Seasoned

seasoned DECEMBER 2017

Over 50 & living the good life!

Estate planning Annual review of your estate documents is a useful habit

Gut feeling

Research reveals possible influence over health

Hip pain

Ask questions and get involved in choosing treatment options

Holiday stress

Compassion, kindness and love can provide relief

Bake it merry

Get into the holiday spirit with tasty treats

seasoned PUBLISHER

Crystal Dupre’

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

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Kelli Weber

Contents

4 10-minute estate planning checklist 5 A new way to think about gut feelings 5 Causes and treatment options for hip pain 6 Get into the holiday spirit with baking 9 Confronting our inner Grinch 10 Calendar

2 | December 7, 2017

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December 7, 2017 | 3

A 10-minute estate planning checklist What do you think when you hear “New Year”? Champagne, parties, staying up until midnight – chances are, estate plan review isn’t anywhere on that list. Why would anyone want to read legal documents as part of a New Year’s celebration?

OK, so perhaps you don’t have to review your beneficiary designations at the dinner table (although, on second thought, it might just get some people to behave!) However, an annual review of your estate documents is a useful habit. Life brings about change. The documents that determine who gets your property when you pass (and who gets to make medical decisions on your behalf) should reflect who you are today – not who you were 10 years ago when you first put the package together.

And so, in the spirit of a fresh start for your New Year, here is your checklist for the estate planning documents. Don’t be intimidated: this really can be a quick scan once you know what you are looking for. n Look back for major recent changes. Have you gotten married or divorced? Had a child or a grandchild? Moved to another state? Had a significant change in your financial circumstances? Any of these major life changes can trigger a need to revise your estate documents, so take note.

n Review your beneficiaries. Who gets what when you pass on? This decision isn’t just about the family silver and the old piano – it’s about TracY Stewart your legacy and the financial literacy impact you want your money to have in the world after you are gone. Review your beneficiary designations carefully. Are you still on speaking terms with the friend who will be getting a $3,000 check? Is the neighbor who is meant to get your prize-winning rose collection still living next to you? Is your granddaughter still married to the person you have named in the will? Make sure that the people’s relationship with you (as well as their ability to receive and enjoy your gift) hasn’t changed. Keep in mind that your generous gift may affect some recipients’ eligibility for government benefits, and as such may require special arrangements. n Review your Executor and Trustee designations. The decision to appoint someone your estate Executor or Trustee is an important one. It goes without saying that you must choose someone you trust, but the designation is more than a nod and an acknowledgement of a good relationship.

Being an Executor or a Trustee is a big responsibility. It takes time, diligence and a good head for money.

It requires a steady hand for handling unexpected and emotional decisions after your death. You should always discuss your decision to appoint someone to be your Executor or Trustee with that person beforehand to make sure they are comfortable with taking it on. And, if your will has some unusual twists to it (such as disinheriting a child or dealing with an estate distribution that is uneven), you may want to bring that up as well so that your chosen Executor is not blindsided. n Review your financial and healthcare Power of Attorney. The Power of Attorney documents define who will make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf. Make sure that you still trust the named individual to sign your name in legally binding documents and make choices that will affect your financial situation and medical care. If your preferences around your end-of-life care or money management have changed, make sure the documents reflect that and that the appointed person is aware of those changes. n Look over your insurance policies. While you are reviewing your will and trust beneficiaries, it’s a

good idea to also check who you have designated to receive the proceeds of your life insurance policy. Sometimes, people remember to remove their exspouse from the will but forget to do the same for the life insurance. n Review specific instructions.

Finally, reflect on what makes your situation and final wishes unique.

Some people want to leave their pets to a trusted person. It may make sense to set up an account to help pay for the pet’s supplies and medical care. Others want to make sure that an heirloom (a piece of jewelry or a painting) goes to a close friend or relative. If it isn’t in writing (and reviewed by an attorney to make sure it’s enforceable), it may not happen the way you hope. n Don’t wait; review your estate plan now. Sometimes, accidents and health developments come with no warning. If something were to happen to you tomorrow, your estate documents as they stand right now would define your legacy. If that idea makes you uncomfortable, don’t wait – make the time to review and revise your estate documents now. It’s just another way to take care of your loved ones.

Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® at www.

TexasDivorceCPA.com.

Gut feeling: a new way to think about it Probably on multiple occasions we have all responded to a new situation or event with an automatic “gutfeeling” response. But new research reveals that “gut feeling” may have another meaning. Namely, what goes on in the gut influences the brain and general bodily health.

The gut contains tens of trillions of over 1,000 microbial species, bacterial and protozoan that weigh about the same as the human brain. These

microbes influence digestion and also release a variety of metabolic products that can enter the bloodstream to affect all body organs, dr. bill klem including the brain. the memory medic They even make precursors of neurotransmitters and other chemicals that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Microflora can

4 | December 7, 2017

be a major source of inflammatory chemicals that may irritate the bowels, as in “irritable bowel syndrome.”

Such inflammation spreads into other organs, including the brain. It is possible that deleterious changes in gut microflora may drive brain aging and risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.

The number of microflora species and their diversity is affected by many influences, but most especially by the diet. Since 1970, the American

diet has changed, characterized by consuming more grains, less beef and more chicken, and more cornderived sweeteners. Obviously, taking antibiotics for infections also alter gut microflora, at least temporarily. Gut flora imbalance can result in excess energy harvest from food, which would explain why imbalance is often

See gut feeling page 8 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Hip pain: causes and treatment options I’m 68 years old and still very active.

I exercise five days a week and have maintained a healthy weight for the past 30 years. So why am I experiencing hip pain? I woke up a few weeks ago with hip pain. Since then it has gotten progressively worse to the point I can’t work out, even in the pool. My doctor told me to take over the counter medication and not exercise for two weeks. It’s been two weeks; I’m still in pain. Now what?

This is a great question because hip pain, especially as we get older, is more common than you realize.

As you described, it can come on without apparent cause while at other times it follows a trauma, injury, prolong sitting with legs crossed or episode of over-exertion. First, let me describe the most common musculoskeletal causes of hip pain and then I’ll address the different treatment options.

may bulge or break open. Trauma, injury, over-exertion, work related stress and the aging process can all contribute to a herniated disc. If the disc presses against the nerve, it can cause the nerve to become irritated.

6. Arthritis - Bones are protected by cartilage. Loss of this cartilage from trauma, injury, age, and inflammation can create pain, stiffness and swelling – restricting normal daily activities of life. This is one of the most common causes of hip pain in those 65 and older.

7. Osteonecrosis - Occurs when insufficient blood flows to the bone, destroying bone cells. Years of Corticosteroid use, alcoholism, and other conditions can cause osteonerosis and the hip is the most common site affected by this condition.

8. Hip Fractures - Most hip fractures occur in people older than 65 because bones weaken with age, patients take

1. Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid filled sacs between the tendon & skin/bone (bursa).

Bursitis is often caused by overuse, leon bradway trauma, arthritis, physical therapy gout or infection.

2. Tendonitis – tendons (rope like tissues connecting muscles and bone) become inflamed due to repetitive or strenuous movement.

3. Muscle strain – small tears in the muscle from overuse, trauma or overexertion.

4. Nerve Irritation – Pain, weakness and numbness resulting from nerve irritation. A common example is sciatica pain coming from the sciatica nerve.

5. Herniated Disc – A disc is the small spongy “shock absorber’ that separates the vertebrae in your back.

If the disc is moderately damaged, it

multiple medications or have poor vision and balance problems. All of these factors can increase the risk of falls which is the most common cause of hip fracture.

In all of the above, except numbers 7 & 8, treatment often begins with rest and over the counter pain/ anti-inflammatory medication as your own doctor prescribed. If rest and medication doesn’t do the trick after 2-4 weeks, you’ll most likely be referred to a specialist. A physical therapist should be your physician’s first specialist referral even if your problem appears to be more than just inflammation. Let me describe several possible treatment options. n Physical therapy is your best choice for bone, joint and muscle pain problems. A more conservative approach as it is natural (does not

See hip pain page 10

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December 7, 2017 | 5

Bake it merry holiday cookies the whole family will love Metro Creative Connection Many people enjoy baking come the holiday season, and perhaps no dish is more synonymous with holiday baking than cookies. Children leave cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, while adults may indulge and enjoy an extra cookie or two at family gatherings or holiday office parties.

Cookies come in all shapes and sizes, so bakers have an array of options at their disposal when planning their holiday menus. Chocolate chip cookies may be among the most popular types of cookies, and bakers who want to capitalize on that popularity while giving loved ones something a little different may want to try the following recipe for “Double Chocolate Chip Cookies” from Maxine Clark’s Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers (Ryland, Peters & Small).

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies from Maxine Clark’s Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers (Ryland, Peters & Small)

Makes about 12 large cookies.

• • • • • • • • •

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 5 tablespoons granulated sugar 5 tablespoons light brown sugar, sifted 1 large egg, beaten 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla essence or chocolate extract (see note) 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-rising flour 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup (or more) dark and white (or milk) chocolate chips (or roughly chopped chocolate)

• A heavy, nonstick baking sheet

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1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. 2. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence.

3. Sift the flour with the cocoa and salt in a small bowl. Fold into the egg mixture with the chocolate chips.

4. Place 4 heaping tablespoonsfuls of the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Press down and spread out to about 1/4-inch thick with the back of a wet spoon or with dampened fingers (you may like to scatter some more chocolate chips over the top). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Let cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack. When cool, store in an airtight container. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Note: Chocolate extract is a fat-free flavoring ingredient made from a blend of roasted cacao beans, water and alcohol.

Pressed

Try these b

Metro Creative Connection

‘Tis the season for baking cookies, cakes and other treats. However, duri the holiday rush, it’s easy to get sidetracked or tired, and perhaps even a li bit overwhelmed by all the things to do such a short period of time. Holiday ba doesn’t have to add to seasonal stress. these tips and shortcuts, there will be of sweet treats for the family.

Stick with tested recipes

Although holiday bakers may want to branch out a bit with their culinary creativity, recipes that have previously prepared with great success can take s of the work out of holiday baking. Pre recipes you recall preparing in the pas much easier than trying something ne If you’d like, add sparkle to old standa such as decorating oatmeal or chocola chip cookies with colored sprinkles.

cookies are fast-baking

Did you know that cookies were originally made to test oven temperatu Culinary historians say that cookies w first made to test if an oven was hot en to bake other goods. Today, cookies ca whipped up in mere minutes. Make a b of dough and then freeze or refrigerat thawing it when the time comes to bak Also, think about baking one day and decorating the next if pressed for time

embrace colored candy melts

Icing can be tricky to master. Simp

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heating colored candy melts and pouring over cakes or painting onto cookies can add festive appeal to desserts. Candy melts even come in many different colors and can be combined to achieve the tint desired.

Keep ingredients in top form Don’t let poorly performing ingredients or a lack of supplies be your undoing. Butter can be softened quickly in the microwave when needed for recipes. Eggs can be brought to room temperature by allowing them to sit in a bowl of warm water. Ensure that brown sugar stays soft by putting a piece of sliced bread in the container. Don’t forget to stock up on other baking staples, such as vanilla and almond extracts, baking powder/soda, molasses, and confectioner’s sugar.

don’t bake from scratch

a quick and delicious holiday pie Metro Creative Connection The holiday season is synonymous with many things, including delicious foods.

While Thanksgiving turkeys or Christmas geese will be found on many a table this holiday season, baked goods and desserts are what many people look forward to this time of year.

Holiday hosts with a lot on their plates might not have the time to prepare homemade baked goods for their guests.

Thankfully, the following recipe for “Chocolate-Strawberry Pie” from Addie Gundry’s No-Bake Desserts (St. Martin’s Press) can be prepared in just 15 minutes, all without turning on the oven.

Chocolate-Strawberry Pie from Addie Gundry’s No-Bake Desserts (St. Martin’s Press)

Yields 1 pie.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, trimmed and halved 1 store-bought (or homemade) chocolate cookie pie crust 2/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon minced crystallized ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Pinch of kosher or sea salt 6 large egg yolks 2 1/2 cups half-and-half 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 1/2 tablespoon rum extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)

1. Place the strawberry halves in a single layer in the bottom of the pie crust.

Not all recipes need to be made from scratch. Boxed cake mixes can be embellished and turned into delicious desserts without much fuss. Substitute melted butter for oil, buttermilk for water, and add an extra egg for a rich cake. Mix in chocolate chips or nuts or experiment with garnishes for a festive look.

2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, ginger, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat.

parchment paper is key

4. Add the chocolate and whisk until combined. Add the rum and vanilla extracts. Cool the mixture for 4 minutes.

Line cookie sheets or cake pans with parchment paper for easy dessert release and quick cleanup. Parchment paper and even foil can help lift cakes or cookie bars out of pans so they look neat and do not stick.

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3. Whisk in the egg yolks to create a thick paste.

Gradually whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

5. Pour the filling over the strawberries and up to the top of the crust. Chill the pie for 2 hours or until set.

6. Garnish with additional strawberries, if desired.

December 7, 2017 | 7

gut feeling from page 4

associated with obesity. Studies of twins reveal that gut flora composition differs between lean and obese twins.

Long-term stress induces hypersensitivity of the pituitary axis, which in turn upsets the balance of microflora, and that in turn produces inflammatory chemicals that add to the brain damage that chronic stress hormones produce. A risk factor for pituitary dysregulation and irritable bowel syndrome is childhood stress, especially sexual abuse. The inflammation can also increase the risk for anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate learning and memory performance.

Age is a factor. Newborn infants have abnormally low gut microflora diversity. Vaginal births and breast feeding reduce this problem. The elderly also often have abnormally low microbial diversity. In both the very young and the old, low gut diversity significantly increases the likelihood of mental dysfunction.

Another factor is poor dental hygiene. Oral bacteria can colonize the gut and can cause generalized inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other problems,

including antibiotic-resistant microbes.

Scientists have not identified for certain just what constitutes a healthy microflora. However, good leads come from a new study that was prompted by the knowledge that gut microbiota diversity does not decrease with age in super-healthy people. A study of fecal flora in Chinese who were selected because of their unusual health revealed that even people 100 years old had similar flora as people in their 20s.The study used a highly reliable genetic analysis that can be applied to new studies of unhealthy people. By such techniques, we could learn what is needed to restore “healthy” microflora in people on bad diets, under stress, on long-term antibiotic treatments, or with various digestive diseases.

Medical use of this information is in its early stages. Veterinarians learned decades ago that cows with digestive disorders may be helped by transferring stomach contents from a healthy cow. Maybe you have seen experimental farms with cows having a surgically implanted window to their rumen, where stomach contents can be collected for transfer to a sick cow.

Current treatment in humans involves treatment for gut flora imbalance with prebiotics (dietary soluble fibers that

stimulate growth of healthy microbes) and probiotics (bacteria that normalize gut microflora).

Prebiotics and probiotics don’t always work. A modification of the cow-transfer paradigm might be much more effective, because you don’t have to guess the constituents in healthy flora nor depend on the probiotics to stimulate floral growth in the right diversity proportions. The human application of floral transfer could entail packaging microflora from healthy guts in a pill that in timereleased form that doesn’t dissolve until it gets past the stomach. Of course, there may well be aesthetic objections.

If diseases of aging are influenced by gut flora—likely but not yet proven—the ravages of old age might be reduced or delayed by appropriate gut-flora therapy. If so, the “gut feeling” would shift in the direction of feeling well.

“Memory Medic’s latest book is for seniors: “Improve Your Memory for a Healthy Brain. Memory Is the Canary

in Your Brain’s Coal Mine,” available in inexpensive e-book format at https://www.smashwords.com/books/ view/496252. See also his recent books, “Memory Power 101” (Skyhorse), and “Mental Biology. The New Science of How the Brain and Mind Relate” (Prometheus).

Sources • Atarashi, K. et al. (2017. Ectopic coloniation of oral bacteria in the intestine drives Th1 cell induction and inflammation. Science. 358 (6361), 359-365.

• Bian, Gaorui et al. (2017). The gut microbiota of healthy aged Chinese is similar to that of the healthy young. mSphere. doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00327-17. http://msphere.asm.org/conntent/2/5/e00327-17 • Dinan, T. G., and Cryan, J. F. (2013). Melancholic microbes: a link between gut microbiota and depression? Neurogastroenterol. Motil. 25, 713– 719. doi: 10.1111/nmo.12198 • Foster, J. A. (2016). Gut microbiome and behavior: focus on neuroimmune interactions. Int. Rev. Neurobiol. 131, 49–65. doi: 10.1016/ bs.irn.2016.07.005 • Kau, A. L., Ahern, P. P., Griffin, N. W., Goodman, A. L., and Gordon, J. I. (2011). Human nutrition, the gut microbiome and the immune system. Nature 474, 327–336. doi: 10.1038/nature10213

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Confronting our inner Grinch The holidays are here, and the Grinch is alive and well.

Unfortunately, he’s not some semi-cute, slightly ridiculous, Muppetlike creature stuck in a cave on a mountaintop. He’s a lot closer and much more personal than that. To some degree, he resides in every human heart.

He’s the nay-sayer, the familiar, overtly critical voice within. He snarls, fumes, gripes and complains. He slinks and sneaks, stealthily lurking in the shadowy places of our minds and hearts. He’s opportunistic, waiting for the right combo of stressful circumstances to open the door for him to exercise his miserable craft.

He wants to steal Christmas. And he succeeds more than we realize.

Holidays are supposed to be fun, filled with light-hearted familycentered celebrations. A time of joy, laughter and peace. A season of gratitude, generosity and contentment.

Yet somewhere in the midst of all the lights, bells, boxes and bags, something foreign invades. Amid the activity, bustle and clamor, our focus wanders.

Our hearts get lost. The Grinch smiles, and slithers from his hiding place.

The expectations can be horrendous – and the ones we have of ourselves can the most perilous. Some of us see ourselves responsible for making the holiday special, and by special we usually mean bigger and better than ever before. Others depend on us. We don’t want to disappoint. We can’t let people down. We’ve always done it this way. It must be done and if we don’t do it, no one will. We have appointed ourselves Santa, Kris Kringle and the ultimate Christmas fairy, all rolled into one.

Since we’re willing to play this role, those around us will generally let us shoulder the burden. As the years go by, their expectations go up. Better food. Nicer decorations. More enjoyable activities. They look forward to the best-ever, stunning, most wonderful holiday experience yet. The trees, lights, cakes, stockings and the sheer T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

he stays winsomely likeable.

“Good grief,” he sighs, hanging his head and walking slowly away. But he’ll be back. He keeps showing up.

Charlie Brown keeps on trying. He reaches out. He looks to contribute. He is forever hoping things will be different and that the world will improve somehow. His behavior is staggeringly optimistic, especially given his experience. He not only keeps getting up in the morning, but he’s consistently kind, compassionate and generous. He’s humble, loyal and faithful.

And, he’s honest. Authentic. He always seems be himself. With him, what you see is what you get. Life is complicated, but for Charlie Brown things are fairly simple. He’s looking to be the best Charlie Brown he can be.

Every time he tries to play the world’s game, it doesn’t go well.

Some probably see Charlie Brown as weak, low on self-esteem and lacking in confidence. Perhaps. Or maybe he’s simply like most of us, stumbling along from one thing to the next, trying to do the best he can with what he’s got at any given moment.

Charlie Brown is in touch with his heart.

Thankfully, there is some Charlie Brown in all of us too. Our inner Grinch is bossy, noisy and controlling, but he can’t compete with Charlie Brown’s simplicity and persistent kindness.

Charlie Brown looks past the flashing lights, decorations, boxes and bows for something deeper and more permanent. In the middle of all the clamor and stuff, he sees people.

He views himself as one of many – a person trying to figure things out and make the best contribution possible in the process. He never sets himself above anyone. He wants to walk alongside them instead.

Is okay to hurt and to even grieve at Christmastime? Charlie Brown would blink in surprise and say, “Yes, of course.” He would also say it’s perfectly acceptable to do things differently

volume of presents is intoxicating.

Thoroughly addicted, the voices scream, “More! More! More!”

Then there is the overall, general expectation of our gary roe culture to consume, hospice spend and buy. Go into debt, or deeper into debt. It’s like some deep, hidden instinct gets triggered. Everybody is doing it.

Consumption has become part of the atmosphere we breathe.

Our kindness dips. Our compassion takes a hit. Our patience evaporates.

The pressure is astounding. We stagger under the weight of it all. Somewhere along the way we become less than ourselves. Our hearts go into hiding, and our inner Grinch is roaming free.

And almost all of this happens naturally, without us even giving conscious thought to it. Living somewhat separated from our own hearts has become, well, a habit.

What if we’re not happy? What if this year, or the last several years, have been less than kind? What if we’ve taken some big hits, or suffered large losses? What if our finances are stretched, our health is declining, or our relationships are strained? What if we’ve lost people who are dear to us?

Is it okay to be sad? Is it acceptable to grieve a little, or even a lot, while surrounded by all the bright lights and tinkling bells? Do we dare hurt when the world around us is demanding we be happy? Is it okay to let our hearts be seen?

Enter another Christmas character, Charlie Brown. So different from the slinky, slimy Grinch, Charlie Brown is your average guy. He’s a mild-mannered, good-natured, wouldn’t-hurt-a-fly kind of individual. The world seems a bit overwhelming to him. He wonders what life is about, how things work, and what his place is in it all. Along the way, he gets disappointed. He gets laughed at, ridiculed and knocked around. And yet,

and be to your own person. You get to decide what to do, how, when and with whom. The heart needs to say no to some things and yes to others.

Charlie Brown is far from perfect, but I think he’s attempting to live from his heart. The more we practice compassion, kindness, and love, the more our hearts will venture out, forcing the Grinch back into hiding.

Wherever we are this holiday – on top of the world, struggling mightily, or anywhere in-between – let’s look past the surface and see the people. Let’s gaze into our own eyes and commit to live more from our hearts and be the best version of ourselves we can be.

And when Lucy once again yanks the football away at the last possible moment and we land flat on our backs for the hundredth time, let us sigh, “Good Grief,” get up, keep going and still believe this can turn out well.

Happy holidays. Merry Christmas.

Gary Roe is an award-winning author, chaplain, and grief counselor with Hospice Brazos Valley. Visit him on his website at www.garyroe.com or contact him at 979-821-2266 or groe@ hospicebrazosvalley.org.

December 7, 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 979764-6351 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 764-6351 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, 979-7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

hip pain

from page 5 involve medications, injections or surgery), has no side effects and will address the root cause of the pain problem. While some people remain on pain medication while being treated by a physical therapist (PT), others do not and many reduce the amount of medication needed as the therapy progresses. PT can address, eliminate or appropriately manage all the causes noted above except for Osteonecrosis and hip fractures. In these instances you must see your doctor for treatment options. A highly skilled PT will tell you exactly why you’re having pain and will have many treatment options available at his/her disposal. These treatments include manual therapy (hands on treatment), manipulation, Trigger Point Dry Needling, targeted exercises, taping and stretching, electrical stimulation,

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 979-7646351 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 979764-6351 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 9:15-10:30 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 979-764-6371 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

occasionally ultrasound or traction and hot/cold treatments. In addition, the PT will work with you to adjust your plan of care if you are not progressing as planned. Physical therapy looks for the root cause(s) of your hip pain problem. n Injections of Corticosteroid are administered by a physician directly into the hip joint. The purpose is to reduce the inflammation and thus the pain and discomfort. The injections are normally done at specific intervals. When swelling is severe, fluid may need to be drained from the hip – a temporary solution that does not address the cause. n Prescription Medications are often given to those with arthritis depending on the severity of their disease. However, someone with arthritis might also use physical therapy to decrease pain, protect the joint and increase ease of movement and decrease the amount

of medication or number of injections they receive. Medications are not a cure. n Surgery is required if you’ve fractured your hip or if more conservative methods have not been successful. However, after surgery it is important to seek physical therapy as it is key to recovering your mobility.

In many cases, physical therapy can begin immediately after surgery.

Getting out of bed and putting weight on the joint can often speed recovery.

To answer your question, speak with your physician about a referral to physical therapy. Be your own health care advocate and request physical therapy. Lean more towards a more conservative treatment approach before seeing a physician specialist who may or may not diagnose the cause of your continued hip pain problem. Request a physical therapist; you have that right.

You can also contact a physical

therapist directly. As more insurance companies and the government reduce healthcare benefits or restrict your healthcare benefits, it is imperative that you become a wise consumer of healthcare services. You can no longer afford to be passive in your recovery process; you must ask questions and become involved in your treatment options. Further, just as any other consumer, you need to choose wisely.

Ask questions about experience, training and specific treatment options, because the final choice is yours.

As a healthcare provider I want you to be comfortable and satisfied with your decisions. You deserve the best care. Don’t be afraid to call a physical therapist today.

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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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from page 10 other card games on Tuesdays. For more information, call 979-822-6873 or visit 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 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 979764-3416. 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.

Zumba for Seniors Class – Free class held from 3-4 p.m. on Thursdays in October, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Zumba is an aerobic workout that incorporates dance moves. This easy-to-follow program lets participants move to the rhythm at their own speed. 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.

Dec. 10

Dec. 15

Holiday Pops concert – Held at 5 p.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church, 4201 Highway 6 in College Station. The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra gets the whole community into the spirit of the season with a fun performance filled with holiday favorites for the entire family. Tickets on sale at bvso. org, or call 979-845-1234.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas – The Brazos Valley TROUPE will hold showings of the play at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16, at the 29th Street Studio, at 3705 E. 29th St. in Bryan. It will showcase the best of holiday tunes, including pop, R&B, comedy, country and western, traditional and sacred holiday music. For more details, visit bvtroupe.com.

Dec. 11 A White Christmas – Christmas concert held at 7 p.m. at Christ the Good Shepherd Chapel, 600 S. Coulter in Bryan. The Brazos Valley Chorale will be joined by the St. Joseph Catholic High School Choir. Come out to enjoy familiar holiday songs and join in the singalong. Visit bvchorale.org or call 979-4768199 for more information.

Dec. 12 Holiday Open House – Ages 55 and up are invited from 10 a.m.-noon to enjoy holiday treats, browse information tables highlighting available programs and take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Held at Southwood Community Center, at 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Free.

For questions, call 979-764-6351.

Dec. 8 Third annual Cocoa and Carols Sing Along – Held 7-8 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 217 West 27th St. in Bryan. Free admission. Join in singing traditional carols at the church, following the Downtown Christmas Parade. Enjoy cookies and cocoa afterward, while listening to the bell choir play.

Dec. 16 Breakfast with Santa – Held 9-11 a.m. at Neal Recreation Center, at 600 North Randolph Ave. in Bryan. Enjoy holiday crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and photos with Santa. Registration begins Dec. 1. For more information, visit bryantx.gov .

Wreaths Across America – Wreaths Across America will place wreaths on veteran gravestones at Aggie Field of Honor and the College Station and Bryan Cemeteries to remember and honor those who died serving their country. This event, starting at 11 a.m., is open to the public, and donations for wreaths are welcome.

Volunteer opportunities are available. Visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org for more information.

As you approach seasons where you gather and give thanks, are you eating what you can or what you WANT?

Dec. 9 Christmas Home Tour – The Chappell Hill Garden Club will host a home tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour the Taylor Country Home, Cottage Blue on Main, the Madeley Home, the Shaver/Parker Historical Home and the Kenjura Farm & Prayer Garden. Tickets are $20 pre-sale, $25 at the door. For more information, visit www.chappellhilltx.com or call 713-562-6191 or 979-337-1200.

Ask us about same day denture stabilization!

CHUCK MAJORS DDS, FAGD, FICOI

COSMETIC, IMPLANT AND COMPREHENSIVE CARE

2606 Osler Blvd • Bryan 979.776.6600 WWW.MAJORSMILES.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

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