PrimeTime - May 2020

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

A Green Thumb is a Healthy Thumb The Health Benefits of Gardening for Seniors Relieves Stress Whether you have a small patio or acres of land, keeping your outdoor space full of bright colors and the fresh scent of flowers can help bring a sense of calm and peace. Getting in touch with nature and being exposed to sunlight can uplift your mood and help you forget about life stresses. Many studies also suggest that reducing stress can also help minimize the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Don’t forget, indoor gardening is an option too.

Boosts Immune System According to science daily, getting dirty can actually help boost your immune system. Many studies have shown that friendly bacteria known as Mycobacterium vaccae, commonly found in garden dirt can alleviate symptoms of allergies and asthma.

Keeps You Moving Seniors with limited mobility can often find it challenging to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. Tending to a garden is an easy way to keep seniors moving! If your senior loved one has arthritis, using the right gardening tools can help them to enjoy gardening too!

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SENIOR ISSUES

by LARRY GRIMALDI

Yes…It’s Happened Again!

As I predicted in a previous column, it has happened again! The Fates have turned my original plan for this month’s column inside out. Observations from my annual pilgrimage to Key West, Florida and its mystical ability to suspend reality will have to wait. The intrusion of the Coronavirus has taken precedence.

As of this writing, the virus is still wreaking havoc on the health, well-being, and economic security of hundreds of thousands of people here in the United State and across the globe. The nightly news and other outlets are laboring diligently to provide medically reliable, scientifically based information to help us deal with this pandemic. A free press has fulfilled its obligation admirably.

Beyond the challenges we face in this humanitarian crisis, there is a unique opportunity. We will have the time to take inventory of those little things we took for granted before the pandemic outbreak. Perhaps after we pause to appreciate these little things, we will never take them for granted again.

Perhaps the most puzzling AND amusing phenomenon is the Great Bathroom Tissue Rush.

For many people, this quest has taken on the religious fervor of a search for the Holy Grail.

At my own peril and threat to my personal supply of paper goods, I have determined that paper towels, napkins or Kleenex tissues work just as well in an emergency. BUT PLEASE guard this secret closely!

Beyond that, the things that I miss during this new era of “social distancing” are surprisingly simple and mundane. As of early April, Kathy and I remain in Florida. We are disappointed that the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale and small community of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea are officially closed. On a recent drive hugging the shoreline on Ocean Drive (Rte. A1A), we witnessed the eerie site of an empty beach and police cruisers placed at intervals that assured compliance with the “Nobody Allowed on the Beach” edict. Normally busy shops, restaurants, and watering holes on Ocean Drive were shuttered. Normally bustling hotels were virtually devoid of guests. And the empty parking lots resembled asphalt and concrete wastelands. With only negligible foot traffic on the beach front walkway, Ft. Lauderdale had taken on appearance of a South Florida ghost town.

I miss our Sunday morning routine of attending Mass at the local Catholic Church and going out for breakfast afterwards. Somehow, online and Facebook broadcasts of Mass is a less than-desirable substitute for in-person weekly prayer and reflection.

Our freedom to travel has been suspended.

The date for our return drive home to North Providence is uncertain due to restrictions on hotels and restaurants. The patchwork pattern

of “sheltering in place” directives up and down the East Coast is responsible for the delay. (In an interesting case of role reversal, we are continuingly admonished by our children, via e-mail and telephone lectures, to stay in Florida for a while longer).

I miss weekly golf outings and dinner with my friends after the round. I miss the (infrequent) “highfives” after I’ve made a great shot and the traditional handshakes after a match.

I missed the bracket busting upsets in college basketball’s yearly imitation of a Roman chariot race in the Coliseum-March Madness. It’s the only athletic extravaganza where collegebasketball neophytes could win the office pool by selecting winners by uniform color, nickname, and any other uniquely personal and baffling system.

The simple act of grocery shopping has taken on the uncertainty of a Lewis and Clark expedition.

You never know what you are going (or not) to find. The pandemic has renewed my admiration and appreciation for medical personnel, law enforcement officials, first responders, grocery store staff, pharmacists, and other workers dealing with the public every day to supply us with the basic needs of life, and who labor every day to safeguard our health, wellbeing, and safety.

Mostly, I miss hugging, kissing, and talking with my children Kate, Matt, and Ben. Matt lives in Las Vegas and Ben lives in New Jersey.

While we talk often, somehow the distance between us seems wider during this forced social isolation. Kate lives in North Providence and is the mother of our 16-year-old twin granddaughters Kailyn and Sophia, and 10-year-old grandson Nicholas. Currently we are limited to phone calls and e-mail messages. The high school softball season for Kailyn and Sophia and Nick’s newest sporting venture, lacrosse, will have to wait, if they happen at all. Perhaps more importantly to the twins, the road test, the final hurdle in their quest for the coveted driver’s license has been delayed. Our one -year old grandson Benjamin, Junior has a limited vocabulary so we enjoy each other’s company via FaceTime and virtual hugs.

The Coronavirus pandemic had brought our lives to a halt and altered our every day experiences. It’s strange to wake up in the morning and realize that life, as we know it, has been temporarily suspended in time and space. At the same time, the pandemic has provided an opportunity to pause, be thankful for the gifts we have, and appreciate those moments we spend with our family and friends. Take advantage of that opportunity.

The simple act of grocery shopping has taken on the uncertainty of a Lewis and Clark expedition.

RETIREMENT SPARKS

by ELAINE M. DECKER

Things That Are Scarier Than the Coronavirus Like many Americans, I find the prospect of the spread of the Coronavirus and conflicting information about how to deal with it distressing. Now that I’m retired, I’m home much of the time. But my husband (age 86) still spends many hours a week interacting with the public in his store on Thayer Street.

Some folks cope with their fears by going to a shrink, but those professionals who are still seeing people during the state of emergency are inundated with new clients.

I’ve found another way to address this crisis. I’ve been gathering ideas that are even scarier than the pandemic to distract me.

Escalating gun violence isn’t relevant for me; I’m not likely to search for bulletproof clothing and backpacks, especially if we’re still sheltering in place. I considered fear of a complete economic meltdown and spiraling health care costs due to the virus. Once the pandemic is behind us, those will revert back to being cyclical, or their trajectory will be altered with committed changes in policy.

If I want to block out the Coronavirus now, I need to focus on worries that will be irreversible.

The first one that came to mind that met that criterion is our environment. And by “our” I mean the world’s. The consequences of climate change are just one aspect of what gives me a knot in my stomach. The arctic permafrost is thawing and there’s no return from that.

There’s also air pollution, water contamination and the destruction of habitats for endangered species.

Denial of global warming is just the tip of the environmental destruction iceberg. The rollback of regulations that were put into place to protect our world is making the prospects for our future even scarier. This is definitely something to

keep me awake at night.

Here’s something else to keep me up: fake news. I’m not talking about the countless lies by both sides that are promulgated on Facebook and certain cable channels. The direction that improved technology is taking us is alarming. Video editing capabilities are advancing rapidly. They’ll soon reach the point where even the most experienced techies won’t be able to determine if a piece of taped footage has been altered.

I’m not referring to those hamfisted memes any of us can tell have been doctored. In the future, even the experts won’t be able to detect fake pieces. That means one party to an argument will be able to put someone’s face on someone else’s body. They’ll be able to cobble together audio of a person’s voice to say things they never uttered in reality. This scares me even more than 1984’s Big Brother. Simply put, none of us will know what news is true and what’s fake.

If I reach the point where I’m inured to threats to our environment (unlikely) and to fabricated reality (a distinct possibility), there will always be mega companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook to set off my alarm bells. These giants are controlling more and more of our daily lives. From the products we use and consume to the information to which we’re exposed, a handful of Goliaths are spreading their tentacles ever deeper into our existence.

They’re increasingly forcing mom and pop operations out of business; not just brick and mortar stores, but also smaller on-line companies. Why “shop small” if you can get it cheaper on Amazon, and delivered quickly, at that? And you can’t easily buy from a local supplier if you can’t find them

com

I’ve been gathering ideas that are even scarier than the pandemic to distract me. when you search using a monopolistic engine.

The end point of this control is that in many aspects of our lives we could eventually be doing the equivalent of driving black Ford Model-T’s. Trading choice for convenience. And we won’t even realize it’s happening until it’s too late. Trivia note: from 1914 through 1925, the only color the Model-T came in was black. If Facebook continues to expand, we may be unable to escape the manipulation of our social media lives as well. Scary prospects indeed.

So here are three trends that could easily paralyze me if I contemplate them too much. Their one redeeming quality is that they keep me from stressing over the spread of the Coronavirus. If that curve doesn’t start to flatten soon, even these three may not be enough diversion to keep me sane.

Copyright 2020 Elaine M. Decker Elaine M. Decker’s newest book is Retirement Downsizing—A Humorous Guide. Her other 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.

Enjoy a lighthearted and easy read.

Retirement Downsizing is the fourth of Ms. Decker’s humorous books on retirement. Downsizing once again showcases her signature style— edgy, irreverent and self-deprecating. It’s a lighthearted, easy read that will entertain you and lift your spirits as you work through your own downsizing process. Downsizing provides useful nuggets of advice tossed in throughout and in the epilogue.

On Amazon in paperback ($5.95) and Kindle ($1.99).

Paperback on Amazon: Kindle eBook on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-DownsizingHumorous-Elaine-Decker-ebook/dp/B087BJ8VQL/

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Raspberry Coconut Smoothie Bowl Servings: 2 2 cups frozen raspberries 1 large frozen banana 2/3 cup light coconut milk 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Toppings (optional): shredded coconut shaved dark chocolate hazelnuts chia seeds

edible flowers In blender, puree raspberries, banana, coconut milk and chia seeds until smooth. Mixture will be thick; ingredients may need pushed down to get blender going. If necessary, add more coconut milk.

Pour into two bowls. Garnish each with shredded coconut, shaved dark chocolate, hazelnuts, chia seeds and edible flowers, if desired.

F

FAMILY FEATURES

rom breakfasts to salads, desserts and beyond, fruit is unique in its ability to add both flavor and nutrition to family-favorite dishes. As you look for ways to incorporate produce in your family’s recipes, consider an option with a sweet-tart flavor and eye-catching color: red raspberries.

In the cool, marine climate of the Pacific Northwest, Washington state produces approximately 90% of the nation’s frozen red raspberry crop. Picked at the peak of ripeness and frozen within hours of being harvested, flavor and nutrition are locked in to offer convenience and consistent quality out of the freezer section at most grocery stores, perfect for better-for-you desserts like Pecan-Topped Raspberry Cake and Red Raspberry Whole-Fruit Sorbet.

With a distinct flavor that works well in dishes from sweet to savory, red raspberries can add bright flavor and balance to recipes ranging from salads like Spinach and Frisee Salad with Raspberry Pickled Onions and Raspberry Vinaigrette to a morning meal such as this Raspberry Coconut Smoothie Bowl. Plus, 1 cup of the flavorful red fruit includes just 80 calories and contains 6 grams of fiber while providing 28% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.

Find more recipes at redrazz.org.

Pecan-Topped Raspberry Cake

Servings: 8 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon, divided 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 eggs 1 cup all-purpose

flour, sifted 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen raspberries 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon cinnamon whipped cream Heat oven to 350 F. In bowl, cream 3/4 cup sugar and butter. Add eggs one at a time and continue beating until well incorporated. Add flour, baking powder and vanilla; beat well.

Pour batter evenly into 9- or 10-inch prepared pan.

Place frozen raspberries on top of batter. Sprinkle with pecans, remaining sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon.

Bake about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool.

Serve with whipped cream.

Red Raspberry Whole-Fruit Sorbet

Servings: 8 (1/2 cup each) 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 18 ounces frozen raspberries 1 egg white, pasteurized In blender, blend sugar and frozen raspberries until smooth.

Add egg white and blend 30 seconds.

Serve immediately or place in container, cover and store in freezer.

Spinach and Frisee Salad with Raspberry Pickled Onions and Raspberry Vinaigrette

Servings: 4 Raspberry Vinegar: 1 cup frozen raspberries 2 cups vinegar Raspberry Pickled Onions: 1/2 cup Raspberry Vinegar 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 pound sweet onions, peeled and julienned 1 cup frozen raspberries, partially thawed Raspberry Vinaigrette: 1 cup Raspberry Vinegar 1 teaspoon fresh shallot, peeled and minced 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 3/4 cup olive oil Spinach and Frisee Salad: 8 ounces baby spinach, cleaned and dried 8 ounces frisee lettuce, cleaned, dried and torn 2 ounces Raspberry Vinaigrette 6 ounces Raspberry Pickled Onions 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 2 ounces almonds, slivered and toasted

To make Raspberry Vinegar: In clean glass container, combine frozen raspberries and vinegar; cover tightly. Refrigerate 3-7 days prior to use.

Pour vinegar through fine strainer or cheesecloth-lined strainer into clean glass container. Cover container tightly and store in refrigerator.

Discard raspberries.

To make Raspberry Pickled Onions: In medium, non-reactive container, combine Raspberry Vinegar, oil, sugar and salt. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add onions and raspberries. Toss well to blend and coat onions.

To make Raspberry Vinaigrette: In blender, combine Raspberry Vinegar, shallot, Dijon mustard, honey and salt. With motor running, slowly add oil in steady stream. Reserve remaining Raspberry Vinegar.

Once blended, pour Raspberry Vinaigrette into clean, non-reactive container; cover and reserve in refrigerator until ready to use.

To make Spinach and Frisee Salad: In medium mixing bowl, combine spinach and lettuce. Add Raspberry Vinaigrette and toss well to coat.

Plate 4 ounces mixed greens.

Top mixed greens with 1 1/2 ounces Raspberry Pickled Onions, 1/2 ounce feta cheese crumbles and 1/2 ounce toasted almonds. Repeat with remaining greens, Raspberry Pickled Onions, feta cheese crumbles and toasted almonds.

POSITIVE AGING

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

How gardening can heal you and your family I did some research on the benefits of gardening. Gardening can help grow your mood, releasing levels of serotonin and dopamine (hormones that make us feel good), causing an increase in mood. Gardening can also help benefit the mind by lowering the risk of dementia.

Spending even a short amount of time gardening on a regular basis can help maintain motor skills, improve endurance and strength including dexterity and sensory awareness. Studies have shown that gardening promotes healthy eating habits. The Mycobacterium Vaccae found in soil acts as an antidepressant by increasing serotonin levels. It has been reported that in just 30-

40 minutes of gardening each day will lower your blood pressure.

Creating a community garden together can give social, emotional and community benefits especially for seniors and children where seniors feel connected and children learn valuable life lessons and skills from their elders. Studies of after-school gardening programs suggest that kids who garden are more likely to eat fruit and vegetables.

Horticulture therapy, a professional practice that uses plants and gardening to improve mental and physical health,can provide a heightened mood, improved social skills, better memory and cognition, task initiation &

socialization and reduces stress.

In this testimony and example of the benefits of gardening, Anna Hackman, editor of Green Talk talks about her garden which she refers to as “my little Garden of Eden.”

In the article in Forward.com, Anna writes, “God’s handprint on my garden is so beautiful that the garden becomes my refuge from stress. In the garden I connect with God, who gives me my daily pep talk and sends me back to the real world. Each passing year, as I continue to add plants to the garden, the triumphs more than outweigh the failures….

She goes on to describe the tastes of cherry tomatoes, blueberries, kales, strawber-

ries and green beans, and she talks about the visits from the bumble bees, birds and butterflies with vivid descriptions.

Anna continues, “I am deeply honored…And deeply humbled… Food is a blessing. For every flower or herb I planted, some creature benefited from its seeds or prospered due to the plant’s shelter. Every time I make a meal from my harvested vegetables, my food miles decrease and I reduce my carbon emissions in the world. Gardening organically reduces my family’s exposure to harmful pesticides and provides them with wholesome real food. Healing the Earth never tasted so good.”

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.

RASPBERRY VARIETIES June Bearing varieties: Prelude, Encore, Canby, Meeker, Newburgh, and Tulameen. June bearing varieties produce their fruit on second year canes. So in the winter when the leaves are gone, you should remove all of the canes with produced fruit the prior summer.

Every Bearing varieties: Autumn Bliss, Dinkum, Heritage, and Fall Gold.

These varieties produce on first year canes.

You can cut off the tops of these canes where they produced berries and they will produce a smaller crop further down the next spring. If you cut down the entire cane in late fall or early spring, they will produce one very large crop each year.

Growing berries does take some patience, time and care, but it is so worth it!

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YOUR TAXES

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

Tax Relief

IRS People First Initiative provides relief to taxpayers facing COVID-19 issues

Due to COVID-19, the IRS’ People First Initiative provides relief to taxpayers on a variety of issues from easing payment guidelines to delaying compliance actions. This relief is effective through the filing and payment deadline, Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

• Existing Installment Agreements Under an existing Installment Agreement, payments due between April 1 and July 15, 2020 are delayed. Those currently unable to meet the terms of an Installment Payment Agreement or Direct Deposit Installment Agreement may cancel payments during this period with no default. By law, interest will continue to accumulate on any unpaid balances.

• New Installment Agreements People who can’t pay all their federal taxes can establish a monthly payment agreement.

• Pending Offer in Compromise applications Taxpayers have until July 15, 2020, to provide additional information for a pending OIC. The agency generally won’t close any pending OIC request before July 15 without the taxpayer’s consent.

• OIC payments Taxpayers can delay all payments on accepted OICs until July 15, 2020.

Interest may accrue, and missed payments are due when the suspension period ends. Taxpayers can call the number on their acceptance letter to address their needs.

• Delinquent return filings The IRS will not default an OIC for taxpayers who are delinquent in filing their tax return for 2018. However, they should file any delinquent 2018 return and their 2019 return by July 15, 2020.

• Non-filers More than 1 million households who haven’t filed tax returns in the last three years are owed refunds. The deadline to get refunds on 2016 tax returns is July 15, 2020. Those who owe taxes on delinquent returns may visit IRS.gov for payment options. The longer the debt is owed, the more penalties and interest accrue.

• Field collection activities IRS stopped field revenue officer enforcement actions, such as liens and levies. Revenue officers will continue to pursue highincome non-filers and perform other similar activities where necessary.

• Automated liens and levies IRS delayed issuing new automated and systemic liens and levies. Taxpayers experiencing a hardship due to a levy should reach out to their assigned IRS contact or fax their information to (855) 796-4524.

• Certifications to the State Department IRS has delayed new certifications of taxpayers who are considered seriously delinquent. This affects a person’s ability to receive a new or renewed passport. Existing certifications will remain in place unless their tax situation changes.

• Private debt collection IRS will not forward new delinquent accounts to private collection agencies during this period. . Earned income tax credit and wage verification reviews Taxpayers have until July 15, 2020, to respond to the IRS and verify that they qualify for the earned income tax credit or to verify their income. These taxpayers should submit all requested information.

If they can’t contact the agency and explain why the information is not available, the IRS won’t deny these credits for a failure to provide information until July 15, 2020.

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REAL ESTATE

Create a safe, tick-free zone in your yard Despite their diminutive stature, ticks are a big concern for people, particularly those with pets.

As the weather warms, ticks are out looking for a host to climb on and get a blood meal. Ticks are a significant concern because they can be infected with bacteria, viruses or parasites, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and babesiosis are just a few of the many tick-borne diseases. These pathogens can be passed to humans and pets via the bite of infected ticks.

In 2018, at least one variety of diseasetransmitting tick had been found in all of the lower 48 states, according to the CDC. In addition, researchers at Cornell University identified 26 species of ticks along the East Coast alone. Preventing tick bites has never been more important. The process starts right in one’s own backyard.

According to Consumer Reports and the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, controlling wildlife that enters one’s yard can help keep tick numbers down. Open access means animals can enter and so can ticks. Fencing and pest manage-

ment solutions may help.

Other ideas include landscaping techniques that can reduce tick populations: • Remove leaf litter from the yard.

• Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edges of the lawn. Mow regularly to keep the lawn short.

• Create a barrier between wooded areas and the yard if it abuts a forested area. According to Consumer Reports, a three-footwide path of wood chips or gravel can prevent tick migration by creating a physical barrier that’s dry and sometimes too hot for ticks to tolerate. Such a barrier also serves as a visual reminder to anyone in your household to be especially careful if they step beyond the perimeter.

• Bag grass clippings, which can serve as habitats for ticks.

• Remove old furniture, trash and other debris that can give ticks places to hide.

• Remember to use a tick-repellent product when venturing into wooded areas. Flea and tick products also are available for pets; consult with a vet.

Ticks are problematic, but various measures can help control tick populations in a yard. GT194820

Prevent mosquitoes from spoiling your summer fun Summer is a beloved time of year that’s often dominated by time spent outdoors soaking up summer sun. But all that extra time outdoors can make people vulnerable to mosquitoes. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, mosquitoes are more than just hungry, unwanted backyard guests. In fact, mosquitoborne diseases, including the Zika virus, the West Nile virus and dengue, pose significant threats. While not all mosquitoes carry disease, even those that don’t can still bite humans, leaving them to deal with discomfort and itchiness. Taking measures to control mosquitoes outside your home can reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

• Remove places where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in standing water. Once a week during summer and other times of the year when mosquitoes might be buzzing around, walk around your property to remove standing water. Bird baths, flower pots, kids’ toys, pools, old tires, and trash containers are some of the more common places where water can collect and present perfect places for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Turn these over to empty any standing water you find. Re-

move empty flower pots and old tires from the property, and make sure water storage containers are tightly covered at all times.

• Address areas where mosquitoes like to rest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that mosquitoes like to rest in dark, humid areas. This includes car ports, garages and beneath patio furniture. Outdoor insecticides can prevent mosquitoes from resting in such areas. When inside a home, mosquitoes may be resting under a sink, in closets, beneath the furniture or in a laundry room. Indoor insect sprays and indoor insect foggers work quickly and can be highly effective, but reapplication might be necessary, as they won’t prevent more mosquitoes from entering the home at a later time.

• Check your window screens. Mosquitoes might prefer the outside, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enter a home looking for meals if given the opportunity. Inspect window screens to look for holes that may provide mosquitoes with access to your home’s interior, replacing any damaged screens immediately. When leaving or entering a home, make a concerted effort to close doors as quickly as possible. GT194824

IN THE GARDEN WITH LESS ACHES AND PAINS Warm up Just as novice athletes wouldn’t dive right into a strenuous workout at the gym, nor should novice gardeners immediately pick up a shovel and jump into digging a hole for their new tree.

Gardening requires bending, stooping, lifting, twisting, and other movements that work the entire body. Spending 10 or more minutes stretching, walking and doing a few back and arm rotations can limber the body up for the physical activity to come.

Use proper form Think about the mechanics of lifting weights during a workout, as home and garden tasks may mimic movements made when exercising. The occupational therapists at Bend Spinal Care say that strain on the lower back can be reduced by positioning objects close to the body and its center of gravity when lifting them. Furthermore, people can contract their abdominal (core) muscles when lifting and bending to support the back. When lifting heavy objects, power should be derived from the legs and buttocks rather than the back.

Keep items close Keeping work closer to the body will reduce the need for stooping, leaning or reaching, which should cut down on pulled muscles. Long-handled tools can help minimize reaching. Use step ladders to reach high areas or get down on padded cushions to work closer to the ground.

This alleviates strain to the neck from having to look up or down for extended periods of time.

Raised garden beds can bring plants to a person’s level. The therapists at ProCare Physical Therapy say that working below shoulder level whenever possible can prevent shoulder strains; otherwise, perform tasks for no more than five minutes at a time.

Invest in new tools Cushioned grips and grip handles can prevent wrist fatigue, as can hand tools that keep wrists straight to improve strength and reduce repetitive motion injuries. Long-handled tools and push mowers should be as tall as the person using them. Seek out tools that keep the body in natural positions to maximize efficiency.

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Container gardening tips Gardening is beneficial in various ways. The AARP states that some of the health perks associated with gardening include improved mood, increased vitamin D levels (which benefits bones and immune system) and reduced risk of dementia. In addition, if gardening efforts include growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, it can be a cost-effective way to eat healthy.

For gardeners without sufficient space or for those with mobility issues, container gardening can be an ideal way to grow everything from flowers to vegetables. Better Homes & Gardens says most plants are not fussy about the containers in which they grow so long as some of their basic needs are met. This means watering correctly for the type of plant, and ensuring sufficient drainage.

The following are some other ways container gardening efforts can prove successful.

Watch water. Planet Natural Research Center says plants with thin leaves typically need ample water, and plants with thick leaves need less. Use this as a guideline to gauge water needs.

Size correctly. Plants should be sized to the container. Consider dwarf varieties of certain plants if your containers are small.

• Choose the right soil. Fill containers with a commercial potting soil rather than soil from the garden. Garden soil can dry into a solid mass, while commercial mixtures have amendments like peat moss, vermiculite, compost, and other ingredients to help with soil texture and moisture retention.

• Mix it up. When planting containers of flowers and other greenery, Good Housekeeping says to include ‘a thriller, a spiller and a filler’ as a good rule of thumb. The thriller is the focal point, the spiller a trailing plant, and a filler has smaller leaves or flowers to add bulk and color.

• Poke holes. Drainage holes are essential so that soil will not become waterlogged. Holes don’t need to be large, but there should be enough of them so that excess water can drain out readily.

• Select the right container material. Container materials may be affected by gardeners’ budgets, personal taste and other factors. For those who live in hot climates, selecting a light-colored container can help prevent further soil heat absorption.

Container gardening is a healthy and enjoyable activity that can pay dividends in various ways. TF205960