seasoned
July 2017
Over 50 & living the good life!
Memory matters
How old is your brain?
The good life
Live well by living on purpose
Financial fitness
Relocating in retirement
Empty nesting
What to do with your home in later years
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
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How old is your brain?
“You are as old as you think you are,” the saying goes. Well, not quite. You, that is the inner you in your brain, are as old as your brain is. Your brain age may or may not correlate with chronological age. The other day at my gym workout, I again saw a young black guy, built like Captain America, whose workout schedule sometimes overlaps with mine. We had not met, and out of the blue he came up to me and said, “You are dr. BILL KLeMM my inspiration. You tHe MeMory MeDic inspire me to be able to work out like you when I get your age.” Wow! I inspire somebody! Then my balloon popped when I realized that he knew I was old just by looking at me. My body may not look like I’m 83, but I guess hair loss and the lines in my face betray me. The point of this story is that the bodily organs may not have the same rate of aging. Skin ages rather conspicuously in most older people. Specific organs may age at different
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rates depending on what they have been exposed to -- for example skin and sun, liver and alcohol, lungs and smoking, or fat tissue and too many calories. The brain may age more rapidly than other organs if you damage it with drugs or concussion, or clog its small arteries with high cholesterol, or shrivel its synaptic connections by lack of mental stimulation or not coping with stress. Is there some biological equivalent to tree rings to show how old your brain actually is? A scientist at the Imperial College in London, James Cole, is developing an interesting approach for estimating brain age. Moreover, the technique seems to predict approximately when you will die. In the study thus far, MRI brain scans were taken on 2,001 people between 18 and 90 years old. A computer algorithm evaluated these scans to construct a frame of reference
Contents
How old is your brain? Live well by living on purpose Is relocating in retirement right for you? Empty nesting: What to do with your home in later years Items to improve outdoor living spaces 8 common grilling mistakes Natural treatments for osteoarthritis Calendar
The Most Important Thing in any Relationship 2016
Robert Herring, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology
3091 University Drive East, #410 Bryan, TX 77802 www.listenhearaudiology.com
See Brain health page 5 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
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Live well by living on purpose
We recently celebrated July 4, our Independence Day. We took some time and rejoiced in the freedoms we enjoy. Many of us probably gathered with others, shared stories and consumed traditional holiday food. Some traveled to be with family or friends for this festive celebration. Fireworks sizzled, filled the air and painted the sky. Red, white and blue Gary Roe was everywhere. Hospice Behind all the hoopla of Independence Day is a stark reality. Freedom is always under assault. Independence must be protected. Our way of life has not come cheap. Many have paid the ultimate price to secure it. Many are still paying a heavy price today. Independence runs in our veins. It becomes part of our character early. It permeates our psyche. Though we’re born in a dependent state as infants, we quickly assert ourselves. We discover we can do things on our own. We like that. Our thirst for independence grows. As teens, we boldly express our desire for independence every chance we get. We begin grappling with who we are, how we fit in and why we’re here. We race into adulthood, opinionated and thinking we know everything. We revel in being “out in the world” and providing for ourselves. We’re “living the dream,” enjoying our youth, and learning about the weight of responsibility. As we age, those responsibilities grow - possessions, houses, relationships, mates, children and so on. We strive, work hard and push ahead. We’ve grown used to freedom and independence. It’s part of the air we breathe.
Then one day we wake up with aches and pains. What we used to do easily is now more of a challenge. We begin to feel limited, a bit constrained. Our bodies don’t look or feel like they used to. Our minds aren’t as sharp, and our recall isn’t what it was. Everyone around us is growing older, too, and our relationships are changing. Perhaps our parents have aged to the point where they need intentional, daily care. Maybe our parents are gone, and we ourselves are getting to that point. Many may already be engaged in caregiving for a loved one, or looking at doing so in the future. In addition, life is expensive, and medical care is even more so. Even if our bank accounts are expanding, we wonder if there will be enough. As we age, life can get heavy. It can seem like our lives are shrinking. We feel more limited. Perhaps we’re fearful. Some may even feel trapped. Most of us don’t look down the road of this life and say, “Wow! This is only going to get better!” As time goes on, our independence can take a hit. How do we handle this? We live well. We live on purpose. One day at a time, starting now. How? It begins with understanding who we are.
Here are some basic truths about us: 1. None of us are truly independent. None of us causes our own heart to beat or brain to function. We don’t control nature, make things grow, or supply the atmosphere with oxygen and the other things necessary for life. We are all far more dependent than we realize. We’re also relational beings. Whether we’re introverts, extroverts
or something in between, we’re all wired for relationship. None of us gave birth to ourselves. We came out of the womb needing people around us. We’ve been interdependent ever since. We’re in this together, and we need each other badly. No wonder we don’t do separation and loneliness well. 2. We are all unique, one of a kind. There has never been another one exactly like you in the history of the human race. You are of immense, priceless value - special beyond your wildest imagination. If we could see each other this way and relate accordingly, the world would be a much nicer place. The downside of this uniqueness is that we often feel lonely. No one else can know exactly how we feel. Our thoughts and feelings are our own. 3. We are imperfect and fallible. We make mistakes. We get hurt. We end up hurting others. Special, one-of-a-kind, interdependent people sometimes take each other apart. Relational pain and suffering is a reality. We hopefully get good at forgiving. We humble ourselves and make amends where we can. We learn that love is a powerful force that can overcome huge obstacles. 4. We are made for impact. We begin impacting the world the moment we’re born. We influence and are influenced. We live as if we mean something. We’re here on purpose. That’s why depression bothers us. We can’t stand feeling useless or worthless. Such things are painful because deep down we know we were
meant for more. We’re hungry to make a difference. If you fear your personal independence is shrinking, or might do so down the road, please remember the bigger picture. You were never independent to begin with. You have always been interdependent. You are unique. You’re fallible, but created for great impact. You can live well, by living on purpose. Are you having the impact you want? What kind of difference do you want to make? What legacy do you want to leave? A legacy is not merely something we leave when we die. It is something we give to others day by day and moment by moment. Our legacy is who we are and how we live that out. Life is about people. If you find your life is shrinking, intentionally turn outward. Make the call. Join that service organization. Get more involved in church. Call, text, or email those who are important to you. Start that blog. Pen that story. Write that memoir. Paint, draw, sculpt. Give. Pray. William Wallace once said, “Every man dies. Not every man truly lives.” Live. You are unique, interdependent, wired for relationship, and created for impact. Do what you can. Get out of that comfort zone. Stretch. This anxiety-ridden and fearful world needs you. Live well, by living on purpose. Gary Roe is an award-winning author, chaplain and grief counselor with Hospice Brazos Valley. Visit his website at www.garyroe.com, or contact him at 979-821-2266 or groe@ hospicebrazosvalley.org.
Volunteers needed for ombudsman program The Brazos Valley Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging is looking for volunteers for their Longterm Care Ombudsman Program to serve the nursing homes and assisted
living facilities in the Brazos Valley Region. An ombudsman helps ensure that residents get the care they want and are treated with the dignity they
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deserve. Volunteer ombudsman must be at least 18, have transportation and complete a free 36-hour certification course that includes classroom, self-
study and in-facility training. To be an For more information contact Bobbie Gail Jeffries at 979-595-2806, ext. 5 or bjeffries@bvcog.org. T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
Is relocating in retirement right for you?
What makes for a happy retirement story? A healthy dose of due diligence and a solid plan! This is particularly true for those of us who are considering relocating in retirement. There are many reasons to move: being closer to family, enjoying TracY Stewart better weather and Financial Literacy lower taxes are just some examples. If you are thinking about making a move in retirement, here are some things you should keep in mind. Research, research, research. A move is a big decision. When you are working with a fixed income stream in retirement, it is best to not have to move your home more times than necessary. Be sure that you dedicate time and effort to researching the candidates for your new home. Websites like Neighborhood Scout can be a good starting point for looking up crime statistics to determine the safety of the area. Be sure to consider the amenities and services that are (or will become) important to you, including social outlets, entertainment and access to healthcare. Online resources like the
Brain health from page 2
for what is normal for a given age. Then the scans from 669 adults, all born in 1936, were compared against the norms to determine whether the 81-year-old brains were normal for that age. The people whose brains were older than normal performed more poorly on fitness measures such as lung function, walking speed and fluid intelligence. They also had increased risk of dying sooner. Predictions became more reliable when the brain-scan data were combined with the methylation of blood DNA, a marker of life experience effects on gene expression. Another group of workers at UCLA had determined that these kinds of gene changes predict the risk of mortality. This group, headed by Steve Horvath, evaluated these gene T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
AARP Livability Index can help you get started. On that note, if you are planning to supplement your income in retirement by working, look into your would-be-local employment options. Even if you are active and independent today, consider the possibility that you may have to stop driving at some point in the future. Would you be able to access the local supermarket and pharmacy? Does the area have reliable public transportation or other transport options for seniors? Figure out the real cost of living. It is easy to focus on the favorable aspects of the move (zero income tax), but be sure to look into the cost of living in depth. Some zero income tax states can have higher property or sales taxes, so check your math carefully. How much does produce cost? What about entertainment and gasoline? Hawaii might be a perfect fit for you when it comes to the ocean views and the balmy 70-degree weather, but you should also be prepared to spend more on groceries! Try before you buy. We have all daydreamed about how nice it would be to live in a place where we vacation. Unfortunately, a 10-day vacation is a poor substitute for real life. Think about all the small
annoyances that don’t ever arise on vacation. Stretches of bad weather, traffic and quality of tap water just aren’t a factor. Consider renting in the location of your choice for a few months to make sure that the climate, cost of living, services and amenities are truly a good fit. Get used to getting around, live like a local and visit outside the perfect vacation season to get the real deal. Will this be your forever home? The question of whether you want to make a single move and homestead there for the rest of your life is an important one. It will determine the features of the most practical home for you. For example, if you are not planning to move again, you may choose a home with fewer steps, doorways wide enough to accommodate a walker and a sit-down shower. This decision may also affect the timing of your relocation. If you are planning on making this your “forever home” with your spouse, you may opt to move sooner rather than later to allow you both time to establish connections in the new community. Make sure everyone is on board. Couples that are considering moving in retirement must make sure they are on the same page. I am not just talking about the choice of location but also about living arrangements.
Would you like to live in a tiny home? A mid-sized house with enough rooms for grandchildren and friends to visit? A 55 plus community that will take care of landscaping and offer social events? There is no one “right” way to live in retirement, so take your time so that you make the choice that’s a good fit for both of you. If you are moving to be closer to your children, make sure that you have examined all possibilities. Is there a chance that your children will have to relocate to another city for a job? How comfortable would you be if you had to re-establish your social support network without family nearby? Do your children’s expectations on weekend visits and babysitting duties match your idea of a perfect retirement? Relocating in retirement? Do your due diligence! A move is a stressful life event at any age, and anything you can do to ensure a smooth transition is a good investment. An optimistic and adventurous spirit is essential for relocating in retirement, but be sure that you have done your homework.
expression changes in various tissues of a 112-year-old woman and found that her brain was younger than her other tissues. A “young” brain will help you to live longer and also have a better quality of life. There are two take-home implications of such research. The first is that lifestyle and environmental influences affect one’s age and that not all tissues age at the same rate. The second is that it may now be possible to test which interventions to slow brain aging actually work. We currently think aging of a brain is slowed by exercise, by antioxidants, by healthy diets and by reducing stress. Having objective measures for aging in general and the brain in particular will help us decide how well such preventive measures work. There is also the possibility that such measurement tools may help us identify who is aging too fast and why that is happening, which in turn may lead to better therapy.
While we wait on technology, there is one symptom of excessive brain aging we can all notice: memory loss. As the title of my book suggests, memory is the canary in your brain’s coal mine.
brain aging by following the advice in Memory Medic’s inexpensive e-book, “Improve Your Memory for a Healthy Brain. Memory Is the Canary in Your Brain’s Coal Mine.” It is available in Kindle at Amazon and all formats at Smashwords.com.
Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® at www. TexasDivorceCPA.com.
Sources: Kwon, Diana (2017). How to tell a person’s “brain age.” The Scientist. May 22. Cole, James H. et al. (2015). Prediction of brain age suggests accelerated atrophy after traumatic brain injury. Annals Neurology.77(4), 571-581. doi: 10.1oo2/ana.24367. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/10.1002/ana.24367/full Get the most out of life as you age. You can slow
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What to do with your h By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle As retirement age approaches for baby boomers, many are searching for ideas on ways to change up their homes to accommodate their current lifestyle. According to the National Association of Home Builders, baby boomers, who were the largest American generation until the millennials took over, are either retired or quickly nearing retirement age. Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964 and who count more than 76 million, may be getting older, but they are definitely not ready to head to the retirement home. The boomer generation is more active than generations past, has a more sophisticated style and wants options and choices in their homes, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Whether they are selling the homes where they raised their children and heading to sunnier pastures, or staying put and redesigning to accommodate their retired lifestyle, boomers are making an impact on housing trends. Rosemarie Selman, CAE, executive officer for the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association, said that according to local builders, some baby boomers repurpose rooms that aren’t used anymore, and some have reconfigured the floorplan by taking out walls for a more open space or to repurpose for other things, such as an exercise or media room. In addition, some baby boomers have dedicated rooms to crafts or hobbies, and some to their grandchildren. Other baby boomers downsize and move into a home that may fit more of their active and empty nest lifestyle. According to the National Association of Home Builders, some features that home builders and remodelers are seeing as they begin to cater to the boomers include: • Home offices: Some boomers are choosing to work past the age of 65. As they transition from a traditional 9-to-5 job; however, they want home offices for flexibility. A second career or parttime employment often eliminates the hassle of commuting while keeping them active and bringing in supplementary income. • Tech/media centers: The tech-savvy boomer generation wants top-of-the-line amenities for their homes such as a media room with surround sound and central control systems, which manage all media sources in one location. The house may
include a wireless home network, remote control lighting and security features. • Wider doors and hallways: As a person ages, there is a likelihood that use of a wheelchair might become a necessity. Designing a home that is livable now but can transition and be functional as the occupant ages is important in ensuring that the home will be a good long-term investment. Wider doors and hallways are useful for moving larger furniture today, and will also be wheelchair accessible tomorrow. • Better lighting/bigger windows: The need for more lighting usually increases as people grow older. To accommodate this, builders are adding more windows and making them larger to let in more natural light. They are also adding more light fixtures in areas including under cabinets and in stairwells. Multiple switches to reduce the number of trips and dimmer controls to eliminate glare are other options. • First-floor bedrooms and bathrooms: More than 40 percent of new homes have master suites downstairs, a 15 percent increase over a decade ago. Boomers not wishing to go up and down stairs with bad knees and aching backs have helped fuel this trend. The bedrooms are also larger, with more spacious walk-in closets and bathrooms that have a separate tub and shower and dual sinks. • Easy to maintain exteriors/landscaping: Yard work, painting and other landscaping chores may no longer be enjoyable to aging home owners. People who move to a new home when they retire may opt for a maintenance-free community. Those that choose to stay in their homes might make improvements to exterior surfaces such as installing stucco, brick or low-maintenance siding. Lawns are being replaced with living patios, decorative landscaping or flower beds, which can be a hobby for gardening enthusiasts. • Flex space: Flex space has become more prevalent in both new homes and remodeling. Flex spaces are rooms that take on the purpose of the present homeowner’s needs but can adjust with changes as they occur. What may have once started out as a guest bedroom can be redecorated to serve as a hobby room or library. This allows home owners to stay in their homes longer as it continues to serve their needs throughout life’s stages. Baby boomers are repurposing rooms into arts and crafts rooms, sewing rooms, game rooms, sun
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rooms and dedicated playrooms for grandchildren, Selman said. Other baby boomers have dedicated extra rooms for mother-in-law suites or a second master for aging parents or relatives. While a lot of baby boomers are repurposing rooms to meet their needs and hobbies, others are using their extra rooms to make extra income. According to Selman, local builders are seeing rooms being rented out by college students, as well as whole houses being rented for game-day weekends. “Much of it depends on the willingness to open up one’s home and the flexibility to vacate if the whole house is rented,” she said. “Be sure to check city ordinances for permitting or any fees that may apply.”
Baby boo advantages smaller hom The cost comparable to boomers larger yards lower taxes Another con will allow th if they can a their needs, Most peo for aging in dependent o As baby boo
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pty nesting
home in later years
omers must also consider the and disadvantages to moving into a me, versus “aging in place.” t for a smaller new home is typically e to a 30-year-old resale. Advantages keeping their current homes may be s, mature landscape, familiar neighbors, and overall familiarity with their space. nsideration would be if their budgets hem to make needed modifications or afford a facility that can accommodate , Selman said. ople do not plan to modify their home place, she said. Modifications are on an individual’s physical impairments. omers age, climbing a set of stairs or
getting in and out of a bathtub can be a challenge. It is important that a contractor who does these modifications is well versed in the use of universal design practices for any type of impairment. A Certified Aging in Place designate from the National Association of Home Builders; who has been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population, aging-in-place home modifications, common remodeling projects and solutions to common barriers; can assist in this area, as they are educated in the design and adaptation of residential houses to meet any type of disability. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the majority of Americans want to continue living at home in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years. Aging in place means living in a home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It addresses the need to remodel existing homes and design new homes, so that people can age in place and not have to move to assisted-living facilities as they age, according to the association. Since the vast majority of homes are not well designed for this, a movement in residential construction has sprung up to meet this new consumer demand. Boomers, who are 77 million strong and make up 28 percent of the U.S. population, are quickly catching on to this trend. The economics of agingin-place modifications are a no-brainer, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Moving to a typical assisted-living facility can cost up to $60,000 annually. The cost to widen the bathroom door, put in safety bars and add a roll-in shower would typically cost about $6,000 to $8,000, but doing so is a one-time expense, not a yearly drain on finances. In addition to the economics, baby boomers also have to consider the psychological impact of being uprooted from their community, familiar rituals, independence and privacy, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The affordability of aging-in-place remodeling is enhanced by the fact that medically necessary changes (such as wider doorways or a roll-in shower) are tax deductible if backed up by a letter from a doctor. For more information, visit the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association website, www. gbvbuilders.org, or the National Association of Home Builders website, www.nahb.org.
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How to determine if downsizing is for you
Metro Creative Connection As people retire or approach retirement age, many opt to downsize their homes. Such a decision can save older adults substantial amounts of money while also liberating them from the hassle of maintaining large homes they no longer need. Downsizing to smaller homes or apartments is a significant step, one that homeowners should give ample consideration before making their final decisions. The following are a handful of tips to help homeowners determine if downsizing to smaller homes is the right move. •Get a grip on the real estate market. Downsizing is not solely about money, but it’s important that homeowners consider the real estate market before putting their homes up for sale. Speak with a local realtor or your financial advisor about the current state of your real estate market. Downsizing can help homeowners save money on utilities, taxes and mortgage payments, but those savings may be negated if you sell your house in a buyer’s market instead of a seller’s market. If you think the current market won’t get you the price you are hoping for, delay your downsize until the market rebounds. •Take inventory of what’s in your house. Empty nesters often find that their homes are still filled with their children’s possessions, even long after those children have entered adulthood and left home. If the storage in your home is dominated by items that belong to your children and not you, then downsizing might be right for you. Tell your children you are thinking of downsizing and invite them over to pick through any items still in your home. Once they have done so and taken what they want, you can host a yard sale, ultimately donating or discarding what you cannot sell. Once all of the items are gone, you may realize that moving into a smaller place is the financially prudent decision. •Examine your own items as well. Your children’s items are likely not the only items taking up space in your home. Take inventory of your own possessions as well, making note of items you can live without and those you want to keep. If the list of items you can live without is extensive, then you probably won’t have a problem moving into a smaller home. If you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to many of your possessions, then you might benefit from staying put for a little while longer. •Consider your retirement lifestyle. If you have already retired or on the verge of retirement and plan to spend lots of time traveling, then downsizing to a smaller home may free up money you can spend on trips. And if you really do see yourself as a silver-haired jetsetter, then you likely won’t miss your current home because you won’t be home frequently enough to enjoy it. If travel is not high on your retirement to-do list but you have a hobby, such as crafting, restoring classic cars or woodworking, that you hope to turn into a second profession, then you might benefit from staying put and converting your existing space into a workshop. Many retirees downsize their homes, but this decision requires careful consideration of a variety of factors.
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Items to improve outdoor living spaces
Metro Creative Connection The popularity of outdoor living spaces has been growing for years. A 2014 study from the home remodeling and design platform Houzz found that 56 percent of homeowners were making updates to improve their yards for entertaining. Similarly, nearly 60 percent of architectural practices surveyed by the American Institute of Architects in 2016 said outdoor living spaces were popular features in the homes they built. Outdoor living spaces may also be sound investments for homeowners looking to improve the resale value of their properties. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2017 “Cost vs. Value” report, outdoor living spaces returned between 55 and 71 percent of homeowners’ initial investments at resale. When planning an outdoor living
space, homeowners with ample backyards have much to work with. However, to make the most of the space while simultaneously hoping to get as strong a return on their investments as possible, homeowners should look to create spaces that offer broad appeal and are not too personalized. The following are some popular outdoor living space features homeowners may
want to consider. Outdoor kitchens Outdoor kitchens allow homeowners to prepare more than just traditional backyard barbecue fare. A standalone charcoal grill in the backyard might get the job done, but a built-in gas grill complete with burners and surrounding granite countertop makes for a more functional outdoor entertaining space. Bars Indoor entertaining areas often include bars, so it makes sense that homeowners want to include a place to prepare and serve beverages to their guests. Homeowners with room in their budgets may want to install wet bars where they can rinse mixers, glasses and other items needed to prepare drinks for their guests. Warming features Features that can keep homeowners and their guests warm after the sun
sets include outdoor fireplaces and firepits. A 2016 survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects found that fireplaces and firepits were the most popular outdoor design element in 2016. Such features can provide a focal point in the backyard while also extending the outdoor living season into autumn and even early winter. Porch space Outdoor living spaces are often found in the backyard, but homeowners with bigger front yards than backyards may want to expand or open their porch spaces to create more space outside. Porch swings and rocking chairs provide a great place to relax, and porch spaces are covered, meaning homeowners can continue to enjoy time outside even when it begins to rain. Outdoor living spaces are growing in popularity. Homeowners who want to capitalize on this trend can do so in various ways.
Stop making these 8 common grilling mistakes
Metro Creative Connection Cooking food over an open fire imparts all sorts of flavor. Grilling tends to be quicker, less messy and more convenient than cooking in the kitchen -particularly during the dog days of summer. Outdoor grills are everywhere, including nearly every backyard across the country. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association says $1.47 billion in grill sales were made in 2016. That grills are so commonplace doesn’t mean that everyone grilling is employing the right techniques. Becoming the ultimate grillmaster involves understanding the subtleties of grilling and avoiding common mistakes so food can look and taste that much better. 1. Not prepping the food: The French culinary term for preparing to cook is “mise en place.” This is especially important when grilling, as cooks must deal with faster cooking times than they would otherwise encounter when cooking meals in the stove. 2. Dirty grill: Make sure the grill is cleaned before and after each use. Grease can quickly build up on a grill, leading to flare-ups that can cause foods to char. Frequent cleaning also helps grillmasters avoid a tiresome cleaning process at the start of the season. 3. Forgetting to preheat: Preheating the grill ensures that foods will cook quickly and as evenly as possible. Otherwise, meats can lose moisture and even stick to cooler grates. Reader’s Digest suggests
preheating to between 350 F and 450 F depending on the food. 4. Overreliance on lighter fluid: The chemical taste of lighter fluid can transfer to foods even when the fluid is used sparingly. Consider using a chimney starter when grilling with charcoal. And avoid repeated pyrotechnics with fluid, or worse, gasoline. 5. Too much direct heat: Food should not char on the outside before the inside has a chance to cook. A two-zone fire, according to food experts at Serious Eats, enables grillmasters to cook over high heat to sear and then move the food to a lower temperature to continue to cook evenly. 6. Playing with food: Grilling does not require much intervention. Repeatedly flipping and squeezing meat and poultry can cause flavorful juices to leak out. Then you’re left with dried-out food. Resist any urges to prod and poke food. And minimize how many times you lift the grill cover to take a peek, as that can cause temperatures to fluctuate. Use a thermometer to determine when food is done. And don’t forget that meat will still cook a bit after it’s taken off the grill. 7. Improper seasoning: Basting food with sugarladen sauces and marinades too early can cause flareups and burning. Quick rubs can help lock in flavor, and then reserve the sauce for the last few minutes of grilling, says cookbook author Dave Martin. 8. Digging in too soon: Give meats a chance to rest for between five and 10 minutes to allow the
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juices to redistribute through the food. This improves flavor and tenderness.
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Natural treatments for osteoarthritis Reader question:
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 three to four weeks. I’m pretty healthy for my age and would like to avoid the use of long term medication and/ or a total joint replacement. I want Leon Bradway Physical Therapy to stay active. What treatment options do I have now that I have osteoarthritis (OA)? It’s important for you to know that osteoarthritis is not the only reason you have persistent knee joint pain. There are other leg and knee factors that can contribute to your prolonged pain. Before I go into more detail about other knee pain factors, I will briefly explain osteoarthritis -- progression, and how you can help slow and reduce your knee pain naturally while still remaining active. The most common way to diagnose osteoarthritis is by taking an X-ray or MRI of the knee; this will show knee cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone scaring or cracks, joint space narrowing and boney formations internally or externally in or around the knee. 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? Osteoarthritis is not a condition that will worsen in six months. Research studies have concluded that degeneration can occur over many years. And while degeneration may occur, the pain you feel around the knee can be a result of other factors: for examples, muscle weakness in the leg, hips or ankle; knee joint instability; knee stiffness; poor back, hip and leg flexibility, and/or a poor walking pattern due to knee pain guarding. T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E
These other leg and knee factors can become problematic with prolonged knee pain. Your osteoarthritis pain, over time wears on you physically and mentally. What your health provider doesn’t tell you about is other musculoskeletal factors that can cause you to have knee pain other than looking at an X-ray or MRI. The reason why they don’t tell you this is because many don’t take the time to evaluate for other musculoskeletal deficiencies that can very well be your primary reason(s) for prolonged knee pain. 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 musculoskeletal 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 musculoskeletal evaluation of your low back, hip, knee, ankle and walking pattern needs to be performed. When other factors are identified -- for examples, muscle weakness, joint stiffness or muscle trigger points -- these can be addressed with various natural healing treatments. Natural treatment examples are joint mobilization, correcting postural alignment or faults, manual therapy techniques for flexibility and stiffness, vacuum compression for increased blood flow, trigger point dry needling, soft tissue work, acupressure, resistive strengthening, and so forth. Complementary therapies are natural treatments that are 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 you with knee precautions and a home exercise program.
If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or shoulders and you have not seen a physical therapist for your pain problem, I recommend you make 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 six 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 huge muscle imbalance that will contribute to your knee pain problem. A quality evaluation and rehabilitation program will address your musculoskeletal deficits. With many of my patients, we have an 80 – 90 percent decrease in their knee pain after a four- to six-week
rehab program. A good outcome 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 total joint replacements. Another important component of a structured rehab program is teaching you self-management skills for possible future pain episodes. Once the pain generators have been abated and the neuromuscular system has been corrected and strengthened, your mindset and quality of life will change for the better. You can be active again with some limitations. It’s important that physical activity remain a part of your daily routine during rehab and after.
Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical therapy and director of the Sports, Back and Pain Management Clinic. See www. bvphysicaltherapy.com.
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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
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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.
July 11 Crochet for Beginners – Held 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, from July 11-Aug. 1, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Learn basic crochet stitches and their applications. Participants will make useful items and accessories. Bring a size H crochet hook and Sugar N’ Cream type cotton yarn. Cost is $25. Register before the class by visiting rectrac.cstx. gov or calling 979-764-3486. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. July 18 Beginning Computer Class – Held 9-10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from July 18-27, 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 979-7643486. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Intermediate Computer 102 Class – Held 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from July 18-27, 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 979-764-3486. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
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from page 10 July 19 Drawing I – Class held from 9-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, from July 19Aug. 23, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Beginning drawing class designed to give students a solid foundation in the basics of drawing, including basic theory, perspective and principles for compositions. Basic drawing supplies required. Cost is $55. 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. Exploring History Luncheon: “El Camino Real” by Henry Mayo - 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, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway S. in College
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College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.
Station. RSVP for lunch - the cost is $7. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Speaker will begin at noon. RSVP by July 14 at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov . Family History Computer Group: “American Migration Patterns” Open to ages 55 and up. The group shares an interest in researching family history and storing it on their computer. Held on the third Wednesday of the month at Carter Creek Training Room at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, 2200 N. Forest Parkway from 9:3011 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.
July 25 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, at 1000 Eleanor in College Station, from 10:30 –11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779. July 27 Free Help for iPad Users – Held 1-2 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Seniors are invited to bring an iPad and learn how to get the most out of technology. Class size is limited. Registration is required by calling 979-764-6351. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov. Ice Cream Social with College
July 24 Watercolor II Class – Held from 2-5 p.m. on Mondays, from July 24-Aug. 28, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. A continuation of Watercolor I in the study of the art of watercolor. Bring watercolor supplies to the first class. Cost is $55. To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-7643486. For more information contact
Station Fire Department - Enjoy free ice cream sundae and learn safety tips from 2-3 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. No registration needed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
July 28 Bingo & Birthday Celebration – Held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, for bingo and cake to celebrate July birthdays. Prizes. No registration necessary. Call 979-764-6351 for more information. July 31 Senior Advisory Committee meeting – Held at 10 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, to discuss programs and activities for ages 55 and up. Visitors welcome. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.
July 6, 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.
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