Mature Lifestyles Dec. 2012 Southwest edition by Lifestyles After 50 Magazine

Honor Flights VOLUME 22, NUMBER 12

Yummy Cranberry Orange Bread

t : om a c ite onfl. s b i we nect r ou con t i Vis nior . se w w

• Volunteer With Passion • Alabama: Prepare to Be Surprised • Keeping the Family Cool During the Holidays • Home For the Holidays & Every Other Day

SOUTHWEST

DECEMBER 2011

Mature Lifestyles â&#x20AC;˘ December 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ page 2

Volunteers Make a Difference at Cape Coral Hospital

ments are happy to work on Christmas octors work hard Day serving to get their patients the patients. out of the hospital for All throughout the holidays. They the year, hospital know how depressed volunteers are patients can become in very visible, a hospital bed, even if according to Hess. the kitchen staff serves “We’re not as turkey dinner and the in a hurry as the staff puts up a Christday-to-day staff. Jack Hess helps manage the mas tree in the lobby. Volunteer They have their uniform shop at Cape Coral Hospital. Jack Hess is a tasks to do. We’re long-time volunteer at the Cape Coral in the hospital to make the patient’s Hospital, a part of the Lee Memorial stay as comfortable as possible and Health System. He knows that volto comfort visitors and family. In unteers make a difference every day, the hallways, if visitors are lost, but especially during the holidays. we take them where they need Hess, past president of the hospital to go instead of just pointing auxiliary, says volunteers deliver a them in a general direction.” single carnation in a bud vase to each Hess is a retired Publix store patient on Christmas Day, along with manager and learned when he words of cheer. Many volunteers who retired that he still wanted to be may not have company coming or useful dealing with the public. He whose families have other commitsays he and his wife found that BY JANICE DOYLE

“being together 24/7 once she retired made too much togetherness.” People begin volunteering for various reasons. For Hess, it was while visiting a patient and interacting with several volunteers that he realized hospital volunteering was the kind of interaction he wanted. “My background was working with people, and that’s what I love.” Volunteering brings great rewards. Hess describes such rewarding times as when he volunteered in the emergency room and a distraught elderly woman drove up with her husband who was having chest pains. It was easy for him to imagine the scene. Hess says, “At home men wouldn’t want to call the ambulance and so they’d say ‘You can drive; don’t call the ambulance. You drive me there.’ We came outside with the wheelchair and I could see the relief on their faces to have someone to help them.” After six years as a volunteer, Hess has nothing but praise for the Cape

Coral Hospital and has found that the hospital staff and the members of the Foundation are “good people trying to do good for people.” The Cape Coral Hospital Auxiliary runs three businesses to raise funds: the gift shop, a uniform shop and a thrift shop across the street from the hospital. Hess has put his retail experience back to work managing the uniform shop. Auxiliary volunteers can have patient interaction by working in the hospital or they can choose retail shops for their service. “It diversifies what volunteers can do,” says Hess. “Volunteering is also a social outlet for retirees who want to be in the public. They get one meal free meal and during lunch, the tables fill up with volunteers who enjoy a social time.” For information on volunteering at any of Lee Memorial Health System’s facilities, go to leememorial.org/ volunteer or call (239) 343-5055.

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‘Tis the Season! Make It Easy, Make It Fun, Make It Classy! Dear Readers,

y trusty Bulova watch stopped in November, 2010. It was a sleek little number, with a gold rectangular face I’d grown accusJanice Doyle, tomed to. The narrow Editor black leather-look band was feminine and accentuated my thin wrists (which are the only part of my body I can call thin). I’d bought that little gem on a sale table for $13 in 1997 because another lady looking at the watches raved about it. She picked it up and said to no one in particular that it was the “classiest” watch on the table. I have very little flair about such things, so I snapped it up the second she laid it back on the table. Classy, I wanted! The watch became my all-in-one accessory piece, and I wore it daily. Admittedly, as the years passed and my vision changed, I learned how to angle my wrist so I could read the time. “Where is that minute hand?” I would ask myself. Still I never considered getting rid of it and replaced the band many times. When it stopped last year, I went totally out of character—I told my family that the only thing on my Christmas list was a watch. I even encouraged them to have fun with that request, to go a little crazy if they chose to. It seemed a ‘no-brainer’ for all concerned. Watches, after all, are easy to find, come in all price ranges and make an uncomplicated package. From my point of view, watches don’t take up much room and could even be re-gifted. I might even learn to like changing things up a bit! Reactions varied. My step-daughter Whitney is a discriminating, thoughtful and creative gift-giver. She didn’t particularly like the idea that everyone would be getting me watches. To her, it meant if she got me one and other

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 4

people did too, her gift wouldn’t be so special. (Instead, she gave me my all-time favorite pink knit robe.) From my two daughters-in-law, I do believe I heard an audible sigh of relief when I told them. This would be easy, I imagined them thinking—check off the motherin-law gift at the first store! So the word went out, and I sat back to see how people interpreted my wish.

It was great fun! I got a whimsical frog watch which I especially love wearing when I’m going to be with children. There was a unique red one—a large, round red watch face with the letters spelling out Liz Claiborne where the numbers would be (advertising and style all in one!) A very utilitarian LL Bean watch gives me time and date and is even waterproof. Two others are ordinary inexpensive watches to slip on quickly when I’m in a hurry. They are meaningful because they represent a decision, a choice about what Janice would like, and that makes them special. I didn’t hear my dear husband David’s actual sigh of relief at being given a gift idea, but I’m sure there was one. His watch came first, as my early December birthday gift.

It, too, has a rectangular face, only this one is surrounded by tiny diamonds and has a lovely gold band. The perfect gift, lovingly chosen. This year? I’ve spread the word that I’m collecting scarves—bright, jewel-colored scarves. Let the shopping begin! And, yes, it’s that season again! We remember Christmases past, enjoy the seasonal music and look forward to being with friends and family perhaps. One of my Christmas memories almost seems unreal. I wonder if I would react the same way today. This would have been in the ‘70s when my three children were small. A young family’s car broke down on a highway near our house on Christmas Eve and a neighbor called to see if we could help them. Two young parents—very broke— were traveling from Illinois to Texas with a three-week-old baby named Elvis. Calls were made. Our church provided them a motel room for two nights. We picked them up for Christmas dinner with us. A parent wired money for their car repair the next day and they went on their way to family. I sometimes wonder what happened to baby Elvis. It reminds me of that other and familiar story of a baby far from home with his young parents. The difference is that I don’t know what happened to baby Elvis, but I do know what happened to the other baby, the one born some 2000 years ago. That was the baby whose life changed the world. The reason for the season! Blessings! Cover photo courtesy of SantaOnVacation.com

Lee, Collier & Charlotte

Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

Publisher, President: Kathy J. Beck kathy@srmagazine.com Editor: Janice Doyle Accounting: Vicki Willis Production Supervisor Graphic Design: Kim Burrell Production Assistant: Tracie Schmidt Customer Service: 1-888-670-0040 customerservice@srmagazine.com Lee/Collier and Charlotte Counties – Southwest Edition Associate Publisher: Dave Kelly: (239) 823-3542 Sarasota/Manatee Edition Dave Tarantul (941) 375-6260

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Corporate Advertising Ofﬁce: P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 (813) 653-1988 888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.seniorconnectionﬂ.com Send press releases to janice@srmagazine.com

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ATTENTION READERS: The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the January 2012 issue is December 15, 2011. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Around Town

The EASY BOARDING Bicycle by

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

hrough 18 It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play by Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 First St., Ft. Myers. Call for info: (239) 332-4488

hrough Dec. 31 Edison & Ford Holiday Nights. See the Estates with twinkling lights. (239) 334-7419.

– 31 Winter Wonderettes Christmas revue—all the jolly songs you love. Big Arts Herb Strauss Theater, Sanibel Island. $42. 8 p.m. Phone: (239) 472-6862. Cape Coral Holiday BoatA-Long at Four Freedoms Park, Cape Coral. Over 100 decorated boats. (239) 573-3123.

Calendar Girls perform on the porch at Historic Burroughs Home, 2505 First St., Fort Myers. 6 to 7 p.m. (239) 283-1708.

– 23 “Believe” presented by Women’s Community Club at the Burroughs Home, Corner of Fowler and First St. Call (239) 337-0706.

Holly Jolly Christmas Show, a music and dance performance. Refreshments served. Lake Kennedy Senior Center. 2 p.m. $7/ person. Call (239) 574-0575.

21st Annual Holiday Carol Sing, First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St., Fort Myers. Bring food donations and/or cash donation for Everyday Café and Marketplace (which provides 14,000 meals each month). Three carol sings: 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Holiday music by choir, soloists, sing-a-longs. Sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships. For information, call First Presbyterian Church at (239) 334-2261.

– 31 “The Santaland Diaries” live performance at the Florida

Engel’s Bicycles Int’l 27310 Old 41 Road Bonita Springs, FL 34135

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Fort Myers Schwinn Cyclery 3630 Cleveland Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33901

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– 18 A Christmas Carol, live performance at The Laboratory Theater, 1634 Woodford, Ft. Myers. (239) 218-0481.

Holiday Boat Parade; Bonita Springs. Begins 6 p.m. at Fish Trap Bay, Imperial River. Info at (239) 495-0455.

Naples Cyclery 813 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Naples, FL 34108

Repertory Theatre, 2267 First St., Ft. Myers. Call for info: (239) 332-4488.

through Feb. 11 Me and My Girl at the Broadway Palm Theatre. Call (239) 278-4422 for tickets.

Fort Myers New Year’s Eve Celebration. 1031 Estero Blvd. 1 to 3 p.m. (239) 765-0202. Send Around Town news to Senior Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. December 10 for January event.)

Take the Grandkids

– 30 Holiday Express Festival of Lights Train Village. Train rides through Train Village in Lakes Regional Park. 1 to 5 years old – $2; 6 and up – $5. Call for hours (239) 267-1905.

Teddy Bear Tea for grandparents and grandchildren. Bring teddy bear, tea cup and pot. 10 a.m. at Tony Rotino Senior Center, 5817 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. Please call (239) 574-0807 for information.

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6/20/2011 PM 5 Mature Lifestyles • December 20112:17:47 • page

Winners! Senior Friendly Extravaganza, Harborside Event Center, Ft. Myers Lots of great photos were sent to Mature Lifestyles magazine for the latest Grandkids Are The Greatest Photo Contest. Check out the winners that were selected at the Senior Friendly Extravaganza last month. The judges had a lot of fun looking through all of the photos and it was tough to pick the winners. Thanks to everyone who shared their memories with us!

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 6

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 7

Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center Expands Practice

ith the addition of two new physicians, Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center now offers comprehensive podiatry and neurology care. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center Dr. John C. Kagan welcomes doctors David B. Sudderth and Peter B. Walimire to the practice. Drs. Sudderth and Walimire join Drs. John C. Kagan, Michael Jugan, Pedro E. Monserrate and Peter J. Curcione at the Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center, a full-service orthopedic medical and surgical practice with state-of-the-art facilities in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. “The expansion of our medical team allows us to offer a full-spectrum of orthopedic services,” says Dr. Kagan. “Combined, our physicians offer nearly 100 years of experience. Most importantly, our team is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive orthopedic care with the goal of helping patients get back to healthy, active living.” Dr. Sudderth is a board-certified neurologist with more than 25 years of

Dr. Walmire

Dr. Sudderth

experience in treating patients with back and neck injuries and pain; carpal tunnel and other nerve problems; and migraines and other types of headaches. Dr. Sudderth is fellowship trained in electromyography and has more than 20 years of experience using MRI. Dr. Sudderth will see patients in all three locations and can assist patients who speak Spanish, German and Scandinavian languages. A graduate of the University of Copenhagen Medical School in Denmark, Dr. Sudderth completed his

residency in neurology at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians and the American Academy of Neurology. He has also co-authored six books including “Headache: The Cure” and “The Arthritis Cure.” A podiatrist, Dr. Walimire specializes in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, including foot and ankle trauma, diabetic limb salvage and application of both internal and external fixation devices. Dr. Walimire is a graduate of Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Mich. and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland. He completed his residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at Florida Hospital East Orlando and served as chief resident. Dr. Walimire is an associate member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Florida Podiatric Medical Association. In addition, he is a volunteer with the Special Olympics of Florida Healthy Athletes Initiative’s Fit Feet Division.

With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center (AORC) is devoted to providing the highest level of quality care and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves. AORC specializes in total joint replacement, fracture care, sports medicine, hand surgery, neurology, podiatry and general orthopedics. For more information, call (239) 936-6778 or visit bone-fix.com.

Free “Ask And Answer” Seminar on Joint Pain

The public is invited to attend Dr. John C. Kagan’s free seminar on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Lee Memorial HealthPark Medical Center Rooms 201/202, located at 9981 S. HealthPark Dr. in Fort Myers. For reservations, call (239) 936-6778 ext. 2227. To register online and for more info, visit kaganortho.com. Space is limited.

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John Kagan, M.D.

Michael Jugan, D.O.

FULL S PECT RUM OF TR EATMEN T

• Sports injury • Work-related injury • Age,heredity, disease

Pedro Monserrate, M.D.

Peter Curcione, D.O.

David Sudderth, M.D.

Peter Walimire, D.P.M.

Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center offers a full spectrum of sports medicine and reconstructive orthopedic care including the surgical and non-surgical treatment of sports and work-related injuries and orthopedic conditions caused by age, heredity and disease. Our team includes board certified orthopedic surgeons, as well as specialists in neurology and podiatry, and focuses on the following: • Arthritis Care and Surgery • Arthroscopy • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Fracture Care • Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Hand, Foot and Ankle Pain

• Joint Replacement Surgery • Neck and Back Pain • Neurology • Podiatry • Spine Care • Sports Injuries

Team physicians for the Everblades,Miracle baseball, Minnesota Twins and several local high school football teams.

For a consultation or to attend a free seminar call one of our offices today.

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2721 Del Prado Blvd. Suite 260 Cape Coral, FL 33904 239-574-0011

3400 Lee Blvd. Suite 105 Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 239-368-8277 Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 9

Ten-Dollar Christma$ BY TERESA AMBORD

ot much money for Christmas presents this year? That might give you the blues, but it shouldn’t. Look at this as a chance to readjust your focus. If you put your heart into it, when your family and friends look back on this holiday, it won’t be the lack of presents they remember.

We divided it, and each set out with ten dollars to spend on the other. I shopped carefully for Mike’s present, then wrapped it and hid it. Looking back, I can’t remember what I bought for him. But I’ll never forget what he gave me. Years ago, the economy was thriving, but my husband and I were in our own recession. As a young man, Mike’s temper and other habits caused him to lose job after job. We barely covered our basic expenses every month. So at Christmas time we assumed we would not be able to buy gifts for each other at all. That was our life then. One year, some friends gave us a small Christmas tree which I decorated with hand-me-down ornaments. Just before Christmas, Mike got paid and we wrote out our bills as usual. To our amazement, there was an extra 20 dollars in the bank. It wasn’t much, but to us, it felt like found wealth. We divided it, and each set out with ten dollars to spend on the other. I shopped carefully for Mike’s present, then wrapped it and hid it. Looking back, I can’t remember what I bought for him. But I’ll never forget what he gave me. A couple of days before Christmas he went shopping. He was gone a long time, then ﬁnally he poked his head in the front door.

“I’m going next door to wrap your presents,” he said with a huge smile. An hour later he returned, carrying a bag and wearing a Santa hat that our neighbor, Pam, had given him. He made me close my eyes while he hid the bag. The next morning Pam came over for coffee after Mike went to work. “Mike must really love you a lot,” she said. “I hope so,” I said, wondering what made her say that. “When he showed me what he bought you, he was so excited his hands were shaking. It was so sweet. I had to cut the paper for him,” she said. Pam’s words were exactly what I needed to hear. My life with Mike was so full of difficulties that each day felt like a struggle. I knew he loved to give gifts. But I wasn’t so sure that he still loved me. Finally it was Christmas morning. As soon as the smell of coffee reached him, Mike bounded out of bed and dug in the closet. Then he appeared, carrying four small presents as if they were fine china. He set them in my lap, then sat on the floor in front of me, watching my face and waiting for my reaction.

The ﬁrst package held green socks—my favorite color. Happily, I put them on. Then Mike handed

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 10

me the next package, which was also socks, but red. He pulled off one of my green socks and replaced it with a red one so that I looked more Christmasy. “I got those because your feet are always cold,” he said. “And I know you love new socks.” He was right. I still love new socks. It felt good to know that, even in the chaos of our daily lives, he remembered the things and colors I liked best. Quickly he urged me to open the other two packages, one of which turned out to be a tube of mascara, and the other, a container of eye shadow. They were exactly what I would’ve bought for myself if I’d had a few extra dollars. The colors and brands were perfect. But I was bafﬂed. Mike never paid attention to girly things like makeup. “How did you know what I wanted?” I asked. “I was almost out of both of these. And how did you know the colors and brands I like?” “Before I left for shopping, I looked in your makeup bag. I wrote down what you were running low on. I know you like to have makeup and nice things. But with our money, you can never buy anything for yourself.” My mouth fell open. I pictured my tall, rough-around-the-edges husband, plodding down the makeup aisle at the drugstore looking for the things on his list. Knowing Mike, I assumed the list was written on his hand, and it was. The thought he put into buying these things for me was amazing. No amount of money could’ve replaced that consideration.

That’s the Mike I want to remember. He was a troubled soul with seriously destructive habits that took a heavy toll on our family and on his body. Because of that, he passed away too young. Our years together were tumultuous, but they weren’t all bad. Some stand out like pockets of calm in a long storm. For me that Christmas, it boiled down to one thing. Mike knew me. He could have bought any old thing. Instead he went to great effort to see me smile when I opened his packages. That was the true gift. That was 26 years ago. But today when I think of Mike, that Christmas is the memory I choose. Whether or not money is short this Christmas, our extravagances should not be in the money we spend. It should be in the thought we put into ﬁnding what warms the hearts of our loved ones and makes them smile down to their souls. Anyone can do that. Teresa Ambord is a full-time business writer who works from her home in rural upstate California. For fun she writes family stories, with the inspiration and assistance of her small dogs.

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Veterans Corner

A Day With a World War II Honor Flight WWII Memorial: H Barrington Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care

• Unique building designed for seniors - no stairs, steps or elevators • Wellness Center under the direction of an R.N. • Specially designed neighborhood to meet the needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments • On-site Rehabilitation and Restorative Care • Knowledgeable staff with over 150 years of combined experience

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onor Flights are flights to transport WWII veterans to Washington, DC to be honored at the WWII Memorial. A day spent with 75 or more of the 85- to 100-year-old veterans starts early and ends late and is filled with smiles, tears, old memories and new friends.

4:30 a.m.: Arrive at

airport where veterans and their guardians (sometimes family members) meet for a 6 a.m. departure by chartered flight to Washington, DC. Veterans wear one color shirt; guardians wear another color. Local volunteers cheer the group and assist in getting to chartered buses. One man, dressed in a WWII Army uniform, brought smiles with his sign “Lookin’ for Kilroy.” Remember Kilroy?

~ Family Member

9731 Commerce Center Court, Ft. Myers, FL 33908

239/334-2500 • www.bt-ftmyers.com Assisted Living Facility #10100

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 12

Army Nurse Hazel Murphy sat on a rainy visit remembering her four years of duty in the Pacific.

Washington arrival:

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD: “The lifestyle at Barrington Terrace is great...mom is busier than we are some days!”

BARRINGTON TERRACE OF FT. MYERS

Veterans spend time, often telling stories as memories rush in. Many groups are personally greeted at the memorial by former U.S. Senator and Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole (a World War II veteran who received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star).

First stop: Iwo Jima Memorial

for a group picture. Other stops: Arlington Cemetery, the Vietnam and Korean Memorials.

Mail Call:

Aboard the flight home, veterans open letters from a thankful nation. Letters come from school classes and friends as well as from anonymous strangers grateful to live in a free country. One seventh grader’s letter read, “Politicians say they’re going to Do It, Do It, Do It. You’re one who went out and Did It.” In the hometown airport, hundreds of people dress in red, white and blue to celebrate their heroes.

God bless America!

How to Volunteer with Passion “I

f you want to feel good, volunteer,” said Sellman, a volunteer with 16 different groups and author of the children’s book The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake. “There are few ways to feel as good about yourself as volunteering.” The key to discovering that feeling is to let your passion guide you when you decide to volunteer, she added. Her tips for beginning volunteers include: • Choose Wisely—Many people get “roped into” volunteering for an organization because their boss or family member is involved. Those can be rewarding ways to enter volunteerism, but only if the project is a match for your personal interests. The most important aspect to volunteerism is to find what you love. Just pick the right one, and your volunteer time won’t be a chore—it will be a joy.

• Watch Your Schedule—As much as you want your passion to direct your choice of project, you don’t want those volunteer projects to rule your schedule. Most organizations will take as much time as you offer them, but if you only have an hour or two each week, they’ll take that time, too. Your volunteer life should not consume your work or home life.

• Have Fun—Helping others is its own reward, but it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Even the most mundane task can be fun if you manage it with a sense of humor and passion for helping others. More at lisasellman.com.

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Florida Residents Can Enjoy Biking Every Day!

hat is Florida living without a bike? We have the ultimate climate that is conducive to bike exercise. You can do it virtually every day of the year from January to December. In the cooler winter months, what could be more beautiful than biking on a sunny afternoon? Or in the summer, just get up early to beat the heat and watch our gorgeous sunrises. Either way, you are guaranteed to be able to use your bike to exercise and build good healthy habits every day. Many people want to ride bicycles but find getting on and off of one more than what they can handle. Biria USA is producing bicycles, called the Easy Boarding, that are specifically geared towards this growing market. The “Easy Boarding” bike makes cycling easier for older adults because it has a frame bar that is only six inches off the ground, creating a

step-through frame that is extremely easy to mount. Riders can mount the “Easy Boarding” bike simply by lifting their leg less than 6 inches rather than up and over the bike’s frame, like on traditional designs. With such advanced, senior-oriented features as upright seating (for less back pain), relaxed arm position (for more control), and a unique step-through design (making it easier to get on the bike), Biria bikes can be just the thing for the active senior! Imagine – healthy exercise, good conversation, fresh air,and a feeling of freedom, all while burning off fat and improving your health! Isn’t that why we live in Florida? For more information on Biria bicycles or to find a Biria distributor near you, visit www.biria.com or call 1-201461-1980. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 14

: Is cigarette smoke the only cause of lung cancer?

A: Radon and asbestos are causes,

too. Radon is an invisible, odorless and radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. Asbestos has been used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings and chemical filters. But cigarette smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. Before cigarette smoking became popular in the early part of the 20th century, doctors rarely saw patients with lung cancer. Nearly 90 percent of people with lung cancer developed it because they smoked cigarettes. The good news is that smoking is not as popular as it used to be. In 1965 about 42 percent of all adults smoked, but by 1997 only 25 percent did. Also, there has been a sharp drop in lung cancer deaths among men, mainly because fewer men are smoking. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. It occurs most often between the ages of 55 and 65. Common symptoms of lung cancer include: a persistent cough that worsens, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness, repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis, swelling of the neck and face, loss of appetite or weight loss, and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to check with a doctor immediately. If tests show that you have cancer, you should make treatment decisions as soon as possible. Studies show that early treatment leads to better outcomes. The standard treatments for lung cancer are surgery to remove a tumor, chemotherapy with anti-cancer drugs, radiation to kill cancer cells, and photodynamic therapy, a newer technique that uses a laser with a chemical to kill cancer cells. There are two major types of lung cancer—non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways, and each is treated differently. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer. Doctors treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer in several ways. Surgery is a common treatment. Cryosurgery, a treatment that freezes and destroys cancer tissue, may be used to control symptoms in the later stages of non-small cell lung cancer. Doctors may also use radiation therapy and chemotherapy to slow the progress of the disease and to manage symptoms. Small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body. In many cases, cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body when the disease is diagnosed. In order to reach cancer cells throughout the body, doctors almost always use chemotherapy. Treatment for small cell lung cancer may also include radiation therapy aimed at the tumor in the lung or tumors in other parts of the body, such as in the brain. Surgery is part of the treatment plan for a small number of patients with small cell lung cancer. Some patients with small cell lung cancer have radiation therapy to the brain even though no cancer is found there. This treatment is given to prevent tumors from forming in the brain. If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How To Be A Healthy Geezer” at www.healthygeezer.com.

Could It Be Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

itamin B12 deficiency can be easily detected and treated at a cost of as little as 10 cents a day. But B12 deficiency is routinely misdiagnosed and left untreated, crippling millions of Americans—and causing billions of dollars in unnecessary health care costs that are ultimately paid for by the U.S. taxpayer. Sally Pacholok, R.N., and Dr. Jeffrey Stuart, authors of “Could It Be B12? An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses,” call for a united effort by medical professionals for early testing and treatment of B12 deficiency. An estimated 15 percent of Americans over age 64 suffer from B12 deficiency—that’s 5.9 million older adults. Other groups at risk for developing B12 deficiency are vegetarians, gastric bypass patients, alcoholics and sufferers of anemia, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, autoimmune disease and AIDS. The use of certain drugs

such as proton pump inhibitors, metformin, H-2 blockers and nitrous oxide can also cause B12 deficiency. What are the symptoms? If your vitamin B12 deficiency is mild, you may not have symptoms or you may not notice them. As anemia gets worse, you may: Feel weak, tired, and lightheaded. Have pale skin. Have a sore, red tongue or bleeding gums. Feel sick to your stomach and lose weight. Have diarrhea or constipation. If the level of vitamin B12 stays low for a long time, it can damage your nerve cells. If this happens, you may have: Numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes. A poor sense of balance. Depression. Dementia, a loss of mental abilities. When detected in time, B12 deficiency can be treated and cured with inexpensive vitamin B12 injections, which can cost as little as $36 a year—just 10 cents a day.

Medicare: What You Need To Know

he health reform law has made some important changes to Medicare that go into effect in 2012.

• Make way for baby boomers qualifying for “Original Medicare” at age 65. This year, baby boomers begin turning 65, which means more people will be enrolling in Medicare this year than in the past. All of these new enrollees will put more stress on Medicare enrollment experts.

• “Newbies” be aware of deductibles, coinsurance, out-of-pocket limits and prescription drugs. If you’re new to Medicare, it’s important to know that both parts of Original Medicare (A and B) have deductibles. And, the deductibles are not tied to a calendar year like they are with

traditional health insurance. Instead, they’re tied to a 90-day beneﬁt period, with some exceptions.

• Get “star power” in 2012. The Affordable Care Act (health reform) requires a star rating system to be used for Medicare Advantage plans, beginning in 2012. Plans get a rating of 1 to 5, with a 5-star rating equating to an “Excellent Performance,” and a 1-star rating equating to a “Poor Performance.” If you’re lucky enough to have access to a 5-star plan, consider it as an option for your coverage. One beneﬁt of a 5-star plan is that you can enroll in it any time, even outside of Medicare’s annual enrollment period. Ross Blair is President and CEO of Plan Prescriber, Inc. (www.PlanPrescriber.com)

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just threw my watch in the “Ten-ten AM, trash. I got it as a gift a while Thursday, back—and it was something November 30th, else. It had four different 2011” digital displays, about a dozen buttons, was waterproof to about a thousand feet, and I think it could even tell me the weather. I’ll never know, though, because, like I said, it’s in the trash. Turns out it couldn’t do the one thing I want a watch to do … tell me the correct time. It always ran a little slow, which was bad enough, but there were so many displays and they were so small that I couldn’t easy-to-understand voice. So whether tell the time even if it was accurate. you’re driving to an appointment or When I tried to reset it, I pushed the dining in a candlelit restaurant … you wrong button and set it on military time, are sure to know the exact time. Press and I couldn’t figure out how to switch it the button again and it will even tell you back. That was the last straw. Now, I’ve the day and date if you want. There’s got a great watch. It’s super-accurate, even an automatic hourly chime. easy-to-read, and it will even tell … yes tell … me the time. Best of all, I’ll never Try it for yourself… it’s risk-free. have to set it! This is the watch I’ve The US Atomic Clock cost billions to been waiting for. build and maintain, but you can have the next best thing for less than one Whether you travel or not… this watch is hundred dollars. Thanks to a special a necessity. This Talking Atomic Watch arrangement with the manufacturer, from firstSTREET maintains its we can offer you this watch at a phenomenal accuracy because it is special price with our exclusive designed to receive a signal from home trial. If you are not completely the US Atomic Clock in Fort Collins, amazed by the accuracy and quality Colorado. This clock is the standard of this product, simply return it within for time measurement worldwide… it 90 days for a “No Questions Asked” can go 20 million years without gaining refund of the product purchase price. or losing a second! It never needs to Call now. be set, because it automatically adjusts itself for daylight savings time and leap years.

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Do you “Deck the Halls” for Others?

t’s that time of year again, when the air turns cooler and the stores fill with the sounds of holidays. But I have a question for you. While you spend time “Decking the Halls” of your life, will you make time to “Deck the Halls” in others’ lives? Each year, Senior Friendship Centers and other local partners strive to help local frail, homebound and low-income older adults with “merriment and joy” by providing them with one gift each during the holiday season. Many of these seniors have no local family or have “outlived” all their friends and spouses, and these donated gifts will be their only acknowledgement that the holidays are being celebrated. The goal of many “senior gift programs” is to honor and acknowledge the unique gifts our older adults have given to our community by gifting back to them

during the holidays. So when you choose to donate to a “senior-specific” gift drive, you are choosing to be the highlight of an older adult’s holiday season. And like the song says, ‘Heedless of the wind and weather,” the year will rush on and the winter season will fall into a new year. So, as you reflect on the times and “Yuletide treasures” of this year, take the time to ensure that every person has acknowledged this season. If you or your group would be interested in helping in the community efforts to “Deck the Halls” of local low-income and homebound seniors, contact us at (239) 275-1881 for more information on this project and other “gift drop off” locations, or for any of our giving opportunities. Submitted by: Kristina Rodriguez, Director of Nutrition & Community Engagement.

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he next Mangrove Gathering Eco Café will take place on Friday, December 16 at the Eco Living Center at Rutenberg Park with the live music of Kraig Kenning kraigkenning.com. Program sponsored by Audubon of Southwest Florida: audubonswfl.org. Call John Kiseda at (239) 432-2163 for information.

Handling Family Tension During the Holidays

BY LISA M. PETSCHE

he holiday season is a hectic time for many people. Staying sane is even more of a challenge for those who don’t get along well with their extended family. Every family has dysfunction, of course, because no member is perfect. But some families are prone to more interpersonal tension than others, due to diverse personalities, circumstances, values and lifestyles among members. Read on for some tips on how to cope with the almost inevitable stress inherent when relatives get together for the holidays.

Preparation Make it a point to practice self-care at this time of the year. Eat healthy foods, make time for exercise and get adequate sleep. Allow plenty of time to get ready for a family event, so you’re relaxed and feel your best. Conjure up compassion for relatives who emanate negativity, bearing in mind that they are unhappy individuals. Try

to feel pity rather than anger towards them. Set realistic expectations about family members’ behavior. The narcissist, non-stop talker or chronic complainer is not going to change. Plan to steer clear of them if possible, otherwise limit the amount of time you spend with them. Give yourself a pep talk. Reassure yourself that you are up to the challenge of gracefully handling a few hours with anyone. If you are particularly anxious about a gathering, invite a friend along for support. Aim to cut your visit short as a last resort. Plan something to look forward to afterwards.

During a Gathering: Do’s and Don’ts Avoid consuming alcohol; otherwise, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Disinhibition can cause you to say things you may regret.

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or inquiring about something meaningful to them, such as their children or grandchildren, work, a hobby or a recent vacation.

Practice good listening skills: pay attention, don’t interrupt and ask open-ended questions. Be conscious of your non-verbal language, keeping your posture open (avoid crossing your arms), making eye contact and nodding periodically.

Breathe deeply if you find yourself getting stressed. If that doesn’t help, head to the washroom or step outside, to compose yourself.

Show courtesy towards everyone. When you can’t manage any more politeness towards a particular individual, find a reason to excuse yourself and move on.

Count to ten and refuse to take the bait when someone tries to one-up you or goad you into an argument. Instead, adopt a “stupid and cheerful” demeanor – signature advice from syndicated radio host and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Browne.

Stay away from contentious topics and change the subject if others raise them. Don’t participate in gossip or put-downs of others, or bring up unpleasant events. Engage relatives positively by reminiscing about pleasant times

Parting Thoughts If you keep in mind that you can’t change anyone’s behavior except your own, and that it’s always within your power to be civil and, yes, even kind to a certain degree, you will make it through family events, perhaps even better than you anticipated. If things don’t go well in spite of your best efforts to be congenial, plan a vacation over the holidays next year, so you can have a guilt-free break from family functions - and other sources of seasonal stress - and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in inter-generational issues.

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The Financial Challenges of Living Longer

Understanding these statistics to help turn things into positive lifestyle Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist changes for America’s millions he “complexion” of older adults is the challenge of America is everbefore us. As always, education changing. In nineteen of these important concerns years, one out of every five is imperative and requires Americans, (the baby boomcommunication from us to ers), will be 65 or older. the masses. These positive And there will be over pursuits can certainly move Rosemarie Hurley, CSA 70,000,000 of us. No our aging society into a aspect of American life will be masterpiece of living—something untouched by the grinding force of we can all feel good about for our that reality. Our medical spending own senior adult lives and futures. for the population 65 and older and If you are planning to live a long our current approach to senior living time…planning ahead is a must. Ofopportunities give reason for concern. tentimes, people have misinformation Things must start changing now. about the ways these plans operate. Or Americans cannot continue to spend sometimes they simply wait too long 36 percent of our medical expendito act on the idea. You can become tures on this exploding population. too old, or an illness or injury can We must ensure that our senior living preclude qualifying for a plan. Don’t options are both plentiful and also let that be you. The only way to be dedicated to facilitating lifestyles certain you’ll have the monies you’ll that will enhance functionality need to live as a senior adult as happy and successful, positive aging. and independently as possible is to The fact is that if you take care of finance these costs with a Long-Term yourself and as a result, live longer, Care policy bought when you are it is inevitable that you may outlive young and relatively healthy. Be your savings. This creates a fine line smart. Keep thinking positively and balancing act. Including a Long-Term also put a proactive plan in place as Care policy in the “mix” of future soon as you can. Be smart, plan ahead. Rosemarie Hurley, Owner of Senior financial planning is a must. Why? Because it will enable your own saved Insurance Solutions, has worked in the senior healthcare market for 21 years. assets to go further. Even if you only She is a Certified Senior Advisor and insure part of the risk for Long-Term has been a Long-Term Care Insurance Care (i.e.: help at home, if you move Specialist for over 18 years. She repreto assisted living or have eventual sents only the finest insurance companies nursing home expenses), the pool in the industry. Can be reached at (239) of money available to you in your 274-6678 in Estero, or website: www. policy will help you and your family longtermcareinsurance-online.com. cope with the connected expenses. BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSA

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Opportunities for Holiday Support

he Shepherd Center in Tarpon Springs has places for you to help the North Pinellas County area. What you can give: • Money is always needed. • Food donations and laundry items from individuals or groups. • Unwrapped gifts for Angel Tree children.

• $25 gift cards (used for families or for seniors) from Dollar General, Walmart, etc.

Speakers are available to talk to church or civic groups any time of year about The Shepherd Center. Please contact Lisa Hughes at (727) 939-1400, ext 403.

Home for the Holidays—and Every Other Day Is There a Kipper in Your House?

own Under in Australia, they call them “kippers”—“kids in parents’ pockets eroding retirement savings.” The 2010 U.S. census figures indicate that more than 80 million so-called American “empty nesters” now find themselves with at least one grown child living at home. U.S. pundits refer to these adult children as the “boomerang” generation. Some kids return home for economic reasons—this year over 18 percent of 16-to-24-year-olds were unemployed vs. 8.7 percent for people over 25. College grads with college loans may move back in with their parents— where life is comfortable and rent is either low or nonexistent—while they get their finances in order.

Word Search

Of course, some return for personal reasons, to recover from a divorce or an illness, or just because they cannot afford their parents’ lifestyle living on their own. Focus on the Family, which has an extensive family-related website, offers these tips for maintaining a healthy relationship with your adult child: • Trust your adult children to make wise choices, even if they sometimes don’t. They’ll eventually figure things out. After all, didn’t you learn much the same way?

• Squelch the impulse to give advice unless it’s asked for. That’s easier to do when your kids are out of your radar range, but when they’re sleeping just down the hall, selfcensorship can be more difficult. You don’t want to sound like a nagging broken record of “You shouldn’t have” and “Why didn’t you?” • Communication is key. Set a regular time to discuss issues, clarify expectations or simply clear the air. Pray together regularly. • Practice grace—everyone. We all have bad days. Three or more adults living in one house is a challenge whether you’re related or not. Give each other some space! A New York Life spokesman notes that the return by adult children to the nest can become a financial burden that can derail the parents’ plans and jeopardize their financial future, especially their retirement, as they try to do too much for their children.

They offer these key suggestions for dealing with debt and helping your children out financially: 1. Help them restructure debts, rather than simply bail them out. Then teach them how to avoid new debt. One option is to match debtreduction payments with the understanding that they put away credit cards and live within their means. 2. Do not sacrifice your own financial future. Decide how much you want and can afford to help. Children tend to think their parents are wealthy, while some parents provide more financial support than they can afford. Having your children return to the safety net of your home can be a wonderful time of family closeness. Setting the tone, laying out the ground rules and making smart-money financial decisions can help create a positive, supportive environment that is in the best interests of you and your returning family members. Your role is to guide them.

Word Search Dec. 2011

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 2011

Coretha Givens is last month’s winner! Congratulations!

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 19

Mobile, Alabama…Prepare to be Surprised! On the edge of Mobile Bay, the Five Rivers Delta Center offers outdoor activity and adventure in the scenic waterways, woods and wetlands where ﬁve rivers converge. The interpretive center presents background, live exhibits and is adjacent to the Bertram Canoe Trail. I enjoyed a kayak trip but guided trips are also available on pontoon boats.

BY DAVID LALMOND

n Mobile, Alabama, the coastal way of life is lived out every day in food, music and festivals. Mobile still holds surprises for the traveler, whether for a day or a week. Prepare to be surprised as you eat your way along the bay, visit dozens of historical sites and get out on the water. Or join one of their many festivals. It’s worth a stop!

Travel

Or go to Mobile when the gardens are in bloom, and that is When to go year-round in Mobile at BellinMARDI GRAS grath Gardens and Home – the in Mobile…the house that Coke built. Mr. Walter surprising original! Bellingrath was an early franchise The first known investor in the Coca-Cola CompaAmerican Mardi ny and today his famous 75-yearClimb aboard a real Gras celebration Mardi Gras float at the old estate on 65 acres presents took place in MoMardi Gras Museum. a horticultural bouquet where bile in 1703, even there are blooms most every day before New Orleans had one. Visit of the year. World-renowned for its Mobile Carnival Museum to see a secamellias in winter, 2,000 rose bushes lection of jeweled robes and crowns of in summer, dozens of azalea bushes past celebrations. Go aboard an actual in spring, magnificent Christmas float and learn about the two weeks lights and much more. Popular among of celebrations that culminate on “Fat travelers, it’s an easy drive off I-10. Tuesday” each year. Docents take you through the cultural and social aspects of local Mardi Gras traditions.

Or maybe go for New Years. On New Years Eve, you can relax with an RC Cola and a Moon Pie (or champagne) in Mobile. At midnight a twelve-foot illuminated MoonPie descends from a 34-story tower to usher in the new year, Mobile style. (Mobile consumes four million Moon Pies annually, so many that the city has adopted the delicious treat as an informal emblem.) So...enjoy MoonPie Over Mobile next New Years Eve.

In the Museum of Mobile, a “Human Cargo” exhibit shows how slaves were transported from Africa in the hold of a ship.

What to see In the Museum of Mobile, innovative and state-of-the-art exhibits help you relive the journey of some of the earliest Americans. Particularly impressive were the African-American stories and their inﬂuence in arts, sports and leadership. Civil War soldiers tell their stories. Natural disasters are portrayed as their impact changed the commercial fortunes of Mobile.

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 20

Get up close and personal with the human heart at The Gulf Coast Exploreum

The Gulf Coast Exploreum is a kid’s ﬁeld trip delight and the only science center between Houston and Tampa along the Gulf coast. High tech adventure in heart health awaits the visitor. The Ciba Lab offers lab coat and goggles so you can try your hand at table-top experiments. Hands-on interactive exhibits offer a chance to strum a tune on a laser harp. The Virtual Journeys Digital Theater uses powerful computers and digital projection systems the size of an 18-wheeler. You can relive baseball’s glory days at the Hank Aaron Childhood

Jubilee! N

home and museum. His childhood in Mobile is presented at the Hank Aaron Stadium where the Mobile Bay Bears play (afﬁliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks). A walk through downtown Mobile, takes you to A & M Peanut Shop with an original Planters peanut roaster still in operation and Three Georges Ice Cream Shop. Stop for lunch at the Spot of Tea and then be sure to see the old Saenger Theater and the beautiful 19th century cathedral.

Where to stay The newly remodeled Battle House Hotel is one of the grand old hotels of the South. Located in downtown Mobile, the Battle House Hotel opened in 1852 and has been opened and closed a couple of times, but the recently completed renovation easily makes it the most desirable hotel stay along the coast. Rooms are luxurious, the pool and ﬁtness area exceptional and service is genteel Southern. If you don’t have the time or inclination to stay at the Battle House, tours are available through the Beaux Art style lobby. Unique to the second ﬂoor is the “whispering arch” where one may whisper at one end of an arch and be clearly heard 35 feet away at the other end of the arch. For information, visit mobilebay. org or call 1-800-5MOBILE. Oysters at Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile, served “fried, stewed or nude” since 1938.

ear Mobile, the town of Daphne is world-known for the unusual phenomenon of “jubilee.” Once or more a year, environmental factors deplete the water of oxygen drawing shrimp, flounder, crab and other fish up to the surface close to the shore. The word goes out, phones ring all over the area—“Jubilee!”—and residents rush with their coolers to the area to collect immense numbers of fish, free for the picking up.

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…play games online hundreds to choose from! Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 21

The Best of Charlotte County

December 2011

– 16 Happy Travelers Overnight Trip - Christmas in Key West. Motorcoach travel. $379/ person. Details/register: (941) 625-4175 ext. 204.

• “Holiday Favorites”: Dec. 10. Concert presented by the Charlotte Chorale. 4 p.m. at The Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda. $20 Info: (941) 205-9743.

• Holiday Arbor Lights: Dec. 17 – 23. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with Santa, a holiday laser light show or a nature walk where the trails are lit up with beautiful Christmas lights. Sure to be a family favorite. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Avenue in nearby Ft. Myers. Call (239) 980-1589.

Christmas Dinner. Seatings at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Bountiful buffet of holiday favorites. Tickets $15/advance, $16/door. (941) 625-4175 ex. 212.

All events at Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. Tickets, times and info: (941) 625-4175.

• New Year’s Eve Extravaganza: Dec. 31. 5 p.m. to midnight. Free admission! Family friendly activities featuring music by singer/guitarist Michael Hirst and “Destined”, Luis the Balloon Man and Airbrush art for face and body: 8 p.m – midnight; Hair Glitter Glam: 6 – 10 p.m. and much more. New Year’s Eve menu special at Village Restaurants. Fishrmen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Call (941) 639-8721.

• R.S.V.P. (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program): (941) 613-2299. • Meals on Wheels/Friendship Cafe Dining Sites: (941) 255-0723. • Elder Helpline of Southwest Florida: 1-800-398-4233.

Fun Events Near Charlotte County

Hope Volunteers are needed for office work, patient visits, light housekeeping, transportation, community events and other rewarding activities. Volunteer training class: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2430 Diplomat Parkway E., Cape Coral. Refreshments provided. Preregistration required: (239) 489-9180.

Helping Hands Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony, 5 p.m, Center Court. Salute the men and women of Pearl Harbor. Reception after Ceremony at Military Heritage Museum. Info: (941) 764-8286

The Heart

hrough 19 Salvation Army “Angel Tree.” Choose the name of a needy child and return your “gift” to Beneath The Sea, Center Court at Fishermen’s Village. (941) 629-3170.

FEATURED EVENTS

Handmade Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All crafters welcome; call (941) 625-4175 for info.

Gifts From

Join Us For Our Jan. 2012 Edition!

Happy New Year!

Senior Centers and Resources • Senior Friendship Centers: (941) 255-0723 or friendshipcenters.org. • Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida: (239) 652-6901 or aaaswfl.org. • O.C.E.A.N. (Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network): (941) 235-4500 or ocean-fl.org. • Charlotte County Council On Aging: (941) 627-2177 or charlottecoa.org.

Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Show, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Charlotte Harbor Lighted Boat Parade; details: (941) 639-3720. Lighted Canal Cruises – call King Fisher Fleet, (941) 639-0969 for reservations!

Breakfast with Santa at Bella Luna Restaurant at 9 a.m. Reservations required by calling (941) 575-4544. Family fun all day. Fishermen’s Village is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Call (941) 575-3007 for details.

Charlotte County!

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239-823-3542

Mature Lifestyles Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 22

For Healthy Holiday Recipes, Get Creative With New Ingredients

ating healthy during the holidays can be difficult. There’s no need to entirely forgo your favorite festive foods this season. Try substituting healthier ingredients into your favorite recipes. Instead of mayonnaise or cream cheese, use Chobani Greek Yogurt. It’s a great way to cut out extra calories without sacrificing taste. Greek yogurt also has two times more protein than regular yogurt and it’s a great source of calcium. Have fun in the kitchen with these two delicious and nutritious recipes. Find more at chobanikitchen.com. (Family Features)

Recipe Turkey Potpie

Yield: 4 servings 1 small onion, chopped 1 medium carrot, chopped 1/2 cup peeled potato, diced 1/4 cup celery, chopped 1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup chicken broth 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed 1/2 cup frozen peas 1 cup 0% Plain Chobani 1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry

In large saucepan, sauté onion, carrot, potato and celery in butter until tender. Add flour and seasonings until blended; gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in turkey, peas and Chobani; divide mixture among four ungreased 5-inch pie plates. Divide pastry into quarters. On a lightly floured surface, roll each quarter into a 6-inch circle; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges; cut slits to vent. Cover and freeze two potpies for up to 3 months. Bake the remaining potpies at 375˚ F for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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To use frozen potpies: Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking. Cover edges of crusts loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 375˚ F for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake 15 – 20 minutes longer or until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Nutritional Information: Calories 510, Calories from Fat 240, Total Fat 27g, Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 90mg, Sodium 900mg, Total Carbohydrate 36g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 7g, Protein 31g

Cranberry Orange Bread Yield: 10 (3/4-inch) slices

2 cups allpurpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup 2% Plain Chobani 1 cup sugar 1 egg 3/4 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon grated orange zest 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped coarsely Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. In medium bowl, combine dry ingredients. Set aside. In large bowl, mix together Chobani and sugar. Add egg and combine. Stir in orange juice. Add dry mixture to wet mixture. Mix only until just combined. Carefully, fold in orange zest, cranberries and walnuts. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully invert pan to remove, and finish cooling on rack. Wrap in plastic and foil. This bread is extra delicious on the second day. Nutritional Information: Calories 160, Calories from Fat 30, Total Fat 3.5g, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 230 mg, Total Carbohydrate 31g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 15g, Protein 5g

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 23

Seniors Getting Together Attention SGTers! Screen respondents carefully. Always meet in public places and have your own transportation. Don’t divulge your home address. Be sure to provide a way for your correspondent to respond to you – phone number, e-mail address or Post Office Box address. Contact the authorities if you feel threatened or harassed by an individual. Be patient and careful – a good relationship and your personal safety are worth the wait!

WOMEN SEEKING MEN 4061 PRETTY DBF, 54, CURVY, looking for a S/DWM who can be monogamous, sensual, funny and patient, and can picture himself in LTR with me. Pinellas County.

4070 LADY SEEKING ACTIVE MEN in good health, tall, clean, honest, looking for a fun larger woman. NDrg, NS, SD, WW, W, 65, HWP. I love cooking, travel, beach, pool, movies. ISO SOH, FF, TLC. Port Charlotte.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN 4033 GENTLEMAN SEEKING LOVABLE WOMAN in good health, clean, honest, attractive, NDrg, NS, SD, HWP, to enjoy fun/ romance. Age/race/religion not important. Please call or write letter, with phone number. 4062 MOSTLY RETIRED MALE BUT NOT TOO TIRED Honest, sincere, active, loves conversation, humor, beach walks, fishing, cooking, seeks active female to share waning years in Port Charlotte, Ft. Myers, Estero, Naples Area. Estero.

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Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

4075 RETIRED SEEKING SLIM WOMAN NS, W, honest with good health. Romantic white woman only. I’m 73, SWM, 5’10”, 220 lbs., young-looking. Like dancing, restaurant, drive around USA. Good with computers. MEET OTHER SENIORS Over 2,000 seniors have met through Seniors Getting Together. Send in your ad today! Commonly Used Abbreviations: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOHSense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

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Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad number on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to: News Connection USA, Inc. Seniors Getting Together 1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584 TO PLACE AN AD

Send your ad, stating what category you would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the News Connection USA, Inc. address listed above. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge.

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 24

Registering also allows you to become part of an online neighborhood of constant communication and ever-changing information. As a member, you can connect with others who share similar interests, send and receive friend requests, take part in live chats with other members, participate in discussion forums, and browse an extensive article database with information relevant to your generation.

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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. The first correct answers selected from the drawing on Dec. 21 will win. Good luck! Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584 Mystery WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! Prize! (Sudoku must be received by December 21, 2011.)

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• Local and World News

• Great Stories & Information

• All Your Favorite Events

• Travel, Finance, Health & More! Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 25

Five Things Worth the Splurge I t will cost you more in the long run if you try to save money on these five items:

l. Interior paint. Good quality paints look great and are easier to apply. 2. Estate planning. It’s a complex issue and an attorney will know if you’ve covered all the bases.

3. Mattress. It’s the key to a good night’s sleep. 4. Kitchen knives. You want the best balance, comfort and cutting capabilities. 5. Running shoes. Cheap shoes will have insufficient cushioning and support. Information from USAA Magazine.

Only in America. . .

nly in America ...do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America ...do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America ...do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America ...do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

Only in America ...do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a diet coke.

Only in America ...do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

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Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 26 GP-0627-11 Sr Connection/Mature Life Mag - ACC• Adpage [4.9167x9.8125].indd

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rna Babritz, 100, enjoyed the music at the recent Senior Friendly Extravaganza with her son-in-law Oscar Barns. He takes her walking every day and said that since they started walking Erna has gained strength and is more capable of taking care of herself.

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Is Now On

and Visit twitter.com/MaturLifeStyles (without the “e”) or search for “Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles” on Facebook. Go to: www.seniorconnectionfl.com click on

BRIDGE BITES

From The American Contract Bridge League

A Little Fun Santa Facts White Lie S

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

n defense, sometimes a little white lie is necessary in order to point Partner in the right direction. No more clues, here’s your problem:

You are sitting East, trying to beat 4♥. Partner leads the ♣A. Where can you find four defensive tricks? No doubt Declarer has the ♠A and the ♥A for that opening bid, so at first glance it may appear that the best the defense can do is to take its two Club tricks and the ♦A. Any ideas for an extra trick? OK, now that you’ve solved the problem, the full hand: That’s right, at Trick 1 East falsecards with the ♣8, showing a doubleton! East’s plan is to conjure up a

trump trick out of thin air. Look what happens! West next cashes the ♣K, and East completes his fake high-low. Then West plays a third round of Clubs and who can blame Declarer for ruffing that trick high in Dummy? Obviously he doesn’t want to get overruffed by East, and, anyway, squandering that high trump costs nothing if the trumps are 3-1 or 2-2. But they are 4-0, so East gets a trump trick and it’s down one! It was necessary to fool Partner as well as Declarer. If East had signaled honestly in Clubs, then, at Trick 3, West would no doubt have shifted to the ♠Q, hoping that East has the Ace and trying to grab a couple of Spade tricks before they disappear on the Diamonds. Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or e-mail marketing@acbl.org To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm Bridge article provided courtesy of St. Petersburg Bridge Club; online at stpetebridge.org.

From all of us at

anta is a man of many names. In the United States, Santa is called St. Nick and sometimes Kris Kringle. He’s called Father Christmas in England, Christkindli in Switzerland, Pere Noel in France, Babbo Natale in Italy and Weihnachtsmann in Austria. Where does Santa go on vacation? You can visit Santa’s Beach House Village in Panama City, Florida. See visitpanama citybeach.com. U.S. scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, traveling at 650 miles a second. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa Claus’s sleigh ride across the globe every Christmas Eve and posts realtime updates via the internet. Visit noradsanta.org.

Santa’s traditional suit depends on which country you’re in. In England and the U.S, he wears red and white. In some European countries, he was said to have worn a red or black bishop’s cloak with bishop hat, and sometimes a long green furry robe. On Santa’s blog on santaflorida. com, one reader asks: Does Santa Claus have swimming trunks? His reply: Indeed I do, and I use them regularly. I like to swim best in the summer, but I am known to jump into the icy cold water and play with polar bears. I always make sure the Elf lifeguards are on duty. Every year in California, a “Surfing Santa” contest is held to benefit charities. See surfingsantacontest.org. From internet sources.

Congratulations, Mature Lifestyles and Senior Connection!

Dear Readers, very month, Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles magazines look forward to bringing you the latest and best information on health and wellness, travel, finances and retirement living. We celebrate our local heroes and encourage seniors like ourselves to stay connected to their community and live life to its fullest. We are proud to announce that Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles magazines have won awards for excellence at the 2011 North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) convention last month. We could not have done it without the support of our readers and sponsors. Thank you!

Awards and NAMPA Comments: General Excellence, Second Place: Mature Lifestyles, Florida This publication showcases the personalities, events, news and features that fit its readership with strong, clear writing

and cheerful, effective design. It packs a wealth of content into each issue, making it a good investment in the time spent reading it. Travel, First Place: Kathy Beck, “Belfast’s Iconic Titanic Comes to Life,” Senior Connection, Florida In this first-person account, the writer takes us along as she visits both a historic city and the museum dedicated to its most famous ship. Detailed writing and the accompanying photographs put us in the scene. Profile, First Place: Tracie Schmidt, “Elie Wiesel Connects Cultures, Generations Through his Work,” Senior Connection, Florida Elie Wiesel is internationally known for his retelling of the Holocaust story and his pursuit of its perpetrators. At 83, he reveals his private life, including his love of his grandchildren. To learn more, visit maturepublishers.com or seniorconnection fl.com.

Mature Lifestyles • December 2011 • page 27

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