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'Is there any other place besides Troy?' Local manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story starts and returns to Troy, Missouri

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Publisher TOMMY WILSON

(636) 528-6088

Executive Publishers H.G. FOX, SR. SUZANNE FOX Editor DAN FOX LIZ MCGEHEE

It’s good to be home

Managing Editor SUZANNE FOX Contributing Writers NICK SKODA TAMARA CHARBONNET PATRICIA DANFLOUS MICHELE ROBERT POCHE ANJA SPRINGTHORPE Production Manager TIM HAGER Sales Team TONY MATCHELL DEBBIE RAMSEY Creative Director DIANNE WALLER

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It’s good to be home

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contents ISSUE 02 / Fall 2019

'IS THERE ANY OTHER PLACE BESIDES TROY?'

COVER STORY

WRITING PROMPTS TO PASS ON YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

Local manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story starts and returns to Troy, Missouri 5. GARDENING

Ergonomic Gardening

20. FINANCE

Job Opportunities for Retirees

7. RELATIONSHIPS

21. GRANDCHILDREN

When One Retires

Ways to Talk to Grandkids

10. RECIPE

24. TRAVEL

Butternut Squash Pizza with Cauliflower Crust

4 NYC Memorials, Monuments & Museums You Should Visit

12. COVER STORY

26. FUN

'Is There Any Other Place Beside Troy?'

Growing Pains: Where are They Now?

16. MOVE YOUR FEET

28. HEALTHY MINDS

Ballroom Dancing

18. WELLNESS

Overcoming Roadblocks to Healthy Eating

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

GARDENING

Ergonomic Gardening Tools

These specially designed tools give a greater range of motion to someone already suffering with physical limitations.

By Liz McGehee

f you’ve ever worked in an office, you’ve probably heard the word “ergonomic” tossed around a time or two. It simply means that something is designed to prevent injuries, such as carpel tunnel, scoliosis and other posture-related ailments. These specially designed tools give a greater range of motion to someone already suffering with physical limitations, which is why so many people keep ergonomic keyboards and chairs in the workplace. Luckily, this type of design isn’t limited to the office. There are plenty of ergonomic gardening tools on the market

for people suffering with arar thritis, back pain and low-flexlow-flex ibility that will allow you to continue nurturing your green thumb. Quite a few companies offer kneelers – elevated kneelkneel ing benches with soft padding ergonomic digging and pruning tools as well as raised garden beds. These tools prevent resting on your knees and eliminate the cause of stiffness that settles in while laboring. Several stores offer these specially designed tools, but it’s important to assess your individual needs before breaking out your wallet. If you have difficulty moving, calling ahead is your best bet. There

are a few companies that offer tools online, but you can’t tell how comfortable a tool or stool is until you try it out in person. When you buy tools in person, you also support local businesses and your community. Do your research and get the tools you need to succeed. You shouldn’t have to compromise your love of gardening for comfort – so don’t!

FEATURE

If you’re having trouble getting started, these prompts might get your creative juices flowing: 1. What year were you born in and in what city?

15. What kind of games did you play?

2. Describe the personalities of your family members.

16. What did you want to do when you grew up?

3. Of all the things you learned from your parents, what do you valuable most? 4. What do you know about your family surname? 5. Is there a naming tradition in your family, such as always giving the firstborn son the name of his paternal grandfather? 6. Are there any physical characteristics that run in your family? Curly hair or big noses? 7. Are there any special heirlooms, photos, bibles or memorabilia that have been passed down?

WRITING PROMPTS TO PASS ON YOUR FAMILY HISTORY By Liz McGehee

Writing is a relaxing activity that stimulates the mind and helps prevent memory loss. It’s also a great way to document and preserve your lineage. If you don’t have a computer or just prefer to write by hand, purchase a large, durable journal or tape recorder. Try to write at least once a week.

8. What stories have come down to you about your parents? Grandparents? Distant relatives? 9. Are there any stories about famous or infamous relatives? 10. Did you inherit any physical or personality traits from your parents? 11. What recipes have been passed down to you?

17. What was your profession, and how did you choose it? 18. How did you meet your spouse? How did you know you were in love? 19. List 10-20 facts most people don’t know about you. 20. Did you ever get in trouble as a teenager, and how did your parents react? 21. Did you have a pet? 22. Who taught you how to drive? 23. What big world events do you remember from when you were growing up? 24. What was your favorite toy where you were a kid? 25. How has fashion changed? 26. What is your most embarrassing moment? 27. What was your religion growing up?

12. Where is our family originally from?

28. If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?

13. How did we get to be located where we are today?

29. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

14. What was it like when you were growing up compared to now?

30. What is the one thing you want people to remember about you?

RELATIONSHIPS

WHEN ONE RETIRES BEFORE THE OTHER By Michele Robert Poche

etirement comes at different ages for everyone. For some, it’s planned and anticipated years in advance. For others, it comes on suddenly due to changes in the workplace. In any event, the likelihood that one partner in a relationship will retire before the other is a very real one. Being considerate and open to compromise will help the transition be much smoother for both parties.

Spend time together. Retired spouses can feel left behind if working spouses don’t make time for them. Decide on something to do together then stick to it Try a

weekly movie date, every other Tuesday at your favorite restaurant.

Spend time apart. Retired spouses should maintain outside relationships with old and new friends, or they will become too dependent on the working spouse. Both partners should connect with others on a regular basis.

Respect each other’s schedules. While working spouses are still following the same schedule, retired spouses may now want to sleep in or wake for a daily 5am yoga class. When possible, go to bed at the same time so you can unwind from the day together.

When possible, go to bed at the same time so you can unwind from the day together.

Negotiate the responsibilities. Just because one spouse is home more frequently doesn’t mean he or she should be expected to take on 100% of the household duties. Discuss and agree upon an arrangement where both parties are satisfied.

Adjust to the new budget gradually. When both parties retire simultaneously, the financial shift is drastic. Both partners should be mindful of their spending as the new balance is established.

FEATURE

Outdoor Activities FOR FALL By Liz McGehee

Just because spring and summer are over doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! Here are some great outdoor activities to keep you and the family active this fall: • Hiking. No matter where you live, there are likely some hiking trails close by. Check around your area for a state or national park or a lake to walk around. Getting away from your cell phone and engaging in light cardio will elevate your mood, relieve stress and provide a number of other health

benefits. • Hayrides. Bring back fond childhood memories with a hayride! This might be a fun one to share with the grandkids or a good friend. Just make sure you dress warm to account for the wind chill. • Tailgating. Whether it’s for your grandchild’s high school football game or the nearest NFL team. Plan out what you, your friends and family should bring: chairs, tents, ice chests, grills, food and beverages. It helps if you have an

experienced friend to guide you through the set up. • Corn Maze. If you like to walk, a corn maze is the perfect outdoor activity for you. If you’re not too chicken, there are plenty of haunted corn mazes around Halloween. • Pick a Pumpkin. It’s the perfect time of year to carve pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns. Even perusing a pumpkin patch for the perfect squash is fun, and your grandkids will especially love this activity. While you’re at it, invite the whole family and get some great photos! Offering Private Yoga Sessions and Group Yoga classes for our local community, helping clients to improve balance, strength and mobility to maintain independence and longevity. We would love to meet you, and a here is a special just for you!

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NUTRITION

NUTRIENTS TO PROTECT AGING EYES By Anja Springthorpe

Age-related eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration or cataracts are leading causes of impaired vison and blindness in older adults. Just as regular check-ups are important to maintain healthy eyes, nutrition also plays a significant role in delaying or preventing eye problems. • Lutein and zeaxanthin. These are compounds found in leafy green vegetables. According to studies, lutein and zeaxanthin protect the retina from damage by ultraviolet (UV) light. UV damage is correlated with macular degeneration and premature loss of vision. Foods such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, turnip greens and collard greens are excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. • Omega-3 fats. Research suggests that omage-3 fats support well-functioning drainage of the eye, reducing risk of dry eye syndrome, high eye pressure or

glaucoma. Omega-3 fats also reduce inflammation, supporting eye health in conditions such as diabetes-associated retinopathy. Choose oily fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines) 2-3 times per week. This includes seeds, nuts and seed/ nut oils (walnut, flaxseed, Chia seeds, sesame seeds) daily. • Antioxidants. Found in abundance in fresh fruit and vegetables, antioxidants protect eyes from damage by free radicals. Free radicals are highly unstable compounds produced in response to pollution, chemicals, ultraviolet light exposure or medical conditions. Free radicals can induce irreparable damage to eye tissue. Antioxidants are

able to combat these damaging compounds, reducing risk of eye problems or loss of vison. Aim for at least 5 servings of fresh fruits or vegetable per day. • Beta-carotene. This orange pigment is found in fruits and vegetables. It is now well established that beta-carotene is important for eye health. By protecting the structure of the cornea, the outer layer of the eye, beta-carotene reduces risk of dry eye and macular degeneration. Orange fruits and vegetables are good sources of beta-carotene. Eat carrots, squash, sweet potatoes or cantaloupe melon at least twice per week.

Aim for at least 5 servings of fresh fruits or vegetable per day.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PIZZA

RECIPE

WITH Cauliflower Crust By Liz McGehee

CRUST INGREDIENTS • 2 pounds cauliflower florets, riced • 1 egg • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese • 1 tablespoon oregano • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Pinch of salt PIZZA TOPPINGS • 10 slices of butternut squash, thin • 3 cloves of garlic, sliced thin • Olive oil, drizzled • 1 handful basil, chopped • 1/3 cup mushrooms, sliced • 1/3 red onion, chopped • 1/3 cup of goat cheese • Additional cheese DIRECTIONS: 1 If you can’t find premade cauliflower dough or pre-minced florets, you will need a food processor to recreate the texture of rice. 2 Next, boil your veggie rice 4-5 minutes. Drain and place on an

absorbent towel. 3 Preheat oven to 400 F. 4 Mix egg, parmesan, minced garlic, spices and cauliflower as much as possible. 5 After laying down parchment paper, press dough onto a baking sheet and place in oven

for 35 minutes. 6 Once the crust is firm and golden in color, evenly distribute your pizza toppings over the entire crust. Place back in oven and bake for 10 minutes. Make sure not to burn your cheese. Serve and enjoy!

MINI POT PIES By Liz McGehee

INGREDIENTS • 1-2 boxes of pie crusts • 1 small onion, chopped • ¾ cups beef or vegetable broth • 1 ½ cups of mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn) • 1 cup of chicken, ground turkey or ground beef • 3 cups of refrigerated mashed potatoes • Salt and pepper • Cupcake pan • Round cookie cutter DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 375 F. Roll crust to 12 inches in diameter. Cut with 4-inch round cookie cutter. Should get 6 from each crust. • Sprinkle flour in cupcake pan to keep from sticking. Bake for 10 minutes until golden. • Cook meat and onion in a pan. Then drain and add vegetables, broth and desired spices. Place in piecrustlined pan. Dab with 1 ½ tablespoons of mashed potatoes. • Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool then serve.

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'Is there any other place besides Troy?' Local man’s story starts and returns to Troy, Missouri By Nick Skoda • Staff Writer

Life Starts in Troy

Carl Reed Wermuth has seen more of this world than most. Through the military and other ventures he’s been to Vietnam, Panama, Switzerland, Germany, Peru and all over the United States of America. But even though he’s been to the other side of the planet and back again, he is still proud to call Troy home. “I’m not really sure how interesting this all is,” Carl said. Carl, born in 1941 to William and Carolyn Wermuth, went to school in Troy – both of the buildings he took classes in now gone. “I didn’t have to go to kindergarten because I was so smart,” Carl said, then clarifying that there wasn’t kindergarten when he was growing up. After high school, he found himself at the University of Missouri. He said that, like a lot of college students, he didn’t really have a plan at that time. “I fumbled around Mizzou for three or four years,” Carl said. When he eventually got out of the military, later in life, he went to Maryville University and studied Education.

He earned his Master’s Degree through a joint program with Maryville University and Washington University. But before that, during the summers, Carl and a friend from Troy would go work as dishwashers, and eventually cooks, at resorts in Colorado. “That was my first real big time away from Troy,” Carl said. “It was all good times. Didn’t make much money, but it was good times. Now, it was a lot of hard work.” “I still keep track of one or two of those people and it’s been forty years,” he added But he eventually got the idea that maybe he’d like the military and left school. “I’d been working out in Colorado during my summers and my draft lady said, ‘Well, I got your brother, he’s gone through service. If you stay in school, I won’t draft you.’ I got to thinking it would be nice to go to Colorado one more summer,” Carl said. “I called my draft lady and said ‘I was out in Colorado.’ She said, ‘That’s wonderful. You can take your physical in Denver.’ So I did. About two weeks after I got home, I got my official notice in the mail to go to St. Louis. A couple weeks after that I went to Fort Leonard Wood,” Carl said. It was 1965 and Carl was headed for basic.

life based on hearing about his brother’s experiences. “My brother had been out a couple of years, so I knew a little bit from what he did. He was an M.P. so I thought that would be good for me for when I got out, I’d have a little background to go into law enforcement. But the military changed my mind,” Carl said. When he joined, the conflict in Vietnam was starting, and the military didn’t need M.P.s as much as it needed infantrymen. “Vietnam was starting up about then and they needed Second Lieutenant Infantry Officers. They worked on me for about four hours and I was about starved. They said as soon

as you sign this you can go eat. I wasn’t going to do it. I told them two years was enough. But I ended up with six years, nine months and 23 days,” Carl said. From Fort Leonard Wood he went to Fort Jackson in South Carolina then onto Fort Benning in Georgia. At Fort Benning is where Carl attended Officer Candidate School. From Benning he went to Fort Campbell in Kentucky where he was a training officer. He was at Fort Campbell for six or seven months and then headed abroad, to Panama, where he went to jungle warfare school. “I’ve got some papers some-

6 years, 9 months, 23 days

Carl entered the military in 1965 in what he described as a voluntary draft. At that point, Carl only really knew what to expect of military

Carl Wermuth poses in uniform with his gun. This was taken during Carl's time in Vietnam.

where that say I’m an expert in jungle warfare, but don’t believe it,” Carl said. “But it was good, because it had the same latitude, I think, as Vietnam and kind of got us accustomed to the heat. We learned about the snakes and alligators, and all that stuff,” Carl said. He talked about the first time he ever did a zipline. It was across the Chagres River in Panama, one of the country’s largest rivers. “There were a lot of things I’d have probably never have done, and I’ll probably never do again,” Carl said. “And that was one of them.” They also did escape and evasion drills. “I wouldn’t say you became an expert, but you passed the course and they give you this little piece of paper saying you’re a jungle expert and you can wear this patch,” he said. “I’ve got mine hanging on the wall.” From Panama, Carl was shipped out to South Vietnam, but it wouldn’t be long before Carl’s time in Nam was cut short. “I was there about three months, and hit an I.E.D. or booby-trap,” he said. “We called them in the old days booby-traps, it ruins your whole day either way no matter what you call them.” After that, he spent about six months in Great Lakes Naval Hospital. “I had a cracked bone and some nerve damage,” Carl said. “I was fortunate. I thought I was in bad shape. But I looked to the left and the guy in that bed had his eyes all bandaged up. I know

he lost one if not both. Then I looked to the other side and they were taking this guys bandage off and he started screaming and yelling. He’d gotten hit in the back with a claymore. They changed his bandage every two hours. So I wasn’t in as bad of shape as I thought I was.” Carl did some advising work when he got out of the hospital and was trying to decide whether he was going to stay in the military or not. His time was almost up and he ended up deciding to stay in. Six months after that, the military sent him to Fort Bragg to complete a Military Advisor Training Academy, or MATA.

Next stop for Carl, upon completion of the MATA, was back to the jungle in Quang Tri, Vietnam, and was stationed next to a de-militarized zone (DMZ). “The second time I was there, we didn’t have much [fighting]. Couple times you’d go out and they’d shoot at you,” he said. “You’d have thought that since it was right next to North Vietnam, you’d have trouble all the time. Of course, where the Marines were up there, they were in deep stuff all the time. You know, it’s amazing what people can do.” Other then a few small skirmishes and some holes being shot in airplanes and air-support helicopters, there wasn’t much

Carl shakes the hand of one of his students during his teaching days.

action to write home about where Carl was stationed. He spent the next year or so advising two groups of soldiers: one that was deployed out into the province and one that stayed in the city. Carl finished his military tenure at Fort Riley, Kansas, medically retiring as a Captain in 1972. Some of the military awards he received were the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Army Commendation Medal and several more.

Back to Troy

After the military, Carl moved into a long and successful teaching career with area schools. He taught geography and some history at Buchanan and then Troy Buchanan High Schools for 27 years – two years part time, 25 years full time – retiring in 1999.

The motivation to transition into a career and life of educating came simply from a love and interest for history. “When I was at Fort Riley, we went to Germany twice and I got to see a lot of history over there. I travelled quite a bit in the military. In Columbia I was pretty good at history. Nothing else worked out but the history part,” Carl said. While he was still a student at Maryville University, Carl did his student teaching in Troy. “The superintendent was my basketball coach when I was a sophomore and the principal was the coach when I was a senior. Now, I practiced as much as everybody else did but I didn’t play nearly as much,” Carl said. “In other words, I wasn’t too good. But the teaching worked out pretty good.” He said that those connections and student teaching helped get his foot in the door with the schools.

And after getting his Master’s from Maryville/Washington University, he took to teaching full time. Carl said his favorite thing about teaching was working with the kids. “Back then they were pretty easy to get along with,” Carl said. Along with surviving the I.E.D., Carl has fought off colon and esophageal cancer. Since retiring, he still lives in Troy and used to raise Gladiolas. His brother Bob lives in Troy and his sister Ruth Ann Brown and her husband Ed live in Kennesaw, Georgia. Three places that Carl highlighted as some favorites were Alaska, Banff National Park in Canada and Switzerland, as it is one of if not the most beautiful place he’s ever seen. When asked what his favorite place in the world that he has visited is, other than Troy, Carl’s response was, “Well, is there any other place besides Troy?”

BALLROOM

g n i c n a D

By Liz McGehee

WANT AN EXERCISE THAT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE EXERCISE? BALLROOM DANCING IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.

“Ballroom dancing” conjures images of extravagant gowns and jewel encrusted tiaras reminiscent of 15th century Europe. While this was a sport for Europe’s elite aristocrats, it’s since become a favorite American pastime. Don’t believe me? Just turn on the television. By now you’ve probably seen an episode or two of ABC’s enormously successful, "Dancing with the Stars" – a televised dancing competition and proof of ballroom dancing’s popularity. The great thing about taking up this exercise is that it also serves as a creative outlet, and it doesn’t feel like work. Plus, you’ll constantly meet new people along the way. Beginner classes typically include the Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, Salsa, Swing, Foxtrot and Merengue. Some of these classes will require you to bring a partner so make sure you look into it before you show up. In any case, you want to find someone to practice with outside of the classroom. Keep in mind that the most important part of these dances are the steps. Make things easy on yourself and begin with dances that use a simple box step. Individual dances will use different counts and parts of the body to complete the box step, but they all follow the same foot placement. The Lead moves forward left, side right, close the feet, back right, side left, close the feet. The Follow moves back right, side left, close the feet, forward left, side right, close the feet. Try to focus on nailing these down and then you can move on to body position and improving your technique.

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Once you’ve mastered these simple box step moves, you might want to try slightly harder dances like the Tango or Salsa:

FOXTROT The Foxtrot is a basic tango rhythm from the 1910s. For this dance, you will use 8 beats, brushing or tapping on 2 and 6 – step, brush, side, together, step, brush, side, together. As you can see, the Rumba steps are pretty simple, so this is a great dance for beginners. RUMBA The Rumba is a Cuban and Latin-style dance that employs the same box step seen in the Waltz and Foxtrot. But in the Rumba, there is a hip action on the 2 and 6, rather than the brushing or tapping of the feet seen in the Foxtrot. And the first step takes 2 beats while the last two steps take one beat each – slow…quick quick…slow…quick quick.

TANGO More challenging than the 1-2-3 pace of the Waltz, Tango steps move slow…slow…quickquick-slow… The lead will start forward using the left foot while the follow steps back with the right foot. Once you master the following steps, you can work your way up to more challenging versions of this dramatic dance.

SALSA A blend of Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances, the Salsa has some of the easiest steps for beginners – 6 steps over 8 counts of music. Practicing at home will certainly improve your dancing skills, but if you're more of a visual or hands-on learner you should seek out a class in your community. Not sure where to find one? A simple way of finding ballroom dance groups is searching the web. Sites like Meetup.com, Google and local forums are a great place to start. You can even download an app to easily discover local groups on your phone. Another thing you can do is search Youtube.com for free tutorials or to see how a dance move should be carried out. Dancing is a joyous activity that lets you have fun and improve your health at the same time – so get moving!

WELLNESS

Bored of eating alone? Eating alone can take the joy out of food, making it more of a necessity, rather than a pleasurable activity. Connect with friends and meet for meals. Take turns to cooking new recipes for each other. Community halls and religious centers often offer senior luncheons. You can get a freshly cooked meal and meet new people at the same time.

OVERCOMING ROADBLOCKS TO

Healthy Eating By Anja Springthorpe

Nutrition is important for all ages, including older adults. It is well established that a healthy, balanced diet reduces the risk of health problems and hospitalizahospitaliza tions. But changes take place as we age that can make it difficult to make smart food choices. Not hungry? Loss of appetite can be the result of a slowing meme tabolism, reduced calorific needs or a side effect of medication. Being active will keep your metabolism fired-up. If medication is the culprit, talk to your doctor about alternatives.

Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Take small sips with a meal to swallow foods more easily.

Problems digesting vegetables? Digestion slows down as we age. Fiber-rich vegetables can take a toll on the gut causing bloating and discomfort. Opt for vegetable soups and stews. These are easier on the stomach but still provide all the nutritional benefits. Favourite meal not so tasty anymore? Taste buds change throughthrough out our lifetime. This is a great opportunity to explore new foods and seasonings to find out what tickles your taste buds. Rather than relying on salt to make food tasty, choose healthy alternatives, such as garlic, lemon, turmeric or herbs. Difficulty swallowing foods? Dehydration can lead to inadequate salivation. This can cause foods to get stuck in the throat. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Take small sips with a meal to swallow foods more easily.

UNDERSTANDING THE JARGON OF HEALTH INSURANCE The world of healthcare can be confusing to navigate. Before the prevalence of health maintenance organizations and various other health and wellness insurance groups, obtaining medical assistance involved going to the doctor and then paying the bill. But today people must navigate copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and savings plans, which can make it difficult to understand what’s going on with your insurance company. Healthcare is standardized in some areas of the world and publicly financed with little to no out-of-pocket costs for participating citizens. Elsewhere, access to health insurance is provided through employers or government assistance programs or individually purchased. Understanding some health insurance-related jargon is a great way to better educate oneself about the industry. • Benefit period: The benefit period refers to the duration of time services are covered under your plan. It is usually a calendar year from the point of start to end. It may begin each year on an anniversary date when you first received coverage. • Coinsurance: This is a percentage of the cost of services rendered in specific areas outlined by the health plan that you are responsible for after a deductible is met. For example, a plan may cover 85 percent of costs, with patients responsible for the remaining 15. • Copayment (copay): A copayment refers to the flat rate you pay to a provider at the time you receive services.

Some plans do not have copays. • Deductible: The amount you pay for health services before the insurance company pays. You must meet a set limit, which varies by plan and provider, before insurance will kick in and cover the remaining costs during the benefit period. Many plans have a $2,000 per person deductible. This deductible renews with each calendar year. • HMO: A health maintenance organization offers services only with specific HMO providers. Referrals from a primary care doctor often are needed to see specialists. • HSA: A health savings account enables you to set aside pretax income up to a certain limit for certain medical expenses. • Long-term care insurance: A specific healthcare plan that can be used for in-home nursing care or to pay for the medical services and room and board for assisted living/nursing home facilities. • Network provider: This is a healthcare provider who is part of a plan’s network. Many insurance companies negotiate set rates with providers to keep costs low. They will only pay out a greater percentage to network providers. • Non-network provider: A healthcare provider who is not part of a plan’s network. Costs may be higher if you visit a non-network provider or if you are not covered at all. • PPO: A preferred provider organization is a type of insurance plan that offers more extensive coverage for in-network services, but offer additional coverage for out-of-network services.

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FINANCE

JOB Opportunities FOR RETIREES: Which One Is Right ForYou?

eeting new people, nurturing a personal interest and supplementing your income are just a few of the reasons a parttime job could be a nice addition to your daily lifestyle. Of course, different jobs require different physical and intellectual skill sets. So think about what you’re looking for before you accept a posi position anywhere. Love to read? Seek work as a librarian’s assistant at your local library or university. Responsibilities could include helping customers, shelving books, tracking overdue items, inventory and some computer usage.

By Michele Robert Poche

Handy with a hammer? Or a needle and thread? Marketing your skills as a handyman or a seamstress allows you to draw from your own talent and work on a flexible schedule. Want a job and a place to live? Many self-storage facilities employ individuals or couples to live on-site to coordinate their daily operations. Responsibilities could include leasing, collections, banking,

cleaning, maintenance and computer usage. How’s your foxtrot? Thanks to the Gentleman Host Program, many cruise lines now offer older, single, refined men the opportunity to cruise for free in exchange for their company as dance or dinner partners for older single passengers. Are you an art fan or a sports fan? Or both? There are many ways to im-

merse yourself in the world you love. Whether serving as a tour guide at a museum, an usher at a theater or a ticket-taker at an arena, you’ll be surrounded by likeminded people who share your passion. Want to get behind the wheel? Drivers are always needed for limousines, school busses, shuttle services and transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. A valid driver’s license (sometimes commercial) and a good driving record are a must.

GRANDCHILDREN

EASY WAYS TO TALK TO GRANDKIDS

By Liz McGehee

1. Swap jokes. How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it! Who can resist a good laugh? Not kids, that’s for sure – the cheesier the better! So give your grandkids something they can’t wait to tell their friends at school. Consider picking up a child-friendly joke book, or you can find jokes online for free.

You: Where she raised giant… Them: Birds! You: But they weren’t ordinary birds… Them: They had gold feathers… You get the idea. This exercise is fun, creative and a great way to entertain grandkids.

2. Play the would-you-rather game. Would you rather have three eyes or an extra butt? These kinds of questions will stimulate their imagination, and it will make the both of you laugh hysterically. If you run out of comparisons, try going the Fear-Factor route: Would you rather be covered in spiders for 1 minute or eat a cockroach?

4. Old-fashioned board and card games. Go fish! Yahtzee! UNO! There are lots of fun, classic board games and card games that teach your grandkids important analytical thinking, strategy and social skills. Life, Clue, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Checkers, Scrabble, Chess and Sequence are all great choices. Or teach them your favorite card games, like Crazy Eights, UNO, Rummy, Go Fish, Egyptian Ratscrew, Spit (aka Speed) and Spoons (aka Pig).

3. Write a story together. You: There once was a little girl… Them: That had a farm…

5. Family stories. Kids have a hard time imagining Mom and Dad at the same age. So they love to

hear tales about Dad misbehaving or that Mom got glasses at the same age. If you know any interesting family history, pass it on! Or tell them about what things were like when you were a kid. You’d be surprised how much these stories mean to grandkids.

For more ideas on how to connect with your grandchildren or for support from other grandparents, visit: Grandparents.com.

WHAT IS A

Silent Stroke?

The brain is a complex organ responsible for controlling many different bodily functions. When working at optimal capacity, the brain is a wonder to behold. When illness or trauma affects the brain, various parts of the body may not work as they should. One of the more devastating things that can affect the brain is stroke. Stroke describes a sudden stoppage of blood from reaching the brain. Harvard Medical School states that if a large number of brain cells are starved of blood supply, they can die. With their demise, a person’s memory and ability to speak and move can be compromised. While many strokes come on suddenly, certain factors may indicate a person is at risk. Such factors may include prior heart attacks, genetics, high blood pressure, smoking, or a prior stroke. However, in a particular type of stroke — a “silent stroke” — symptoms are far more subtle and difficult to spot. Silent cerebral infarction, often referred to as “SCI”

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or “silent stroke,” is a brain injury likely caused by a blood clot interrupting blood flow to the brain, offers the American Stroke Association. Silent strokes increase risk for other strokes and can be a sign of progressive brain damage. A silent stroke is typically only noticed as a side component of an MRI of the brain. Many times patients do not recall having a stroke and never felt any symptoms. Silent strokes should not be mistaken for mini-strokes. Mini-stroke is a brief but discrete and memorable event, with symptoms appearing for a few minutes or a few hours. According to a study on silent stroke titled “Functional and Cognitive Consequences of Silent Stroke Discovered Using Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an Elderly Population” and published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, silent strokes are quite common and can have serious consequences. Researchers have found that silent stroke is associated with impairments

in tests of cognitive function rather than movement-oriented performance tests like rising from a chair. Almost 50 percent of studied silent strokes affected frontal circuit components of the brain, such as the frontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. Lesions in these brain structures compromised executive functions and were related to vascular dementia. Another study showed associations between silent stroke and visual field deficits, weakness in walking on heels, history of memory loss, migraines, and lower scores in cognitive function tests. The “silent” part of a silent stroke also refers to the areas of the brain that the stroke affects. Experts at Harvard Medical School explain that, during a silent stroke, an interruption in blood flow destroys areas of cells in a part of the brain that is “silent,” meaning that it doesn’t

control any vital functions. Researchers say that, over time, the damage from silent strokes can accumulate, leading to more and more problems with memory. Collectively, silent strokes become silent no longer. There are certain ways to reduce the risk of any type of stroke. These include: • managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels • quitting smoking • reducing the risk of diabetes and effectively treat the condition if it is present • losing weight to prevent obesity • exercising and avoid a sedentary lifestyle • taking a low-dose aspirin or a drug that prevents blood clots. Silent strokes largely go unrecognized but can lead to significant brain injury. Getting the facts can help men and women reduce their risk for silent stroke.

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TRAVEL

4 New York City Memorials, Monuments & Museums You Should Visit

By Liz McGehee

f you’ve been to New York City, you’ve probably seen the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island Ferry and the Grand Central Terminal. But there are new additions and some overlooked oldies you should visit while you’re there!

9/11 Memorial & Museum. Rated #1 on Trip Advisor’s “Trending Attractions This Fall,” the 9/11 Memorial and Museum holds over 10,000 artifacts, 23,000 images and 1,900 oral histories of the event.

“The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood,” says the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. 911memorial.org.

Charging Bull & Fearless Girl Statues. This year the controversial Fearless Girl statue appeared in front of Arturo Di Modica’s infamous Charging Bull sculpture. Her position and confident posture indicate that she is squaring off with the bovine. People have Charging Bull Statue

shown their support and disdain for the piece by adding wonder woman headbands and a statue of a dog lifting its leg. There’s a good chance you’ll get to see some of this action for yourself when you visit, but don’t wait too long. The Charging Bull’s permit expires next year. Chargingbull.com.

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial in Central Park. If you’re a Beatles fan, this is a must visit site. Located in renowned Central Park, the memorial is a circular mosaic with the word “Imagine” in the center. The best part about visiting Strawberry Fields is that you can take a long stroll through the famous park afterward. Centralparknyc.com.

Frick Collection. When you’re done with Central Park, head over to premier museum and research center, the Frick. This collection contains paintings, sculptures, furniture and even an indoor garden. Artists include Vermeer, Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, El Greco, Degas, Goya, Renoir, Rousseau, Velazquez and Whistler. Frick is a hidden gem and tribute to artists past. Frick.org. 9/11 Memorial

John Lennon Memorial

Fearless Girl Statue

5 WAYS TO HONOR YOUR GRANDPARENTS

Grandparents hold a special place in the hearts of people all over the world. In many cultures, elders are revered and celebrated, and many people know their grandparents as fun-loving folks who sneak their grandchildren candy and let them get away with things when their parents aren’t looking. • Create a customized brag book. Grandparents often enjoy sharing photos and stories of their family members with others. Thanks to user-friendly software, it is now easier than ever to design a brag book, photo album or even a photo calendar that grandparents can cherish. Rely on a photo-sharing site to get started. Remember to include special moments, such as family trips or milestone occasions, that highlight what your grandparents mean to you.

• Develop a family history project. Forays into genealogy don’t need to be limited to class assignments. Examining the family tree can be a unique way to spend more time with grandparents or other seniors in your life. Chronicle moments in your family history and compile a catalog of genealogical data. You never know which details of historical significance you may uncover when exploring your family history.

• Organize a special outing. Take an interest in a grandparent’s hobby or occupation. Schedule a date when you spend time together exploring this interest, whether it be fishing, scrapbooking or taking in a sporting event. This will reinforce bonding time. On another day, reverse roles, inviting a grandparent or elderly relative to participate in an activity you enjoy.

• Travel together. Planning a vacation with a grandparent is an ideal way to see some sites and make great memories together. If traveling internationally, investigate how people of different generations live in the country you are visiting.

• Catalog family recipes. Before hosting your next family meal, invite a grandparent over to help with the cooking and to share family recipes. Arrange a day to write all the family recipes down in a single book or file so they can be shared with future generations.

The roles grandparents play in the lives of their children and grandchildren are significant, and the these are some ways to honor the grandparents in your life.

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FUN

GROWING PAINS Where are They Now?

Kirk Cameron (Mike) Cameron went on to star in the popular, Christian, book-to-tv Left Behind series. His Left Behind co-star and real life wife, Chelsea Noble, also played his girlfriend on "Growing Pains." They have six children and continue to work in Christian entertainment. Alan Thicke (Jason) Thicke passed away in December of 2016. Up until then he was still regularly working in popular TV shows. He is survived by his famous R&B singer son, Robin Thicke. Joanna Kerns (Maggie) After "Growing Pains" ended, Kerns took on several television roles and the big-screen but eventually moved on to directing. She’s credited on episodes of "Pretty Little Liars" and "Jane the Virgin." Tracey Gold (Carol) Tracey Gold, whose second onscreen kiss was Brad Pitt, wrote a memoir in 2003 focusing her battle with anorexia. In 2004 she was arrested for DUI after rolling her SUV with her husband and three children inside. Since "Growing Pains" she’s continued to star in TV movies. Jeremy Miller (Ben) The youngest Seaver and former child actor struggled with alco-

holism for years after the show ended. After he became sober, he became a patient advocate at a clinic in California. Ashley Johnson (Chrissy) You’ve probably seen little Chrissy’s face everywhere and wondered how you know her.

She’s appeared in "What Women Want," "Blindspot," "Avengers," "Drunk History," "CSI," "The Help," "Private Practice," "Cold Case," "ER," "Recess," "Roseanne," "Nine Months," as well as numerous video games, kids’ shows, TV movies and anime.

Spot the 6 Differences

MEDICATION Mismanagement CAN BE PREVENTED: Medication management is an important issue for seniors and their families. Failure to properly manage medications can threaten the lives of seniors, highlighting the emphasis families must place on ensuring seniors take their medications in strict adherence to their physicians’ instructions. Polypharmacy, or the taking of multiple medications for different conditions, can be a potential health hazard for the thousands of seniors who must manage health conditions with prescription drugs. Harmful drug interactions are a result of the confusion that can arise when seniors take multiple medications at the same time. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists estimates that more than 34 percent of senior citizens are prescribed medications by more than one physician, and 72 percent use medications they were prescribed more than six months prior. Many people also have begun “pharmacy shopping” to save money. According to a study published in 2010 in American Nurse Today, 44 percent of men and 57 percent of women older than age 65 take five or more medications per week, with some taking as many as 10. Medication confusion is one risk, but older adults also metabolize medications differently than young people. As a result, they may be more susceptible to overdose or other ill effects. Families looking to help seniors effectively manage their medications should consider the following tips. • Keep a running list of medications. Maintain a list of all medications being taken, noting both prescription and over-the-counter medications and any supplements and herbs. Provide a copy to any new doctors you visit and any new pharmacies you

patronize. • Use pill sorters. Medication sorters can keep medications organized and eliminate some of the personal error in medication management. Organizers have daily slots and may also differentiate between nighttime and daytime medications. • Understand why each medication is being prescribed. Ask your pharmacist and doctor to explain why each medication is prescribed. This information should be printed on the prescription label. Some drugs designed for one symptom may actually be used to treat other issues as well. • Ask for help. Some seniors may benefit from friendly reminders from a loved one regarding when to take certain medications, especially if they need to take multiple doses throughout the day. Cognitively impaired seniors may require the services of a visiting nurse or another caregiver. • Recognize that not all medications are right for seniors. The American Geriatrics Society maintains a list of medications that older adults should avoid or take with extreme caution. Some drugs pose a high risk of side effects or interactions, while others are less effective. Discuss alternatives with your physician if you are prescribed one of these medications. • Keep a medication diary. Record any side effects that occur and how the medications make you feel. Always bring up issues promptly with a doctor. Proper medication management can help seniors avoid drug-related accidents or worse.

HEALTHY MINDS

Cognitive Behavioral

Therapy By Liz McGehee

You can’t control what happens, only how you react.”

– Anonymous.

his quote embodies the message of cognitive-behavioral therapy. While the name is a bit of a mouthful, the concept is simple. “Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, sit-

uations and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to feel / act better even if the situation does not change,” says the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT). However, the NACBT emphasizes that CBT “does not exist as a distinct therapy technique.”

Meaning, it’s hard to define strictly, and there are a number of ways to implement and approach it depending on a patient’s needs. One thing that stays constant with CBT though, is that it is a time-limited, goal-driven venture. The client and therapist discuss the client’s emotional and behavioral goals and hatch a plan. According to NACBT, “Cognitive-behavioral therapists have a specific agenda for each session.” This is what sets CBT apart from traditional therapy. “CBT is based on the scientif scientifically supported assumption that most emotional and behavioral reactions are learned. Therefore, the goal of therapy is to help clients unlearn their unwanted reactions and to learn a new way of reacting. Therefore, CBT has nothing to do with ‘just talking’,” says the NACBT. “The educational emphasis of CBT has an additional benefit – it leads to long term results. When people understand how and why they are doing well, they know what to do to continue doing well,” says the NACBT. CBT can be tough in that patients must push themselves to grow by recognizing and changing life-long thought patterns and habits – no easy feat – but the therapy makes patients self-reliant. Plus, if money is an issue, this short-term therapy is much more cost-effective. If CBT sounds like something you want to try, schedule a consultation with your local cognitive-behavioral therapist. For at home training programs and study materials visit: http://nacbt. americommerce.com.

HOW TO HELP SOCIALLY ISOLATED SENIORS The elderly population is on the rise in many countries. Advancements in healthcare and a growing emphasis on healthy lifestyles means people are living longer than ever before. Age is often accompanied by wisdom, but men and women may also find that feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression may also settle in as they grow older. The Journal of Primary Prevention published “A Review of Social Isolation,” which observed how social isolation has been linked to numerous detrimental health effects in older adults. Some of these ailments may include increased risk for mortality, rehospitalization, falls, and dementia. Individuals looking to give back to their communities may want to consider helping seniors in their area. Although it can be difficult to see seniors with diminished physical or mental capabilities, the rewards of interacting and helping seniors can be immeasurable. There are plenty of ways to help seniors avoid isolation and continue to live fulfilling lives. • Provide transportation. A Place for Mom, a senior housing placement resource, notes that lack of adequate transportation is a main cause of social isolation among seniors. Voluntary or necessary cessation of driving makes getting to and from appointments or even recreational outings more difficult. Where public transportation is unavailable or challenging to come by, volunteers can help shuttle seniors to and from grocery stores, doctor’s offices and any other places they need to go. Getting out regularly and seeing new faces can help seniors overcome feelings of loneliness. • Participate in hobbies together. Give seniors a sense of purpose by encouraging them to participate in hobbies or activities. Book clubs are one activity that can interest people of different age groups. • Encourage exercise. Physical exercise keeps the body fit and improves mental health. Seniors can benefit from physical activity because it promotes strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition, seniors who enroll in exercise classes at gyms or local senior centers can meet like-minded adults, helping them overcome their feelings of isolation even further.

• Provide meals and companionship. Older adults may not be getting all they need to maintain healthy weights and bodily functions. Cooking and shopping for healthy foods may be difficult. Provide seniors with healthy meals when possible, and take the time to share those meals. This can foster conversations that keep seniors’ minds sharp and also may help prevent social isolation. Seniors can benefit from many different forms of support, and helping older adults is a worthy volunteer initiative.

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