A Publication of The Victor Valley Daily Press June 30, 2019
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Whispering Winds of Apple Valley…
Your choice, your life
Whispering Winds of Apple Valley is a lovely senior living community often described as “a cruise ship on land,” with private apartments, various activities for residents, visiting entertainers and other amenities designed to define “leisure living.” Each apartment includes a full kitchen, though residents are able to enjoy the restaurant-style dining — with delicious choices available for extended hours. The community’s setting is beautiful, with a beautiful courtyard and lovely grounds where residents can come and go. Independent living is an ideal for many seniors. Residents can “age in place” with a wake staff of nurses available 24 hours a day every day in case assistance is needed.
A PUBLICATION OF: The Victor Valley Daily Press 13891 Park Ave. Victorville, CA 92392
PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER: Steve Hunt 760-951-6270 shunt@vvdailypress.com
This warm and welcoming senior living community is dedicated to enhancing health and wellness while offering the highest quality of service for residents. When it comes to “living life meaningfully,” everyone on the staff of Whispering Winds is equipped to provide residents with lifestyle experiences with dignity, choice and vitality. Compassionate, experienced and dedicated local professionals provide the service residents’ needs, when they need it. Learn more about Whispering Winds of Apple Valley. Explore the service options available to residents, and get to know how we enrich lives through exceptional care. Visit their Facebook page or the website, www.pegasusseniorliving.com.
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Steve Nakutin 760-951-6288 snakutin@vvdailypress.com SUPPORT STAFF: Andrea Dunn Megan Martinez
SALES: Lisa Woodhart Danial Gardner Jessica Lopez Cynthia Brudnak Irene Gaulke Andrew Covarubbias
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Advanced Hearing Systems Your Hearing Health Care Provider
Advanced Hearing Systems was started on the foundation of honest, quality, family-friendly oriented service. Diane Carrillo’s personal experience with her own hearing loss is what started Advanced Hearing Systems in 1983. In 1997 Advanced Hearing Systems moved to its present location in Victorville where the values that started the practice still live on. Daryn Carrillo is upholding the tradition of the best hearing aid sales and service in the High Desert. Advanced Hearing Systems is growing, and Daryn is bringing on board top notch knowledgeable and professional hearing aid dispensers to help serve the needs of the High Desert. At Advanced Hearing Systems we perform hearing tests, clean/check hearing aids and offer a number of other professional services to ensure your hearing aids work properly for your needs. We offer many choices including made-for-iPhone, wireless and rechargeable hearing aids.
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Also we carry a selection of hearing aid accessories such as batteries and dry aid kits as well as hearing protections, custom electronic devices and over-thecounter ear plugs. Are you experiencing signs of hearing loss? Has your family mentioned you are not hearing as well as you used to? The first step in bettering hearing is to schedule a hearing test. Our professional staff is here to help you on your journey to better hearing and make sure it is a successful one. We invite you to call or email our practice to schedule your appointment today, 760-952-2727. Facebook@advancedhearing; advancedhearing@yahoo.com or visit our website www.advancedhearingsys.com
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Eat healthy at 50 and beyond A balanced diet is an integral element of a healthy lifestyle for men, women and children alike. But while kids and young adults might be able to get away with an extra cheeseburger here or there, men and women approaching 50 have less leeway. According to the National Institute on Aging, simply counting calories without regard for the foods being consumed is not enough for men and women 50 and older to maintain their long-term health. Rather, the NIA emphasizes the importance of choosing low-calorie foods that have a lot of the nutrients the body needs. But counting calories can be an effective and simple way to maintain a healthy weight, provided those calories are coming from nutrient-rich foods. The NIA advises men and women over 50 adhere to the following daily calorie intake recommendations as they attempt to stay healthy into their golden years. Women • Not physically active: 1,600 calories • Somewhat active: 1,800 calories • Active lifestyle: between 2,000 and 2,200 calories Men • Not physically active: 2,000 calories • Somewhat active: between 2,200 and 2,400 calories • Active lifestyle: between 2,400 and 2,800 calories When choosing foods to eat, the NIA recommends eating many different colors and types of vegetables and fruits. Phytochemicals are substances that occur naturally in plants, and there are thousands of these substances offering various benefits. The Produce for Better Health Foundation notes that a varied, colorful diet incorporates lots of different types of phytochemicals, which the PBH says have disease-preventing properties. The NIA also advises that men and women over 50 make sure at least half the grains in their diets are whole grains. Numerous studies have discovered the various benefits of whole grains, which are loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients. Whole grains have been shown to reduce the risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. 8 Life Af ter 50 2019
Another potential hurdle men and women over 50 may encounter is a change in their sense of smell and taste. A person’s sense of smell may fade with age, and because smell and taste are so closely related, foods enjoyed for years may no longer tantalize the taste buds. That can be problematic, as many people instinctually add more salt to foods they find bland. According to the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, older adults should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. That equates to roughly 3⁄4 teaspoon of salt. Older men and women should resist the temptation to use salt to add flavor to foods, instead opting for healthy foods that they can still smell and taste. In addition, men and women should mention any loss of their sense of smell to their physicians, as such a loss may indicate the presence of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining a healthy diet after 50 may require some hard work and discipline. But the long-term benefits of a healthy diet make the extra effort well worth it.
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Photos courtesy of TNT’s Café
Bert and Bill enjoy hearty breakfast fare
Harold and Tammy Horner enjoy good service and menu options
Jean and Lynn Berges share an “au jus” sandwich and fries
TNT’s Café, a High Desert tradition By Kathy Young
It’s all in the name, and for TNT’s Café on the Hesperia side of Bear Valley Road, the name is everything. The first “T” stands for restaurant founder Tony Paoletto. The second “T” is for his daughter and co-owner Tonette Steele, who is proudly carrying on the family legacy. Last but not least, the little ‘s’ is for Sue, who is Tony’s wife.
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There is little to no turnover in the staff at TNT’s, and everyone is reliable and friendly with excellent food and service their primary goal. “Our customers are family, too,” Tonette said. TNT’s Café recently celebrated 27 years of provid(Continued on Page 12)
JET ROOM Compliant with the Medicinal Adult Use Cannabis Regulation Safety Act (MAUCRSA), the Jet Room provides a clean, safe, and elegant experience where patients will feel comfortable knowing that their information is kept strictly confidential. Located 60 miles north of the nearest Los Angeles dispensary, the Jet Room will provide the convenience that patients need without delivery being the only available option. Owner Lisa Marie Guerra said, “No expense has been spared in order to provide the best experience for their patients, all while staying compliant.” MJRX Corp. and executive management team will be the first to run the entire operation, but according to Guerra, employees will soon be a necessity and at least 50% of their employees will be those who reside in the City of Adelanto.
The Jet Room is open to the public 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Patients need a doctor’s recommendation in order to be served and to receive compassionate pricing. There will be Jet Room specials offered to veterans, seniors. We love our customers and welcome your feedback and suggestions. Use our Contact Us page to tell us what we’re doing right or what we can improve on. Learn how CBD’s could be used to treat pain relief, bone health, soothing effects, fights glaucoma, insomnia and sleep issues, alternative to prescription medications, stimulates appetite, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please join us for a free seminar July 24-25 from 10 a.m. to Noon. Refreshments will be served.
TNT’s Café (Continued from Page 10) ing affordable breakfasts and lunches at reasonable prices. Tonette credits her supplier, Sysco Foods and their wonderful crew, including Kevin Linus and Marco Alvarez, for being very much a part of TNT’s success. One look at the menu is enough to make your mouth water, and you’ll make a mental note to come back for more. If you don’t see something on the menu, Tonette said they can probably make it for you. Daily specials are the place where creativity reigns, but customer favorites include chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, beef dip, pastrami and club sandwiches as well as a variety of open face sandwiches for lunch. 12 Life Af ter 50 2019
At TNT’s Café, everything is made from scratch. Tonette is a food show buff and keeps an eye out for ideas to add to the menu so customers keep returning. For July TNT’s Café features Red White and Blue Waffles, the All American Burger with double patty, bacon and cheese, Brisket served many ways and Barbecued Chicken. Stop by TNT’s Café, 14767 Bear Valley Road in Hesperia. Horus are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, search “TNT’s Cafe” on Facebook or call 760-947-3663.
Home security tips for seniors Seniors are often targeted by criminals. Though many criminals target seniors from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals seek to enter seniors’ homes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics offers that, between 2003 and 2013, the ratio of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly and persons between the ages of 50 and 64 than it was for younger persons between the ages of 25 and 49. • Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and often does, give burglars easy entry into the home. • Think about a smart doorbell. Technology now enables doorbells to provide a video feed to a person’s smartphone or tablet over WiFi. This allows residents to see who is at the door and speak to this person without having to open the door. Some products like Ring® will even register motion activity and record short videos from outside of the house.
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• Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see some identification. • Get a home security system. The best protection against burglars is a home security alarm, states HomeSecurityResource.org. Such an alarm often deters burglars from breaking in. • Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check. • Use home automation. Home automation, or a “smart home,” can be utilized to turn on lights, set the thermostat, lock doors, and much more. • Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home.
BJ’s Health Foods — a High Desert tradition By Kathy Young
In 1972 Don and Betty Frash opened BJ’s Health Foods to provide customers with natural foods, supplements and other products to provide healthy alternatives to High Desert customers. They also wanted to offer good customer service “the old-fashioned way.” Today BJ has three locations--Victorville, Barstow and Apple Valley. The Victorville store is BJ’s newest and largest location. You’ll find a larger selection of fresh produce there. The two other locations offer a good selection of health foods and natural products as well as supplements and personal care items. The growth in the health food industry has brought about a desire for organic and non-GMO foods as well (Continued on Page 24)
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Don’t Ignore Prediabetes Approximately 84 million Americans adults have prediabetes and 90% of those adults don’t even know they have it! Read on to find out the facts and what you can do to stay healthy. Prediabetes is a serious health condition. Your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. If you have any of the following risk factors talk to your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested. The risk factors for prediabetes include: • Being overweight
• Being 45 years or older
• Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
• Being physically active less than 3 timers per week • Ever having diabetes during pregnancy
• If you are of African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian Pacific Islander, or Asian American decent Prediabetes can affect every major organ in the body and people may develop major complications such as kidney disease, eye damage and nerve damage. It is very possible to prevent prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes. Eating a diet low in sugary foods and complex carbohydrates like bread, potatoes and pasta, maintain a healthy weight, and participate in some type of physical activity for 30 minutes per day, 5 times per week will help to get your blood glucose level back to a normal range. Most importantly talk to your doctor and discuss your risk of developing prediabetes. Remember, prediabetes must be taken seriously.
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Michael Norman, D.O.
Dr. Michael Norman has been practicing medicine in the High Desert and Big Bear for over 25 years. Born in Gloucester, England, he has lived in Southern California for most of his life. Before attending medical school at Western University of Health Sciences, he worked as both a respiratory therapist and a physician’s assistant, graduating from the University of Oklahoma’s program. These experiences anchored a passion in medicine that he still retains today. He completed his residency with Loma Linda in 1994 and was named “Resident of the Year.” For a time in the 1990s, he served as a hospitalist/ medical director for Desert Valley Hospital, but he found he wanted to focus on providing quality care to patients more than tackling administrative issues. Norman works with his wife, Margaret, who manages the business side of the practice. They have six children together, with one in medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, mountain bike riding, and surfing Southern California’s beaches. For additional information about Prediabetes or to make an appointment with Dr. Norman, please visit our website at www.choicemg.com or call (760) 242-7777
Exercise and aging: How to work out safely after 50
In an ideal world, people young and old exercise each day. But as men and women age, finding time to work out is not so easy. Commitments to work and family often take precedence over daily exercise. As a result, many people 50 and over might not have exercised regularly or at all in many years. But as children grow up or even move out, people facing down their golden years are often compelled to get back in the gym. That’s a wise decision that can increase a person’s chances of being healthy and happy in retirement. But before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury.
• Speak with your physician. The National Institute on Aging notes that even people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can be physically active. However, anyone with such a condition and even those who don’t fall into those categories should consult with their physicians and receive a full physical before exercising. Such a consultation and checkup can shed light on any unknown issues, and physicians can offer advice on how to safely manage any problems that may arise.
• Begin with low-intensity exercises. Even if you feel great and have maintained a healthy weight, don’t
push yourself too hard at the start. Your body needs time to adjust to physical activity, so choose lowintensity exercises like walking and light strength training so your muscles, tendons and ligaments can adjust. Initially, exercise every other day so your body has ample time to recover between workouts. • Choose the right places to exercise outdoors. Exercising outside provides the best of both worlds for many people, providing a chance to get healthy all while enjoying the great outdoors. When exercising outdoors, choose areas that are not remote and where others can see you and offer help if you suffer an injury or have an accident. Boardwalks, public parks and outdoor gyms are safer places to work out than wooded areas or other places well off the beaten path. • Stay hydrated. The NIA notes that many people lose their sense of thirst as they age. But just because you aren’t thirsty does not mean you don’t need water, especially while exercising. Water regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints, thereby decreasing your risk of injury during exercise. Exercising after 50 can help people live healthy well into retirement. But caution must be exercised when aging men and women return to exercise after a long break.
Ask The Expert Dr. Kelly Hong Who is a good candidate for dental implants? Almost anyone who is missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth is a candidate for dental implants. Talk to your dentist for your specific needs.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Humans are “blessed� with two sets of teeth (baby teeth and adult/permanent teeth). When a single permanent tooth or multiple teeth are lost due to dental decay or gum disease, dental implants can now replace them as the third set of fixed teeth. Dental implants can last a lifetime and can improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like, and participate in an active lifestyle, without worrying about your teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium and can never get dental decay.
How much do implants cost and does insurance cover the cost? In general, the cost of replacing a single tooth with a dental implant is almost the same as replacing it with a regular fixed bridge. Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but situations vary. The cost will vary by patient needs, bone quantity, and region. A dentist will make an assessment based on your unique needs.
How do dental implants help if I have full dentures or partial dentures? Actually implants are most popularly used in patients who wear full dentures or partial 22 Life Af ter 50 2019
dentures. Dental implants can be used to provide retention and support for a removable implant overdenture, which basically snaps on the implants. Therefore the partial or full denture does not move and reduces the dependency on denture adhesives/denture glue. Dental implants can also be used for a fixed denture, where a patient’s dentures are fixed/bolted to the implants through titanium components. Only the dentist can remove this from the mouth.
With Implant Dentistry at Kelly Smile, your smile will look just like it used to. After a short period of getting used to the implant, it will feel just like one of your own teeth.
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BJ’s Health Foods (Continued from Page 16) as gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices. BJ’s strives to make many of these items available. In addition to fresh produce and supplements, you will find a large selection of herbal and regular teas, coffees and other beverages as well as health and beauty aids. Special orders are handled several times a week, so if you don’t see something you want, ask about its availability. The friendly staff at BJ’s is passionate about their work and can answer your questions. The staff is well versed in the items they offer and can explain the research behind many of the products on their shelves. Their knowledge will amaze you. BJ’s Health Foods feels fortunate to have served the High Desert community for so many years. You will know the moment you walk through the doors that you are a valued customer. The staff at BJ’s has a simple philosophy: Working at BJ’s is more than just a job. It is a passion.
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Visit BJ’s Health Foods on Facebook, too, for recommendations and reviews, videos, specials and new product announcements.
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Change plays a big role in the aging process. As adults age, both their minds and bodies undergo changes. The changes associated with aging are not uniform. Some people may experience small changes as they inch toward and ultimately pass retirement age, while others may undergo changes that affect nearly every aspect of their lives. Cognitive decline is the type of age-related change that can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life, affecting his or her ability to live independently. A general term used to describe symptoms associated with a decline in memory or thinking skills such as judgment and reasoning, dementia is often mistaken as a normal part of aging. However, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America notes that dementia-related illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, are not a normal part of aging. Because many people associate memory loss with aging, they may be compelled to accept some of the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s as mere byproducts of growing older. However, the Alzheimer’s Association urges men and women to report any of these 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s to their physicians the moment they’re noticed. Family members who notice these signs in their relatives also should report them to their loved ones’ physicians. 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Examples of this symptom include forgetting recently learned information; forgetting important dates and events; and asking for the same information over and over. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: Someone exhibiting this symptom may have trouble following a recipe or paying monthly bills. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home at work or at leisure: Forgetting the rules of a favorite game or experiencing trouble driving to a familiar location are some examples of this symptom. 4. Confusion with time or place: People with Alzheimer’s lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: Some people with Alzheimer’s have 26 Life Af ter 50 2019
difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing: Difficulty joining or continuing a conversation and calling things by the wrong name are some examples of this symptom. 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: People with Alzheimer’s sometimes put things in unusual places and then cannot retrace their steps to find those things. 8. Decreased or poor judgment: Poor judgment and decision-making often affects people with Alzheimer’s. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities: People with this symptom may begin to withdraw from favorite activities or avoid being social because of the changes they’re experiencing. 10. Changes in mood and personality: Mood changes affect people with Alzheimer’s, who may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease at www.alz.org.
Cobra Kai is the ‘Best’ when it comes to martial arts
As you get older, maintaining your health becomes even more important. A structured fitness program accompanied with proper nutrition will help maintain your weight, lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Muscular strength declines with age, so strength training is key to maintaining strength and preventing muscle atrophy at 50-plus. Strength training has been proven to help with bone density thus decreasing the rate at which bone breaks down. This is important for reducing the risk of fractures later in life. Also exercise is a great way for maintaining good mental health and reducing stress. In short, a fitness program can keep you happy and active well past your fifties. Martial arts’ training is a great way to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle regardless of your age. For centuries in countries like China, Japan, and Korea people at 50-plus have used martial arts to maintain
mobility, muscle strength, and fight off disease, not to mention the added benefit of knowing self defense. At Cobra Kai Martial Arts we pride ourselves on being the “The Best of the Best” in the High Desert when it comes to martial arts instruction and fitness programs. We specialize in programs for people of all ages, especially people at 50-plus and from all walks of life. Our instructor team is made up of qualified individuals that are recognized as leading experts in their field of expertise; furthermore, they have the experience necessary to design a personal fitness program that will fit your needs and abilities. Nowhere else will you find another facility that offers as much as we do. We invite you to stop by and see for yourself everything we have to offer and how we can help you get the most out of your golden years. Try out our
• Fitness Classes • Yoga Classes
• Tai Chi Classes
• Self Defense Classes • And More…
Mention you saw us in “Life After 50” and receive 50% off any standard membership, excluding other specials. 28 Life Af ter 50 2019
A Family Pharmacy is really in sync By Kathy Young
When it comes to your health, your pharmacist is an important member of your medical team, and customers of A Family Pharmacy in Apple Valley, know they can count on Thomas Tekele and his staff of professionals to offer the most convenient service to everyone. Thomas has been the pharmacist at A Family Pharmacy for 15 years. The pharmacy motto, “We Provide the Best Service for the Best Customers,” is evident in everything they do. Their approach is the same as the small-town pharmacies of years past, where customers were greeted like good friends. The pharmacy’s location is convenient — on the corner of Kasota Road and Highway 18. Their overthe-counter medications are attractively displayed. The inventory is very comprehensive. In addition to these over-the-counter and prescription medications, A Family Pharmacy has medical supplies—crutches, boots, braces and walkers. If you are unable to get down to their store front, don’t hesitate to call and request to have your medications or supplies delivered. The best part? All deliveries are free. Their prescription service is second to none. The pharmacy uses robotics to provide faster speed and Pharmacist Thomas Tekele, right, and his staff of professionals offer outstanding service at A Family Pharmacy in Apple Valley. [Photo courtesy of A Family Pharmacy]
accuracy when filling prescriptions. In addition to the robot, their advanced MedSync software ensures all your medications are ready and available on the same day. Lastly, the wait time is minimal at A Family Pharmacy. From moment you walk in with your prescription to the time you walk out the door is approximately 15 minutes. “We do all we can to make it convenient for our patients,” Thomas said. He likens it to building bridges—working with doctors who cooperate by arranging the writing of prescriptions for their patients to the profile of medications they are already taking. “Communication is key,” Thomas added. “We talk to our customers about their medications, discussing interactions or questions they may have about something they read on the Internet.” The profile on each customer at A Family Pharmacy includes chronic problems they may have as well as allergies or sensitivities to certain medications. A Family Pharmacy is located at 15863 Kasota Road, Ste. C, in Apple Valley and the telephone number is 760-242-5452. Stop by today and meet the friendly staff or visit them online at www.afamilypharmacy. com. They accept most insurances.