A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley
Inside...
Bradway
Exercises can help fractured wrist Pg. 2
Nutrition
Vitamins may be harmful to health
Pg. 6
June 2013 • Vol. 8, Issue 3 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle
Seniors staying in the workforce Tips for finding work in later years PAGE 8
How to reduce divorce costs PAGE 4
Can diet soda cause weight gain?
PAGE 14
Easy ways to add exercise to daily routine PAGE 15
50plus
Exercises can help fractured wrist
The Eagle • theeagle.com
June 2013
I am in my 70s and recently fell and fractured my left wrist. My physician indicated I would be in a splint for a number of weeks. Can I do anything while in the splint to help recovery? SB, College Station
Dear SB: Wrist fractures are very common in seniors and often occur when a person tries to protect themselves when they fall forward. All the weight comes to bear on the hand and it exceeds the strength of the bone, causing a fracture. It is important to remember when a fracture occurs, only the wrist is immobilized. The fingers, shoulder and elbow are usually still free to move. So it is very important to continue to extend and flex your fingers by performing gripping LeON BraDwaY activities PHySical tHeraPy while you are in the splint to maintain strength in the hand and forearm. This will also help prevent arthritic changes in your fingers. It is also important to maintain the range of motion in your entire arm. The shoulder is most important,
Comfort Keepers provides the kind of non-medical in-home care services that help people maintain full and independent lives, all in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. We would be happy to arrange a free in-home visit to help you learn more. S E R V I C E S
• Light Housekeeping Errands, Shopping • Incidental Transportation • Laundry • Recreation, Crafts • Grooming, Dressing • Personal Care Services
so early on, elevate your arm over your head. Do this frequently during each day. The arm should be lifted in a forward direction, in a side to side direction and in a backward direction. You should also attempt to place your hand behind your head and behind your back to help maintain rotational movement in the shoulder joint. These shoulder movements will help prevent the chance of developing a “frozen shoulder” while your wrist is splinted. A substantial number of people with hand and wrist fractures develop a “frozen shoulder” because they fail to move their joints. After the shoulder, your next priority should be the elbow. There is a tendency for the elbow to remain in a bent position even when not in a sling. Usually in the early days of the fracture, the individual is encouraged to wear a sling to provide additional safety; however, after the first couple of weeks, the wrist is allowed to remain out of the sling, especially if there is not a great deal of swelling in the fingers. The elbow is capable of full extension and flexion so each day, you should straighten your elbow all the
See Bradway page 7
50plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College Station Communications Inc. 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, Texas PUBLISHER Crystal DuPre
DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER Joanne R. Patranella
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Ron Prince SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR/ PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shauna Lewis shauna.lewis@theeagle.com
SPECIAL PROJECTS/ MARKETING COORDINATOR Dawn Goodall dawn.goodall@theeagle.com
CONTENTS Memory Medic: Weight gain hurts memory 3 Financial Literacy: How to reduce divorce costs 4 Food: Easy grilled shrimp recipe 5 Feature:Working seniors 8 Finances: Don’t back into reverse mortgage 10 Travel: Canada 12 Calendar 13
Remember Your Father... this Father’s Day
244 Southwest Pkwy E. College Station, TX 77840
979-764-3076 Individually owned and operated.
Long Term Care Skilled Nursing Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Rehab to Home Short Term Respite & Day Respite Optimal Payment Options
Take a drive to the country and visit...
Copperas Hollow
345 Country Club Dr. • Caldwell, texas
2
(979) 567-4300 • www.CopperasHollowNursing.com
without hypertension improved more than the bariatric patients who had hypertension. Memory performance of the obese controls actually decreased over this period. Gunstad has a U tube video on his work at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gsFP2zAkStU. Of course, bariatric surgery is not without its problems. This surgery can lead to Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a condition associated with thiamin or vitamin B1 defi-ciency. Symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy include loss of shortterm memory, vision and muscle coordination. Presumably, vitamin supplements prevent this problem. Most of us lose weight the old fashioned way: diet and exercise. Will weight loss help mental function, especially in people who are overweight but not to the point of obesity? What Gunstad hopes to test next is the possible mental benefit from losing weight through diet and exercise rather than surgery. I suspect he will see a benefit, but it could come from exercise as such rather than the weight loss. As I have reported in earlier columns, normal-weight people see a mental improvement from aerobic exercise. But up to a point, you can just
sit in your lounge chair and munch potato chips and still improve your memory—if you are learning from my book, Memory Power 101. Sources: Gunstad, J. et al. (2013). Improved memory function 12 weeks after bariatric surgery. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. 7 (4): 465-472. http://www.soard.org/article/S15507289%2810%2900688-X/abstract Kerwin, D. R. et al. 2010. The cross-sectional relationship between body mass index, waist–hip ratio, and cognitive performance in postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 58 (8): 1427–1432. Neurologic Complications Associated with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in Children. Center for Disease Control, July 24 2009 Dr. Klemm is a senior professor of neuroscience at Texas A&M. His latest memory book is Memory Power 101, Skyhorse Publishing. He also writes learning and memory blogs for Psychology Today magazine and his own site at thankyoubrain.blogspot. com.
Come play with someone your own age!
The Eagle • theeagle.com
does affects memory (and everything affecting memory affects the brain). Another obvious possibility is that excess weight often creates vascular problems, and everybody tends to have a problem with circulation in small arteries as they get older. Excess weight is a risk factor for stroke, as well as Alzheimer’s Disease, for reasons unknown. This finding about memory loss is just one of many good reasons to lose weight. There are only two ways to lose weight: eat fewer calories and exercise more. Though exercise doesn’t do much to cause weight loss, it has many other benefits (improved circulation of blood to the brain) that can directly benefit memory and cognitive function. It is not surprising, then, to learn of recent studies showing that losing weight can improve thinking and memory, in both men and women. John Gunstad, at Kent State University, compared attentiveness and memory test scores in 150 overweight subjects, 109 of whom had bariatric stomach by-pass surgery and 41 controls who did not. Those who lost weight because of gastric bypass surgery showed mental function improvements within 12 weeks after surgery. Those
June 2013
The more a woman weighs, the worse her memory. No, I am not a chauvinist pig. This claim comes from actual research — by a woman, no less. Diana Kerwin and her colleagues at Northwestern University studied 8,745 ages 65 to 79 and found that for every one-point increase in female body mass index, the score Dr. BILL KLeMM on a 100-point memory tHe MeMOry MeDic test dropped by one point. The problem was greatest in women who had put the weight on around the hips, which is fairly typical for weight gain in women. Nobody knows why this is so. Fat deposits may increase the amount of cytokines, which are hormones that can cause inflammation. In a couple of columns last year I explained how body inflammation, from sore joints or sore throat, for example, can trigger inflammation in the brain. I explained that brains can get inflamed too, irritated from the release of cytokines and other toxins from the brain’s immune cells in response to inflammation. In both genders, these toxins diminish mental capabilities, especially memory. Remember, everything the brain
50plus
Weight gain hurts memory in women
S p o n s o re d b y
1 6 0 4 R o c k P ra i r ie R o a d • C S M e d C e n te r. c o m Official Healthcare Provider for Texas A&M Athletics
3
50plus June 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com
Want to reduce divorce costs? Lawsuits are notorious for costing not only money, but also time and patience. You may not always be able to keep your time or your frustration under control, but there are a few things you can do to save on legal fees. College Station family law, probate and civil law attorney Randy Michel was recently interviewed by FoxBusiness. com on this topic. “Advice, advocacy and time are the only things a lawyer has to sell,” says Michel. “The more advice, advocacy TracY STewarT and time Financial literacy a lawyer puts into your case, the more expensive your case will be.” When you communicate, be organized. Be smart about how you work with your attorney. Understand which actions will be worth the cost to pursue. Focus Hold your calls and emails to a minimum. Attorneys bill their time to take calls, to read emails and to reply to emails. When you call or meet with your attorney, suggests Michel, know in advance what you want to accomplish during your conversation. Have a list of topics, putting
the most important items at the top. If you run short on time, at least you will have covered your most important issues. Similarly, organize your email content to be concise and on point. Avoid the temptation to vent and ramble.
Lawyers are not psychologists Your history and current emotional state may be relevant to your case, but try not to repeat it over and over. Michel explains, “So often in emails or phone calls or office visits, the client doesn’t have so much of a legal question or problem or issue, as a psychological or emotional issue. When you turn me into your psychologist, you’re getting someone who isn’t a psychologist but you are paying attorney’s prices. You wouldn’t want a cardiologist to act as an electrician and charge the rates of a cardiologist, would you?” Do it yourself Michel suggests that you offer to do some of the work yourself. “Ask your attorney or paralegal what tasks you might accomplish that would save you money or prevent you from being billed for the task. For example, go to the courthouse to retrieve
a certified copy of a needed document, take pictures of something needed for evidence, scan documents and obtain a signature.” Organize and label all documents before you give them to your attorney, says Michel. Ask the paralegal what this should look like. The idea here is to reduce the time spent by your attorney and therefore reduce your bill. Organize and label in the manner that works best for the attorney. This might not be the way you would do it, but it is the manner that will save you the most money. When you do this, your attorney and the paralegal will not need to. Caution: Check with the paralegal or attorney before handing over a stack of documents, warns Michel. “Don’t flood your attorney with unnecessary documents. Attorneys assume that if their clients hand them documents, those documents must be important, and the clients must want the
attorney to look at the documents. If that is not the intent, don’t hand us the documents.”
Take advantage of your attorney’s expertise Your attorney has far more experience with legal issues than you do. Check with him or her before committing to doing something that may not be a good use of your money. At your first meeting, ask your attorney about alternatives to litigation. Alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation, summary jury trial and collaborative law are less expensive than litigation to resolve a dispute. Think about whether a given task is going to “move the ball down the field” in your favor or whether it will just tweak the other side. Michel explains, “if it doesn’t aid your case, don’t spend the money.” Listen to your attorney’s
advice before pursing tasks such as the following: • Hiring a private investigator when nothing suspicious is going on. • Hiring a business valuation expert when both sides have agreed to a value and are confident of its validity. • Hiring a CPA when the real divorce issues deal with the children and the financial issues are really just “potsand-pans.” • Seeking the other side’s phone records from the phone company when those records might be had through another avenue or not needed at all. Michel points out that getting phone records from the company is very expensive and hardly ever worth doing. On a parallel note, Michel says, “Just because you can legally do a given task, and may very well prevail, it does
See Stewart page 7
Come see how we’re changing the
foundation of senior living
Peace
of mind A full continuum of care without an entrance fee.
Hospice Brazos Valley provides peace of mind with a plan of care to meet the individual needs of each patient and family with dignity.
4
Bryan: 979.821.2266 Brenham: 979.277.9525 LaGrange: 979.968.6913 Inpatient Facility: 979.821.5030
Full community benefits including social and recreational opportunities, flexible dining options, Affordable monthly rental fees to preserve your assets and attentive staff. without the commitment of a long-term contract. Spacious and unique apartment floor plans to suit Maintain control of your independence and move any personal taste; some with private garages. through our community when YOU’RE ready to take the next step. Residential Living: 3801 East Crest Drive Bryan, Texas 77802 979-703-7088 www.watercrestbryan.com
Visit us online at
www.hospicebrazosvalley.org HospiceBrazosValley.org
Clinical Excellence. Unwavering Compassion
AL License 104683
Assisted Living & Skilled Rehab: 4091 Eastchester Drive Bryan, Texas 77802 979-774-3401 www.isleatwatercrestbryan.com
Residential Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Rehabilitation One campus, two addresses.
SNF License 104695
for about 20 minutes. Sophisticated summer menus are easy to create with help from Alexia Foods, a line of premium, all-natural frozen potatoes, breads and side dishes. For delicious seasonal recipes, visit www.alexiafoods.com. Grilled Shrimp with Homemade Barbecue Sauce Cook Time: 40 minutes Yield: 4 servings
Grilled Shrimp with Homemade Barbecue Sauce cooking as possible in your outdoor kitchen. Sides such as Alexia Waffle Fries or Panko Breaded Onion Rings make summer entertaining a breeze when prepared on the grill and are delectable complements to a variety of grill-friendly fare, from steaks and sweet corn to barbecue chicken and asparagus (and beyond). To prepare, simply create a foil grilling tray using two pieces of aluminum foil by crumpling the top piece, creating an edge around the bottom smooth piece to make a tray, and grill on medium
Homemade Barbecue Sauce Ingredients: 1 slice bacon 1 bunch fresh thyme Extra-virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, chopped
THE HEALTH SYSTEM FOR PEOPLE WHO ROLL WITH THE TIMES.
See Shrimp page 7
The Eagle • theeagle.com
This tasty side is made on the stovetop in less than 12 minutes. • Incorporate the flavors of the season into your cocktails - Use seasonally fresh fruits and vegetables as more than a garnish to create memorable cocktails. Start with your spirit of choice and try the following refreshing flavor combinations: basil and grapefruit, apple and sage or rosemary and lime. • Fill the grill - Simplify cooking - and clean-up - by doing as much
Grilled Shrimp Ingredients: 16 large jumbo shrimp 1/2 cup olive oil Kosher salt Fresh ground pepper
June 2013
(BPT) - The weather is warming up and summer is right around the corner. From holiday celebrations to road trips, family vacations to block parties, it’s the time of year for cookouts. Make all of your summer cuisine extraordinary no matter what the occasion with these five simple tips: • Kick seasoning up a notch - Spice up your main dish and sides by adding bold flavors through marinades and dips. Pair grilled shrimp with a homemade barbecue sauce or create a delicious horseradish sour cream for seasoned waffle fries. • Create cutting-edge comfort food - When menu planning for summer get-togethers, add a twist to a classic recipe. It doesn’t have to be a large departure from a family favorite; try swapping out a regular hamburger bun with artisanal bread or include sweet potato fries as a side dish rather than traditional french fries. • Add some color to your meal Never underestimate the importance of an aesthetically pleasing meal. For an easy summertime side, try a delicious combination of roasted red potatoes, baby portabella mushrooms, whole green beans and onions bathed in thyme-infused 100 percent olive oil.
50plus
Summer entertaining made easy
At St. Joseph Health System, we've been treating our friends and neighbors with a mission of caring and compassion since 1936. We offer the very latest in technology, over 20 convenient locations, and a level of compassion and expertise as unique as the place we call home.
5
50plus
Vitamin supplements may be harmful to your health By JAMES GAFFNEY
The Eagle • theeagle.com
June 2013
Mature Life Features
6
There was a time not too long ago when taking a vitamin supplement was accepted to promote good health, if not longevity. However, a mounting body of research has revealed that daily vitamins may actually cause harm -even premature death. Among the findings of a 20-year study of more than 38,000 women 55 years and older, who participated in the Iowa Women’s Health Study, is that taking a multivitamin appeared to increase risk of premature death. Interestingly, the people who took multivitamins actually had better overall health habits than those who didn’t. But there is increasing evidence in this study and others that argues against taking most supplements for general health or disease prevention. There are exceptions, such as calcium and vitamin D for bone health, but even the exceptions should be handled with care. Many people take supplements as insurance against inadequate nutrition. In developed countries, however, deficiencies in most vitamins and minerals are uncommon, unless there is a predisposing condition. Taking supplements provides these nutrients far in excess of what’s necessary for good health. Another reason people take supplements is to help prevent serious diseases. Studies have consistently shown that diets high in antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and other plant foods are associated with lower rates of cancer and heart disease. However, studies looking at supplements, including antioxidants such as beta carotene and vitamins A and E, haven’t shown much benefit, and there is evidence they may actually cause harm. Plant foods contain hundreds of beneficial compounds termed phytonutrients. Singling out a few specific vitamins as being beneficial appears to be too simplistic. Also, some vitamins occur in many forms, and supplements may not provide the right forms in the right amounts. Potentially risky vitamin and mineral supplements include: -- Vitamin E A 2012 review of research published in the Cochrane Database suggested taking daily vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of dying prematurely. -- Vitamin A The same review revealed large doses of vitamin A supplements also were associated with an increased risk of dying prematurely. Supplementation with beta-carotene,
a compound that’s converted to vitamin A by the body, was also shown to increase risk of death, especially for smokers or former smokers. Since vitamin A deficiency is rare in this country, it’s been suggested that it’s probably not worth the potential risk to take this supplement; -- Folic acid (vitamin B-9) Most older adults consume adequate folate. Supplements help prevent birth defects, but evidence of other benefits has been elusive; -- Vitamin B-6 Large daily doses of vitamin B-6 -more than 100 milligrams (mg) -- can cause nerve damage over time; -- Vitamin B-3 (niacin) High doses can help lower high levels of cholesterol, but this should be done only under the supervision are deficient in vitamin B-12. Since sources of calcium; of a doctor. Side effects can include vitamin B-12 has not been shown to Vitamin D -In support of bone severe liver disease; cause harm, even in large doses, it health and prevention of falls, 600 -- Iron may be beneficial for older adults to 800 international units (IUs) daily to take a B-12 supplement to help In healthy men and from diet and supplements combined prevent deficiency. postmenopausal women, iron is recommended for older adults. deficiency is rare. If you’re in one of Although many of the reported Some doctors and organizations these categories and iron-deficient, risks are small, talk to your doctor believe that higher doses may be further evaluation may be considered. appropriate. Vitamin D enhances before taking any supplements or There is some evidence that too making any changes to your current calcium absorption, and much iron is associated with adverse regimen, and ask for his or her Vitamin B-12 -- It’s estimated effects, including possibly increased recommendations for your specific that up to 15 percent of older adults mortality, and needs. -- Trace minerals Copper, chromium, magnesium, selenium and zinc are among the essential trace minerals. However, there isn’t any solid evidence that trace mineral supplementation has any benefit in the absence of deficiency, which is rare. There are supplements older adults may consider The cause of these symptoms CAN be treated. taking. They include: · Fast recovery · Covered by most insurance companies · Minimally invasive procedures Calcium -- The recommended intake is 1,200 mg daily for women over the age of 50 and men over the age of 70. A meta-analysis found that calcium supplementation increased the risk of A P P O I N T M E N T O N L Y (979-776-W A L K ) cardiovascular disease. Free screenings also available during weekdays. Subject to availability. However, not all studies have supported this conclusion. Mayo Clinic experts support meeting, but not Gordon Mitchell ’77, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.C.C.P. | Gloria Jean Mays, M.D., F.A.C.C. exceeding, your daily calcium requirements, Ricardo Gutierrez ’92, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. primarily through food as there was no evidence of increased 979-776-WALK (9255) | www.BrazosVein.com risk with dietary
Are you suffering from
leg pain ∙ swelling ∙ cramping ∙ restless legs spider & varicose veins
FREE VEIN SCREENINGS First Saturday of Every Month | 8 am - 12 pm
from page 2 way out to a straight line. Repeat this 10 to 15 times a day. Then practice flexing the elbow and touching your shoulder with your fingers. You should be able to turn your palm both up and down even while in the splint. The palm should be turned up and then down at least 10 to 15 times a day. This will maintain the arm’s ability to rotate at the elbow. The fingers have many joints. To keep range of motion, touch each
Stewart
from page 4 not mean that you should do that task.”
from page 5
Shrimp Directions: Use a pair of scissors or paring knife to slit the backs of the shrimp and remove the vein. Combine the shrimp and olive oil in a bowl and toss evenly to coat. Cover and keep refrigerated until ready to grill. Prepare homemade barbecue sauce (directions below).
First
of the shoulder, elbow and fingers is maintained during the period of immobilization. It is equally important that once the wrist splint comes off, that a vigorous range of motion and strengthening program be used to maximize your rehabilitation potential from the fractured wrist. If you have pain and stiffness months after surgery, check back with your doctor and physical therapist.
He cautions us to ask your attorney about the merits of filing a protective order to prevent the other side from obtaining your recent medical records, when all they would reveal would be a couple of bouts of
the flu and some other innocuous condition over the past three years. While legal disputes are disruptive and expensive, Michel says “You can help minimize the cost when you work with your attorney in a
reasonable, thoughtful and efficient way.”
Prior to heating, spray grates of a large outdoor grill using PAM Grilling Spray, specially formulated for no-stick performance at higher temperatures. Next, heat the grill to medium-hot. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and place on the grill. Baste with the homemade barbecue sauce and grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Brush with more sauce just before serving. Wrap the bacon slice around the bunch of thyme and tie with kitchen twine so you have a nice bundle. Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon-wrapped thyme and cook slowly for 3 to 4 minutes to render the bacon fat and give the sauce a nice smoky taste. Add the remaining ingredients, give the sauce a stir and
turn the heat down to low. Cook for 20 minutes to meld the flavors. Once the sauce is done cooking, remove the thyme bundle and discard. Take about 1 1/2 cups of the sauce and reserve for serving alongside the shrimp. Pair with Alexia Sweet Potato Puffs or try grilling Alexia Waffle Cut Sweet Potato Seasoned Fries.
450 F.). Next, create a foil grilling tray using two sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil - crumple one sheet of foil and place it on top of the second piece of smooth foil, folding up the edges of the bottom smooth piece to create a tray. Arrange waffle fries in a single layer on the grilling tray, place on grill and close the lid. Cook to desired color and texture, turning once or twice during the cook time, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Grilling Directions for Alexia Waffle Fries: Preheat gas grill to medium (400-
Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical therapy and director of the Sports Back and Pain Management Clinic. See www. bvphysicaltherapy.com.
Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® through her blog at www.TexasDivorceFinance.com.
The Eagle • theeagle.com
2 cups ketchup 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup molasses 2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika if available)
turns up; and pronation, where the palm moves down. The wrist is also capable of deviating toward and away from the thumb. It is important to reestablish each of these movements. Restoration of motion is the first concern. When that is established, restoration of strength is important. You might be surprised how much strength you lose in a short period of time. As the bone heals, the fracture will become more stable. It is essential that you begin a rehab program with an experienced physical therapist immediately. It is important that range of motion
June 2013
Shrimp
finger to the palm and then straighten it (completely). Make certain the thumb is moved away from the palm and back so mobility is maintained; this is very important. Repeat these movements to keep the hand from becoming stiff. When the wrist splint is removed, wrist motions are very important. Initially, it is easier to perform these motions in warm water. The wrist moves in a number of directions; flexion, where the palm moves toward the body; extension, where the palm moves away from the body; supination, where the palm
50plus
Bradway
Presbyterian Church Bryan, Texas
Sunday Church School - 9:20am Sunday Worship Services - 10:45am 1100 Carter Creek Pkwy • 979-823-8073 www.fpcbryan.org 7
50plus
Many working after retirement age By Holli L. Estridge
The Eagle • theeagle.com
Finding work later in life Root said some job seekers face more difficulty than others. “Attitude has a large part in landing a job,” he said. “Job seekers that take the time to research the company, prepare for the interview and follow up with the employer tend to have faster and better success.” Root said he believes most employers look at ability rather than age. “If you look back in time, 30 or 40 years ago we were hired, stayed on the job for 20 years and retired with a gold watch,” he said. “Today a career consists of 10 or more employers with increasing responsibilities as we mature.” Workforce Solutions holds several weekly workshops geared toward refreshing job seekers on work-related skills, including the Job Club at 9 a.m. on Mondays, Career Readiness at 1 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month and Job Search Techniques at 1 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of every month at its offices, which are located at 3991 East 29th Street in Bryan. A Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills workshop is held at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. Another employee resource – specifically
Volunteering Retirees who are not looking for work – but perhaps a productive way to spend their time – might consider volunteerism. Vonda Pope, program manager for RSVP – Retired Seniors Volunteer Program – said 880 volunteers served a total of 120,000 hours over the course of the last year. “Many seniors find that once they have retired that they are a valuable resource to their communities,” said Pope. “Many volunteers have lived in their communities for years and have decided that during retirement they can give back.” She said volunteering also keeps retirees healthy – physically and mentally. Volunteers can choose from a number of current opportunities – including helping at local community food pantries, sorting clothing for local thrift stores, tutoring in local schools, visiting seniors in nursing homes or in their homes, transporting seniors to medical appointments and to stores, respite care and assisting in senior centers. For more information, visit the RSVP website at www.bvcog.org or visit www.volunteerbrazosvalley. org or www.volunteermatch.org.
With apologies to Charles Dickens, sometimes the worst of times can prepare you for the best of times. The disastrous financial straits we’ve been in for the past handful of years have forced many seniors – and a lot of folks still in the work force – to review, re-think and revise their retirement plans. Plummeting stock markets, corporate downsizing, and a diseased economy forcing small businesses to fold have smashed many nest eggs to smithereens. An army of already-retired seniors has re-entered the labor force as baggers at supermarkets, security patrols at malls, and part-time nannies for younger households forced to have both parents working to keep paying the bills. Rather than peering at the perils of the times, you might want to probe some of the promise just below the surface. This is a fine time to think entrepreneurially. Don’t let the word cow you. Think of how you can open an entire career working for yourself. For example, if you’re still working and are weary of ducking the axe every time the rumor mill erupts with alerts of cutbacks and layoffs and plant closings, examine what service you provide your employer. Do you collect data? Are you part of the sales force? Do you field customer-service calls and complaints? You probably can do all of those at home. So, rather than face the possibility of being tossed into the unemployment pool, offer to work at home. You can cut costs for the firm by using your own phone and computer and other office equipment. You can offer to work on an hourly basis. You might even offer to remove yourself from full-time staff and work on a contract basis to save the company the cost of health and pension benefits. Now extend that thought. Can you provide that same service to other companies? If so, call on those companies and make the same offer. Once you have more than one customer, you’re in business. For yourself. See how simple it is? It’s not easy. But it’s simple.
Cyberspace has made much more room for this type of entrepreneurship. Sit down and put together your business plan. This is simply a map you fashion so you’ll know where you would like to be and how to get there. After all, you don’t jump behind the steering wheel of your car without knowing where you’re going, or how to get there. This process requires no capital at this stage. It does call for some money to get you through the businessbuilding phase. But the key to use before you even attempt to open this door is to show yourself how you can make enough profit to make a living. You have to factor in the cost of rent or mortgage, groceries, auto payments and maintenance, utility bills, taxes, and also your medical insurance and funds for your retirement plan or portfolio. If you think you would like to start up a home-grocery delivery service for seniors in your area, you might have to come up with the money to buy a vehicle. Likewise if your idea is to provide transportation for seniors to medical appointments. But don’t get locked into senior services. With the shortchanged economy and pressure from Obamacare to stay small, there’s a growing trend among employers to focus on temporary or part-time personnel rather than bulking up with full-time staff. That opens up the field for services and skills you can provide: accounting, marketing, sales, computer filing, proposal and report writing, training ... you get the idea. If you feel this thought is more confounding than comfortable, there’s a simple drill you can do. Make a list of things you can’t do. For example, you might not be able to teach nuclear physics or brain surgery, or be an airline pilot, or an endless string of things. Now stop. Make a list of things you can do: drive a taxi, flip burgers, keep an incomeand-outgo ledger and a few more things. This lets you know that survival no longer is the issue. Stepping out on your own can be terrifyingly thrilling as well as smugly satisfying.
The Eagle • theeagle.com
8
Three-fourths of employed adults plan to keep working past retirement age – many because they want to, according to a new Gallup poll. In analyzing results, Gallup explained that longer employment could have health and social benefits for senior workers, if staying in the workforce keeps them more physically and mentally active than they would be otherwise. “It would clearly help them financially, particularly if the alternative is dependency on inadequate retirement savings and an uncertain Social Security system,” the report stated. “This, in turn, could benefit the economy with seniors contributing experienced labor, as well as earning income that fuels consumer spending, and therefore, the economy as a whole.” Locally, seniors are wanting to re-enter the workforce for a variety of reasons – some associated with cost of living, and others who merely want to continue to be active, said Michael Root, business services supervisor with Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley. “Employers are glad to get the knowledge, skills and stability that seniors offer,” he added. Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley reported that more than 1,300 Brazos Valley residents over the age of 50 are currently active in the Work in Texas program, a job search resource and matching system developed and maintained by the Texas Workforce Commission and the state workforce network, Texas Workforce Solutions. Of those, 180 Work in Texas participants are over the age of 65.
Tips for getting the job Root said seniors looking for work should let their network speak for them. “Nothing you say about yourself is stronger than a recommendation from someone who knows you and can recommend you,” he said. Root also said to focus more on skills and accomplishments than job titles, using the employer’s own words from the job description to show how your skills match perfectly, while downplaying skills not required for the job. “Reveal financial advantages of hiring you,” Root said. “If you suspect salary will be a concern, use specific examples from your past experiences to show how you increased revenue generations, cut costs or realized increased savings.” Placing an emphasis on teamwork and personality, showcasing current or cutting edge knowledge and demonstrating loyalty are also important strategies for winning over employers, Root said.
Mature Life Features
June 2013
June 2013
Special to The Eagle
designed for seniors – is Experience Works, a national, charitable, community-based organization that helps low-income seniors, with multiple barriers to employment, get the training they need to find jobs in their local communities. Among Experience Works’ goals is assisting employers to take full advantage of the talents of older workers and using community service to train while on the job and as a path to employment. For more information on local resources, contact Courtney Arroyo in North Zulch at 936-399-2639 or Courtney_arroyo@experienceworks.org.
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
50plus
Staying in the workforce
When going gets tough, opportunity knocks
9
50plus
Don’t back into a reverse mortgage By CECIL SCAGLIONE
The Eagle • theeagle.com
June 2013
Mature Life Features
10
You’ve probably heard a reverse mortgage is your safe and secure route to endless economic freedom about as often as you’ve heard, “If it sounds too good to be true...” This fiscal fandango has been pitched and promoted more heavily than normal since housing prices plummeted and barkers tout the value to getting as much out of your home’s equity as you can before calamity strikes again. The blast from the bursting of the real estate bubble is still ringing in our ears. It’s difficult not to spend a few moments reading a magazine or newspaper or a watching television or your computer without being cajoled to find out now how much cash you can take home with a reverse mortgage.
It certainly sounds good. Figure out how much equity you have on your home. If you’re 62 or older and plan to keep on living in the house, you can take the money three ways: as a lump sum, line of credit or regular monthly income, which you’re guaranteed for life even if you live longer than predicted and the total you receive is more than the amount of the original loan. All you have to do is live in the house and keep it in good shape as well as pay the taxes and insurance on the property. Any existing mortgage must be rolled over into the reverse mortgage. The loan has to be repaid if you die, sell the house, or move out for more than a year. Proceeds from the sale of the house will satisfy payment, even if the sale price is less than the total owed. However, you can‘t cash in on a
huge equity and use the money to move into smaller quarters and rent the house for enough money to pay the reverse-mortgage loan. But wait, there’s more. The interest rate on lines of credit and monthly payments is adjustable, not fixed. And the interest accrues annually on any portion of the loan that is outstanding. The federal government, which backs these reverse mortgages, went into reverse on its fixed-rate lumpsum loans this year. You can still get one, but with the percentage of equity lent much lower to provide more equity to cover the interest that accumulates over the life of the loan, which is the length of your life. There is also a bushel full of fees to consider: closing costs, monthly servicing fee, origination fee, and upfront mortgage insurances, as well as ongoing premiums, to cite a few.
Since these loans are designed for oldsters, it’s no accident that there’s a lot of fine print used to define the details. Government estimates set the annual default rate on these loans – in other words, reverse-mortgage holders who lose their homes – at just short of 10 percent. A flaw that has attracted some attention recently centered around a widow who was in default because her name was not on the original reverse mortgage. Her husband, who was named on the reverse mortgage, had died so the loan had to be repaid. This meant she was being ejected from her home because it had to be sold to pay off the reverse mortgage. So while the reverse mortgage sounds like a comfortable nest egg, take counsel from an attorney acquaintance: “If you don’t need the cash, don’t do it.”
Smart, stylish renovations for any age
(BPT) - Most Americans over 50 want to stay in their home as they age, but few are making the renovations they need to ensure easy and comfortable living for the future. In fact, 80 percent of people older than 50 say they would prefer to remain in their home indefinitely, according to an AARP survey. The Hartford and MIT Age Labs found that while 96 percent of baby boomers are aware of the changes they could make to their current home to make it more comfortable as they grow older, only 26 percent have made such modifications. Consider some of the following functional, yet beautiful, touches that help make a home safer and more comfortable for residents of all ages. • Hardwood floors - Replacing carpet with hardwood floors can help accommodate difficulties ranging from respiratory problems to decreased mobility. /Unlike carpet, hardwood flooring doesn’t trap dust, pollen or other particles that cause problems for those with allergies and respiratory issues. Wheelchairs and other mobility equipment can glide more easily over a hard surface, and hardwood floors require far less maintenance. Homeowners can choose from a variety of hardwood flooring options that meet their needs and fit their budget. • New furniture - Changing out furniture can make a huge difference in the comfort and style of a home. Enhance maneuverability by allowing ample room between furnishings, and by picking accessible pieces such as counter-height dining tables and chairs. Likewise, it’s easier to sit
As we age, we want to remain in and stand from firmer sofas and as independent as possible, which chairs than deeper, softer options. includes being able to stay in our own • Kitchen updates - Kitchen home for as long as possible. With a shelves that pull out make utensils, pots and pans, and ingredients much more accessible, and do not require a kitchen remodel. A wide range of products and kits enable homeowners to easily install sliding shelves themselves, or they can hire a contractor to do the job. Also, consider swapping out knobs for handles on cabinets and drawers to make them more accessible and easier to use. • More lighting Make sure all areas of your property - inside and outside - are well lit. Pendant lamps, inset ceiling lights and track lighting help illuminate a room from above, preventing glare that can cause temporary blindness. Opt for switches to turn lights on and off, and locate them at the entrances William H. Marr, M.D., P.A. of each room. If a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthamology home’s wiring isn’t Jamie Houser, O.D. set up this way, the homeowner may 2801 East 29th at Memorial Drive • Bryan need to contact an WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS, WE’RE THE ONES TO SEE electrician.
few functional changes, homeowners can create a beautiful space now that can enable them to live more comfortably later.
Vision for the way you live. Proudly serving the Brazos Valley for over 25 years. Cataract Screening & Surgery Diabetic Eye Exam Routine Eye Exams In-Office Laser Surgery Lasik/PRK Refractive Surgery Contact Lenses & Glasses
Call today for a Free Cataract Screening
979-776-7564
or 1-800-338-7864
MARR EYE CENTER
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
FREE 90-Day Trial
on all digital hearing devices
The Eagle • theeagle.com
portfolio. Rather than stash your cash under the mattress, common-sense consensus suggests you diversify your nest egg. You can divert some into real estate, some in insurance, some into savings, and some into stocks. What percentage you allocate to each is what you have to decide. We’re going to deal briefly with the stock market. A vignette that comes to mind readily occurred years ago. A coworker complained constantly about the cost of her utility bill. Then one
A segment that might be considered here are municipal bonds. Bonds issued by a government agency to build a sewage reclamation plant, for example, might be a solid investment instrument. Don’t be eager to be among the first to plunge into a popular pond to make a killing. Popularity doesn’t mean a profit. Think Silicon Valley. That cyberspace pool was at one time a rocket to riches. You hear of those who made money but the multitude of losers are mute. It’s better to be wrong about not investing in a successful stock than to be wrong by investing in an unsuccessful stock. People who have become wealthy by investing their own money have studied and surveyed their fields before stepping over financial fences. When they make a mistake on a certain investment, they dump it and keep on the prowl for a more promising one. The major difference is that of taking a risk or gambling. When you take a risk, you should know what pitfalls to expect after doing your homework and examining the situation closely. When you gamble, your only weapon is hope.
June 2013
It can be infuriating to hear television talking-heads bemoan the fact that the rising stock market stuffs the pockets of Wall Street gazillionaires but doesn’t benefit the working stiff. It blares a glaring gap in their grasp of how the economy works. Most pension funds -- union, corporate and individual -- invest heavily in the stock market. That means soaring stocks lift the total worth of these funds, which bolsters workers’ assurance of retirement income. This does not mean you should run out and pin all your financial hopes in stocks. But you should consider making stock-investment part of your portfolio. Most folks still place homeownership atop their lists of fiscal solidarity. Then they give thought to some sort of pension plan offered by their employer. Or their union. A few consider the time-tested tenet: pay yourself. The idea is to take 10 percent off the top of your income, whether it be profit or payroll, and pour it into your
day she said her financial advisor suggested she invest in the utility company. She said she hated the greedy, grasping company. He explained that the company wasn’t going to go broke because the population of its service area was growing, boosting the demand for the electricity it sold. Besides the prospect of a rise in price of the stock, the monthly dividend probably would help pay her monthly electric bill if she didn’t want to roll it back into acquiring more stock. She couldn’t unlock her emotions to make an economic decision. The company is, of course, still charging her for electricity and the stock price has multiplied several times over. So look at industries that have been around awhile and look like they’re going to stick around for a while. Companies that sell soap and laundry detergent, for example, aren’t “sexy” but they sell a lot of product to a lot of people. You might or might not be one of their customers. But you can share in their long-term growth. It may be chic to think and buy green, but you can go broke investing in firms in what is still an unstable industry. Banks, insurance companies and auto makers are worth looking at.
50plus
Stock market can be road to retirement or ruin
Ronny Baker B.S.,A.C.A. 2805 Earl Rudder Freeway S. College Station • 979.680.8808 centraltexasent.com 2010 Business Performance Award
Over 30 Years Experience Caring for the Hearing Needs of the Brazos Valley
11
50plus
MATURE TRAVEL
Canadian cavalcade
The Eagle • theeagle.com
June 2013
Mature Life Features
12
If you’re looking for a different vacation experience, just go next door and ask the Canucks -- that’s what Canadians call themselves -- about their country’s favorite holiday areas. You’ll learn quickly they range from the hemisphere’s arguably most dramatic peaks to mirror-like lakes, peaceful rivers, historic and literary settings and a European village dating from 500 years before Columbus’ arrival in The New World. Some of their favorites from the well-known to the remote include: • Rocky Mountains The Rockies’ northern segment forms the dividing line between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Its rugged, snowy slopes, valleys and glaciers foster hiking, skiing, nature watching and other outdoor activities. There are several parks and recreation areas -- most well-known are Banff and Jasper National Parks – that include picturesque villages with amenities ranging from basic camping to multi-star resorts. Two renowned accommodations in the Banff area, built by Canadian National Railways early in the 20th century, are the Chateau Lake Louise and the Scottish-baronial-style Banff Springs Hotel. The 144-mile-long Icefields
Parkway, cited as one of the world’s most scenic drives, links Banff with Jasper National Park to the north. • Algonquin Provincial Park Tucked comfortably in Ontario, close to both Toronto and Ottawa, it includes 2,400 lakes, many of them formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age, and more than 450 miles of rivers and streams that attract boaters and fishermen. It is one of the nation’s most popular provincial parks. • Dawson City For those hankering for a taste of the 1890s Gold Rush era, this town of about 1,300, deep in the Yukon Territory is a historical and cultural remnant of the days when hordes of fortune seekers struggled to get to this boisterous frontier outpost. Memories of those rip-roaring days are a bolstered today by a vibrant community of literary, music and natural-history enthusiasts amid a mix of modern amenities and, for those seeking them, rustic accommodations. • L’Anse aux Meadows Clinging to the northern tip of Newfoundland is the archeological site of the oldest known Norse (Viking) village in North America. To get a glimpse of how the first European settlement
Nature culture repository Mature Life Features
The National Museum of the American Indian, part of the Washington, D.C.-based Smithsonian Institution’s distinguished group of museums, offers a comprehensive presentation of the diverse elements of Native Americans throughout the Western Hemisphere. Its four permanent exhibit areas cover Native Beliefs, Native History, Contemporary Native Life and The Native Peoples of the Chesapeake Region. Two theaters offer drama, dance, music and native presentations. Exhibits document the myriad of indigenous peoples’ native cultures, from the historic and traditional to present-day living conditions. For example, there’s an Inuit community 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle and Hudson Bay, and south of Baffin Island, in Canada’s Nunavut Territory. The
words of a member of the community in a display titled Keeping up with Change state that, in the 1950s, the Inglulingmiut community, “lived in igloos and sod houses, traversed by dog teams and used stone oil lamps for light and heat.” “Today, we live in prefabricated homes, use GPS and get around on Skidoos or ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) using what works without changing who we are.” The museum is on the National Mall between the National Air and Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol, at 4th Street and Independence Avenue. Daily tours lasting 45 minutes to an hour leave from the Potomac atrium, near the entrance, which also serves as a gathering place for music, dance, and cultural events. For more details, visit www.AmericanIndian.si.edu or call (202) 633-1000, or (800) 242-6624.
looked and how its people might have lived in what is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can fly from Montreal to Newfoundland’s capital, St. John’s, and then north to St. Anthony by local air carrier. L’Anse aux Meadows is some 26 miles away by road. To drive there from St. John’s is a six- or seven-hour haul north and west on the Trans-Canada Highway to Deer Lake, then half a dozen more hours north on Highway 430 to the thousand-year-old settlement. For more information, call Newfoundland Tourism at (800) 563-6353 or e-mail contactus@ newfoundlandlabrador.com. • Prince Edward Island The literary-minded know that PEI is the place where author Lucy Maude created and based her characters in the popular young-adults book, “Anne of Green Gables.” This small province consists of several islands and, depending on the time of year you arrive, offers a variety of activities and festivals. You can shuck oysters, dig for clams, create chocolate delights or revel in the flavors concocted by renowned
chefs for your table at the annual Fall Flavors Festival. • Calgary Stampede This is a rodeo extraordinaire. Held every July in Alberta’s major city, the 10-day celebration has been called The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Included are a parade, midway, shows and concerts, agricultural competitions and exhibitions. Pancake breakfasts, barbecues and other events are held all over the city, and locals and visitors alike go about in western gear. The event attracts more than a million visitors annually. Get more information at www. calgarystampede.com. Even if you are familiar with the Canadian areas you will be visiting, a good map can be helpful. Mapobility, one of the country’s largest map companies, has the atlas and fold variety and recently introduced a free application that allows you to download from www.mapobility.com to your iPhone, iPad of iPod the city and tourist map you need. For more information about vacations in Canada, visit www. us.canada.travel.com
MEN & WOMEN
Bioidentical Hormones
can help your health
Symptoms of Hormone Problems: Increased Belly Fat Decreased Energy Poor Sleep Quality Decreased Libido High Cholesterol Hot Flashes (Women) Difficult Periods (Women)
Heart Disease Diabetes/Prediabetes Depression/Anxiety Thinning Hair Thyroid Hysterectomy (women)
If you have any of these symptoms... Call to schedule your FREE Consultation
979-691-8100 NEED MORE INFORMATION?
www.naturalbiohealth.com
422 Tarrow Street, College Station
Ongoing
Watercolor Class – Will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, from June 4 to July 9, at Southwood Community Center. Cost is $45. The class will teach basic techniques and color theory for water color painting. To register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov, call College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 979-764-3486 or visit the College Station Parks and Recreation Department, 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information call College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.
June 5
Meditation class - Free meditation class is held the first Wednesday of every month, 7:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brazos Healing Center, 1804 Brothers Blvd. in College Station. For more details, visit BrazosHealingCenter.com or call 402-3595. Computer Club for seniors - The Computer Club will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Carter’s Creek Training Room, 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station. Larry Lippke will speak about “Using the Cloud.” Free and no pre-registration needed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Tai Chi Class – Will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, from
Bible Study – Bible Study for seniors held at 9:15 a.m. every Thursday, from June 6 through June 27, at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. For more information, contact Annie Williams at the Lincoln Center at 979764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov . “Exercise with Arthritis” – Free class held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday from June 6 through 27 at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor in College Station. For more details, contact Annie Williams at Lincoln Center at 979764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.
June 11
June 18
Nutrition Education - “Foods to Improve Memory” presentation will be held at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Texas AgriLife presents nutrition education with Flora Williams, who will demonstrate health recipes. For more details, contact Annie Williams at the Lincoln Center at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.
June 19 Exploring History Luncheon - 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. Dennis Goehring will speak on “Junction Boys and Economic Development History of College Station.” Meetings are held at Aldersgate Church, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway South. A reservation is necessary for lunch; the cost is $5. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Speaker will begin at noon. Reserve by the Friday before; call 979-764-6351 or email mrodgers@cst.gov. Genealogy Computer User Group – Group meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at Southwood
Community Center. Program will be “Ancestry. com.” For more details, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov.
June 20
Movie & Popcorn: “The King’s Speech” - Seniors are invited to enjoy a free movie and popcorn at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Movie starts at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-7646351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
June 24
Senior Advisory Committee meeting Committee will meet at 10 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road. Visitors welcome. For more information call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.
June 26
Computer Security Class – Will be held Marian Anderson String Quartet Summer June 11 and 13 at Southwood Community Institute concert – Free concert by student Center. Cost is $45. Students will learn how to keep their computer in good running order and how to prevent viruses, spyware, malware and See Calendar more. To register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov, contact page 15 College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 979-764-3486 or visit the College Station Parks and Recreation Department, at 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more details, call College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov. Health Education with Brazos Valley Health Department – Jessica Paul, health educator, will speak about “How Incontinence affects seniors daily,” at 10 a.m. at the Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. For more details, contact Annie There comes a time in your life when you Williams at 979-764-3779 know you need to get your dental health in order. or awilliams@cstx.gov.
You’ve made e it through a lot in life. Your teeth haven’t.
It’s your time.
June 13
Folk Painting Class One-day project workshop class held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. Class teaches the basics of folk art techniques. All supplies are included with the class. Cost is $25. To register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 979-764-3486 or visit the College Station Parks and Recreation Department, at
The Eagle • theeagle.com
June 4
June 6
1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information call College Station Senior Services at 979-7646371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.
June 2013
Sit and Fit Chair Exercises - Get a workout while sitting in a chair. Seniors meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, every Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 12:45 p.m. For more details, contact the center at 979-7646351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Line Dancing - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, holds line dancing for seniors on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact the center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov. Bluegrass Jam Session – Bluegrass Jam Session is held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. All levels welcome to participate. Bring string instruments and a friend. For more details, contact the center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov. Friday Bridge - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers bridge for seniors every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
June 5 through 28, at Southwood Community Center. Cost is $65. Introduces the art and exercise of Tai Chi to enhance strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. To register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 979-7643486 or visit the College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information, call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.
50plus
CALENDAR
Dr. Reece understands and helps by specializing in complex, whole mouth restorations. Winner Best of the Brazos Best Dentist Award 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Winner The Eagle Reader’s Choice Award 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Dr. Michael Reece
Texas Monthly - Texas Super Dentist 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Your dental guided health professional.
www.drreece.com • 979.846.6515
13
50plus
Can diet soda cause weight gain?
The Eagle • theeagle.com
June 2013
Metro Creative Connection
14
For decades, people have turned to diet soft drinks as a healthier alternative to regular soft drinks. However, consuming diet soda on a regular basis may have some serious health ramifications, including weight gain. It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that diet sodas may be causing people to gain weight, particularly because these sodas are commonly consumed by people who are trying to lose weight. However, artificial sweeteners found in some diet sodas may increase a person’s risk of obesity. It’s not entirely what you are eating that can cause weight gain but what the body thinks it is eating (or drinking) that plays a role. There are two factors at play with regard to the artificial sweetener conundrum. First, The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio has researched the potential link between obesity and artificial sweeteners. Researchers have found that something in the chemical structure of these sweeteners alters the way the brain processes the neurotransmitter serotonin. In addition to helping with sleep, mood and other functions in the body, serotonin helps tell the body when it is full. When natural foods and sugars are consumed, serotonin signals to the brain to turn off your body’s appetite. However, artificial sweeteners may prolong the release of serotonin, and your appetite remains in full force long after it should have abated. Another component of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, is that these chemicals can trick the body into thinking it has, in fact, consumed sugar. That triggers the pancreas to produce the insulin needed to regulate blood-glucose levels. It also causes the body to store the glucose as fat. This can lead to low blood sugar, which may cause you to eat a sugary treat in response. Having diet soda or eating a sugarless item once in a while won’t create any long-term effects. But repeatedly relying
Diet soda may seem a healthier option than sugary drinks, but it may cause weight gain and contribute to obesity. on artificial sweeteners could affect appetite and change blood sugar levels for good. These aren’t the only consequences to diet soda and other beverages. Drinking diet soda regularly may affect cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference found people who drink diet soda every day have a 61 percent higher risk of vascular events than those who reported no soda consumption. Regular soda isn’t a better alternative. It can contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular issues as well as an increased risk for diabetes. A 2011 review published in the journal Circulation stated that a positive association has been shown between sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption and weight gain in both children and adults. Nutritionists and doctors have advised that instead of adding artificial sweeteners to water and other beverages, flavor them with lemon or lime juice. Instead of drinking diet soda, opt for unsweetened tea or plain water. Although diet soda may seem a likely option to help curb calories and prevent weight gain, such beverages may actually be having an adverse effect on a person’s weight.
50plus
Exercising outside of the box Simple ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine Metro Creative Connection
from page 13 performers will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. Refreshments served. For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.
June 27
Ice Cream Social for seniors – Held at 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. Seniors enjoy ice cream, meet members of the College Station Fire Department and learn safety tips. For more information
Forgoing the elevator in favor of the stairs is one way to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. a well-lit area where others can easily see or hear you. Many adults find they simply don’t have the time to commit to routine exercise. But there are several simple ways to incorporate exercise into your existing routine without taking time from your already busy day.
The Most Important Thing in any Relationship of the
Winner
2012
The Eagle • theeagle.com
Calendar
reenergized and glad you found a way to get some exercise despite of a busy schedule. Park far away when shopping. It’s tempting and almost human nature to hunt for the parking spot closest to the door when shopping at the mall or even the grocery store. But for those who want to include more exercise in their daily routines, parking far away from the entrance to your favorite store is a great way to incorporate more walking into your life. Walking is a simple yet effective cardiovascular exercise, one that the Mayo Clinic notes can lower your blood pressure and manage your weight while lowering your low-density lipoprotein, which is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. In fact, research has indicated that regular, brisk walking can be just as effective at lowering a person’s risk of heart attack as more vigorous exercise, including jogging. When parking far away from the entrance, just make sure you park in
June 2013
Exercise is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. When coupled with a healthy diet, exercise puts men and women on a path toward optimal health while reducing risk for a host of ailments, some of which can be deadly. But many people find they simply don’t have the time to exercise regularly. Commitments to career and family can be demanding and timeconsuming, and exercise is often a casualty of a hectic schedule. Though getting to the gym every day or even making use of exercise equipment at home on a daily basis may not be feasible, that doesn’t mean people still can’t find ways to incorporate a little exercise into their daily routines. The following are a few simple ways to fit more exercise into your day no matter how busy you may be. Avoid the elevator, and attack the stairs. The elevator may be inviting, but it’s also somewhat of an enabler. Instead of taking the elevator up to your office each day, take the stairs, and take them with more gusto than you’re used to. Rather than taking one step at a time, take the stairs two by two, lifting your legs high as you scale each pair of steps. This helps build your leg muscles and makes the daily climb up the staircase a little more strenuous. Turn TV time into treadmill time. Watching a little television at night is how many people relax and unwind, but it can be a great time to squeeze in some daily exercise as well. Opinions as to what’s the best time of day to exercise vary, and no definitive study exists to suggest one time of day is better than another.
People who like to relax with a little television time at night should make the most of that time by hitting the treadmill, elliptical machine or exercise bike instead of just plopping down on the couch. Add a television to your home’s exercise room or purchase a gym membership where the cardiovascular machines are connected to televisions. You will still get to enjoy your favorite shows while simultaneously getting the benefit of exercise. Say “bon voyage” to the conference room. Professionals who spend lots of time in meetings can add a simple twist that incorporates exercise into a typical business meeting. Rather than conducting the meeting in a conference room, propose a walking meeting when possible. A walking meeting is the same as a standard business meeting, but it’s conducted on foot outside of the office. Walking meetings can provide some much-needed energy for you and your fellow staff members, who may appreciate the chance to get out from behind their desks and stretch their legs while still getting work done. Take your smartphones or tablets along to jot down important ideas, just like you would in a more traditional meeting. And make the most of your walk by leaving time for some light stretching before and after the meeting. Chances are you will return to your desk
contactSouthwoodCommunityCenter at 764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx. gov.
June 28
Bingo and Birthday Celebration – Held at 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road. All seniors are invited the last Friday of each month to celebrate birthdays for that month, with cake and bingo. Bingo prizes provided. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
Robert Herring, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology
3030 E. 29th Street, Suite 117 Bryan, TX 77802 www.listenhearaudiology.com 15
50plus June 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com
Add our heritage to your future. People trust Crestview for the care-filled, sincere way we’ve served seniors over the last 48 years. So naturally, our newest lifestyle opportunity – Arbor Oaks independent living – is Crestview integrity, innovation and compassion to the core. You’ll discover one of the most ingenious ideas in senior living: Life Care, which helps you manage the costs of long-term care, just in case you ever need it. You’ll also find a community of happy, friendly residents and helpful staff – every one of them determined to make independent living at Arbor Oaks the most gratifying, satisfying, enriching, mind-expanding, soul-stirring, laughter-filled experience you can imagine. NOW OPEN. Call 1-888-419-4734 to find out more.
2505 East Villa Maria Road • Bryan, TX 77802 • mrccrestview.org
16
A N M RC H E A LT H Y L I V I N G C O M M U N I T Y