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Vol. 3 Issue 1 - January/February 2011

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The Grand Life

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Reminiscence

Financial Strength Well Being

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Heart’s Desire

Fact: Superior Technology Yields Superior Results.

Delmarva Cancer Specialists Vincenzo DeMasi, M.D.

Manoj Jain, M.D.

Visit our website: DelmarvaCancerDoctors.com Salisbury 410-543-1943

Berlin 410-641-0277

I wonder what it would be like to not worry so much...

We chose the comforts of home...

We felt a warm, welcoming feeling the moment we entered Brandywine. Sure it was beautiful... but the people we met and friendly staff are what made it so inviting.

We chose for her to be safe...

Some days are a little harder for mom than others and it is comforting to know that she has the support of the wonderful Brandywine staff when she needs them, including nurses on-site, not on call, 24 hours a day.

We chose her happiness...

Now she has something to look forward to everyday!

Brandywine offers so many activities that interest her...from local outings to crafts and movie nights... there is always something for her to enjoy with her new friends.

There are so many good choices available — but there is only one great one...

Choose Brandywine!

Call the location nearest you to schedule a tour & complimentary lunch

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Delmarva’s Premier 55+ Magazine Unleashed!

Dream Car The Peninsularies Identity Theft Yoga The OC Air Show Returns

Barbara Bush Unplugged Advance Directives

A Legendary Stretch of Land Cholosterol Choosing a Wealth Management Firm

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Shopping Ideas Choosing a Pet Resort Hidden Holiday Dangers Fleas: Where Did They Come From?

Delmarva’s Premier 55+ Magazine First Dates Still Driving?

OCBP’s Captain Craig “The last of the hairy chested sports cars.”

10 Tips for Taking Your Medications www.grandlivingmag.com www.grandlivingmag.com www.grandlivingmag.com The Grand Life Second Act The Sporting Life Financial Strength Well Being Unleashed

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Recommended Reading Life with Clara—One Caregivers Journey, offers a first-hand look into the life of a caregiver. If you are a caregiver, you will immediately connect with author, Michele Bertamini, as she shares her challenges and thoughts on her day-to-day life. You can feel her joy and frustration in almost every page. You will even find yourself cheering for Michele’s small accomplishments. There is little “puffery” in this book, as she clearly depicts situations you too may be dealing with, offering comfort in the fact that you are not alone in your loving, and sometimes trying, endeavour.

If you are facing a decision, regarding the care of a loved one, Life with Clara will offer a look through the window into the role of “caregiver.” Not only are there a range of emotions you can easily plug into, but a clear hind-sight view, which will allow you to make better choices in the care you are willing to provide for an aging parent.

Life with Clara—One Caregivers Journey, available at www.amazon.com.

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Creative Sandy Phillips Farin Phillips Photography Kyle Hughes, Nextwave Studios Contributing Writers Eric Bontempo, M.D. Mark Edney, M.D. FACS Therese. H. Ganster, LCSW, MPM Christopher D. Hoen, CRPC Marie Nottingham Robbie Raffish Autumn Romanoski, MA,CES Grand Living Main Office: (410)726-7334 Account Executive Barbara Reese Field Management Brandon Phillips

Cover:

Vowel renewal ceremony of Andy & Peggy McCartney and Ralph & Marie Chiavelli, held at Brandywine Assisted Living at Fenwick Island.

Grand Living Magazine is published six times a year; Jan., Mar., May, July, Sept., and Nov. It is circulated throughout Worcester, Wicomico & Sussex counties, by Grand Living Magazine LLC. Grand Living Magazine is protected under trademark registration. “Grand Citizens”™ is also protected under trademark. No portion in whole or part maybe reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Copyright 2010 ©, Grand Living Magazine LLC. All rights reserved.

Content in Grand Living Magazine is intended to provide information only and is in no way meant to treat or diagnose. Always consult with a speciality professional (i.e. medical, financial, etc.) to address your own personal needs. The company makes every effort to ensure that all information presented is correct. However, we do not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information, and reliance on information provided is solely at your own risk.

contents Vol. 3 Issue 1- January/February 2011

34

30 The Clayton Theater:

Projectionist, John Thorns, keeps the equipment in working order and the movie running without glitches.

34 Sweetheart Getaways: Enjoy the magic of the Founders Inn.

6

Grand Calendar

7

“I Do, Again” Sharing a lifetime together and saying you would do it all over again in a minute.

10 100+

Edna Paul

11 Premier Act

Alex Azar, M.D.

12 The Grand Life

New Year, New Relationships

14 My Life

28 Comfort Food

Meet Betty...

16 The Grand Art of Living with Less An I.C.E. Kit to Lighten Your Load

The Clayton Theater

32 Well Being Supplemental

28 Financial Strength Inflation Protection for Retirees

Well Being

30 Reminiscence

Joint Pain

34 Grand Escapes

Sweetheart Getaways

20 Straight From A Women’s Heart 22 Prostate Cancer 24 Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold: COPD

37 Heart’s Desire

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Grand Calendar

Jan. 15 Book Signing FREE Michele Bertamini, “Life With ClaraOne Caregiver’s Journey” Brandywine Assisted Living 302-436-0808

Jan. 29 Coastal Concerts presents the Harlem Quartet

Mid January, 2011 - February, 2011

Jan. 15 Conversations with CareGivers

Jan. 19 Parkinson Support Group

Jan. 27 Stroke Support Group

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A Caregiver Round Table Brandywine Assisted Living 302-436-0808

3rd Wednesday of every month 2:00 p.m.

MAC, Inc., Salisbury 410-749-8511

4th Thursday of every month 5:00 p.m.

Tunnell Cancer Center, Lewes 302-645-3100 x 2436

Feb. 4 Fibromyalgia Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Feb. 8 Diabetes Support Group 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 8

FREE

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Lewes Senior Center, Nassau 302-644-8181

Avery Hall Education Center, Salisbury 410-543-7061

FREE 2nd Tuesday of every month at 1:30-2:30 p.m.

302-436-0808 RSVP the Friday before the meeting you wish to attend.

Feb. 10 Parkinson Support Group

Feb. 16

Feb. 22

Feb. 26

Parkinson Support Group

GrandParenting with Love

Stephen Hough, Concert Pianist

FREE 2nd Thursday of every month 1:30 p.m.

The Woodlands Ocean Pines 410-208-9001

FREE 3rd Wednesday of every month 2:00 p.m.

MAC, Inc., Salisbury 410-749-8511

Fee: $20 per couple 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Peninsual Cardiology Building, nd floor, Salisbury 410-543-7126

8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Bethel United Methodist Church Hall 4th & Market Streets 888-212-6458

8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Bethel United Methodist Church Hall 4th & Market Streets 888-212-6458

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Second Monday, Sept - May

Cover Story

“I Do,” Again...

Brandywine Assisted Living at Fenwick Island

Andy & Peggy McCartney, 1941

O

n Wednesday, September 15, Brandywine Assisted Living hosted Vowel Renewals for two of their resident couples. It was a wonderful affair! Over 80 guests were in attendance at the ceremony, and more joined in the post-nuptial festivities in the garden. The brides wore beautiful gowns, donated by Lenox East Beach Brides, and the gents were decked out in tuxedos.

White petals lined the bridal path, as the couples made their way to the minister, and the ceremony began.

For Andy and Peggy McCartney, it would be their first “real” wedding, as they eloped 69 years ago. Ralph and Marie Chiavelli would renew their union after 65 years together….a true inspiration to us all.

Their children, who of course were not present at their original nuptials, were extended the opportunity to share a few words about their parent’s lives and they reminisced over wonderful memories.

Grand Living would like to share these inspiring stories with you here.

Andy & Peggy Andy met Peggy while in high school in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Their life together began on a rainy night in Georgia, on September 21, 1941, when they eloped. The price of the wedding was just $2.00. The Justice of the Peace, and his wife, were in their night gowns! Shortly after they were married, Andy joined the U.S. Coast Guard and spent the next three years in the South Pacific during WWII. Peggy lived with her parents,

Andy & Peggy McCartney, 2010

during that time, and worked at the Farm Bureau in Lebanon.

They were only able to see each other during a ship leave. Their first daughter, Barbara, was born in 1943.

In 1945, Andy was discharged from the service, and he started working at Johnson’s Dairy, delivering milk service door-todoor. Five thousand quarts of milk later, Andy decided the job wasn’t for him, so he acquired a part-time job at a local radio station in Gallatin, Tennessee, where he began his career in the entertainment world. Andy had enjoyed playing and singing his entire life, and he knew this was what he wanted to do. Three years later, he moved his family to Nashville, and Andy landed a job at WLAC Radio as an announcer. Shortly afterward, their second daughter, Mary Ellen, was born.

In 1950, Andy joined the Martha Carson Band as their front man. He sang and played the bass fiddle. The band traveled the U.S. for four years, until 1954. Peggy kept the family together and stayed home with the girls while Andy traveled with the band. After the band performed several times in Orlando, Florida, Andy decided Florida was the perfect place to move his family and start a new life. That same year they moved to Winter Park, Florida. There, Andy continued his radio career and began working in the television industry. Peggy decided to begin a career at Orange Memorial Hospital, in the cardiology department, where she was their first EKG technician. After several years, Peggy was promoted to a supervisor and worked there for 30 years, she and Andy retired in 1986.

In 1989, Andy decided that retirement wasn’t so great, and he started a second career with Cracker Barrel as a “Country

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A celebration photo shows so much more later in life, and includes the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gentleman.” He traveled in the southern states giving out “gold cards,” and doing promotions in the area wherever a new store was being built. These “gold cards” allowed the recipients to a free meal as a way of introducing them to the restaurant. As their girls were now grown, Peggy accompanied Andy on many of these trips.

In 1992, Andy and Peggy moved back to their hometown of Lebanon, TN, where the Cracker Barrel Corporation is located, and Andy continued doing promotional work all over the county. Now, after 15 years with the company, Andy retired once again in 2005.

In 2007, Andy and Peggy decided that it was time to be closer to their children and grandchildren, so they moved to Ocean View, DE before later settling at Brandywine Assisted Living at Fenwick Island, in July 2010.

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Andy still enjoys singing and playing his guitar, and he loves entertaining the residents. In his long entertainment career, Andy appeared at the Grand Ole Opry, had a hit record, and even appeared in the cult classic horror film, “2,000 Maniacs,” where, according to him, he was the original “Barney Fife.”

Andy and Peggy have shared 69 years together, and they attribute their successful marriage to the love they have for each other and their close-knit family. From their two daughters, Andy and Peggy have six grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Through the good times and a few bad, the couple has remained devoted to each other, always worked things out with caring, kindness, and understanding. Their faith and their church have also played an important part in their lives. They have lived as close as they could by The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Ralph & Marie It would be easy to look at Ralph and Marie and dismiss their love affair as just one of many war-time romances. They met in the Catskills, while Marie’s family was vacationing. Ralph was there at the same time with some friends. Shortly after meeting, they fell in love. But their romance was put on hold while Ralph was away at war. Marie finished college and began her career as a social worker, waiting for the war to end. They married in 1945, just a short time after Ralph’s discharge. Following a couple of short employment stints, Ralph took a retail job with the W.T. Grant Company, a position that would define much of their lives and those of their children as well.

The “short version” is that, in the years that followed, Ralph and Marie led a life marked by teamwork. While the kids were still in the picture, they moved eight times, into and out of three different states. For most of that time, it was up to Marie to handle the household, while Ralph worked the long hours that retail management required.

In 1960, Ralph moved the family to New City, NY, where they would stay for 11 years. With the frequent moves behind them, Marie decided to teach, and she did so for the next decade.

While in New City, Ralph managed three different Grant stores, but they were close enough to home that another family move wasn’t required.

When the next Grant promotion came in 1971, it was to Port Jefferson on Long Island, and by this time, Marie’s health had become an issue. Over the next few years, Ralph worked and Marie once again stayed at home, but still found time to volunteer at church.

When W.T. Grant went out of business in 1977, Ralph felt too young to retire, so they decided to purchase a Baskin Robbins ice cream store. They sold their big Port Jefferson house and moved to an apartment in Hackensack, New Jersey. After running the store for a couple of years, Ralph and Marie decided

Ralph & Marie Chiavelli, 1945

that apartment living was not what they wanted long term, so they sold the store and moved to a retirement community in Lakehurst, NJ, there they would stay for 23 years. Here Ralph came “into his own.” His management skills were needed, and he became very active in the community. Eventually Ralph was named President of the homeowners association and he got things done! Marie was very active there as well, especially in the church.

Wanting to be closer to the children as they got older, Marie and Ralph decided to move to Delmarva, where there were many more living choices. After a couple of moves on the shore, they found the perfect spot at Brandywine Assisted Living at Fenwick Island.

There have been ups and downs, including health issues for both of them, especially Marie. But through it all, Ralph and Marie have remained the team they were so many years ago.

Along the way, they made many friends, traveled a lot, and took unbelievable care of the children. They have reveled in their grandkids and great-grand kids, but most importantly in each other. GLM These stories were written and read by the children at the renewal ceremony.

Ralph & Marie Chiavelli, 2010

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Edna Paul

100+ Years

What are your greatest accomplishments in life?

I was one of the first women in America to be become a pilot. At nineteen, I took a course on flying and at the age of 20, received my pilot’s license. I learned to fly in an open cockpit, a Curtis Jr. One day I was asked to see how high I could fly the plane and I set a world record for that plane and time period. You can learn all about that day in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, in Washington D.C. I’m very proud of that. I was also on the front page of the New York Times with Amelia Earhart as “Leading Women in the Field of Aviation.” I was at Lindberg Field, at the same time Charles Lindberg was there, but I never knew him, though. I did know a lot about him. The reason his plane was named the Spirit of St. Louis, was because he had so many St. Louis business owners who helped him fund his projects. It was his way of thanking them. It was a great time to be in aviation.

Back then, it cost $5 to get a plane ride, and my father took me up often. I really loved flying. It was a bit more difficult to fly back then. We only had an altimeter and fuel gauge. There was no navigational equipment. You flew by landmarks, such as railroad tracks and rivers. You could identify which town you were flying over by the markings on the grain silos.

I owned my own plane for awhile; a Dehavilland, made in England. I really enjoyed that plane. One time, I got lost on a flight from St. Louis to a little town in Kentucky to see a friend. Not recognizing any landmarks, I decided to land the plane, in a recently plowed field, to ask someone where we were. Unfortunately, the ground was so soft that the landing gear sunk in the soft dirt, and the plane flipped over. It was the only accident I ever had. We were upside down and had to climb out on our heads! Fortunately, we weren’t hurt, but my poor plane was. A bread truck picked us up and took us to the local airport. The mechanics there fixed my plane in exchange for some flight time. I only had to pay for parts. It was a wonderful plane. I owned it until I married, then, I let it go, realizing it was not really a profitable endeavor at that time.

I held a semi-commercial license for awhile, but quickly learned it consumed a great deal of flight time, which I was not able to complete, so I reverted my license to a standard pilot license.

I also had a wonderful experience raising my son. He’s just great. I moved to Gull Creek to be close to him.

He and his family have vacationed here in Ocean City for years, and they have finally settled in Ocean Pines.

Born: May 9, 1909

What gets you out of bed these days?

I like to do things. I use to get up every day to fly or go to work, now I just keep busy.

What do you do with your days?

I play canasta, bridge and scrabble. I also go to swim class and enjoy riding trikes.

I went back to community college in my 80’s and really enjoyed that. I took some art classes. Art has always been my hobby. Over the years, I have enjoyed many art shows and seeing art in my travels.

Are there still things you want to do in life?

Gull Creek Senior Living Community 10

I still want to ride in a hot air balloon. For my 100th birthday, my son made arrangements for me to take a biplane ride. I really enjoyed that. I’ve never really been able to bring myself to skydive, but I have considered it.

What’s your best advice for living life?

Keep interested in life. Keep up with what goes on in the world. Be an interesting person and stay busy.

Grand Living Magazine

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Premier Act

Alex Azar, M.D.

by Robbie Raffish

Q: How did you come to Delmarva?

A: I was working at DuPont on a team developing the first permeable contact lenses, when a colleague mentioned there was a great need for eye doctors on the Lower Shore. I had been thinking about going into private practice, so I looked into it.

In 1976, I joined Dr. Robert Dickey’s practice, on a handshake, believe it or not; a far cry from today’s employment contracts and formal business plans. Dr. Dickey stopped doing surgery the day I arrived.

I

Q: What was the Lower Shore like back then for an eye care professional?

A: The colleague who suggested I look for work here really understated the need for eye surgeons. For the first two or three years after Dr. Dickey retired, I was the only eye surgeon, between Dover and Norfolk, except for Cambridge and Easton. I spent nearly three years on call, every single day and night. The only day I took off was to complete my surgical board exams.

t might be a bad pun to say that Dr. Alex Azar, one of the region’s premier eye surgeons, was “a visionary” – but it would also be true. In 2011, Dr. Azar will celebrate his 35th anniversary practicing ophthalmology on the Lower Shore, and while he gave up surgery last year, a little arthritis in his hands hasn’t kept him from seeing a full slate of patients, nearly every work day at his practice, Azar Eye Institute (AEI). His firm has been a top-ranked performer in both 2009 and 2010, in the national AAAHC Cataract Surgery Benchmarking Study, and Azar was just awarded the Allan D. Jensen Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award, from Johns Hopkins University.

At age 71, Azar’s not about to retire any time soon. The son of two Lebanese immigrants, Azar learned his work ethic at an early age, working first in the family’s small grocery store, and later in a series of taverns they owned. Azar was the first in his family to go to college, which was just the “first” of many “firsts” in his career.

Q: Over the years, you have been the first eye surgeon to execute a number of operations and procedures in the region.

Tell us about a few that are memorable.

A: When I first got here, I was in surgery almost immediately for Dr. Dicky, and I was supposed to be doing the first microcataract surgery on the Lower Shore. However, when I got to the operating room, the hospital didn’t have the equipment; it had to be ordered, which was of no help to the patient who needed the surgery. As it happened, when I completed my residency at Ohio State, I was allowed to take some surgical instruments they were replacing – fortunately the very ones we needed. So, the first implant operation took place. I remember the patient was the captain of the Cape May/Lewes Ferry, and he had to talk me into doing the procedure because it had not been done on the Shore before. When I took the bandages off, he could see clearly for the first time in a long time, and I remember him saying to me, “Aren’t you glad I talked you into doing it?” It was a wonderful day.

Q: Did you know you wanted to be an ophthalmologist when you applied to college?

A: I was the first in my family to apply. We didn’t have a lot of money – I don’t think I even had a “primary” doctor to list on my application as a reference. All I wrote was that I wanted to go to medical school … and I got in without completing college... pretty surprising. (Azar graduated Alpha Omega Alpha from University of Pittsburgh.)

Q: In the early days, you remained one of the only eye surgeons in the region. How were you able to keep up with technology at a time when the Shore was far more remote?

A: I was responsible for the first “trabecultomy” – glaucoma surgery – and the first “phaco implant” (another cataract procedure), and I say that to illustrate that I never let the distance get in the way of learning.

(Continued on page 25) www.grandlivingmag.com

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The Grand Life

New Year

New Relationships Marie Nottingham

W

e can find ourselves seeking a new relationship or partner, at any time in our lives, and for any number of reasons. The real purpose is to fulfill a basic need; most people simply do not want to be alone.

Worldwide studies tell us that people live longer, happier lives with a companion. This doesn’t mean you have to remarry or even co-habitat, you just need someone to enjoy life with.

In 2003, AARP reported that the number one reason to date again is “having someone to talk to and do things with.” Of course, there can be pitfalls in seeking a new relationship. Dating can be daunting at any age, but people over the age of 50 tend to face particular challenges.

Grand Citizens tend to have well-established habits and are very unlikely to want to change. If you were taught when you were a teen that you can’t change people, it’s even more difficult to change a Grand Citizen!

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Grand Citizens generally come into a relationship with “baggage.” Children are often a part of the scenario. Even adult children can have an impact. If you sincerely value your new companion’s, make every effort to kindle those relationships as early as possible.

Physical challenges are another complication for Grand Citizens. From wrinkles and/or extra pounds, to arthritic joints and other infirmities, you can either chuckle about your changing bodies or let them stand in the way of a great adventure. Often changes in physical appearance can diminish self-esteem and create intimacy issues. Learn to love yourself first; everyone’s body ages!

So, where are the hot spots to meet someone new?

Simply start by getting out more, because you never know where you will find a new companion. Join a gym for your health, and to meet others seeking a more healthful lifestyle. You could attend church or join a social group with a similar interest, (i.e. a book club, poker club or wine tasting group, etc.). The Center for Media Research shows that 15.8% of Grand Citizens drink wine and 29% have visited a gambling casino in the past year, so plan a day trip to one of the nearby casinos.

When attending these events, don’t just blend into the background, blend into the group. Introduce yourself to others. Ask them questions about the group and about themselves. Be engaging. Keep up with the local news and current events so you always have something to talk about. Once the ice is broken, conversation will flow more freely.

Don’t expect a full social calendar right away or to find that new companion on the first day out. Experience the journey, because it’s really part of the fun. As your confidence grows, attend more events to broaden your social network of friends and experiences.

In time, a new relationship will simply evolve.

According to the National Institute of Health, women can expect to live 81.4 years and men 75.7 years. Remember, these are estimates, and you could certainly live longer! How much time do you want to spend alone? Maybe it’s time to get back out there. GLM Marie Nottingham is a freelance writer and native of the Eastern Shore.

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My Life

Meet Betty...

I

never thought I would leave my condo in Aberdeen, Maryland, where my son and all of my friends are. I had lived there for over 30 years. After experiencing the snowstorms of last winter, my daughters started exploring assisted living possibilities for me. I had no idea they were looking.

During one of my visits to my daughter’s home in Dagsboro, Karen and Anita told me what they had been up to. At first, I wasn’t too sure about the idea of moving. They showed me several brochures, in hopes of enticing me. I particularly liked the brochure for Brandywine Assisted Living, but I thought that there was no way I could afford to live there. I thought that most places require a lot of money down or to “buy in.” Karen and Anita assured me this was not always the case. After reviewing my finances, I was surprised to learn that I could afford it! I was open to the idea of hearing more and visiting Brandywine.

The more I thought about moving, the more I liked the idea of being close to my daughters. Anita just moved to Ocean View from California, and the thought of being able to see both girls, whenever I wanted, was appealing to me. My son, in Aberdeen, said I could live with him and his wife. But, they both work and are very busy. So, I agreed to move to Brandywine, for everyone’s peace of mind. I knew all my children were worried about me, and I knew I wasn’t taking care of myself like I should. I wasn’t eating right, by skipping meals, losing weight and I was sleeping a lot. When I thought about it, moving did sound like an adventure.

The next thing I knew, I was sitting in a chair in my living room with my daughters and granddaughters showing me items and asking, “Do you want to keep this or not?” I still don’t remember if I said “Yes keep it” or “no, get rid of” to certain things. That experience was traumatic. The amount of clothes and stuff I had was enough to live two more lifetimes. I didn’t realize that I had so much, and became very depressed. There was so much to get rid of. I knew I didn’t need it all, but it was stressful parting with so many of my things. Sometimes I still find myself looking for items, and I have to call Karen and ask her if it was in the “keep” pile or not. Finally my condo was cleaned out and the furniture was removed within two days.

I was anxious to see my new home, and Karen was afraid I wouldn’t like it, even though she encouraged me to go. When I first walked in the door I thought “I can’t afford this place. Everything is so impressive and elegant.” Karen chose a room that she thought would be the best fit for me and all my stuff. The room is very cheerful with lots of windows and space, it was the perfect room. I realized I would have more space here than I

thought. I had kept what I thought I needed, and what I thought I had room for. People can get by with a lot less than they think they can. It’s amazing how things accumulate over the years that you really don’t need.

The next day my family went over to Brandywine to set up my room. Later that day when I arrived, it was move-in ready, and everything was put in its place. That’s my daughter, when she decides to do something, boom, boom, boom it gets done.

I was shy and apprehensive, very weary, checking everything out; checking out the people, eyeing up who would be a good friend. When you come in to a place like this, you don’t know what to expect.

To my surprise, I liked it from the very beginning, although I did have a lot of homesickness. Yet, at the same time I was very happy to be here close to my girls. I was looking forward to my time with them and how frequently we would be able to get together. I liked that we could go out to lunch or dinner together whenever we wanted. I adjusted quickly because of all the opportunities here.

The first time I got off the elevator I heard a voice “Hello Betty, how are you today?” I was impressed with how friendly, kind and sweet the entire staff was. There is such a warm and friendly feeling here, and they all are still so good to all of us. They treat us like equals, and they treat me like their own mother.

I am now eating better. I eat three, well-balanced meals a day. The food is excellent, gourmet quality. The menu is large and changes so much that I have more choices than I ever dreamed. Now after a few months, I eat right and feel great! I’m a diabetic and things are now under better control. I’m perfectly content. My daughters call me every day, and I see them at least every weekend. Since I moved into Brandywine, I am now much more relaxed. I feel like this is a family. We are a good group here, full of fun. It didn’t feel much like my home when I first arrived, but it sure feels like home now. GLM

Look for Betty in the next issue of Grand Living Magazine, as we visit with her to get the latest on her move.

This story was compiled by Kathy Jacobs, Director of Community Relations, Brandywine Assisted Living at Fenwick Island, as dictated by Betty.

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Grand Living Magazine

15

The Grand Art of Living With Less

An I.C.E. Kit to Lighten Your Load

by Lou Ann Hill, Professional Organizer

I

t’s a new year! Are you prepared for the unexpected?

Having your important personal, financial, and legal records organized and accessible to a trusted friend or family member, offers many practical benefits.

In Case of an Emergency (I.C.E.), such as a fire, tornado, flood, or other natural disaster, having a plan in place, and a person “on call” to assist with your affairs, will help you cope, if you or your loved one should become ill or incapacitated.

This individual could also help out if you are a victim of theft, or need assistance, while you are out of town or overseas.

Experts recommend using both a fireproof “strong” or “evacuation” box in your home (purchased at Target or WalMart), as well as a safe deposit box, rented inexpensively, at a financial establishment, such as your neighborhood bank.

Below are some suggested contents, for both of your I.C.E. boxes, for each individual living in your home.

Evacuation Box (also called “Strong” box) Your evacuation box should be fireproof and portable enough to carry with you, in the event of an emergency. It should include clear and concise copies of everything in your safe deposit box, as well as the following: •Original wills (including a “Living Will”) and powers of attorney •Medical records, prescription/medication information, immunizations, and allergies 16

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•Banking and investment information •List of emergency contacts, including doctors, financial advisors, and your attorney •Safety deposit box information (location, key, and contents) •Inventory of household possessions (pictures and/or CD) •Backup disks of any critical computerized information, clearly labeled •Credit card records, account information, and contact phone numbers •Home maintenance records •Warranties and receipts for major purchases •Recent tax returns (last two to three years) •Appraisals of jewelry and other valuable items •Cash or traveler’s checks •Any irreplaceable items.

Safe Deposit Box Your safe deposit box should contain originals of the following: •Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage license and divorce decree •Passports •Insurance policies •Trust documents •Social Security cards •Green cards/Visas •Adoption papers •Military records

•Deeds and titles for property and vehicles •Jewelry or small family heirlooms or antiques •Funeral or Memorial Service instructions.

Information Sharing It is extremely important to share the location of all your important documents and papers with your spouse, partner, adult children, or any other individual who would need immediate access to these documents.

If you are using your computer to store data, make sure you include the user names and passwords necessary to access these files.

If you have taken the time to keep all of your documentation organized and in order, with no one able to locate the information, the problems are endless, and it’s possible that your estate may end up in the hands of an establishment other than your loved ones.

Peace of Mind Gathering all of this information may seem like a whole lot of work. However, it is important to keep in mind that, once your essential papers are organized and safely stored, you will enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you, and your loved ones, are prepared for whatever “life” may bring. GLM

Grand Tip In the “Contacts” section of your cellular phone, include two “In Case of an Emergency,” or I.C.E., contact names and numbers (i.e. I.C.E. #1: Spouse number, and I.C.E. #2: Friend or family member). This way, if you have been in an accident and you are not alert, or are unable to speak, an emergency technician or officer can use your cell phone to make contact with one or both of your I.C.E. contacts.

Paychecks stop.

Life goes on.

Retirement can include a steady income.

Let us help you put a more confident retirement within reach.

Call Today!

Christopher D. Hoen, CRPC® Financial Advisor Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor TM 9928 Old Ocean City Blvd, Suite 5, Berlin, MD (410) 629-0947 / (877) 589-4284 christopher.d.hoen@ampf.com CA License #0e09592

Lou Ann Hill is the President of Lighten Your Load Solutions, LLC. Offices are located in Annapolis and Tilghman Island, MD.

Brokerage, Investment and Financial Advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Grand Living Magazine

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Inflation Protection for Retirees T

he recent announcement that, for the second year in a row, Social Security retirement benefits will not be adjusted upward for inflation, is an eye opener for all of us. Cost-OfLiving Adjustments (COLA) for Social Security are based on broad measures of inflation reported by the Consumer Price Index. This Index provides an average of price changes on a representative basket of goods and services across the economy, and the calculation used by Social Security does not allow for a hike in benefits for 2011. This is despite the fact that the average inflation calculation, represented in the Index, may not reflect the specific experience of individuals.

Many retirees, for example, have significant medical expenses, and rising health-care costs have been a major issue in recent years. Commodity prices, such as food and gasoline, have also been rising.

The lack of a “pay raise” from Social Security, for the second year running, highlights the importance of having a strategy in place to protect your purchasing power in retirement. This requires proper planning before retirement and more creative approaches to managing your wealth in retirement.

Making a Choice The challenge posed by inflation is not to be taken lightly. Thanks to longer life expectancies and, in some cases, decisions to leave the workforce early, many individuals will need to generate income from their own savings for two-to-three decades. Living costs are likely to rise significantly in that time. Even with a modest 3 percent inflation rate, expenses would double in just 25 years.

This reality leaves you with two basic choices: 1. Live on less money over time. In other words, become increasingly frugal as you grow older; or 2. Manage your savings appropriately to protect your future purchasing power.

Given that few of us want to be less financially secure as we grow older, the second approach seems to be the best option. Protecting current needs and long-term security investing can become especially challenging in retirement. The primary focus is to generate sufficient income to cover your living expenses. But that does not address the long-term concern about the likely loss of purchasing power due to inflation. Rather than following a traditional path of putting all retirement assets in fixed income investments, which can generate income but have little chance to outpace inflation over the long term, you could consider separating retirement savings into two different categories.

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Part 1 – Assuring a secure stream of current income.

The most immediate concern is to create an income for yourself.

Consider devoting a portion of your retirement assets to pay for current expenses. A starting point is to determine your committed expenses. Those monthly bills that have to be paid, such as a mortgage or rent, utilities, food, transportation and insurance. Social Security and, if applicable, an employer’s pension plan, will cover some of these costs, but there is likely to be a gap.

You can fill the gap by using a portion of your retirement savings to purchase an annuity, that will provide a guaranteed stream of income. The annuity can generate the required cash flow to help assure that current expenses are met.

Financial Strength

Part 2 – Growing wealth for future income needs.

Any remaining dollars can be dedicated to providing long-term financial security. If current income needs are met by other income sources (identified in Part 1 above), it creates the opportunity to put the rest of your money to work, in assets that have the potential to generate more significant growth over time. The goal is to build this portion of your nest egg so it can generate the additional income needed in the future to keep pace with inflation.

Equities, and other investments, that are subject to volatility are likely to be components of a long-term portfolio. This entails a degree of risk to investment principal, a serious concern for those who must live off of their savings. But since this money is not designated to create current cash flow, principal fluctuation becomes more acceptable.

Over time, markets tend to overcome short-term volatility and restore principal value.

Historically, equities typically reward patient investors with competitive, after-inflation returns.

This two-pronged strategy can help you maintain a current income stream, while protecting your long-term purchasing power in retirement. Seek advice from a financial advisor who can assist you with structuring and protecting your assets. GLM Christopher D. Hoen is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Berlin, MD. He can be reached at (410) 629-0947. Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of MD, DE, VA, CA, SC, FL, NJ, CO, TX, KY and NJ. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. All guarantees are based on the continuing claims paying ability of the issuing company, and do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will vary with market conditions. Withdrawals that do not qualify for a waiver may be subject to a withdrawal charge. Withdrawals are subject to income taxes, and withdrawals before age 50 ½, may incur an IRS 10% early-withdrawal penalty. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dennis R. Hudson, ChFC Branch Manager 11021 Nicholas Lane Ocean Pines, MD 410-600-0434 www.mainstreetwealthmanagement.com dennis.hudson@lpl.com

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Grand Living Magazine

19

Autumn Romanowski, Wellness Manager at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, conducts an examination of a patient as part of the Women’s Heart Program.

Straight From A Woman’s Heart

Autumn Romanowski, MA,CES

D

id you know that in 1955 only 18% of American women, who had children under the age of 6 years old, were members of the labor force, compared to 62.2% in the year 2004? Today, mothers are primary breadwinners—making as much or more than their spouse, or doing it all on their own— in nearly 4 in 10 families. Could this added stress, less time for home cooking, busier lifestyles, and less time to be active be

“While 1 in 30 American women die of breast cancer, almost 1 in 3 will die from cardiovascular disease.”

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the cause for an increase in incidence of heart disease in women?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women, killing a half million each year. While 1 in 30 American women die of breast cancer, almost 1 in 3 will die from cardiovascular disease. Even though these statistics are startling, only 20 percent of women believe that heart disease is the greatest health concern facing them today.

Heart disease is defined as “any disease that affects the heart, such as acute rheumatic fever, chronic rheumatic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, coronary heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and any other heart condition.” Coronary Artery Disease is the most prevalent of these diseases and is responsible for 6,000,000 women in the U.S. having a history of heart attack and/or angina (chest pain), and 435,000 others experiencing heart attacks each year. A heart attack occurs when a portion of the heart muscle loses its blood supply, usually due to plaque formation on the lining of the coronary arteries caused by cholesterol deposits.

There are many risk factors associated with the development of heart disease. African American women are 72% more likely than Caucasian women to have heart disease.

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• Get regular check-ups.

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Additionally, women whose parents or siblings have had heart disease are at an increased risk; so are those who smoke, are overweight, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, are physically inactive and/or have diabetes.

Do you know your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers?

It is important to have regular check-ups with your family doctor and to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease. In women, these include, but are not limited to the following: • Chest pain or discomfort in the center of the chest; a squeezing or “heaviness” feeling that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back • Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, shoulders, neck, jaw or stomach • Shortness of breath

• • • • • •

Sweating Fullness, indigestion or a choking feeling Nausea or vomiting Lightheadedness Extreme weakness, fatigue or anxiety Rapid or irregular heart beat.

Unfortunately, many women dismiss these symptoms, whether it’s because they don’t have time to see a doctor or they just do not think these symptoms are related to their heart. Additionally, 64% of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease. However, at the first sign something is wrong, it is important to get checked out immediately. If you are feeling more tired than usual, this could be a warning sign. Talk to you doctor, and be sure to get the proper tests to rule out a heart-related issue. GLM Autumn Romanowski, MA,CES is a Wellness Manager at the Guerrieri Heart & Vascular Institute at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Salisbury, MD.

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Grand Living Magazine

21

Prostate Cancer

by Mark Edney, MD, FACS

P

rostate cancer is the most common, non-skin malignancy in men in the United States. Most cases develop in the 60-70 year old age group, but men in their 40’s and 50’s are also at risk. New guidelines from the American Urological Association recommend considering screening starting at age 40. Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of male cancer death, behind lung cancer. As common as it is, however, the death rate for those who have been diagnosed is 3% for Caucasians and 4% for African Americans. It is also true that many men will die with prostate cancer and not from it. In many cases, prostate cancer can be thought of more as a chronic disease rather than an immediately life-threatening malignancy. There are occasional cases, however, that do progress rapidly to distant spread (metastasis) and death within a few years. With such seemingly contradictory facts, there is much understandable confusion about prostate cancer in the community.

This article will describe the general behavior of prostate cancer and review screening recommendations and treatment options.

With the advent of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing, which was FDA approved in 1986, doctors began to find prostate cancer at a much earlier stage for most men.

Twenty five years ago, the most common presenting sign of prostate cancer was bone pain from metastasis. Also at that time, short of hormonal or surgical castration, there was little else to offer a man with spread of prostate cancer to the bone.

Now with earlier detection, the vast majority of prostate cancers are found at earlier, and much more treatable (in many cases curable) stage.

Prostate cancer, in general, is a relatively slow-growing cancer. From the time it develops to the time it spreads, to the time it becomes life threatening, often takes place over 15 to 20 years. As mentioned above, there are less common cases of prostate cancer that progress more rapidly, but the majority behave in this slower fashion. For this reason, the 22

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decision about if and when to engage in PSA screening, and if diagnosed, whether to treat initially or to watch closely and defer treatment (active surveillance), are decisions that are individualized for each patient. The individual “prostate cancer profile,” for each patient, helps determine an individual’s risk, and therefore, helps to suggest who should be screened in the first place, and who should be treated if diagnosed. One’s profile is comprised of: Age, other illnesses present (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, other cancers etc.), family history, longevity of one’s parents (useful in helping estimate life expectancy), PSA number, and prostate exam result (presence or absence of nodules or firm areas). Screening with the PSA test is offered to men with at least a 10 year life expectancy. Given the long lifespan of most prostate cancers, if one’s life expectancy is less than 10 years, screening is not recommended, because finding and treating prostate cancer would have risks without benefit. The newest American Urological Association (A.U.A.) guidelines for prostate cancer screening, recommend starting to screen men at age 40.

Urologists Doyle Maull, MD, left, and Mark Edney, MD, right, both utilize Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s DaVinci Surgical Robot (seen between them) to perform radical prostatectomy surgery in the treatment of prostate cancer.

2011

If the PSA or digital exam of the prostate are concerning, in the context of an individual’s “prostate cancer profile,” the suggestion may be to proceed with a biopsy of the prostate, the only way to diagnose prostate cancer. The biopsy is a 10 minute office procedure, done with a rectal ultrasound probe, used to both examine the prostate and guide the biopsy needle.

The important details in a biopsy report are volume (how many cores had cancer) and Gleason Grade. The Gleason Grade is a number, usually ranging from six to 10, that estimates the potential for growth and spread (six is not very aggressive, 10 is very aggressive). In 2010 in the United States, the most common treatment options were surgical removal (radical prostatectomy, done either with the DaVinci Robot or in open fashion), radiation delivered either by implanted seeds (brachytherapy) or delivered from a machine (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy or IMRT and Image Guided Radiation Therapy or IGRT), cryotherapy (freezing the prostate), or active surveillance

(no active treatment initially, but following closely with periodic PSA testing, exams, and surveillance biopsies). Arriving at a treatment decision for each individual patient is a process that involves evaluating the individual’s prostate cancer profile, in conjunction with an assessment of the patient’s values, desires, and risk tolerance, for the different side effects associated with each treatment option.

There have been many exciting areas of research and achievement in prostate cancer recently, and the future is promising. Huge advancements have been made in the technology available for the surgical and radiological treatment of prostate cancer. Significant progress has been made in chemotherapy for end-stage (metastatic, symptomatic) disease, and the first biological therapy has been FDA approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic disease. Prostate cancer researchers are working on developing a “better PSA” to more accurately predict risk and allow more accurate selection of candidates for biopsy.

If you or a man you know or love has questions about their prostate cancer risk, or their options once they have been diagnosed, contact your local urologist. GLM Mark Edney, MD, FACS, is a partner with Peninsula Urology Associates in Salisbury, MD.

Sponsor of GLM Well Being www.grandlivingmag.com

Grand Living Magazine

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Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold: Tis the Season for COPD

by Therese H. Ganster, LCSW, MPM

W

hile there are many factors that can trigger or exacerbate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD ) symptoms, January and February can be difficult month for patients with this illness. While the hot, humid air and allergens can also present problems, in the other months, flu season, combined with cold and wind, make for potential adversity.

If COPD patients go out in the frigid temperatures, fatigue can set in and walking against the wind causes more resistance, which can result in more difficulty catching your breath.

If you absolutely need to go outside, try loosely covering a scarf over your nose and mouth, then breathe through your nose. This warms the air before it enters into your lungs, which can help prevent your symptoms.

Before addressing the second hurdle to overcome (i.e. cold and flu), let’s step back and answer some frequently asked questions about COPD: What is COPD? COPD refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Emphysema (i.e. Inflammation in the walls of tiny air sacs of the lungs called alveoli. This can destroy those walls and allow small airways to collapse when you exhale, causing less air flow out of your lungs.) Chronic bronchitis which is characterized by an ongoing cough, causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. This may also cause increased mucous production which can further block the narrowed tubes. Chronic asthmatic bronchitis or bronchial asthma that is accompanied by contractions of muscle fibers in the lining of the airways (i.e. bronchospasm), is also at times classified as COPD. 24

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What causes COPD? While the primary cause is tobacco smoking, occupational exposure to chemical fumes, dust, air pollution and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD ) are known causes.

In rare instances a genetic disorder that causes low levels of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin can also attribute to COPD. Treatment: By all means, stop smoking! Anyone who has been a tobacco smoker knows how difficult smoking cessation can be.

While it will not reverse the damage done to the COPD patient’s lungs, it will keep it from getting worse. Medications may include bronchodilators, or inhalers that help relieve coughing and shortness of breath. Inhaled steroids can reduce airway inflammation and help you breathe better, but, prolonged use can weaken your bones, increase your risk of high blood pressure cataracts and diabetes. Antibiotics can be used and recommended, only when necessary to fight bacterial infections. The use of oxygen and pulmonary rehab, which may assist in decreasing the length and repeated hospital admissions, are also alternative treatments.

I’ve gotten my flu shot, limiting my time in public places and washing my hands frequently. What else can I do during cold and flu season? Talk to your doctor, before you catch a cold or flu about the difference between your everyday or controller medication, and how it may interact with your rescue inhalers (i.e. short acting for relief of symptoms). Make sure you know how to take these medications when needed, and that your medications have not expired and are available. See your doctor immediately if you think you’ve gotten the flu or cold. In patients who are diagnosed with a lung disease like COPD, contracting bacterial pneumonia can cause a downward spiral of repeated lung infections and a further decline of lung function. If a patient has a weak immune system, such as someone with a chronic disease like COPD, they are at greater risk for developing bacterial pneumonia, because they lack the necessary defense mechanisms to protect themselves.

I often feel that this illness has taken over my life. What can I do to feel more in control of this “dis-ease?” Talk to you doctor or healthcare professional about techniques for breathing more efficiently throughout the day. Ask your doctor or your Home Health case manager for an occupational therapist recommendation to assist you in developing alternatives to everyday activities. Ask your doctor if drinking plenty of water would be okay and using a humidifier may help. Exercise regularly. Consistency even with minimal exercise daily, may improve your overall strength and endurance. Avoid smokeing and talk to your doctor if you have frequent heartburn.

Stay warm and enjoy the outdoors from the inside. GLM Therese H. Ganster, LCSW, MPM, is the Branch Director of Peninsula Home Care, Salisbury, Maryland.

Alex Azar, M.D. (continued from page 11) For many years there was a pig slaughterhouse in Pocomoke, and every few months I would go there to pick up pig eyes on which I could practice new techniques. I also developed and have maintained, to this day, very strong relationships with eye surgeons in Philadelphia, D.C. and Baltimore. In the early days, I would call them often for advice and information.

Q: You have seen a lot of new technologies introduced. Have they made it easier or harder to keep a personal relationship with patients?

A: Believe it or not, easier. Now we have entire case histories all in one place, and everything cross-indexed. I have more time to talk with my patients about eye care and about their life outside of my office. Our website www.azareyeinstitute.com has a great deal of information that used to only be accessible to patients at the office.

Email helps keep appointment schedules; and of course, medical technology keeps changing for the better.

Q: What is the next “big thing” in eye care?

A: I think it will be stem cell research for combatting retinal disease, which is a very exciting prospect. Also, computer chips that can be implanted in the back of the eye – the hope is they will allow the blind to see images. Research at Johns Hopkins (where Azar teaches) looks very promising.

Q: You’ve not yet retired. Will you?

A: I don’t think so. I believe that every person has to have a reason to get up in the morning. For some people it’s golf, for others carving … for me, it’s seeing patients.

My dad worked until he was 83 years old, and he was a good role model. I teach at Johns Hopkins, which helps keep me young, the exposure to students. Also I work with a tremendous team of doctors and staff. While I like reading spy and mystery novels, and spending time with Wilma and the grandchildren, this is what I was made for. GLM Robbie Raffish is the owner of A.S.A.P.R Marketing, Salisbury, MD.

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Q: When you started out, did you think you would have a practice of this size – seven doctors and soon a third office, opening in Ocean Pines in March?

A: There was no Grand Plan. I came here and liked it; raisd my children (Alex II, a vice president at Eli Lilly and a former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services; and Stacy, a mathematics instructor at The Salisbury School, which also helps with AEI’s insurance programs,) and met and married the love of my life, my wife Wilma. My practice just grew and grew, and in 1997 Peter Filipov joined me and we opened AEI. Q: What spurred the growth?

A: I think the primary driver is our commitment to patient satisfaction. Our practice has moved many times, and each time, I rediscover that I have the most loyal and dedicated patients. Over the years, I’ve treated tens of thousands of patients. I joke that, while I sometimes cannot remember the names, I can always recognize the eyes.

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25

Life In Full Bloom

january grand opening

homestead manor celebrates the expansion of their building services In addition to 12 spacious and fully accessible resident rooms, each with private patios, Homestead Manor is adding a beautifully appointed suite for end of life care and a professionally equipped physical therapy/wellness center. Call today for a tour and see “life in full bloom”!

Homestead Manor

Assisted Living at Wesleyan Retirement Community 410-479-CARE (2273)

410 Colonial Drive, Denton, MD 21629 • www.wesleyancenteratdenton.com

WCGrandLivingGRANDOPENING.indd 1

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12/3/10 5:33 PM

The All New Homestead Manor...Sneek Peak

W

esleyan Retirement Community has announced the addition of 12 units in their Assisted Living Facility, Homestead Manor. Boasting well thought through rooms, combined with all the modern safety features, the facility can accommodate up to an additional 24 residents. Spacious rooms are equipped with private baths, patios and sliding doors, making for bright and cheery rooms.

The newly expanded dining area will also double as an event room which will be open to the public for occasions and meetings. Catering services are available.

The new wing houses a “Serenity Suite� providing comfort and personalized care for residents with terminal illness and their families. A spacious area with family room, dining area, and private bath promotes dignity and reinforces family connection. Homestead Manor provides many amenities of comfort and gracious living, including massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, guided imagery, enhanced spiritual relationships, and much more. Hospice support is available, upon request.

Promoting optimal level of health and fitness, a state of the art physical therapy and wellness center has been added; a beautiful space for residents and for the community.

For our personal tour call 410-479-2273. www.grandlivingmag.com

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Fare

Comfort Food Gourmet Chicken & Dumplings Ingredients: • 1 lb Russet potatoes • 2 teaspoons salt • 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 2 Tablespoons canola oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 celery stalks, sliced • 2 medium carrots, sliced • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/3 cup flour • One 12-ounce bottle beer, dark • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage, • 2 cups chicken stock • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch Preparation: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 40 minutes. Drain, cool, and peel. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the salt and the nutmeg, and then set aside.

Season the chicken breasts and thighs with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add the onion, celery, and carrots to the pan. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon flour over the entire mixture; cook for 15 seconds, stirring constantly.

Whisk in the beer, continuing until the mixture thickens. Stir in the thyme and sage, then the stock. Let the sauce come to a simmer, and tadd the chicken breasts and thighs. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, gently stir the 1/3 cup flour and the cornstarch into the potatoes with a wooden spoon until smooth. Scoop up 1/4 cups of the potato mixture and lay them on top of the stew. Do not cover the stew completely with dumplings. Cover and steam the dumplings for 10 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes, and then serve.

Serves 4 28

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Beef Stew Ingredients: • 1 Tablespoon oil • 2 lbs beef brisket • 1/2 cup dry white wine • 1 medium onion, diced • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped • 4 carrots, peeled • 1/2 cup chicken stock • 1/4 cup water • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Preparation: Heat oven to 225 degrees F. Heat oil in large Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Season brisket with salt and pepper and then sear both sides in pan. Remove brisket, turn heat to high and add white wine. Add onion and garlic, and cook over medium heat for 4 minutes. Return brisket to pan with tomatoes, carrots, chicken stock, water, thyme, rosemary. Bring to a simmer. Cover, place in oven and cook for about 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until meat is tender.

Remove brisket and slice against the grain into thin slices.

Serves 4

Pohanka

pays it

The Clayton Theater

by Sandy Phillips

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Reminiscence

I

n 1948, there were several movie theaters near the Delmarva beaches. It was quite “the rage” to go to the “picture show.” Movies only appeared in one theater for a couple of days, and the films were then moved onto the next town.

Many communities had their own small theaters. In Worcester and Sussex, there are several theaters that are no longer standing or have been converted into other businesses. The Globe Theater in Berlin is now a wonderful eatery. There is the old drive-in, along Route 50 in West Ocean City, where a skeleton of the theater still remains. There was a theater in Ocean City, Selbyville, Ocean View, Millsboro, and most likely more that now only live on in our memories.

One historic theater, The Clayton in Dagsboro, Delaware, has survived and thrived, operating continuously since it opened February 2, 1949. “One Touch of Venus” premiered that evening, featuring Ava Gardner and Robert Taylor. There was so much anticipation for the event, that a large crowd knocked down the door in an effort to garner a seat. The original theater sported an Art-Deco theme, with a water fountain in the foyer, reflecting on a mirrored wall. There were no “formal” concessions in the theater; however, guests could indulge in popcorn provided by a dispensing machine, much like today’s coffee machine. Ten cents would drop a bag from the machine that automatically filled with popcorn. There was no candy or soda available for purchase, but the cut-rate pharmacy, attached to the end of the building, did a wonderful candy business before the show began.

Today, The Clayton Theater is alive and well. Taking in

a movie at this theater is not only prudent for the budget conscious, it’s a refreshing environment which harkens to the past. Modern day, first run movies, are even preceded by old “public domain” cartoons like Popeye and Gumby. Although the seating, screen, walls and sound system have all been updated, the historic feel is a very strong element. You will even find a charming balcony, which will revive those romantic movies you watched, while snuggling with your high school sweetheart.

The water fountain is long gone and has been replaced by a modest snack bar, offering an array of options at a fraction of the cost at the Multiplex. The building has also been updated to include a “party room.” It’s a great option for not only the kids, but a unique business venue for meetings. A DVD projection system has also been added for larger corporate events in the theater itself.

One of the best-kept secrets of the theater is the projection booth. Housing two original projectors, with only a very few minor upgrades, these gems run movie reels. Yes, many theaters on the shore still use them, only a few are digital.

But this is the traditional system, where films are still spliced and the projector is still operated by a seasoned projectionist. The machines have to be monitored and switched seamlessly when reels complete, so the movie goer doesn’t notice the change-over. The camera room also still has the original fire-safety system, comprised of not only fire doors, but a unique pulley safety system, that automatically closed the projection windows, to protect the audience and building in the event of a fire. The nitrate films of the ‘30’s and ‘40’s were highly flamable. Although today’s polyester film is not a problem, the room still has the functional safety measures. There is so much history in this room alone, and it’s been very well preserved over the years.

(Continued on page 33)

Well Being Supplemental

Joint Pain:

When Do I Talk to My Doctor?

By: Eric Bontempo, D.O.

O

ur joints are an important part of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Joints in our knees, hips, back, neck, fingers and toes allow us to move freely to perform our everyday duties and to enjoy the things we love. But sometimes, pain in our joints gets in the way of our movement.

Joints are where bones are connected. Things like cartilage, tendons, synovial membrane (a thin layer of tissue that lines the surface of a joint), synovial fluid and bursae (sac containing fluid located between the tendon and the bone) help cushion the bones and keep them from rubbing together. This allows joints to move smoothly.

When muscles weaken, tendons are damaged, or the membranes or fluids that cushion the joint are weakened, the bones in the joint begin to rub against one another causing stiffness or pain. Pain can develop slowly over time through degeneration or be caused immediately due to an injury. Pain can be mild or severe, and can affect all aspects of life, making it painful to walk or move and do everyday activities.

The most common cause of pain in a joint is arthritis.

Arthritis is the inflammation in a joint, usually caused by degeneration. Some types of arthritis that you often hear about are Osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage or growth of bone spurs), Rheumatoid Arthritis (an autoimmune disorder) and Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid filled bursae sacs which provide a cushion).

Joint pain resulting from an injury to bones, ligaments or other tissues may include symptoms of an injury.

Pain, swelling, redness, bruising, and joint warmth are common symptoms.

To prevent injury and reduce your risk of joint pain you should: • • • • •

Exercise, including weight training as you age to keep the muscles supporting your joints strong.

Watch your weight to reduce strain on joints.

Maintain your core muscles to maintain a healthy posture.

Eat a healthy diet.

Know your limits.

If you have joint pain, talk to your doctor. Treatments are available to help relieve pain. There are also a number of procedures such as arthroscopy, muskuloskeletal procedures, fracture care, cartilage transplants, or joint replacement that may help. If you believe your pain is the result of an injury, you should seek immediate care like that provided through Nanticoke Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department, providing 24/7 orthopaedic care. For a list of orthopaedic physicians in Sussex County, call Nanticoke’s Physician Referral Line at 877-4NHS DOCS.

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The Clayton Theater, continued from page 31

Today, The Clayton theater is owned by Joanne and Ed Howe. Joanne tells us she just believed fate led her and her husband to continue this tradition. The theater first opened on her birthday, although many years prior to her birth. The theater was named “The Clayton”; ironically her father was also named Clayton. When Joanne and Ed first visited T he Clayton, to explore the idea of ownership, the poster in the lobby was from an old film, “The Sands of Iwo Jima.” Ironically, it too, was reminiscent of where her father fought as part of the 5th Marine Division in World War II. “It seemed there were so many signs this was my destiny,” says Howe. “It’s a real dream for us to own our own theater. We hope people enjoy the nostalgia, while watching today’s movies at a more modest price.”

The theater only has one show an evening and is closed on Monday and Tuesday during the winter. They return to a full 7 day-a-week schedule on Memorial Day. For current movies and show times, visit www.TheClaytonTheater.com. It’s well worth the trip. GLM

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Grand Escapes

The Founders Inn, VA

The Edge at Fager’s Island, MD

Sweetheart Getaways

by Farin Phillips

T

he economy is in recovery, but there’s still a case for the “staycation.” There are so many options right on the shore, or just a short drive away. This winter, escape with your sweetheart to one of these great places for a relaxing weekend.

Founders Inn: Virginia Beach, VA

Our first stop takes us to the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach. Here you will find a Southern-style resort, tucked away on 26 artistically landscaped acres. The jewel here is the Presidential Package. This includes an overnight stay, a three-course Virginia Wine Dinner, chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne. You and your sweetheart can have your choice of selected spa treatments, complete with breakfast for two on the Swan Terrace. Prices vary with date of reservation.

The River House Inn: Snow Hill, MD

Treat yourself to a casual, yet elegant, getaway at the River House Inn Bed and Breakfast, a spacious National Register Victorian home on the beautiful Pocomoke River. The Inn’s Gourmet Getaway Package is a must for your staycation. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a complimentary glass of wine, followed by dinner, either at the Inn or a superior local restaurant. Saturday includes a picnic breakfast at your door, a self-guided tour of local galleries and shops, and lunch at a special local spot. Then plan on a special evening of delicious food and tasty drinks. On Sunday morning, you’ll enjoy piping hot coffee or tea and the Sunday paper, followed by brunch and a leisurely departure. All of this for only $700 per couple.

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The Founders Inn, VA

Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, DE

The Edge: Ocean City, MD

The Edge is one of Ocean City’s best-kept secrets. Located on 60th Street and the bay, it is one of the quaint buildings nestled on Fager’s Island. Their 12 rooms are individually themed and offer an absolutely luxurious experience. The Relax and Romance Package includes all-suite elegant accommodations, $60 in coupons toward dinner-for-two, $20 in coupons toward lunch or Sunday jazz brunch for two, a bottle of champagne and a couples’ massage in your suite, continental breakfast, and evening turndown service.

Prices vary by date of reservation and room choice.

The Old Brick Inn: St. Michaels, MD

Located in the seaport town of St. Michaels, The Old Brick Inn combines the history of the area with a European charm. The perfect package for you and your sweetheart is the Eastern Shore Romance Package. This complete add-on is available with any weekday or weekend reservation. You can select one of their spacious & stunning European king or queen rooms with a private bath, jacuzzi, balcony, & fireplace to set the stage for your romance. The package also includes two tickets to the St. Michaels Winery, bottle of wine, box of chocolates, and a $100.00 dining certificate, to be used at your choice of two local fine-dining restaurants. Prices vary with date of reservation.

Boardwalk Plaza Hotel: Rehoboth Beach, DE

Continuing a trip up the coast, we stop in at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth Beach, DE, for their Cozy Winter Weekend Package. This package includes a two-night stay for two in an oceanfront suite, Sunday brunch in Victoria’s Restaurant, a delivery of hot chocolate and choice of desserts, unlimited DVD selections, souvenir travel coffee set to enjoy and take home. All tax and foodservice gratuities are included for just $449 per couple.

Molly Pitcher Inn: Red Bank, NJ

The Molly Pitcher Inn, set on the picturesque Navesink River, is a hotel rich in history, hospitality, and high-quality service. Their River Romance Package is a must for you and your sweetheart. It includes overnight accommodations, a four-course dinner for in the Molly Pitcher dining room, chilled champagne upon arrival, late check-out, and all city and state taxes are included. Prices vary with date of reservation.

The Fairthorne Bed & Breakfast: Cape May, NJ

Built in 1892 by a whaling captain, The Fairthorne Bed & Breakfast of Cape May repeats the award-winning formula of historic Cape May hotels, in the picturesque year-round seashore resort. For you and your sweetheart, the Pamper Package is the way to go.

It includes a two-night stay in a premium room with a fireplace, TV/DVD and CD player, an in-room massage for one hour, or two ½ hour massages, a split of champagne, dinner for two on the evening of your choice, at a local restaurant, breakfast each morning, and afternoon treats. You can enjoy this package Sunday through Thursday for $595.00, or weekends for $723.00. GLM www.grandlivingmag.com

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35

Your teeth play a vital part in your overall health, especially as we age.

Shouldn’t you have outstanding dental care?

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Heart’s Desire

from “Grand Living” Readers

We all have a list of things to do in our lifetime. The list often begins in our childhood. Things like college, marriage, children, and home building, take center stage. There are many other things that make your “list of a lifetime.” Consider adding some of the suggestions below, because you’re only as old as you think you are!

Send your “Heart’s Desire” for an upcoming issue, to grandlivingmag@verizon.net or call us at 410-726-7334.

“To go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.”

D. Vannah - Age 52 - Lewes, DE

“Take a cross-country road trip.”

A. Rosch - Age 60 - Salisbury, MD

“To visit The Holy Land.”

N. Nicoll - Age 70 - Ocean City, MD

“Spend the night in a haunted house.”

L. Wrightsman - Age 49 - Laurel, DE

“Go to Oktoberfest in Munich.”

T. Paulding - Age 65 - Berlin, MD

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37

Casanova

Chanel

Orion

Bella

Baron

Jelly Bean

Chloe

Polly

Mercedes

Doc

Paris

Aztec

Honey

Martini

Payton

Bronx

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11

Winter Coat Care, continued from page 3

Your pet’s paws are yet another aspect of winter care that often falls by the wayside. Foreign objects can become lodged in paws very easily, at any time of the year, but injury rates can increase on frozen ground. You should check your pet’s pads on a regular basis to ensure there are no injuries or anything stuck between toes.

Paws can also become very dry during the winter months, particularly if your pet spends a lot of time outside. If this does become a problem for your pet, you will want to ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing lotion safe for use on your pet’s paws. You do not want to use any type of “human” moisturizing lotion. This can actually cause pads to become too soft and potentially lead to additional injury. Rock salt and other chemicals used for ice removal, can cause sores, blistering and sometimes infections. If they do get onto your pet’s paws, they can then be ingested, causing diarrhea and vomiting. Washing your pet’s paws is a good idea. If there is snow on the ground, pay particular attention to the space between dogs toes as well.

Small grains of salt can become trapped between the toes, and ice loves to collect there. You might also want to apply Vaseline as a salt barrier. A thin layer will do, however, if you do apply this salt barrier, be sure to wash and dry the paws when they return to the house. Not only will the Vaseline make for a slippery trip across hardwood or vinyl, it’s rather messy on the floor and just another item you don’t want your pet to ingest.

You and your pet will enjoy the winter months much more with these tips, but keep in mind if these measures don’t offer relief, a professional inspection by your vet may be in order.

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Looking for something to keep your buddy busy while confined to the house this winter?

Nina Ottosson’s range of durable interactive games have been designed

to stimulate a dog’s brain whilst reinforcing his relationship with people. Each design has a unique mechanism that requires mental as well as physical dexterity to work through the challenges and reveal hidden food rewards. They can be set to differing levels of complexity, to satisfy all ages and breeds of dog. So whether you have a ‘Forrest Gump’ or an ‘Albert Einstein’, there is a Nina Ottosson game design to suit every dog!

FURminator Inc. has expanded its line of pet deShedding products, with a new lineup of tools,

shampoos, hair care and hygiene solutions. The company has added 17 deShedding tools and 17 shampoos, conditioners, hair care and hygiene solutions. These items allow pet parents to select a product based on their pet’s specific hair length, size and life stage. In addition, each size tool will offer both longand short-hair varieties. Available at your local pet store.

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Tail Waggers for the Home

Kiss My Mutt has introduced a new line of eco-friendly, designer indoor and outdoor dog beds.

The Eco-Friendly Scavo-Willow Bed, pictured here, offers a water resistant fabric and comfortable fillers made from

recycled plastic bottles. Covers zip off for convenience and are machine washable. The Indoor Eco-Beds add a durable, luxury cotton to the design. You can order online at www.KissMyMutt.com or call 805-259-6352.

Brinsea has announced the latest accessory for the KatKabin DezRez Outdoor Cat House, the KatKabin EcoGlow Pet Warming Pad. If the

winter of 2011 is even close to the winter of 2010 we experienced on Delmarva, your outdoor kitty will be very greatful for this set up. The KatKabin will offer superior shelter from the elements and when combined with the extremely economical warming pad, kitty will have a townhome to weather the storm. All componets are safe for outdoor use and can offer warmth even in sub-zero temperatures. To purchase online, visit www.KatKabin.net or call 888-667-7009.

Posh Pet Staircases, LLC offers top-quality pet staircases that are funtional and elegant in

design. Made in the USA, these dog and cat staircases incorporate the latest in human furniture trends, with superior craftmanship and sturdiness for pet safety. The stairs feature smooth surfaces and removable carpet tile inlays, for easy clean up. Kits require assembly. For more information visit them on the web at www.poshpetstaircases.com.

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phase by sitting entirely in the bowl/tray. As their use progresses, they will often place the front two paws on the seat and gradually the back paws will follow. Not until you see that they are sitting with all four paws on the seat should you move onto the next lesson.

Lesson 4 - The Finer Points: When Kitty is sitting on the toilet in a proper kitty fashion, begin decreasing the level of litter in the bowl/tray at a rate Kitty is comfortable with. Be aware, as the amount of litter decreases, the amount of odor may increase. Be sure to clean the bowl/tray often, preferably after each use. This is when the flushable cat litter is beneficial. Just through the bowl/tray contents in the bowl, flush and rinse the bowl/tray. Refill with the correct amount of litter and replace.

When you have weaned Kitty to very little litter in the bowl/tray, begin replacing the litter with water. The water will help mask any serious urine odor at this point, and you and Kitty will both find it a more pleasant experience. Be vigilant to behavior; if Kitty stops using the toilet with the change-over to water, you may be moving along too quickly. If at any time your cat regresses, go back to the last step where it was comfortable, for a few days.

When the water in the bowl has reached several inches, and Kitty is using it regularly, it’s time to remove the bowl/tray. Kitty is fully trained at this point, and instead of cleaning the litter box, you only need to flush regularly. Now, if we can only find a way to teach them to flush!

There are a few negatives, with regards to toilet training your cat. The cat that uses a litter box is easier to monitor for changes in urine or bowel habits, which may indicate an infection or sickness. There is also the possibility that, if you change the location of your residence, your cat will not make the change to a different toilet easily. However, once trained, some cats simply prefer the toilet, and a change of home is not a problem.

The most important thing in toilet training is to make the change gradually, and at your cats own individual pace. Be sure the toilet is always easy for Kitty to use, with the lid up and seat down. Flush regularly. Like dirty litter boxes, cats do not like smelly toilets.

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21st Century Cats

Preparation: If you are not currently using a flushable litter in the litter box, make the change now. Some cats don’t like to change litters, and during the last phase of training, you will want to use flushable litter so that clean up is easy.

Be sure kitty is comfortable with the new litter before the first lesson begins.

Lesson 1 - The Initial Move: Begin by gradually moving your cat’s litter box closer to the toilet. Small increments of about a foot a day work best. Kitty should be comfortable with each move of the litter box before moving it again. For some cats, this means moving it only a foot closer to the toilet every couple of days. Others will not mind it moving each day.

When the cat is comfortable with the litter box next to the toilet for a couple of days, you can move on to the next lesson.

by Sandy Phillips Toilet training your cat is an easier task than you might think.

There are a variety of techniques you can use, and an assortment of products to assist you with the process.

Teaching your cat to use the toilet can offer several advantages as a cat owner. You can eliminate expensive cat litter, the daily chore of cleaning the litter box, and the odor that tells on you when you haven’t fulfilled your obligation as a kitty parent. Going away for a week, or even a weekend, can be much easier on the pet sitter or your generous neighbor. Instead of facing litter box cleaning, they simply flush, when they come by, to feed and water the plants.

The rate of success in toilet training your cat is directly connected to the cat’s personality. Sociable cats, that love being praised, make excellent candidates for toilet training. The length of time, to a litter-box free home, is also relative to each individual cat, and can range from a couple of weeks to a few months. Patience is key when you begin this process.

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Lesson 2 - Elevation: The next step is to gradually elevate the litter box. Put something non-slippery, like newspapers or cardboard, underneath the litter box. The normal rate of lift should be about two inches each day. You need to be very attentive that Kitty is comfortable with each increment before another increase.

The first lift may go unnoticed, resulting in over confidence on your part, that Kitty is a quick learner. As the litter box rises, be sure that is it stable. Your cat needs to feel and be safe throughout the entire process. One slip and your whole process will be set back to square one, and you may never achieve your ultimate goal.

The rise of the litter box should continue until it is the same height as the toilet. Note: During this process, be sure the toilet lid is kept up and the seat down. As the litter box rises, Kitty may start jumping up on the toilet to get to the litter box. This is a great bonus since being comfortable with the top of the toilet will play a big part in the final step.

Lesson 3 - The Toilet: Purchase a heavy, plastic bowl or tray that will fit snuggly in the toilet. The ideal one will have some holes for drainage. You may find one at your local pet store designed for just this task. This is not the place to cut corners. If you purchase a flimsy one and your cat falls in the toilet, it will never forget the unpleasant dunk, and you will forever clean the litter box!

Fill the bowl or tray with a flushable litter and remove the litter box entirely. If you have reached this point in training, you are very close to having a toilet-trained cat! During this phase of training, it’s very beneficial to praise Kitty for sitting on the toilet. Sociable cats should progress rapidly at this point, thriving on your positive reaction and reinforcement.

Pay particular attention to where your cat’s paws are, during the use of the litter box in the toilet. Many cats will begin this

Now that you have controlled intake, you want to control output. Several over-the-counter meds can be used to slow diarrhea and settle an upset stomach. My favorite for dogs is Bismuth subsalicylate, i.e. Pepto Bismol, Kao Pectate or Gastro-Cote. Dosing is as follows: Weight in Pounds <5 4.5-10 11-17 17-22 22-44 45-66 >67

Dose 0.9 ml for every 1lb (262mg/15ml) ¼ caplet ½ caplet ¾ caplet 1 caplet 1 1/2 caplet 2 caplets

Bismuth subsalicylate can be toxic to cats, due to the saliscylate portion that is like aspirin. It’s also not recommended for dogs on steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds, such as aspirin, rimadyl, metacam or previcox. In these cases, I recommend Loperamide, trade name Imodium A-D, Pepto Diarrhea control, Kao Pectate II caplets. Dosing as follows: Cat weight in pounds Dose 4 0.3 ml of liquid suspension 0.2mg/ml 5 0.5ml of liquid suspension 0.2mg/ml 6 0.7ml of liquid suspension 0.2mg/ml 7-13 ¼ 2mg caplet >14 ½ caplet In cats you have to watch for excitatory reaction as side effect.

Dog weight in pounds Dose 2 mg caplet 6-11 ¼ 12-22 ½ 23-44 1 45-65 1½ 66-88 2 >89 2½ Not recommended for collies and related breeds.

As with any situation, treatment always must be individualized for each patient. Small dogs/puppies and small cats/kittens are prone to dehydration much faster, and it would be beneficial to seek medical attention immediately. Fluid administration in other routes besides oral, such as IV or below the skin, may be needed. This can be true for larger pets that are vomiting and have diarrhea. Also with small/young puppies and kittens, low blood sugar is a danger and needs to be diagnosed and addressed.

There are some things that can be done at home, prior to taking your pet to the veterinarian, but if you see no improvement, seek immediate emergency attention. Hopefully, this will offer you some help on those restless nights to make informed decisions about your furry “kids.”

Dr. John Maniatty is a board-certified veterinarian in practice at the Ocean City Animal Hospital, Ocean City, MD.

Common Pet Myths Debunked Whether it's a tip from a neighbor or something you discover on the Internet, myths about dogs can steer you in the wrong direction. Here are the facts about a few common myths: My dog’s nose is warm and dry. Does that mean he’s sick?

If your dog has a dry nose, it means your dog has a dry nose. A dry nose has nothing to do with a dog’s health. Focus on the unusual to detect signs of a potential problem. Call your vet if you notice swelling, difficult breathing or if your dog has a runny nose for more than a couple of days.

Brushing a dog’s teeth is silly.

Actually, your dog will have the last laugh when his breath makes your eyes water. Routinely brushing your dog’s teeth not only freshens breath, it also limits the risk of oral disease and gives you a chance to notice anything unusual happening to teeth and gums. Don’t brush off brushing. It can make your dog more pleasant to be around and help prevent an array of serious health problems down the road. Ask your veterinarian for help getting started.

Can a canine tell what color T-shirt you’re wearing?

It depends on which dog you’re asking. Dogs can distinguish colors, but not as well as humans. So don’t ask them to coordinate your outfits. The fact is different types of dogs tend to see different colors. Color is just one of many visual messages canines detect in their environment. Brightness, movement and contrast also help a pooch see eye-to-eye with the world around them.

When dogs scarf down grass like it’s Fettuccini Alfredo, does that mean they’re sick?

While several theories about animal grass consumption exist, veterinarians have no proven answers. However, research indicates an amazing possibility: Animals may just like to eat grass. So don’t panic if your dog nibbles at the lawn from time to time. If the nibbling turns into a daily feast, talk to your veterinarian.

Hills Science Diet

Gotta Go? John Maniatty, V.M.D.

How to Calm Your Pet’s Tummy It’s Saturday night. Your veterinarian is closed, and the dog is scratching at the door for the fourth time. You get up to let her out and by the time you get to the door it is too late. She has diarrhea on the floor, again.

This is an all too familiar scenario I hear about on Monday mornings. Pet owners ask if there was anything they could have done at home, to make this frustrating situation bearable.

The first thing I tell them is to withhold food for 24 to 48. Most pets are smarter than we are because we try to eat and they usually do not. The reason we take the food away is that it also takes away a possible gastrointestinal (GI) irritant and decreases the amount of diarrhea produced. If this is not possible, because you have a multipet household where you have to leave food out, instead, do timed feedings for the other pets in the house, while your sick pet’s stomach recovers. When starting back on food, allow 3-4 small meals throughout the day of a

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bland diet, such as prescription canned diets like Hills I/D or Purina EN. You can even offer a home-cooked diet like cooked rice/pasta and cooked meat, or even cottage cheese.

With the home-cooked diets, I recommend ¾ parts rice/pasta to ¼ part meat portions (i.e. boneless chicken, ground beef or turkey with the fat drained off). The main idea is to keep it bland. Once the stools are formed, in 3-4 days, gradually mix in their regular food, over the next 7 days.

The next step, while we let the GI tract settle down, is to replace fluids. Water is good, but sometimes electrolyte replacement is needed, especially if the diarrhea is watery and frequent, or vomiting is occurring too. Electrolyte replacement can be done with Pedialyte (which can be found in the infant aisle of the grocery store), or Gatorade. Give small amounts of fluids frequently. If you give a large bowl of water or electrolyte replacement without feeding, the pet may drink too much, feel too full and vomiting will ensue. This will worsen the dehydration you are trying to overcome.

Winter

Coat Care

by Farin Phillips Humans aren’t the only ones that have a tendency to develop dry skin during the winter months; your “best friend” can also find dry skin a challenge too. Pets don’t have to suffer. There are a number of preventative measures that can help you both enjoy a scratch-free winter.

Implement a brushing routine for your pet. Not only will it reduce pet hair around your house, the brushing will stimulate the skin’s oil production. By removing excess dead skin, and encouraging blood flow to the hair follicles, brushing is one of the simplest ways to promote a pet’s healthy coat. The increase in oil itself will help to prevent the dry, itchy skin. Brushing your pet also offers the opportunity to go over their coat with a “fine-toothed comb” alerting you to any skin issues you may not have noticed previously.

The dry, indoor air that comes with winter can also have an effect on a pet’s coat. Excessive scratching, general discomfort, and a dull coat, are all indicators that your pet’s skin is starting to dry out. You can help prevent this by washing your pet regularly with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Do not bathe your pet outside during the winter months. Not only is it cold, the harsh elements can actually make their coat problems worse. If your bathroom is not conducive to bathing your dog, visit the “do-it-yourself pet wash”, or make an appointment with a professional groomer. It’s the same as a human; nobody wants to have cold, wet hair when it is already cold outside. If you choose the homebath method, consider blow-drying your pet’s coat after the bath. Just make sure that you use a low setting, and don’t hold the hair dryer too close to them, so you don’t burn their skin. Running a humidifier in the home is another way to add moisture to the coat. In fact, both your skin and theirs will benefit from the moist air.

Winter nutrition is also important. In addition to feeding a quality pet food, add a tablespoon of flax oil or olive oil to your pet’s food. This will help to keep their coat healthy from the inside out.

Check with your veterinarian for particular recommendations for your individual pet.

Consider canine apparel. (No, it’s not just for little dogs or just for fashion.) Pet sweaters and coats are practical and can help to protect your pet during the harsh winter months. They will keep the wind and snow off, and help prevent that “wet dog in the house” routine.

Doggy boots are also a great idea. Not only do they make a fashion statement, but they can keep the ice, snow, and de-icing salt off your pet’s paws and away from your carpets and floors. (Continued page 10) (Continued on page 11)

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contents Vol. 3 Issue 1- January/February 2011

3

Winter Coat Care

4

How to Calm Your Pets Tummy

6

21st Century Cats

8

Tail Waggers

Delmarva Unleashed A Supplement of Grand Living Magazine Publisher Sandy Phillips Associate Publisher Farin Phillips Editor Lou Ann Hill Creative Sandy Phillips Farin Phillips Contributing Writers Dr. John Maniatty Grand Living Main Office: (410)726-7334 Field Manager Brandon Phillips

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