SummerLifestyles

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How to: create a perfect picnic menu

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You've enjoyed going on picnics since you were a kid, you loved the foods your mom tucked into the tattered wooden picnic basket. The salads were so crisp, the sandwiches scrumptious and the homemade cookies to die for. Times have certainly changed since then, but the fun of picnics has not. This summer, if you're going to take your family for a picnic in the park, here are some quick recipes to ensure you serve them a great lunch.

CHEESE AND FRUIT KABOBS 1 8-oz. pkg. cheese, cubed 16 seedless red grapes 16 strawberries 4 kiwi, peeled and quartered 1 4-oz. vanilla pudding cup 1 6-oz. strawberry yogurt cup Alternate cheese cubes, grapes, strawberries and kiwi chunks on wooden skewers. Serve as dippers with pudding and yogurt.

PEANUT BUTTERBANANA S'MORES Peanut butter Marshmallow creme 1 banana, sliced Chocolate syrup Graham crackers Spread some peanut butter and marshmallow creme onto a graham cracker. Add a couple slices of bananas and a squirt of chocolate syrup. Top with another graham cracker and squeeze together.

HAM PINEAPPLE SANDWICHES 1 15-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained 1 c. sugar 1 c. walnuts, chopped 1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 2 T. milk 24 slices whole-grain bread 60 thin slices deli ham Combine pineapple and sugar, bring to a boil and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Add walnuts. In another bowl, stir cream cheese to soften, adding just enough milk to make mixture spreadable. Blend in pineapple mixture. Spread onto 12 slices of bread. Top with 5 thin slices of ham and remaining bread slices.

ROCKY ROAD BARS 1/3 c. honey 2 T. butter 4 c. miniature marshmallows 6 c. honey oat cereal 1 c. peanuts, chopped 4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped Microwave honey and butter on high for 1 minute and stir until well blended. Add marshmallows and toss to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 minutes, or until marshmallows are puffed, and stir until well blended. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Press into greased foil-lined 13x9-inch pan. Cool and cut into bars.

RAISIN FINGER SANDWICHES 1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/4 c. mayonnaise 1/2 c. pecans, chopped 10 slices raisin bread Beat cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in pecans.

Spread onto five slices of bread and top with remaining bread slices. Cut each sandwich into three strips, pack and serve. These are just some of the many picnic food recipes your kids are sure to enjoy. You will find hundreds more in cookbooks and online, many of which you can get the kids to help you make.

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How to: enjoy the picnic without leaving the litter Summer is a time for backyard barbecues and soaking up the sun's rays. For those without a backyard, however, the local park is often the place for picnics and summer gatherings with family and friends. Those heading off to the park this summer to grill out

and enjoy the summer sun should consider the following tips to ensure the park stays clean. • Control smoking. Cigarette butts unfortunately litter the nation's parks. To ensure this doesn't happen at your next picnic, don't allow guests to smoke

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or, if they must, bring a couple of ashtrays for them. • Pay attention. Though it can be difficult to keep a constant eye on guests and still enjoy yourself, it's important to pay attention at the picnic to ensure trash and other litter doesn't blow away. Wind can blow litter into local waterways, negatively impacting water quality and hurting marine life as well. • Bring your own trash receptacles. If it's a busy day at the park, you might not be able to grab an ideal picnic spot where trash cans are within reach. So bring your own trash receptacles or just a couple of extra garbage bags to be sure you collect all trash and don't make a negative impact on the park. • Make guests help! Hosts aren't the only ones responsible for picking up their trash. Be sure to let guests know they need to pick up after themselves.

S'mores is one of the most popular desserts enjoyed around the campfire and at cookouts. Now you can enjoy the flavor of this delectable dessert without the fuss of toasting marshmallows over an open flame. S'mores history dates back to the early 20th century. While the actual recipe origin is unknown - considering most camping recipes were passed down from generation to generation -- the first printed recipe for s'mores appeared in 1927 in the Girl Scout Handbook. S'mores were THE ORIGINAL 1 marshmallow (toasted to taste) 1/2 square graham cracker 1 square chocolate (sized to fit graham) Toast marshmallow over fire to desired consistency. Place chocolate on graham cracker square. Place marshmallow on second graham square. Squish the two grahams together and enjoy!

popular campside treats because of the portability of ingredients. It was easy to pack a bag of marshmallows, a box of graham crackers and a few bars of chocolate. The combination of sticky marshmallow, smooth, rich chocolate and crunchy graham crackers provides a perfect melding of flavors. However, s'mores weren't the first pairing of these ingredients. Mallomar cookies and Moonpies also featured these ideal components. To make a delicious dessert that builds upon the s'mores flavors and theme at your next summertime event, try this recipe for Frozen S'mores Cake. FROZEN S'MORES CAKE 1 quart vanilla ice cream 1 quart chocolate ice cream 10 or 12 graham cracker squares 1/4 cup melted butter 1/2 tablespoon sugar 1 jar of hot fudge 1 bag mini-marshmallows 2 tablespoons water Vegetable shortening Crush graham crackers in a

zipper-lock bag or pulse in a food processor until made into crumbs. Add sugar and melted butter to the crumbs, mix and press into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes, or until the crust browns a bit. Soften ice cream by letting it sit out of the freezer for a few minutes. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the chocolate ice cream over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread desired amount of fudge topping over the chocolate ice cream. Then spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the fudge layer. Coat a microwave-safe bowl with a thin layer of shortening. Add most of the marshmallows, reserving a few for garnish, and the water to the bowl. Microwave for about a minute to a minute and a half until the marshmallows are melted. Top the vanilla ice cream with the melted marshmallows. Place the cake in the freezer overnight to harden. When ready to serve, place the garnish marshmallows on top and

drizzle with a little melted hot fudge. You can use a kitchen torch or a barbecue lighter to add a little browning to the garnish marshmallows to make them look

like they were toasted over a fire. Slice and enjoy quickly before it melts. This cake also makes a great alternative to a store-bought ice cream birthday cake.

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How to: prepare for camping By Tresa Erickson You spent a lot time camping as a kid, and now that you have kids of your own, you'd like to pass on your love of camping to them. There's just one problem: Your kids are less than impressed with the great outdoors. They don't mind the occasional trip to a nearby park or a few hours on the jungle gym out back, but they prefer to be inside where there are no

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bugs and plenty of high-tech things to do. Your job is to convince them otherwise, that the great outdoors presents a world of fun opportunities, even without the modern conveniences of home. Once you've made it clear you're taking the family camping and you've gotten past the moans and groans, you can stir up the excitement. Start by giving your kids a peek at what's to come with

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a backyard campout. Set up some tents, pull out the sleeping bags, grill a meal and engage in some fun outdoor activities. Have a scavenger hunt, play a game of night tag or have a sing-a-long. Schedule in a little education time and teach your kids camping basics. Share stories of your times camping as a kid and answer any questions they might have. The more your kids know and are prepared for your camping trip, the better sports they will be about it. Get everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, involved in the planning. Keep the trip short, two to three days tops, and select where you are going together, bearing age and interests in mind. If your kids are older and can drive, you might want to select a campground not too far from town. That way, they'll have something to do when they get tired of the outdoors stuff. If your kids are younger, you might want to select a campground with playgrounds and swimming to keep them busy. Wherever you choose to go, make sure there is plenty to do and the

basic amenities are provided, like running water, bathrooms and showers. This is not the time to rough it. Give everyone a say in the activity planning and allow for free time. Intersperse some of the activities offered with your own. Weave in a hike through the canyon with some swimming or fishing. Cap off the day of fun with dinner out and a movie. Your kids will be more inclined to join in, if given the opportunity to engage in activities they are used to, like dinner and a movie. Should your kids see something else they would rather do or get sidetracked during an outing, let them. There's nothing wrong with spontaneity. Pack the right stuff. There is nothing like a long day of shivering in soaked clothes to turn off kids to the outdoors for good. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for the unforeseen. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a first aid kit. Bring plenty of extra clothes and food. Keep the menu simple. Choose items you can cook well. If you serve your kids

lousy meals day after day, they will soon tire of the trip and whine to go home. Bring all of the things your kids cannot live without, like their favorite blankets and stuffed animals, cell phones, music players and laptop computers. Make a fuss. Happiness is contagious, so let others know how happy you are about the trip. Mention it often and mark the days off the calendar to the big event. Once you arrive, continue your jovial attitude, no matter how long it takes to set up camp and get the fire going. Your kids will pick up on your attitude and get excited, too. Even teens will get in on the fun if everyone else is having a good time. Involvement is key when camping out with kids, especially those who would rather not. Get their help with the planning, keep them in the know and spend as much time as possible with them on the trip. The more your kids feel like they are a part of the trip, the less they will fuss and the more receptive they will be to the idea.

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Preventative procedures the best defense against heartworms For many Americans, the most cherished childhood memories revolve around time spent with a favorite family pet. While time spent using a string to play with your cat or running across a field with your dog are indeed happy memories, the sudden death of a pet can be a sorrowful time for youngsters and adults alike. Each year, thousands of family pets fall ill due to the presence of illness caused by parasites, but such problems ca be treated or prevented with a little education and tender loving care. Heartworm, a slow-developing parasitic infection affecting dogs throughout North America, involves the infestation of a dog’s heart by up to hundreds of long, thin, white worms that reproduce and grow until a dog’s heart can no longer pump enough blood to keep the dog alive. The infection can take up to two years to show any physical signs, and even then it could be overlooked. “The first sign of heartworm disease is that there is no sign, the dog looks perfectly healthy,” said Dr. Debbie Chalker with Georgetown Animal Hospital. After that, usually the next sign is weight loss and coughing. It can cause organ failure including heart, kidney, or liver failure. Heartworms spread from dog to dog by mosquitos. The heartworm reproduces through young worms that live in the blood stream. When bitten by the insect, some of these young are then consumed and transported by bites to healthy dogs. Eventually, the young worms grow into adults and the cycle begins anew. “We always have dogs tested, starting at five months or older. You can actually kill the dog if you start it on certain types of prevention before being tested. Depending on the size of the dog and if you want flea protections, it runs from $5 to $20 a month.” The best step to take is pre-

vention, which can begin with puppies. It is estimated that 30% of dogs and cats in the area have heartworms. “If a dog already has heartworm, they need to be treated with medicine to treat it. It can be complicated, they can take a preventive medicine to keep the dog from getting more until it can be treated, but it won’t treat what’s already there. When a dog is diagnosed with heartworm, the procedure to eliminate the infection can be time consuming and expensive. Typically, Chalker said that clearing up an infection takes a week of rest at the vet’s office, plus an additional six weeks of rest at home to prevent secondary problems. The worm is actually killed with medicine, so no surgery is involved, but the procedure must be followed up with preventative medicine to keep the dog from getting heartworm in the future. “If the dog is infected, it’s an injection in the back a day for two days,” said Chalker. The six weeks of rest prevent pulmonary embolisms which could potentially kill the dog. Then they come back in two weeks after the treatment to start on prevention.” Chalker said that, while rare, some cases of heartworm have been found in humans. Preventative medicine is also available for cats. What are heartworms? Heartworms are long, thin, white worms that live in the heart and adjoining blood vessels. During the adult life cycle, the female produce young called microfilariae. These microfilariae live in the dog’s bloodstream. How do dogs get heartworms? Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it feeds on the blood which contains microfilaria. After 10 to 30 days in the mosquito’s system, the microfilariae become infected larvae. When the mosquito bites a healthy dog, the animal is infected with larvae which then grow

into adult heartworms. Even if a dog has a thick coat, that is no protection against heartworm disease. Mosquitoes can bite into areas with less hair - in the stomach area or on the face and nose. Indoor dogs have as much chance of getting heartworms as dogs that live their lives outside. Most dogs are outside at some time during the day, and mosquitoes can enter houses also. Is heartworm disease widespread? Because the disease is transmitted my mosquitoes, it is especially serious where mosquitoes are predominant. The disease is now present all across the U.S. and Canada. What are the symptoms? By the time symptoms appear, heartworm disease has reached an advanced condition. It may take a number of years for symptoms to develop. Coughing, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss are all typical signs. Severely infected dogs may die suddenly during exertion or excitement. How are dogs tested for heartworms? The test most frequently used involves drawing a blood sample form the dog. The sample is examined under a microscope for the presence of microfilariae. A snap heartworm antigen test is performed to test for adult heartworms. If a dog is diagnosed to have heartworm disease, a treatment program is set up to remove both adult worms and microfilariae. Can heartworms be prevented? After a dog is tested and found to be negative, it can be started on a preventative medication. This medication keeps the dog form getting infected if it is bitten by mosquitoes carrying the heartworm larvae. Your veterinarian will advise you about type of preventatives and corrct dosages.

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SUMMER LIFESTYLES 2010 - Page 9

How to: keep cool without air conditioning Air conditioning is a relatively modern convenience. Before its invention, people survived summer temperatures without the cooling breeze of an A/C unit - and you can, too.

There are many reasons for opting out of using air conditioning this season. Individuals who are environmentally minded can see the benefit of saving energy and reducing green-

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house emissions. Air conditioners use a lot of power, and thus, require a lot of fuel to generate electricity. Running air conditioners also can be expensive. For those who are cutting costs, keeping the A/C off or minimizing usage can add up to considerable savings come bill time. You can rely on some basic ways to beat the heat and invent some of your own. The Obvious - Try these ideas first to stay cool. • Use a fan to circulate air. If a cool breeze isn't making it indoors, use a fan do draw in air from outside. If hot air is trapped inside, use a fan in the opposite direction to draw warm air out. Also, consider installing ceiling fans to help air circulate throughout larger rooms.

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• Draw the curtains or blinds to minimize the amount of heat that will build up due to sunlight. • Cover south - and west-facing windows with black-out curtains to minimize heat gain from the sun. • Keep windows closed during particularly hot days, and open them up at night when the temperature has cooled off. • Move to a lower level of the home where it tends to be cooler since heat rises. • Wear natural fabrics like cotton and linen to keep you cooler. • Light-colored clothing will reflect the sun's rays. Dark clothing will absorb the heat. Water, Water Everywhere Getting wet could be the key to cooling off. • Spend time in a sprinkler, pool or other source of water. • Fill up the bathtub with cool water and take a dip. A cool shower also can cool you down. • Wet a shirt or a bandana and wear it. The combination of the wet item of clothing and a slight breeze can cool you down quickly. * Use a water bottle mister and a fan to provide a cooling sensation. * Feeling hot when you're trying to sleep can lead to a restless night. Chill a pillowcase in the freezer and sleep on

the cool surface. Or wet and freeze a pillowcase and place it on your feet or head to stay cool. The body radiates heat from the hands, feet, face and ears, so cooling any of these will efficiently cool the body. Food Remedies - Use food to help cool down the body. • Many people in warmer climates eat spicy foods. These foods can cause you to perspire more and thus cool down faster. • If you don't want to go for spicy, go for cold foods, such as ices, ice cream and cold fruit. • Always drink plenty of cold beverages that are free of alcohol, sodium and caffeine. • Peppermint has a cooling sensation. You can also use peppermint oil on your skin or menthol products to help you to feel cooler. • Slice a thin piece of cold cucumber and stick it in the middle of your forehead. This starts to work immediately. The Bare Truth - Sometimes shedding some clothes is the key. • If you are indoors, strip down to your undergarments, a bathing suit. • In low-humidity situations, it actually may help you feel cooler if you are fully clothed and covered-up outdoors. This blocks the sun from beating on your skin.

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How to: assist with arthritis You didn't want it, but you got it anyway - arthritis.You know the difficulties it can impose on the tasks of everyday living. Lucky for you, manufacturers are aware of the problem and have produced a number of assistive devices for arthritis sufferers. Do a little shopping locally or online, and you're bound to come across a myriad of products that will assist you and your arthritic hands with the tasks of

everyday living. You'll find devices to help you comb your hair, button your shirt and pants, put on your socks, tie your shoes and so forth. You'll find devices to help you get in and out of the car, put on your seat belt and turn the key in the ignition. You'll find products to help you turn on lamps, write a letter and even sleep. Assistive devices are available for tasks in nearly every room in the house. Some of the more

popular products for the kitchen include grip tools and utensils to make cooking and cleaning easier. Imagine being able to open cabinet doors and turn on the faucet with ease, or pick up the smallest of items off the floor. It's all possible with the products designed for stiffening hands. Arthritis can make everyday tasks in the bathroom insurmountable, but they don't have to be with the products now on the market. Installed around toi-

lets, toilet supports can make getting up and down safer and easier. Installed in the tub and shower, grab bars can make getting in and out safer and easier. Pole scrubbers can simplify cleaning, while large-handled electric toothbrushes can make brushing teeth a snap. You'll find products for the outdoors as well. Enjoy many of the tasks you used to and work in your lawn and garden with ease using products like tools with

large-grip handles and gardening benches. No avid gardener with arthritis should be without the assistive devices designed for the outdoors. There are literally hundreds of assistive devices on the market today for people like you who suffer from arthritis. Don't spend another day without them. Do a little shopping, find the help you need and get back in the game.

online. You can connect with people, potentially individuals who live close by.

• Ask existing friends if they have other friends to whom they can introduce you.

How to: make friends after retirement Many people overlook the opportunities for socialization that working provides. You get out of the house and see people apart from your family - with whom you can converse. Many retirees find that life can be a bit boring after the job ends, primarily because they don't have access to the same level of socialization as they once did. If you're a bit rusty in the friend-making department, it's

pretty much how it was when you were younger. You simply must find individuals who have similar interests and goals. • Volunteer in your community and you're bound to find potential friends who are like-minded. • Take classes at a college or university. Many offer free or discounted rates for seniors. This is a great way to meet people of all ages and walks of life. • Attend clubs at senior centers

or houses of worship. It's likely that there are plenty of other people looking for relationships. • Think about your interests. If you like fishing, sewing or boating, join a club that caters to those interests. Others who share your hobbies will be there. • If you're new to an area, host an open-house party and invite neighbors in for introductions and some socialization. • Join a social networking site

How to: help a parent after the loss of a spouse Few children, even adult children, are ever prepared enough to help their parent deal with the loss of a spouse. In addition to coping with their own loss of a parent, many adults must find a way to help a parent who just lost the love of their life. While it is never easy helping a parent in such a situation, there are ways to help a parent cope with such a significant loss. • Be mindful of your parent's health. Sadly, a common side effect of losing a spouse is showing less interest in your own health. Kids must make sure their parent continues to eat regularly. This can be done in a number of ways. Invite your parent over for dinner a couple of nights a week, and go over to your parent's home for dinner a couple of additional nights. If you have siblings, share this responsibility. Also, you can cook for your parent just like he or she used to cook for you.

While physical health is important, be sure your parent maintains his or her mental health as well. Depression is common among those who have lost a loved one, so ask them about their feelings and if they're getting enough sleep. If adult children have their own kids, bring the grandkids over whenever possible. Nothing puts a bigger smile on a grandparent's face than the sight of his or her grandchildren. • Allow them some space to be themselves. While you might want to stay as close as possible to your parent, you also need to give them some space to be themselves. Your parent just lost his or her spouse, and it's perfectly natural for him or her to want some time alone. Afford them this opportunity, but be mindful to check in with them regularly and not allow them to spend too much time alone. • Engage your parent as much

as possible. When both your parents were still alive, you might not have invited them along to the movies or when taking your own kids to a sporting event. However, engage them in such activities now, as they might not get a chance to do such things otherwise. Another way to engage parents is to talk to them about current events or even books you have been reading. Doing so will help them stay mentally sharp, and you will no doubt benefit as well from their point of view. • Take a trip with your parent. Initially, your parent might be reluctant to travel, especially of he or she had travel plans or dreams with his or her spouse. However, over time your parent will no doubt enjoy the prospect of traveling with the family, and it can be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

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Senior Living

Serving Seniors in Clermont and Brown Counties

How to: care for homebound aging relatives While no one would say the economic downturn of the last year has been a good thing, that doesn't mean it hasn't been beneficial in certain ways. Many families, for instance, were

forced to re-examine their financial strategies and spending habits and might, as a result, be in better financial shape down the road because of it. The downturn has also drawn

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The economic downturn has resulted in many families welcoming older members of the family as a way to save money on potentially costly care at extended care facilities.

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many families closer. One way in which many families have had to cut back is to care for aging or sick loved ones in their home as opposed to paying for an extended care facility. Whether that responsibility falls to a single individual or a variety of family members, the following tips can help make the adjustment easier and less stressful. • Ask for and accept help. Oftentimes, when a parent is aging or is suffering from a chronic illness, the responsibility for caring for that parent will fall to one person. A son or daughter without any children, for example, will typically become the primary caregiver. However, the responsibility of caring for an aging or ill parent is a big one, and individuals should ask for and accept help. Siblings, other family members and friends will likely all offer to help, and individuals should

be open to that help. • Keep medical records handy. Because caring for a loved can feel overwhelming, it's best to stay as organized as possible to help reduce some of the stress. Keep medical records handy and in a convenient location. Many times, older adults must visit the doctor's office frequently. To keep affairs in order, store medical records in a convenient location so they're easily accessible whenever taking a loved one to the doctor's office. Also, when visiting a new doctor, bring those medical records with you to lessen any potential confusion as to your loved one's prior care. • Join a support group. Caregiving for an aging parent can be very difficult, and many caregivers often have feelings of depression. However, particularly in the current economy where many families have been forced to care for ill loved ones

themselves, caregivers need to recognize they are not alone and there are many people in similar situations coping with similar thoughts and feelings. Many communities have caregiving support groups for caregivers who simply need to get things off their chests. The local hospital likely has a list of such support groups. If not, an online search for groups in your area will likely produce some results. * Exercise. Daily exercise is beneficial for everyone, and caregivers are no exception. Be sure to get out of the house each day, be it for a walk around the neighborhood or to squeeze in an hour or so at the gym. When exercising, invite a friend or family member along. This can help caregivers maintain the connection to some of their favorite activities and daily exercise has been proven to reduce stress and improve mood.

How to: return to exercise Much of the country has made exercise an important part of their daily routines. Though young people are aware of the long-term benefits of exercise, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, seniors can benefit greatly from daily exercise as well. In fact, many illnesses commonly faced by senior citizens can be combated effectively, though not entirely, if daily exercise is included. Exercise can help reduce the negative side effects of conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis and even depression, each of which can appear as a person ages. Unlike beginning an exercise regimen when you're young, however, doing so as a senior involves a little more restriction and an honest appraisal of where you are with respect to fitness. For seniors about to start an exercise routine, a couple of things must be considered to

ensure your success and safety. • Be honest: Diving right back into a heavy exercise routine is dangerous. Be honest with yourself at the start. Make your daily routine short at first, for 10 to 15 minutes per day, and take regular breaks. Slowly add to your routine as your body acclimates itself to daily physical activity. • Be realistic: Choosing an exercise regimen that you won't enjoy is impractical. You're probably not entertaining the notion of athletic glory like younger people, so you're far less likely to stick to a routine that's not enjoyable. • Stretch: Stretching should be done before and after each workout. Low-intensity stretches that precede a workout will ready your body for the more strenuous work ahead and will also get your blood flowing. It's important to stretch after you've worked out as well. Once you've finished the more strenu-

ous portion of your cardiovascular routine, cool down with a 1 or 2 minute walk on the treadmill or a couple of minutes of low intensity cycling on the exercise bike. This allows your heart rate to return to normal. Upon completion of the cardiovascular portion of your workout, do some light stretching to avoid cramping. • Stay hydrated: Replenish the fluids your body is going to lose through exercise by drinking water while you exercise. Dehydration is not only bad for your body, it's also uncomfortable, often leading to muscle tightness and possibly stomach pains. • Take it easy: Feelings of nausea, lightheadedness or dizziness indicate you're going too hard. Again, seniors are at greater risk for injury and ailments than their younger counterparts, so exercise caution whenever exercising.

How to: avoid feeling sluggish during the dog days of Summer Summer's dog days are known for making people feel sluggish. Long spells of hot and humid weather can make summer feel like an eternity. Though there's little people can do about the temperatures outdoors when summer arrives in full swing, there are many ways they can make summer's dog days less draining. Consider the following tips. • Be careful with caffeine. Caffeine has both its advocates and detractors. However, no one can argue caffeine's ability to provide a boost when needed. Those who drink caffeinated beverages in moderation can really benefit from the boost it provides. On sluggish summer mornings when the temperatures are already hot and humid at sunrise, a cup of iced coffee can not only provide a boost of energy but some refreshment as well. When relying on caffeine for that extra pick-me-up during summer's dog days, it's important to carefully moderate caffeine consumption. Caffeine consumption in late afternoon or in the evening can actually have the adverse effect many people hope to get from caffeine. Because caffeine provides such a boost, those who drink caffeinated products in late afternoon or in the evening might have difficulty falling asleep at night, zapping their energy the following day as a result.

Caffeine can also be dehydrating, which is not healthy when hot, humid weather already takes its toll on the body. Keep this in mind and don't overdo caffeine consumption. • Alter eating habits. Perhaps nothing can be more draining on a hot summer day than a big meal. Large meals on sizzling summer days rob people of energy and often lead to feelings of discomfort. But this doesn't mean people should avoid eating as the summer temperatures heat up. Rather, altering existing eating habits can provide more energy and might even lead to some weight loss. Instead of three meals per day, eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Healthy snacking during the day can help boost metabolism and maintain energy levels regardless of how hot it might be outside. Eat light meals every 3 to 4 hours, and avoid foods that are heavy and lead to feelings of lethargy. • Look for foods high in fiber. Fiber can do a great deal for people looking to get more energy from their daily diets. The benefits of fiber are numerous, but perhaps no benefit is more pronounced than fiber's ability to flush toxins and wastes from the body. Such toxins and wastes make people feel very sluggish, particularly during summer's dog days. However, those who

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include fiber in their daily diets will notice a substantial improvement in their energy levels. • Exercise in the morning. Many people look to exercise as a means to boosting energy during the summer swoon. This is a sound and healthy approach, but those who don't feel they're maximizing their workouts might want to consider working out in the mornings instead. Summer's dog days often make people feel tired by the end of the workday, something that could lead to less effective workouts for those who exercise after work. When working out in the morning, however, the temperatures are lower (even in air conditioned fitness centers temperatures can be noticeably warmer inside if the temperature outside is especially hot) in the

gym and the body is better rested and ready to make the most of a workout. In addition, many people who workout in the mornings

before work find their energy levels are higher throughout the day as a result.

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Page 6 - SUMMER LIFESTYLES 2010

SUMMER LIFESTYLES 2010 - Page 7

Senior Living Go To www.clermontseniors.com for all of your support and service needs

Serving Seniors in Clermont and Brown Counties

Auctions provide fun entertainment for a good cause Do you like collectibles and antiques? What about an antique marble top table, Longaberger picnic basket, hand-stitched Amish quilt, antique bird house or cradle, Mickey Mouse phone, pottery, china, paintings? If so, mark your calendar for Friday, Sept. 10. Items for the annual Art, Antiques & Collectibles Auction, sponsored by Clermont Senior Services, go on the auction block Friday, September 10, at Receptions-Eastgate, 4450 Eastgate Blvd. Appetizers will be available at 5 p.m. when the silent auction opens; dinner is at 7 p.m. and at 8 p.m. the silent auction tables close. Auctioneer Joel T. Wilson

opens the live auction at 8 p.m., and has the reputation of generating almost the same amount of laughter as bids. “This is a really fun event and a great way to support the agency’s fund-raising efforts,” said Development Director Debbie Siegroth. “It’s also a way to meet and make new friends.” Cost is $40 per person and includes appetizers, dinner/dessert and the silent and live auctions. Raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Prizes are: 32-inch Samsung LCD flat screen TV, 3 Days/2 Nights Lake Cumberland Getaway, Grill (donated by Lowes/Beechmont)/ $250 gift

certificate for meat (donated by Lehr’s Market), and “The Secret Berry Patch”, a framed, signed and numbered print by artist David Atkins. If you cannot attend the event, but would like to purchase raffle tickets, please call 536-4002 or 536-4065. Dress is business casual and a cash bar is available. Proceeds benefit the senior citizens of Clermont County through the programs provided by Clermont Senior Services. If you would like to be a sponsor or make a donation, please call Debbie at 536-4065; to make a reservation or donate an item, call Karen at 536-4002.

Senior Living

Serving Seniors in Clermont and Brown Counties

WHY and HOW to Preplan Funeral Arrangements Mark Herman Preplanning Counselor Important points to consider when preplanning funerals… “We don’t plan to fail, we fail to plan.” Making arrangements in advance can simplify the process. Having trusted professionals to assist you… It’s not a question of if, but a matter of when. Today it is becoming more and more common to plan funerals before death occurs. This planning might involve your own funeral or the funeral of a family member or relative. Setting out your wishes in advance ensures your requests are known to your family. When it comes to taking care of your family and loved ones, planning is especially important. It is never easy thinking about your own death, but learning about all your options in advance and coping with them ahead of time is easier. The first step in making arrangements is talking with a family service counselor. The service counselor can guide you through decisions that must be made when planning a funeral. Some of the topics to consider By:

include: gathering vital statistics information; traditional earth burial or cremation service; visitation (public or private); type of service (religious, military, etc.); type and style of casket; burial vault; cremation urn; urn vault; choice of music and the selection of any special readings. Another advantage of preplanning your final arrangements is considering how to pay for it. To ease the burden on family members later, you can pay for the funeral in advance. Also by pre-paying now you are assured that the funds to pay for the funeral will be there when needed. Advance payments serve as a hedge against inflation by paying for tomorrow’s funeral at today’s prices. Many funeral homes invest money for pre-planned funerals into a special life insurance product designed specifically for funeral homes. The funeral home provides all the designated services and merchandise at the time of need. Proceeds from the funeral insurance plan are paid directly to the funeral home. The plan offers flexibility in that if you move, your coverage can be easily transferred. The product is also designed to meet Medicaid/SSI requirements.

People also use traditional private life insurance to pay for funeral expenses. However, life insurance proceeds may erode over time due to inflation and are intended to cover ongoing expenses for the family. Any type of savings set aside for funeral arrangements may be depleted by a long term illness prior to death or by nursing home confinements. Who should pre-plan? As ironic as it may seem, people in the prime of their life should give serious consideration to making funeral arrangements in advance. The survivors of people who die in their prime are generally shocked by such a death. As a rule, making funeral arrangements may be especially confusing and stressful to them. Preplanning can help alleviate some of this stress and confusion. By planning now, you will ensure peace of mind for yourself and your family. You also remove the possibility for disagreement among family members about “what Mom or Dad would have wanted.” When your death does occur, one phone call to the funeral home will ensure your funeral wishes will be handled properly. Dealing with the death

of a loved one is difficult under any circumstances. Be sure to find a funeral home with employees who make you feel comfortable. You will be making important decisions with their guidance

and a feeling of trust is very important. Choose a funeral home with a professional and knowledgeable staff.

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How to: remain independent

Handmade quilts are among the dozens of items on the auction block for the 2010 Art, Antiques & Collectibles Auction sponsored by Clermont Senior Services. In a photo from last year, Auctioneers Joel T. Wilson (left) and David S. Lewis (right) auction a quilt with the assistance of CEO George Brown.

CMYK

By Tresa Erickson You fell again. You're ok, but your knees are bruised and your ankles are sore. Oh, boy, when your daughter hears this, she's going to start in on you again about moving to her house where she can keep an eye on you. You're old, but you're not that old. You don't need a babysitter yet. How about some type of medical alert system? That might ease your daughter's concerns and allow you to maintain your independence longer. A number of medical alert systems are available ranging from the simple to the complex. The best systems consist of some small device with sensors that can be worn, such as a button or pendant,

which the user can activate when needed to alert others that they need help. The device may also contain the user's medical history and their physician's and family's contact information to assist emergency personnel. Generally, the more complex the system, the more it costs Some systems run in the hundreds of dollars, but it may be well worth the price when an emergency arises and the user needs help. Medical alert systems save lives and provide peace of mind for hundreds of families across the country. More importantly, they help individuals, seniors in particular, maintain their independence and live at home longer. One look in the telephone book

or online should uncover a number of possibilities. Call for some brochures to see what options would work best for you. Then do your homework. Research the manufacturer and systems offered in great detail. Ask for references and take the time to check them out. Remember, your independence and health are on the line, so choose a reputable manufacturer and system. With the right medical alert system, your daughter will have peace of mind and you will, too. She'll relax and raise less of a fuss about those occasional mishaps of yours around the house, especially when you get rid of that rug in your entryway.

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