HOW TO
How to Choose a Cellular Phone Plan How to Choose Wine & Spirits How to Choose an Assisted Living Center How to Choose a Mortgage Lender How to Choose Banking Services How to Choose a Realtor How to Choose a Pharmacist How to Choose a Lumber Yard How to Buy a Home How to Buy New Carpet How to Choose a Hearing Specialist How to Choose a Manufactured Home How to Choose a New Car How to Choose an All Terrain Vehicle How to Choose an Auto Body Shop How to Choose an Eye Doctor How to Lose Weight & Keep It Off How to Choose the Right Auto Parts How to Choose a Golf Course How to Choose the Right Livestock Feed How to Choose a Credit Union How to Choose a Rehab Facility How to Choose Newspaper Advertising How to Choose a Cellular Phone Plan How to Choose Wine & Spirits How to Choose an Assisted Living Center How to Choose a Mortgage Lender How to Choose Banking Services How to Choose a Realtor How to Choose a Pharmacist How to Choose a Lumber HOME Yard How to Buy a Home How to Buy New Carpet How to Choose a Hearing Specialist How to Choose a Manufactured Home How to Choose a New Car How to Choose an All Terrain Vehicle How to Choose an Auto Body Shop How to Choose an Eye Doctor How to Lose Weight &RECREATION Keep It Off How to Choose the Right Auto Parts How toREAL Choose a Golf Course How to Choose ESTATE the Right Livestock Feed How to Choose a Credit Union How to Choose a Rehab Facility How to Choose Newspaper Advertising How to Choose a Cellular Phone Plan How to Choose Wine & Spirits How to Choose an FINANCE Assisted Living Center How to Choose a Mortgage Lender How to Choose Banking Services How to Choose a Realtor How to Choose a Pharmacist How to Choose a Lumber Yard How to Buy a Home How to Buy New Carpet How to Choose a Hearing Specialist How to Choose a Manufactured Home How to Choose a New Car How to Choose an All Terrain Vehicle How to Choose an Auto Body Shop How to Choose an Eye Doctor How to Lose HEALTH AUTO Weight & Keep It Off How to Choose the Right Auto Parts EDUCATION How to Choose a Golf Course How to Choose Right Livestock Feed How to Choose a A Publication of Valleythe Publishing, Inc. and Valley Courier
GUIDE Summer 2018
BANKING
Consumer
How To
CHOOSE BANKING SERVICES
— Get the most bank for your buck!
Top five things you should know about your bank… 1. Do they have the financial products and services you need? 2. Are there hidden fees? 3. Do they care about you, not just your money? 4. Are they convenient enough for your lifestyle? 5. Do they support your community?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a bank. Some consumers think that all banks are the same; others are lured by free checking offers and giveaways. But there’s a lot more to think about than what you can get for free. What else should you be looking for in a bank? WHAT DO YOU NEED? Banks have most of the basics in common – checking, savings, loans. But it’s important to think about what you’ll need from your bank now and in the future. Ask you banker what types of different accounts they offer, but also look for other things you might need, such as • A checking account that lets you write all the checks you need • Availability of accounts and services for your business • Loans for your business, home or personal use • Retirement and investment accounts • Monthly account maintenance fees • Minimum balance requirements • Overdraft protection • Online banking • Direct deposit WHAT ARE YOU REALLY PAYING? Some banks will offer free checking accounts – and some of these accounts can really work well for people. But be sure to check the small print. Often times, you’ll pay no maintenance fee for the checking account but much more than usual if you bounce a check. Watch out for hidden fees, too, like those charged for talking to a banker in a branch or on the phone. PERSONAL SERVICE When looking for a bank, it’s important that they
2 Summer 2018
treat you like a person and care about what happens to you and your financial life. Banking is a very personal thing, and your money is nothing to take lightly. Be aware of the service that you receive when choosing a bank, and make sure you feel comfortable with the people delivering that service. It’s essential that your bank values the person carrying the wallet more than how much is in that wallet. CONVENIENCE Convenience is a matter of taste. Some people need an ATM on every corner; others never visit a branch and do all their banking online. Think about how you do your banking. If you use a check or write checks for the most of your purchases, then you may want easy deposit options like direct deposit or a branch close to your work. If you use a lot of cash, you may be looking for local ATMs. Decide how you like to bank – and if you’re not sure if your bank is convenient enough, tell them what you want and see if they can offer suggestions. COMMUNITY DRIVEN The character of a bank is often reflected in how they give back to the community. And not just any community – yours. If your bank offers financial support to local organizations and events, and encourages volunteerism among its employees, they’re displaying their commitment and care for the community. And choosing a bank based on local community support is important, because it allows that bank to continue its good works. Consider what’s important to you before you choose a bank. Look for an organization that provides the products you need, the service you want, and the dedication you and your family deserve.
Summer 2018
3
UNIVERSITY
Consumer
How To
Tips for Finding the Right University
While a fresh crop of high school graduates is set to walk across the stage at high school commencement ceremonies across the country, for the many students about to become high school seniors now is an important time to start thinking ahead. That’s because the college application process is about to begin. Choosing a college is a big choice for parents and children alike. For parents, it’s a financial commitment they’ve likely been preparing to make since the day their child was born. For kids, it’s more than likely the biggest decision they’ve ever faced. Before the process begins, consider the following tips for choosing the right college. • Consider a possible career path. Most 18-year-olds have no idea what they might want to do for a living, and that’s perfectly fine. When looking at colleges, kids should look at all of the programs they offer, and make a list of the programs that most interest them. This isn’t choosing a career (as many students change majors while in college), but rather doing some preliminary research about what you may want to study. For students who really have no idea what they might want to study, consider applying to a larger state school, as those often offer the most programs of study, meaning a student won’t have to transfer once they do decide on a course of study. • Make a list of what you want out of a school. For some kids, going to school too far away from home is a frightening prospect, while others might embrace the freedom. Also, schools vary greatly depending on the size of the college. Some students might prefer a smaller, more close-knit college community, while others might prefer a larger school with more students. Students should make a list of what their personal preferences are and seek out schools that match those preferences. • Discuss finances. Thanks to the ever-increasing costs associated with higher education, finances figure heavily into the college decision. While parents would love to send their children to their first choices, sometimes finances mandate otherwise. Parents and children should discuss how much they can afford to spend, and how realistic some college choices might be. While financial aid and scholarships are options, they aren’t always enough to cover tuition and room and board costs. Rather than risk a heated argument when it comes time to make a decision, parents and children should get on the same page with respect to what’s affordable as soon as possible.
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CHOOSE THE RIGHT UNIVERSITY FOR YOU
Most high school students dread junior year. Not only is it one of the most difficult, but it is also one of the most important years when it comes to applying to colleges. Students have to take the SATs, visit schools and make other college-related decisions. With so many colleges out there, how do you know which ones to apply to, let alone know which one to finally go to? Believe it or not, you can make these decisions stress free. Here are a few simple steps for kids to follow that will make the whole process easier on everyone. • Write down reasons for wanting to attend college. Though your reasons can be to become a doctor or study art history, they don’t have to be limited to getting a degree. You might want to live in another part of the country or be in a community with a lot of artists. Then, prioritize the list of criteria. (Revise the list a few times during your search since your priorities are likely to change.) By deciding what’s important to you and what takes priority, it will be easier to find schools that interest you. And if this still sounds overwhelming, many students also factor in school size, location, academic philosophy, courses of study, reputation and extracurricular activities when applying to various colleges. • Make a list of ideal colleges. Once you’ve established why you want to go to a school, try to find schools that offer what you’re looking for. Michael Fleischner, vice president of college guide publisher Peterson’s, says you should apply to between four and seven schools. You want to name at least seven schools, preferably more. Place schools that meet all of your criteria towards the top of the list and colleges that only have one towards the bottom. However, don’t disregard the schools at the bottom of the list. What’s important to you might change as you go through the process. If this school has a great architecture program and is within your price range (we’ll get to that in a minute), it might end up being a better possibility than you first thought. • Get information. See as many colleges as you can in person. Though a cafeteria might look really fun and full of life in an online virtual tour, you’ll never get its real vibe until you have lunch there. While at the school, take advantage of it as much as you can. Take a tour of the campus, ask current students questions, and sit in on a class. Some schools even offer a chance to stay in the dorms with a current student — a great opportunity to experience dormitory life firsthand. Of course, if it’s completely unrealistic to head crosscountry just to visit one campus, a virtual tour is better than nothing. Also, many university Web sites include student pages and blogs by current and former students which can provide insight into campus life. Read the college paper online to get in the loop on campus happenings and issues. On top of that, there are numerous books and magazines that describe campuses and schools. College fairs enable you to pick up information and chat with alumni. And local alumni branches can put you in touch with previous students.
• Think about money. Figure out who will be paying for college. If you, the parent, will be paying for everything, establish how much you are willing to spend. If the student will be responsible for part of or all of his educational costs, he or she will need to figure out how to pay for it, such as taking out student loans, applying for financial aid or working a part-time job while going to school. Whoever is responsible, it’s important to get an early start on researching financial aid since federal forms are usually due in January of a student’s senior year in high school. In the end, be realistic about how much you want to spend on education. But if you love one school that is out of your price range, apply to it anyway. Check out fafsa.ed.gov for information on federal loans and college Web sites for financial aid information on individual schools. You might be surprised by how much merit-based financial aid you may receive and end up paying less than you would if you attend a state school. • Narrow down your options. Now that it’s time to figure out where you’ll actually apply, take a look back at your initial list and assess if your priorities are still the same. If they’re not, juggle your list as well as the ranking of schools based on your criteria. Also, you might be able to eliminate some schools based on what you found out when you were gathering information. For example, if you want to go to a school with a football team and found out that George Washington University doesn’t have one, it would be a waste of money and time to apply there. Now is also the time to assess how your academic standing matches up with that of the university and how your financial situation factors in. Keeping all of these things in mind, you should now be able to select four to seven schools that you would like to apply to. According to CNN Money, it’s a good idea to choose both an academic and financial “safety” school. That way, even before your acceptance letters and financial aid packages are sent out, you will not only have a school on your list that you will most likely get into, but it will be one that you can afford as well. • Reevaluate acceptance schools. After the applications were sent in and you’ve received your acceptance letters, there’s one more big step: Deciding on which school to attend. Reevaluate the schools you were accepted to based on your list of priorities and financial situation, considering how much financial aid you’ve received, student loans, and whether you’ll have to work during school. If you can, revisit the colleges. It might sound silly, but it’s different looking at a school once you’ve been accepted, and a second visit can answer any last-minute questions or concerns. Whatever college you finally decide on, make sure that it is your decision and that you feel good about it. Don’t go to a school just because a friend, boyfriend/ girlfriend or even a parent wants you to go there. If you listen to your inner voice, you’ll make the right decision for you.
Summer 2018
5
EDUCATION
Consumer
LEARN LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP DROPS TUTIION COSTS FOR SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 20% OFF FULL TIME STUDENTS BY 20 TUITION AT TRINIDAD STATE PERCENT basically allows me to focus more counties. “The Learn Local
How ToTo How
Consumer
Save Big at Trinidad State From Center to San Luis, from Aguilar to Weston, southern Colorado residents are taking advantage of Trinidad State’s Learn Local Scholarship offer. The new scholarship, backed by the Trinidad State Junior College Educational Foundation, helped pay tuition during the spring 2016 semester for 45 full-time students who live Las Animas, Huerfano, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande or Saguache
6
Summer 2018
TRINIDAD - Trinidad State is on class jumped ininstead with both feet,” said Bunwork of focusing Scholarship knocks 20 percent continuing scholarship ker. “(The scholarship) helps, not am I going to pay these right off theatop of tuitiondesigned costs,” on ‘How to make college more affordable to to worry about how to pay ’” said Trinidad State President Dr. bills.having southern Colorado students. Stusome of these bills.” Carmen Simone. “That’s a savings The Trinidad State Educational dents who live in Trinidad State’s Sarah Lindquist of Trinidad is marFoundation the aprogram of about $392 each semester. ” eight-county service area can get an ried and funded more than decade out of for the spring semester at a total Steven Bunker of La Jara automatic three credit hour discount, high school. “We finally decided cost of about $17,640. “The decided to try a new career as long as they’re taking at least 15 whatever it takes, we’re going to do Foundation is pleased to support after he was hurt on the job. credit-hours of classes. Fifteen credthis,” said Lindquist. “Seeing there Local scholarships, it-hours is the numberloan mostand studentsthe Learn was something available ”for us, it He took out a student need toschool take each order said almost makesExecutive you a little giddy. It’s Foundation started partsemester time lastinfall, to completewhat a two-year degree exciting and relieving.”“We Toni DeAngelis. wondering he would face on Director, time. graduated knowJeremiah that whenStelljes Trinidad State in May in Trinidad State’s Aquaculture The scholarship is semester called Learn of 2017 and was thankful for the students achieve success, so does program. “The first I Local and is available to all stusavings. “It (Learn Local Scholarour community as a whole.” wanted to see how I would do, dents who live in Alamosa, Conejos, ship) basically allows me to focus “Without the support of the and I did fine so I just jumped in Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, Samore on class work instead of foour‘How task would be to pay with bothLas feetAnimas this semester, ” said Foundation guache, and Huerfano cusing on, am I going much more difficult,” added Bunker. counties.“(The “Thescholarship) Learn Localhelps, Scholarthese bills.’” not worry about how shiphaving knocksto20 percent right offtotheSimone. The Trinidad State Educational Learn Local scholarship pay of these bills. ” Trinidad The top some of tuition costs,” said Foundation supports the Learn LoState President Dr.ofCarmen Simone.will cal Scholarship. Foundation be back in the fallSaid for any Sarah Lindquist Trinidad a savings of about Director, localExecutive area resident takingToni 15 DeAngelis, is“That’s married and a decade out$400 of each semester.” Valley residents “We know Trinidad credit hours or that morewhen at either the State high school.San “WeLuis finally decided may take itadvantage of going the scholarstudents achieve success, Trinidad or Alamosa campus.so does our whatever takes, we’re to ships Trinidad State’s “Seeing Alamosa Registration community as a open whole.” is now for “Without do this,at” said Lindquist. Campus or choose to go to the Trini- the support of the Foundation our there was something available for the fall semester, which begins dad Campus. task would be much more difficult,” August 22.Simone. Applications will us,Steven it almost makes you a little Bunker of La Jara decided added for theisLearn Localfor the fall giddy. exciting to try aIt’s new careerand afterrelieving. he was ”hurtbe accepted Registration now open AugustAugust 29. 21. onJeremiah the job. Stelljes, He took32, outisaon student Scholarship semester,through which begins information callaccepted 800 track to graduate in December loan and started school, wonder- For more Applications will be for the visitScholarship http://www.through Auwithout any college debt. 621-TSJC ing whataccruing he would face in Trinidad Learn or Local State’strying Aquaculture program. “Thetrinidadstate.edu/students/classgust 28. For more information call “We’re to do this as smart first semester I wanted toStelljes. see how schedule. 800 621-TSJC or visit http://trinidadas possible, ” commented I would and scholarship) I did fine so I just state.edu/schedule/index.html. “It (Learndo, Local
Tuition at Trinidad State is at least 40% less than area four-year colleges and universities
San Luis Valley residents get 20% off tuition!* *Learn Local Scholarship: Local students enrolled in 15 credithours of classes qualify for a 3-credit hour scholarship! Must reside in Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande or Saguache counties.
Register Now for Fall! Classes start August 20 Trinidad State • 1011 Main St., Alamosa, CO 1-800-621-TSJC • www.trinidadstate.edu Summer 2018
7
HEARING SPECIALIST
Consumer
How To Important Points:
• In order to benefit from hearing aids, you have to first admit that you have a permanent hearing problem. • Make a personal choice to seek help with a good attitude. The fundamental requirement to overcome your hearing problem is your desire and determination to hear better. • Learn all you can about your hearing problem. • Set realistic expectations. Your hearing aids job is to help you hear better, not perfectly. • The keys to success with hearing aid’s are practice, time and patience.
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Summer 2018
CHOOSE A HEARING SPECIALIST
— When looking for a competent dispenser, be sure they are licensed by the state and provide you with a trial period. TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss is grouped according to the location of the damage or defect. The types are: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive losses occur when sound waves are blocked by damage or obstruction in the outer or middle-ear. Voices and sounds may sound faint, distorted or both. Approximately 20 percent of people with complaints of hearing loss suffer from this type of loss. Conductive losses may be treatable either medically or surgically. Sensorineural, also known as nerve-type hearing loss, is commonly associated with the aging process. The inner ear or auditory nerve cannot deliver signals to the brain correctly, due to damage or improper formation. This will cause sound to be distorted. Patients may complain that people seem to mumble or that they cannot hear speech well. Approximately 80 percent of adult patients with complaints of hearing loss suffer from this type problem. A dispenser with proper assessment and fitting of hearing aids may help sensorineural losses. While each hearing loss is unique, most people share common results from their loss. They often feel isolated from their surroundings. It is often more difficult to meet new people or face new surroundings. They often complain of appearing incompetent or feeling insecure. There is good news. This type of hearing loss can be helped with the use of properly fitted hearing instruments.
One out of every 11 Americans has some degree of hearing loss. For those aged 65 & older, the rate is almost one in three.
high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, in which plaque buildup in arteries dramatically reduces circulation. 2- Chronic Kidney Disease; there is a gradual loss of kidney function as a person ages. “The link between hearing loss and chronic kidney disease is that “structural and functional similarities exist between tissues in the inner ear and in the kidneys, therefore if the kidneys stop working, toxins can accumulate and damage nerves within the body, which can also include nerves within the inner ear.”(Hearing SIX MEDICAL Health, 2014). CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED 3– Cognitive Decline and Dementia. WITH HEARING LOSS AND Dementia is a decline in cognitive funcTINNITUS tion that is serious enough to interfere with Recent studies have found connections daily life. The link between hearing loss between hearing loss and other medical con- and dementia is that “hearing loss can lead ditions. Each has carefully noted that these to greater social isolation, which has been links do not establish cause and effect, so shown to be a risk factor for cognitive we cannot say that hearing loss contributes impairment and dementia. Hearing loss to these other conditions or the reverse – may cause less brain stimulation, leading just that they tend to come together. to a decline in thinking skills.” (Hearing While the connections are not necesHealth, 2014). sarily cause and effect, they often come 4– Depression. This is a mood disorder together. that causes a persistent feeling of sadness Here are six health issues, which often and loss of interest in daily activities. The accompany hearing loss: link associated here is that “untreated hear1- Cardiovascular Disease, including ing loss can cause difficulties with com-
munication, leading to feelings of isolation, frustration, anxiety and stress, any of which can cause depression.”(Hearing Health, 2014). 5 – Diabetes. This is a metabolic disease in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugars and carbohydrates into energy for the body. The associated link between diabetes and hearing loss is that “poor blood sugar control that damages the nerves and blood vessels throughout the body may also affect the inner ear, which in turn may cause hearing loss. Also, diabetic medications such as diuretics that lower blood pressure may also affect hearing.”(Hearing Health, 2014). 6 – Falls. “Among older adults, falls can become a significant health problem and can lead to injury, hospitalization, disability and loss of independence. People who can’t hear well may not be fully aware of their environment, making falls more likely. Hearing loss is also cognitively demanding and removes resources for other demanding tasks, such as maintaining gait and balance.” (www.tinnitusformula.com)
WHERE TO SEEK HELP
The first step should be a professional hearing examination conducted by a state licensed clinician. This will help to determine the level and type of your hearing loss. The proper treatment with either medical attention or a hearing aid will be recommended. With today’s modern technology many hearing losses can be successfully corrected with a hearing aid. However, only about 25 percent of those people who could benefit from the use of a hearing aid actually do so. The most important thing to consider is how comfortable you are with the audiologist or dispenser who is treating you. Audiologists and dispensers are trained to diagnose and treat hearing loss. When looking for a competent dispenser, be sure they are licensed by the State and provide you with a trial period. Be sure you are comfortable with the dispenser you choose and that they are willing to work with you. The clinician’s responsibility is to help you select the hearing aid that is right for your hearing loss, not just sell you a product.
FREE annual hearing screening
MONDAY - FRIDAY
Alamosa: July 16th, 18th & 19th • Pagosa Springs: July 17th & 20th
Alamosa: 719-587-9820 • Pagosa Springs: 970-731-4554 Alamosa: 719-587-9820 • Pagosa Springs: 970-731-4554
Alamosa: 719-587-9820 Pagosa Springs: 970-731-4554
Alamosa: JULY 16th, 18th & 19th Pagosa: JULY 17th & 20th
719-587-9820
970-731-4554
FREE annual hearing screening Expires 7/31/18
Expires 7/31/18
Expires 7/31/18
MONDAY - FRIDAY
Alamosa: July 16th, 18th & 19th • Pagosa Springs: July 17th & 20th Summer 2018
9
AUTOMOTIVE
Consumer
How To
Top five things you should know...
• Look for an auto body shop with a good “track record.” • Look for an auto body shop that is licensed by the national Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. • Ask to inspect the repair shop. • Ask the management about the repair equipment they have to repair your vehicle. • Customer service is as important as the quality of service. some suggestions that are helpful in choosing an auto body shop to repair your vehicle. 10 Summer 2018
CHOOSE AN AUTO BODY SHOP
— Here are some questions to help you choose an auto body shop. Our cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans get us to work on time, back and forth to school and transport our families to and from their destinations. So it is a necessity to have a trustworthy mode of transportation. But at some point your are likely to find yourself in an accident. It is vital to choose an auto body shop that you can depend on. The shop you choose should be able to complete all manner of work, from a minor touch-up to a full-body repair. Even the smallest accident can throw your entire car, and schedule, into disarray. You’ll need an auto body shop that you can consult when you have an accident to ensure your car is repaired quickly, affordably and correctly the first time. Talk to your friends and family that live near you and ask which auto body shops they prefer. Once you have a list of names, consult the Internet for more information and customer reviews. Internet testimonials, both positive and negative, should be taken with a grain of salt. No business has a 100 percent satisfaction rate, no matter what they say. Someone will always be displeased. Also, keep in mind that people are more apt to leave a negative review than a positive one. If you can’t get any good recommendations from friends or family, consult the Yellow Pages or perform an Internet search. After you have created a short list of auto body shops, make some phone calls. Describe to the person
Oh no! That fender-bender could not have happened at a worse time. Now you need your vehicle repaired. What should you look for in a quality auto body shop? Do they offer a strong guarantee on their work? Does your insurance company recognize them as an approved collision repair center? How long have they been in business? who answers the phone your exact problem and pay attention to the type of response you get. If the person seems both knowledgeable and helpful, keep that shop on your short list. If the person seems rushed or uninterested, it can mean that the shop is too busy right now or just simply has poor customer service. In either case, you can eliminate that shop from your list. Once you have chosen a shop, check for plainly displayed prices, certifications and guarantees. Be aware that you most often get what you pay for when it comes to auto body work. Low prices may be tempting, but they may also mean sub-par work, used parts and paint that is not applied properly. Ask the shop manager or owner for references before you have them work on your car. They should be
more than happy to provide names of customers with whom you can speak. Also be sure to look at their work. If you notice a car with paint drips, panels that don’t line up or paints that don’t match, look elsewhere. You will not be saving money in the long run if you have to have the work redone. Make sure that the shop is able to inspect your vehicle for repairs that are not visible. Choosing a shop that can complete the entire job will save you from having to take your car to several places for a complete repair. Picking a great auto body shop is the first step in getting your car back on the road. Once you have made your selection, you should be comfortable with every aspect of the shop: customer service, price and quality of work.
Summer 2018 11
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Consumer
How To Cannabis laws vary by state. Here are a few general tips:
• Typically, you must be 21 or over. • Be sure you’re in a location where cannabis is medically or recreationally legal.
• Public consumption of cannabis is typically not allowed. It is best to consume cannabis in a private place.
• Make sure not to bring cannabis to the airport or transport it across state lines. • Never provide cannabis to children or pets. • Never drive under the influence of cannabis.
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HOW TO KNOW WHAT IS MEDICAL VS. RECREATIONAL CANNABIS
What makes medical and recreational cannabis different?
In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis. Before that, cannabis was legal in certain states only to those with qualifying medical conditions. As more states follow in Washington and Colorado’s footsteps, “recreational” or “adult-use” have become the commonly used terms for personal cannabis consumption that isn’t exclusively for medical purposes. But beyond the distinction of consumer intention, what other differences exist between medical and recreational cannabis?
The Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis Shopping Experience When it comes to the shopping experience itself, medical and recreational shops tend to offer similar experiences. Qualified medical marijuana patients present both their ID to prove they’re legally old enough to purchase cannabis, as well as their valid medical cannabis card. Some medical shops will have a waiting room where patients are called in one at a time to ensure privacy. Oftentimes, recreational stores are not permitted to provide medical advice to customers, although you can still shop at them as a medical patient. Some shops are also “dual-licensed,” meaning they can cater to the needs of both recreational and medical consumers. They may also offer discounts and tax breaks to medical patients. Medical dispensaries and duallicensed shops are best equipped to answer patient questions, especially those that provide education opportunities for their budtenders, such as seminars and
certifications. Don’t be afraid to explore multiple dispensaries until you find one with a well-trained staff that you connect with. Browse Dispensaries Nearby As for product selection, there tends to be very little difference between medical and recreational menus. At either store type, you’re bound to find the shelves full of various edibles, drinkables, vaporizers, topicals, strains, and concentrates. Different States, Different Perks Medical patients may receive certain perks not available to recreational consumers. These generally include: • Lower costs and taxes • Higher THC potency limits • Higher quantity restrictions • Legal access for minors in approved medical cases (e.g., cancer or epilepsy) • Medical patients may be allowed to grow their own cannabis (or are permitted a higher plant count than recreational consumers)
How Are Medical and Recreational Cannabis Perceived Differently? Social stigma and perception further bolden the dividing line between medical and recreational cannabis, as a greater percentage of Americanssupport medical cannabis than recreational adult use. Using cannabis for enjoyment is still somewhat taboo in the public eye, although you don’t need to be suffering a severe disease to find wellness benefits in casual use. For example, when a state legalizes recreational cannabis, a consumer might first fall in love with the
Cannabis Facts
As of early 2017, there were 122,814 full-time, legal cannabis jobs in the US. According to Pew Research, 49 percent of Americans report having tried cannabis at least once. Over 2,000 different strains of cannabis are listed on Leafly, with more added each week. Credible reports indicate that cannabis possession and use are legal in North Korea. There are no known incidence of a cannabis overdoes. In Mount Vernon, George Washington grew cannabis as one of his principal crops. easy access to a variety of high-quality strains, only to discover an infused topical that works wonders on a chronic condition. Or, a healthy adult may find that a low-dose tincture helps alleviate daily stress and anxiety. As new products and medicines with a wide range of benefits come to market, it’s easy to become fan of both recreational and medical cannabis. And it’s only a matter of time before state laws come to reflect that.
Summer 2018 13
GOLF
Consumer
How To
TAKE UP GOLF
Brought to you by the Rio Grande Club Resort
It’s scary. We get it. Golf can seem terribly complicated to the uninitiated. So many rules, so many different kinds of clubs. And then there’s the lingo: birdies, bogeys, bumpand-runs. At the Rio Grande Club & Resort we speak the language every day, but we understand for those new to the game it can be a bit daunting. Every golf course is different, which is part of the fun of playing different courses! For example, the Rio Grande Club & Resort in South Fork is a semi-private club that has two restaurants and golf play open to the public and three membership tiers providing access to its other amenities and facilities such as the pool, hot tub, fitness center, pickleball courts and fishing lodge on the Rio Grande river. Looking to take up golf? Here’s a few tips to get you ready for the course. 1. Get a lesson. Any golf course worth its salt will have a person on staff called a golf pro whose
14 Summer 2018
entire job is to meet players where they’re at and help them improve. Call the golf course and ask to set up a lesson with their pro in the golf shop. If you’re new to golf, they will welcome you and start you off on the right foot. This is the chance to settle any first-timer jitters and ask all those newbie questions without getting golf-shamed in any way. Your golf pro will introduce you to the grip, stance and the general basics of a golf swing. The goal is to get you to feel comfortable and to make contact with the ball. 2. Go to the range before you play on the course. Practice is more important than playing. Even the pros use this philosophy. The driving range is an area that is a practice facility setup to hit a variety of shots and to practice with different clubs. This is the area to practice chipping, driving and everything in-between. There’s usually a small fee to use a club’s prac-
tice facilities and hit a number of balls on the driving range and putting greens. This is the place to start. Go as often as you can!
with the driving range and work your way up to 9 holes. Be sure to share the frustration—bring a friend! Typically, a game of golf is played in groups of four, called a “four3. Wear and use appropriate some.” For faster play, groups attire and equipment. of two can go out, called a What’s considered appropri- “twosome.” No matter the ate? Check with the course number, have a great time regarding their dress code. enjoying the outdoors and the Chances are you’ll be safe challenge of whatever course and feel right at home with you play. other golfers wearing a collared shirt, athletic shoes, and 5. Have fun! Be prepared sunglasses. As for appropriate to be addicted. equipment? Remember, at the Be prepared to be frusbeginning, make learning -trated—this game is meant to and not buying -- your priority. change and challenge any and Most golf courses have both all who step onto the green. men’s and women’s clubs to Even the greats in the game rent for both right handed and of golf have something to say left-handed golfers. about that… 4. Practice as often as possible. Practice makes perfect. Actually, in the game of golf there’s no such thing as perfect. This is a game you can play for years to come. There’s no need to play an entire 18-hole course, start
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening. It is without a doubt the greatest game that mankind has ever invented.” — Arnold Palmer
Summer 2018 15
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