. “If I had just sat around watching TV,” TV said Johnson, “I’d be in a nursing home right now. But I’m at home and still driving. dri When I do things for people, and they seem to appreciate it,
See Volunteers pa 15 page
I Believe in Gold Medallion 100% …for so many reasons. I love all of the people I meet. I love the seminars, the trips, book club, dinners with friends and the dancing. I love to go – and Gold Medallion helps me do that. Libby Gaas, Member since 1996
Gold Medallion Club (979) 774-GOLD (4653) 6
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clinical examination to determine which ankle/leg muscles and ligaments are involved. In addition, the prolonged healing process involved with these types of sprains can create secondary problems such as: overuse of muscles not normally used, in order to compensate for the injured body part; misalignment of the body; and changes in the patient’s walking pattern - all of which can result in referred pain to other areas of the body (e.g., leg, hip and back). This can be frustrating to the athlete who is anxious to get back on the field. To answer your first question then, a high ankle sprain is a result of the foot and ankle being twisted outward causing a slight tear in the fibrous tissue connecting the tibia and fibula bones. When this happens there is a widening of the space between the two bones. This widening causes inflammation and pain making it difficult for the injured person to bear weight or move their ankle.
2010 Business ss Performance Aw Award
January 2011
I’m a grandmother and my grand-daughter had a nasty ankle sprain playing soccer this past October. She was x-rayed and told there was no fracture and that she should use crutches for two weeks. After several weeks of using crutches, a walking boot, and bracing her ankle, the team doctor, upon reexamination, indicated that my Leon BraDway grandphySiCal therapy daughter had a high ankle sprain. She did not play the rest of the soccer season. Her ankle problem has improved but she still has intermittent pain with certain movements and when walking. My question is: What is a high ankle sprain and why does it take so long to heal? In addition, what options do we have to insure she is getting the attention and care needed? This is a great question, because this type of injury occurs often in young athletes. High ankle sprains are complex ankle injuries that are difficult to diagnose and require a thorough
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What are high ankle sprains and how are they best treated?
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Resolution
By HOLLI L. ESTRIDGE Special to The Eagl Ea e
January 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com Personal trainers, above abo , are a great option for seniors just starting with a fitness program.A personal trainer can craft craf a specialized workout rk rkout for a person’s unique fitness needs.That guidance can help avoid exercise related injuries and keep a person motivated to continue working out.
membership, walking into a gym and starting to exercise,” Green said. “You “Y can hurt yourself, exacerbate a medical condition or tear a muscle. As we get older, older we are more prone to having ha that happen to us.” Green said if seniors can affo af rd it, a personal trainer can be their best bet. “A personal trainer will make sure you go at an optimal pace,” he said. “They are going to design exercises to fit your specific needs, whether you want to concentrate on endurance exercise or on resistance – whatever your goals are as a senior exerciser.” Seniors should look for a certified trainer – Green said he prefers organizations such as the American College of Sports and Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. One disadva disad ntage to group exercise or a boot camp is that one person is watching a large number of exercisers, said Green. If a personal trainer is not within the budget and seniors decide to go it alone or in a fitness class or group, Green said it is best to begin slowly, with low repetitions and low endurance. “Do not put much weight on the bar, bar and do some reading,” he said. “Build on that as your body lets you.”
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When it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, losing weight, getting fit and leading a healthier lifestyle usually rank high on the agenda. Fortunately, many programs across the Brazos Valley exist to help guide seniors toward their fitness goals – whether they are exploring fitness for the first time or just looking to change up their existing fitness regimen. Gold Medallion Club members at St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center receive cei a $5 discount on ceive services they opt to participate in on a month-tomonth basis, offer of ed by the St. Joseph Wellness Center. “The best benefit to them is there is no contract to sign,” said Raschel York, director of community health services for the Gold Medallion Club. “They can participate on a month-to-month basis.” York said the water aerobics program is the hottest item with Gold Medallion Club members. Senior Circle at the College Station Medical Center offers of a bi-weekly exercise class for seniors. “The class is a combination of strengthening exercises, aerobics, bands and balls and breathing
techniques,” said Mandy Williams, Senior Circle Ad Advisor . The organization also offers of one to two health talks each month. The College Station Parks and Recreation Department also is launching a series of exercise classes for seniors at the Southwood Community Center (for (f merly mer the Teen Center) located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road. The department will offer of Tai Chi for Seniors at 8:30-9:30 a.m. and Yoga for Seniors at 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in February. Registration begins Jan. 18, and classes cost $85 per session. For more infor inf mation, contact the College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 979-764-3486. Local gyms offer of a variety of programs tailored for seniors as well, from one-on-one training to targeted classes and fitness evaluations to let seniors know where they are in terms of overall fitness, balance and flexibility. Regardless of the activity activity, vity, seniors choose to reach their fitness goals, a slow start – and consultation with a medical professional – are key, says John Green, a clinical professor in the department of health and kinesiology at Texas A&M Unive Uni rsity. “I wouldn’t advise ad just paying a gym
January 2011
8
50plus
You say you want a
Getting in shape is a popular New Year’s Resolution for people of all ages. People over the age of 50 have ha additional factors to consider when starting an exercise program.Water aerobics, left, are a popular choice among seniors and programs are available in the Bryan/College Station area.
9
Clean Hands Save Lives Washing your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others, according to health experts. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs and are fast acting. When washing hands with soap and water: – Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap: use warm water if it is available; – Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces; – Continue rubbing your hands for 20 seconds; – Rinse your hands well under running water. Combat Iron-Deficiency Hair Loss The most common cause for hair loss is iron deficiency, say experts. Iron deficiency is also known as anemia in medical terms, wherein the body has an iron level lower than what the body requires.
Due to iron deficiency, the number of red blood cells is reduced in the blood and result in a number of ailments. In most of the cases the person suff ing from anemia will suffer suffer suff extreme feelings toward hot or cold temperature – the person feels either too cold or too hot even at normal temperatures. This is because iron is used to maintain the body temperature. More than 80 percent of women suffer suff from some type of anemia. The common reason for iron deficiency is that there is insufficient iron in their diet. Iron is one of the key elements in creating red blood cells in the body. Due to fewer red blood cells the person appears pale due to loss of pigmentation and hair follicles become weaker. The weakened hair follicles cause hair loss. The best method for preventing hair-loss prevention due to iron deficiency is to consume nutritious food containing high iron content. Doctors usually emphasize an increase in iron intake by consuming dried fruits, fish, legumes, meat, potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, and grain products. Mature Life Features
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50plus January 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com
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Hang up on Cell-Phone Scammers
Computer Crooks Try to Clean You Out
If you treat a debt card like a balanced checkbook, you shouldn’t have any problems with it. It can be used for your everyday needs groceries or a quick lunch and the money comes directly and immediately out of your bank account. For that reason, you have to keep a constant eye on the balance in your account. You may feel easier about protecting your credit by having overdraft protection, but those fees can add up. Credit cards are better at buying you time, especially for big ticket items or dental work or airline tickets or vacations. If you present a debit card when you check into a hotel, there will probably be a hold put on your account for the amount of the room and the hotel’s guess at what your incidentals will add up to. The final amount won’t be cleared through your bank until a couple of days after you check out. The same thing can occur if you use your debit card to fuel your vehicle at a self-serve gasoline pump. The amount can be as high as $50 even if your receipt indicated you only bought $20 worth of gas. Mature Life Features
By CECIL SCAGLIONE SCA Matur Life Mature Lif Features atur atures
To twist a familiar phrase a bit, the more you pay, the more you have ha to buy – if you want to get your money’s worth at warehouse clubs. Do the arithmetic. Let’s say you spend $40 a year for your club membership. You have ha to buy enough product that will cost you $40 less than what it would cost at your nearby supermarke mar t or other major marke retailers, such as Wal-Mart or Target. In some cases, the same items cost less at a regular retail outlet than at the wholesale club. Studies also indicate that by shopping at Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s, for example, you probably buy more than you need. Then you use more than you need because you have ha more. And when you return, you buy more than you need again. Done right, many people
sa save hundreds of dollars a year or more by warehouse shopping. Among the biggest save sa rs are eyeglasses, the prices of which average about 50 percent less than at most opticians. Non-f Non-food items also are a good buy in bulk. Things like toothbrushes, laundryroom supplies, and batteries. Liquor and gasoline, where available, usually are cheaper at warehouse clubs than your nearest neighborhood outlet for these supplies. Buying a dozen cans of spaghetti sauce or tuna makes sense only if you’ll eat them soon, usually within a year or so, because even canned food doesn’t stay fresh forever. The same applies to frozen food or anything else that loses its firmness or flavo fla r over time. Many grocery items can cost less at supermarke mar ts if marke you buy the store brand. And special coupon days offer of ed by most grocery chains can
pull the price even lower. Do some price comparisons. Tally the per-unit price – the cost per ounce – rather than the price on the containers that vary in size. Keep track of what you spend and what you save sa so you can determine if the sa savings cover the cost of renewing your warehouse membership. Prices on electronic equipment, such as computers and printers and high-definition television sets, can be lower than those at major retailers, but the warehouse selection may not be as broad. Keep in mind, too, that online-shopping prices can be much lower than those on both warehouse and majorretailer shelves. And stay away from warehouse offers of of special or premier memberships. You’ll just have ha to spend more to make up the higher cost of such memberships
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Schemersdedicatedtocleaning out your bank account and eating up your credit-card limit are using your fear of schemers attacking your privacy via your computer by doing just that. If you receive a telephone call or-mail saying your computer has been invaded by a virus, do not respond to the callers. They’ll represent themselves as working for a computer repair company or tech support and some such and ask you for you password so they can repair the problem. Or they’ll offer off to let you download software that will fix it. Do not do any of these things. Instead, hang up and contact your service provider. Should you step into the trap set by those crooks who called, you will have given them access to everything in your computer, er er,
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January 2011
A new “old adage” is taking hold: if you don’t recognize the caller don’t return the call. caller, Crooks can call from anywhere. And some of them call from overseas. One typical scam is to call a cell phone and hang up after a couple of rings. The missed call will appear to have a normal area code but, when you make the return call, you’ll be connected with an adult-entertainment chat line that’s not only intrusive but highly expensive. So, if you don’t recognize the number dump the call. number,
including credit-card, bankaccount and Social Security numbers, and other infor inf mation important to your financial wellbeing.
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Copper Canyon train stops for Zorro, Pancho Villa By SANDY KATZ KA
door oven and invited in us to try our hand at cooking. We spent the night in nearby El Fuerte, where El Zorro reportedly was born in 1795 at a Spanish Colonial mansion that is now the Posadas del Hidalgo. Zorrow grew up in Califor Calif nia, where his legend grew as the black-masked outlaw who protected the people from oppression with his sword and rapier-like wit. A re-enactor appeared during the evening and charmed the ladies with some fancy footwork or and photo opportunities. ork We also did some bird-watching from a raft on the El Fuerte Rive Ri r befor bef e touring the town and, the next morning, we boarded Chepe for the 8,000-foot 8,000-f climb over the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains. Our first overnight stop was Cerocahui, where we visited a local vineyard and prepared for the ride the next morning to the Gallego Urique Lookout for a panoramic view of the Copper Canyon system and Urique Canyon, its deepest chasm. Nearby, we visited an old Tarahumara Indian church, cave ca home, and rancho bef e re-boarding the train to Posadas befor Barrancas for another view of three canyons that called for more camera
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January 2011
Matur Life Mature Lif Features atur atures LOS MOCHIS, Mexico — We knew our seafood seaf dinner was fresh because we watched the chef bargain with local fisherman in their boats for the largest shrimp and scallops I’ve ever seen. We’d just wrapped up a bird-anddolphin-watching tour of Topolobampo Bay on the Sea of Cortez about 20 minutes from this city that’s the western terminus of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway. It’s more-popularly e-popular known as Chepe e-popularly and renowned for its track through Mexico’s Copper Canyon, which covers four times the area of the Grand Canyon, features several chasms deeper than Colorado’s more-renowned attraction, and has been called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Trains leave lea daily from both Chihuahua at the railway’s eastern terminus and Los Mochis at its western end and make stops at Cuauhtemoc, Creel, Devisadero (the Continental Di Divide), Posadas Barrancas, Bahuichevo/ Cerocahui, Temoris, and El Fuerte. Bef e embarking Befor embar on our hop-on, hop-off 420-mile trip from Los Mochis hop-of to Chihuahua, we visited with the Mayo Indians in Capomos where young men perf med a traditional deer dance perfor complete with masks. The ladies were busy making tortillas over an open out-
Ma Indians Mayo perf perform traditional deer dance in Capomos for passengers embarking on hop-on, hop-off hop-of 420-mile Mexico Copper Canyon railway wa trip from way Los Mochis to Chihuahua. Sandy Katz photo Mature Life Features
See Copper Canyon Can pa 15 page
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ASSISTED LIVING • SKILLED NURSING
from page 7
neuromusculoskeletal system, such as a physical therapist, particularly one who specializes in sports injuries. It is likely that your grand-daughter is experiencing secondary problems stemming from the initial injury that have yet to be addressed. It isn’t necessary for her to live with restricted mobility or pain when there are professionals who can help. The bottom-line is to seek out a health care professional qualified to provide the care necessary to ensure that your granddaughter returns to her pre-injury state as soon as is safely possible.
Leon Bradway is a physical therapist and director of the Sports Back and Pain Management Clinic. Contact him at www.bvphysicaltherapy.com.
nurture their babies with love and cuddling from the day they are born. Most hospitals try to promote this by bringing babies to their mothers for nursing and holding as early as possible. Breast feeding is really important for reasons having nothing to do with nutrition. But cuddling, cooing, and loving interactions with the newborn for its first few months can make a lifetime of difference. The late Harry Harlow created a worldwide stir by showing that baby monkeys who were taken from their mothers and raised in isolation became emotionally pathological when they matured. Conversely, such isolated baby monkeys matured normally if they were allowed to freely nurse from and cling to a surrogate mother made of cuddly cloth. Grandparents need to focus on spending more time nurturing their grandkids. Young parents typically haven’t had the chance to learn what grandparents know about how to be good parents. More importantly,
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daughter can do to regain her pre-injury condition. When a high ankle sprain is first suspected it is important to do the following. First, immobilize the ankle (e.g., brace the ankle to protect the joint and prevent further injury). Second, have the athlete elevate and ice the ankle 3 – 4 times a day for 15 minutes. Third, recommend the use crutches until the ankle injury is re-examined in 10 days. And fourth, instruct the athlete to perform small ankle exercises (e.g. moving the toes up and down) which can assist in the healing phase and mobility of soft tissues surrounding the ankle joint. In general, it is very important to control swelling and pain during the first 10-14 days. After the initial 10-14 days the athlete needs to be re-examined to ensure that both the primary injury and any secondary problems are being addressed. In your grand-daughter’s case, where she made some improvement initially but is still experiencing intermittent pain and discomfort, I recommend that she be evaluated by a person who is knowledgeable about the
from page 2
grandparents should become more aware of how much stress their grandchildren are experiencing, whether from their parents or peers. This could well determine what happens to grandkids when they become seniors. Nurturing and love of children make a lifetime of difference. And what about you, the Senior? Maybe you didn’t have such a great childhood. Maybe you are now paying the price for the inevitable stresses of childhood or even neglect or abuse. Hopefully, you have by now learned to cope with stress. Seniors typically have better coping skills than they had when they were younger. But you may still be saddled with the cognitive damage from the past. What to do? You may just have to work harder at being mentally sharp. Get more engaged with life. Make it a point to learn many new things. Take on new challenges. Make a special effort to improve your mental focus and resistance to distractions. Get organized. Learn memory tips and tricks. And remind yourself, that this can be the best stage of life. For many seniors, it is.
January 2011
In answer to your second question, high ankle sprains can take a long time to heal for several reasons. First, this type of sprain is often diagnosed as a simple sprain which could result in the athlete returning to play before their ankle has healed adequately, causing the ankle to be re-injured. In many cases with unresolved or prolong ankle injuries a lot of energy and focus is spent treating muscles at or near the ankle joint and dismissing the muscles both above and below the ankle. In addition, as noted earlier, High Ankle Sprains can cause secondary problems due to the athlete compensating for the injured body part. Problems such as muscle fatigue, body misalignment, gait disturbances, must be addressed along with the original ankle injury if the athlete is to return to their pre-injury condition. Due to the complexities involved with high ankle sprains, it is imperative that a person knowledgeable in the neuromusculoskeletal system evaluate and treat the injured athlete. So for example, as a physical therapist that specializes in sports injuries and pain management, I am qualified to deal with this type of injury. So to answer your final question let me first explain how to treat a recent high ankle sprain and then focus on what your grand-
A high ankle sprain is a result of the foot and ankle being twisted outward causing a slight tear in the fibrous tissue connecting the tibia and fibula bones. When this happens there is a widening of the space between the two bones.
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50plus January 2011
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LOCATED AT 1862 ROCK PRAIRIE RD. SUITE 201, COLLEGE STATION OR CALL 979-696-7147.
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Ongoing
January 17 City Holiday - Offices Closed
Parks and Recreation Department. Registration begins on Tuesday, January 18th. Now there are three ways to register: On-line at www.parksweb.cstx.gov, in person at the Parks and Recreation Department office located in Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Rd. or by phone, call 764-3486.
January 18
January 24 & 26
Xtra Education Registration Begins - Quality leisure educational programs are offered of for older adults through the College Station
Preparing and Starting Spring Vegetable Crops with Elmer Krehbiel - Learn how to prepare and start spring vegetable crops.
Copper Canyon Can from page pa 12
Marr Eye Center
January 31 Beginning and Intermediate Computer Classes for Seniors -
Volunteers from page pa 6
it makes me feel even better than it makes them feel, I believe.” For Thatcher, er working at the gift er, shop gave ga her purpose after her husband died. “It save sa d my life,” Thatcher said. “If I didn’t have ha that, I’d be sitting at home.” Rothermel believes it has made him a better person. “Oh my gosh, it certainly is rewarding,” said
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Classes designed for older adults who are just beginning or have some basic skills and are ready to learn more tips! Classes meet for three weeks on Monday and Wednesday at the Southwood Community Center at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Classes are limited to five per class. Cost is $65 and to register, please contact the College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 764-3486 or on-line at parksweb.cstx.gov. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Dept. Senior Services at 764-6371.
Rothermel, “seeing somebody smile when they really need some help. It’s what I attribute my long life to. I have ha something to do all the time. I have ha n’t had time to sit in a rocking chair.” Unwilling to sit and watch the world go by, by these nine treasures have ha won a door prize worth more than a pear necklace: a long and fulfilling pearl life. For infor inf mation on volunteering with RSVP, VP contact Kraus at VP, 979-595-2800 extension 2026.
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work. It was just a short train ride from there to Creel, the highest point on the route, where we met and mingled with the Tarahumaras. Their name, which means “foot “f runners,” comes from the fact that they are strong long-distance runners, being able to cover 100 miles non-stop for hunting and sports. The nearby canyons conceal Indian
ca s and villages and ancient Spanish cave mines. After breakfast, eakf eakfast, we made a quick stop at the Mennonite community of Cuauhtomec, from where we motored on to Chihuahua. Bef e boarding our airplane home Befor from there, we had enough time to view Mexican revolutionary hero Pancho Villa’s home, the Spanish Aqueduct, and murals in the state Capitol. For more inf mation, infor visit www.coppercanyonairrailtours.com
The class meets on Monday and Wednesday from 10 - 11:30 am at the Southwood Community Center. Cost of the class is $25. To register; please contact the College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 764-3486 or in person at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Rd or on-line at parksweb.cstx.gov. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Dept. Senior Services at 764-6371.
January 2011
Play 42 - Senior adults are invited to join us every Thursday at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. from 9:30 - 11:30 am to play 42 dominoes. New players are welcome to join the group. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov Friday Bridge - Please join us for Friday Bridge from 9 am - noon
at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road. No partners needed and no cost! If interested, please contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov
50plus
CALENDAR
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50plus The Eagle • theeagle.com
January 2011
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resolve to put your best face forward in the new year with a special offer from the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Scott & White in College Station! our chemical peel treatments use a gentle solution to help improve and smooth the texture of your skin by removing damaged outer layers, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Scott & W White in College Station offers the latest in therapeutic skin care treatments and noninvasive procedures in a safe, medically supervised setting. Schedule your free consultation by calling 979-691-3295. Learn more about our services at bcsbeauty.sw.org
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