50plus07022013

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

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Bradway

Pelvic pain in men - there are solutions

Pg. 2

Nutrition

How to make your favorite recipes healthier

Pg. 5

July 2013 • Vol. 8, Issue 4 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Summer safety

How seniors can prevent medical problems during hot weather PAGE 8

Decision-making gets better with age PAGE 3

Live comfortably on a budget PAGE 10

How to make the most of your staycation PAGE 13

50plus July 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com 2

Pelvic pain in men there are solutions I’m 55 years ar old and have ars been fairly ir active up until irly a few months ago. ag I was pla playing basketball with a friend and felt a sharp shar pain in my groin area. ar Ever since then I have had pain in my lower stomach and groin, and can’t sit without pain. I’ve been to several doctors, doctor have been on antibiotics, antibiotics have had several differ different erent diagnoses diagnoses, gnoses, and have been told I’ll likely el ely need surge sur ry, ry but am now wondering if I just pulled a muscle.

Any ideas?

Pain in the pelvic area can LeON BraDwaY Dw DwaY originate PHySical tHeraP HeraPy from a number of differ dif ent causes, so it is often diffi dif cult to pinpoint the true underly under ing cause and treat it successfully. The National Institute of Health even created a new term “Chronic Pelvic Pain” (CPP) to describe pelvic pain that is not related to prostatitis because prostatitis was being used as the diagnosis for most pelvic pain patients even if they did not have ha a bacterial infection. Other causes of pelvic pain or CPP, CPP include those that originate in the neuromuscular system. This is often diffi dif cult to diagnose, and does not commonly come to mind as a cause. However, er many er, men do in fact suffer suf pelvic pain due to muscle issues.

As a physical therapist, I know how successfully this can be treated with physical therapy, py but I also py, know it is often diffi dif cult to get the right diagnosis and a referral to physical therapy. In addition, not all physical therapists treat pelvic pain. Examples of the musculoskeletal impairments responsible for pelvic pain include; hypertonic muscles, connecti tissue restrictions, connective pudendal nerve irritation and myofascial of ofascial trigger points.

• Hypertonic muscles - chronic contraction of a muscle in response to genetic, mechanical, chemical or psychological stressors.

Increased tonus results in a shortened, tight muscle.

• Connective Connecti tissue

restrictions - Connective Connecti tissue restrictions occur primarily in the fascia, which is a thick but strong connecti tissue that is connective continuous throughout the body. One visible example is a scar from an injury or surgery. Other restrictions can occur in deeper layers of the fascia and may go undetected.

• Pudendal Nerve Irritation - Pudendal Neuralgia is defined as pain in the distribution of the pudendal nerve, specifically the rectum, vagina, penis, perineum and mons pubis.

It can refer to nearby areas in the pelvis, but the predominant area of pain is in the areas described initially. Pudendal neuralgia, or nerve entrapment, often in lves a component of invo biomechanical dysfunction in the SI joint, as well as Pelvic Floor Muscle Tightness, including Connective Connecti Tissue Dysfunction (http://www. pelvichealthsolutions.ca/for .ca/f .ca/for the-patient/pudendal-nerveirritation/).

• Myofascial of ofascial trigger points – “The term “trigger point” was coined in 1942 by Dr. Janet Travell to describe a clinical finding with the following characteristics: 1) Pain related to a discrete, irritable point in skeletal muscle or fascia, not caused by acute local trauma, inflammation, degeneration, neoplasm or infection.

2) The painful point can be felt as a nodule or tight band in the muscle and a twitch response can be elicited on stimulation of the trigger point.

3) Palpation of the trigger point reproduces the patient’s complaint of pain, and the pain radiates in a distribution typical of the specific muscle harboring the trigger point.

4) The pain cannot be explained by findings on neurological examination” (http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Trigger_point). There is general agreement that direct trauma to the muscle can lead to the development of trigger points, as well as muscle overuse that may develop during occupational,

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CONTENTS Memory Medic: Decision-making better with age 3 Financial Literacy: Sell your house faster 4 Food: Make your favorite recipes healthier 5 Health: Understand your risk for sleep apnea 7 Feature: Senior safety saf over the summer 8 Vacations: Make the most of a staycation 13

to his Oklahoma State basketball coach, who told the team after each defeat, “Learn from your mistakes, but don’t dwell on them. Learn from what you did right and do more of that.”

A key reason seniors make better decisions is that they have ha a richer store of knowledge and experience.

Any choice among alternative ti tive options is affected af by how much inf mation for each option the infor brain has to work on. When the brain is consciously trying to make a decision, this often means how much inf mation the brain can hold in infor working memory. Working memory is notoriously low-capacity, pacity so the pacity, key becomes remembering the subsets of infor inf mation that are the most relevant to each option. People are more likely to remember items they value and to forget low-value items.

It turns out, apparently, that older people are more likely to remember the most useful infor inf mation and thus make better conclusions and decisions. The National Institute of Aging began funding decisionmaking research in 2010 at Stanfor Stanf d Uni rsity’s Center on Longevity.

Unive Results of their research are showing how older people often make better decisions than younger people. ,

As one example, older people are more likely to make rational costbenefit analyses. Older people are more likely to recognize when they ha made a bad inve have in stment and walk away, ay rather than throwing more ay, good money after bad.

A key factor seems to be that older people are more selective selecti about what they remember. For example, one study from the Stanfor Stanf d Center compared the ability of young and old people to remember a list of words.

Not surprisingly, younger people remembered more words, but when words were assigned a number value, with some words being more valuable than others, older people were better at remembering high-value words and ignoring low-value words. It may be that older people selective selecti ly remember what is important, which could explain why they make better decisions.

Castel, A. D., Rhodes, Rhodes M. G., McCabe, D. P., Soderst Soder rom, N. C., Loaiza, V. M. (2012). The fate of being forgotten: rg rgotten: Inf mation that is initially Infor ll lly forgotten rg rgotten is judged judg as less important.

Quarter Journal of Experimental Quarterly

See Memory mor Medic mory pa 6 page

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In between teenage and senility is when the brain is at its peak for good decision making. Some Eastern cultures venerate their older people as generally being especially wise.

After all, it you live li long enough, and are still mentally healthy, you ought to make good decisions because you ha a lifetime of experience to teach have you what future choices are likely to work and which are not.

Much of that knowledge comes from learning from one’s mistakes.

On the other hand, some people, especially the young, can’t seem to learn from their mistakes. In any case, the best strategy of all is to learn from somebody else’s mistakes so you don’t have ha to make them yourself.

Learning from your mistakes can be negative ti if you fret about tive it. Learning what you can to avoid repeating a mistake is one thing, but dwelling on it erodes one’s confidence and sense of self worth. I can never forget the good advice ad I read recently from, of all people, T. Boone Pickens, who has lost and regained fortunes several times. He was quoted in an interview as saying that he was able to re-make his fortune on multiple occasions because he didn’t dwell on the failures. He credited that attitude

July 2013

In my February column, I reviewed research showing that seniors compensate for any loss of memory ability by ha having developed learning and memory schemas over the years.

Such schemas are ingrained strategies and ways of effi ef cient learning that improve Dr. BILL KLeMM with experience and tHe MeMOry MeDic age.

Now I have ha come across recent research that shows another agedeveloped skill: improved decisionmaking ability. Teenagers are notorious for poor decision-making.

Of course that is inevitable, give gi n that their brains are still developing and they have ha had relative ti ly little life tive experience to show them what works and what doesn’t. Unfor Unf tunately, what doesn’t work often has more emotional appeal, and most of us at any age are more susceptible to our emotions than to cold, hard logic.

Seniors also are prone to poor decision-making if senility has set it.

Unscrupulous people take adva ad ntage of such seniors because a brain that is deteriorating has a hard time making wise decisions.

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Decision-making gets better with age

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

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50plus July 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Sell your house fast, save money Owning two homes with two mortgages can be a financial disaster if you didn’t get there on purpose.

Many times, my divo di rcing clients are trying to sell the home quickly because owning a home with an ex-spouse is usually complicated, costly and stressful. We have ha all heard about homes that sold within days of listing and others that have ha languished on the marke mar t. Selling fast can make a big dif ence differ in your financial security security, even when you are not in the ewarT ewar arT throws of a TracY STewar Financial literacy iter di rce. divo At the last Parade of Homes, I met Susan Schleider, hleider CHMS, a broker hleider, associate with the Traditions Realty Team at Keller Williams. She explained the high standards of a home that sells quickly. To my surprise, she says you can achieve that

standard with little financial outlay. Assuming you have ha dealt with any structural or other big repairs, here is what you can do to get your home ready to attract serious buyers.

First impressions Dri around your Drive neighborhood. Which homes look more appealing than yours? They may be on the mar t next week. Commit to marke making your home look more attractive tracti than any other tractive house. If your home is not stunning, buyers will drive dri right by.

We all know the basics: wash the windows and clean the gutters. To reach that higher level of stunning, Susan advises ad us to also get a new doormat, wash the front door polish the hardware, door, buy new house numbers and remove concrete stains. These tasks are not expensi . My neighbor expensive chemically removed the stains on his walkway. I was surprised at the big differ dif ence

it made. His house sold for the asking price within days of listing.

Then go another step and put one or two urns with colorful flowers at your front door. My neighbor had those urns at his front door.

Step inside A house that sells fast is an immaculate, bright and in inviting home. You may love your collections and your comfy ambiance, but buyers see clutter. When potential buyers stop to admire your adorable knick knacks, they are distracted from looking at your home. You want the buyers to envision en themselves li living in your home.

Relative ti ly small changes can tive get you there.

Everybody wants large rooms. Less furniture makes rooms look bigger. You may be reluctant to temporarily move furniture to a storage facility, cility but that could reap cility, rewards when your house sells quickly. If heavy hea lifting isn’t your thing, hire a few

college students.

“Check every light bulb and replace all burned-out bulbs”, recommends Susan.

“Y would be shocked at “You how many people don’t do that.” When your house is shown, every light and lamp in the house will be on. Light and bright sells.

If you need to paint, choose a neutral with some color in it. Susan explains that you want a little color such as tan or khaki, not just white.

If bedspreads are worn, pick up some new ones at a discount store. Clean and organize your closets to make them appear larger. While you are at it, move clothing and extra “stuff” “stuf to that storage facility.

Showtime: cheap seats “Staging appeals to buyers’ emotions,” explains Susan. You can get this ef effect for a low cost. Susan recently sold her own house.

She picked up a couple of

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lampshades for a combined total of $5. She found them at a local crafts store - deeply discounted because the lamps were broken.

When you get the call that someone is coming to see your house Monday afternoon, get the place ready. Do not cook fish for lunch that day. Susan explains, “Odor can turn someone off of and they will not go past the entry hallway.

Candles and plug-ins will not hide food or pet odors.”

Bef e you leave Befor lea the house, turn on all the lights and lamps. Open all blinds, curtains and shutters. Empty all the trash in the kitchen and bathrooms. Set the dining room table with colorful placemats and china. Turn on soft background music.

If you want to bake cookies, put them out with a small note saying “please take one.” Susan adds that some homeowners put out small

See Stewart pa 6 page

50plus

Make your favorite recipes healthier

Using nonstick cookwa ok re when pr okwa preparing yo your favor fa ite meals can reduce reliance on oil or butter, er cutting fat and calories from your diet.

Metro Creati Cr ve Connection

cooking techniques are healthier than others. Frying foods or cooking with fat, oil or salt is not the healthiest way to prepare a meal. Some of your fa rite dishes that call for frying or favo cooking in oil can be just as flavo fla rful if you opt for healthier methods like braising, broiling, grilling, or steaming. When recipes call for basting foods in oil or drippings, forgo these unhealthy options and baste foods in vegetable juice or fat-free broth instead.

What you use to cook can also be healthy or unhealthy. Nonstick cookware won’t require you to use oil or butter to keep foods from sticking to the pan. This reduces the amount of fat and calories you will consume, and you likely won’t notice a differ dif ence with regards to flavo fla r.

Men and women who enjoy food and cooking their own meals can take several steps to make those meals healthier without sacrificing flavo fla r.

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better for it.

Substitute healthier fare.

Substituting items is another way to turn a favo fa rite dish into a healthier dish without altering the flavo fla r dramatically, if at all. For example, instead of cooking with enriched pasta, purchase whole-wheat or whole-grain pastas, which are higher in fiber and lower in calories. If a recipe calls for using milk, choose fat-free milk instead of whole milk.

Doing so reduces your fat intake by near 8 grams per cup. nearly Recipes can even be made healthier by simply cutting back on the main dish and adding more vegetables. Instead of using the recommended amount of meat or chicken, scale back and make up for it with additional vegetables, which reduces your caloric and fat intake while adding more vitamins and minerals to your diet.

Change your methods. Certain

July 2013

A healthy diet plays a significant role in a person’s overall health.

Without a healthy diet, men and women are more susceptible to disease and other potentially harmful ailments.

But when many people think of a healthy diet, a lack of flavo fla r is often one of the first things to come to mind. That’s a common misconception, as a diet that’s healthy and full of nutrients can simultaneously be flavo fla rful. In fact, it’s easy to enjoy many of your fa rite dishes in a way that makes favo them much healthier. Oftentimes, a few minor alterations to a recipe is all it takes to turn the dish from highrisk to healthy.

Trim the fat. No one wants to eat fat, but fat isn’t entirely bad for you. Fat can help your body absorb vitamins A, D, E and K, and replacing fat with something like carbohydrates

decreases how much these valuable vitamins are absorbed. In addition, dietary fat releases chemicals in the brain that make you feel full, reducing the likelihood that you will overeat.

Those are just a few of the benefits of dietary fat, which is an essential element of a healthy diet. But overconsumption of dietary fat can be dangerous, and many people simply need to trim some fat from their diets.

One way to do that is to reduce how much butter, tter shortening or oil you tter, use when cooking. For some recipes, you may be able to cut suggested portions of such ingredients by half without replacing them; however, er er, for others, especially those for baked goods, these items may have ha to be replaced. In the case of the latter, tter tter, find a suggested alternative ti to hightive fat items, and only use half of the high-f item listed in the original high-fat recipe. Chances are you won’t taste the differ dif ence, but your body will be

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Bradway

from page pa 2 recreational or sports acti activities when muscle use exceeds muscle capacity, pacity pacity, and normal recovery is disturbed (http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3440564/).

While trigger points and spasms may go away on their own, often if they come on suddenly, you will need a professional’s help to resolve them. As a physical therapist, I am uniquely qualified to address neuromuscular system with natural, conservative treatment methods, always a good place to start. It will be clear within the first two to three treatments if physical therapy is the right treatment, however, er it er, may take several weeks to resolve the pain completely and require follow –up visits periodically or if the pain returns. CPP symptoms can include; urination problems (i.e., painful, frequent, hesitant), pain in differ dif ent areas of the body (e.g., penile, scrotal, rectal, perineal, stomach, pain when sitting) and bodily dysfunction

Memory Medic from page pa 3

Psychology, olog 65, 2281-2287. ology, Samanez-Larkin, Samanez-Lar z-Larkin, G.R., Wagner, Wagner gner, A.D., A.D Knutson, B. (2011) Expected value inf mation improves infor financial risk taking across the adult life lif span. Social Cognitive and Affecti Aff ve Neuroscience, 6(2), 207–217 Carr, Dawn (2013). Why Wh

Stewart

from page pa 4 bottles of water. Buyers find this charming.

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Smart details Susan recommends that you leave lea a copy of your utility bill, seller’s disclosure and house infor inf mation in a folder in easy view of potential buyers. People always ask about the utility bills.

Remove all your jewelry and valuables prior to the showing. It is just smart.

Lea the premises.

Leave

(e.g., bowel and sexual). I treat male pelvic pain by addressing trigger points, lengthening tight muscles, manipulating connective connecti tissues and correcting structural abnormalities.

While physical therapy is a very effecti effective fective treatment for male pelvic pain it is often dif difficult for the patient to find the right provider or they may not be referred to physical therapy at all. In addition, not all physical therapists treat pelvic pain and not all of those that do, treat male pelvic pain.

Further, ther your doctor may ther, not be aware that physical therapy is an effecti effective fective treatment option for male CPP patients and thus do not refer patients to physical therapy. For these reasons, it is always important to talk with your physician about referring you to a physical therapist experienced in treating male pelvic pain and do some research on your own.

Leon Brad Br way is a doctor of phys ph ysical therap erapy erap apy and director of the Sports Back ck and Pain Manage na ment Clinic. See www. nage www bvphys bvph physicaltherap erapy. erap apy.com.

older minds make better decisions. Forbes. http:// www.for .forbes .for orbes.com/sites/ nextavenue/2013/04/29/ why-older-minds-mak why-older y-older-minds-make-bettere-better decisions

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For more mor good advice on improving learning and memory memor abilities, ilities see ilities, Dr Klemm’s new book, Dr. Memor Power 101, Skyhor Memory Skyhorse yhorse Publishing. lishing lishing.

Lookers want to be able to speak openly with their agents as they walk through your house. If you are there, they will not be comfor comf table.

Yes, this does seem like a lot to do. But it is only temporary. The more thorough your preparations, the shorter the number of days or weeks you’ll have ha to keep up appearances. The quicker you can sell your house, the more money you can save sa .

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Understanding your risk for sleep apnea leep apnea is a debilitating and life-shortening ailment that affec aff ts millions of people across the globe, many of whom do not know they have ha this potentially dangerous condition. Understanding sleep apnea and its symptoms and risk factors is imperative for men and women who feel they have ha or may ma someday da have day ha sleep apnea.

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Treatments After being tested for sleep apnea, which usually invo in lves some sort of sleep test, whether at home or a nocturnal polysonmography that measures heart, lung and brain acti activity is conducted at a sleep center, center a doctor may refer patients to an ear nose and throat doctor if there ear, is a physical obstruction causing the apnea. Recommendations may include losing weight, quitting smoking and other lifestyle changes if these are thought to be the primary causes behind the apnea.

Therapies for obstructive ucti sleep uctive

apnea can include continuous positive positi airway pressure, or CPAP CPAP, AP, which uses a machine to delive deli r continuous air pressure into the nose and mouth to keep air passages open. There are other air pressure devices as well. Surgery, ery including implants or ery, creating a new air passageway via a tracheostomy, may be necessary in severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments.

Sleep apnea is not a condition to take lightly. It affects af millions of people and requires action to prevent other maladies resulting from lack of oxygen to the body.

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Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Indi Individuals who may be experiencing sleep apnea may have ha the following symptoms, according to The Mayo Clinic:

Risk Factors Many people experience sleep apnea, though it may be more pronounced in certain groups of people. Those who are overweight may have ha obstructions to breathing.

People with a thick neck also may ha a narrower airway. Genetics have also may play a role in a narrow airway in the throat or enlarged adenoids or tonsils that contribute to airway obstruction.

Men are twice as likely to have ha sleep apnea as women, and men who are older than age 60 have ha an increased risk over younger men.

Smokers are three times more likely to have ha obstructive ucti sleep apnea uctive over people who have ha never smoked.

That’s because, according to the Mayo Clinic, inflammation and mucus retention may occur in the upper airway.

People who naturally have ha dif difficulty breathing through the nose may be at a higher risk for sleep apnea.

July 2013

What is sleep apnea?

The word “apnea” is Greek and means “without breath.” Sleep apnea occurs invo in luntarily and unexpectedly while a person is asleep. It causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly while sleeping — sometimes hundreds of times a night — estimates the American Sleep Apnea Association. These moments of breathlessness can last a minute or longer and may not trigger a full awakening in a person.

There are differ dif ent types of sleep apnea. The main types are obstructive ucti uctive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Obstructive ucti apnea is more common uctive and occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep and inhibit air flow. With central sleep apnea, a person’s brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive ucti and central sleep apnea. uctive During an episode of sleep apnea, the body may rouse itself partially to resume breathing but not enough to fully awaken the person. As a result, sleep may be very fragmented and suf ers could feel extremely tired suffer during the day and not understand why.

• excessive cessi daytime sleepiness cessive • loud snoring • awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat • headaches in the morning • problems paying attention • difficulty dif staying asleep Others may notice a spouse or family member has sleep apnea by recognizing abrupt awakenings from shortness of breath or intermittent pauses in his or her breathing during sleep. Also, it is important to note that snoring may not be a sign of sleep apnea, but very often loud snoring punctuated by periods of silence is a pretty good indicator of apnea.

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50plus

How to stay cool, prevent medical problems in hot weather

By STAC STACY ACY CANTU

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indi individual bodies get too hot -often when they are exercising in a hot -humid envir en onment without drinking enough fluid,” Hackethorn said.

Signs of heat stroke include a temperature of 104 or higher, higher confusion, hallucination, trouble walking and seizures. The patient can also have ha a rapid heartbeat, red skin, warm skin, muscle cramps, weakness, diarrhea and headaches, Hackethorn said.

“Any patient with heat stoke must go to the emergency room,” Hackethorn said. “Anyone with heat cramps or exhaustion must get

out of the warm envir en onment and drink water, ter and then the symptoms ter, will typically resolve.”

Exercising during the summer months can also be a concern for seniors due to hot temperatures.

“They should not exercise in the blazing hot,” Cheng said. “Always make sure you are hydrated and do not push yourself.”

Sunburn and skin cancer are two more health concerns seniors must face during the hot summer months.

“It’s important to always put sunscreen on for any length of time spent outdoors, even on a cloudy

(BPT) - Finally! Warmer weather is here, and for most people, this means more time outside. While everyone wants to enjoy summer to the fullest, outdoor enthusiasts must remember that the sun, with all the benefits it brings, also has many dangerous effects ef .

The sun’s ultraviolet ultra (UV) rays are strongest during the summer, summer and can damage unprotected eyes in as little as 15 minutes. While wearing sunglasses with UVA/UVB UV protection is important throughout the year, ar taking extra sunar, safety precautions during the summer is especially important.

The need for sunglasses is unive uni rsal, but tastes and lifestyle needs vary. But whether your tastes run to aviators or wayfar yf ers, mirrored or tinted, the yfar sunglasses you choose affect af far more than your style; they can directly impact your eye health, too. Fortunately, it’s possible to find sunglasses that protect your eyes and celebrate your sense of style. As you’re shopping for sunglasses, keep these tips in mind: •Pick the right shape. Just as the shape of your face influences your choice in haircuts, it will affect af what type of sunglasses look good on you. People with oval faces can wear almost any shape of sunglasses. Rectangular frames and lenses will help add length to a round face, and oval glasses will complement diamond or square faces. If your face is more oblong than oval, consider a round or square frame that rests at the widest part of your face.

•Choose the right lenses. Choose lenses that provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA UV and UVB light. WebMD. com says you should look for a label indicating the lenses block 99 to 100 percent of UVB and UVA UV rays, meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) requirements, and provide UV 400 protection. If glare is a concern, polarized lenses filter out sunlight reflected off of flat surfaces surf such as water or pave pa ment, making them a good choice if you’ll be wearing them boating or while driving dri an automobile.

•Find the right solution. Eyeglass wearers should use sunglasses too, but many go without proper sun protection because of the high cost of prescription sunglasses or the inconve incon nience of ha having to switch glasses when they move from indoors to outdoors. Solar Shield has solved cost, style and conve con nience issues with a range of attractive tracti Fits Over tractive

sunglasses that slip on over prescription eyewear and clipon sunglasses that attach to virtually any style of eyeglasses.

Significantly less expensive expensi than prescription sunglasses, these options make it cost-effecti cost-effective fective to keep multiple pairs wherever you need them - in the car, car office of , at home or in your gym bag. A variety of styles ensure you can easily achieve the right look for any personality and every occasion. Lenses block 100 percent of UVA/ UV UVB rays, are polarized to reduce glare and are scratch resistant. Log on to www. solarshield.com to learn more.

•W •Wear the right lens tint. Lens tint impacts more than just personal style. UV protecting coating is clear, ear so a lighterear, hued lens can be just as effecti effective fective at UV protection as a darke dar r one. The color of the lens will, however, er affect er, af your perceptions of color. For minimal color distortion, choose gray, ay green or brown ay, lenses, especially if you’ll wear them while dri driving.

•Spend the right amount. -Remember that while many low-cost shades probably won’t provide adequate UV protection, you still don’t have ha to spend hundreds of dollars to get a good pair of sunglasses.

Options like Solar Shield are affo af rdable, durable and high-quality alternative ti s to tive prescription sunglasses or high-priced designer shades. And regardless of how much you pay, it is always important to evaluate the quality and durability of every pair befor bef e you buy.

To learn more about sunglasses, protecting your eyes from UV rays and stylish, affo af rdable sunglasses, visit www. solarshield.com.

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With the expected high temperatures this summer, summer seniors must take extra precautions to avoid heat-related medical problems, such as sunburn and heat exhaustion.

“Seniors must be more heat aware than the younger population because a lot of them are on medicines that can dehydrate them, and it is important to stay hydrated in the heat,” said Dr. Clint Cheng, family physician with the St. Joseph Health System.

To avoid heat stroke, Cheng recommends that seniors take frequent breaks from the heat, try to stay indoors during the hottest time of the day -- usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. -- and stay hydrated.

“The big thing is to take frequent breaks,” he said. “It’s a good idea to come inside from the heat every 30 minutes.”

Similar issues to heat stroke are heat exhaustion and heat cramps, said Dr. David Da Hackethorn, with Scott & White in College Station.

Exhaustion and cramps can lead to heat stroke.

“These problems occur when

Protect your eyes from sunburn: How to pick shades

July 2013

July 2013

Special to The Eagl Ea e

day,” Cheng said. “Seniors should put sunscreen on 30 minutes befor bef e they go outside to allow it to absorb properly oper .” operly It is recommended that seniors use a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.

“Generally avoid sunscreen with vitamin A and oxybenzone, and the sunscreen spray is not as effecti effective, fective,” Cheng said.

It is important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or excessive cessi sweating, cessive Hackethorn said.

Covering up with light clothing and a hat will also help to protect bodies from sunburns and skin cancer.

“Hats are great,” Cheng said. “Seniors should also remember to apply sunscreen on their fingers, hands and nose.”

Any patient who has had skin cancer in the past should see a dermatologist regularly gularly, gularly ly, Hackthorn said.

“If you have ha a skin region that has changed color or size, go see a doctor Hackthorn said. “If you doctor,” ha a history of skin cancer, have cancer you should see a doctor at least once a year, ar maybe more.” ar,

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Senior safety during the summer months

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50plus July 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com 10

Healthly living could fend off dementia Metro Creati Cr ve Connection Many people are apprehensive ehensi about getting ehensive older because of the fear of losing their faculties.

Indi Individuals may worry that dementia could rob them of precious memories and make daily living li more difficult. dif Many factors can contribute to the onset of dementia, and recent research notes those factors include heart disease, strokes and other serious health conditions that affect af the circulatory system. But other seemingly harmless conditions can play a role, too. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle could help seniors fend off of dementia.

Researchers in Canada studied data on more than 7,000 survey participants who answered questions of overall health. While circulatory diseases did correlate high to dementia onset, researchers discovered additional conditions, including arthritis, sinus infections, incontinence and poor hearing, also played a role.

The correlation between circulatory issues and brain function may be obvious, but researchers aren’t exactly sure why minor health infractions could contribute to senility. Some suggest that people with the burden of health problems may not be able to successfully thwart deterioration of the brain that comes with dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The World Alzheimer Report states that more than 35 million people around the world are living li with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

These are largely braindestroying illnesses that have ha no cure. But adults might be able to prevent or delay its onset. Placing a greater emphasis on overall health may help.

According to Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, MD, a professor of geriatric medicine and neurology at Dalhousie Uni rsity, Unive rsity in Halifax, Halif Nova Scotia, who participated in the dementia study published

Live comfortably on a budget

Living on a fixed income requires quir making changes to avoid running out of money.

Metro Creati Cr ve Connection Seniors are one of the fastest-growing segments of the population, as medical ad ncements have adva ha increased life expectancies considerably.

Many Baby Boomers have ha entered retirement age and are joining the ranks of other seniors on fixed incomes. This means they’ll also have ha to implement strategies to live li comf tably on less money. comfor Statistics Canada states that as of a 2005 survey, ey ey, the average net worth of indi individuals age 65 and older was roughly $303,000. This amount is characterized by money in savings sa , income provided by pensions and government assistance. In the United States, the average income of seniors in 2008 was around $29,000, well below the national poverty average, according to the Congressional Research Service tabulations of

See Priorities pa 15 page

in July 2011 in the journal Neurology, gy gy, “the best thing people can do to stay physically healthy — and thus maintain their brains, too — is to exercise.”

Other things that can be done include adopting a healthy, balanced diet and keeping the brain acti as much active as possible. Here are ways to do just that.

• Seniors can participate in low-impact Maintaining overall health is one way seniors might stave off the onset exercises that of dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease. promote muscle strength and digestion. starting. flexibility. Water exercises • Keep the brain active • Work with a are very good because they by engaging in puzzles, nutritionist to develop don’t place strain on the like crosswords or sudoku. a healthy eating plan. A joints. Stretching routines, Reading is a way to stimulate healthy diet is essential to like yoga or tai chi, are also vocabulary and also keep the keep many diseases at bay, effective effecti fective. Exercise plans brain sharp. Interact with including diabetes, obesity, obesity should be discussed with a people on a daily basis and heart disease, and even health care provider prior to engage in conve con rsation. to help maintain proper

of anti-wrinkle injections

appearance of wrinkles as well.

The types of facial lines that are most often treated with these products are those that appear when frowning or squinting. Frown lines, wrinkles on the forehead, crows feet and the like are frequent treatment areas. Areas on the lower half of the face are sometimes treated, but it’s controversial due to the risk of damaging important facial nerves.

There are potentially serious risks associated with these wrinkle treatments. It is important to weigh the risks associated befor bef e making the commitment to the treatments.

Furthermore, it is important to visit a qualified cosmetic specialist, dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon for the administration of any botulinum toxin.

50plus

Pros and cons

Metro Creati Cr ve Connection For many men and women, the fear of aging and the desire to look young as long as possible has drive dri n scores of people to doctors’ offices of around the country for antiwrinkle injections.

Since Botox® receive cei d Food and Drug ceive Administration (FDA) approval back in April 2002, it and its successors have ha become the drugs of choice in wrinkle reduction. These treatments are a deriva deri tive ti of the botulinum toxin, the same bacteria that causes botulism.

Botulinum toxin is one of the more powerful neurotoxins discovered. Because it deadens nerve impulses and relaxes muscles, it is widely used to relax the face in areas where wrinkles are prevalent, thusly reducing the

PROS These procedures are relative ti ly safe when tive administered by a skilled person. They are known to temporarily erase wrinkles for 3 to 6 months. Many people find a boost in selfesteem after receiving cei ceiving a treatment. Many

others have ha gotten compliments about looking younger or happier, ppier especially if wrinkles ppier, created an angry or sad expression to the face. Injections are less expensive expensi than other cosmetic surgery.

problems swallowing or breathing and other side effects ef .

Because this is a medical procedure, it is important to have ha a medical professional administer the product in a medical setting.

“Botox parties,” where an unskilled technician perfor perf ms the injections can be risky for all invo in lved.

Wrinkle treatments can be effecti effective, fective, but carry with them some risks. Explore all the benefits and risks prior to administration of botulinum toxin.

MEN & WOMEN

Injections to reduce the appearance of wrinkles are often very effecti effective fective but carry some risks.

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As with any drug treatment, there are side effects ef that may negate the benefits of treatment. These can include drooping of eyelids, swelling, redness or bruising at injection sites, and infections. Faces also may lack emotions and limit a person’s ability to communicate effecti effective fectively.

It’s when the botulinum toxin spreads outside of the treatment area where severe side effects ef can occur that might be life threatening. These include all-over muscle weakness, hoarseness, loss of bladder control,

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50plus July 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com 12

Living with fibromyalgia

Metro Creative Connection Few look forward to getting older, and that is largely because of the toll the aging process can take on the human body. While certain conditions may be largely associated with the senior population, middle age women are paying more and more attention to fibromyalgia, a condition that affects roughly 4 percent of the American population and 1 percent of those living in England. Statistics Canada indicates that 390,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

While those figures are considerable, there may be even more people living with fibromyalgia. That’s because fibromyalgia, despite its prevalence, remains somewhat mysterious. What is known is that the illness primarily affects women and is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body.

Those with fibromyalgia experience pain in response to stimuli that for other people would not be perceived as painful. Experts surmise that elevated levels of a particular nerve chemical signal, called substance P, could be to blame for those who are affected.

There is also evidence that more nerve growth factor in spinal fluid, as well as a decreased amount of the brain chemical serotonin, could be other influences.

The National Institute of Arthritis

and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease says that stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, illness, certain diseases, and repetitive injuries, could be linked to the onset of fibromyalgia.

The pain of fibromyalgia may be widespread, and often affects the neck, shoulders, arms, upper back, chest, and buttocks. There may be tender points that elicit more pain than other areas, clues that the condition is in fact fibromyalgia. Other symptoms include fatigue, not enough non-REM sleep, anxiety, forgetfulness, and irritable bowel syndrome.

To receive a proper diagnosis, it is important for individuals to discuss all of their symptoms with a physician.

Each patient is unique, and the symptoms may come and go.

The Mayo Clinic identifies certain risk factors that increase the liklihood a person will experience fibromyalgia.

• Gender: Females are diagnosed more than men. It is believed that female reproductive hormones may play a role in pain perception.

• Rheumatic disease: A history of arthritis or lupus could increase the risk of fibromyalgia.

• Family history: Members of the family who have fibromyalgia

Time-saving cleaning tricks Metro Creative Connection House cleaning is a chore few people relish. House cleaning can be monotonous and time-consuming. But ignoring cleaning tasks may leave you with a much larger mess to tackle.

Cleaning does not have to be such a difficult job. There are a number of time-saving strategies to keep the mess to a minimum and keep your weekend afternoons free from all-day cleaning marathons.

• Do the dishes after every meal. A sink full of dishes can make the kitchen look like a mess, and letting dishes pile up increases the risk of an insect infestation.

Although it may seem like a chore, keeping on top of dishes actually reduces your workload. If you’re lucky

enough to have an automatic dishwasher, then load dishes directly into the dishwasher instead of putting dirty items into the sink.

• Protect your microwave. The inside of the microwave tends to get dirty rather quickly. Heating up snacks or quick meals may result in spill-overs or splatter. To cut down on cleaning time, stack several paper towels on the turntable.

Should a spill occur, simply discard the top paper towel for an easy clean-up.

• Switch your soap.

Glycerin or liquid soaps do not have traditional binders that are in many bar soaps.

Without the binders, which

See Soap page 15

may pass the condition on through genetics.

Getting diagnosed may require a series of tests and questions. The American College of Rheumatology developed certain criteria for a diagnosis. These include widespread pain that lasts at least 3 months, in addition to 11 tender points on the body out of a possible 18. Some doctors will diagnose it with less stringent criteria.

Treatment is a customized approach depending on symptoms and may include analgesics that reduce pain, antidepressants that help with fatigue and sleeplessness and anti-seizure drugs that may also reduce pain can be prescribed. Physical and mental therapy can also alleviate stress, which seems to exacerbate symptoms. Some people find success with the use of alternative therapies, such as yoga, massage and acupuncture, to alleviate pain.

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, getting an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan in place can help alleviate the multitude of symptoms that seem to accompany the illness.

Fibromyalgia can cause pain throughout the body.

Metro Creati Cr ve Connection

might just find a new restaurant you and your family love and can revisit in the years to come.

When the economy took a turn for the worse several years ago, many families had to cut costs in order to make ends meet. For many families, that meant leaving vacations on the cutting room floor. While the economy has rebounded, uncertainty surrounding that comeback has prevailed for many families, who remain hesitant to book a traditional vacation for fear of spending money they might be better off saving.

The sacrifice of traditional vacations has led many families to embrace the “staycation,” wherein families still take time off to be with one another but do so largely at home rather than heading off to an exotic locale or resort. A staycation is a great way for families to rediscover their own communities and spend quality time together without the hustle and bustle of airports or interstates. Families who still find themselves hesitant to commit to a more traditional vacation can heed the following tips to ensure their staycation is a success.

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• Go out to dinner. Part of the fun of a family vacation is getting to enjoy some nights out on the town. But even if you’re not straying far from home this year, you can still enjoy the cuisine your community has to offer. Dine out a few nights during your time off, making sure to enjoy a few different restaurants instead of relying on one your family frequents throughout the year. Dining out on a weeknight will create the feel of a more traditional vacation, and you

• Go camping. Just because you’re having a staycation doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Spend a few nights away from home by taking the family on a camping trip.

The fee to stay at a nearby campsite is negligible when compared to the cost of hotel rooms for an entire family, and you won’t spend nearly as much on food because you’ll need to bring your own to the campsite. Camp during the week instead of on the weekends, and you might have more of the campground to yourself.

July 2013

• Absorb the local culture. The daily grind has a way of making life hectic, and chances are you and your family don’t get to enjoy your own community’s culture throughout the year. Take advantage of the time afforded you by your staycation to soak up all the culture and recreational activities your community has to offer. Visit nearby museums, take in a performance at your local theater or explore a nearby park, be it for a day of hiking or a more laid back picnic in the sun.

This can help everyone reacquaint themselves with the reasons you chose to settle down in your community.

Report examining population trends from 1970 to 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that 39 percent of the United States population lived in counties directly on the shoreline. North of the United States, Canadians know they are surrounded by three oceans and have access to thousands of additional bodies of water, including the Hudson Bay, Bering Sea and Gulf of St. Lawrence. That means access to the water and the beach is readily available for Americans and Canadians who wish to spend part of their staycation with some sand between their toes and the sound of waves crashing on the shorelines in their ears. Make time to visit the beach on your staycation, and you might be able to recreate the feeling of a more traditional getaway.

50plus

Make the most of your staycation

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13

50plus

CALENDAR

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July 2013

Ongoing

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 of 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.

Bible Study at Lincoln Center - Join other seniors every Thursday morning (except July 4) at the Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station, for Bible Study starting at 9:15 a.m. Contact Annie Williams at Lincoln Center at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information Exercising with Arthritis – Free “Exercise with Arthritis” class held every Thursday (except July 4) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor in College Station .

Contact Annie Williams at Lincoln Center at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information.

July 8

14

AARP driver safety class – Class from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. To register, call 979-764-6371. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. To register, call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@ cstx.gov.

Beginning Computer Class for seniors – Class will be held July 8 to 18, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, at Southwood Community Center. Teaches basic computer skills in a small group. Cost is $60.To $60.T 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 1000 Krenek

Tap Road. For more information, call College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Intermediate Computer Class for seniors – Will be held from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., July 8 – 18, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, at Southwood Community Center.

Class teaches about tool bar functions, formatting documents, use of picture tools, printers and more. Cost is $60. 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 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information call College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx. gov.

July 10

Computer Club for seniors – Monthly meetings are held at the Carter’s Creek Training Room, 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The month’s topic will be “Genealogy,” presented by Jerry Markowich. 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.

Flower Arranging - A one-day, workshop that teaches the basics of floral design with fresh flowers, will be held. All supplies are included.

Cost is $45. 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 1000 Krenek Tap Road.

For more information call College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx. gov.

tips on personal safety and financial safety for older adults. 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.

AARP driving safety class – Will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Senior Circle, 1651 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Call 979-7645107 to register. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.

July 16

Nutrition education – Starting at 10 a.m.

Texas AgriLife will present “Grilling Lean Cuts” nutrition education with Flora Williams, who will demonstrate healthy cooking and recipes, at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor in College Station.

For more details, contact Annie Williams at 979764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

July 17

Exploring History Histor 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. Jason Hancock with the George Bush Presidential Library will present the “75th Anniversary of College Station Exhibit.” The luncheon is held at Aldersgate Church, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway South. A reservation is necessary for lunch; the cost

is $5. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The speaker will begin at noon. Make reservations by the Friday before, by calling 979-764-6351 or emailing mrodgers@cst.gov.

Genealogy Computer User Group Group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at Southwood Community Center from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The program is “Learning More about Texas.” 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.

July 18

Movie and Snow Cones with your Grandchildren – Seniors and their grandchildren are welcome to enjoy a free movie, “Ice Age: Continental Divide” with snow cones and popcorn. Movie held at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road.

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.

July 25

Watermelon with College Station Police -

See Calendar pa 15 page

Come see how we’re changing the

foundation of senior living

July 11

Folk Painting – Oneday workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Southwood Community Center in College Station.

Workshop teaches the basics of folk art techniques.

Cost is $15. 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 1000 Krenek Tap Road.

For more information call College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx. gov.

“Refuse to be a Victim” – Held at 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road. Free lecture offering of

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from page 14 Seniors are invited to enjoy cold watermelon and meet with the College Station Police Department, who will share some safety tips. Begins at 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

July 26

Bingo and Birthday Celebration - Seniors are invited the last Friday of each month to celebrate birthdays for that month with cake and bingo.

Held at 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Prizes provided for Bingo. 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.

Senior Advisory Committee - The Senior Advisory Committee meets at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd starting at 10 a.m. Visitors welcome. For more information call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Priorities

from page 10

are the primary cause of soap scum, you will have to contend with much less soap scum in showers and sinks. To further cut down on soap scum, use a small, flexible squeegee to wipe down tile walls and glass doors after each shower.

• Work from the top down.

Dust and dirt settles at the lowest levels. Avoid messing up what you have just cleaned by beginning any cleaning task high up and moving downward. Therefore, dust shelves and cobwebs from ceiling corners first, then tackle tables and other surfaces before ultimately cleaning the floors.

• Concentrate on one room at a time. Some people suffer from cleaning attention deficit disorder.

This means they’ll begin one task and then go into another room for something and start a new task, and so on. Focus on one room at a time to save time. You will do a more thorough job with less frustration.

• Establish a drop zone.

Foyers tend to accumulate a lot of

• Think outside the box. A can of Coca-Cola can be effective at cleaning the ring in the toilet.

An unsweetened package of KoolAid brand lemonade can be used to freshen and clean an empty dishwasher. The citric acid will scour the inside and get rid of any scaling or hard water stains.

Cleaning is a task that may not be enjoyable, but it is a necessary evil of healthy living. Keeping on top of the mess can save time in the long run.

no longer carries the stigma it once curtains to decorative pillows, chances beyond your level of expertise. did. Many times the merchandise in are with a little ingenuity you can Living on a fixed income can consignment stores is brand new or make these items yourself. Or, enlist require reassessing priorities and has only been used once. This could be the help of a friend or family member making a few changes to the household the ideal place to turn for housewares, to assist you in a project that is slightly budget. clothing, accessories, and even gifts for others. The prices are typically marked well below retail value, and you may find some well-known brands.

Shop store sales.

With the popularity of shows teaching others how to save big with coupons, many people believe this is the best way to save at grocery stores.

However, the people doing the couponing are often capitalizing on buying in bulk and clipping mass amounts of coupons — not practical for senior households. It could be in your best interest to simply shop • Long Term Care • Rehab to Home: Short Term Care for the items you buy • Skilled Nursing Care 24/7 • Short Term Respite and Day Respite frequently at the store that is selling it at the • Therapy Services • Optimal Payment Options: Medicare, Medicaid, lowest price. It may » Physical, Occupational & Speech Private Pay and Managed Care Insurance increase the number of stops on your Now a Contracted Provider for Scott & White shopping trip, but you can get a really good Take Ta a drive to the country and visit... deal in the process.

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data from the March 2008 Current Population Survey.

Upon retirement, many retirees are faced with quite a reduction in income and the stark reality of making ends meet with this new level of income. Those who are successful are often those who are adapting and are able to budget cleverly. Here are some ideas to do just that.

Set priorities. What are the necessities that you absolutely cannot skimp on? These may include a mortgage or rent, utility bills and any other loan payments that have already been established. These amounts will have to be deducted from monthly income before you will discover just how much money will be leftover for other things.

Downsize. There is the option to cut back on certain things to free up more money. Many people find it is wise to sell their home and move into a smaller condo or apartment. Not only will the expenses be less, there’s a good chance the complex will offer maintenance — further saving you on unexpected expenses. Consider downsizing your car as well. Rather than making high monthly payments for a brand-new auto at the dealership, you may be able to get a preowned vehicle for a lower payment schedule.

Or you may have enough in savings to pay for the used car outright, saving you the expense of a monthly payment.

Consider shopping at consignment stores. Consignment stores are popping up in all different areas, including exclusive cities and towns. Shopping consignment stores

from page 12

clutter. Organize the space so you’re less tempted to drop items as soon as you come in. Keep the recycling bin (or shredder) handy for dealing with junk mail.

Have a coat rack for hats, coats and umbrellas. Keep a basket available so you can transport items that belong in other rooms in the house.

• Do laundry every day.

Invest in a hamper that enables you to sort clothing into different compartments, including lights, darks and delicates. This way the sorting is already done when it comes time for washing. Then aim to do a load a day so that you’re not faced with 100 pounds of laundry come the weekend.

• Rely on baking soda and vinegar as cleaning products.

These kitchen staples are the workhorses of many cleaning projects. A mix of baking soda and vinegar can dislodge a clogged drain and be added to a wash to freshen towels and linens. A paste of baking soda can often scour tough stains, like marker, while vinegar has been known to neutralize pet odors from accidents.

July 2013

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50plus July 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

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