2013 January | February / Boomer Buzz Texas Magazine

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Texas Bird Watching Is Exceptional BBQ… Nick Lacy’s Way Simple Steps for Heart Health

boomers... living life to the fullest JAN | FEB 2013 | boomerbuzzmagazine.com

     

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04 | CONTENTS

s a x e T

January | February

IN THIS ISSUE

Meet BBQ King, Nick Lacy!

By Jillian Jacks

PUBLISHER’S LETTER 07 Inaugural Issue

Most chefs or barbecue smokers will tell you it's a triple play… the meat you choose, the easoning/basting combination and the wood it's cooked over. And of course each has heir own “secret” recipe or ingredient that makes theirs hands down the best you will ver put in your mouth!

FEATURE 08 BBQ King, Boomer of Year

IN THE NEWS 14 Superfoods, Flu, Medicare, Best Countries

had a chance recently to enjoy barbecue, pulled pork to be exact, that was truly some the best I have ever had anywhere. It was cooked at the hands of Nick Lacy of Holy ow Smokers in Dallas, Texas. He volunteered to treat patrons at an Oskar Blues Beer asting, BBQ & Blues event at The Alcove Wine, Beer & Espresso Bar in the Uptown allas. What a night!

HEALTHY LIFE 16 Simple Heart Health, Door Closes, Change the World THE ARTS 26 Art of Art, Inspired Painting, Dallas Honored

Where do you go for the most original, authentic and flavorful barbecue in the country? er Nick, Texas of course! However, this is a big nation and it appears the answer is…it epends on where you live and what you grew up eating.

TEXAS STYLE 31 Bird in Hand, Passion for Color, Spring Fashions

Whether it is Tennessee, Carolina, Kansas or Texas, each state has its own history and efinition of barbecue and it is quite understandable that each claims title to the “best in the nd”. And each rightfully so! But, let's look at where most people think of barbecue:

BOOM VOYAGE 38 Texas Bird Watching, Vacation Decisions BOOMER BUZZ 42 Bottom Line, Pump Tips, Google Invests, Boomer Writers SENIOR SENSE 52 Plan Ahead, Talking to Seniors

ON THE COVER Jhil & Jim Wilkins of Plano, Texas enjoy a healthy glass of red wine at The Alcove Wine, Beer & Espresso Bar in Dallas.

469.237.7084 | info@boomerbuzzmagazine.com boomers... living life to the fullest

“Exceptional Senior Care Services” www.mbfseniorcare.com Services:

Exceptional Personal Senior Care plus…

Maintenance of Social Calendar Electronic Correspondence Exquisite Light Meal Preparation Family/Senior Coaching Home Revitalization Security to Reduce Vulnerability MBF’s Signature Sweet Treats

All in the Comfort of Home

With Standards for Success

And vision for the Future

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Mom’s Best Friend/MBF Agency of Dallas/Ft. Worth 2125 N. Josey Lane, Suite 100 Dallas, Texas 75006 (972) 466-0500 Licensed by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services

06 | MASTHEAD

PUBLISHER Robin Roberson

EDITOR-IN-CHEIF Micki Sanders

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Linda Moncrief

ADVERTISING SALES Teresa Otten

CREATIVE DESIGN Drew Prescott

WEBSITE DESIGN

Houston Brown/Split Light Designs

Creative Contributors Cover / Jim Holcomb Becca Menig J. Michael Brown, Brown Lane Studios

Contributing Writers Christina Castle Christopher Cyriaque John Ebey Preston Holliday Jillian Jacks DeeDee Lowder Carla McMahon Claire Maestri

Becca Menig Mary Millholland Jet Parker Peggy Emerton-Schilling Scott Schilling Lindsey Townsend Nick Trout

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REGISTRATION ON OR USE OF THE MAGAZINE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF BOOMER BUZZ MAGAZINE’S USER AGREEMENT AND PRIVACY POLICY. THE MATERIALS ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM BOOMER BUZZ MAGAZINE

boomers... living life to the fullest

PUBLISHER’S LETTER | 07

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Welcome all Texas Baby Boomers; those of you born between 1946 and 1964. We Boomers are the generation of change; redefining traditional values and remodeling the world, our way. On New Year’s Day 2011, the first Boomers turned 65, the age historically linked to retirement, Early Bird Specials and rocking chairs. With an average of 10,000 people crossing that threshold each day for the next nineteen years, Baby Boomers will continue to redefine life and the inevitable changes that are still to come, with youthful exuberance. boomerbuzztexasmagazine.com is here for and about you, our Texas readers. In the inaugural issue, our mission is to help you navigate through information, options, and ultimately decisions. We will bring you engaging, insightful features on topics you find interesting and important. The magazine will combine tradition with multimedia, in a flipbook, digital reader format which you can enjoy at your convenience.

Monthly features include In the News, Healthy Life, The Arts and Texas Style. Boom Voyage, Senior Sense and Resources will provide just what their names imply. And on a lighter side, you can be entertained and inspired by Boomer Buzz. boomerbuzztexasmagazine.com offers something for everyone!

I want to extend heartfelt appreciation to my friend and original business partner, Bill Freda. We are linked not only by the same birth date but by this same vision of a grand magazine; just for you, the Baby Boomer. Thanks Bill! And additional gratitude to our new partner, Dan Spencer, who believes in our mission enough to have become a partner as we expand with new state issues, an expended informational website and much more that will follow.

It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I present this premier issue of our first state magazine, boomerbuzztexasmagazine.com. We’ll be reading, learning and changing together in the pages to come. I hope you enjoy them and I look forward to hearing from you.

08 | FEATURE bbq kING nICK lACY

Meet BBQ King, Nick Lacy!

By Jillian Jacks

Most chefs or barbecue smokers will tell you it's a triple play… the meat you choose, the seasoning/basting combination and the wood it's cooked over. And of course each has their own “secret” recipe or ingredient that makes theirs hands down the best you will ever put in your mouth!

I had a chance recently to enjoy barbecue, pulled pork to be exact, that was truly some of the best I have ever had anywhere. It was cooked at the hands of Nick Lacy of Holy Cow Smokers in Dallas, Texas. He volunteered to treat patrons at an Oskar Blues Beer Tasting, BBQ & Blues event at The Alcove Wine, Beer & Espresso Bar in the Uptown Dallas. What a night!

Where do you go for the most original, authentic and flavorful barbecue in the country?

Per Nick, Texas of course! However, this is a big nation and it appears the answer is…it depends on where you live and what you grew up eating.

Whether it is Tennessee, Carolina, Kansas or Texas, each state has its own history and definition of barbecue and it is quite understandable that each claims title to the “best in the land”. And each rightfully so! But, let's look at where most people think of barbecue:

FEATURE bbq kING nICK lACY | 09

the South. Here, smoking woods are the more traditional and hickory, mesquite, pecan and oak are key choices for flavoring the meat strongly.

Memphis, Tennessee barbecue is home to some of the best ribs around. The Carolinas are home to some of the more distinctive barbecue styles and pulled pork is premier with vinegar being a large component in the sauce. Kansas City is known as the world's barbecue capital and the city prides itself on its many different cuts and kinds of meat, from burnt ends to smoked turkey.

But Lacy swears Texas is king!

He explains there are four styles, but the most common are the Central and East varieties.

In the East style, the meat is cooked until it falls off the bone, over hickory. Then it is rubbed with tomato-based sauce. The Central style involves spiced rubs and pecan or oak smoking. Many of these traditions arrived with the German and Czech settlers in the region. Butchers smoked their leftover meats to save them, which they then sold to hardworking locals. Eventually the tradition evolved to what it is today‌moist, flavorful and falling off the bone!

Nick spends many weekends smoking barbecue voluntarily and had a tall tale to tell about how he served hundreds of people in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf. Wanting to do something to help, he loaded up the smoker and his truck and hit the road. Only to learn once in Louisiana that he could not get into New Orleans as intended. He decided to stop for gas in Bogalusa, only to be greeted (well not really greeted since he was an out of town-er) by a 3 mile long line where cars were running out of gas while waiting their turn at the pump and where tensions were leading to fights breaking out.

Since he had gas in the back of his truck, he thought he could help calm those without any, so he made a u-turn to help a car that had run out. Before he got out of his truck to offer aide, another car rammed into him, the driver jumped into the back of his truck, grabbed two 5 gallon tanks of gas and then ran, leaving his own car in the middle of the road.

At this point he was disgruntled and also felt a little out of place, recognizing he might possibly not be in a safe situation. Since he had come to offer assistance to a hurricane ravaged area, he drove around seeking a safe spot where he could cook some great

10 | FEATURE bbq kING nICK lACY

barbecue and bring people together. Not finding a good location, he decided to go back to the gas station. But there were no cars there anymore.

It was a really hot afternoon, humid and over 105 in the shade, so he made a makeshift poster which he propped near the intersection stop sign that read: Free Food & Cold Water and he lit the smoker. A man walked up and asked Nick what he was doing, to which he replied, “Offering aide by cooking.”

The man said nothing and walked away only to come back with a push up tent for shade. Then he started spreading word Nick was a good safe guy! It turns out the stranger was the mayor!

From then on he served many people for two days. He had brought meat from Dallas but by the second day he had only a dozen sausages left and maybe 40 hungry people waiting in line. With a 6pm to 6am curfew leaving to find more was not a real option.

Enter God’s blessings!

A trucker wanting cold water pulled up only to learn they were out of ice, bread and meat. He said give him 15 minutes and he’d be back. And back he came with 3000 sausages, telling Nick that his brother owned a sausage factory and with no electricity it was all spoiling. So now he was back in business but still without bread or ice.

But low and behold, up pulls a Mrs. Baird’s truck offering 1000 loaves of bread. And surprisingly that was followed by two guys giving 100 lbs. of ice. All of this amazingly happened in 15 minutes and made it possible to serve over 6000 more sausage sandwiches. All because a man from Dallas Texas went to help those in need. It really makes you think about the power of one human being paying it back!

But the best part of the whole story was on the last day when a man walked up and asked how much it cost. Nick said it was free and “I am just here for you. I’ll even give you the shirt off my back.” To which the guy said, “I’ll take it.” And he did! The man was shirtless and Nick had more clothes in his truck, but the selfless act of kindness was what the whole trip was about. And he finished his story to me by saying he would gladly do it all over again, only hoping all his friends could be with him!

Nick Lacy gladly shared his favorite recipe with Boomer Buzz Magazine and hopes you will try it and enjoy it as much as he does even though he has cooked it hundreds of times.

FEATURE bbq kING nICK lACY | 11 Lacy’s Holy Cow BBQ

Lone Star Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients: Ten pound brisket Favorite brisket rub/seasoning Kosher Salt One 12 oz.7-up Heavy duty Aluminum foil

Cooking directions: A brisket should be cooked (total time) one hour per pound.

Rub brisket lightly with salt and refrigerate overnight. (This opens the pores of the meat and allows the rub to penetrate the meat.)

Cover brisket generously with the rub.

Cook on smoker at 250 degrees for 5 hours.

16 oz can tomato sauce 1/2 cup (4 oz) beer 1/4 cup (2 oz) apple cider vinegar 2 tbs brown sugar (or turbinado) 1/2 fresh onion - pureed, or 2 tbs onion powder 6 fresh garlic cloves, minced or 1 tbs garlic powder 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce 1 tbs coarse black pepper (preferably fresh ground) 1 tbs paprika

Take brisket off smoker and wrap tightly in foil.

Before closing, pour half a can of 7-up over brisket. Wrap as tight as possible.

1 tsp Tobasco sauce

Smoke an additional five hours.

1 tsp chili powder

Take it off the pit, let it cool for fifteen minutes, slice it, appreciate the

1 tsp dry mustard

smoke ring and enjoy.

1 tsp liquid smoke (this is optional as properly barbecued beef is its own reward!)

1 tsp salt

If cooked properly BBQ sauce is not needed but if you must here is a good recipe.

Combine ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer about 25-30 minutes, then puree in blender to help bring out all of the wonderful flavors.

Jillian Jacks writes on a variety of topics with emphasis on food and entertaining. She lives in Florida where she enjoys year-round entertaining with her family and friends.

12 | FEATURE bOOMER OF THE YEAR

Boomer of the Year 2012 Congratulations Dianne Shaw!

Dianne Shaw, a resident of Rowlett, Texas has been selected Boomer Buzz Magazine’s Boomer of the Year 2012. She epitomizes all the wonderful attributes which exemplify baby boomers everywhere, living life to the fullest.

What impressed us most is Dianne’s philosophy that she has two choices every morning when she wakes up: She can be happy or she cannot be happy. This lady lives by her words and she is happy every day.

Born April 10, 1947 in Dallas, Dianne’s gift for caregiving began as a young child, caring for her. She married Mickey Shaw in in 1966, a Vietnam veteran and for many years Dianne was involved with AnySoldier.com, a voluntary organization with lists of military personnel with whom you can connect, communicate and support. You select who you wish to correspond with and personally take it from there.

President George W. Bush honored Mrs. Shaw with a presidential medal for her contributions to our military and from what we have learned there is no one more deserving of such an esteemed award.

She joined a support group for wives of veterans, which was helpful to her in the beginning, but she stayed on to help other wives of returning husbands/soldiers and recently she’s been very active in the Veterans Resource Center. She rarely goes to the VA for medical services with her husband that she doesn’t bring something for The Resource Center.

She’s been active with Veterans Stand Downs, a national program that sponsors 1 to 3 day events providing services to homeless vets; food, clothing, health screenings, benefits counseling and referral services.

And while doing all of the veteran volunteering, Dianne worked full time for ten years as the activities director at a local (Carrollton) nursing facility and with her husband raised her, Jason, who was born prematurely and profoundly deaf.

She learned sign language and was active in his education. She located the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, enrolled Jason and even drove other children to the program because their parents worked. Shaw went to work as a Special Education aide for half the day in the Deaf-Ed program and later, before retiring, became an Intervener for a deaf-blind student (becomes the eyes and ears for a deaf-blind person, signing in their hand.)

FEATURE Boomer of the Year | 13

As you can see, Mrs. Shaw is a determined, energetic individual who believes in change and doing all you can to facilitate making life better for those who need assistance.

A childhood interest in art helped her to recognize that she needed to do something (stimulating, relaxing) for herself. So one night a week she took a china painting class. “I’ve always liked detail,” Dianne says, like the “Mosaics, intricate lace, and the soft, delicate details in china painting.”

It was every Wednesday when Jason was little. “I can do this,” she began to think. Dianne now thinks anyone can paint if they practice. She studied for 10 years then took a 15 year break before she picked it up again and learned much more the second time around from a German instructor.

It was at that time in her 30s that Dianne decided she would enjoy every moment.

“Every day is a good day when I get up, because I decided it would be.”

She self describes her philosophy as: “It starts with me and it starts with you” or “I help things get started.” Or maybe “Your attitude is everything. Opportunities come every day” or “I’m a good listener and I provide what might be needed.” And she sums it up by saying, “How can I make it better for someone?” And that is obviously how she has lived her life!

Today she’s most involved at a local level. It might be volunteering to be the face painter for her city of Rowlett’s DART opening where she donned a silly chicken hat and had the children lined up for funny faces. She sews Stoma covers for veterans, crochets baby bonnets for Parkland, creates a pair of “pretty” shoes for the 78 year old nursing home patient and makes warm stocking hats for homeless vets. And she spends much time with nieces/nephews who

live nearby.

You can find Mrs. Shaw most mornings at the corner McDonald’s having breakfast with the small group of regulars, always on alert for a good cause, like this month’s financial and material support for a homeless family of 7. Or she can be found sitting with one of the regular’s husband who’s on Hospice, while the wife gets out for a while and does a little grocery shopping.

As Boomer Buzz Texas Magazine reviewed the many wonderful applicants submitted for Boomer of the Year, there was no doubt that Dianne Shaw was living life to the fullest in every way possible and for that reason we are happy and honored to name her Boomer of the Year for 2012. With the heart of a hippie, this baby boomer says she would like to live in an artist commune and her car is even reminiscent of a hippie van painted with flower power.

Dianne Shaw most definitely exemplifies the generation of change that

In the News 14 | IN THE NEWS

SUPERFOODS with HEALTHY BENEFITS

disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death: Get a flu vaccine.

Imagine a “superfood” powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart attack and cancer, and, for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. While they strengthen bones, help prevent chronic diseases, improve your eyesight, and even sharpen your mind, “superfoods”, as they have been tagged, not only have wonderful health benefits, but may also keep you slim or so new evidence suggests. They are nutritional powerhouses which should be packed into your daily diet.And best of all, unlike a drug, there are no side effects.

Top “Superfoods”: Grapefruit, Black Beans, Oats, Avocado, Salmon, Blueberries, Broccoli, Brown Rice, Pears, Oranges, Pumpkin, Turkey, Spinach, Tomatoes and Green or Black Tea. DON’T BE FOOLED…YOU CAN CATCH THE FLU! The dreaded flu season is upon us and if you honestly do not think it will happen to you, think again! The flu typically comes on hard and fast, and anyone who has experienced it will tell you that you do not want it. Understanding what the flu is, symptoms and how to treat it can lessen the severity for you or a family member. For those of us at boomer age or seniors the flu can be serious and precautions should be taken during the season.

The CDC urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from influenza (the flu) because it is a contagious serious

Take steps to prevent spreading germs.

If prescribed by your physician take antiviral flu medications.

By following these simple steps and vaccinating yourself and family, you may reduce the chances of getting the flu and ease the symptoms.

For more tips on care when you or a family member is ill with the flu, please visit the CDC website for detailed information: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm MEDICARE UPDATES Effective each January, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implements new deductibles, coinsurance amounts and fee screens. We have summarized the changes effective with January 2013 dates of service.

2013 Medicare coinsurance & deductible The Department of Health and Human Services announced in the Federal Register Volume 77 No. 225, the daily coinsurance rate for skilled nursing facilities for days 21 through 100 in a benefit period will be $148 per day in 2013.

The Part B deductible amount for 2013 is $147

IN THE NEWS | 15

2013 Therapy Caps The therapy cap exception process has been extended to Dec. 31 2013. For calendar year 2013, the Medicare Part B therapy cap is $1,900 for physical therapy and speech therapy combined and $1,900 for occupational therapy.

BEST COUNTRIES TO RETIRE TO 2013 Planning to retire abroad? Ecuador is the top spot for North American retirees, according to InternationalLiving.com’s newly released Annual Global Retirement Index 2013. “Ecuador is such an overwhelmingly attractive choice for retirees overseas today in part because your dollars really stretch there,” Jennifer Stevens, Executive Director, says to Forbes. “You could live comfortably for $1,600 a month, rent included.

Sunny beaches, temperate mountain villages, college towns where there are plenty of cultural offerings and historic colonial cities are some of the variety of lifestyle options offered in this South American country.

Spot #2 is Panama. This Central American site is committed to attracting foreign retirees and offers the world’s best incentive program to do so, making it convenient and easy to get residence there, “ says Stevens.

The cost of living in Panama is significantly lower and life is easy with a real international community present. Panama City is vibrant and cosmopolitan city with great restaurants, excellent hospitals, banking and commercial businesses.

The 3rd country abroad for retirees is Malaysia, exotic and far away— but it is incredibly affordable and English is widely spoken. You can rent a sea-view apartment in Penang that comes with a pool and gym for $1,000 a month. And keep a small sailboat, eat out five nights a week, have a maid that comes once a week – and do it all for $1,700 a month. Plus, medical healthcare costs less than half of what it does in the U.S. Per Stevens, The most attractive retirement havens aren’t just cheap; they’re welcoming places where you can integrate into the community. “They’re safe. They’re attractive.

They provide the diversions you want, which could be anything from snorkeling to the opera, depending on your interests.”

While living outside the states may not be for everyone, expats in these countries seem to have one commonality: They brought their sense of adventure with them. They went overseas ready to try new things, to be confounded, to be impressed, to be surprised.

Living overseas works best when you’re pulled there and not just pushed. And it does not have to be for life. You can always come back!

16 | Healthy LIFE SIMPLE STEPS TO BETTER HEART HEALTH

Simple Steps to Better Heart Health

By Christina Castle Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day. These conditions are also leading causes of disability preventing people from working and enjoying family activities. Unfortunately, baby boomers are the largest segment of those at risk so doing all you can to be healthier and prevent yourself from having to face the consequences is critically important.

You are at higher risk of heart disease if you are a woman age 55 or older, a man age 45 or older or a person with a family history of early heart disease.

February, American Heart Month, is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and increasing knowledge about prevention. By educating yourself on the dangers of heart disease you can make simple changes to get on track to better heart health.

Steps for Heart Health:

Healthy LIFE SIMPLE STEPS TO BETTER HEART HEALTH | 17

• Watch your weight.

• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

• Get active and eat healthy.

• Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45 or a woman over 55.

• Manage stress.

Cholesterol is a kind of fat in your blood that is naturally formed in your body. It is normal, and essential to certain cell functions. There are three types of fat in your blood; each is unique and affects your body in a different way. And because they are different, each has a different ideal level.

High cholesterol itself isn't painful; in fact, you can't feel it at all.

Even if you have a serious cholesterol problem, you may feel perfectly healthy. Working with your doctor by taking a simple blood test can help you determine if you have high cholesterol.

And if so, the first steps in managing it should be to make changes in your diet and exercise habits.

LDL cholesterol (“bad”) is the major cholesterol carrier in your blood. But when too much LDL cholesterol circulates, it can slowly build up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup, called plaque, can slow blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs.

HDL cholesterol (“good”) is another type of lipid (fat) found in the blood. Unlike bad cholesterol, having higher levels of HDL cholesterol is desirable.

Triglycerides are the third type of fat in the blood. They're made in the liver and also come from foods that you eat. A high triglyceride level combined with low HDL or high LDL is associated with the buildup of fat in the blood. That's one reason why you want your trigs to be lower.

Eating healthier means making a commitment to eating fresh, whole foods. Making a change in your diet and exercise habits is a big commitment. Take note of each day’s progress, feel good about how you feel and proud you are changing to a healthier lifestyle.

Lower Cholesterol Naturally with the following foods:

18 | Healthy LIFE SIMPLE STEPS TO BETTER HEART HEALTH

Oranges Besides being a great source of vitamin C, oranges contain phytosterols (plant sterols), a type of fat found in nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables which block cholesterol from being absorbed by the cells in the intestine sthus lowering cholesterol.

Eating oranges with breakfast, as a snack or dessert is a wonderful way to aide in lowering cholesterol.

Flaxseed Flaxseed contains two substances--soluable fiber and lignon--that block the production of LDL or "bad" cholesterol. These substances also increase the body's ability to get rid of cholesterol.

A great way to include flaxseed to your diet is by adding ground flaxseed to smoothies or oatmeal.

Beans Beans contain a type of fiber that is consumed by good bacteria in the colon which then form fatty acids that move to the liver where they block the production of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol.

Enjoy beans as a side dish to any meal, as or in a soup.

Garlic Garlic is a food with many health benefits, one of which is cholesterol management. It has been found to interfere with the liver's ability to make cholesterol and found to help the cardiovascular system. There is also some evidence that it can even act as an anti-fungal and an antibiotic.

Try it raw, roasted and added to foods or crushed and served on bread as a paste.

Soy Soy protein has been found to boost the effectiveness and amount of LDL receptors in the liver, thus its ability to rid the blood of cholesterol. It’s secret? Phytoestrogens, a group of naturally occurring non-steroidal plant compounds.

Healthy LIFE SIMPLE STEPS TO BETTER HEART HEALTH | 19

Try using soy milk on your cereal, eating soy nuts instead of regular nuts, or ordering soy instead of creamer or milk at your favorite coffee shop.

Apples Apples are full of powerful antioxidants that help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries. But to get the most cholesterol benefits from an apple, don't peel it. The highest concentrations of beneficial polyphenols are found in the skin and outer flesh.

There’s nothing better than biting into a fresh juicy apple and there are so many varieties to choose from: Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Jonathan, McIntosh to name a few.

Almonds Almonds are rich in flavonoids and vitamin E that fight cholesterol:. These antioxidants stop bad cholesterol from oxidizing in the body, which helps reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

To get the most benefit, stick to raw (not roasted) almonds that are either unsalted or salted with sea salt. Slivered raw almonds on a salad are a good way to include these nuts in your diet.

Cauliflower Cauliflower, like oranges, is one of the many foods that is rich in plant sterols which will help keep cholesterol numbers down by blocking their absorption in the intestines.

Roast, steam or bake cauliflower as a side dish or enjoy it as a raw vegetable.

Christina Castle is a freelance writer who lives in Dallas, TX.

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year.

Give the women you care about the power to save their lives at GoRedForWomen.org .

Š2010, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund.

TM Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of DHHS

Healthy LIFE wHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES... bE grateful! | 21 AT HOME Winter, The Season for Indoor Seed Sprouting | 21

When One Door Closes…Be Grateful!

By Scott Schilling

Have you ever heard the old saying, “When one door closes…a window opens”? Somebody said it the other day and it got me thinking completely different about the statement than ever before. For whatever reason, when I heard it this time my response was, “When one door closes…Be Grateful!”

It actually kind of stopped me in my tracks. Think about it…as boomers, we’ve had a lot of doors closed throughout our lives…in fact, some weren’t just closed…many were slammed shut!

I went back to a couple old evidence journals (these are journals used to document events that provide proof that “stuff happens”). It was really interesting to look at just how many doors have closed along the way. Yes, interesting and quite frankly, quite fortunate! While there are many to choose from, let me share just a few.

One of my first big heartbreaks came as a function of working to figure out where I was going to attend college. Being a five sport high school athlete…and growing up in Milwaukee, WI during the glory years of the Green Bay Packers…it was always my dream to play football (and attend) the University of Wisconsin in Madison. It had to happen, after all, our high school football uniforms and the “W” on our helmets for Wauwatosa East were the exact same as the mighty Badgers.

There was only one slight problem, the Wisconsin Football Coach at the time, John Jardine told me I wasn’t good enough to play in the Big 10. SLAM…Ouch…that’ll leave a mark!

While on a recruiting trip to Drake University in Des Moines, the University of Iowa coaches called and asked me to stop by Iowa City on the

22 | Healthy Balance wHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES... bE grateful!

way back home. While Drake was great…the Iowa campus (another Big 10 school by the way) and people were fabulous.

Needless to say, I accepted Iowa’s offer, became a starter as a sophomore, played for legendary football coach Hayden Fry, met some of the nicest people in the world, and to this day believe everyone should be required to live in Iowa for a period of their lives to truly understand how amazing life can be.

By the way…Coach Jardine was fired at Wisconsin after my freshman year…who knows what would have happened under a new coaching staff. Fortunately, I played for and learned from one of the greatest coaches and men of all time in Coach Hayden Fry…’nough said!

Fast forward a number of years. I started my own distribution company and while we were making progress…we seemed to be creating expenses faster than business. We were headed in the right direction but it was going to take far more resources than I had available.

One day, through a game of golf with a friend, I met a gentleman that took a genuine interest in the company, me and my success. So much so that we came down to within days of finalizing a funding arrangement that would have put $3,000,000 working capital into my company. Awesome…we’re on our way! Or so we thought.

We could never seem to get the deal closed. The clock was running…money was running out…something has to happen…and quick. It did, I had to merge my company with another ongoing company and take over a far reduced role. We worked diligently to grow that organization. To this day, I am still the seventh largest shareholder.

Oh…the guy that was going to invest in my company…is still in the Federal Big-House out east for a number really nasty financial schemes. At the time it was devastating. Looking back, it actually took me in a direction that created lifelong relationships, solid business opportunities and a training ground for what I do today.

Does everything have to be to that magnitude…of course not! Take today for example. I arrived at DFW getting ready to board a flight for a week long training I’ll be part of delivering. By choice, I don’t travel nearly as much today as I used to when I was Executive Platinum with American Airlines…for the last 6 years. Because of those past years of way too much travel (by the way, anyone that really thinks its “all that” to be EP…doesn’t travel for a living!), I am now Platinum for Life (keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

Not knowing the rules exactly but feeling I would probably have to buy upgrade coupons, I bought enough upgrades coupons for this trip. As I went to check in and asked to be put on the upgrade list, I was informed that I could not be put on the list because I didn’t have any coupons in my account.

Yes I do, I insisted politely. The ticket agent was very pleasant and said, “Well if you do, I can’t see ‘em…and if I can’t see ‘em, I can’t access them…so I can’t put you on the list.” There were people lining up…and it really wasn’t that long of flight or big of deal anyway so I thanked her and went through

boomers... living life to the fullest

Healthy Balance wHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES... bE grateful! | 23

security.

As I came up the gate agent, we received word that we would be delayed a few minutes. With no one around them I thought I’d see if maybe they could find my missing coupons. Instead, I received another pleasant surprise. He said, “Coach is way oversold. We actually need your coach seat so please accept this upgrade.” I said, “So you found my coupons?” His reply, “Nope…this one’s on us!” Because that “computer door” was shut, American rewarded my past travel without my expense…awesome, Thank You kind sirs!

The idea of sharing these stories is simple…we all have benefitted more times than we remember by having a door slammed firmly in our faces. Oh sure…it doesn’t necessarily feel good or isn’t always readily understandable at the time. But ultimately, it has been put there to serve you in the long run.

What were some of the doors for you? Was it when Mr. Right may have actually turned out to be Mr. Wrong? And what made him so wrong was part of his relationship…with someone else.

Could it have been when you missed making the team? Worked out pretty well for Michael Jordan!

How about a divorce? While I wouldn’t wish it on anyone…many a great relationship has come out of learning what to do, how to act and what marriage is truly about the next go round.

What about a job layoff? How many people are living their passion today after being laid off from a job they hated every minute of every day?

Garth Brooks immortalized this in his hit song “Unanswered Prayers”. The verse went like this: “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers - Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care – Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers!”

So what am I saying? Is life perfect? Ya right!

Life is Life! There are ups, there are downs and there is everything in between. It is an adventure…it is a journey…and it is an opportunity to experience all you desire and serve others doing it. Living life to your fullest is a choice. And as we boomers get a little…more mature…that becomes more evident almost daily.

Think back…give thanks… welcome new opportunities…be grateful…and celebrate your life!

Scott Schilling is a Business Growth Expert who 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

24 | Healthy Balance CHANGING THE WORLD MEMNOSYNE INSTITUE

Changing the World as We Know It… The Memnosyne Institute

resources, and if, as a global people, we do not learn to collaborate respectfully with the exchange of information, ideas and open dialogue we will implode as humanity.

What would life be like if people of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds around the world came together for a deeper understanding of peace and conscious encouragement of positive global collaboration in critical areas of knowledge? The Memnosyne Institute has a unique concept addressing the idea that interrelationships between the world, the human beings, the environment, the economy, even peace itself, are interwoven and what happens on one side of the world affects what happens on the other side.

The mission of the Memnosyne Institute is to help the diverse people of the world to deliberately advocate an evolution for themselves and for future generations by providing mankind with the means to embrace a global world, to forge alliances between people of all races and cultures and to peacefully seek understanding of other’s value; to give humans the opportunity to empower themselves, to be resourceful in identifying with world social issues and developing cognizant cultural creativity and an understanding of the need for change in the world today.

Founded by Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk and Joshua Frenk, The Memnosyne Institute’s vision and philosophy is that “the sky is the limit” if we learn to embrace each other’s intelligence, cultures, sciences, arts and learn to be fascinated by each other. If we perpetuate a state of “awe and respect” for what we could accomplish as a collaborative people, one world, so to speak, then we can truly make a difference in life as we know it today, not only for ourselves but for generations to come.

Wouldn’t sharing information between countries strong in science with those rich in art or others with a higher understanding for economics and math be amazing? What could we accomplish as one people forging a united world? How far could we grow and expand man’s humanity to man? What could we learn about each other, our beliefs and traditions?

Find out with the Memnosyne Institute.

It was created because the world is facing globalization, the processes that promote world-wide exchanges of national and cultural

Memnosyne Institute & The Center for Collaboration & Dialogue

c u

Texas Mawlid Celebration Saturday, February 9, 2013 Opening Reception: 6:00pm Keynote Address: 7:00pm

By Renowned Speaker: Prof. Dr. John L. Esposito Prophet Mohammed & Social Justice In Islam

IILM Center

2101 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75075

t

Know Thyself

A Seminar of Self Exploration Have you ever wanted to know why you made a specific decision or responded to a situation in a certain way? If so, come join other women who are also interested in fulfilling this responsibility to themselves.

The journey starts with first understanding that many of the decisions women make are unconscious to them. As you become conscious of the choices you make, you get to become a more active participant in the decision-making process. Unless you take the time to explore your life, you may find yourself repeating the same themes or patterns again and again, wondering why you remain in the same place.

"My experience with Dr. Christian was more than I expected. The story, and the symbolism behind it, allowed me to explore life experiences that have challenged me or caused me to lose sight of my goals, values, and who I am as a person, wife, mother, friend, sister and daughter. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to embark on a powerful 'journey' and true awakening of the soul." - Group Member

Date: January 27, 2013 Time: 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Location: The Spa at Willow Bend 6101 Chapel Hill Blvd #102, Plano, Texas Cost: $95.00 Registration: RSVP by January 21, 2013. Space is limited.

Please call 972.741.8387 Presenters

Rozan Christian is a licensed professional counselor with a doctoral degree in counseling from the University of North Texas. She also holds a master's degree in education from Southern Methodist University. Maintaining a private practice in Dallas which focuses on life transitions, she draws from the research that she has conducted related to life-changing events. She integrates the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects in the therapeutic process; assisting clients in understanding the patterns that have influenced their lives. These patterns become the basis of each client's life story, and by understanding them, Rozan helps her clients create new ones that are more life- generative.

Carol Brickell is a human resources professional and an award-winning children’s book author. She has served as a manager of leadership development for a global IT company and was responsible for the design and delivery of an educational program to improve leadership and coaching skills. She is currently serving as a recruiting manager, where every day she meets new people, learns about their talents, and matches them with job opportunities. Her children’s book Cinco the Clinic Cat is based on her experiences working once a year at a clinic in Honduras. All profits from book sales go to clinics with a need in Latin America. Carol enjoys doing book readings for children and inspirational speeches for adults based on the story behind the book. In addition, Carol has won numerous awards at Toastmasters for impromptu and prepared speech.

www.rosanchristian.com

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972.741.8387

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rozan@rozanchristian.com

26 | THE ARTS tHE aRT OF ART

The Art of Art

By DeeDee Lowder

Art galleries around the state of Texas offer a variety of art including: contemporary and traditional art, fine art, prints, paintings, fine art photography, glass art, sculpture, Native American art and other types of visual art. If you're interested in fine art, collecting, buying or selling art, or just interested in viewing, visit any of the galleries profiled here or one in your city.

New York’s The Project, gallery partner Jenny Liu, states that artists tend to fall into two arenas: “creative originators who are inspired to make original and authentic sculpture/painting/drawing” and those who consider themselves “art producers along more intellectual lines.” I tend to agree and feel that art lovers also fall into two categories: those only interested in acquiring what they have been told is quality art (of any medium) and those who are intrigued and buy based on what visually appeals to them.

You will find the art offered through the galleries showcased below is unique in conception and well executed. Most gallery owners would note that they are drawn to artists with a unwavering dedication, perseverance, self- awareness, clear intention and the passion and drive to make art for themselves and no one else

Alan Simmons Art + Design opened in December, 2012 in Dallas' Design District boasting commercial and fine art items. The gallery offers

paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and prints, among others with a debut exhibition featuring New Pointillism paintings by artist and “Dallas" TV show actor Kevin Page, and sculptural works by ceramicist Gregory

Style Watch THEWinter ARTS tHE Hot aRT Fashions OF ART | 27

Miller, sculptor Bruce McQuiston, and glass blower David Thai.

1122 Jackson Street, Suite 504 Dallas, Tx 75202 | 214.944.5459 | www.alansimmons.net

Gallerie Noir, Dragon Street’s newest showroom of contemporary art, furnishings and accessories, has experienced anticipatory buzz for some time. Curated by interior designer Melissa Enriquez, this gallery will co-mingle modern design with historical elements and art. Opening exhibits by artists include Drew Merritt, Paul Chojnowski, Leonard Volk, Joel Bermano and Tatiana Gerusova.

1525 Dragon Street, Dallas, Texas 75207 | 310.344.4878 | www.gallerienoir.com

Earth Angel Gallery has a great new location and now adds a new, eclectic gallery for local artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Suddenly art in Austin is more affordable! The gallery does not take a commission so the artists keep 100% of their profits. Previously known for extraordinary mineral, crystal and fossil finds, as well as metaphysical events, you will now find jewelry, textile, ceramic, metal, glass, crystal, and fine art, year-round, in the comfort of this community gallery.

4103 N. IH-35, Austin, TX | 512.577.3242 | www.earthangelgallery.com

Bisong Art Gallery specializes in providing collectors, consultants, art lovers, interior designers and corporations the opportunity to view and purchase original artwork at affordable prices. Their philosophy is to listen and educate buyers so they can make an informed decision on art they are purchasing. They make it a priority to build solid relationships with the artists so they convey the message and essence of each piece.

1305 Sterrett St., Houston,TX 77002 | 713. 498.3015 | www.bisonggallery.com

DeeDee Lowder is a freelance writer, mother and entrepreneur who now lives in Atlanta. GA.

It's wonderful when you can bring sparkle into people's lives without fading away from your own true color.

Keep the hue in you. ~Dodinsky Painting By Ron Maddox, Dallas, Texas

THE ARTS DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT | 29

Congratulations Dallas Arts District!!

Making the Cut! Dallas Arts District Named One of the Top 12 by ArtPlace America!!

In ArtPlace America…

“Art is inspiring and motivating. But it is also a powerful catalyst for change within communities, invigorating neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and crating vibrant places where people want to be.

ArtPlace, a collaboration of leading national and regional foundations, banks and federal agencies, was founded to accelerate ‘creative placemaking’ – that is, putting art at the heart of a portfolio of strategies to revitalize communities in ways nothing else quite can.”

Top Left to Bottom Right: Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Black Dance Theater, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Winspear Opera House

tEXAS sTYLE A BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN A BUSH | 31

A Bird in the Hand Is Worth Two in a Bush

By Preston Holliday and ductwork. Higher quality caulks are more resilient to temperature extremes and will last longer before cracking, so purchase a better brand.

Blanketing the hot water heater and placing foam coverings over all exposed pipes are very simple to install and are very inexpensive compared to costs of not doing so.

If you have not prepared for the first freeze to hit central Texas yet this year, you are behind the eight ball in thinking about ways to winterize your home and save both energy and money this heating season. But there is still time to take care of those checklist items to improve your home’s efficiency this season and following are tips for winterizing and utilizing more cost effective ways of assuring your heating system is green:

Set your thermostat to a lower setting in the winter. Once you become used to cooler temperatures, you’ll find that keeping your home a few degrees cooler is more comfortable and healthy.

If you have a fireplace, you should have it cleaned by a chimney sweep to ensure there is no creosote buildup and ensure the flue functions properly. And keep the doors closed when it’s not in use to prevent heated air from going up the chimney.

Have a professional heating contractor service and tune up your furnace. If you have an electric furnace or heat pump, a tune up can save you money and allow you to stay comfortable while using less energy. If you have a gas furnace, safety is also a consideration. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 68 people die each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty gas appliances.

Add insulation in the attic as it will help to hold in the warmed air.. This is a weekend project that will yield savings.

Use passive sunlight to heat whenever possible. Open the blinds on cool days where the sun can shine in. Keep them closed where the sun doesn’t shine because it will help insulate and keep the heat in. It’s amazing how much energy and money you can save by sealing leaks in doors, windows

Trim away any dead branches or tress in your landscape. If a storm comes the weak branches will snap and could damage your roof or power lines.

Clean out the gutters on your home.

Removing leaf debris will allow the heavy rains to be directed away from your home and prevent flooding. When it does rain in Texas it is usually a significant rain event that can cause flooding if you’re not prepared.

Preston Holliday is a freelance writer who enjoys home improvement projects, nature and the environment.

32 | TEXAS STYLE PASSION FOR COLOR

A Passion for Color

By Christina Castle David Call, Dallas decorator and founder of David Call Interiors, says Pantone’s Fashion Colors for 2013, Monaco Blue, anchors a soothing palette that embraces the new classics along with a rainbow of vibrant accent tones. It is a calm and solidifying color to the rest of collection which includes nine other

colors-Dusk Blue, Emerald, Grayed Jade, Linen, Poppy Red, African Violet, Tender Shoots, Lemon Zest and Nectarine that can add spice to your lifestyle.

According to Call, these enticing colors will brighten our fashion future for both home and personal style. Vibrant but cool, Monaco is perfect for everything from a striking table set with Hermẻs Porcelain Dinnerware and a vase filled with Poppies…deliciously inky blue that is classic and modern at the same time when paired with accents of brilliance. And Call says that is how you must think of it!

David Call Interiors has been creating Sophisticated yet Livable designs in Dallas and around the country for almost 20 years and David’s experience has made him exceptional at pulling together nuggets of decor that make a home pop with choice selections of color and style. While fresh and vivacious, the new Monaco Blue embraces the classic tones of the French Riviera yet when complimented with the bold accent colors of the season, makes a new statement like the sunset bolts of from the brilliant ball of fire dipping over the blue water. The trick is in knowing how to use them together. “Because Monaco Blue pairs well with most any other color, you can use it as a wall color and consider it the “neutral” in the room,” states Call. It lends itself to most any décor.

David has hand selected a wonderful collection of fabrics in the new hues; everything from Citron Crocodile Leather to Lavender Python to Luminous Stripes. You want to reach out and feel the textures and taste the richness of the colors! Calls excitedly explains, “These

Photo: J. Michael Brown/Brown Lane Studios All fabrics and accessories shown here available through Kravet Fabrics and David Call Interiors.

TEXAS STYLE PASSION FOR COLOR | 33

patterns will awaken your home and can be used in so many ways, from accent pillows and ottomans to vases, rugs and even tables. They can make that bold punch your home is salivating for. Don’t be afraid, go ahead and taste it!

Rug: Darius Rug by Stark Carpet, www.starkcarpet.com Dinnerware: Bleus d’Ailleurs by Hermes, Available through David Call Interiors from www.dahlgrenduck.com Other Accessories on this page: By Global Views & Available through David Call Interiors, www.globalviews.com David Call Interiors is offering a 25% discount when you mention Boomer Buzz Texas Magazine. www.davidcallinteriors.com or 214.679.9263

Christina Castle is a freelance writer who lives in Dallas, TX.

34 | TEXAS STYLE RELAXED AND EASY GOING

A Relaxed and Easy Going Spring

By Christina Castle

The fashion meccas of the world - New York City, Paris, Milan and London – are readying to celebrate designer visions from established icons as well as emerging designers, as the rest of us are just bringing out cold weather wear.

New designer collections from Moon Young Hee and Anthony Vaccarello paired with those of such renowned names as Ralph Lauren and Diane Von Furstenberg offer up spring 2013 Collections of unprecedented excitement.

Anthony Vaccarello

Moon Young Hee

Big jewelry is still hot but there was also some trendy accessories on the runways. Google Glasses and peep toe knew high boots were fresh and the statement necklace and decorated wrists; shoes and boots with chunky high heels; colorful scarves and clutch handbags were all over. Luckily, most of the accessories you have in your drawers will complement the new Spring styles.

TEXAS STYLE RELAXED AND EASY GOING | 35

Lots of white with lots of black, stripes and bright colors, dresses over pants and embellishments on everything were the trends seen throughout the Spring Collections. And anything asymmetrical with bold graphics will be stylish this year.

Fashion Houston, the premiere fashion event in Texas, creates a aura of Texas hospitality and international design.

The powerful and dramatic Texas women know what they want in their fashions and possess a wonderful sense of style and elegance.

Zac Posen, Kevan Hall, Lubov Azria and Fashion Houston Icon, Diane Lokey Farb had the opportunity to wow their Texas clients with outstanding transitional collections. And they were each received with big Texas smiles and a graciousness of the women from the South.

Lubov Azria

“To sum it up - relaxed and easy going describes spring�

Most designers are showing their mainstream dresses below the knee, but, there is something for everyone regardless of age or shape. White is definitely the one prominent color and flats are the look for shoes.

Diane Lokey Farb

Christina Castle is a freelance writer who lives in Dallas, TX.

36 | TEXAS STYLE MEN’S CLASSICS WITH A TWIST

A Bit of a Twist to the Classics for Men In regards to sportswear, one word sums it up - comfortable.... soft tailoring, easy loose silhouettes, unlined jackets, and low- rise trousers, and shorts. This will be perfect for keeping you cool in the summer along with fabrics such as soft linen, washed cottons, and lighter weight denims. Summer tartans plaids, stripes, and checks will provide an alternative to the louder prints of last summer.

To sum it up, if you are a fellow that loves classic fashions, with wonderful tailoring, and you also have a love of wearing color - the fashions of this spring /summer will be right up your alley... Be ready to see subtle hues of neutrals, all mixed up with eye popping bright colors, along with monochrome palette, mixed with checks, stripes, and plaids.

The classics are back, but with a bit of a twist...

For men the fashion runways created an atmosphere of spring and summer fun and were flooded with color, various prints, and tons of stripes. Showing traditional favorite fabrics, what was most apparent, and stood out was the fine tailoring that the designers have finally returned to. Using traditional techniques, which served to give a new look of refinement and proportion to the for spring 2013.

Linen and cotton seem to be fabric of the season, sand-hued separates, all mixed up with unexpected bright colors, which were actually strong last spring . However, for 2013 the color hues that were once being used as accents only, colors such as oranges, greens and mustard - now have become the focus of many designers collections. Royal blue appears to be the color most designers have adopted as a favorite

turn back time Babette Curtis “at any age, Every woman deserves the most beautiful skin possible.”

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38 | BOOM VOYAGE | BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Birds of a Feather

By Jet Parker

Bird watching is the fastest growing and currently the most popular spectator sport in America.

According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 51.3 million Americans enjoy bird watching. With very little equipment, birding provides a relaxing, educational hobby along with a low-impact form of exercise that all ages can enjoy.

Texas offers some unparalleled bird watching opportunities and with 613 documented birds sighted, The state exceeds all others in opportunities to see a wide variety of birds, so plan a day, weekend or full vacation and enjoy nature at its best. Bird watching in Texas varies from spotting Golden Eagles, Scaled Quails, or Greater Roadrunners in the Texas Panhandle to catching several bird varieties stopping for a break at South Padre Island before migrating further south.

Each year from late-October to midApril, the only wild flock of whooping cranes in the world makes its long journey south from Canada to winter in the protected habitat of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

Take in the unique wildlife, scenery and bird watching opportunities around the state at any of the centers offering exceptional viewing. And check in your neck of the wood for local sighting opportunities and centers for excellent bird watching.

Because birding is easy for all ages to enjoy, it is a popular activity that can lead to a lifelong hobby. So what are you waiting for, pick up the binoculars and go bird watching.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is host to an exotic array of wildlife with a reputation as one of the prime birding locales in the state. Over 392 bird species have been cataloged in the area, with its most famous visitor being the endangered whooping crane, one of the rarest animal species in North America.

boomers... living life to the fullest

Trinity River Audubon Center is your gateway to exploring amazing resources and is only four miles from downtown Dallas inside a 6,200acre urban forest which is a mixture of aquatic and wetland ecosystems, hardwoods and grasslands.

It supports diverse plant and animal

BOOM VOYAGE | BIRDS OF A FEATHER | 39 species, as well as a high diversity of bird species where it is easy to see over 50 species in a day http://www.trinityriveraudubon.org Dogwood Audubon Center at Cedar Hill includes the conservation of over 200 acres of critical wildlife habitat just 15 miles southwest of downtown Dallas, and features a 6,400 square-foot education and visitors center.

The vision for the center is connecting people with nature; a sanctuary where people of all ages and backgrounds can come to experience, understand, and care for the natural world. http://tx.audubon.org/dogwoodcanyon-audubon-center

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, just south of downtown San Antonio, is located on a 1200-acre natural area. This unique and beautiful bird haven consists of the 600-acre Mitchell Lake, 215 acres of wetlands and ponds and 385 acres of upland habitat.

Located on the northern edge of the South Texas plains eco-region, it is not uncommon to see American White Pelicans by the hundreds resting among an assortment of waterbirds such as Northern Pintail, American

Avocet, and Green Heron. The beautifully restored 1910 home that is now the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is nestled among a colorful garden of xeriscape plants that invites an assortment of birds, butterflies, and the occasional lizard. http://tx.audubon.org/mitchell-lakeaudubon-center Sabal Palm Grove Audubon Center and Sanctuary, located at the south of Brownsville near the Mexico border, is an area protecting a remnant of the beautiful habitat that once stretched along the Rio Grande River. There is a blind which overlooks a large pond which allows good looks at some excellent and rare varities of birds. http://tx.audubon.org/sabal-palmaudubon-sanctuary Texas Coastal Islands Sanctuary was established in 1923 and more than 13,000 acres are home to twenty-plus species of colonial waterbirds, several of which are considered endangered or threatened.

The majority of waterbirds that nest along the Coast nest on an Audubon owned or leased island. Our coastal sanctuaries host the largest Reddish Egret and Roseate Spoonbill colonies in the world.

With the oil spill crisis in the Gulf, the Texas Coast is poised to become more important than ever for nesting and migrating waterbirds and shorebirds. http://tx.audubon.org/Coastal.html

Jet Parker is a freelance writer who lives with his family in Plano, Texas.

40 | BOOM VOYAGE | VACATION DECISIONS TO CONSIDER

Vacation Decisions to Consider: Cruise Ship or Charter Yacht?

By Peggy Schilling If you think all ocean vacations offer the same experiences, consider this basic distinction. A cruise ship package is preplanned for mass appeal while a charter yacht is customized for a select party of guests. Suppose two couples set out for similar vacations at sea with one main difference. The Shipleys went for the traditional public cruise on an enormous ship with over 2,000 other passengers while the Carters opted for chartering a private yacht with three other couples who’ve been close friends for years. Read on to discover how their cruise experiences compared.

when, where and whatever they wanted.

Their personal chef created stunning culinary masterpieces to satisfy their unique preferences and dietary needs. Meals were served according to their requested schedules. Yet any other time the Carters wanted snacks and drinks, they were ready at a moment’s notice. And whenever they wanted to lounge on deck, plenty of comfortable cushioned seating was waiting.

Early on, the Shipleys realized that the term cruise line refers to how much time you send standing in line. Whether boarding or disembarking, ordering or receiving food and drinks, selecting from buffets or activities, a wait was usually involved. The cruise line gave the Shipleys assigned mealtimes and seats. Among strangers with whom they had little in common, they consumed mass-produced food. They also had to rise earlier than they wanted to grab deck chairs or they’d all be taken.

But as the Carters’ party of eight got off in the tiny St. Bart’s, they were able to enjoy each attraction at their own pace. Small islands assured coastlines would be shared only with other yachters because large cruise liners can’t dock in shallow waters. The Carters enjoyed the freedom of picking their own ports and following their own schedule, making spur-of-the-moment stops at points that caught their eyes and lingering as long as they pleased.

Meanwhile the Carters had the run of their yacht, hopping on and off quickly and mingling within their own small gathering of friends as they pleased. They ate and drank

Cruise packages stick to a structured itinerary of pre-planned major destinations and activities. So the Shipleys had to go on arranged tours as part of the ships’ invasion when it docked at scheduled stops. Imagine 1,500 passengers descending onto St. Thomas at once only to overwhelm shops, restaurants and beaches plus frustrate everyone involved!

The Shipleys were just another couple of unknown faces vying for the attention of numerous busy personnel on a noisy, crowded ship. But on the Carters’ yacht, the crew quickly became well acquainted with

BOOM VOYAGE | VACATION DECISIONS TO CONSIDER | 41

the guests and relaxed into an easy firstname routine. Like a small hand-picked private staff, the Carter’s gracious crew was devoted to anticipating their every need and serving them promptly.

Unfortunately the Shipleys seemed lost in the shuffle, handled like passengers by strangers. Yet the Carters felt welcome in their close-knit group fawned over like special guests by charming hosts. Now would you rather travel like the Shipleys on a huge packed cruise ship waiting for service or in the style of the Carters enjoying being among friends on a cozy charter yacht while waited on like royalty?

So…you’re probably asking yourself, “How does the cost of a crewed charter yacht compare with a traditional cruise? That’s what many vacationers think is the determining factor when trying to choose between the two.

Cruise ship base costs average $1,500 $4,000 per person per week on a luxury liner (Radisson, Seaborn, Cunard, etc.). This depends on time of year, type of stateroom, location, etc. and may or may not include discounted airfare to meet the ship. It generally does NOT include telephone calls, faxes, excursions (diving, snorkeling, guided tours, etc.), alcoholic beverages and tipping.

A typical charter yacht costs about $1,500 $3,000 per person per week when three or four couples are traveling together. This is based on a 50 to 85-foot sailboat or

catamaran. Vacationing on a power yacht can run double that or more. In all charter instances, airfare to meet the yacht is extra.

Most sail and catamaran charters are sold as “all-inclusive.” This means that the only extra charges you will incur are for telephone/faxes and tipping. Food, alcohol (wet bar), water sports and shore excursions are all included in your base charter fee.

So the bottom line is that price shouldn’t be the limiting factor in making your cruise versus charter decision. If you’re more comfortable in a structured environment, meeting and interacting with mostly new people in a hotel-like setting—then any luxury cruise liners would be a great vacation for you. On the other hand, if you prefer setting your own schedule and really being able to enjoy the company of friends and family on a beautiful private yacht with personalized service—then a crewed charter yacht is the perfect choice for your vacation of a lifetime.

Peggy Schilling is a charter specialist who enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge of the charter industry to help you discover and experience the wonderful advantages of taking a charter yacht vacation.www.selectcharters.com

42 | BOOMER BUZZ THE BOTTOM LINE

The Bottom Line‌There Is Help for Boomers & Seniors!

Not only are the eldest of our boomer generation already age 65 and over, there are 10 million baby boomers age 50 and over who are providing care for their aging parents.

Many of us, who have retired, living on fixed incomes or are also family caregivers, may have to work part-time or endure the stress of losing our jobs due to the caregiving situation. In the 2010 census, 49% of the population was classified as poor or low income; it can become difficult to buy even life's essentials on fixed incomes, part-time wages, or poor or low income.

Fortunately, there are programs available to provide financial assistance for the oldest baby boomers, their seniors, and caregivers. It is just a matter of knowing where to look and we are going to help.

Federal Government Assistance Medicare has a section dedicated to helping you find your way through programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare Savings Program and more. http://www.medicare.gov Nonprofit Group Offers Personalized Assistance Information BenefitsCheckUp.org is a one-stop shop for locating assistance in your state for Medicare Rx extra help, health care, prescription drugs, food, utilities and more provided by the National Council on Aging,. The site states that the information provided there has assisted nearly 3.3 million people find more than $11.9 billion in benefits.

A personalized report is offered for your own situation and needs after you answer a short survey that helps in determining programs you may qualify for. Information you share is not personally identifying information and all inquiries are confidential. http://www.benefitscheckup.org/ Assistance Information for Prescription Drug Savings You can save up to 80% of a medication’s cost with a free discount drug card through NeedyMeds.org But it cannot be combined with a drug insurance card. The site is informational in nature, providing resource information to locate assistance with the costs of prescription drugs and much more such as diagnosis-based assistance and free and low cost clinics. http://www.needymeds.org/

BOOMER BUZZ | THE BOTTOM LINE | 43

Tax Advantages If you are age 65 and over or in a low income situation you should remember to take advantage of the tax benefits available to you. For those this age or blind, there is a higher standard deduction is available. IRS Publication 524 explains an additional tax deduction for lower income individuals who are disabled or over age 65 and file a 1040 or 1040A.

These resources are a small listing of what is available through federal, state or local sources.

Take advantage of the lower cost prescription medications available at many pharmacies; ask for their list of discounted drugs. Local churches and social service organizations such as the Salvation Army may be willing and able to provide assistance. Ask your doctor for any information he/she may have; talk with other people in similar situations and find out how they are making ends meet.

Find and make use of programs for which you, or the person you are caring for, are eligible.

Don't cause yourself to choose between medications and food or utilities before you've exhausted all avenues.

The bottom line is there is assistance available!

44 | BOOMER BUZZ | SAVE AT THE PUMP

$AVE at the Pump!

By Jet Parker

For every penny that gas prices go up, we Americans spend $1.25 billion more per year at the pump. No one wants to waste that kind of money. Follow these exceptional tips to saving on your gasoline costs. They really work!

So unless you're hauling the whole sports team, IT'S TIME TO UNLOAD THE OLD SUBURBAN. If you're driving something that gets reasonable fuel economy, drive it reasonably.

When entering a highway, ACCELERATE TO 60 MPH AT ABOUT DOUBLE YOUR CAR'S TOP 0-TO-60 TIME. As Popular Mechanics proved in a battery of tests, this puts the car in its more efficient top gear quicker than the smug hyper-miler crawling up to speed... in the left lane.

Coast, IN GEAR. The same tests showed that rolling in neutral requires a trickle of gas to keep the engine running but in-gear coasting does not.

If you anticipate traffic lights and DON'T COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, you can boost mpg by as much as 50 percent.

A warm engine is more efficient, so string errands together by DRIVING TO THE FARTHEST DESTINATION FIRST, which will get the block heated up, then work your way home.

BOOMER BUZZ SAVE AT THE PUMP | 45 When it's warm out, keep cool by opening the windows, enjoying the breeze, and TURNING OFF THE GAS-DRAINING A/C. At highway speeds, however, Popular Mechanics tests showed windows-down driving creates drag.

So at 60 mph or faster, roll up the windows and PUT ON THE A/C. Notice to hoarders: You don't need to lug around a case of oil, a bag of sand, or that box of antique tools you got at the garage sale, right? So EMPTY THE TRUNK — less weight, better mileage.

Pickup drivers, REMOVE THE 300-POUND TOOLBOX FROM THE BED and get better mileage.

While you're at it, CLOSE THE TAILGATE to create a drag-reducing air bubble. MythBusters increased the overall range of a full tank by 30 miles using this technique.

The show also proved that A RIGHT-TURN ONLY ROUTE increases fuel economy by 3 percent, because idling (at stoplights, for instance) wastes fuel.

For that same reason, AVOID TRAFFIC PINCH POINTS. Driving at speed is more fuel efficient than creeping along in low gear.

At the pump AVOID GAS RATED E15; the "E" is for ethanol, which has about 30 percent less energy than gasoline and kills mpg.

While at the filling station, INFLATE YOUR TIRES PROPERLY and check them for uneven wear, which works against you.

Stickier, wider performance tires also increase road friction and sap mileage. So STEER CLEAR OF TIRES MEANT FOR RACE CARS. And SWITCH TO ECO-FOCUSED TIRES, which reduce rolling resistance.

Also, GET A TUNEUP; a smooth-running engine is more efficient.

Finally, don't overlook the obvious: Nothing saves gas like not driving at all. RIDE YOUR BICYCLE to fetch that quart of milk, especially if the store is just a mile or so away. It saves and is healthy!

Jet Parker is a freelance writer of men’s issues. He lives with his family in Plano, Texas.

46 | BOOMER BUZZ | GOOGLE INVEST IN TEXAS

Google Invests in Texas

By Nick Trout

Google Search produces more than 90% of the company’s revenue, but unrelated businesses are some of the company's biggest bets.

Virtual-reality glasses, seen on the fashion runways this year, technology for driverless automobiles led by Google engineer Sebastian Thrun and even a space elevator (rocketless space travel along a cable anchored to Earth) which could collect information or haul things into space are projects for Google. But what is less known about Google is that the company is also a huge investor in green energy.

purchasing a $200 million stake in a wind farm in west Texas. The 161 megawatt Spinning Spur Wind Project in Oldham County, Texas, generates enough energy to power more than 60,000 homes, the search giant stated. Located in a particularly windy section of the Texas Panhandle, its 70 turbines began spinning full-time in the last few weeks of 2012.

Kojo Ako-Asare, Google's senior manager of corporate finance, said in a blog post, "We look for projects like Spinning Spur because, in addition to creating more renewable energy and strengthening the local economy, they also make for smart investments." He added that wind farms offer "attractive returns relative to the risks."

Now Google has entered the renewable energy field with a deal just announced; Nick Trout touts news from the financial industry.

boomers... living life to the fullest

My Lightbulb Moment:

Less for energy.

More for me.

Enjoy this moment. Because when you discover how Ambit Energy can help you save, great things start happening for you! You still get reliable, a ordable energy service — and you’ll be able to keep more of your hard-earned money.

Contact me today to start saving!

Dan Spencer danspencer62@gmail.com jolt.joinambit.com

48 | BOOMER BUZZ RAPTURE ENOUGH FOR ME

RAPTURE ENOUGH FOR ME

By Lindsay Townsend

There is a Chinese parable about an old man who knows he will die soon. He visits a wise man and asks, “Can you show me what heaven and hell are like?”

The wise man leads him to a large, beautiful house. Inside, there many starving people seated at enormous tables piled high with food.

As they hold 12-foot-long chopsticks, the people try desperately to feed themselves, but they can’t get any food in their mouths because their chopsticks are so long.

The old man says, “Now I know what hell looks like. Will you show me what heaven looks like?”

The wise man leads him to another house exactly like the first. Inside, there are also many people with 12-foot chopsticks, seated at enormous tables piled high with food.

But these people are well fed and content. This puzzles the old man, and he asks, “I see all of these people have chopsticks too; yet they are happy and not starving. Please explain this to me.”

The wise man replies, “In heaven, we feed each other.”

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”-Mother Teresa Lindsey Townsend/ Can’t color inside the lines. Never could, never will. Journalist and author, mom, friend, wife, Dallas Morning News columnist and blogger, goofball, animal lover, Diva, social media addict, book loving hippie dippie shoulda-been-a-flower boomers... livingAmerican life to the fullest child. Member, Society of Journalists and Authors.linzolinzo.wordpress.com/

BOOMER BUZZ APRON STRINGS | 49

“Apron Strings”

By Christopher Cyriaque

As the wind moved the curtains printed with tea cups, coffee pots and such, I saw those strings flutter in the wind. They waved back and forth, almost with command. They let us know, as children, who controlled the house.

You see, the wind blew those curtains sideways and opened us up to a world of different things, including the smells that came from the pots lacing the stove- all four burners had different scents. The wind that blew those apron strings brought a real comfort to that room; A comfort and security that was important!

We smiled as the pot roast, collard greens, the yams and the rice simmered, because we knew that those stings had an importance. We knew that love was there for us. The strings hanging from the rear of that

apron, only made us know that everything touched by those hands had true compassion and caring embedded in them. Those strings also revealed a love, which as children, made us safe.

Grandma was always in that spot. She always knew what would make us feel secure. A smile here, a “no” there is what kept us in line. It was what made us live the lives we did to become who we are. She didn’t push those pots aside, but waited for them to simmer down. She didn’t push us aside waiting for us to grow up!

She nurtured every moment that those foods cooked. She nurtured us.

She had only one goal which was to see each and every moment come to its fruition and be completed.

Chris Cyriaque is an English professor and freelance writer.

50 | BOOMER BUZZ WHEN WE WALK

Whichever path we walk on, we must walk on

By Mary Millholland

Sometimes we find ourselves walking a path that others have tread before. The destination is clear, the path smooth and worn, and the outcome practically guaranteed. But, often we find we have lost the path and are deep in the woods of confusion, uncertainty and despair. It's that place in life where we cannot find any precedent or reference that would allow us to say, "Oh, here's what I need to do!"

It's then that we need to walk on, forging our own path, perhaps for others to follow or perhaps to record on our own private life map, a reminder of detours taken that should not be taken again. I believe we all go this life forging our own paths, sometimes intersecting with the paths of others, sometimes only watching as others forge their own, and sometimes stepping onto their paths to try them on for size and see where they take us. But, mostly, I believe, we create our own paths in life. And, why not? It's exciting and rewarding to "do it our way" and discover things that others never will.

Then there are times when we take a wrong turn - whether through ignorance or inattention - and find ourselves in territory seemingly impossible to travel. Trudging ahead we stumble over rocks we neglected to see, trip over trees felled by our own hands, scrape our ankles with the thick underbrush we have allowed to grow unchecked, and become frightened by the darkness that hides the beauty we knew was there only a short time ago.

It is then that we can only wait for the new day to dawn when we can see the rocks more clearly and garner the strength to move the trees and brush that keep us stuck in this formidable place. Although it's tempting to turn around and go back we must not do that. To go back would mean returning to where we had been, either stuck in the past refusing to move, to grow, to learn and evolve or, simply wait for the obstacles to go away on their own. They never do. We must press on and walk the path we find ourselves on. The obstacles in the way are ours alone to clear, remove, repair, and surrender to. In the process we learn we have strengths we never knew and hope we dared not possess, that someday we will reach a clearing. Hope that someday, we will reach a clearing that will allow us to walk in the light through soft grasses and shade-giving trees, smarter, stronger, and sure-footed. Through it all, the clearings or the woods, we must keep walking.

Mary Millholland is a creative marketing consultant from Texas who likes writing, observing, reading, laughing and enjoying life as it comes. http://thelyricmoon.blogspot.com

boomers... living life to the fullest

BOOMER BUZZ FROM THE 3960 BLOG | 51

FROM 39 06 deep in the heart of ellum

I may as well have walked a few doors down and braved my first tattoo.

There would be no ladybugs or cupid with bow drawn; mine would simply read: "MMQ" That's how much I like this band!

They played their first Free Man show a couple of weeks ago. It's a Cajun joint in Deep Ellum, serving fried pickles, Boudin balls, and bowls of gumbo as well as classic choices such as blackened shrimp or crawfish etoufee, and they host live music every day.

My dad frequented such places for years which I like to think is how I come by this craving of mine. One evening, sometime in the '60s, Ernie drove to The French Quarter, unable to convince my mother or the brother and sister-in-law they were visiting in Metairie to go with him.

I believe he went to hear Cleo Lane.

I'd have gone.

What I'd give today just to hear him tell me the story again. Attention would be paid and I'd get the details down. Then I'd rush to tell the tale to Mark, Jon, George and Graham. They'd have gone too I bet.

The next time the Mark McKenzie Quartet is booked, I'm sliding myself into a booth and kicking back, knowing it's going to feel, for the next few hours, a little like the Big Easy in Big D.

Welcome Home! ;OL 9LZPKLUJLZ VM 4HUJOLZ[LY 7SHJL HYL [OL Ã&#x201E;YZ[ HUK VUS` YLZPKLU[PHS JHYL OVTLZ PU +HSSHZ I\PS[ ZWLJPÃ&#x201E;JHSS` HUK L_JS\ZP]LS` MVY [OVZL ZLLRPUN HU HZZPZ[LK SP]PUN YLZPKLUJL :HML ¸/VTL¹ 3PRL 3VJH[LK PU <WZJHSL 5LPNOIVYOVVKZ All Inclusive Care & Exceptional Services -YLZO /VTL *VVRLK 4LHSZ +HPS` :UHJRZ 7YVMLZZPVUHS ,_WLYPLUJLK 9LNPZ[LYLK :[HMM /V\YZ WLY +H` :WHJPV\Z 3P]PUN 8\HY[LYZ *VTTVU 3P]PUN (YLHZ 3PNO[ )YPNO[ (+( *VTWSPHU[ *VUZ[Y\J[PVU

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54 | Senior SENSE WHY PLANNING AHEAD MAKES SENSE

Why Planning Ahead Makes Sense

By John Ebey

It is an interesting fact most people will make funeral arrangements for a loved one only once or twice in their lifetime, thank goodness, right? The reality of living is we all will face our final day.

While it is not for us to know when the day will come, we can proactively prepare.

As a People, we are natural planners and prepare for the big life events that face us.

Events such as Weddings, Retirement, Education, etc. are Life Events if left to chance, may not turn out as we would have hoped.

End of life decisions are no different, whether it is the creation of a Last Will and Testament, Family Trust or other Directive, we all prepare for the end as a part of living. Funeral, Cemetery and/or Cremation planning is really no different. In fact it is one of the few things in life guaranteed to happen.

Whether the planning is for yourself or an aging parent, thinking about it now makes much more sense than waiting and having to experience it all on what will likely be the worst day of your life or of your survivors.

Preplanning Reduces Stress, Saves Mon

Like many things in our lives, we anticipate and plan for life’s most important events: our wedding, our first home, the birth of our children, family vacations, and retirement. We plan ahead so we can anticipate our family’s needs and make sure all the details are taken care of. So, why do many people leave life’s most significant event to their loved ones to plan during a time of sadness and distress? Doesn’t it make sense to plan your funeral and cemetery arrangements ahead of time so your family won’t have to?

By planning ahead, you can: Help ease your family’s emotional burden.

We all want to protect our family and loved ones from unnecessary hardship.

Preplanning helps you protect your loved ones from the stress of making difficult funeral and financial decisions at a time of emotional upheaval. It also eliminates overspending by removing the guesswork regarding your last requests.

Senior SENSE WHY PLANNING AHEAD MAKES SENSE | 55

When a death occurs, there are overwhelming preparations and care to be accomplished in the immediate hours, days and weeks after the services. Permanent decisions have to be made in a very short period of time. Documents to be located, venues decided and people notified.

Invest in peace of mind, once you’ve made your final wishes known, store everything your family and loved ones will need after your gone in a single, convenient, secure location. Your family will know just where to look and won’t be left trying to figure out your requests.

The good news is preplanning eliminates the emotional pain your family would experience in making critical decisions when they are least prepared during this stressful time.

If you received the call today, a loved one had passed away, would you know what to do? Few of us would. What if the most difficult decisions you or your loved ones would ever have to make were made in advance, at your own pace and in the privacy of your own home?

We all realize the best decisions are those made calmly, rationally, and with ample information at hand. It makes such good sense to plan ahead and take care of as many decisions as possible so difficult choices won’t be left to the ones you love the most.

Ensure your wishes are known. At one time or another, most of us have probably talked or joked with others about the type of funeral we might have. Would your loved ones really know your preferences? It makes sense to take the time to make these important decisions now, together with the people you love, so there will be less confusion as to your wishes.

Professionals at a funeral home can provide good advice and simplify the process. They will show you alternatives and help determine your priorities. You’ll receive the information you need to make sound choices, confidentially and in the privacy of your own home.

Now is the time to get your affairs in order and make important end-of-life decisions for yourself, before your family has to do it for you. To help make sure your plan is complete, consider preplanning - one of the most complete end-of-life planning portals available to help you organize, document, and store all of your information in a secure location so your loved ones will know just where to look and what to do.

As a licensed funeral director John Ebey has served families for over 32 years and he is a freelance writer on the benefits of planning ahead.

56 | Senior SENSE HOW TO TALK TO AGING PARENTS

How to Talk to Aging Parents about Elder Care

By Claire Maestri Maintain Your Loved One’s Ability to Make Decisions.

The objective of this blog is to assist you

your aging loved ones. There are a lot of

in broaching the subject of care with

factors

your loved one. This might be discussing

financial

the possibility of having someone come

lifestyle, level of independence, how to

into his/her home, or the possibility of a move that would provide them with

find a living environment where they will thrive and, last but not least, their opinions on subject of aging.

to

take

into

consideration:

circumstances,

hobbies,

One of the most frustrating things is having someone question your ability to take care

more aggressive care.

Start this conversation sooner rather than later, the same way you would begin planning for college. When addressing education, we don’t wait until our child’s senior year to focus on funding, grades, extra curricular activities and learning environment.

This all starts when they are beginning their education process. The same rule should apply when discussing care with

boomers... living life to the fullest

of

yourself!

When

talking with your loved one about care, recognize that he/she still has the ability to make decisions. Talk with them about what type of care you think they need, and then discuss whether this is the same care they think they need. Be very open to their thoughts and don’t get defensive or react to things they may say about your ideas. Work hard to be a good listener and not just a talker.

Maintain their ability to make a choice.

Regardless of how you feel about your own aging process, respect the way they want to age and the way they wish to receive care. Don’t dictate care based on

Senior SENSE HOW TO TALK TO AGING PARENTS | 57

your needs alone. Give your loved one two good choices. Rather than asking if they want care or not, ask if they would like care on Mondays and Fridays or

will actually allow you more wiggle room for other areas of negotiation.

Tuesdays and Saturdays. Empower them with part of the decision making process. Provide multiple caregivers to interview. Let them pick which one they

energy you spend preparing for this conversation, it will not be easy. Be sure to have this conversation early, even before you

like best.

Keep things light hearted. If you begin to disagree or argue, table the discussion

need care.

It’s particularl y difficult

and wait until everyone cools down.

when you

Refuse to argue or fight over this issue.

have a loved one in a crisis situation and

Keep it light and loving. Again, if stress rises too much – just change the subject

you have not previously addressed these important issues.

Regardless of how much time and

and come back to the topic later.

Understand that maintaining your loved one’s ability to choose their caregiver

Claire Maestri is the Director of Senior Care Services for Mom's Best Friend of Dallas, a freelance writer of senior topics and an expert in helping families find quality senior care options.

58 | Senior SENSE HOW TO TALK TO AGING PARENTS

How to Talk to Aging Parents about Elder Care

By Claire Maestri

Understand Your Loved One’s Desire to Maintain Independence.

“Our treatment of both older people and children reflects the value we place on independence and autonomy. We do our best to make our children independent from birth. We leave them all alone in rooms with the lights out and tell them, ‘Go to sleep by yourselves.’ And the old people we respect most are the ones who will fight for their independence, who would sooner starve to death than ask for help.”

-Margaret Mead

While fully embracing the above statement, understand the limitations of your loved one, and determine where assistance for him/her results in the loss of dignity. First and foremost, let your loved one know that a caregiver is not going to strip them of anything they can do on their own. Instead, having an assistant will allow them to be independent for a longer period of time. A professional caregiver can do the things they don’t enjoy

boomers... living life to the fullest

Senior SENSE HOW TO TALK TO AGING PARENTS | 59

doing around the house. That allows their time and energy to be focused on life’s joys rather than nuisances. After all, that is what we want in our golden years, isn’t it?

The need to maintain independence is a major friction point when you discuss aging and care options with your senior loved one. You, as the familial caregiver, can see areas that are being neglected. Often, your loved one has grown accustomed to living without certain necessities that would not have previously gone unattended. As time passes and tasks become more difficult, these areas became less important for your loved one to address. They no longer “see” those issues. As you begin to impose yourself or interject to ensure these issues are addressed, seniors will often push back because of the natural desire to protect their complete independence. As the above quote states, independence and pride make it hard to ask for help.

Your loved one would not have participated in previous activities or performed duties if they weren’t important before. Evaluate areas where caregivers can intervene and compensate to ensure that your loved one returns to enjoying areas of life that have fallen to the wayside. A great example is someone who might have forfeited a spot in a regular bridge game because it became difficult to get to and from the location where the gathering occurred. A caregiver can assist with transportation or even help prepare for the gathering to take place at your loved one’s home.

When addressing the issues of dignity and independence, think creatively. Allow professionals to help you problem solve. Most of all, listen to the struggle that your loved one faces and help them understand that these limitations can be overcome.

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.

60 | Senior SENSE FLUE PRECAUTIONS

Flu Precautions

By Carla McMahon

The dreaded flu season is upon us and if you honestly do not think it will happen to you, think again! The flu typically comes on hard and fast, and anyone who has experienced it will tell you that you do not want it. Understanding what the flu is, symptoms and how to treat it can lessen the severity for you or a family member. For those of us at boomer age or seniors the flu can be serious and precautions should be taken during the season.

Flu shots are the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated annually against influenza. This year's annual flu shot will offer protection against H1N1 flu (swine flu) virus, in addition to two other influenza viruses that are expected to be in circulation this fall and winter. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu shot, but you can benefit from the vaccine even if you don't get it until flu season starts.

Because flu viruses evolve so quickly, last year's vaccine may not protect you from this year's viruses so it is important to get a new shot each year to keep up with rapidly adapting viruses. Another reason to get a flu shot every year is that the antibody levels your body produces start to decline over time and you are then not as protected.

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccinations for everyone age 6 months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, including: Pregnant women, older adults and young children.

Chronic medical conditions can also increase your risk of influenza complications. Examples include: Asthma, Cerebral palsy, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Cystic fibrosis, Epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Kidney or liver disease, Muscular dystrophy, Obesity and Sickle cell disease.

Check with your doctor before receiving a flu vaccine if: 

You're allergic to eggs. The flu vaccine contains tiny amounts of egg protein. If you have an egg allergy or sensitivity, you'll likely be able to receive a flu vaccine — but you might need to take special precautions, such as waiting in the doctor's office for at least 30 minutes after vaccination in case of a reaction.



You had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine. The flu vaccine isn't recommended for anyone who had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine. Check with your doctor first, though. Some reactions might not be related to the vaccine.

Senior SENSE FLUE PRECAUTIONS | 61 Flu is characterized by high fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, and a dry cough. These symptoms can be similar to the common cold, but the flu is caused by a different family of viruses, and symptoms are typically much more severe.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus which attacks cells in the upper respiratory tract, including those in the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs. It generally runs its course in one to two weeks, but can sometimes lead to secondary infections or other complications, generally in certain high-risk groups including the very old and the very young. These secondary effects can cause serious illness or even death. Workplaces, retirement, assisted living or nursing homes and schools are at particular risk of outbreaks.

There are three main types of influenza virus that cause illness in human beings: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Type A influenza virus causes the most severe illness, and is typically what people mean when they refer to the "flu virus." Peak season is late fall to early spring and Type A influenza has historically been responsible for many flu pandemics over the years. Type B influenza is much milder than Type A viruses, and is active all year round.

Most major outbreaks are attributed to Type B. Type C influenza is the least common and its symptoms are

generally much milder and generally does not cause epidemics.

For many people, vigorous personal hygiene may be enough to avoid the flu. But for those at high risk (boomers, seniors, those with weakened immune systems, and people with certain diseases) the flu vaccine is essential in providing protection against yearly outbreaks.

By following these simple steps and vaccinating yourself and family, you may reduce the chances of getting the flu and ease the symptoms.

For more tips on care when you or a family member is ill with the flu, please visit the CDC website for detailed information: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm

Carla McMahon is a homemaker and freelance writer of interests for women. She lives with her family in North Carolina.

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Contact your local USANA Associate for more information.

Creating Healthy Lifestyles Synergist approach to diet, nutrition and exercise. Everyone is giving a chance to be healthy.

Sonja Kabell, Founder, Weight loss and wellness consultant 972-935-6484 sonjakabell@verizon.net USANA Health Sciences, 3838 West Parkway Blvd., Salt Lake City, UT 84120

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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