Lifestyles After 50 Sarasota/Manatee December 2013 edition

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AFTER 50

Vol. 24 • December 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Six Ways to Have a Jolly Holiday in Florida • Veterans Corner • Mid Life Crisis- No Sports Car Needed

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Sleigh Bells Ring and We’re Listening—Together Dear Readers,

H

um it, sing it or just nod your head as the music plays “Sleigh Bells Ring” or “The First Noel. ” Like most Janice Doyle, of the old Christmas Editor songs and carols, they are familiar within the first few notes.

These are songs of the season, a part of our common culture. For decades Christmas carols and songs have started filling the air before we finished off the Halloween candy.

We may not admit it, but we welcome the return of seasonal music, even if the calendar says we have several weeks to go before Dec. 25, because we crave the sense of community the songs bring.

The songs are a part of cultural rituals we are drawn toward.

Whether your favorite holiday song features a warbling chorus of Peanuts characters accompanied by a toy piano or a pitch-perfect boys’ choir accompanied by a Steinway, the songs of the season have a way of bringing us together, particularly in Western culture, says Jeffrey Sharkey, Director of the Peabody Institute at The Johns Hopkins University.

Carols have a particular place in people’s hearts because they are one of the rituals of the season. Maybe one of the most important rituals, it turns out.

Sharkey says, “We take comfort in ritual, in hearing familiar songs, familiar melodies expressing familiar sentiments at a particular time of

year. It is something that both brings us together and binds us together.”

Ask Dr. Ruth Westheimer, iconic radio sex therapist, about the binding quality of common music. In a seminar about Jewish music, I heard her relate the story of her childhood when her father was taken away by SS soldiers at age 10. Her mother and grandmother, realizing the dangers in Germany, put the young Ruth aboard an evacuation train full of children headed for Switzerland.

On that train filled with children newly ripped from their families, the young Ruth took charge. She said she realized the one way to bring them together was to sing their common songs. So she began singing the songs they had learned at school. One by one the children of all ages stopped crying and began singing along, even as the train took them farther away from families. Singing together the familiar songs served to fill them with courage to face the unknown that lay ahead.

How is it that familiar songs bind us together? Songs like “Silent Night” and “Deck the Halls” are anchors to our past experiences. They provide guideposts for the season.

Hearing those first few familiar notes of “Joy to the World” frees us up to recognize the season and enjoy a common set of memories.

Researchers say singing and listening to familiar songs creates a synergy with others, an “acting out” of familiar thoughts or beliefs. As

we share in hearing or singing our common holiday songs, we feel a sense of belonging to community, to a larger circle of people.

Sarasota/Manatee Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc General Manager Dave Tarantul dave@lifestylesafter50.com

Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Janice Doyle janice@lifestylesafter50.com Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com

Today schools and offices and communities are cowering under threats tied to the traditions and rituals of American Christmas. We are told that someone might be offended by a song or something with the word Christmas in it.

Traditionally, Americans heard the same songs on the radio and TV as well as at school, church, club meetings and community gatherings. No longer. We are losing a common bond and a cultural identity that serves a good purpose, the very thing young Dr. Ruth Westheimer understood amid a trainload of frightened children.

In a world of fast changes and commercialism, it seems we might need the common music of the season more than ever. Be sure you find a way to share those traditional carols and songs! Sing out!

Administrative Assistant Nancy Spencer nancy@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design Kim Burrell kim@lifestylesafter50.com Associate Editor/Production Assistant Tracie Schmidt tracie@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution (941) 375-6260

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 4

Bounce Back Sooner Robotic Surgery Offers Older Patients Faster Recovery

Since first being trained in 2009, I’ve performed hundreds of robotic Blake Medical Center surgeries. Increasingly, I’ve grown to s we get older, the be a strong advocate for prospect of unthe approach. Although dergoing surgery holds not every case calls for unique challenges. robotic surgery, it often Studies have shown that proves to be the best opoperations considered tion for many patients. fairly routine in youngNowhere is this er patients often require upside more apparent longer recovery time than when it comes to and carry increased hysterectomies. Tradirisks for older patients. tional surgery, known That’s one of as open hysterectomies, several reasons that typically require patients over the age four to six weeks of 50 should seriously recovery time. During A. Jothivijayarani, M.D. consider the option recovery, the patient of robotic surgery. Robotic systems deals with a painful incision that such as those at Blake Medical often extends the length of the lower Center enhance a surgeon’s ability belly and leaves an unsightly scar. to perform complicated procedures With robotic hysterectomy surgery, in ways that are highly effective recovery time shrinks to two to three and far less invasive than traditional weeks, and sometimes less. Not only techniques. The result for patients that—instead of the long, painful is less blood loss during surgery incision, the robotic surgery requires and faster, less painful recoveries. only a few dime-sized cuts that are I have seen these benefits firsthand less painful, less prone to infection, in my specialty of gynecology. Robot- and barely noticeable over time. No ic surgery has revolutionized surgical one wants to have surgery, but the treatment of ovarian, cervical and fact that this technique can reduce uterine cancers that are more common the pain and long-term scarring in older women. In addition, women makes the experience considerably with pelvic floor support disorders less traumatic for many patients. experience better long-term results The technological advancements and recover faster when treated with in robotic surgery have been robotic surgery. Meanwhile, men dramatic—leading to a decline in who undergo robotic prostate surgery open hysterectomy surgeries. And have less urinary incontinence and the robotic technology is being post-operative sexual dysfunction. developed and refined for a range of So how does robotic surgery work? surgical disciplines. For instance, at Anyone who’s ever used a joystick Blake Medical Center patients now to maneuver a video game should have the option of a single incision have a pretty good sense of the gallbladder surgery. I suspect that mechanics behind the technology. in the near future, the number of Instead of directly moving instruincisions required in gynecological ments by hand, a surgeon guides surgeries will decline as well. a robotic arm, often mirroring the If you’re over the age of 50 and face normal movements associated with the prospect of surgery, discuss the the surgery. Robotic surgery still potential robotic options with your relies on the expertise and trained doctor. The approach will likely offer hands of a skilled surgeon—it just better results, and will allow you to serves to make those hands more return to your normal routine considercapable, precise and consistent. ably faster than traditional surgery.

BY A. (JOTHI) JOTHIVIJAYARANI, M.D.

A

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 5

BY JANICE DOYLE

“Y

es, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist… Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!”

That iconic answer by a newspaper editor to a little girl’s question about Santa in 1897 is happily lived out every day of every year by two West Central Florida men. Virginia would find both the appearance and spirit of Santa in Jim Heichelbech, 87, of Arcadia (on our front cover) and Santa R.G. Holland, 67, of Inverness.

The Christmas season finds the two men appearing daily in handsome Santa robes (costumes).

Santa R.G. Holland spreads Christmas cheer.

Santa R.G. says, “I don’t play the role of Santa. I assume his personnae of generosity, kindness and caring.”

Santa Jim is at Burlington Mall near Boston this year. His appearances began November 1 and will finish at 6 pm Christmas Eve. The retired executive says, “I don’t know any position that allows me to do the things Santa does. I have an obligation that God has given me… to give people love.

I bring happiness to so many. I figure I’ve been Santa for over a million and a half people in 57 years.”

A 94-year-old lady visited him with a group from a nursing home.

She said, “I’ve never sat on Santa’s lap before. Can I sit on your lap?”

If a child asks for a pink pony, Santa Jim says, “We never say no.” He laughs a hearty laugh and adds, “You never know what a parent can do for a child.”

Or, according to Santa R.G.: “Promise nothing, but nourish hope.”

“In my heart I get a very big kick out of being Santa.” Santa Jim just plain looks like Santa whether wearing his robes Santa Jim Heichelbech makes appearances or not and knows going with his “Mrs. Claus,” — wife Marilyn. out to eat any time of Santa Jim willingly obliged. “Santa year means being spoken is a lifter-upper,” he adds. “I often to 14 or 15 times by both children find that adults will come up next to and adults. If an adult says “I still me and tell me they are depressed. believe in you, Santa,” Heichelbech They just want to have a hug and may respond by encouraging them stand close, and I give them love.” to always keep the spirit of Santa As Christmas draws closer, parents alive. “I try to give an act of love, dress their children up and bring like a handshake. If the other person them to visit Santa with toy requests initiates it, I will give a hug.” and for the photo op. Sleds, Betsy Wetsy dolls, Tinker Toys – all are Santa University toys of the past, and Santa must be Both Santas hone their craft prepared. Starting in August, Santa year-round. Last summer they were Jim begins visiting toy stores, doing at Noerr Pole, headquarters for his homework. “I look at and examine The Noerr Programs and training and know what toys and electronics center for Santa University in Arvida, are going to be hot this year so when Colorado. The company places Santas a child asks for it, I know what it is in over 165 malls in 37 states. The and can pronounce it correctly.”

4-day program assisted more than “Children used to be most 80 naturally bearded Santas in all interested in what they could get things Santa-related. Physical stamina for Christmas. In the last three or is important, for example, and so is four years, more and more children being ever mindful of their alter-ego. have been asking for things for Santa Jim teaches an ethics class, someone else,” says Santa R.G. giving help for avoiding possible “That’s the true spirit of Christmas.” sticky situations. Santa must be

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 6

aware that digital media can capture a moment anywhere and bad moments can go viral. “You have to be cognizant of what you’re doing at all times, even in the off-season.

Santa doesn’t go where he shouldn’t be, and he doesn’t do what he shouldn’t do. And both of Santa’s hands are visible in every picture.”

Santas are taught to check every e-mail twice to make sure what they are writing is appropriate.

At the Santa University in July, Santas-in-training packed gift bags for children who survived a tornado in Moore, Oklahoma

Many practical tips come with the university as well. Examples: Parents always lift the child onto Santa’s lap (it spares his back). Too hot in the Santa robes? Special vests are available with pockets to hold cooler packs.

And so when Virginia sees love and generosity and devotion, she would do well to look closely to see if it might be Santa Jim or Santa R.G. If so, she will always have reason to BELIEVE! Cover photo and story photos courtesy of Noerr Programs; NoerrPrograms.com.

Santa University members attend yearly conferences to stay in top “St. Nick” shape.

Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3

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eekly Older Adult Fitness classes. 9:30 to 10:30 am. Cost: $5 (drop-in) or $32 (4-week session).

Laurel Park Community Center, 509 Collins Road, Laurel. 941-861-5000.

throughout Sarasota/Manatee. Admission: free with filled shoebox or $20 donation to Meals on Wheels Plus.

Benefits seniors. Times/locations and filling details at 941-747-4655.

hrough Dec. The Prima Donnettes. Travel back to the sounds of great female singing groups of the 50s and 60s. 7:30 to 9:30 pm at Florida Studio Theatre. 941-366-9000.

and 11 55 Alive Driver Safety two-day certification course. $14. Cortez Center, 9 am to 1 pm.1-888-359-3552.

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Holiday Boutique – Sarasota Garden Club. Poinsettias, fresh wreaths, Christmas cactus, pecans and more for sale. 9 am to 4 pm at Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota. Free. 941-955-0875.

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Manatee County Audubon Open House. 8 am to noon. Bird walk, family learning experience. Felts Audubon Preserve, Palmetto. Details: 941-729-2222 or.manateeaudubon.org.

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and 15 Downtown Sarasota Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Five Points Park. 10 am to 4:30 pm. Free. 941-379-0951.

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hursdays Musical Extravaganzas in December. Enjoy free movies from 6 to 8 pm at Venice Library, with introductions by “Movie Man” Jim Orville. Details: 941-861-1331.

Concert in the Grove – Ocean’s Eleven Big Band Christmas at Mixon Fruit Farms, 6 pm to 9 pm. 11-piece live band plays jazz and holiday favorites. $5. 941-748-5829 ext. 268.

Bradenton Blues Festival. Live music, food and drink, art and more. $40. 11 am to 8 pm at Bradenton Riverwalk. See bradentonbluesfestival.org.

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Cookies N’ Cans. Cookie exchange. Bake your favorite cookies and bring them (with a can or two for All Faiths Food Bank) to swap with others. 2 to 4 pm at Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, 2121 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. 941-364-3399.

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Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade. 7 pm to 10 pm from U.S. 301 to Gulf Stream Avenue. Lighted floats, marching bands, Santa and a holiday salute to veterans. Free.

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Community Shoebox Drive and Reception. 4 - 6 pm at locations

The Welcome Club of Sarasota/Manatee presents Bill Shustick, singer and storyteller, at their luncheon at Lakewood Ranch Country Club. 11 am. $26. RSVP to 941-3880924. Prospective members welcome.

FootNotes Walk and Talk Book Club. Health talks, book discussions, mall walks and more.

This month’s topic: aging and memory. 1:30 to 3 pm starting at Westfield Sarasota Mall. RSVP: 941-302-4271.

Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. Starts at 6 pm. Best viewing areas are Bayfront Park, City Island and Centennial Park. Free. 941-371-8820.

Film Fridays. Screening of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” featuring Judy Garland and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

1 to 3 pm at South Florida Museum, Bradenton. $5. 941-746-4131.

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New Year’s Eve – Downtown Sarasota. Free end-of-the-year celebration with live music, children’s rides and midway games. Pineapple Drop at midnight. 2 pm to 1 am on Main Street, downtown Sarasota.

Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax (813) 651-1989 or email calendar@srnewsconnection. com. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e.

December 10 for January event.)

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 7

Stroll Under The Lights 20 W eekends Dec. 6 – 29. Holiday Lights at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Stroll under a million lights and enjoy music, food, smores, entertainment and visit from Santa. $11/adults, $6/children. 6 – 9 pm. 941-355-1112.

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Holiday Night of Lights, St. Armands Circle. Carol sing-along, Santa parade and tree lighting ceremony. Free. 6 to 9 pm at St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. 941-388-1554.

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Christmas Eve by Candlelight.

An outdoor, candlelit traditional Christmas Eve service with live music. 6 to 8 pm at Five Points Park, Sarasota. Free. 941-724-3145.

Jingle and Jog

NIGHTLY FEATURES – Includes Soup or Salad, Entrée and Side Dish Monday – Fried Chicken $12.95 Tuesday – Shrimp $16.95 Wednesday – Snow Crab $17.95 Thursday – Prime Rib $18.95

– 23 and 26 – 30 Lights in Bloom. Garden-themed holiday lights, food, music, kids activities and Santa. 6 pm to 9 pm at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Tickets/info: 941-366-5731.

Friday – Fish and Chips $12.95 Saturday – Maine Lobster $18.95 Sunday Funday – Dozen Chicken Wings $8.95, Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp $8.95/$17.95

Early Dining 20% Off All Food Items Everyday From 3 pm – 5 pm TUESDAY – Jazz Night 5:30 pm – 8 pm WEDNESDAY – Country Night –Dinner and Line Dancing 6 pm – 9 pm

Dec. 8th Jimmy Mazz Warm Holiday Wishes – Breeze Dinner Theater @ Ramada Venice Resort 3 course meal $39.00 per person including tax and tip.

Dec. 31st Rockin New Year’s Eve – Jimmy Mazz hosts Ramada’s New Year’s Eve Celebration with a tribute to Dick Clark– 3 course meal, DJ, party favors, balloon drop. $75.00 per person …Package Deal $229.00 for 2 people including overnight accommodations.

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16th Annual Jingle & Jog 5K Road Race. Walk or run and enjoy free goody bags, healthy snacks and beverages along the way. Medals for winners. $35 registration fee benefits adults and children with disabilities. 8 am to 11 am at Community Haven Campus, 4405 DeSoto Road, Sarasota. To register online, go to communityhaven.org or call Anny Barker Schefler at 941-355-8808 ext. 258.

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Achieva Reindeer Trot 5K/10K & Dog Walk. This family-friendly event is free to attend, with all proceeds benefiting Sarasota County classrooms. Photos with Santa.

8:30 am. Payne Park 2050 Adams Ln., Sarasota. Race entry cost: 5K is $25; 10K is $40. Contact Chelsey Wilson at 727-431-7362.

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Sounds of the Season

‘T

is the season for concerts that feature our favorite holiday songs. Here’s what’s playing near you:

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Holiday Harmonies.

The Lemon Bay Chord Company marries acapella barbershop harmony with holiday classics. Free dessert reception after the show. $15. 3 pm at Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. 941-552-5325.

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– 14 “Let it Snow.” This Sarasota Orchestra concert showcases It’s a Wonderful Life, the Christmas Jazz Suite, A Klezmer Nutcracker and A Charlie Brown Christmas in addition to other Christmas favorites such as Deck the Halls, Silent Night and Joy to the World. 5:30 to 8 pm at Holley Hall at Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Tickets/info at 941-953-3434.

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Horns for the Holidays. The North Port Concert Band offers an evening of traditional selections and special soloists. 7:30 to 9:30 pm at The Performing Arts Center, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port. Tickets: 941-426-8479.

Fins at Sharky’s, opening mid-December

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Sun - Thurs. 11:30am to 10pm, Fri. & Sat. 11:30 am to Midnight

“Sounds of the Season,” The Venice Symphony performs a pops concert of holiday favorites.

7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Church of the Nazarene, 1535 East Venice Ave., Bradenton. 941-207-8822.

941-488-1456 | 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice www.sharkysonthepier.com

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and 22 The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Holiday revue featuring ensemble singers, dancers and guest star Andrea McArdle—Broadway’s original “Annie.” 8:30 to 9:30 pm at Asolo Theater, Sarasota. 941-359-5700.

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an. 3 Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert with The Strauss Symphony of America. 8 to 10 pm at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. Tickets/info: 941-953-3368.

Live Entertainment Old Florida Smokehouse Restaurant Fresh Barbecue Smoked In-House Daily Lunch & Dinner Daily

941-485-7221 | 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice www.snookhaven.com

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 9

Barbershop Ladies Make Spirits Bright

BY TRACIE SCHMIDT

C

arolers traveling door to door, “making spirits bright” with song may be a rarer sight these days, but you don’t have to look far to find singers gathering in other ways to celebrate the music we know and love.

The Magic of Manatee, a Sweet Adeline chorus that meets regularly in Bradenton, is one such group. Sweet Adeline choruses are noted for their barbershop style, which they sing acapella (without accompaniment).

Barbershop choruses are divided into four parts: bass, baritone, lead and tenor, whose voices blend into harmonious chords. It was a style that became popular after World War II, and while it was associated with male performers, a group of women decided to start their own organization in 1945 called “Sweet Adelines in America.” The group has been growing ever since, and now Sweet Adelines International has choruses across the nation and overseas.

“We have approximately 40 members,” says president Ellen Linsley of the Magic of Manatee chorus. “There is nothing more thrilling to us than to be performing for an audience—locking and ringing those chords in four-part harmony.”

The group, led by director Lois Van Beek, performs a varied repertoire that includes classic songs and contemporary hits, all in barbershop style, of course.

This time of year, it’s not unusual to hear the group harmonizing “Jingle Bells” or “Silent Night” at a rehearsal.

Their audience is just as varied; the ladies keep busy year round rehearsing for concerts and competitions, and will be out spreading holiday cheer to local nursing homes this month.

“We perform for special occasions at various churches or communities, and this year a small group of us will be performing at the Manatee Historical Society. We also compete at the annual Region 9 Sweet Adelines competition,” Linsley says.

and often collect donations for different charities,” says Linsley.

Women of all ages are invited to join. No musical experience is required—just a love of singing!

Regular coaching sessions, vocal instruction at rehearsals and workshops with master barbershop singers can help newcomers hone their voices.

Some members have even branched Photo from Sandy Fitzpatrick; Magic of Manatee out into their own quartets.

The competition was held in “We are also rewarded by our Daytona Beach earlier this year. deep friendships with our sisters in The group is supported by donations harmony,” Linsley says. “We come and funds raised from performances, from all walks of life and are of and they are very active in their different ages, but the tie of Sweet community. This month, they’ll be Adelines International, and especially performing at the Palmetto Library on Magic of Manatee, is very strong.”

Dec. 12. Their big annual show will If you are interested in joining the be held on Feb. 8 at Neel Performing chorus, or learning more, Magic of Arts at State College of Florida.

Manatee invites you to stop by a “We do give an annual scholarship rehearsal on Tuesdays at 7 pm at Brato State College of Florida (the music denton Christian Elementary School, department) as well as a donation 3304 43rd St. West, Bradenton, or to Bradenton Christian School, give them a call at 941-722-9665.

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What is Your Treasure?

Happy Anniversary toTreasures!

Stop by either Treasures store (or both!) throughout December for fun sales events and savings. Plus, bring this ad with you and receive an additional 20% off your purchase!

Proceeds from Treasures’ sales support programs and services for Tidewell Hospice patients and their families.

Please call for donation information and store hours.

In Venice: Bird Bay Plaza • 523 U.S. 41 Bypass N. • 941-882-4467 In Bradenton: Pebble Springs Plaza • 5917 Manatee Ave. W. • 941-792-5500

www. treasuresthriftshop.com

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idewell Hospice provides comfort and compassion for many people during their time of greatest need—gifts that are treasured by patients and families.

The Treasures Thrift Shops Benefiting Tidewell in Bradenton and Venice and its many volunteers also help people find their “treasures,” both large and small.

One very rainy day this summer, a Treasures volunteer left her wet umbrella to dry at the door when she came in to work. Later, she let out a small gasp when she realized a customer (who came into the store before it started to rain) was purchasing the umbrella. The volunteer said nothing and quietly smiled at the grateful customer.

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SARASOTA 935 N Beneva Rd, Ste 713 941-404-8819 connecthearing.com Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 12

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Another day, a somber brother and sister browsing in the Bradenton store found just what they needed.

You see, their father had just passed away and they could not afford the very expensive funerary for his ashes.

Right there on display was their treasure, the perfect urn.

Perhaps you should stop by one of the Treasures Thrift Stores soon.

There is sure to be a “treasure” waiting for you. Visit Treasures online at www.treasuresthriftshop.com and don’t forget to like us on Facebook.

—Jo Williamson, Treasures Volunteer.

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Veterans Corner

Bill Mauldin: Cartoonist for GI Joe and a Country Mourning a President

W

illie, Joe and Bill in WWII. Bill Mauldin, one of America’s favorite cartoonists, travelled through Europe with the “grunts,” the GIs. Through Mauldin’s characters—Willie and Joe— soldiers saw themselves as they lived on the front lines through his cartoons in Stars and Stripes. A civilian audience back home got an idea of what life was like for soldiers when his popular cartoons ran in their local papers.

The end of Mauldin’s life story is a grand tribute to the muddy, exhausted whisker-stubbled infantrymen who fought. These were the men who came home, worked, raised families and lived their lives with what they’d seen and experienced during the war.

During the late summer of 2002, as Mauldin lay in a California nursing home, some of the old World War II infantry guys caught wind of it. They didn’t want Mauldin to go out that way— alone. They thought he should know he was still their hero.

Gordon Dillow, a columnist for the Orange County Register, put out the call in Southern California for people in the area to send their best wishes to Mauldin.

Others helped spread the appeal nationally.

Soon, more than 10,000 cards and letters had arrived at Mauldin’s bedside.

Better than that, old soldiers began to show up just to sit with Mauldin, to let him know that they were there for him, as he, so long ago, had been there on the front lines for them. So many volunteered to visit Bill that there was a waiting list.

Here is how Todd DePastino, in the first paragraph of his biography of Mauldin, described it: “Almost every day in the summer and fall of 2002 they came to Park Superior

nursing home in Newport Beach, California, to honor Army Sergeant, Technician Third Grade, Bill Mauldin.

They came bearing relics of their youth: medals, insignia, photographs and carefully folded newspaper clippings. Some wore old garrison caps. Others arrived resplendent in uniforms over a half century old. Almost all of them wept as they filed down the corridor like pilgrims fulfilling some long-neglected obligation.”

One of the veterans explained: “You would have to be part of a combat infantry unit to appreciate what moments of relief Bill gave us. You had to be reading a soaking wet Stars and Stripes in a water-filled foxhole and then see one of his cartoons.”

Mauldin is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In 2010 he made it onto a first-class postage stamp. It’s an honor that most generals and admirals never receive.

What Mauldin would have loved most is the sight of the two guys who keep him company on that stamp. There’s Willie. There’s Joe. And there, to the side, drawing them and smiling that shy, quietly observant smile, is Mauldin himself. With his buddies, right where he belongs. Forever.

He won two Pulitzer Prizes, and he should have won a third for what may be the single greatest editorial cartoon in the history of the craft: On the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, he drew the statue at the Lincoln Memorial slumped in grief, its head cradled in its hands. He was still Mauldin, the enlisted man.

(Editor’s note: Many thanks to the reader who sent this information.)

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 13

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Putting the Muscle to Osteoporosis

BY VIRGINIA PHILLIPS of 20 Minutes to Fitness

O

steoporosis means porous bones.

It is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue (primarily in the spine and hips), which can result in debilitating bone fractures.

During our middle age years, we all lose bone mass at about .5 percent per year. For menopausal women, that rate accelerates. And: • One-half of women over 50 will have osteoporosis before they die.

• Men over 50 have a greater risk of osteoporosis than prostate cancer.

Once considered a consequence of aging, osteoporosis (or osteopenia, which is the early onset of osteoporosis) is now considered preventable.

Whether or not you suffer from osteoporosis, here are some steps (other than the high risks of HRT) to slow down and even prevent this disease:

• Diet rich in vitamin D and calcium • No smoking or excessive alcohol • Reduce caffeine intake • Approved medication • Reduced steroid use • Resistance strength training

The research is very clear as to the benefits of resistance strength training: Consistent high-intensity resistance strength training with low repetitions has a remarkable impact on increasing bone mass density and reducing and even preventing osteoporosis.

The research demonstrates that load resistance (weight) is far more important than the number of repetitions.

These findings are significant in the fight against osteoporosis—strength training doesn’t just slow the loss of bone mass, it actually builds back bone mass!

Osteoporosis is a major health issue, especially for females. But it is preventable.

All it takes is knowledge and the desire to take surprisingly easy steps to avoid this painful and debilitating disease.

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You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium, unless paid by Medicaid or another third party. **Available in select counties. Florida Blue HMO is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Florida Blue HMO depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. 1Dental coverage not included in all counties. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-926-6565. We are open from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET, 7 days a week, all year long. TTY users should call 1-800-955-8771. Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Llame a nuestro número de Servicio al Cliente al 1-800-926-6565. Estamos abiertos de 8 a.m. a 9 p.m., Hora del Este, los siete días de la semana, por todo el año. Usuarios de equipo teleescritor (TTY) deben llamar al 1-800-955-8771. Health insurance offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, D/B/A Florida Blue. HMO coverage is offered by Health Options, Inc. D/B/A Florida Blue HMO, an HMO subsidiary of Florida Blue. These companies are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 14

DOWNTOWN Sarasota 1819 Main Street, Ste 110

941.361.1000

by Shirley Ballantine, age 90 When I moved to St. Louis three years ago to be closer to my daughter, Laura Miller, she said she had a surprise for me.

Did she want to join my bridge group? Had she gotten me the latest John Verdon mystery?

No. Laura wanted me to go with her to train at a place called 20 Minutes to Fitness. All it would require, she promised, was one 20minute workout, once a week.

A 20-minute workout? I wondered. What kind of results could I possibly expect in just 20 minutes a week?

Look, I just celebrated my 90th birthday. I don't have a lot of time to waste on things that don't work.

20 Minutes to Fitness of Downtown Sarasota is officially registered with the State of Florida as a Health Studio. Registration No. HS8722.

LAKEWOOD RANCH Sarasota 6257 Lake Osprey Dr

941.309.8989

But my daughter persisted. She, after all, is the nurse who, with her husband, introduced this safe, medically based approach to fitness to St. Louis 10 years ago.

“

My independence is important to me; I've seen too many of my friends lose it.

It would be good for me, she promised. I would work out on special physical therapy equipment. A trainer would coach me the entire time, tailoring the workout to my needs. The muscle strength I would build, she said, would allow me to remain in my condo, rather than move into assisted living or a nursing home.

Suddenly, Laura had my attention. My independence is important to me; I've seen too many of my friends lose it.

Laura explained why. After age 30, you see, most people lose eight to 10 pounds of muscle a decade. By the time they reach my age, well, you do the math. There's not much muscle left, unless you do something to maintain it.

Still, I wasn't sure. Not only does Laura train here, but so does my granddaughter, Alexa, a former collegiate swimmer who is now a busy executive and entrepreneur.

With their demanding work and travel schedules, the two of them need a workout like this that they can fit into their active lives.

One other thing: both Laura and Alexa are in terrific shape. How could I possibly keep up with them?

20 Minutes Once a Week!

For more information on 20 Minutes to Fitness®, call one of its studios.

Not by sitting around in an assisted living center, that's for sure!

20 Minutes to Fitness of LWR, LLC is officially registered with the State of Florida as a Health Studio.

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or visit us at www.20minutestofitness.com

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Please contact us at 1.877.FITIN20 (348.4620).

That's why, for the last three years, I've been spending 20 minutes each Tuesday morning at 20 Minutes to Fitness. It helps keep me young.

Strength-wise, Laura and Alexa may be miles ahead of me.

But I dare you to find many 90-year-old women who can leg press as much as I do. My bridge game isn't bad, either.

20 Minutes to Fitness. It works for every generation.

THREE GENERATIONS: ONE WORKOUT From left: Laura Miller, 64; Shirley Ballantine, 90; and Alexa Miller, 38, all stay fit with their once-a-week workout at 20 Minutes to Fitness in Clayton.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 15

CHARITABLE GIVING THROUGH INDIVIDUAL

RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS IRA ROLLOVER

IRA OPTIONS

If you are over age 70½, the Federal government permits you to rollover up to $100,000 from your IRA to All Children’s Hospital Foundation without increasing your taxable income or paying any additional tax. These tax-free rollover gifts could be $1,000, $10,000 or any amount up to $100,000 this year. The gift satisfies your RMD for this year.

Future IRA Gift Options

Lydia E. Bailey, CFRE All Children’s Hospital Foundation 500 7th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33731 727-767-8914 lydia.bailey@allkids.org www.givetoallkids.org All Children’s Hospital Foundation qualifies under Section 501 (c)(3) of the IRS Code. Our Federal Tax Identification Number is 59-2481738. Our Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act Registration Number is SC- 07080-IM. A Copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free 1-800-435-7352, within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. We retain no professional solicitors and our Foundation receives 100% of each contribution.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 16

While you have the opportunity to give through your IRA now, there are other options available for making future gifts from your IRA account to All Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Bequest of IRA

One option is to designate a All Children’s Hospital Foundation as the beneficiary of your IRA. This permits you to continue to take withdrawals from your IRA during life and then leave the remaining value of your IRA to All Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Testamentary IRA Gift Annuity

Another option would be to use your will to fund a gift annuity with your IRA. The annuity will provide your family with income for their life or a number of years and will also provide a nice gift to All Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Testamentary IRA Unitrust

You could also use your will to transfer your IRA to a special “Give it Twice” trust. These trusts usually provide income to children for up to 20 years. Once all the income has been paid to family, the remainder of the trust is given to All Children’s Hospital Foundation.

SIMPLE, EASY GIFT

If you are like many individuals, your IRA has increased in value over the years and you have more income than you may need.

The IRA rollover gift is a simple and easy way to provide for All Children’s Hospital Foundation while not increasing your taxable income. Simply contact your custodian and request that an amount be transferred to All Children’s. Charity receives a nice gift and you avoid any additional tax and satisfy your RMD for the year.

MAKE A MAJOR GIFT

Perhaps you are considering your tax planning goals and would like to make a major gift to charity. Like many individuals, your IRA may be the largest asset in your estate. Your CPA may be looking for ways to save taxes. By making an IRA charitable rollover gift of up to $100,000, you can reach your goal of helping charity in a significant way and reducing your taxable income.

5 Tips for Stress Free Festivities • Be a team player – Regardless of who is hosting, compliment, ask questions, offer help, be interested.

• Don’t take things personally – During the holidays, you can be certain it’s not all about you.

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Dear Christopher, Yes. Medicare covers yearly screenings for depression. These screenings are completed by a doctor or other primary care provider to ensure correct diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Medicare will cover one depression screening per year, as long as the screening takes place in a primary care setting.

Note: Hospitals, emergency rooms and skilled nursing facilities are not considered to be primary care settings.

The annual depression screening consists of a questionnaire that you complete by yourself or with the help of a doctor. If your doctor finds that you do suffer from depression, he/she may provide treatment or refer you to a mental health professional for further care.

ET

C

S

bouts of depression. Does Medicare cover screenings for depression? —Christopher

If you have Original Medicare, you will not have to pay a deductible or coinsurance for the annual depression screening, as long as you see doctors who accept Medicare and take assignment. Doctors who accept Medicare and take assignment agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full. Call 800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov to locate doctors who accept Medicare and take assignment.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will not have to pay anything for the screening, as long as you see in-network doctors.

Contact your plan directly to locate in-network doctors. —Marci

Total Experience

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ear Marci, I suffer from

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• Establish ground rules in advance – Talk to your companion and agree on how long to stay or take two cars.

Let your family know what time you plan to leave so there’s no “But I thought…” about meals or activities.

Relax. Nothing lasts forever.

F

• Find some down time – Reflect and re-energize to get your energy back.

LI

ere it comes. That time of year when family drama can get you down! Options? You can leave town, hope your relatives have changed or face it all with a plan not to get overstressed. Deanna Braun says there are some ways to build a foundation for a happy holiday, even with relatives you don’t always see eye-to-eye with.

Here are five tips for (nearly) stress free festivities:

Hear Your Best for the Holidays this Year!

• A

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• Find the humor – Look at what happens as a great story to tell later about what she did “this” time.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 17 130901 HearUSA Holiday Ad_Lifestyles After 50_4.9167x9.8125 to run 12-1_02.indd 1

11/14/13 10:09 AM

ccording to the National Cancer Institute, there are over 12 million cancer survivors in the United States, and almost two million of them have survived for 20 years or longer. The reason cancer survival rates have dramatically increased over the past two decades can be traced directly to clinical trials.

The cures for various types of cancer will all come from clinical research, yet not many adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Why? Many times it is because clinical trials are misunderstood and patients fear being “a guinea pig”. In clinical trials for a life-threatening disease like cancer, no one who participates in a clinical trial is ever treated like a guinea pig. In fact, such great precautions are taken on behalf of patients who participate in clinical trials that, most often, their cancer treatment is actually superior to standard care protocols.

What is a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials are research studies in which patients help doctors find ways to improve cancer care and assess new therapies and treatments for the disease.

Each study tries to answer scientific questions and

No act ntr o C

to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Some clinical trials may involve a novel approach or new drug for treating a particular type of cancer, while others may focus on improving an already-promising therapy.

Two of the top three cancer advances determined by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for 2012 were available through clinical trials at Florida Cancer Specialists.

Understanding the Myths Aside from the misunderstanding about being a guinea pig, patients who are considering participating in a clinical trial for cancer are often concerned that they might be given a placebo or a drug that will prove to be ineffective. The truth is that in some types of clinical trials (specifically those that are investigating something simple such as a new cold medication) some participants are given only a placebo.

However, in clinical trials for cancer, a participant is never given anything less than the current standard of care.

Participating in a Clinical Trial All participants in oncologic clinical trials will be given the best treatment available for their particular type of cancer… then in addition to that standard treatment, they may be given either a new drug that is being tested or a placebo.

No participant is ever given a placebo alone. According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 850 promising new drugs and therapies undergoing research currently.

The average time for a new drug to be approved is seven years and many times clinical trials cannot be conducted because of a lack of patient participation. If more cancer patients participated in clinical trials, there would be more new drugs available sooner in the future. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of finding the cures for cancer.

For a comprehensive list of available clinical trials, visit FLCancer.com/TrialNavigator

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 18

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R eseaRch is hope – Dispelling the Myths about Clinical Trials

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply.

Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly minutes carry over and are available for 60 days. If you exceed the minute balance on your account, you will be billed at 35¢ for each minute used over the balance. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. We will refund the full price of the GreatCall phone and the activation fee (or set-up fee) if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will be deducted from your refund for each minute over 30 minutes. You will be charged a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ©2013 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. ©2013 GreatCall, Inc. ©2013 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

ATTENTION All Medicare Recipients Needing Cancer Care An Open Letter to Current & Future Patients of Florida Cancer Specialists Dear Medicare Recipient: Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) received notification that, without cause, Humana Health Plans, Inc. will end its relationship with FCS. This applies to all Humana plans, including CarePlus. If you are currently a patient of Florida Cancer Specialists and want to continue your treatment with your FCS physician, please be advised that FCS will no longer be considered in-network by Humana.* During Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7, 2013), you are able to change your plan. It is vital that all Medicare recipients who are currently undergoing treatment (and those who will seek treatment) at FCS carefully review your plan options. You can go online to Medicare.gov for more information and to enroll in a plan.

With over 70 locations throughout the state, Florida Cancer Specialists provides state-of-the-art cancer care in community-based settings, thus offering maximum convenience for patients who do not want to travel far from home to receive treatment. If you would like to receive, or continue receiving treatment from FCS, it is important that you choose a plan in which we participate.

FCS accepts a large number of plans including the following major Medicare and Commercial plans: United Healthcare, Florida Blue, Aetna and Cigna. Please contact a Financial Counselor at any FCS location for a complete list of plans that your physician accepts.

Caring for our patients, their families and the communities we serve is our primary mission. We want you to have the most advanced and personalized treatments available in a community-based setting, close to home, where you can be surrounded by your family and friends. * Humana Termination Date: March 15, 2014

Sincerely,

FOr MOre inFOrMatiOn Visit: FLCancer.com /Humana Medicare Open enrOllMent October 15 – December 7, 2013 Online at Medicare.gov

FLCancer.com Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 19

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Men start to get pattern baldness at the hairline and crown. This can lead to complete baldness. Women’s hair loss is usually limited to thinning; they rarely go totally bald.

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SimpliciKey also offers a wireless keypad that can accommodate up to 16 user codes that can be changed at any time, providing easy and safe access for everyone from family members to service professionals coming to the home for repairs. The deadbolt also allows you to continue to use a traditional key.

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Light up the place Moving around in the dark can lead to a fall. The new Stick Anywhere Night Light from Mr. Beams makes moving around in the dark easier and safer for seniors. The LED lights can be affixed to any surface, no outlet required. They are capable of sensing motion from 15 feet away, illuminating a safe walkway down any hallway or across any room without the glaring brightness of an overhead lamp.

After 30 seconds of no motion, the lights automatically switch off. Visit www.mrbeams.com to learn more.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 20

There are a few steps you can take to preserve your hair: 1. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair. So, forget braids, ponytails, cornrows and tight hair rollers.

The pulling causes some hair loss, especially along the sides of the scalp.

This type of hair loss is called traction alopecia. If the pulling scars the scalp, it can cause permanent hair loss.

2. Brushing or combing too much can break hair, so keep them to a minimum. Use combs with wide teeth and brushes with smooth tips. Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, so show care when you do your hair after a shower.

3. Shampooing too often is bad for your hair. Use a cream rinse or conditioner after shampooing to make it easier to comb. And don’t dry your hair by rubbing it with a towel.

4. Don’t use hot-oil hair treatments or chemicals in permanents.

These may cause inflammation of the hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss.

There are about 100,000 hairs in the average scalp. About 100 hairs are lost from your head every day. Each individual hair survives for an average of 4 1/2 years and grows about a half inch a month. In its fifth year, the hair usually falls out and is replaced within six months by a new one.

We lose hair as we age. Pattern baldness affects many more men than women. About 25 percent of men begin to bald by the time they are 30 years old, and about two-thirds have at least a balding pattern by age 60.

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by heredity; a history of it on either side of your family increases your risk of balding.

Medicines may help slow or prevent the development of common baldness.

Rogaine is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Propecia is available with a prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to six months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working.

Hair transplants and scalp reduction surgery are available to treat androgenetic alopecia when more conservative measures have failed.

During transplantation a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon takes tiny plugs of skin, each containing one to several hairs, from the back or side of your scalp. The plugs are then implanted into the bald sections. Scalp reduction, as the name implies, means decreasing the area of bald skin on your head.

If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How To Be A Healthy Geezer” at www.healthygeezer.com. All Rights Reserved © 2013 by Fred Cicetti.

Free InFormatIon ServIce Lifestyles After 50

EMERGENCY CARE EXCELLENCE

for information please return completed form to:

News Connection USA, Inc. • P.O. Box 278 • Laurel FL 34272-0278

Name: Address: City: Phone:

State: Age:

Zip: Date:

E-mail: o Single o Married o Are you a Group Leader?

Please contact me by: o Mail o Phone o E-mail SEND INFORMATION ON AREA(S) CHECKED BELOW AUTOMOBILES: INSURANCE: o Auto Sales o Medicare o Maintenance and Repairs o Health o Life o Long-term care RESIDENTIAL LIVING: o Auto o Home o Factory-Built Homes o Manufactured Homes HOUSING OpTIONS o Apartments o Independent o Single Family Homes o Assisted Living o Condos o Senior Apartment o Continuing Care/LifeCare LEISURE TIME: o Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care o Consignment/Thrift Stores o Golf FINANCIAL/ LAW: o Gambling o Retirement planning o Active Wear/Footwear o Elder Law o Theater o Trusts/Wills o Dining In/Out o Estate planning o Transportation o Funeral Planning o Music Performances o Financial Advisors pERSONAL HEALTH: TRAVEL: o Physicians o Cruises o Land Tours o Clinical Trials o Hotels/ Resorts o Pharmacies o Local Attractions o Prescription Drugs o Getaway Packages o Hearing Care o Bus Tours o Fresh Produce o Home Health HOME IMpROVEMENTS: o Hospitals o Skin Care o A/C and Heating o Cancer Treatment o Pools/Spas/Outdoor Living o Veterinary Services o Cleaning Services OTHER: Sara

Last year we treated more than 39,562 area residents in our ERs – consistently beating the national ER Wait Time average!

Both hospitals are Joint Commission Top Performers on Key Quality Measures, Accredited Chest Pain Centers and Primary Stroke Centers. the clock to provide you the highest quality emergency care when you need it.

Entries will be collected by News Connection U.S.A. for future promotions, special offers, and marketing.

Win a $25 Gift certificate to Home Depot!

When you complete this form and mail it back, your name will be entered to win a $25 gift certficate to Home Depot.

(Drawing held the 20th of each month.)

P Last Month’s Winner Is: P P Karen Atwood — Congratulations! P

View average ER wait times at

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 21

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6 Foods That May Help Win the Blood Pressure Battle

I

n the United States more than 77 million adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, which can cause heart disease and stroke. In Food Technology magazine, Linda Milo Ohr noted six foods shown in studies to have a beneficial effect on lowering blood pressure.

Grape Seed Extract: Grape seed extract may help to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after just eight weeks.

Dairy Foods: Several studies have showed that a diet with more dairy and nuts, but less meat, is related to a lower risk of developing hypertension and associated with having lower systolic blood pressure.

Beetroot Juice: Beetroot juice contains dietary nitrate which may help relax blood

Flaxseed: Dietary flaxseed (30 g daily) has been shown to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with narrowed arteries (peripheral artery disease). (Newswise)

Nuts: One study showed that 56 g of walnuts a day reduced systolic blood pressure and did not lead to weight gain. In another study, systolic blood pressure was lowered after one serving of pistachios a day.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 22

vessel walls and improve blood flow. A study showed that a cup of beetroot juice a day may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Raisins: Researchers eating the raisins showed a significantly reduced systolic blood pressure.

When to Take the Keys Away

BY ROBERT MURDEN

A

ging does not always mean our loved ones have to stop driving.

There is no magic age where the keys need to be taken away. Furthermore, driving is key for independence in this country and people are often resistant to taking away this independence.

Many older people do become unsafe drivers eventually, however, and it is important for family members to keep an eye on their loved ones to spot potential problems early.

Retirement Living The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an excellent guide online for families and physicians on this area. Some primary care physicians can perform office tests such that those scoring below a cutoff are unsafe to drive. There are also centers devoted to testing elderly drivers to see if they are safe.

Family members can help assess driving skills by having a family member ride with or follow the individual occasionally to evaluate for impaired driving judgment. You can also monitor the mileage on the car to see if it is longer than the short trips they say they are taking (which could mean they are getting lost.) Look for new dents or scrapes, as this can show that there is trouble when driving.

For many families, the potential need to stop driving is an extremely

difficult conversation to start with a parent or grandparent. One way is to briefly try to get the driver to agree it is unsafe for others on the road and if they want to avoid hurting others they should voluntarily stop driving.

If they won’t stop, a doctor can help by writing a prescription that tells the patient to “temporarily” stop driving while they evaluate the patient or a new medication. This evaluation could include office tests or referral to a driving testing center. The doctor can also encourage the family to make driving impossible by hiding keys or disabling or selling the car.

Families are often afraid to be the bad guys and take the verbal complaints if they make driving impossible, even though this is the only truly safe option. If a person fails a test from an older driver center, that provides evidence for the family or physician to act upon.

Remember, taking the tough action with mom or dad now is far better than dealing with the consequences of an accident due to unsafe driving.

The author is from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Medicare or Affordable Care Act Questions Answered

5

Medicare Assistance & More. One-on-one Medicare counseling sessions with a trained counselor. Services are free and unbiased. Review your Medicare Part D, Advantage, and/or medi-gap plans.

10 am to 3 pm at North Port Library. Appointment required, please call 1-866-413-5337.

9

Affordable Care Act – Volunteer assistance for the public. Group or one-on-one meetings are available where counselors (from the Community Health Center of North Port) can answer questions, help you understand your options and whether you qualify for financial assistance, and assist you in using the Insurance Marketplace to find and purchase insurance. No cost. 2:30 pm to 5 pm at North Sarasota Library. 941-861-9830.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 23

How to Buy a Condo Real Estate

T

he process of buying a condo is unique and sometimes complicated. Some facets of it, like the mortgage process, are similar to the process required for buying a single family home; but there the similarities end.

The guide below will take you through the condo-buying process step-by-step.

How to buy a Condo?

Check out condos in the area where you’d like to live and make sure to ask all of the important questions.

• What condo amenities are offered?

Some of the main benefits of condo life come from the extras that are thrown in. Some condos have gyms; others have swimming pools, saunas and rooftop party areas. The condo you buy should have amenities that you’re truly likely to use. Keep in mind that regardless of whether or not you log time in the gym, you’re going to be paying for the equipment.

• How does the Home Owner’s Association (HOA) operate?

Condos are run on a group mentality, where all condo owners in the complex meet regularly to make decisions regarding the building and its upkeep.

You might not be interested in attending the condo meetings, and that’s perfectly fine. Look into how the current meetings are conducted, what types of developments are in store, how restrictive HOA rules may be, etc.

• Investigate daily annoyances.

Although condo owners have more control and responsibility over their homes than apartment dwellers do, there are still certain things that are out of your control.

Check out soundproofing between units, the parking situation, getting maintenance issues fixed.

• Check out the condo reserve funds.

All condos have a reserve fund that owners contribute to each month.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 24

Homes • Condominiums • Rentals • Retirement And More...

This fund pays for general upkeep and maintenance on the building as a whole. There should be a good-sized reserve to protect you (and your pocketbook) against any emergencies.

Buying a Condo

This is the part where buying a condo becomes an awful lot like any other home purchase. You must secure a mortgage through a lender, and the rate you get will depend on your credit history, income and past rental history or home purchases.

There is one major difference between financing a condo and financing a single family home. You might be under the impression that buying a condo will save you the cost of maintaining a home. This isn’t true. What it does save you is the actual maintenance work.

When you purchase a condo, the price you pay for it covers a laundry list of services of which you need to know.

Repairs, staff salaries, utilities, garbage collection, insurance and lawn care are just a few examples of the kinds of things condo owners are paying for.

So the truth is that buying a condo won’t necessarily be any less expensive than purchasing a home.

You’re still considered a property owner, and as such you’re responsible for all the usual things that go with it. The benefits of a condo lie not in the costs, but in the convenience.

Whatever your reason, make sure you’re doing it the right way and that you find the right one.

After all, it’s your future home!

From Buy-and-Sell-House-Fast.com.

Get Your Home Ready for a Sale I f you’ve decided to sell your home, you’ll want to start getting it ready for prospective buyers to look at. Have a trusted person take a critical look around and help compose a list of what needs done. Then make a step-by-step plan for getting them done.

• First place to start?

De-clutter every room and closet.

Get a start on those small projects or repairs. Peeling paint?

Dirty carpet? Broken fixtures? Fix up the yard and exterior.

• Wash windows inside and out.

Wipe down the baseboards. Mop the floors. Make sure that your bathrooms and kitchen are sparkling.

• You might also want to check into the ‘health’ of your air conditioner, water heater and roof. If you locate any problems, fix them or get estimates from a professional about repair or replacement. The more work you do up front, the less you’ll have to worry about when an offer is in hand and the home inspection is looming.

Choose a realtor who is willing to be an active participate in and resource for facilitating this seemingly overwhelming process. A step at a time will get your house sold.

Ramey Insurance offers a full range of insurance products and financial services including: • Auto Insurance • Golf Cart • Motorcycle Insurance • RV • Homeowners Insurance • Identity Theft Coverage • Renters Insurance • Condo Insurance • Rental Home Insurance • Flood Insurance • Scheduled Property Insurance • Boat Insurance • Personal Umbrella Insurance • Commercial Insurance It’s a good idea to get an insurance assessment annually and when considering big changes in life, such as: • Changing your marital status • Adding a new driver in • Moving your household • Buying a car • Making other major purchases • Buying a home • Renting a home/apartment • Selling a home • Starting a business • Making home improvements • Changing jobs or accepting • Retiring a promotion Call us to learn how to save on auto insurance and more.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 25

Does a Mid-Life Crisis Require a Sports Car? DR. BILL THOMAS

H

uman infants, adorable as they may be, have no story, no past, no loves gained and lost, no triumphs and no acquaintance with grief. Those fortunate enough to reach elderhood, however, possess all these things in abundance. Elders spend a lifetime exchanging newborn perfection for something infinitely more valuable—a story.

Nowadays, we have unprecedented opportunity to think about and choose between many different narrative arcs for our own life story. Unfortunately, as people approach midlife and beyond, the kinds of clear-cut cultural signals that stimulate growth and change become far less common.

The false belief that aging equals decline, combined with the lack of

cultural direction, leads millions of people to become stuck. These limbo episodes make it much more difficult to continue the story of our lives.

One way to approach this problem is known as the “midlife crisis.”

Some respond to the growing need for change by moving; others by adopting much less sensible tactics which embrace adolescent fantasies (most famously cars and younger sexual partners) during midlife.

What is a midlife crisis?

A midlife crisis is the consequence of our changing relationship with memories of our younger self. Those memories form the foundation of our identity, and we normally suppose them to be fixed and unalterable. In fact, they are subject to a nearly constant but unconscious process of revision. As we move past midlife, the memories of our youth become more distant, and in the press of daily responsibility, they are recalled less frequently.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 26

Dr. Judah Ronch describes the results of this process: The more remote an unused memory gets, or the more you retrieve it without strengthening it by real experience, the more memories of youth change to conform to contemporary experience. If the major activity that our memories of self gets is reminiscing, rather than doing and storing new experiences, then memories of self become less and less about the person and more about the memories.

Our youth-obsessed culture places a premium on maintaining an authentically youthful self-identity. Living life as a harried adult makes it increasingly difficult to maintain such an identity. The muchmaligned balding man with the too-young girlfriend is actually engaged in a reconstruction project. He is trying to maintain the authenticity of his memories, and therefore his self, by rejoining them with real-life experiences.

What to do

Fortunately there is an effective approach to solving the developmental difficulties that arise in late adulthood.

Instead of attempting to reanimate memories of youth, we can revisit our past with an eye toward understanding the person we might yet become.

We can reject the dominant cultural narrative of loss and decline and embrace instead a personal narrative or story based on growth and change.

We can design an approach to life beyond adulthood that restores to us, in its mature form, the experience of living with many “possible lives” in front of us. Best of all, there is no sports car required.

From “Second Wind: Navigating the Passage to a Slower, Deeper and more Connected Life”

by Dr. Bill Thomas.

MOMENTS LIKE THESE ARE PRECIOUS. DON’T LET THEM FADE AWAY. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people 55 and older. It is a chronic disease affecting more than 10 million Americans, and early detection is key to saving your sight.

Protect your vision from fading away.

Call the Foundation Fighting Blindness today for a free info packet about preventing and managing AMD.

A Cure Is In Sight 800-610-4558 FightBlindness.org

Holiday Cards for Soldiers

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for many of our fellow Americans serving abroad, it can be a time of loneliness and separation from loved ones.

This year, you can give comfort to a recovering soldier by sending them a card filled with messages of love, support and encouragement. Send to this address: *Note: the address posted in last month’s edition was incorrect.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center instructs that mail to soldiers be sent through Red Cross’ “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program. Thanks to reader Patti Porco for setting us straight! The correct address is:

Holiday Mail for Heroes P.O. Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 More info at redcross.org.

2496 Sylvia Lane, Venice, FL 34292

Venice Ranch is a quiet, clean, 55+ manufactured home community in a Office: 941-488-5672 super location. Here’s what is nearby: www.VeniceRanch.com • Shopping ...............................1/2 mile Hours: Mon.,Tues., Thurs. & Fri. • Hospital ............................ 3-1/2 miles 10:00 to noon and 1:00 to 4:00.

• Restaurants ............................1/4 mile Closed Wed. • Banking .................................1/4 mile Weekends by appointment only.

• Quaint, cultural, and BEST OF ALL …

• Homes starting at $2,000 and up, on larger historic Venice Center ............... 3 miles • Four golf courses ...................1-3 miles than normal manufactured home lots • Beaches ................................... 4 miles • New solar heated pool • Interstate 75 ..........................3/4 mile • We have all kinds of clubs and amenities

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 27

Take a Tour with Lifestyles After 50!

D

ave Tarantul, General Manager of Lifestyles After 50 newspaper, is excited to announce the newest benefit of being a Lifestyles After 50 reader! “Beginning with this edition of Lifestyles After 50, we will be featuring a full page every month highlighting day and overnight bus trips. Our tours promise to be entertaining and educational, and a whole lot of FUN. How long has it been since you’ve visited a museum? Would you like to pick fresh strawberries that have been grown hydroponically?

Holiday Meals to Go

I

Postmark: Christmas, Florida

f you’ve cooked enough holiday meals over the years, it’s time to let someone else do the work. You can order a complete holiday meal for $12.95 per person from Renaissance on 9th now through Jan. 1 by calling 941-749-0100. Entrees include Roast Turkey, Black Forest Pit Ham, plenty of sides, salads, desserts and more.

Delivery is available. For a complete menu, visit renaissanceon9th.org.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 28

A

dd a holiday touch to your Christmas letters by getting a Christmas, Florida, postmark on your envelope(s). Simply address and stamp your envelope(s) as you normally would. Then put them all in a bigger envelope and send them by Dec. 15 to the attention of Christmas Re-Mailing, Christmas FL 32709.

Have you ever seen the Lipizzaners perform? These are just examples of what we have planned. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy. No fighting traffic or finding a parking space involved; leave the driving to the bus driver. Meet new friends and have a wonderful day!”

Trips include guided tours, samplings, wine tastings and fun shopping experiences. You can buy farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and sample local award-winning wines that are available for purchase. Take an old-fashioned hayride and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

These trips are a wonderful way to enjoy our area attractions, so come alone or get a group together and have a fun, relaxing, educational day.

Check Lifestyles After 50 newspaper each month to see what tours we are going to have! All Aboard!

Please see the adjoining ad for information about our first tour on January 29, 2014!

$49.00 per person. Stops in Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice, and Sarasota.

Call All Around Tours at 941-488-9393 for tickets and information. Reservations are required and must be made by January 15, 2014. Seating is limited.

• Learn about hydroponically grown fruits & vegetables.

• Taste locally grown and bottled wines.

• How do you get milk to your table?

• Lunch is on your own.

• Bring your coolers for purchases.

This will be a day to remember … Come in a group, or come alone!

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 29

Veterans Punctuate Cast and Crew Of “White Christmas” T

he holiday classic, “White Christmas” is the story of veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who have a successful songand-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters to their show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned

by Bob and Phil’s former commander.

The Players is happy to boast several veterans in the cast and crew of the show. Tim Minar, who is the assistant stage manager, is a former Navy Seal Officer and Shelly Cairo, an ensemble performer and board member, was also in the Navy. Veterans are always encouraged to share their knowledge and expertise by volunteering to work within a show or within the theatre’s ranks. The Players Theatre

also often has roles in productions that can only be played by veterans and seniors.

Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, “White Christmas” promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family! The musical, titled Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, premiered in San Francisco in 2004 and has played in various venues in the U.S. and Canada, such as Boston, Buffalo and Los Angeles. The show moved onto Broadway for a limited time in 2008 and 2009, and received two 2009 Tony Award nominations for Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.

Single tickets are available for regular seating at $25, or premium seating at $30 each. Due to limited seating, The Players asks that you purchase tickets ahead of time to secure a seat. Call 941-365-2494 or visit theplayers.org.

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to InsuranceContrary Discounts Popular Belief…

For Mature Drivers

BY MARK PILARSKI

D

ear Mark: I mostly play slot machines. It seems on weekends they pay less than if I come mid-week.

Does the casino have the ability to change the payback percentages on all their machines at will when the casino is busier? I was told by a slot machine employee that the $1 machines I normally play on return 95 percent of the money played. Am I wrong to believe that when I show up on a busy weekend that the casino has already made changes to the percentage payback? —Marge G.

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of the money back over time, but that doesn’t mean that if you put in $100, you are guaranteed a return of $95. It only means that the machine is set to pay back 95 percent over the machine’s extended gambling timeline, which is months, even years; not your brief four-hour stay.

Rather than “payback percentage,” which can be misleading, I much prefer the term “theoretical payout percentage” because the payout return is a calculated number based on an “infinite” number of pulls of the handle. In the meantime, each spin of the reels remains a random independent event.

One of the most widely held Dear Mark: When falsehoods in casino gambling looking over the is that casinos take a screwdriver multitude of blackjack to tighten their slots machines on variations, what are weekends, Christian holidays, the some of the better rules Las Vegas Elvis Festival that I should be looking (July 10 – 13, 2014), or Take Your Class Online! for and what are some of whenever it’s busy. Every the worst?

—Marty D. Study at leisure, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. slot•machine hasyour a built-in “payback” percentage set • Simply read the course materials online and then answer When it comes to the by the casino and apa few quiz questions. disparity of rules in proved by that state’s gaming • There is need to attend boring classesblackjack or listenfrom to casino commission.

Sono if the to casino, and even pit to pit, it is long lectures. casino wanted to re-set that essential to know which rules areed more percentage, they would haveoftocourse tender we • After completion, will issue a state-certifi significant than others, and which ones a proposal to the gaming commission. certificate for you to turn into your insurance company to That said, I would be remiss if I didn’t are unfavorable to you the player. your discount for a three year state receive that altering a slot payoff percentThese areperiod. the key rules that age can physically be done. To change are most favorable to the player theTake return of the slot machine, all a slot Course Your Mature Driver The Internet! in rank of On importance. manager would have to do is exchange • Early surrender. you have Florida Driver’s License and are 55 years of theIfEPROM chip awithin.

However, • Doubling on any motor two cards. again, reported agetheorchange older,must youbeare now to eligible to complete vehicle thataccident state’s powers-that-be.

Exchanging Drawing anyyou number of cards to prevention course that• will allow to receive a hundreds, even thousands of EPROM split Aces. mandatory reduction on your insurance rate for three years. chips along with the paperwork • Doubling allowed after pair splitting. required to report the changes would Florida Department of Highway Safety • Surrender. be a whole lot of work for the casino & Motor Vehicle Approved Course to complete sandwiched between In order, here, Marty, are the rules Thursday and Friday. Readers, e-mail that are most hostile to players. me if any of you have ever seen this • Two or more decks. across-the-board swap done. I haven’t.

Also, Marge, you might be a little • Dealer that hits a soft 17. confused as to exactly what “payback • No soft doubling. percentages” means when it comes • No re-splitting of Aces to “your” play. A 95 percent payback slot machine will pay 95 percent (SENIOR WIRE)

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 31 11/14/13 9:22 AM

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3 which Medicare Advantage plan to choose?

3 whether you need a supplemental insurance plan?

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Hybrid Cars a Status Symbol of Sorts for Seniors P

aying extra bucks to “go green” in a hybrid car may pay off in self-esteem and image for older drivers, as well as give a healthy boost to the environment, according to a Baylor University study.

“If I want to pay $5 for a ‘green’ detergent or sponge, I’ll know that I’m helping the environment.

But those things aren’t highly visible. Other people aren’t going to notice,” said Jay Yoo, Ph.D., an assistant professor of family and consumer sciences in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences.

Researchers say seniors found satisfaction not only in vehicle purchase but in future savings on gasoline expenses. “The findings suggest that older consumers are concerned about how they appear to others when driving a hybrid car,” the researchers

wrote. “They believe that driving a hybrid car builds a positive self-image of the people who drive them.”

In marketing, that means people may be willing to pay an extra $5,000 or so in order to think, ‘I’m great, and this is good for the environment.’”

Previous research has shown that older consumers are more inclined to behave in a pro-environment way than younger people are, he said.

Information from Newswise.

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BY SUE RINE, Owner

A Healthier Alternative to Smoking had to be convinced myself before opening a City Vapor and E-Cigarette store.

I smoked for 30+ years with the exception of when I was pregnant with my children. I tried different products and methods to quit smoking such as cold turkey, Chantix and Nicorette gum. Initially they would work, but always I would notice that I missed the act of smoking as well as the nicotine.

This product is different in the fact that you can have all the sensations that smoking a cigarette provides without the tar, ash, smell, chemicals and secondhand smoke. You can pick the level of nicotine, starting at the equivalent of a cigarette, and step down off the nicotine gradually at your own pace.

I Whether you’re looking to quit smoking tobacco or a great alternative, STOP BY today.

3NO SMOKE 3NO ASH 3NO TAR 3NO SMELL 3NO TOBACCO Choose from dozens and dozens of our organic U.S. E-Liquids, Electronic cigarettes, vapor kits, cartomizers, and accessories.

20% off for Veterans/I.D.*

779 US 41 By-Pass Venice, FL 34285

14385 C Tamiami Trail North Port, FL 34287

Gulfcoast Plaza next to Robbi’s Reef

Next to Olde World Restaurant on the left

941-882-3532

941-257-8745

Hours: Mon-Fri 10-7 and Sat 10-3 *Not valid with any other coupon.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 32

I now use zero nicotine and have zero anxiety about not having a cigarette. I encourage anyone who is the least bit curious to come in and try the many all-natural flavors at our full tasting bar. Flavors range from Marlboro to Pure Tobacco to Menthol, to Cappuccino to Watermelon.

We at City Vapor and E-Cig are here to show you how to combine the habit of smoking with a harmless vapor to deliver the feeling without the negative health impact. If you spend any time in our store you are sure to get a testimonial or two from customers currently using this product and enjoying the fact that they have found a solution that works.

Come taste these exclusive madein-the-USA flavors. No matter what level of smoker you are, I think once you try this system you will change your mind forever about cigarettes.

We have two locations to serve you: 779 U.S. 41 By-Pass, Venice and 14385 Tamiami Trl., North Port.

I

Last Month’s Answers

f the arriving grandkids are the age to love silly jokes, here you go…

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?

Answer: It’s Christmas, Eve! What did the big angel say to the little angel on Christmas Eve? Answer: Halo there!

If Santa Claus is crossed with a detective then you would get what?

Answer: Santa Clues!

A snowman loses weight in what way?

Answer: He waits for the weather to get warmer!

November Sudoku Frank Crawford is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Win Great Prizes!

Good Luck!

New winner selected each month

Dec. Sudoku

Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Dec. 21 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: NEWS CONNECTION USA, INC. P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Sudoku muST bE REcEIvEd by dEc. 21, 2013

Word Search

Word Search December

In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Answers From November

Lois Yerxa is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: News CoNNeCtioN UsA, iNC. P.o. BoX 638, seFFNeR, FL 33583

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on December 21 will win.

Mystery Prize!

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

Mystery Prize!

(Puzzles must be received by Dec. 21, 2013.)

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 33

Fur Pet’s Sake

BY KATE BROWN, DVM

Fine Resale Furniture Home Decor and Apparel

Hazards of Florida Living for Fido and Fluffy

A

OPEN

Christmas Eve 10–3

Fifi’s Fine Resale Furniture & Home Decor 7343 52nd Place East Bradenton, FL 34203

Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel & Accessories 8322 Market Street

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

(SR 70, just west of I-75)

(Off University Parkway next to Publix)

941-758-7222

941-907-8900

Creekwood Crossing Plaza, near Lowe’s & Bealls Monday thru Saturday 10 – 6 • Sunday 11 – 3

Monday thru Saturday 10 – 7 • Sunday 11 – 3

fifislakewoodranch@gmail.com • www.fifislakewoodranch.com

Give

Them a

g throu 0 5 $ Home for the Holidays All Cats

3 ber m e c h De

1

Cat Depot Supply and Gift Store Gift Certificates are Available - Open Daily 2542 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234 • 941.366.2404 • info@catdepot.org www. catdepot.org Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 34

lthough we don’t have to worry about frostbite in Florida, there are many potential environmental hazards Kate Brown, DVM, of concern for and Maya. our pets in southwest Florida. Here are some of the more common ones and suggestions on protecting your pet from them.

Dr. Kate’s List of Pet Hazards:

1. Parasites. Fleas and Ticks can cause skin irritation and spread diseases.

Heartworms are deadly to dogs and cats but can easily be prevented with monthly prescription medications, many of which also protect against external and intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, giardia and others cause gastrointestinal upsets. Some can cause anemia in pets and disease in people. Good hygiene, promptly picking up bowel movements, avoiding common pet bathroom areas, keeping cats indoors and routine testing of stools are effective prevention tools.

2. Sun and heat. Heat stroke can easily occur when dogs exercise in our hot and humid climate, and can be rapidly fatal when pets are kept in a closed automobile for even a short while. On a 90°F day, temperatures inside a car increase nearly 1 degree every minute and can reach 114° in 15 minutes!

Avoiding obesity, providing plenty of water, and exercising your pet during the cooler times of the day are advised.

Sunburn and skin cancer can be minimized by keeping cats indoors and by using a pet-safe sunscreen such as Epi-Pet on dogs with light colored coats or exposed skin.

3. Plants can be poisonous or annoying (sand spurs) to pets. Choose

landscaping wisely. Some bad boys are Asparagus Fern, Begonia, Castor Bean, Croton, Lantana, Oleander, Sago Palm, and most mushrooms.

Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website for a comprehensive list.

4. Insects and other critters: Mosquitoes (spread Heartworms), fire ants, wasps and bees, alligators, venomous snakes (rattle, coral and cottonmouth), coyotes and the tropical cane toad can all pose threats to your pet.

5. Water is an overlooked risk.

Pools pose a drowning risk to small and frail pets. Saltwater is dangerous when thirsty dog beachgoers imbibe.

Leptospirosis infections can be spread through contaminated standing water, and Red Tide blooms can cause respiratory symptoms as they do in us.

6. Florida weather presents the risk of hurricanes. Have a plan and prepare early (see my July 2013 article). Violent thunderstorms and pyro(technic)maniacs (i.e. fireworks fans) can cause severe noise phobias and panic attacks.

7. Poisons such as rodent baits, snail baits and many insecticides can unintentionally poison our pets and should not be used in their environment.

8. Automobiles belong on roads, pets do not. Always walk your dog (or cat) on a leash and do not let them roam.

9. Allergies are common due to our year-round growing season.

Brandt Veterinary Clinic is proud to be one of only 452 veterinary practices in the country to be approved by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) as a Cat Friendly Practice. Next month we’ll discuss why this is such a big deal for the felines in your life.

Kate Brown, DVM is the owner & medical director of Brandt Veterinary Clinic in Nokomis Florida. Visit their website at www. brandtvetclinic.com or email her at drkate@brandtvetclinic.com

Do you need help selecting a 2014 Medicare plan?

Don’t delay.

The end of Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is fast approaching.

Now is the time to select your Medicare plan for 2014.

DON’T DELAY. You have until December 7, so ask your questions today.

Humana can help explain the difference between plans and help you explore your options.

We offer a variety of Medicare Advantage health plans and prescription drug plans, and we can provide the guidance to help you find the Humana plan that’s right for you.

CALL NOW 1-855-795-9497 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week

BRADENTON Humana Office Bayshore Gardens Shopping Center 4036 14th Street W. Dec. 2 through Dec. 7 • 1:00 PM

Keep in mind

that Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment ends Saturday, December 7th.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in a Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Contact a Humana Sales Agent at 1-855-795-9497 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week for more information.

Y0040_GHHHQQGEN Accepted

TMP 12/13

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 35

bring baCk The besT jabs, slaMs, sTingers anD zingers!

“If there’s another outburst, we’re going to let Bob Hope get up here and do his jokes.” — Don Rickles

T

he Dean MarTin CelebriTy roasTs were a fixture on NBC from 1973

to 1984, targeting the biggest names in the world of entertainment and beyond. From Bob Hope to Lucille Ball, anybody with a thick skin and a good agent was fair game. Dean and his panel of pals brought only the best jabs, putdowns, insults, slams and zingers to the roast dais, entertaining audiences for over a decade.

Now you can own 12 of these hilarious roasts and bring back all the fun from years gone by. This 6-DVD Collector’s Edition features the roasts of Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Jimmy Stewart, Sammy Davis Jr., Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Kirk Douglas, Michael Landon, Jackie Gleason, Don Rickles, Joan Collins, and the dapper Dean Martin himself. You’ll enjoy hours of hilarious camp and humor as these legendary stars are roasted by a who’s who of stage, screen, sports and politics!

Plus, you’ll get over 3 hours of exclusive new bonus features, including interviews with Don Rickles, Betty White, and Rich Little, featurettes including rare home movies of Dean, and bonus comedy sketches!

Guest stars include JO H N W a y N E P H y l l IS D Il l ER BOB NEWHaR t GENE KElly & many, many more!

Don’T Miss your ChanCe To grab a ViP seaT To The hoTTesT, MosT hilarious ParTy in Town!

your ColleCTor’s eDiTion inCluDes:

Order by 1/31/14 — Call Or write

Order Toll-Free: 1-800-496-7979 4Yes, please send me The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts 6-DVD

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SHIPPING!

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• 12 Classic Roasts on 6 DVDs

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Mail to: StarVista Entertainment / Time Life c/o Dean Martin Roasts DVDs PO Box 8718 Pueblo, CO 81008

STarViSTa EnTErTainmEnT/ TimE LiFE 30-DaY riSK-FrEE GUaranTEE If not absolutely delighted, you may return your purchase for a prompt refund of the purchase price.

Exp. Date

R34EDRO011

© 2013 Direct Holdings Americas Inc. StarVista is a registered trademark of Direct Holdings Americas Inc. TIME LIFE and the TIME LIFE logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. or an affiliated company. Used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Inc. or Time Warner Inc. • Terms & Conditions: Allow 4-6 weeks for processing mail-in orders.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 36

• Plus Over 3 Hours of Bonus Features including: • Exclusive Featurettes • New Interviews with Roast Stars • Dean Martin TV Specials • Bonus Comedy Sketches • Plus rare home movies of Dean!

Last Month’s Answers

Enter

Last Month’s to Win! Winner Is Rosalie Gray Congratulations!

When You Just Don’t

Feel Like Yourself We Have the

Help You Need

This month’s winner is

Enter To Win!

Speak with a professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at

Myron L. Guisewite Congratulations !!!

941-342-4461

Last Month’s Answers

Moodiness is often dependent on circumstances. It is normal to feel down when negative things happen to you. Depression may strike for no reason or may occur after a major life trauma. While moodiness comes and goes, depression lasts at least two weeks.

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on Dec. 19 will receive $20 cash!

Send to: News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

I want information on: Travel / Cruises Recreation / Leisure Entertainment / Events

Insurance Elder Law / Financial Housing Options Reverse Mortgages

Personal Health & Fitness Home Improvements Automobiles

Name

We can help: Serenity Place at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota is a unique, voluntary program dedicated to helping mature adults. We provide specialized care in a private, soothing, inpatient environment.

ALL ROOMS ARE

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FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Send your answers for a drawing. First correct answers selected from the drawing on June 19th will receive $20 cash! Send to: Mature Lifestyles, 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Suite 203, Brandon, FL 33511

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 37

I

t will be easy to stay home this month and just enjoy the season in Florida. Plan a few overnight trips and see the magnificent lights and bling around the state.

Williams House, Amelia Island

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is always a great destination. The Amelia Island Williams House is offering several holiday packages. The 2013 Christmas Package starts at $795 and includes a three-night stay, breakfast each morning, Christmas Eve hors d’oeuvres buffet, followed by a horsedrawn carriage ride through historic Fernandina Beach, and Christmas day dinner at David’s Restaurant. Additional nights may be added to the package. Visit williamshouse. com for more information.

Travel St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights

Selected by National Geographic in 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city.

Events of note:

7 Holiday Boat Regatta 14 – 15 Holiday Tour of Historic B&Bs

31 Beach Blast and Fireworks Show

IN

Gaylord Palms Resort

A stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando is becoming a tradition for some families, who relish the two-million lights amid all the lush displays and all the Christmas decorations you could want.

The Luminescence show and DreamWorks Animation characters make for kid-fun too. ICE! features Frosty the Snowman this year.

Ask for package prices to have it all!

Manatee swim, Crystal River

Candlelight Processional

Epcot Center’s nightly Candlelight Processional is an annual holiday event. A full orchestra and choir fill the theatre as a celebrity narrator takes the stage. It’s the Biblical story of the babe in a manger, accompanied by traditional and inspiring holiday music.

ICE at Gaylord Palms, Orlando

Swim With the Manatees

Take family to Crystal River where visitors swim with the West Indian Manatee. It’s Candlelight Processional, the only location in North Epcot, Orlando America where you can legally swim and interact with these sea It’s the Biblical cows in the wild; sometimes as story of the babe in a many as 350 are in the area playing. manger, accompanied Plantation Adventure Center & Dive by traditional and Shop offers enclosed boats and a inspiring holiday hot shower facility for those guests music. Purchase a not staying at the resort. Plantation Candlelight Dinner on Crystal River is located at 9301 Package to have guaranteed seating W. Fort Island Trl., Crystal River.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 38

Nights of Lights, St. Augustine

for the processional, a dinner and VIP fireworks viewing.

The Singing Christmas Trees

The long history (since 1980) of Singing Christmas Trees at the First Baptist Church of Orlando makes their presentation of note. 300 singers, a full orchestra, dancers and 250,000 lights create a one-of-a-kind spectacle. It’s been named to Orlando Local Guide’s Best of Orlando list as the Best Christmas Event to attend in the city to celebrate the season. Tickets for $5 to $18.

Singing Christmas Trees, First Baptist Church, Orlando

Rediscover AN AMERICAN TELEVISION TRADITION

O

nce there was a time when American families would come together on Saturday nights, turn on their TVs, and for a wonderful hour, laugh. For 11 seasons, The Carol Burnett Show was the definition of great television. Now it’s back for you to enjoy—in a 3-DVD collection featuring the show’s top 10 episodes, chosen by Carol Burnett herself.

The Carol Burnett Show’s Top 10 will have you in stitches from the very first DVD. Carol and her team, including Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Tim Conway and Lyle Waggoner were flat-out comic geniuses.

With guest appearances on these classic episodes

by Carl Reiner, Steve Martin, Betty White and George Carlin, these DVDs are packed with the funniest moments ever seen on television.

You’ll see the brilliant sketches that viewers and professional comics alike still rave about—like Carol and Tim in their improvisational tour de force as Mr. Tudball and Mrs. Wiggins, Vicki's Momma in The Family, and Tim’s hilarious The Oldest Man.

Carol’s TOP TEN

Your Collection Includes:

No television aficionado’s collection would be complete without these historic bonus discs, which include a raucous cast reunion with 2 BONUS DVDs! Carol, Tim, Vicki and Lyle; plus rarely seen sketches from early seasons of The Carol Burnett Show, featuring guest stars Lucille Ball, Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope & Bing Crosby…and more.

That’s an additional 7-plus hours of classic Carol Burnett, yours to keep FREE! But hurry…this special offer won’t last. Order The Carol Burnett Show’s Top 10 today and you too will say: ”I’m so glad we had this time together…”

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• Guest star appearances by Betty White, Steve Martin, Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, George Carlin and many others!

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• Exclusive featurettes and celebrity interviews with Betty White, Jerry Lewis, Jane Lynch, Amy Poehler, and many others.

• Nearly 10 hours of Bonus Features!

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YES, please rush me The Carol Burnett Show’s Top 10 on 5 DVDs, including nearly 10 hours of exclusive bonus features-—5 DVDs in all—for just $29.98, plus Free Shipping and Handling and applicable taxes.

TIME LIFE 30-DAY RISK-FREE GUARANTEE

Name Address City Amex

State Discover

CC #

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Check

Exp. Date

Signature

Mail to: Time Life c/o Carol Burnett DVDs PO Box 8718 Pueblo, CO 81008

If not absolutely delighted, you may return your purchase for a prompt refund of the purchase price.

R34ECAR024 © 2013 Direct Holdings Americas Inc. StarVista is a registered trademark of Direct Holdings Americas Inc. TIME LIFE and the TIME LIFE logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. or an affiliated company.

Used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Inc. or Time Warner Inc. Terms & Conditions: Allow 4-6 weeks for processing mail-in orders.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 39

Heart-Healthy Holiday Vegetables Baked Cauliflower and Beets 1 head cauliflower (about 1 pound), in florets 3 large beets, peeled and cut into chunks ¼ c balsamic vinegar 1 tsp olive oil ¼ c fresh chopped dill Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Place vegetables in clay roaster or glass baking dish coated with vegetable oil spray.

Whisk together remainder of ingredients in small bowl; pour over vegetables. Toss to coat.

Cover; bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, stirring once.

Snow Peas and Tomatoes 6 c fresh snow pea pods (about 1 pound) 1 large shallot, sliced 2 tsp peanut oil 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp teriyaki sauce 1/2 c grape or cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted

Orange-Sauced Broccoli & Peppers 3 1/2 cups broccoli flowerets 1 red or yellow sweet pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 Tbsp butter 2 Tbsp chopped onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch 2/3 c orange juice 2 tsp Dijon-style mustard

Directions: Steam broccoli and pepper until crisp-tender. For sauce, melt butter.

Add onion and garlic; cook until tender. Stir in cornstarch.

Add orange juice and mustard.

Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and bubbly.

Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.

Pour the sauce over the broccoli mixture; toss gently to coat.

Directions: Remove strings and tips from pea pods; set aside.

In a 12-inch skillet, cook shallot in the oils over medium heat until tender.

Add pea pods and teriyaki sauce.

Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until pea pods are crisp-tender.

Add tomatoes; cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Recipes from Cleveland Clinic

From all of us at

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 40

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 41

Wherever you live in Sarasota County there is a Walgreens store nearby

Open 24 Hours 3601 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 34233 ....................... 941-921-4681 3901 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34231..................... 941-926-2522 6465 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34231..................... 941-921-9222 5800 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 34233 ....................... 941-377-1589 1120 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, 34275 ..................... 941-441-2909 15180 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port, 34288................. 941-423-6100 1490 Venice Bypass, Venice, 34292 .......................... 941-493-3925 Other Stores - Call For Hours 3506 Clark Rd., Sarasota, 34231 ............................... 941-923-2885 5281 Clark Rd., Sarasota, 34231 .............................. 941-929-9443 3550 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 34237 .......................... 941-955-4282 1224 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34239..................... 941-953-9804 1947 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 34236 .......................... 941-955-2064 1921 Waldemere St., Suite 201, Sarasota, 34239 ..... 941-955-6012 391 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, 34285 .......................... 941-244-1977 1405 E. Venice Ave., Venice, 34292........................... 941-488-8122 4105 Pointe Plaza Blvd., Venice, 34293 .................... 941-497-0751 15 S. Indiana Ave., Englewood, 34223....................... 941-473-7787 2940 S. McCall Rd., Englewood, 34223 ..................... 941-475-8030 12600 Tamiami Trail, North Port, 34287 ..................... 941-244-1955 1009 N. Sumter Blvd., North Port, 34286 ................... 941-426-5083 1063 N. Toledo Blade Blvd., North Port, 34286 .......... 941-429-6174 4210 E. State Rd. 64, Bradenton, FL 34208 .............. 941-708-9161 4320 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 ..................... 941-755-8596 1504 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34203 ................... 941-752-0705 1455 Upper Manatee River Rd., Bradenton, FL 34212.. 941-462-1564

Shingles shots now recommended for adults 50+

Wherever You Live In Manatee County There Is A Walgreens Store Nearby

Open 24 Hours 6003 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207 ..................... 941-755-8526 4220 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 ............ 941-749-1561 5945 U.S. Highway 301 N., Ellenton, FL 34222 ......... 941-722-2884 Other Stores - Call For Hours 3248 E. Bay Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217 ................ 941-778-0451 3425 53rd Ave. W, Bradenton, FL 34210 ................... 941-752-7997 5896 59th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 ..................... 941-792-3817 8315 Market St., Bradenton, FL 34202 ...................... 941-907-2686 14415 Arbor Green Trail, Bradenton, FL 34202 ......... 941-739-5752 3155 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243 ........... 941-351-9290 1700 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234 ... 941-926-6132 930 8th Ave. W., Palmetto, FL 34221 ........................ 941-729-5250 3535 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 ............... 941-360-3474 4210 E. State Rd. 64, Bradenton, FL 34208 .............. 941-708-9161 4320 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 ..................... 941-755-8596 1504 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34203 ................... 941-752-0705 1455 Upper Manatee River Rd., Bradenton, FL 34212.. 941-462-1564 Ask About: • Our durable goods product lines: lift chairs, wheelchairs, walkers • Our “Go 90” prescription program • Our prescription savings club • Our exclusive savings for AARP members • Our prescription “auto fill” program • Our Balance Rewards Card Enroll in our balance rewards program today and receive instant points and endless rewards.

Ask your friendly Pharmacist about the shingles vaccine and pneumonia vaccine.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 42

Great Holiday Gifts for the Older Adult in Your Life

BY ALEXIS ABRAMSON, Ph.D.

I

t can be particularly difficult to find appropriate (and appreciated!) gifts for our older relatives and friends. Here are some great ideas that will hopefully help you as you begin to tackle your gift list for the seniors in your life.

Give a Little

TENDERNESS

®

and Save 67% on World-Famous Omaha Steaks

The RuffGrip® Dog Leash – The extra padding and no-slip grip leash makes walking a dog easier for people with gripping or dexterity problems due to arthritis in the joints of their hands.

Chef’n® PalmPeeler – For those with aching or shaky hands this peeler is amazing. Just slip your finger through the soft rubber ring on top for a natural feel and extremely easy peeling.

VTech CareLine ™ – Seniors are empowered to maintain active lifestyles and close relationships with this home telephone and personal communication system with large displays, photo speed dial, reminder capabilities, volume boost and a wearable pendant with one-button dialing that directly calls those pre-selected people who seniors communicate with most or for emergencies.

Easy Grip Slant Tip Tweezers – These tweezers are specifically designed for those with gripping and dexterity challenges.

The comfortable, soft rubber finger and thumb grips make the tweezers easy to hang on to while they are being used.

Tee Pal Pro – The Tee Pal Pro is a unique, lightweight and ergonomic golf ball-teeing device, allowing users to remain upright so they don’t have to bend over to tee up.

Easi-Grip Cheese Slicer – The stainless steel tool are set at 90 degrees from the contoured, easy grip handle, keeping the hand and wrist in a neutral stress free position.

Bathtub Steps – These steps provide a four-inch boost, with a slip-resistant textured top and rubberized feet.

Two Handle Coffee Mug –The two handle ceramic mug has a curved rim that helps prevent drips and can be used with hot or cold beverages for those with limited strength or other challenges that prevent them from holding a traditional mug.

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Call 1-800-738-2460 and ask for 49377CLF or order online at www.OmahaSteaks.com/holiday68 Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 43

&

Mr. Modem

by Richard Sherman How can I upload a video from my iPhone or iPad to YouTube?

Do I have to save it to my computer first and if so, in what format?

If you create a video using your iPhone or iPad, you do not need to save it to a computer in order to place it on YouTube. Simply tap the Send button (the square with a little arrow), then tap the YouTube option.

Sometimes I long for the days of the floppy disc because they had labels on which I could write the disk’s contents. These days I use several USB flash drives, which are too small to write anything on. How do you keep track of the contents on your flash drives, Mr. M?

Upload Video from iPhone YouTube MOMENTS LIKE THESEto ARE PRECIOUS. I use different flash drives for different purposes so I don’t really have any need to label the contents in any specific manner on the exterior of the drive. For example, I have one flash drive that I use for backing up documents, one that I use for Quicken backups, a drive that I use for photos and one for music backups.

When I insert a drive into a USB port, I can then easily view its contents.

Because I primarily work with documents, that’s the flash drive that I leave plugged into the USB port most of the time. I use Quicken on another computer, so that flash drive resides in one of that system’s USB ports. The photo and music flash drives I insert as needed. Some “experts” recommend that flash or thumb drives not be left in a computer when not being used, but having used flash drives since they first arrived on the digital scene, I have never experienced any problem leaving them inserted. And that way I know where the drive is, as well.

I generally purchase different color For a truly definitive answer as it flash drives or at least flash drives that relates to your specific computer/ don’t look identical, which makes it battery, I would recommend contacteven easier to keep track of degeneration what’s what. ing the manufacturer of your laptop Age-related macular (AMD) through is the leading cause of blindness in people 55 its website support area. the cursor on my affecting In the alternative, look at your batand When older.IItmove is a chronic disease laptop over the icon that lets me tery, note the brand, type or model more than 10 million Americans, and early know whetheristhe laptop is plugged a number, then go to the manufacturer’s detection key to saving yourin, sight. bubble pops up that shows “94 percent website where specific charging ProtectPlugged your vision fading away. available. in, notfrom charging.” details and recommendations will Call the Foundation Fighting Blindness Shouldn’t the battery be charging? be available. (SENIOR WIRE) today for a free info packet about For answers to your questions preventing and managing AMD. by e-mail, or to subscribe to Mr. It’s possible that your particular Modem’s award-winning weekly battery won’t begin to charge newsletter, visit www.MrModem.com. until it is at a certain level, such as below 50 percent or 25 percent A Cure Is depending In Sight on the type capacity.

Plus, Mr. Modem’s Don’t Miss of 800-610-4558 battery, you may not want small, Site of the Month partial charges because the battery http://nihseniorhealth.gov: The FightBlindness.org may only have X number of charging National Institute of Health’s site for cycles. If that’s the case, it doesn’t Senior Health information. Designed matter whether you charge it 10 to be easy to read and customizable.

The menu at the top of the page percent or 90 percent, both count as contains Health Topics A-Z and one charge cycle, so the fact that it’s Video A-Z,.from which you can not charging could be to protect you select subjects or videos of interest. from wasting finite charge cycles.

DON’T LET THEM FADE AWAY.

Tips to Avoid Online Dating Scams

O

nline dating scams have become so sophisticated that anyone can be easily duped these days. Use these resources, compiled by USA. gov to prevent an online dating scam before it happens to you:

• An online love interest who asks you for money is most certainly a scam artist. They start by proclaiming their love, in hopes of gaining interest and trust as quickly as they can. Often, they want to interact with you over personal accounts rather than the online dating site, to get more personal information about you.

• In many instances, scammers will say they are American, but are

working or traveling abroad. They may then say that a traumatic incident has happened in their life and they need some money to get home, or to visit you. The State Department strongly discourages sending money to someone you don’t personally know.

• The FBI also warns of another scam in which a con artist turns a conversation intimate and then threatens to post the conversation and intimate information online, saying you can only get out of it if you pay them, even with no assurance that they will actually do what they say.

Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 44

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From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen – it’s now 22 inches. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until now the very people who could benefit most from Email and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part?

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 45

Age-Defying Makeup Tips For Women Over 50

D

ear Cindy, Can I use highlighting colors to brighten my face?

Makeup highlighters are a cream or white color and are typically a few shades lighter than the wearer’s natural skin tone.

They can be applied to the eyes or cheeks to give the wearer a more contoured appearance.

Highlighters must be blended into the makeup to avoid a drastic look.

A good highlighting color can be an incredible tool in your daily cosmetic routine. The use of highlighting color can help counter the appearance of aging brows, cheeks, mouth and eyes: Brow: Use a bit of highlighting color just below the brow and a little bit above the brow to lift, open and brighten the eye. You will see an

JANUARY 19-26 | 2014

immediate difference in your facial appearance.

BY CINDY COHEN Makeup artist to the stars

Cheeks: Use the same highlighter at the top of your cheekbone to make it a more prominent spot on your face. It’s a lift up and brightens the appearance of your face instantly.

Mouth: Use your highlighter around your mouth area where typically small lines sometimes settle in. Softly outline the mouth to make it look a bit fuller in appearance. This will soften the lines around the mouth.

To give your face a tighter and smoother look, simply apply faceLOVE™ after your moisturizer has dried completely.

Please e-mail me your makeup questions at askcindy@rtfacelove.com.

This is a free beauty service provided exclusively for all Lifestyles After 50 customers. Visit www.rtfacelove.com.

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Lifestyles After 50 • December 2013 • page 46

You Saw It Here First!

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ometimes you really have to wonder about our world today. Consider these actual recent university research studies (funded by government grants?).

Low-Voiced Men Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Men with low-pitched voices have an advantage in attracting women, even though women know they’re not likely to stick around for long.

Researchers at McMaster University have found that women were more attracted to men with masculine voices, at least for short-term relationships.

Those men were also seen as more likely to cheat and be unsuitable for a longer relationship, such as marriage.

“The sound of someone’s voice can affect how we think of them,” explains Jillian O’Connor, lead author of the study. “Until now, it’s been unclear why women would like the voices of men who might cheat.

But we found that the more women thought these men would cheat, the more they were attracted to them for a brief relationship when they are less worried about fidelity.”

Oreos As Addictive as Cocaine It’s the result of a new study by college students and a professor of neuroscience—“America’s favorite cookie” is just as addictive as cocaine—at least for lab rats. And just like most humans, rats go for the middle first.

The study found that rats formed an equally strong association between the pleasurable effects of eating Oreos

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and a specific environment as they did between cocaine or morphine and a specific environment. They also found that eating cookies activated more neurons in the brain’s “pleasure center” than exposure to drugs of abuse.

“Our research supports the theory that high-fat/high-sugar foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do,” Professor Schroeder of Connecticut College said. “It may explain why some people can’t resist these foods despite the fact that they know they are bad for them.”

AUDITIONS January 24, 2014

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Senior Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th 1816 9th Street West • Bradenton, FL 34205 Tickets will be sold at Renaissance on 9th and at the Neel Performing Arts Center Box Office – Hours – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm – Monday-Friday While it may not be scientifically relevant, Honohan also said it was surprising to watch the rats eat the famous cookie. “They would break it open and eat the middle first,” she said.

Scientifically, they found that the Oreos activated significantly more neurons than cocaine or morphine.

A conclusion: “Even though we associate significant health hazards in taking drugs like cocaine and morphine, high-fat/high-sugar foods may present even more of a danger because of their accessibility and affordability,” she said. (From Newswise)

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Fifty-five years young or more! Single or duo acts only, no groups please. Audition acts must be no longer than three minutes.

There will be a piano, cassette tape and CD player available

The Show February 16, 2014

3:00 p.m.

Neel Performing Arts Center State College of Florida 5840 26th Street West • Bradenton, FL 34207 Tickets go on sale at the January 24, 2013 auditions at the Renaissance on 9th. Individual Tickets - $6.00 each.

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