Encore December 2011

ncore E A GUIDE TO A FULFILLING SENIOR LIFE IN WHATCOM COUNTY

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Check inside this issue of Encore for stories about events and trips at local community centers, dedicated workers, new technology designed to help rehabilitation patients, holiday meals (as seen above at the Lynden Community Center) and more.

Ferndale Record A supplement of the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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Senior hot meals service includes special invite to Spanish speakers Lynden’s Hope Lutheran Church hosts meals on Mondays and Thursdays Calvin Bratt Lynden Tribune LYNDEN — The Whatcom Council on Aging is getting back into Lynden with a hot meals program.

It’s certainly meant for all who are age 60 and over. And it comes with a special invitation to the Spanish-speaking community without regard to religious preference, said Julie Meyers, council nutrition director.

The service started up Dec. 5 and is offered every Monday and Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in the lower level of Hope Lutheran Church, 900 E. Grover St., Lynden. The hot meals are made at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center and brought to the church’s kitchen for serving.

“It’s part of our Community Senior Meals Program, and we just want to make the Hispanic population feel welcome,” Meyers said.

The lunch is offered to seniors on a donation-only basis. No senior will be turned away due to inability to pay.

In keeping with general policy, those under 60 are asked to pay $5.50.

This fresh Lynden effort fits into the Council on Aging’s goal of serving seniors in Whatcom and San Juan counties with nutritional meals, Meyers said. Lynden becomes the

Case Voskuilen, left, chats with Michael Spinale over coffee and a hot meal on Monday at Hope Lutheran Church.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

ENCORE 13th site for food service, she said.

Ferndale, Blaine, Everson, Sumas and Point Roberts already have some form of hot meals service, whether by delivery from Bellingham or with a cook on-site at their own senior centers.

The Lynden Senior Center was tied into the county senior nutrition network until the fall of 2009. At that point Lynden decided it could run a successful hot meals program every day out of its own kitchen, even delivering some meals to homebound seniors in the Lynden area. That self-standing independent program continues.

Meyers said that the new service isn’t meant to get entangled with issues of the past or to compete with what exists.

“Basically, we’re trying to meet the nutrition needs in the northern part of the county,” she said. “There is a need out there.”

The response was “slow” through the first three days of service in December, but publicity is still getting out through various channels, Meyers said. “It’s the word of mouth that really counts,” she said.

Flyers posted at churches, food banks and clinics are in both English and Spanish.

There is no need to give advance notice — people can just come to the meals on the two days.

If demand picks up, the meal preparation could eventually be done right in the Lutheran church kitchen, Meyers said.

A $10,000 grant through the Whatcom Community Foundation helped to get this effort off the ground in 2011. Some funding for senior nutrition programs comes from the federal government.

Tour opportunities abound for local seniors Bellingham and Ferndale senior centers organize various trips throughout the year Mark Reimers Lynden Tribune WHATCOM — Planning a trip is a chore for anyone. But for many seniors, the hassle of picking an activity, itinerary and parking is even more of a hassle given the limitations that sometimes accompany age.

That’s why the monthly day trips hosted the Ferndale Senior Center have become so popular, said Director Lacey Greene. In fact, a representative of the Lynden Senior Center said that members there often make use of the Ferndale trips for recreation.

One of the biggest draws to the Ferndale hosted trips, Greene said, is the fact that they require no stressful planning on the part of the participants. Instead, from the moment the group boards the bus, to the time they return, everything is taken care of for them.

The Ferndale Senior Center’s next trip will take a busload of shoppers down

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to the Tulalip Casino and Seattle Outlets on Jan. 25.

The bus for that event will leave the Ferndale Senior Center at 10 a.m. and return at about 6 p.m. Final per-person costs haven’t been finalized but Greene expects it to be $25-$30.

The following trip, set for Feb. 29, will be a tour trip to Boeing’s Paine Field in Everett. Attendees will get a 90-minute tour of the world-class aircraft manufacturing facility.

“Boeing’s the second largest manufacturer of aircraft in the world and they are right in our backyard,” Greene said.

The trip, which will include a box lunch, highlights another aspect of what these trips can offer, Greene said, and that is just the opportunity to explore and experience new things in life.

The March trip is equally informative, as it takes participants down to Seattle for a tour of the Channel 9 news TV station.

After that, April will allow seniors an opportunity to experience the Skagit Valley tulip fields in bloom.

Greene said the trips are not exclusive to members of the Ferndale Senior Center and technically aren’t only for seniors.

However, one additional perk that may be a draw for many regular trip participants, Greene said, is the chance to experience something with a group of good

friends.

For more information on Ferndale Senior Center day trips, call the center at 384-6244.

The Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St., also hosts the Whatcom County Tour Program.

That center offers an even higher frequency of trips that take participants all over the Puget Sound area.

The next three area trips are: • Jan. 27 — Tulalip Casino Trip: The bus departs from Bellingham Senior Activity Center at 9 a.m. and returns at 4:45 p.m. A cost of $39 is due ahead of the trip, with $5 additional charge for nonmembers. Legal photo ID is required.

• Jan. 31 —Tea Time and Art Viewing in La Conner: Enjoy exploring gift shops and outdoor sculptures, tea with all the goodies as well as a tour of the Museum of Northwest Art. Bus leaves at 12:30 p.m. and returns at about 5 p.m. The cost, due ahead of time, is $49, with an additional $5 fee for non-members.

• Feb. 10 — Northwest Flower and Garden Show: Get a sneak peak at the newest gardening ideas. Enjoy display gardens, exhibitors and seminars held at the Seattle

See TOURS on C5

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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Put money back in your pocket during open enrollment Open enrollment is the time of year when employees have the opportunity to review and select their benefits package for the following year. It is especially important for employees to know their companies’ open enrollment schedule, which typically takes place between September and December, because if they miss it, they might not be able to change their health benefits until the following year.

In making their benefits decisions, people typically don’t spend very much time researching their options.

“Consumers who don’t take the time to review and understand their benefit options might be leaving a lot of money on the table.”

— Yasmine Winkler

“Consumers who don’t take the time to review and understand their benefit options might be leaving a lot of money on the table,” said Yasmine Winkler, senior vice president of a major healthcare coverage provider.

When choosing your benefits this open enrollment season, the following tips could help improve your health while also putting money back in your wallet: 1) Look for incentive-based wellness programs. Many companies are now offering wellness programs that reward employees for making healthy choices and being more personally engaged in improving their health. Incentive-based health plans may provide financial and other rewards for lowering your cholesterol, losing weight or even signing up for a health coaching program or gym membership.

2) Open a Health Savings Account.

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Account option. A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is like a personal bank account specifically for health-related expenses: you own all the money in it, including contributions from your employer. And, unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), HSAs have no “use it or lose it” provision. They also offer a triple tax advantage: money is deposited pretax from your paycheck, accrues interest tax-free, and withdrawals are not taxed as long as funds are used for health-related expenses.

3) Get preventive care. The new health care reform law requires nongrandfathered health plans to cover preventive care with no cost sharing by the consumer. These services — which include children’s immunizations, annual physicals, mammograms and colonoscopies — may help you stay healthy and increase your chances of detecting possible future health risks earlier on.

4) Compare treatment costs. Some health plans offer tools to estimate your health care costs. Some tools also enable you to compare the quality ratings among physicians who participate in your health plan’s network, in addition to their cost.

5) Don’t overlook other important benefits. Many employers offer a variety of supplemental or voluntary benefits that can also put money back in your wallet. Critical illness and disability plans are designed to protect your income and help pay bills in the event that you are out of work for extended periods of time due to illness. The average cost of these plans can cost as little as $7 per month while providing thousands of dollars in coverage. In addition, dental and vision plans typically cost only about $1 per day combined but cover annual cleanings and eye exams, and offer reduced pricing on frames and lenses.

Many employers and health plans offer resources at no additional cost to help you navigate through this open enrollment period. This year, don’t miss the opportunity to review your benefits and save some money while taking steps toward better health.

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Tours: Ferndale trips are once per month Continued from C3 Convention Center. The bus departs at 9 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. Final payments of $63 are due Thursday, Feb. 2, with an additional $5 fee for non-members.

A much bigger trip, courtesy of the Whatcom County Tour Program, a European Riviera Cruise Tour, will be held May 3-11.

Tour the Italian, French and Spanish Riviera aboard Holland America Cruiseline. See Citivecchia, Santa Margheritta, Trapani, La Goulette, Barcelona and Monte Carlo. Costs range from $2,899 to $3,299 depending on accommodations. Travel insurance is $150 per person. Final payment is due by Jan. 4.

Trip includes roundtrip airfare from SeaTac to Rome, all taxes, transportation, cruise, optional shore excursions, meals on board the ship and an escort while cruising.

For more information about the Whatcom County Tour Program, call 733-4030, extension 47015.

Email Mark Reimers at reporter@lyndentribune.com.

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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Choosing the right Medicare plan: Look beyond premiums Each year, millions of seniors are able to enroll into a new Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP), and the vast number of available options can make this a daunting task. Choosing a Medicare prescription plan can seem confusing, so the more you know, the easier it will be to find one that makes the most sense for you.

Two of the most important aspects to keep in mind are whether the plan can help you save money and whether it protects your health.

When searching for the right plan, it’s important to look beyond the monthly premium. To help make the process less overwhelming, ask yourself which features are most important for you. Here are a few to consider: What is the plan’s CMS Star Quality Rating? Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rates Medicare Part D plans to help you compare the overall quality of plans and make a more informed decision. Based on comments from plan members and other factors, CMS continually “raises the bar” in how they review each plan’s performance in several categories, such as customer service, patient safety, and member experience. Star ratings range from 1 star (poor) to 5 stars (excellent).

Most prescription drug plans receive an average rating of 3.1 stars.

Does the plan tell you when there are lower-cost alternatives available, such as generics? Many brand-name drugs are scheduled to go “off patent” in 2012, which means that there may be new generic medications available.

The total cost of a generic drug can be up to 80 percent less than a brandname drug. By simply asking your doctor if a generic is available, you could save hundreds of dollars and significantly delay reaching the coverage gap — the dollar amount where your coverage runs out until you reach the designated catastrophic level where it kicks back in.

Does the plan offer coverage gap alerts? In 2012, in a standard Medicare prescription plan, once your drug costs (what you pay plus what your plan pays) reach $2,930, you will enter the coverage gap. Choose a plan that gives you the opportunity to learn how close you are to the gap — whether through written materials, phone calls or email alerts — and provides solutions for lowering overall prescription costs that will help to delay entry into it.

Does the plan have online tools?

Check into plans that have a suite of

online tools for cost comparisons and to ensure safety. Some plans offer tools that alert you when they are taking two medications that don’t work well together and could be potentially harmful to your health.

Does the plan provide access to clinical specialists? Look for a plan that not only provides 24-hour access to in-house Medicare advisors, but also to clinical specialists. They will be best suited to advise beneficiaries on prescription therapies as well as discuss lower-cost options. Finding a plan that includes both Medicare and clinical specialists provides greater value for your healthcare dollar.

Does the plan offer money-saving options? Some plans feature a $0 copayment for a 90-day supply of generic medications by mail while in the coverage gap, a great way to lower costs during this benefit stage. Access to a mail-order pharmacy allows for the convenience of medications to be delivered directly to the home. Mail order can often provide a three-month supply of medications for nearly 30 percent less than buying a onemonth supply three separate times at retail.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

LifeGait device assists Christian Health Care Center physical therapists sibilities are many.

Patients can use the machine to improve their gait patterns following an injury, with adjustments made depending on which part of the body is injured. The machine encourages an upright posture, and therefore helps with posture alterations that might be necessary following an injury. The LifeGait can even be taken on a treadmill.

The LifeGait machine at the health care center allows the physical therapist to rotate the patient around, allowing practice walking side to side and backwards. This helps facilitate balance and stability.

“It also keeps patients safe and your hands free,” Blois said.

The primary benefit, of course, are the fall-free conditions the LifeGait allows. Instead of requiring two or more physical therapists and assistants to help a patient move around a room, the LifeGait provides a secure way to hold a patient in place, only requiring one physical therapist at a time. The machine keeps the patient upright instead of the physical therapist, and this frees up the therapist’s hands to make adjustments and generally work with the patient.

“The end result is, they can walk with more balance and less falls,” Blois said.

ENCORE “Patients can get to a higher level faster.”

One of the primary goals at the center is to help rehab patients to progress to the “least restrictive device,” whether that’s a cane or a walker or some other option. “(Lifegait) allows them to take that step sooner to a less restrictive device if that’s a possibility,” Blois said.

The LifeGait expedites each session as well, as it takes just two minutes to harness a patient into the machine. It also eliminates the time that would be

LifeGait allows the physical therapist to harness patients in and help them in a wide variety of ways. taken helping patients out of seats and across rooms.

“It just encourages those behaviors that we as physical therapists are trying to encourage,” Blois said. “Our goal is, of course, to get them home or independent faster, if that’s a possibility. It just covers a whole realm of patients and conditions.”

The Christian Health Care Center has the only LifeGait north of Mount Vernon.

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Physical therapy assistant Kari Van Loo helps physical therapist Paul Nichols demonstrate the LifeGait at the Christian Health Care Center. — Lynden Tribune | BRENT LINDQUIST

Center has Whatcom County’s only LifeGait north of Mount Vernon Brent Lindquist Lynden Tribune LYNDEN — Patrons at the Christian Health Care Center’s award-winning rehabilitation department may notice a new piece of equipment amid the treadmills and exercise hardware.

That’s the LifeGait, a partial-weightbearing gait therapy device that arrived

at the care center about a month ago.

The therapists and assistants there have already seen the machine’s benefits after just a few weeks of use.

The LifeGait provides two primary tenets that enhance its benefit exponentially: versatility and, most importantly, safety. The device allows the physical therapist to harness patients in and help them in a wide variety of ways.

“We use it on patients with hundreds of different diagnoses,” said center physical therapist Andrea Blois.

These diagnoses can vary wildly, from strokes to hip replacements to orthopedic injuries. The LifeGait allows physical therapists to adjust the weight being put on each leg depending on a patient’s condition. From there, the pos-

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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RN celebrates milestone at Christian Health Care Center Nellie Vander Kooi began as a teen in Aug. 1971 Brent Lindquist Lynden Tribune     LYNDEN  —  Nellie  Vander  Kooi  still  remembers the day she began working for  Lynden’s Christian Health Care Center.     “I got a phone call at 11:30 a.m., and  they  basically  told  me  to  be  at  work  at  3:00,� she said.     That  was  on  Aug.  11,  1971,  when  the  center hired her on as a nursing assistant.  The position served as on-the-job training  while  she  waited  to  be  accepted  into  the  RN  program  at  Everett  Community  College.  She  had  also  studied  in  Dordt  College’s pre-nursing program prior to that.     Still just a teenager, she continued to  work primarily on the weekends after starting  at  Everett  Community  College,  where  she completed the nursing program.      The  care  center  was  located  on  B.C.  Avenue back then, and that’s not the only  change  Vander  Kooi  has  seen  over  the  years. She said many processes and regulations  have  changed  and  changed  again  over  the  years,  making  versatility  in  the  nurse position a necessity.     For that reason, no two days are ever  the same at the Christian Health Care Center.     “You  never  have  an  agenda  because  you  never  know  what’s  going  to  show  up,�  Vander  Kooi  said.  “You  have  to  deal 

with  the  pressing  matters.  Some  days  are  crazier  than  others. You  just  roll  with  the  punches.�     Her  jobs  and  positions  have  varied  through  the  decades,  though  the  RN  title  has  stayed  constant.  Currently  she  serves  as a unit coordinator. She has also worked  many  different  schedules  and in  various  departments  around  the  care  center.  Though she primarily works days now, she  worked nights and weekends while working through Everett’s RN program.     Over  the  years,  she  has  seen  a  very  wide  variety  of  people  come  through  the  care center.     “I’ve taken care of at least two generations of people,� Vander Kooi said.     Throughout her 40 years of work and  care,  those  people  have  remained  her  favorite part of the job. She considers it a gift  to be able to work with so many people in  the later seasons of their lives.     “After  40  years,  you  do  start  thinking  about  retirement,  but  these  residents  are  always going to have a special place in my  heart.  Being  here  in  Lynden  especially,  there are a lot of people who are so ready  to go home. In that sense, it’s an honor and  a privilege to walk that last part of the journey with them.�     Email Brent Lindquist at sports@lyndentribune.com.

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Nellie Vander Kooi celebrated her 40th year working at the Christian Health Care Center this year. Her first day was Aug. 11, 1971. — Tribune photo | BRENT LINDQUIST

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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Deck the halls ... carefully please Each year, 420 home fires occur during the holiday season, claiming the lives of 21 people and injuring 43, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Here are 12 tips for a safer holiday to help reduce the chance of becoming a holiday fire casualty: 1) Maintain your holiday lights — Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.

Use only lighting approved by a verified testing laboratory.

2) Don’t overload electrical outlets — Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe, or you can risk putting too much strain on the power source. For additional protection, connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires — they should not be warm to the touch.

3) Water that tree — Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Association. Typically, tree fires are started by shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches. Dry and neglected trees can increase your risk, while well-watered trees help to reduce the chance of any issues.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

4) Avoid using lit candles — Open flames create many opportunities for harm particularly when kids and pets are in the house. However, if you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning and never go near a Christmas tree with an open flame from candles, lighters or matches.

5) Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.

6) Keep your mitts off — Keep anything that can catch fire — potholders, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

7) Watch the oven — In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing.

8) Use turkey fryers outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and any other combustible materials.

9) Use only nonflammable decorations and ensure they are placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

10) Quickly discard gift wrap and packaging from your opened gifts as wrapping paper is very flammable.

Never burn gift wrap in the fireplace or wood stove. It can ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire.

11) Throw it out — Never put tree branches in a fireplace or wood-burning stove as these items may ignite quickly, starting flash fires. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

12) Have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

No matter how you celebrate, following these 12 tips to a safer holiday can help ensure that you, as well as your friends and family, enjoy a safe, joyful holiday season.

Email Mark Reimers at reporter@lyndentribune. com.

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Prevent identity theft this holiday season While you’re trekking through the malls or cruising websites looking for great holiday bargains, it may be difficult to remember that not everyone around you is as caught up in the holiday spirit as you are. Some of your fellow shoppers may actually be identity thieves looking to parlay the season’s hustle and bustle into an opportunity to steal your personal information and, ultimately, your money.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that identity theft — the unauthorized use of your personal identifying information, like your name, Social Security number or credit card number, to commit fraud or other crimes — is approaching 10 million incidents per year.

According to the FTC, on average, it takes a victim an estimated $500 and 30 hours to resolve each incidence of identity theft. No one wants to lose that kind of money at any time of year, but those time and monetary costs can be even more stressful during the holidays.

“The holidays present a wealth of opportunity for identity thieves,” said Heather Battison, a senior director at a credit and information management company.

“The hectic holiday season can potentially expose our personal information to theft in both high-tech ways like phishing scams, and in traditional ones, such as a stolen wallet or mail theft.”

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take now, that will help minimize your exposure to identity theft. These tips are especially important during the holiday season: • When holiday shopping, only carry essential documents with you. Only take your driver’s license and the

credit card or cards you intend to use that day. Do not carry your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and consider leaving at home other types of cards that may have identifying information on them, like wholesale club cards or library cards.

“The hectic holiday season can potentially expose our personal information to theft in both hightech ways like phishing scams, and in traditional ones, such as a stolen wallet or mail theft.”

— Heather Battison

• The holidays mean plenty of extra trash. Shred everything that contains personal, identifying information before throwing it out.

• Keep a close eye on your credit card bills. This is especially important during the holidays, when close attention can help you catch any charges you don’t recognize on your statement. An added bonus — you’ll also be more aware of how much you’re spending and be better prepared to stay within your holiday spending budget.

• Monitor your credit. Consider enrolling in a credit

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See IDENTITY on C11

Introducing:

A GUIDE TO A FULFILLING SENIOR LIFE IN WHATCOM COUNTY Along with a new name, we’re bringing you new and interesting articles pertaining to active senior lifestyles.

Look for Encore in your Tribune on the following dates:

2012 Publication Dates:

Feb. 15 , May 16th, July 18th, Oct. 24th, Dec. 26th th

354-4444

384-1411

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Tips for smooth and successful holiday travel Planning a surprise visit to the grandkids for the holidays or a family trip to celebrate the new year? Holiday travel can be stressful, but with some careful planning, it can be full of joy, instead of headaches.

Check out these holiday travel tips to help you get through this busy time with ease.

• Avoid peak travel dates. You will often find the best prices and lowest numbers of travelers if you fly on the holiday itself instead of the day(s) before. If possible, travel on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and avoid a return flight on the Sunday evening after a holiday weekend.

Choose wisely the time of day you travel as well. As a rule, airports are least congested in the mornings and later at night.

• Be flexible and have a positive attitude. The No. 1 rule while traveling over the holidays is to be prepared for the unknown and have back-up plans. It's always smart to anticipate and plan for delays. Pack extra snacks, a good book, your cellphone charger, games for the kids and try to relax if you are faced with an unplanned event.

• Pack wisely. Decide well in advance of your flight if you will check or carry on your luggage and plan accordingly. If you decide to carry on, be sure to follow TSA rules about liquids and don't stuff your bag over its capacity. If you opt to check luggage, be prepared to pay extra fees and again, pack as light as possible so you can manage your luggage.

• Carry on the essentials. Carry a backpack as your personal item in order to keep your hands free. Make sure it's filled with essentials for you and your family. The contents of your carry-on should cover hunger, thirst, boredom, spills, sickness and tiredness.

• Become a tech-savvy traveler. Take advantage of technology. Whenever possible, print your boarding passes at home or use check-in kiosks. The earlier you check in, the better seats you will get.

Think about doing your holiday shopping online and having your gifts shipped to your destination. This will cut down on luggage and the risk of gifts getting lost.

Have the airlines send you an email or call you if your flight is delayed. Or, sign up for a service like Flight Tracker on your phone where you can get flight status updates within minutes. Make sure phones, music players, portable DVD players, etc. are fully charged and pack chargers for use at your destination.

• Make health a priority. Make sure that you eat well and rest before you travel. Pack healthy snacks, hand sanitizer or wipes, tissues, etc.

• Leave early. Plan your journey to the airport accounting for enough time for long security lines, traffic, full parking lots, etc., and then give yourself an extra 30 minutes to help alleviate stress from any peripheral delays you may encounter.

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

ENCORE

A little Christmas flavor

Patrons of the Lynden Senor Center spent Friday afternoon with a full serving of Christmas cheer. The center hosted its annual Christmas dinner for over 200 people. — Lynden Tribune | TIM NEWCOMB • Practice makes perfect. If you're traveling with children, help to prepare them in advance for the journey by role playing and explaining things like removing shoes, putting all belongings (including blankets or stuffed animals) on the moving security belt, waiting patiently in line, etc.

If you do some planning in advance, you can arrive at your destination with a smile on your face instead of a headache.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

ENCORE

C11

Identity: Keep a physical list of passwords in a safe place Continued from C9 monitoring service that will alert you via email to changes in your credit report.

This way you will know quickly if someone else has tried to open a new credit account in your name.

• When shopping online, only do business with websites that have security measures in place to protect you. Before you provide any personal or payment information, look for a URL that begins with https (not http) and a lock emblem on the page, typically next to the address bar.

• Before you shop the Web, consider changing your account passwords and keep a list of them in a secure place.

Passwords and PIN numbers should be a random mix of letters, numbers and special characters, which makes it harder for identity thieves to guess.

Preventing identity theft is important year round, and especially during the holidays. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can help ensure your holidays remain bright — and secure.

Holiday shoppers can become prime targets for identity thieves if care is not taken, both online and in stores. — Courtesy photo

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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