PrimeTime April 2020

PrimeTime livi ng you r b e st i n th e p r i m e of you r li f e

R H O D Y B E AT. C O M

Caregiving and COVID-19

Tips for people with vulnerable family members COVID-19 has dramatically shifted daily life for many people around the world. Nobody is immune, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from the Coronavirus.

To protect vulnerable individuals, many nursing homes or assisted living facilities are banning outside visitors temporarily in hopes of limiting residents’ exposure to someone who may be infected with the virus. Additionally, many individuals who need care and are currently living in their own homes are feeling isolated and anxious about how to stay healthy and safe.

Caregiving is now taking center stage.

With already more than 40 million unpaid family caregivers helping loved ones in the U.S., experts expect the virus to increase the number of people providing short-term or long-term care to an older or aging loved one.

AARP offers guidance to family caregivers with vulnerable family members, especially those who might be new to caregiving because of Coronavirus and its impacts on older populations.

Make it a team effort

While there may be one primary family caregiver, identify other family members, friends and neighbors who can check in or help with shopping and important errands.

It’s important that the person you’re caring for doesn’t leave their home and stays out of public places.

Create a list with contact information of friends, family and services in your community that can help you perform key caregiving tasks. For example, find out if services such as Meals on Wheels can help deliver meals, or if there are other local services to help with food or medication delivery.

Inventory essential items

It’s important to figure out what you have so you can determine what you need. Inventory how much food, medication and basic supplies the person you’re caring for has currently. Then make a list of what you need and how often you need to replenish it.

Many older individuals often keep minimal extras on hand because they are on a strict budget and are used to regular grocery or medication refills. If possible, help them have a two-week supply of food, water, house cleaning supplies, and medical equipment.

What’s in the cards for you at Anchor Bay at Pocasset?

Get medications in order

If you don’t already have one, create a list of medications, medical contacts, and important information like allergies for easy access. If there are upcoming non-emergency, routine medical appointments, reschedule those or, if possible, switch to a virtual visit to receive telemedicine.

Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you’re able to have an extra 30-day supply of essential medications on hand. Don’t forget to stock up on over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants and feverreducing drugs like acetaminophen.

Stay connected

With current social distancing recommendations, strict isolation will impact many older individuals. To keep connections strong, set up communication using a variety of technology such as FaceTime or Skype, smart speakers, or simply phone and text. Use these to stay connected with your caregiving team as well as your older or aging family members.

If your loved one lives in a long-term care facility, see if they have accommodations for online visits and how they plan to communicate with families. If they can’t support visits via technology, send in cards, letters, maga-

zines, puzzles or other items you know your loved one would be grateful to receive. Talk with your facility management about the safest way to deliver items.

Maintain personal safety and self-care

In order to help slow the spread of Coronavirus, limit physical contact with others, stay in as much as you can and continue to follow guidelines from the CDC. While you are likely very focused on the person you’re caring for, it is essential to also care for yourself.

For high-risk individuals, such as those with dementia and underlying health conditions, consider having the primary caregiver self-isolate with the care recipient. Then, have a back-up plan if the primary caregiver becomes ill. It’s best to be proactive and not have to use plan B, rather than being caught off guard without options.

For more information about caregiving and important considerations in light of COVID-19, visit aarp.org/caregiving and aarp. org/coronavirus.

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YOUR TAXES

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

by M E G C H E VA L I E R

RHODE ISLAND CHAPTER

Who will receive automatic economic impact payments The Internal Revenue Service, working in partnership with the Treasury Department and the Social Security Administration, announced that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically receive automatic Economic Impact Payments.

SSI recipients will receive a $1,200 Economic Impact Payment with no further action needed on their part.

The IRS projects the payments for this group will go out no later than early May. Moving SSI recipients into the automatic payment category follows weeks of extensive cooperative work between SSA, Treasury, IRS as well as the Bureau of Fiscal Services.1 “Since SSI recipients typically aren’t required to file tax returns, the IRS had to work extensively with these other government agencies to determine a way to quickly and accurately deliver Economic Impact Payments to this group,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Additional programming work remains, but this step simplifies the process for SSI recipients to quickly and easily receive these $1,200 payments automatically. We appreciate the assistance of SSA and the Bureau of Fiscal Services in this effort.”

No action needed by most taxpayers Earlier this month, the IRS took a similar action to ensure those receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits and Railroad Retirement benefits can receive automatic payments of $1,200. While these groups receive Forms 1099, many in this group don’t typically file

tax returns. People in these groups are expected to see the automatic $1,200 payments later this month.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2018 will also receive the payments automatically.

About 80 million payments are hitting bank accounts this week.

For benefit recipients with dependents, extra step needed to claim $500 for children The law provides eligible taxpayers with qualifying children under age 17 to receive an extra $500. For taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 or 2019, the child payments will be automatic.

However, many benefit recipients typically aren’t required to file tax returns.

If they have children who qualify, an extra step is needed to add $500 per child onto their automatic payment of $1,200 if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019.

For those who receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits or SSI and have a qualifying child, they can quickly register by visiting special tool available only on IRS.gov and provide their information in the Non-Filers section. By quickly taking steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they can receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. If beneficiaries in these groups do not provide their information to the IRS soon, they will have to wait until later to receive their $500 per qualifying child.

The Treasury Department,

not the Social Security Administration, will make these automatic payments to SSI recipients. Recipients will generally receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their SSI benefits.

For those with dependents who use Direct Express debit cards, additional information will be available soon regarding the steps to take on the IRS web site when claiming children under 17.

For information about Social Security retirement, survivors and disability insurance beneficiaries, please visit the SSA website at SSA.gov.

General information about the Economic Impact Payments is available on a special section of IRS.gov.

Watch out for scams related to Economic Impact Payments The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. To use the new app or get information, taxpayers should visit IRS. gov. People should watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website or share personal or financial information. Remember, go directly and solely to IRS. gov for official information.

More information The IRS will post frequently asked questions on IRS.gov/ coronavirus and will provide updates as soon as they are available.

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The Destination of Choice for Wellness and Eldercare

Remote Support Groups

Alzheimer Association continues to provide resources amid Covid-19 outbreak The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter has made access to many of its support groups available online and/ or by telephone amid the COVID-19 outbreak as the association continues to pursue its mission.

Based on guidance from local public health agencies, the chapter is working to replace in-person community support group meetings across Rhode Island with either live-streamed, web-based formats or chat forums available by telephone. These no-cost programs provide information to individuals coping with a range of situations related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including those living with the disease, those in the early stages or who have younger-onset, and their care partners.

All online support groups can now be found and accessed at communityresourcefinder.org.

Mary Lou Moran, director of the Leon Mathieu Senior Center in Pawtucket and a support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association, just completed her first virtual support group and offered this observation: “Being able to use this technology made a difference for my members.

From this experience, I could hear the confidence in some of their voices just by trying something new.”

“While the health and safety of our constituents, volunteers and staff remain a

top priority during this COVID-19 outbreak, we are committed to our mission and to providing resources to those who need them,” said Donna M. McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Rhode Island Chapter. “Offering these support groups online will help individuals living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, and their families to know we are there for them during this time of isolation and uncertainty.”

While the Alzheimer’s Association staff is working remotely, operations will continue to support the organization’s mission. The Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline is fully operational, and is available for around-the-clock care and support at 1.800.272.3900. Through this free service, specialists and clinicians will continue to offer confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public.

Please visit https://alz.org/ri for the most up-to-date information on all upcoming meetings and events.

About the Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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PrimeTime

RETIREMENT SPARKS

by ELAINE M. DECKER

Grocery Shopping and COVID-19 Going out to a supermarket is an act of bravery during the COVID-19 pandemic. I go about once a week with a grocery list that I’m sure is going to tide us over for at least two weeks. It never does. It’s not that we eat a lot. Certain things that we’re almost out of just aren’t on the shelf the day I go shopping.

I wear a mask and bring along my Lysol wipes, but those widely publicized precautions barely scratch the surface of the challenges that grocery shopping presents these days. I realized that as I replied to a comment someone made on Facebook.

The posting complained that Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan had just declared that stores of more than 50,000 sq. ft. could have only four customers at a time per 1000 sq. ft. He said that results in social distancing of about 15 ft. instead of the federal guideline of 6 ft. Here’s my reply (based on experience two days earlier): I’d rather allow extra room. The only way a 6 ft. rule would work is if everyone shopped and moved along at the same pace.

Else they’d be closer than 6 ft. part of the time. Even with a shopping list, I find myself backtracking and mulling over the stock, trying to decide what to pick up. Shelves are so bare that I’m often forced to substitute.

Like, do I want to pay more for a national brand of chicken broth to get no-salt? Or do I want to go with lower price and have to get beef broth, with salt (or various permutations there-of). And that was one of my easier decisions this week. Would you want to be the shopper stuck 6 feet behind me?

The 15 ft. rule would be especially helpful in stores that now have made their narrow aisles one-way. Those are a nightmare for me. The overhead signs never seem to list all the categories.

First I roll my cart to the end of the aisle to find a variety of canned beans for chili. As I’m ticking them off my list, I see that I also need canned tuna. More often than not that’s at the other end of the same aisle, but I didn’t notice it when I wheeled by. In a store with one-way aisles, I’d have to go one aisle over and backtrack to the beginning of the aisle with the tuna and beans.

It’s not any easier in the cat food aisle, especially if you’re shopping for one finicky senior and two who will eat anything. Add to that the fact that the store staff sometimes mix the Fancy Feast chicken paté in with the beef and chicken paté. Both have red labels,

one slightly darker. My finicky girl eats beef and chicken, but she’s not as keen on plain chicken. They also sometimes mix flaked salmon in with the salmon paté. Paté is a safer bet for older cats. I could go on, but I see that your eyes are glazing over.

My recent trip tried my patience. A man was blocking the door of the main egg case, trying to decide which ones to buy. His female companion, behind him on her phone, was providing no guidance. I stood 6 feet away for a few minutes and finally just took a more expensive carton from the neighboring case.

As if shopping for our normal groceries isn’t challenge enough these days, being sequestered at home has led to binge eating comfort food. I rarely bought potato chips before. Now it’s on the list every time I go shopping. Have you ever noticed how long the chips aisle is? Lays sells classic chips and originals (what’s the difference??), honey barbecue and barbecue (?? again), salt & vinegar and sour cream & onion. Supposedly there are over 160 varieties of Lays chips.

It’s no wonder I get confused in that aisle.

And I haven’t even touched on corn chips.

Fortunately for me, we prefer original types, like Cape Cod kettle cooked. But even that brand comes in multiple flavors. In most stores, chips are stocked by brand, but some have the larger bags are at one end and smaller ones at the other. More often than not, I temporarily abandon my cart and walk up and down trying to figure out what’s on sale that’s binge-worthy.

The cookie aisle isn’t much easier to navigate and the transition from cookies to crackers is not always easy to follow. More back tracking. It should come as no surprise that grocery shopping during COVID-19 is so stressful that my cart has a lot more bingeworthy products than I had on my list when I left the house. At times like these, it’s critical to have a variety of comfort food on hand to survive each day’s news.

Copyright 2020 Business Theatre Unlimited Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide.

Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon. com. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com

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ACCORDING TO DON

by DON FOWLER

Music helps us get through tough times Music makes the world go round. It helps us to relax. It brings us joy. It helps to get us through tough times.

Music is an important element in religious services, weddings, funerals, social gatherings, and moments of solitude.

And it will help us get through these particularly difficult times.

Listen To Your Old Records and Tapes Many of us are spending time at home cleaning out the attic, cellar, computers and file cabinets, and our out-of-control collections of clothes, books, souvenirs, records and tapes.

My CD’s have been gathering dust in a cabinet behind my TV for years. I’ve dusted them off, categorized them (Country, Jazz, Classical, Pop, Cajun, etc) and played a few of them every day.

I envy friends who wisely kept their old record albums and turntables. Somehow the old “Best of…” and original Broadway score albums sound great, even with a few scratches.

I know people who still have 8-track and cassettes that still work.

On TV My Verizon package has Music Choice, 24 hours of continuous

music in categories ranging from Songs for Children to Rap. My favorites are Jazz and Classical, which I can enjoy while reading or doing a variety of things.

Country, both classic and current; hits of the ‘70’s, ‘80’s, and ‘90’s, opera, bluegrass and soundscapes are accompanied by facts about the artists and beautiful photos.

They are found on my TV in the 800’s.

On my Computer A friend turned me on to the ultimate musical entertainment and history: Blandensburg High School Class of 1959 Video Jukebox.

The site is a complete collection of oldies but goodies music, going back to the thirties and including, by artist, category and year just about every song ever recorded.

The playlist also includes hundreds of videos of the original artist, like my favorite, The 5 Satins singing “In the Still of the Night”. Everything from Aerosmith to Richie Valens is there for your enjoyment.

While your kids are listening to “their” music on their earphones, turn on to yours and bring back the good old days.

4 Ways to Help Nurses During the Coronavirus Pandemic

A

FAMILY FEATURES

merica’s nurses are on the front lines of the fight against coronavirus, providing safe, quality, compassionate and nondiscriminatory care to those they serve, many of whom are doing so at significant risk to their own well-being.

The American Nurses Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association, created the Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses to provide direct financial assistance, mental health support and science- and data-based information to nurses serving on the front lines.

“Nurses always answer the call to serve their patients, communities and country during times of crisis,” said American Nurses Foundation Chair Tim Porter-O’Grady, DM, EdD, ScD (h), APRN, FAAN, FACCWS. “As we confront the new and emerging challenges of this pandemic, nurses are and will continue serving on the front lines in extraordinary ways.”

To show your support during this uncertain time, consider taking part in these four key actions: 1. Text THANKS to 20222 to donate $10. One of the easiest ways to directly support nurses is to donate $10 to the Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses, spread the word to others using the hashtag #ThanksNurses, and visit ThanksNurses.org.

2. Stay home. Only leave home for essentials and maintain a safe distance from other people.

3. Wash your hands. Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. It is also important to wash your hands after going out in public and touching items that others may have come in contact with such as doors, shopping carts or credit card readers.

4. Follow local guidelines. Seek guidance from local public health officials, such as those at your county health department.

Nurses are reliable and proven responders during infectious disease emergencies, providing essential care where it is needed most. Following simple steps like these can go a long way toward keeping people healthy.

Donations will help provide direct financial assistance, mental health support and science- and data-based information to benefit nurses. Visit ThanksNurses.org to learn more.

About the Support Fund The American Nurses Foundation’s Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses is a nationwide effort to provide direct financial assistance, mental health support and science- and data-based resources to benefit nurses. The Johnson & Johnson company and its TYLENOL brand made a $1.5 million commitment to launch this fund.

A portion of the donations will help support Nurses House, Inc., a national fund for registered nurses in need. The American Nurses Foundation is partnering with this organization to help nurses affected by COVID-19. Nurses who are unable to work due to COVID-19 infection, are caring for a family member with COVID-19 or are under mandatory quarantine can submit an application for assistance.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POSITIVE AGING

by PAT R I C I A R A S K I N

Assistance during the coronavirus We live in a society that actually promotes loneliness and isolation. That seems like an oxymoron because we are all so busy going places and being involved in activities, but that does not mean we are connected on a deep level. Now with the coronavirus pandemic, all of this has been accentuated and accelerated. This is especially true in assisted livings where residents can not be with their loved ones in person. This is uncharted territory for us.

This is a time to bridge the gap between isolation and loneliness by reaching out to friends, family online, the phone and through other social media tools. This is a time to support each other, and reconnect with those that we have lost touch with because of our busy lives. It is also a good time to take an inventory and make a list of what we have internally and externally. What are our

gifts? What are our blessings? This includes staff, care givers and health professionals readily available to support us in our assisted living homes.

We all know the recommendations for cleanliness and safety during the coronavirus pandemic. We know to wash our hands, use hand sanitizer and social distancing. We need to add what we can do for our own selfcare. This includes more sleep or better sleep, eating healthier foods (to help mood), getting exercise (even if it means sitting in a chair doing leg lifts). There are many online resources in this area.

For me, the lesson is about staying open and creative and positive. We are finding new ways to communicate with others and show up in the world.

We will get through this pandemic faster by getting through this together.

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Patricia Raskin is president of Raskin Resources Productions, Inc. She is recognized as the “powerhouse voice” of positive lifestyle and aging and “positive media” pioneer. An award winning radio producer and business owner, Patricia has served as a catalyst for creating positive change for almost four decades. Her programs have aired on FOX, PBS, NPR affiliates and for ten years on WPRO radio in Providence. Internet radio & podcast program, The Patricia Raskin Positive Living Show, in its seventeenth year, is heard on VoiceAmerica. com and iTunes.

Is your yard wildlife-friendly?

People are spending more time at home. Being a good neighbor means more than being friendly to the humans across the street, it also means being friendly to the animals in your yard. Making your yard a safe place for local wildlife should be a top lawn care priority.

With that in mind, here are some tips for creating a healthy habitat for local critters.

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Be a Valuable Rest Stop Stock your garden with small native species of trees, shrubs and flowers to give wildlife needed nourishment, as well as cover from predators.

A source of water can also be a great resource for visiting fauna.

Whether it’s a pond or a bird bath, be sure this zone is well-maintained so you don’t inadvertently create a haven for unwanted species. In the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active, you should change the bird bath water even more often.

Promote Safety A bird feeder in your backyard, full of water and seeds, will be the perfect invitation for beautiful migrating and local birds to stop by.

Just be sure your property is safe for birds.

Unfortunately, birds don’t see clear glass. As a result, millions of birds die every year by striking glass. Don’t let your sliding glass doors or other windows become a death trap for birds.

To protect birds, apply special decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight. For example, those from WindowAlert have the appear-

ance of frosted glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds, so you don’t have to compromise your own view out your window. The brand also makes a high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid, which should be applied between decals.

“Wildlife can beautify your garden and be a sign that your yard is healthy,” said Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert. “But birds and other wildlife need food, shelter, and safety.”

Get out the binoculars! With a few small actions, you can make your yard or garden a wildlife refuge.

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SPRING CLEANING - tips from the pros -

With extra time at home right now, millions of Americans are taking the opportunity to address housekeeping tasks they haven’t gotten around to - from cleaning the mattress to scrubbing the washer and dryer. This is the year to do your best spring cleaning yet.

You likely know the basics of how to get the job done right, but here are some game-changing tips from the pros on how to spruce up every room in your house.

1. Start with the bedroom • While washing your bedding, it’s a great time to rid your mattress of dust. A perfect tool for the job is a lightweight stick vacuum like the CordZero from LG. Using vibrations, its “power punch” nozzle attachment knocks dust free from the layers below and swiftly transfers it to the dust bin.

• When rotating your closet from winter to summer, your stored clothes likely need a refresh. Instead of washing, run summer clothes through the dryer on a steam refresh cycle and they’ll be ready for the season.

2. Take care of your appliances • Make sure to clean your dryer vent. “LG recommends cleaning the vent and hose every 6-12 months depending on how much laundry you do,” notes Laura Johnson, an R&D expert at the LG Electronics home appliances lab. “This will help keep the dryer in great shape and reduce risk of fire.”

• Many people don’t know it’s important to run the tub clean cycle on your washer to get the inside of the machine clean.

Johnson recommends running the cycle every 30 washes with a cleaning agent like Affresh and Clorox washing machine cleaners or vinegar and baking soda.

• Also take the time to wipe down the outside of the washer and dryer, and the rubber seal or gasket around the door or lid.

3. Use the power of steam to sanitize • Steam gives an unrivaled clean while also letting you take a break from harsh chemicals.

• Johnson suggests using steam cycle settings on your washer and/or dryer (many LG washing machines even have Sanitize and Allergiene cycles) to deep clean everything from bedding and pillows to bathroom floor mats.

• You can also use a steam mop on your floors to get rid of any excess grit and grime.

4. Don’t forget to clean toys • The dishwasher is getting more use than ever right now, and it can do more than you think! Throw children’s and pet’s dishwasher-friendly toys in to get them clean. If they’re smaller, be sure to place them in a mesh laundry bag first.

• Now is also a good time to run washing machine-safe stuffed animals through a wash cycle - most can be laundered on your washer’s delicate cycle, but Johnson advises to always check labels to be sure. Plush toys can be dried on low heat - or if it’s sunny and warm, put them outside to dry.

5. Give the fabrics in your bathroom some TLC • When deep cleaning your shower, don’t forget your shower curtain. Vinyl, synthetic, cotton and natural fiber shower curtains can be laundered using the “waterproof” cycle (found on top-load washers) or “delicates” cycle (found on front-load washers) with mild detergent. If you can’t wash it, scrub the liner by hand with a sponge and a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach.

• Another hardworking textile in your bathroom is your bath mat. Run it through the washer with a gentle detergent every month for a clean you can feel. When the wash cycle is complete, leave it out to dry overnight and your bathroom will feel better than ever.

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FAMILY FEATURES

ook once, eat twice. It’s a kitchen practice as simple as it sounds. Cook a base dish that can be enjoyed today and used for an entirely different meal tomorrow. For example, bake some fish for tonight’s dinner, and enjoy fish tacos for tomorrow’s lunch.

With so many Americans preparing meals at home, the practice of cooking once and eating twice can extend your grocery budget while also making meal planning less stressful and more comforting.

Cooking meals that feed the entire family is essential and even better if they give you a jump on a second meal. Whether your love for cooking runs deep or is being newly discovered, keep the following in mind when planning to cook once and eat twice: Stock up on staples. Before heading out to the store, develop a list of ingredients that can be used for multiple dishes. Canned goods, such as black beans and corn, are great items to store in the pantry and have on hand for a variety of favorite family recipes. Other basics like corn tortillas can be used in multiple ways, such as tacos, casseroles and even salads.

Don’t forget produce. To increase flavor and nutrition, adding produce is key in your planning.

Mushrooms are a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike for many reasons. Traditionally known for their inherent umami flavor, mushrooms are filling, healthy and versatile. Crimini and portabella are excellent sources of selenium, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage that may lead to serious chronic diseases. For example, four crimini mushrooms provide 38% of your daily recommended value. Also, the variety of mushrooms contain essential vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamins B and D and riboflavin.

Make meat go further. A three-step cooking technique called “The Blend” combines finely chopped mushrooms with ground meat to create dishes that are more nutritious while still tasting delicious. You can use the process to create multiple dishes such as tacos, pasta sauce and burgers. Mushrooms’ ability to mimic the texture of meat makes them easy to incorporate, and the addition of finely chopped mushrooms to meat dishes stretches portions, allowing the family to enjoy a meat-mushroom base two days in a row in two different ways in dishes like Mexican Lasagna and Blended Tacos, both of which include a Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend.

For more simple and delicious recipes, visit MushroomCouncil.com.

Blended Tacos

Makes: 8 tacos 1 cup sour cream 6 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons lime juice 8 yellow corn tortillas 2 cups Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend diced avocado (optional) shredded lettuce (optional) shredded cheese (optional) salsa (optional) In small bowl, mix sour cream, cilantro and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate.

Warm tortillas in microwave or on stovetop according to package directions. Spoon 1/4 cup Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend into each tortilla.

Top with sour cream mixture and avocado, lettuce and cheese as desired.

Blended Tacos

Mexican Lasagna

Servings: 6-8 Nonstick cooking spray 16 yellow corn tortillas 6 cups Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend 1 cup shredded, low-fat Mexican cheese blend sour cream (optional) chopped cilantro (optional) salsa (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray bottom of 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place four corn tortillas on bottom of dish and layer 2 cups Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend on top.

Repeat layers, ending with tortillas as top layer.

Top with cheese.

Bake uncovered 25 minutes, or until cheese melts and lasagna is heated through. Top with dollops of sour cream, cilantro and salsa as desired.

Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend

Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend

Makes: 8 cups 1 medium yellow onion 8 ounces fresh button or crimini mushrooms 1 pound lean ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained 1 package (1 ounce) reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes 1 can (11 ounces) yellow kernel corn, drained

In food processor, pulse onion and mushrooms to coarse texture. Set aside.

In large frying pan, brown ground beef. Drain fat. Set aside.

In same frying pan, heat oil. Add mushroom mixture and saute 3-4 minutes, or until most moisture has been released. Add black beans and mix.

Add beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes and corn to black bean and mushroom blend. Mix and cook until heated through.

Mexican Lasagna

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Stay safe from COVID-19 scammers While you take care to limit social interactions and wash your hands to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, you also need to take steps to protect your finances and identity. Scammers are now taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to lure victims in with new phishing scams.

“We know consumers are managing their money and finances online, so it’s more important than ever to raise awareness of smart security practices,” says Vice President of Security at Navy Federal Credit Union, Chip Kohlweiler. “Being proactive and learning about your security is a great step toward keeping your accounts and information safe.

There’s a good chance your bank or credit union has resources available for you to learn about how to identify scams, which is a great place to start.”

Phishing remains one of the top ways cybercriminals get access to your identification and financial information. Using phone calls, emails and even copycat websites, scammers are creating content that appears official and related to COVID-19 - tricking you into revealing personal information like bank account numbers, login IDs and passwords. At the same time, by clicking a link, you may also unknowingly download malware that infects your computer and captures your data.

“Just because caller ID shows your financial institution is calling, do not provide information such as one-time passcodes or PIN to the caller. Additionally, phony links in emails can be a major threat to your system. If you don’t know the sender, a general rule of thumb is don’t click any links in the email,” says Kohlweiler.

Here are a few tricks scammers are using in their phishing attempts: Names of real companies Phishers often use legitimate company names and copy the look of official websites and emails to fool you. Right now, they’re even sending out correspondence that looks like it’s from the World Health Organization, local governments or other trustworthy sources.

Be wary of unexpected emails from a “company employee” looking for information.

Threats & urgent messages “Urgency is a big red flag. While you may have an urgent need, you should always validate it. If it’s in regards to one of your accounts, call the company associated with the account from a number on their official website, or on a recent paper statement, to confirm if urgent action is needed,” Kohlweiler advises.

Official-looking URLs Sometimes the URL (web address) will look right, but instead of taking you to your intended website, it will lead you to a copycat website. Check to see if the URL begins with https://, which indicates a site is secure.

Most phishing scams won’t have a secure

website. Never click on a URL within an email; instead, type the official URL into your browser.

Wire transfer requests In these scenarios, a scammer sends what appears to be a legitimate email requesting a wire transfer to cover title, escrow or any number of other costs. Unfortunately, money you transfer as a result of the fraudster’s email ends up in the fraudster’s bank account - and you’re not likely to get it back. If you receive such a request, call your financial institution to verify that it has made this request.

“Once you know what to look for, you can start to use some best practices to avoid these scams,” adds Kohlweiler.

1. Set up your accounts for success.

Using strong passwords (never the same for different sites), setting up transaction notifications and ensuring your contact information stays up to date with your financial institution are all easy ways to enhance your online security.

2. Call and verify.

Be sure not to use a number provided in a suspicious email or even in the Caller ID. Use numbers on your statements or policies or from the official website.

3. Look for bad spelling.

Phishing emails often have unnatural or incorrect grammar and misspellings. Keep an eye out for grammar and spelling mistakes.

4. Beware of links.

It pays to be wary of emails you’re not expecting. If you’re suspicious of an email, don’t click on any links or buttons in the email. Hover your mouse over the link and see if the address that appears matches the link typed in the message. If it doesn’t match, don’t click on the link, as it could take you to fraudulent websites or download malicious software.

5. Read your statements.

This can help you detect fraudulent transactions faster if your identity is stolen.

6. Increase your security.

Consider using a password manager solution to improve your security posture.

7. Use a different computer.

If you find fraudulent transactions on your account or suspect your info has been compromised, use a different computer to change your passwords. And, make sure you notify your financial institution right away.

8. Keep up with the news.

Stay up to date on news of phishing attacks to protect yourself. Anti-phishing organizations, such as Anti-Phishing Working Group, provide lists of new and current phishing scams.

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