50 Plus

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

Inside...

Finances

Wa to correct a retirement Ways savings shortfall

Pg. 5

Cancer risk

Menopause treatment and breast cancer risk Pg. 8

October 2014 • Vol. 12, Issue 3 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Breast cancer awareness Local women’s stories of surviving breast cancer, area support groups for patients PAGE 6

Tests to find and diagnose breast cancer

PAGE 7

50 Plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College Station Communications Inc. 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, Texas PUBLISHER Crystal DuPre

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

SPECIAL PROJECT PR S EDITOR/ PUBLICA PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shauna Lewis shauna.lewis@theeagle.com

Ron Prince

DISPL ADVER DISPLAY ADVERTISING VERTISING MANA MANAGER Linda Brinkman

CONTENTS

SP SPECIAL PROJECTS/ PROJECT OJECTS/ MARKETING COORDINATO ORDINA R ORDINATO

Mental: Dealing with unfinished business Financial: Correct a retirement shortfall Feature: Breast cancer awareness Memory: False memory manipulation

Erika Liesman

4 5 6 9

FREE 90-Day 90-Day Trial

on all digital hearing devices

Ronny nny nn Baker B.S.,A.C.A. 2805 Earl Rudder Freeway S. College Station • 979.696.7291 rdabaker@yahoo.com

Over 30 Years Experience Caring for the Hearing Needs of the Brazos Valley 2 | O c t o b e r 7, 2 0 1 4

50PLUS

2010 Business Performance Award

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

How physical therapy has changed, how it can help

October is Physical Therapy Month!

I thought this would be a great time to address how physical therapy has changed over the years, how it can help, when to ask your doctor for a referral and whether you need to see the doctor first or come directly to the physical therapist.

You may not think much about who your specialist is or why you are seeing them. After all if you need one, your doctor will tell you and they will also know where to send you.

Unfortunately, the reality is somewhat different.

First, physicians and other health care providers may not be aware of the skills and knowledge that physical therapists now possess, as their profession has changed significantly over the last 30 years. Today all Leon Bradway physical therapists Physical TheraPy graduate as doctors of physical therapy and have more knowledge and training than those of us who graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s some 30 to 40 years ago.

I should point out that just as in any profession, years of experience and additional training are very important in selecting a physical therapist in addition to education. Just as with a physician, you will likely get a more skilled diagnosis and effective treatment plan and thus realize a quicker, more positive outcome -- if the physical therapist has treated many different patients over the years, and has continued to exceed basic educational requirements.

For example, I graduated initially with a bachelor’s degree. I then went on to obtain a master’s in orthopedics and a doctorate of physical therapy.

Further, I am credentialed to do electromyograms (EMGs)/ nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests and have advanced training in: manual therapy, manipulation, trigger point dry needling, golf swing analysis, runner’s analysis and so forth. I also have over 30 years of experience treating a wide range of conditions, making my diagnostic skills very accurate and my treatment plans very effective.

Why am I saying all of this? For two reasons: First our profession T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

has changed in terms of entrance requirements and overall education and training, more so than any other medical professional. However, not everyone is aware of the education and training a doctor of physical therapy possesses in general and specifically as it relates to neuromuscular issues, and thus you may not be referred to a physical therapist when that is the best option. A doctor of physical therapy (DPT) has years of education and training pertaining to muscle, soft tissue, nerve and skeletal systems once they’ve graduated. Their breadth of knowledge about the human body includes joint structures, nervous systems, pathology of body systems, evaluation skills and treatment planning. The human body is made up of over 600 muscles that give us life in movement, strength and play.

Many aches and pains that we incur in our lifetime from daily living, occupation, accidents, sports activities and aging involves injury to the nervous and musculoskeletal system.

Physical therapists are specialists in these systems. Physical therapists are qualified and skilled to resolve: pain (back, neck, head, TMJ, joint, shoulder, foot, etc.), balance, dizziness, preparation for and recovery from surgery, strengthening, increasing flexibility, resolving old and repeated injuries, avoiding repeated work injuries, helping post pregnancy/ childbirth and so forth.

Further, physical therapy is natural, and in my opinion should be tried before injections, medications or surgery. All of which may be necessary at some point, but why not start with the most conservative treatment first.

Many providers are not fully aware of the changes in the physical therapy profession and what therapists are capable of doing to help their patients naturally. Thus, they may not refer to physical therapy when it is appropriate.

This situation is exacerbated by the lack of direct access to physical therapy for patients. In Texas you can see a physical therapist for a consult or evaluation without a physician’s referral, and many patients take this route. However, in Texas, you cannot be treated by a physical therapist without a physician’s referral. In most cases, if the physician has seen the patient regularly, they will send a referral after reviewing the evaluation; however, this is changing as we see more and more patients waiting longer periods of time before they can be treated,

bottom line is you have a choice in who as physicians are inundated with you see, instead of relying on a generic paperwork to comply with insurance referral. Do your homework and then requirements and changes. So patients tell your doctor who you wish to see. must wait to be treated, despite the fact that skilled and qualified help is readily Regardless of who treats you, if you available. aren’t seeing real progress in four to five visits and your physical therapist Second, who you see is important. has not talked with you about this or The criteria you would use in selecting adjusted your program, make a point any professional should hold true for to talk to them. In the healthcare your physical therapist or any other environment today, you must advocate specialist. You want someone who has for yourself and ensure the providers the highest level of knowledge, skill are listening to you, answering your and ability available. Unfortunately, questions and respecting your choices how you locate this person isn’t as easy these days. The changes in the In recognition of National Physical healthcare environment has created Therapy Month, we will be holding a situation where the process of a Falls Prevention Clinic on Oct. 17, referring to specialists has changed. from 8 a.m. to noon. This will involve Let me explain why this should matter screening for falls, information to you. about how to prevent falls and so forth. In addition, we will offer free In our community, a majority of consultations for anyone who is having physicians are now employees of the pelvic pain (male or female). Call or hospitals. Hospitals are employing email today to make a reservation, as physicians for many reasons, including space is limited. the fact that the physician controls the referral process (e.g., where you If you have any questions, please go for other care). As an employee, the contact the clinic at 979-776-2225 or physician may be required to send all sbpmcoffice@gmail.com, or visit referrals to a centralized department bvphysicaltherapy.com. where others determine where to send the referrals; many likely stay inside Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical the hospital-owned facilities. We have therapy and director of the Sports, Back experienced this many times in the last and Pain Management Clinic. See www. year or so -- an abrupt halt of referrals bvphysicaltherapy.com. from certain physicians, only to find out the practice was sold to one of the hospitals and they are sending referrals internally.

Does this mean your referral is going to the most qualified provider Comfortt K Keepers provides the or someone who shares kind of non-medical in-home care a financial interest with services that help people maintain the employer? Referral full and independent lives, liv all in the for profit was supposed comfortt aand familiar surroundings to be eliminated with of their ow own home. We would be 244 Southwest uthw Pkwy E. uthwest the Stark Law, although happy to arrange a ffree in-home College Station, TX 77840 exceptions were made visit to help you learn more. for patient convenience S E RV I C E S 979-764-3076 (surgeons who employ • Light Housekeeping and refer to their own Individually In dividually ow owned ned and operated. operated.

Errands, Shopping physical therapists).

• Incidental Transportation However, with the recent • Laundry •R Recreation, Crafts changes in healthcare, • Grooming, Dressing referral for profit • Personal Personal Care Care Services Serv Se rvices ices appears to be increasing, not declining.

Whether financial interest is put ahead of patient care is unknown, but the appearance of a conflict of financial interest exists. The

50PLUS

October 7, 2014 | 3

How to deal with unfinished business and regrets to make for a better present and future

Many years ago, I was involved in a serious conversation with a gentleman named Sam. He asked to meet with me and was telling me about his life and family. It wasn’t pretty.

Sam grew up in an abusive home and was familiar with violence. He got into drugs, alcohol and crime at an early age. His life was riddled with pain, frustration and anger.

Sam summed up his philosophy of life this way - “It’s like the Bible says: ‘Do unto others as they’ve done unto you.’”

I blinked. “No wonder,” I thought.

I’ll bet you caught it. Because of his background, Sam heard the opposite of what the Bible actually Gary roe hosPice says. He’d grown up surrounded by the don’t-get-mad-get-even philosophy, so he naturally saw life through those lenses. Exact your own form of justice.

Get them before they get you. Revenge is sweet.

As a result, Sam had a huge pile of regrets and unfinished business.

The mountain of stuff was so high he couldn’t imagine being able to work through it.

If we’re not careful, the pain of the past can secretly drive the present, creating all kinds of havoc in our lives. Our hearts can’t afford that, and neither can our relationships.

Unresolved issues can greatly impact our physical health, too.

Most people have some things hanging out there unresolved.

Perhaps it’s a deep wound like abuse, abandonment or neglect. Maybe it’s a relationship gone wrong and never put right. We’ve all said and done things we wish we could delete. We’ve been hurt, and we’ve also caused others pain.

I picture regrets and unfinished business as filling a filing cabinet in my heart. The more stuff that’s in there, the more it weighs me down. The sad thing is that over time I get used to it.

And then more hurt happens. I go in, open a drawer, and file away another wound. This happens every time I get hurt or hurt someone else.

Soon, the cabinet is overflowing, and

4 | O c t o b e r 7, 2 0 1 4

begins to take up even more space in my heart.

Unfinished business exerts constant pressure on our lives. Grudges and regrets leak out onto our other relationships, even our closest ones.

They create anxiety and can lead to depression and all sorts of mental health concerns. That old filing cabinet can raise our blood pressure and create all manner of physical health issues.

If we want to live well, we need to find ways to unload it. The secret to doing that is forgiveness. But forgiveness may not be what we think.

Forgiveness is not saying those painful words and actions back there didn’t matter. Forgiveness is saying they did matter, they hurt, and I choose to release them. Refusing to forgive hurts only us. It keeps past pain alive and gives it power in the present. By not forgiving, we actually might be giving partial control of our hearts over to the person that hurt us and what they said or did.

Our hearts are too valuable. We can’t afford to give them away that easily.

Some people see forgiveness as weakness. They think they’re letting someone off the hook too easily while becoming a doormat for anyone else who wants to hurt them. What they don’t often see is that their anger might actually be keeping them imprisoned.

The ancient Greek word for forgiveness means, “to release a bird from a snare.” A philosopher once said, “After I forgave, I discovered I was the bird.” When we forgive, we find out we were holding ourselves captive.

Forgiveness can be very powerful.

It’s is a choice – our choice. We don’t need the other person’s permission.

We’re in charge of forgiving. We won’t forgive, however, until we’re ready to let go of the pain.

Unfinished business also includes the hurt we’ve caused. In order to unload our filing cabinet, we have to begin to take responsibility for our own thoughts and behavior. Perhaps we need to ask forgiveness. Maybe we need to make amends. This will be hard, but well worth it.

We need to be courageous and act in integrity. We’re not in charge of how

others respond. We’re only in charge of what we think, say and do. We can forgive and ask forgiveness.

Then there is the toughest form of forgiveness, at least for me – forgiving myself.

Many of us feel terrible when we do something wrong. It hurts us deeply when we discover we’ve hurt another person, even unintentionally. It seems almost natural to wallow in guilt, but that benefits no one. In fact, guilt only keeps us stuck.

We’re better off if we can release ourselves, as many times as it takes, and move on as quickly as possible.

Yes, the bird is us, and sometimes we need to release ourselves from the snare.

I met with Sam several times over a period of months. Sam’s heart began to soften, and he was able to resolve many wounds from his past. He unpacked quite a bit of his filing cabinet and experienced a lot more peace of mind

50PLUS

and heart.

When I asked him what advice he would give others, he said, “It’s not worth it. Let it go.”

I want to keep my filing cabinet of hurts as light as possible. First I have to clean out what’s already there. Then I have to work on staying current and dealing with hurts quickly – if possible, as soon as they happen.

A friend of mine says, “Compassion is the best revenge. Forgiveness is one of the highest forms of courage.” I’ve found that transacting unfinished business well strengthens the heart and improves my overall health.

Here’s to lighter filing cabinets.

Where’s the shredder?

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

Visit his website at www.garyroe.com or contact him at 821-2266 or groe@ hospicebrazosvalley.org.

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

Eight ways to correct a retirement savings shortfall Ninety percent of Americans will not be able to retire on their savings sa and Social Security income. Don’t follow the crowd. If you are anxious about the adequacy of your retirement sa savings , read on. If you want to verify whether you are saving sa enough, try these two resources: ChooseToSave oSa . oSave org and the free app for smart phones, Ballpark Ballpar E$timate. The app is remarka mar bly fast and marka easy to use.

1. Set your goals. What are your retirement plans?

Use the Ballpark Ballpar Tracy STewar ewarT ewar arT E$timate app to gauge Financial liTeracy iTer whether you have ha sa d enough. Be prepared to answer save the following questions. Where do you want to live li ? Do you want a simpler life or lots of trave tra l? Are you going to help out adult children if they get into a financial bind? Are you or your spouse going to work part time or volunteer?

2. Hire a financial advisor ad .

You need to make sure you have ha the correct mix of stocks, bonds and other in stments. The short-term picture inve is not the critical time period. Don’t worry about inve in stment perfor perf mance between now and next summer. With the help of a financial advisor advisor, visor, set yourself up to be financially secure when you wake up on your 80th birthday. You don’t want to run out of money at the end of your life.

3. Reduce spending and increase sa savings.

This is the simplest way to shore up your retirement savings sa . It is also the least popular. Be realistic about how much you are spending now. It is difficult dif to decide which per in life to cut and which to keep. perks Every day I help divo di rcing couples slog through this exercise. Knowing your expenses is paramount. Reducing them is even more crucial. When you

See Reduce expe ex nses pa 9 page

Are you suffering from

leg pain ∙ swelling ∙ cramping ∙ restless legs spider & varicose veins The cause of these symptoms CAN be treated. · Fast recovery · Covered by most insurance companies · Minimally invasive procedures

F RE E V EI N S CR EE NI NG S Call 979-776-WALK to schedule yours today!

2 6 05 OS L ER BL V D. , B R YA N , T E XA S 7 7 80 2 Free screenings subject to availability.

Gordon Mitchell ’77, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.C.C.P. | Gloria Jean Mays, M.D., F.A.C.C. Ricardo Gutierrez ’92, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I.

979-776-WALK (9255) | www.BrazosVein.com

Services Include Nursing:

www.healthquesthomehealth.com

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

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

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

Medical Social Work:

- Trini Perez, Owner

HealthQuest Home Health

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

Phone: 979-846-7870

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

(but are not limited to)

50PLUS

Certified Nurse Aide: • Bathing • Toileting • Dressing • Linen Changes

Therapy:

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

October 7, 2014 | 5

Breast cancer awareness Local women’s stories of dealing with and surviving

Tests to find and diagnose breast cancer

breast cancer, area support groups that help patients

By HOLLI L. KOSTER Special to The Eagl Ea e

When Henrietta Harrison receive cei d a breast cancer diagnosis in October ceive 2011, the news blindsided her.

“It was the last thing on earth that I had ever expected to get,” said Harrison, 70, of Bryan, who said breast cancer did not occur in her family history.

Harrison later learned that most women who get breast cancer (approximately 85 percent, according to the American Cancer Society) do not even have ha a family history of the disease.

Bef e Harrison could even determine which surgical procedure she Befor would undergo to combat it, the doctor returned more bad news – she also had a tiny tumor in her right breast.

“Y just feel like somebody’s knocked you over,” “You er said Harrison. “You er,” “Y feel like one of those punching bags. One second you’re down, and you’re really low. In another second, you’re back up, and asking ‘what’s next?’”

Now 70 and cancer free for three years, Harrison said she still goes to support group meetings organized and run by the Pink Alliance, a local nonprofit formed in 2007 by five fi breast cancer survivo survi rs. Harrison said she attends mostly to maintain relationships and to be of help to new members.

Pink Alliance serves as the Brazos Valley’s advo ad cate for breast health and cancer support by providing reliable, infor inf mative ti resources, inspiring tive hope through individual indi and group support and offering of access to medical treatments for those with limited means. All board members and volunteers provide services without compensation.

“I don’t know what I would have ha done without the Pink Alliance,” said Harrison. “The first meeting I attended was a week after my surgery (a bilateral mastectomy). They were so supportive ti and tive helpful, and it was nice to know somebody else who knew what it felt like to go through this.”

Finding support At the time Harrison sought out the support group, she said she was not a person who normally would join a support group.

“I have ha always been one to solve my own problems and everyone else’s,” she said. “As a nurse I must have ha answered a million questions for everybody over the years. At the same time though, I knew I was not going to get through this very easily without some help.”

The support group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month in the Travis B. Bryan Jr. Community Room, located inside The Bank & Trust at 2900 S. Texas Ave. in

6 | O c t o b e r 7, 2 0 1 4

Bryan.

For the second meeting of each month, the Pink Alliance welcomes guest speakers, who cover issues of concern to breast cancer survivo survi rs, including osteoporosis, hair loss and nutrition.

Patricia Gerling, Ger president and co-facilita co-f tor of the Pink Alliance Breast Cancer Support Group, said the support group offers of a safe, inviting in en onment for patients to share feelings and concerns, as well as receive envir cei ceive emotional support through small group discussion.

Meetings are free and open to all patients and survivo survi rs within the Brazos Valley, lley regardless of where they are receiving lley, cei ceiving or receive cei d treatment. No preceive registration is required.

Early detection For Kay McWhorter, ter 66, of College Station, early ter, ear detection was key to her survi l. surviva Initially diagnosed in June 2000, McWhorter discovered she had an aggressive ssi Stage 3 ½ breast cancer with lymph node invo ssive in lvement, and receive cei d a life-saving ceive life-sa double mastectomy and removal of her lymph nodes within two weeks.

The next month she began aggressive ssi chemotherapy, ssive py followed by py, radiation.

Like Harrison, McWhorter had no family history of breast cancer – on her father’s or her mother’s side. Even so, McWhorter had a regimen of receiving cei ceiving

regular mammograms, including just six months prior to her diagnosis.

Now cancer free for more than a decade, McWhorter stresses the importance of both mammograms and monthly self-examinations – which is how she first discovered the lump in her breast.

“Definitely, when you’re drying off of from bathing, look in the mirror. My lump was visible,” said McWhorter. “Don’t be embarrassed to look at your body.”

McWhorter also stresses the importance of a healthy lifestyle – eating right and getting plenty of exercise.

In addition to being a local resource for support, the Pink Alliance also of offers both infor inf mation on cancer-related materials and resources in concert with the American Cancer Society and assists medically- and financiallychallenged cancer patients with payments to medical providers. Gerling Ger said the organization also can assist with mammogram costs.

Another local organization, Bosom Buddies, raises funds to provide mammograms for women in Washington County who are unable to affo af rd them. The group also offers of local support group meetings, held the third Thursday of every month at a local restaurant.

For more infor inf mation, e-mail brenhambosombuddies@gmail.com.

Think Pink, a mammogram program established through the annual Surviving Survi and Thriving ri riving Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon, also provides mammograms to local patients who cannot affo af rd them.

To donate a mammogram, visit survi surviving andthri andthriving.org or call 979-229-1200.

Left to right: Local breast br cancer survivors, Henrietta Harrison and Kay McWhorter McWhorter. ter.

50PLUS

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

Fundraising and awareness The Pink Alliance raises funds locally throughout the year, ar and, Gerling ar, Ger said, those funds remain local.

On Oct. 24, the Pink Alliance will hold its fourth annual Golf Classic at Pebble Creek Country Club – its major fundraiser for the year, ar featuring celebrity ar, golfer Dat Nguyen. The Bridal Association of the Brazos Valley’s spring and fall bridal fairs also have ha identified Pink Alliance as its charity of choice.

For more infor inf mation on the Pink Alliance and upcoming events, visit pinkalliance.org or contact Ger Gerling at 979-224-3813.

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

Metro Creative Connection

Self-examination is often the first step toward discovering the presence of breast cancer. The importance of self-examinations is immeasurable, and many women are taught from a very young age to conduct such inspections to protect themselves from breast cancer. Breast cancer that is detected early is very treatable, but the longer a person with breast cancer goes undiagnosed the less effective and the more difficult that treatment becomes. But even women who don’t find anything during selfexaminations may want to ask their physicians to conduct the following tests designed to find and diagnose breast cancer.

Biopsy: A biopsy, which is the removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer, may be conducted to determine if breast cancer is present. When a lump in the breast is found, doctors may remove a small piece of the lump to perform a biopsy. There are four types of biopsies. An excisional biopsy is the removal of an entire lump of tissue, while an incisional biopsy removes just part of a lump or a sample of tissue.

A core biopsy removes tissue using a wide needle, whereas a fine-needle aspiration, or FNA, biopsy uses a thin needle to remove the tissue.

Blood chemistry studies: A blood chemistry study checks a blood sample to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual amount of a substance, whether that amount is higher or lower than normal, may be indicative of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it.

Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam, or CBE, is an examination of the breast that is conducted by a doctor or another health professional. The person conducting the examination will carefully feel the breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.

Magnetic resonance imaging test: Commonly referred to as an MRI or a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, or NMRI, this procedure employs a magnet, radio waves and a computer to produce a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body.

Mammogram: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can be used to check for breast

50PLUS

cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Mammograms also may be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found.

According to the National Cancer Institute, a mammogram performed on a pregnant woman may appear negative even if cancer is present.

The NCI also notes that mammograms miss roughly 20 percent of breast cancers that are present at the time of screening.

Physical exam: Women should get a routine physical examination of their bodies once a year.

Physicians conducting such exams will check for general signs of health while also checking for signs of disease, including breast cancer. Breast cancer symptoms may include swelling and lumps on the breast or under the arms. During a routine physical, a doctor also will request the patient provide a history of her health habits and past illnesses, and women with a family history of breast cancer should make note of that history when discussing their own medical histories.

Ultrasound exam: During an ultrasound exam, high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs to make echoes, which form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.

October 7, 2014 | 7

Menopause treatment and breast cancer risk

Vision for the way you live.

Proudly serving the Brazos Valley for over 25 years.

Metro Creati Cr ve Connection

Upon reaching a certain age, women go through the natural process of menopause.

This change typically occurs when a woman reaches her late 40s or ear 50s. early

Cataract Screening & Surgery Diabetic Eye Exam Routine Eye Exams In-Office Laser Surgery Lasik/PRK Refractive Surgery Contact Lenses & Glasses

Celebrating 25 years of caring for patients with Clinical Excellence and Unwavering Compassion.

The transition to menopause happens over several years and results in fluctuations of hormone levels in a woman’s body. During this transition, many women experience a variety of symptoms, from mood changes to hot flashes to vaginal dryness. These symptoms can be so severe they impact daily activities and can impede quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, may be prescribed to alleviate the side effects of perimenopause and

Bryan: 979-821-2266 Brenham: 979-277-9525 La Grange: 979-968-6913 Inpatient Facility: 979-821-5030 www.hospicebrazosvalley.org

Call today for a Free Cataract Screening

979-776-7564

or 1-800-338-7864

Your t hospice of choice

MARR EYE CENTER

since 1989

William H. Marr, M.D., P.A.

menopause. However, HRT is not without risks, including an increased chance of

See HRT pa 10 page

Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthamology

Jamie Houser, O.D.

2801 East 29th at Memorial Drive • Bryan WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS, WE’RE THE ONES TO SEE

Senior Circle is out to expand your horizons with

Come play with someone your own age!

an exciting calendar of events scheduled around town and around the world. If you’re 50 or better, better want to meet new people, learn more about your health, travel and just have fun, then Senior Circle year To join or for is for you. Dues are just $15 a year. more information, call Mandy Williams at 979-764-5107 or visit CSMedCenter.com.

Become part of the Circle.

S p o n s o re d b y

Official Healthcare Provider for Texas A&M Athletics

8 | O c t o b e r 7, 2 0 1 4

50PLUS

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

False memory manipulation - why it could be a new mental health therapy There is forgetting. There is remembering, but remembering wrongly. Seniors have both problems.

Most of these columns have focused on how to minimize forgetting. Here I want to consider what researchers have identified as false memory.

Several books explain false memory and discuss the implications for important human experiences and interpersonal relationships.

Even the criminal justice system has dr. BILL KLeMM concerns as it relates The MeMory MeDic to eye-witness legal testimony.

Scientists are now trying some new approaches to studying false memories. For example, MIT scientists have discovered a way to plant false memories in the brains of mice. They begin with identifying neurons that help hold or recall the representation of a specific stored memory. Then they use a new technology called optogenics to selectively activate these cells and trigger recall of that memory. The basic idea is to genetically engineer brain cells to express the gene for a protein that excites the neuron and fluoresces when stimulated by light.

With implanted fiber optics, they can use light to turn these tagged neurons

Reduce expenses from page 5

reduce your spending now, you are reducing your anticipated retirement living expenses because you are getting used to living on less. At the same time, when you increase the amount you’re putting into savings, you need less in retirement savings. This is a good double whammy.

4. Eliminate debt. After the financial crisis, people are beginning to borrow money again. If you have a mortgage and two car loans, you might be spending $2,000 a month on debt. That might be affordable now, while you are still earning a good salary. However, when your total expected retirement spending is $5,000 per month, that $2,000 is a whopping T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

on or off at will. The goal is to see if the behavior associated with a memory can be produced by light-activation of the neurons that were active during learning.

The researchers conditioned mice to fear entering a particular chamber where they got a mild foot shock.

Mice reflect this fear by freezing all movement. This shock experience serves to “label” the involved neurons as they construct the memory of this training. Later, the mice could be made to freeze in a different and safe environment if their previously trained neurons were activated by light. Thus, a newly acquired false memory had been imposed.

All false memories are imposed by new experiences that corrupt what is happening in real time. For people under ordinary conditions, recall of old memories is often incomplete and reconstructed in the light of current experiences. When an old memory is recalled, the incomplete recall and current experiences will change the content of that old memory. The reconstructed memory is put back into storage (“re-consolidated”).Thus, when older memories are recalled again and again over long periods of time, the gradual changes are corruptions that accumulate to form a memory that is not be the same as the original

memory. It’s similar to the parlor game, where a story is told to one person, who then tells it to another, who then tells it to yet another, and so on. By the time the last person re-tells the story, it’s not the original story.

Why is the mouse study important for ordinary human experiences?

First, it is a controlled experiment that confirms basic principles about how false memories can be created.

Second, the results suggest that more sophisticated psychological counseling methods might be developed to reduce the incidence of false memories.

But now there is the unexpected possibility that beneficial false memories might be therapeutically implanted to displace unwanted original memories. A new era of mental health might include falsememory-induced improvements in selfimage, broken personal relationships, and post-traumatic stress syndrome.

In the meanwhile, what we can all do is become more skeptical of our disturbing memories of the past.

Reasons for present-day attitudes and beliefs may have become distorted from repeated recall and because they’re no longer justifiable.

Unpleasant encounters with others may have become exaggerated over time. Personal traumas that we remember today may be unduly

dragging us down because they are misremembered, making it even more unwise to dwell on them.

Living more in the present lets us live fresh and free from unpleasant past experiences that we have unwittingly made more toxic by false memory. The older we get, the less future we have.

We should not jeopardize the fruits of that limited future with poisonous memories of our past.

40 percent of your entire spending budget. Under this scenario, when you eliminate your debt before you retire, you will have a substantial increase in your standard of living during your golden years. (Don’t forget to look into making extra principal payments on your mortgage. If your mortgage contract allows, extra payments can accelerate debt elimination.)

5. Work longer. Delay your retirement. Continue working at your current job as long as you can. Meet with a financial advisor before you retire. If you wait until after you retire to see an advisor, you have far fewer options. While you are still employed, there are significant steps you can take to improve your position. After your retirement party, consider switching to a part-time job. Think about consulting or working in a store.

6. Delay taking Social Security.

When you work longer, you can more easily delay taking Social Security.

Each year that you postpone taking Social Security beyond age 62 and up to age 70, you can increase the amount you get by about 7 percent to 8 percent.

You should get advice on when and how to start taking Social Security. Most people think that age is the biggest decision regarding Social Security -age 62 or later. For a married couple, there are 81 different strategies to consider when making Social Security benefit decisions. How will you know which of the 81 strategies will maximize your benefits? You need to consult an expert. Start with your financial advisor from number 2 above.

7. Contribute more to your 401(k) or IRA. If you are struggling to save money now, add as much as you

can to these retirement contributions.

Even a small increase can contribute to a more financially secure retirement.

8. Life insurance paying for itself. If you have a cash value life insurance policy, find out when the policy can “pay for itself” with the cash value and dividends. This can free up some cash to go into your company savings plan and/or your IRA. No one single strategy is going to fix a retirement savings shortfall if you have fallen far behind. Try as many of these steps as you can and see how that will reduce the angst in your uphill climb to retirement security. The key is in the variety of moves.

50PLUS

Sources: Brainerd, C. J., & Reyna, V. F. (2005).

The science of false memory. New York: Oxford University Press.

Cherry, Kendra. What is false memory? http://psychology.about. com/od/findex/g/false-memorydefinition.htm Ramirez, Steve, et al. (2013) Creating a false memory in the hippocampus.

Science. 341: 387-391. DOI: 10.1126/ science.1239073 Schacter, D. L. (1995) Memory Distortion. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Dr. Bill’s latest book is “Mental Biology. How the New Science of How Brain and Mind Relate.” New York: Prometheus. 228 pages. See his website, WRKlemm.com.

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

October 7, 2014 | 9

CALENDAR 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 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m. For more details, contact 979-764-6351, 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 979764-6351, 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. Bring string instruments and a friend. For more details, contact 979-764-6351, 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Friday Bridge - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers bridge for seniors every Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more, contact 979-7646351, 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Learn how to play 42 dominoes - Learn the popular game of 42 every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Contact Southwood Community Center at 979764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information.

42 dominoes - Seniors meet every Thursday to play 42 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. New players welcome. For more details, contact 979764-6351, 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bible study – Bible study is held for seniors at 9:15 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@ cstx.gov for more information.

Oct. 13

Free Beginning Computer Class for seniors - Learn the basics of how to search the

HRT

from page 8 developing breast cancer.

According to The Mayo Clinic, HRT, which includes medications containing female hormones to replace the ones the body no longer makes naturally

1 0 | O c t o b e r 7, 2 0 1 4

Internet and email. Class size is limited. To register contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bridge Class for Beginners - Class is designed especially for beginners and taught in a fun way. Class meets on Mondays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for five weeks at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Cost is $45. To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov. For more details, call 979-7643486.

Oct. 14

Free health fair – Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, will hold a health fair from 9 a.m. to noon.

Blinn College nursing students will be doing free checks for high blood pressure, diabetes, vision, hearing, height and weight, and will answer health and medical questions. For more information, call 764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Oct. 15

Health fair for seniors - Blinn College nursing students will be doing checks for high blood pressure, diabetes, vision, hearing, height and weight and will answer any health and medical questions. Will be held at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Exploring History Luncheon - The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present monthly lectures with lunch on the history of the community. Tweed Scott will speak on experiences of traveling Texas, as captured in his book, ‘Texas in Her Own Words.’ The luncheon is held at Aldersgate Church, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway S. in College Station. A reservation is necessary for lunch, by the Friday before; the cost is $5. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Speaker will begin at noon. Reserve by contacting 979764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Oct. 16

Movie and Popcorn “Miracle Arm” - Seniors

after menopause, used to be a standard treatment for women with severe symptoms. In the largest clinical trial to date, a combination estrogen-progestin pill was found to increase the risk of certain serious conditions, including blood clots, heart disease, stroke and breast cancer. This type of therapy also may make a woman’s breasts appear

are invited to enjoy a free movie and popcorn at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Movie starts at 1 p.m. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information.

Oct. 20

Beginning Computer Class for seniors Class is designed for seniors who would like to learn how to use the Internet and email. Class meets for two weeks on Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Cost is $45. To register visit rectrac.cstx. gov. Call 979-764-3486 for more information.

Intermediate Computer Class for seniors - Basic computer skills required. Move to the next level and learn more tips on creating and storing documents. Class meets on Monday and Wednesday for two weeks from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Cost is $45. Register at rectrac.cstx.gov. For more information, call College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 979-764-3486.

Oct. 23

October FEST for seniors - All seniors are invited to a picnic and polka dancing. Enjoy sausage, polka band, prizes, a cake walk and more from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Veterans Park. For more information contact 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Oct. 25

Audiobook Celebration Event – The Clara B. Mounce Public Library will host the event, which, from 10 to 11 a.m., will feature two professional narrators talking about how audiobooks are produced and discussing their experiences.

From 10 a.m. to noon, a representative from the Talking Books of Texas program, a division of the Texas State Library and Archive Commission, will be available to explain this free program for people who are blind, learning disabled, or have other physical conditions which prevent them from being able to read a book or magazine. The library will also demonstrate how to sign up for the

more dense on mammograms, making breast cancer more difficult to detect.

When undergone for more than a few years, HRT has been confirmed by multiple studies to increase the risk for breast cancer.

Women concerned about HRT and cancer risk, especially those with a significant family history of breast

50PLUS

library’s OneClick Digital system of checking out e-audiobooks to smart phones and other devices.

For more information, call 979-209-5600.

Oct. 27

Senior Advisory Committee meeting – Held the last Monday of each month at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station at 10 a.m. Visitors welcome.

For more information call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Oct. 28

Seminar for seniors on legal and financial documents - “What you need to know about Legal & Financial Documents” with Jerry Crockett.

All seniors are invited to this free seminar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. For more information call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Free health fair – Brazos County Senior Citizen Association will hold a health fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1402 Bristol Street in Bryan.

Blinn College nursing students will be doing free checks for high blood pressure, diabetes, vision, hearing, height and weight, and will answer health and medical questions. For more details, contact 693-0400 or bcscainc@gmail.com.

Oct. 30

Fall Dance - Enjoy an evening of dancing with DJ Tom Byer from 7 to 9 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Free and refreshments served. Come in costume. Door prizes. For more information call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Oct. 31

Bingo & Birthday Celebration - Seniors are invited on 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. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information.

cancer, generally want to avoid the use of hormone therapies. But what is a person who is experiencing many side effects of menopause that can be so easily remedied by hormone therapy to do? Research into

See Alternatives page 11 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Alternatives from page pa 10

HRT alternatives has discovered a host of natural treatments that can provide relief.

Soy: Soy offers some promising results, especially with regard to relieving hot flashes. Soy is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Red clover and flaxseed are other sources of plant estrogens. Phytoestrogens are less potent than pharmaceutical estrogen, and scientists believe they do not contribute to breast cancer in the way natural or pharmaceutical estrogen may.

Black cohosh: Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family and is a perennial plant native to North America.

Preparations of black cohosh are made from the roots and underground stems.

Black cohosh has long been used by natives of North America to treat malaise, gynecological disorders, rheumatism and other conditions. Black cohosh is now sold as an herbal remedy to alleviate hot flashes and excessive sweating in menopausal women. The National Institutes of Health awarded more than $7 million to the University of Illinois to study the efficacy of black cohosh and other herbs in treating certain symptoms of menopause.

Dong quai: This herb is in the celery family and native to Asia. In Chinese medicine, dong quai has been considered a “female ginseng” because of its way of balancing the female hormonal system.

As such, dong quai has long been used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers are unsure if dong quai acts like estrogen or blocks estrogen in the body, as studies have produced mixed results.

The Most Important Thing in any Relationship

of the

Winner

2012

Lifestyle changes: Women may need to dress more lightly, use a water atomizer to spray their bodies to cool down and keep their bedrooms cold to alleviate hot flashes.

Vaginal estrogen: If vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse are the primary symptoms, vaginal estrogen rings or suppositories may be necessary.

These provide estrogen directly to the affected area while only allowing very low levels to enter the bloodstream. In turn, vaginal estrogen may not increase breast cancer risk in the same way as other hormone therapies.

Robert Herring, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

3091 University Drive East, #410 Bryan, TX 77802 www.listenhearaudiology.com

Hormone replacement therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms, but also it can elevate breast cancer risk.

Other options are available, and women can speak with their doctors about alternatives to HRT.

l u f i t u a It ’s a be at e l y t s e lif

•Tra •T nsportation & Activities • Fully Equipped Kitchen • Light Housekeeping • 3 Meals a Day Da • Linen Service • Private Patio

Join Jo us for fo

WILD WEST RODEO October 22nd • 12pm - 3pm

LIVE MUSIC•GAMES•DANCING•FOOD RSVP Today - Space is Limited!

Call William - 979-774-1298

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

50PLUS

October 7, 2014 | 11

The gratifying, satisfying, enriching, mind-expanding, soul-stirring, laughter-filled lifestyle.

And now, two more things you should know about Arbor Oaks independent living at Crestview. First, the new Arbor Oaks has the long-respected heritage of Crestview behind it – which means you can expect a future with as much integrity as Crestview’s past. And second, it’s ingenious: Life Care, one of the cleverest ideas in senior living, helps you manage the costs of long-term care, just in case you need it someday.

Maybe that’s why Arbor Oaks is proving so popular with Bryan-College Station seniors. After all, heritage, ingenuity and happiness-filled hearts make a pretty good plan for senior living.

NOW OPEN. Call 1.888.419.4734 to find out more.

AN MRC HEALTHY LIVING COMMUNITY

2505 East Villa Maria Road • Bryan, TX 77802 • mrccrestview.org

1 2 | O c t o b e r 7, 2 0 1 4

50PLUS

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