Seasoned

seasoned

Jun e 2017

Over 50 & living the good life!

Mind over matter

How meditation improves your health

Financial fitness

What you need to know about in-home caregivers

A sweet hobby

Get started with beekeeping in the Brazos Valley

seasoned

A monthly publication of The Eagle, 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802 PUBLISHER Crystal Dupre’ DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Sean Lewis

DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER Linda Brinkman SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR/ PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shauna Lewis shauna.lewis@theeagle.com

2 3 3 4 6 9 10

Contents

Why and how meditation promotes good health Top tips for fun days at the beach Physical therapy can help with constipation When getting older bothers us Get started with beekeeping What you need to know about in-home caregivers Calendar

Why and how meditation promotes good health

Meditation induces relaxation and relieves agitation and stress. The hyperactive brain that results from anxiety, worry and distress causes the adrenal gland to release two hormones that can be very damaging if the body is continually bathed in them. One hormone, adrenalin can churn the heart into a frenzy that produces high blood pressure Dr. BILL KLeMM and all its associated tHe MeMory MeDic bad consequences. The other hormone, cortisol can shrink the connections between neurons.

Eventually, the cortisol system can become exhausted, which impairs the immune system and the defenses against cancer and infectious disease.

Over 3,000 scientific studies report various benefits of meditation. There are many kinds of meditation, but most produce some degree of the same physiological and psychological benefits, which can become evident

2 | June 1, 2017

within a few weeks with daily practice.

Benefits include lower blood pressure, reduction of inflammation and pain, more disease resistance, more sense of well-being, improved ability to concentrate, and less depression and anxiety.

The focus here is on mindfulness meditation, wherein the goal is to have a deliberate focus on one thinking target, such as a deep and slow rate of breaking. The challenge is to reject other disruptive thoughts. Most of us do not do this well. Try to see how long you can go without intrusion of some self-talk or mental image. I bet you can’t even sustain focus for 30 seconds. Teaching yourself how to do this is great for improving your ability to concentrate. But there is abundant evidence that mindfulness meditation also reduces stress and its bodily consequences.

See Meditation page 9

“ou si u s iv h ­ b f u f i . th , v , d ­upp ­h iv ­ b h i­ ­u h b ­­i . th k u f ­ di h u­.”

ing e K

r

C

m o H nt You Ind p nd

Do na, Bryan, TX

FAMILY & AGGIE OWNED 1716 Br arcrest Dr, #300 • Bryan 979.691.7309 • www.s gselect.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

Top tips for fun days at the beach makings of a great day, a few tips can help make these sun- and sand-filled days even better.

Protect electronics Sand and surf can be calming, but not if your newest mobile phone gets doused with the incoming tide. For those bringing their phones or tablets along, steps to protect the gadgets can make the day even more calming. A zip-seal plastic bag can do the trick, and you can still access the screen through the plastic. If you plan to spend time on a boat, you may want to invest in waterproof, floating pouches.

Metro Creative Connection Millions of people visit the beach each summer. For some people, there is no better place than the beach, where they can listen to the waves crash on the shore and smell the briny air.

The United States Lifesaving Association routinely compiles statistics on beach attendance,

watercraft use and other recreational information, estimating that 367,231,142 people took to beaches across the country in 2015, the most recent reporting year. Cool coastal temps and refreshing oceans and lakes make the beach an ideal place to survive the heat.

While a trip to the beach has the

Keep clean Sand gets everywhere at the beach, so it can be a challenge to remain clean.

Invest in a beach blanket where the sand falls through like a sieve, such as the Quicksand Mat from CGear. Pack baby powder in your beach bag, which will help loosen sand from kids’ bodies before they get back in the car. And while at the beach, use hand-decorated aluminum cans as drink cozies to keep condensing beverage bottles from becoming caked with sand.

Time beauty regimens right Shaving legs or underarms right before heading to the beach can result in some painful irritation. It’s

best to shave the night before diving into saltwater or even pool water. If you need a last-minute touch-up, use mineral oil while shaving to help keep irritation to a minimum.

It’s important to apply sunscreen to the skin approximately 15 minutes before heading outdoors so that it has time to absorb, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. If you wait until you get to the beach, you put your skin at risk. Use a self-tanner for bronze skin rather than soaking up the rays.

Hide your money Leaving your money or belongings out in the open may entice thieves.

Camouflage items of value by storing them in an empty sunscreen bottle nestled in a beach bag.

Stay cool Purchase or make a vividly patterned tarp/tent to offer a shady respite. This will also help the family find their way back to your beach spot.

Place sandals or flip-flops face-down in the sand or on a blanket to ensure they won’t be scalding after a day at the beach.

Trips to the beach are a summertime tradition. With a few tips and tricks, the memories can be even better.

Physical therapy can help with constipation

Reader question: I have been suffering from constipation problems for years and have tried different medications and treatments with temporary relief. I recently read something on the internet about treating constipation with biofeedback training of pelvic floor muscles. I’m not sure what this is or who to go to for these services.

Can you help?

LeoN BraDway pHysical tHerapy You are not alone!

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint, affecting well over 63 million Americans. A study in 2000 found that 26.6 percent of women age 45-49 and 27.7 percent of women age T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

70-74 suffer from this problem, suggesting, that constipation issues increase as one ages. Women are twice as likely as men to report constipation and experience obstructive defecation (a chronic form of constipation involving prolonged straining, incomplete elimination -not passing the entire stool, and prolonged time to have a bowel movement). Not only is this a common condition, it is also very often unreported to physicians. Obstructive defecation is common in middle-aged women with pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. It occurs at least weekly in 12.3 percent of women ages 40-69. This high prevalence of constipation leads to more than 3 million prescriptions for laxatives per year and over $725 million spent on over-the-counter laxatives.

Constipation is present if a person has

symptoms at least three days per month for at least three months, and is only able to have loose stool with the use of laxatives. Those diagnosed with constipation defecate (have a bowel movement) less than three days a week, experience straining or lumpy/ hard stools 25 percent of the time, or have a sensation of incomplete emptying. Other health problems associated with constipation include: headaches, decreased concentration, change in appetite, and change in energy levels, depression/ mood changes, bloating and gas/flatulence.

There are many causes and treatment options for constipation. Simple changes in your

See Physical therapy page 8 June 1, 2017 | 3

When getting older bothers us

Sally was a hoot. I was her hospice chaplain, and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting her. One of my favorite parts was our initial greeting.

“Howdy Sally. How are you today?” I would ask.

“Well, I’m older than I was,” Sally always answered.

Gary Roe Yes, we’re older Hospice than we were. And getting older is challenging. When we were younger, we couldn’t wait to grow up. Now, we wish we could turn back the clock.

Our concerns grow As we age, our concerns mount.

Our bodies are aging and sometimes betray us. Health, financial and relational issues grow. It seems like our lives are shrinking. Fear can begin to invade and drive us more than we realize.

I’ve heard many times over the years, “I want to age with grace.” I’ve always wondered who Grace was.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Seriously though, how do we deal with this? After all, every minute we’re racking up time. We’re older than we were.

We have more aches and pains. We experience new, weird sensations in our bodies. We’re slower, stiffer and less agile. The bags under our eyes get deeper and our wrinkles multiply.

Hair lines change, or disappear altogether.

Our finances change. Everything, especially medical care, is getting more expensive. We watch our already staggering expenses mount.

How does anyone ever financially survive a serious medical condition that requires ongoing, aggressive treatment? What do the days ahead hold? What will life cost when we’re more limited? Will we have enough?

Growing older affects us mentally and emotionally, too. Will the years ahead be golden or some other color?

Memories are slipping away. We forget what happened 30 years ago, or yesterday. We wonder why we came into the room. Where in the world are our keys?

Some are more anxious. Some are

more depressed. We watch friends and loved ones move, decline or even die.

Our losses mount. The burden on our emotions can slowly increase over the years.

Our relationships change. Some connections grow closer while others become more distant. Aging might necessitate moves or changes that upend our relational world. This can be stressful and frustrating. On top of this, of those immediately around us, some are helpful to us and some are not. Some are accepting, affirming and encouraging, while others are demanding, critical and toxic.

All of this affects us spiritually.

Our spiritual health is intimately connected to the other aspects of who we are. Since we are whole people, all these facets are constantly interacting - physical, emotional, spiritual, financial and relational - influencing our quality of life as we age.

I visualize these components as a sort of web. All the strands are connected and run in and out of each other. When one strand is hit, all the others reverberate. Every area affects all the others. Nothing stands completely on its own. We are a package deal. And we’re older than we were.

adjustment. Are we eating well? Are we getting enough fluids? Are we exercising, and is our regimen healthy and appropriate? Do we have the medical professionals in place that we need?

Small, realistic advances really add up in the long run.

Third, we need to take our emotional health seriously.

How we think about life, ourselves and the world is important. Some are doom-and-gloom, while others are piein-the-sky dreamers. No matter where are we, a good dose of optimism can go a long way.

Instead of focusing on what we’ve lost (or are in the process of losing), what if we committed ourselves to being more thankful for what we still have? Our hearts respond naturally to whatever lens we look through.

There’s enough negativity out there.

It’s possible to be realistic and still be positive, upbeat and joyful.

Fourth, we need to pursue spiritual heath.

We neglect this area at our own peril. Our hearts and souls are considered the deepest, most fundamental part of who we are. A mentor of mine once said. “Your heart is your most prized possession. Learn to live for it and from it.”

Spiritual health is a key part of loving ourselves and loving others.

The more spiritually vibrant we are, the more that will spill over in care, compassion and service.

What would it mean for you to pursue greater spiritual health?

Investing in yourself spiritually can have a greater impact than you might realize.

Do we have to grow up?

I have a high school senior about to graduate and head off to college.

See Growing up page 11

What can we do when aging bugs us?

Here are some suggestions: First, we need to have a clear view of our purpose.

Why are we here? If you’re like me and believe that life is mostly about relationships, then let that be your compass. Let loving yourself and loving others be your daily mission.

Having a firm grip on our purpose will clarify many of the decisions we face. Does this help me take better care of myself so that I can love others more fully? Does it contribute to my relationships? What can help me be a healthier person so that I can serve those around me better?

Second, we must take care of ourselves physically.

This involves the four basics: good nutrition, adequate hydration, exercise and medical resources. It’s always good to pause and consider which of these areas might need

4 | June 1, 2017

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

Imagine Exceptional Senior Living!

NOW LEASING! INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE Learn more and connect with us at:

www.parcattraditions.com

Parc at Traditions

3095 Club Drive | Bryan, Texas 77807

979.213.4200 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

June 1, 2017 | 5

A swe

Get started with beekeeping with cla

By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle Beekeeping comes with many benefits, including harvesting fresh honey, and there are several classes and resources available in the Brazos Valley and surrounding areas for anyone interested in beekeeping as a hobby or a way to make some extra income.

“We just harvested from three hives that produced about 90 pounds of honey,” said Alvin Dean, president of the Brazos Valley Beekeepers Association. “We only harvest honey in the spring, and then we usually sell it mainly through word of mouth.”

Dean and his wife, of Bryan, run their own business, AKD Bees.

“As a kid my dad raised a couple of hives, and I always thought it would be something I wanted to try,” he said. “We now have 30 hives. We keep our bees on a man’s 20 acres of land, and he gets to claim ag exemption.”

Getting started with bees The Brazos Valley Beekeepers Association was formed in May 2014 as a club of hobbyist beekeepers in and around the Bryan/ College Station area, according to its website.

“When my wife and I first joined, there were 10 to 15 people in a living room,” Dean said. “Now just within the last three years, we have 150 paid members. And we have a much larger Facebook group with about 600 members. Facebook is a little different because anyone can join from anywhere, but we do try to keep it to just people from Texas.”

The group’s mission is to provide help to new beekeepers, Dean said.

“There are tons of YouTube videos out there on beekeeping, but you have to take those with a grain of salt,” Dean said. “And some decide to start after reading a few books, which are more reliable than YouTube videos. A lot of people jump in head first, but it’s an expensive hobby to do that. If they mismanage their first year they may not continue because they already lost so much with their first hive.”

Dean recommends getting started with their group as a more successful approach.

“A lot of people get started by finding a mentor, and we have individuals in our club that are willing to be mentors. My wife and I have three adult couples and three youths that we mentor,” he said.

The association also offers a Youth Scholarship Program.

Developing future generations of beekeepers was a primary goal of the club from the first organizational meeting, according to the association’s website. A major part of resources, effort and education is dedicated by the association to help get youth involved and committed to the hobby of beekeeping. The club uses its network and resources to reach out to new beekeeping families who will learn about beekeeping and become actively involved in maintaining and learning about bee colonies.

The two-year scholarship program is affiliated with Brazos County 4-H, and is for youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who are residents of the Brazos Valley area and Brazos County 4-H members. At the end of the first year, all program participants receive their own hive, a three pound package of bees -- which is about 10,000 bees – a queen bee, a beekeeping suit, gloves, a smoker and a hive tool. The equipment, which they receive for free, is worth about $700 and is what they need to get started with beekeeping.

“In the second year, they switch into mentor role and help with the next group coming in,” he said. “At the end of their second year they get another hive set-up and a queen bee. Through the knowledge they have gained, they should be able to split the hive they got in their first year into a second hive.”

Finally, graduating seniors who complete the program will become eligible for a cash scholarship award.

Beekeeping classes The Brazos Valley Beekeepers Asociation also offers a Fall Beekeeping School. This year’s school will be held on Sept. 23 at the Agrilife Center and Agricultural & Life Sciences Building on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station. The cost will be $50 per individual, $80 per couple and $15 for youth between the ages of 12 and 17. The school is a fundraising event, and the proceeds are used to support the Brazos Valley Youth Scholarship Program. The school is held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“It can be as basic as you need it or as advanced as you need it,” Dean said.

Tim Elliott, a Texas Master Beekeeper from Bryan, checks a section o “There are seven different classes to class July 8 at the Larry J. Ringer Library in College Station. choose from, and class topics can include Beekeeping 101, splitting hives, what to kit from Mann Lake, to be delivere plant for your bees, how to process honey, and how to make money According to the website, the “Hiv from your bees.” will help students put their own bo spot, and tools will be available to The association will also be offering a set of classes designed specifically to interest sideliner and commercial beekeepers.

For more information on the Br Association, visit www.bvbeeks.or Online registration will open as the date draws closer, and the BVBeeks. association will be taking pre-orders for people to purchase a hive

6 | June 1, 2017

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

eet hobby

asses, resources in the Brazos Valley and nearby

The Larry J. Ringer Library, at 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South in College Station, will also offer a beekeeping class from 3-4 p.m. July 8, for anyone 18 or older who is interested in learning about beekeeping.

Tim Elliott, who is one of seven Texas Master Beekeepers in Texas, will teach the class. Elliott, of Bryan, said he has been keeping bees for about seven or eight years. He also teaches the Youth Apprentice Program for the Central Texas Beekeepers Association at its monthly meetings in Brenham, for ages 9 to 17.

“I will be covering general information about honey bees, what they eat, where and how they live and what honey bees do for plants and people. The presentation will be an introductory or overview type of presentation so it is directed to the general public. Anyone who is interested in honey bees or beekeeping should attend, and it’s open to anyone and everyone. I’m very open to questions and love talking about honey bees, and will be available after the presentation for questions and additional information.”

For more information, contact the Larry J. Ringer library at 764-3416.

Round Rock Honey also offers a beekeeping class. The Round Rock Honey Beekeeping Course is an introduction to bees, beekeeping and honey production. The class will provide students with the general knowledge that all beekeepers need to succeed, according to the website. In addition, Round Rock Honey provides the opportunity to suit up and gain a real-world hands-on experience at one of its apiaries. All classes are held on either Saturday or Sunday, and each class is approximately three hours long.

For more information on this course visit http:// roundrockhoney.com.

In addition, the Central Texas Beekeepers Association meets at the Washington County Fairgrounds VIP room on FM 577 in Brenham on the fourth Thursday of each month, except in November and December. This association also offers a beekeeping school every year. For more information on the Central Texas Beekeepers Association, visit www. centraltexasbeekeepers.org/index.html.

Several beekeepers choose to sell their honey at various farmers’ markets. Gene Ash, owner of ET’s Bees, can be found selling his honey at the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market.

Contributed photo “Beekeeping is a pretty odd past time/hobby/employment skill of a hive. Elliott will teach a beekeeping set, and certainly it creates the ultimate intersection between fascination and fear,” Ash said. “If you start early enough, pretty soon the fear dissolves, but the fascination just continues to grow ed and picked up at the bee school. larger.

Beekeeping has been described by many as a bit habit ve Body & Frame Building” class forming, or an obsession.” oxes and frames together on the “At my age -- I am well past retirement age, but anything but help get it done. retired -- the benefits of all those stings is a definite plus since bee razos Valley Beekeepers venom seems to limit problems with arthritis,” Ash added. “We do rg or www.facebook.com/groups/ enjoy our honey in this household, and certainly that has its own long-term health benefits. Currently I do a bit of bee consulting T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

for a larger corporate entity, and that pays well and gets me out of town several times a year. But for all the many benefits at this time, the opportunity I enjoy the most is interacting with the students at the Texas A&M Bee Lab.” For more information on the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market, visit brazosvalleyfarmersmarket.com.

More beekeeping resources: • Texas Master Beekeeper Program: http://masterbeekeeper. tamu.edu • Texas Beekeepers Association: http://texasbeekeepers.org • Bee Weaver: www.beeweaver.com • R Weaver Apiaries: www.rweaver.com

Contributed photo Local beekeeper Alvin Dean identifies a queen in his hive with a blue dot.

June 1, 2017 | 7

Physical therapy from page 3

diet (more fiber, less caffeine/ soft drinks), improving hydration, improving exercise habits and decreasing stress may give you relief.

However, constipation may also be due to structural abnormalities such as tumors, changes in the shape of the colon, disorders such as fissures/ hemorrhoids, episiotomy or tears after delivering a baby. Additionally, specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke, dehydration or irritable bowel syndrome can cause constipation. In addition, there are many different medications that can cause constipation, including antacids, antidepressants, narcotics, blood pressure meds, NSAIDs, antihistamines and laxative abuse. In addition to structural abnormalities, medications, diseases and lifestyle habits -- such as poor diet, lack of exercise, change in routine/sleep patterns or ignoring the urge to defecate -- can also play a role in the onset of constipation. Because of the wide range of causes of constipation, it is important to consult a health care professional who fully understands

your medical history, including pregnancy and delivery history so you can receive the most appropriate care. If you have been experiencing constipation problems without relief, you may also want to consider physical therapy as a possible intervention. Yes, physical therapists treat constipation problems.

Did you know that constipation can be due to a musculoskeletal problem(s) involving your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles? Consulting a physical therapist credentialed in pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation can change your quality of life. A therapist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders, including constipation, pelvic pain and incontinence, uses specialized equipment and tools such as biofeedback, a very effective retraining technique that can help you learn to better coordinate the muscles you use to have a bowel movement.

Regaining normal bowel habits can often be accomplished through the re-education of normal pelvic floor muscle activity such as strengthening exercises if your muscles are underactive (weak) or down-training if your muscles are overactive. The healthy function of the pelvic floor muscles will result in a stronger urge

8 | June 1, 2017

to defecate, thus increasing frequency of defecation. A specially-trained physical therapist can help you restore muscle coordination between resting, contraction and with bearing down through several different methods, including electrical stimulation, biofeedback, ultrasound, scar massage, myofascial release and soft tissue/ visceral mobilization to improve the function of muscles in and around the pelvis. They can educate you in proper toileting posture, appropriate muscle contractions and proper breathing to avoid straining. A physical therapist can train you in performing abdominal massage and coordination of abdominal muscles with pelvic floor muscles to help stimulate your bowels. A physical therapist trained in this area can also set up an aerobic conditioning program to improve bowel mechanics.

Whether you have been struggling with constipation for a few months or several years, a specially-trained physical therapist is waiting to

help you. You have a huge input in the management of your health and there are other natural and very effective options besides constant medications and/or surgery. You have options - take charge of your health. If you have any questions about physical therapy care, contact your physician or feel free to contact our office.

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

In-home caregivers: What you need to know

Are you ready to let a stranger into your parent’s home? Before you say “no,” you should understand that there is a good chance you will have to do it at some point in your life.

As boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) continue to age, they will find themselves in need of help at home.

Back in the day, family members would have stepped in to fill the gap, but today’s working age adults are staying in the workforce longer to pay for their kids’ education and accumulate funds for retirement. Enter the in-home caregiving industry: $61 billion strong and growing.

Hiring an in-home caregiver is a difficult decision on three TracY Stewart levels: emotional, Financial Literacy legal and financial.

Here is a blueprint for thinking through your options.

Consider the emotional side.

Hiring a person who will be assisting your parent in a time of need is a big decision. Begin by determining the skill needs and the personality match. Remember that both are equally important! Sometimes, people get caught up in the fact that they really enjoy a caregiver’s personality – so much that they overlook a lack of skills in an area that is critical for their parent’s care.

Next comes due diligence. You

Meditation from page 2

In case you have doubts, perhaps you will be convinced by the recent discovery in mice that reveals the likely mechanism. Obviously, mice do not meditate, but studies of their breathing physiology provide an explanation for the effects of slow breathing in human meditation.

Here is the connection: the key to effective stress-reducing meditation is slow and deep breathing. A typical protocol is to inhale slowly (for about six counts) and then exhale slowly (for about eight counts).

In mice, the researchers found a population of neurons in the breathcontrol area of the brainstem that regulates arousal behaviors. These T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

must vet the caregiver or the agency thoroughly. Background checks are a good place to start. Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations and making phone calls to check references. After all, you are hiring a “proxy family member.”

Lastly, remember the importance of open communication. Keep all the siblings in the loop, so that there are no surprises or accusations later.

Next, beware of legal complications.

Do you have to have a formal contract with your in-home caregiver?

While there is no contract requirement in the state of Texas, it’s a good idea to have one anyway. A contract helps you set clear expectations and protect everyone. Be sure to include the job description, pay arrangements and taxes. You may be able to find sample in-home caregiver agreements online, but keep in mind that those are meant to be used as a guideline - not a substitute for an attorney.

Be sure to check that the caregiver is legally allowed to work in the United States. The standard is higher if the caregiver is an employee as opposed to an independent contractor (more on this in a moment). Regardless, you are well-advised to check the caregiver’s personal identification documents and employment eligibility.

Lastly, consider whether you will need insurance. The home health care industry reports high rates of injuries,

and minimizing the risk to both the caregiver and your family is important.

Workers’ compensation insurance, an umbrella insurance policy, a bond or some other kind of liability protection may be worth considering.

Finally, look at the money.

A key decision that will determine your expenses and reporting requirements is whether the inhome caregiver is an employee or an independent contractor. This distinction is not black and white; you will have look at the nature of your relationship with the caregiver, the degree of control you retain over what work gets done and how it is performed and other circumstances. The details of this distinction are beyond the scope of this short article, but I recommend digging into the Department of Labor’s guidance (Administrator’s Interpretation No. 2015-1), as well as the IRS code (Sec. 3121(d)(2)), for more details.

If the in-home caregiver is determined to be your employee, you are responsible for withholding taxes, Social Security and Medicare. Your family must also match the Social Security and Medicare withholdings, pay federal and state unemployment taxes on the wages, and potentially withhold income taxes. Maintaining proper paperwork and staying on top of the withholdings is a considerable commitment!

If the caregiver is an independent

contractor, he or she is responsible for his or her own taxes. If payments to the caregiver exceed $600 for the year, your family will have to prepare Form 1099MISC to report the total amount paid.

The documentation requirements may seem daunting (especially for an employee), but remember that paying a caregiver “under the table” has a hidden cost. Not only is your family breaking the law and potentially subject to steep penalties, you also miss out on claiming the dependent care credit.

In-home caregivers: what you need to know Hiring a personal care or health aide for your parents is a big decision.

In addition to covering financial and legal basics in the beginning, be sure to set up appropriate controls and supervision. Most caregivers are diligent and honest, but there is a first time for everything. Stay on top of your parents’ finances, especially if they are in a vulnerable state.

neurons excite a nearby region of neurons in a structure known as the locus coeruleus, which in turn projects excitatory influence on wide expanses of the cerebral cortex. This excitation is caused by the release of noradrenalin, the immediate precursor of adrenalin.

To learn more about genetic influences of these neurons in the breathing-control area, researchers screened their expression patterns and found an active gene that affected arousal. They constructed an artificial bacterial gene designed to disrupt the genes and then “infected” the mice with this bacterium, which interfered with normal function of this population of arousal neurons. The normal breathing was left intact, but what did change was behavior. Infected mice became calmer and less agitated.

The noradrenalin neurons were no longer being driven to excite the cortex.

So here we have a possible explanation for the calming effect of mediation. Consciously slowing breathing suppresses the breathingcontrol neuron activity, which in turn suppresses the noradrenalin pathway that excites the cortex. One can become calmer and more at peace.

As a senior citizen, I am increasingly aware that aging has its own set of stressors. I know, too, that stress of earlier years can linger, even magnify, and accumulate as the years go by. Learning how to reduce stress can help sustain good mental capability in old age, not to mention making life healthier and more enjoyable.

Come. Let us meditate together.

Sources: Munoz, Ricky T. et al. (2016), The effects of mindfulness mediation on hope and stress. Research on Social Work Practice. 1-12. Doi: 10.1177/1049731516674319.

Yackle, Kevia. et al. (2017).

Breathing control center neurons that promote arousal in mice. Science.

355(6332), 1411-1415.

Reference for rate of injuries in home care industry: www.bls. gov/opub/btn/archive/injuries-tocaregivers-working-in-patients-homespdf.pdf Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® at www.

TexasDivorceCPA.com.

“Memory Medic” has four books on improving learning and memory. For parents and teachers: “The Learning Skills Cycle.”For students: “Better Grades, Less Effort.” For everyone’s routine living: “Memory Power 101.”

For seniors: “Improve Your Memory for a Healthy Brain” and “Memory Is the Canary in Your Brain’s Coal Mine.” For more details, visit WRKlemm.com.

June 1, 2017 | 9

CALENDAR

Ongoing Sit and Fit Chair Exercises - Adults 55 and up 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 – Adults 55 and older 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, 979-764-6371 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 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov for more information.

42 dominoes - Adults 55 and up 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. New players welcome. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov.

Bible study – Bible study is held for seniors 9:1510:30 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Contact 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information.

Maj Jongg - Adults 55 and older 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 979-7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Forevercise - Forevercise is a free exercise class for ages 55 and up, offered on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:30–3 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Class offers individuals healthy lifestyle practices with helpful tips on nutrition and exercise. Exercises may be done while standing or sitting in a chair. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 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.

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

1 0 | June 1, 2017

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.

Flow and Balance Exercise Class - Seniors are invited to join this free exercise class held from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. The class combines traditional Korean dance movements with music to promote physical and mental health. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

June 7 Computer Club for Seniors – Advanced Security Concepts - The Computer Club is open to ages 55 and up. Learn about home alarm systems with David Elizondo. Meetings are held at the Carter Creek Training Room, at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station, at 9:30 a.m. No pre-registration needed. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-

See Calendar page 11 IN-HOME SENIOR CARE SERVICES

Interactive Caregiving

®

Makes Every Moment Matter Interactive Caregiving® is the unique way our Comfort Keepers® deliver care to our clients. It centers on four interrelated aspects – engagement of the mind, an active body, proper nutrition, and safety. A plan of Care which addresses these aspects, together, will enhance quality of life and ultimately, independence.

SERVICES

Companion Care • Personal Care Light Housekeeping In-Home Safety Solutions

(979) 764-3076

244 Southwest Parkway East • College Station, TX 77840

w w w. s e n i o r c a r e c o l l e g e s t a t i o n . c o m T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Calendar

from page 10 6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

June 14 “Strictly Business:” University of Sidekicks Self-Defense Training for Ages 50 plus - Monthly presentations about local businesses are offered at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station from 11 a .m.-noon. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

June 19 Beginning Bridge Class – Held 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Mondays from June 19-July 24, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Learn to play Bridge. Cost is $25. To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-7643486. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

June 20 Nutritional Education - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers monthly cooking demos with new recipes and food choices for healthy living. Join other seniors 60 and up at Lincoln Center, located at 1000 Eleanor in College Station, from 10:30–11:30

Growing up from page 4

Recently, she said, “Well, soon I have to go out and be responsible. Do I have to grow up?”

I smiled. “Yes, and no,” I responded.

Intellectually, she knows her purpose. How firmly she embraces and lives that out will influence the quality and impact of her life, and how she ages along the way.

We’re all aging, whether we’re 18 or 98. What we have for sure is today, right now. Let’s live it well, loving ourselves and other people.

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

Station. A reservation is necessary for lunch and the cost is $7. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m., followed by the speaker at noon. Reserve by June 16 at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx. gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

Family History Computer Group: “Genealogy Books” - Open to ages 55 and up. The group shares an interest in researching family history and storing it on their computers. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at Carter Creek Training Room at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, 2200 N. Forest Parkway in College Station from 9:30-11 a.m. No registration is required. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

a.m. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779.

Beginning Computer 101 Class – Held 9-10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 20-June 29 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Learn basic computer skills and how to use the internet and email. Cost is $45. To register, visit rectrac.cstx. gov or call 979-764-3486. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ seniors.

Intermediate Computer 102 Class – Held 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 20-June 29 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Basic computer skills are 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 979-7643486. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

June 26 Senior Advisory Committee meeting - The Senior Advisory Committee meets on the last Monday of the month to discuss programs and activities for adults 55 and up. Held at 11 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Visitors welcome. For more

information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ seniors.

June 29 Free help for iPad users - Seniors are invited to bring an iPad and learn how to get the most out of technology.

Class size is limited, and registration is required by calling 979-764-6351.

Held from 1-2 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/ seniors.

June 30 Bingo & Birthday Celebration – Join on the last Friday of the month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. to celebrate June birthdays with bingo and cake. Held at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Bingo prizes will be given out. No registration necessary. Call 979-7646351 for more information.

The Most Important Thing in any Relationship

June 21 Exploring History Luncheon: “Joanna Troutman Pope (Texas Flag)” by Mark Taylor - The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present monthly lectures on the history of the community and state. Luncheons are held at Aldersgate Church, at 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway S. in College

2016

As we do that now, today, tomorrow and then the next day, the difference over weeks, months and years can be phenomenal.

We couldn’t wait to grow up. Now we’re there. Or maybe we’re still growing up. After all, we can always learn and grow. We’re older than we were. Let’s get at it.

Robert Herring, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Gary Roe is an award-winning, bestselling author, chaplain and grief counselor with Hospice Brazos Valley.

Visit Gary on his website at www. garyroe.com or contact him at 979-8212266 or groe@hospicebrazosvalley.org.

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

June 1, 2017 | 11

Get to a Healthier

Pl a ce

Introducing the MatureWell Lifestyle Center, a one-of-a-kind new health complex for adults 55 and older.

“ I want to be th e best ver si o n of me that I c a n be.”

Herbe r t , age 78

“Healthy” isn’t just a state of being…it’s a state of mind. And when you reach your 70s, there’s real value in having a place that brings all your health and wellness resources together under one roof. That’s why the MatureWell Lifestyle Center provides you with a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician who specializes in the treatment of adults 55 and older – a physician who will spend time with you, build a relationship, and assist with management of your medications, find wellness coaching, and more. Plus, you’ll find education resources, a state-of-the-art gym and pool, and a community of other people who share your health goals. And to top it all off, we have patient advocates who will be there to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

Now Open! Sign up for updates now, and learn more about our complimentary services and those covered by insurance or fees at MatureWell.CHIStJosephHealth.org.

Located on the campus of Traditions Club at 3989 N Shore Drive, Bryan, TX 77807.

1 2 | June 1, 2017

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