50 Plus guide

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

Inside...

A Perfect Side

Chef Diane’s Marsala Carrots make a great Thanksgiving side dish.

Pg. 4

Memory Medic

Benefits of exercise in combating memory loss Pg. 2

November 2011 • Vol. 4, Issue 7 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Veterans Day Memories Localveteran couplerecounts chancemeeting duringWWII PAGE 8

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CONTENTS Chef Diane: Marsala Carrots

4

Financial Literacy: Tax Tips

5

Bradway: Constipation in Older Women

6

Health Matters

6

Calendar

14

Money Matters

15

Calendar events

November 2011

Do you have an event you’d like on the 50plus calendar? Email it to billy.mau@theeagle.com (subject line:50plus calendar) or fax it to 979-774-0053 (attn Billy Mau). Calendar space is first-come-first-served.

50plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College Station Communications Inc. 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, Texas

PUBLISHER Jim Wilson

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For more information on 50plus advertising opportunities, call the Advertising Department at 979-731-4738

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Presbyterian Church Bryan, Texas

Sunday Church School - 9:30am Sunday Worship Services - 10:45am 1100 Carter Creek Pkwy • 979-823-8073 www.fpcbryan.org 2

A little exercise can go a long way in helping your brain Did you know that infections can cause memory loss? Or that exercise might prevent such memory loss?

The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” takes on new meaning when it comes to the latest study on the value of exercise.

I have written before on the clear importance of aerobic exercise for the elderly. The problem with such good advice is taking it.

The older one gets, the less the inclination to exercise vigorously.

Now, new research suggests some good news.

Maybe we don’t need a whole lot of aerobic exercise to get its benefit. That is good news because the best aerobic exercise involves jogging, which is hard on arthritic joints, or swimming laps, where lap pools may not be available.

A research lab at the University of Colorado has shown that infections can

cause brain inflammation in rats and are a cause of an associated long-term memory loss. Moreover, the memory loss is much greater in infected older rats than in younger ones. This lab’s recent study was done in late middle-aged rats that were tested for memory after a bacterial infection.

Rats were infected Dr. BiLL KLeMM with E. coli the memory meDiC bacteria, a common infection in humans. Studies by others had established that bacterial infections cause the immune cells of the brain, called microglia, to become more reactive with age and release more of the inflammatory molecules.

This inflammatory response is exaggerated and prolonged in older animals.

In the current study, the researchers allowed rats

unlimited access to a running wheel in order to see if aerobic exercise could reduce the brain inflammatory response to E. coli infection.

A standard way to exercise rats is to give them access to a running wheel, which they regard as fun to use. Old rats, not surprisingly, weren’t too keen on running, but they did run an average of 0.7 km per week. This is a small amount of exercise compared with young rats, but it was sufficient to completely reverse infection-induced impairments in long-term memory compared with sedentary animals. When rats were examined after death, the brains of exercised older rats did not show the activation of microglia and brain inflammation.

As a practical matter for humans, this study suggests that maybe just a little

See Memory Medic page 13

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• Pre-admission home visit and assessment.

• Licensed nurse on site 24 hours a day.

• Specially trained staff assist with all aspects of care while maximizing and encouraging independence.

• A fully supervised, success-oriented activities program offered everyday.

• Regularly scheduled social events with family involvement welcomed.

• Three nutritious meals served daily, with snacks available throughout the day.

• Supervised outings to nearby points of interest.

• Furnished linens and routine housekeeping.

• Comfortable, attractively decorated living rooms, activity rooms and private conversation areas.

• Cable TV and fireplace in living rooms.

• Beautifully landscaped secured courtyard with walking areas.

• Individualized service plans.

• Electronically monitored security system.

• TV and phone outlets in all resident rooms.

• Support groups, educational programs and referral services.

November 2011

Life at Hudson Creek offers these amenities for one monthly fee:

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A Heartfelt Choice

3

50plus November 2011

This savory carrot dish is typical of Italian home cooking – basic ingredients, simply prepared, turned into an outstanding dish. I thought it would be a great Thanksgiving side dish.

It’s always a challenge to find good carrot recipes that are not too sweet, and this one fits the bill.

Marsala is Diane Lestina a fortified Italian wine Cook it Simple and comes in www.ChefDiane.Com both sweet and dry. It will keep for months in the refrigerator; however you could substitute either white wine or white grape juice (for a nonalcoholic version). Depending on your football alliance you could use either maroon or orange carrots.

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Enjoy Italian home cooking with carrot dish

Marsala Carrots with Sage • 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1 1/2 inch pieces

• 1/4 medium onion, cut into long slivers • 10 fresh sage leaves, large • 1/2 cup dry Marsala • 1/2 cup chicken broth • Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.

Add sage leaves for a minute or two until quickly crisp and remove. Add carrots and onions and sauté about 10 minutes to brown the onion. Season with salt and pepper as vegetables cook.

Pour in the marsala and broth, adjusting heat to gentle simmer.

Cover and cook 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.

2. Before serving, uncover and simmer off any liquid, leaving only enough to cloak the carrots in a moist glaze. Taste for seasoning, sprinkle with sage and serve.

Diane Lestina, a certified personal chef, holds cooking classes and cooks for residents in the BryanCollege Station area. To learn more, visit www.chefdiane.com

Good carrot dishes can be hard to come by, but this one uses Marsala and sage to provide a balance to the sweetness of the carrots. Add this to the Thanksgiving menu.

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Over 30 Years Experience Caring for the Hearing Needs of the Brazos Valley

“It’s not fair!” Every week I hear this from a divorce client about some obscure gotcha rule that affects their divorce settlement outcome. They are lucky. They’re getting hit upside the head only during a once-in-a-lifetime divorce. You, my dear reader, are not so lucky. IRS gotcha rules can hit you upside the head each and every year, if you’re not careful. And those rules keep changing.

I recently interviewed Dillard Leverkuhn, a Bryan CPA and partner with Thompson, Derrig & Craig, PC (www.tdccpa.com) about the most vexing tax issues he sees. To assist you in your tax planning before yearend, I give you just a few of his tips.

When Tax Exempt Interest Is Not Tax Exempt

Many folks invest in tax-exempt bonds to avoid income taxes. If your bonds are specified private activity bonds, your tax-exempt interest might suddenly become taxable. It is added back into your Alternative Minimum

Senior Circle is out to expand your horizons with an exciting calendar of events scheduled around town and around the world.

If you’re 50 or better, want to meet new people, learn more about your health, travel and just have fun, then Senior Circle is for you.

Dues are just $15 a year.

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

Become part of the Circle.

Waterways of Holland and Belgium: Tulips, Windmills & Canals March 26 – April 8, 2012 Join Senior Circle on this European river cruise and explore the majestic waterways of Holland and Belgium. Meet new friends and make memories on this exciting 14-day adventure.

Northwest National Parks • July 13 – 26, 2012 Escape the blistering heat of Texas with Senior Circle as we explore magnificent Northwest National Parks such as Glacier National Park, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and many more. This 14-day adventure takes us through Seattle, Montana, British Columbia and other destinations, with special visits including the Lonesome Dove Ranch and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens.

Classic Christmas Markets • November 28 – December 6, 2012 Treat yourself for Christmas and join Senior Circle as we explore the classic Christmas markets in Munich, Innsbruck, Wurzburg, Nuremberg and Strasbourg.

This nine-day adventure takes us to historic towns in Central Europe where we will have time to shop for handicrafts and experience delights such as a private choir performance in an 850-year-old church. Call Senior Circle for more details.

Losing Out on a Deduction

Dillard has seen a trend among clients who previously prepared their own tax returns on do-it-yourself tax preparation software. These clients were missing the sales tax deduction on prior returns. He offers to amend prior returns so his clients can recapture that deduction.

Looking forward, the sales tax deduction expires on December 31. 2011. If you are thinking about replacing a car, buying a truck, boat or RV, you might want to think about buying it before year-end. For example, if you buy a $40,000 vehicle before December 31, 2011, and you are in the 25 percent tax bracket, you can capture an income tax savings of $625.

Taking Money Out of Your IRA

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules are in effect the year

in which the IRA owner turns 70 ½.

If you don’t take out enough money from your IRA by year-end, you may have to pay a 50 percent penalty on the RMD that is required but not taken.

Dillard has noticed that many people don’t understand how to calculate their IRA RMD amount every year. Here’s how to do it for 2011.

Step 1: Add up the combined balance of all IRA accounts as of December 31, 2010.

Step 2: Look up your factor in IRS Publication 590 (find it at www.IRS.gov). Look to the end of the publication to Table 3. If your spouse is more than 10 years younger than you, go to Table 2.

Step 3: Divide your combined balances by your factor. The answer is your RMD – the minimum amount you need to take out of your IRAs during 2011.

Note: The IRS Publication 590 instructs us to calculate a separate RMD for each IRA and then add them together for a combined total RMD. If you have taken an algebra class, you will know that both the method I describe and the Pub 590 method will

See Taxes page 11

Come play with someone your own age!

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This one is becoming so big that Dillard’s firm has moved it to the first question on their client tax organizer questionnaire. Most financial advisors and their clients assume that filing a tax return with a foreign country means that foreign account holders aren’t required to file anything with their US tax return.

Not true.

If you have a foreign bank account and you have never filed a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Form TDF 90-22.1, you may need to seek professional advice. If you own

Tax (AMT) calculation.

You can see whether your bond is a private activity bond by checking the Form 1099. You may want to check with your investment advisor about repositioning your bond investments if your advisor is not aware that you are subject to AMT. If you are picking your own investments and preparing your own tax returns, you are particularly at risk for this gotcha.

November 2011

Foreign Bank Accounts

foreign account(s) and the aggregate value (converted to US dollars) of all foreign accounts is $10,000 on any day during the year, you must file this IRS form for that year.

Failure to file has cost some local citizens between tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional tax and penalties for not filing the report, plus regular penalties, plus interes,t plus CPA fees, plus attorney fees. Yes, attorney fees. Failure to file this form has become a serious problem.

For 2011, you need to file this tracY stewart form by June 30, finanCial literaCy 2012. No extension.

Dillard has had to go back six years and re-file tax returns for clients. This is three years more than the statute of limitations.

50plus

Tax tips: What you don’t know can cost you money

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Constipation an issue for women as they get older

The Eagle • theeagle.com

November 2011

Editor’s Note: This month’s column was written by Alyssa George, MPT. I have been suffering from constipation problems for years and have tried different medications and treatments without relief. I recently read something on the internet about treating constipation with biofeedback training of pelvic floor muscles. Can you help?

You are not alone.

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint, affecting well over 63 million Americans. A study in 2000 found that 26.6 percent of women age 45-49 and 27.7 percent of women age 70-74 suffer from this problem, suggesting, that constipation issues increase as one ages.

Women are twice as likely as men to report constipation and experience obstructive defecation (a chronic form of constipation involving prolonged straining, incomplete elimination -not passing the entire stool, and prolonged time to have a bowel movement). Not only is this a common condition, it is also very often unreported to physicians. Obstructive

defecation is common in middle-aged women with pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. It occurs at least weekly in 12.3 percent of women ages 4069. This high prevalence of constipation leads to more Leon BraDwaY than 3 million phySiCal therapy prescriptions for laxatives per year and over $725 million spent on over-the-counter laxatives.

Constipation is present if a person has symptoms at least three days per month for at least three months, and is only able to have loose stool with the use of laxatives.

Those diagnosed with constipation, defecate (have a bowel movement) less than three days/week, experience straining or lumpy/ hard stools 25 percent of the time, or have a sensation of incomplete emptying. Other health problems associated with constipation include: headaches, decreased

See Bradway page 13

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HEALTH MATTERS Care for Caregivers Regularly updated information for caregivers is available in a series of free pamphlets prepared by the Metlife Mature Market Institute.

The advice in the “Since You Care” series of booklets covers such topics as legal planning, dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, and choosing assisted-living facilities, among others.

To find out what titles are available, check the website at www.maturemarketinstitute. com and click on Advice Publications, write to Metlife Mature Market Institute, 57 Greens Farm Road, Westport, CT 06880, or call (203) 221-6580

Aging’s All In Your Head?

It may be possible to turn back your clock a couple of decades, according to an item in a recent copy of “Agenda,” the Aging Services of California monthly publication, that refers to the work of Harvard psychologist and author, Ellen Langer.

It appears there may be more than a grain of truth in the old saw, “You’re only as old as

you feel,” according to her book “Counterclockwise.”

As her website explains, “... opening our minds to what’s possible, instead of clinging to accepted notions about what’s not, can lead to better health at any age.”

The book deals with several of her experiments, including one in 1979 during which elderly men lived for a week in a retrofitted hotel as though it was 20 years earlier. The group was told to act and think like it was 1959 and they showed evidence of growing younger both physically and mentally.

Maddak Catalog Available Online To make shopping easy, a catalog displaying more than 400 items that Maddak Inc. likes to call ADLs (aids for daily living) is available online at the company’s website, www. maddak.com.

Would-be buyers can check and choose health aids they wish to have and can purchase them from a list of retailers.

Maddak does not sell its Ableware products directly from

its website.

Constipation Myths Cleared Up

Constipation is a chronic problem for many older adults that requires an individualized treatment plan. Relieving it can be more difficult than shortterm use of a laxative or eating more fiber.

Myth: An absence of daily bowel movements indicates constipation.

Fact: Constipation is most accurately defined as the infrequent or difficult passing of stool. Normal bowel-movement frequency in adults can range from three times a day to three times a week.

Myth: Constipation causes the body to absorb toxins from stools.

Fact: Not true. This belief causes some people to take laxatives unnecessarily when daily bowel movement doesn’t occur. Others try colon cleansing to remove supposed toxins. These practices aren’t helpful. They even may be harmful.

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community, residents enjoy supportive services to maintain the highest level of independence.

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November 2011

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Love and War

Veterans Day special for local couple who met while serving in WWII

By HOLLI L. ESTRIDGE Special to The Eagle

a friend.”

The Kozlowskis corresponded for the next 18 months, while Yolanda followed Patton’s Army to France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Yolanda – who worked as a triage nurse – and the 100th Evacuation remained near the front lines, throughout the war. When the German offensive halted at the Battle of the Bulge, the 100th Evacuation was only four miles away, receiving thousands of casualties during some of the worst battles. Yolanda was discharged from the Army in 1946 as a captain.

The couple reconnected in 1945, while Kozlowski was pursuing an engineering degree at Marquette University. He went on to obtain advanced degrees at Ohio State and eventually joined NASA. Working at NASA, Kozlowski designed and installed heat shields used on the Apollo missions.

In 1973 he became physical plant director at Texas A&M University.

Yolanda and Edward’s names are now listed on

the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial in College Station’s Veterans Park, which they visit each year on Veterans Day. The couple also participates in monthly veteran gatherings.

Yolanda said today when she reflects on the war, she mostly thinks of the wasted lives. “There is so much more that we could have done that we didn’t, as nurses and as a country,” she said.

Edward said everyone worked as hard as they could with what they had. “We found out later that some of the things we had been doing were not to our advantage,” he said.

The Kozlowskis and other local veterans will be honored 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in College Station’s Veterans Park. The ceremony will feature an annual observance and a roll call of individuals being added to the memorial.

A program, to include an address by Congressman Bill Flores, music and a salute will follow.

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November 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

November 2011

Each year the passing of Veterans Day brings a rush of bittersweet memories to Bryan residents Edward and Yolanda Kozlowski.

The couple – Edward, 92, and Yolanda, 96 – met at a party in England during World War II, when Edward was serving as a Pathfinder Navigator and Yolanda worked as an army nurse. It would be years before the young couple would see one another again.

“On Veterans Day, we both think and talk about what went on in the war,” Edward says. “It’s a common bond we share.”

Kozlowski’s job as a Pathfinder Navigator – the lead plane charged with routing piloted missions – was a dangerous one.

He had his first taste of combat during the initial B-17 bombing run over Cologne, Germany, as part of the 318th Bomber Group.

“We were flying in the daytime, and the German Messerschmitts and Fokkers were all over our formation,” Kozlowski said. “Precision bombing was out of the question.” The 318th sustained heavy losses.

By the time the war ended Kozlowski had flown 88 missions over combat territory and was shot down four times. Among the combat missions he flew were a low-level bombing run over Poloesti, Romania – a 2,000-mile trip – and the D-Day invasion, leading the second wave of planes carrying the 82nd Airborne.

Of the 27 navigators that left on Christmas Eve 1941, only seven survived the war. Kozlowski is the only one still living.

Yolanda met with Kozlowski shortly after the D-Day invasion and before the 100th Evacuation Hospital – with which she worked – departed England to follow the soldiers into France. The couple spent four hours visiting and dancing, and before they parted ways Yolanda agreed to write Kozlowski.

“We wrote to each other for the remainder of the war, but I tried to write as a friend,” said Yolanda. “He didn’t. He wanted to be more than

Veterans Day around the Brazos Valley 9 a.m.

Elementary cafeteria, College Station ISD Assembly at Jane Long Middle School Bryan 11 a.m.

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

ISD Veterans will gather at the American Legion 3rd and 4th grade music performance: 9:30 a.m.

Hall in Bryan for a joint meeting and program, “Celebrate Freedom” at Southwood Valley Assembly at Sam Rayburn Middle School Bryan 100 Waco Street, Bryan Elementary cafeteria, College Station ISD ISD 2 p.m.

9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Musical patriotic program, honoring veterans 4th grade musical performance at Creek View at Greens Prairie Elementary cafeteria College Nov. 11

Nov. 10

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Station ISD Veterans Day Annual Observance, with roll call, 2:30 p.m. speaking program and musical performances at Veterans Day Ceremony at A&M Consolidated College Station Veterans Park Middle School gym, College Station ISD 3:05 p.m.

Band, orchestra and choir will perform at College Station Middle School College Station ISD 4 :30 p.m.

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50plus The Eagle • theeagle.com

November 2011

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Call Today to RSVP: Susie Brown or Bobby Gail Jeffries 979-595-2800 ext. 2025 Lite Lunch Provided

Remembering Seniors During the Holidays

Would you like to be part of our Senior Christmas Team? Here is what Shirley Jones, Luci Smith and Vicki Anders need help with:

“Candy packers” –Last year we had penny candies packed in snack-size baggies. It made a much better present than a single candy cane. This could be done by a church group or social group that buys the candy and the baggies, stuffs them, and delivers them by December 1st.

“Shoppers” – Sometimes our wish list has special items, like a bird house or sizes larger than 3x that need to be searched for and purchased.

The Bottom Line

If you remember one thing from this article, remember that what you don’t know can cost you real money.

Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® through her blog at www.TexasDivorceFinance.com

“Seamstress” – people who can sew dusters or nightgowns (RSVP does accept donated cotton, cotton flannel and lightweight fleece) from patterns available for you to use.

“Makers”- Not a handy with a sewing machine?

Volunteers can make fleece scarves – no sewing skills necessary, just a rotary cutter and cutting mat.

For those who knit, adult size caps for men and women are always welcome.

Call RSVP if you would like to be “On the Team” 979.595.2800 x2026

Have you noticed: (check all that apply) Decreased sex drive

Work performance issues

Decreased energy levels

Decreased quality of life

Loss of strength

Changes in body composition

Loss of endurance

Increased recovery time

Sexual performance issues

Decreased mental acuity

G1

O

ERVICE

Hormone Therapy?

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Are you in need of Bioidentical (natural)

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“Laundry” - Although we ask that clean clothing be donated, sometimes items need a little “freshening up”. Here’s the mission: the first three days when volunteers are sorting through donations, volunteers come by around 3:30 pm,

“Small Repairs” – Some beautiful items just have a missing button, sagging hem, or torn seam and so on. Volunteers would follow the same procedure and schedule as for the laundry.

give you the same total RMD. If you have an inherited IRA, you need to seek professional tax advice because the distribution rules are different.

When you are taking money out of your retirement plan account (not to be confused with your IRA account), you must calculate the RMD for each retirement plan separately.

You cannot combine retirement plan RMDs nor can you combine a retirement plan and an IRA in one RMD. Tip: Take your RMD in one lump sum and have your income tax withheld from your distribution. Consult a CPA for the amount of withholding that will keep you out of trouble on your 2011 tax return.

November 2011

“Shopping bag decorators” We have sturdy white shopping bags to deliver the gifts to seniors, but to make them fun and festive, volunteers who enjoy arts and craft can take however many bag they choose home, decorate with a Christmas theme and make them beautiful. Seniors have come to treasure their “handmade” bags as part of their gift.

Just call the RSVP office and we will set aside the number of bags you request for pick up, then return bags by November 28th.

take home items to be laundered, then return them around 9:30 am the next morning. After the first few days you might be contacted to help if any additional donations come in that need attention.

from page 5

C E L E BR A T

RSVP is accepting donations for our Annual Shirley’s Senior Christmas. RSVP volunteers assemble and stuff 600 Christmas bags with items requested by nursing home residents and homebound seniors receiving Home Delivered Meals. RSVP accepts donations of cash, new and like new clothing and gift items. RSVP will store them until Thanksgiving when we begin the work of preparing the 600 bags.

If you would like a list of items and sizes requested, please call the RSVP office at (979) 595-2800 x2026 or email ckraus@bvcog.org.

Taxes

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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50plus November 2011

WATERCREST AT BRYAN

SALUTES OUR VETERANS Join Us for Our Veteran’s Week Celebration!

MONDAY, NOV. 7TH ALL ARMY VETERAN’S AND SPOUSES

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VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM & BRUNCH FROM 9AM TO 10:30AM

TUESDAY, NOV. 8TH ALL NAVY & COAST GUARD VETERAN'S AND SPOUSES VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM & BRUNCH FROM 9AM TO 10:30AM

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9TH ALL AIR FORCE & NATIONAL GUARD VETERANS AND SPOUSES VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM & BRUNCH FROM 9AM TO 10:30AM

THURSDAY, NOV. 10TH ON THE 236TH BIRTHDAY OF THE MARINE CORP ALL MARINE VETERAN'S AND SPOUSES VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM & BRUNCH FROM 9AM TO 10:30AM RSVP'S ARE REQUIRED: CALL 979-703-7088 TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY SUNDAY, NOV. 6TH

3801 East Crest Drive • Bryan, TX 77802 • www.watercrestbryan.com (near the corner of University Drive and Boonville Road) Winners of the 2010 & 2011 Best of the Brazos and the Eagle’s 2011 Readers’ Choice for Best Active Adult Living

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from page 2

Sources: Barrientos, R. M., et al. (2011). Little exercise, big effects: reversing aging and infection-induced memory deficits, and underlying processes. J. Neuroscience, 31(32): 11578-11586;doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2266-11 Marrie, T. J. 2011. Pneumonia in the elderly. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 1996; 2(3):192-7 Ochoa-Gondar et al. (2008). The burden of community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly: the Spanish EVAN-65 Study. BMC Public Health 2008, 8:222doi:10.1186/1471-2458-8-222

concentration, change in appetite, change in energy levels, depression/mood changes, bloating, and gas/flatulence.

There are many causes and treatment options for constipation. Simple changes in your diet, improving hydration, improving exercise habits, and decreasing stress may give you relief. However, constipation may also be due to structural abnormalities such as tumors, changes in the shape of the colon, disorders such as fissures/ hemorrhoids, episiotomy, or tears after delivering a baby.

Additionally, specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke, dehydration, or irritable bowel syndrome can cause constipation.

In addition, there are many different medications that can cause constipation, including: antacids, antidepressants, narcotics, blood pressure meds, NSAIDs, antihistamines, and laxative abuse. In addition to structural abnormalities, medications, and diseases, lifestyle habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, change in routine/sleep patterns, or ignoring the urge to defecate can also play a role in the onset of constipation. Because of the wide range of causes of constipation, it is important to consult a health care professional who fully understands your medical history, including pregnancy and delivery history so you can receive the most appropriate care.

If your constipation is due to a musculoskeletal problem, then consulting a physical therapist trained in pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation may be a smart choice.

Trained physical therapists use specialized

Leon Bradway, PT MS OMPT Director of the Sports, Back, & Pain Management Clinic. Bvphysicaltherapy.com

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Dr. Bill Klemm is a Professor of Neuroscience at Texas A&M University. Visit his blog at ThankYouBrain.com for more memory tips.

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equipment and tools such as biofeedback, a very effective retraining technique that may help you learn to better coordinate the muscles you use to have a bowel movement.

Regaining normal bowel habits can often be accomplished through the re-education of normal pelvic floor muscle activity such as strengthening exercises if your muscles are underactive (weak) or down-training if your muscles are overactive. The healthy function of the pelvic floor muscles will result in a stronger urge to defecate, thus increasing frequency of defecation. A specially-trained physical therapist can help you restore muscle coordination between resting, contraction, and with bearing down through several different methods. They can educate you in proper toileting posture, appropriate muscle contractions, and proper breathing to avoid straining. They can train you in performing abdominal massage and coordination of abdominal muscles with pelvic floor muscles to help stimulate your bowels. A physical therapist trained in this area can also set up an aerobic conditioning program to improve bowel mechanics.

Whether you have been struggling with constipation for a few months or several years, a specially-trained physical therapist may be able to help. You have a choice in the management of your health and there are other options besides medication and surgery. Know your options and take charge of your health.

November 2011

running or swimming will protect against infections. Another viable alternative is cycling. You don’t have to risk life and limb on the highway; an exercise cycle is fine if used vigorously.

Not yet tested is the possibility that exercise can reduce infection-induced inflammatory responses in organs other than brain. One especially relevant organ in the elderly is the lung. Perhaps the most common infection in the elderly is pneumonia. About 4 million people in the U.S. get pneumonia each year, about a third of whom are 65 or older. A study of elderly in Spain showed that the rate tripled from age 65 to 85. Pneumonia is sthe econd most common nursing-home acquired infection, and occurs at about double the rate in the elderly living at home.

I have two points to make about that: 1) there is an effective vaccine against the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia, and everybody should get it every five years, and 2) aerobic exercise should be used to help prevent pneumonia, not as part of the treatment. Exercise during or soon after pneumonia is dangerous, because the stress on the heart may be fatal. So do your aerobic exercise when you are healthy.

You will feel better, be stronger and less likely to fall, and will protect both heart and brain and maybe your other organs too.

Tennis, anyone?

Bradway

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Memory Medic

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November 2011

Ongoing Line Dancing - Ready for a great workout? Join other senior adults every Tuesday for Line Dancing at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd from 1:30-2:30pm. Contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgrs@cstx.gov.

Sit & Fit - Looking for a fun way to exercise in the comfort of a chair? Join other senior adults at Southwood Community Center every Tuesday and Thursday, noon - 12:45pm. The Center is located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Dominoes - Meet your friends every Thursday to play 42 at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. from 9:30 - 11:30 am. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior

Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Friday Bridge - Join other senior adults every Friday from 9 am -noon at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road for a fun day of bridge. Contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 for more information or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Better Choices, Better Health (a diabetes class) - The class meets on Mondays from 1 -3 pm at the Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Contact the College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. No cost to register.

November 7 Computer Tips Class - Learn how to update, organize and manage documents and applications on your computer. The class meets on Monday and Wednesday from 10:45 am -12:15pm at the Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Cost is $45.

Registration necessary prior to class.

To register call the College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 764-3486 or on-line at parksweb.cstx.gov.

AARP Driver Safety Program - All licensed drivers 50 and older are welcome! The class meets on Wednesday, November 15 from 10 am - 3 pm at the Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. To register, contact the College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Pay at the door, $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.

Rd. Contact Southwood Community Center at 764-6351 College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

November 28 Senior Advisory committee meeting - The Senior Advisory Committee meets on the last

Monday of each month at 10 am at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Visitors are welcome to attend. For more information contact College Station Parks & Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

November 16 Exploring History Lunch Lecture with Jim Singleton - The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present: “ Unique Brazos Valley Architecture” with Jim Singleton.

Luncheon held at the College Station Conference Center located at 1300 George Bush Dr. Lunch is served at 11:30 am with a reservation.

Cost is $5 and payable at the door.

Speaker begins at noon. Please call 979-764-6351 or e-mail kkelbly@ cstx.gov to make your reservation by November 11.

November 17 Movie and Popcorn - Enjoy a free movie and popcorn starting at 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie

Living Life People may not know his name, but many folks traveling around Waldenbrooke Estates are quite familiar with Don “Coach” Lewis.

He’s been brightening people’s days since he moved to Waldenbrooke in 2010, from his spot out in front of the community where he smiles and waves at passing cars.

Coach suffered a debilitating stroke in 1992 at the age of 49. The stroke left him partially paralyzed and with a severe case of aphasia.

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November 15

The The doctors didn’t give Coach a strong prognosis. “They “They all but said he was going to die, that he’d live maybe four or five years, and this is back in 1992”, his son Kevin said.

In spite of that prognosis, Coach is living an independent life at Waldenbrooke Estates in his own apartment where he entertains visiting family and friends. He also stays socially active with all the events and activities Waldenbrooke hosts, and still makes time to play catch with the staff.

Coach is a Korean War Veteran, where he was a Weapons Specialist and drove for a general. Korea was where he met, fell in love and married his wife Barbara. Coach was a Sports Information Director for the Leander School District and the kids lives he touched are still with those kids today. He would make suggestions to help them improve in whatever sport they were in. He always had a positive effect on everyone he came in contact with. Coach is still being a positive influence every day by spreading cheer to those driving by Waldenbrooke on their way

to and from work.

When Barbara passed away in 2001, the people of the neighborhood in Leander asked the family to keep Coach there because of the positive effect he had on everyone with his waving. Unfortunately, he had to move to another community in Austin, where he took up his waving routine with the same effect.

“We started getting notes,” Kevin said.

“People would pull into the retirement home and leave notes for the man in the wheelchair who waves. Kids would draw him pictures and there was this one lady who was going through a difficult time, and she said his presence gave her something to look forward to and gave her a reason to be happy.”

When Kevin decided it was time to move Coach closer to family, they chose Waldenbrooke Estates, and all of them couldn’t be happier with that choice. His friendly nature was a perfect fit for the Waldenbrooke atmosphere even though he can only speak a handful of words and phrases, Coach has had no problems making friends and has become quite popular.

In fact, he was even named King of the

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Waldenbrooke Senior Prom.

If you see Coach, give him a honk or a wave as you pass. If you or a loved one is considering senior living, say hi to him in person and see what Waldenbrooke Estates Independent Senior Living Community has to offer you and your family.

Numbers to Carry At Home or Abroad

ConsumerAction.gov online and you’ll be given the option to order your own copy of the 175page 2011 edition.

Information in it ranges from lists of consumer-protection bureaus to federal agencies, to

corporate contacts, to advice on how to protect your privacy and identity to tips on how to buy an array of products and services.

Mature Life Features

Comfort encouragement

Fine Free Advice “Free” usually has a catch to it but the U.S General Services Administration’s Consumer Action Handbook is one of the few products or services available with no strings — or fees — attached.

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ARE PAINFUL FEET AFFECTING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE? Dr. Robert Leisten, DPM • Dr. Amy Haase, DPM • Podiatrists - Foot Specialists

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Hammertoes are a contracture of the toe caused by an inherited muscle imbalance or too short of shoes. Painful corns form when these toes rub against the tops of shoes. These can be corrected by an office procedure in less than one hour.

Ingrown toenails cause pain from toenail pressing into skin aggravated by shoe gear. They are caused by the thickening or increased curvature of toenail. They can be progressively more painful with possible infection. They can be cured permanently with a minor office procedure.

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Despite warnings, seniors still seem to fall for schemes.

While there’s good reason for this, according to an AARP report, it’s no excuse for oldsters to get scammed out of their savings.

There seems to be more than “just getting old” responsible for the fact that they account for one-third of reported scams and frauds.

Researchers probing more deeply into the three main reasons given for this vulnerability – memory loss, loneliness, and more trusting character – have revealed mind shifts caused by aging that makes the aged more prone to becoming victims of these vultures.

Among their findings is the fact that con men have learned that an aging mind’s ability to grasp details like contract terms begins to slip after 2 p.m. That’s why these crooks call late in the afternoon or early evening.

Accompanying memory loss that comes as the aging brain slows down its ability to process information is the tendency to believe anything, even a blatant

lie, if it’s repeated often enough.

So statements like “you have to act now” and “this is all it will cost you” salted liberally throughout the conversation tend to become fact in the victim’s mind.

Loneliness or a feeling of diminished self-worth prods seniors to prove to their family and friends that they can still make decisions on their own, and they become easy prey for the polished promises of these thieves, researchers report.

Studies also show that, while old folks are not as gullible as widely believed and tend to be able to detect dishonest deliveries and demonstrations, it’s their devotion to God and country that often does them in.

A crook comes a-calling claiming to be with a church charity or veterans group, for example, and walks away with their money.

November 2011

Just because you have all necessary numbers ensconced in our cell phone doesn’t mean you’re worry free.

What happens if its battery goes dead? Or if you’re in some nook, niche, cranny or dead zone where you have to resort to a land line for help? Or you lose your phone?

A vital number to write down and carry with you is the toll-free telephone number for your credit card help line. The domestic number is usually different from the one you need when traveling in other countries.

You might also carry the phone numbers of family members so you don’t have to rely on memory should have to call in a crisis. Or if you’re incapacitated and someone else has to call for you.

If you’re traveling, you need your airline’s toll-free number along with the phone numbers for your hotel or host, travelinsurance issuer, and rental-car company. It wouldn’t hurt to have your bank’s telephone number with you at all times.

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November 2011

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