seasoned
fe b r u a ry 2016
Over 50 & living the good life!
Planning for the future Design the life of your dreams
Get moving
For better health
Healthy foods
The best (and worst) foods for heart health
Man’s best friends The mental and physical health benefits of pets
3 3 4 4 6 8 9 10 11
seasoned
PUBLISHER Crystal DuPre DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Sean Lewis
Steps for designing and living the life of your dreams Valentine’s Day can be difficult It’s time to get moving to get in better health Training the brain to discipline itself Pets have positive impact on humans’ mental and physical health Calendar: Local events for seniors Decisions to make before adopting a pet The best (and worst) foods for heart health How to find and select a veterinarian for your pets
DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER Linda Brinkman SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR/ PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shauna Lewis
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Steps for designing and living the life of your dreams
Would you like to design and live the life of your dreams? There is still time. You can do it. I learned how to do it at a recent seminar with George Kinder, author of “The Seven Stages of Money Maturity.” He has won numerous awards for his groundbreaking approach to helping people plan their lives and achieve their goals. It is called “life planning.” He has trained financial planners to be life planners in more than 25 countries. You don’t need to hire a life planner to attain your goals. For those of you who do not want to hire a financial advisor/ life planner, Kinder has recently written TracY Stewart a do-it-yourself book, Financial Literacy “Life Planning for You.” Kinder was so keen to make this process affordable for real people that he priced the Kindle edition of his book at just $2.99. He also created a free companion do-it-yourself website, www.LifePlanningForYou.com. In two days I attended the seminar, read the book, tried out the website and have been “life-planned” by a financial advisor. This is do-able, folks. There are many real life examples in the book. One of them is about a woman who met with a life planner financial advisor. By talking with
accomplish, both financial and not financial. Visualize - To help you visualize your better future, the book and the free website include exercises and worksheets. The first exercise includes three thought-provoking questions: What would you do if you were financially secure? How would you change your life if you had only five or 10 years to live? What would you regret most if you had only one day to live? In another exercise, you get to describe your ideal day and week, then compare them to your current days and weeks. As Kinder says, “simple changes in the structure of your week can make a huge difference.” Obstacles - The obstacles phase begins with developing a crystal clear picture of what you wish to accomplish. Kinder lists seven steps to help you identify your obstacles to success. He explains how to overcome them, even those obstacles that we set up inside ourselves. Knowledge - The knowledge phase is about putting the plan in place. The free website helps you get through the financial part, such as calculating your
him and completing his forms and worksheets, she rediscovered her lost passions for travel, photography, gardening, hiking, Spanish and meeting a man. She didn’t mention any enjoyment from living in her condo, and was speechless when the advisor brought this to light. He showed her how she could retire and do the things she wanted to do by selling her condo, investing the proceeds cautiously and moving to a smaller condo with rent lower than her current mortgage payment. This was a lot of change, and it scared her. The life planner financial advisor helped her create a step-bystep plan to ease into the change. She negotiated with her employer to cut back her hours to two-thirds. To keep her take-home pay at the same amount, she stopped making contributions to her already well-funded retirement plan. She used her extra energy and free time to start classes in photography, gardening and Spanish. As she made these initial changes, she began to look at the rental cost for condos. If she was comfortable with these changes, she could sell her condo, move to the rental, and retire or reduce her working hours a bit more. Viola! There are five phases in the life planning process with an acronym of EVOKE. Exploration - This is where you think big and creatively. Think of everything you would like to
net worth, figuring your cash flow and tapping into an easy-to-use retirement calculator. Execution - The execution phase can be as simple as beginning to heal old relationship wounds or as complex as starting a new business. I came away enlightened and optimistic after all this exposure to life planning. As I work my way through the execution, I won’t have the benefit of a real live life planning financial advisor to prod me along. The self-help version of execution is going to require focus, determination and tenacity. To maintain progress, whether in self-help or when working with a living, breathing life planner, Kinder recommends daily review and further detailed development of one’s vision. I’m booking time for that in my calendar. I encourage you to give this a try, as well. I challenge you to follow it through to attainment of your life dreams. Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® at www. TexasDivorceCPA.com.
2015
Valentine’s Day can be difficult Ah, Valentine’s Day. A time of love and romance. A shopping frenzy for cards, chocolate and flowers. A day of hope, and perhaps disappointment. There is something about this day that touches us profoundly. That’s not surprising, considering all of us are wired to love and be loved. Deep down, we all long to hear or read the words, “Be my valentine.” But what if we’ve lost someone? And Gary Roe what if that someone Hospice was our “love?” Instead of being something to look forward to, Valentine’s Day can be a time of dread - a reminder of loss that actually brings pain instead of joy. Valentine’s Day can be difficult for T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
many reasons – death, divorce, abuse, estrangement and loneliness, to name a few. Holidays like this can resurrect our losses and thrust them in our faces. We long for what we had, or grieve for what we never got. We’re angry about how things are. Add some guilt into the mix and presto – the day becomes a formidable recipe for discouragement, depression and despair. Valentine’s Day can be an intense time of grief and sadness. If this day of love is challenging for you, what can you do? You could, of course, hide. Many choose this option. Hiding and waiting it out is perhaps our most natural reflex when wounded and
See Roe page 5
February 2, 2016 | 3
It’s time to get moving to get in better health
It’s hard to believe that 2015 is already behind us and the new year is here. Wow! Did that go by fast or is it just me? I’d like to be your personal media coach and encourage everyone reading this to get your arse in gear and make 2016 a healthy exercise year. All of you who have made a resolution to start some form of physical activity -- like running or going to the gym or even just to walk more -- keep it going for as long as you can and avoid some of the pitfalls of stopping what you started. Leon Bradway To encourage you, Physical Therapy I thought I would highlight the amazing, widespread benefits of increasing physical activity, as well as give some simple fitness goals. So strap on those new trainers, squeeze yourself into that new day glow spandex sports gear, make sure your new GPS activity tracker is turned on, turn up that high quality sound track on the iPod, give a thumbs up to all those naysayers, and get going. Benefits I don’t know how to stress this strongly enough - the benefits of increasing your physical activity even a
exercise on our bodies are enormous, a healthy diet, helps reduces both so please, please start moving, even if internal and external deposits of it’s in small increments because your excess body fat. Regardless of your age health is important. or previous activity levels, it is never too late to start. Risks Increasing your physical activity Physical activity gives us lots of also has a whole host of psychological rewards, but there are risks to exercise. benefits, such as improving your I want you to succeed with your new mood, increasing your memory and year’s resolution you’ve started, but I concentration, and let’s not forget that have to tell you there are some pitfalls exercise will also make you far more that can keep you from achieving attractive both in and out of clothes, your goal. A negative effect of starting and so can help improve your sex life. any new exercise program is the I can’t guarantee that it will help with possibility of having an injury. Many your technique, but at least you should times injuries will happen from doing be able to be a little more energetic! too much too soon or not having the proper equipment, like good walking or If anything was truly an elixir running shoes. for life and anti-aging, increasing your physical activity levels would I will end by giving you some quick be it. Exercise prevents against the solutions to keep the momentum going age-related effects of degeneration, and minimize injuries. Remember, deterioration and even early death. To our bodies can adapt to just about get an appreciation of what can happen anything, so be smart about your to sedentary muscles as we age, check exercise program, and don’t set out a remarkable MRI study on my yourself up for failure. Exercise with website, bvphysicaltherapy.com, click a buddy, set achievable goals, start out on “educational topics,” then click on slow if you have not exercised for a “aging muscles.” The study compares while, and mix up your program each a 40-year-old athlete to two 70 year week so you don’t get bored. But more olds (one who exercises and one who importantly keep it fun! doesn’t); the difference is amazing. Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical Many of us today will live into our therapy and director of the Sports, Back 80s and 90s, and exercise is your secret and Pain Management Clinic. See www. to staying healthy and active in your bvphysicaltherapy.com. later years. Regardless of your age, physical activity makes a IN-HOME SENIOR CARE SERVICES difference. The benefits of ®
little are simply immense. There are lots of figures and statistics out there, but it is actually quite hard to measure exactly how beneficial increasing your physical activity truly is due to the individual response and variations. However, regardless of how beneficial it is, everyone agrees it is by far the simplest, most effective method of preventing and reversing many lifeliving diseases and problems. For example, just increasing your physical activity levels to 30 minutes a day, by doing something as simple as taking a brisk walk, has been shown to reduce your risk of developing, and even reversing the effects of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, neurological disorders and even cancers. In fact, some research has shown you can get positive health benefits with even less effort. Just 10 minutes of low intensity exercise three times a week, with two to three short bursts of 10 to 20 seconds of high intensity effort, has been found to have significant effects. What needs to be considered is this is for the extremely sedentary, but it does go to show how even a little can help, a bit like that well-known supermarket advertising slogan. Increasing physical activity also improves bone density, muscle strength, and when combined with
Training the brain to discipline itself
The human brain contains a distinct network that serves as its executive agent. This network is primarily based in the dorsolateral prefrontal, parietal and cingulate cortices. It regulates the many “top down” neurobehavioral functions that are so characteristic of the human brain. Deficiencies in the function of this network underlie numerous neuropsychiatric conditions, but even underlie much of the failings of us all. The ability to regulate emotions Dr. Bill Klemm and direct rational The Memory Medic actions is typically associated with success in life, and inability to do so often leads to dire
consequences. This network can be trained to develop more robust capacity for executive control. This, as we all experience, is what parenting and schooling are about. Such training is especially crucial in early childhood when the challenges of school are first encountered. Even so, such training takes many years and for most of us may never be completed. The question arises: can such executive control training be expedited? One possibility has recently arisen from several studies showing that working memory capacity can be expanded by a relatively short training time, and in the process general intelligence may be improved.
Since the same system that determines intelligence is also operative in executive control, it seems reasonable that working memory training might also enhance executive control. To pursue this possibility in a specific context, researchers have hypothesized that inappropriate or maladaptive behaviors might be reduced by effective working memory training based on emotion-laded stimuli. In a study by Suzanne Schweizer and colleagues in England, subjects in their early 20s were assessed for affective control
See Memory Medic page 5
4 | February 2, 2016
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Memory Medic from page 4
before and after 20 training days of 20- to 30-sessions. The experimental groups received dual n-back training with a simultaneously presented face and a word that was either emotionally negative or neutral. After each picture-word pair, subjects were to press a button to indicate if either or both members of the pair matched the stimulus presented n-positions back. Tests began with n = 1 and increased as subjects gained proficiency. Not surprisingly, errors in both trained and untrained subjects decreased at levels beyond n = 1, and the error rate was comparable for both groups. Results indicated that subjects reported less distress when they consciously willed to suppress it compared with the null state of just attending to negative stimuli. But this distress reduction occurred only in the emotional working memory training group. No change in activity levels was indicated in brain scans as a result of placebo training, but significant increases occurred as a result of emotional working memory training irrespective of the level of n-back achievement in the executive control regions of
Roe
from page 3 feeling out of control. But it’s not healthy, and we know it. You could run. Many run into another’s arms. Others flee to someone or something to deaden the pain. But then, this is just another form of hiding, and therefore not a good option. There is a third possibility. You could make the courageous choice to meet Valentine’s Day head on, and use it to help you heal and grow. How do you do this? First, you can decide to meet the day and what it brings. The Grinch couldn’t stop Christmas from coming, and you won’t be able to stop Valentine’s Day, either. What would it mean to celebrate the day in a way that fits where you are currently? Second, you can make proactive choices. Each of us gets to decide what we’re going to do, how, when and with whom. It’s always a good idea to seek those who are helpful to you and limit your exposure to those who aren’t. You can take charge of the day, and make a plan. Third, you can forgive. You can’t afford to let guilt (blaming yourself) or bitterness (blaming others) rule your heart. You’re just too valuable and important to let that happen. You can choose to both forgive those who have wounded you and forgive yourself for what you did or didn’t do. Forgiveness releases your heart to continue to heal from past pain and grow into the future. Fourth, you can express love. You can choose to honor those “loves” who have passed – buy a card, write a letter or give a gift in their name. Remember them, honor them and be thankful. But you don’t have to stop there. T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
interest. The study also compared emotional responsivity before and after training. Subjects were asked to just pay attention or to pay attention and cognitively suppress their emotional reaction. Subjects rated their emotions on a numerical scale from negative to positive while viewing films that were emotionally neutral (such as weather forecasts) or that were emotionally disturbing (such as war scenes, accidents, etc.). Training caused no change in the group that viewed only neutral images, but in the groups viewing disturbing scenes, training decreased the perceived distress in a group told just to attend to the scenes and was even more effective in the group told to suppress emotional reaction. The emotional working memory training produced benefits that transferred to the emotional response task. Trained subjects not only regulated their emotions better but also developed greater brain-scan activity during the emotional task in the predicted brain regions of interest, the executive control loci. In other words, the training actually changed brain function on a lasting basis. Traditionally, we have always thought that the sole benefit of n-back memory training is to expand the amount of information that can be held in working memory. But now we see that such training can
improve our ability to control emotions. Emotional working memory training improves the ability to suppress disturbing emotional responses and does so presumably because the executive control network is more activated. Thus, such training might also enhance many executive control functions, particularly responses to emotionally disturbing circumstances. A new tool for self-control may have been discovered. Sources: Banich, M. T., Mackiewicz, K. L., Depue, B. E., Whitmer, A. J., Miller, G. A. , Heller, W. (2009) Cognitive control mechanisms, emotions and memory: a neural perspective with implications for psychopathology. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 33, 613630. Beck, A. T. (2008) The evolution of the cognitive model of depression and its neurobiological correlates. Am. J. Psychiatry. 165, 969-977. Schweizer, S., Grahn, J., Hampshire, A., Mobbs, D., and Dalgleish, T. (2013). Training the emotional brain: improving affective control through emotional working memory training. J. Neurosci. 33(12), 53015311. For more about ways to improve brain function, see “Memory Medic’s” e-book, “Improve Your Memory for a Healthy Brain” at Smashwords.com.
Even when in pain, you can reach out and honor someone around you whom you respect and admire. How can you show them love and thanks? What can you do to help them feel appreciated and valued? A little genuine service can do wonders for broken hearts, especially if that heart is yours. Perhaps this is what Valentine’s Day should be about anyway – expressing love in the midst of pain and struggle. Life is tough. One person referred to life as a “series of losses.” I believe life is far more than this, but how we interpret and respond to the hits in life is critical. Much of life is about overcoming. If we freely passed along the love, honor and respect we long to receive, imagine the impact we might make. If you know someone hurting this Valentine’s Day, take the risk of reaching out. Send that card. Make that call. Include them. Put yourself in their shoes. What would be most helpful to you? Above all, show up for them somehow. And if it’s face-to-face, then be prepared to listen. Don’t judge. Don’t try to fix them. Don’t try to help them feel better. Let them have their emotions. Meet them where they are, and walk with them in their valley. Valentine’s Day can be tough. Many are grieving because they dared to love. And make no mistake - if we love, we will grieve, for grief is ultimately a part of love. If you’re hurting and missing someone, what if you used your grief to love even more? And if you’re one of the fortunate, lucky ones to be with your love this Valentine’s, what if you thought broader than the two of you, and used part of this day to serve others? Valentine’s Day might be different for all of us this year. P.S. - If you’re hurting, please consider joining us for a free, comforting and practical presentation on “How to Heal from the Loss of a Love,” sponsored by Hospice Brazos Valley and Hillier Funeral Home,
Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Hillier Funeral Home, 4080 Texas 6 frontage road in College Station. For more information, contact me at 979-821-2266. Gary Roe is an author, speaker and chaplain with Hospice Brazos Valley. His newest book,“Heartbroken: Healing from the Loss of a Spouse” was recently named a finalist for two national book awards. Contact Gary at www.garyroe.com, groe@ hospicebrazosvalley.com or 979-821-2266.
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February 2, 2016 | 5
Man’s bes
Pets have positive i mental and ph
By BROOKE AMADOR Special to The Eagle
Imagine having a friend who is always happy to see you. It doesn’t matter what your hair looks like or if you skipped your daily workout. They don’t care about the stock market, your 401K or how much is left on the mortgage. What they care about is you. Friends just like this have purred and pawed their way into the hearts of humans for thousands of years, establishing mutual trust under which permanent bonds form. Today, an estimated 65 percent of households in the United States are home to at least one pet — and nearly every pet owner considers their animal companions bona fide members of the family, according to the National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association. Vast amounts of research studying the emotional, social and physical benefits of human-animal relationships meet the same conclusion: animal companions lead not only to happier, but healthier people. Mary “Mike” Hatcher, of Bryan, said that after her mother Polly passed away in 2008, her mother’s dog, Holly, became her family. Holly, a black Yorkiepoo with a white streak under her right ear, made Hatcher’s house feel a little less empty. “We’ve learned how to become a pet and a pet owner together over the last eight years, and I think we’ve got it right,” Hatcher said. “We have a language — looks — we’ve even gotten to the point where we’ll be sitting on the sofa together and she’ll take her paw and tap me on the leg and that means ‘Mama, I need to go outside.’” Holly helps Hatcher maintain regular physical activity with daily walks around the neighborhood and trips to the dog park. “I think it’s important not to deny yourself the opportunity to be a pet owner at least once in your life,” Hatcher added. Emotional benefits For someone who has never owned or bonded with a pet, it might be difficult to imagine having strong feelings toward an animal or that those feelings could be reciprocated. For one local man, a bond was formed when a stray, Buddy wandered up to his farm and wouldn’t leave. “I never had a dog that was a companion,” he said. “This is a companion. He has really helped me calm myself from the inside. He’s there with me every day, all day long. He goes everywhere I go and he never complains about anything,” Buddy’s owner said, admitting that Buddy has made him more compassionate toward people. “He’s filled a very big void for me, that’s for sure.” Emotional benefits of pets include: • Providing greater social support. Any number of events can leave people
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feeling socially isolated and lonely, triggering symptoms of depression. The companionship of an animal makes them feel wanted and gives them something to care for, helping refocus their attention to something positive. In a 2011 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers concluded that pets can serve as important sources of social support, and compliment, rather than compete with, a person’s human sources of support. • Returning meaning and joy to life. From retirees to empty nesters, and those facing singleness for the first time, the companionship of a pet can give a person something to do and look forward to each day -- bringing pleasure, optimism and a sense of self-worth to their changing world, according to www.helpguide.org. Choosing to adopt or foster a pet from a shelter can change the life of an animal and increase a person’s sense of fulfillment. • Staying connected. A person can grab a leash and his or her dog, and head to the local dog park or take a stroll around the neighborhood. As a person enters different stages of life, maintaining a network of friends isn’t always easy — and the task of making new friends can be discouraging. A Harvard survey listed being a pet owner as the No. 3 way to meet neighbors. Imagine the conversation if a person’s “dog” happens to be a pot belly pig. • Improving mood. Studies show that petting animals can immediately reduce stress, fear and anxiety, improve mood and lead to healthier interpersonal interactions. It has also been reported that human-animal interaction promotes trustworthiness, enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Physical benefits Physical health benefits people can experience from being around pets include: • Decreased blood pressure. Research examined by the American Heart Association showed that human-animal interaction significantly lowers
All photos (contributed by Aggieland Pets with a College Station non-profit organization, provides therapy to nursing homes, rehabiliation hospitals an T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
st friends
impact on humans’ hysical health baseline heart rates and blood pressure. It also showed that when faced with stress, pet owners exhibited significantly smaller increases in heart rate and blood pressure and faster recovery to their baseline heart rate after the stress subsided. • A healthier heart. Dog owners who walk their pet on a regular basis may experience a lower risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in adults living in the U.S. Research released by the Baker Medical Research Institute showed that out of the 5,741 people surveyed, who came to the center for cardiovascular evaluation, pet owners, regardless of the type of pet owned, had significantly reduced levels of known risk factors for heart disease. • Boosted vitality. Remaining active on a regular basis helps people look and feel younger. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise slows the loss of muscle mass, strengthens bones and reduces joint and muscle pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The American Heart Association credits dogs as the pets most likely to influence physical activity, with one study showing that dog owners engage in more physical activity and walking than those who aren’t dog owners. • Lower healthcare costs. The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative announced findings of a new economic study that calculated an $11.7 billion savings in U.S. healthcare costs as a result of pet ownership. The largest savings was based on fewer doctor office visits by pet owners compared to nonpet owners.
a Purpose): Aggieland Pets with a Purpose, visitation animals and animal assisted nd other organizations. T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
Visiting animals provide companionship in assisted living facilities The companionship of an animal gives people something to focus on other than physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging, according to agingcare.com. In nursing homes, research shows that the presence of animals improves the moods of residents, decreases symptoms of depression and improves social interaction and quality of life. While most assisted living facilities do not allow residents to have a live-in pet, many do allow visiting pets.
Aggieland Pets With A Purpose is a College Station non-profit organization that provides visitation animals and animal assisted therapy to nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, hospice, schools and other facilities on a routine basis, and has for the last 14 years. “Animals are non-judgmental, positive sources of feedback. Physically petting an animal has been shown to lower blood pressure and be calming,” said Dr. Karen F. Snowden, professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. For an elderly person, interacting with a pet can trigger strong memories. Snowden recalled a story about one resident who calls her visiting pet by her childhood dog’s name. The visits bring back such strong memories from her childhood, she is able to recall and talk about them. The son of another resident told a volunteer that his mother no longer recognizes him, but she can tell him every time the dog visits her. Hatcher remembers when her mother was in the hospital and the service dogs would come around. “For an elderly person like my mom, she couldn’t do much, but she could move her hands. She could put that puppy in her lap,” she said. Things to consider • Adopt an older pet. If training a puppy is not desirable, consider adopting an older pet. Kathy Bice, executive director of Aggieland Humane Society, says adopting an older dog, one that is over 2, or even 5 years old, means having a pet that isn’t teething and doesn’t have to learn how to be a member of the family. “They’re already grown up and settled, and they’ll be easier to integrate into your family,” she said. • Foster an animal. Fostering an animal allows a person to experience the companionship of a pet while allowing more freedom than pet ownership. Bice says it’s common for someone to foster a pet or raise a litter of puppies for a few weeks, then bring them back to the animal shelter. People can foster around their schedules. • Volunteer. Think your pet could love his way into someone’s heart? Kit Darling, president of Aggieland Pets With a Purpose invites pet owners to check out the program by tagging along on an animal-assisted visit. Darling said that when people share the love of a pet with someone else, they may not always know the difference they are making — but they are making a difference. Check the website for more information and upcoming open houses: www.apwap.org. Volunteering at an animal shelter is also an option for those wanting to be around animals. For more information, visit aggielandhumane.org or www.bryantx.gov/ animal-center.
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CALENDAR Ongoing Sit and Fit Chair Exercises - Seniors meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m. Gentle workout while sitting in a chair. Features fat-burning aerobics and weight lifting. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Line dance workshop for beginners – Seniors are invited to a free line dance workshop for beginners, held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first, second and third Monday of each month, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Learn the steps and terminology. No registration necessary. Contact 7646351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information. Line Dancing Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, holds line dancing for seniors on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Low impact workout, to the hottest tunes. For more information, contact 979-764-6351, 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Classic Country and Bluegrass Jam Session – Bluegrass Jam Session is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. All levels welcome. Bring string instruments and a friend. Open to all who like to listen to or play this kind of music. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Friday Bridge Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers bridge for seniors on Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Learn how to play 42 dominoes Learn the game of 42 every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information. 42 dominoes - Seniors meet every Thursday to play 42 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, from 9:30 to
11:30 a.m. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Bible study – Bible study is held for seniors at 9:15 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Contact 979-7643779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information. Maj Jongg - Seniors interested in learning the game will meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station on Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Game Night - Seniors are invited to Game Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Table games and dominoes provided or bring your own favorite game. Meet friends and enjoy a fun game night. For more information contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Dominoes - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays dominoes all day on Tuesdays and Fridays and from noon to closing Wednesdays. Sack lunch for those playing dominoes from 11:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873/www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com. Bridge – Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bridge from 12:30 p.m. until closing on Tuesdays; noon to closing on Thursdays; and 12:20 p.m. to closing Fridays. Partner needed Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com. Games - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays board games, Scrabble and other card games on Tuesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873/www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com. Bible study - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds Bible study 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, call 979-822-6873 or visit www.brazoscountyseniorcitizens. weebly.com.
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Exercise class - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds exercise class 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com. Bingo - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bingo 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com. Canasta - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Canasta from 11:30 a.m. to closing on Thursdays. For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com. Potluck luncheon - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, has a potluck luncheon 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays. For more, call 979-822-6873 or visit www.
brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly. com. One-on-one computer help - 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S. in College Station. Contact the Reference Desk to schedule a 30-minute session, at 979-764-3416. For more information, visit www.bcslibrary.org. Registration for Brazos Valley Senior Games – Through Feb. 12. Ages 50 and older can compete in track and field, swimming, basketball, cycling, golf, 5K, archery, bowling, horseshoes, pickleball, disc golf, washers, table tennis, tennis, 3-on-3 basketball, cornhole and basketball skills. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in each event and age group. For more information, visit cstx.gov or contact 979-764-3486 or parks@cstx.gov.
See Calendar page 9
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Decisions to make before adopting a pet
(MS) - Pets make great additions to households. Parents often find that bringing a pet into their homes is a great way to instill a sense of responsibility in their children, while singles or couples embrace the companionship that devoted pets provide.
Adoption is the route many prospective pet owners prefer to take when bringing new pets into their homes. Shelter animals are in need of good homes and providing such an environment to animals others have abandoned or were forced to
Calendar
from page 8 Feb. 3
Computer Club for Seniors: “Tax Programs” – Meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Carter Creek Training Room, 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station. Open to all seniors interested in learning more about computers. No pre-registration needed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
Feb. 9
“How to Heal from the Loss of a Love” presentation – Free, comforting presentation at 6:30 p.m. at Hillier Funeral Home, 4080 Texas 6 frontage road in College Station. Sponsored by Hospice Brazos Valley and Hillier Funeral Home. For more information, contact Gary Roe at 979-821-2266. Community Classroom: “A healthy heart for life” - Monthly health education session will be offered by Angels Care Home Health nurses 10-11 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. No registration necessary. Open to all seniors. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Computer 101 Class – Held 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 9-18 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Learn basic computer skills and
T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
give up can make new pet owners feel better about themselves. But in an effort to make their transitions to pet ownership go more smoothly, people should make certain decisions before adding any furry friends to their family dynamic. Responsibility Pets are a big responsibility, but
Prospective pet owners should make certain decisions prior to beginning the process of
See Budget page 11
adopting a new pet.
recipes. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779.
how to use the Internet and e-mail. Cost is $45. To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486. Computer 102 Class – Held 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays Feb. 9-18, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Basic computer skills required. Class offers instruction on tool bar functions, formatting documents, use of picture tools, printers and more. Cost is $45. To register visit rectrac.cstx. gov or call 979-764-3486.
Feb. 17
Family History Computer Group: “How to use property records to dig up dirt” – Meeting will be held 9:30-11 a.m. at Carter Creek Training Room, 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station. The group shares an interest in finding family history and storing it on their computer. No registration is required. Open to all older adults. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Exploring History Luncheon: “12 Aggie Heroes” – The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present monthly lectures with lunch on the history of the community. Luncheons are held at Aldersgate Church, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway S. in College Station. A reservation is necessary for lunch; the cost is $5. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Speaker will begin at noon. RSVP by Feb. 12 at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov.
Feb. 11
Valentine’s Tea & Fashion Show – Tea served from 1-3 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Join for an afternoon tea and fashion show with Burlap & Pearls Boutique. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and sweetheart bingo. A reservation is neded due to limited seating. Reserve at 979-7646351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Sweet Heart Dance for seniors – Free dance with a live DJ, 7-9 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. No registration needed. Light refreshments served. For more details, contact 979764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
Feb. 18
Free Movie and Popcorn: “The Intern” - Seniors are invited to enjoy a free movie and popcorn at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Movie begins at 1 p.m. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov for more information.
Feb. 16
Nutrition Education presented by AgriLife – Presentation for seniors 10-11 a.m. at the Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Learn healthy and tasty recipes, while sampling foods prepared on site by an AgriLife specialist. Receive a copy of all
Feb. 25
Free seminar: “Passing Along Your Family History” - Monthly education seminar will be offered from noon to 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. No registration necessary. Open to all seniors. For more details, contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
Feb. 26
Bingo & Birthday Celebration - Join from 1:30-3 p.m. on the last Friday of each month at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, for bingo and cake to celebrate February birthdays. No registration necessary. Call 979-7646351 for more information.
Feb. 29
Senior Advisory Committee meeting - Committee meets at 10 a.m. on the last Monday of each month at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Visitors welcome. For more information contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov.
March 2
Free Beginning Bridge class – Class for seniors who would like to learn how to play bridge will be held every Wednesday in March from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. To register call 979764-6351.
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The best (and worst)foods for heart health N
o one wants to hear from their doctors that they have joined the millions of people across the globe to be diagnosed with heart disease. The Heart Foundation reports that heart disease, which includes diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system and stroke, is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women and most racial/ethnic groups. Heart disease also is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, claiming more than 33,000 lives per year. Many factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including smoking, lack of exercise and stress. Diet and whether a person is overweight or obese also can have a direct link to heart health. Diet, particularly for those with diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar levels, is a major concern. A variety of foods are considered helpful for maintaining a strong and healthy heart and cardiovascular system, while others can contribute to conditions that may eventually lead to cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest. Moderation enables a person to sample a little of everything, but not to make any one food a habit. The following are some foods to promote heart health and some foods you might want to avoid.
Good
• Tree nuts: Tree nuts contain unsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) and improve HDL (the good stuff). Nuts also are a filling source of protein and other healthy nutrients. • Whole grains: Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates for energy, as well as protein and fiber. Fiber can help scrub cholesterol from the blood, lowering bad cholesterol levels. • Fatty fish: Many cold-water, fatty fish, such as halibut, herring and salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy. Omega3s also can be found in walnuts, flaxseed and some soy products. • Beans: Beans and other legumes are an excellent source of protein and can be a stand-in for meats that
are high in saturated fat. Beans also contain cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber and folate, which can reduce blood homocystein levels. The Bean Institute reports that consuming beans may reduce cholesterol levels by roughly six to 10 percent. • Yogurt: Researchers in Japan found yogurt may protect against gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease may elevate a person’s risk for heart disease. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can counteract bad bacteria and boost immunity. • Raisins: Raisins contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is often linked to heart disease and other debilitating conditions. Fresh produce also is a good source of antioxidants.
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Poor • Fried foods: Many fried foods have little nutritional value, as they tend to be high in saturated and trans fats. French fries are particularly bad because they are carbohydrates fried and then doused in salt. • Sausage: Processed meats have frequently earned a bad reputation among cardiologists, but sausage can be a big offender, due in large part to its high saturated fat content. • Red meats: Enjoying a steak is probably not as bad as eating a deep-fried brownie, but it’s best to limit red meat consumption to about 10 percent or less of your diet. Red meats can have a considerable amount of cholesterol, saturated fat and calories. • Added sugars: Sugar can increase
blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Sugar often hides out in foods that you would not associate with the sweetener. Plus, many people unwittingly consume too much sugar simply through sugar-sweetened beverages and ready-to-eat cereals. • Salty foods: Leave the salt shaker in the spice cabinet and opt for herbs for flavoring, advises the American Heart Association. High-sodium diets often are to blame for hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease. • Dairy: Artery-clogging saturated fat also can be found in dairy products, particularly the full-fat versions. Butter, sour cream and milk can be problematic when people overindulge. Opt for low-fat dairy when possible. T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
How to find and select a veterinarian for your pets (MS) - Pets owners must make several important decisions with regard to caring for their pets, not the least of which is finding a veterinarian. First-time pet owners may not know where to look when the time comes to take their furry friends for their initial vet visits, while long-time pet owners whose pets develop specific ailments may be on the lookout for vets who specialize in treating such ailments. Finding a veterinarian may take some trial and error, and pet owners should be prepared to try new veterinarians if their pets don’t seem to have much of a rapport with a given vet. The following are a handful of additional tips for pet owners looking for the right healthcare provider to care for their pets. Ask around. Neighbors, friends or family members with pets may be great sources of information regarding veterinarians in your area. Recommendations may be especially valuable to pet owners who own less common pets, such as birds and reptiles. Many veterinarians will have extensive experience treating cats and dogs, but owners of
Budget
from page 9 some pets are easier to care for than others. Fish, for example, don’t require as much effort on the part of pet owners as dogs do. Prospective pet owners should discuss how much responsibility they are willing to take on and just who will be handling the bulk of the caretaking. Prospective pet owners who don’t feel like they can take on much additional responsibility might want to avoid adopting dogs, which need daily walks and exercise, in favor of cats, which don’t require as much attention, or other pets that do not require as significant a time commitment. Budget Prospective pet owners also should develop a budget before visiting a shelter or speaking to an adoption agency. Pets, even if they are adopted, can be expensive additions to a home, and it’s easy for prospective pet owners to fall in love with an animal and bring it home only to realize down the road that the cost of keeping the animal is beyond their means. When adopting a pet, men and women should expect to pay adoption fees and pay for an initial veterinary visit, which may include vaccinations, the cost of which can quickly add up. In addition to those initial costs, pet owners will need to pay for other items, such as bedding (or cages if adopting a bird), food and toys, and those items are not necessarily one-time costs. Budget also must come into play when deciding which animal to adopt. Certain breeds of dog, for example, are predisposed to certain health conditions that can make caring for them an expensive proposition. Prospective dog owners on limited budgets should avoid adopting breeds whose care will T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
more exotic animals may be comfortable visiting vets who have significant experience treating their particular type of pets. Visit a facility before booking an appointment. Visiting a facility prior to taking pets in for an appointment can shed light on the facility and give pet owners more opportunity to digest what they are seeing, which can be difficult with pets in tow. Make note of how clean and organized the facility is, and inquire about how many vets are on staff. If your pet gets hyper around other animals, observe the waiting room and try to imagine how your pet would respond to the room. Pets may already be jumpy or nervous about vet visits, so an environment that would only stoke those nerves may not be best for your animal. Ask questions. Pet owners who take an active interest in their pets’ health are welcomed by many veterinarians, so don’t be afraid to ask questions on your initial visit to the facility. Be specific when asking questions, asking about overnight stays
for sick animals and how much experience staff vets have treating specific animals and ailments. Veterinarians or veterinary staff personnel willing to take the time to answer your questions will probably take the time to go the extra mile caring for your animal as well.
stretch or exceed their budgets in favor of dogs that are unlikely to do so.
dogs before they adopt their own. Fostering can give prospective pet owners more accurate ideas of the commitment required to adequately care for a pet as they try to decide if that commitment is one they are capable of making.
Lifestyle Prospective pet owners must be willing to change their lifestyles when they adopt a new pet. Some pets won’t require their owners to make many changes at all, while others can dramatically alter the lifestyles their owners may have grown accustomed to. Prospective pet owners should decide how willing they are to change their lifestyles and let that willingness guide their adoption decision. Those who want to change their lifestyle as little as possible may be best suited to pets that need little attention, while those ready and willing to make more significant changes may be ready to bring a dog into their homes. Men and women unsure about the lifestyle changes they will have to make to welcome dogs into their homes may want to consider fostering
Learn about emergency protocol. Many pet owners may need to one day take their pets in during emergencies, so it makes sense to learn about a veterinary practice’s emergency protocol. Do any veterinarians work the overnight shift? If not, are all vets on call in case of emergency? A practice that has a detailed emergency protocol in place may be better equipped to handle emergencies, which can calm pet owners’ fears. Finding a veterinarian is an important step for pet owners. A combination of strategies can help pet owners find vets who will provide the best care to owners’ furry friends.
Adopting pets is a great way for animal lovers to make positive impacts on the lives of animals in need of homes. But prospective adopters should first make certain decisions about pet ownership to ensure their transitions to pet owners go as smoothly as possible.
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