Seasoned

january 2019

Dry needling

A natural, effective alternative for pain relief

New year

Decisions to make in 2019

Medicare

Be prepared for changes

Aging

How lifestyle and diet affects the process

Get in shape It’s never too late – start the new year with healthy habits

seasoned PUBLISHER

Crystal Dupre’

A monthly publication of The Eagle 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802

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Contents

Metro Creative Connection

3 Dry needling: Natural but effective for pain relief 4 Some decisions to make in 2019 5 Important Medicare changes are coming!

6 It’s never too late to get in shape 9 A look at the aging process 10 Calendar

The

Standard for ExcEllEncE

Fat has a bad reputation. Many people hear the words “fat” or “fats” and immediately think the worst. Fats go by many names, including lipids, fatty acids, vegetable fats, animal fats, and oils. While some fats can be harmful when consumed in excess, many fats are actually helpful to the body. Educating oneself about the different types of fats can make for a more well-rounded diet.

QQ Saturated fats: These are solid at room temperature and tend to come from animal products and processed foods. A large intake of saturated fats can increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

QQ Monounsaturated fats: This “healthy” fat may lower LDL cholesterol and keep HDL cholesterol at higher levels when saturated fats are held in check.

QQ Polyunsaturated fats: These fats also are considered good for cardiovascular health and are commonly known as the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are found in certain seeds, fatty fish and nuts.

QQ Trans fats: Trans fats are synthetically manufactured by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. They are not good for a person’s health, but they have been widely used in the past because they tend to be stable and inexpensive and can improve shelf life of processed products.

It is important to distinguish between helpful and harmful fats so a body gets the healthy fuel it needs.

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Dry needling:

Natural but effective for pain relief

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a treatment method that uses a thin, solid needle to deactivate muscle and soft tissue pain and discomforts. Muscles and body tissue can create painful knots, tension and immobility anywhere on the body. The increase in soft tissue tension and stress will create and sustain your pain. A small sterile needle, along with traditional manual therapy methods, goes directly to the pain source and affect immediate healing.

How does dry needling work?

In the 1940s, Dr. Janet Travell MD described the use of trigger point (muscle) injections with medication.

Trigger points are injected with analgesics in most cases. However, in more recent years, it has been demonstrated that it is not the medication injected that creates healing and pain relief, but rather the needle being inserted into the sore or painful muscle.

Basically when the needle makes contact with the sore or painful muscle, it causes the muscle to twitch involuntarily. The twitch response is what creates the deactivation of the painful muscle. The reason why dry needling works is not exactly known for certain; however a number of research hypotheses have been presented. Most believe that the needle stimulates neurological sensors within the muscle and surrounding tissue that changes the pain signals.

This pain signal change causes positive biochemical changes resulting in increased blood flow to the area.

Basically, when the needle is inserted in the muscle, the muscle grabs the needle and then immediately releases (twitches), permitting increased blood flow, decreasing pain and healing the injured area.

What areas of the body or problems do you treat?

Virtually any area in your body can be treated.

Examples of conditions than can be treated are: TMJ, headaches, tendonitis, neck pain, rotator cuff impingements, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel, joint dysfunction, sciatica, muscle strain/weakness, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder, overuse injuries, sports injuries, pelvic pain, chronic pain and so forth.

Does it hurt?

Most patients do not feel anything when the needle enters the skin because the needle is very thin (unlike a needle used for injecting medication). The twitch T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Why doesn’t my physician or other healthcare providers know about this?

response creates a brief cramping or aching sensation. There may be some soreness one to two days following the needling session, but hot or cold packs can diminish the discomfort, as can over-the-counter pain medication.

Does it require advanced training?

leon bradway physical therapy

Dry needling does require specialized training at various levels. In addition, there are courses offered domestically and internationally. In addition to obtaining advanced dry needling training, it is also important to have a very good understanding of human anatomy and excellent skills in manual therapy (to locate the necessary soft tissue restrictions).

Dr. Leon Bradway DPT, MS, OMPT has advanced credentials and 13 years of experience teaching and using dry needling. He is trained to do regular dry needling and deep needling.

Are there risks?

As with any procedure, there are risks. However the following risks are minimized by the skill and practice procedures used by the therapist (i.e. using sterilized needles). Risks of dry needling include soreness, feeling faint (if nervous about needles), nerve injury, vascular injury, penetration of visceral organ, increased spasms, infection and hematoma.

How quickly will I see results?

In many cases, you will experience decreased pain and improved mobility immediately. On average, it will take several sessions for a lasting positive change. Because mechanical, biochemical and neurological changes are taking place without the use of medication, it requires a cumulative response to deactivate sore muscles, disrupt pain and restore optimal muscle function.

Is dry needling a form of acupuncture?

Dry needling is not acupuncture. Dry needling is based on western medical neuro and physiological science. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and addresses acu-points which are stationary points on the body. There may be overlap at times if dry needling and acu-points are in the same location, but the science and skill required to treat is not the same.

Dry needling is relatively new to the United States. In fact, Dr. Leon Bradway DPT MS OMPT was the first to introduce this technique to the Brazos Valley several years ago. He is still trying to provide information about the effectiveness of this technique to other healthcare providers in the area. In addition, in the United States we have a tendency to look toward a pharmaceutical solution first before looking for more natural methods. This technique has been used extensively in Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and other countries for a number of years with great results! If your doctor would like more information about this technique, Dr. Leon Bradway DPT MS OMPT would be happy to talk with them further.

Physical Therapy has the necessary tools to reduce or eliminate your pain and improve your quality of life. Call for your treatment session today!

Dr. Leon F. Bradway, PT MS, OMPT – for more information on hip pain, visit our website at BVphysicaltherapy.com.

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January 3, 2019 | 3

Some decisions to make in 2019 2018 was quite a year.

Political unrest, immigration challenges and market fluctuations.

International tensions, sporadic terrorist attacks, random violence and school shootings. Winter Olympics, a royal wedding and contentious midterm elections. Earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, flooding and natural disasters of almost every kind. The passing of a president and a first lady.

After a year like that, most of us are wondering what 2019 might bring.

Honestly, I don’t know. Each day brings surprises and bends in the road I didn’t see coming. I control so little – perhaps nothing except the thoughts I allow to take up residence in my mind, along with the resulting words and actions. I have zero control over world events, national crises or any of the situations or people around me.

I don’t have control, but I do have influence.

You do too.

Instead of wondering what kind of year 2019 might be, I hope to put my energies toward something more productive. I want to decide what kind of person I want to be and what kind of influence I want to have.

At this point, most of us think some version of, “I’m only one person and a small one at that. What can I do? What kind of a difference can I make in the big scheme of things?”

The big scheme of things is made up of countless smaller puzzle pieces.

The big picture is essentially made up of billions of individuals. The power of one (the influence of one person) can be extraordinary.

me with confidence and optimism. In sixth grade, Mrs. Richardson taught me to play with words and morph them into something gary roe meaningful. hospice In junior high, Coach Ellert inspired me to be a better tennis player with his quiet, consistent affirmation. “Good job, Roe.” Swim coaches Pickle, Tate, Rogers and Lawson were profound influences in my life from age 6 through college.

They taught me discipline, endurance and gut-wrenching hard work.

Though he was gone by the time I was 15, my dad modeled a strong work ethic. He taught me that relationships

are the key to business (and life).

In high school, the Wills family took me in and provided me with a profound sense of safety and stability. Living with them changed the trajectory of my life.

College mentors Tom Harrison and Lendol Calder shaped me deeply. I learned that it’s not what happens, but how I interpret and respond to what happens that matters most. It’s not what I did, but what I do next that really counts now.

All that by the time I was 20. I’ve had the honor of receiving from many more influencers since. If I succeed at anything, it’s because I’m standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before me. I continue to be the ongoing, continual recipient of the power of one.

The power of one is all around us.

I look back at my life and see the power of one everywhere.

Mrs. Thomas, my first-grade teacher, instilled in me a love of learning. In second grade, Mrs. McShan made math exciting. In fourth grade, Mr. Rainey (my first male teacher) somehow got through my shy reticence and injected

What does this mean for you and 2019? Here are four suggestions.

Look back and be thankful.

Look back and take stock. See the influencers that surrounded you – parents, siblings, neighbors, coaches, teachers, bosses, friends, co-workers, public figures, etc. Reminisce a bit about how they lived, what they said and what they modeled for you.

Contemplate their impact on your life and how they served you, inspired you, or even rescued you.

The power of one is everywhere.

Decide what kind of influence you want to have.

We all have influence – more than we realize. Most of us, however, rarely consider what kind of influence we want to have.

Yes, we’re talking about words and actions, but these are preceded by thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The things we cultivate inside our hearts over time become our lifestyle.

What kind of heart qualities do you want to cultivate?

Here are some examples: love, generosity, humility, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, endurance, self-control, etc. Whatever we cultivate eventually grows and bears fruit. Whatever we practice becomes habitual and even permanent in our lives.

The power of one comes from the heart. Your heart is your most valuable possession. All of life flows from it.

What kind of influence do you want to have? What is your heart and mind going to need to pull that off?

Proactively feed yourself what you want to produce.

What we feed our hearts matters.

Metro Creative Connection The power of one (the influence of one person) can be extraordinary.

4 | January 3, 2019

See decisions page 9 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Important Medicare changes are coming!

As any large government-run system, Medicare is slow to change. So, when a significant change does come along, it’s important to understand exactly how it will affect you and your family. The most recent one goes into effect on January 1, 2019 and will impact retirees with Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage).

Here are the key facts you need to know.

When Medicare Part D was created in 2006 to cover outpatient prescription medications, the lawmakers wanted to encourage retirees to ask for generic drugs over brand-name ones. To accomplish that (and to control the cost of the program), they created a coverage gap or a “donut hole”. This gap caused retirees to pay more on perprescription basis for a certain portion of the year.

For a retiree with Medicare Part D coverage in 2018, the numbers could have played out as follows.

1. First, he or she would have to cover the annual deductible out of pocket ($415).

2. Next, he or she would pay 25% towards all prescription medications (generic and brandname) until the co-payment amount reached the start of the coverage gap ($3,750).

3. Once in the coverage gap, he or she would pay 44% towards generic drugs and 35% towards brand-name medications until the total out of pocket cost reached $5,000.

4. Beyond that “catastrophic” maximum, the participant would pay the greater of $3.35 for a generic drug and $8.35 for a brand name drug, or 5% of either drug’s cost, for the rest of the year.

Why would someone not just choose generics? There are several reasons.

Some prescriptions are simply too new to have generic equivalents. Others work better in brand-name form. As a result, many retirees were hurt by this provision.

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could still be paying a lot each month.

That’s because co-pays for brandname drugs are calculated as the greater of $8.50 or 5% of the cost of the medication. For prescriptions that cost several hundreds of dollars for a round, that seemingly small 5% can add up to considerable totals.

Anyone who has experienced the coverage gap can tell you that the infamous “donut hole” is both frustrating and expensive. Most TracY Stewart people who end financial literacy up in the “donut hole” aren’t being “too picky” with their prescription choices. The extra expense is a significant drain for the families on a tight budget.

Some retirees are forced to switch to generic versions of their usual medications and suffer the fact that some generics don’t work as well.

Others try to stretch their brand-name prescriptions or skip them altogether, which can result in relapses, flare-ups of chronic conditions, and additional hospitalizations.

The good news is that starting January 1, 2019, the coverage gap for brand-name prescription medications is going away. Using our example above, here is what Medicare Part D users can expect in 2019.

QQ Steps 1 and 2 will remain unchanged.

QQ Once you reach the start of the coverage gap ($415 deductible plus $3,820 which is the new Initial Coverage Limit for 2019), you have to cover 25% of the cost of brand-name drugs (same as before) and 37% of generics.

QQ After you reach the new maximum of $5,100, you pay the greater of 5%, or $8.50 for brand name and $3.40 for generic medications.

What should you do to be prepared for these changes?

QQ Talk to your doctor about your plan for prescription medications for the coming year. At this point in the year, you are outside of the Open Enrollment Period that allows you to switch from Original Medicate to Medicare Advantage. However, a conversation with your doctor is a useful start for estimating what you should be prepared to pay for prescription medications during the year.

QQ Remember that Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. Do your research early so that you can make the best financial choices for 2020.

QQ Know that Medicare Extra Help (a Low-Income Subsidy which helps people with limited income and resources) is another option to help you pay for your prescription meds. If you qualify, you can switch plans as often as once per month.

QQ You can switch plans outside Open Enrollment Period if you have moved out of the area served by the current plan, have experienced a change to the plan where it no longer serves your area, or qualify for Extra Help.

Tracy Stewart, CPA consults on financial issues related to elder planning and divorce. She can be contacted at tracy@ TracyStewartCPA.com.

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Exactly how this will affect you and your family will depend on the specifics of your health situation.

Every Medicare Part D participant will benefit from lower per-prescription cost in the former coverage gap. The reduction will be more dramatic for brand-name medications that tend to be more expensive.

However, someone who needs extended use of brand-name meds

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January 3, 2019 | 5

It’s never too late to

Get in shape Start the new year with healthy habits!

Looking for local places to exercise?

The Lincoln Recreation Center and Southwood Community Center in College Station have several fitness and educational health programs for seniors. Check the calendar on page 10 for time and location for these weekly and montly programs.

QQ Beginner Mixed Martial Arts & Self Defense for Seniors QQ Line Dancing QQ Sit & Fit QQ Forevercise QQ Indoor Walking Group for Seniors QQ Nutritional Education Class QQ Health Education Classes QQ Monthly Dance Also coming up on Feb. 22 is the annual College Station Senior Games. The Senior Games promote physical and mental health and fitness among Texas Senior Citizens by encouraging them to

6 | January 3, 2019

maintain healthy lifestyles and social relationships, to participate in sports and recreational activities with other seniors, and to provide an environment for athletic competition.

Ages 50+ can compete in 3D archery, track and field, golf, bowling, cornhole, pickleball, 5K, 10K, swimming, cycling, 3-on-3 basketball, table tennis, basketball skills, disc golf and deca challenge.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in each event and age group.

Registration begins Jan. 2 and ends Feb. 11. Registration is $30, plus an additional fee per event. Cost included a shirt and access to the social for you and your guests. The social will be held at the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Club and includes a tour of Kyle Field.

For more information and to register, visit cstx.gov/seniorgames.

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Improve your life expectancy Metro Creative Connection

How to improve circulation Metro Creative Connection The human body is a complex, efficient machine. One highly important component of that machine is the circulatory system, which sends blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

In perfectly healthy bodies, blood, oxygen and nutrients circulate throughout the body without issue. However, several conditions, including obesity and diabetes, can contribute to poor circulation, which is not a standalone condition but rather a byproduct of another serious health issue.

According to the health information site Healthline, when the circulatory system is not working at optimal capacity, people may experience tingling, numbness and throbbing or stinging pain in the limbs. Pain and muscle cramps also may result from poor circulation, the symptoms of which vary depending on the causes. For example, someone whose circulation issues are a result of peripheral artery disease may experience different symptoms than T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

someone whose circulation has been compromised by diabetes.

Because issues affecting the circulatory system are complex, it’s important for men and women to learn how to address such issues if they suspect their systems have been compromised.

QQ Visit your physician. Poor circulation results from various health issues, so people who think they are dealing with poor circulation should not try to address the issue on their own. Rather, the best way to improve circulation is to visit a physician the moment you note a symptom. Doctors will confirm if patients are experiencing circulation issues and diagnose what’s causing those issues. Doctors also will work with their patients to devise a course of treatment for the issue that’s causing their poor circulation.

QQ If necessary, lose weight and keep it off. Obesity is one of the conditions that can contribute to poor circulation. So many people who are diagnosed with poor circulation may be advised to lose

weight and keep the weight off once it’s been lost. A 2009 study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that losing weight helped obese women improve their circulation. A healthy diet that includes fish like salmon that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve circulation, can help people lose weight and maintain healthy weights going forward.

QQ Consider yoga. A 2014 review of an assortment of peer-reviewed studies found that yoga can have a positive impact on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A lowimpact exercise, yoga can compress and decompress veins, potentially improving circulation. It takes time to master yoga positions, but even beginners who cannot fully perform poses during a yoga regimen can benefit from doing the exercises to the best of their abilities.

Poor circulation is a byproduct of various conditions. Once a condition has been diagnosed, patients can help themselves by taking various steps to improve their circulation.

“Who Wants to Live Forever” is a song that appeared on the 1986 album “A Kind of Magic” by the rock band Queen. The song often sparks conversation about the potential benefits of immortality .

Immortality may not be possible, but manyany people aspire to improve their chances to live a long and prosperous life. A study published in the journal Lancet analyzed data from the 2016 Global Burden of Diseases project to generate life expectancy predictions from 2017 to 2040 for most countries.

The United States saw the largest decline in ranking among high-income countries, as life expectancies in the United States are projected to fall from 43rd in 2016 to 64th by 2040, with an average life expectancy of 79.8. Life expectancy in the U.S. has dropped in each of the past two years, according to annual reports by the National Center for Health Statistics.

But there may be hope yet. Doctors and scientists continually study the lifestyles of people who outlive their life expectancies. While genetics can play a role, so can following healthy habits, which have been identified to promote longevity.

QQ Don’t smoke. Many smokers have been told that smoking trims 10 years off their life expectancies, and that statement is corroborated by a study published in 2013 in The New England Journal of Medicine that tracked participants over a span of several years. The good news is people who quit before the age of 35 can usually regain those lost years.

QQ Avoid drug use. Accidental drug overdoses contributed to 63,600 deaths in the United States in 2016, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Usage of prescription opioids and heroin has skyrocketed in recent years. Drug use also may exacerbate mental illnesses, potentially making drug users more vulnerable to suicide.

QQ Limit alcohol consumption. Some evidence suggests that light drinking can be good for cardiovascular health. However, a paper published in the Lancet suggests every glass of wine or pint of beer over the daily recommended limit will cut half an hour from the expected lifespan of a 40-year-old.

The paper says the risks are comparable to smoking.

Simple, healthy lifestyle changes can help people increase their life expectancies.

January 3, 2019 | 7

A look at the aging process What is aging? Well, duh, it is getting old, right?

Not so fast. Many conditions that we associate with aging are actually diseases. Examples include diabetes, hypertension and dementia. We all age differently, and the rate of aging varies according to genetics, lifestyle and disease. There is, of course, a relationship between age and disease. The older you get, the more likely you are to develop hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease or cancer. But many people also get old without these diseases.

The actual biological explanations are not simple, and that has attracted a great deal of attention from the National Institutes of Health, particularly its institute on aging, founded in 1976. The most comprehensive and longest running longitudinal examination of human aging in the world started with the vision of Nathan Shock, Ph.D., chief of the Gerontology Branch at the NIH. Before that time,

the usual way to study aging was to evaluate bodily changes in people of various ages who donated their bodies to medical schools or whose bodies were autopsied. Shock thought aging research needed a new direction, particularly one that studied people while they were dr. bill klemM the memory medic still living. To do that, he advocated repeated evaluation of independently living people at regular intervals over a number of years.

Shock and colleague Norris developed a questionnaire system to evaluate physical, mental and emotional effects of the aging process. I have been participating in this program for decades. Every few years, the investigators send me a questionnaire asking detail questions about my lifestyle and diet.

The questionnaire asks all sorts of detailed

questions about lifestyle and diet. Then they track how long each person lives and look for correlations with lifestyle and diet. For example, by this method they confirm that long life correlates with exercise and diets that feature low trans-fat, and large amounts of anti-oxidants. Over the decades, the accumulated data have flagged four areas that are most relevant to healthy aging: exercise, weight and body shape, healthy food and enjoyable activities.

Exercise

Exercise and physical activity are the cornerstone of almost every healthy aging program. The goal is to increase your breathing and heart rate, and recommended activities include dancing, walking, swimming, or bicycling. Such aerobic exercise increases your stamina and improve the health of your lungs and circulatory system as well as your heart.

Weight and Body Shape

Being overweight is almost the norm these days.

But it is bad for your health. Fat-to-muscle ratio is important; recall my last column on “skinny fat.�

People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. However, being skinny, even if and muscular, is no solution to good aging either. People with a body mass index less than 19 have a higher mortality rate. Being pear shaped is healthier than apple shape in which fat accumulates around the belly.

See aging page 9

Metro Creative Connection Exercise and physical activity are the cornerstone of almost every healthy aging program.

8 | January 3, 2019

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Overcoming gym intimidation Metro Creative Connection Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are two of the best things seniors can do to maintain their health.

Exercise can delay or prevent many of the health problems associated with aging, including weak bones and feelings of fatigue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a person age 65 or older who is generally fit with no limiting health conditions should try to get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, while also including weight training and muscle-strengthening activities in their routines on two or more days a week.

Individuals often find that gyms have the array of fitness equipment they need to stay healthy. But many people, including older men and women who have not exercised

decisions from page 4

We’re influenced by all we experience.

What we allow to come in our eyes, minds and hearts deeply affects us.

One of my swim coaches put it this way: “Garbage in, garbage out.”

I’ve taken in enough garbage over the years and produced plenty too.

Life is precious. The stakes are high.

No time or energy to waste. Good stuff in. Good stuff out.

Activities. Relationships. Habits.

Entertainment. We’re continually offering our minds and hearts to be influenced by who and what is around us. We need to get around people we want to emulate. We need to chew on what will produce the influence we want to have on the needy and broken world around us.

Life is caught as well as taught.

It’s said we become the composite of the five people we’re around the most.

If there’s any truth to this, it’s time to get around some positive, humble, T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

in some time, may be hesitant to join a gym for fear of intimidation.

Some seniors may avoid machines and classes believing they will not use the apparatus properly, or that they will be judged by other gym members. Some seniors may feel like gyms do not cater to their older clientele, creating an atmosphere that is dominated by younger members and loud music.

Such misconceptions are often unfounded, as many gyms welcome older members with open arms.

But even if seniors find gyms intimidating, they should still sign up for memberships. In such situations, the following tips can help seniors shed their fears and adapt to their new gyms.

QQ Get a doctor’s go-ahead. Make sure to clear exercise and gym membership with your doctor prior to purchasing a membership. He or she also may have a list of gyms

where fellow senior patients have memberships.

QQ Build up gradually. Begin with exercises you feel comfortable performing. Spend time walking on the treadmill while observing other gym members. Tour the circuit of machines and other equipment.

Find out if you can sample a class to see if it might be a good fit.

QQ Find a gym buddy. Working out with a partner in your age group may encourage you to keep going to the gym and increase your comfort level. You each can offer support and enjoy a good laugh through the learning process.

QQ Don’t get discouraged. Anyone working out for the first time, regardless of age, will feel somewhat out of place until exercise becomes part of a routine. Give it some time before throwing in the towel. Once you catch on, you may discover you enjoy working out.

inspiring, and loving influencers.

relationships. We’re still wired for connection and designed for impact.

Living well will still mean learning to Get as healthy as love well. possible.

What kind of person do you want We all have challenges. Some of us have some big ones. Our obstacles to be in 2019? What kind of influence might be physical, emotional, mental, do you want to have? What heart qualities do you want to cultivate? spiritual, vocational, financial Look back. Take stock. Be or relational. Whatever the case, thankful. Chart your course of the pursuit of overall health and influence for 2019. Proactively feed wellness is crucial. yourself what you want to produce.

We can’t give away what we don’t Get as healthy as possible and stay have. Taking good care of ourselves there. is a profound way to express care The power of one is real. Embrace and concern for those around us. As one hospice patient said to me, “Take it. Look in the mirror.

You’re one of a kind in human good care of yourself, because you’re history. Live like it. no good to me if you don’t!”

Looking ahead

What does 2019 hold? I don’t know. But I’m getting a clue about what kind of person I want to be and what type of influence I want to have. Thankfully, no matters what happens, some things will not change. Life will still be about

Gary Roe is an award-winning author, speaker, chaplain, and grief specialist with Hospice Brazos Valley. He has been featured on Focus on the Family, Dr. Laura, Thrive Global, and other national media. Visit him at www. garyroe.com or contact him at 979-8212266 or groe@hospicebrazosvalley.org.

aging

from page 8

Healthy Food

The surveys revealed that “healthy” eaters had the highest intake of foods like high-fiber cereal, low-fat dairy, fruit, nonwhite bread, whole grains, beans and legumes, other vegetables, and low intake of red and processed meat, fast food, and soda.

This same group had the smallest increases in BMI and waist circumference.

Healthy foods, such as most vegetables and fruits and high-fiber, grainy breads, have a low glycemic index value. They decrease hunger but have little effect on blood sugar and therefore are healthier. Deficiencies of vitamin E and D can aggravate aging. This is usually not a problem if the diet contains a lot of fruits and vegetables.

Enjoyable Activities

People who are involved in hobbies and participate widely in social and leisure activities may be at lower risk for some health problems. For example, one study followed participants for up to 21 years and found a lower risk of dementia in people who were more engaged in leisure activities like reading, playing board games, playing musical instruments, and dancing. Note the emphasis on “leisure.” I have written before about the health hazards of stress.

In another study, older adults live longer if they participate in social activities (group membership or travel) or productive activities (for example, had paid or unpaid jobs, cooked, or gardened).

To conclude, though there is no guarantee that following a healthier lifestyle will make you live longer, it is a good bet that it will make you feel better as you inevitably age.

To learn more about “Memory Medic,” check out his web site at WRKlemm.com and his blog on learning and memory at thankyoubrain. blogspot.com.

Sources: Jefferson, Robin Seaton (2018). What researchers with the world’s longest running study of human aging know for sure. Forbes.

Oct. 31. https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinseatonjefferson/2018/10/31/whatresearch ers-with-the-worlds-longest-running-study-of-human-agingknow-for-sure/#6969d818536f ____ What is Normal Aging? Lessons from the BLSA. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/labs/blsa/what-normalaging

January 3, 2019 | 9

CALENDAR ONGOING

QQHand & Foot Canasta – Ages 55+ of all QQColored Pencil Drawing Class and More – levels are invited learn how to play this fun Ages 55+ can learn how to draw with colored card game at Southwood Community Center pencils from Ann Walton, an award-winning from 1 to 4 p.m. every Tuesday. For more inand certified Texas Art Teacher. Classes are formation contact College Station Parks and every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at South- Recreation Department, Senior Services at wood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie 979-764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.

Rd. For more information, contact College gov/seniors.

Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, kpeter- QQLine Dancing – Join other adults 55+ as they line dance to the hottest tunes and enson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors. joy a great low impact aerobic workout. The QQBeginner Mixed Martial Arts & Self De- group meets every Tuesday and Friday from fense for Seniors – This beginner’s class fo- 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Comcuses on Taekwondo and Jujitsu principles. munity Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Wear loose clothing, tennis shoes or water Road. For more information, contact Southshoes. Takes place most Fridays from 1:30 wood Community Center at 979-764-6351, to 2:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Cen- kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors. ter, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. (No class on Jan. 25.) For more information, contact College QQSit & Fit – Join other adults 55+ for a Station Parks and Recreation Department, gentle exercise class while sitting. ParticiSenior Services at 979-764-6371, kpeter- pants follow a video that features fat-burning aerobics and weight lifting exercises. Sit & son@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

Fit meets every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday QQSaturday Senior Social – Ages 55+ are and Friday from noon – 1 p.m. at Southwood welcome to enjoy an afternoon of coffee with Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. friends, play games, dominoes or cards ev- For more information contact Southwood ery Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. email kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seFor more information, contact College Sta- niors. tion Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, kpeterson@ QQClassic Country & Bluegrass Jam Session – Open to all adults 55+ who enjoy cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors. listening or playing classic country or blueQQLine Dance Workshop for Beginners – grass music. Bring string instruments and Adults 55+ are invited to learn the latest line invite a friend! Join us every Tuesday for a dance steps and terminology. Join us at South- Jam Session at Southwood Community Cenwood Community Center from 10:30 to 11:30 ter, located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. from a.m. on Monday of each month. No registra- 1:30 to 3:30pm. All levels welcome includtion necessary. For more information contact ing beginners! For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation De- Southwood Community Center at 979-764partment, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, 6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx. gov/seniors. kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

QQBeginning Tap Dance Review – Adults 55+ are invited to learn basic tap dance steps and terminology with Instructor Sue Engbrock. Join us at Southwood Community Center from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Tap shoes are recommended but not required. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

QQGame Night – Adults 55 + are invited to join the fun every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Southwood Community Center.

Table games and table tennis available or bring your own favorite game. Meet friends and enjoy a fun game night. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or email kpeterson@ cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

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QQLearn to Play 42 – Learn the popular dominoes game of 42 every Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

QQForevercise – Forevercise is an exercise class for adults 55+ and offered on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. Class offers individuals healthy lifestyle practices and exercise. Exercises may be done while standing or sitting in a chair. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-7646351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/ seniors.

QQNutritional Education Class – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers free cooking demonstrations with healthy recipes. Presented

by Flora Williams every third Tuesday at Lincoln Recreation Center, 1000 Eleanor Street in College Station from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

QQBible Study at Lincoln Center – Join other senior adults every Thursday morning at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor Street in College Station, for Bible Study from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Contact Annie Williams at Lincoln Center at 979-764-3779or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information.

QQHealth Education Classes – Each class will have cooking demonstrations, healthy QQIndoor Walking Group for Seniors – Join our recipes, helpful hints and giveaways. The Instructor, Ms. Susan Lehr in our free indoor topic for Jan. 17 is “DASHing Your Way to walking class weekly to get your heart rate up Improved Health.” The topic for Jan. 24 is “A with a fun, go-at-your-own pace environment. Virtual Grocery Store Tour.” Held at Lincoln Class is offered at Southwood Community Recreation Center, 1000 Eleanor Street in Center on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and College Station from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays from 9 to 9:30 a.m. No registra- For more information, contact Annie Williams tion necessary. For more information, contact at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6351, email QQEnglish Conversation Circle – Practice speaking English on Mondays starting at 6 kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors. p.m. at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey QQMah-jongg – Adults 55+ interested in play- Mitchell Pkwy in College Station. Contact ing the game of Mah-jongg meet at Southwood Hilary at hcrowder@bryantx.gov or 979-764Community Center on Thursdays from 9 to 3416 for more information.

11:30 a.m. Beginners welcome! For more information contact Southwood Community Cen- QQBCS Newcomers Club – The BCS Newter at 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx. comers club is a women’s social club with membership open to both new and estabgov or cstx.gov/seniors. lished residents of the Bryan-College StaQQPlay “42” Dominoes – Adults 55+ meet ev- tion area with a mission to provide opporery Thursday to play “42” at Southwood Com- tunities to develop lasting friendships. The munity Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For club hosts a luncheon at the College Stamore information, contact Southwood Com- tion Hilton every first Thursday of the month, munity Center at 979-764-6351, kpeterson@ as well as activities such as bridge, bunco, Mah-jongg, coffees, tours and dining out cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors. throughout the year. For more information, QQFriday Bridge – Southwood Community contact membership director Carolyn More, Center offers a senior friendly environment to 979-255-3412 or visit www.newcomersclubplay bridge every Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. bryancollegestation.com.

Southwood Community Center is located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. For more information January 16 contact Southwood Community Center at 979- QQExploring History Luncheon: A presenta764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx. tion on “DeGallery” by Dr. Dary Dega – The gov/seniors.

College Station Historic Preservation ComT H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

calendar

Keeping The Dream Alive – An evening of praise honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from page 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Hear a word of empowmittee and the College Station Parks and erment from our guest speaker, listen to Recreation Department present monthly uplifting spirituals from End Time Evangelectures on the history of our community listic Pentecostal Church of Bryan, and our and state. The luncheon will be held at the very own Minds of Champions Youth Choir.

Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Special recognition will be bestowed upon Prairie Road. A reservation is necessary for community members who have made a siglunch and the cost is $7. Lunch is served at nificant impact in our community. Event will 11:30 am. The speaker will begin at noon. be held at the Lincoln Recreation Center Please make your reservation no later than located at 1000 Eleanor Street in College the Friday before the luncheon by calling Station. Call 979-764-3779 for more infor979-764-6371, emailing kpeterson@cstx. mation or visit cstx.gov/seniors. gov or visiting cstx.gov/seniors.

Signature Select Services. No registration 1 to 3:30 p.m. for the Active for Life Chronic necessary. Call 979-764-6351 for more in- Pain Self-Management class series. These formation. workshops complement clinical care and are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Topics include fatigue management, January 28 QQSenior Advisory Committee Meeting – pacing and planning activity, getting a good The Senior Advisory Committee meets on night’s sleep, better breathing and much the last Monday of the month to discuss more. Light refreshments will be served. programs and activities for adults 55+. The Space is limited. Register by calling 979-764meeting is held at Southwood Community 6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov.

Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd starting at 9:30 a.m. Visitors welcome! For more infor- January 31 mation contact College Station Parks and QQMonthly Dance – Adults 55 + are invited Recreation Department, Senior Services at to enjoy an evening of dancing with a live 979-764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx. DJ at Southwood Community Center, 1520 gov/seniors.

Rock Prairie Rd. The dance is held from 7 to 9 p.m. Door prizes and light refreshments served. No reservation needed. For more inJanuary 29 QQPotluck and Pizza Social – Bring your fa- formation, contact College Station Parks and vorite dish to share at Southwood Commu- Recreation Department, Senior Services at nity Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road. There 979-764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx. will be pizza and music by the Jam Session gov/seniors.

Players, noon to 4 p.m. Please RSVP to If you have an event you would like 979-764-6351. listed in the monthly Seasoned calendar, please e-mail the details to kelli.weber@ January 30 QQChronic Pain Self-Management Workshop theeagle.com.

by Daunte’ Cauley with TAMU HSC – Join us

January 23

January 17 QQMovie & Popcorn – Join us for a movie and popcorn every third Thursday at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road from 1 to 3 p.m. No registration needed. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

QQLunch & Learn – From noon to 1 p.m., we will learn about funeral planning, costs, benefits for veterans and how to cope with loss.

A light lunch will be served. Registration required. Register by calling 979-764-6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov.

January 25

QQBingo & Birthday Celebration – Join us from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Center for bingo and cake as we celJanuary 19 QQ35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, ebrate monthly birthdays! Prizes donated by

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SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS CHI St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network CHI St. Joseph Health and Texas A&M University have a shared history of serving the Brazos Valley.

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