Avila Beach Life • February 2022

LOCAL NEWS ... BEACH VIEWS • FEBRUARY 2022

AVILABEACHLIFENEWS .COM

Refresh & Renew MEET GOLDIE PAGE 4

POINT SAN LUIS CISTERNS IN NEED OF A MAKEOVER PAGE 5

1772-2022

MISSION SAN LUIS: 250 YEARS PAGE 6

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2 | Avila Beach Life — February 2022

Making Communities Better Through Print™

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“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.

I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”

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February brings with it the hope of longer and warmer days as we have been through over the last two years and how far we we take time to reflect on the cold of winter and gain a refreshed have come. outlook on what lies ahead.

We have a lot to be thankful for, and we are going to continue The contrast and comparison between what most people are to focus on that which makes our communities better. We value like in real life versus what we might see on social media is a stark the differences in all of us and hope as we all start to emerge from reminder that we need more in-person activity. People are helpful, this cloud we have been living in, we can remember that. good-hearted, and personable.

Happy Love Day to you all!

We are thrilled to start to see events that we have long cherished start to return. The 2022 planning team for the California We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Avila Beach Life.

Mid-State Fair is back at it, along with most of our beloved local Much love, events are in the works as well.

Betty Hartig

Connie Pillsbury

Dr. Cindy Maynard John Salisbury

Kathy Mastako

Mary Foppiano Rick Cohen

Contact Us 805.466.2585

After all, we have been through; we are excited to start celebrating life again. Celebrate the good, the progress, and the successes

Visit our website! avilabeachlifenews.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

February 2022 — Avila Beach Life | 3 FOUNDATION NEWS & VIEWS

Avila Beach Community Foundation

Rick Cohen

G

AVILA BEACH FOUNDATION

reetings, fellow Avilones. It’s February, and we remain stuck in the Pandemic hamster wheel. Fortunately, there are some holidays coming up this month to act as diversions from the drudgery of the times. Not counting my wife’s birthday, also looming are Valentine’s Day, Ground Hog Day, and President’s Day. How many of us know the history of these three days? Or once knew but have forgotten over the years? Well, let’s take a stroll down memory lane.

According to Wikipedia, Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, “was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honor of Saint Valentine of Rome who died on that date in AD 269. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the “lovebirds” of early spring. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the

Avila Beach community looks forward to upcoming February holidays. Submitted photo

19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. In Italy, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart,” as well as to children to ward off epilepsy (called Saint Valentine’s Malady). “ Groundhog Day “is a popular North American tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den, and winter will persist for six more weeks. If it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.

While the tradition remains popular in the 21st century, studies have found no consis-

tent correlation between a groundhog seeing its shadow and the subsequent arrival time of spring-like weather. The weather lore was brought from German-speaking areas where the badger (German: Dachs) is the forecasting animal. This appears to be an enhanced version of the lore that clear weather on the Christian festival of Candlemas forebodes a prolonged winter.”

Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday, “is a holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February to honor all persons who served in the office of president of the United States. The federal holiday specifically honors George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional

Convention of 1787 and was the first president of the United States. The day is a state holiday in most states, with official names including Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, Presidents Day, and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday. Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on February 22 from 1879 until 1971, when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February, which can occur from February 15 to the 21st. The day eventually also became known as Presidents’ Day (though the placement of the apostrophe, if any, varies) and is most often an occasion to remember all U.S. presidents or to honor Abraham Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays together.”

Okay, now that I’ve dazzled you with my widespread knowledge, er, ability to call upon Wikipedia, here’s something you may find more useful. Though I rarely speak out to promote specific businesses, I make exceptions when it comes to making life a bit easier for us. I recently needed a document to be notarized, and through the magic of Google, found a Notary Public right here in Avila Beach. Her name is Gabriela Florence; she lives in the San Luis Bay Estates and conveniently comes right to your door to provide her notary services.

Available mostly in the evenings and weekends, Gabriela can be reached at (831)3200979. It sure beats having to drive into SLO or South County!

On a side note, winter weekdays – especially evenings - are the best time of year for us locals to more tranquility enjoy the downtown area and shores of Avila before the invasion of tourists descend upon us come spring. It’s a brief but welcome window. That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!

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4 | Avila Beach Life — February 2022

Making Communities Better Through Print™

A VIEW FROM THE BEACH

Here We Go Again

Mary Foppiano

Avila Beach Civic Association

H

i All – Here we are again…no closer to life returning to normal than we have been for the past two years. We are only a month away from the closure of the Avila Beach Community Center due to the pandemic on Mar. 19, 2020. We are still renting out the Center for a number of special events for community members and having Alcoholic Anonymous meetings and now healthy cooking and yoga classes. We typically host our first fundraiser of the year, our Valentine Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo Night, but even though it would be fun and a really enjoyable event, we feel it is necessary to postpone it until later this year.

All I can do right now is encourage everyone to get vaccinated, boosted, and wear your masks.

Hopefully, we will be able to welcome you

Avila Beach community center looks forward to hosting cooking classes and yoga in February. Submitted photo

to one of our entertaining events in the near future. Stay safe, and we will all get through this together.

Julie Andrews-Scott began her Cuesta Emeritus Healthy Cooking classes on Thursday, Jan. 20, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for the new semester at the Avila Beach Community Center.

Kathleen Yeung will begin her Cuesta Emeritus Yoga classes on Tuesday, Feb. 1, and Thursday, Feb. 10, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. through May 19 at the Community Center. You can register at the class or contact Everardo Vences-Gonzalez at Everardo_vencesgonza@cuesta.edu.

San Luis Obispo County District 3 Super-

visor Dawn Ortiz-Legg will continue hosting her office hours in our office on the second Thursday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. beginning Jan. 13. With so many important issues happening in our community, this is your opportunity to meet with Supervisor Ortiz-Legg to get answers to your questions.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Love in Avila Beach

By MARY FOPPIANO For Avila Beach Life

W

hat better way to meet your future spouse than in your senior high school cooking class! Mike and Char Hoffman were fortunate to do so.

They went on to Cal State Los Angeles for their education.

Mike has a BA in Vocational Education and taught Auto Technology at Foothill High School for 13 years and Vocational Auto Technology at Pasadena City College for 18 years. He also was Chief Mechanic for the Tournament of Roses for many years.

Char has a Masters in Administration and Business Education, taught business classes, and was the Director of the Teachers Union. She and Mike were always close and even reported to the same person when they were teaching at Pasadena City College.

They purchased their home in Indian Hill, located in the San Luis Bay Mobile Estates, in 1981 and are the longest living owners here. Their son Dan was going to Cal Poly to become an architect, so they thought this would be a great place for him to live while attending school. Their longterm plan was to sell when Dan graduated but decided it was better to keep the property. They eventually decided to move here full time when they retired.

They bought a cabin in Big Bear in 1971 with Mike’s

brother. Mike got a pilot’s license and a plane in 1975 so that they could fly up there and to their other properties for weekends. In addition, they have traveled around the world and on a number of other cruises.

While Mike and his brother were remodeling their Big Bear cabin into the beautiful home that it is now, Char began volunteering for Big Bear Forest Service and became an information specialist. They have been running the gold panning program in Holcomb Valley for 22 years and donating the funds raised to the youth mountain education fund.

For the past ten years, Mike and Char have been docents for the Point San Luis Lighthouse and have decorated the facilities for Christmas.

Mike has been active as part of the San Luis Bay Mobile Estates Men’s Coffee, barbeque, and pancake breakfast.

Char has been active in putting on events, dinners, and socials.

Mike and Char are very fortunate to have their two sons living in California. Dan and his wife Erika live in Irvine with their two children, and Darren and his wife Crystal and their two children live in Glendora.

When I asked them what they loved about living in Avila Beach, they just looked at me and smiled. Then they said, what’s not to love. We have great weather, a great location, great neighbors and friends, and a great life! I totally agree!.

High School sweethearts Mike and Char Hoffman. Submitted photo

FURRY SPOTLIGHT

Goldie is our Pet of the Month!

By MARY FOPPIANO

Y

ou never know when or where your life will change for the better. For George Smith, his granddaughter Melanie made that decision for him. She decided that he needed a dog to take for walks and to keep him company. Unfortunately, he had to return the puppy because he kept escaping his yard.

NEXT MONTH’S ‘PET OF THE MONTH

After going to church one morning 12 years ago, Goldie, who is 15 years old now, was found on the side of the road with a broken hip after being hit by a car. She made a complete recovery and has been happy with Sandy and George ever since. George still takes her for walks, rewards her with treats, and snores along with her when they nap.

Please send me your pictures and a short paragraph about your pet to avilabeachcc@gmail.com.

Thanks, and introduce us to your furry friend next month!

February 2022 — Avila Beach Life | 5 POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTSTATION

Point San Luis Cisterns: In Need of a Makeover

Kathy Mastako

Board of Directors, Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers

Point San Luis cisterns, urgently in need of restoration. Photo courtesy of Bob Mihelic

M

ost of the light station has been beautifully restored thanks to a dedicated corps of volunteers, visionaries, and donors. But the restoration of the station’s cisterns remains an urgent need.

The cisterns are historically important: they date back to 1890 and stored the water needed to produce the steam for our original fog signal. Now their insides are unstable, and their covers have deteriorated so badly that they must be surrounded by security fencing—a real eyesore—for the safety of visitors. While water is no longer needed to operate a fog signal, it is vital for the station’s fire protection.

There can be no doubt that the cisterns must be saved.

But first, a little history…

Originally there were five cisterns at the site: three 10,000gallon above-ground cisterns and two 50,000-gallon in-ground cisterns.

The above-ground cisterns were for household use; they were designed to capture rainwater runoff from the dwellings’ roofs.

These cisterns no longer exist. The double-keeper’s dwelling and cisterns were demolished in 1960; the cistern originally placed on the west side of the keeper’s dwelling is long-gone and has not been rebuilt.

The two in-ground cisterns were built to hold water needed for the boilers in the fog signal building, as the first fog signal was a steam whistle.

According to the Lighthouse Board’s 1890 report: “A separate contract was made for the duplicate fog signal set up in place…A space, within 100 feet of the signal, was cleared and cemented for a water-shed, and underground cisterns, with a capacity of 100,000 gallons, were built for the storage of water.”

The bricks used for the cisterns came from one of Ah Louis’s brickyards.

W. H. Heuer, the 12th district lighthouse engineer at the time, wrote to the Lighthouse Board in April 1980 that the five cisterns had a combined capacity of about 130,000 gallons.

But Heuer was concerned about the lack of water. He wrote: “I have caught from all available sources and now have on hand at this station about 30,000 gallons of water, and no prospects of getting any more from rainfall…before next November.

The quantity of water on hand is ample to supply the keepers and their families until next November but is far from sufficient to establish and maintain the steam fog signal. The nearest good water to the station is in a creek about 3-1/2 miles distant from the station. This water is excellent in quality and ample in quantity, and I estimate that I can lay a pipe and fill all our cisterns… in fact, procure an abundant supply for all the wants of the station by laying a pipe from the station to the creek...

As there is no wagon road to the station, water cannot be hauled there, and there is no practicable way of getting it there other than by piping it. The creek is on private land; the parties owning the creek also own the land between the creek and the lighthouse reservation. They will not object to laying a pipe on their land, but may want some compensation for permitting us to use the water, as well as for the use of the land on which the pipe may be laid. If the compensation which they ask should be reasonable and fair, I deem it proper that we should pay it…

At all events, we must get water to run the fog signal and maintain it until the next rainy season sets in or else defer the establishment of the fog signal until the rains commence next November…I have a surplus of about $17,000 left from the appropriation for establishing this station, and if permitted to get the water in the way above-recommended, I think our tanks can be filled within 15 days after the receipt of authority and that we can have an abundant supply of water thereafter as long as our pipe lasts without additional expense to the Government…”

(The creek Heuer wrote about was Pecho Creek.)

And some memories…

Those stationed at Point San Luis over the years remember the cisterns well.

Judy Moorefield, daughter of Keeper Bob Moorefield, recalled: “The ground was rough, and I had a tricycle. It was a joy for me to ride my tricycle on the smooth wooden surface that covered the cistern but the possibility that it might break and plunge me into the water frightened my mother beyond words. What a spanking I received when my father caught me one time riding my tricycle at this forbidden location.”

Gail Settlemier Lay, daughter of Coast Guardsman Robin Settlemier, who was stationed there during 1959 and 1960, recalled that the cisterns were extremely off-limits. She and her siblings were told not to play near them, and certainly not to play on them. This was drilled into them. Gail recalled a time when her father had to measure the water level in one of the cisterns.

With a tether attached, he walked onto the cistern cover, and two other guardsmen opened it up. Gail burst into tears, worried her father would fall in.

Darrel Beerbohm, officer-in-charge from 1965 until 1967, recalled the pipeline from Pecho Creek leading to the cisterns that were next to his quarters:

“Water always seemed to be plentiful as the spring never dried up, and of course, we had the water tested often and chlorination systems to keep it safe. Just above the station, there was a large cement slab where at one-time rainwater was caught and drained into the cisterns, but this system was no longer in operation.”

Jay Conlin, who served at Point San Luis during 1971, recalled that water came to the light station through inch-and-a-half PVC pipe: “The water went into two large [cisterns] to the right of the keeper’s residence on the same level. We then pumped it up to the water tank on the hill behind the station. Once a month, the chief would send one of us up with a gallon of bleach to pour into the tank for chlorination. Can you believe that? Climbing that old ladder and pouring it in after avoiding rattlesnakes on the climb up?”

Which brings us to now….

The restoration of the cisterns has been pending for several years due to lack of funding but has recently become a more pressing need because of climate change and the constant threat of a fire that could destroy this historic site.

Our remote location is only accessible by a one-lane, one-anda-half-mile steep, and winding road. In case of fire, the cisterns are our only source of water for fighting the blaze. The extreme fire danger was recently demonstrated by a controlled burn behind the lighthouse, which took off like a tinderbox even though brush was still damp from a recent rain. The controlled burn went off without a hitch. But what if it hadn’t?

Through the generosity of many donors and our ongoing fundraising efforts, we have accumulated $90,000 toward the cisterns’ restoration. But this falls short of our need. We need to raise an additional $230,000 in order to complete the project this year.

You can help us do this. You can donate online through our website www.pointsanluislighthouse.org, call 805-540-5771, or send a check to P.O. Box 308, Avila Beach, CA 93424, payable to the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers.

The light station has a proud 130-year history. Let’s not lose this history for lack of a way to protect it.

Dan Mosier, a California brick expert, examines the cistern bricks in August 2019. His examina5on confirmed the bricks came from the Ah Louis brickyard in San Luis Obispo. Photos courtesy of Photo courtesy of the Point San Luis Light Station archives.

Controlled burn near Point San Luis November 12, 2021. Photos courtesy of Hal Martin

1984 photo of in-ground cisterns. Above-ground cistern by west side of double keeper’s dwelling is at far left. Photo by Herbert Bamber. Courtesy of the National Archives.

6 | Avila Beach Life — February 2022

Making Communities Better Through Print™

WEATHER

Winter Rain’s Aftermath Can be a Stinker

By BETTY HARTIG For Avila Beach Life

T

he glorious, much-needed Central Coast winter rain created a flurry of activity. An abundant amount of green grass sprouted on the hillsides. Water is flowing once again in See Canyon Creek, as evident on the Bob Jones Pathway. In general, vegetation along San Luis Obispo County’s numerous hiking trails finally received rainfall to quench the parched land. Various little animals benefitted from the rain too, including one cute, but not warmly welcomed, black and white fluffy coated creature. Perhaps you have noticed that when it rains this short legged domestic cat-sized animal appears more often.

You guessed it — skunks!

Rainfall causes what is considered small flooding all the time. Animals, such as the widely recognized skunk, tend to live in areas that flood easily. Hence, when it rains, skunks

cannot stay home while their dwelling is underwater. These conditions cause the rascals to head for nearby higher ground. Rain also creates a good food source. Grub and larvae, which are part of a skunk’s diet, come out of grassy areas during or after heavy rain. Wet weather is a perfect time for skunks to fill their belly. The mammal’s sharp paws on their distinct front feet are utilized for digging up bugs and worms. Skunks also eat fruit, vegetables, amphibians, bird’s eggs and especially enjoy snails. Escargot! Bon appétit!

People consider skunks obnoxious pests that should be always avoided. The strong sulfurous musk is expelled from two glands near the base of their tail. Skunks can spray several times with accuracy to about 10 feet, yet the shower can travel up to 15 feet. The potent foul-smelling stream stings the eyes of hunters.

Young skunks, referred to as kits, are capable of squirting as young as 8 days old. Humans can smell the spray of a skunk from up to 3.5 miles away. A stronger stench implies that the skunk

Skunks tend to come out into the open after rainy weather because they tend to live in areas that flood easily. Photo by Vicki Morrow

is nearby. Skunks are nocturnal, occasionally soundly sleeping people can be awakened in the middle of the night by the disgusting skunk scent. The powerful reek seems to settle in your nose, making it difficult to fall back to sleep. A skunk’s deterrence gives them a bad reputation, but the stinker will warn people or animals prior to releasing the nauseating, overpowering odor. Usually, the skunk will give notice by quickly stomping its feet, raising its tail straight up, or snarling, but it can turn and shoot in an instant. Nonetheless, these furry white striped little animals have beneficial habits, such as eating insects and rodents.

Interestingly, breeding for skunks occurs in February. Valentine’s Day month is when skunks are most active; they are out and about looking for a mate, which recalls the popular Warner Bros character Pepé Le Pew, who was frequently in search of romance. Skunks have an average of two to eight youngsters. The offspring remain with mom for several months before venturing out on their own. No matter

the age, where or when you see a skunk, it commands respect. A skunk on a trail dictates your direction. Despite the genus Mephitis’ strong defense mechanism, skunks fall prey to eagles, hawks and owls, which can hunt by surprise, therefore avoiding being splattered.

Stealthy coyotes can also dine on skunks, but for the most part only desperate predators will attempt to consume a skunk. Unfortunately, in California skunks are the primary carriers of rabies, a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected animal.

Is it likely that you will come upon a skunk on the Bob Jones Trail or, for that matter, any pathway? The possibility is always there.

Skunks are normally out at night but are known to wonder about in daylight hours too.

Encountering wildlife is part of the outdoor adventure. It is a good reminder that the area is inhabited by many creatures. Humans are only a portion of the population. Let us be mindful of those with which we share the environment.

Responsibly, enjoy the outdoors. .

Skunks are most active during February, as it is breeding season and they are looking for a mate. Photo

by Vicki Morrow

1772-2022: GETTING TO KNOW MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO

250th Celebration on February 20

By CONNIE PILLSBURY For Avila Beach Life

H

ow many times have you traveled down Highway 101 and noticed the ‘State Historical Landmark Mission San Luis Obispo’ sign near Broad Street, remarking to your family, “We really need to go visit the Mission someday.”

Well, this is the year, as 2022 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Mission by Franciscan Priests from Spain, Father Junipero Serra, and Father Jose Cavaller. Unique to the Mission story, San Luis Obispo was not part of Spain’s original plan for populating Alta California through the establishment of missions, presidios, and pueblos. The first four missions, San Diego, Carmel, San Antonio, and San Gabriel, had run out of food, and the whole experiment risked abandonment. However, griz-

zly bears were found in what is now Los Osos, ‘the valley of the bears,’ and this meat basically saved the mission movement.

With the discovery of the meat-providing bears, Father Serra added another mission to the chain, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. The first humble site was located on the confluence of Stenner and San Luis Obispo Creeks, only to be flooded out and moved upstream. The second site also flooded, prompting the selection of the ‘highest’ spot along the creek for the third and final location. From there, the interesting saga of the construction of California’s oldest large building begins.

You will be able to learn the rest of the story from Mission Docents at the first 250th celebrative event on Sunday, February 20, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., free and open to the public.

The outdoor courtyard celebration will give you the opportunity to tour the Mission, with docent-led tours every half hour. Music, authentic food, spinning and weaving demonstrations by local weavers, Native American basket display, branding exhibit, and more will provide a unique chance to become familiar with the Mission in one visit.

For children, activity tables featuring Native American games, bead making, and pictograph painting will be scattered throughout the garden. The whole family can visit the Bell Tower to get a birds-eye view over Mission

Plaza and San Luis Creek.

Of significance to those of us in North County, all of the mission ranching operations were located at Santa Margarita de Cortona Asistencia, which was a sub-mission to San Luis Obispo. Thousands of head of longhorn cattle ranged throughout North County, foraging up and down the Salinas riverbed. The cattle provided not only meat but also valuable hides,

Mission San Luis Obispo was founded by Franciscan Priests. Submitted photo

called “California Dollars.” Taken by ox-cart to what is now Avila Beach, the hides were soaked in the saltwater and traded with Yankee, Asian and Russian ships for needed goods for the Mission.

Also important to North County is the 1776 De Anza Expedition consisting of 200 colonists on the way to create a settlement in the areas of San Jose and San Francisco for Spain. The group stopped at Mission San Luis Obispo for several days of rest before heading up the grade to follow the Salinas River north, with their livestock and cattle, families, and goods.

Many residents don’t realize that the land we live on in North County was part of Spain for 300 years, from 1541 to 1822. After the revolution of 1822, Mexico became the second occupant of this area called Alta California. The Mexican Ranchero era lasted 26 years, ending in 1848 with the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo.

California was admitted into the United States as the 31st state in 1850, thus becoming the third country to govern the land we live on and call home. Understanding the rich history of Spain and Mexico’s presence here in Alta California adds depth to the present experience of living here.

Take advantage of the 250th Courtyard Celebration at San Luis Obispo on February 20 to immerse yourself in that history through authentic food, music, and hands-on learning!

February 2022 — Avila Beach Life | 7

Is Drinking Wine in Moderation Good For You?

John Salisbury contributor

W

ell, after much discussion and studies, the majority of health experts are confident that wine in moderation is good for you, especially for those of middle age up to us seasoned citizens. In an article in his PinotFile, William “Rusty” Gaffney, M.D., laid out the case for the health benefits of wine. He reports on a meeting in October 2021 by the Wine Information Council in collaboration with the International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research with Curtis Ellison, MD, Dr. Creina Stockley, and Erik Skoverborg, MD. The virtual round table discussed if moderate wine consumption is an acceptable element of a balanced diet and lifestyle in association with all-cause mortality and other specific diseases?

Dr. Stockley said that the positive effects of 10-20g of alcohol a day, equivalent to a standard drink containing about 14g of alcohol or about a standard 5-ounce glass

of wine (12 oz. of 5 percent beer, shot of 80-proof equaling about 40 percent of alcohol distilled spirits) along with other hearthealthy elements like no smoking, healthy weight, Mediterranean diet, and moderate exercise. Her conclusions: “Dr. Stockley’s review of key cohort studies found a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure by about 30 percent, reduced risk of ischemic stroke by about 20 percent, and decrease in high and unbalanced cholesterol by about 10 percent, with the consumption of 1-2 drinks per day of alcohol compared with lifelong abstainers. Alcohol achieves its effect in a number of ways, with polyphenols giving additional added protection. The removal and transporting of LDL cholesterol from the vessel walls may account of 50 percent of the benefit. The benefits are only associated with moderate consumption and higher levels of drinking are associated with higher blood pressure, atrial fibrillations and hemorrhagic stroke, for example”. So, the old saying of moderation in all things works here also.

Dr. Skovenberg stated: “Those who drink little and often have better disease and longevity outcomes than those who abstain or drink heavily. A large Danish study found that for the same average consumption of alcohol, a non-frequent intake implied a higher risk of death than a frequent intake.

Eating while drinking significantly reduces blood alcohol concentration of alcohol and is a much healthier pattern of drinking than

drinking without eating. Binge drinking is particularly harmful. In terms of risks of dying overall (all-cause of mortality), the five heart-healthy lifestyle factors (see above with wine included - js) are crucial to leading to a 65 percent lower cancer mortality, for example.”

Professor Ellison stated: “Do we live longer if we enjoy a glass of an alcoholic beverage on a near-daily basis? The answer for healthy postmenopausal women and men over 40 is still very much, “Yes.” (Who says growing old doesn’t have benefits! - js).

“Current scientific data indicate that adults who consume alcohol regularly, with food, and without binge drinking, have a lower risk of most diseases of aging and tend to live longer than if they consume no alcohol.”

In summary, the 2021 American Heart Association Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health was published on Nov. 2, 2021, issue of Circulation. Evidencebased dietary pattern guidance to promote cardiometabolic health includes the following: maintain healthy body weight, eat plenty and a variety of fruits and vegetables, chose whole-grain foods and products, choose healthy sources of protein (mostly plants, regular intake of fish and seafood, low-fat and fat-free dairy produce, and lean cuts and unprocessed forms of meat and poultry), choose minimally processed foods instead of ultra-processed foods, minimize the intake of beverages and foods with added sugar, choose and prepare foods with little or no

salt, if you choose to drink alcohol - limit intake. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans continue to recommend no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Studies show that only one-third of American wine drinkers are moderating their consumption. As for who is drinking wine, Wine Intelligence reports that US premium wine drinkers now skew to more females and age of 55+ as compared with 2019. In 2019, men were 64 percent of wine drinkers, and women were 36 percent. Two years later, in 2021, men dropped to 51 percent, and women up to 49 percent of wine drinkers. A Pandemic Covid Lockdown result? Quarantined working women needed a little pick me up, having to put up 24/7 with the “Man of the House” and help with online studies with closeted school-aged children?

Doctor Gaffney states, “Remember that any health benefits to be derived from alcohol in moderation are only achievable through regular consumption, preferably with meals. Drinking wine with a meal increases cardioprotective benefits, aids digestion (the pH of wine is close to that of stomach acid), decreases food-borne pathogens, and may help diabetics metabolize sugars and starches.”

“Wine had such ill effects on Noah’s health; it was all he could do to live for 950 years.

Show me a total abstainer that lived that long” – Will Rogers.

MENTAL HEALTH

Change Your Habits, Change Your Life

Dr. Cindy Maynard contributor

U

sually, when we think about health and wellness, we think about diet, exercise, or weight control.

Although attention to these areas is important to have a healthy lifestyle, wellness involves much more. Wellness is a holistic term that means incorporating many aspects of health and making choices which help us live a robust, happy, and fulfilled life. These

dimensions include physical and emotional wellbeing, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit to defend against the process of aging to promote longevity. Therefore, making health and lifestyle changes could mean focusing on ways to achieve better mental or emotional health, improving social or environmental factors, changing diet and exercise, or even self-care.

One of the more popular models of wellness was developed by Dr. Bill Hettier of the National Wellness Institute. The model refers to the Six Dimensions of Wellness. The Institute states that by addressing all six categories, we can build on a holistic sense of wellness and fulfillment.

The six dimensions involve physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and occupational aspects to maximize health. You can see the interconnectedness of each dimension and how they

all contribute to helping us lead a more holistic, healthier life.

•Physical Dimension: involves nutritional intake, daily activity of some kind, and getting adequate rest •Social Dimension: Maintaining friendships and intimate relations and contributing to the environment or community •Intellectual Dimension: Being engaged and curious about life, having interests, being a life-long learner •Spiritual Dimension: Finding purpose or meaning in life beyond the physical, appreciating that we are part of the greater whole which is cosmic or divine in nature •Emotional Dimension: Managing emotions in a healthy way, maintaining positivity or enthusiasm about your life •Occupational Dimension: Engaging in work that is consistent with your values, contribut-

ing your unique skills and gifts in a way that is meaningful and satisfying Making healthy lifestyle changes isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. Before you decide on an area(s) you might want to change or work on; I usually suggest to my clients to take the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM) Holistic Health Questionnaire. This questionnaire is a tool that can help jumpstart healthy change and help you maximize your personal wellness program. You can quickly see where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Then decide to focus on one or two areas you want to change. For example, it could be making more social connections, taking a class, or eating better.

(PS new habits typically take two months to form). Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Life is all about experimenting, taking two

steps forward, one back. Positive change is a fluctuating, dynamic process. But there is no greater motivator than realizing that you have changed a behavior to a more positive one. Because when you’ve changed your habits for the better, you’ve changed your life for the better.

The key to a healthy life is engaging fully in life—emotionally, physically, and intellectually.

Applying a holistic approach to our lives can help us achieve our full potential to live a more positive, authentic, and fulfilling life which ultimately helps move and power our society forward.

Cindy Maynard, Ph.D., RD, is a health psychologist, a registered dietitian, and a nationally published health and f itness writer.

She is passionate about promoting health and wellness. You can contact her at drcindymaynard@ live.com

8 | Avila Beach Life — February 2022

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