Costco Connection January 2017

OPRAH dishes up PAGE 34

A cookbook of memories and recipes Special Section

FOR YOUR

HEALTH PAGE 41 TIPS FOR TRANSFORMATION 69 | WHOLE30 DIET 102 | COSTCO HEALTH CARE 127

Welcome to

The Costco Connection Online Edition and Newsstand Edition

Digital editions of The Costco Connection and other Costco publications are available in the Online Edition and in the Newsstand Edition available for mobile devices.

The Online Edition opens to the current issue, with back issues found under the Back Issue tab and “The Costco Way” cookbooks under the Resources tab.

The Newsstand Edition opens to the current issue in a library populated with a mix of back issues and “The Costco Way” cookbooks.

For advertising information about The Costco Connection, get the 2015 Media Kit (lite).

Other resources: • Special Events at Costco locations in your region • Connection back issues • Costco cookbooks

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Mobile resources Have you downloaded the free Costco Connection Newsstand Edition? It’s a tablet-friendly way to take The Connection with you when on the go, and delivers the current issue as well as access to dozens of back issues and cookbooks. It’s available for tablets and smartphones at the Apple and Google Play app stores.

And don’t miss the official Costco App. This free app is the best way to manage all things Costco: from maps to all Costco locations and online shopping to coupon delivery, photo orders and QR-code scanning. It’s available at the Apple and Google Play app stores.

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CONTENTS

JANUARY 2017 Volume 32 Number 1

COVER STORY 34

Food, health and happiness Originally planning to pen a memoir, Oprah instead crafted a cookbook filled with recipes, personal stories and memories.

BY STEVE FISHER

COVER AND CONTENTS: HARPO, INC./RUVEN AFANADOR; LEMON: © ANCH; CORKSCREW: SVETOSLAV RADKOV / SHUTTERSTOCK

IN THIS ISSUE 31 Leadership Mentoring leaders in your company.

By Don Sadler

81 Pet Rx Costco’s pet prescription program can help keep your pets in the pink.

By Christina Guerrero

81 Pre- and probiotics in pet food What goes into pet food (and into your pet) is vital to pets’ health.

By Dr. Melissa Brookshire

FOR YOUR TABLE 102 Whole30 diet Melissa Hartwig wants dieters to rethink everything about their relationship to food.

109 Wine corkage etiquette Tips on how to bring your own wine to a restaurant.

By Annette Alvarez-Peters

111 Supplier profile: Crider The company behind Kirkland Signature™ canned chicken.

By Hana Medina

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT 119 Pennie’s Pick: Girl Waits with Gun A chance reference to a true story leads to a novel.

By Judi Ketteler

121 Carve the Mark Veronica Roth returns with a new book series.

By J. Rentilly

By Jennifer Babisak

107 Lemons When life gives you lemons, you can do far more than just make lemonade.

By Laura Bode

123 Book Club: The Tumbling Turner Sisters Ideas and recipes to help you host an era-appropriate book club for this story set in 1919.

By Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Grupp

125 Characters actor British actor Toby Jones on the three different TV series he currently stars in.

By Steve Fisher

Lemons 107

Plus: Book buyers’ picks, page 122

Wine corkage 109

DEPARTMENTS 7 Front End

By Sandy Torrey and Tim Talevich

11 Member Comments Letters from our readers 13 Fresh Views Small-business tips from experts 15 Consumer Connection

By Amanda and David Horowitz

17 Financial Connection

By Suze Orman

19 Tech Connection

By Marc Saltzman

23 Travel Connection

By Peter Greenberg

26 Informed Debate Has office attire become too casual?

148 Member Connection Every Costco member has a story.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

MEMBER SERVICE: 1-800-774-2678 COSTCO.COM MEMBER SERVICE: 1-800-955-2292 JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 3

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CONTENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

SPECIAL SECTION

For your health

Get some sleep 65

41 Monitor thyself The benefits of monitoring your blood pressure at home.

By John Hardy

43 Stress successfully Changing your perspective on stress can make stress work for you.

Look for recipes and serving ideas for the season’s fresh bounty in our advertising section (following page 112).

By Kimberlee Bethany Bonura

45 Get fit enough Strive for fitness, not perfection.

By Kimberlee Bethany Bonura

INSIDE COSTCO

By Shana McNally

131 Costco Services Update Small-business resolutions, open enrollment and fraud awareness.

135 Costco Pharmacy Update The Costco Health Solutions pharmacy benefit management program.

136 Buying Smart: Laundry products You might be surprised by how much technology and innovation goes into making the best laundry products.

By Kerry Johnson

47 Know your numbers Navigating the health-numbers maze is challenging, but essential.

By Beverly Burmeier © FLASHON STUDIO; ZONECREATIVE / SHUTTERSTOCK

127 Costco Services: Costco Health Insurance Marketplace Costco’s Health Insurance Marketplace provides access to health insurance for individuals, families and small-business employers.

49 Take care of your skin A primer to help you make the right choice of skin-care products.

By Wendy Helfenbaum

53 Stay flexible Cooler weather dictates a different approach to outdoor workouts.

By Dr. John Gallucci

55 Age courageously Embrace aging and discover a better you.

By Ken Druck

57 Save time Time hacks to succeed at your health goals.

By Karen Asp

59 Supplier profile: LNK LNK is a major manufacturer of Costco’s Kirkland Signature overthe-counter health products.

By Bryan Reesman

61 Get social Socializing is essential for brain health.

By Madeline Roberts Vann

63 Take care of yourself Self-care involves how you eat, move, connect with others and more.

By Stacy Fisher-Gunn

65 Get some sleep Don’t miss out on critical zzz’s.

By Andrea Downing Peck

67 Sleep holiday A national holiday dedicated to sleep.

By Bill Urlevich

69 Change things up The Biggest Loser’s JD Roth explains how to transform your life.

By JD Roth

71 Quit smoking Quitting smoking is a challenge, but you don’t need to go it alone.

By Barbara Bronson Gray

73 Check your hearing Stay connected with life.

By Andrea Downing Peck

140 What’s New A sampling of what’s in the warehouses now.

Stay flexible 53

79 Buyers’ picks Shower and bath gel, joint health and hair, skin and nails support.

145 Special Events Exciting products offered for a short time.

145 Focus on: Kirkland Signature™ Nut Bar A delicious combination of almonds, walnuts and cashews, coated with a dark chocolateflavored drizzle and sea salt.

By Steve Fisher OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS Check out these videos in The Costco Connection digital editions (See page 14 for details.)

43 45 71 123 125 148 149

Square breathing Posture check Quitting smoking The Tumbling Turner Sisters Toby Jones Peak 7 Adventures Star of Hope Centre

SPECIAL SECTION

Furniture 87 Going gray There are many shades of gray.

Here’s how to choose the right one for your home furnishings.

By Jennifer Adams

89 Supplier profile: Klaussner For more than 50 years, Klaussner has been producing high-quality furniture.

93 Choosing a mattress Mattress choices have multiplied.

Which one is best for you?

By Rosie Wolf Williams

95 Buyers’ picks Broyhill Chairside Table, Bayside Furnishings Sliding-Door Bookcase and a six-piece modular sectional.

By T. Foster Jones Six-piece modular sectional 95 JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 5

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Payment Processing Start the new year off with savings.

Executive Members could save an average of $670 per year.*

1.22% 1.99%

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Retail Business: Plus 12¢ per swiped or chip transaction

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Mail/Phone/Internet Order-Classified Business: Plus 25¢ per swiped or chip transaction

Call 1-866-213-4748 today and mention code SAVE1. * Estimated savings calculated on annual processing rates and are based on Elavon’s analysis of The Strawhecker Group’s data survey as of June 2016 on payment processing services. Actual savings depend on business type, card type, manner of card acceptance and volume of transactions. ** Visa/MasterCard/Discover service is sponsored through Elavon, Inc. Rates listed are for qualified transactions. A monthly minimum charge applies when qualified transaction fees and per-item charges are less than $20 per month. Annual interchange or assessment increases by Visa/MasterCard or Discover may affect these rates. Rates and fees may change without notice. Rate and acceptance are subject to underwriting. Call Elavon at 1-866-213-4748 for all terms and conditions. This rate is for U.S. Costco members only.

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FRONTEND

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK LIKE MANY PEOPLE, I look at January as a time of renewal, a time to look back, take stock and also to look ahead. Each new year offers us the opportunity to start fresh with a clean slate.

This is also the time that some of us use as an opportunity to make resolutions on ways we can improve our health, our relationships and our lives.

Sandy Torrey I don’t know about you, but I find keeping these resolutions can is Assistant Vice be a real challenge. I promise to eat more healthfully, only to catch President of Cormyself eating a doughnut for breakfast. I vow to get more exercise, porate Marketing, just as soon as I can find the time or when the weather gets better.

Packaging, and Fortunately, there are many experts in the fields of health, Publisher of The Costco Connection. nutrition, exercise, spiritual growth and more who can provide us with the advice to help us make—and reach—our goals.

We have assembled some of those experts in this issue, which represents the largest health special section we have ever published. Topics include the benefits of monitoring your blood pressure at home (page 41), knowing your health numbers (47), making sense of that skin care aisle (49), how to get past that “I don’t have the time” excuse (57), socializing to improve your mental health (61), the importance of sleep (65), steps to quit smoking (71) and the importance of having your hearing tested (73).

Although I don’t smoke, I found the advice provided in that article helpful in changing my mindset about making and keeping resolutions in general. Bill Blatt, director of tobacco control programs for the American Lung Association, says that you should eliminate the word “fail” from your vocabulary. If you have vowed to quit, and don’t, call it a “practice quit,” and start again. This is great advice for any resolution. If you lose your resolve temporarily, don’t use that as a reason to give up. Call it a “practice relapse” and get back on your way.

From the team at The Connection, and all of us at Costco, here’s hoping that we, in some way, will help you find success with your 2017 list of resolutions. C

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK JANUARY BRINGS THE new year and the annual rite of starting over—adopting resolutions, setting goals, looking ahead. There’s no shortage of ideas and plans to help you create the newer you; in fact, we offer dozens of tips and recipes in our health and food sections— along with an insightful interview with Oprah Winfrey in our cover story—meant to do just that.

Tim Talevich But beyond all the great equipment, knowledge, apps and is Editorial Director resources at our fingertips these days that we can use to meet our of The Costco goals, a broader question is how we change. What’s really the key to Connection. starting a plan, staying with it past January and ultimately changing in a real way? How do we get to the point of “I am going to change now, and this is the new real me?”

Two friends in particular come to mind as I think about this. Both struggled with their weight for years and years, going on the latest fad diet for a while, then just as quickly falling off. But then something clicked: One has stayed thin and fit for about a decade now, and the other for two years. They’re both active, energetic and healthy, and look great. This is the new them.

As I’m sure is the case with you, I have many more family members and friends who have undergone similar transformations. Collectively, their success seems to have some common themes: They all found a program, something formal, to follow (rather than going it alone); the program required accountability; it was pretty much what they thought of first thing in the morning—that is, at the very top of their list of priorities in life; and over time the new habits became their lifestyle.

We hope our stories in this issue will help you get started on meeting your own goals. I particularly like the advice in “Change your view” on page 69 from JD Roth, who helped create the hit TV shows Extreme Weight Loss, The Biggest Loser and others.

“We all have the same voice in our heads, fat or thin, that talks to us all day and lots of times cripples us with fear of ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I don’t deserve it’ or, my least favorite, ‘I am not good enough,’ ” says Roth. He says the one word we need the most is “hope.”

What better time to start than in the new year? C

®

PUBLISHER Sandy Torrey storrey@costco.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Tim Talevich 425-313-6759 ttalevich@costco.com EDITOR, U.S. T. Foster Jones 425-313-6748 tod.jones@costco.com EDITOR, CANADA Stephanie E. Ponder 425-427-7134 sponder@costco.com EDITOR, UK Will Fifield 425-313-6988 wfifield@costco.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS Lorelle Gilpin, Canada lorelle.gilpin@costco.com Sue Knowles, UK sknowles@costco.co.uk Heather Seoyoung Lee, Korea hsylee@costcokr.com Hisanori Murata, Japan hmurata@costco.co.jp Nora Wang, Taiwan norawang@costco.com.tw Abelardo Navarrete, Mexico anavarrete@costco.com.mx ONLINE EDITOR David Wight david.wight@costco.com REPORTERS Steve Fisher steve.fisher@costco.com Christina Guerrero cguerrero2@costco.com Hana Medina hanamedina@costco.com COPY EDITOR Miriam Bulmer CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Adams, Annette Alvarez-Peters, Karen Asp, Jennifer Babisak, Laura Bode, Kimberlee Bethany Bonura, Melissa Brookshire, Beverly Burmeier, Ken Druck, Michael Parrish DuDell, John Gallucci, Judy Gelman, Diane Gottsman, Barbara Bronson Gray, Peter Greenberg, Vicki Levy Grupp, Stacy Fisher-Gunn, John Hardy, Wendy Helfenbaum, Susan Hirshorn, David & Amanda Horowitz, Kerry Johnson, Judi Ketteler, Shana McNally, Suze Orman, Andrea Downing Peck, Bryan Reesman, J.Rentilly, JD Roth, Don Sadler, Cathy Salit, Marc Saltzman, Madeline Roberts Vann, Mary Gormandy White, Rosie Wolf Williams ART DIRECTOR Doris Winters dwinters@costco.com ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Lory Williams lwilliams@costco.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ken Broman, Bill Carlson, Susan Detlor, Steven Lait, Chris Rusnak, David Schneider, Brenda Shecter PRODUCTION MANAGER Pam Sather psather@costco.com ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Antolin Matsuda amatsuda@costco.com COLOR SPECIALIST MaryAnne Robbers mrobbers@costco.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Jane Klein Shucklin 425-313-8277 jshucklin@costco.com ASSISTANT ADVERTISING MANAGER Kathi Tipper-Holgersen 425-313-6581 ktipper@costco.com ADVERTISING COORDINATORS Nico Cordero 425-313-2558 nmcordero@costco.com Kirsten Neubrech 425-313-2549 kneubrech@costco.com ADVERTISING COPYWRITER Bill Urlevich NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE West; Texas/Northeast: Frank Colonno 201-962-2759 fcmediapartners@optonline.net BUSINESS MANAGER Jane Johnson CIRCULATION MANAGER Rossie Cruz 425-313-6715 rcruz@costco.com PUBLISHING ANALYST Dorothy Strakele 425-313-6899 connection@costco.com

COSTCO WHOLESALE

P.O. Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-1088 999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, Washington 98027 Fax: 425-313-6718 Email: connection@costco.com

The Costco Connection is published by Costco Wholesale. All editorial material, including editorial comments, opinion and statements of fact appearing in this publication, represents the views of the respective authors and does not necessarily carry the endorsement of Costco Wholesale or its officers. Information in The Costco Connection is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. The publication of any advertisements is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is such approval or endorsement. Products advertised may not be available at all locations at the time of publication. Publishing offices are located at 999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA 98027. Copyright © 2017 Costco Wholesale.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 7

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DEBATE GOES ON In response to the December debate, “Should financial institutions use biometrics to safeguard accounts?”

NO Our reliance on technology leaves us more

open to fraud and data mining. Hackers can’t stop a good old-fashioned visit to the bank in the real world (remember that?).

—Ange La, from facebook.com/Costco

YES Yes, and a PIN or password.

—Ron Ebert, from facebook.com/Costco

FEEDBACK

President Sullenberger?

After reading the interview with Captain Sullenberger [“Miracle man,” December 2016] and learning about his views on the responsibilities of a leader, I’d like to urge him to run for president. We sorely need a person with his moral strength, humanism and courage to lead the country.

—Maria Rey, Bloomfield, New Jersey

To everything, turn, turn, turn I really enjoyed the skiing-lesson-as-itapplies-to-life advice [“Commit yourself to the turn,” December 2016] because I have a similar ski lesson comparison.

I once had a ski instructor tell me it is OK to fall because if I ski so carefully that I never fall then I will never become a better skier. I was immediately struck by how that applied to work and life. To avoid all risks is to miss out on opportunities to grow or learn.

—Karen Newe, San Clemente, California

Year-round holiday travel Peter Greenberg has shown us the right pathway to make travel a pleasure [“Dreamland,” December 2016]. I was always advised by many to travel light, but he has gone beyond that to convince us that one can plan a holiday at any time during the four seasons.

—Chandra Das, Collierville, Tennessee

Special-needs employment Thank you for your article “Special needs, special jobs” [December 2016]. I gave birth to a boy with Down syndrome on October 14 of this year, and I often find myself thinking about his future and what his life will look like as an adult.

I am hopeful he will find a rewarding way to occupy his time as well as bless others, and that may be something he finds in the workplace. I appreciate the awareness that your article raises, as well as the encouragement for businesses to consider seeking out special-needs employees to fill positions in their companies.

SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES The Costco Connection is mailed monthly to all current Primary Executive members.

You can change your subscription by email, mail, phone or fax. Please allow four to six weeks for processing.

—Wendi Yarborough, Apopka, Florida

Archiving memories Personal historians, archivists and most genealogists would never throw away original photos, albums and documents [“Preserving memories,” December 2016]. Preserving the originals for as long as possible with acid-free storage containers in humidity-controlled environments is the best gift of all. A small concession would be to inscribe each DVD and its case with a label that says the DVD needs to be recopied every 10 to 15 years using the latest archival formats and media.

EMAIL customerservice@costco.com MAIL Membership Processing P.O. Box 34783 Seattle, WA 98124-1088 PHONE 1-800-774-2678 FAX 425-313-6823

—Karen Stephens, Atlanta, Georgia

TALK TO US Do you have a comment about something you read in The Connection? Please send a note, including your full name, phone number and address, to:

Allergy awareness I wanted to thank you for running “Allergic to the holidays” [December 2016]. One of my sons is asthmatic, and all three of my sons have life-threatening allergies.

The holidays, as the article clearly explains, can be a minefield for us. Outside of the allergy community, very few people understand the dangers of cross-contamination or the level of scrutiny we must give to reading labels. The threat is real, and education is sorely needed.

EMAIL dialogue@costco.com MAIL The Costco Connection P.O. Box 34088 Seattle, WA 98124-1088

—Janet Frongillo, Bedford, New Hampshire

First-time reader The November 2016 issue was the first one we have received from Costco. I just wanted you to know I thoroughly enjoyed looking through it. In fact, I looked at it several times. Greatlooking recipes, good decorating and gift ideas, and interesting articles!

ADVERTISING AND PRODUCTS

—Diane D. Stanley, McMinnville, Tennessee CORRECTIONS In the Grace Digital supplier profile (“Music in the wild,” December 2016), the foundation they support should have read “Susan G. Komen Foundation.”

In the Butternut Squash “Meatloaf” recipe (“Posh squash,” November 2016), the teaspoon of diced onion should have been pureed and included in the glaze preparation.

SHARE WITH US HAVE YOU USED your Costco membership to do good? Perhaps you purchased products to donate to charities or shelters, provided Costco Cash cards to those in need or found other creative ways to use your membership to help out and give back during the holidays or other times of the year. We’d love to hear your story for a possible future article.

Email your story to connection@costco.com with “Good deeds” in the subject line.

© ART_OF_SUN / SHUTTERSTOCK

© CARLOS AMARILLO / SHUTTERSTOCK

MEMBERCOMMENTS

All ads indicate whether a product is available in the warehouse, on Costco.com or both. Products are scheduled to be available during The Connection’s month of publication and are noted as in warehouse “early in month” (1st to 10th), “mid-month” (11th to 21st) or “late in month” (22nd to 31st).

Shop early in the month for the best selection of seasonal items.

Costco.com carries many of the products avail­able at the warehouses, and offers thousands of additional items, including line extensions and supplemental products. Prices are usually not listed because they have not been finalized at the time of printing and may vary from one part of the country to another due to shipping costs. We hope members know to check Costco first when comparison shopping.

To keep prices low, Costco does not offer a telephone service allowing members to call in for prices or pro­duct availability.

Like us on facebook.com/Costco

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 11

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Stand out in 2017

© IMAGE FLOW / SHUTTERSTOCK

THE NEW YEAR is upon us, and companies across the country are looking for innovative ways to differentiate themselves from the crowd. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are ways to grow your organization, strengthen your positioning and remain hyper-relevant in 2017.

Think small to grow large. Rather than casting a wide net and trying to appeal to the masses, try adopting a “long tail” approach. Instead of trying to gain more customers, try experimenting with the opposite approach: Sell more goods and/or services to fewer people.

For example, if you own a dry-cleaning business, it may be wise to grow the company by fine-tuning your offerings to better serve a smaller, niche group (e.g., eco-conscious shoppers). You could roll out a larger scope of environmentally friendly cleaning services geared toward a more specific consumer. This not only focuses your brand and market positioning, it provides a sustainable way to expand.

Double down on customer service. For small businesses, the key to consumer loyalty boils down to one thing: service.

A 2015 report by Parature, a cloud-based

?

software product designed to help teams provide better customer service, found that 62 percent of global consumers have “stopped doing business with a brand or organization” due to a lackluster service experience.

While many large organizations are forced to sacrifice service for scale, small companies can lead by increasing their commitment to better, more personalized experiences at each and every consumer touch point.

Refresh your digital presence. According to the data in a November 2016 Adweek report, more than 80 percent of shoppers conduct online research prior to making a purchasing decision, so having an up-to-date digital presence is more important than most realize.

Have you added new products? Changed pricing? Moved to a new location? January is the perfect month to refresh and recalibrate your company’s website and social platforms to ensure that your online and offline identities flow seamlessly together. This will elevate your credibility, and ensure that current and future customers have access to the latest and greatest your business has to offer. It’s a small task that can make a big impact on the bottom line. C

MICHAEL PARRISH DUDELL Michael Parrish DuDell’s new book, Shark Tank Secrets to Success (Kingswell; not available at Costco), was released in May 2016.

MORE IN ARCHIVES At costcoconnection.com, search “Michael Parrish DuDell.”

What if there isn’t a “real me”?

BY CATHY SALIT

I’M A STAGE performer and CEO of Performance of a Lifetime (performance ofalifetime.com), where we train businesspeople and companies to perform, the way actors do. We help our clients be who they are and who they’re not, as a way to grow and achieve breakthroughs in their professional lives.

But wait a minute, you say. Perform like actors? Be who you’re not? Isn’t that inauthentic?

I get asked that a lot. Most people believe that to find happiness, to succeed in life and work, we need to be authentic; we have to find—and be—the “real me.” But what if there’s another way to look at what it means to be authentic? What if there isn’t just one “real me”?

Imagine these scenarios: • Your daughter puts her newborn in your arms for the first time.

• A state trooper pulls you over.

• A conference room of new employees gazes expectantly at you as you speak.

If someone advised you to “be yourself” in each of these situations, you’d probably ask, “Which self?”

To be authentic in each of these scenarios, you draw on different versions of yourself—and none of them are phony.

They’re all you. None of us has just one self. Each day, life presents us with situations both familiar and brand-new, things we don’t know how to do, people who affect us in different ways and opportunities to experiment, explore, take a risk. And each day, we can continue to craft new versions of ourselves in response to our changing world. We can create both who we are and who we are becoming.

Walt Whitman, the poet and humorist, wrote, “Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself. (I am large, I contain multitudes.)” I’m with Walt. To fully live, learn and grow, we must perform in an ever-expanding array of new ways. We have to be who we are not—yet.

Expressing our multiplicity in this way is profoundly authentic. C Cathy Salit is the author of Performance Breakthrough: A Radical Approach to Success at Work (Hachette, 2016; not available at Costco).

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 13

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Everywhere you go, there we are.

Visit costcoconnection.com to get your free digital editions of The Connection.

The Costco Connection Online Edition for your desktop or laptop computer has 13 years of back issues, cookbooks and other resources available for searching or browsing. Subscribe free at Costco.com for email notices of new issues each month.

© VRSTUDIO; DESIGNSTOCK; YUGANOV KONSTANTIN / SHUTTERSTOCK

Also available is the free iTunes or Google Play app for The Costco Connection Newsstand Edition, which lets you take us wherever you go with your mobile device. All 13 The Costco Way cookbooks are in the library, along with a new Connection each month and several years of back issues.

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14 The Costco Connection JANUARY 2017

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CONSUMERCONNECTION

©AMANDA HOROWITZ MEDIA, LLC

Being mindful of mindfulness Make sure there are real benefits for you

advertiser is responsible for making sure that any reasonable interpretation is truthful and substantiated. The commission hasn’t yet brought any cases challenging the use of the term “mindful.” It could be considered puffery or it could imply some objective benefit or truth about the product, in which case the claim must be true or the meaning of the term needs to be clear to consumers.

Mindful choices. As with any of your choices or decisions in life, when in doubt, check it out.

If you question product or service claims, evaluate them. Call the company and ask questions about terms, read comments on social media to get a feeling for others’ reactions to claims and take the time to read labels carefully. If you’re looking for an app, book, seminar or course, seek out the highestquality teaching and training, and make sure to research a company’s or individual’s background online before you buy. The idea isn’t to get a contact high from a quick fix—it’s to create lasting change in your life.

We predict that the mindfulness movement will continue to grow. Many people are finding benefits from lifestyle changes associated with mindfulness.

But keep your eyes open for questionable marketing claims, and make it a habit to be mindful of what’s being sold. C

DAVID&AMANDA HOROWITZ David Horowitz is a leading consumer advocate. David’s daughter Amanda Horowitz is the CEO of Fight Back! and co-founder of FightBack.com. © PEPSCO STUDIO / SHUTTERSTOCK

WHILE MINDFULNESS is not a new concept, its growing influence in popular culture has given birth to a long list of interpretations of what it means. It could mean being in the moment, a lifestyle change, self-awareness, meditation, a stress-reduction technique, equanimity, a stop-and-smell the roses attitude, a mind-body connection or a way to be more successful and productive. It could involve activities such as journaling, yoga, deep breathing, reading, drawing, connecting with nature, chanting or meditating.

There are apps, books, seminars and courses that claim to be able to tell you how to parent more mindfully, eat mindfully, work mindfully and communicate mindfully. You can even buy products like mindful mints, paint, clothing, meat and tea.

Some commercial techniques promise or claim that you could feel more tuned in, aware, productive and relaxed on an ongoing basis.

While there are honest companies focused on making a positive impact and improving the lives of consumers, others could use the term “mindful” as a ploy to get you to buy. Protect your wallet by being mindful of possible marketing hype around these products and services.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

Being mindful. When selecting products and services, remember that you won’t achieve mindfulness in less than a minute a day, just as you can’t work out for a minute a day and be physically fit. Buying a particular product doesn’t help you achieve mindfulness, and it’s not a way to get ahead at work. Mindfulness is a practice and takes committed daily action. Stay away from anything that promises otherwise.

Mindful claims. When it comes to health-related product claims, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) work together to help protect consumers from being misled. According to an FDA representative, there aren’t specific regulations within the administration for the term “mindful.” The USDA currently doesn’t have labeling restrictions associated with the term.

However, in regard to approving labels, a USDA representative told us, the agency ensures labels are true and not misleading.

The FTC’s position is that vague terms like “mindful” can mean different things to different consumers, depending on the context. An

MORE IN ARCHIVES At costcoconnection.com, search “Consumer Connection.”

Please note we are not licensed professionals in any field. If you are seeking advice you should consult with your own licensed professional.

We do not assume any liability or responsibility for the interpretation, application or accuracy of any information provided.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 15

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M O R TG A G E : P U R C H A S E & R E F I N A N C I N G

Resolve to save more year.

Resolve to save thisthis year.

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For more information, visit CostcoFinance.com/NewYear *The estimated savings statement is calculated over a 7-year period utilizing the following loan scenario and includes both interest and fees savings: home purchase in the

state of California with a Loan-To-Value of 80%, Loan Amount = $250,000, Single Family, Primary Residence, FICO = 720, Term = 30yr. Average Executive Membership-level savings is $5,102, which includes the lender fees savings as of 8/26/2016, as compared with an average of national mortgage lenders in a comparative study conducted

by Informa Research Services Inc. Individual savings may vary based on credit score, Loan-To-Value, location, Costco membership level and loan amount, and is subject to loan requirements and approval. 8/26/2016 General Program Disclosures: Mortgage lead generation and/or originations are provided by or through Berkshire Bank (NMLS # 506896) and its wholly owned subsidiary First Choice Loan Services Inc. (NMLS #210764), located at One Tower Center, Floor #18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Berkshire Bank and First Choice Loan Services Inc. are licensed, registered or exempt from state licensing in the states in which they originate mortgage loans or lines of credit. First Choice Loan Services Inc. is licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance. AZ BK #0918586. Loans in AR, HI, NY, and PR are originated by Berkshire Bank. First Choice Loan Services Inc. has no affiliation with First Choice Bank, chartered and located in California. Costco and its affiliates do not take loan applications, offer, negotiate, arrange or make mortgage loans or lines of credit. Costco does not guarantee products or services offered by First Choice Loan Services Inc. Berkshire Bank is an FDIC insured Massachusetts chartered bank. Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank.

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FINANCIALCONNECTION

Quittin’ time

Can you wait until your full retirement age before you take Social Security? You can begin to

receive your Social Security retirement benefit at age 62. But the amount you receive will be less than what you will qualify for when you reach the Social Security Administration’s full retirement age (FRA). That’s somewhere between age 66 and 67, depending on the year you were born. (Enter “FRA” at the Social Security website, ssa.gov, to find your full retirement age.)

The benefit for someone with an FRA of 66 is reduced by 25 percent if that person starts receiving the benefit at age 62. That’s why I want you to wait until you reach your FRA. An

TOCK

even smarter move is to work out a strategy so you don’t start taking Social Security for even longer: Your benefit continues to grow each year you delay past your FRA until you reach age 70. The benefit at age 70 is 76 percent more than what you would get if you start receiving the benefit at age 62. A tip for married couples: It is most important that the higher wage earner delay until age 70; the other spouse can begin taking a benefit earlier.

Will you retire mortgage-free? Whether you plan to stay put in your current home or move to another home or region, your goal should be to live mortgage-free in retirement. That removes a tremendous stress on your monthly finances.

You aren’t planning on a reverse mortgage in your 60s and 70s, right? It is dan-

E

/S HU T

TER S

gerous to take out a reverse mortgage early in retirement and use up your equity.

If that’s your plan, I recomA mend selling now and reducing M EN HU your housing costs. ©C NU S

THERE’S NO QUESTION that planning for retirement is a big commitment. But perhaps an even greater challenge once you reach your 60s is knowing when it is financially OK to retire. If you can answer yes to the following questions I think you are in a good position to enjoy a financially secure retirement.

Do you appreciate how young you really are? If you retire at age 65 there’s at least a 50 percent chance that you will still be alive past your mid80s. Plenty of today’s 65-year-olds will live into their 90s. If you retire at age 60 your retirement might last three decades, or more. That might be an awfully long time to live off your investments and retirement benefits.

How long your investments last depends on the size of your starting balance when you begin to take withdrawals, the amount you withdraw periodically and the growth rate for the remaining balance. I recommend using a free online retirement income calculator that runs the numbers to show you if your money will last until at least age 90 (95 is an even safer bet). Or consider hiring a fee-only financial planner to run the numbers for you.

Are you factoring in taxes? So many people forget that if they saved in a traditional 401(k) or IRA, every withdrawal will be hit with federal income tax. And depending on your state’s tax system, you may owe state tax too.

Have you planned for inflation? It’s important to factor in the impact of rising living costs.

What costs you $1 today will likely cost more than $2 in 25 years. That’s one reason I recommend that all retirees consider keeping a portion of their retirement investments in stocks.

Over the long term, stocks have produced the best inflation-beating returns.

Have you budgeted for your health

care costs? Medicare typically covers about 70

percent of later-life medical costs. That’s a huge help. But you will need some cash flow to handle Medicare premiums, deductibles and any medical expenses not covered by Medicare.

Are you aware that Medicare does not cover long-term care costs? Unless you have amassed a

large nest egg that can cover any future assisted living or nursing care needs, consider seeing if you are eligible for an affordable long-term care insurance policy. The key word is “affordable”; even if your policy will cover only a portion of future costs, that’s going to be a help to you and your family.

SEAN LEE DAVIES

Are you ready for retirement?

SUZE ORMAN Suze Orman is an Emmy Award–winning TV host, New York Times best-selling author and motivational speaker. She can be contacted at suzeorman.com.

Orman will answer selected questions in this column.

She regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually.

EMAIL suze@costco.com Please include “Suze Orman Q&A” in the subject line.

MAIL Q&A with Suze Orman The Costco Connection P.O. Box 34088 Seattle, WA 98124-1088 MORE IN ARCHIVES At costcoconnection.com, search “Financial Connection.”

If you answered no to a few questions, please don’t panic. You have plenty of options.

Maybe you want to keep working a few more years. Or maybe you can go ahead and retire from your job while taking on some part-time work that can help you continue to build retirement security. For example, go to the Social Security website and find out what your age 62 monthly benefit is projected to be. Chances are it’s going to be $1,000 or so. What if you took on some retirement work that paid you $1,000 a month? That would make it easier to delay taking Social Security until you reach your FRA, or age 70, when you will qualify for a much larger benefit. That’s a great way to build long-term retirement security. C JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 17

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TECHCONNECTION

Watch this!

WAS SANTA GOOD to you last month? Perhaps you found a new TV wrapped under the tree, or maybe it was you who treated the family to one of these big-screen beauties. Or perhaps you received a card that says, “Go buy a nice new TV in the post-Christmas sales for the big games.”

Regardless, you’ll no doubt love what today’s TVs offer. But there are a few important things to know about the new TVs to get the most out of whatever you select. Here’s a look.

Let it be smart Most TVs today are “smart,” which means they can wirelessly connect to the Internet.

Smart TVs allow you to access online content, be it for video streaming (Netflix, HBO NOW and so on), social networking (Facebook and Twitter) or photo galleries, music services, on-demand news and sports scores, a web browser, interactive games and more.

Smart TVs come with certain apps, and some models allow you to download more to customize the experience. Also, some models allow you to display content from your phone or tablet, such as videos and photos, on the TV. Also, to get the smoothest video playback from your Smart TV apps, make sure you have a fast router—one that offers the latest wireless speeds (802.11ac).

Dig the 4K Thanks to a growing selection and falling prices, many new TVs are 4K Ultra HD. These new TVs offer four times the resolution of a high-definition TV. In other words, these screens can display more than 8 million little dots, or pixels, compared with the approximately 2 million pixels displayed by a 1080p TV, which translates to a much clearer and more lifelike picture.

There are a growing number of ways to watch 4K content: on-demand streaming services (such as Netflix); some cable or satellite boxes from TV providers; video game consoles like PS4 Pro and Xbox One S; 4K Blu-ray players; and content you can create in 4K from your

smartphone, POV camera and so on.

4K TVs can also upscale regular HD content to nearly 4K quality. It’s an advanced feature if the TV supports high dynamic range, aka HDR, a technology that reproduces a wider range of brightness levels, colors and contrast.

Secure it All TVs include a stand to place it on a flat surface, but many viewers opt to mount the TV to a wall like a painting, which frees up valuable space, can eliminate clutter and is very secure.

In fact, new TVs are much easier to mount than older ones, as they’re thinner and lighter, and they’re mostly compatible with VESA standards, which means they will work with many kinds of mounts. If you don’t want to mount the TV yourself—perhaps you want to place it in a tricky spot, such as over a fireplace—professionals can come to your home to set it up for you. But be sure to get a couple of quotes from reputable installers first.

Even if you decide to keep it on a stand, it’s important to secure the television so it won’t topple over.

Improve the sound Regardless of their brand or size, there’s one rap on incredibly thin televisions: Their small size doesn’t accommodate large, room-filling speakers. That’s why many movie buffs who want to replicate the movie theater experience invest in an audio-video receiver and a bunch of speakers spread throughout the room. Surround sound puts you in the middle of the action.

If you don’t have the money, knowledge or space for a setup like this, you can still supersize your TV’s audio with a sound bar. Some simulate surround sound, while others deliver it by beaming discreet audio signals around the room.

Sound bars are easy to set up, and many include Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly play music from a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Some also include a wireless subwoofer to place elsewhere in the room for that deep low-frequency bass. C

JOHN GOLDSTEIN

Four important things to know about the latest TVs MARC SALTZMAN Marc Saltzman, a leading high-tech reporter, contributes to more than three dozen prominent publications, appears on radio and TV, and is the author of more than 16 books. He’s on Twitter at @marc_saltzman Saltzman will answer selected questions in this column.

He regrets that unpublished questions cannot be answered individually.

EMAIL connection@costco.com Please include “Marc Saltzman Q&A” in the subject line.

MAIL Q&A with Marc Saltzman The Costco Connection P.O. Box 34088 Seattle, WA 98124-1088 MORE IN ARCHIVES At costcoconnection.com, search “Tech Connection.”

THE

COSTCOCONNECTION Costco carries a wide variety of TVs in the warehouses and online at Costco.com. You can also find sound bars, home theater components and the latest routers at Costco.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 19

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*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy. All prices are in U.S. dollars, are true and accurate at time of printing, are valid for travel as specified, are valid for new bookings only and are available to Costco members residing in the United States. Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico prices include hotel taxes. Cruise price is valid for select stateroom categories only, and does not include taxes, fees, port expenses (TF&PE), and gratuities. Offer shown is cruise-only. All offers and inclusions are subject to availability and may change or be terminated without notice. Seasonal surcharges, availability, blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Any unused portion(s) of inclusions are nontransferable, nonrefundable and not redeemable for cash. Cancellation and change fees may apply. Unless otherwise noted, offers are not combinable with select rate codes, coupons or other offers. Travel purchases are not included in the Executive Membership annual 2% Reward. Costco Travel disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or typographical errors. Ship’s registry: The Bahamas. †The resort credit has a 20% service fee, which applies to the amount of the resort credit redeemed. The service fee will be charged to the room account and must be paid upon checkout. The service fee may not be paid with the resort credit. For Costco Cash Card terms and conditions, click Travel at Costco.com. ‡Costco Cash Card is per stateroom based on cruise-only fare. Value of Costco Cash Card is determined by the specific category booked. The card will be mailed two to four weeks after you return from your trip. Included extras cannot

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TRAVELCONNECTION

TODD BIGELOW

Cruise tips for first-timers © ERIK ISAKSON / MEDIA BAKERY

PETER GREENBERG

CRUISING IS one of the most popular forms of vacation travel. Yet a majority of Americans have yet to take a cruise. Here are some of my tips and secrets to help travelers make the most out of their first cruise.

Begin with an appetizer, not the main meal.

Try a short cruise first to see if you like the overall experience. There are numerous three- and four-day cruises to the Bahamas from Florida, or to Mexico from California. The price is right, and you get to sample just about everything most cruise ships offer in a short amount of time.

There are now many more “drive-to” ports in the U.S., where you don’t have to fly long distances to get to your ship, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, Baltimore and New York–New Jersey. But if you do have to fly to get to your ship, don’t fly there on the same day the ship departs. Give yourself at least one day in your departure port city. If your plane is late and you miss your cruise, it’s an expensive lesson, as you then need to chase the ship by air.

Or, if your baggage is delayed or lost, you may make the cruise, but your luggage then needs to play a losing game of catch-up. Getting to the departure port a day early lets you adjust better to jet lag, and the stress factor is reduced.

Are you prone to, or worried about, getting seasick? It comes down to center of gravity.

Certain areas on the ship are better than others for seasickness. Booking a midship cabin on a lower deck can help, as it’s less prone to the pitch and roll of the ship, even if the seas get rough.

Budget accordingly. You paid for your cabin, but there are many extras you might want to pay for, such as shore excursions, premium dining experiences, gift shops and the bar.

Many cruise lines offer special drinks packages: For one total price, you get unlimited drinks throughout your voyage. If the cruise line offers a package for soft drinks and you are traveling with children, you might consider that as well.

Cruise ships offer a variety of shore excursions. While you don’t have to go on every one, it’s a good idea to research in advance, decide which ones you are interested in and book them in advance so you don’t miss out.

Cruise lines have come a long way in regard to the internet. Investigate their internet packages. Sometimes they offer a discounted rate if you prebook your internet package.

Before you take the cruise, get a good international calling plan from your cellphone service provider. Keep your phone in airplane mode when not in use to avoid roaming charges.

If you want to use your cellphone, wait until you get off the ship and you’re at least four or five blocks away from the dock. Cellphones look for the nearest signal, and if you’re near the ship, the nearest signal could be the ship’s marine satellite. You could be hit with excessive roaming charges.

Cruise lines typically are not forgiving if you cancel your cruise, and most won’t refund your money if you want or need to cancel close to the departure date. Regardless of the length of the cruise, you should have medical evacuation and repatriation coverage—if you need to leave the cruise due to illness or some other emergency, the costs can be astronomical. And, if it’s a longer cruise and your investment is more than $2,000, buying trip cancellation and interruption insurance is also a good and recommended option. C

Peter Greenberg is the multiple–Emmy Award– winning travel editor for CBS News and host of The Travel Detective on public television (petergreenberg.com).

MORE IN ARCHIVES At costcoconnection.com, search “Travel Connection.”

THE

COSTCOCONNECTION

Costco offers a wide variety of cruises, from one or two nights to 15 days or more, with more than a dozen different cruise lines and destinations that include Alaska, Asia, Australia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico, New Zealand, North America, the Panama Canal, South America and transatlantic. Members can prebook shore excursions through Costco Travel’s co-branded site with Shore Excursion for a better price.

Look for Kirkland Signature™ and Buyer’s Choice sailings for extra value and amenities.

For more information or to book, go to Costco.com and click “Travel” or call 1-877849-2730.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 23

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INFORMEDDEBATE

Has office attire become too casual?

READER COMMENTS facebook.com/Costco

I don’t think you should have to dress up with most jobs. If I have to suffer at work all day, I at least want to be comfortable. I would wear my pj’s if they would let me!

—Shawna Jeanne Kyler Yes! Doesn’t matter if you’re the CEO of a large corporation or the craftsman building his office, a worker should always look professional.

—Brian Vaughn

MANY COMPANIES HAVE moved away from formal dress code policies, giving employees more freedom in what they can wear at work. Supporters say this raises employee morale and helps foster team spirit. Critics argue that it can cause problems for companies that want to promote a more professional workplace culture.

What do you think?

The clothing does not make you a better person. Let the people be comfortable and do their job without sitting there in needlessly expensive, flashy clothes. I can type just as well in jeans and a clean T-shirt as I can in a three-piece suit (if not better!).

—Brian Collins Jr.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC. On the internet, search: • Technology Has Destroyed Our Sense of Style • Power Suits: How Dressing For Success At Work Can Pay Off • The Advantages of Business Casual Attire • Here’s What ‘Business Casual’ Really Means • What’s the Difference Between Business Casual and Smart Casual?

Yes. If I walk into a business and I’m greeted by someone who looks like they just rolled out of bed and then slapped on some jeans and a T-shirt, it tells me they aren’t serious about representing themselves to the best of their ability, and therefore won’t be serious about representing me to the best of their ability either.

—Jill Yohannan I think the idea of wearing a suit and tie to work is the lazy replication of tradition. We do it for no reason other than our ancestors did it.

Clothing items like the necktie don’t even make practical sense; they are merely handed-down standards. It makes more sense to dress comfortably.

—Den Santamaria

© MEDIA BAKERY

I love my weekend hoodies and yoga pants, but would not wear them to work.

I’m in awe every day at sloppy, ill-fitting, way-too-casual clothes that are worn to work.

—Samantha Steenken No. Happy, comfortable workers are productive workers. “Things were better when …” is a falsity pushed by [those] who can’t adapt to a changing society.

—Graham Hackett

26 The Costco Connection JANUARY 2017

USp26_27_Debate.indd 26

12/9/16 2:54 PM

YES FROM EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

Diane Gottsman owns The Protocol School of Texas (protocolschoolof texas.com) and is the author of the upcoming book Modern Etiquette for a Better Life (Page Street Publishing, 2017; not available at Costco).

WHAT BEGAN AS casual Fridays has transformed into a weeklong clothing free-for-all in many offices. I see it often in my own work as a modern manners professional. Companies often hire me to work on-site, coaching their team members on the finer points of executive etiquette, including business attire.

I’m frequently asked to reinforce existing dress codes when employees have strayed too far from company policy. Many businesses provide professionals such as myself to help staff members improve their workplace clothing choices.

Top offenses include jeans with holes or rips, flip-flops, athletic wear and clothes that are too tight or revealing, or with undergarments clearly visible.

Acceptable dress varies widely by corporate culture and by industry. When dress codes are too lax, it becomes a distraction that affects both the employer and the employee.

Employees wearing yoga pants and a hoodie generally will not inspire confidence in a company’s clients unless they work in a gym. The top priority shouldn’t be the employees’ comfort, but how comfortable customers will be working with them. That is the driving force behind any dress code.

There’s a reason that many important jobs require uniforms. It sets a level of expectation for the entire company. The clothing one wears communicates judgment, attention to detail and values. If your appearance says you prize personal comfort above all else, you’re imposing your personal priority.

Sloppy dress codes also negatively affect employees. In addition, clothing can actually have an impact on performance at work. One study, “The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing,” published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, compared subjects dressed casually with those dressed more formally. Those in conventional business attire performed better on cognitive tests, a result attributed to the feelings of power that professional clothing inspired.

For employers and employees, dressing for success is a worthwhile goal. C

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Has office attire become too casual?

Click here to vote

Click here to email debate comments

See Member Comments for more Debate responses

NO FROM EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

Mary Gormandy White is managing director of MTI Business Solutions (mtibusiness.com), a corporate training and talent development firm.

I’VE WORKED IN offices where I was expected to wear a business suit, stockings and closed-toe shoes with heels every day (and spent way too much of my earnings to purchase and dry-clean said items), as well as in environments where less-formal apparel is the norm. I definitely prefer the latter.

I am not the only one. More and more employers seem to be evolving toward less-formal expectations for office apparel. In a June 2016 study conducted by Office Team (a staffing firm), 50 percent of senior-level managers reported that employee attire is now less formal than it was five years ago. Office workers seem to like this change, with 31 percent of respondents preferring a business-casual dress code and 27 percent favoring a casual dress code (or none at all).

The reality is that there is no association between clothing and competence. An employee in a $500-plus suit isn’t necessarily more competent than one wearing khakis and a button-front top. Your customers know that, and so do your employees.

The key to a successful dress code lies in considering the needs of your business and work environment. A manufacturing client once told me not to wear a business suit when teaching workshops at his company. He said, “The last person our employees saw wearing a suit like you have on now was an IRS auditor. Dress so they can relate to you.” I’ve worked with a call center client that let employees wear shorts and T-shirts to work. This may not work in every office, but in the modern business world, locations where office workers really need to stick with a traditional formal business dress code are few and far between.

Each business needs to set common-sense limits, carefully balancing factors like company image or brand with customer expectations and employee preferences. This is preferable to losing or demotivating top talent because you’re pushing people to comply with outdated and expensive formal office apparel requirements just because that’s how things have always been done. C

DECEMBER DEBATE RESULTS Should financial institutions use biometrics to safeguard accounts?

42% YES 58% NO Percentage reflects votes received

by December 15, 2016.

Results may reflect Debate being picked up by blogs.

COMMENT ON AN UPCOMING DEBATE ON FACEBOOK Your opinion may appear in a future issue of The Connection.

Like us on facebook.com/Costco

Opinions expressed are those of the individuals or organizations represented and are presented to foster discussion. Costco and The Costco Connection take no position on any Debate topic.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 27

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Leading ahead

Training the next generation of leadership

BY DON SADLER

A DEMOGRAPHIC shift is taking place in America that could have a drastic impact on small businesses. Tens of thousands of business owners are nearing the traditional retirement age, but many haven’t adequately trained the next generation of leaders who will succeed them and take their companies into the future.

“Often, small-business owners don’t pay nearly enough attention to leadership development, especially development of members of the millennial generation,” says Robert L. Turknett, a Costco member and the CEO of the Turknett Leadership Group (turknett.com) in Atlanta, which helps organizations identify and develop high-potential employees.

Broaden your focus When planning succession, owners typically focus on areas like structuring the new ownership and reducing transfer taxes. “But they sometimes neglect what often turns out to be the most important factor in the transition: developing next-generation leadership,” says Alan Sobel, a Costco member and the managing partner of Sobel & Co., LLC (sobelcpa. com), a CPA and advisory firm located in Livingston, New Jersey.

This process can be especially challenging in family-owned businesses, where family roles and hierarchy may

heavily influence leadership development. “Sometimes these factors weigh more heavily than family members’ skills and abilities in determining who the future leaders will be and how they’re developed,” says Sobel.

According to Carolyn N. Turknett, Robert’s wife and president of the Turknett Leadership Group, many smallbusiness owners don’t realize that leadership development is lacking in their firm.

“Many owners spend so much time on tactical issues that they’re not thinking ahead years down the road,” she says.

“Then they start thinking about retirement and succession and realize there’s nobody in the pipeline who’s ready to take over for them.

“It’s hard enough for small-business owners to let go when they need to,” she adds. “Not having next-generation leaders who are ready to take the reins of the company makes it even harder.”

Tap leadership candidates It’s never too early to start preparing the next generation of your company’s leadership. The first step is to identify good candidates for leadership so you can begin the process of training them for their future responsibilities.

“Owners who are the most successful at leadership development assess the situ-

© DOTSHOCK / SHUTTERSTOCK

BUSINESSCONNECTION

ation early on and don’t leave it to chance,” says Sobel. “Once you’ve identified your future leaders, give them ‘stretch’ projects to work on that will grow their leadership capabilities.”

Many future leaders are millennials, whose generation is generally defined as those born between 1982 and 2004.

According to Robert Turknett, small-business owners should consider some of the general characteristics of this generation when training millennials for future leadership roles.

“Millennials thrive on feedback,” he explains. “So provide plenty of constructive feedback to let them know how they’re doing and help hone their leadership skills. Also give them challenging work and real responsibility and decisionmaking authority—don’t be afraid to let them fail.”

Sobel concurs: “Allow your future leaders to make complex decisions that entail some risk and have consequences, including failure. Also get them involved in your industry—for example, by attending conferences and trade shows and meeting with your customers and vendors.”

Make it a priority Carolyn Turknett says that leadership development often becomes a matter of prioritizing for small-business owners.

“Simply put, they have to make the time for it,” she says. “It requires real engagement on the part of owners and future leaders, both of whom have to make a commitment to the process.”

She says the Turknett Leadership Group has created an acronym for developing future millennial leaders: PAID, which stands for Participation and Purpose, Appreciation, Information and Development. “Millennials in particular want to know the bigger-picture purpose of the business, beyond just earning a profit,” she says. “So be prepared to share this with them.”

“There are no shortcuts to leadership development,” says Robert Turknett.

“Developing the next generation of business leadership is the best way to ensure your business legacy in the future.” C Don Sadler is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who specializes in small business.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 31

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COVERSTORY

FOOD for THOUGHT Oprah Winfrey dishes on food, health and life

BY STEVE FISHER

34 The Costco Connection JANUARY 2017

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S

THE COSTCO CONNECTION: You were originally planning to write a memoir for release this month. How did that morph into a cookbook?

OPRAH WINFREY: I think it’s impossible to do a memoir in a year. I’m reading Bruce Springsteen’s [Born to Run]. I think Bruce took six years. And I see why. Because it takes time and reflection. So I called [the publisher] and said, “I can feel that I’m going to need more time for a memoir, but I do have this idea that is memoir-like.” I didn’t just want to do a book of recipes.

I wanted my story of food, because every meal triggers stories.

LEFT: HARPO, INC./RUVEN AFANADOR; PEAS: © TIM UR; VALENTYN VOLKOV; TRUFFLES: ANDERSPHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK

he is, perhaps, the most famous woman in the world. Her rise from poverty in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to billionaire media magnate is the stuff of legend. She is a television, film and stage producer, actress and philanthropist, but millions perhaps know her best as a talk show host.

She is Oprah Winfrey.

Her new book, out this month, speaks to a topic she has long devoured: food. In Food, Health, and Happiness: 115 OnPoint Recipes for Great Meals and a Better Life, Winfrey offers delicious and healthful recipes, along with some side servings of personal anecdotes. She took time from her busy schedule to discuss her life and culinary loves with The Connection, in a phone conversation from her home in Maui.

CC: In writing this book, what did you learn about yourself?

OW: I learned that my story of food has been a complicated one, and that I’ve given so much energy to it that, at this particular time in my life, it’s time to let it go. All these years I was using food as my drug, and as my support, and as my comforter, and that now I just use it as what it’s supposed to be—life-giving, satisfying, pleasure, enhancement—in accordance with where I am in my life.

I ended the book saying that my new favorite word for myself is “contentment.” I’ve spent so many years of my life on the path of creating success and not actually being able to live in the moment to appreciate it. I look back at all of my glorious years on the Oprah show, but so much of it was numbing to me because life was coming at such a fast pace that it was hard to take everything in. And that is why, when I look back at old shows, sometimes I’m like, “OK, I know that’s me sitting in the chair, but I don’t even remember that show.” Especially when you’ve talked to 37,500 people.

I feel now that I’m at a place where I choose to do what feels right for me. I get to think about what do I really want that’s going to satiate, satisfy and enhance me to the next meal.

adherent of Weight Watchers, which allots points to different foods to maintain a balanced diet. After she found her own success with the diet plan, she bought a 10 percent stake in the company.] I’ve done every diet possible, and lots of people are on some version of no carbs. We’ve become the no-carb culture. No carbs doesn’t work for me.

Every time I’ve tried it just ends up in some kind of bad way.

I remember once when all of us were on a no-carb diet. My entire team. We were in the car on the way to our Oscar rehearsal. And in the car everybody was getting on everybody’s last one-half of a nerve. There were arguments starting, and we’re arguing over little things and nothing, and finally somebody says, “You need a biscuit.” I remember pulling over to 7-Eleven, and we all stopped to get some crackers. So no carbs doesn’t work for me after a while. I get so irritable and my brain doesn’t function.

CC: Where did the recipes in the book come from?

OW: Some of the recipes are mine.

And a lot of them are culled from chefs that I’ve had. But I also do a lot of cooking myself. And what I probably cook better than I cook anything is combinations of pastas and mixing different stuff in pastas.

My favorite pasta dish [in the book] actually is inspired from when I went truffle hunting. Yes, I went truffle hunting. I’m a truffle connoisseur. I am the only person you probably know who travels with my own truffle salt in my bag and something called truffle zest.

There’s a new product—ya’ll should sell it at Costco—called truffle zest, where you can get the flavor of fresh-shaved truffles in a bottle. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 Oprah is a truffle connoisseur.

CC: You say in the book that it’s possible to come to sane and sustainable terms with eating. How? OW: One of the things that has shifted for me is that counting the points is the thing. [Winfrey is an JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 35

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12/13/16 9:52 AM

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

HARPO, INC./RUVEN AFANADOR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Oprah Winfrey with guests at her ranch in Maui.

Eating good food surrounded by people ‘‘ that you want to share your life with is one of the great communal experiences of our lives. ’’

CC: What is one food that you disliked the most over the years but have come to appreciate?

OW: I started out disliking beets because Stedman [her partner] disliked beets. So I just joined in the anti-beet. I was away from him and filming a movie, and there was a beet salad. And I had the beets, and I really liked the beets. I’m like, ‘How am I going to tell Stedman? I have broken the beet vow.’

CC: In the book you tell a story about when you were a little girl sitting in front of the television, watching Lassie, and how much soup meant to you back then.

[Campbell’s Soup was a sponsor of the show.] How do you still embrace the power of soup?

OW: Soup has an emotional connection to me because that’s where my connection to food actually began. I really would watch Lassie, hoping for Lassie to come home. [When Lassie brought Timmy home at the end of an episode, Timmy’s mom would serve up a bowl of soup.] I loved the end of the show because I

thought that was real—because it was the opposite of the kind of life that I was leading. Timmy’s mother giving him the soup was the warmth and comfort and love that I thought, “Oh, that’s what moms do.”

CC: If you could go back in time and talk to that little girl, what would you say to her?

OW: I would tell her, “Hold on. You’re in for the ride of your life.” And I would also tell her, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.”

Because that has been my mantra.

CC: Looking at your life as a dish, how has it evolved over the years with the various stages of your personal development?

OW: It has become richer, fuller, with more ingredients, while at the same time simpler. The ingredients are healthier, and vital and nutrient giving, and also simpler. The way I eat has become a metaphor for life and living.

CC: If there is one key takeaway for people from the book, what would it be?

OW: You don’t have to sacrifice. Eating good food surrounded by people that you want to share your life with is one of the great communal experiences of our lives.

And it’s done all over the world. And people all over the world get the same kind of stimulation, joy and contentment from it. C

THECOSTCOCONNECTION COSTCOCONNECTION Food, Health, and Happiness: 115 On-Point Recipes for Great Meals and a Better Life (Item #1123081) is available at all Costco warehouses on 1/3.

36 The Costco Connection JANUARY 2017

USp34_35_36_37_CoverStory_Oprah_R2.indd 36

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RED PEPPER, SAUSAGE, AND FENNEL SOUP

This soup is layered with flavors. And then the fennel just gives it a slight licorice kick.

Add a crunchy green salad and you’ll feel souper satisfied!

Preheat the oven to 300 F.

1 medium bulb fennel, cored and finely chopped

In a medium bowl, combine the tomato and fennel, stir in 1 teaspoon of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a small baking sheet (a pie plate works well), place in the oven and roast for 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Remove from the oven and set aside.

3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 large carrot, chopped 1 large celery rib, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 bay leaf 4 cups chicken stock, plus more if needed 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained 2 spicy Italian chicken sausages, meat removed from the casing Leaves of 1⁄2 bunch Swiss chard, mustard greens or kale, chopped 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional garnishes Chili olive oil Grated Parmesan cheese Cracked black pepper

SOUP: TINA RUPP; OPRAH: FROM THE PERSONAL COLLECTION OF OPRAH WINFREY BACKGROUND: R-STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK

Fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade

Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon of the remaining oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and bay leaf, and cook for 1 minute, or until aromatic. Add the chicken stock, increase the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are completely softened. Remove the bay leaf. Add the soup and roasted peppers to a blender and blend until smooth (do this in batches if necessary). Wipe out the saucepan and pour the soup back into it.

Season with salt and pepper.

Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring often, until well browned, about 5 minutes.

Add the chard and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring, until the chard is wilted, about 2 minutes.

Spoon soup into bowls, add the roasted tomatoes and fennel, then finish with the sausage and wilted greens and your choice of garnishes. Serves 4.

An excerpt from FOOD, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS It’s Sunday night at 7:00 sharp, and I’m six years old. Or maybe I’m eight. I could even be nine. No matter—whatever my age, I can tell you exactly what I was doing at 7 p.m. on just about every single Sunday of my childhood. I was sitting in front of the Magnavox riveted to what was, at the time, the greatest show on earth: Lassie.

For 30 minutes—well, 22 once you subtracted the commercials— everything else melted away; it was just me and the Martin family and the most devoted dog ever.

Timmy Martin was not an easy child. The boy was constantly hanging off cliffs, getting trapped in abandoned mine shafts, falling into rivers—I think he even managed to get himself caught in quicksand once or twice. But that was okay, because whatever happened to Timmy, you knew that Lassie had his back. Now, you’d think that seeing the most brilliant collie on earth rescuing her master from sinking into a pit of quicksand would be the high point of an episode—but not for me. My favorite part always came at the very end, when Timmy’s mother would tousle his hair, give him a gentle lecture about how he should really make more of an effort to avoid getting trapped in abandoned mine shafts, and serve him a piping hot bowl of Campbell’s soup, which was, by all accounts, m’m m’m good!

EXCERPTED FROM FOOD, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. COPYRIGHT © 2017 BY OPRAH WINFREY. EXCERPTED BY PERMISSION OF FLATIRON BOOKS, A DIVISION OF MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS.

1 large tomato, finely chopped

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SPECIAL SECTION

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Monitor

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thyself

At-home monitoring All of this explains why more doctors recommend that Americans track their blood pressure at home.

“Self-monitoring is important for both the initial diagnosis and the proper management of high blood pressure,” according to Ramos.

“Blood pressure levels are often falsely elevated by ‘white coat syndrome,’ because many people are uncomfortable and nervous in a doctor’s office.”

“Blood pressure monitors for home use are a reliable way for people to identify their own range of measurements, and [they allow] the doctor to properly diagnose and develop suitable treatment plans,” explains Carol Lucarelli, an executive with Omron Healthcare, a Costco supplier, and a Costco member in Lake Forest, Illinois. “Our ultimate goal with self-monitoring is to reduce a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke.”

There is much documented proof about the value of tracking one’s blood pressure at home. “The AHA stats show that only about 52 percent of people with HBP have it under control. That’s why self-monitoring is vital,” urges Oaks. “It detects important warning signs. Just lowering the systolic number by as little as 10 can mean a 30 to 50 percent reduction in the risk of mortality.” C

Blood-pressure maintenance at home

BY JOHN HARDY

THECOSTCOCONNECTION Costco members can find arm and wrist blood pressure monitors, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and exercise equipment at Costco and on Costco.com.

Lower the

pressure ■ Lose weight. Blood pressure increases as weight increases.

■ Be salt smart. Read labels and reduce anything with high levels of sodium.

■ Eat healthier. Eating fruits, whole grains, vegetables and low-fat dairy significantly lowers blood pressure.

■ Limit alcohol. Practice moderation (one or two drinks can actually lower blood pressure).

■ Quit smoking. Each cigarette directly spikes blood pressure.

■ Cut down on coffee.

■ Reduce stress.

■ Exercise and be physically active. It doesn’t have to be workouts. Walking is fine.

■ Monitor blood pressure at home, and discuss it regularly with your doctor.—JH

What the numbers mean Blood pressure measures are identified as systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the top number and measures the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood.

Diastolic is the bottom number, when the heart is resting and refilling with blood.

Both top and bottom numbers are important, but systolic pressure is more significant for cardiovascular disease.

Men vs. women, younger vs. older, being overweight and other factors cause differences in blood pressure readings.

“Normal is 120/80. The 139/89 range is a warning,” cautions Dr. Mark J. Ramos, a

John Hardy is a lifestyle writer and a Costco member who self-monitors in Venice, Florida.

© MARKUS GMEINER / SHUTTERSTOCK

ABOUT 75 MILLION U.S. adults—one in three—have high blood pressure (HBP), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; cdc.gov).

According to the CDC, last year HBP was a primary cause of death for more than 410,000 Americans.

Put simply, most high blood pressure happens when arteries get plugged up, a little or a lot, by a waxy plaque. “For various lifestyle reasons, high blood pressure is more of a problem than ever,” says Dr. Jeffrey Sell, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida and a Costco member. “Blame stress, too much salt, smoking, processed foods, obesity and the side effects of medications.”

The American Heart Association (AHA; heart.org) issues regular updates about HBP and heart disease. “The latest stats are baffling,” says Brion Oaks, vice president of AHA Southwest and a Costco member in Austin, Texas. “While the incidence of high blood pressure is way up from 10 years ago, and 46 percent of Americans know they have it, most refuse to do anything about it.”

Volumes of medical research caution that, if left uncontrolled, HBP can not only lead to stroke, and eye and kidney damage, but also dramatically spikes the risk of heart disease, still the undisputed No. 1 cause of death for Americans.

“High blood pressure is also a notorious silent killer, because it has no warning signs or symptoms,” Oaks warns.

cardiologist with the Intercoastal Medical Group and a Costco member in Sarasota, Florida.

“And 140–160/90–100 is time to see the doctor.”

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 41

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SPECIAL SECTION

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Stress for

success

Redefining your relationship with stress

BY KIMBERLEE BETHANY BONURA

STRESS CAN LEAD to a range of health issues, like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, insomnia and anxiety. You may have tried to reduce your stress, and ended up stressed about stress itself.

New research shows that, rather than reducing your stress, you need to transform your relationship with stress. If the story you tell yourself about stress is that stress is bad for you, your health will suffer.

One large analysis of longitudinal data by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that people with high stress levels who believed stress was unhealthy had an increased risk of premature death. The people who had high stress levels and believed that stress was a normal part of life actually had a reduced risk of stress-related death compared to people with lower stress levels.

Collaborative research from Florida State University and Stanford showed that people with higher levels of stress report more meaningful lives.

Master mindfulness Mindfulness strategies offer a way to stop and notice how you are feeling in the moment. Grace Bullock, a research scientist, psychologist and author, suggests that you pause for a moment each day and ask yourself, “How stressed am I really feeling?”

Once you acknowledge the feeling, focus on your ability to address the situation. Mindfulness strategies help you cope, because they teach you how to focus your attention in the present moment, where you may actually solve the problem.

Mindfulness practice is essentially the simple decision to pay attention to where you are, what you are doing and what you are feeling in the present moment. One research study found that washing dishes in a mindful way—paying attention to the bubbles and the scent, for instance—reduced stress levels.

Research with MRIs shows that mindfulness practices change the neurological structure of the brain. People who practice mindfulness strategies become more adept at managing stress, are better able to regulate difficult emotional experiences and have lower levels of anxiety, depression and chronic pain.

Other techniques Mindfulness strategies can be effective even after extreme life-or-death stress. Costco member Nicole Lovald, life coach and owner of Spirit of the Lake Yoga and Wellness Center in Excelsior, Minnesota, serves as regional director for the Veterans Yoga Project. According to

© NATALYA VYSHEDKO / SHUTTERSTOCK

Shift your perspective Absorb that as your new story about stress: Being stressed means your life is meaningful. You are feeling stressed because you care about the people and activities in your life.

Consider the perspective that Costco member Nina Spadaro, licensed psychologist and a faculty member at Walden University, teaches in her parent-child kung fu classes in Bellingham, Washington. Spadaro has noticed that, for children, stress often comes from fear of failure. She encourages parents and children “to treat mistakes as opportunities for celebration of a child really trying to do something challenging.”

This shift in perspective is helpful at

any age. Whenever you are stressed, remember that you are feeling stressed because you care and are challenging yourself. Become aware of what you’re feeling.

OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS Click here for a lesson in “square breathing.” (See page 14 for details.)

Lovald, practicing yoga teaches “resiliency by calming the nervous system, helping veterans to reconnect with their bodies and minds, and regain their abilities to self-regulate. [It] can help them feel more comfortable in their own skin.”

Your new story: You’re strong. You’re resilient. You’re comfortable in your own skin. You are good at stress. C Kimberlee Bethany Bonura’s course, “How to Make Stress Work for You,” will be available via DVD and digital streaming in February 2017 (drkimber leebonura.com).

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 43

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SPECIAL SECTION

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FOR YOUR HEALTH

Adjusting the fitness bar

BY KIMBERLEE BETHANY BONURA

AS YOU WRITE your New Year’s resolutions, shift your perspective about fitness: Instead of striving for perfect fitness, this year decide you will get fit enough for your life.

“The first and most important issue underlying the meaning of fitness is the question ‘Fitness for what?’ The answer is person-specific,” says David Pargman, an emeritus professor of educational psychology at Florida State University.

Exercise can improve many things in your life. Which one is the motivator that matters to you? As Sonia Satra, founder of OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS Click here for a video on good posture exercises. (See page 14 for details.)

Moticise: Fit Mind, Fit Body (moticise. com), puts it, “The biggest change in the perception of exercise is the meaning you give it. Scientifically, we know 10 minutes of movement can make huge shifts in so many areas: confidence, energy, decision-

A fitenough

plan

Every hour: ■ Move for two minutes; incorporate movement throughout the day.

■ Do a posture check: Strengthen your back and core muscles with good posture.

Every day: ■ Do two minutes of deep breathing.

■ Walk 10 minutes after each meal.

—KBB

making, clarity, creativity, relationships, emotional well-being—the list goes on.

Would you work on your relationship for 10 minutes a day? Or move for 15 minutes if it would give you a brilliant idea for business? Then exercise for that purpose.”

Satra encourages people to start small

to achieve realistic success: “Ask, ‘What if I knew 10 to 15 minutes of exercise was exactly the right amount of exercise, then what would I do?’ ” A small amount can make a big difference. Research from the Mayo Clinic found that a 30-minute walk after dinner reduced glucose levels in people with diabetes. A study from Arizona State University showed that taking three 10-minute walks daily lowers blood pressure. One study found that just two minutes of deep breathing exercises per day reduced stress and improved quality of life.

Once you start moving, the best way to keep moving is to find a fitness activity you enjoy. According to Costco member Judy L. Van Raalte, professor of psychology at Springfield College in Massachusetts, “We spend a lot of time on thinking. But a lot of what we do is based on feeling. If what we do feels good, we are more likely to do it. If we exercise in a way that feels good for us, it is more likely to happen.”

Broaden your perspective of fitness.

Fitness can happen at the gym, but it can also come from dance classes, walking the dog, swimming or playing with the grandkids. Activities of daily living—vacuuming, gardening—all add up to moving more. Be creative. Find a way to move that feels good to you, both mentally and physically, and you’re more likely to keep moving.

Remember that “engaging in healthy behaviors is a better predictor of overall health than weight,” according to Christine Selby, a licensed psychologist, sport psychology consultant and eating disorder specialist.

Let go of the external pressure of the scale, your pants size or the mirror. To see results, “focus on how you feel,” says Selby.

“Is it easier for you to climb stairs than it was a week ago, or cover more ground in the same amount of time? These things tell you that what you are doing is working. Your energy levels and mood are also likely to change with regular exercise; have you noticed a change there?”

In Boomercise: Exercising as You Age (Fitness Info Tech, 2011; not available at Costco), Pargman advises readers to consider the three S’s: “Be smart, sincere and safe.” Selby offers similar advice: “Be patient with and kind to yourself.”

A fitness plan that’s fun, that feels good and that makes you feel good about yourself: That’s when exercise becomes self-care—and the best gift you can give yourself. That’s fitness for your life. C Costco member Kimberlee Bethany Bonura (drkimberleebonura.com) stays fit enough for her life through walking, yoga and chasing her kids on the playground.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 45

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FOR YOUR HEALTH

Know your

Good numbers add up to good health

numbers 26

BY BEVERLY BURMEIER

Body mass index • What it indicates: Your body weight relative to your height. High numbers have been associated with increased risk for certain breast and blood cancers as well as other health problems.

• How to find your number: For adult men and women, multiply your weight by 703.1 and divide that by your height in inches. Divide again by your height.

• Target number: A BMI between 18.5 and 25 is considered normal. Higher than 30 indicates obesity. Keep in mind that, at the same BMI, women tend to have more body fat and men typically have greater muscle mass.

Waist-to-hip ratio • What it indicates: Significant risk of possible cardiovascular disease or gallstones, because the type of fat around the waist is more metabolically active than fat elsewhere on the body.

• How to find your number: Measure your waist in inches (just under the ribcage) and divide that number by hip measurement (at widest point). Another number to consider is waist circumference. For women the measurement at the belly button—not where a clothing waistband sits—should be less than 35 inches, and for men it should be less than 40 inches. (For people of Asian ethnicity those figures should be 31.5 inches for women and 35 inches for men.)

• Target number: The risk for

52

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Blood sugar • What it indicates: How much glucose is in the blood. High levels of blood sugar indicate the presence of diabetes, which increases the risk for cardiovascular disease.

• How to find your number: Have a fasting blood test.

• Target number: A healthy number is under 100 after not eating for eight hours.

If your fasting number is over 126, you may be at risk for diabetes.

LDL (bad) cholesterol • What it indicates: More cholesterol particles in your arteries, increasing the threat of heart attack.

• How to find your number: Your doctor orders a cholesterol blood test.

• Target number: While total cholesterol should be under 200, the numbers for LDL are no longer absolute.

However, if your LDL is higher than 130, your doctor will consider whether treatment is appropriate. If you already have heart disease, your LDL should be less than 70.

© RAWPIXEL.COM / SHUTTERSTOCK

THE PATH TO good health sometimes seems like an obstacle course of numbers.

Do you know your blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, waist-tohip ratio and body mass index (BMI)?

Knowing your numbers lets you take preventive steps if anything is out of the normal range.

Use the following guide to find your starting point to good health.

heart disease and diabetes is greatest if the waist-hip ratio is more than 0.8 for women or 1.0 for men.

63

HDL (good) cholesterol • What it indicates: How well excess blood cholesterol is moved to the liver, where it’s processed out of the body.

• How to find your number: Take a cholesterol blood test.

• Target number: 50 or greater for women; above 45 for men. Lower than 40 indicates potential problems.

T-score • What it indicates: Bone mass (density) in your hip or spine. Low bone mass increases your chance of breaking a bone and other complications.

• How to find your number: Have a noninvasive, painless scan of your hip or spine with a special X-ray machine.

• Target number: A T-score of minus 1.0 or above is normal. A T-score between minus 1.0 and minus 2.5 indicates low bone density (osteopenia). If your T-score is below minus 2.5, the diagnosis is osteoporosis.

189

Yes, good health can be a numbers game. Make sure yours add up. C Beverly Burmeier is a freelance health writer.

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SPECIAL SECTION

Skin deep How to choose the right ingredients for the job

BY WENDY HELFENBAUM

WALK THROUGH ANY drugstore and you’ll see a mind-boggling array of products promising to make your skin look younger, firmer, lighter and brighter.

Faced with so many choices, consumers should educate themselves about which ingredients will best treat the skin condition they have, says Costco member Dr. Deirdre Hooper, associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at Louisiana State University’s School of Medicine in New Orleans. She adds, “Let a specialist—someone whose career is built around understanding the skin—explain how to choose your products.”

Hooper suggests consulting the websites for the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (asds.net) or the American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org) to get scientific facts beyond brand messaging.

Here’s a look at some common skin conditions and the ingredients often used to treat them.

To: Prevent fine lines or wrinkles Choose: Broad-spectrum sunscreen, anti-

oxidants “The October 2016 issue of Dermatologic Surgery shows that sunscreen decreases both fine lines and brown

THECOSTCOCONNECTION In the warehouse and on Costco.com, Costco members will find a variety of high-quality skin care products to address skin tone, age spots, wrinkles, dry and dull skin, puffiness, bags around the eyes, acne and other concerns.

© ROB BAYER / SHUTTERSTOCK

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Lifestyle tips for

healthy skın

■ Sun damage is cumulative, and exposure to UV light speeds up the aging process. Limit time spent in the sun, and wear protective clothing and SPF 30 sunscreen.

■ Smoking introduces carcinogens to your skin, aging it prematurely. It also contributes to adult acne, wrinkles and a dull, dry complexion.

■ Drink eight glasses of water daily.

■ Avoid sugar, which is known to increase acne.

■ Eat the rainbow (lots of fruits and veggies), which floods your body with antioxidants that promote youthful skin.

■ Get at least seven hours of sleep each night.—WH

spots,” says Hooper. “Apply it every day to your face, neck, chest and hands before walking outside. Look for a moisturizing sunscreen, so it’s multitasking.” Products containing vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin B3 (niacin) and green tea can help prevent and repair skin damage.

To: Treat fine lines or wrinkles Look for: Retinol

“For anti-aging, I recommend vitamin A derivatives like retinol, which helps keep moisture in the skin,” says Dr. Camila Krysicka Janniger, clinical professor of dermatology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey.

To: Fade dark spots Look for: SPF and hydroquinone

Dark spots, which are caused by damage from the sun’s UV rays, can worsen with age. Regular SPF 30 use will fade age spots, while products containing 2 percent hydroquinone are moderately effective, says Hooper. “Antioxidants like licorice and soy have been shown in small studies to reduce pigment,” she notes.

“You can often find those ingredients blended into your sunscreen, making it a multitasking product.”

For: Bags under your eyes Try: Moisturizer with hyaluronic acid

The loss of elasticity and collagen causes skin to sag. Hooper says products with hyaluronic acid can help smooth out skin, especially when combined with vitamin C. “When you hydrate your skin, it’s plumper, so it’ll appear tighter and more light reflective,” she says. “Also, products containing caffeine help draw water to the surface of the skin, making it look temporarily improved.”

To: Reduce puffiness around eyes Try: Vitamin K creams

“If you have puffiness or dark circles, products with vitamin K improve blood flow in the veins around the eye area,” says Janniger.

To: Lift and firm the skin Look for: Retinol

Retinol boosts your skin’s collagen production, says Dr. Sandy Johnson, a dermatologist at Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith, Arkansas. “Retinol is available over the counter, but talk to your dermatologist about which of the products have the concentration and stability that’s going to give you efficacy,” adds Hooper.

For: Dry skin Try: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

When your skin loses water, it looks dull and dehydrated, but you can repair it with multiple moisturizing ingredients, says Hooper: “Glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing water to your skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a very powerful hydrator. Ceramides hold the moisture in.”

To: Brighten dull skin Try: Shea butter, cocoa butter, hemp oil

“When you moisturize, light reflects better on the skin, making it look younger and healthier,” says Janniger.

For all skin care products, remember to have realistic expectations and give a product about two months to show results before switching to something else.

Costco member Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal-based writer and TV producer (taketwoproductions.ca).

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 49

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SPECIAL SECTION

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Limber up! © VOYAGERIX / SHUTTERSTOCK

Avoiding coldweather injuries

OWN YOUR HEALTH

GIVE SHEEP THE NIGHT OFF.

KATHY KING

BY DR. JOHN GALLUCCI

IN THE WINTER, we find ourselves cooped up indoors often. If you want to get outdoors, check out these tips to help avoid these coldweather injuries.

Problem: Sprains and strains Solution: An active warmup where you get your heart rate up and blood flowing to the muscles will prepare your body for the training session and ready the cold tissue by introducing it to the warmth of the blood. This will increase flexibility and muscle preparedness, and lead to fewer sprain and strain injuries.

Problem: Improper cool-down Abruptly stopping after exercising can lead to cramping, lactic acid buildup, dizziness and/or fainting.

Solution: A cooldown following a training session should be gradual. Slow down your pace or intensity for a threeto five-minute period, allowing your heart rate and blood pressure to gradually decrease at a more natural pace to minimize the risk of a fainting episode.

Head inside for the static stretching portion of your cooldown. Stretching following exercise, while your muscles are still warm, will help reduce the buildup of lactic acid, which leads to muscle cramping and stiffness.

Problem: Barometric pressure A decrease in barometric pressure, when the weather changes from dry to wet, can cause the tissues around the joints to swell, leading to nerve irritation and to feelings of muscle stiffness and joint pain.

Solution: Achy joints can be soothed

by placing heat on the affected area and performing a light stretch after. If the pain persists, use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (with your doctor’s approval), will also aid in reducing the pain.

Problem: Improper attire Multiple layers of fleece, heavy cottons and wool do not breathe and they hold sweat.

Solution: Cold-weather gear allows sweat to evaporate. Your body temperature will slowly increase as you begin activity. Wearing several layers of light, loose-fitting, water- and wind-resistant clothing will help your body when adjusting to the temperature changes.

Problem: Improper hydration Dehydration can occur more quickly in the cold due to the amount of respiratory fluid lost through breathing and sweat quickly evaporating in the cold air.

Dehydration can lead to thicker, more viscous blood making it more difficult to reach the body’s tissues.

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Don’t let cold, wet weather interfere with everyday activities and exercise regimens. Following these simple tips will help keep your body injury-free. C Dr. John Gallucci is the president of JAG Physical Therapy (jagpt.com) and medical coordinator for Major League Soccer.

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SPECIAL SECTION

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Age courageously

Living our best lives takes thought

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BY KEN DRUCK

WITH MORE than 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the challenges and opportunities for each of us personally, and as a society, are unprecedented. Not only are we rethinking what it means to be 55, 65 or 75, we’re facing an exciting, uncertain future when it comes to living longer. A host of ethical, psychological, technological and practical matters are looming before us. To address them effectively, we need to start with ourselves.

To live our best lives, we must put our houses in order, and I’m not talking about wills, trusts or living to 105.. I’m referring to coming of age emotionally, spiritually and in our closest relationships. This means facing and overcoming fears about getting older, compassionately greeting our older selves, carving out action plans for our best possible future and making peace with life itself. When we do these things, we are ready to look beyond ourselves to see how we can leave the world a better, safer place for our children, grandkids and future generations.

Successful aging takes courage. The demands of each season of life require us to be brave. And humble. I coined the term Courageous Aging to help myself, and others like me, who are determined to make the most of each precious breath, day, moment and relationship.

To do this, and harvest the biggest opportunities, we must overcome the biggest challenges of getting older.

Here’s an outline of how to do this.

Awaken to a higher level of personal awareness about age-related issues. A

Courageous Aging audit is a self-assessment inventory that uncovers issues, unveils our vision, charts our trajectory and lays the groundwork for looking at opportunities that come with getting older.

Reimagine the future. Once we’ve had a chance to see where we’re headed, we must give ourselves time and permission to consider newfound options for getting older. Imagining our best possible future is an awakening unto itself.

The possibilities are as unlimited as they are uplifting and transformative.

Opening our minds and hearts allows us to re-energize our lives.

OWN YOUR HEALTH

BREAK HEARTS, NOT NAILS.

Formulate an action plan.

Once we set our sights on what’s possible—and envision ourselves in a “perfect world”—we’re ready to put together an action plan outlining what it’s going to take to get from here to there.

Be a work in progress.

The critical path to our best possible self and future comes together over time. As we learn to be more authentic and true to ourselves, the masks, pretense, arrogance and need for status fall away. Being all grown up does not, however, mean losing our playfulness, flexibility, open-mindedness, irreverence, sense of wonder or creativity. Nor are we 100 percent free of our insecurities, fears and demons. It means finally beginning to feel comfortable in our own skin.

Do the work and leave a legacy of love. Cultivating freedom, peace and

calm and participating in daily practices that bring them about takes time and effort. The reward—that we get to enjoy life as never before, pay the good things forward, free ourselves of old fears and insecurities, and find deep peace—is in the effort. By putting our houses in order, and saying and doing everything important, we live our lives as fully as possible, pay the good forward and leave a legacy of love. C

Ken Druck is the author of Courageous Living/Courageous Aging: Your Best Years Ever Reimagined (kendruck.com; not available at Costco).

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SPECIAL SECTION

FOR YOUR HEALTH

OWN YOUR HEALTH

Save time

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BY KAREN ASP

WHEN IT COMES to getting healthier, the “no-time” excuse often comes up. That’s about to change. There are ways you can save time and still meet your health goals.

Call them hacks, if you will, but all of these strategies will get you healthier in a snap.

Your goal: Eat more whole grains.

Time-saving hack: Cook big batches to

freeze for later.

Why it works: Whole grains have become

the holy grail of healthy living, for good reason. “Whole grains are associated with heart health, and given that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in America, these little nutrient powerhouses should be a staple at every meal,” says Kelly Toups, program manager of the Oldways Whole Grains Council. Eating whole grains regularly is also linked with a reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes, stroke, some cancers and premature death.

Yet getting those six daily servings (at least half from whole grains) can be timeconsuming while waiting for them to cook.

Easy solution? Spend a little time cooking different grains and then spread them on a baking sheet to freeze for a few hours.

Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they should keep for two to six months so they’re ready whenever you need them.

Your goal: Stress less.

Time-saving hack: Check email less.

Why it works: Ever tracked how much

time you spend checking your email in a day? In one survey, white-collar workers reported a whopping six hours on average.

No wonder stress levels are surging. Yet when people checked email only five times

THECOSTCOCONNECTION Costco members will find healthful foods and grains, as well as exercise equipment, in the warehouses and at Costco.com.

ZEN IN A BOTTLE.

a day versus whenever they wanted, the reduction in stress was almost as large as the benefit people get from learning relaxation techniques like taking deep breaths, according to a study in the journal Computers in Human Behavior.

Bonus: By dialing down your email habit, you might be more productive and even sleep better, researchers say.

Your goal: Hit the gym.

Time-saving hack: Build more activity into

your day.

Why it works: If you’re like most Amer-

icans, getting to the gym is a struggle, making those 30 minutes of recommended daily physical activity nearly impossible to attain. No sweat. Just do small amounts of activity—even one to two minutes at a time—that add up to 30 minutes and you’ll reap almost the same health benefits as if you did a 30-minute workout, according to a study in the American Journal of Health Promotion.

Your goal: Nosh more fruits and veggies.

Time-saving hack: Eat frozen produce.

Why it works: Who really has time to keep

running to the store for fresh produce, let alone cook it? Opt for frozen, though, and you might come closer to eating the five to nine servings a day you need with produce always on hand, and you’ll still get just as many nutrients. One study from the University of Georgia (UGA) found that frozen fruits and veggies were the nutritional equivalent of their fresh counterparts that had been stored for five days in the fridge, and even better in some cases. “The freezing process hits the pause button to lock in nutrients of fresh food,” says Ronald Pegg, study author and professor of food science and technology at UGA. C Karen Asp is an Indiana–based journalist specializing in fitness, health and nutrition.

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Name branders

MICHAEL PASCUCCI

LNK is key to privatelabel success

Left to right: Joe Mollica II, Joe Mollica Sr., Pankaj Chudgar and Ray McCusker.

BY BRYAN REESMAN

WHEN JOE MOLLICA SR. founded LNK International in 1980, he had two other employees and help from his high-schoolage son, Joe Mollica II. Since those early days, the company, which manufactures solid- and liquid-dose over-the-counter pharmaceutical products to retailers nationwide, has become one of the primary manufacturers of Costco’s Kirkland Signature™ over-the-counter health products, and its employee ranks have swelled to more than 1,500. Located in a picturesque, tree-lined area of Hauppauge, New York, LNK now encompasses a self-sustaining mini-campus of eight buildings.

“Over 97 percent of what we sell is manufactured in these eight buildings in and around this campus,” explains Mollica II, executive vice president for the company. “We control it from stem to stern, and in order to do that we have to have every facet covered, from the lab work right through the manufacturing process to the packaging process.”

“Basically, we’re designed to satisfy the over-the-counter needs of the privatelabel industry,” adds Mollica Sr., CEO of LNK. “That was our original idea, and

COMPANYINFO COMPANY LNK International Inc. FOUNDER AND CEO Joseph Mollica Sr. HEADQUARTERS Hauppauge, New York WEBSITE lnkintl.com PHONE 631-435-3500 ITEMS AT COSTCO (All Kirkland Signature) Enteric Coated Aspirin 325 mg; Low Dose Aspirin 81 mg; Acetaminophen 500 mg; Mucus Relief tablets; Allergy Medicine 25 mg; Acetaminophen PM; Sleep Aid tablets; Ibuprofen 200 mg tablets; Ibuprofen IB caplets; Severe Cold/Flu QUOTE ABOUT COSTCO “They’re super member-focused. In every meeting you have with them, they’re investigating things [to see] what would the members say about this and how would they feel about it.

That’s one of the reasons I like working with them, because they’re so clear about what they want and what they need. It’s all built around the member.

They never lose sight of that.”—Ray McCusker, executive vice president

we’ve been staying with it ever since.”

Prior to LNK, the company patriarch served in the Korean War, then became a draftsman before founding an engineering firm specializing in military and commercial engineering. “That experience of problem-solving and organizational skills provided unique insights in the development of a successful company from the ground up,” says his son. Both Mollicas are surprised by the growth of the company, but feel that it is the result of hard work, customer service and attention to quality and detail.

Mollica II adds that over the years LNK has remained steadfastly compliant with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and maintained high quality standards for themselves that has allowed them to cope with increases in regulatory oversight. Mollica Sr. says they visit all of their suppliers and regularly audit themselves and any of the companies that supply them with the raw materials for their product.

He adds that if they develop a problem with a supplier, LNK stops using them.

Company president Pankaj “PK” Chudgar notes that LNK rigidly adheres to the current good manufacturing practices set out by the FDA. “Maintaining quality has been advantageous for our success,” he says.

With 16 blister-pack lines and 19 bottling lines, Mollica II says the company can produce nearly 40 billion tablets annually and “currently operate[s] at a level of 85 to 100 million tablets per day.”

The entire 1,500-plus LNK team is proud of the progress the company has made. The Mollicas feel that part of the success comes from an open-door policy that allows employees to make an appointment with any of the owners at any time to discuss matters business or personal.

“We’re there for the employees,” declares Mollica II. “We’re not perfect, but the difference is, because of the relationship we have with our employees, mistakes don’t get out the door. Any employee can shut down a machine or packaging line or stop a shipment. They have to answer for it, but if they feel that something is not proper they can stop it without fear of repercussions.”

Their directive comes down to a simple statement from Mollica Sr.: “What we strive for is to get the product out the door for the customer.” Adds Mollica II: “There’s not a product made in those buildings that I don’t give to my own family.” C Freelance writer and author Bryan Reesman regularly contributes to The Connection.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 59

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SPECIAL SECTION

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Get social Spending time with friends and family is good for your brain

BY MADELINE ROBERTS VANN

IF YOUR DOCTOR’S note reads, “Spend more time with your family and friends,” pay attention. Socializing can help reduce your risk of dementia, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA; nia.nih. gov). While you’re at it, taking other steps, such as being more physically active, eating healthfully and managing depression, diabetes and heart disease can also help fight this condition.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect one’s cognitive abilities in ways that interfere with daily life. The NIA estimates that about 7 percent of people over 65 will have some form of dementia. There are dozens of subtypes of dementia; Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.

You can’t change your age, which is the leading risk factor for dementia, but you can affect risk factors such as how social you are, your exercise habits, and your heart disease and diabetes management.

Grandchildren are grand Spending one day a week with your grandchildren reduces the risk of dementia, according to the results of research with 186 Australian grandmothers who participated in the Women’s Healthy Ageing Project. The results appear in the October 2014 issue of the journal Menopause, published by the North American Menopause Society (meno pause.org).

© RAWPIXEL.COM / SHUTTERSTOCK

A get-social

Australian dementia researcher Bruce Barber, honorary research fellow in the National Ageing Research Institute at the University of Melbourne (nari.net.au).

ıdea lıst

■ Plan a “date.” Play date, lunch date, coffee date. Pick your favorite.

■ Volunteer. Check out the AARP Experience Corps for ways to share your skills (aarp.org/experience-corps).

■ Go for a hike or a swim. You need 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov).

■ Treat depression. Depression is linked to higher dementia risk, according to a review of risk factors published in the September 3, 2016, issue of the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Talk to your doctor if feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist.

■ Cook heart healthy. Aim for a diet that is low in saturated fat and includes plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

■ Review your medications, vitamins and supplements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you might be taking medications, such as benzodiazepines, that increase the risk of dementia, or lacking nutrients, such as vitamin B12.

■ Take a class. You’ll learn something new and meet new friends.—MRV

Even the occasional stressful interaction can be helpful.

“Such contact serves as a cognitive challenge to older persons, and there is evidence that higher levels of cognitive challenge delay the onset of cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease,” says

All social connections help Connecting with friends and family is one of the most important ways to stave off dementia, says geriatrician and Costco member Dr. Carla Perissinotto, associate professor of geriatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.

“There is a higher risk to developing dementia if you are lonely and isolated,” she says, adding that she often will “prescribe” an increase in older patients’ social commitments.

When you aren’t able to be there in person, technology can help. You can add to your healthy cognitive challenges by learning how to socialize via text, video chat, email or social media.

“Young people in particular respond to text. They respond to text sometimes more immediately than they are going to respond to a phone call,” says Dr. Parker Sternbergh, assistant director of the Porter-Cason Institute for the Family and Center for Life Long Learning at the Tulane School of Social Work in New Orleans (tssw.tulane.edu). Your text might be the bright spot in an otherwise tough day, until you can see each other face to face again.

Heart healthy is brain healthy Staying connected socially is one way to prevent dementia. But there are others, such as getting regular physical activity and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers looked at the health data from 95,147 adults over the age of 45 and found that the more heart disease risk factors people had, the more likely they were to have both heart disease and cognitive decline. The data appeared in the September 6, 2016, issue of Preventive Medicine. The research suggests you could improve both heart disease and dementia risk by: • Stopping smoking.

• Being more active.

• Maintaining a healthy weight.

• Managing depression, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Anything you can do to change those heart disease risk factors could help reduce dementia risk as well. And you get the bonus of making and strengthening bonds with friends and family. C Madeline Roberts Vann is a freelance health and medical writer based in Williamsburg, Virginia.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 61

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A multidimensional approach to health

BY STACY FISHER-GUNN

SELF-CARE IS important. Several countries, including New Zealand, Australia and the UK, have already taken notice of the potential for self-care to reduce the growing cost of health care, and have begun to weave elements of this approach into their national health strategies. A June 2012 report in the French magazine Actualités Pharmaceutiques estimated that self-care could prevent “about 75 percent of the cases of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes, and more than 40 percent of cancers.”

But what is self-care, exactly? A commonly referenced definition of self-care was developed in 1983 by the World Health Organization (WHO; who.int): “Self-care in health refers to the activities individuals, families and communities undertake with the intention of enhancing health, preventing disease, limiting illness, and restoring health. They are undertaken by

laypeople on their own behalf, either separately or in participative collaboration with professionals.”

Self-care is multidimensional. It involves how we eat, move, rest, express ourselves, allocate our resources, think, contribute to the world, connect with others and even how we harmonize with nature.

Not surprisingly, many of these elements overlap, which means that our return on investment (in terms of time, energy and finances) can be significantly greater when our choices support more than one of these dimensions.

One report from the American Institute for Preventive Medicine (healthylife. com) estimated that 25 percent of physician visits and 55 percent of emergency room visits were unnecessary. The WHO has also estimated that if the major risk factors for chronic disease were eliminated, at least 80 percent of all heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes would be prevented, and 40 percent of cancer cases would be prevented.

But while the concept of individual

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health ownership sounds great in theory, it can be a challenge to implement on a practical level. Keeping up with household chores, putting dinner on the table and getting the kids bathed and into bed are just a few of the cyclical demands that make “me time” scarce.

That’s yet another reason it may be time to rethink the concept of self-care.

It’s not an all-or-nothing approach—it’s personal to each individual.

So, if you’re ready to design a self-care plan of your own, where to begin?

Create a vivid mental picture What does “healthy” mean for you personally? What does it look like? Having a vivid mental image of a healthy future helps increase motivation and activation.

Create a vision board, draw a picture or translate your vision into words to get a clear picture of what you want your future life to be. This will also help to serve as a guide for making day-to-day decisions.

(Which activity will produce the results you are aiming for: eating cookies or going to the gym?)

Identify opportunities Examine the various dimensions of your life that influence your health, and focus on those that would, if improved, bring the biggest health benefits. Exercising, setting healthy boundaries, getting enough sleep and building strong support systems may offer meaningful opportunities for health improvement. It’s important to first focus on areas where you feel the most confident and ready. This helps build confidence and leads to the pursuit of more challenging goals in the future.

Make a commitment The best way to get started is to get started. Make a commitment to include at least one self-care activity each week. As time goes on, try new things and work your way up to several activities each week.

Acknowledging that your health is influenced by several dimensions—not just eating and exercise—allows you to navigate self-care in a more holistic way. It also enables you to make slight adjustments to your day-to-day routines to take better care of yourself.

Perhaps the first place to begin is exploring what self-care means to you personally. C Stacy Fisher-Gunn is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes educator, author and founder of LivingUpp.com, a self-care community.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 63

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Skipping sleep can cause problems

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Costco and Costco.com carry sleep aids, mattresses, pillows, curtains and more.

BY ANDREA DOWNING PECK

DO YOU GET enough sleep? For many people, the answer is no. Studies show 30 percent of American adults are sleep deprived, getting less than the seven to nine hours a night the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends, while nine out of 10 high school students get less than the eight to 10 hours of rest suggested for their age group.

“Sleep is one thing people think they can sacrifice, but in the long term it causes significant health problems if they don’t get enough sleep or address sleep problems by seeing their clinician,” says neurologist Dr. Clete Kushida, medical director of the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center and a Costco member.

Insufficient sleep is associated with chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, obesity and depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov). Among teens, sleep deprivation also may increase the likelihood of poor grades, drowsy driving and thoughts of suicide.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (aasmnet.org) classifies more than 90 individual sleep disorders, from insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders to restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea.

Chronic insomnia alone is estimated to derail the sleep of 70 million Americans.

“The great news is there are a lot of things you can do behaviorally to promote better sleep,” NSF environmental scholar Natalie Dautovich explains. “Our sleep doesn’t begin in the evening when we are

Bedtimes

The National Sleep Foundation (sleepfoundation.org) recommends these sleep amounts: ■ Toddlers (1–2 years): 11 to 14 hours ■ Preschoolers (3–5): 10 to 13 hours ■ School-age children (6–13): 9 to 11 hours ■ Teenagers (14–17): 8 to 10 hours ■ Younger adults (18–25): 7 to 9 hours ■ Adults (26–64): 7 to 9 hours ■ Adults (65 plus): 7 to 8 hours

getting into bed. Our activities during the day can set us up for a good night’s sleep.”

The NSF provides the following tips for better sleep.

Stick to a schedule. Maintain a constant bedtime and awakening time, even on weekends. To help manage circadian rhythms, expose yourself to sunlight or other bright light in the morning and avoid bright lights in the evening.

Wind down. An hour before bedtime, dim lights; set aside blue-light-producing digital devices, such as desktops, laptops, tablets and cellphones, which can affect sleep patterns; and stop working, study-

ing or stressing. Avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes or a large meal two to three hours before bedtime.

Create a sleep-friendly bedroom. Maintain a temperature between 60 and 67 F, use blackout curtains to eliminate light or a white noise machine to block outside noise, replace an older pillow or mattress and remove electronics from the bedroom.

No counting sheep. After 20 minutes of lying awake or not falling back to sleep, move to another room and do a relaxing activity until you feel drowsy.

While melatonin is a proven sleep aid, the NSF recommends consulting with a health care provider before using the herbal remedy.

Arianna Huffington, founder and former executive editor of The Huffington Post, experienced her wake-up call on the importance of sleep a decade ago when she collapsed from exhaustion, breaking her cheekbone. She wrote The Sleep Revolution (Harmony, 2016; not available at Costco) to highlight the nation’s sleep crisis and reverse the perception that sleep is time wasted. She currently is touring college campuses to educate students on the value of sleep.

“The very notion of viewing all-nighters as a badge of honor is a symptom of our sleep crisis and an indicator of just how deeply the glamorization of sleep deprivation is embedded in our culture,” Huffington wrote in an email to The Connection.

“Everywhere you turn, sleep deprivation is celebrated, from ‘You snooze, you lose’ to highly burned-out people boasting, ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead.’ ” Huffington reprioritized sleep by establishing a bedtime routine, learning to silence her mind over never-finished to-do lists and exiling her smartphone from the bedroom.

“Even when we’re not actually connecting digitally, we’re in a constant state of heightened anticipation,” she explains.

“Always being in this state doesn’t exactly put us in the right frame of mind to wind down when it’s time to sleep.”

Kushida suggests seeing a physician or sleep specialist if difficulty sleeping or staying asleep persists more than a week, you notice unusual behaviors during sleep such as loud snoring or excessive movements, or you are sleepy during the day. C Andrea Downing Peck is a freelance writer from Bainbridge Island, Washington.

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WITH THE HUSTLE and bustle of the holiday season behind you, take the opportunity to observe Festival of Sleep Day on January 3.

No one seems to know the official origin of this holiday, but one can assume it encourages people to catch up on sleep after all the holiday parties, New Year celebrations, shopping, presents and visiting relatives.

Celebrating this unofficial holiday is as easy as it sounds. Whether it’s all day, a power nap or a quick snooze, just cozy up on a bed, couch or your softest chair and snore away. It’s OK to bring your favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Dress appropriately in your nicest sleep attire. The more comfortable you are, the better you will sleep. How long you choose to celebrate is entirely up to you.

It should come as no surprise, but sleep is one of the most important human activities. Getting a full night’s sleep allows the body to rest and heal, and is even linked to maintaining a healthy weight and healthy brain function. Lack of sleep or even poor sleep can negatively affect your health —both mind and body. (See the article on page 65 for more sleep information and tips.)

When you awake, see if that extra sleep made a real difference. Are you feeling more refreshed? Rested? If not, you can always look forward to February 28, which is National Public Sleeping Day.—Bill Urlevich

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Change your

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can be one of your best tools for change.

Starting with the belief that you can change is the best first step. If you think you can, then you’ll find ways to solve your problems, meet your challenges and reach your dream goals.

Life is lived in the mirror. That is where the real work is done. Although it can be painful, there is no breakthrough without a breakdown.

Winning ideas from the biggest losers for a new you

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Don’t let unhappy be your happy place.

BY JD ROTH

FOR THE BETTER part of my career, I have been creating popular television reality shows that revolve around people in life-or-death situations.

They need to lose weight and transform their lives. Most of these people are hundreds of pounds overweight and their lives are in shambles—yet somehow they maintain a spark of hope edging them toward a new life. How do they finally take the steps to change?

I believe the process I put them through helps them to reach the point of “I am going to change now.” It can be used in almost any area of anyone’s life, whether it’s starting a new career, tackling a goal that seems impossible or getting out of a bad relationship. We all have the same voice in our heads that talks to us all day and often cripples us with the fear of “I can’t do it,” “I don’t deserve it” or, my least favorite, “I am not good enough.” My job has been to give people the one four-

letter word we all need: hope.

Here are five steps for changing your life and finding what we all look for as human beings: love, health and happiness. If these worked for the contestants I met through producing The Biggest Loser, Extreme Weight Loss and other shows, I know they will work for you.

Fix what’s going on in your head.

There’s no miracle diet or pill that can get you to the point of change; you get there by changing the way that you think. Fix your head and your body fixes itself. Spend more time looking in the mirror than out the window at the view of the life you “hope” to create.

Think you can. I believe there are two types of people in the world: the ones who believe “I can” and the others who say “I can’t.” And both are right!

“I can’t” is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

But if you’re an “I can” type of person, you’re going in the right direction, and every glass becomes half full. The power of positive thinking is strong, and your mind

Demand more out of your life. Don’t accept that you deserve a terrible relationship, a job you hate and a car that barely starts. You want more out of your life? Go get it! Don’t get stuck in that cozy little spot where nothing is ventured and nothing is gained.

Are you willing to look deep into why you are not happy? Open up that door to gain insights that can lead to change. Take a risk and venture way out of that unhealthy “happy” place.

Shake things up. One helpful way to start changing is to change your routines.

In other words, shake up your life!

Start by cleaning your bedroom. Does that burn calories? No! But the chaos your brain sees first thing every morning when you open your eyes is a microcosm of the chaos in your head. Empty the room completely and just put in a bed, a chair and a dresser. Now, when you open your eyes in the morning, the first thing your brain sees is calm and organized. When you change things like this, it’s as if you’re rewiring your brain, and that’s good.

Do the same thing with other routines in your life—which can actually be ruts— and you’ll be sending a message to your brain: This is the new me.

Stay with it. The only thing in life that is not hereditary is your attitude. Every day, wake up and have a good one. And if you don’t, fake it until you make it. A positive attitude is infectious.

You have to keep making the right choices, whether it’s maintaining a healthy lifestyle or nurturing a relationship. You’ll find that there’s nothing better than feeling like you’re in control. If you’re serious about losing weight or making other changes in your life, you’ll stop taking the path of least resistance and get to work! C Costco member JD Roth is the author of The Big Fat Truth (Reader’s Digest Trade Publishing, 2016; not available at Costco). A show based on the book will air on Z Living (zliving.com) in April.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 69

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THECOSTCOCONNECTION Costco offers over-the-counter smoking cessation items, including gum, patches, lozenges and more, at warehouses and on Costco.com. Prescriptions can be filled at Costco pharmacies.

Quit

smoking

How to break away from the pack

BY BARBARA BRONSON GRAY

IF YOU SMOKE cigarettes, you probably know you should quit. The top reason to quit is your health. “Smoking is the primary cause of cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” says Costco member Scott McIntosh, associate professor of public health sciences at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “It affects every organ in your body and delays wound and bone healing. It can also make you need higher doses of certain medications, due to the interaction of nicotine with many prescription drugs.”

Smoking is an addiction Quitting smoking may be the hardest thing you’ve ever tried to do. “It’s hard to quit because it’s not a habit, it’s an addiction,” McIntosh explains. “It’s a medical condition that needs to be treated.”

But McIntosh says that even though smoking is truly one of the toughest addictions to beat, it is possible for anyone to quit. There’s a realistic strategy for everyone.

OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS Click here for more tips on quitting smoking. (See page 14 for details.)

“Quitting smoking is not an event, it’s a process,” agrees Costco member Bill Blatt, director of tobacco control programs for the American Lung Association (lung.org), in Washington, D.C. “Don’t feel like you should just know how to do it.

It takes some thinking to quit.”

Blatt says it typically takes nine to 12 attempts before someone is able to quit smoking for good. “So if you’ve tried five to six times, you’ll still be able to eventually quit,” he explains. “As long as you keep trying, experiment with different things and learn from your practice quits, eventually you’ll find the best combination and will succeed.”

For most people, it takes combining behavioral strategies with medication and having the support of the people around you.

And it’s never too late to quit. “An older smoker is less likely to make that commitment to quit, but once they do, they’re more

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successful than are their younger counterparts,” says McIntosh.

Develop a plan It’s smart to talk to your physician first about what’s best for you and then create a plan of attack.

Generally, McIntosh suggests picking a quit date and then using nicotine replacement drugs, such as lozenges, gum, nasal spray or a patch, for eight to 12 weeks. Sometimes it’s best to combine two of these options. “If you’re on the patch, pick the gum or lozenge for when you have a craving. But if you’re only going to use the lozenge, have one every hour you’re awake to keep your blood levels steady,” McIntosh says. Other options can all be used intermittently.

Nicotine gum and the nicotine patch are available without a prescription, but you may want a prescription if your health insurance covers smoking cessation. Be sure to use the nicotine replacements as directed. If you don’t, you may develop side effects and you could be more prone to relapse.

Get support McIntosh recommends combining those tools with a behavioral strategy such as a “quit line” that provides free counselors to help guide smokers through the process of quitting. An example is the American Cancer Society’s Quit for Life program (quitnow.net). Trained counselors help participants decide what type, dose and duration of nicotine substitute or other medications would work best for them, and develop a quitting plan. They also provide a variety of other tools to help every step of the way.

If you don’t quit the first time, Blatt says, you shouldn’t call it a failure: “We frame that as a ‘practice quit.’ ” He warns against using terms like “failed” and “succeeded.” If someone tells him they could quit for only a week, he says, “That’s fantastic. What do you think helped you do that? What tripped you up?”

He sums it all up this way: “It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you’ve been smoking; it pays to quit.” C Barbara Bronson Gray is a registered nurse (bbgray@sbcglobal.net) based in California.

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Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in Bethesda, Maryland.

New research is shining a spotlight on the hidden health risks of hearing loss and underscoring the need for treatment, such as a well-fitted hearing aid or other hearing device.

Hearing loss can have many health impacts

BY ANDREA DOWNING PECK

DO YOU HAVE difficulty hearing in a crowded restaurant or complain that people talk too fast or your spouse mumbles?

If so, you may be experiencing some degree of hearing loss, a condition that may contribute to dementia, depression and other serious health issues.

“Hearing loss is regrettably a relatively common disorder, and it is particularly common among elderly individuals.

As our population ages, hearing is going to become an even more significant problem,” says Dr. James Battey Jr., director of the National Institute on Deafness and

Sound check

A HEARING TEST should be your first step if you suspect you may have hearing loss, or if you want to establish a baseline evaluation that gives you the opportunity to track possible hearing changes.

Early identification and management of hearing loss is important. Untreated hearing loss is a chronic health condition, and it impacts communication, social and emotional health, employment and quality of life.

Because hearing loss often occurs gradually, a common warning sign can go unrecognized.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 75

Hearing health and brain health Dr. Frank Lin, associate professor of geriatric medicine and otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, has published studies outlining the possible link between hearing impairment and brain health, and he maintains hearing loss no longer should be thought of as “relatively inconsequential for our daily life.”

“It’s our increasing understanding this is not the case,” the Costco member points out. “Large epidemiologic studies, as well as other experimental studies, show hearing loss does exert meaningful and significant effects on our cognitive, physical and even our social functioning as we age. One of the biggest ones being how hearing loss impacts our risk of cognitive decline.”

Lin conducted a study commonly cited by medical professionals on the topic of hearing loss and cognitive decline.

The study, conducted with 1,984 older adults, indicated that the more severe the hearing loss, the greater the likelihood of developing a cognitive disorder, and the steeper the decline in mental function.

However, even subjects with mild hearing loss were found more likely to experience cognitive failures.

The study showed that those with hearing impairments lost more than an additional cubic centimeter of brain matter annually and experienced greater shrinkage of tissue in the structures responsible for processing sound and speech when compared with those with normal hearing. These atrophy-affected areas play key roles in memory and CONTINUED ON PAGE 75

THECOSTCOCONNECTION Costco members can schedule an annual hearing test at Costco Hearing Centers to see if they could be helped by hearing aids. Members will also find a variety of high-quality hearing aids, including the new Kirkland Signature™ 7.0 Premium Digital Hearing Instruments, priced at $1,699 per pair, compared to the industry average of $4,600 per pair.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 73

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If you can’t turn down or walk away from a [loud] sound, you should be wearing hearing protection.

sensory integration. Similar damage to these regions can be seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Other risks For the estimated 48 million Americans with some degree of hearing impairment, there are other byproducts of hearing loss. An NIDCD study in 2014 indicated adults age 18 to 69 with hearing loss were nearly twice as likely to suffer from moderate to severe depression as those with normal hearing.

Other studies have shown adults 50 and older with untreated hearing loss were more likely to experience depression, sad feelings, anxiety and social isolation. An increased risk of falls also has been associated with hearing impairment.

Protecting your hearing Causes of hearing loss include age, genetics, injury, certain chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics, as well as chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Yet one of the main culprits of hearing loss—noise exposure—is preventable.

Many hearing experts advise wearing hearing protection when one is around even moderate to loud sounds— leaf blowers, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners—for long periods of time. If you can’t turn down or walk away from a loud sound, experts advise wearing hearing protection. C Andrea Downing Peck is a freelance writer from Bainbridge Island, Washington.

“People will say, ‘I can hear fine. You just are not speaking clearly.’ That is what hearing loss is,” explains Dr. Frank Lin, associate professor of geriatric medicine and otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

“When you have hearing loss, it means your ear can no longer send sound clearly to your brain. Your brain is still getting a sound from your ear, but instead of being crystal clear, it sounds garbled. It sounds like the person is mumbling at you.”

Solutions include hearing aids, amplification devices and, in cases of profound hearing loss, cochlear implants.

If you have concerns, it never hurts to get a baseline evaluation, because many times you don’t notice hearing loss but other people do. Studies have shown that people tend to wait a long time before they do something. They could benefit from a hearing aid, but they wait, and the longer one waits, the harder it is to adapt to new technology.—ADP

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WAREHOUSE/COSTCO.COM | AVAILABLE NOW Item #1066356 (Round Bed), #1066358 (Bolstered Bed) Selection varies by location.

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OUR MOST ABSORBENT PAD FOR LONG-LASTING PROTECTION, DAY OR NIGHT

POISE® ULTIMATE ABSORBENCY LONG LENGTH

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HIGHER CONCENTRATION

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SPECIAL SECTION

FOR YOUR HEALTH

pıcks

COSTCO PHOTO STUDIO

Buyers’ Lucy Correa Mary Arriola Assistant Buyer, Assistant Buyer, Health and Beauty Pharmacy

Teresa Thompson Buyer, Pharmacy

Product selections from Costco’s beauty buying team

Neutrogena Rainbath Fresh Plum Shower and Bath Gel

SOMETIMES THE demands of work and family can become exhausting and I have to prioritize “me time.” That’s why I’m excited to be offering an exclusive new product at Costco, Neutrogena Rainbath Fresh Plum Shower and Bath Gel. Nothing helps wash my stress away better. It cleanses, softens and conditions skin without leaving a heavy residue. This formula, which features a fresh ripe plum and floral scent, works to restore the skin’s look and feel, while the rich, conditioning lather rinses away the day. Your skin is left in better condition, feeling softer, smoother and restored. This 40-ounce bottle, exclusive to Costco for a limited time, offers a great value compared with similar products sold elsewhere. Give yourself a mini getaway and transform your bath time into a spa-like experience. Available in the warehouse and on Costco.com. Item #1057963. —Lucy Correa

Kirkland Signature™ Triple Action Joint Health

NO MATTER HOW much we try to keep ourselves fit and healthy, age and life have a habit of affecting joint, cartilage and bone health. When that happens, we need help, and the Kirkland Signature Triple Action Joint Health may just help with joint flexibility and comfort.

This one tiny pill features a special, patented Type II collagen called UC-II, together with boron and hyaluronic acid.

Collagen is a major component of normal joint tissue. The Type II collagen in Kirkland Signature Triple Action Joint Health may make a real difference in helping you feel better and stay more active because it’s not denatured. All other forms of Type II collagen are denatured by heat or chemicals, altering their molecular structure and rendering them

inactive. Because it does not use this process, UC-II maintains collagen’s biological activity and effectiveness. UC-II has been shown to be effective in clinical trials (the Food and Drug Administration has yet to weigh in). Many Costco members have reported good results, claiming a greater degree of flexibility and less pain after taking the product.

Then, of course, there’s the Costco value. Kirkland Signature Triple Action Joint Health is offered at a 32 percent savings over a popular brand-name supplement. Available in the warehouse and on Costco.com. Item #1017650.

—Mary Arriola

Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin & Nails

WHILE MOISTURIZING your skin and conditioning your hair may be part of your daily regimen, focusing on your inner health can help your outer beauty shine.

Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions Hair, Skin & Nails softgels contain the nutrients to support hair, skin and nail health so you can look and feel your best.

Each three-softgel serving contains 5,000 micrograms of biotin. As a B-complex vitamin, biotin supports hair, nails and skin, making it the perfect foundation for any beauty routine.

The formula also includes antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. While vitamin A assists with skin maintenance and is essential for healthy skin, vitamin C is involved in collagen production and formation. Vitamin E contributes to skin health by helping to fight free radicals.

Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions Hair, Skin & Nails easy-to-swallow softgels are available in a 250-count container, offered at a substantial value compared with other retailers. Available in the warehouse and on Costco.com. Item #553486.

—Teresa Thompson JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 79

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HAPPY TUMMY, HAPPY PET. Kirkland Signature™ and Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain* dry pet foods contain guaranteed, viable levels of our proprietary blend of probiotics. Developed specifically for dogs and cats, these beneficial bacteria help support healthy digestive and immune systems to help keep your pet healthy and feeling great.

Learn more at KirklandSignaturePetSupplies.com/guaranteed-probiotics *Kirkland Signature Nature's Domain organic dry food does not contain probiotics.

Exclusively from Costco Wholesale ™KIRKLAND SIGNATURE IS A TRADEMARK OWNED BY COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION. ©2017 SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC. NATURE’S DOMAIN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.

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WAREHOUSE/COSTCO.COM | AVAILABLE NOW Item numbers vary.

Selection varies by location.

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FOR YOUR PETS

PHOTO: JACKIE MACMILLAN

Costco member Patty Lasky and her dog, Queenie.

BY CHRISTINA GUERRERO

COSTCO MEMBER Patty Lasky’s dog, Queenie, was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome that needed to be treated with an expensive prescription. When her veterinarian was out of the medication, the staff called a Costco Pharmacy to check on its availability. Not only did they carry the medication, but the Costco Pharmacy saved her more than $100 on a two-month prescription.

“You want to do what’s best for your pet, but it was a fortune,” says Lasky, who was so pleased with the savings she also referred her daughter to the Costco Pharmacy for her cat’s medication. “I’m just grateful Costco was able to save me so much on the prescriptions.”

If your veterinarian suggests a treat-

CONNECTING Costco pharmacies and Costco.com carry supplements, pill treats and many prescription items for dogs and cats. For a list of pet prescription drugs available and their price, enter “pet medications” in the search box at Costco.com. If your pet’s medication is not listed, call or visit your local Costco Pharmacy for availability and price.

ment for your dog or cat that includes a prescription, ask him or her to call or fax the prescription directly to Costco or write a prescription for you to take to the Costco Pharmacy, and you can take your pet’s meds home the same day. Costco pharmacies carry more than 150 prescription drugs commonly used for dogs and cats, including leading name brands and generics. Some of the most commonly sold prescription categories include flea and tick, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics and heartworm prevention, such as Heartgard, says Nicole Schmitt, pharmacy manager for the Costco Pharmacy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP), a member-only program for Costco members and their dependents who have no prescription drug coverage through any insurance plan, will help you save even more money on your pet’s prescriptions. Ask the Costco Pharmacy team to sign you up for CMPP, and you will receive the lowest possible Costco price for that medication. C

HEALTHY DIGESTION FOR A HEALTHY PET

BY DR. MELISSA BROOKSHIRE

EVERYONE knows how it feels to have an upset stomach: miserable! Well, our pets feel the same way.

Stomach upset and diarrhea have numerous causes and are two of the top seven reasons for a visit to the veterinarian for both dogs and cats. While not every episode of digestive upset can be prevented, you can manage some aspects of your pet’s diet to support healthy digestion and a healthy pet.

The digestive system is home to about three-fourths of the body’s immune system. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is important not only for feeling good, but also for supporting a strong immune system.

Pets have an ideal microbiome, or population of bacteria, in the digestive system. This microbiome is different in each species and can be altered when a pet experiences stress or illness or even when it eats something it shouldn’t. Diet can play a role in helping to stabilize the microbiome, which lessens symptoms of digestive upset and protects the immune system.

You may have heard of probiotics and prebiotics in relation to your own digestive health, but they are just as important to your pet. Probiotics and prebiotics are not the same thing, but they work together to create an ideal environment in the digestive tract.

The digestive system is full of live bacteria, both good and bad.

Probiotics are good bacteria that suppress the bad bacteria. Prebiotics are special fibers that create energy or fuel for the cells in the colon and for the probiotics as they move through the intestines.

FINDITKC

Save on your pet’s meds with Costco Pharmacy

CONTINUED ON PAGE 83

© ERMOLAEV ALEXANDER / SHUTTERSTOCK

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 81

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TREAT DIFFERENTLY. Treat your furry family member by choosing delicious, long-lasting Pawluxury dog chews. Made with only the best all-natural beef to keep your pup healthy and vibrant!

WAREHOUSE ONLY | AVAILABLE NOW Item #1104874

WAREHOUSE ONLY | AVAILABLE NOW Item #550324

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Cleaner Teeth for Your

Best Friend!

CONNECTING Costco members will find a variety of healthy pet foods with prebiotics and probiotics, as well as foods for younger, older and overweight pets, in the warehouses and on Costco.com. Costco and Costco.com also offer pet beds, flea and tick control items, treats, grooming and training products, kennels, crates and more.

HEALTHY DIGESTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 81

Prebiotic fiber is a special type of fiber. Dried chicory root is a rich source of this fiber. Other prebiotics include inulin, a water-soluble prebiotic fiber derived from chicory root, and fructooligosaccharides, oligosaccharides (carbohydrates) that occur naturally in plants.

These fiber sources can provide an excellent source of fuel to your pet’s digestive system to support the probiotic bacteria.

Probiotics have complex names that you may recognize from the yogurt you buy for yourself; examples include dried Lactobacillus acidophilus, dried Bifidobacterium animalis and dried L. reuteri.

Probiotics in pet food are specially prepared in order to protect their viability for the duration of the shelf life of the food. They must be added to the food after it is cooked, because the heat would kill live bacteria. The label should include a guaranteed analysis stating that the product contains “live microorganisms.” This will ensure that the food contains the live probiotics for the most benefit to your pet.

Pet nutrition has come a long way in recent years. Good nutrition is © CYNOCLUB / SHUTTERSTOCK important for a long, healthy life. Specialty ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics can enhance your pet’s diet for optimal digestion and overall good health. C Melissa Brookshire is a doctor of veterinary medicine and the founder of North River Enterprises, a pet food industry–consulting group (northriverenterprises.com).

Helps Clean Teeth Reduces Plaque & Tartar No Artificial Colors, Flavors or Preservatives Grain-Free • Gluten-Free

See box for feeding guidelines.

Not suitable for dogs under 5 lbs.

Recommended for dogs 6 months of age or older.

Exclusively from Costco Wholesale WAREHOUSE/COSTCO.COM | AVAILABLE NOW Item #971832

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 83

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Sophisticated comfort.

Imagine a room that inspires you to leave the world at the door. This six-piece bedroom collection is designed for relaxation while remaining grounded in tradition. Cedar lining is included in the footboard and the bottom drawers of the gentleman’s chest. The lingerie chest includes a convenient removable jewelry tray, while the media dresser features a flip-down front on the center top drawer for easy access to components. The nightstand includes a two-outlet power strip. Functions like these, combined with the beauty of poplar solids and rich mahogany and birch veneers, create a truly timeless collection.

WAREHOUSE ONLY | AVAILABLE EARLY JANUARY Items sold separately. Accessories not included. Selection varies by location.

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Features storage behind mirror

QUEEN BED ITEM #1074751

GENTLEMAN’S CHEST ITEM #1074755

KING BED ITEM #1074752

LINGERIE CHEST ITEM #1074757

CAL KING BED ITEM #1074753

MEDIA DRESSER ITEM #1074756

NIGHTSTAND ITEM #1074770

CHEVAL MIRROR WITH STORAGE ITEM #1074771

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WAREHOUSE ONLY | AVAILABLE EARLY JANUARY Item #726445 (Sofa), #726534 (Loveseat)

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12/12/16 12:10 PM

SPECIAL SECTION

FURNITURE

Going gray

Understanding how gray works in the home

IT’S EASY to think that all grays are cool, since they’re so popular right now. But the most beautiful grays are very complex, and not just any gray will work. A gray shade might look great on a paint chip or fabric swatch in the store, but once you get the paint on the wall or take the big new sectional home, it might not look right at all.

Learning about color undertones will help you choose your favorite gray.

True neutral grays are a mix of just black and white. Adding even the tiniest bit of color creates depth and dimension, and provides a strong foundation for accent colors. Adding a little red, orange or yellow makes a warm gray.

Adding blue or green makes a cool gray.

In general, some people prefer cool tones while others like warm colors. Which do you prefer? Look carefully for those undertones in the gray. If it’s at all possible, bring the samples home with you and live with them for a few days.

Notice what happens to the color in the light at your house, throughout the day and during a sunny day and a cloudy one.

When you are looking for accessories to go with your gray, think about the colors that would go with the undertone. You can either stay close to that undertone for a calming effect or use

THECOSTCOCONNECTION Costco carries an expanded selection of furniture seasonally in the warehouses (January and July) and year-round on Costco.com.

JENNIFER ADAMS HOME

BY JENNIFER ADAMS

contrast for a little more energy or drama.

Blues, especially dark navy and indigo tones, are also popular right now, and would look beautiful with a lighter neutral gray, a cool gray with blue undertones or a slightly warm gray with yellow undertones.

For some excitement, go with a darker charcoal gray and use lighter accent colors like bright citron yellow-green or turquoise. For a sophisticated and dramatic look, choose a medium cool gray and pair it with rich, deep colors such as spicy orange, purple, burgundy or teal.

Think of the rich tones of linen-like woven fabrics mixed with beautiful stone tile, hammered metal finishes and embellished decorations on throw pillows, ceramic pots and vases, and other accessories.

Metallics also go great with gray. Burnished copper, rose gold and brass have warm tones that set off cool and neutral grays in particular. Sparkly silvers and stainless steel go with every gray.

Here is a fun experiment: Raid your kids’ craft supplies or buy a basic acrylic paint kit and some thick white paper. Make sure the kit includes black, white and at least blue, red and yellow. Other colors are fine, too.

And just start mixing paint. Make four pure grays from light to dark, and paint a swatch of each on a card. Add a tiny bit of another color to each, and see what happens. How much color do you need to add before noticing the difference? C Jennifer Adams (askjennifer@jenniferadams. com) is a nationally syndicated interior design expert. A variety of Jennifer Adams Home products are available on Costco.com and rotate in Costco warehouses.

Freshen any style with indigo blue EVEN THOUGH indigo blue has been around for centuries, these days it’s showing up everywhere as accents and as the main event in every room in the house.

There’s a reason blue is the favorite color of so many: It’s calm, peaceful and comfortable. Think of how much blue is in your closet.

Indigo is complex, quiet, familiar and dramatic. It looks good with all the basic neutrals: beachy whites, creamy off-whites, every wood tone you can think of, leather, brown, black and the trendiest grays.

If there is one color that could be considered neutral, indigo is certainly it.

Whether used as a solid or patterned with white— especially in fabrics, tabletop accents or accessories in any room—indigo is as classic as black and adds a little bit of comfortable color to an otherwise neutral palette.—JA

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 87

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WAREHOUSE ONLY | AVAILABLE EARLY JANUARY Item #1074701 (Sofa), #1074702 (Loveseat) Accessories not included. Selection varies by location.

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SUPPLIERPROFILE

COMPANYINFO COMPANY: Klaussner Home Furnishings PRESIDENT AND CEO: Bill Wittenberg EMPLOYEES: 1,800 plus HEADQUARTERS: Asheboro, North Carolina WEBSITE: Klaussner.com ITEMS AT COSTCO: In the warehouse: Multifunction table (Item #639057; pictured at left). On Costco.com: Fabric queen sleeper sofas and fabric sectionals (search “Klaussner”).

QUOTE ABOUT COSTCO: “Klaussner has enjoyed a long relationship with Costco and is very appreciative of our partnership. We specifically built a team to meet all the demands that are necessary to successfully support the Costco business. Costco’s attention to detail and demand for product excellence has truly made Klaussner a better supplier of quality products to the Costco member.”—Bill Wittenberg

A fine finish

Klaussner builds on experience

BY T. FOSTER JONES

KLAUSSNER Home Furnishings has been pr oviding Costco members with fine furniture for several years, both in the warehouse and on Costco.com. Based in Bill Wittenberg the city of Asheboro, North Carolina, the company manufactures a variety of home furnishings: sleeper sofas, recliners, bedroom and dining room furniture, occasional tables, memory foam bedding and outdoor furniture, as well as living room upholstery.

The Connection had the opportunity to interview Bill Wittenberg, Klaussner’s president and CEO since 2010, to discuss Klaussner’s past, its accomplishments and what makes the company a great supplier.

The Costco Connection: Give our members a sense of the history of the company.

Bill Wittenberg: The company was founded in 1963 by Stuart Love and carried his name until Hans Klaussner purchased the company in 1979. Stuart was a true visionary and is credited for pioneering “just-in-time” delivery by offering truckloads of upholstered products that could ship within two weeks of taking the order.

When Mr. Klaussner bought the company he brought a very aggressive growth

plan. He used Klaussner as a platform company to purchase other companies. In 1987 the company name was changed to Klaussner Furniture. In 2007 the company was rebranded to Klaussner Home Furnishings. [Mr. Klaussner sold the company in 2011.]

CC: What have been the driving philosophies of the Klaussner company?

BW: Since we were founded we have operated under two philosophies. One is we take care of our people. Two is we take care of our customers.

CC: What makes Klaussner unique?

BW: Asheboro, North Carolina, is home

for 10 manufacturing plants, one warehouse and one distribution facility, as well as the company’s corporate headquarters.

Klaussner is the only upholstery manufacturer that is truly a vertically integrated manufacturer. We own and operate a foam pouring and fabrication company and own and operate a frame building facility, giving us complete control of the manufacturing process. The design component is the only system that is outsourced to the local design community.

CC: How has the company evolved?

BW: Over the years we have added cat-

egories outside our core domestic uphol-

stery business to include bedroom and dining room, memory foam bedding and outdoor furniture. Today, all these categories can ride on the same truck out of North Carolina, which makes us a onestop shop resource.

The retail landscape has changed over the past decade and Klaussner has had to change with it. The first thing we did was implement a business system that improved communication and accountability throughout the organization. We also empowered the management team to make decisions that directly impact our ability to meet our retail partners’ expectations as they continue to change.

Our goal, and our mantra at the company, is to be the leading solutions provider in the home furnishings industry.

CC: What kind of relationship does the company have with its employees?

BW: Our people are our most important asset! We work hard every day to provide a great working environment for them. We are one of the largest employers in our county and have second and third generations working for us, and [we] are very proud of that.

CC: What about with the community?

BW: We are very committed to our

community and feel that it is our responsibility to give back to the community. We do this through various organizations that directly impact our community, such as the United Way, YMCA and many others.

We also feel strongly about supporting our local schools, because that is where future Klaussner employees are and we want the best for them. C JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 89

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Comfort

A D V E RT I S E M E N T

&class

Accent Chair

Stylish and functional furniture for everyday living

Bayside®

Furnishings Student Desk Tempered-glass surface and large pullout tray easily accommodates a keyboard and mouse.

Item #640267.

Features classic nailhead trim and hand-finished wooden legs.

A tri-tone accent pillow is included.

Item #472747.

Universal

Broadmoore 5-Piece Dining Set This counter-height dining set features an inlaid checkerboard top with playing pieces and easy-care bonded leather seats.

Item #1000894.

®

Bayside Furnishings

Accent Cabinet Rustic drawers and cabinets of various sizes add versatile storage and color to any room. Item #1074785.

Bayside® Furnishings Ladder Bookcase Offers display storage on five fixed shelves finished in a hand-applied antique coffee color. Birch veneer construction.

Item #697334.

Sleeper Sofa Offers comfortable seating on a high-density foam cushion. The sleeper headrest easily adjusts from a lie-flat sleeping position to a slightly raised lounging position. The full-size mattress is made of supportive memory foam. Item #1074703.

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A D V E RT I S E M E N T

Natuzzi Group

Leather Pushback Recliner Features a graceful track arm, solid foam seat cushions, classic shaped legs and top-grain leather with contrast stitching. Designed in Italy.

Item #727737.

Universal Broadmoore Media Console This contemporary console, made with birch and oak veneers, accommodates most flat-panel TVs up to 65 inches. The soft-closing doors have stylish glass windows. Item #728902.

Klaussner Multifunctional Table Featuring a beautiful combination

of wood solids and knotty pine veneers, this versatile table can transform into a sofa table, dining table, server or desk. Item #639057.

Euro Lounger

Sit, recline or sleep in style. With its padded pillow-top surface, this multiposition bonded leather lounger offers extreme comfort in any room. Item #1074710.

Fabric Sofa Chaise with Storage Ottoman Featuring premium fabric and pocketed coil seating, this sofa chaise has plush padded arms, back and sides. The matching ottoman opens for storage space. Item #1074704.

Tresanti Wine Cooler This 24bottle, dual-zone wine cooler features a granite top, a lock to safeguard beverages and a storage drawer for accessories. Item #1075067.

WAREHOUSE ONLY | AVAILABLE EARLY JANUARY Accessories not included. Selection varies by location.

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A D V E RT I S E M E N T

Barcalounger Leather Recliner

This open-arm, swivel glider recliner features pad-over-chaise design, pocketed coil seating and hand-activated recline with full layout. Item #727655.

Ave Six Fabric

Chairs with Accent Table Two accent chairs are upholstered in a decorative fabric with round accent table in poplar solids and birch veneers. Item #1074706.

Sleeper Ottoman Has a soft yet supportive twin-size memory foam mattress, a headrest that can be raised to a lounging position or lowered to the flattened sleeping position, and locking casters that provide quick and easy mobility. Item #1074705.

Tresanti TV

Console This media console holds all of your entertainment accessories, while the infrared fireplace provides supplemental heat up to 1,000 square feet. Item #880661.

Pulaski Curio Cabinet This classic piece allows you to display treasured items. Features include adjustable glass shelves, LED lighting, a sliding and lockable front door and a mirrored back panel. Item #1074782.

Bayside® Furnishings 9-Piece Dining Set The set includes one table and eight chairs featuring acacia veneers with solid wood edge trim and an 18-inch self-storing, butterfly-fold leaf for easy extension. Item #1074776.

WAREHOUSE ONLY | AVAILABLE EARLY JANUARY Accessories not included. Selection varies by location.

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SPECIAL SECTION

FURNITURE

Do you need a mattress cover?

The right mattress for the best sleep

BY ROSIE WOLF WILLIAMS

A GOOD NIGHT’S sleep is never a waste of time.

And one of the essential ingredients to restful sleep is picking the right mattress. Oklahoma State University researchers found that study participants slept better and had fewer aches and pains when they slept on a new mattress, regardless of their age, weight or body mass index.

Andrew Long, vice president, channel marketing (Beautyrest) at Serta Simmons Bedding, a Costco supplier, recommends replacing your mattress every eight to 10 years. “If your mattress is more than eight years old and you are having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, this is a telltale sign that it is time to replace it,” he says. “Test out mattresses of similar comfort levels from your existing manufacturer; if there is a noticeable difference, it is time to make a change.”

The industry has probably changed since you bought your last mattress, but Long says that there are really only five basic types: • Innerspring mattresses are the traditional type of mattress, typically incorporating a system of open coils or metal springs between padding.

• Encased spring mattresses are innerspring beds whose springs are individually wrapped in fabric, allowing each spring to adjust independently to the body. The more springs, the more support and comfort.

• Memory foam mattresses are made of viscoelastic polyurethane and conform to the body to reduce pressure points and provide proper support to the body.

• Hybrid mattresses contain two technologies, typically memory foam for comfort and

encased springs for back support.

• Air mattresses use air chambers as their primary support. Some models can be inflated or deflated to change the bed’s firmness.

The choices in firm or soft, pillow-top or plush mattresses are overwhelming for the buyer, but Long says the bells and whistles are really a matter of personal preference. “Focus on support and comfort,” he says. “Remember, you can’t get one without the other. If you suffer from back problems caused by a poor mattress, spinal alignment and support may be the key. Research the difference that the latest bedding technology offers before you buy.”

Lee Neyland, brand manager at Tempur Sealy International, a Costco supplier, says that consumers should begin by researching manufacturers with a solid history of using quality foams and coils. Sleep style can be a factor in whether you prefer an innerspring or a foam mattress.

If you change positions often during the night and want a mattress that holds you up for more ease of movement, you may prefer an innerspring mattress, says Neyland, a Costco member. If you like the feel of a mattress that conforms to your body and hugs you, thereby naturally relieving pressure points, you may want to consider a high-quality foam bed. “Not all foam beds are made from the same quality materials, so it’s a good idea to do research and stick with a known and trusted brand,” he says. C Rosie Wolf Williams (alwaysrosie.com) is a freelance writer based in Vermont.

© VGSTOCKSTUDIO / SHUTTERSTOCK

Rest assured

MOISTURE, PERSPIRATION and oils could affect the density or spring of the mattress material, shortening the comfort life of the mattress. A cover can help your mattress last longer.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests using a protective cover on both the mattress and the box spring to help prevent bedbug infestation. Check regularly for holes or tears.

Lee Neyland, brand manager at Tempur Sealy, advises using a mattress cover to protect your mattress from bed-wetting, liquid spills, stains and abuse that could void its warranty.

Mattress protectors should be washed regularly to reduce the buildup of dust mites, allergens, perspiration and/or body odor.—RWW

THE

COSTCOCONNECTION Costco members will find a seasonal selection of mattresses, bed frames, mattress covers, bedding and more in Costco warehouses, and year-round on Costco.com.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 93

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Elegantly casual, comfortable dining.

Functional, stylish and easy to care for, this dining set is perfect for every home.

Crafted with rubber-wood solids and oak veneers, and finished with a subtle golden hue, this dining set coordinates seamlessly with your existing dĂŠcor. The chairs offer easy-care bonded leather seat cushions and protective floor glides, and the 80-inch-long table expands to 94 inches by adding the 14-inch leaf. When not in use, the leaf stores underneath the tabletop, making this a truly care-free transitional set.

9-PIECE COUNTER HEIGHT DINING SET ITEM #1074773

COUNTER HEIGHT STOOLS ITEM #1074774

Includes one table and eight chairs.

Includes two stools.

WAREHOUSE ONLY | AVAILABLE EARLY JANUARY Items sold separately. Accessories not included. Selection varies by location.

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SPECIAL SECTION

FURNITURE

Buyers’ picks Product selections from Costco’s furniture buying team

Casey Mangold Assistant Buyer, Furniture

Danielle Lozeau Assistant Buyer, Furniture

Jonathan Lifvendahl Assistant Buyer, Furniture

Chairside Table by Broyhill IF YOU’RE SEARCHING for a little extra closed storage space in your living room, family room, office, den or even an entryway, the Chairside Table by Broyhill is the perfect spot to house remotes, magazines, coasters, movies, video games, blankets or throws.

I really like this item because of its functionality. Measuring 14 inches wide, 22 inches deep and 23 inches tall, this sturdy side table is the right height to use as a small work surface or to display décor next to a sectional, sofa, loveseat, chair or bed. Best of all, it features a double power outlet and two USB ports, which are located on the back, allowing you to use 100 percent of the tabletop.

Enhanced with pine veneers in a handsome distressed dark brown finish, the table features an adjustable shelf behind a solid wood-framed hinged door with tempered glass. This table comes fully assembled, saving you time and effort. Item #1074780.

Available in the warehouse only.

—Jonathan Lifvendahl

Bayside Furnishings Sliding-Door Bookcase SOME PEOPLE LIKE their books out in the open; some like them closed to the elements. I love the look and versatility of enclosed bookcases. They look good in an office, living room, dining room or even a kitchen, and can be used to hold useful items, tableware, games, tools or art as well as books.

Bonus: Less dusting is needed.

I am particularly excited to be offering the Bayside Furnishings slidingdoor bookcase, currently available in all Costco warehouses. It’s a sturdy, solid piece of furniture, made of rubber wood and poplar, with birch veneers. A similar item offered elsewhere—which you may have to put together yourself—would likely not have the heft of this quality piece. This bookcase comes fully assembled, with a bit of flexibility. There are three shelves: The bottom shelf is fixed, but the top two shelves are adjustable.

And the value of this piece is extraordinary: Costco offers it for up to 50 percent less than you’d pay elsewhere.

The piece measures 47.7 inches wide by 68 inches high by 15.7 inches deep.

With the packaging, it weighs about 220 pounds, so you’ll want to bring a truck or large van to get it, along with a strong friend or two. Item #731833. Available in the warehouse only.—Casey Mangold

6-Piece Modular Sectional WHEN IT COMES to furnishings, there is really no “one size fits all.” Every home is unique in its dimensions and space. Additionally, furniture needs to be able to accommodate a changing environment, whether you are hosting a football party, a birthday party for youngsters or family movie night.

This modular sectional is a designer’s dream, as the six pieces (three armless chairs, two corner wedge chairs and one ottoman, plus two throw pillows) can be arranged in countless configurations to suit most room sizes and décors.

Connectors hold each section securely together, or the sections can be used as freestanding pieces.

The sectional features eight-way hand-tied coil springs under each cushion to provide great durability and help maintain cushion shape. Durable and stylish, this sectional is remarkably comfortable, with extra-thick, luxuriously padded seats and backs. The wood frame construction is braced with corner blocks for stability and strength. The finished hardwood feet complement and accent the rich, soft fabric. This sectional will be your family’s favorite spot to gather in your home for years to come. Item #1074699. Available in the warehouse only.—Danielle Lozeau JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 95

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FOR YOUR TABLE

Fasting food New thinking about what we eat

BY JENNIFER BABISAK

MELISSA HARTWIG WANTS dieters to rethink everything about their relationship with food. “Completely abandon the traditional mentality of dieting,” the certified sports nutritionist says. In her new books, The Whole30 Cookbook and Food Freedom Forever, she encourages readers to reject calorie counting, rebounding, guilt and shame. She also delves into the psychology of creating lasting changes in both the physical and emotional aspects of eating.

Hartwig’s Whole30 program advocates a strict 30-day period of eating unprocessed meats, fruits and vegetables while eschewing grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol and all forms of sugar. The program differs from the similar Paleo approach to eating, in that it does not allow baked goods made from grain substitutes like almond flour.

After 30 days of abstaining from the banned food items, Hartwig, a Costco member, encourages readers to slowly reintroduce foods and evaluate how they feel after eating each type of food. She

advises them to use this new information in their budding relationship with “food freedom,” developing healthy but unrestricted long-term eating habits that allow for occasional indulgences in individually defined “worth it” foods.

Cleaning up her plate When Hartwig first tried the concept of a 30-day dietary reset on herself, in 2009, she was already lean and healthy— she simply wanted to improve her athletic performance. She blogged about the results of that initial fast from potentially inflammatory foods, readers embraced the idea with enthusiasm and a Whole30 community that now counts more than 1.5 million website (whole30.com) visitors a month was born.

Hartwig describes her first 30-day dietary reset as a “profound experience” in which she realized that the physical implications of eating unhealthy foods weren’t as important as the psychological impact of relying on them. As a recovering drug addict who has been clean for 16

Recipes and photos excerpted from The Whole30 Cookbook © 2016 by Melissa Hartwig. Reproduced by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.

years, Hartwig saw parallels in the addicting aspects of food. “People feel out of control and addicted to food,” she says. “I started to listen to people’s stories and found there’s so much guilt and shame.”

In response to those stories and website visitors’ requests for more help in reforming their approach toward food, Hartwig authored the new books. They aim to give readers a broader repertoire of resources to use both during and after a Whole30 reset, expanding on the recipes and program guidelines outlined in her first two books, It Starts with Food and The Whole30.

Hartwig is notorious for a no-excuses mentality, unapologetically asserting that anyone is capable of adhering to the rigid Whole30 program for a month. But she hopes that the new books will promote long-term dietary change that some readers have previously struggled to achieve.

“For some people, it was hard to take a

102 The Costco Connection JANUARY 2017

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SCRAMBLED EGG BREAKFAST TACOS WITH QUICK CIDER-CHIPOTLE BREAKFAST SAUSAGE  SAUSAGE ¼ cup apple cider 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper 1 teaspoon dried sage, crushed, or 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 pound ground pork

EGGS 1 tablespoon clarified butter or ghee 8 large eggs Kosher salt and black pepper 12 butterhead lettuce leaves Whole30-compliant pico de gallo or hot sauce Chopped avocado (optional) Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Prepare the sausage: In a large bowl, combine the apple cider, salt, chipotle, sage, thyme, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Add the ground pork and use your hands to thoroughly mix in the seasonings.

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a bowl. Pour off any fat remaining in the skillet and wipe out the skillet.

Prepare the eggs: Place the skillet in which you cooked the sausage over medium heat and add the butter. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs just until the yolks are broken.

Pour the eggs into the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until they reach the desired doneness.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Divide the sausage and eggs among the lettuce leaves. Top with pico de gallo and, if desired, avocado and cilantro. Makes 4 servings.

SAUTÉED GREEN BEANS AND MUSHROOMS WITH FRIED EGGS

THECOSTCOCONNECTION The Whole30 Cookbook (Item #197594) and Food Freedom Forever (Item #1102858) are available in most Costco warehouses, along with a variety of healthy food choices.

short-term reset and turn it into something sustainable,” she says. “If you can lose the morality around food and stop seeing making poor food choices as a failure, that’s more than half the battle.”

Some might describe Hartwig’s nononsense, no-compromise approach to dietary transformation as “tough love.”

She doesn’t reject the label but emphasizes, “It’s a tough love that’s really heavy on the love. People need a little bit of a kick in the pants to empower themselves.”

While she hopes that her books will enable readers to make transformations in their attitudes toward food, her words have already made a huge impact on someone’s life: her own. She says, “The process of writing this book helped me establish food freedom in a way I’ve never felt before. As I wrote it down, I was absorbing and embracing it.” C Jennifer Babisak is a Houston-based writer.

ONE-PAN HERB-CRUSTED ROASTED SALMON WITH ROASTED BROCCOLI STEAKS 

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon salt, divided 4 cups arugula (2 to 3 ounces) 6 large eggs ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot Black pepper

½ cup fresh basil leaves ½ cup fresh parsley leaves 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest ¼ cup almond flour 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) 3 small heads broccoli with the stems attached (about 1 pound total) ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the green beans, thyme, garlic and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until the beans are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove and discard the thyme.

Spread the arugula on a large platter or in a large shallow bowl. Top with the hot vegetables. Let stand until the arugula wilts, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, wipe out the skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggs in the hot oil until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness, flipping the eggs if desired.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the shallot.

Toss together the wilted arugula and vegetables.

Drizzle with the dressing and top with the fried eggs.

Sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Makes 2 servings.

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Combine the basil, parsley, 4 tablespoons of the oil, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of the salt, ½ teaspoon of the pepper and the lemon zest in a blender or food processor. Cover and pulse until smooth. Pour the herb mixture into a bowl and stir in the almond flour.

Place the salmon fillets in a large roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet. Pack the herb mixture on the top of each fillet.

Trim the broccoli stems to about 3 inches below the florets. Slice the broccoli heads lengthwise into 1-inch-thick slabs (2 or 3 slabs per head), cutting from the bottom of the stems through the crown to preserve the shape of the broccoli. Brush both sides of each broccoli slice with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Arrange the broccoli in a single layer in the pan around the salmon.

Roast the broccoli and salmon for 25 minutes, turning the broccoli once halfway through roasting, until the salmon just barely starts to flake when pulled apart with a fork and the broccoli is lightly browned.

Sprinkle the broccoli with the toasted almonds before serving. Makes 2 servings.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 103

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Fiber B VITAMINS With protein, fiber and B vitamins, your favorite snack is just what the fitness guru ordered.

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FOR YOUR TABLE

SUNKIST CLASSIC LEMON BARS WITH POPPY SEED CRUST

Citrus squeeze Lemons are master multitaskers

© KIKO JIMENEZ / WESTEND61 / SHUTTERSTOCK

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened ¼ cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 2 teaspoons Sunkist lemon zest 1½ cups sugar 3 large eggs ½ cup freshly squeezed Sunkist lemon juice ½ cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixer, cream together the butter and ¼ cup powdered sugar, then mix in the flour, salt, poppy seeds and zest. Press evenly into an 8 x 8-inch nonstick baking pan. Place in preheated oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until edges are golden.

Meanwhile, in a mixer, mix the sugar, eggs and lemon juice until well combined, then add the flour and mix until well incorporated. When the pastry is done, immediately pour the filling over the hot pastry. Bake about 30 to 35 minutes or until golden and puffy.

Cool and cut into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Makes 16 bars.

Recipe courtesy of Sunkist.

WHEN LIFE GIVES you lemons, sure, you can make lemonade, but there is so much more you can do with this zesty fruit.

From dressings and desserts to pastries and potions, you’ll want to have this citrus on hand year-round.

Lemons contain high levels of vitamin C and citric acid, along with calcium, copper, iron, B-complex vitamins, phosphorus and fiber. Though native to Asia, these evergreen trees were grown in California as early as 1751. Today, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, South Africa and Australia are among the most prolific lemon-producing and -exporting countries.

Here are some simple ways to use the colorful citrus.

• Is your lettuce looking a little sad?

Bring it back to life by soaking the leaves in a large bowl filled with water and a handful of ice. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the water and soak the lettuce for 30 minutes. Dry the revived leaves and enjoy the crispness once again.

• After cutting up onions or garlic, a nice way to rid your cutting board of the strong odor is to wash it thoroughly in hot, soapy water and then rub the cut side of

THECOSTCOCONNECTION Costco carries fresh lemons, lemon juice, and fresh and frozen lemonade.

half a lemon all over it. Let it air-dry and by the next use the board should smell better than new.

Also, if your garbage disposal is smelly, toss lemon quarters or even just the peel down the disposal and run it until the disposal is clear of debris.

• Candied lemon peel makes a beautiful decoration for many desserts, and adds a pop of flavor, too. Several simple recipes online call for just lemons, water, sugar, a vegetable peeler and a saucepan.

Once made, candied lemon peel can last for several weeks.

• If you don’t always have fresh lemons on hand, making lemon ice cubes is a great way to get an extra boost of vitamin C and fiber into your day. Simply peel, wash and chunk up a lemon, throw it in a blender with a little bit of water and then pour the mixture into an ice cube tray.

Freeze and enjoy later in a tall glass of water. If you prefer a smoother texture, be sure to remove the seeds and strain the mixture before pouring it into the tray.

• Leftover lemon peels can be used to fertilize roses and other plants that need extra acidity. Cut flowers also like acidity in the water, since the acid helps to prevent callus formation. When cut flowers don’t callus over, water is able to freely flow up the stems to the flowers.

• For those looking to reduce salt intake, Joan Wickham, director of com-

© SUNKIST

BY LAURA BODE

munications at Sunkist, suggests using lemon juice and zest to add flavor to foods in place of sodium. “We recently conducted a study with culinary school Johnson & Wales and found that using lemon juice and zest reduced sodium by up to 75 percent in vegetable dishes without sacrificing flavor,” she says.

• Citrus, especially lemons, works well for roasting chicken. Simply put the lemon peel into the bird and roast. When it is time to serve the bird, family and friends will find one delicious chicken on the table.

After trying out these tips and tricks, settle down for a nice tall glass of lemonade—with lemon ice cubes, of course. C Laura Bode is a freelance writer in Redmond, Washington.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 107

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FOR YOUR TABLE

Table for two?

Tips on bringing your own wine to a restaurant

© MINERVA STUDIO / SHUTTERSTOCK

BY ANNETTE ALVAREZ-PETERS

ONE OF LIFE’S great pleasures is a perfect pairing of food and wine. I often write here about the multitudes of wines produced throughout the world and the limitless potential for enhancing meals. So what happens when you’d love to enjoy food at a fine restaurant with a special bottle of your own wine?

This is a situation that many restaurants and wine lovers face, and the answer depends on the restaurant’s corkage policy. I have experienced this many times as I have made plans for special occasions when I want to drink a special wine from my personal collection in a special place (especially where I don’t have to do the cooking). It’s the best of both worlds.

I have my own feelings on corkage policies, but as a wine buyer I have a certain bias. So I reached out to a very qualified friend, Sara Floyd, for her perspective.

Sara is a Master Sommelier and co-owner of Swirl Wine Brokers, based in the Bay Area, and part of the partnership behind Luli wines. Here’s her advice: First, start with calling the restaurant in advance to ask if patrons are allowed to bring in their own wines, if there’s a limit on the number allowed and what the corkage fee is. Every restaurant has a different attitude about corkage; it’s actually illegal in some states. You may find out right away that a certain restaurant’s policy doesn’t fit what you’re looking for.

Even if restaurants have a corkage policy, many don’t really like the practice. Sure, making guests happy is the most important goal for a restaurant owner. But running a restaurant is a business, and eliminating a significant part of a table’s revenue is a tough thing to accept. That’s especially true with minimum wages going up in many parts of the country and the price of running a restaurant higher than ever.

That said, many restaurants understand there are appropriate times to accommodate guests with their own wines.

Say, for example, you have a vintage wine you’ve been saving for a very special occasion, such as a key birthday, retirement, etc. In these cases, it’s clear that your motivation is to enjoy a truly special bottle of wine and meal, rather than cutting costs at the restaurant.

It’s a very meaningful gesture, and recommended practice, to buy at least one bottle from the restaurant’s wine list. And be sure to leave an extra-generous tip. That way you show appreciation for the time and effort the restaurant staff has spent on making your visit truly memorable.

I think these are smart and fair ideas. Here’s my take on corkage policies: I have a select number of wines in my collection that warrant special treatment and have memorable meaning for me.

That’s my motivation as I begin to make plans for a nice meal out. At the same time, I want my favorite restaurants to continue to

be successful, and I appreciate everything they do to make such delicious meals.

When I choose a bottle, I try to be sure the wine is not carried on the restaurant’s wine list, and I feel it is important to support the establishment by ordering another bottle of wine or an after-dinner drink. In addition, I always offer the server or chef a taste of my wine.

Corkage fees can be a sensible gauge for determining whether to bring your own wines. These fees range anywhere from $10 to $150 per bottle and can clearly indicate a restaurant’s tolerance for opening and serving a patron’s personal bottle.

As with most efforts to navigate policies, communication is key. Asking restaurants about their corkage policy is the best approach to achieving the best fit for your special occasion. In the right circumstances, bringing your own wine to a nice restaurant can be a win-win situation. C Annette Alvarez-Peters oversees Costco’s beer, wine and spirits program.

© SER EG

AM / S HUTTE

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JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 109

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SUPPLIERPROFILE

Left to right: Bill Crider III, Crider founder and CEO Billy Crider and executive vice president Mark Howell.

frozen food items.

A fire in 1999 devastated the business, and the plant had to be rebuilt from the ground up. Crider reopened the canning operation in 2000, and five years ago Crider Foods revamped its facilities again.

“We made a $50 million investment in upgrading our plant and put in a very automated, very safe process to do canned chicken. It’s probably more automated and safer than anybody [else] in the business,” says Billy.

©LORIGRICE.COM

Crider house rules Crider family produces quality chicken for Kirkland Signature

BY HANA MEDINA

CANNED CHICKEN IS a quick and easy ingredient to have on hand for lunches, salads and other quick meals for a hit of protein. But don’t think that just because it’s a quick ingredient that it’s made in haste. In fact, Costco’s Kirkland Signature™ Premium Chunk Chicken Breast is made by Crider Foods, a family business that’s been in the poultry industry for six decades and has provided Costco’s private-label canned chicken since 2002.

The legacy of Crider Foods starts in 1944, when founder and CEO Billy Crider’s parents entered the food business. “My mother and father started a fish market in Douglas, Georgia, and they started buying and selling chickens along with the fish market, and it expanded from there,” Crider tells The Connection. “We later built a larger poultry plant and started the poultry industry in the area.”

Crider says he grew up working in the business, because “that’s just what you did.” In 1970, the family decided to sell the plant to Flowers Industries, which at the time was a small company based in the Southeast. The family stayed involved in Flowers, forming its convenience food division, and that was where Crider got his first experiences in canning.

A fresh start Crider decided to leave the company in 1977 to start his own canning operation in Stillmore, Georgia, the current

COMPANYINFO COMPANY Crider Foods FOUNDER AND CEO Billy Crider EMPLOYEES 450 HEADQUARTERS Stillmore, GA 30464 WEBSITE criderfoods.com PHONE 1-800-342-3851 ITEMS AT COSTCO Kirkland Signature Premium Chunk Chicken Breast (all locations, also available on Costco.com); Kirkland Signature Premium Roast Beef in Beef Broth (availability varies by location, also available on Costco.com); Harvest Creek Shredded Buffalo Chicken & Pulled Pork (availability varies by location) QUOTE ABOUT COSTCO “Costco’s high quality standards have made us become a better packer. And our relationship with Costco has made us a more competitive supplier overall. We feel fortunate to have the relationship with them, and we feel very comfortable [that] we put out the best.”

—Billy Crider, founder and CEO

headquarters of Crider Foods. “I thought I did better working on my own than I did for someone else,” he says.

The company started off as a poultry processor only; canning was added to the operation in the mid-1980s. Today, Crider Foods is no longer a live poultry processor, but instead has evolved into a leading manufacturer of canned and fully cooked

Automatic quality Crider Foods’ facility is so state-of-theart that after the raw product is inspected, it does not come into human contact again until it reaches the consumer. Today, its campus comprises plants producing fully cooked frozen and canned products, with each process (cooking, canning, labeling and warehousing) accomplished via automated systems.

Automatic measures are also in place to ensure food safety. Mark Howell, executive vice president of Crider Foods, gives some examples: “We have a label verification system that reads the code on the bottom of the can, and it compares the bar codes on the label that’s being applied, and if those two don’t match, it stops the line, so that helps to make sure you don’t have any concerns that you’re mislabeling product. We also have systems in the line that look for foreign material in both the raw product and finished cans. We have a lot of systems to constantly measure quality and food safety.”

Billy Crider adds that the company exceeds government requirements for inspecting the seals of their cans, which keeps canned foods fresh and safe.

While the company and its facilities have earned many recognitions for quality, Crider Foods is most proud of its Level 3 certification from the Safe Quality Foods Institute, the highest food safety standard in the industry, measuring not only food safety, but also quality.

Today, Crider Foods produces enough canned products each year to wrap halfway around the world. Crider says his ultimate goal is to get those cans “to wrap all the way around the world.” Their products can be found in every country where Costco does business.

Next time you open a can of Kirkland Signature Premium Chunk Chicken Breast, you can rest assured that you’re opening a can of hard work, pride and ingenuity. C JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 111

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12/13/16 9:36 AM

ROASTED BROCCOLI SALAD WITH PINE NUTS, DRIED CHERRIES AND FETA

Taylor Farms

SALAD 4 cups Taylor Farms broccoli florets 1 cup raw pine nuts 2 tablespoons avocado or coconut oil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt Ground black pepper, to taste ¼ cup dried cherries 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled DRESSING 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Preheat oven to 425 F. In a large mixing bowl, toss broccoli, pine nuts, oil, oregano, salt and pepper. Spread in an even layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until broccoli and pine nuts begin to brown. Transfer to a large bowl and cool for 10 minutes. Stir in cherries and feta cheese.

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, garlic, nutmeg and pepper. Add to broccoli mixture and toss to combine. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours prior to serving.

Makes 6 servings.

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cloth books are the ideal way to playfully introduce the world of words to babies and toddlers. This month, Costco Wholesale is so pleased to feature bright and colorful treasures that are specially designed for learning as well as for cuddling. Read and sing along with Old MacDonald, the Itsy Bitsy Spider and many more.

books!

Lindsay Bubitz

Asst. Buyer, books

1

Kidsbooks | soft cloth books | available early January | Item #968954

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1 Two books in one Sylvan has been a trusted educational partner for parents for over 30 years. Their grade-appropriate workbooks help students master fundamental skills in math and reading that are needed for success throughout elementary school and beyond. Reading & Math Workout books will allow young learners to flex the muscles in their brain, helping them develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

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2 Bad Kitty is a fur ball of fun!

Bad Kitty is back in Bad Kitty Takes a Test. Kids will love this funny, heartfelt new adventure. Also choose from Bad Kitty Goes to the Vet and more.

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Razorbill | hardcover | available December 27 | Item #1126087

These easy-to-carry, wipe-clean activity books transform into easels to provide a fun way for children to practice their pen control. Choose from Things That Go, Animals, Under the Sea and First Words.

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4 Listen and learn with sounds galore!

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Your little ones will delight in these bright, colorful pages with sound buttons. Kids can learn their colors and numbers with the help of Little Friends. Also look for Playtown and Eric Carle’s Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear?.

Simon Spotlight | hardcover | available early January | Item #675277

5 Deluxe 10th-anniversary edition Mysterious cassette tapes guide Clay Jensen through the too-short life of Hannah Baker, as her voice takes him around town and through her pain. The best-selling modern classic, Thirteen Reasons Why, that has been changing lives for a decade is now available with an allnew cover and previously unreleased additional content, including deleted scenes, a secret alternate ending for Hannah and Clay that almost was and more.

6 4 books in 1 Follow the wacky and zany Billy Sure Kid Entrepreneur, the heartwarming The Critter Club and the girls from The Kicks by U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan, or ride along with Bella and Glimmer in Unicorn Magic. All are four books bound into one book.

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Priddy Books | board book | available mid-January | Item #1129267

Enjoy Potty Time! with Elmo and look for Dory, Star Wars and the Disney Princesses too. Each set contains two sound books, a look-and-find book and stickers with the characters your children love.

Phoenix International | box set | available now | Item #1034659

Books may not be available in all locations or at Costco.com. All book jackets are subject to change. Books carried by Costco in no way reflect the opinions of Costco’s management, buying staff or The Costco Connection.

USp118_ads_R1.indd 1

WAREHOUSE ONLY

12/14/16 12:41 PM

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

COSTCO STUDIO / FRANCE FREEMAN

Kopps and robbers

Girl Waits with Gun plucks three women out of history WHEN AMY STEWART was researching a gin smuggler for her book The Drunken Botanist, she accidentally stumbled upon an intriguing 1915 New York Times article. The author of six nonfiction books quickly Amy Stewart felt herself being wooed.

“This happens all the time when you are doing research, and usually you have to move on,” Stewart tells The Connection, speaking from her home in Eureka, California. “But I was so fascinated with this story.”

The article told of a yearlong saga that began with silk factory owner Henry Kaufman carelessly slamming his car into the buggy of sisters Constance, Norma and Fleurette Kopp, and ended with nothing short of a sting operation, involving Constance Kopp on a street corner with a gun, helping police catch Kaufman. Once Stewart dug into the story of the Kopp sisters and learned how that single car accident changed the trajectory of their lives over a 15year-period, there was no walking away from it—or from them.

But how best to tell the tale? “I knew right away that it should be fiction, not nonfiction, and that it should be a series,” says Stewart, a Costco member and owner of Eureka Books.

Girl Waits with Gun is the first book in the series. The second, Lady Cop Makes Trouble, is already in print, and the third is expected out later this year. Using fiction allowed Stewart to fill in the gaps in the story. Though she stuck to the newspaper accounts, she did invent side plots to keep the narrative interest strong.

SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY Costco has 50 signed copies of Amy Stewart’s Girl Waits with Gun with signed book plates to give away. To enter, go to costcoconnection bookgiveaway.com.

NO PURCHASE, PAYMENT OR OPT-IN OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. Purchase will not improve odds of winning. Sweepstakes is sponsored by Costco Wholesale, 1045 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA 98027. Open to legal residents of the U.S. (except Puerto Rico) who are age 18 or older at the time of entry. One entry per household. Entries must be received before the February issue is available online, which will happen around January 25, 2017. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by mail on or before March 1, 2017.

The value of the prize is $14.95. Void where prohibited.

Winners are responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Employees of Costco or Houghton Mifflin and their families are not eligible.

© TERRENCE-MCNALLY

BY JUDI KETTELER

(Her source notes at the end make clear what’s real and what’s invented.)

The on-the-cusp-of-war 1914 time period may resonate with fans of Downton Abbey— though the Kopp sisters’ farmhouse at the edge of Paterson, New Jersey, is a far different world from the Downton estate. But conflicting ideas about women’s roles as modernization begins to take hold is very much a theme of the book. The more the reader gets to know Constance Kopp—not just her spunky side, but also her hidden past—the more interesting the story gets.

There is an airiness and humor about Girl Waits with Gun, beginning with the first sentence. Stewart thought carefully about how to craft the work’s voice, which she instinctively knew needed to be Constance Kopp’s voice. “I wanted it to sound spoken, to read as if she was sitting in an armchair telling the story,” she says.

One of the things Stewart did was to watch a clip of her own great-grandmother speaking.

“She was born in 1905 in Pennsylvania, so is as close to anyone in that age group I’ve ever known. She spoke in a very forthright manner, without the same uncertainty and verbal tics we have today.”

Stewart took that insight, along with images she found of Constance Kopp and newspaper accounts that described her, and began to build the voice. Once she had that, the characters came to life. “I had very clear pictures of them in my head,” she says.

Before writing Girl Waits with Gun, Stewart was known for her nonfiction, including four New York Times best-sellers. “The Kopp sisters are my whole life now,” she admits.

There is no set plan for how many books will be in the series, only that it will cover the 15 years the Kopp sisters were involved in fighting crime. There may be more ahead, too: Brownstone Productions has optioned the books, and Stewart says that two female screenwriters are working on writing a pilot.

Writing a series can be demanding for sure, but Stewart sees it as an honor. “These could have been any three women plucked out of history. They are not famous. But I want to tell them: You are not forgotten.”

Readers who enter the world of the Kopp sisters will not soon forget them either. C

PENNIE’S PICK THIS MONTH my book buyer’s pick is a great example of early 1900s girl power: Amy Stewart’s Girl Waits with Gun. The novel was inspired by the true story of a silk factory owner destroying the Kopp sisters’ buggy in a traffic accident. When the factory owner refuses to pay for damages, the town prosecutor says he won’t help. The county sheriff, however, teaches all three sisters to shoot, and the oldest one, Constance, becomes one of the first female deputy sheriffs of the early 20th century.

I can’t help but praise Stewart not only for how she fleshes out the events in this story, but also for the way she brings to life these highly unusual sisters and the times in which they live.

Girl Waits with Gun (Item #1126042) is available now in most Costco warehouses.

For more book picks, see page 122.

—Pennie Clark Ianniciello, Costco book buyer

The author of two other books, Judi Ketteler is currently working on a young adult novel.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 119

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12/13/16 9:47 AM

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COOK’S NOTE Always wash fruits and vegetables before peeling them, since bacteria on the skin can be transferred to the produce while peeling.

2 large garlic cloves, minced Grated zest of ½ lemon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1½ teaspoons salt, divided ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided 1 (2-pound) lean boneless center-cut pork loin roast, trimmed ½ butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 16 pieces 2 large parsnips, cut into 2-inch lengths 2 large carrots, cut into 2-inch lengths 4 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch lengths 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 Preheat oven to 450 F. Spray large roasting pan with olive oil nonstick spray.

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Scatter squash, parsnips, carrots and celery around pork; drizzle with oil.

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3 Transfer pork to cutting board and let stand 10 minutes. Cut pork into 16 slices and serve with vegetables.

PER SERVING (2 SLICES PORK AND 1 CUP VEGETABLES): 281 Cal, 14 g Total Fat, 5 g Sat Fat, 544 mg Sod, 14 g Total Carb, 4 g Sugar, 4 g Fib, 24 g Prot. SmartPoints value: 5

Vital lessons for our time William Morrow | hardcover | available January 10 | Item #1129234

One of the country’s most influential political journalists presents the three days between Eisenhower’s prophetic “farewell address” and his successor JFK’s inauguration as the final mission of one of modern America’s great leaders. Eisenhower intensely advised the 43-year-old Kennedy in those three days and beyond, hoping to prepare a new generation for what was to come. Powerful and enlightening, Th ree Days in January sheds light on a little-known Eisenhower—an under-appreciated giant of U.S. history.

When an old friend calls, asking for a favor on the down-low, Stone Barrington can’t refuse. A delicate situation is about to get really ugly, and only someone with Stone’s stealth and subtlety can contain the possible damage.

But as he soon learns, damage control is only the beginning in Below the Belt.

Dangerous obsessions Delacorte Press hardcover | available January 3 | Item #2017433

The secret mistress of a Russian billionaire, Natasha Leonova has everything she could ever want. Except freedom. But sparks fly when she meets the son of a brilliant artist, Theo, and she begins to imagine a world of freedom that she can never experience. The Mistress is a riveting story of fortune, cruelty and courage.

A CLASSIC NOVEL OF FAITH Picador tradepaper | available early January | Item #1131132

Shusaku Endo is one of Japan’s foremost novelists, and Silence is generally regarded to be his masterpiece. Th is powerful novel tells the story of a seventeenth-century Portuguese priest in Japan at the height of the fearful persecution of the small Christian community. Silence appeals to us all to consider what it is to be a human being as we navigate our way between heaven and earth.

Books that inspire Ballantine Books, Penguin Books, Random House Trade Paperbacks | paperback | available early January | Item #1129289

The Road to Character shows readers how to rethink priorities. Mindset is the updated best-seller on setting goals, and Getting Th ings Done shows how to accomplish them. A New Earth is the classic spiritual manifesto for a better life.

Books may not be available in all locations or at Costco.com. All book jackets are subject to change. Books carried by Costco in no way reflect the opinions of Costco’s management, buying staff or The Costco Connection.

USp120_ads_R1.indd 1

WAREHOUSE ONLY

12/15/16 1:56 PM

REINALDO CODDOU

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Hitting the mark Veronica Roth returns with a new series

BY J. RENTILLY

hood, she believes wisdom—or at least FOR VERONICA ROTH, the 28-year-old comfort—can be found in every kind wordsmith behind the three-book of storytelling.

Divergent series, a young adult publishing “What’s so great about genre stories is phenomenon, the uses of enchantment that they create a safe place for readers to are myriad. If readers of the 32 million encounter the unimaginable or the overbooks Roth has sold are any reliable gauge, whelming or the terrible,” says Roth from she is far from alone in seeking—and findthe Chicago home she shares with her ing—thrills, truth, tonic and fellowship in husband, photographer Nelson Fitch. “We tall tales well told. go into Harry Potter’s world because it’s Carve the Mark, the author’s latest safe enough for us to go face to face with novel (and first in nearly four years), how stressful and scary our world can be. is likely to further expand the number of readers in her sway. The If Harry can do it, maybe Divergent trilogy riveted we can too. We’re going to readers with the cliffhanginsult that kind of story ing, anarchist derringbecause it’s got a magic do of Tris and Tobias, wand in it? That kind of star-crossed lovers in a story is empowering.”

If it sounds as though soul-crushing dystopian Chicago. Carve is a brisk, Roth has front-row experirresistible science-fiction ience with the healing adventure about individualproperties of genre fiction, ity, destiny, tyranny and the well, that’s because she has. power of love in its many Blindsided by her parents’ guises. The story, co-nardivorce when she was just rated by a boy who is con5 years old, she sought flicted about his growing solace in the fabulist conaffinity with the villains coctions and principled musings of authors who long ago abducted him, and a revenge- THECOSTCOCONNECTION like Frank Herbert (Dune), Orson Scott driven young woman Carve the Mark (Item #1125139) will Card (Ender’s Game) who becomes the boy’s be available in most Costco wareand K.A. Applegate best chance at libera- houses on January 17.

(Animorphs). When tion, is already garnershe was 11 years old, Roth—aiming to ing favorable comparisons to Star Wars. honor her mother’s solitary house rule: Do Roth is agnostic when it comes to not ever say you’re bored—began writing labeling fiction or pigeonholing genre and self-publishing homemade editions work. A compulsive reader since child-

of her short stories. Finally, as a senior with a creative writing major at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, Roth rolled up her sleeves to write her first novel—“the kind of thing I’d want to read, first and foremost,” she says.

Before her 2010 graduation, Roth had sold Divergent’s book and film rights. Within weeks of Divergent’s publication, it topped the New York Times best-seller list. The film series, starring Shailene Woodley and Kate Winslet, followed quickly and has grossed nearly $1 billion at the global box office.

The fourth and final installment of the Divergent film franchise is due sometime in 2017.

Since 2013, however, Roth’s fans have been crying out for an encore. To oblige, the author returned to an idea she first hatched as a teenager, when her adolescent writing chops were insufficient, she says, for the task at hand.

“Divergent was difficult to write at first, too, until I had a pretty major epiphany: It’s not his story and it’s not her story; it’s their story. Without relationship, all you have is plot,” Roth says. “That had a profound impact on writing Carve the Mark, which I’d been trying to write, off and on, since I was, like, 12.”

Having recently wrapped up work on Carve’s follow-up (due in early 2018), the author reflects momentarily on another use of enchantment: self-knowledge.

Everything Roth has ever written has been about “walking through or working out” aspects of her most private life in therapeutic ways, she says.

“Writing has given me so much awareness of myself,” Roth says. “Divergent was all about this young woman encountering her fears, trying to overcome them— which was exactly where I was when I was writing it. So I’m kind of excited and a little freaked out to see what Carve the Mark will tell me about the last couple years of my life. I’m sure it’s something. We’re all working on something, aren’t we?” C J. Rentilly is a Los Angeles–based writer.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 121

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12/12/16 8:42 AM

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Staff book picks FOR YEARS I’ve been hearing about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, mayo clinic.org, following the traditional Mediterranean Alexandria diet has several beneKanenwisher fits, including a reduced Assistant Buyer risk of heart disease, a lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL, aka “bad” cholesterol) and a reduced incidence of cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

So, with help from The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, KitchenTested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day, by the editors at America’s Test Kitchen, I’ve been trying out recipes that adhere to that eating plan.

What intrigues me about the Mediterranean diet is that the recipes are primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, and butter is replaced by olive oil.

What a delicious way to get healthy!

Not only are the recipes good for you, but many of them are quick enough to make for dinner, coming together in 45 minutes or less. Recipes in the cookbook include Provençal Fish Soup; Freekeh Salad with Butternut Squash, Walnuts and Raisins; Stewed Chickpeas with Eggplant and Tomatoes; and Orange Polenta Cake.

I also like that the book features fullcolor photography of finished dishes and more than 200 stepby-step photos.

With so many food ideas to choose from, you won’t feel like you are dieting at all. This cookbook is packed full of recipes that are creative and easy to follow. Everyone will enjoy each meal while keeping their healthy eating on track. It’s the best of both worlds. (Item #2016285; 12/27) C

NEW TITLES AVAILABLE IN THE WAREHOUSE The Eat Fat, Get Thin Cookbook: More Than 175 Delicious Recipes for Sustained Weight Loss and Vibrant Health, by Mark Hyman Item #1124290; available now The 30-Day Ketogenic Cleanse: Reset Your Metabolism with 160 Tasty Whole-Food Recipes & Meal Plans, by Maria Emmerich Item #949480; 12/26 Goop Clean Beauty, by the editors of Goop Item #1124313; 12/27 Good Housekeeping 400 Healthy Recipes: Easy Delicious LowCalorie, from Good Housekeeping Item #1124787; 1/2 The Beans & Grains Bible, by Emma Borghesi Item #1039272; 1/2

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122 The Costco Connection JANUARY 2017

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ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Journey back in time with The Tumbling Turner Sisters

Sister act NETKOFF / SHUTTERSTOCK

KRISTEN DACEY LWAI

BY JUDY GELMAN AND VICKI LEVY GRUPP

THIS MONTH, we recommend that you make Juliette Fay’s The Tumbling Turner Sisters your next book club pick. It’s 1919, and Frank Turner is out of work. To help Juliette Fay make ends meet, his resourceful wife and four daughters take their tumbling act on the road, leaving their upstate New York home to join the vaudeville circuit. Sisters Gert and Winnie share the family’s adventures as they perform in theaters—some seedy, some grand—throughout the eastern United States, gathering wisdom from an eclectic assortment of fellow vaudevillians along the way.

The Turners and their fellow performers consume many sandwiches as they travel the vaudeville circuit. “Quick to make, wrap and carry, sandwiches have always been a mainstay of many travelers,” says Fay. “Vaudevillians stretching their pennies could get a budget-friendly cheese sandwich at the drugstore food counter in any town for about a dime.

When they came up in the world they might feast on savory and filling corned beef, as the Turner family did.”

In upstate New York, where the Turners live, the spiedie sandwich—originally made with succulent chunks of marinated, grilled lamb wrapped in a slice of bread—is an institution. Italian immigrant Agostino Iacovelli popularized the spiedie in his Binghamton, New York, restaurant in the 1920s.

He and his brother worked at the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company — the same factory t hat emp e mp loy e d Frank, the Turner sisters’ father, in the novel.

THECOSTCOCONNECTION

To help make your book club gathering special, here is an era-appropriate recipe (see below) to serve while you chat about the book. This traditional lamb spiedie would assure the Turner family they had arrived.

In addition, the character of Joe mentions that his mother makes pasta e fagioli, pasta puttanesca and biscotti. He and Winnie share a meal of linguini and meatballs in Boston’s North End. The vaudevillians also sip a variety of drinks and cocktails, including rum and Coke, Manhattans, Madeira, rye, sherry, Champagne and the nonalcoholic beverage sarsaparilla. C

The Tumbling Turner Sisters (Item#1126545; 1/3) is in most Costco warehouses, along with food and drink to host a memorable book club.

Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Grupp are behind the cookbook and website The Book Club Cookbook (bookclubcookbook.com).

LAMB SPIEDIE

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ¾ cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar

VICKI LEVY GRUPP

OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS Click here for a video of Juliette Fay talking about The Tumbling Turner Sisters. (See page 14 for details.)

4 garlic cloves, minced 1 bay leaf ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1½ teaspoons dried thyme 1½ teaspoons dried basil 1½ teaspoons dried oregano ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 2 pounds leg of lamb, cut into 1½-inch chunks 6 hoagie rolls, cut lengthwise Melted butter or oil, for brushing Special equipment: Metal or wooden skewers soaked in water for 10 to 15 minutes

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and sugar. Add garlic, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, thyme, basil, oregano, salt and black pepper. Stir until well blended.

Place lamb chunks in a large resealable plastic bag set in a shallow dish.

Pour marinade mixture over meat and close bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for three days, turning the bag occasionally to distribute the marinade.

Remove the meat from the refrigerator and let stand in the marinade at room temperature for 2 hours. Drain, reserving the marinade.

Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Thread 4 or 5 cubes of meat onto each

skewer. Place skewers onto the prepared hot grill and cook approximately 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with reserved marinade. Remove skewers from grill.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Brush the insides of each roll with butter or oil. Grill facedown for a minute or two, until lightly toasted.

To serve, place a skewer of meat in a roll, clamp the roll shut and withdraw the skewer, leaving the meat sandwiched inside. Makes 6 sandwiches.

Recipe adapted from What’s Cooking America (whatscookingamerica.net).

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12/13/16 10:12 AM

Film focus A D V E RT I S E M E N T

& T Fil V m

This month at Costco, experience some of television’s best from Britain and beyond. More titles and multiple seasons for each series are available.

Sherlock: Season One, Two, Three | DVD | Available 12/26/16 | Item #6570256

Doctor Who: The Complete Ninth Series | DVD | Available 1/9/17 | Item #1124057

The Doctor Blake Mysteries: Season Three | DVD | Available 1/3/17 | Item #1124059

Shetland: Season Three | DVD | Available 1/3/17 | Item #1124059

The Durrells in Corfu: The Complete First Season | DVD | Available 12/26/16 | Item #1123787

Indian Summers: The Complete Second Season | DVD | Available 12/26/16 | Item #1123787

Churchill’s Secret DVD | Available 12/26/16 Item #6570045

Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands DVD | Available 12/26/16 Item #6561117

Close to the Enemy DVD | Available 12/27/16 Item #1125614

The Secret Agent DVD | Available 12/27/16 Item #1120719

Capital DVD | Available 12/27/16 Item #1120719

19-2: Season 3 DVD | Available 12/27/16 Item #1125647

© 2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd. Program © 2016 British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC and the BBC logos are trademarks of the British Broadcasting Corporation and are used under license. BBC logo © BBC 1996. All rights reserved. The PBS logo is a registered trademark of the Public Broadcasting Service and is used with permission. © RLJ.

WAREHOUSE ONLY

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ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

A man of characters

Actor Toby Jones explores himself through his roles

BY STEVE FISHER

TOBY JONES MAY not be a household name in the United States, but he’s definitely a household face. His appearances as Truman Capote in Infamous (2006), Alfred Hitchcock in The Girl (2012) and Dr. Arnim Zola in two of the Captain America films, as well as turns in countless other film and television shows, have made him almost as well known to American audiences as he is in his native England. But when faced with the question “Who is Toby Jones?” he responds, “The reason I became an actor was to try and find out the answer to that question.”

In an interview with The Connection from his home in London, Jones was both introspective and forthcoming.

“Part of the reason people become actors is to explore areas of themselves that aren’t immediately obvious,” he says.

“And one of the interesting things is to discover aspects of your personality you didn’t know existed. As I get older, just to the point where people imagine that you should know who you are, I’ve decided I know less and less about who I am.”

Three British television titles show decidedly different aspects of the actor.

One is Detectorists,, which chronicles the lives of people living relatively mundane existences who take up metal detecting expeditions as a hobby. The series was created and written by actor Mackenzie Crook, who actually shares the hobby with his character. Jones first paired with Crook in Muppets Most Wanted (2014).

Crook told Jones he had written a part in Detectorists for him and asked him to read the script.

“I started reading the sample dialogue he sent to me,” recalls Jones. “It’s a very dry, you might say very British, comedy, but it’s also a comedy that isn’t needy.

And I loved that about it. It’s not needing you to love it all the time.

“Primarily there’s a strong enough story to draw you into the world of these characters, and they exist as three-dimensional people. A lot of people talk about finding it a very reassuring, peaceful watch as well as being hilarious. It’s beautifully photographed, and it portrays an aspect of England that people in America won’t have seen before.”

Toby Jones (right) in The Secret Agent; and (far right) in Detectorists.

PHOTOS COURTESY © ACORN TV

OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS Click here to watch three short trailers. (See page 14 for details.)

THECOSTCOCONNECTION All three titles are available in warehouses on DVD. Each sold separately. Item #1120719

Capital, a satire about out-of-control property values, is “exactly the opposite,” Jones says. “It’s about a specific street, a microcosm of what’s going on in the city, in which you have old residents who’ve been there when the area was unfashion-

able and you have bankers who’ve moved in—and I play a banker in it who is from a completely different side of London,” he explains. “It’s about how that street interacts as it becomes a major source of capital. The people who haven’t had much money before suddenly find themselves multimillionaires because of where they live.”

The third show is The Secret Agent, a three-part adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s 1907 novel. “It’s about a terrorist cell, a rather chaotic, anarchic terrorist cell,” Jones says. “My character is driven by the Russian Embassy to generate chaos in London through the laying of bombs, a task ... I’m not really up to ... because I’m not the most intelligent spy, and I’m also disempowered, and I think we belong to a rather chaotic unit of people who talk a bigger game than they’re able to deliver. And it’s about the tragic consequences of terrorist action by such a group. So they’re very, very contrasting projects.”

And while all three shows are compelling, Jones is not likely to watch them himself.

“It’s endlessly disappointing to watch yourself on screen,” he claims. “You never look like you thought you were going to look when you played the part. There’s always an area of discrepancy because you always look at what you haven’t done. So it’s often very disappointing to watch yourself, and as a result it’s not something, you know, you run to do. I’m only relieved that other people are prepared to put up with it.” C JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 125

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stay seated

Shop online at Costco.com—for furniture delivered right to your home!

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1 Portofino Home Manhattan 6-Piece Deep Seating Fabric Set Other configurations available. Price varies by configuration. #1053504 $3,499.99 Delivered After $400 OFF 2 Assorted Accent Chairs Search*: CHAIRJAN17C $40–$60 OFF Delivered

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3 Hamilton Reversible Fabric Chaise Sectional Available in java or dark gray. #1037371 $699.99 Delivered After $200 OFF 4 Bali® Custom Blinds and Shades Custom window treatments, easy do-it-yourself installation, complimentary cordless lift upgrade. Safety is always in style. Search*: BALIJAN17C All items valid 1/1/17–1/31/17.

Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

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1 Annora 9-Piece Dining Set Includes table and eight dining chairs. Other configurations available. Price varies by configuration. #447122 $3,499.99 Delivered After $500 OFF

3 Arianna Swivel Barstool, Taranto Swivel Barstool, Branson Swivel Barstool Available in 26" or 30". Search*: BARSTOOLJAN17C $20 OFF Delivered

2 Brookshire 9-Piece Counter-Height Dining Set Includes counter-height table and eight counter-height chairs. #583913 $1,999.99 Delivered After $350 OFF Also available: Brookshire 7-Piece CounterHeight Dining Set #583915 $1,699.99 Delivered After $250 OFF

4 Montcross 7-Piece Dining Set Includes table and six dining chairs. #240532 $1,299.99 Delivered After $300 OFF Also available: Montcross Dining Chair 2-Pack #240689 $159.99 Delivered After $40 OFF

5 Ryland 4-Piece Home Office Suite Includes 66" executive desk, credenza, hutch and lateral file. Other configurations available.

Price varies by configuration. #722382 $3,499.99 Delivered After $700 OFF 6 Conductor Office Chairs Other colors/ styles available. Price varies by style.

Search*: CONDUCTJAN17C $30–$40 OFF Delivered All items valid 1/1/17–1/31/17. costco.com E·2

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beauty & comfort

Shop year-round on Costco.com for quality bedroom furniture & more!

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2 6 1 Chambers Bedroom Collection #1036912 $100 OFF Delivered Other sizes/configurations available. Price varies by size/configuration.

2 Bordeaux Bedroom Collection #1149557 Up to $300 OFF Delivered Other sizes/configurations available. Price varies by size/ configuration.

3 Caymen 4-Piece Queen Bedroom Set Includes bed, two nightstands and chest. #1086785 $1,599.99 Delivered After $300 OFF Other sizes/configurations available. Price varies by size/ configuration.

4 Novaform Deluxe Comfort Memory Foam Queen Mattress #596343 $399.99 Delivered After $100 OFF Other sizes available.

Price varies by size.

5 Mila Bedroom Collection #1017550 Up to $300 OFF Delivered Other configurations available. Price varies by configuration.

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6 Peyton Bedroom Collection #690150 Up to $200 OFF Delivered Other configurations available. Price varies by configuration.

All items valid 1/1/17–1/31/17.

Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

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12/12/16 1:05 PM

1 Norah 4-Piece Queen Bedroom Set Includes bed, two nightstands and slidingdoor chest. #1123717 $2,499.99 Delivered After $500 OFF Other sizes/configurations available. Price varies by size/configuration.

2 Taylor 72" Media Console Electronics not included. #142405 $899.99 Delivered After $200 OFF 3 Spring Air Penny Hybrid Firm Queen Mattress #215273 $899.99 Delivered After $100 OFF Other sizes/configurations available. Price varies by size/configuration.

4 Dormeo püreLUX 12" Ultracool Queen Memory Foam Mattress #1097375 $599.99 Delivered After $100 OFF Other sizes available. Price varies by size.

5 Westport Fabric Sleeper Loveseat Available in dark gray, black or navy blue. #1123587 $799.99 Delivered After $100 OFF All items valid 1/1/17–1/31/17.

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leather savings Costco.com offers great savings on luxurious leather seating sets—delivered to your home!

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6 1 Lawrence Top Grain Leather Sectional with Ottoman #1117594 $2,499.99 Delivered After $300 OFF

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2 Claire Top Grain Leather Sectional #1082790 $2,799.99 Delivered After $500 OFF 3 Fairfax 3-Piece Top Grain Leather Reclining Set Includes reclining sofa, reclining loveseat and recliner. #1082801 $2,899.99 Delivered After $600 OFF Also available: Fairfax 2-Piece Top Grain Leather Reclining Set. Includes reclining sofa and reclining loveseat. #1082804 $2,499.99 Delivered After $500 OFF 4 Bridgeville 4-Piece Top Grain Leather Set Includes sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman and four accent pillows. #1082812 $2,999.99 Delivered After $550 OFF 5 Romano 3-Piece Top Grain Leather Power Media Recliners Available in red or black. #983763 $1,999.99 Delivered After $300 OFF

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6 Westerville 2-Piece Italian Top Grain Leather Set Includes sofa and loveseat. #1113451 $2,799.99 Delivered After $600 OFF Also available: Westerville 3-Piece Italian Top Grain Leather Set. Includes sofa, chair and ottoman. #1113455 $2,799.99 Delivered After $600 OFF All items valid 1/1/17–1/31/17.

Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

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12/12/16 1:05 PM

THIS VALENTINE’S DAY Find the Perfect Gift Online at Costco.com

Freshwater 9–9.5 mm Pearl and Diamond Ring 14kt white gold. #1095537 $699.99 Delivered

Black Tahitian 8.5–9.0 mm Pearl and Diamond Pendant 14kt white gold. #695430 $399.99 Delivered

Freshwater 4–9 mm Graduated Pearl Strand 14kt yellow gold. #1103649 $299.99 Delivered

Tahitian 8.5–9.0 mm Pearl and Diamond Earrings 14kt white gold. #695423 $529.99 Delivered

Freshwater 8.5–9 mm Pearl and Diamond Bracelet 18kt yellow gold. #1088318 $999.99 Delivered

White Freshwater 9–9.5 mm Pearl Stud Earrings 14kt white gold. #567634 $176.99 Delivered

Freshwater 11–12 mm Pearl and Diamond Earrings 14kt white gold. #1063156 $1,599.99 Delivered

All diamonds are minimum VS2 clarity, I color.

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12/12/16 1:05 PM

cozy floors & more

Costco.com has the details covered for every room in your home

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5 Thomasville Marketplace Luxury Trellis Shag Rug 1 Ecarpetgallery Shag Rug Collection Various sizes/styles available.

Price varies by size/style. Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 Search*: ECARPETJAN17C Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #100318428 $30–$100 OFF Delivered $35–$90 OFF Delivered 6 Novaform Serafina Collection 3" Gel-Memory Foam Mattress Topper with TriComfort Technology Foam helps relieve pressure points, 2 Classic Antiquity Olefin Machine-Made Rug Collection Various allowing you to fall asleep faster. Cotton cover included. Various sizes sizes and colors available. Price varies by size. Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 available. Price varies by size. Also available at Costco warehouses.

Search*: RUGJAN17C $20–$90 OFF Delivered 3 Luxe Therapeutic Floor Mats Innovative woven vinyl is UV stable and Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 #100318851 $20–$30 OFF Delivered GREENGUARD certified. Various sizes and colors available. Price varies by size. Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #100122211 $10–$20 OFF Delivered 4 Thomasville Marketplace Luxury Shag Rug Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #100034440 $30–$100 OFF Delivered

7 SleepBetter™ Iso-Cool® by Isotonic® 3" Total Body Comfort ViscoElastic Memory Foam Topper with Outlast® Cover 100% visco-elastic memory foam. Various sizes available. Price varies by size.

Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #100053893 $30–$40 OFF Delivered

Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

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1 Dream Haven Down Alternative Comforters Various sizes available. Price varies by size. Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #100307522 $20 OFF Delivered

4 Allied Home RDS White Goose Down Comforter OR Goose Down Pillow Various sizes available. Price varies by size. Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 Search*: DOWNJAN17C $20–$45 OFF Delivered

2 Silk Haven All-Natural, Silk-Filled Comforter OR Pillow Made with mulberry silk fill. Available in queen or king. Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 Search*: SILKJAN17C $20–$40 OFF Delivered

5 Live Comfortably Cuddlebed Mattress Topper 100% cotton cover, premium polyester fiberfill. Various sizes available. Price varies by size.

Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #11757939 $12 OFF Delivered

3 Novaform 4" Dual-Layer Memory Foam Mattress Topper Cotton cover is removable and machine washable. Various sizes available. Price varies by size. Valid 12/27/16–1/31/17 #11765697 $20–$36 OFF Delivered

6 Premium DuraLOFT® Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Comforter Cover is made of 500-thread-count 100% cotton sateen, woven in a damask stripe fabric. Various sizes available. Price varies by size.

Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #100070465 $10 OFF Delivered

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cold nights, warm bed Warm up to savings on comforters and toppers at Costco.com! costco.com E·8

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12/12/16 3:48 PM

entertaining ideas

For creating great outdoor living spaces, look to Costco.com!

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Outdoor Hospitality USA Commercial Patio Furniture

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1 San Marino 28-Piece Estate Collection

by Sirio Includes eight-piece deep seating set, nine-piece dining set with ceramic tabletop, five-piece club chair set, threepiece daybed and three-piece lounge set.

All-weather woven resin wicker with Sunbrella fabric. Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #941140 $6,499.99 Delivered After $500 OFF 2 Outdoor Hospitality USA Commercial Patio Furniture, 24-Unit Minimum 100% American-made and manufactured for over 100 years. Collections include sling, strap, deep-seated cushion, cushion tables or umbrellas. Additional 15% OFF Valid through 1/31/17, 24-unit minimum required. #11762742

woven resin wicker and Sunbrella fabric.

Valid 1/1/17–1/31/17 #1053039 $2,499.99 Delivered After $500 OFF 4 Organize with Flow Wall Wall storage and organization systems for home and workspace. Search*: FLOWWALLJAN17C 5 SunSetter Motorized and Manual Awnings Create shade, protection and comfort by transforming your deck or patio into an outdoor room. Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 Search*: SUNSETTERJAN17C 15% OFF Delivered 6 Shop Vistano All-weather woven resin wicker with Sunbrella fabric. Seating, dining, lounging, shade and fire. Search*: VISTANO

7 Shop Portofino All-weather woven resin 3 Vistano 4-Piece Fire Seating Collection wicker with Sunbrella fabric. Seating, dining, 40,000-BTU gas-fire table includes sofa and lounging, shade and fire. Search*: PORTOFINO two motion swivel club chairs with all-weather

Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

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Shop Costco.com and Save on

Business Supplies Office Chairs

Scan code with smartphone to purchase.

HON Nucleus M4 Back Chair Available in black or clover seat with fog back and height-adjustable pneumatic seat.

Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: HONJAN17C $339.99 Delivered After $87 OFF

Select OIF Office Chairs Assorted styles and sizes available.

Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: OIFJAN17C Up to $19 OFF Delivered

Office Cabinets & Shelving

Tennsco Stur-D-Stor Shelving Various sizes available.

Color: sand. Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: SHELVINGJAN17C $18–$33 OFF Delivered

Alera 4-Shelf Wire Shelving Rack 36" x 24" x 72", NSF, black anthracite. Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 #350183 $112.49 Delivered After $27.50 OFF

Office Supplies

Select Spectrum Multipurpose Paper, Letter, 92-Bright 5,000 count. Valid 1/2/17–1/29/17 Search*: PAPERJAN17C $4 OFF Delivered

Supplies to Help Keep You Organized Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: OFFICEJAN17C $2–$5 OFF Delivered

$25 OFF When You Buy Any 2 Select Original HP Ink Cartridges Limit two offers. Pack = one sell unit.

Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 Search*: HPJAN17C

Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

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Select Folgers Coffee Search*: COFFEEJAN17C $10.99–$25.39 Delivered

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Orders placed by 3 p.m. are delivered next business day in most areas.

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Nestlé Pure Life Purified Bottled Water 16.9-oz bottles, 78 24-count cases. #868791 $489.99 Delivered

Janitorial & Safety

Select Rubbermaid Wastebaskets and Trash Cans Assorted styles, sizes and colors available. Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: CANSJAN17C $1–$13 OFF Delivered

Earthsense Recycled StarBottom Bags OR Classic Clear Low-Density Trash Bags Various sizes available.

Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: BAGSJAN17C $2–$12 OFF Delivered

Softsoap Moisturizing Hand Soap with Aloe Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: SOAPJAN17C 20% OFF Delivered

Fabuloso All-Purpose Cleaner 1-Gallon, 4-Count Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 #117115 $32.69 Delivered After $9 OFF

Georgia-Pacific Signature C-Fold Paper Towels Two-ply white, 12-count.

Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 #101778 20% OFF Delivered

Bounty Basic Paper Towel Rolls One-ply, white, 30-count.

Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 #143485 $25.99 Delivered After $4 OFF

Select Kleenex Facial Tissue Various sizes and counts available. Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: KCJAN17C $2–$14 OFF Delivered

1-Ply

Georgia-Pacific SofPull Centerpull Towel Rolls Six-count, white. One to five OR six-plus case pricing.

Valid 12/28/16–1/31/17 Search*: GPJAN17C $10 OFF Delivered

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to your health!

Shop Costco.com for All Your Health & Wellness Needs

Cosamin ASU for Joint Health, 230 Capsules Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 #997654 $37.99 After $10 OFF Free Shipping

SmartyPants Kids Complete OR Adult Complete Gummy Vitamins Valid 12/23/16–1/29/17 Search*: SMARTJAN17C $4 OFF Delivered

Zipfizz Healthy Energy Drink Mix, 30 Tubes Assorted flavors. Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 Search*: ZIPJAN17C $25.99 Delivered After $4 OFF

eos Organic Smooth Lip Balm Stick 8-Pack Includes two Pomegranate Raspberry, two Sweet Mint and four Vanilla Bean flavors. #1115743 $13.99 Delivered

ARC InstaTemp Digital Non-Touch Thermometer Includes case and wall-mount bracket.

Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 #1080533 $28.99 Delivered After $6 OFF

Kirkland Signature™ Children’s OR Adult Complete Multivitamin Gummies Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 Search*: GUMMYJAN17C $9.99 Delivered After $2.50 OFF

Yummi Bears Organics Gummy Vitamins and Supplements Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: YUMMIJAN17C $2 OFF Delivered

Nature’s Lab Magnesium Soothe Powder, CoQ10, Turmeric Curcumin C3 1,000 mg OR One Daily Multivitamin Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: NLJAN17C $4–$5 OFF Delivered

Inflame Away Celadrin Advanced Joint Health Softgels OR Joint Health Cream Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: CELAJAN17C $5 OFF Delivered

Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

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Slendertone Abs6 Abdominal Muscle Toner OR Replacement GelPads Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: ABSJAN17C $5–$20 OFF Delivered

Kirkland Signature™ Glucosamine with MSM, 375 Tablets Also available at Costco warehouses. Valid 1/2/17–1/29/17 #249375 $13.49 Delivered After $4 OFF

Thermophore MaxHEAT Heating Pads with 2 Covers Available in large or medium. Valid 1/2/17–1/22/17 #100088145 $6 OFF Delivered

FOCUSfactor Adults OR FOCUSfactor Kids Dietary Supplement Also available at Costco warehouses. Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 Search*: FOCUSJAN17C $3.50–$5 OFF Delivered

Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator Includes HeartStart training pads, American Red Cross emergency kit and wallmount bracket. Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 #359854 $999.99 Delivered After $200 OFF

Select Schiff Minerals, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: SCHIFFJAN17C $3–$5 OFF Delivered

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails, 250 Softgels Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 1/2/17–1/29/17 #553486 $13.79 Delivered After $3 OFF

costco.com E·14

EC_p01.17_R1.indd 14

12/12/16 3:49 PM

to your health!

Shop Costco.com for All Your Health & Wellness Needs

Kirkland Signature™ CoQ10 300 mg, 100 Softgels Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 1/2/17–1/29/17 #648220 $17.99 After $4 OFF Free Shipping

Mucinex Sinus Maximum Strength Day and Night, 48 Capsules Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 1/2/17–1/15/17 #1075168 $15.99 Delivered After $4 OFF

trunature Astaxanthin 6 mg, Memory Complex with Ginkgo, Resveratrol Plus OR Pycnogenol 100 mg Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: TRUNATJAN17C $3–$7 OFF Delivered

Slo-Niacin 500 mg, 175 Tablets Controlled release.

Valid 1/2/17–1/29/17 #795954 $12.99 Delivered After $4 OFF

trunature Milk Thistle, Triple Strength Omega-3, Tonalin CLA OR Verisol Collagen Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: TRUJAN17C $2–$4 OFF Delivered

MyPurMist Handheld Steam Inhaler Includes steam inhaler, three adult masks, two scent pads, hands-free strap.

Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 #956954 $119.99 Delivered After $20 OFF

EcoDrink Complete Multivitamin Drink Mix 30 Packets Assorted flavors.

Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 #100138054 $16.99 Delivered After $4 OFF

Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

EC_p01.17.indd 15

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Nature’s Bounty Ultra Strength Probiotic 10, 140 Capsules Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 1/2/17–1/29/17 #977884 $19.99 After $5 OFF Free Shipping

Flonase SENSIMIST Allergy Spray #1095721 $10 OFF when you pre-order on Costco.com by 2/7/17

youtheory Slimming Citrus Fruit, 120 Tablets Valid 12/30/16–1/29/17 #1073036 $18.99 Delivered After $4 OFF

Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu Caplets 72-Count Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 12/30/16–1/22/17 #1001159 $16.49 Delivered After $3.50 OFF

Philips goLITE BLU Energy Light OR Philips Wake-Up Light with Colored Sunrise Simulation Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: LIGHTSJAN17C $109.99 Delivered After $25 OFF

Nicoderm Patch, Nicorette mini 2 mg or 4 mg OR Nicorette Gum 2 mg or 4 mg Valid 1/2/17–1/29/17 Search*: NICOJAN17C $15 OFF Delivered

webber naturals Complete Probiotic, 75 Vegetarian Capsules Eight probiotic strains. Valid 12/30/16–1/22/17 #1095730 $20.99 Delivered After $3 OFF

Kirkland Signature™ Moist Flushable Wipes 632-Count Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 #1048593 $12.99 Delivered After $3 OFF

costco.com E·16

EC_p01.17.indd 16

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to your health!

Shop Costco.com for All Your Health & Wellness Needs

UltraLight Freedom II Transport Wheelchair OR UltraLight Rolling Walker Available in red or blue. Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: ULTRAJAN17C $20–$30 OFF Delivered

Qunol Mega CoQ10 Softgels, Qunol Liquid CoQ10 OR Qunol Plus Extra Strength Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: QUNOLJAN17C $7 OFF Delivered

Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA OR Nature Made Diabetes Health Pack Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 Search*: NMJAN17C $5 OFF Delivered

BioAstin Astaxanthin 12 mg, OR Pure Hawaiian Spirulina pacifica 3,000 mg Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: NUTREXJAN17C $6–$9 OFF Delivered

Bausch & Lomb Ocuvite 50+ OR PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula Also available at Costco warehouses.

Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 Search*: BLJAN17C $5 OFF Free Shipping

Nature Made Sam-e 400 mg, CoQ10 200 mg OR TripleFlex Triple Strength Also available at Costco warehouses. Valid 1/5/17–1/29/17 Search*: NATUREJAN17C $8 OFF Delivered

Florastor Adults OR Florastor Kids Probiotic—Capsules or Sachets Valid 12/23/16–1/22/17 Search*: FLORAJAN17C $7–$10 OFF Delivered Price and availability are subject to change without notice. Products may include a shipping and handling charge. For details, visit the product page at Costco.com. Most online coupons at Costco.com are manufacturers’ coupons. State sales tax may be due on the prediscounted price of the item when purchased using an online coupon. These taxes, if any, are in addition to the amount that you are paying for the product. Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges are extra, and vary. *Using the product search box located at Costco.com, please enter the provided search phrase to find the product(s). Products shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico will include an additional shipping and handling fee. This fee will be quoted at checkout.

EC_p01.17_R1.indd 17

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Items may not be available at all locations.

Applicable tax laws may require sales tax on pre-discounted price. These taxes are in addition to product price.

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© MAKKURO GL / SHUTTERSTOCK

INSIDECOSTCO

To market, to market Costco’s Health Insurance Marketplace for you, your family or your employees

BY SHANA MCNALLY

FOR A SMALL-business owner who is thinking about offering employees health insurance, or for an individual looking for personal or family health insurance, the Costco Health Insurance Marketplace is a good place to start.

Costco created its Health Insurance Marketplace to be a shopping site for health insurance, with multiple carriers and health plans. The plans are separated by price and offer four qualified levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

“As a business owner, you can shop year-round for available health insurance plans in your area that meet the needs of your employees,” says Lisa Castaneda, who oversees this Costco service. “Additionally, you can get information pertaining to the Affordable Care Act and its impact, determine if your business is eligible for a federal premium subsidy, and then set up and manage your account should you choose to purchase health insurance.”

The process is straightforward, using the Health Insurance Marketplace selfservice portal CostcoQuote.com. There, you can obtain a quote for a variety of benefits and/or plans.

You can also create a comparison proposal, prepare a customized quote based on employee census information you’ve entered or uploaded, and customize the experience by selecting employer contribution levels for both employee and dependent premiums.

The marketplace prices are competitive, and the shopping cart experience allows you to bundle additional lines of coverage with the medical plan you select.

Individual and family plans “To provide more value, the Health Insurance Marketplace includes individual and family plans and offers add-on products such as custom vision and dental plans, critical illness coverage and disability insurance,” says Castaneda.

You have the option to purchase health insurance for your family during the open enrollment period (November 1,

CONNECTING If you’re considering health plans, think Costco first. Visit CostcoQuote.com or call 1-888-242-0989.

2016, through January 31, 2017). Licensed agents are available Monday through Saturday, and some Sundays as well. You can evaluate the overall plans based on the monthly premium cost and the most appropriate coverage tier level determined by office visit co-pays, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs. You can also sort quotes by carrier, monthly cost, deductible or tier level.

An additional benefit of the Costco program is service. “Members aren’t just buying a plan; they are also receiving dedicated year-round support and an issue triage team of licensed representatives who serve as a member’s health ambassador,” says Castaneda.

Your quote is assigned to a licensed agent, who becomes your health ambassador. The health ambassador will send you an acknowledgment email and direct contact information, including chat, email and phone. The ambassador will walk you through the quote process and answer any questions about claims and billing issues, eligibility, finding a physician and obtaining a new ID card or any necessary preauthorization for services or procedures.

Costco member Stuart Tolander is pleased with the service he received from his ambassador, Tawnia. “[She] really helped me through the maze of signing up for health insurance,” he says. “She is very knowledgeable and walked me through the process. I would recommend [that] all Costco members use the Costco Health Insurance Marketplace.”

Individual and family premiums are affected by geographical location, age and tobacco usage. Once you view the carriers and plans available in your area, you enter your family household size and annual income. You can determine if you qualify for a subsidy and find information for questions related to health insurance.

Health Advocate Lastly, as a Costco member, you have year-round access to Health Advocate.

Health Advocate is staffed by benefit experts who can assist with navigating health care issues and in-plan benefits questions, obtaining specialist appointments, clinical support and claims and/or Employee Assistance Program issues.

Health care can be quite a maze. The Costco Health Insurance Marketplace can help you navigate your way. C JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 127

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12/12/16 3:29 PM

Westcott Orbit Electric Nonstick Sharpener Nonstick Titanium Bonded® blades resist buildup from graphite and colored pencils, while the EZ-view shavings reservoir and auto-sensor shut-off provide easy cleaning and use. Item #130631.

Warehouse only.

Save $4.00. Offer valid 12/19/16– 2/12/17. Instant savings taken at register.

Pilot G2 Gel Pens Pilot’s G2 writes smoothly and comfortably, and lasts longer than the average competitive gel pen brands. Item #856294. Warehouse only.

Dixon Ticonderoga No. 2 Pencil The world’s most widely recognized pencil, crafted from reforested quality cedar, provides extra-smooth performance and a latex-free eraser.

Item #684756.

Save $3.50. Offer valid 1/9–1/22/17. Instant savings taken at register.

GoEcolife™ 20-Sheet Under-Desk Micro-Cut Paper Shredder This high-capacity shredder delivers commercial-grade performance at the highest level of security. Item #565467. Costco.com only.

Save $2.50. Offer valid 1/9– 1/22/17.Instant savings taken at register.

Save $70. Offer valid 1/1–1/31/17.

Uni-Ball Retractable Gel Pen Set Includes 12 gel pens featuring Uni Super Ink, to help prevent check fraud.

Item #163197. Warehouse only.

Vision Elite Color Gel Pen Set Includes 10 gel pens that feature smooth ink flow and consistently smooth writing in assorted colors. Item #441214.

Warehouse only

Save $3.00. Offer valid 1/9– 1/22/17. Instant savings taken at register.

Save $3.00. Offer valid 1/9–1/22/17. Instant savings taken at register.

Items may not be available at all locations. Applicable tax laws may require sales tax on pre-discounted price. These taxes are in addition to product price.

USp128_130_Office_Multi_R1.indd 128

12/13/16 10:39 AM

Expo Low-Odor Dry-Erase Markers Includes 18 dry-erase markers: four fine-tip and 14 chisel-tip. Item #684495.

Warehouse only.

Save $3.00. Offer valid 1/9–1/22/17. Instant savings taken at register.

BACKGROUND: © ECCO / SHUTTERSTOCK

LINE ART: © CHEREZOFF / SHUTTERSTOCK

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MessageStor Dry-Erase Board This professionalquality magnetic whiteboard features an aluminum frame with an easy mounting system and an EverClear surface that resists scratches and staining. Item #522082.

Warehouse only.

Save $3.00. Offer valid 1/9–1/22/17. Instant savings taken at register.

Tops® 2-Inch Locking D-Ring Binder 4-Pack Each binder features locking Slant-D® rings with GelTab™ triggers and two pockets, and holds 540 sheets of paper.

Item #534739. Warehouse only.

Pentel Twist Erase® Click Mechanical Pencils Twist-Erase Click mechanical pencils feature a convenient side button to advance lead while you keep writing. Item #469342.

Warehouse only.

Save $2.00. Offer valid 1/9– 1/22/17. Instant savings taken at register.

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Labor Law Posters All-in-one labor law posters with one- or two-year update service included. Item numbers vary by region. Costco.com only.

3M Scotch Magic Tape Hold everything together, with a little help. Get the job done and be hands on with Scotch® Brand tape. Item #133502. Warehouse only Save $6.00. Offer valid 12/19/16–1/19/17. Instant savings taken at register.

USp128_130_Office_Multi_R1.indd 129

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12/13/16 1:36 PM

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Quicken® Home and Business Fast and easy-to-use software for home-based business and personal finances. Item #1095972.

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Brother 1890C P-Touch Label Maker Get organized for tax time. Includes deluxe label maker, two tapes and batteries. Item #999190.

Sharpie® Permanent Marker Set Includes 25 fine-point markers with ink that’s permanent on most surfaces.

Item #448649. Warehouse only.

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Quicken® Deluxe Manage your money and save. Item #1095971.

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GP Advantage Multi-System Paper The perfect paper for home or office, enhanced with ColorLok® technology for brighter colors and bolder blacks. Five thousand 8.5 x 11-inch sheets.

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Norton™ by Symantec Powerful antivirus and security protection, plus secure PC backup, for your family’s PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets.

Also includes Norton Computer Tune Up and Norton Family.

Item #911442. Warehouse only.

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Bankers Box Heavy-Duty 10-pack Bankers Box heavy-duty boxes feature 850-pound stacking strength and assemble in seconds.

Organization made easy, while keeping your items protected. Item #412263. Warehouse only.

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Correction Tape 8-Pack Quickly make corrections with easy-to-use applicators. Singleline white tape; nonrefillable.

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USp128_130_Office_Multi_R1.indd 130

1/3/17 10:45 AM

Services COSTCO

UPDATE

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMPLETE SUITE OF COSTCO SERVICES, CLICK ON THE “SERVICES” LINK AT COSTCO.COM OR CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-220-6000.

COSTCO SERVICES

A MESSAGE FROM DAN MARTINEZ, MANAGER OF COSTCO SERVICES

WITH THE NEW year upon us, it’s time to make annual resolutions. Here are a few ideas for small-business owners to consider for more success than ever in 2017.

Re-evaluate. If you’ve been in business for a while, chances are things have changed since you began. What you set out to do may not be what you ended up with, and that’s OK. Pull out your original business plan and see how your long-term goals stack up against your real-world experience.

Ask for feedback. Soliciting feedback from employees, suppliers, family and customers may lead to criticism you’re not prepared for, but it can lead to improvements or changes that will make you more successful.

Plan ahead. Take a moment to really look at the next 12 months and plan what you can. Many things will happen throughout the year that you cannot possibly anticipate, but marking spe-

cial dates in your personal life and sketching out annual promotions around various holidays are things you can handle early.

Achieve balance. Many people will tell you trying to achieve a good work-life balance can be a descent into madness, especially for a small-business owner or entrepreneur, yet doing so is possible.

Start by committing to a set of working hours and hold firm. Make sure that everyone—employees, clients, family members—understands when you’re working and when you’re not. You can make exceptions to be available outside these hours, but making too many can create a slippery slope. If you don’t set boundaries, no one else will.

Intuit’s QuickBooks Online can help you meet these goals. If you’re already a user, make sure you’re using all the tools that would work for your business. If you’re not, try 30 days free. For more details, see QuickBooks.com/costcobiz.

FROM THE COSTCO HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE

Open enrollment for individuals ending IF YOU’RE in need of health insurance and have yet to home in on a provider, now is the time. Open enrollment for individuals and families ends on January 31, 2017. The Costco Health Insurance Marketplace provides access to plans for individuals, families and small and large businesses.

Licensed health care ambassadors

provide expert, unbiased assistance with coverage comparisons, plan benefits and eligibility, plan-related billing and claims issues, the Affordable Care Act and much more. For more information on the marketplace and health care ambassadors, see the article on page 127.

See costcoquote.com for more details or to find a plan that’s right for you.

COSTCO PHOTO STUDIO

ARTVILLE

FROM INTUIT

New Year’s resolutions for small businesses

SINCE I started with Costco 32 years ago, I have always been a believer in our company’s philosophy. One principle in particular has driven me from day one: adding value and saving members money and time while providing a great experience. This is especially true in my current role in Costco Services, overseeing our Complete ID program, which has taught me a lot about identity protection. Now that the holidays are over and tax season is coming, this is a good time to take action to help protect your identity. Here are a few tips.

• It’s easy to overlook miscellaneous charges during the holiday season. With the holiday spending wrapped up, check your latest bank and credit statements to ensure recent purchases are legitimate.

• Beware of email phishing scams that could lead you to a site that looks legitimate but is not. Be aware of misspellings in communications and too-good-to-betrue deals from a retailer. Never click on a suspicious link. Go to the site by typing the URL into your browser. Delete suspicious emails and mark them as spam.

• The earlier you file your taxes, the earlier the IRS processes them and the smaller the window for identity thieves to file using your information.

If you are a victim of identity theft, Complete ID may be able to help. Membership in the service supports you through full resolution of identity abuse or breach, whether the threat is real or merely suspected. Go to CompleteID. com/JanUpdate to get started. Members can enroll for a free trial (90 days for Executive Members, 30 days for Gold Star members).

Don’t forget to use your Reward on your next trip to Costco.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 131

USp131_Services_Update_R1.indd 131

12/13/16 9:33 AM

Pickaproduct.

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Think about how you will avoid or handle your triggers and deal with cravings.

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12/12/16 3:28 PM

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Pharmacy COSTCO

UPDATE

© MEGA PIXEL / SHUTTERSTOCK

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COSTCO PHARMACY, CLICK ON THE “PHARMACY” LINK AT COSTCO.COM OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL COSTCO PHARMACIST.

COSTCO HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Prescription for savings IF YOU’RE A business owner, or know someone who is, you should be aware of a Costco program that can help companies and their employees save money on the rising cost of prescription drugs.

Costco Health Solutions offers pharmacy benefit programs designed to assist businesses in controlling drug costs. By following the same core mission that has guided Costco to success since 1983, Costco Health Solutions’ straightforward pharmacy benefit management model ensures the best possible value for its members and business partners. Costco Health Solutions offers adaptable plan design, preferred medication list flexibility, a customizable pharmacy network, performance guarantees and clear, simple contracts.

In 2013, Costco Health Solutions developed the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) program to simplify the drug benefit process and create savings for employers and their employees. A pharmacy benefit manager processes and pays prescription drug claims for its members, contracts with pharmacies, builds and maintains preferred medication lists, and negotiates discounts and rebates from drug manufacturers.

“The program is designed for employers with 150 or more employees,”

says Chris Pierce, pharmacist and assistant vice president of Costco Health Solutions. “We find that most employers of this size need advice on how to lower costs and still provide outstanding pharmacy benefits. We’re confident we can help these businesses.”

“We typically can save our clients about 12 to 30 percent versus what they were paying for their pharmacy benefit costs.”

—Chris Pierce, Costco Health Solutions Costco Health Solutions has been very successful in lowering prescription drug costs. The program follows Costco’s approach for all its products and services: provide the highest quality at the lowest possible cost. To achieve this, Costco Health Solutions does not engage in traditional, expensive marketing programs or charge the highest price the market will accept. It also rejects the common industry practice

of back-end drug rebate profit-taking.

The result is a fully transparent, high-value solution to lowering pharmacy costs. Costco Health Solutions guarantees that 100 percent of all rebates offered by drug manufacturers are passed on to the employer, resulting in significant savings for both the employer and the member each and every time a prescription is filled. Costco Health Solutions charges a simple flat fee per employee per month. Unlike other PBMs, it has no hidden fees or price spreads—just simple savings.

“We take lower markups on drugs, keep tight controls on our costs and pass all the discounts and drug rebates from manufacturers on to our members,” Pierce says. “We typically can save our clients about 12 to 30 percent versus what they were paying for their pharmacy benefit costs. The result is significant savings.”

The program is delivered through Costco’s pharmacies and Costco.com or through an extensive network of 64,000 chain and independent pharmacies that have agreed to pre-negotiated drug prices. Members also benefit from the convenience of Costco’s mail service program, which provides prescription drugs through the mail, as well as Costco’s 90-Day at Retail program, which allows members to get a 90-day prescription filled at reduced cost in a Costco Pharmacy.

For members with more complex needs, Costco Health Solutions also provides specialty medication assistance. Members can also benefit from clinical consultations with a pharmacist, immunization services such as flu shots and free health screenings at Costco pharmacies. Most prescriptions can be filled at Costco pharmacies or online through Costco.com. A selection of over-the-counter medications, vitamins and nutritional supplements are available in the warehouse and online at Costco.com.

To learn more about this program, go to costcohealthsolutions.com or send an email to chssales@costco.com.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 135

USp135_PharmacyUpdate_R1.indd 135

12/13/16 9:33 AM

INSIDECOSTCO

The smell of success

LG ELECTRONICS USA

Odor elimination is Costco’s latest laundry development BUYINGSMART Freelance writer Kerry Johnson fills this month’s consumer reporter slot with this behind-the-scenes look at a Costco program.

Email questions about this article to buyingsmart@ costco.com.

MY TWO children are natural athletes. It is a pleasure to watch them have fun playing sports and to know that they are developing their athletic abilities as much as they can.

Until I have to wash their laundry.

All of that sweat, the damp Northwest weather and the uniforms that get forgotten in the bottom of their duffle bags make for laundry that is, shall I say, ripe for change.

So when I saw a new “Odor Eliminating Technology” label on Kirkland Signature™ Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent at Costco, I had to know more. I met with the laundry care team at Costco to get the full scoop, and I spoke at length with an executive in the research and development area of the company that supplies Kirkland Signature laundry detergents to learn about the science behind these products.

The cold truth Andrea Padilla, Costco’s laundry, dish and home care buyer, can relate to my off-

spring’s olfactory offensiveness. She has two multi-sport-playing teenage boys who she says “are at the prime of their stink.”

But then she reassures me that it isn’t necessarily because our kids are excessively sweaty or don’t practice good hygiene. A lot of it is due to the clothes they’re wearing during practice and after.

Padilla explains that synthetic fabrics used in today’s sportswear and “athleisure” wear not only wick moisture, but also can trap odors, especially when they are washed in cold water as the labels recommend. And because many people use detergents not optimized for cold water, the odors tend to stick around.

But it’s not only active families who are experiencing laundry odor issues, she says.

More people are washing their loads in cold water to save energy or to prevent colors from running. Others can notice an unpleasant musty smell after washing depending on what type of washing machine they have.

So Padilla worked closely with the manufacturer of Kirkland Signature laundry care items to improve their odor-fighting power. The result is the addition of pro-

prietary odor-eliminating technology to three Kirkland Signature products: Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent Pacs, Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent and Ultra Soft Premium Fabric Softener (pictured below).

A clean start From the supplier I received a helpful lesson in Detergent 101. The path to truly clean clothes starts with a detergent’s cleaning power. That’s critical, because

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the first step in removing odors is to wash them away, which is exactly what a top-quality detergent does.

Enzymes in detergents do a lot of the dirty work. They help break down stains and soils so they can be washed away more easily. Each enzyme targets specific types of stains: grass, starch, chocolate, etc. But adding enzymes to detergent is costly, so most brands limit the number that are included.

But that’s not the route that Costco takes: Kirkland Signature detergents contain quite a few more different enzymes to ensure broad stain-fighting power at a great value, Padilla says.

Once the stains are broken down, they must be rinsed away—otherwise they can settle back on the laundry. If you’ve ever noticed that over time your clothes get yellow and dingy, it’s because the detergent is not fully removing the soil during the wash process. Instead, it’s being redeposited on other clothes.

That’s where Catch-and-Release technology (which has been part of Kirkland Signature formulations since 2012) comes into play. This component of Kirkland Signature detergent traps the soil and ensures it goes down the drain to keep it from redepositing.

PHOTOS: COSTCO PHOTO STUDIO

Right: Other great products available in the laundry category at Costco.

The nose knows?

After ensuring the laundry is free of soil, the next step is to make it smell clean.

Odor-control technology has traditionally relied on reducing our perception of bad smells in laundry. One way of doing this is called masking—i.e., tricking the receptors in the nose to smell what the detergent manufacturer wants you to smell instead of noticing bad odors. The other method is to offset a bad smell with a complementary scent that ends up neutralizing the odor.

But the best way to ensure clothes smell clean is through a process that actually targets odor molecules to remove odor.

That ability to target odor molecules is unique to Costco’s Kirkland Signature laundry products, says Erin Medved, Costco’s assistant general merchandising manager of corporate sundries.

“That’s why we’re so proud of this odor-eliminating technology. The national brands have their version of it, but it’s not the same thing; it’s more of a masking product than an odor eliminator.”

And, Padilla notes, the odor-zapping power works even in cold water.

The proprietary odor-eliminating technology is available in two Kirkland Signature laundry detergents and in the liquid fabric softener. I wondered: Do I have to use multiple products to truly eliminate the odors in my wash?

The answer is that you can use either detergent or the liquid fabric softener independently and get a very good result.

But the best approach is to use both, advises Padilla. The deepest cleansing comes from using the detergent and letting it do its odor-fighting job. Following up with the liquid fabric softener helps deliver a long-lasting benefit.

“Sometimes the quality of the products and the value that we bring aren’t immediately obvious to our members,” says Padilla. “But if you look at the great features of these products and the benefits those features represent, and then factor in the price points, you see that they are really some of the top market performers, at a remarkable value.

“At Costco, we always focus on making sure that we bring the best value to the member every day. I think these products really achieve that.” C

EVERYDAY VALUE In addition to adding odor-eliminating technology to three Kirkland Signature laundry products, Costco offers a strong everyday value against the national retail brand.

This chart shows the great value Kirkland Signature provides compared with the top national brand available at Costco. Prices may vary at some locations.

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Brand Name

NATIONAL BRAND Price

Loads/ct.

Price

126

$14.69

146

$23.99

29%

Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent Pacs

152

$17.99

152

$29.99

40%

Ultra Soft Premium Fabric Softener

220

$8.99

197

$11.99

33%

Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent

Loads/ct.

SAVINGS

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 137

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WHAT’S NEW Exciting new products arriving soon at Costco

TOMMY BAHAMA DOWN ALTERNATIVE PILLOW 2-PACK These quilted pillows feature a 2-inch gusset for head and neck comfort.

Great for all sleeping positions, they also feature a 230-thread-count cotton sateen cover.

Available in jumbo or king. Item #1677803 (Jumbo), #1677804 (King). Warehouse only.

ORGAIN ORGANIC PROTEIN + GREENS POWDER–VANILLA BEAN This protein powder features 21 grams of organic plant-based protein, with 6 grams of organic fiber, organic greens and 1 billion probiotics per serving. A Costco exclusive. Item #1105682.

Warehouse and Costco.com.

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE™ DISPOSABLE CONTACT LENSES Enjoy all-day comfort in these lenses, which offer excellent UV protection, superior optics and the softest material on the market. Ask an independent doctor of optometry in or near a Costco location about Kirkland Signature Premium Daily Disposable lenses. Various item numbers. Warehouse and Costco.com.

BLUE APRON $50 GIFT CARD SET Blue Apron delivers all the fresh ingredients and recipes you need, in exactly the right proportions, to make simple, seasonal homecooked meals. Includes two $50 gift cards to use toward any Blue Apron meal plan.

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CAP DUMBBELL SET A perfect equipment pairing with the CAP Deluxe Utility Bench, this two-tier horizontal rack comes with 10 hexagonal, rubber-coated dumbbells for upper and lower body strength training: two 10-pound, two 15-pound, two 20-pound, two 25-pound and two 30-pound.

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SEVILLE VACATION PACKAGES Costco Travel is pleased to introduce Seville as its newest destination in Spain. Located in the scenic Andalusia region of southern Spain, charming Seville is known for its breathtaking palace and monuments, artistic heritage, and rich culture and traditions. Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, and a passion for music, art and dance can be found throughout the city’s picturesque neighborhoods. For more information and to book, click “Travel” at Costco.com or call 1-877-8492730.

BON-AIRE® 120-VOLT MULTIUSE SHOP BLOWER With more than 140 mph airflow, this easy-to-handle compact shop blower is great for quickly cleaning garages, workshops, patios and sidewalks. Includes an extension nozzle and three inflation nozzles.

Item #708823. Warehouse only.

CAP DELUXE UTILITY BENCH Use this utility bench as a key component in dumbbell training routines. Features include seven back adjustments and three seat adjustments, allowing you to perform a number of upper and lower body exercises while incorporating dumbbell use or resistance bands/tubes to hit your goals and build and maintain muscle. Also features transport wheels and handle.

Item #1082183. Warehouse only.

THE LANDINGS RESORT AND SPA, ST. LUCIA Costco Travel’s new resort option on scenic St. Lucia offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. The beachfront resort is just 10 minutes from Rodney Bay Village, which hosts a variety of shopping and dining options. Resort amenities include a deluxe spa and three pools. Costco Travel’s package includes daily American breakfast for two, an exclusive $50 resort credit (per room, per stay, five nights or more), a $100 tour credit and a Costco Cash card. For more information and to book, click “Travel” at Costco.com or call 1-877-849-2730.

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 141

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† Data

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Costco’s #1 priority is providing excellent member service. In the past 9 years, Costco Concierge Services has fielded more than 10 million calls at our U.S.-based call center, providing product setup help and troubleshooting assistance. Costco Concierge Services is here to advocate for you with the manufacturer for quickest resolution.

As an additional benefit of Costco Concierge Services, Costco extends the manufacturer’s warranty on televisions, tuner-free displays, projectors, computers* and major appliances† to 2 years from the date of purchase.

For more information, pick up a Costco Concierge Services brochure from your local Costco warehouse or visit Costco.com.

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FOCUS ON

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE

SPECIAL EVENTS

Three nuts go into a bar ...

CRAVING SOMETHING SWEET, but don’t want to reach for a candy bar?

Kirkland Signature™ Nut Bars are the perfect solution. Loaded with nuts— almonds, walnuts and cashews—and coated with a dark chocolate-flavored drizzle and sea salt, this bar will satisfy, without the guilt.

Each bar contains 6 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, no artificial flavors and only 6 grams of sugar; one bar has just 140 calories.

“In addition to being made with quality ingredients, our nut bars are made without peanuts, so they’re great to throw in school lunches,” says Patrick Kabealo, a Costco buyer in corporate foods. “We are selling a 30-count pack for $16.99, which is only 57 cents per bar, a great value compared with other popular brands in the market.” Available in warehouses and on Costco.com. Item #1071218.

—Steve Fisher

Exciting and unique products at your local Costco for a limited time.

SEE SCHEDULES ONLINE For schedules, dates and descriptions of events, go to Costco.com, find “Locations & Services” at the bottom of the page, then click “Special Events.” For more information, drop by your local Costco warehouse or call this toll-free number: 1-800-774-2678. Or, download the Costco mobile app from the Apple or Google Play app store, go to “Warehouse Locator” and choose a warehouse to see what events are coming.

ALOHA SOFT Soft, durable and silky smooth viscose rayon sheets made from bamboo. These sheets wick away moisture, keeping you warm in the winter and cooler in the summer for a comfortable night’s sleep year-round.

JENNIFER ADAMS BEDDING The Jennifer Adams Home collection will spoil you in softness. These sheets, blankets, duvets and pillowcases will pamper you all night.

JENNIFER ADAMS ROBES Jennifer Adams introduces spa-quality bathrobes, made from the same amazing, lightweight fabric as her luxuriously soft bedding and lined in an incredibly soft cuddle cloth.

ZAAZ WHOLE BODY VIBRATION ZAAZ works 90 percent of your body’s muscles in 12 minutes. Patented low-impact technology supports weight loss, circulation, conditioning and pain relief.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Health Fairs Costco pharmacies frequently host clinics to check diabetes, heart or bone health. Screenings are free of charge and include an assessment of the results as well as suggestions for prevention or treatment methods. For dates and warehouse listings, go to Costco.com and search “health fairs.”

WAREHOUSE HOURS Monday–Friday 10am–8:30pm • Saturday 9:30am–6pm • Sunday 10am–6pm Pharmacy closed Sunday • Costco.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

NW

COSTCO PHOTOSTUDIO / MIKE SMITH

JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 145

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MEMBERCONNECTION

Changing World

THE

Costco members doing their part to help make the world a better place

Peak performance OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS Click here to watch Peak 7 founder Ryan Kerrigan talk about his nonprofit.

(See page 14 for details.)

Peak 7 Adventures offers youths the opportunity to explore the outdoors, through mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, backpacking and more.

recreation and tourism management, founded Peak 7 in 2006, a year after the software company he had been working for relocated. Rather than leave Spokane, Kerrigan intertwined his wilderness skills, faith and love of working with youths to form an outdoor adventure company. His goal was to expose teens to the wonders of nature, just as he had experienced them with his father, a Navy surgeon who also spent nine years as a medical missionary.

Since 2006, Peak 7 has grown to include regional offices in Seattle and central Oregon and has served more than 20,000 youths. In 2016, a record-setting 4,000 young people participated in trips.

John Tibbetts, teen program specialist for the Tacoma (Washington) Rescue Mission, has witnessed firsthand the impact of Peak 7 programs on teens living in the mission’s emergency shelter and transitory housing facility.

“The oppor tunity kids receive on these trips is the gift of not having to worry about what’s going on back home,” the Costco member says. “They are just able to be kids. They are able to learn and grow with their peers. It’s an opportunity to do something that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people.”

—Andrea Downing Peck

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEAK 7 ADVENTURES

RYAN KERRIGAN is introducing underprivileged and at-risk teenagers in the Pacific Northwest to outdoor adventures only miles from their homes but a world away from their daily lives.

The Costco member is the founder and executive director of Peak 7 Adventures (peak7.org), a faith-based nonprofit that provides opportunities for Washington and Oregon youths to explore wilderness through backpacking, whitewater rafting and mountaineering adventure trips that also build belief in their own self-worth and abilities.

“We utilize the adversity the outdoors naturally has to teach kids that adversity used well can lead to a lot of growth. We try to make challenges that are achievable,” says Kerrigan, noting wilderness activities foster teamwork, trust and self-confidence.

While Peak 7 is an outdoor ministry, Kerrigan points out that faith is “why we are doing what we are doing. It is not exactly what we do. We work with non-Christian groups as well.”

Kerrigan, who has a degree in parks,

Creating a circle

FREIDA HECHT not only manages to take care of her own 11 children, but she also helps many others, especially specialneeds children of all ages, through her organization Circle of Friends.

Hecht, a rabbi’s wife who lives near Westport, Connecticut, says, “As a community activist and educator, I noticed that children with special needs and their families are mostly isolated within the community. These children never get invited to birthday parties, have play dates or are included in group sports. Having a child with special needs creates an invisible barrier. It’s lonely and painful.”

It began as a desire to help one little

148 The Costco Connection JANUARY 2017

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AIMEE LING

Finding hope SOMETIMES PEOPLE find a cause; sometimes the cause finds them.

“In 2004, when our son, Kyle, was 19, he went to Africa for six months,” says Vicki Legman, a Costco member in Newcastle, Washington. “He volunteered at an orphanage in Kenya, and while he was there he became friends with the head teacher, Leonard Muyelele.”

Via the internet, Legman and her husband, Dana Sullivan, kindled a friendship with Muyelele, who had gone back to his home village of Chebukuyi to start his own orphanage, the Star of Hope Centre.

In the 2009 holiday season, rather than, as Legman says, “giving and getting presents that no one would care about or remember in a few months,” they decided to spend that holiday money on giving these kids a holiday celebration.

“Our friends found out what we were doing and asked to join us,” adds Sullivan.

The kids had a celebration and each

girl. The girl’s mother had mentioned to Hecht that she had no friends. Hecht called a high school friend of her daughter’s and asked if she would get together with the younger girl.

“I thought it would be a nice gesture of friendship and a one-time thing,” she recalls. “The play date was spectacular, and it became a weekly play date.”

Soon, “another family called me,” Hecht says, “and they asked me if their son, who had autism, could also have a weekly play date. I paired up two teen boys to go to his home once a week. Before I knew it, families were calling me for play dates and high school kids were calling me to volunteer.”

The weekly play dates grew into Circle of Friends (circleoffriendsct.org). Started in September 2004, with eight teen and five adult volunteers, the organization now serves 120-plus families with children, teens and young adults with special

received a pair of shoes—for many, their first—and Sullivan and Legman had a cause. The Star of Hope Centre (starof hopecentre.org) was founded and run by Muyelele, but was struggling, financially.

He had a rented building and about 16 kids who were in dire need of help.

OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS Click here to watch a video about the Star of Hope. (See page 14 for details.)

“One very sick child was abandoned in a hovel with no food or water, essentially left to die,” explains Legman. “Several children were homeless and living on handouts and sleeping nearby. Leonard was in fear for these kids’ safety, especially the girls’. ” Legman and Sullivan set out to raise funds but had no confidence in their abilities to run a charity.

Friends with accounting and organizational skills came on board, and the Star of

needs, and involves more than 130 teenage and adult volunteers and more than 32 programs and events.

Although training is provided for volunteers, Hecht says, “at the end of the day, the most important requirement for a teen

Through Star of Hope, Leonard Muyelele and his wife, Gladwell (above), provide a loving home to more than 30 children and schooling to 120 children from the village (above left).

Hope Centre achieved 501(c)(3) status in 2012. An annual Seattle party and auction, Dancing for the Stars, was begun in 2010.

Since the organization’s inception, Muyelele has moved the orphanage to family property in the village and, with the money raised, built 10 classrooms, a boys’ and girls’ dorm, a kitchen, a meeting hall and a well.

A generator was recently added to provide a small bit of electricity, something sorely lacking in the area. To date, the small grass-roots organization has raised more than $250,000.

“People ask us why do this for Kenya [when] there’s adversity and tremendous need in this country,” says Legman. “There is no safety net in Kenya; there is nothing to help these children. Now we know their faces; now we know their names. We can’t not help.”—Steve Fisher

Circle of Friends founder Freida Hecht (black dress) and some of the play-date partners.

volunteer is a big smile, a compassionate heart and the willingness to be a friend.

That doesn’t require a degree.”—SF JANUARY 2017 The Costco Connection 149

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ACTUAL SIZE

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