50 Plus guide

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

Inside...

Suppertime Mojo

Chef Diane offers up tangy beef kabobs this month Pg. 4

Georgia on My Mind

Enjoy history and hospitality on your next vacation Pg. 5

February 2011 • Vol. 3, Issue 10 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Love is in the Air It’s never too late to find a new date

PAGE PA GE 8

50plus

CONTENTS Chef Diane: Mojo Marinated Beef Kabobs Travel: Coastal Georgia Bradway: Do You Need Physical Therapy?

Health: Treating Foot Pain Cover: Senior Dating Health: Benefits of Skin Care Calendar

4 5 6 7 8 12 15

Calendar events

February 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

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DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Ron Lee

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Billy Mau billy.mau@theeagle.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER Joanne R. Patranella joanne.patranella@theeagle.com

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

Studies show concentration more difficult for the elderly Do you have young grandchildren? You probably have noticed that they have problems paying attention.

What you may not have noticed that you too may have lost significant ability to pay attention.

Does this sound familiar: “What was it I wanted when I opened the frig door? … Why did I come into this room? ... What was it I meant to get in this store?” The basic problem here is that such lapses increasingly occur as you get older because you are more susceptible to distraction. It is as if we get attention deficit disorder (ADD) as we age.

A brain-scan study at the University of Toronto found that older people, compared to young adults, have decreased brain activity in brain areas that enable concentration This means that older brains can’t focus well because the parts of the brain that enable concentration don’t get active enough.

To compound the problem, older people show increased activity in parts of the brain that don’t normally get activated during memory tasks in younger people. The explanation for this is that as memory capabilities develop in young people, fewer nerve cells are needed to process the DR. BiLL KLemm task. But the memory meDiC this is less true in older people, whose brain needs to assign the attentiveness and memory work to more parts of brain. However, you look at it, the findings document an age-related decline in the brain’s ability to focus its neural resources on memory tasks. What may be most worrisome is that the brain shows such signs of decline around age 40.

Another study at the University of Illinois examined age-related

decrease in attentiveness efficiency. Researchers recorded brain electrical responses in young adults and older subjects (65-78 years) who were passively listening to distracting bursts of sound. In young people, brain responses to repeated, irrelevant tones were quickly suppressed but were more persistent in older adults. Other aspects of the experiment reinforced the conclusion that the brains of older subjects were less able to filter out irrelevant information. The good news for the elderly is that age does not seem to make you forget any faster. Age does, however, make you more distractible.

Yet another study, this one from the U. California at San Francisco, demonstrated that older people tend to have difficulty in ignoring distractions and irrelevant

See Memory Medic page 14

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A Heartfelt Choice

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50plus February 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Find your dinner mojo with these beef kabobs Schedules can get super busy, sy sy, but with a little planning the night bef e, this is a dinner you can have befor ha on the table quickly at the end of a full day. It is also a good dish to brighten a dreary February evening.

Sir Sirloin steak is marinated in a Cuban-inspired marinade called mojo. The citrus in mojo is a great tenderizer and also give gi s lots of flavo fla r to the meat. Have Ha your onion and Diane Lestina lime cut ahead and by the time Cook it Simple your rice is done, www.ChefDiane.Com the meat will be cooked and ready to plate.

I like to serve this with a simple black bean salad – canned black beans (drained and rinsed) with a little garlic powder, er cumin, salt and pepper er, and a splash of fruity olive oli oil.

Mojo-Marinated Beef Kabobs

Serves 2 Mo Mojo: • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice or lemon juice or a combination • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh oregano or

1 Tbsp. dried • 3 Tbsp. olive oil • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley • 1 tsp. ground cumin • 1 tsp. minced garlic • 3/4 tsp. salt Kabobs: • 1 lb. boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-inch thick • 1 tsp. coarse grind black pepper • 1 large lime, cut into 8 wedges • 1 small red onion, cut into 8 thin wedges Whisk Mojo Sauce ingredients in small bowl. Set aside.

Cut beef steak into 1-1/4 inch pieces; season with pepper. Place beef in zippered bag and pour in marinade. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

When ready to cook, alternate beef with lime and onion wedges evenly onto four 12-inch metal skewers.

Preheat broiler to high. Place kabobs on foil-lined baking sheet.

Broil kabobs, 4 inches from heat, about 8 to 10 minutes for mediumrare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Serve over rice.

Diane Lestina, a certified pe personal chef, holds cooking ing classes andd cooks ing for residents nt in the Brya nts Br n-College St ion area. To learn more, Stat re visit re, www hefd www.c he iane.com

Card Shark

Spice up a grey February day da with a little summer spice by cooking up these quick and easy Mojo-Marinated Beef Kabobs.

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106759_11

ASSISTED LIVING • SKILLED NURSING

By SANDY KATZ KA Matur Life Mature Lif Features atur atures

Senior Circle is out to expand your horizons with an exciting calendar of events scheduled around town and around the world. If you’re 50 or better, want to meet new people, learn more about your health, travel and just have fun, then Senior Circle is for you.

Dues are just $15 a year. Call Mandy Williams today at 979-764-5107 and become part of the Circle.

New Orleans • April 11-15, 2011 Enjoy a leisurely motor coach tour that includes fascinating destinations, gorgeous scenery and a charming bit of history.

Colors of New England • October 10-17, 2011 Experience the lovely shades of fall with this tour of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

See Sava Sa nnah pa 13 page

Come play with someone your own age!

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Fort King George, the oldest fort on the Georgia coast that served as the British Empire’s southernmost outpost in North America from 1721 to 1737, has been reconstructed on its original site in Darien.

Among other dive di rsions is The For some truly laid-back Southern comf t, there are Sava comfor Sa nnah Rive Ri rboat Mighty Eighth Air Force museum that cruises as well ts nearby Tybee Island, chronicles the history of the Eighth acti ted at with its old-fashioned old-f charm of a beach Air Force, which was activa nearby Hunter Field during World War community that stood still in time.

February 2011

SA NNAH — If you think the SAVA li livin’ is easy in Georgia’s First City, City let yourself be lulled leisurely into its surroundings to soak in the true South.

British colonists established Sa nnah city in 1733 when Gen. James Sava Oglethorpe pitched a tent alongside the Sava Sa nnah Rive Ri r, planting the seed for a city that grew into such a beauty it was spared from Gen. William Sherman’s torch in his March to the Sea in 1864.

To maintain a record of and memorialize its past, it became one of the first cities in the state to launch an historic preservation program that features, among other things, 22 mossdraped tree-filled squares embracing historic buildings, green space, and ri rfront areas. rive You can pick from several guided walking, riding or carriage tours that focus on everything from ghosts to food to history to birding.

Ranking high in popularity are those following the trail of John Berendt’s Gothic murder tale “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and the Southern Queen of Cuisine Paula Deen’s Tour.

II and created the largest air armada in history. Its exhibits include the City of Sava Sa nnah, a B-17 bomber flown on combat missions to Germany.

Fort King George, the oldest fort on the Georgia coast that served as the British Empire’s southernmost outpost in North America from 1721 to 1737, has been reconstructed on its original site in nearby Darien.

The remains of the Scottish pioneer village built here after the fort was abandoned are also on the grounds.

A highlight of a Georgia coast trip is the boat ride in the Okefanok ef efanok ee National Wildlife refuge, where you can get pretty up close and personal to an abundance of wildlife that includes alligators, black bears, otters, herons, and egrets.

On Jekyll Island, you can visit the exclusive usi usive cottages that were once inhabited by the richest barons in the United States.

Towns throughout Georgia are building new centers with the antique feel but Newman, “The City of Homes” in Coweta County half an hour east of Atlanta has the real thing -- authentic town squares, tree-lined main streets,

50plus

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50plus February 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com 6

How to tell if you are in need of physical therapy Over the past year, ar I have ar, had increased incr difficulty with my balance and with general ner neral strengthening, ngthening and I was ngthening, wondering if there ther are ar some tests that I can do at home, to determine if I need to see my doctor and request physical therapy. therap apy.

Harry, ry ry, Colle Station College Dear Harry, ry ry, Leon BraDway Dw Dway There herapy phySiCal therap is a very valid assessment tool for balance dysfunction known as the Tinetti Assessment Evaluation. There are 18 tests of which 10 are related to balance and eight related to walking. Some of the balance tests include: 1. Is the individual indi able to stand from a seated position five times in 14 seconds without using the help of the arms?

2. When the individual indi stands, can they close their eyes without becoming unsteady?

3. Can the individual indi stand and do a complete 360-degree turn without losing their balance?

4. Can the individual indi go from a standing position to a sitting position without the use of the hands?

5. When the individual indi first stands, in the first five seconds, do they have ha excessive cessi amount of sway, cessive ay ay, side to side or forward to back?

Two of the gait tests that are easy to administer at home invo in lve when the indi individual ambulates, does the swing foot pass the stance foot or does it stop short of the stance foot. The indi individual should be able to ambulate with a normal stride length of the foot in which it passes the stance foot. The second test for gait would be when the individual indi steps forward, does the indi individuals swing foot clear the floor entirely, or does the toe drag as it swings forward?

Gait disturbances go hand in hand with core muscle strength deficiencies. All too

often, a patient comes into the clinic with weakness in one leg and if the individual indi does not exercise and train both legs, the problem normally shifts to the other side. It is essential that when an indi individual has gait, balance, or weakness in the lower extremity, emity that their program emity, be designed to strengthen the core, which is the trunk, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles bilaterally.

A recent patient that we ha worked with at the clinic have comes to mind as a great example of what can be done for balance dysfunction.

One patient is an 87 year old female, who fell and broke her wrist. The fall was due to an already existing ambulation instability. It was determined that first her eyesight was impaired, so her feedback mechanism visually reduced her ability to determine when she was ambulating on uneven ground. She slipped in a puddle of water, ter outside ter, of her home leading to the wrist fracture. As a result of the wrist fracture, she was immobilized in a splint and cast. This caused an even greater instability in her ambulation because it threw of her upper body rhythm. off When she came to the clinic, we were able to determine that her eye hand coordination was impaired due to her visual limitation.

When we checked her upper body, trunk, and lower extremity strength, she was functioning at 50 percent of normal levels for her age.

She then saw her ophthalmologist for two cataracts. The cast was removed from her arm and her wrist was rehabilitated.

Four weeks later, ter her wrist ter, and hand function was at 75 percent of the uninvo unin lved hand and she was placed on an intensive intensi conditioning, coordination, and gait program. She has not had any falls in the last nine months. She is presently ambulating two miles a day.

See Bradway pa 13 page

On your feet all day?

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Dog Parks Shelter Health Hazards

How Sweet is Too Sweet?

A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the second and third or third and fourth toes that bring on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. The principal symptom associated with a neuroma is pain between the toes while walking.

Many people complain they feel they are amy Haase “walking on a pebble” put your or “their sock is rolled beSt foot forwarD up in their shoe.” Those suffering from the condition often find relief by stopping their walking, taking off their shoe, and massaging the affected area.

Some people will complain of cramping at night. Numbness and tingling in the affected digits are also common symptoms. The vast majority of people who develop neuromas are women. The pain is worse in closed toe or narrow shoes.

Symptoms

• Pain in the forefoot and between the toes.

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Volunteers between the ages of 12 and older, older with facial acne are needed to participate in a 11-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: study-related acne evaluations by a Dermatologist study-related medication reimbursement up to $200 for time and effort.

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• Tingling and numbness in the ball of the foot, which can radiate into the toes.

• Swelling between the toes.

• Pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on it.

How Do You Get a Neuroma?

Although the exact cause for this condition is unclear, a number of factors can contribute to the formation of a neuroma. A high-arched or flat foot deformity can lead to this condition, as well as, trauma to the area.

The most common cause is improper shoe gear, which squeeze the toes together, and cause swelling of the nerve. High heel shoes greater than 1.5 to 2 inches can increase the pressure on the ball of the foot and cause pain. Repeated stress, common to many occupations or leisure activities, can create or aggravate a neuroma.

What Can You Do for Relief?

Wear shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, low heels, and laces or buckles that allow for width adjustment. High heels should be avoided whenever possible because they place undo strain on the forefoot and

See Foot Pain page 13

DisColoreD ol oloreD

toenails? toenail Fungus?

Volunteers ages 18-65 are needed to par participate ticipate in a 36 Day Day long clinical research study with an investigational estigational topical medication for the treatment of an infection of the toenail called onychomy onychomy chomycosis. cosis. Eligible igible volunteers lunteers will be required quired to make daily office visits for study drug applications.

Qualified alified participants will receive at no cost:

study udy related examinations aminations by a Dermatologist atologist study medication Compensation up to $2,140 for time and travel trav Call For more inForma inFormation

JoCk itCH Volunteers ages 12 and older, older are needed to participate in a 16 day long clinical research study of an investigational topical medication for the treatment of jock itch.

All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost:

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Too much sugar is blamed for a variety of health problems including diabetes and obesity.

Medical professionals advise that usage be used in “moderation.” But how much is too much?

The answer is no more than 25 grams of added sugar a day for women and 37.5 grams for men, according to guidelines established by the American Heart Association. Both are less than what’s in a can of soda.

The key phrase is“added sugars,” said Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Because nutrition labels don’t distinguish between natural sugars, such as fructose in fruit, and the ones added in food processing, consumers need to scour lists of ingredients for sugar content.

“If sugar is listed as one of the top three ingredients, you know that most of the sugar in that food is coming from added sugar,” said Sandon.

Some common euphemisms for sugar include brown sugar, corn sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, glucose, highfructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, lactose, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, sucrose, syrup, and table sugar.

Mature Life Features

Does foot pain get on your nerves?

February 2011

While dog parks are fun places to exercise and socialize your dog, “They can also harbor health risks,” said California Veterinary Medical Association President Dean Henricks, “It’s important for dog owners to take a few precautions.”

The CVMA offers these tips to keep your pet safe.

• Keep your dog’s vaccinations current. Other dogs may not be up-to-date on vaccinations, and your dog could be exposed to diseases.

• Socialize your dog with other dogs and people before going to dog parks.

• Keep an eye on your dog to prevent it from getting into fights.

• Small dogs should go to dog parks that have separate areas for smaller breeds. Untrained larger dogs may perceive them as prey or engage in rough play.

• Take water for your dog to drink. Water stations at the park have been used by other dogs and wildlife and may be a source of disease.

• Clean your dog’s paws when you leave the park to minimize the risk of picking up parasites or diseases from the soil.

• Have your veterinarian check your dog regularly for parasites.

• Talk to your veterinarian about any precautions you should take with your dog.

• Follow the dog-park rules.

They generally include licensing requirements, leash laws, and a minimum-age requirement for children.

And remember that you are personally and legally responsible for your dog.

50plus

HEALTH MATTERS

study-related medication sk exams by a skin Board Certified Dermatologist Compensation up to $950 for time and effort Call For more inForma inFormation

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50plus February 2011

By HOLLI L. ESTRIDGE

8

Glenn Davis Da was not expecting to meet a life partner, tner when Dotty Praska walked tner, into his life.

“I was looking for someone, but I wasn’t in a hurry about it,” said Davis Da , a 64-year-old Texas A&M Unive Uni rsity professor and author.

But when a friend introduced him to Praska – also 64 and owner of vacation-planning company Romantic Inter Interludes – sparks spar flew. Davis Da and Praska plan to tie the knot this year.

“I think that old saying of kissing a lot of frogs applies,” said Praska, who added she now has more realistic expectations when it comes to dating than she did earlier ear in life.

“I don’t expect the absolute perfect knight in shining armor anymore.

But this is much better.”

Jeanette Weisberg, a professional matchmaker for eLove, said Praska’s approach to dating is typical for many singles over the age of 50.

“Y “You’r elookingfordiffer dif ent differ things than you were in your 20s or 30s,” said Weisberg, who hand-matches singles from the national firm’s San Antonio of offices .

“Y “You’r e not so picky about looks. You want to ha have more in common with someone.”

Weisberg, who works with singles ranging from 18 to 75 years of age, said seniors also are more sure of what they want, having ha more life experiences under their belt.

Security

While Internet dating has become popular – and a handful of senior sites exist – Weisberg said some singles worry about security.

In that case a personalized introduction service such as eLove – which conducts background checks and interviews singles in its San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Houston offices of – can offer of a safer alternative ti . tive With a more traditional matchmaker, er er, customers also have ha the ability to provide feedback.

“They tell us what they liked or didn’t like, and we go back to the drawing board.

We choose again, focusing more on what people want.”

Internet Dating

For her part, Praska describes her overall experience with dating as positi . positive “Everyone that I met was really quite nice, though it went the whole range,” she said. “It’s a great option, with a lot of adva ad ntages. As you get older, older it can become more difficult dif to meet people.”

Praska added that she had several friends who met their spouses online.

Da , on the other hand, said he never Davis had much luck with Internet dating.

“There are a lot of people who aren’t being absolutely honest, and when

yo meet them, they are not what you you expected,” he said.

Sites such as Single Seniors Meet and Da Dating For Seniors offer of means for singles to cast a wider net than they might through thr ough more traditional means.

Companionship Co mpanionship Later in Life

As seniors trend toward more active acti re ement – many opting to shed the retirement responsibilities re sponsibilities of managing a house and ya yard – companionship can be lifeenriching, enric hing, said Judy Emley, Emley resident activity director for Watercrest at Bryan activity Active Adult Living.

Acti Li “The he people in our community want to live li every day to the fullest,” Emley said. “T “They don’t want any moss to grow under their feet.” gr While Emley said her single residents re sidents – who average 70 years in age – often seek ye companionship more than love, bu lo but they occasionally witness romances within the community.

A 90-year 90-y ear-old couple – whomet wh metinadiffer dif ent differ community – recentl re cently married at Water tercrest.

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The Eagle • theeagle.com

Special to The Eagl Ea e

February 2011

too late to find a new date

50plus

Loveis in the Air Seniors discover it’s never

9

Check your ID Theft Score With identity thefts occurring at a rate of about 300 a minute, your chances of being a victim of this spreading crime continue to grow.

To give you a clearer picture and, perhaps, some peace of mind, of your vulnerability, you can check your ID Theft score for free on your computer.

Go to the website www. myidscore.com and answer a handful of questions to determine your score, which can range from the low risk of one to the highest risk of 999.

The only question you don’t have to answer is to supply your Social Security number. If you choose not to provide it, you’ll still get your score, which will let you know if your risk is high.

Scanners Solve Paper Problem If those boxes of documents and insurance policies and awards and files have been bugging you for years, you can get rid of all that paper by scanning the material and storing it in your computer.

The first thing you’ll want to do is make backup copies on a plugand-play hard drive, flash drive, or compact disk that you’ll have

to store away from your home or office to protect it from fire, storm, earthquake or other disaster.

You also might want to get a scanner that handles more than one sheet of paper at a time, as do most of the fax-scanner-copierprinter models available.

Expanding panding our services services to better meet your yo needs We would like to introduce you to you our Medical Directors....

Keep an Eye on your Bank Statements As the recently legislated bank rules designed to reduce fees banks charge customers go into effect, financial institutions are seeking ways to recoup the loss of revenue by charging for or increasing existing charges for basic banking services.

It probably means the end of free checking accounts, although some of the innovative methods banks have come up with include the requirement that you use your debit card a certain number of times each month to maintain a no-fee checking account.

Read all the mail you receive from you bank, pour over your monthly statements and, if you can, check your account regularly online to monitor any changes in fees and services. You might have to shop around to find the deal that’s best for you.

Mature Life Features

Dr. Mark Florian, MD

Dr. Denise Turner, MD

Medical Director

President of Brazos-Robertson County Medical Society President of Brazos Valley Physicians Organizatiom Board Chaiman of The Physicans Centre Hospital

Associate Medical Director

Board Certified in Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Care and Family Medicine

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Our hospice team is available 24/7

When you call Texas Home Health Hospice after hours an experienced hospice RN will triage your call at once. No delays. No answering service inf For more information call 1-877-747-3860

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

979-696-4080 or 979-774-3668 (FOOT) www Visit our website at: www.diagnosticfootspecialists.com

FOOT HEALTH HEAL TIPS

50plus February 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

MONEY MATTERS

NEW TREATMENT FOR HEEL PAIN & OTHER SOFT TISSUE INJURIES OF THE FOOT NOW AVAILABLE of An inno innovative treatment for soft oft tissue injuries ies of the foot, using the patients own blood. This procedure offers a safer blood afer afer er,, less expensive and more effective alternative to expensiv invasivee ffoot oot surgeries. This promising treatment will revolutioniz lutionize the treatment of stubborn soft of oft tissue injuries. There are various applications for this in the foot including planter fasciitis, shin splints, tendonitis, ankle sprains and Achilles tendonitis. This treatment is extremely saf safe with minimal risk, can be done in our office resulting in faster healing and recovery.

HAMMERTOE

BUNION

INGROWN TOENAIL

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 hour.

Bunions are an unsightly bump of bone on the side of the foot near the big toe.

They can become painful because of tight fitting shoes.

This condition tends to run in families and can be corrected with an office procedure.

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

Covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid ♦ Board certified foot specialist ♦ No hospitalization required Treatment of bunions, heel pain, corns, calluses and all foot problems ♦ Call for free brochure on your foot problems at no obligation

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50plus

Meet the Stromans of Watercrest at Bryan

February 2011

Where did you live before moving to Watercrest at Bryan?

We lived 22 miles out in the country near Kurten, Texas.

Why did you choose Watercrest at Bryan?

We wanted to be in town. We’ve lived in the country for so long and wanted to be near health services should they ever be needed.

How was your move-in experience?

The move-in experience was just fine! Watercrest at Bryan helped move us, as well as our children.

What do you like best about living at Watercrest at Bryan?

We love Watercrest because it’s very active. Bill coached football and track for many years, and we like to be active.

We also love Watercrest because it’s very pet friendly. Archie, our Miniature Schnauzer, nauzer, is very active as well and loves it here. nauzer We use the dog park every day, and we love the outdoor areas.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Q Q Q Q

Q&A with Bill “Coach” and Nancy Stroman

We’ve made many friends and our best ones live right across the hall. We have pretty much met everyone here – and with great ease.

Get to kno know Bill and Nancy off W Watercrest and experience the newest in active adult living. A gated community unity in the prestigious Park unit Hudson district, Watercrest at Bryan is a destination n ffor those seeking a spirited, care-free lifest lifestyl estyle ffeaturing luxurious apartment homes; customizable lifest lifestyl estyle service packages; optional meal and housekeeping plans; plus events, trips, dances, and get-togethers. Calll aabout our free moving services. Prices starting at $1,100.

Call or vvisit us at: 979-703-7088 Cal www www.water crestbr est yan.com estbr manager@watercrestbr est yan.com estbr 3801 East Crest Drive Bryan, Texas 77802 (near the cornerr ooff U Uni niversity rsity Drive rsit and Boonville Road)

WATERCR E ST

AT B RYA N A C T I V E A D U LT L I V I N G

2010 Best of Brazos Winner — Active Adult Living Community unit unity

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50plus February 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Skin care benefits overall health for seniors (ARA) - Taking care of your skin undoubtedly has its cosmetic benefits, but more significantly, it also plays a large role in overall health particularly ticular for seniors. When there ticularly is dry skin, discoloration, wounds, rashes, bruises or other injuries, people are immediately aware something is wrong on the outside and maybe even on the inside. Keeping aging skin healthy allows it to offer of protection from envir en onmental harms and infections as well as produce important vitamins.

“Age brings a number of changes that can compromise the skin’s ability to protect us,” says Cynthia Fleck, a registered nurse and vice president of clinical marke mar ting for Adva Ad nced Skin and Wound Care at Medline, which manufactur uf ufactur es and distributes skin care products and educational resources for seniors.

These changes stem from the inability to retain water, ter sun damage, ter, smoking, reduced collagen, some medicines and illnesses. Any or all of these factors can lead to skin deterioration.

“When skin ages, it becomes thinner and less resilient,” Fleck said. “The layers of skin can easily separate, tearing the paper-like upper-most area called the epidermis. The skin cells do not ‘turn over,’ er or replenish er,’ themselves as quickly as when we are young. Therefor ef e, the old skin cells efor

become clumped and do not function as efficientl ef y as young, healthy skin cells do.”

In addition, as age increases, people are more prone to dry and/or itchy skin, bruises in odd places, wrinkles, age spots, skin tags and abnormal moles. While aging cannot be reversed, maintaining proper care equals healthy skin and more importantly, healthy people.

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MARR EYE CENTER William H. Marr, M.D., P.A. Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthamology

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2801 East 29th at Memorial Drive • Bryan 12

Fleck offers of the following advice ad on how to care for aging skin: • Avoid a daily shower or bath, which can contribute to dry skin. Instead, opt for gentle cleansing with moisturizing soap and detergent-free cleansers that do not need to be rinsed. These cleansers do the job of removing dirt and natural oils, but do not impact the natural acid balance of mature skin.

• Moisturizing on a daily basis is

WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS, WE’RE THE ONES TO SEE

essential, especially since older skin fails to retain moisture as well as younger skin. Look for adva ad nced skin care products that actually nourish the skin from the outside in, delive deli ring amino acids (proteins), vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that are gentle and soothing, making the skin more resilient and strengthening it.

The Medline Remedy with Phytoplex line of skin care products uses allnatural ingredients to help restore the skin’s natural protecting system.

• Take care to avoid injuries that can tear the skin or caustic substances that can disrupt the skin’s ability to protect. If the skin is broken, small wounds can be covered with band aids designed to be gentle to skin such as Curad Sensitive Sensiti Skin band aids. Immobile seniors who must use adult diapers should have ha special care taken to keep them clean and free of irritants. Barrier products that contain protectants like dimethicone and other silicones, as well as zinc oxide, can help protect the skin from these issues.

• Protect your skin from the sun.

Since melanocytes, the skin cells that protect us from the sun, do not work as well when we age, older skin burns easily. Stay out of the sun as

See Skin pa 14 page

from page 5

vintage homes, and restored storefronts.

The 80-year-old Dunaway Gardens features is 25-acre floral rock garden with five descending terraces featuring waterfalls, hanging gardens, and goldfish ponds.

Down the road a piece is La Grange on the shores of West Point Lake, a 26,000acre reservoir with a 500-mile shoreline. It’s reputed to have some of the best bass fishing in the nation.

You can take a trip back in time at The Exploration in Antiquity Center, which gives visitors a look at and feel of daily living during ancient Biblical times.

Just above Atlanta are Marietta and the Gone with the Wind Museum, which houses the largest private collection of movie memorabilia.

For more information and details, call the Savannah Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (912) 6446423 or visit the website w w w. S ava n n a h Vi s i t . c o m , or call (800)-VISIT-GA and www.exploregeorgia.org

Foot Pain from page 7

can contribute to a number of foot problems.

Resting the foot and massaging the affected area can temporarily alleviate neuroma pain.

Removing the shoe can also help with pain relief.

For simple, undeveloped neuromas, a pair of thick-soled shoes with a wide toe box is often adequate treatment to relieve symptoms, allowing the condition to diminish on its own. For more severe conditions, however, podiatric medical treatment or surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.

Treatment

Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma. Your podiatric physician will examine and likely X-ray the affected area

from page 6

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Every Eve ry Tu Tuesday esday & We Wednesday dnesday

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their joint mobility, strength, endurance and quality of life. We can improve their gait and in some cases, make corrective changes in the type of assisting device that they are using.

Most of the patients that we see arrive for their first visit at the clinic using the cane in the wrong hand, using a cane that is too long or too short, or are using a walker that is not safe and ill-fitted.

Disability can be overcome with a precise rehabilitation effort. Quality of life can be improved and the joys of life can be realized.

Acceptance of a disability when there is so much that can be done is unnecessary. Each day our challenge is to be as good as we can be and live life comfortably even in our older years.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Her performance on a stair master enables her to ambulate up 30 flights of steps and is leading an active and productive life.

There are many patients who are functioning at levels far below what they should be, all due to visual limitations, endurance limitations, joint restrictions and muscle inadequacies. Out of all the patients we see at the Sports Back & Pain Management Clinic that are over 70 years of age, 90 percent of those patients can be helped and can lead a more productive life by improving their level of condition, improve

Dr. Haase is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Texas Podiatric Medical Association.

Contact her with Diagnostic Foot Specialists at 979-696-4080.

February 2011

Bradway

and suggest a treatment plan that best suits your individual case.

Multiple conservative treatment options exist to help alleviate neuroma pain: 1. Padding to the ball of foot to help redistribute pressure.

2. Injection therapy 3. Orthotics devices Surgical Options: When early treatments fail and the neuroma progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary.

Foot pain is not normal. If you have continued pain, a consultation with a podiatrist is important to treat and identify treatable conditions.

50plus

Savannah

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50plus February 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Memory Medic from page 2

stimuli. In this study, normal young adults were compared with older adults (60-77 years) in a memory task that required the subjects to ignore a previous stimulus that was still in working memory. In this kind of task the subject had to recognize whether an image was relevant to the assigned task or was not relevant. In other words, the subject had to suppress the memory of irrelevant stimuli. Results showed that older individuals can focus on pertinent information but have difficulty in ignoring irrelevant or distracting information that is contained in working memory. However, about half of the older adults did not have this problem. So let us not come away with the conclusion that memory deficits in the elderly are inevitable.

Enough already! What you would really like to know is what to do about this problem if we have it.

One possibility is that by keeping our brain working hard as we age, we might reduce this tendency to lose ability to handle memory workload. Think of it like exercise for the brain, which strengthens the neural circuits in the parts of the brain that have to distinguish irrelevant from relevant information and those parts of the brain that have to do the memory work.

Another general strategy is to reduce the distractions in our life, at least distractions that are present when we are

Get More withthe

trying to remember something. Multitasking is hard enough to do when you are young. On those occasions when I forget why I opened the refrigerator door, it is always because I let myself get distracted between the time I decided what I wanted and the time when I opened the door.

Focus, focus, focus. We older people need to work at paying attention, training the brain to concentrate. Second, since we are so distractible, information should be absorbed in smaller chunks, which are more manageable. By lowering the memory demand, the brain’s limited resources can deal with it more effectively. Next month I will give you a list of specific things you can do to train yourself to be more attentive.

As for your grandchildren, you won’t be here to see what they are like in old age, but odds are they will be even more distractible than you are. Studies reported in the recent book, “Is the Internet Changing The Way You Think?” edited

by John Brockman, suggest that growing up in an Internet world is teaching our children to be scatterbrained, less able to focus and sustain attention. The new Darwinian model may become one of “survival of the focused.” Please remind parents of those grandchildren about my new e-book that addresses this issue, “Better Grades. Less Effort,” available in all e-formats from Smashwords.com at a price less than a hamburger.

Dr. Bill Klemm is a Professor of Neuroscience at Texas A&M University.

Visit his blog at ThankYouBrain.com for more memory tips.

Code

Microsoft Tags and Quick Response Codes put the information you want in the palm of your hands

Skin

from page 12 much as possible, and when out, wear protective clothing, widebrimmed hats and sun screen.

• Be aware of special skin care needs that often accompany some common diseases, such as diabetes. For example, diabetics are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections and itchy skin. Therefore, they need to take particular care in protecting their skin, especially on extremities.

Look for the next issue of 50 Plus in The Eagle on Tuesday, March, 1, 2011 If you would like to advertise your business, contact your marketing consultant, or call (979) 731-4738 (deadline to reserve space is Thursday, February 17, 2011).

You can also find 50Plus online, at www.theeagle.com.

W

ith the rising trend of smart phones and tablets, accessibility of information is becoming increasingly easier. The emergence of commercially using Microsoft Tags and Quick Response (QR) codes have made accessing mass amounts of information even more eff tless. effor Have you ever read something in print and wanted to know more but didn’t want to take the time to search for it on the web or type in a long URL? Customizable Microsoft Tags and QR codes allow smart phone and tablet users to by bypass pass all the extra work and go directly to whatever site they wish to view.

Microsoft osof Tag osoft

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• Avoid strong antibacterial soaps that may have high pH level, which can dry aging skin.

Astringents and products that contain alcohol can also be too harsh and damaging for older skin. Moisturizing your hands after using a sanitizer or soap becomes especially important for these cases.

To learn more about skin care products,visitwww.medline.com/ woundcare. For specific advice on how to care for your skin, contact your health care professional.

For instance, if you are reading a story in The Eagle about your favorite sports team winning a clutch game and want to see more pictures of the match-up, all you would need to do is start a code reader app and point the camera on your smart phone or tablet at one of these codes. This will automatically bring you to the pictures of the game on the web.

Multiple apps are currently available on each operating system to read these codes and put limitless amounts of information at your fingertips. Download one today and check out how easily you can have all the information you want in the palm of your hands.

Quick Re Response (QR) Code

Ongoing

1520 Rock Prairie Rd in College Station. Cost is $40.00. Register on-line: parksweb.cstx.gov or call the College Station Parks & Recreation Dept. at 764-3486.

Rd, College Station. Class fee is $45. To register by phone call the College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 764-3486 or on-line parksweb.cstx.gov

February 2 Computer Club for Seniors - The Club meets from 9 - 10:30 am at the Carter Creek Training Room located at 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station. No registration required and open to all older adults. The topic this month is on “Tax “T Preparation” presented by Dale Schafer. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or email: mrodgers@cstx.gov

February 8

February 8 & 10

February 9 Rio Brazos Audubon Society meeting - At the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History at 6:30 pm. Mike Manson, Texas A&M University, Biology Department, will give a presentation on local sparrows

Conference Center located at 1300 George Bush Dr. Lunch is served at 11:30 am with a reservation. Cost is $5 payable at the door. Speaker begins at noon. Please call 7643491 or e-mail aboykin@cstx.gov to make your reservation.

February 10

Bingo at Southwood Community Center - Please join us for Bingo on the last Friday of the month starting at 1 pm at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Bingo prizes provided

by Millican House. For more information contact College Station Parks & Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371.

Senior Valentine Dance - Come and enjoy great music, refreshments and door prizes. The dance is open to all seniors and will be held at the College Station Conference Center located at 1300 George Bush Drive from 7 - 9 pm. FREE admission! For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371.

February 16 Exploring History Lunch Lecture - The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the Senior Advisory Committee present: “Images of America: College Station” with Glenn D. Davis. Join us at the College Station

February 25

February 28 Senior Advisory Committee Meeting - Visitors are welcome to attend the regular meetings of the Senior Advisory Committee held the last Monday of each month at 10 am at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. For more information contact College Station Parks & Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371.

I Believe in Gold Medallion 100% …for so many reasons. I love all of the people I meet.

I love the seminars, the trips, book club, dinners with friends and the dancing. I love to go – and Gold Medallion helps me do that.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Computer User Tips Class Learn helpful tips such as organizing your documents, keeping your computer updated and how to manage your photos. Class offered of on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 -10:30 am at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie

Senior Day at the Capitol - The College Station Parks & Recreation Department, Senior Services will provide FREE bus transportation to Austin on Tuesday, February 8 for Senior Day at the Capitol. Limited seating available and a reservation is necessary. Lunch will be on your own. The bus departs from Southwood Community Center at 8 am and returns to College Station at approximately 4:30 pm. To make a reservation, please call the City of College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371.

and how to identify them. This will prepare us for our 12X12 Sparrow Field Trip (12 species of sparrows by 12 noon) to Washington-on-theBrazos on Feb. 12. For additional information go to our website at: www.riobrazosaudubon.org or call 776-8381.

February 2011

Play 42 - Senior adults are invited to join us every Thursday at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. from 9:30 - 11:30 am to play 42 dominoes. New to the game?

All players are welcome to join the group. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov Friday Bridge - Please join us for Friday Bridge from 9 am - noon at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road.

No partners needed and no cost! If interested, please contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov Sit & Fit Class - Older Adults are invited to get in shape! The class meetsonMondaysandWednesdays from 9:00 - 9:45 am for 8 weeks at the Southwood Community Center,

50plus

CALENDAR

Libby Gaas, Member since 1996

Gold Medallion Club (979) 774-GOLD (4653)

The region’ss L LARGEST active seniors program.

Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio

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New friends • Health information • Free blood pressure checks • Group travel • Health program discounts

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50plus

YOUR CHOICE.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

February 2011

THE TRUSTED CHOICE.

“COnfIdEnCE Is knOwIng tHat mY dOCtORs knOw mE.” “At my age, I may need to see several doctors at the College Station Clinic. So it’s important to me that every one of them has the same complete, accurate, up-to-date information for my healthcare needs and prescriptions. I love how my electronic medical record means I don’t need to know what one doctor told me and explain it to another doctor. They already know!”

Call 979-691-3300 today day for your appointment. da ment ment.

1600 University Drive East | 979-691-3300 | bcs.sw.org Scott & White accepts all major insurance plans.

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