NW Florida
Page 10
Mans Best Friend Your guide to Happiness How Pets bring Happiness to Everyone
Page 14
Tree Camping Hanging High in the Sky in Coastal Redwoods Trees
Dec 2017
LIFESTYLES
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y r F r i t SYour Way
This stir fry recipe is for those who like a variety of different proteins in their diet. You can use chicken, pork, steak, fish, shrimp, scallops or tofu! The protein options are almost endless as well as the different veggies you can use. The noodles I like to use are Soba noodles; they are made of buckwheat and are very healthy and good for clean eating. The recipe is a basic and can be changed to your liking. This is just to give you the flavor profile, but you can do it exactly like this and it’s great!
Ingredients: • 1 small onion sliced thin • 1 red bell pepper sliced thin • 1 rib celery sliced • 1 cup chopped celery • 2 cloves garlic sliced
• 2 cups cooked diced chicken • 3-4 cups broccoli • 1 cup sugar snaps peas • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 pack or three bunches of noodles cook per instructions on package before adding a little under cooked is best so noodle hold form
To Make: Do the mix first and then heat Wok or large skillet and add both oils, after that add the onion and peppers cook for about 2 minutes and then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the remaining ingredients but noodles and then the sauce and cook until the broccoli is tender and then add noodles stir and enjoy!
Co n t e n t s
LIFESTYLES
NW Florida Dec 2017
Find
Happiness
With a Pet
on the cover
READ MORE ON > PAGE 10 > article by Travis Manney
Beauty
Fall into
Shells &
> PAGE 8
> PAGE 6
Tree Camping in
Diabetes
Take Control On a beautiful sunny morning, a man found a cocoon of a butterfly. The next day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.
LIFESTYLES
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Pg. 4
LIFESTYLES
Coastal Redwoods > PAGE 14
> PAGE 12
BUTTERFLY COCOON
Sand Dollars
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. As we go through life we should keep in mind that struggling is an important part of any growth experience. In fact, it is that struggle that causes us to develop our ability to fly. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us.
Meet the Staff of Lifestyles 55+ Publishers: Tom Caruso
Editor Kelly Walgamotte
Designer MK Media
Contributing Writers: Mary Bounds, Michelle Carollo, Becky Rolland, Marelia Rocasco, Jessica Valenzuela
Lifestyles 55+ is published monthly P.O. Box 752 Slidell, LA 70459
Copyright 2017 by Lifestyles 55 . No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written, expressed consent of the publisher. Reproduction of editorial content or graphics in any manner or in any medium is prohibited. Opinions of staff & contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Contact the publishers of Lifestyles 55+ via e-mail at ps@lifestyles55.com, or call (504) 352-1221 +
Letters to the Editor are Welcome – send signed letters to: Lifestyles 55+ Magazine P.O. Box 752 Slidell, LA 70459. Please include a phone number for verification (Or it will not be published). E-mail letters to Jdoe@lifestyles55.com. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length, style and spelling. Postmaster : Send address changes to Lifestyles 55+ P.O. Box 752 Slidell, LA 70459
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Health & Beauty
Fall Into Beauty
When fall finally hits home, it’s so long bikini and hello pumpkin spiced lattes! There’s also a switch from bright and light makeup trends to warmer, deeper colors. Here is a sampling of this year’s up-and-coming makeup trends and tips.
Sun-kissed Skin
Pucker Up
Darker foundations and warmer shades of blush give the appearance of a fresh tan from the beach. The key here is to blend your makeup well enough to make your face look natural. That’s right; 365 days of a South Beach glow and without the UV rays! Using a damp beauty blender after you’ve applied your foundation will give the finishing touch to this all natural look. Tip: Keep the sponge damp. That way it won’t absorb any of the makeup you just applied to your face.
Dark lipstick is always a fad in the fall and winter months, but this year, try layering a black lipstick with a bright red or berry. Blend it in with your finger, and you will have a dark, stained wine look. Muah!
Orange You Glad You Wore Eye Shadow? Believe it or not, orange is really flattering on the eyes! Blending it with pinks and reds will give you that “sunset” look. Make sure to stay with colors that go well with your skin tone. If you’re lighter skinned, stick with lighter shades of orange. If your skin is darker, you can play with darker tones, such as a burnt orange.
Let’s Get Hairy People tend to run straight for the curling iron and hair straightener. This fall, why not stick to a more natural look? Shape your hair to work for you by cutting it in ways that will bring out your natural beauty. If you have fine or thin hair, try a short bob with some layers for that recently blow-dried look. Can you say posh? For thicker hair, we recommend long layers with tapered bangs and a middle part. The bangs will grow nicely with the layers, and a middle part will elongate your face.
IN THR NUDE-RAL Nude colored nails or even bare nails are becoming more popular. This fall, we thought we’d spice it up a bit with a matte top coat. Try shades of taupe, tan or cream. Pg. 6
LIFESTYLES
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S ea sh el ls & S a n d D ol la r s:
By: Ruth Megan
Inspiration from the Beach – How to Face Adversity and Offer Hope Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement – and we will make the goal. ~ Jerome Fleishman I just spent a week at the seashore, watching waves pound the beach, dragging sand away from its quiet place on the shore and into the bigger ocean. If I were a grain of sand, I’d much rather lie in the sun: peaceful, un-battered, with a life of quiet tranquility. I’d rather not face the waves of adversity, tumbled by the tumult of ebb and flow, uncertain of my outcome. Yet the ocean, like life, gives back, even as it takes. I found a sand dollar amid the flotsam at water’s edge. A tad imperfect, not bleached-white but dull gray; all the more precious because it survived the surf to settle at my feet – an unexpected gift. As we strolled along, others were picking up seashells, tossing aside those that were chipped, broken and imperfect. I’d always done the same thing myself. But then I started to notice the shards. They were just as beautiful, perhaps more so. Uniquely shaped, beaten but not destroyed; a testament to the tenacity of life and survival – even in the wearing ocean. My thoughts wandered with my steps. A friend’s daughter who lost a child, and another whose husband died unexpectedly. Both too young. A conversation with a Korean veteran who lived a far different experience from our MASH-inspired perception of war. Thank you, sir, for your service. (And thank you to all veterans, wherever you served.) A wealthy businessman who struggles with the realities of a 29-year-old son with ALS. The son may not see his 30th birthday. And no amount of money can change that …
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LIFESTYLES
Dozens of people, young and old, in wheelchairs and scooters on the boardwalk, enjoying sunshine and surf despite their handicaps. Even a dog rally, where two of the stars were Pitt Bulls with missing legs. Most of us would say, “How sad.” Yet they were active and loving, squirming with joy when people stopped to pet them. I began to pick up those broken shells, seeing a different perspective that others overlooked. “See these colors.” “Ooh, look at these – how beautiful!” And a few steps further, “Feel this one,” as I rubbed my thumb back and forth across its smooth surface, comforting like a worry stone. We are like those seashells. We don’t get the option to stay on the beach, comfortable, warm and unaffected by the ebb and flow of life. Instead, we must face the surf, overcome the riptides of calamity and disaster to offer value and beauty to those whose paths cross ours. Some of us seem to have ‘perfect’ lives, yet we’ve been through the surf of situations and circumstances that tossed us about and left our emotions behind with the tide. Some of us are battered by life, dull and chipped like that sand dollar. We’ve lost the polish of lovingkindness – replaced with the grayness of anger, bitterness and disappointment, grief, and regret. Others are broken – eroded physically, mentally, emotionally or financially. Our lives, our ‘shells’, are no longer what we had expected. We’ve been washed ashore by waves of time and circumstance. We wait, broken and alone, for someone to pick us up, dust off the grit and remind us of our innate value and beauty. I’m sure we’d all rather be like seashells in the Beach Store: perfect, polished, costly. But Life’s tides don’t give us that option.
The next time you see people or circumstances that aren’t what you want or expect, remember the lesson of the shells. They were all perfect once. Yet, even battered and broken, they add to the ambiance that is Life. Every seashell – if it could talk, would tell you a story of joy and sorrow, ebb and flow. We forget too often that our experiences are not unique. The Bible reminds us the tests and trials of life are ‘common to man’ (I Cor. 10:13). Growth and decay, trial and circumstance, happiness and disappointment are all part of the tide called Life. Here are three simple keys to help you face your own adversities and offer hope to others.
Empathize. When meetwho someone who seems Empathize. When you meetyou someone seems storm-tossed and storm-tossed and lonely, remember the sand dollar, lonely, remember the sand dollar, chipped and gray, but special chipped Share and your gray,compassion but special nonetheless. Share nonetheless. and understanding. your compassion and understanding.
Appreciate. Be grateful when the ocean of Life gives you time on theAppreciate. beach. Welcome opportunity forocean sunshine Be every grateful when the of and Lifeblessing. gives Share your blessings with others. you time on the beach. Welcome every opportunity
for sunshine and blessing. Share your blessings with
Connect. No matter where they are – or why, people need others. connection. Just like those fragments of seashells, you can ‘pick them up’ with smiles, kind words, and hugs.
Connect. No matter where they are – or why, people need connection. Just like those fragments of seashells, you can ‘pick them up’ with smiles, kind words, and hugs.
That Korean veteran showed me a photo of he and his wife, now deceased. Decades ago, they were young and beautiful – far removed from the stubbly elder gentleman I know now. My own life certainly didn’t turn out as I’d expected. Yours probably didn’t either. And that is true for all of us. But just like those seashells, we’ve survived. That is the real inspiration from the beach.
Find
BY: TRAVIS MANNEY
Happiness
With a Pet Thinking about adding a furry or feathered member to your family? Pets can provide perks no matter what your age. Maybe that’s why 62% of households in the U.S. already have one. It’s true care and feeding a dog, cat, or even a goldfish can cost money and time. The two things families are always short on. But the unconditional love and boost to your well-being that a pet can bring may well be worth your investment.
HERE’S HOW PETS — ESPECIALLY DOG CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS: A PET IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART: High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can up your risk of heart disease, but owning a cat or dog can lower both, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Owning a cat or dog can also increase your chances of surviving a heart attack. PETS LOWER STRESS AND DEPRESSION: Stroking your cat or dog can lower your blood pressure and make you feel calmer. Even watching fish can ease tense muscles. Playing with your pet increases the levels of the feel-good chemicals serotonin and dopamine in your brain. Maybe that’s why people recover from a stressful situation more quickly when they’re with their pets than with their partners or friends, a study done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found. PETS CONNECT YOU TO A COMMUNITY: Dogs, like babies, are conversation starters. On walks, you’re bound to stop for a chat or two with other dog owners. Pets also give you the chance to meet like-minded owners at the vet, pet store, or training classes. There’s even a chance to connect online, where you can find forums and Facebook fan pages devoted to individual dog and cat breeds.
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LIFESTYLES
PETS GET YOU MOVING: You can’t be a couch potato when you have a dog. Walking a dog regularly means you’re less likely to be obese and more likely to be physically active, the NIH has found. The benefits continue to pay off as you age. One study followed 2,500 adults, 71 to 82 years old. The result: Those who took their dogs out regularly had more physical stamina & energy; they walked faster and for longer periods of time and had more mobility inside the house. Another plus: All that time outdoors increases your vitamin D levels and helps keep your bones strong. PETS A SOURCE OF COMFORT: People may need people to live a richer life, but pets can provide many of the same perks, according to a study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Pet owners had greater self-esteem and were better able to bounce back from rejection, the study found. Of course, not everyone is cut out to be pet owner. If you feel you can’t spare the time or funds, reap the rewards of pet ownership by fostering a rescued animal or by volunteering at a shelter. You’ll be helping animals in need and finding a sense of purpose in the process — and that’s a win-win for everyone
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DIABETES TAKE CONTROL First, the good news: Over the last few years, the number of new cases of diabetes in the United States has shown a modest decline. People with diabetes are living longer because of improvements in managing the disease. One of the key reasons that people with diabetes are living longer is that there has been a steady decline in the death rate due to cardiovascular disease. Improvements have also been seen in the tools and medications that people with diabetes can use to manage the disease. Now, the bad news: There are still 1.4 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed every year, and even though we now have better ways to manage diabetes, the financial burden of doing so has increased.
TYPE 1
Less common than type 2, about 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1. Type 1 diabetes was previously known as “juvenile diabetes” because it’s most often diagnosed in children and young adults. In simple terms, the food you consume is broken down into glucose, which provides the energy your body needs to function properly. The body uses insulin to burn that glucose. When someone has type 1, his or her body does not produce insulin. How it’s treated: Insulin therapy is necessary. Additional medication/treatments may also be used.
TYPE 2
Most common form of diabetes. When
someone has type 2, their body makes insulin but might not make enough and does not use it properly. When the disease first starts, the pancreas produces extra insulin but eventually can’t make enough to maintain normal levels of blood glucose. Glucose then builds up in the blood, where it causes a host of problems rather than going into the cells and providing energy. Type 2 diabetes is generally progressive, with the body’s ability to produce its own insulin declining over time. How it’s treated: Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise). Medication and/or insulin may also be necessary if lifestyle changes aren’t adequate to regulate blood glucose levels. There is no cure, so it’s all about management.
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LIFESTYLES
Diabetes by the Numbers
29.1 MILLION:
AMERICANS WITH DIABETES (8.1 MILLION OF THOSE ARE UNDIAGNOSED)
1.4 MILLION:
NEW CASES OF DIABETES DIAGNOSED ANNUALLY IN THE UNITED STATES
11.8 MILLION:
AMERICANS AGE 65 AND OLDER WITH DIABETES 25.9%
$245 BILLION:
TOTAL COST OF DIAGNOSED DIABETES IN THE UNITED STATES
7TH LEADING
CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE UNITED STATES Source: American Diabetes Association
Lower Your Risk
Take proactive steps to reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Reason For Concern Having diabetes puts you at risk for a number of health problems, including:
Cardiovascular disease Adults diagnosed with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized with a heart attack or stroke. Two out of three people with diabetes have high blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eye damage Diabetes can lead to a number of vision problems, including glaucoma, cataracts and disorders of the retina, including macular edema. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Kidney disease Diabetes can damage the kidneys, causing them to work harder and, in some cases, to eventually fail altogether, requiring dialysis. Neuropathy Nearly half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage, which, in serious cases, can lead to amputation.
Lose the weight. Maintaining an appropriate body weight range is the No. 1 thing you can do to avoid diabetes. About 85 percent of people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Talk to your doctor about developing a realistic plan to lose weight.
Eat healthy. It’s about making smart food choices, not starving yourself. For example, the largest portion of your meal should be non-starchy vegetables. Cut back on starchy veggies (corn, potatoes, etc) and include lean protein and small amounts of healthy fats.
Don’t smoke. This seems like a no-brainer, but there are still people who think they can do other things to improve their health without giving up cigarettes. Don’t kid yourself. Smoking raises your blood pressure and your bad cholesterol, damages your lungs and reduces the amount of oxygen needed by your organs to function normally. Because people with diabetes are already at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, smoking is especially bad for them. Get moving. Regular exercise improves blood flow and helps lower blood glucose. Research has shown that light activity spread throughout the day is more beneficial for lipid and glucose metabolism than working out intensely for an hour or two. This is good news for people who physically aren’t able to exercise vigorously, and it pretty much cancels out any excuse you might come up with for not exercising. Look for ways to incorporate more physical movement into each day. Even the smallest activities start adding up. Watch what you’re drinking. Many people consume hundreds of calories a day in beverages alone.
Schedule a diabetes screening test if you have any of the following risk factors: • African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-American, Pacific Islander
• Family history of type 2 diabetes
• 45 or older
• Gave birth to a baby weighing nine pounds or more
• High blood pressure • HDL cholesterol below 35 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or triglyceride level over 250 mg/dl
• Had gestational diabetes when pregnant • Have polycystic ovary syndrome You can also go to diabetes.org/risktest for an online risk assessment
• Sedentary lifestyle • Overweight (body mass index over 25)
PREDIABETES Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to warrant a diagnosis of actual diabetes.
Prediabetes is a wake-up call, because, if not addressed, you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next five to 10 years. You may be able to change your lifestyle and avoid—or at least delay—developing diabetes by getting your blood
sugar number down to a normal level. These lifestyle changes include eating right, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. You don’t need a total metamorphosis to see improvement. Just dropping 10 to 15 pounds can make a difference!
Travel & Destinations
Tree Camping
Though tree camping is increasingly popular all across the world, Elk, California is the premiere destination for it in the United States. In many places in California, tree campers use the portaledge style tents for tree camping originally designed for rock climbers that need a place to sleep while climbing a sheer rock ledge. This method suspends a fabric tent with a metal frame using suspension cables to raise and lower the tent accordingly. However, a fabric tent doesn’t do much for those looking to tree camp for the view. Tree campers in Elk and other locations of the Pacific Coast have modified this method so that instead of fabric, the tent is little more than mosquito nets. Suspension cables are still attached to a metal frame that creates a “treeboat” bed that can be plain or padded with raised sides just in case campers tend to roll around when they sleep. After campers have their tent, all they need to do is find a big tree with strong branches, something that Elk has no shortage of. Elk, California is filled with coastal Redwoods and ancient Cyprus trees that are perfect for tree camping in. Though getting the suspension able fastened to a sturdy branch can be a bit of a task. There is one obvious question about tree camping that few ever address: how does one get into a tent that is suspended in the air? Some tents come with ladders, but those are for the tree
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LIFESTYLES
camping tents that are just barely off the ground. The tents most commonly used in Elk use ropes to ascend and descend from the tent. This makes tree camping restricted to those who are in fairly good shape, considering visitors both have to climb a tree to secure the tent then climb a rope to get in and out of it. I guess the rope climbing section of gym class really was teaching some real world skills after all.
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