2013 May | June / BoomerBuzz Texas Magazine

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04 | CONTENTS

MAY | JUNE: IN THIS ISSUE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER 07 FEATURE 08

Splashing into Spring Texas Style!

Go Green and Blossom Fashionably into Spring Forging a Green Community in North Texas

IN THE NEWS 14 HEALTHY LIFE 18

Financial Spring Cleaning | What Happens When It Rains?

A Palette of Food | What Does Addiction Mean to You? The Diet Is Dead | What Did You Say?

THE ARTS 26 TEXAS STYLE 32 BOOM VOYAGE 44

iZoom Blasts Onto the Airwaves for Boomers | Dinosaur Rock Remix Your Style | Spring Feast | She Made a Believer Out of Me Cross-Culture Volunteering Changes Lives Where Would You Go, What Would You Do?

BOOMER BUZZ 51

i'm gonna go fishing | Become the Predator, Not the Prey!

Heal the Heart to Heal the Body | For the Love of Bluebonnets

SENIOR SENSE 58

ON THE COVER House of Blues, Dallas, Texas.

Photo Credit: Raul Enriquez, Photography

The Accidental Caregiver

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06 | MASTHEAD

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CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS Raul Enriquez, Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eric Alexander Tara Anderson Naikai Butler, Au.D Christina Castle Ed Collie Angela S. Deppe Peggy Emerson-Schilling Leah Frazier

Suzanna Garrett Valerie Grimes Becca Menig Torrey Moseley Robin Roberson Marjorie Salada Kara Times Nick Trout Cindy Ward

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER | 07

PUBLISHER’S LETTER Happy Spring Texas Boomers! We are excited at BoomerBuzz to present this spring issue and hope you enjoy all the colorful exciting features we share and learn something new in the process.

In this issue you can blossom into fabulous spring fashions, some eco‐friendly, as well as be encouraged to forge a new “green” initiative in your community. We have advice on “greening” your finances and tell you how to come in out of the rain financially. Our Healthy Life section is like a garden of bright colorful flowers and ranges from diets and a palette of food, to addiction and hearing.

Boomers spend more on travel than any other segment of the population and you will learn about inspiring volunteer vacation options that reward in more ways than just scenery and make you think about what and where to go on your next trip.

And we are delighted to announce we will have a BoomerBuzz internet radio show on izoominternetradio.com where we will introduce you to boomers who are living life to the fullest, re‐ inventing themselves at a time when they once thought they would be relaxing but finding they are rejuvenated and enjoying life even more! We will profile boomers making a difference in our world and hope to have lots of fun, engaging banter and still offer exceptional content. And you can listen to the fabulous music you grew up with from the prolific producer and partner of iZoom, Raul Enriquez, and hear other exceptional shows on interesting topics.

In Texas Style I talk about being made into a “believer” and you will have to read the article to find out what I now believe in! We also have a Spring Feast to share and tell you how you can Remix Your Style.

You will enjoy a pictorial of the Texas Bluebonnet season, as well as several book reviews. And for those with an aging parent there is an informative story from an accidental caregiver that has some very salient points for those caring for another.

With spring “greening” our world, we hope you enjoy the May/June issue of BoomerBuzz Texas Magazine, read BoomerBuzz Magazine and listen to iZoom Internet Radio, as well.

Thanks for reading,

08 | FEATURE

Go Green and Blossom Fashionably into Spring at Piermarini Boutique

By Leah Frazier

Going green is more than just a fad; it is the invitation for a new lifestyle that challenges people to be environmentally‐conscious and to embrace nature in its purest form. From organic foods to eco‐friendly skincare products, the wave of environmentally‐friendly products is taking the world by storm.

A widely developing trend across the states is the expansion of eco‐friendly and organic clothing items.

This expansion brings a marriage between both designer labels and retailers garnering more attention towards the introduction of clothing and accessory items that utilize organic fibers or resources in their more natural form.

Local favorite boutique and noted pinpoint for Dallas fashion, Piermarini, is notorious for its support of both independent and local fashion designers. The fashionable and sophisticated boutique offers a limited selection of exclusive pieces that are hand‐selected by its owner, John Piermarini. Piermarini’s purposeful offering of only a select number of garments in each size appeals to the customer who desires individuality, distinctiveness and a look that will be difficult to replicate.

FEATURE | 09

Located within walking distance to Southern Methodist University and just moments away from the renowned and upscale Highland Park Village, this stylish and refined boutique appeals to women and men of all ages, styles, and experiences. A shopper’s haven to many of Dallas’ elite, Piermarini’s small, intimate atmosphere is inviting and surprisingly unlocks the mystery as to why owning pieces from privately‐selected fashion labels, is a step above the rest.

In the flourishing boutique’s recent spring fashion preview, owner John Piermarini excitedly displayed his interpretation of this spring’s most popular trends and also showcased the best styles to compliment the Texas weather. Trends for spring can be summed up in three words: light, fun and flirty.

Piermarini, who frequently travels to New York City and other fashion meccas of the world, continuously immerses himself in the current trends and styles that flounce the runway. Always keeping in mind the lifestyle and flair of the sophisticated Dallas shopper, Piermarini cautiously makes his selections and brings them home ‐‐ to one of the top cities for retail shopping: Dallas, Texas.

Piermarini reveals that color schemes for spring and summer are fairly neutral with the occasional pop of color in shades of orange, coral or mint green. Donning neutral shades gives way to a cooler appearance for the Texas spring season and opens the door for more individuality in terms of self‐expression when selecting an accent color.

Trend reports have shown more bold statements with stripes and polka‐dot prints, floral combinations, and mod designs. Other popular style and fashion trends for spring include the evolution of gray color tones, lace detailing and most importantly, tailored shorts and trousers.

All of these widespread trends and styles are currently displayed at Piermarini Boutique. And, with the help of John Piermarini and his staff, you will be on your way to blossoming to fashionable heights in no time.

While Piermarini Boutique offers some of Dallas’ popular fashion designers, Abi Ferrin and Ashlee Brooks, this fashionably‐conscious boutique also offers globally‐recognized designers who are unique in style, vision, and purpose. The boutique’s mission in educating the Dallas consumer to eclectic fashion creations and high‐quality designer clothing, ties closely to the boutique’s affinity in its inclusion of eco‐ friendly spring and summer styles by designer label, Osklen.

International luxury brand Osklen has shown at New York Fashion Week, highly‐acclaimed Latin fashion presentations and in 2011 claimed the title of “Emergent Luxury Brand of the Year.” This travel‐inspired Brazilian brand is one of Piermarini’s exclusive labels for the eco‐conscious shopper. The texture and fabrics for Osklen clothing essentials are light, with flowing silhouettes that can complement most body types and frames. Most importantly, the neutral palette of the Osklen spring and summer collection is largely versatile and the quality of the workmanship is rich.

10 | FEATURE

By using a large majority of natural and organic fibers, the stand‐out piece from the Osklen eco‐friendly woman’s collection was the shimmer and gray‐toned sheath dress. This style of dress is known to transcend any age or body type and is complimented best either by the simple addition of a waist‐fitting belt or by the effortless adornment of colorful and chunky accessories.

Piermarini is also known for its vigorous contribution to the casual and flawless style of the Dallas male.

From tailored linen shorts to handcrafted leather shoes, Piermarini Boutique has contributed greatly to the upkeep of the timeless and sophisticated fashions of the well‐traveled gentleman. Just as Osklen provides women with eco‐friendly apparel, Osklen also has eco‐conscious, loose‐fitting v‐necked tees, natural linen shirts, and casual jersey buttoned shirts for men. Mixing these casual tops with a pair of Osklen trousers, made wholly from organic fibers and blends, gives way to a light and cool spring style.

While many Dallas‐area boutiques are multi‐faceted in offering the best in spring fashions, Piermarini boutique is one of the elite few that offers not only a variety of eco‐conscious styles and trends but also designer collections that can connect with men and women of all ages and preferences. If anything, Piermarini’s stylish collection of eco‐friendly clothing proves that “going green” for your wardrobe should not equate to boring, dull or lackluster qualities.

This lifestyle challenge will be an addition to the evolution of a brand new you and a brand new wardrobe.

Leah Frazier is an image consultant, fashion blogger and fashion and style writer in Dallas, Texas. More of her work can be found on Examiner.com, CBS Local and her blog, Beautyforeashes.blogspot.com.

12 | FEATURE

Forging a Green Community in North Texas

By Nick Trout

Bringing all aspects of “green living” to the people of the Dallas / Fort Worth area was the goal of Dallas’ Memnosyne Institute three years ago. Today, according to its Founder

and

Thompson‐Frenk,

President,

Mary

Ann

“GreenSourceDFW.org

was created to advance the Green Movement in Dallas / Fort Worth; and was built to be a central communication point for people committed to changing the world.”

Green Source DFW is a comprehensive resource of news, profiles, a directory of environmental organizations and green businesses, as well as the go‐to place to find green events happening across North Texas. Publisher, Phillip E. Collins (who serves as executive director of the Memnosyne Institute), forges the goal of illuminating and educating the community on subjects about the environment. This educational project hopes to bring together environmental groups, green businesses and the Dallas / Fort Worth community in order to provide them with a tool to communicate with each other.

The driving force and creator behind Green Source DFW is Editor, Phillip Shinoda. His mission for Green Source DFW is to advance the environmental movement in the Dallas / Fort Worth area by promoting: green living, sustainable practices, nonprofit environmental organizations, eco‐friendly green businesses, environmental education, scientific information, public‐policy discussions, and socially‐responsible investing. According to Shinoda, the opportunity to meet people from all facets of the environmental movement (both nonprofit and business) has been the greatest reward of serving at Green Source DFW.

FEATURE | 13

Are you interested in knowing more about “green” everything? Green Source DFW is the place to find information,

happenings

and

resources. It offers articles on local topics like: Trinity Haymarket (a store for urban farmers stocking hard‐to‐find tools and specialty supplies), Earth Day Dallas which was a huge success with large crowds interested in sustaining the planet, and information about making a home that serves as a model for green living. Green Source DFW offers up informative videos, green blogs, activities and happenings related to green living. You can stay on top of issues like the drilling for natural gas in the Barnett Shale, water conservation, environmental preservation, and coal plants. These plants use huge amounts of resources ‐‐ even though Texas leads the country in wind power and has the capacity for solar and other renewable energy sources. The question arises, “Do we really need more coal plants?”

Green Source DFW gives residents in the North Texas arena a collaborative venture that is designed to promote, inform and educate the public about green living. The foundation’s goal is to create a safe and friendly environment where the green community can share ideas and voice their opinions about the environment. Green Source DFW encourages every individual in this community to feel free to speak up and get involved.

Shinoda says, “There are so many fascinating people involved in the environmental movement; meeting them and learning about what they are involved in is a wonder. But, watching Green Source DFW moving the local “green” movement forward is the greatest compensation of all.” And, he hopes everyone will visit the website and become involved in their own way ‐‐ www.GreenSourceDFW.org.

The Memnosyne Institute is concerned about, and focused on, the sustainability of the world ‐‐ both physically and spiritually. Shinoda feels honored to be a part of the work.

Nick Trout touts news from the financial industry and subjects that interest men and women!

14 | IN THE NEWS

Financial Spring Cleaning

By Angela S. Deppe 3. an easy to understand book answering the important questions like when and how to maximize Social Security called It's Your Money!

Simple Strategies to Maximize Your Social For most Americans, Social Security accounts for 20‐40% of their total retirement income.

For this new crop of pension‐less retirees, it may also represent their only source of guaranteed inflation‐adjusted income for life.

However, the vast majority of Americans do not fully understand how the system works, the role it plays in their retirement, and how to properly collect their benefits to maximize their monthly income. Given this, it's necessary for those at or near retirement to include Social Security in their financial spring cleaning and planning process.

Social Security Central has created these 3 essential tools to help in this financial spring cleaning and planning process for Social Security: 1. an intuitive and user friendly website www.socialsecuritycentral.com as a central resource for Americans at or near retirement to find quick answers, examples and case studies on how to properly collect Social Security benefits 2. a quick and easy‐to‐use Social Security Benefit Maximization Calculator to calculate the Social Security claiming strategy that maximizes your income and lays out easy to follow steps to make sure you're getting the most when you apply for your benefit...the Calculator is being offered FREE for a limited time at: http://socialsecuritycentral.com/get‐the‐ answers/

Security Income found on Amazon or at: http://socialsecuritycentral.com/its‐your‐ money‐book‐deppe/ Here's an example of how Social Security Central's Benefit Maximization Calculator helped one retiree during his spring cleaning and planning process develop his claiming strategy: John, a contractor on the Southside of Chicago was planning to collect his Social Security benefits at 62. He had paid in more than his fair share into the system and wanted to make sure he got as much back out of Social Security

IN THE NEWS | 15

before they went broke. Remember, a business owner like John not only pays in his share of the Social Security payroll deduction tax but also his employees. John's wife Sherry (same age as John) had stayed home for the last 28 years raising their 4 children and as a result, had not earned enough credits to be eligible for her own individual benefits.

Fortunately, Social Security Central's Calculator showed John that his decision to collect his individual benefits early would not only permanently reduce his monthly benefits by 25%, but more importantly would reduce his wife Sherry's survivor benefit if he predeceases her. This is an important point because Sherry has longevity in her family and still has two parents alive in their mid‐90s. What most couples don't realize is the decision to collect their individual benefits should be a joint decision, not an individual decision. It has more to do with the lower earning spouse's longevity than it does the higher earning spouse's in order to maximize the potential survivor benefit.

In the case of John and Sherry, John should wait to collect his individual benefit until age 70. For every year that John waits past age 62, his individual and potential survivor benefit for Sherry will increase by 8% up until age 70. John should file for his benefits at his Full Retirement Age of 66, but suspend collection of his income until age 70 in order to maximize his benefit.

When John uses this 'Files and Suspend Strategy' as proposed by Social Security Central, Sherry is eligible to collect a spousal benefit off of John's individual benefit and will receive 50% of his benefit at her Full Retirement Age of 66.

So even though John is waiting until age 70 to collect his benefit, the couple will have a monthly income from Social Security coming in at Sherry's Full Retirement Age of 66 with the spousal benefit. When John turns 70, he will begin collecting his individual benefit and Sherry will continue to receive her spousal benefit. If John predeceases Sherry, her spousal benefit will terminate once she starts to receive John's survivor benefit which has now increased by 32% (8%/yr * 4 years). However, because John delayed the collection of his individual benefit, he not only maximized his own benefit, but also the survivor benefit paid to Sherry.

This type of strategy typically produces $150,000 to $200,000 of additional Social Security income for a couple that would have been lost had John collected at early at age 62!

So this spring when you clean out your financial records and prepare for your future retirement, please take the time to create a customized Social Security claiming strategy (prior to applying for benefits with the Social Security Administration).

Social Security Central has made your financial spring cleaning and planning process easy this year by offering their Benefit Maximization Calculator FREE for a limited time at http://socialsecuritycentral.com/get‐the‐ answers/. You've paid into Social Security for years. Don't you owe it to yourself to maximize your benefits when the time comes? It's Your Money!

Angela S. Deppe is a CPA and owner of Social Security Central, an online consulting business on Social Security benefits. She lives with her family in Chicago.

16 | IN THE NEWS

What Happens When It Rains????

By Eric Alexander

When it comes to finances, I have three core beliefs. One, hope is not a strategy. Some things in life will take care of themselves; your finances will not. Two, an increase in efficiency is a good thing! Too many of us have our hard earned dollars out there performing only one task. Three, demand flexibility. The ability to easily shift money from one need to another is priceless.

Over the past few years, much has been said about long term care and aging in America. There are reams of stats. Stories of people who never saw the inside of a nursing home. Even more stories of families financially wiped out by the process. At the end of the day, preparing for the possibility of extended care comes down to two factors: the likelihood and the costs.

Today I would like to take a few minutes to address likelihood and cost. In the next installment we will look at why traditional long term care planning violates my three beliefs and a new available option.

The Likelihood According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, “70% of people over the age of 65 will require some long-term care services at some point in their lives.” When I see a 70% chance of needing care and then a report in 2009 from the Assisted Living Federation of America that only 6% of residents have long term care insurance, I see a huge disconnect.

Long term care insurance has been around for years. Why don’t more people have coverage? The answer; a 70% chance doesn’t tell the whole story.

To use a better analogy, if I told you there was a 70% chance of rain today, most of us would at least think about an umbrella. But a 70% chance of rain says nothing about duration. If it is going to rain for 30 minutes, we may decide to tough it out. If it is going to rain for 2 hours, we may pack an umbrella.

However, if it is going to rain all day, we might completely change our outfit and start looking for rubber boots.

So the question is not; ‘Will I end up in a nursing home’. The real question is ‘how long will I be there’.

More importantly . . . am I willing to pay thousands a year in insurance on the chance I might be there for a long time?

Here are some of the statistics on duration. According to a 2009 study by the National Center for Assisted Living; “the average length of stay in an assisted living residence is about 28.3 months. Fifty-nine percent of the residents will move into a nursing facility. Thirty-three percent will pass away. The remaining will

IN THE NEWS | 17

move home or to another location.” This means after a little more than two years, 41% will either move away or pass away and 59% will be there for longer than 2 years.

Now you know the stats; the question is whether the risks outweigh the costs.

The Costs: According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the average costs in 2009 for care in Dallas, TX are:

Avg. Daily Nursing Home Rate: Private

Avg. Daily Nursing Home Rate: SemiPrivate

Avg. Monthly Cost in Assisted Living Facility

Home Health Aide Average Hourly Rate *

Homemaker Services Average Hourly Rate*

Adult Day Services Daily Rate

$166

$118

$2,763

$34

$17

$43

Per year

$60,590

$43,070

$33,156

$65,280

$32,640

$15,695

Per month

$5,049

$3,589

$2,763

$5,440

$2,720

$1,308

Per day

$166

$118

$90.84

$272

$136

$43

Category

Dallas

* Yearly and monthly costs assume an 8-hour day and 20 days per month.

To give you a better idea of the costs, let’s look at the duration study. If the average length of stay is 28.3 months, in Dallas this would add up to over $78,000 in expenses. Furthermore, if you have a 59% chance of moving from assisted living into a nursing home then the costs go up. One year at a semi-private facility would be an additional $43,070 and brings the total cost to over $121,000. To further compound the issue, if only one spouse needs care? This means $121,000 in new costs plus a primary residence.

You now have two homes and two lifestyles to maintain.

If long term care is expensive and the duration can be long; why don’t more people have coverage?

Tune in the July/August issue and find out why . . . and more importantly . . . what you can do about it.

Registered Representative of and securities offered through OneAmerica Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC a Registered Investment Advisor, Insurance Representative of American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL) and other insurance companies. Personal Economics Group is not an affiliate of OneAmerica Securities or AUL and is not a broker dealer or a registered investment advisor.

18 | HEALTHY LIFE

A Palette of Food

By Tara Anderson I grew up in Kentucky on a farm in the mid ’80s and ‘90s before “going green” meant what it does today.

We ate what we grew. We canned from our garden. We slaughtered our animals and froze the meat.

Mom and Dad didn’t consider our carbon footprint because they were mostly sustaining our family through the farm output. We would have made Dr. Oz proud with our paint‐palette of a kitchen table ‐‐ home‐grown tomatoes and spring onions, radishes, perfect sweet corn, wild black berries we hated picking, and heady smells of roasting meat billowing out of the windows. Picking green beans was a chore and we could not wait for Mom to declare it was time to pull up the plants and not have to pick them every day! Growing up, I hated picking the garden but loved what came from it.

I learned about a different world of vegetables when I arrived at The Culinary Institute of America. Patti pan squash, “heirloom” varieties of everything, petit lettuces and beautiful little amethyst gems … Peruvian purple potatoes.

They are as delicate in taste as they are beautiful. They are both waxy and starchy. I love using them in everyday meals because they add such a splash of color to the plate. Imagine a plate of roasted yellow and red peppers, sautéed spinach and beautiful purple potatoes…you could literally be “eating the rainbow”

Purple Potato Goat Cheese Mash Yield: 2 cups 1 pound Peruvian purple potatoes, all the same size, skin on ½ cup milk ½ cup goat cheese ½ teaspoon salt/pepper 1 teaspoon fresh dill (optional) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Cover potatoes with cold water and bring to a slow boil Cook until fork‐tender In separate pan, melt goat cheese into milk When potatoes are finished cooking, mash and add cheese‐milk mixture to them Season with salt, pepper and dill to taste

My mom planted the seed of love for flavor in me that is unmatched in mass‐produced vegetables. I have never tasted a commercial tomato, cucumber or strawberry that compared to a ‘homegrown’ one.

We have a garden in our back yard and I am hoping to pass on this knowledge and passion for flavor to my daughter. I am also teaching her, like I was taught, to be a steward of the land and to be self‐ sustaining. I encourage you to seek out small markets with locals selling their garden gems … or, better yet, grow your own rainbow.

Tara Anderson, Mother, Chef, Owner of www.halfpintpalates.com A lifetime of flavor exploration

HEALTHY LIFE | 19

What Does Addiction Mean to You?

By Marjorie Salada

Addiction is something that you hear a lot about these days. When you hear the word addiction, usually what comes to mind is a picture of a person that uses drugs to excess or drinks alcohol to excess. But in recent years, we have come to realize that this disorder can encompass much more than drugs and alcohol. It can be anything that consumes your life and affects it negatively. It is something that a person cannot easily give up. With the exception of eating and breathing, you should be able to give almost anything up for 30 days. If you can’t, you are probably addicted.

Shopping, eating and internet use are probably 3 of the most prevalent types of addiction at the current time. The internet and television have made it much easier to be a shopaholic. You can sit in the comfort of your home and surf the web or watch the home-shopping networks and your merchandise is only a mouse click or a phone call away. And the television shows, especially, know how to appeal to the impulse buyer. Having worked for a credit card company, it was very easy to pick out the online and shopping-network buyers. The major consequences of this type addiction are overwhelming debt and clutter.

Internet addiction is one of the fastest growing types of addiction. If you find yourself hiding what you are looking at when people enter the room or your web use is causing problems in your family life, you may want to take a good, hard look at your computer use. Porn and interactive video games seem to be the two that cause a lot of the problems. And then there are the dating sites and chat rooms. These seem to have made people want to redefine what constitutes cheating in a relationship.

Eating is a big addiction in our country today and this one is very hard to treat. Abstinence is a big part of treatment when it comes to addiction. But how do you abstain from something that is life-sustaining?

There are certain foods that cause cravings in some people and these cravings will often lead to binge eating. The foods that are most often the biggest culprits are sugar and highly-processed carbs. The best way to avoid this is to abstain from eating these foods. The problem comes from identifying the specific foods that cause the cravings.

Dealing with addiction is difficult but, fortunately, we do live in a time where help is available. It is no longer something that is not talked about and is denied for years. If you feel you have a problem, there are lots of resources available for helping you learn about your addiction and how to manage it. You no longer have to live in misery another day. You can get started today!

Marjorie Salada is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about wellness and finance.

20 | HEALTHY LIFE

The Diet Is Dead Valerie Grimes, CCHt

Diets don’t teach us much except that we don’t like to be deprived and feel hungry – and that they don’t work.

A diet is perceived to be a chore we must do to lose weight. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced that after dieting, the lost weight often comes back. Normally, this return of unwanted pounds is due to a return to old eating patterns that are not addressed in the course of a new diet.

six elements to assess when embarking on PERMANENT personal change that ‘being on a diet’ just doesn’t address: Six Elements for Permanent Personal Change 1.

Your belief about your ability to make a change, permanently.

2.

Your desire and motivation to get there and stay there.

3.

Removing self‐sabotage so you get there.

4.

Focus on your future vision so you can see where you are going.

5.

Monitor and correct negative self‐ talk so your talk matches your walk.

6.

Remove associations and identifications so it is just a lot easier to get there.

This discouraging pattern of weight loss and weight re‐gain has negative consequences. We already suffer from poor body image and from the experience of another failure, both of which compound the original problem.

Also, diets don’t address our triggers that cause us to get up in the middle of the night and eat, or to eat too much, or to eat the wrong things.

Have you tried to lose weight and failed?

You are not alone. Most people try dieting and exercise programs each year but then quit and go back to their old patterns. Why is that?

Behavior change is a complex undertaking. It happens in the mind, not in the diet guidelines or mobile app for calorie counting. There are

1. Belief about ability to reach your weight goal, permanently.

Your deep, inner belief about your ability to reach your weight goal must match your conscious intention to do so. So, if you don’t really believe it will work based on the past, then it won’t. BELIEVE it and RECEIVE it.

HEALTHY LIFE | 21

2. Have a strong desire. What is your motivation?

Consider the outcome of getting to your goal. If it’s just to lose weight then once you have achieved your goal, the “I’ve arrived” mindset leads you back to where you started. However, if your goal is to feel terrific, have loose‐fitting pants, and be able to jog around the park then that is something you can sink your teeth into.

4. Create a future vision of yourself.

In order to reach your goal, TO BE TRIMMER, you must first SEE IT/FEEL IT as already having happened. Using your imagination; seeing, feeling, and experiencing the life you want, makes the mind believe it is already happening.

5. Monitor self‐talk and change to match future vision.

Here are some examples of negative SELF TALK (these are expressions of your belief system):  

3. Eliminate self‐sabotage.   

 

My mother never kept it off. She would lose and gain 15 pounds all her life.

My metabolism is low—I don’t burn the foods I eat.

Exercise is boring.

I’m over 50, so I’ll just accept that I can be overweight.

Do you use food to comfort yourself?

Do you use food to reward yourself?

Do you use food to punish yourself?

If so, you may have a ‘part’ of you that is trying to get a need met by engaging in a behavior with potentially negative consequences. So, when you try to diet, that part will not cooperate. It isn’t your lack of will power, but rather the inability to get a need met in a way that is supportive and healthy.

This part of you feels like self‐sabotage and it is.

It is really about finding new ways to get a need met ‐‐ like perhaps to feel safe ‐‐ but now the mind/body thinks being overweight solves that.

Now here are some examples of positive SELF TALK:   



I have decided to be in control, to feel powerful.

I’m fit and healthy at any age.

When I decide to be my ideal size and shape, it is my decision and nobody else (or their history) affects my ability to reach my goal.

I am discovering new, creative ways to exercise that feel good and are fun.

22 | HEALTHY LIFE

So, perhaps now you can see that the Diet is Dead. When all of these 6 elements for permanent behavior change are implemented, the result is that you naturally return to your inborn instincts to eat the right foods in the

6. Identification and association We all want to be accepted, funny, well‐liked, clever, etc. So, if in grade school we were the class clown and also a little overweight we may feel our weight makes us funny, or we might identify the weight with being funny.

Or, in junior high or high school we were the larger, more muscular kid who was always picked for the football team because of our size, we may identify our popularity with being larger than the other kids.

right amount and at the right time.

For people who weigh every day.

When you step on the scale and see the same number or reading each day you are registering that number in your mind, your mind and body agree, “Yes, that is what I weigh.”

I recommend weighing only every 30 days or, better yet, gauging your success by the new hole you made in your belt or the fact that you can pull your pants down without undoing them!

Valerie Grimes is a hypnotist with 2 locations in Dallas.

Disconnect any identification/association with past patterns of weight gain or other ideas that may not be true ‐‐ such as thinking it is okay to gain weight due to your age or other family member’s status, etc.

73rd Annual

MEMORIAL DAY DALLAS Sponsored Annually by The Greater Dallas Veterans Council Restland Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Memorial Day Service Monday, May 27, 2013 1:00 p.m.

Field of Honor Restland Memorial Park

John Franklin Bagwell, U.S. Army Army Specialist Bagwell will share his heroic story where he faced treacherous combat in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive.

He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter Badge and Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Master of Ceremonies: Scott Murray, television/radio host Placement of wreath at the Victory Memorial by Gold Star Mothers

This patriotic and festive event promises spectacular entertainment for the whole family Starting at 10:00 a.m.

Vintage helicopter, vehicle and equipment displays from World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm 12:15 p.m.

Memorial Day Children’s Parade Beginning at Abbey Mausoleum walking to Field of Honor All children invited to participate. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

For more information contact Sandra at 972-470-5732 or smoudy@stei.com In addition, Restland will also display more than 6,640 flags in memory of the brave lives given in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.

NW corner Greenville Avenue & Restland Road • Dallas, Texas 75243 • (972) 238-7111 RestlandFuneralHome.com ©STEI2013

24 | HEALTHY LIFE

What Did You Say?

By Naikai Butler, Au.D., FAAA

Most cases of hearing loss develop gradually so the symptoms are often difficult to recognize. If you want to get an impression of how good your hearing is, you can evaluate it easily and then determine if a visit to a doctor is warranted. There are many different causes of hearing loss. It can be caused by home or work‐related factors, it can be hereditary, or it can just be a part of the aging process.

The number one cause of hearing loss is excessive noise and hearing loss associated with aging is a close second. Decreased hearing gradually begins around age 20, and continues to decline to a significant loss around 40 years of age. At age 65 and older, one in three people has some type of hearing loss.

The type of hearing loss depends upon where in the ear the problem occurs and there are three main types of loss: conducive, sensorineural, and mixed losses.

Conductive: A problem in the outer or middle ear causes conducive hearing loss that prevents sound from reaching the nerves in the inner ear. Common causes include: 

Fluid in the middle ear from colds, allergies, poor eustachian tube function, ear infection, perforated eardrum, benign tumors



Impacted earwax



Infection in the ear canal



Presence of a foreign body



Absence or malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear

HEALTHY LIFE | 25

Sensorineural: Damaged nerves in the inner ear cause sensorineural hearing loss which cannot be reduced or eliminated by surgery. There are many causes, differing by age of onset.

Before or During Birth:  Perinatal infections such as rubella, herpes, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) 

Heredity



Asphyxia or lack of oxygen at birth.



Possible association with birth weight of less than 1500 grams.

 Possible association with defects of the head and neck Later Onset:  Bacterial meningitis 

Ototoxicity (drug induced)



Intense or excessive noise



Physical damage to head or ear Mixed: Sometimes, people will have problems both in the inner ear and in the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss is known as a mixed loss.

Signs of Hearing Loss If you experience some of the following signs of hearing impairment, you should contact your family doctor or hearing health care professional and have your hearing tested: 

Muffling of speech and other sounds



Difficulty understanding words, especially in the presence of background noise or in a crowd of people



Frequently asking others to speak slowly or clearly



Difficulty understanding children’s voices



Frequently asking others to repeat themselves



Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio



Difficulties in hearing the doorbell or the telephone



You no longer hear your watch ticking, water running or birds singing



Withdrawal from conversations



Avoidance of some social settings



Family, colleagues and friends say that you might be suffering from hearing loss

Dr. Naikai Butler brings her technical expertise and her passion for helping people hear better to the Dallas Ft. Worth community. It is important to her to educate people on protecting their hearing. www.dallasearcare.com.

26 | THE ARTS

iZoom Blasts Onto the Airwaves for Boomers

By Christina Castle

Click & Listen. That is what Raul Enriquez, the prolific producer at iZoom Internet Radio wants baby boomers to do! “Enjoy the music you grew up with, as well as intelligent talk on ‘Bizdom’ as we call it, talk radio programs of significance on relevant topics for today’s zooming baby boomers ranging from sports to relationships to reinventing yourself at retirement age,” says Enriquez.

What you will hear musically is a vast array of tunes from artists you will remember, but not always the cuts which are played over and over on pop oldies stations. You will find yourself reminiscing about ‘this time in your life’ or ‘when you did that with so‐n‐so’ while your feet tap to the melody. Some are even known to dance around the room! Classic R & B, Pop, and Rock Hits of the 60s, 70s and even 80s are showcased.

According to Enriquez, native Dallasite and music industry professional for over 30 years, “we want iZoom Internet Radio to delve deeper into the creative realm of each artist so we give our listeners a chance to participate in the talents of the single performer, songwriter and composer by being more invested in their music.” iZoom’s mission is to be the voice of the boomer generation; giving them what they want to listen to with engaging show hosts and radio without all the fluff that listeners have to hear with other radio stations. This new internet station prides itself on quality radio with real people, real talk that engages listeners to the fullest.

Enriquez’s passion for quality radio creates an eccentric and interesting musical platform that first entertains, then spread news and information about topics we boomers care about. He says, “We're delighted about the increasing trend toward internet radio. Boomers are turning off their TV sets and

THE ARTS | 27

turning on their radios all day long. And why not? It is totally refreshing to turn on a superior alternative in a creative and fulfilling world of iZoom Internet Radio.”

The music ranges from beach sounds of the 60s to dance of the early 90s with a smattering of blues. “All Jazz Wednesday” does not follow conventional format, but is rather a mix of styles with a playlist that includes some smooth jazz, but is not overwhelmed with it. You will hear big bands, cool jazz, bebop and 70s funk fusion. Everything from Gene Krupa to the Crusaders and all in between.

Catch their talk shows; Sports Thread on Mondays and Fridays from 12‐1:30 pm, Cover to Cover, “All Things Bookish” on Mondays at 2 pm, Breakthroughs with Don Purdum, “Where Marriage & Business Meet” at 1pm on Tuesdays, BoomerBuzz Radio with Robin Roberson on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and Bee More, “Mind, Body, Spirit” on Thursdays 1 p.m.

Part of Build. Buzz. Launch Media, iZoom seeks to be an outstanding vehicle to accelerate, and promote, entrepreneurs with outstanding products and services, authors and speakers of specific interest for baby boomers. “Have your own show on iZoom,” says Raul!

Working together, this team has assembled an internet radio station for the modern listener and I hope you will give them a shot and see for yourself why boomers love the iZoom experience!

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

28 | THE ARTS

Dinosaur Rock

By Ed Collie

As a child of ‘60s and ‘70s, I am convinced that music of that era mattered. I’m not talking about The Archies or Monkees, but about Dylan, Clapton, The Beatles, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, The Grateful Dead, CSNY, and Led Zeppelin. Timothy Leary encouraged us as we “turned on, tuned in, and dropped out” with great music as the soundtrack to our rebellion.

I still believe music matters, and, as a boomer with a newly reinvented life, I decided that I would take every opportunity possible to experience some of those amazing acts as they roll through the Metroplex. But, as a thinking person fascinated with the effects of art on culture, I wanted to stay abreast of contemporary music. So, for the last two years I have seen performances spanning the spectrum of styles and genres. My tastes are as diverse as Tori Amos and Dweezil Zappa -- both were amazing.

Some of the contemporary acts have taken my breath away. And, I’m encouraged to know that music still matters to artists like Colin Melloy of The Decemberists, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, and Adam Lambert. And, for Graham Nash and David Crosby, music and politics will always be relevant. By the way, if you want to hear new local acts and boomer favorites, a great place to start is 91.7 KXT, the music-only station from our friends at KERA and the new iZoom internet radio, (www.izoominternetradio.com) which caters to the Boomer Generation.

Though, as a new tour year starts, I’ve decided, for at least this year, to be more discerning regarding the acts I go see -- especially those acts

THE ARTS | 29

from our past that I have deemed “Dinosaur Rock.”

I was ecstatic to finally see the Moody Blues at Verizon. It’s my favorite large venue, with great amenities and acoustics.

And, the Moody Blues repertoire of music includes some of the best of progressive rock. But, their performance constituted a huge let-down for me.

Hayward and Lodge can still sing the songs like I remembered them, but their performances (workmanlike) were uninspired. I love these guys, but they “mailed it in”, as they say. And, they haven’t recorded any albums of original music since Strange Times in 1999.

Contrast that with the performance by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Superpages Center May of 2010. Petty and the band were touring in support of their album Mojo, which received a Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Album”. That album was performed, along with the well-known catalog of Petty music from the ‘70s forward.

The performances were inspired and enthusiastic.

One final performance bears mentioning.

Some of you may remember an artist who appeared as a solo act at Poor David’s Pub in Dallas. His name is Shawn Phillips. Shawn is a brilliant lyricist and guitarist whose star shone brightest in the early to mid-‘70s.

Three of his albums charted in Billboard’s Top 100, as did two of his singles. Rock impresario Bill Graham said he was, “the best kept secret in the music business.” Three friends and I had the pleasure of seeing him at this fabulous little venue in downtown Dallas, and we were transported back to 1973. The performance brought tears to my eyes. Fabulous, bare-bones, nobudget, and utterly inspired.

Music matters.

The Arts matter. me, Congress?

Do

you

hear

30 | THE ARTS

All of these acts, and everyone else I’ve seen, have contributed to the soundtracks of our lives, and to those that have followed us. But, art that has lost its relevancy and edge often deteriorates into caricature. Truly great art, whether from the brush of Picasso, or the genius of Stevie Wonder or Lady Gaga, makes us think, and often challenges us.

I still think that Isn’t Life Strange released by the Moody Blues in 1972 is one of the most beautifully-philosophic love songs ever written. And American Girl from 1977 is an iconic rock song. We by Shawn Phillips will always elicit tears. But, when I think about tours that will be rolling through the U.S. this year like, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Madonna, I’ll be asking myself, “Should I ask one of my 20something daughters to join me?” Or am I better off listening to the original recordings, and sending the money for tickets to KXT instead?

And, if I want Smithsonian.

to

see

dinosaurs,

I

think

I’ll

go

to

the

Edgar Collie is a freelance writer and well known expert (among his friends) in things political, pop culture, and arts and entertainment. He also has a broad knowledge of those things that are hip and trendy, and his tastes are broadly eclectic.

The “It’s Not Like I’m Drunk” Cocktail

2 oz. tequila 1 oz. triple sec 1/2 ounce lime juice Salt 1 too many 1 automobile 1 missed red light 1 false sense of security 1 lowered reaction time

Combine ingredients. Shake.

Have another. And another.

Never underestimate ‘just a few.’

Buzzed driving is drunk driving.

32 | TEXAS STYLE

Remix Your Style

By Kara Times

Most consumers are fashion‐forward when it comes to their style selection. But for some, remixing your style and wearing eco‐friendly clothing to focus on sustainable fabrics and durability is becoming a popular trend.

Here are some tips to Remix Your Style: 1. Organize Your Closet Look at clothing that you can restyle by adding new jewelry or shoes to enhance. Repair any jackets or dresses if you have to. Also, altering a long satin skirt into a short pencil skirt gives a garment a new life.

2.

Go Thrift Shopping This is a good excuse to shop and find some deals. Go on the weekend with a friend and have fun! Make sure you set a budget and stick to it. Check out consignment or resale shops for newest trends.

3.

The difference between eco‐friendly, organic, and wearing sustainable designs.

Eco‐friendly can be organic cottons, linens, hand‐dyed fabrics and recycled materials. But, wearing organic could mean a designer that has an interest in designing with organic materials. However, sustainable designs can mean a few things. Recycling materials to make new product or preserving the environment with a high standard of ethics regarding the manufacturing process.

4. Caring for your clothes You can save the environment with simple steps. Try washing in cold rather than hot water. Some detergents and washing machines do a great job even with cold water. Skip the dryer and hang‐dry when possible.

5. Top fashion brands that are eco‐friendly.

While shopping at your favorite department store, here are some brands to look for:

TEXAS STYLE | 33

Eileen Fisher is known for hemp and cotton fibers. www.eileenfisher.com H&M launches new ‘Conscious’ collection. This line is geared toward party dresses made from sustainable materials. www.hm.com/us Levi’s jeans are encouraging their customers to treat their clothes in an environmentally‐ responsible manner. The company has developed a line called Waste<Less™, which are jeans that are made from garbage.

And Water<Less™, which are jeans that are made through a manufacturing process that uses less water. Levi’s is taking responsibility for creating sustainable products to reduce chemicals, energy, and water. www.levi.com Keep in mind, the best way to preserve the earth is to buy second‐hand not new. Get familiar with the terminology. Sometimes, “going green” only refers to how goods are transported. Read the care label to understand the fabrics that are being used. The best way to remix your style is caring and repairing clothing you already have in your closet, and mixing them with pieces you already own.

Kara Times is a freelance writer of fashion and styling trends.

34 | TEXAS STYLE

Spring Feast

By Karol Wilson

Spring means time to eat fresh and dine al fresco with friends. The following recipes are perfect for a spring celebration. Start off your meal with a small salad from a farmer’s market.

Perhaps Bibb lettuce with fresh goat cheese crumbles, pecans, and a citrus vinaigrette. It’s a simple, yet showy, start to the feast. For dessert, with either the salmon or tenderloin, a bowl of berries with either cream or honey on the side is the perfect, light finish.

But then, who can pass up some fresh peaches with vanilla ice cream?

The wines paired with these dishes come from Junction Rivers Winery. This is an eco‐friendly small winery that includes a delightful bistro and is located in Junction, Texas – west of San Antonio in Texas’ beautiful Hill Country. Award‐winning winemaker Don Pullem blends red and white wines that are full of flavor and are priced appropriately. Please visit www.junctionriverswinery.com to order these fine wines.

The following recipe for Salmon in Puff Pastry is not quite exact, as it depends on the size of your de‐ boned and skinned side of salmon. And, it is much easier to prepare than it reads. I’d recommend just one bunch of spinach (or perhaps one bag of spinach) from the grocery store. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and trim off as many of the stems as you can. As far as the butter is concerned, I’d start with about 2 ‐ 3 tablespoons of butter, and about the same amount of lemon juice. What you want is a relatively dry, wilted spinach sauté. Enjoy! If you don’t like the idea of the wine paired with the salmon, champagne is always the correct accompaniment. Steamed asparagus is an easy side with a little grated Parmigiano‐Reggiano, or some fresh, sautéed carrots.

TEXAS STYLE | 35

Salmon in Puff Pastry Serves 6 – 8 Ingredients:       

One package of frozen puff pastry sheets One bunch of spinach or a prepared bagful Butter (about 2‐3 Tbsp. and “light” butter or margarine can be used) Lemon juice (about 2‐3 Tbsp.)

Salt & Pepper to taste (consider white pepper) One side of salmon, de‐boned and skinned Beaten egg

Preparation: 1. Defrost the pasty and roll it out into a rectangle large enough to encase the salmon, about ¼” thick. Refrigerate for the time being.

2. Chop up the spinach. Melt butter in a sauté pan. Add spinach and sauté. Add the lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until spinach is dry and then refrigerate until chilled.

3. To assemble your dish, place the spinach mixture down the center of the pastry. Place the salmon on top of the spinach and enclose the fish completely. Place seam‐side down on parchment paper‐lined baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Puncture 3‐4 holes to allow steam to escape. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes prior to baking.

4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 425° F. Brush again with beaten egg. Bake until pastry is golden, about 15‐20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Cut into 2” slices and serve.

5. Wine: Yes, red wine pairs well with fish such as salmon and swordfish. My selection is Junction Rivers Winery Cabernet Franc, which has top notes of black cherry, currant and blackberry. The middle flavor is again black cherry and has a creamy, smoky finish.

Pepper‐Crusted Tenderloin with Roquefort and Green Onion Sauce This is a fabulous and very easy recipe for beef lovers. If tenderloin is out of the budget, just make the sauce to go with a juicy, grilled steak. I’ve also served the sauce with pork tenderloin, and it was just as yummy. I’m also including a healthy spinach sauté that is a perfect side dish with just about anything.

Serves 8 Ingredients:      

4 lbs. beef tenderloin 2‐4 cloves garlic, minced 4‐6 TBSP. black pepper, coarsely ground ¾ cup Worcestershire sauce 1 ½ cups soy sauce 1 1/3 cups beef bouillon

36 | TEXAS STYLE

Sauce:       

4 oz. Roquefort cheese 1 stick butter 2‐4 cloves garlic, minced 1 TBSP. Worcestershire sauce ¼ tsp. caraway seeds ½ tsp. chopped green onions 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced

Preparation: 1. Wash tenderloin and pat dry. Rub with garlic and roll on all sides in pepper to coat. In a large baking dish, combine Worcestershire and soy sauces; marinate beef in the mixture for 2 –3 hours at room temperature, turning occasionally.

2. Preheat oven to 500° F. Drain tenderloin. Put into oven and immediately reduce heat to 350° F. Cook 18 minutes per pound for rare, 20 minutes per pound for medium or until internal temperature reaches 135 to 140° F. 3. To prepare sauce: In medium saucepan over low heat, combine cheese, butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and caraway seeds. Stir until melted. Add green onions and mushrooms.

Cook for 3 minutes. Serve over warm slices of tenderloin.

4. Wine: The wine selected for the tenderloin is Junction Rivers Winery Ruby Cabernet. It has a dusty, cherry nose with rich earthy and herbal tones in the middle. The finish has a lovely vanilla cherry cream flavor.

Sauteed Spinach with Apples & Onions Serves 4 – 6 Ingredients:        

½ oz. Raspberry Balsamic vinegar ½ oz. (1 TBSP.) balsamic vinegar ½ oz. (1 TBSP.) clover honey salt and pepper 2 TBSP. olive oil ½ cup red onion, sliced ½ cup green apples, sliced 8 cups baby spinach

Preparation: 1. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan then add onions and apples. Once apples and onions begin to turn translucent, add the spinach. When all the spinach is added to the pan, deglaze the pan with both of the vinegars. Then add the honey. Let reduce for about 2 minutes.

Karol Wilson is a Dallas‐based publicist and food‐writer. Currently working on her first cookbook, Karol is a longtime member of the prestigious and worldwide organization, Les Dames d’Escoffier. Members are voted in for their experience in the food, wine, and hospitality industries. The Dallas Chapter raises funds for women interested in these fields and supports numerous nutrition‐related programs throughout North Texas.

TEXAS STYLE | 37

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40 | TEXAS STYLE

She Made a Believer Out of Me!

By Robin Roberson

Do you ever wonder if all the beauty procedures you hear about really work? Can brown spots disappear, fine lines be reduced and your cheeks be as smooth a baby’s bottom?

I for one, wondered, but was not convinced enough to try anything. So when talking to a friend at a well‐known local spa and voicing my doubt she said let us prove it to you. And we set off down the yellow brick road! Or in my case, path to nirvana.

The first step was a 3D photo of my face, which in itself only further supported my belief that no Photofacial would ever eliminate those under the skin layers of sun damage. These pictures show where the most damage is, and where your treatment should be concentrated.

One of the reasons IPL™ (intense pulsed light) Photofacial procedures have become so popular is that their benefits heavily outweigh their risks. The potential side effects of Photofacial (sometimes referred to as FotoFacial™) treatment, such as swelling, redness, and

tightness, are minor and usually disappear within a few hours or days of the procedure.

My face was red and felt lightly sunburned after my first treatment but nothing extremely painful. The procedure was slightly uncomfortable, but your face is chilled with a cream so the laser zapping does not hurt more than say a rubber band popping all over your face. Babette Curtis, my aesthetician at The Spa at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas, explained everything in advance so I experienced no surprises. That was very important to me since it was my first time delving into the world of skin rejuvenation. She was very informative, gentle and continuously inquired as to my comfort level. And I tolerated it all very well because I think I was mentally prepared and knew what to do during and after my treatment. In all honesty, she made me excited about the potential outcome!

I kept moisturizing throughout the first day and night and wore extra sunscreen when going outside the next day. Babette assured me I would like the results but they would take about a month. Most Photofacial treatments are done in a series depending on the desired results and skin condition of the client. In my case we did three.

The treatment can help eradicate sun spots, which was my main interest, other pigmentation irregularities and small blood vessels.

It can combat acne,

TEXAS STYLE | 41

eliminate large pores and treat rosacea and other types of diffuse redness. By spreading out and treating a deeper layer of the skin, Photofacials stimulate collagen growth by simulating minor dermal injuries, thus helping improve skin texture. It is important that you always protect your skin when in the sun and especially after Photofacials.

intense in heat afterwards, but that was gone in a few hours. Again, brown spots rose to the surface and sloughed off like the first time and it is amazing to watch the changes take place.

At two weeks I was noticing significant texture change. My cheeks felt smoother and the tell‐ tale signs of years of sun damage (I was a Myrtle Beach sun worshipper when young) were being gently erased. At the end of that month, I was definitely becoming a believer and knew this was a beauty regimen I would maintain. Babette says once a year is a good follow‐up, maybe twice if you wanted to stay ahead. But wait…we were not finished yet!

Then about six weeks later the final Photofacial with the same intended results. By this time virtually all skin sun spots were gone. I still have many more in the deeper layers of my skin, which will further diminish with future treatment.

My results after one treatment were significant to me. Some brown sun spots were totally gone while others were lessened. The texture of my skin was much smoother and a slight redness on my cheeks virtually disappeared.

After about three weeks I noticed in the mirror that my skin had really changed.

It seemed brighter and firmer with less spots.

Babette was making a believer out of me! She had scheduled my second procedure one month after the first and by then I was so happy with the results that I was eagerly looking forward to how good the second results would make me look.

She gave me a deeper treatment this round, but it really felt no different, just a little more

Pleased with my progress, Babette explained that she wanted me to have two Pixel Micro‐ Fractionated Skin Treatments which further softens texture and wrinkles. My initial 3D photo report showed I had significantly less wrinkles than my age counterparts, even though I was a sun‐baby, and even though I was

42 | TEXAS STYLE

delighted with my care so far, I said sure. Bring it on!

Laser skin resurfacing, restores the youthful appearance to wrinkles and sun‐damaged skin.

Generally, treatment involves two to four sessions, at four week intervals. Right after treatment you may feel a slight tingling sensation or experience slight swelling for a day or two. As new skin replaces dead skin, your skin will flake, a sign that healing is underway.

Your skin will look better immediately, and will steadily improve over the next few months.

This procedure hurt less than the Photofacial and in fact I did not really feel any discomfort at all, just a slight warm sensation when the laser zapped.

For this treatment your face is numbed with a cream which also assists in protecting the skin.

Babette educated me as to how it works and I was prepared: it is much like drilling small holes deep into the layers of skin so that new collagen

seeks these areas, thus plumping, improving and resurfacing your skin. This laser went straight and deep compared to the other which spread out. It feels like a bad sunburn afterwards and that lasts for hours, but you place iced cold cloths on your face and neck

every two hours to protect the skin and keep it heavily moisturized. I must admit I was VERY red, but that eased in a few hours and then I was just red, tight and started drying out some.

I never peeled much to my dismay as I felt that was needed if I was to have rejuvenated smooth skin. Wrong! After about a week, I maybe saw a slight difference in texture but that was about all. At two weeks, I was in the shower and touched my face. Yikes! What was that gritty feeling? Then reality struck me! I realized the dead cells were all sloughing off. I washed my face three times before it felt clean and smooth. My cheeks squeaked like clean washed hair. I kept running my face under the water and just feeling my cheeks. Then I jumped out quickly to see the results in the mirror. And there it was… a definite change.

Smooth resurfaced cheeks, fine lines gone and no sun spots. In that moment I was a real believer!!

The benefits of Pixel treatments are long‐term improvement in skin firmness and texture on face, neck, chest arms and hands with little or no discomfort. I have just passed the one month mark and want a second treatment that Babette said I would need for exquisite results.

Better than this will just be icing on the cake. I cannot wait to see Babette this week, as she has not seen the final results. I know she will be as pleased as I am. And it will be my distinct pleasure to say I am a believer! As if being treated to an “I told you so” was not enough, once the treatments were complete at the Spa at Willow Bend, the fabulous staff at the Jose Eber Salon next door gave me a new look and makeover. What fun! Kim Knall, a colorist said never color my silver! However, she recommended a Phyto treatment which began with a nectar oil and joba masque for conditioning which was followed by an energizing serum concentrate for shine and curl control. This was a leave‐in treatment that lasts up to four weeks and those little curls that

TEXAS STYLE | 43

usually drive me crazy are under control still.

Kim then washed my hair with Phytolactum daily use shampoo and completed by a Phyto Sesame 30 second express masque conditioner.

Now that is a mouthful! Again, that non‐ believer in me sat there thinking this is not going to do anything different than my shampoo at home. And once again, WRONG! My hair was controlled, sparkling and silky and I am a believer! Kim explained that she loves color and assisting women in maintaining their natural tones as they gracefully move into a new stage in life. She is all about natural, complimentary tones that enhance skin tone and which are low maintenance.

Next, came a cosmetic makeover by Teresa Lon, who has been an artist to stars like Kelly Clarkson, Miss Texas and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. She told me she studies a person’s bone structure, then de‐emphasizes flaws while emphasizing assets. I could not wait to see what she was going to do with me, as other makeovers at stores have all been the same. Teresa said most women make the mistake of not properly preparing the skin before placing makeup on their faces. It is critical to cleanse with no soap, freshen and tone and moisturize based on your particular type skin. Then to have a smooth look for makeup, you should apply a once a week masque for exfoliation. Now the face is a palette to be painted. Because I had “peachy” skin with yellow undertones she chose colors that complimented and balanced my look. A

mineral photo touch foundation in tender beige over a under eye concealer, as most of us have some circles around the eye. To open my eyes, she used a vanilla cream over the whole lid area, taupe in the crease and black smudged eyeliner pencil after she added a rust to the crease as well. Rust sounds odd but looked lovely and brought out the golden tones in my brown eyes. And she hand plucked my brows, which have a natural arch, using taupe to contour since they have thinned on the edges with natural aging. “Love Struck” lip color and I looked ten years younger! Once again, a believer!! As women it is easy to get in a rut in our maintenance routine. But we deserve to treat ourselves and have a fresh new look. I can honestly admit, I LOVE it and will continue the tips they taught me. Thanks to each of you, Babette Curtis, Kim Knapp and Teresa Lon…you gave me a new lease on “boomer” life and made a true believer out of me!

As Publisher of BoomerBuzz Magazines many opportunities fall into my lap and most I do not take advantage of. However, this challenge to prove me wrong was one I could not, and am now thankful I did not pass on. Thanks Babette, Kim & Teresa!

44 | BOOM VOYAGE

Cross‐Cultural Volunteering Changes Lives Instead of sticking to the same, tired tourist traps and boring tours, many travelers are grabbing paintbrushes, shovels, and chalk and taking a volunteer vacation abroad. It could change you forever … and change the way you live your life! And, you do not even have to go abroad. You can visit another city in America and reap the benefits.

Cross‐cultural volunteering is giving people, like you, the ability to go to work in areas of our country (and the world) where their help is desperately needed. What you’ll find is that these trips may have a lot more impact in YOUR life than the impact you could ever have on the

lives of the people you’ve come to help.

Ultimately, we’re changing the way volunteering is done, making it a safe and exciting adventure of a lifetime.

The most impactful approach to cross‐culture volunteering is the only approach; one designed by the community for meaningful work that addresses a specific community need. As you immerse yourself in the community (your new neighborhood) and work alongside local people to make a real impact, you’ll find beauty in every connection and commonality discovered – large or small.

A successful volunteer abroad brings not only his/her technical skills but also social and cross‐ cultural skills, curiosity, self‐confidence and

BOOM VOYAGE | 45

patience. According to Open Mind Projects, having a "global mindset" and maintaining an open mind is what you need to be successful in a global world. It means being capable of adjusting to different environments and to have the ability to work effectively with international colleagues. This "global mindset" depends on intellectual and psychological as well as social‐ skills factors. Without a “global mindset”, it is very difficult to deal with cultural difference, international and unexpected situations. Having a “global mindset” and an open mind is vital for anyone interested in an international job!

Ensure that your volunteer experience is impactful, sustainable, and immersive. Take a look at volunteer opportunities here or abroad in a city or country you might like to explore; a culture you want to learn about; or a job you excel at and can share with those who could benefit from your experience. There are many organizations for cross‐cultural volunteering that can suggest a destination for your perfect match.

few, if any, opportunities for special one‐on‐one connections.

ASSIST WITH CHILDCARE Work to strengthen a community's hope for a better future ‐‐ their children ‐‐ by volunteering with orphanages, daycare centers, community centers, and other organizations that are preparing kids for great things. Nurturing

Discover what you can do!

IMPROVE EDUCATION A powerful way to influence a whole community is to apply a passion for youth by volunteering to teach children. Many families cannot afford to send their children to school.

You can make a difference by offering your attention and support to students who have

generations begins with a single lesson, a simple smile, or just a bit of extra attention. By playing games, reading, serving meals, and

46 | BOOM VOYAGE

giving much needed one‐on‐one attention and love, you can be an invaluable role model for local children who may have been abused, abandoned, or otherwise left on their own.

IMPROVE HEALTH AND SENSE OF DIGNITY

disabilities face harsh social stigmas and are left with few resources. Unfortunately, many go without vital care and services and your efforts can strengthen the visibility of the services for those with disabilities, while breaking down the stereotypes and stigmas faced by disabled individuals.

The foundation of most communities is their elders. They are the connection to every generation and by giving them your attention and love, you can assist in building a bridge for all generations.

Your service will connect you to the community you volunteer in whether you are trading stories with an older person, serving meals, assisting with errands or personal needs, or just lightening the load of a senior caregiver or administrator.

Bring joy to the lives of people with disabilities as they strive to live each day to its fullest by leading a music lesson, sharing a meal, assisting with exercises and physical therapy, or simply holding a hand. Your service will enrich the lives of those who are disabled and yours as well.

IMPROVE QUALITY OF CARE In many cities and communities across America and around the world, individuals with

Discover what it will do for you!

OPEN YOUR MIND After volunteering most people say they feel less ethnocentric and their minds are more open to the importance of other cultures. It encourages acceptance of their values and beliefs because you understand them better.

BOOM VOYAGE | 47

BROADENING AWARENESS Take a moment to read today's headlines and you will find story after story of wars and skirmishes around the globe, and even at home.

Often these stem from one group stereotyping another. After your culture exchange travel experience, you start breaking down those stereotypes in your own mind and can use your experiences to help others to change their own views.

IMPROVE CHARACTER When your travel experience is complete, you may find yourself more compassionate, courageous, and patient than you were before you left. You will most likely have faced some fears, dealt with language barriers and learned how to creatively think on your feet. You will have grown and stretched as a person and these character traits will stay with you forever.

INCREASE JOB OPPORTUNITIES Traveling abroad changes your attitude and focus. It also changes your job opportunities.

Studies show foreign travel as being a key factor for people’s choice in placements abroad within their companies. Cultural awareness and international perspective are vital in today's international business market. Having cultural‐ exchange travel on your resume shows that you can think outside‐the‐box and are willing to

work with people who view the world differently than you do.

The benefits of cross‐cultural volunteering don't go away in the weeks and months after you return home. They have the potential to change your life for the long term. After this experience, you will probably never view the world the same again. There are many companies you can choose to work with and much to be researched online before delving in.

But, that is only part of the excitement of a volunteer vacation. So get the map out and decide where you want to go. You will be glad you did!

48 | BOOM VOYAGE

Where Would You Go ‐ What Would You Do?

By Peggy Schilling

If you’re anything like my husband Scott and me, you LOVE vacations! We love to be together to truly enjoy ourselves away from the routines of everyday life. Being able to dream about exotic places and living what we’re going to experience, before we experience it, is half the fun!

Our favorite destination in the world is the BVIs (British Virgin Islands). It’s a simple hop, skip and a jump from DFW through San Juan to Beef Island, Tortola to start our adventures of a lifetime. The BVIs are known worldwide as the undisputed Sailing Capital of the world. If you’ve never been on a charter yacht experiencing the perfect weather and consistent trade winds, it’s a must‐do.

The BVIs consist of more than 60 islands where you can throw anchor, frolic on the beaches, and melt into the culture. The islands are basically within line of sight of each other which makes for some quick sails followed by walking the shores, having a bonfire, snorkeling, chilling and just pain having fun. I can’t help but relive some of our trips as I type this … ahhh! Okay focus!

Another favorite spot is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (can you tell I’m a warm‐weather gal?) In Cabo, you'll find an interesting combination of surf‐ size waves off Cabo's Pacific coast and more reserved and sheltered calm (and warmer) water in the Sea of Cortez. Cabo has built itself With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Aspen is truly a year‐round destination for

a unique reputation. It’s known worldwide for being an excellent outdoor sports destination (with some to the worlds’ best big‐game fishing, diving and kayaking) and beautiful beaches to relax and sun yourself to golden perfection.

Cabo is also known for its’ great nightlife … in fact, it’s a party waiting to happen. The main drag has club after club like the Giggling Marlin, El Squid Roe, Cabo Wabo and many more. If you’re looking for fun, you don’t have to look far. Cabo’s resorts, hotels and condos cater to everyone from honeymooners or families to Hollywood stars seeking a weekend getaway. It is definitely an experience worth having!

In fairness, and a desire to stay fair and balanced, let me defer to my sister Janet. She’s the ski bunny in our family. In fact, she was just in Aspen this week … one of her favorite places to ski and people‐watch.

Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers! Whether it's downhill skiing in freshly fallen snow or

BOOM VOYAGE | 49

hiking through dense trees and forests, Colorado (in general) and Aspen (specifically) has all the adventure your heart desires. The winter snowfalls turn to great water flows for amazing rafting come spring and summer. As the weather warms up, recreation 2.0 kicks in with the adventurous exploring endless trails to climb, hike or bike, outdoor concerts, water sports and cultural pursuits.

No matter what you like and how you choose to spend your days, there are plenty of activities and sights to plan your vacation around.

So … where would you go? And, what would you do? There are so many wonderful places to see and explore. The world is truly your playground. While our favorite vacations all seem to go back to being on charter yachts, we’ve had many others trips and cruises we’ve enjoyed. In fact, we joined a vacation club that gives us even more choices of places and options … at huge discounts!

There are literally as many places and types of vacations as you can imagine and desire. The reason I love writing for magazines like BoomerBuzz and working with people like the

readers here is because as we review locations, yachts, and various vacation options, I get to vicariously live each vacation with you a little bit. Being able to help you refine your choices, share some “local” knowledge and give you encouragement to go experience something you’ve never experienced before is tremendously rewarding for me.

When it comes picking a type of vacation or location, the old standbys are great … but a little adventure and something new go a long way to truly relaxing and refreshing the spirit and soul. Sit back, dream a little bit, and enjoy a quick vacation for a few minutes by simply thinking about where you would go … and what you would do.

Thinking about vacation not only puts you in the mood, but many times provides the inspiration necessary to start planning, start saving, and start getting excited to see parts of the world or experience something altogether new and exciting. Where would you go? How about somewhere you can escape the same‐ole‐same‐ ole? What would you do? Everything?

Anything? Or even nothing? After all … it is your time to get away.

If I can help you in any way … please feel free to give me a call!

Peggy Schilling is the Co‐Founder and Charter Broker for Select Charters. She specializes in understanding her clients’ dreams and desires regarding the vacation of a lifetime.

To learn more please visit: www.SelectCharters.com or email Peggy at Peggy@SelctCharters.com

If you're thinking of taking a yacht vacation, no need to look any further than SELECT CHARTERS! – Carlene Robinson Dailey

www.SelectCharters.com Peggy@SelectCharters.com 4020 N. MacArthur Boulevard Suite 122-183 • Irving, TX 75038 (972) 659-8941

BOOMER BUZZ | 51

FROM 3906 BECCA MENIG i'm gonna go fishing I'm gonna go fishing, that's what I'll do, think about nothing, not even you.

Catch a real big one, a big speckled trout, snapping in the water, I'll pull him on out.

A recent conversation with a dear, old friend brought this song to mind.

We stay in touch, usually by email but occasionally by delivered mail; tangible surprises sent to each other. Envelopes I receive might be addressed to me, with 'writer' scrawled following a comma after my name. I just love that.

I love this guy too. His name is Pat. He lives on a lake not so far from where we grew up together during those crucial, formative years. He's someone, as the saying goes, I know I could call on anytime, no matter what.

In our recent exchange, my friend was casually contemplating what to do this weekend; golf or fish. He loves golf but the bass in the lake, he said, "are starting to come off the bottom and move around looking for food and a nest site".

Here in the water, look at him shine.

There goes a big one, that one is mine.

Cast off the reel now, I've got the feel now, snap goes my fly rod, I've got me a trout!

This song, I'm Gonna Go Fishin' is of course, not really about fishing.

We've all had our heart broken. Pat broke mine once and I broke his a few years later. We grew up, so many years passing so quickly, and here we are, still sweet friends for over four decades now. That's as brag worthy as the big bass Pat may have caught this weekend.

Becca Menig is a freelance writer, blogger who lives with her husband, Kevin (Spoke) in Dallas, TX. from3906.blogspot.com

52 | BOOMER BUZZ

Become the Predator, Not the Prey!

P$ycho Success Reveals Bold Perspective on Psycho Success

By Nick Trout

P$ycho Success is at its core, a motivational book in your face, laser-focused on highly effective business strategies and techniques that have worked for the author and his mentors throughout their professional lives. It offers a radical new approach to these strategies: being bold, being disruptive, the psychology of success, extreme marketing strategies, networking on the fringe, profound negotiation tactics and achieving financial success.

“The business techniques and strategies laid out in this book are timely and relevant for today’s future entrepreneurs and deal makers. You can be the Honey Badger or you can be its dinner”, says Bryan Barretto, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, Fortune 25 Telecom Solutions Company.

The author known only as Mattox, has released one of the more edgy business strategy books on the market today. P$ycho Success drives the reader hard to alter their circumstance and maneuver out of the mundane ‘cube farm’ that plagues so many individuals – and into an influential position that could ultimately lead you to owning and running a successful company.

Mattox, a 20-year veteran of business and startups, lays out radical new perspectives on key business issues for historical business models and more creative Internet models. Whether the readers are still employees looking for more success or already business owners, they’ll find practical techniques, strategies and advice that impact marketing, negotiation, and networking that ultimately lead to increased profits, all bound by Mattox’s “Bold Is” psychology.

P$ycho Success is already garnering high praise from business leaders.

Most of the strategies in the book push the limits of conventional business concepts and nudge the reader to operate in the grey for more abrupt career advancement and improved bottom lines.

Nick Trout touts news from the financial industry and subjects that interest men…and women.

BOOMER BUZZ | 53

Heal the Heart to Heal the Body

By Suzanna Garrett

Healing Heart to Soul is very appropriate for Boomers dealing with parent's health issues or their own. It helps answer the question of why some people heal and others don't. Emotions are energy that can make you sick or heal you.

You must heal the heart to heal the body.

Experiencing and refusing to let go of negative emotions, whether caused by us or inflicted by others, can weigh heavy on our shoulders.

Oftentimes, this disease of the human spirit causes disease in the human body.

Peter J. Rappa, MD explores the intricate connection between the soul and the body in his new book Healing Heart to Soul: One Doctor’s Journey of Health, Healing and Life (Brown Books 2009). In this unique collection of medical narratives, Dr. Rappa reaches beyond antibiotics and physical therapy, recognizing the need for medicine to dig deeper for answers. By

watching and learning from his rehabilitation patients, Dr. Rappa discovered the power gained from cleansing in order to heal the body.

He calls the process healing from the inside out.

“I spend most of my day assisting people from the outside in—this is comfortable in the “traditional doctor/patient relationship. But to really heal requires a change in context; to change context requires expansion of awareness, which is not easy but essential to embark on a journey of change,” says Dr. Rappa.

Healing Heart to Soul gives readers insight into the very personal stories of individuals struggling to overcome disease and injury. Their journeys are heroic, uplifting and tru testaments to the role spiritual growth and self‐ reliance can play in healing. Dr. Rappa introduces power principles as practical steps to jump starting the process of becoming emotionally aware and ultimately transforming physical health. As a rehabilitation physician with a special interest in brain injury, Dr. Rappa began to see the connections and implications of mind, body, spirit and health in 1988.

Healing Heart to Soul recounts experiences he has had with these entities as a healthcare professional. Dr. Rappa lives in Dallas, Texas with his family. Healing Heart to Soul is his first book.

Healing Heart to Soul is available at www.peterrappa.com Hardbook $22.95, Paperback $16.95 and eBook $9.95

Suzanna Garrett is a health writer from Tallahassee, Fl.

54 | BOOMER BUZZ

For the Love of Bluebonnets

By Torrey Moseley

Spring, most certainly, has sprung here in Texas.

It’s heralded in by a trumpeting of sneezes and sniffling noses. And, it is evidenced not only by the budding trees and short‐sleeve temperatures, but also by the flowers.

Ah, the flowers.

Now, I’m not ‘dissing’ on the cultivated flowers – daffodils, tulips, irises, and azaleas all add to the wonderful palette of spring. But, the REAL beauty lies in the wildflowers that blanket Texas this time of year. Indian Blankets, Prairie Paintbrushes, Coreopsis, Wine Cups, Primroses, Buttercups, Blue‐eyed Grass, Texas Lantana, and about a hundred more varieties. Then, there are the Bluebonnets.

Texas is blessed with the most glorious array of wildflowers I’ve ever seen. I grew up in Colorado where dandelions, sweet clover and henbit were what graced the verdant countryside. Those are not exactly considered flowers. They’re actually classified as “noxious weeds”. But, to me, they are still lovely.

Now Texas, is a whole other can of black‐eyed peas.

There are ‘real’ wildflowers here. BOATLOADS of wildflowers. The first spring I was here, my mom and I took a drive to Nowhere‐in‐Particular, TX along single‐ lane roads that wandered lazily through the countryside. It was … magical. We ended up in a sleepy little town called Ennis. I learned that Ennis is the self‐ proclaimed Blue Bonnet capital of Texas. It hosts a yearly Bluebonnet festival in April to celebrate the

BOOMER BUZZ | 55

glorious Texas state flower. But, you can view the flowers well into May. Ennis sits about 25 miles south of Dallas off I‐ 45. Their visitor’s center is housed in an old train depot on their main street.

When you walk in, you’re greeted with warm, Texas hospitality – usually followed by someone thrusting an oversized map of the area at you. The map has been lovingly marked in day‐ glow highlighter to mark out the ‘optimal’ viewing route for seeing the Bluebonnets. The host/hostess then adds new pen marks, circling specific areas en route that are particularly spectacular for that day. With map in hand you’re good to go, at your own pace, to drink in the Bluebonnets.

The viewing trip takes about an hour or so depending on how often you stop for pictures and how much meandering you choose to do.

For me and my mom, it took well over 2 hours. But, we were constantly stopping to take pictures. How could we not? At every

turn, over every hill, gloriously sweeping landscapes (worthy of Monet) would unfold. It’s a budding nature‐photographer’s dream.

56 | BOOMER BUZZ

Texas roadside wildflowers are not a “naturally‐occurring” phenomenon. They didn’t just spontaneously spring up (though they have spread to adjacent fields on their own). They are the result of years (decades actually) of careful planning and planting by the Texas Department of Transportation. Yep, the DoT … no joke. Lady Bird Johnson, herself, had a very ‘large’ hand in this beautification project.

Dubbed the “Grand Dame” of wildflowers, she was very instrumental in making certain that Texas roadsides are as beautiful as they can be. And, thanks to her vision and efforts, they have been a perennial mainstay of seasonal beauty here in Texas for over 40 years. You can visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. If you love nature‐y things, it’s worth the trip. (www.wildflower.org)

BOOMER BUZZ | 57

Torrey Moseley is an avid blogger, artist, writer, and photographer. Visit her at www.left‐field‐ studio.blogspot.com

58 | SENIOR SENSE

The Accidental Caregiver

By Cindy Ward

What IS an accidental caregiver anyway?

it all goes well.

And what does ‘accidental’ have to do with

do more than just survive the experience.

caregiving?

The

purpose

of

these

suggestions is to provide a few pointers to help caregivers who find themselves taking care of a loved one almost by accident.

My hope is to help others

This is where the ‘accidental’ part comes into play. No one PLANS to be a caregiver for loved one(s) with AD, or any other reason

for

that

matter.

The

hugely

prevalent belief is that: “It will never happen to me or my mother or father or husband or wife – and if it should by some amazing quirk of fate – well, my family is known for our wonderful behavior and manners. Mom will simply never behave like ‘that’.

I can

handle it. And I’ll do so, gladly.”

The vast majority of Americans will do just that! They will become caregivers for their Allow me to be clear. I am not a doctor. I

loved ones.

Most daughters will step up to

am not a nurse. I am not a social worker. I have never played any of those on TV. The advice you will receive comes from my experiences in

that

oldest

of learning

institutions, the School of Hard Knocks.

I

am the surviving child of two parents who both died of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) after 10 years of my caring for them.

You may

be surprised that both of them had AD at the same time.

It is possible.

It is just

unusual, at least for the time being. I firmly believe I am just ahead of the curve. During those 10 years, I made every mistake in the book.

This is my attempt to help others

avoid those errors and the heart aches that they bring. Caregiving is hard enough when

the plate willingly and lovingly. The catch, of course, is that they have absolutely no idea

what

lurks

in

their

future

as

a

caregiver.

So, when that phone call comes in the middle of the night from your local hospital, it may go something like this: “Hello. This is your local hospital. Your mother is here in our emergency room. She has fallen and

SENIOR SENSE | 59

She needs surgery right

whether or not your parents even have

You will need to come down here

them, you are letting yourselves in for your

broken her hip. away.

now to sign our paperwork. She indicated

first super stressor.

you were her family member who would be

strong

able to help.

children whose parents are alive.

You will need to bring all her

So, here is my first

recommendation

for

all

adult If that

pertinent information. How long will it take

kind of accident happens, it will be plenty

for you to get here?”

stressful all by itself. If you have to go to

And so your

their home in the middle of the night and

caregiving journey will begin.

Many times it starts from injuries sustained in an accident of some kind. You will jump in your car and somewhere on that race

conduct a panicky search for the required information, your stress level will go up exponentially.

between the driveway and the ER Entrance, you may realize you don’t know your mother’s

social

security

number,

her

Medicare number, her Medicare supplement policy

number,

medications,

why

her she

list

of

is

taking

current those

medications, or her primary care physician’s name or phone number. You will wonder if she has signed a Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions.

Find out the information listed below. Keep the originals in a safe place at your home.

It is best to photocopy all of it and keep those copies in a red plastic folder in the seat pocket behind the driver’s seat of every automobile in your family.

That way, no matter where you are, if you have

to

drive

to

the

hospital

in

an

emergency, the information you will need is with you.

If you are technically advanced,

scan these documents and keep them on a If you are reading this article and wondering what some of those terms mean, and

thumb drive with you at all times.

60 | SENIOR SENSE

o o

Frequency Why

it

is

being

taken

(many

medications have multiple uses) o

How long has it been taken

o

Doctor who prescribed it

o

When

this

diagnosed

 However,

understand

employees

usually

that

like

hospital

paper

ER

copies.

Doctor’s appointments with new physicians will be much easier because you will have the necessary details, especially as you add

   



Power of Attorney for Health Care Out of Hospital DNR Advanced Directives

If there is anything special about your For

instance, if your dad has been in a wheelchair for 25 years, have a clear statement

Social Security Card

of

the

circumstances

surrounding that condition.

Medicare Card

Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy Card OR



first

Power of Attorney

parents, have that information.

diagnosis. Here are the essentials: 

was

Decisions

to them with each new physician and/or



condition

Medicare Advantage Insurance Policy

While this sounds like a lot, keep in mind that the information on the first 5 bullets will easily fit on one piece of paper.

Card 

If one is a veteran, their VA physician and detailed medication information



Primary

Care

Physician’s

name,

address and phone number 

If they have it, their long-term care insurance policy number and company



CURRENT including o o

list

of

medications,

Medication name, spelled correctly Dosage

Here is my second strong recommendation.

It stems from something that happened in my family.

The first time I realized my

parents were missing on a road trip, I wanted desperately to call the police and report them missing.

They were actually

completely lost for 48 hours.

I realized

there were some specifics I did not know, and so I could not make that call.

You will

want to add these items to your red folder:  

Both of their Driver’s License Numbers Automobile Insurance Policy Number

SENIOR SENSE | 61

Automobile Insurance Agent’s name,



address and phone number

Make and year model of all vehicles



they drive, and the color 

immediately.

This caregiving is toughest

when it lasts for many years and it is done for people who have always been strong,

Height and weight of both parents



And it may not be the kind of

stuff going wrong that kills a person

Automobile License Tag Numbers



parents.

Current photograph – which is not

vibrant and active but are now becoming

license.

pretty inactive.

necessarily the one on their driver’s

frail, more belligerent than vibrant, and There may actually come a

time when they can’t be left alone.

(How

would your life change if you were told by expert physicians that your mom could not be left alone ever again?)

If you were

surprised to learn that there is such a thing as Medicare Supplement Insurance, you will be shocked to learn that Medicare does NOT pay for long-term care.

Understand – 6

weeks of recovery from a hip replacement is NOT long-term care.

This third recommendation is the one you may

find

particularly

the if

hardest

to

obtaining

accomplish, the

above

information either proves to be difficult because one or the other of your parents refuses to have you “snooping around in their business” or because you can’t bring yourself to talk to them about this subject.

It

is

also

the

most

important.

This

Long-term care happens when Mom is just never quite right again after that hip surgery.

Her balance is off and she starts

falling. She somehow gets lost going to the grocery store, church and the hairdresser – all places she has gone for years. These are all very serious indicators that something is wrong!

discussion needs to begin.

The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that 3 out of 4 Americans will need more than traditional health care.

That means that 75% of us will need more than just a brief stay in a hospital because of a case of the flu or pneumonia.

As we

all age – and baby, we are all aging – it is hard to face the fact that if you live long enough, stuff will start to go wrong with your health AND with the health of your

If this sort of thing happens to your father first, it will be your mother who becomes his caregiver.

Your job will be to watch

your mother’s health carefully.

If your

62 | SENIOR SENSE

mother is the first to be affected, your dad

happen, as is the very definition of an

will do his best to become the caregiver.

accident. If it does happen to you and your

However, he will need your help more than

family, would you rather be prepared or

he will admit readily.

would you rather have no idea what to do

In many instances,

the caregiver becomes so stressed during

next?

this process that the caregiver dies long before the patient. Or worse, he or she has a heart attack, doesn’t die but is seriously disabled, and now you get to care for both of them at the same time.

If one of your

parents is already deceased, you are elected by default!

Have this conversation with your parents!

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter, and other holidays are a great time to begin.

If you have trouble bringing up

the subject, couch it as family planning for emergencies. Tell the story of someone you know at work or at church who had this I realize that this may sound like an outlook

kind of thing happen.

that says doom and gloom surround us all!

good cheer and everyone is together. It can

That is not my intent. Remember, the U.S.

be a safe time to start the discussion.

Department

of

Health

and

Human

Resources’ prediction is that 75% of us will need more than traditional health care.

Then, add in these facts: We are all aging, including our parents!

As we age, our

health typically deteriorates rather than improves.

If

one

lives

long

eventually one will need help.

enough, Accidents

happen to people in all walks of life, and

Most of us are in

One final point: Prepare the exact same kinds of information on yourselves and initiate the conversation with your own children!

We all think that

accidents never happen to us.

You don’t

want to be an Accidental Caregiver. I know you

don’t

want

to

make

Accidental

Caregivers out of your kids. Do you?

usually when they are least expected to

Cindy Ward was a caregiver who shares her experience with others who may face an unfortunate experience with aging parents. She writes and shares life in Texas with her husband Forrest.