April 2018 Seasoned

april 2018

Aging Tackle reality, adapt, and adjust as you age

Get ready for Seniors EXPO Volunteers needed, booth reservations accepted for the event on May 9

Memory

One leafy green salad a day may slow cognitive decline

Home updates Simple and affordable changes to consider

Osteoarthritis

Many factors can contribute to leg and knee joint pain

seasoned PUBLISHER

Crystal Dupre’

Some evidence suggests that elderberry may help reduce swelling in the mucus membranes and sinuses to help relieve nasal congestion. WebMD says elderberry may help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation to relieve pain throughout the body. Some people also rely on elderberry for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and as a laxative.

Even though elderberry is an allnatural alternative to medicine, its use should be discussed with a doctor to ensure no contraindications.

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

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Contents

4 When your life seems to be shrinking...

5 A salad a day may keep dementia away 6 Get ready for Seniors EXPO in May 8 Solutions for knee joint pain and instability 9 Future-proof your home for silver years 10 Calendar

Metro Creative Connection The next time symptoms of a cold appear could be well worth it to reach for elderberry syrup, lozenges or supplements.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, elderberry, or elder, has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Elderberry can be applied to the skin to relieve wounds, and it also is effective when taken orally to treat respiratory illnesses like cold and flu.

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When your life seems to be shrinking...

A number of years ago, a movie came out called The Incredible Shrinking Man (adapted from the novel by Richard Matheson). After being exposed to a combination of radiation and toxins, the main character found his life taking a gary roe terrifying twist. He began to shrink. hospice Medical science was powerless to help him and he continued to diminish in size until he was a mere two inches tall. Ordinary tasks became massive obstacles of herculean proportions. Everyday household situations were suddenly dangerous and potentially lethal. Nothing was the same. His life as he knew it was over.

The film is considered one of the most innovative and thought-provoking ever made. Though its actual meaning has been debated over the decades, the movie reminds me of many of the concerns and fears we face in the aging process.

Even though we’ve been aging since birth, there comes a point where we begin to be aware of the downsides of getting older. Things weren’t what they were. We’re not what we were. Somehow it feels like our lives are shrinking.

We don’t like this, so we naturally fight against it. We deny it for a while, keeping our concerns to ourselves and covering over what we can so the changes will be less noticeable. We keep trying to do what we once did, the way we once did it. We put on a good show. We fake it, and exhaust ourselves in the process.

On a whim, I Googled “anti-aging.” Oh my. Antiaging creams, supplements and interventions. Agefighting secrets, techniques and guidelines. Youthextending serums, remedies and treatments.

It’s clear that we have a problem with aging. We don’t want to get older. Who wants to be more limited? No one wants to shrink.

And yet, aging is inevitable. As one of my hospice patients said, “I’ve never been this old before.”

Getting older is an adventure. One dictionary defines adventure as “an exciting and hazardous journey, typically through uncharted territory.”

Though many of us would debate the accuracy of the word “exciting” when applied to aging, the rest of the definition certainly holds true. We have to tackle reality, adapt, and adjust. Some parts of life become far more challenging and unpredictable. We’ve never been here before.

The aging journey is hard - full of potential dangers and pitfalls. Getting older might not be an adventure we would voluntarily sign up for, but it’s an adventure none the less. And how we approach it matters - for ourselves

and those around us.

Why is aging so hard? Here are three reasons.

1. We remember what was.

We look back. We remember what life used to be, and who we used to be. We possess powerful memories of what we did and could once do. We sigh and long for the “good old days.” When addressing younger folks, we find ourselves saying, “Well, in my day...” with the nuance that things were a lot better when we were their age.

Living life is a bit like driving a car. When it comes to seeing the world and navigating it well, we have a windshield, mirrors and windows. Of course, we mostly use the windshield and the rearview mirror. In order to drive safely and get where we want to go, the general rule is to glance in the rearview mirror while gazing through the windshield. In the aging process, the temptation is to do the reverse. We don’t like what we see ahead and around us. We would prefer to look back.

And that can be discouraging.

2. We compare what was to what is.

We look at ourselves now. We’re different. At times, we get glimpses of that familiar little boy or girl under the wrinkles, age spots and graying hairs. We blink and wonder where the time has gone.

Our bodies have changed. Parts creak, snap, crackle and pop. We’re not as flexible. We don’t move as fast.

We’re not as agile. Something is messing with our balance and depth perception. We’re increasingly stiff and sore. Medical visits and expensive, time-consuming tests become the norm. Much like a high mileage vehicle, our repairs are more frequent and costly.

Age seems to gain more ground on us each day. We’re older than we were. And this too can be discouraging.

3. We’re aware of what’s coming.

The reality is, well, sobering. We’re going to keep getting older. Most likely, we’ll lose some abilities and experience more limitations. Some are realistic about this, while others are in denial. Most of us are somewhere in the middle. In any case, a shrinking life is not something most of us relish contemplating.

Yes, aging can be discouraging. That’s why we have to turn this around, while still living in reality.

We can set our sights on aging well by living well now. We owe it to ourselves, those we love and the world around us to be the best version of ourselves possible at any given age or moment.

One thing that helps me are affirmations.

Affirmations are statements I use to remind myself of what’s true and how I want to live.

When it comes to aging, here are some affirmations to consider: “I’m here on purpose, and I can make a difference.”

“Even in the face of great challenges, I can be positive and optimistic.”

“I’ll focus on what I have rather than what I’ve lost.”

“I’ll be thankful, compassionate, and kind.”

“I’ll take good care of myself as a gift to myself and those around me.”

“I’ll be intentional and make my energy and talents count.”

“I’ll pace myself and engage in things that make a difference.”

Purpose, optimism, gratitude, self-discipline and service. These qualities enhance our lives more than we realize.

Aging is inevitable. We’re older than we were, and yet today is full of potential meaning and impact.

While our physical abilities might shrink, our hearts don’t have to. A warm smile. A kind word. A listening ear. A helping hand. Sage wisdom that comes from decades of living. These things matter, and can change the trajectory of someone’s day, or their entire life.

Right now, we have today. In fact, that’s all we ever have. Let’s make it count.

Gary Roe is an award-winning author, chaplain, and grief counselor with Hospice Brazos Valley. His newest METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION book, Comfort for the Grieving Heart, will be released Aging can be discouraging, but we can set our sights on aging well early next month. Visit him at garyroe.com or contact him at 979-821-2266 or groe@hospicebrazosvalley.org. by living well now.

4 | April 5, 2018

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

A salad a day may keep dementia away I have written before on the wellknown fact that people age differently.

In particular, cognitive decline becomes pronounced in some elderly, while little decline occurs in others. Scientists want to know what explains the difference.

Some things are obvious: healthy lifestyles involving frequent physical and mental exercise.

New research indicates that eating one leafy green salad a day slowed cognitive decline in the elderly. The study tested memory and thinking skills, comparing the scores between people who ate at least one serving (about a cup and a half) per day of green leafy vegetables and those who did not. The leafy vegetable folks had a slower rate of mental decline as they aged that indicated they were biologically 11 years younger.

The study followed 960 elderly people (average age of 81) for five years, with the aim of seeing how diet

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

might correlate with signs of dementia.

Questionnaires revealed their diet practices and they took the mental tests at least twice over the period. They adjusted dr. bill klem the memory medic results to account for age, sex, level of education and physical activity, participation in cognitive activities, smoking, and alcohol consumption—all factors that could, on their own, affect cognitive decline.

Even after ruling out these variables, the green leafy vegetable diet revealed a cognitive protective effect. These variables have to be taken into account to help establish a causal effect of green leafy vegetables. People who eat this kind of food are likely health conscious, and they likely do other healthy things that could slow cognitive decline.

By “green leafy vegetables”, the

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Kale is rich in vital nutrients, and there are many recipes available online that make it more palatable. authors meant such foods as cooked spinach, kale, collard greens and raw lettuce salad. The interest in green leafy vegetables arose from the fact that this kind of vegetable has high levels of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

When the rates of ingesting specific kinds of compounds, certain ones seemed to account for the effect:

See dementia page 10

April 5, 2018 | 5

a h o l A

Volunteers needed, booth reservations accepted for Seniors EXPO event in May

The Eagle’s 17th annual Seniors EXPO, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 9th, is a free event that provides important information for seniors and their caretakers. This annual event is planned by a committee of various business representatives, primarily in the senior industry. It is sponsored by H-E-B and takes place at the Brazos County Expo Complex, 5827 Leonard Road, Bryan.

“The Seniors EXPO was designed to introduce senior citizens to the ‘senior-friendly’ businesses, organizations and activities available in the Brazos Valley,” said Linda Brinkman, The Eagle’s advertising manager.

Volunteers for the event are needed for tasks such as greeting guests; assisting vendors, entertainers and visitors; driving golf carts; managing tickets; passing out door prizes; setting up for the show and cleaning up afterward. It’s a great opportunity to support the community and give back to the seniors of Bryan-College Station, as well as develop skills and gain work experience.

Bryan-College Station was recently recognized as a National Senior Friendly Community, and the Seniors EXPO Committee believes that’s partly because of the Seniors EXPO

6 | April 5, 2018

event. This year’s EXPO, which will have a Hawaiian luau theme, will feature more than 135 vendor booths, entertainment, educational seminars, demonstrations, free health screenings and several door prizes. Exhibitors will provide information on nutrition, housing, safety, pharmaceuticals, finances, social security, retirement, volunteer opportunities, hobbies, health, leisure activities, insurance, fitness, arts and much more.

The event is a chance for seniors and their caretakers to get information on local senior services and products, as well as for businesses and organizations to market what they offer. Last year all the booth spaces were taken, and there was a waiting list. More than 1,500 people attended.

From the start of the Senior Expo to close, a steady crowd of area senior citizens milled through the ballroom to take advantage of information, special offers and giveaways available from vendors.

Booth space reservations are being accepted now. The deadline is April 13, or as long as spaces are available. Spaces are granted on a firstcome, first-served basis; there are 50 booths with electricity. The cost for a booth is $125, plus $25 for electricity if needed. The use of tents at booths will be limited to ten foot, and will also be an additional $25 charge. All vendors using a tent must pre-register as tent. Registration will not be granted on the day of. If a tent is larger than ten feet, a double booth space will be required. For the 14th consecutive year, there will be a booth-decorating contest, with awards being given for “Best in T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Show/Best Overall,” “Honorable Mention,” “Best Food Vendor” and “Newcomer of the Year.”

“The Seniors EXPO will give you the opportunity to promote your service or products to this highly desirable target market,” Brinkman said.

The event will be promoted to the entire sevencounty region via newspaper, television, fliers and through senior organizations. As an exhibitor, organizations and businesses will also have their names included in a special publication promoting the Seniors EXPO, published inside The Eagle before the event.

To volunteer, contact Cassidy Currie at ccurrie@mrcaff.org or 979-774-6983. For more information on booth spaces or to reserve a spot, call Barbara Pratt at 979-595-1641. For additional event details, call The Eagle at 979-731-4738.

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

Eagle file photos

From the 9 a.m. start of the 2017 Senior expo to the 2 p.m. closing, a steady, heavy, sometimes packed crowd of area senior citizens filled the ballroom at the Brazos county expo to take advantage of information, special offers and many giveaways available from more than 100 vendor booths set up to draw their business and offer them tips on how people can live and thrive during the golden years.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free Admission

Brazos county eXPO complex 5827 Leonard Road • Bryan VOlUnteer: Cassidy Currie, 979-774-6983 or ccurrie@mrcaff.org BOOtH SPAce: Barbara Pratt, 979-595-1641 eVent detAilS: The Eagle, 979-731-4738 April 5, 2018 | 7

Solutions for knee joint pain and instability degeneration will eventually occur, the pain you are experiencing around your knee can be a result of other muscle and soft tissue factors that your doctor or specialist doesn’t even discuss with you. For example, pain in and around your knee can really be caused by muscle weakness in the leg, hips or ankle.

Muscle weakness can lead to knee joint instability, knee stiffness, poor back, hip and leg flexibility, and/ or poor walking pattern due to knee pain guarding.

All of these factors can create and contribute to the reason why your knee is in so much pain. These other leg and knee factors will become problematic and will cause knee pain. Pain over time wears on you physically and mentally. Eventually, you become desperate for relief. But as I said previously, your health provider doesn’t tell you about other musculoskeletal factors that can cause you to have knee pain. The reason why physicians don’t tell you this is because many don’t take the time to evaluate for other musculo-skeletal deficiencies that might just be the primary reason(s) for your knee pain. How many of you get referred to physical therapy?

Osteoarthritis can be treated successfully. It can be treated successfully without pain medications, steroid or visco-supplementation injections or surgery.

A good examination of your hip, knee and leg can identify other contributing factors for increased knee pain. A doctor of physical therapy can give you an in-depth evaluation of all possible musculo-skeletal problems to help resolve some or a majority of your knee pain problems. Remember this - a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis by your health care provider is not the only thing contributing to or causing your knee pain. There are natural ways to decrease and even eliminate your knee pain.

A thorough musculo-skeletal evaluation of your low back, hip, knee, ankle and walking pattern needs to be performed. When other factors are identified - for example, muscle weakness, joint stiffness or muscle trigger points - these can be addressed with various natural healing treatments. Examples are joint mobilization, correcting postural alignment or faults, manual therapy techniques for flexibility and stiffness, vacuum compression for increase blood flow, trigger point dry needling, soft tissue work, acupressure, resistive strengthening, and so forth.

Complementary therapies are natural treatments that are very effective when used appropriately with the knee pain diagnosis. The therapist will also teach you how to be an active partner with your care, providing METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION you with knee precautions and a home exercise program. If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or Osteoarthritis can be treated successfully. A good examination of your hips, knees and legs can identify other contributing factors for shoulders and you have not seen a physical therapist for your pain problem, I highly recommend you make increased knee pain.

Q: I have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. My doctor showed me on X-ray how bad my knee looks and why I’m having pain. I received an injection and I was told to decrease my activities for 3-4 weeks. I’m pretty healthy for leon bradway my age and would like to avoid the physical therapy use of long term medication and or surgery. I want to stay active. What treatment options do I have now that I have osteoarthritis (OA)?

It’s very important for you to know that osteoarthritis in your knee is not the only reason why you have persistent knee joint pain. What your physician or orthopedist doesn’t tell you is that there are other leg and knee factors that can cause or contribute to your knee pain.

The most common way to visualize and diagnose osteoarthritis is by taking an X-ray of the knee. The X-ray film can show knee cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone scaring or cracks, joint space narrowing and boney formations internally or externally in or around the knee joint. You may be told that your knee pain is being generated from these boney changes and deforming the knee joint that may eventually get worse. You wonder when will it worsen, how bad will it really get? Is there anything I can do to slow the progression?

Osteoarthritis is not a condition that will worsen in 6 months. Research studies have concluded that degeneration can occur over many years. And while

8 | April 5, 2018

an appointment today. If you have seen a therapist and you were not satisfied, don’t give up. See another therapist who will spend the time and work with you on your pain problem. Your knee pain evaluation and treatment should include and encompass your hip, knee and ankle for postural guarding and pain generators. If you have had knee pain for greater than 6 to 12 months, there is a greater likelihood that you have been “guarding” to avoid pain which can negatively affect posture, muscle strength and flexibility, creating a huge muscle imbalance that will contribute to your knee pain problem. A quality evaluation and rehabilitation program will address those musculo-skeletal deficits.

With many of my patients here at the Sports Back & Pain management Clinic, we have an 80 – 90 percent decrease in their knee pain after a 4–6 week rehab program. A good therapy result is a partnership between the therapist and you the patient. In my professional opinion it is always prudent to try natural solutions before or in addition to pain medication and certainly long before any surgery.

Another important component of a structured rehab program is teaching the patient self-management skills for possible future pain episodes. Once the pain generators have improved and the neuromuscular system has been corrected and strengthened, your mind-set and quality of life will change for the better.

You can be active again but with some limitations.

It’s important that physical activity remain a part of your daily routine during rehab and after. Give physical therapy a chance before subjecting yourself to prolong medication use, injections and eventually surgery.

Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical therapy and director of the Sports, Back and Pain Management Clinic. See www.bvphysicaltherapy.com.

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

Future-proof your home for silver years Growing old in your own home is attractive for many reasons. You are surrounded by familiar objects and furniture. You know exactly where the spice rack is in the kitchen.

Finally, you know the neighborhood and have made friends who provide an opportunity for social connection. TracY Stewart financial literacy However, few people buy a home with an eye for the distant future in which they are two or more decades older. Chances are, your home isn’t tailor-made for eldering. Articles online warn that you can expect to spend tens of thousands of dollars on retro-fitting your home for access and ease of navigation. From installing lifts to eliminating all raised entrances, changes can be dramatic and expensive.

What can you do if you have no immediate need for that level of construction but still want to extend your enjoyment of your home?

Here is a short list of relatively simple and affordable changes to consider.

Re-assess the location of your master bedroom.

You may be accustomed to climbing the stairs when you are ready for bed, and that routine may work well for you right now. However, it’s wise to consider what would happen if you needed a space to recover from a surgery and couldn’t make a trek upstairs. Think about creating a private and comfortable space on the ground level. This can be done simply and inexpensively: you don’t have to convert an office or study to a bedroom, just add some furniture that would allow for the room to be used in more than one way.

Take a good look at your lighting.

Great lights can transform a place – but can they also make it safer? Add soft lighting for nighttime

navigation: dimmer switches on modern “can” light fixtures or more traditional lamps are both good options. Remote control or motion sensor lights, as well as lights on a timer, can also minimize the risk of fall and injury.

about upgrading to comfortable armchairs that are easy to get in and out of. Smaller dining tables that can be expanded or locked together can give you more flexibility and more control of your space.

Make your bathrooms easier to use.

Are there any cracked sidewalks that invite guests to trip? How about tricky steps that are tough to see at dusk? Simple actions, like increasing the visibility of steps with some contrast tape or paint, can make your entryway safer. Make sure that the handgrips are conveniently placed and sturdy. Finally, keep the vegetation trimmed down and make sure the outside lights are in good repair, as that can discourage unwelcome attention from opportunistic burglars.

The good news is that much of the “seasoned” crowd has the benefit of making these changes to their homes gradually. That can allow you to budget for the repairs, schedule them at a convenient time, and get them done on your terms. While prioritizing the tweaks and projects, remember that your ultimate goals are to encourage safety and reduce the risk of falls and injury. Small changes made over time can allow you to maintain your independence and enjoy your home for years to come.

Bathrooms can turn from a safe space into an accident-prone zone quickly. Wet shower floors are slippery, baths can be tough to get in and out of. Even if you aren’t ready to consider installing a no-step shower, now is the time to add a few strategically spaced grab bars and grips. Add heavy-duty non-slip mats to all wet areas and remove flimsy throw rugs that can be a trip hazard.

De-clutter and open your space.

Old homes are magnets for accumulating things.

End tables bought at a yard sale, knick-knacks from travels, crafts from when the kids were little – these things can serve as reminders of happy times, but they can also clutter your space. All the extra furniture pieces, rugs, lamps, and baskets don’t just make your home difficult to dust and clean – they can also be an accident trigger. Walk through your home and look at the rooms with a critical eye. Is there any furniture you don’t use regularly? Does every object bring you a smile and a fond memory, or do they cause irritation as you go through your weekly dusting routine? Use this as an opportunity to make your home lighter and easier to maintain.

Re-assess your furniture.

Beyond getting rid of the furniture you no longer use, consider how comfortable it is. Does it take you 10 minutes of gearing up and a lot of discomfort to get up from that couch? How practical is that formal dining room set that you use twice a year? Think

Remember the outside.

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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CALENDAR Ongoing Line Dance Workshop for Beginners - Adults 55+ are invited to learn the latest line dance steps and terminology. Join us at Southwood Community Center from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first, second and third Monday of each month. No registration necessary. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Line Dancing - Join other adults 55+ as they line dance to the hottest tunes and enjoy a great low impact aerobic workout. The group meets every Tuesday and Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road. For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ seniors.

Sit & Fit - Join other adults 55+ for a gentle exercise class while sitting. Participants follow a video that features fat-burning aerobics and weight lifting exercises. Sit & Fit meets every Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays and Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. The Center is located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-7646351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx. gov/seniors.

Classic Country & Bluegrass Jam Session - Open to all adults 55+ who enjoy listening or

dementia from page 5

phylloquinone (vitamin K1); lutein; folate, α-tocopherol (vitamin E), nitrate, and kaempferol. The more green the vegetables are the higher the concentration of these key compounds.

For those who don’t like to eat “rabbit food,” a supplement that concentrated these compounds would have great appeal. As far as I know, no such supplement exists.

The authors attribute the effect to certain constituents found in high concentrations in leafy veggies. Kale gets a lot of attention because it is especially rich in these vital nutrients.

playing Classic Country or Bluegrass music.

Bring string instruments and invite a friend!

Join us every Tuesday for a Jam Session at Southwood Community Center, located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. from 1:30 to 3:30pm.

All levels welcome including beginners! For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Game Night - Adults 55+ are invited to join the fun every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. Table games, table tennis and corn hole are 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, email kpeterson@ cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Learn to Play 42 - Learn the popular dominoes game of 42 every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Forevercise - 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 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or

visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Zumba for Seniors Class - Zumba is an aerobic workout that incorporates dance moves. This free easy-to-follow program lets you move to the rhythm at your own speed.

Class is offered at Southwood Community Center on Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m. No registration necessary. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-7646371, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx. gov/seniors.

Mah Jongg - Adults 55+ interested in playing the game of Mah Jongg meet at Southwood Community Center on Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Beginners welcome!

For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Bible 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 979-764-3779 or email awilliams@ cstx.gov for more information.

Play “42” Dominoes - Adults 55+ meet every Thursday to play “42” at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Friday Bridge - Southwood Community Cen-

I grow kale because it is so easy to grow in abundance, even in the winter.

The problem is that by itself it is not very tasty. There are many recipes that make kale more palatable. Take a look at those at www.cookieandkate. com/2017/15-delicious-kale-recipes and www.bonappetit.com/recipes/ slideshow/kale-recipes. The trick is to mix kale in with other foods that taste better.

If you cook your green leafy vegetables, reduce the amount of nutrient loss by cooking them whole.

Cutting them before cooking causes much of the nutrient to leach out. I would guess that microwaving would preserve more nutrients than boiling

them in water. If you are not too keen about eating salads, you can eat more of other foods that contain the key nutrients. For example, vitamin K 1 levels are high in vegetable oils. Folate levels are high in bread, cereal, rice, beans and orange juice. Lutein levels are high in tomatoes, carrots, peas, oranges, grapes and avocados. For α-tocopherol, you can find high levels in vegetable oils and margarines. High levels of kaempferol occur in fruits, berries, tomatoes, carrots, tea and onions. Many of these compounds are present in vitamin and nutritional supplements, but often in levels that are too low. Even so, taking such a pill daily may still be a good idea.

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ter offers a senior friendly environment to play bridge every Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Southwood Community Center is located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

April 17 “Gardening with the Masters” - Yard and garden information for the Brazos Valley.

Sessions presented by Brazos County Master Gardeners at the Southwood Community Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A light lunch will be served. To register call 979-764-6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov. Space is limited.

April 18 Exploring History Luncheon: “Carnegie History Center” by Rachel Medders - The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present monthly lectures on the history of our community and state.

The luncheon will be held at the Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road.

A reservation is necessary for lunch and the cost is $7.00. Lunch is served at 11:30 am.

The speaker will begin at 12:00 noon. Please make your reservation no later than the Friday before the luncheon by calling 979-764-

See calendar page 11 “Memory Medic’s latest book is for seniors: “Improve Your Memory for a Healthy Brain. Memory Is the Canary in Your Brain’s Coal Mine,” available in inexpensive e-book format at https://www.smashwords.com/books/ view/496252. See also his recent books, “Memory Power 101” (Skyhorse), and “Mental Biology. The New Science of How the Brain and Mind Relate” (Prometheus).

Source: Morris, Martha C., Wang, Yamin, Barnes, Lisa L. et al.

(2017). Nutrients and bioactives in green leafy vegetables and cognitive decline. Prospective study. Neurology. December 20, 2017, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000004815.

Available from: http://n.neurology.org/content/early/2017/12/20/ WNL.0000000000004815 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Support is helpful for caregivers Metro Creative Connection At some point in a son or daughter’s life, the role of caregiver may shift.

Where parents once took care of their children, aging parents very frequently rely on their children to care for them.

Adult caregivers typically want to do right by their aging loved ones but sometimes find that the demands of medical and emotional support can dominate their lives – so much so that their own children and other household responsibilities are neglected. The Mayo Clinic says it is natural to feel sad, alone, frustrated, and even angry when serving as a caregiver to an elderly parent. However, it’s also important to recognize the signs that the burden has become too much and to look for ways to lighten the workload.

Anyone can get caregiver stress, but the National Alliance for Caregiving says women are more susceptible than men. Those who are responsible for helping someone with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or a debilitating illness are also at a high risk of developing their own medical issues.

These responsibilities can affect the quality of caregivers’ sleep and impede their ability to relax and unwind.

Finding relief from caregiver stress can involve a few different strategies. n Ask for more help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If other family members or siblings are unable to pitch in, look into the possibility of hired aides. These professionals can be excellent and trained sources of support who assist with activities of daily living, remind patients to take their medications and assist in coordinating medical checkups. n Consider watchdog technology.

Smart homes have enabled remote

calendar

April 27

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Bingo & Birthday Celebration - Join us on the last Friday of each month from 1:30 to 6371, emailing kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit- 2:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Center for bingo and cake as we celebrate monthly ing cstx.gov/seniors. birthdays! Prizes donated by Signature Select Services. No registration necessary. Call April 26 Monthly Dance - Adults 55 + are invited 979-764-6351 for more information. to enjoy an evening of dancing with a live DJ at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock April 30 Prairie Rd. The dance is held from 7 to 9 p.m.

Senior Advisory Committee Meeting - The Door prizes and light refreshments served. Senior Advisory Committee meets on the last No reservation needed. For more information Monday of the month to discuss programs contact College Station Parks and Recreation and activities for adults 55 +. The meeting is Department, Senior Services at 979-764- held at Southwood Community Center, 1520 6371, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx. Rock Prairie Rd starting at 10 a.m. Visitors gov/seniors. welcome! For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, April 26 Movie & Popcorn - Join us for a movie and email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ popcorn every third Thursday at Southwood seniors.

Community Center from 1 to 3 p.m. No registration needed. For more information contact If you have an event you would like College Station Parks and Recreation Depart- listed in the monthly Seasoned calendar, ment, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, please e-mail the details to kelli.weber@ email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ theeagle.com. seniors.

control of many household systems, making it possible to monitor thermostat temperature, water leaks or floods, appliance and light usage, and much more. Video and sound surveillance can offer peace of mind to those who cannot be with their loved ones constantly.

Another option is a product called Care Coach. This is a digital tool that provides medicine reminders, health coaching, automated alerts, and an interactive avatar that can offer psychological and comforting support. n Explore respite care. Many rehabilitation and nursing facilities offer short-term respite care for loved ones so that caregivers can take the time to go on vacation or enjoy a day or two without having to check in on an elderly parent. Facilities generally have 24-hour staff to monitor residents, provide meals and provide entertainment. The change of pace can also be stimulating to the senior, and respite care can be a gradual introduction to long-term care. n Embrace community resources.

Seniors may be eligible for lowor no-cost services like visiting nurses, meal delivery and adult day programs. This network of support can further alleviate caregiver stress. n Talk it out. Work with a licensed therapist to find other coping strategies for dealing with the mounting pressure of being a caregiver. Talk therapy and relaxation techniques can help curb stress.

Being a caregiver is a rewarding but demanding responsibility. Utilizing all possible resources can make the job easier.

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