Pisco Portón is an unapologetically flavorful spirit that brings dimension and character back to the drinking experience. Taken neat, it is complex and layered. When mixed, Pisco Portón creates a whole new category of cocktails, more flavorful than vodka and more subtle than tequila. Pisco Portón is the new spirit that is actually new, with aromas and flavors sure to incite and intrigue as it opens a whole new world of cocktail possibilities.
Discover Pisco Portón® Responsibly. Pisco Portón, Manhasset, New York. 43% alc/vol. Produced and bottled by Destilería La Caravedo S.R.L. Ica, Perú
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04 | CONTENTS
MAY | JUNE: IN THIS ISSUE
PUBLISHER’S LETTER 07 FEATURE 08 HEALTHY BALANCE 10
Zooming into “Green” Forging a Green Community in North Texas Putting Your Best Foot Forward – Eco Running If It Smells Good, Is It Good For Me?
AT HOME 14
10 Ways To Allergy-Proof Your Home The Benefits of Sleeping on Bamboo Sheets
THE EPICUREAN 18
Entice Your Palette with Edible Flowers | Cheers to the Pinots | Eating the Rainbow | A Rainbow of Spuds
STYLE WATCH 22
Distinctively Dramatic… Paulette Martsolf & Allie-Coosh Top 5 Skin Tips for Women Over 40
BOOM VOYAGE 28
Enjoy the Elements of Green Travel | Cruise Dishes Up 7 Days of Ear Candy | Indulgent Decadence with No Footprint
REDEFINING 38 WEALTHY & WISE 42 BOOMER BUZZ 46
One Day at a Time | Inspire Your Marriage Once Again You Too Could Be Green Boomer Tennis Served to You | Tech Tips Do You Know and Love a Sociopath? | The Butterfly Effect
BLOG SPEAK 54 MEDICAL MATTERS 56
ranting and raving | Love Is Food for the Soul Much Needed Help with RX Costs | Risks of GeneticallyModified Organisms | Early Summer Skincare
SENIOR SCENE 62 ON THE COVER Dallas Fashion Designer, Paulette Martsolf at the Eiseman Center. Photography by Greg Daniels
Four Signs You Need a Caregiver – Part I & II
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73rd Annual
MEMORIAL DAY DALLAS Sponsored Annually by The Greater Dallas Veterans Council Restland Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Memorial Day Service Monday, May 27, 2013 1:00 p.m. Field of Honor Restland Memorial Park
John Franklin Bagwell, U.S. Army
Army Specialist Bagwell will share his heroic story where he faced treacherous combat in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter Badge and Congressional Veteran Commendation. Master of Ceremonies: Scott Murray, television/radio host Placement of wreath at the Victory Memorial by Gold Star Mothers
This patriotic and festive event promises spectacular entertainment for the whole family Starting at 10:00 a.m. Vintage helicopter, vehicle and equipment displays from World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm 12:15 p.m. Memorial Day Children’s Parade Beginning at Abbey Mausoleum walking to Field of Honor All children invited to participate. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. For more information contact Sandra at 972-470-5732 or smoudy@stei.com In addition, Restland will also display more than 6,640 flags in memory of the brave lives given in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
NW corner Greenville Avenue & Restland Road • Dallas, Texas 75243 • (972) 238-7111 RestlandFuneralHome.com ©STEI2013
06 | MASTHEAD
boomerbuzz magazine.com PUBLISHER Robin Roberson
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Torrey Moseley
ADVERTISING & MARKETING Linda Moncrief
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Jonathan R. Moseley
WEBSITE DESIGN Houston Brown/Split Light Designs
SEO & SOCIAL MEDIA MarketingWorks
PUBLIC RELATIONS Isabell Rossignol
CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS Becca Menig, Photography Greg Daniels, Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eric S. Alexander Laurie Alves Tara Anderson Lyn E. Cathey Julese Crenshaw Leah Frazier Suzanna Garrett Liz Inskip-Paulk, M.A. Sonja Kabell Maye Knighten
DeeDee Lowder Carla McMahon Claire Maestri Becca Menig Becca Niederkrom Jet Parker Don Purdam Scott Schilling Fred Shlesinger Cynthia Stock James Tucker
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER | 07
PUBLISHER’S LETTER Hello BoomerBuzz Readers! Let’s go GREEN together and conserve natural resources for future generations! It only takes your involvement to make it happen. “Green” is everywhere these day; in the news, politics, fashion, and even technology. Every single thing we do, every day, has an impact on our planet. Good or bad, our actions affect our continents, countries, states, cities, communities and neighborhoods. However, the good news is that, as an individual you have the power to control most of your choices and thus the impact you create. We hope to offer some new information on initiatives, products and services that you will find helpful in your efforts to “green” your lifestyle. In this issue you will enjoy beautiful fashions by Paulette Martsolf, a Dallas fashion designer with a beautiful eye for colors and style that works for any woman’s body type. We also offer up a plate of edible delicacies and introduce you to eating a rainbow. Boomers spend more on travel than any other segment of the population and you will learn about “green” vacations and choices in volunteering for a rewarding vacation. Boomer Buzz offers a great book review, makes you question if you know or are living with a sociopath, and shows you how to “green” your wealth. There are great tech tips, and boomer bloggers voice their thoughts and offer information on assistance with prescription costs and how to decide if you need to hire a caregiver for someone in your family. And, we are delighted to announce we will have a BoomerBuzz internet radio show on izoominternetradio.com where we will introduce you to boomers who are living life to the fullest ‐‐ reinventing themselves at a time when they once thought they would be relaxing but finding they are rejuvenated and enjoying life even more! We will profile boomers making a difference in our world and hope to have lots of fun through engaging banter while still offering exceptional content. And, you can listen to the fabulous music you grew up with, brought to you by the prolific programmer and partner of izoom, Raul Enriquez. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear many other exceptional shows on interesting, boomer‐related topics. With spring “greening” our world, we hope you enjoy the May/June issue of BoomerBuzz Magazine and please read BoomerBuzz Texas magazine as well. Thanks for reading,
08 | FEATURE
Forging a Green Community in North Texas By Nick Trout
Bringing all aspects of “green living” to the people of the Dallas / Fort Worth area was the goal of Dallas’ Memnosyne Institute three years ago. Today, according to its Founder
and
Thompson‐Frenk,
President,
Mary
Ann
“GreenSourceDFW.org
was created to advance the Green Movement in Dallas / Fort Worth; and was built to be a central communication point for people committed to changing the world.” Green Source DFW is a comprehensive resource of news, profiles, a directory of environmental organizations and green businesses, as well as the go‐to place to find green events happening across North Texas. Publisher, Phillip E. Collins (who serves as executive director of the Memnosyne Institute), forges the goal of illuminating and educating the community on subjects about the environment. This educational project hopes to bring together environmental groups, green businesses and the Dallas / Fort Worth community in order to provide them with a tool to communicate with each other. The driving force and creator behind Green Source DFW is Editor, Phillip Shinoda. His mission for Green Source DFW is to advance the environmental movement in the Dallas / Fort Worth area by promoting: green living, sustainable practices, nonprofit environmental organizations, eco‐friendly green businesses, environmental education, scientific information, public‐policy discussions, and socially‐responsible investing. According to Shinoda, the opportunity to meet people from all facets of the environmental movement (both nonprofit and business) has been the greatest reward of serving at Green Source DFW.
FEATURE | 09
Are you interested in knowing more about “green” everything? Green Source DFW is the place to find information,
happenings
and
resources. It offers articles on local topics like: Trinity Haymarket (a store for urban farmers stocking hard‐to‐find tools and specialty supplies), Earth Day Dallas which was a huge success with large crowds interested in sustaining the planet, and information about making a home that serves as a model for green living. Green Source DFW offers up informative videos, green blogs, activities and happenings related to green living. You can stay on top of issues like the drilling for natural gas in the Barnett Shale, water conservation, environmental preservation, and coal plants. These plants use huge amounts of resources ‐‐ even though Texas leads the country in wind power and has the capacity for solar and other renewable energy sources. The question arises, “Do we really need more coal plants?” Green Source DFW gives residents in the North Texas arena a collaborative venture that is designed to promote, inform and educate the public about green living. The foundation’s goal is to create a safe and friendly environment where the green community can share ideas and voice their opinions about the environment. Green Source DFW encourages every individual in this community to feel free to speak up and get involved. Shinoda says, “There are so many fascinating people involved in the environmental movement; meeting them and learning about what they are involved in is a wonder. But, watching Green Source DFW moving the local “green” movement forward is the greatest compensation of all.” And, he hopes everyone will visit the website and become involved in their own way ‐‐ www.GreenSourceDFW.org. The Memnosyne Institute is concerned about, and focused on, the sustainability of the world ‐‐ both physically and spiritually. Shinoda feels honored to be a part of the work. Nick Trout touts news from the financial industry and subjects that interest men and women!
10 | HEALTHY BALANCE
Putting Your Best Foot Forward – Eco Running By Jet Parker
You can help the environment when running. Yes, there is a growing movement of runners who believe beautifying the environment around us through eco‐running makes outdoor activities more enjoyable. “Eco‐runner” or “eco‐running” refers to those who practice a simple, yet entire philosophy of picking up trash while jogging along. Runners who are tired of seeing rubbish when they run have set out to change the beauty of the runways! Eco‐running involves carrying a biodegradable bag when running outside. And, when you see something that shouldn’t be there, swoop down and pick it up. Then, you carry it in the bag until you reach a trash receptacle. But eco‐running is also about so much more. It is just one part of living a truly green lifestyle. It fits in well with other eco‐friendly actions; using alternative methods of transportation, buying local and organic foods, bringing your own eco‐friendly bags to the grocery store, recycling, and cutting energy usage. Socially‐ and environmentally‐conscious workout clothing and footwear are widely available and most meet the following standards:
made from organic or recycled materials that are great at wicking moisture. contains a minimal amount of (if any) synthetic fibers like Lycra. are created by companies with sustainable business models and fair labor practices.
Sustainable fitness attire is manufactured using organic cloth and recycled materials. The following companies make stylish outfits for the most discerning eco‐runners: Gaiams ‐‐ makes remarkable tees and sweatshirts from organic cotton and soy‐fiber blends and they are known for their 100% organic cotton yoga wear.
HEALTHY BALANCE | 11
Patagonia ‐‐ offers eco‐friendly exercisers ‐‐ durable and stylish workout attire made from recycled fibers that are for runners, hikers and rock climbers. GoLite ‐‐ puts to good use all materials, waste and otherwise, into their workout clothes for men and women. And their products are packaged in recycled materials. Eco‐friendly footwear is also gaining ground in the fitness world with the likes of GreatGreenShoes and Brooks Sport, Inc. both of which make athletic running shoes from recycled and vegan materials. Some are even biodegradable! It’s easy to attach an ‘eco‐‘ to any fitness routine you choose. Just look for litter along the way. Try eco‐walking, eco‐hiking, eco‐cycling, eco‐kayaking, or even eco‐golfing. The Eco‐Runner concept can be applied to any activity you love, as long as you’re “leaving nothing but footprints, and taking someone else’s trash with you.” Fitness is an important component of a healthy lifestyle (with or without cool eco‐friendly outfits). Put forth a little effort and you will be in good shape ‐‐ physically and environmentally, with eco‐conscious choices. There are many ‘green’ running and fitness events in most cities. It's a great way to get involved ‐‐ not just by making a difference in your own health, but making one in the world around you. To become an eco‐runner, all you need is your usual running attire, biodegradable trash bags, environmental awareness, and motivation. Really, you don’t even have to run. You can walk or just be prepared when traveling outside. Jet Parker is a freelance writer of men’s issues. He lives with his family in Plano, Texas.
12 | HEALTHY BALANCE
If It Smells Good, Is It Good For Me? Sonja Kabell April is here! Time to open the windows and do our spring cleaning. What I challenge you with this month is how to keep your house as toxic‐ free as possible. Household products we use to clean and deodorize with may smell great, but might not be all that healthy.
Let's talk about our sniffers. Fragrances can be found in everything from hand lotions to laundry detergents. The “mountain fresh” smell of the detergent we use is actually made up of chemical compounds and can be toxic. Many of us are allergic to the ingredients that make up that mountain‐fresh smell. Other big intruders to our sniffers are perfumes, air fresheners and that new‐car smell. Be aware that if you sneeze and clog up after you smell certain scents; you may be having an adverse reaction to them. It might be a good idea to remove these offenders from your home and keep them away. It is really important to air out our homes as much as possible. In doing so, you can save yourself and family from millions of contaminates that are floating around in the air.
Open the windows often and get all the toxic, old air out and the new, fresh air in. The air we breathe indoors are two to three times more polluted than outdoor air ‐‐ even with all its organic pollutants. A true “fresh” smell is no smell at all. A great idea is to minimize the amount of chemical compounds we use and move toward healthier options. Buying “green” cleaners that are non‐toxic and biodegradable are better choices. You can also make products that will do a great job for you at both a fraction of the cost and toxic load. Baking soda is nature's most versatile cleaner. You can clean most anything with it. Lemon juice is a great stain remover and whitener ‐‐ much better than its harsh chemical friend, bleach. White distilled vinegar cleans glass and disinfects. You probably have baking soda, lemons and vinegar in your kitchen right now! Being more aware of what you are smelling is important to your overall health. If it doesn't smell, that is a good thing! For more information on the topic, get a copy of The Healthy Home, by Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz ‐‐ great information on how to protect your family for hidden dangers in your house! Sonja Kabell, Founder of Creating Healthy Lifestyles, Powered by USANA Health Sciences, www.sonjakabell.com
14 | AT HOME
10 WAYS TO ALLERGY‐PROOF YOUR HOME BY SUZANNA GARRETT
Your home should be your sanctuary. But if you have allergies, health dangers lurk around every corner. Dust mites, mold, roach droppings, and animal dander can trigger overreactions from your immune system, leaving you itching, swelling, and sniffling. Here's how to banish allergens at home so you can be sneeze‐free. 1. DRY OUT YOUR DWELLING. Dust mites and mold thrive in moisture. Keep humidity in your home lower than 50 percent with a dehumidifier, air conditioner, or heating system. Look for filters with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating between 8 and 12; filters with higher ratings remove more particles from the air. And change them every three months. 2. CHECK YOUR CURTAINS. Allergens collect in places like carpet, curtains, blinds, and upholstered couches and chairs. When you can, choose furnishings that are washable or made from materials such as wood or leather. Otherwise, look for cleaning products that say they'll denature or deactivate dust mites and animal dander.
3. GO CARPET‐FREE. Choose hardwood floors, vinyl, or linoleum instead of wall‐to‐wall carpeting. If you can't shake your shag, clean it regularly with a vacuum using microfilter bags or a HEPA filter. Steam clean carpets every few months; a study showed that when followed by vacuuming, such cleaning reduced dust mites for eight weeks.
AT HOME | 15
4. TIPS FOR LAUNDRY DAY. Launder all your bedding—including blankets, sheets, and pillowcases—once a week. First, soak them for four hours in warm water, detergent, and bleach. Then, wash with detergent in water that's at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. 5. CREATE YOUR OWN CLEANING SOLUTION. Odors and fumes from commercial cleaning products can worsen allergies. Make your own solution instead. Mix 2 cups very hot water, 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups borax, and ½ cup salt. Let it sit on surfaces for a half‐hour, then reapply, scrub off with a soft brush, and rinse with water. 6. DISRUPT DUST. Clean your home frequently. Vacuum, dust, and wipe down flat surfaces with a damp cloth or mop. If you have trouble breathing easy while cleaning, wear a dust mask (look for one rated N95 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 7. KNOW YOUR BEDDING. Mattresses harbor more dust mites than any other spot. Choose spring instead of foam, which the critters seem to prefer. Cover the mattress, box spring, and pillows in airtight, removable covers. For good measure, avoid bedding stuffed with feathers, down, or foam rubber. 8. CLEAR THE AIR NATURALLY. You may think plug‐in air fresheners or electronic air cleaners clear the air. But they actually may emit harmful pollutants known as volatile organic compounds. It's better to use natural ventilation: Open windows or turn on exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors. 9. PET WITH CARE. If you're allergic to animal dander, try not to get a new pet. But if Fido or Fluffy is already a part of your life, keep him or her out of the bedroom. Bathe pets once a week, and always wash your hands after touching them. 10. GET RID OF ROACHES. Cockroaches can be frightening—and leave behind droppings that trigger allergy symptoms. To get rid of them, keep your kitchen clean and store food in closed containers. Empty garbage and recycling bins regularly. Set roach traps, and, when needed, call an exterminator. Suzanna Garrett is a health writer from Tallahassee, Fl.
16 | AT HOME
The Benefits of Sleeping on Bamboo Sheets By DeeDee Lowder You no longer have to choose between a home that's easy on your eyes and one that's easy on your health ‐‐ and the health of the planet. So many companies are creating good‐looking, eco‐friendly products that you can enjoy using while being conscious of saving the planet. Chances are that the sheets on your bed are made from cotton. You might have 1000 thread count, flannel or fleece for winter or romantic silk sheets, but have you considered bamboo sheets? Relatively new, bamboo sheets are as they sound ‐‐ made from the fibers of the bamboo plant. Understanding their benefits just might persuade you to try a luxurious set. A good thing! Bamboo is an excellent, eco‐ friendly alternative and bamboo is a renewable resource. Get a good night’s sleep! Bamboo sets are very soft and silky, but not slippery like silk sheets.
A healthy choice! Bamboo is naturally resistant to bacteria and it has bacteriostatic properties. Environmentally sound! Because bamboo is bacteria‐ resistant, it’s ‘greener’ because pesticides are not used on the crops. Multi‐purpose product! Bamboo has insulative properties, so it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. The best benefit of all! Bamboo sheets are economical, costing about the same as mid‐quality cotton. DeeDee Lowder is a freelance writer, mother, and entrepreneur who now lives in Atlanta, GA.
Your wellness consultants for life! Nutrition, Supplementation, Exercise - health from the inside out!
Helping you with the key components to health! Call today for more formation on how we can help you live life and love it! Free consultant and health assessment! Call today at 972-935-6484 for more information
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18 | THE EPICUREAN
Entice Your Palette with Edible Flowers By Carla McMahon
Both savory and sweet dishes are enhanced with edible flowers that add beautiful color and floral flavors. For centuries, flowers (like herbs) have been used in cooking, and they can lend an exciting brightness to a myriad of dishes prepared by the adventurous cook.
The vibrant colors, lively scents, and interesting shapes of edible flowers can provide accents for decorating a plate and, in turn, whet the appetite. Consider not only their flavor, but also their appearance and ability to look fresh out of water when you are selecting them. Complement your food in a striking way by contrasting colors ‐‐ like placing a bright blue flower in the center of a scarlet tomato soup or lavender on a creamy cheesecake. Many flower blossoms are quite wonderful tasting. But, before garnishing plates or adding them into a dish, clean your flowers by gently immersing them in cool water to release any insects. Drain or pat dry with a paper towel and lightly wrap to store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Smaller blossoms can be kept whole, but larger blossoms have flower heads that are not always edible. In those cases, separate the petals and scatter them over your dish. And before you start randomly eating flowers from your garden, be sure you know what you are doing— some are deadly poisonous. Naturally, if you use pesticides or herbicides in your garden, you might want to avoid eating those blooms. Caveats aside, flowers do wonderfully in salads, as a garnish for chilled soup or serving platters, sprinkled on ice cream, atop spring cocktails, or to decorate cakes. The following are a few of the more popular edible beauties: Anise Hyssop Marigolds Calendula Bee Balm Nasturtiums Daylilies Lavender Pansies Sunflowers
Roses Hollyhocks Violets
Carla McMahon is a homemaker and freelance writer of interests for women. She lives with her family in North Carolina.
THE EPICUREAN | 19
Cheers To The Pinots! A relatively new discovery in the Chilean wine line‐up is the growing number of cool‐climate vineyards. They provide just the right conditions for this finicky darling to develop and delight the growing number of Pinot fans worldwide.
Strong winds, high rainfall, and cool nights lead to long ripening seasons. Growers with patience, skill, and nerves of steel daringly take the plunge and invest in new plantations for pinots in the Bio Bio region of Chile ‐‐ some 300 miles due south of the capital. With one of the highest average rainfalls per year (50.2 inches), the Bio Bio region hosts a more‐challenging Mediterranean climate than all other Chilean wine valleys. But, with winds that curtail humidity, combined with the alluvial soils, clays and sands, it creates conditions similar to those of northern France. This results in exciting wines with naturally‐fresh acidity.
Cool‐climate areas such as Casablanca, San Antonio and Bío Bío are turning out exciting bottlings ‐‐ which range from simply charming to hauntingly seductive wines. The Casablanca Valley, located less than 50 miles southwest of Santiago, was first planted to vine in the mid‐1980s. It quickly turned the page in Chile’s winemaking history. It was Chile’s first coastal region where cool, foggy mornings and excellent overall weather combined with clay and sandy soils to produce crisp, fresh wines that made the world sit up and take notice ‐‐ particularly of their pinot noirs. Located just west of Santiago, and very close to the sea, San Antonio’s climate is strongly influenced by the ocean. This proximity encourages the slow‐ripening of grapes grown in granite clay on rolling hills. These conditions produce wine with great acidity and minerality. Vineyards taunt the cold Pacific climate as they bedeck the rolling hills; testing the mettle of pioneering winemakers. But it pays off as they produce crisp, spicy reds that turn heads.
Chile’s unusual geography (which features a particularly long and thin territory in relation to its width) is certainly one of its many unique characteristics. The strong influences exerted by the cold maritime Humboldt Current and the fresh breezes that descend from the mountains create a large temperature differential between day and night. This climate combination is especially suited to the production of healthy grapes. The blending of these traits explains the success of Chilean wines around the world. So, next time you are perusing the aisles in search of a great wine, look for the pinot noirs or other fabulous varietals from Chile. Dejar de beber de ella y para ella!
20 | HEALTHY BALANCE
Eating the Rainbow By Tara Anderson
I grew up in Kentucky on a farm in the mid ’80s and ‘90s before “going green” meant what it does today. We ate what we grew. We canned from our garden. We slaughtered our animals and froze the meat. Mom and Dad didn’t consider our carbon footprint because they were mostly sustaining our family through the farm output. We would have made Dr. Oz proud with our paint‐palette of a kitchen table ‐‐ home‐grown tomatoes and spring onions, radishes, perfect sweet corn, wild black berries we hated picking, and heady smells of roasting meat billowing out of the windows. Picking green beans was a chore and we could not wait for Mom to declare it was time to pull up the plants and not have to pick them every day! Growing up, I hated picking the garden but loved what came from it. I learned about a different world of vegetables when I arrived at The Culinary Institute of America. Patti pan squash, “heirloom” varieties of everything, petit lettuces and beautiful little amethyst gems … Peruvian purple potatoes. They are as delicate in taste as they are beautiful. They are both waxy and starchy. I love using them in everyday meals because they add such a splash of color to the plate. Imagine a plate of roasted yellow and red peppers, sautéed spinach and beautiful purple potatoes…you could literally be “eating the rainbow”
Purple Potato Goat Cheese Mash Yield: 2 cups 1 pound Peruvian purple potatoes, all the same size, skin on ½ cup milk ½ cup goat cheese ½ teaspoon salt/pepper 1 teaspoon fresh dill (optional) 1. 2. 3. 4.
Cover potatoes with cold water and bring to a slow boil Cook until fork‐tender In separate pan, melt goat cheese into milk When potatoes are finished cooking, mash and add cheese‐milk mixture to them 5. Season with salt, pepper and dill to taste My mom planted the seed of love for flavor in me that is unmatched in mass‐produced vegetables. I have never tasted a commercial tomato, cucumber or strawberry that compared to a ‘homegrown’ one. We have a garden in our back yard and I am hoping to pass on this knowledge and passion for flavor to my daughter. I am also teaching her, like I was taught, to be a steward of the land and to be self‐ sustaining. I encourage you to seek out small markets with locals selling their garden gems … or, better yet, grow your own rainbow. Tara Anderson, Mother, Chef, Owner of www.halfpintpalates.com A lifetime of flavor exploration
HEALTHY BALANCE | 21
A Rainbow of Spuds Forget Machu Picchu, what Peru is REALLY famous for is potatoes. That is worth the plane ticket alone. South America is the birth place of the potato. And, although the exact origin is unknown, I’m going go with Peru. Seems like the obvious option. Over the centuries, potatoes developed from being a bitter vegetable containing dangerous toxins, to being the staple food of the local people and the main energy source for early Peruvian cultures. Peru is this vegetable’s spiritual home. Nowadays, potatoes can be found everywhere in the produce section of any
market.
But,
Peru
has
an
unprecedented 3,500 varieties. There are
big
potatoes,
small
potatoes,
potatoes that resemble those you can buy at home, and then potatoes that you could only picture in science fiction films. Looking at the vibrant greens, reds, and purples you will wonder if they can possibly be potatoes. They look more like, well … the rainbows that brilliantly glow over the valleys in this beautiful country. And, the best part is that this great variety brings with it different tastes. So, if you ever thought a potato is a potato is a potato, think again. You would be amazed how different they can taste! Though today’s health-conscious culture seems to be a bit afraid of the potato, (and the evil calories it hides behind its smooth, yellowy surface) I am a healthy proponent of the spud. Just prepare and eat it in all its glory without adding a thousand calories worth of butter and sour cream. Moderation is the key! A meal is not a meal without at least one potato. Spend some time in Peru and you will wonder how you ever lived without your daily dose of this nutritious and delicious starchy carbohydrate.
22 | STYLE WATCH
Distinctively Dramatic…Paulette Martsolf & Allie-Coosh By DeeDee Lowder
Offering cutting edge daytime, evening, couture and jewelry designs for the refined female, Paulette Martsolf has proven to be popular in and far beyond her Allie‐Coosh Dallas storefront in Snider Plaza and her charitable spirit—even further. Beginning a career off a pajama pattern, this Newfoundland native begin fashion design at the age of 20 earning top honors at Toronto’s Sheridan College then studying abroad in Paris. For inspiration she travels to New York, L.A. and Paris to explore trends, fabrics and accessories. Her collections flatter every body type and she has ready to wear or custom designs for the individual. Many of her fashions are made from Paulette’s custom dyed signature fabric which is manmade, travels well, is easy to care for and comfortable. ”And it comes in over 45 colors! She also uses a plethora of novelty textiles including silk, cashmere, wool blends, cotton and linen and there are endless possibilities for seasonal change as well as styles from crispy, drapey, textures, shiny, sequined and more. This season Paulette was inspired by Marc Chagall, the Russian artists known for his modernism, and she says: “We still have much of Chagall Chic available. Some of the fabrics are sold out but many are still available and we can translate any of the shapes in other fabrics.” And what ensemble does not need the perfect accessory? She offers exquisite jewelry, Accoutrer, from fossils, minerals and metals to crystals and pearls. In the case of Paulette Martsolf, seeing, really is believing!
STYLE WATCH | 23
STYLES
FOR EVERY BODY TYPE.
24 | STYLE WATCH
SEASONAL COLORS.
STYLE WATCH | 25
SIMPLY ELEGANT.
Photography by Greg Daniels.
DeeDee Lowder is a freelance writer, mother and entrepreneur who now lives in Atlanta, GA.
26 | STYLE WATCH
Ask The Expert: Top 5 Skincare Tips For Women Over 40 By Leah Frazier
The beauty and skincare industry is a multi‐ billion dollar industry that appeals to all people, regardless of age or gender. The global obsession with preserving one’s youth and delaying the aging process is fascinating and, at times, very expensive. With so many options on the market, it can be gravely difficult to decipher which products are best for daily skincare regimens, anti‐aging remedies and sun protection. Hard Night Good Morning creator, D’Andra Simmons, is an expert in the beauty and skincare industry and recognizes the difficulties that consumers face (especially women) when it comes to selecting the best products for their skin. Simmons has received global accolades on her Dallas‐based skincare line — Hard Night Good Morning — and continues to ascend as one of the go‐to professionals on natural and eco‐friendly skincare products.
Currently, Hard Night Good Morning is offered nationwide at Central Market and Whole Foods
Market stores in addition to several other retail locations. Utilizing natural and eco‐conscious blends, D’Andra Simmons produces an array of products that will naturally boost the look, feel and texture of your skin in addition to detoxifying and relieving stress — an all‐out cocktail for beauty success! As an expert in the beauty and skincare industry for the last 18 years, Simmons offers her top 5 skincare tips for women over the age of 40. 1) Take an internal and external approach to aging. It is not enough to just slap some good skincare products on your face and be done with it. [Internally], you need to be extremely mindful of what you eat and drink. Take supplements that are targeted towards skin aging. For example, [Simmons] juices every day and takes a collagen booster supplement and an antioxidant supplement that is specifically targeted for the skin. 2) Forget the stereotype, oil and water do mix! Use an oil‐based cleanser at night to remove makeup and also to keep your skin soft and smooth. Follow this up with a nighttime serum, eye cream and then moisturizer. Hard Night Good Morning’s PM Oil Cleanser completely removes makeup and can be used to enhance moisture when added into creams or if used alone. This PM Oil Cleanser even works on dry hair! Extra tip: Take a tablespoon of flax‐oil blend in the morning and a tablespoon of fish oil in the afternoon to help keep your skin soft and supple.
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3) Remove your makeup. This sounds simple and redundant but there are so many women who skip this step because they are either exhausted after a long day or just too lazy. Nighttime is the time when your skin is renewing and rejuvenating, so having clean skin that can absorb vital nutrients is imperative. Your body not only cleanses itself internally at night while you are sleeping, but your skin is also rejuvenating and cleansing itself during this time as well. When your pores are clogged with makeup and debris from the day, your skin misses this important step which could lead to breakouts and to premature aging. 4) Exercise…your face! As you age, gravity will have multiple effects on your body. The same holds true for your face. You need to exercise your face just as you do with your abs, hips and thighs. There are many exercises you can find online that take a few minutes a day and can even be done while sitting at your desk. There is no need to change into your workout clothes or to make a huge production of it. Just make a few funny faces! Additionally, there are machines that will stimulate the facial muscles and exercise your face such as NuFace ™. 5) Be mindful of the sun. Most women over 40 have some scale of sun
damage. If this is the case, the only way to eliminate the damage successfully is through laser treatment. Hydroquinone creams and spot‐brightening creams will only work for so long until their effectiveness wears off. When this happens, it is time to take more serious measures. The use of lasers will require a little downtime due to the appearance of the skin after the procedure (same with most peels). However, the effects a month or so later is very well worth it. After using laser treatment for sun damage, choose a sunscreen mixed with a good moisturizer and avoid the sun to maintain the results. It is worth it!
Take it straight from the expert. Looking and feeling great about your over‐40 skin can be effortless, painless and attainable. With the help of eco‐friendly and natural products from Hard Night Good Morning, your beauty regimen will be simple, affordable and rewarding. Following these top 5 tips closely and methodically will have you on your way to great and youthful skin in no time.
Leah Frazier is an image consultant, fashion blogger and fashion and style writer in Dallas, Texas. More of her work can be found on Examiner.com, CBS Local and her blog, Beautyforeashes.blogspot.com.
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Enjoy the Elements of Green Travel! By Julese Crenshaw
‘Green’ has become the new ‘black’ in the travel world. With this, commitment to encouraging, promoting and supporting ecological consciousness is a goal of many hotels. Jumping on the ‘green’ bandwagon, none leads the way quite like Element Hotels which are some of the hottest eco‐friendly properties around.
From its complimentary, healthy RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception, to saline‐ and chlorine‐free swimming pools, spacious fitness centers, electric vehicle charging stations and bikes to borrow, Element Hotels offer comfort with a conscience and signature amenities.
Element has made a brand‐wide commitment for all Element Hotels to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Certification ‐‐ the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high‐ performance green buildings. The Element philosophy is to satisfy guests’ needs while keeping the environment in mind.
Art on the walls is mounted on a base also made from recycled tires. And low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints improve indoor air quality for guests and staff.
To date, there are Element Hotels in nine states. These hotels are stylish and sustainable throughout. Their design ethic is made‐to‐order for the traveler who seeks eco‐friendly surroundings that are environmentally conscious. These hotels made history in 2008 as the only major hotel brand to pursue LEED certification (U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program) for high‐performance buildings brand‐ wide. If you appreciate good design, lots of light, and a nod toward saving the planet, then you will enjoy a stay at Elements Hotels.
The Element design incorporates eco‐friendly materials wherever possible. Where carpeted, floors feature carpets with up to 100% recycled content and recycled carpet cushions. Floors in the rooms look like carpet but are actually made of recycled tires. Unlike conventional carpeting, these are appealing as they never smell or cause allergic reactions. The uncarpeted floors are also pet‐friendly and you may ask for the hotel’s Heavenly Dog bed that is provided at no cost.
Element Hotels strives to satisfy guests' needs while being kind to the environment. Each room offers a refrigerator, dishwasher and kitchen appliances which are Energy Star rated. They use silverware and glassware instead of plastic utensils and paper plates to reduce waste, and have recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass.
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Also, amenities in the bathroom are in a dispenser system rather than wasteful, multiple mini bottles. Green housecleaning practices are implemented to reduce the use of potentially hazardous chemical contaminants. Daylight is maximized throughout their hotels by utilizing oversized guest room windows and open interior spaces. Element conserves water and energy with low‐flow faucets and fixtures and even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign has been replaced with an environmentally‐friendly magnet. First announced at the spring 2012 launch of its Miami location, Element Hotels has installed a stationary bike with a pedal‐powered generator in each of its fitness centers, where you can pump to charge your tablet or smart phone. The initiative marries two Element brand principles: providing health and fitness options for travelers and a commitment to green design. According to Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood, "The Element brand was founded on an innovative, balanced‐living approach to hospitality. Not only do our pedal‐powered bikes add an element of fun to a workout, but they also encourage our guests to think creatively about sourcing the energy we all depend on to fuel our daily lives." Influenced by nature, the smart, environmentally‐friendly design maximizes
space and enables you to use each area in multiple ways. They promote balance through flowing, multi‐purpose spaces. By stimulating the senses and soothing the spirit, Element helps you relax and refresh, so you can get back to your best self with a philosophy that it is important to achieve a sense of balance – particularly while traveling for extended periods.
The open social areas and relaxing guest rooms serve as a personal retreat when on the road, and as guests, you have an experience that enables you to grow, prosper and flourish while being environmentally conscious. At every turn ‐‐ in the lobby, the fitness center, and the guest rooms ‐‐ the environment and elegant simplicity are reminders of the Element Hotel’s commitment to the environment. Experience Element for yourself and be ‘green’! For more information on Element Hotels before your next travel excursion, visit www.elementhotels.com.
Julese Crenshaw is a freelance writer from Tennessee.
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Cruise Dishes Up 7‐Days of Ear Candy By Lyn E. Cathey
Recently, my spouse and I found ourselves at the epicenter of a masterfully-orchestrated convergence of three great loves – music, cruises and of course, each other. The venue was a premiumclass cruise ship filled with dedicated music lovers and a dozen wellknown jazz virtuosos. Living in this magical sweet spot of almost continuous concerts, seminars, and socializing for seven days, proved to be a life-changing experience. First the backstory: The music-themed cruise is a fast-growing niche in the cruise industry – even full ship charters. They have been around for some time. For example, this year is the 10th anniversary for the consistently-sold-out Smooth Jazz Cruise.
A chance encounter with an enthusiastic devotee (a veteran of two jazz cruises) drew my attention to this particular themed charter -- a creation of Michael Lazaroff of St. Louis-based Entertainment Cruise Productions (ECP). However, due to a preconception of these soirees as alcohol-soaked, party-until-youdrop binges targeted at the young and hardy, I was in no hurry to subject myself to one. (Those preconceptions have since been blown out of the water – pun intended). So, to see for ourselves just what kind of loyalty-generating secret sauce was being served on these floating concert venues, we sailed on the second of the two Smooth Jazz Cruises in January of this year – a full ship charter on Holland America’s Westerdam. The 7-day itinerary from Ft. Lauderdale included Cozumel, Belize and Key West.
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Our experience on board: Using great restraint not to over-hype the issue, I must confess this was one of my best cruise experiences ever – without a doubt, the best for entertainment. (Note that you are hearing this from someone seriously jaded by decades of cruising – first, 12 years as a cruise ship entertainer myself, then 25 years as a travel agent, interspersed with occasional trips as a full-fare paying civilian passenger). The standouts and distinctions from an ordinary cruise:
First and foremost, the quality of the performances. (expected) Second, the congeniality and accessibility of the artists (including the headliners) – never once seeing evidence of standoffishness or reluctance to mingle with guests. (unexpected) The state-of-the-art quality of the sound for all shows, even poolside (all unexpectedly top-shelf – a couple of notches above typical cruise line offerings, even in the premium category). ECP brings their own sound equipment on board with accompanying engineers. The length and frequency of the shows – often two hours or more for the nightly main shows. Headliners not featured in any one night’s main show would frequently appear concurrently in smaller venues throughout the ship. (unexpected)
ECP also brings aboard their own cruise staff, including the cruise director. How Lazaroff convinces ‘name’ performers to host what are traditionally cruise-staff duties – such as, ping pong tournaments, water polo contests and the ubiquitous bingo – I’ll never know. But when ship’s comedian, Alonzo Bodden, calls bingo, it becomes a
not-to-be-missed show in itself. As you can imagine, this results in a huge turnout for these events, generating a sense of family and camaraderie between artist and fans. Alonzo Bodden And, Bodden is one funny dude! He is the comedian of choice for most ECP cruises due to his close friendship with many of the performers (as well as his brilliance in working in an improvisational style). For example, in a chance encounter with Bodden one afternoon on the sports deck, he immediately agreed to a one-on-one interview. Once settled into a corner table in the Lido with my camcorder capturing the action, Bodden quickly turned the occasion into a hilarious, freewheeling group discussion by inviting all other headliners within shouting distance to put down their food trays and join in. Lazaroff has succeeded in creating a perfect storm of loyalty that is almost fanatical. ECP charters are events where the highest quality of all aspects of the experience (including accommodations, meals, between show events, etc.) is assured. We met many couples who were on their 4th, 5th or even 6th ECP cruise – some have never taken any other type of cruise! Amazingly, 60% of the 1900 passengers on our cruise were repeaters. Expansion plans: There are many new theme variations already scheduled, or in the works – including the (traditional) Jazz Cruise, Soul Train Cruise, Malt Shop Memories, Celtic Thunder and the Country Music Cruise.
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(The lineup on our cruise – jazz all-stars George Benson, David Sanborn, Bob James, Marcus Miller, Richard Elliot, Jonathan Butler, Andre Berry, Jeff Golub and Rick Braun, to name a few.) George Benson
What could be improved: While Holland America delivers an upscale, classy product overall, I have one big, giant gripe. Internet service was abysmal … and expensive. I paid $150 for 350 minutes of what proved to be glacially-slow service … a frustrating experience for a daily blogger like yours truly. Suits at HAL, are you listening? In today’s world, there is no excuse for such sporadic, slow service at such a high price. To add insult to injury, Wi-Fi did not extend to cabins. It was necessary to go to a public room to get a signal. Now that I’ve got that little rant out of the way, time to get back to editing all of the great interview material. That’s gonna be a hoot!
So, is referring to this cruise as a lifechanging experience overdoing it a bit? No. For me, musical biases were flattened and new distinctions acquired – jazz isn’t ‘just jazz’ anymore. In on-board concerts, artists performed personal ‘roots’ music as well – which included pop, gospel and blues. Plus, I now have a heightened appreciation for the work and artistry of a dozen new musical heroes.
----------------------------------------------------Lyn Edwin Cathey now resides in Memphis as well as having a wife, daughter and dog…one of each. His passions include travel, travel writing playing the guitar and photography/videography
If you're thinking of taking a yacht vacation, no need to look any further than SELECT CHARTERS! – Carlene Robinson Dailey
www.SelectCharters.com Peggy@SelectCharters.com 4020 N. MacArthur Boulevard Suite 122-183 • Irving, TX 75038 (972) 659-8941
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Indulgent Decadence with No Footprints By Julese Crenshaw
Relax and Rejuvenate. It’s good for you. And it can be good for the planet as well. I have reviewed many outstanding spas but the following not only offer an array of restorative treatments, integrative wellness programs, absolutely stunning views, sweat‐your‐butt‐off fitness, and award‐winning food—but are committed to sustainable earth policies and practices in the running of their spas. May their accomplishments inspire us all! Can you think of anything more sublimely blissful than being pampered in the ultimate lap of luxury? Perhaps … spending your time at a destination spa that’s as gentle on the planet as it is on you. I have selected several of about 50 spas around the country that strive beyond just offering superior services and amenities. They also take steps to assure they are working diligently to minimize waste stream and conserve natural resources through energy and water conservation, compliance with environmental legislation and the following of best environmental practices. They strive to build community partnerships to raise awareness and create positive environmental change. You will find that while the following destination spas embody distinctive facilities and guest experiences, they are also dedicated to practices and programs that pay respect to, and lessen our footprint on, our changing environment. No matter where you live around the country there is no doubt a fabulous spa, within easy distance, offering you a positive journey ‐‐ a sanctuary where beauty and well‐being converge and a place to bring back balance to your mind, body and soul. Enjoy a sensory journey of your own at a destination spa near you.
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Wilderness Adventure Spa at Spring Creek Ranch Sprawled 1,000 feet above Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Wilderness Adventure Spa at Spring Creek Ranch offers a dose of Old‐west charm—from the smell of the wood‐burning fireplaces to the candlelit massages that take place in teepees at night. Experience: The Divine Detox Wrap. A juniper/cypress massage followed by a rosemary/citron scrub opens the pores and draws out the bad stuff. The "divine" part comes from the scalp massage you'll get while wrapped in warm towels. www.springcreekranch.com Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau
Miami, Florida is home to the Lapis Spa which is as decadent as it sounds ‐‐ a luxurious retreat designed with your well‐being in mind. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, indulge yourself in an oasis that embraces the beauty and energy of its setting to create a transformative experience for body, mind and spirit. And, there’s no need to leave your guy at home. Lapis Spa offers a number of treatments specifically designed for men, including a deep sports massage with heated rocks. Experience: A Lapis Water Journey. Every spa treatment includes a plunge into their signature mineral water‐jet bath, a walk through their rain tunnel, and a soothing eucalyptus steam before or after your pampering. www.fontainebleau.com
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Westglow Resort and Spa Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Westglow Resort & Spa is a top‐rated luxury destination spa where personal service is an honored tradition. They pamper guests with serious personal attention since staff to guest ratio is 4:1. Inside the restored Greek Revival mansion (a perfect place to find renewal of the mind, body, and spirit) you can partake in a total wellness makeover, starting with a customized stress management assessment and spa experience.
Experience: Mountain Body Salt Glow. Experience the rejuvenation of their signature salt glow which blends ancient sea salts with intoxicating sweet smells of tangerine and lavender essential oils that gently exfoliate, re‐mineralize, and nourish ‐‐ leaving your skin noticeably glowing and soft to the touch. Included is their Vichy shower making the salt glow a spa favorite. www.westglowresortandspa.com The Spa at The Hotel Hershey What is better than rich luscious chocolate? Having your body, mind and soul pampered with its decadence at The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania! You’ll be transported to a world of excellence and luxury, marvel at the spa’s beautifully colored stain glass windows, polished marble landings, warm pecan paneling, and breathtaking views of their majestic gardens. With bowls of Hershey's Kisses and carafes of hot chocolate in nearly every room, the spa uses all forms of antioxidant‐ rich chocolate (even the beans!) in their wide range of massages, facials, and pedicures.
Experience: The Chocolate‐Dipped Strawberry. A signature chocolate infused treatment featuring a Strawberry Parfait Scrub with heady aromas that smell as luscious as the name sounds followed by a rich Chocolate Fondue Wrap. What could be more delicious! www.chocolatespa.com
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Travaasa Hana For the ultimate traditional Hawaiian experience with 5‐star service overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Travaasa Hana in Maui is it. Their spa treatments go far beyond pampering and indulgence. Reflecting the essence of village of Hana, their passion for, and knowledge of, the human body is unparalleled. And Travaasa Hana is the only spa in the US to certify all its therapists in Lomilomi, a traditional Hawaiian massage practiced by native healers. Experience: The Ho`opa`a (meaning “to complete”). This treatment includes a detoxifying body massage and clay and algae wrap with myrtle, lemon, and juniper essential oils. www.travaasa.com/hana The Greenbrier Spa
The only mineral spring spa in the world to receive a Forbes 5‐star rating, the award‐winning West Virginia spa, The Greenbrier Spa, focuses on providing both soothing and curative treatments designed to ease sore muscles, improve skin composition and revitalize overall health and well‐being. Exceptional gifts of nature comprise the essence of The Greenbrier Spa experience. Experience: The Detox Kur. Eliminating the toxins from your body and remove impurities from your life by embarking on a journey to a healthier you with the Detox Kur. You start with a detoxifying bath, followed by their Swiss Shower and Scotch Spray. A botanical mud wrap draws impurities from your body while balancing the skin and improving elasticity. And you finish with a petite, mineral‐infused massage. www.greenbrier.com Julese Crenshaw is a freelance writer from Tennessee.
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One Day at a Time By Scott Schilling Have you ever had one of those days? You wake up…you know you should head to the gym…you even laid out your workout gear the night before…you’re committed to making it happen…but you just don’t have that little “whatever it takes” to go do it.
As a boomer myself…that has not happened to me…since this morning! It happens to all of us. And like falling down…the falling down isn’t the issue…it’s the not getting back up that is. So what do you do when you get a case of the “I lost my give a darn”? In my case, I went to the club anyway hoping to muster up everything within me to get me to the workout area. After all, you can’t work out if you don’t ever get to the facility…step #1. Upon reaching the locker room, the pot of hot Joe was calling my name…so I listened and gave it a try. Maybe a little hot coffee would do the trick…any bets? You’re right…that didn’t really do it. So what’s next…ahhh…the computer in the locker room was available and calling my name…just think of all the things that could become available to inspire me to workout. So what did I search…I went to a site that allowed me to get some inspiration from a good book…a
really good book (you gotta love technology!). You guessed it…I started reading and listening to a few Bible verses. I share this with you to encourage you to find some higher source that is appropriate for you and calls to your heart. It’s all of our tasks to be a living example of our beliefs…whatever that may mean to you. An interesting thing started to happen. The more I read and thought about what I was reading, my attitude started to improve…my physiology started to improve…many things were moving in a positive direction. After my study and simple meditation…I went to my own website www.ScottSchillingRecommends.com and pulled up a link to a speech that Art Williams, the Founder of A.L. Williams (which became Primerica) did in 1987 entitled “Do It!” (feel free to go to the site and watch this video for yourself). This 18 minute video is probably as impactful as anything you may ever watch. As a Speaker, Trainer and Business Coach it is my desire to share this level of encouragement and inspiration every time the opportunity presents itself. (I’ve actually asked a few of my clients to watch it every day for 31 days!) Now the ball was rolling! You put a couple pieces of solid “good” into you head and spirit, amazing what starts to happen. Did I head on down to the workout area? What do you think? Heck no…I headed to the wet area to fully engage in an Executive Workout (codename at the club for steam, whirlpool, shave shower and go!) Don’t be a hate‐a…
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Sometimes we Boomers need to take a day to refresh and get our minds right. I made the decision at the start of the month to take back control of my health to a new and better level. That means I’ve worked out ten days straight…have done “what I was supposed to do”…and have pushed through other days of “not really being in the mood”. Today was a day for a slightly different tack.
I am not suggesting that this should be your everyday routine (although we do have a few guys at the club that are masters of the Executive Workout…it’s actually even been named for one friend…no names or even initials will be disclosed!). I would however suggest you create the habit of starting your day with some quite time…connect with your higher source. Read and listen to inspirational and uplifting material (again, feel free to check my website…plenty of free stuff there). And most importantly, create a routine that supports your health, wealth and happiness desire fully…whatever that means to you. The reason this article is entitled “One Day at a Time” is because that’s how we need to be living it as Boomers. Pretty sure we’re all going to fall off the wagon of some sort. We all deserve a little Grace here and there. As long as we’re not off the wagon for more than a day…things are probably going to be pretty okay! What also brings this topic “top of mind” as I write this is that within the last week, two great friends passed and will be missed. And while I
really don’t want to go down that road, the thought here is that we’re Boomers. We made it through a bunch of stuff to get to claim that…so let’s do it proudly…and live it fully. Not everything is always going to be perfect. Just because we have achieved all that we have achieved and reached this grand stage in our life, we’ll still have things to face…so be it! When you put some systems in place…some S.O.P.’s (standard operating procedures) for your days…they can and will make your life better and far more enjoyable. What came to mind as this comes to a close is the platform one of my speaker friends Brendon Burchard talks about consistently. He suggests that in the end, we all really want to know the answers to three questions: Did I Live? Did I Love? And Did I Matter? When you take things “One Day at a Time”, your ability to say YES! YES! And YES! becomes easier and more rewarding. Enjoy your day…make it special for you…and all those you’ll touch today. I encourage you to “play full‐ out”…you’ll be glad you did! Scott Schilling is a Business Growth Expert that speaks, trains, coaches and writes on topics specifically designed to help others make positive improvements in their thoughts, actions and success. To learn more please visit: www.ScottSchilling.com
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Inspire Your Marriage Once Again! By Don Purdum
It’s a bright sunny morning as you wake up to birds singing and the smell of brewed coffee permeating the air. You think to yourself how perfect this morning could be until you roll over and see a face you have looked at every morning for 20 years. You suddenly feel sad and uninspired, and wonder if you even want to live out your life with this person any longer? Why? What are some common issues found amongst boomers and divorced people in their fifties and sixties and what can you do to inspire your marriage once again? Over the past twenty years, the divorce rate among baby boomers has surged by more than fifty percent. According to a recent study conducted by demographers at Bowling Green State University, in Ohio, about a third of adults ages forty‐six through sixty‐four were divorced, separated or had never been married in 2010, compared with thirteen percent in 1970. Over the past twenty years, the divorce rate among baby boomers has surged by more than fifty percent. Why? What is causing people to feel that they no longer want to be involved in their marriages and what can you do to save yours? Philosophy of Marriage Part of the problem is philosophical. The baby boomer generation has seen and experienced life in
ways drastically different than any other generation before it. From the way a country experiences war through the lens of TV during the Vietnam War, to the rise of the McNow phenomenon where fast and cheap rules the day. In addition, there was the struggle between the great depression / WWII generation and the baby boomers. The older generation was more rigid, less emotionally inspired and much more practical. For most of American history up to the mid 1950's, marriage was a prerequisite for living together, sexual interactions and child raising. Was it perfect? No, but no system is perfect because of imperfect human beings that are running, improvising, and changing the systems, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. That clashed in the 1960’s and 1970’s with a highly emotional movement that we have come to know as the generation of free love, sex, drugs, and rock and roll. A new culture was developing where people wanted to be free from the restraints of their rigid culture and societal rules. As a result, the idea of marriage has been at center stage over the last forty years. We’ve moved away from marriage as a practical tool that is a stabilizing institution for society. In that society kids are raised by two parents and there are societal norms and expectations. We’ve now shifted to one where we
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question whether marriage is even a practical needed thing in society any longer? In April 2013, Time Magazine had a cover story article titled “Who Needs Marriage? A Changing Institution." For many baby boomers, there was an empty shell in their marriages for many years; it just went unnoticed with both partners working 40 plus hours each week, raising kids, and running from one event to another. Many knew how to live together while there was a purpose to the marriage and that purpose was centered around paying the bills and raising the kids. It had very little to do with each other.
For one, start dreaming together again. It’s never too late to dream about what you want. So the kids are gone, you may not really think you know your spouse and you feel lonely. Change it. You have the power. Start talking more together about what you want out of your lives together. Don’t dream small either, dream BIG!
Many of those divorcing in their fifties and sixties are doing so after the kids leave the house. Empty nesters are realizing they lived their entire lives around their careers and children, thus, leaving little or no time for each other during the 20 plus years of marriage. Now they live in a house with memories of the kids, but no real memories of each other. Ten years ago a couple confided separately they were scared of what was going to happen when their kids left for college. They realized they didn’t know each other, and frankly didn’t really even like each other. One year later there was a divorce. This doesn’t have to be you! The issue is that the culture has helped define what a marriage is supposed to be and as a result many were good at what they were supposed to be doing, they were just doing the wrong things.
Then, after a time of dreaming talk about how you are going to do it together. Part of the problem for many boomers is the idea of rugged individualism. Yes, you are an individual. But you are also a union of two people. Living your life together is about fulfilling dreams, planning, and then doing it together, not alone. If you want to really get to know each other, if you really want to connect and bond together, then start doing things together. Teamwork is the key to a lasting marriage and having a marriage on purpose.
Marriage is a partnership, a union of two people. Are those two people just existing together or really “living” together? Some marriages cannot be saved. It’s understandable. But most can and should be. There are just a few things you might consider doing to change your situation.
Learn how to become transparent with yourself and your spouse, become confident and trusting in one another, and build intimacy through accomplishing things together as a couple. You may not be twenty‐five any longer, but you can still learn something new every day. Let today be a new day of commitment! Don Purdum is relationship expert, speaker, author, and radio host. Learn more about him on his website at www.donpurdum.com and join him on Facebook.
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You, Too, Could Be Green . . . Eric S. Alexander The theme of ‘green’ and ‘going green’ might seem like a softball article topic for the money guy. “Let’s make more cash!!” “Let’s turn our aluminum cans into college savings!!” So let’s avoid easy and take this in a different direction. Most of the ‘green’ initiatives out there are frankly . . . a farce. From boondoggles into government‐ funded solar panels, to mandated fluorescent light bulbs which are supposed to save money and make us better looking; green initiatives rarely live up to the hype. But the message behind ‘going green’ can be truly powerful if applied in its historic sense. Here is what I mean. The real intent behind the green movement is not solar powered flashlights or smart egg timers that turn off your lights. The real intent is much nobler. Real green is about sustainability ‐‐ Building something the stands the test of time, generation after generation. Going green is about legacy.
When you look at the truly wealthy men like Rockefeller, Carnegie and even now Bill Gates, these men didn’t amass great fortunes and then sit on their cash. Beyond caring for their families, they used their wealth to make the world around them a better place. Their foundations created colleges and healthcare facilities. They educated children and are working to end poverty. These men created legacies that will outlive them by hundreds of years. They became true stewards of their wealth in the noblest sense of the word. The question is . . . could you be green?
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For readers currently sitting on $4B in excess cash; the easiest way to create that kind of legacy is to give me a shout. My number is . . . 1‐800‐Eric’s‐New‐Ferrari. For the rest of us . . . frankly, many of us have never seen ourselves as having the ability to create a legacy. And the idea of being a steward of our wealth is near laughable as we are still worried about having enough to make it to the end without working at Wal‐Mart. As a result of this world view we tend to embrace Hunter Thompson’s philosophy on life. He said “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” While I love the quote, let me challenge you to expand your horizons. Let me challenge you to think beyond just “making it”, to creating and leaving a real legacy. Imagine money were no object. Think about the kind of world and legacy you want to leave behind. Whom would you send to college? Would it be a child, a grandchild, or a whole army of kids you will never know? What cause would you advance? Would it be a breakfast program in Nicaragua feeding starving children, the Samaritan Inn in Dallas, or any of a thousand other worthy causes? And would you like to support them for a month, a year or a lifetime? And, in your family, how many generations to come would you want to be financially secure? The possibilities are endless, but the problem presents itself when reality sets in and we discover the path is hard. So how do you get there? First, you need to strip a word from your vocabulary ‐‐ need. Need is a four letter word because it crowds out one of the most beautiful words ‐‐ potential. For many of us, somewhere along the way we were introduced to this idea that you should only desire what you need, and wanting more is greedy. I say, “BAH!” Wanting more and achieving your potential has nothing to do with greed. It has everything to do with being a good steward of our gifts. Whatever our talents or gifts, we were all built to achieve. And those that say otherwise are keeping you down because they are afraid. If you want to achieve and create a legacy that lives for generations, there are two large obstacles standing in your way. Two things that can make you settle for “just enough”. The first is the grey matter between your ears and your beliefs. Henry Ford once said “whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” The second obstacle is a lack of knowledge. Where do I start and what are the steps? Of these two obstacles, the first is by far the biggest, the hardest and the one I can’t help you with. As for the second . . . where to start? The tools and strategies have existed for centuries. It is simply a matter of laying out the path to get there. Find an advisor you trust, find someone who understands what your legacy looks like and make sure they can either help you or direct you in the right direction. When the pupil is ready, the master will appear. Two final words of advice, should you accept this challenge. The first is the advice from Admiral Jim Stockdale, a survivor of the POW camps in Vietnam. He said: “You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties. And at the same time, you must confront the most brutal facts
44 | WEALTHY & WISE
about your current reality, whatever they might be.” Creating a legacy AND making sure you and your family are financially secure is not an easy task and may require some hard discussions. But then again important goals and going where others fear, is always tough. Don’t give up. The second piece of advice is from an old Chinese proverb: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time is now.” You are not too old and it is not too late. If you believe in the challenge; get started.
What would life look like if you were reaching your potential? Registered Representative of and securities offered through OneAmerica Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC a Registered Investment Advisor, Insurance Representative of American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL) and other insurance companies. Personal Economics Group is not an affiliate of OneAmerica Securities or AUL and is not a broker dealer or a registered investment advisor.
Takeout can eat up your savings. Pack your own lunch instead of going out. $6 saved a day x 5 days a week x 10 years x 6% interest = $19,592. That could be money in your pocket. Small changes today. Big bucks tomorrow. Go to feedthepig.org for free savings tips.
46 | BOOMER BUZZ
BOOMER TENNIS SERVED TO YOU BY FRED SHLESINGER
Years ago, back in my 20s and 30s, I played tennis at a 5.0 competitive level. Growing up in NY, I got to play in Men’s 5.0 leagues with the backdrop of the NYC skyline and the many great tennis venues in Long
that I must reassess my boomer body and limitations and learn how to adapt to today’s faster, fitter game of tennis. Many of you have realized the same. So, I would like to share some of my 45 years of tennis experience and how I continue to play, even now, at a competitive level 4‐5 times week, while still enjoying this wonderful lifetime‐game called Tennis.
Island. …So inspiring, so great to grow up in the vibrant N.Y tennis scene in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Being able to hit with Patrick McEnroe at the Port Washington Tennis Academy was so wonderful, and Patrick remains a true start in today’s tennis. My tennis idols growing up were Ilya Nastase (Nasty) and of course the pride of Queens, John McEnroe (also nasty, but filled with southpaw talent). In my tennis library I still have VHS versions of the great Forest Hills US Open matches from the middle 70s. Conners vs. Borg, Lendl vs. McEnroe, Chrissy vs. Martina, Tracy vs. Chrissy. Now that was Tennis! A few years ago, and today at 58, I realized that the game was not going to adjust to me, but
PHYSICAL ‐‐ Pregame hydration, full‐body stretching, krill‐oil joint care, the right sunscreen, and a realistic understanding of what your Boomer body can do today ‐‐ not as you fantasized how it used to be! Today’s yoga will help give you more range. And, increasing your intake of nutritious foods will feed your muscles. We didn’t have these things available to us 25 years ago.
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a mid‐court volley game from both a defensive and offensive perspective. By not having to come to the net as much, you will be conserving your energy and allowing yourself to go deeper into a match. So, look at a 2‐part strategy in crafting and winning a point, rather than a “baseline to net” game that you once enjoyed. #1 ‐‐ Play from the baseline to mid‐court on your first rally shots, using your new found mid‐ court volley skills as you work your way into the net. #2 ‐‐Then, from the service line position, attack the net ‐ as you have to come a shorter distance to put the point away in your favor, with a crisp “put away”‐ volley at the net. Getting back to hydration, many of us make the mistake of drinking water or energy drinks once our match starts. WRONG! Think of your body as a wonderful gas tank and you are about to take a trip. You must “fill up” before the trip (about an hour before match time) with water or electrolyte drinks, or you will literally “run out gas” mid match. It’s also important to keep your gas tank filled during the match on the crossovers, and stay cool as much as possible.
Your footwork becomes more important than ever. Practice shorter, quicker steps ‐‐ split‐
STRATEGY ‐‐ We have all slowed down a bit with our short and long strides within our game. Learn how to cover more court by positioning yourself differently than you did 20 years ago. You can’t get to the net as quickly and efficiently as you once did, so learn and practice
stepping prior to ball contact. Position your body in a more perpendicular angle to the net, never parallel please! And, always keep your racket ahead of your body at the net upon ball contact.
48 | BOOMER BUZZ
EQUIPMENT ‐‐ I can write all day about the major advancements tennis manufacturers have made in the areas of shoes, rackets, and most importantly, strings. Today, it is so much easier to have a competitive game due to better and more advanced equipment. So let’s talk about shoes today: Shoe companies have created better tennis shoes for us boomers. Companies like Babolat, Asics, and New Balance have taken running technology and have adapted their tennis shoes to fit today’s boomer tennis players. Growing up, these companies did not offer tennis shoes. But, today you are able to enjoy higher‐quality orthotics which give firmer support to our tender tendons and aching feet. In particular, the new Babolat SFX offers a unique, higher‐quality orthotic than most tennis shoes in today’s market.
Most tennis shoes have a cheap cardboard‐like insert, which do not provide the arch support that a higher‐quality orthotic will. The SFX comes with this advanced orthotic. BTW, a custom orthotic can cost upwards of $60‐$100 as a stand‐alone product! Additionally, the SFX is built with a slightly more forgiving pinky to big toe space in the front of the shoe, which allows a more comfortable “east to west” movement for your boomer baseliners. In my next BOOMER TENNIS offering I will talk about how rackets and strings are allowing us boomers to play well into our 70s and 80s… In the meantime … KEEP SWINGING!
Fred Shlesinger is a Special Market Developer & Senior Financial Representative with Principal Financial Group, Public Speaker/Trainer and freelance writer from Dallas, Texas.
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Tech Tips By Becca Niederkrom Top 5 Work Productivity Apps. 1. LeechBlock We live in a world of constant distractions. It’s a love/hate relationship. You know darn well that your report is due in 2 hours but you spend every 10 minutes checking your Facebook feed or surfing the goodies on Amazon. With LeechBlock, you can set up times where you are unable to dip into those websites that suck your time away. You could literally lock Facebook from 9AM ‐ 2PM. 2. Basecamp You could send endless emails to your 3‐person team OR, with Basecamp, you could place your correspondence and docs in the cloud to check in on at your convenience. It’s the awesomeness of group collaboration without the hassle. 3. Evernote Capture anything and everything, from notes and ideas, to things that you love. You will be able to access this information from anywhere and search by keywords. This app is quite extensive and if you feel it might be too much, then check out #4. 4. WorkFlowy As a big ‘list’ person, I really took to this app. It’s an outliner app. Simple. You are able to create as many sub‐bullet points as you would like under each topic. If you want a simpler model of organization then this is your go‐to tool. 5. Dropbox Sharing with ease. Dropbox is a service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. You never have to email a file to yourself again. It’s perfect for real estate agents who have little time to email photos of each listing. Simply place house photos in this virtual storage place and share 24/7. Becca Niederkom – where ALL boomers and seniors learn the computer with joy and ease…guaranteed. Reach her at Becca@ConversationCounts.org and visit her new business AgingInsider.com.
50 | BOOMER BUZZ
Do You Know and Love a Sociopath? James Tucker
James Bond, an absolute icon and heroic idol of fiction, always gets many girls. He is a mercenary of death and destruction wherever he goes. We’re convinced he’s on our side, and that he’s the good guy. While caught up in the movie and fantasy, suspending disbelief, we give him our ok to be judge, jury, and executioner. For James Bond to be successful in the predicaments he’s entrusted to be in, to be “licensed to kill” he must have been vetted, tested, and proven in multiple physical and mental areas; areas our active imaginations can wonder about, but mostly we’ve left that to Her Majesty. Among those many and varying tests one of them should demonstrate attributes that James Bond must positively show that he would not, should not, cannot, have a conscience. If he did have a conscience, his entire job performance and character would unravel. This is a personality disorder and we call those who have it … sociopaths. We don’t think about it this way so much, but often our heroes and idols are sociopaths. A quick and dirty definition of a sociopath is someone without a conscience. Simple as that sounds, it is a quintessential game‐changer of life, and while sociopaths are playing a completely different game from us, they take full advantage of the fact that they know our rules and that no one knows they aren’t playing by them. Take away a person’s conscience and you’ve got yourself someone who may be likeable and even lovable, but who is nearly impossible to live with. Counsels’ consensus is that if you know a sociopath, stay away. But it’s too late. As roughly 4% of the population is estimated to be sociopathic, you are likely already in a relationship with one who embodies the symptoms. A family member, co‐worker, someone you have occasional business with (professionally or as a volunteer) could be one. Here’s a quick identifier: If you find yourself asking “How could they do this (outrageous behavior) to me?” and if you can’t answer that question, try a little test where you answer the question with “They don’t have a conscience.” And if all the pieces of the puzzle then fall magically in place, you are likely dealing with a sociopath. I choose James Bond as a fictional example so as not to cast a bad light on someone who should take offense to such a definition and who would likely sue me. Athletes with attitudes to win at all costs (including cheating) come to mind. Perhaps, you can recall several of them who’ve been caught and have incessantly, and loudly, denied their accusers. I emphatically state I mean absolutely no one in particular except someone who may come to your own wildest imagination. I’d often heard the word ‘sociopath’ but recently had an occasion while counseling a friend who mentioned he was working with one, so I needed to look it up to be sure, and going down a Google trail I became so intrigued I read Martha Stout’s “The Sociopath Next Door.” Mercy, such a revelation, the blindfold came off! My childhood family member exhibited most of these kinds of sociopathic behaviors: 1.
They make you feel sorry for them, even resorting to Hollywood‐quality tears, and then they manipulate you.
2.
They make you feel worried or afraid, and then they manipulate you.
3.
They give you the impression you owe them, and then they manipulate you.
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4.
They make you feel used, and you probably have been.
5.
Sometimes you suspect they don't care about you, and they don’t.
6.
They lie to you and deceive you.
7.
They take a lot from you, giving back very little.
8.
They make you feel guilty (and use that to manipulate you).
9.
They take advantage of your kindness.
10.
They are easily bored and need constant stimulation, or can make you jump through needless hoops.
11.
They don't take responsibility, but place blame elsewhere.
So managing the relationship with a sociopath is among the most difficult of challenges, particularly when the sociopath remains in an environment we are bound to either contractually, by blood or otherwise. Wouldn’t it be nice to read tips and tricks to dealing with a sociopath? There’s no known cure or treatment. Negotiating with a sociopath is a futile exercise, but if trapped and cornered they may resort to tears, even changing behavior for a few hours, until they can regroup. In her book, Martha Stout cites one tribal practice of dealing with discovered sociopaths (which involved treatment of the sociopaths by way of hunting “accidents” that resulted in their death). This is not to infer that causing death is a method of negotiating or a solution, rather it is meant to communicate the urgency of the problem in the context of another anthropological framework. In my first personal encounters with a sociopath, I would have preferred him to be my hero, but with even a child’s moral compass I let that thought go early. Recognizing loved ones as expert liars and cheaters can be difficult, particularly if they are your parent whom you want and need to trust; whom you think you want to be like; whom you want to forgive. But sociopaths aren’t overly‐concerned with any of that (least of all forgiveness) as they have no conscience, they need no forgiveness. Your friendly sociopaths can be a treasure‐trove of fun from a distance. Having mastered social skills, often they may be the life of the party, or make you feel completely at ease one on one. They can be utterly charming, even hilarious, with absolute design to build trust, trust that is soon to become betrayal. Encountering the sociopathic behavior could cause responses such as: “Surely this is a misunderstanding, or miscommunication.” Thoughts like that occur to a normal person because what just happened to them is so implausible, egregious, or just plain blatantly wrong that they can’t believe they are the victim of it. They have difficulty believing the person who perpetrated the miscarriage is capable of such coldness. But, with continued exposure to a sociopath a trend develops. And, when you see it, stay away. If it’s your boss, document everything and never be alone with them. In conclusion, I offer this twist of an ending. Of my many questions I leave you with only one. “What does it say about a society who makes heroes and idols of sociopaths?” James Tucker, Strategies, James@SticksConsulting.com
52 | BOOMER BUZZ
The Butterfly Effect By Cynthia Stock
Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior uses literary fiction to make a visceral appeal for environmental awareness. Using the decline of the monarch butterfly and an allegorical failing marriage, she depicts patterns of human behavior and thinking that lead to the destruction of interfacing ecosystems. The novel opens with Dellarobia Turnbow trudging up the family mountain to a hunting shack for a tryst with a younger man ‐‐ an act she hopes will change her life. As she nears her destination, Dellarobia rethinks her past and what she hopes to gain from her indiscretion. She lives day‐to‐day, disconnected from her empty existence, and seeks the freedom she sacrificed when she became pregnant as a young woman. In rural Feathertown, Tennessee, an unplanned pregnancy mandated marriage. When Dellarobia reaches the top of the mountain, the sun shines on a “forest blazed with its own internal flame.” At first she thinks the trees are on fire. Unable to figure out how to get out of the forest, she imagines the loss of her family, even her life. Common sense reigns and tells her there is no fire. She surrenders to “a vision of glory to stop her in the road” and interprets what she sees as a sign. She takes her husband, Cub, and her in‐laws up the mountain to witness an expanse colored by the glowing hues of monarch butterflies. From this point, Ms. Kingsolver creates a multi‐ layered novel and explores complex conflicts contributing to the ruin of the environment.
With a failing farm and a balloon payment on a loan coming due, Dellarobia’s father‐in‐law, Bear, considers a contract with a logging company to cut the timber on his mountain. Through an immigrant family new to the area, Dellarobia learns how logging displaced the monarchs from their native habitat in Mexico and caused catastrophic mudslides. She foresees the same outcome if Bear allows his trees to be harvested. Concern for the environment loses out to profit for the lumber company and economic solvency for the Turnbow family. Then in church, Cub announces Dellarobia’s discovery and declares she has had a vision. The microcosm of both her family and her town changes. Enter Ovid Byron, a scientist from New Mexico, who dedicates himself to the study of the migration and mating habits of the monarch butterfly. Ovid introduces science and a passion for learning to Dellarobia’s son, Preston, and resurrects the dormant potential within Dellarobia. Byron builds a lab and assembles a group of young research scientists to find out why the monarchs settled on the Turnbow mountain. Byron ties climate change to the appearance of the butterflies. In turn, their presence sets off a chain reaction in Feathertown. Journalists
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swarm. Tourists invade. The town’s people divide. From this point, Ms. Kingsolver dissects the issues abounding in a discussion of global warming and environmental preservation. For much of the novel, Ovid Byron maintains the dispassionate nature of a scientist and admits he merely records what is, but cannot speculate about what it means or what will be. Through Dellarobia, it becomes apparent this is why lay people find scientific truths hard to accept. Only when Byron reveals the intensity of his concerns for the monarchs and what their condition says about the environment is he able to reach the lay audience. Ms. Kingsolver deconstructs the accountability of reporters. Tina Ultner, a T.V. reporter, insinuates herself into Dellarobia’s life with mother‐bonding talk and kind words. She interviews Dellarobia, twists her words, and betrays her trust. In a confrontation between Byron and Tina, he accuses Tina of failing to report the facts, providing sponsor‐friendly, pre‐scripted “news.” He remarks, “What you are doing is unconscionable. You’re allowing the public to be duped by a bunch of liars.” It reminds me of the fluff piece a local newspaper ran about helping the monarchs by landscaping with milkweed. The article diminished the scope of the problems to non‐existence. This novel speaks to more than lofty concept. Ms. Kingsolver grasps a simple, yet essential problem with global concerns. Day‐to‐day survival, putting clothes on our children’s backs and feeding them, are necessities, ever present, imbued with a sense of urgency. Meeting basic needs creates an obstacle to understanding that the death of a species may result from the ‘necessary’ things we do today. She haunts the reader through Josefina, the daughter of the immigrants who enlightened Dellarobia. Josefina believes the butterflies represent the
souls of dead children, a belief that portends what could be ahead for our children and grandchildren. In a masterful use of irony, Leighton Akins serves as a reminder to the reader of the unintentional failure to take ownership of environmental responsibility. Akins visits the Turnbow mountain and hands out flyers imprinted with a Sustainability Pledge. It recommends behavioral changes to decrease individual carbon footprints. In her financial plight and isolated, rural milieu, Dellarobia has no choice but to comply with most of the items. Akins, simply by traveling to the mountain for his cause, violates more than one. The novel ends as dynamic ecosystems cope through adaptation and change. Dellarobia leaves the limited world of the farm to provide better opportunities for her children and to secure a better future for herself. And like Dellarobia, the monarchs survive a late snowstorm in spring and move on in a new flight pattern with an uncertain outcome. This occurs in an atmosphere where rising waters create an unusual spring flood, perhaps foreshadowing of a tenuous future for the monarch butterflies and the human species.
Cynthia Stock is a novelist, freelance writer, and Registered Nurse from Garland, Texas.
54 | BLOG SPEAK
Love is Food for the Soul I grew up thinking Food is Love and found that Love was the Food for my Soul.
Who do you want to be? So this morning I was able to catch up on my Super Soul Sunday. I missed Dr. Robin yesterday and wanted to be able to give it my full attention. So I watched the interview today. So far I have a Question: Who do you want to be? In hindsight I always thought that I was at my best when I was newly widowed, taking care of myself, and my son, by myself. Living a "good" life, I was happy. I enjoyed the having dinner every night with my son; I so enjoyed Sunday afternoons with my Mom. I didn't have a dime. I was working 30 hours a week, just barely getting the bills paid, but I was happy. I remember taking a ride to the beach and just sitting there. I felt so blessed. It was March and there I was sitting on a beach at 7pm, it was still light and not freezing. I was Happy. I felt I was "doing it". Now by other people's standards I was a "Poor Widow" who couldn't work full time because she needed to be in town and on time to have dinner with her son every night. Had to be the constant. Had a car that was borrowed. Didn't know if she'd make the rent every month....Poor Girl. But I didn't feel that way. So my question is: Who do you want to be? Do you want to be happy for what makes YOU happy? Or do you want to be "Happy" with what "Others" say you should be Happy with? Life is all about Perception, but the only perception that makes any difference is truly yours! You are the star of Your life, but only a secondary character in the rest. Laurie Alves is a gourmet cook, nurse, blogger whose mission is to… Inspire People to Love Cooking and Each other!
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Sunday, May 13, 2012
ranting and raving
If you are my friend you have undoubtedly heard me rant about partially‐hydrogenated oils, chemicals, and other questionable ingredients present in too many grocery store items. So it was with some disgust but a growling tummy, on the evening ending a very busy day, that I popped this frozen dinner into the oven. I try to boost the flavor and the nutritional value of such frozen entrees by adding ingredients or at least spices and herbs. This night I tried to assuage my self‐disgust as well. Knowing I would be a lucky girl if there was more than an ounce of angel hair to be found in the small plastic carton, I put a pot of water on to boil then dropped some pasta; one with texture to it, coming straight from Italy. If you are my friend you have undoubtedly heard me go on about the importance of cooking pasta al dente, not only because it tastes so much better but because it is healthier, having a lower glycemic index rating, meaning a better insulin response. When the frozen dish was hot and bubbly, I tossed it together with my al dente angel hair and turned it out into a bowl. Look; what a difference! Al dente strands stayed firm, even nesting together while the packaged ones, slimy and bloated from overcooking, slid to one side where I let them remain. I can't say I'll not have another frozen dinner now and then when busy and hungry collide, but I can say, with certainty, that I'll continue my ranting against bad food. If you are my friend you have undoubtedly guessed this though, haven't you?
My name is Becca. I live in Dallas but I left my heart in Florence, Italy. I'd like to thank you for reading.www.from3906.blogspot.com
56 | MEDICAL MATTERS
Much Needed Help with RX Costs By Maye Knighten
How many elderly adults forgo prescription drugs because of cost? All too often I hear, “Maye, I just can’t afford all my medications so I had to leave a few at the pharmacy.” or “To make my medications last, I take them every other day or I cut them in half.” Such practice can lead to adverse health outcomes including increased emergency room visits, hospital, and nursing home admissions. Almost 90% of elderly adults (65 or older) take prescriptions with an average of 5 drugs per day. Even on a Medicare Part D plan, the cost per prescription (brand name) can be $30 per refill (or more) after the enrollee has met their annual deductible. This amount may not seem like much to us working adults, however, for an individual on a fixed income, $150+ can be 1/4 of their Social Security check. This has become a hot issue due to the economy, ongoing changes in Medicare, and the fear of ObamaCare. As mentioned earlier, seniors are taking it upon themselves to cut their medications in half, skip doses and even participate in the unsafe practice of sharing medications with their friends or family (which, as most know, is extremely dangerous)! Seniors can feel threatened, embarrassed or uneducated about the topic of medications. They may not know who to direct their questions to or even what questions to ask. Here are a few resources and questions that can be helpful: 1. Ask your doctor for help: Doctors often have free samples, coupons or direct contact with the Pharmaceutical companies to get your brand‐name medications free or at generic cost. 2. Ask your pharmacy for help: I get a lot of referrals directly from the pharmacy. They are definitely in‐the‐know as to what Medicare Part D plans would fit your needs. As well, the pharmacist may be able to suggest an alternative drug at a lower cost. 3. Dosage: Ask your doctor if you can take a higher dose of your medication once a day vs. a lower dose twice a day. Less pills means less cost for you! This MUST be approved by your doctor. You can ask your doctor if it’s ok to buy higher‐dose pills and split them in half. Your pharmacy will split the pills for you. 4. Consider Generics: They can cost 25‐80% less then brand name. If there aren’t any generic drugs for a particular medication, then ask your doctor about a less‐expensive alternative. 5. Opt for online or mail order: It can be cheaper. Lots of plans give you a significant 90‐day mail order discount.
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6. Choose your Medicare Part D Plan with great care: Contact: 1‐800‐MEDICARE for more information. Unfortunately, there is no way around the dreaded Donut Hole/Coverage Gap unless you are a veteran and get your medications from the VA, have private group coverage, or are enrolled in the state pharmaceutical assistance program (LIS) which we will now discuss. There is state assistance for those with limited income/resources. This is the best kept secret! Only about 13% of those who qualify are aware of the state pharmaceutical assistance program called LIS — Low Income Subsidy. Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Those with limited resources and income may also be able to get Extra Help to pay for the costs (monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co‐payments) as it relates to a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. Many people qualify for these big savings and don’t even know it. To qualify for Extra Help: You must reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia; Resources must be limited to $13,070 for an individual or $26,120 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your home, car, and any life insurance policy as resources; and Income must be limited to $16,755 for an individual or $22,695 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get help. Three ways to apply: 1. Online: socialsecurity.gov/extra help 2. Phone: 1‐800‐772‐1213 3. Visit your local Social Security office. This can be a time‐consuming application process … but extremely rewarding! If you think you qualify, apply. It’s Your Health! Your Wellbeing! Participate!
Maye Knighten is a licensed agent who works closely in the Senior market. She conducts seminars to educate them on Medicare/Medicaid and assist them with their insurance options. Mayek45@yahoo.com
58 | MEDICAL MATTERS
The Unpredictability and Unseen Risks of Genetically‐Modified Organisms By Carla McMahon GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are any living thing that has had its genetic material altered in some way through human, scientific manipulation. GMOs undergo a form of gene therapy under lab conditions whereby segments of DNA are spliced, rearranged or removed altogether. You may have been eating genetically‐modified food for years and not even know it! The term GMO does NOT refer to “selective breeding” ‐‐ such as when certain crops are selectively bred by gardeners/farmers over time to withstand heat (for instance) or the process by which different dog breeds were developed over time by breeders. From cereal and crackers to baking mixes, veggie burgers, and even milk and cheese, GMOs have infiltrated our grocery aisles largely without much study into their long‐term health effects on our bodies. In the United States, much of the corn and soybeans produced (especially those to be fed to livestock or to provide filler material in processed foods at the supermarket) contain some portion of genetically‐modified material. However, The Environmental Working Group conservatively estimates that each American consumes about 190 pounds of GMO foods every year in the absence/lack of research. These potential health impacts have consumers worried, angry and organizing against GMOs. Allergies Allergies are typically brought on by proteins. Nearly every transfer of genetic material, from one host to another, results in the creation of novel proteins. Genetic engineering can increase the levels of a naturally‐occurring allergen already present in a food or insert allergenic properties into a food that did not previously contain them. It can also result in brand‐new allergens we’ve never known before. And, this is the primary health concern over genetically‐modified technology in our food supply. Antibiotic Resistance Genetic engineers rely heavily on antibiotics to guide experiments. Not all host cells will take up foreign genes. So, engineers attach a trait for a particular type of antibiotic resistance to the gene they introduce into host cells. This acts as a marker. After they’ve introduced the gene into the cells, they douse all the cells with the antibiotic to see which ones survive. Those that do survive are antibiotic‐resistant, therefore the engineers know they have taken up the foreign gene. The American Medical Association and World Health Organization have spoken out about the need for the use of these antibiotics to be phased out of the process of making GMO foods. This is because
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overuse of antibiotics can potentially cause the development of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens. Some feel these “superbugs” can (and will) negatively affect one’s health. Pesticide Exposure The majority of genetically‐modified crops in cultivation are engineered to contain a gene for pesticide resistance. Most are “Roundup Ready”, meaning they can be sprayed with Monsanto’s glyphosphate herbicide, Roundup, without being harmed. The idea is that if the crop itself is immune to Roundup, you can spray it to kill any weeds endangering the plant without worrying about harming your crop. It is the same principal as killing weeds in your yard without killing the grass. Sounds like a good idea? But, only if increased human exposure to pesticides is a good idea. Glyphosphates have been linked to numerous health problems in animal studies ‐‐ among them birth defects, reproductive damage, cancer and endocrine function disruption. Consumer groups are becoming more aware of these studies and the possible effects they can produce in humans. Unpredictability and the Unknown Concerned scientists have been outspoken about the risks associated with genetic modifications because foreign genetic material in a host can cause other genetic material in that host to behave erratically. Genes can be suppressed or overexpressed, causing a wide variety of results ‐‐ like cancer which is a case of overexpression. Nutritional problems can also result from the transfer. Genetically‐modified crops have been linked to health problems as diverse as reproductive damage, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. The United States regulatory system is set up to deal with problems occurring with genetically‐modified foods only AFTER they occur. DNA is complex. Not all is understood about the potential complex‐ interactions. And, the potential hazards are difficult to predict or identify immediately. But what if, instead, we invoked a precautionary principle ‐‐ an international agreement that calls for intelligent caution when it comes to new science and technologies? Many would like to see that happen. Luckily, by taking action against genetically‐modified foods, you can protect yourself and your family. Support farms that refuse to grow GMO foods. Choose organic foods whenever possible. And, insist that lawmakers force agriculture companies to label GMOs. This is our right and we must be outspoken about our food’s (and our health) protection.
Carla McMahon is a homemaker and freelance writer of interests for women. She lives with her family in North Carolina.
60 | MEDICAL MATTERS
Early Summer Skincare – How to Get Winter‐White Skin Safely Ready for Summer Sun By Liz Inskip‐Paulk, M.A.
Despite wintry weather across the country, there is no denying that summer is on the way. Is your skin ready for the Texas sun? After all the research on skin cancer and its relation to sun exposure, it may seem that it would be healthiest for your baby boomer skin to stay indoors. But who’s going to do that all summer long?
lotion that is noncomedogenic will not block your pores. A broad‐spectrum cream will help to protect you from both Ultraviolet A (which tans and ages skin) and Ultraviolet B (the one that causes sunburn). One of the biggest downfalls to sunscreen is that people may misapply it. Most of the time, It takes more than randomly slapping some lotion on your bare legs at breakfast. It helps to slow down and pay attention to the application process. I think most people have experienced “missing a patch” and then finding an uncomfortable area of sunburn later. Being mindful of application can help to prevent this. So – be liberal with the lotion – experts recommend two to three tablespoons of lotion on your body (or spray as much as can be rubbed in). It’s important to reapply it every two hours throughout the day especially if you’re swimming or in a windy environment. (Wind evaporates your sweat and tricks you into thinking you’re not really burning.) Sensitive skin may need more frequent applications.
Here are some reminder tips to help you prepare your skin for the lengthy summer ahead: Always, always, always wear SPF 30 lotion on exposed skin. (Not just your face, but also the backs of your hands, your arms, top of your feet and anywhere else that gets regular exposure to the sun.) This is one of the most effective and easiest ways to protect your skin, and yet so many of us forget to do this. To make this easier, check that your everyday facial lotion has an SPF of at least 30. (No need to spend extra on ultra‐high SPF as there is little benefit and usually higher prices for the higher numbers.) If you’re concerned about break‐outs, then look for a non‐oily lotion that is light (so you don’t drag your skin when you apply it). Additionally,
Here’s to a happy summer for both you and your skin. Liz Inskip‐Paulk has worked in public health for more than 12 years and in related public relations for more than 10 years. She has a Master's degree in English from Texas Tech University, and although she was born and raised in England, she now says the Texas ‘y'all’ on occasion while she drinks her cup of tea. She can be reached at Lizipaulk@hotmail.com
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Four Signs You Need a Caregiver‐ Part I Role Reversal By Claire Maestri
How do you know when it is time to acquire help when caring for a loved one? Here are some questions to consider:
Have you recently found yourself making decisions for your parent that he/she has made for herself in the past?
Has he/she had trouble with maintaining a calendar or making appointments?
Are you assisting with hygiene issues or having to remind them to change clothes?
Has your loved one forgotten to take medication or taken medication incorrectly in the last month?
Are you concerned about him/her continuing to live alone?
Can he/she appropriately evacuate the home in the event of a fire?
Would he/she know what to do if there was a detected gas leak?
Could he/she even smell the gas leak?
Would he/she be able to hear the emergency warning sirens?
Would he/she be able to safely protect themselves in the event of a tornado or flood? Could he/she live alone for 3 days if you could not get to them?
Would there be enough food in the house?
Can he/she open non‐perishable food that is available?
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All of these are questions that come up when looking at an older person’s living situation. Ensuring that they are ‘okay’ today is not enough. So often, we get caught up in the emotional stresses of caring for an aged loved one that the practical side tends to fade into the background. If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you should seriously consider having a professional come in and provide you with support.
This might mean that you need someone on a regular basis or a consultant to come in and assess the environment for emergency needs. Either way, there are wonderful resources available to you.
Claire Maestri is a freelance writer of senior topics and an expert in helping families find quality senior care options. She lives with her family in Dallas, TX.www.mbfagency.com
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Four Signs You Need a Caregiver‐ Part II When Siblings Don’t Agree By Claire Maestri
How often do you remember arguing with your siblings over whether the ball landed in or out of the line? Who usually won the argument? Did the same person always give in? Now that you are older, do you find yourself in constant disagreement with the way your mother’s care should be handled? Remember, you and your siblings are working for the same goal. You all want what is best for your loved one. What I see most often are siblings arguing over what ‘they’ think is best for their loved one. This then becomes a battle about who is ‘right’ and not what their mother really needs. This is where it is best to bring in a professional who can open lines of communication and help everyone be on the same page. This will help determine what your mom (or dad) really wants and how to navigate any limitations of finance, religion, culture, family or community support.
This might seem like the time when you all want to figure this out on your own. However, the longer you wait, the closer and closer you are getting to being forced to make these decisions in a crisis. Talk to your loved ones. Listen to how he/she wants their care managed. It is not about who is right or wrong or ‘wins’, it is about your mom getting what she needs!
Claire Maestri is a freelance writer of senior topics and an expert in helping families find quality senior care options. She lives with her family in Dallas, TX.www.mbfagency.com