Mature Lifestyles Southwest edition Sept. 2011

Keeping Joe Cool...

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 9

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“It’s a Blue Ridge Day!”

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H-GP Day!

• Help! My Son Moved Back Home • Men and Osteoporosis • VA Membership Has Benefits!

• How to Be Happy in Retirement

SOUTHWEST

SEPTEMBER 2011

Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 2

He Helps the Community Learn to Walk Lighter on the Planet

BY JANICE DOYLE

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hat our grandparents used to do every day is now referred to as “going green.” They recycled, reused, ran water carefully, walked when they could and much more. What they did out of necessity, we now teach and learn.

John Kiseda, Sustainability Coordinator for Lee County Parks and Recreation, says, “The hardest part is getting people to understand misconceptions. They think it’s too hard or too time consuming or expensive to be green. I encourage people to take little steps. It takes changing habits to do them today, to get the pattern of our grandparents back.”

Four years ago at the Eco Living Center in Rutenberg Park in Ft. Myers, Kiseda began what has become a very successful program which helps people feel comfortable asking questions and having discussions about how they can help the environment.

They come, bring their own mugs (or pay $1 for a throwaway cup), share snacks and desserts and recharge themselves.

A local entertainer or group provides music for participants who sit at round tables. When the music stops for breaks, everyone in the room has a chance John Kiseda and the Eco Living Center. to introduce themselves to the group. Some share information Kiseda also realized folks wanted about projects or make announcements to learn but were “hesitant to walk of events. It’s a place to discover into a new meeting on their own.” people who have answers to questions, Some had questions but they didn’t express comments and opinions or know how to ask them or even who check the wall calendar for upcoming to ask. He decided to blend local environmental meetings and events. entertainment with eco information Environmental groups such as and networking. He envisioned a Audubon Society and Sierra Club time when folks would relax with are represented as well as those music and sit with people who share environmental concerns and solutions. from green businesses or providers Today Mangrove Gathering Eco Café of natural health products. A wide variety of sustainable living groups sessions gather dozens of people on the third Friday of every month in one or products such as solar energy are displayed, according to Kisela. The of three locations around Lee County.

Fair Trade Association provides coffee and tea. “Since it’s a community event we have a potlatch (sharing of foodstuffs) and a huge spread of shared foods,” says Kisela.

Quarterly gatherings are now held at Rutenberg Park facility, at Rotary Park in Cape Coral and at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium.

“We make it so that every question is important. People want to learn,” Kisela says. “It’s my job to work with the park staff and volunteers and the public to walk a little lighter on the planet.”

To learn how you can walk lighter on the planet, gather from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Eco Living Center at Rutenberg Park, 6490 South Pointe Blvd (between College Parkway & Cypress Lake Blvd) for the next Eco Café session.

Don’t forget your mug or cup!

For more information, call John Kiseda at (239) 432-2163 or e-mail kisedajb@leegov.com.

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Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 3

Grandparents’ Role Isn’t Always the Stuff of High-Tech Gadgets or TV Advertising all work out with a new boyfriend.

Dear Readers, Three months later, the 12-year-old called Howard to say they hadn’t had re you a high-tech anything to eat for three days. When grandparent? Do you I met Howard, he had moved the text and e-mail and order children to central Florida to live with gifts online? Is Facebook him. He admitted that his struggles part of your daily routine?

Janice Doyle, were not like many grandparents If you’re “connected” this Editor raising grandchildren because he had Grandparents Day, you enough money to care for them. Still, may receive an eCard, a text message at 81, he realized his limitations. “I’m or a “Hey” on your Facebook page giving it my all while I can,” he said. instead of a Hallmark card.

Just as technology has changed, so Two Saturdays every month, Jane has grandparenting. TV ads would (71) dresses to her usual impeccable have us think all interaction with standards for an outing with two grandchildren is fun and games. If grandsons. What she does those two grandpa gets his health in order, acSaturdays is not how she had anticipatcording to the ad, he can play on a sun- ed her role as a grandmother, however. ny day with his small grandson. But She has custody of the two teenagers we all know of families where being a while her son—their father—is in grandparent is just plain difficult, often prison in north Florida. On visitation stretching into downright painful. days, they leave her elegant home Here are some of the grandparents early to be in line when the prison whose stories have touched my opens for visitors at 9 a.m. There is no heart in the past few years. All slouching in Jane’s posture and a smile names have been changed. lights her face as she chats with other

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Doris was sitting alone looking shell-shocked at a gathering after her 16-year-old grandson’s local funeral.

He had died in a car accident, and she was enduring one of the three memorial services which would be held in three different states where he and his family had lived. I did not know her, but I went to sit beside her and hold her hand. She smiled weakly and said, “I didn’t know it was possible to hurt this much.”

Regina’s new grandparent status took a sudden turn when her grandson was diagnosed with autism before he was two. She said she felt a “double edged sword knowing what lies ahead for our family and grief for my daughter’s personal agony.”

Howard knew his daughter in New York City was high on drugs most of the time. On a visit there, he realized how bad the situation was for the children, ages 10, 12 and 16. The daughter, however, told a good story about changing her life and making it

visitors and jokes with her grandsons as they wait. “It’s not what I thought I’d be doing, but I wouldn’t think of being anywhere else on those days.

He’s my son and they’re his sons.

It’s what families do,” she told me.

(Of note: Estimates vary, but it is thought that at any one time 10 million children in the U.S. have a parent either in prison or on parole or probation. Just think of the number of grandparents affected.)

I first met the Carters when they were camped at an RV park in Riverview. They were living in a small, aging RV as cheaply as it was possible to live. A year before, their daughter and son-in-law’s drug use was draining the couple’s financial, emotional and physical resources.

Two grandchildren were pawns in the “game” the daughter played with the Carters to get money to buy drugs.

Also involved were judges who wouldn’t give them custody. After trying everything possible to be able to raise the children without interference

Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 4

from the addicted parents, Hazel and James made a heartrending decision to sell out and go “on the road” with the RV, away from their daughter.

“We’ll go back when we can help the children pick up the pieces of their lives without the parents,” James said.

Arthur, an Army retiree, has two grandsons serving in the Marines.

Each grandson has been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan three times. While attention is often given to spouses, children and parents of deployed soldiers, the part grandparents play is often overlooked. Arthur knows the loneliness and dangers of deployment. He agonizes as he watches the news, sends the men e-mails and prays for their safe return.

And so our staff honors all grandparents this month. May we all continue doing whatever needs to be done for the good of our grandchildren (and great grandchildren) in the spirit noted by former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani: What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.

Keep on lovin’ . . . and maybe it’s time to bake some cookies!

Remember 9/11

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his month marks the ten year anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. It is a time to remember the victims and heroes of that tragic day.

You can join us on Facebook and talk about your experiences. Where were you when you heard the news? How did 9/11 affect you?

Go to www.facebook.com and search for Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles. Then click on the “Discussion” tab at the top of the page to share your memories with us.

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 Advertising Information: (941) 375-6260

Lake/Marion & Sumter 1-888-670-0040 Distribution 1-888-670-0040

Corporate Advertising Office: P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 (813) 653-1988 888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.srmagazine.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 October 2011 issue is September 15, 2011.

Magazines are out by the 7th of each month.

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Around Town

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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hursdays “Practice Makes Perfect” dance time at Riverside Recreation Center, 6300 Metro-Plantation Rd., Ft. Myers. 1 to 5 p.m. Group practice of different steps. $5/couple; $3/single. By USA Dance/Aki’s Dance Studio. Call (239) 275-9252.

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hrough Oct. 1 “‘S Wonderful,” celebrating George and Ira Gershwin. All-singing, all-dancing musical revue featuring songs like “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “I Got Rhythm” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Ft Myers. Phone: (239) 278-4422.

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Cape Coral Social Club General Meeting. Coffee Social—9:30 a.m.; meeting at 10 a.m. Program: Ronald McDonald House. Call Betty at (239) 549-6152. 17 Dinner Dance— Cape Coral Yacht Club, Driftwood Parkway. $23/person; $25/nonmembers. Call Maria for required reservations at (239) 699-9341.

Online at capecoralsocialclub.org.

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South of the Border Fiesta at Lake Kennedy Senior Center. Dancing, fiesta food. Dress Southwestern.

BYOB. 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. Call (239) 574-0575.

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– 11 Rib Rockin’ Rodeo 2011 by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office honoring the memories of those killed in the 9/11 attacks. Bike Ride Saturday begins at Fort Myers Harley Davidson, 2160 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Sunday “Local Heroes Parade” begins at Page Field Commons at 8 a.m. Speakers and ceremony at 10 a.m. at Fort Myers Harley Davidson. Rib cookoff at noon. $10 tickets.

Children free w/paid adult ticket. Call (239) 477-1213 or e-mail chodges@ sheriffleefl.org to obtain information.

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Eco Living Gathering at Eco Living Center at Rutenberg Park, 6490 South Pointe Blvd.

(between College Parkway and Cypress Lake Blvd.) 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Call (239) 432-2163 for info.

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Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Introductory Class.

Learn the nine principles of Floridafriendly landscaping. Taught by Lee County Extension Master Gardeners. 9 a.m. to Noon. Eco-Living Center at Rutenberg Park, 6490 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers. $8/household. Register at lee.ifas. ufl.edu. Info at (239) 533-7514.

17

Table Tennis Tournament at Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center for Excellence, 1300 Hendry St., Ft. Myers. $5; children under 10 free. 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Details at artoftheolympians.org. Call (239) 332-5055.

18

International Peace Day at Jaycee Park, Beach Park Way, Cape Coral. Vendors, music, raffles.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info at mysticpeaceseeker.com. Call (239) 560-5224.

Casino Style Games & Internet!

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Orange River Guided Kayak Tour with GAEA Guides.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50/person includes equipment and guide. Reservations needed; call (239) 694-5513.

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– 25 Summer Slam Fishing Tournament at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa. Fort Myers Beach. Visit caloosacatchandrelease.com or call (888) 222-7465.

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Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon at Tony Rotino Senior Center. 1 – 3 p.m. Tickets: $15. Phone: (239) 574-0807.

Send Around Town news to Mature Lifestyles 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.

September 10 for October event.)

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Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 5

Keeping Joe Cool: An Interview with Joe Montana F

overweight, are sedentary, smoke our-time Super Bowl champion Joe Montana is also known by the cigarettes, it’s dangerous. One of the nickname Joe Cool for his steely grace reasons Joe Montana is such a wonderful spokesperson for this campaign under pressure. Even as a highly conis he represents the ditioned professional absolutely classic case. athlete, Joe became He never smoked, was one of the 65 million always fit and was never people in the nation overweight. There was living with high blood a little heredity, but he’s pressure (HBP). like the 90 percent of Gary Barg, Editor people in that he just got of Caregiver.com, sat it. One out of every three down with Joe and Dr. adults has it (65 million).

James Rippe, M.D., an There is a 10 percent associate professor of increase in problems cardiovascular mediper decade. By the time cine at Tufts University you are 40, there is a 40 School of Medicine in percent chance, by the Boston, Massachusetts, time you are 50, there is and a leading authora 50 percent chance of ity on preventative cardiology, to discuss Football legend Joe Montana getting hypertension. high blood pressure Gary Barg: Joe, since you didn’t prevention techniques of importance have any symptoms, how did to caregivers and loved ones alike. you find out that you had high blood pressure?

Gary Barg: Tell me about the BP Success Zone Campaign.

Joe Montana: I went for a Dr. James Rippe: It’s a public educa- physical. I was doing my husbandly duty and was tion campaign. Joe and I have been just trying to get in and to 30 cities trying to raise awareness out of the doctor’s about the dangers of high blood office so I could pressure and get more people’s high blood pressure into the Blood Pressure check that box for the year. I was perfectly Success Zone. The great thing about fine. I went in there with the having Joe as a partner is that people expectation I’d go through say, “He is a relatively young athlete the motions and get out of with high blood pressure…maybe I could have it too.” We are trying to get there. When she told me my blood pressure was people in a dialog with their doctor.

That’s what this campaign is all about. high, she sent me directly to a cardiologist.

For 90 percent of the people who have high blood pressure, we don’t Gary Barg: What was know the cause. We know there your blood pressure? are associations between being Joe Montana: It was overweight and smoking cigarettes over 140 over 90. and being inactive. There is a That was way up from hereditary component too, but 90 the year before. percent are of unknown origin.

Gary Barg: So, depending on your situation, it could be genetics, it could be dieting, it could be exercise—we just don’t know.

Gary Barg: What did they say caused it?

Dr. James Rippe: We just know if you have hypertension and you are

Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 6

Joe Montana: It was probably due to my cutting back on exercise from when I was on the team. And I was eating foods like steak and fried chicken. I knew my grandfather passed away when he was 54 from heart disease. So it could have been a combination of a lot of things.

Tips for Maintaining Blood Pressure

Dr. Rippe’s guide for maintaining healthy blood pressure: • Pay attention to having fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and less processed foods because there is salt in them.

Gary Barg: Are you on medication now?

• Engage in regular physical activity.

• Know your reading (90% of us Joe Montana: Yes. I am on will get high blood pressure). a combination of medications.

• Know that very good medicines The key to the program is to are available. consult with your doctor, to get • Keep your weight down. proper exercise with your diet and • Try not to smoke. also make sure you are on the right

medication. Just because it’s right with me, doesn’t mean it’s right with everyone else.

Gary Barg: Do you still have to watch what you eat even though you are on medications?

Joe Montana: Yes, one of the things that I have found is that I was eating a typical American diet where you eat a lot of food—and food that is not good for you. I started by cutting back on portion size. In the past, I would rarely order fish in restaurants; now I find a lot of fish that I like. But it all started by cutting back on things like steak and fried chicken. You find that your taste buds change eventually. I still have fried chicken on occasion, but I won’t eat that super size of chips. Now, I can just have a few, and I’m O.K. Gary Barg: What exactly is the Blood Pressure Success Zone?

Joe Montana: The success zone is when your blood pressure is between 139 over 89 or below 120 over 80. So anything below that 139 over 89 is the goal you want to reach.

More Helpful Info: Joe Montana and Dr. James Rippe have collaborated on a book titled “Joe Montana’s Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure,” which provides tips and anecdotes about living a heart-healthy lifestyle, a medication tracker, suggested heart-healthy meals and exercises you can easily fit into your daily routine. Montana says, “After I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, my family and I really could have used a book like this. It is a great motivational and educational tool.”

This book is available at amazon.com.

Gary Barg’s note to caregivers: Pay attention to yourself and once you realize you are at risk for having high blood pressure, you have to moderate everything.

Joe Montana concludes: Get the family involved. Remove the salt shaker from your side of the table. His wife reminds him to take his medicine. “Getting it under control is hard enough.

Staying there is another issue.”

Interview from Caregiver.com, editor Gary Barg. For more information, visit online at BPSuccessZone.com.

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Wanna Hear from Your Grandkids? Text Them!

“Picking up the phone and having a conversation is like Kryptonite. They t’s quick. It’s easy. don’t want to touch it.”

They answer,” said How do the kids think?

Ralph Johnson, talking Today’s kids think texting about using text messagis practical. They’d say, es to stay in touch with “Hey, Nana, this is the way his 14-year-old grandI like to talk.” No, it’s not daughter and 11-year-old like being on the phone, but it creates grandson. Ruth and Nathan’s famthe option of learning to text and ily spent the past year in a village in saying, “Wow my grandchild texted Honduras and texting is one way they me on his way home from school.” kept in touch with their grandparents.

Olanoff (who texts his own grandTV star Doris Roberts once said mother and then receives a phone call that if she called her grandson and back from her) looks at it this way: left a message, she never heard back “Communication is at the core. They from him. But if she sent him a text want to communicate. We’re seeing message, she got an instant answer. a renaissance of communication and That’s very typical, according to the tool being used is texting.” “textpert” Drew Olanoff, marketHe likens texting to a game. It’s ing manager for textPlus. quick. You don’t have to stop and Texting is both a noun and a verb, pick up the phone. “You text ‘Hi.’ which means you both have it and They text ‘hi’ back to you.” do it. And if you’re a grandparent Olanoff notes that a text conversaand wonder what’s happening to tion is always ‘green,’ meaning it’s this younger generation, you might ongoing. “I never say goodbye in just want to spend time with your texting,” he says. It’s always there, grandchild learning to text. an open line of communication Think about it. Even if Susie has her and you can jump right in.” hands all over her fancy phone, it’s Kids like the lack of formaltoo embarrassing in today’s world ity, too. “Do you want to go to to use the phone to call Grandpa. the movies tonight?” doesn’t have You can, however, focus on the fact to be introduced by “Hi, how are that Susie has a communication tool you? Are you busy?” It’s not really and know that she’d love to text something we’ve ever seen before. you. Olanoff asks, “Does it feel any Although Olanoff is excited about less awesome if your grandchild those 10 billion messages sent, he says ‘I love you’ in text?”

In May, textPlus (a free and unlimited realizes that everybody “loves to texting app) crossed the 10 billion mes- get a phone call, hear the voice.”

But there is a place if you want to sages-sent mark. When that company communicate with your grandchild surveyed a segment of its users, they that you won’t mind if it’s a text found that 81 percent of respondents’ message. “Texting is hot now and kids grandparents are indeed “mobile” are reaching out with it,” he says. (i.e., they own a cell phone). They He urges grandparents to understand further found that among users ages that it’s communication, just in a differ13 – 17, 24 percent prefer to text with ent way: Focus on the interaction and their grandparents and 40 percent of grandchildren would like to use text to communication rather than the delivery communicate with their grandparents. system, and you’ll stay connected.

And besides, 54 percent of What’s going on here? According respondents in that survey consider to Olanoff, kids are texting each grandparents who text to be cool. other and they want to text everyone.

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Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 8

“I

Gift Card Savvy

BY ANDREA WOROCH

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$

$$

s D AR dollar TC GIF y-five

t ith the doors closed en Tw at Borders, consumers would do well to look at gift cards lying around the house.

Here’s what you can do if you hear that a store is financially unstable.

G oi ng f Ou t o ss e Busi n ! !

S a le

1. Move fast. Store liquidations usually begin rapidly so it’s often best to use up gift cards online, rather than wait until you have time to visit a retail store.

2. Research the bankruptcy status.

Borders was refused bankruptcy, meaning they had no choice but to liquidate. Other retailers, however, filed for bankruptcy and turned things around. Sometimes a company that’s filed for Chapter 11 is allowed by the bankruptcy court to honor its gift cards.

3. Consider the company’s stability.

Research their financial stability via such sites as BBB.com and Forbes Risk List. (Stores considered at-risk by

Forbes presently include Rite Aid and Zales.) Also, ScripSmart.com regularly updates its list of “Gift Cards to Avoid.”

4. Use it or sell it. If you’ve received a gift card for a merchant you wouldn’t frequent, you can exchange gift cards for cash on such sites as GiftCardGranny.com and receive up to 95 percent of the card’s value in cash.

5. Use a credit card. If you’re concerned about a retailer’s financial stability but still want to buy a gift card, do so using a credit instead of a debit card. You can then ask the card issuer to withhold payment until you’re sure of the merchant’s status.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.

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Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 9

The Best of Charlotte County

September 2011

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A Taste of India—11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $12 for buffet, items available ala carte.

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Florida Blues Brothers—tribute band. Pre-party and show.

6:30 – 9:30 p.m. $15 tickets benefit charity.

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“Happy Travelers” Day Trip to Seminole Hard Rock Casino, $38. Call (941) 625-4175, ext. 204.

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’50s and ‘60s hits with Ken Brady of the “Casinos.” 7 p.m. $6.

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

FEATURED EVENTS • 2nd Annual Bert’s Redfish Challenge: Sept. 10. Charity fishing tournament with music, fish fry, raffles and silent auction. 7 a.m.

Weigh-in at 11 a.m. Teams must be in sight of the dock behind Berts by 3:30 p.m. Bert’s Bar and Grill, 4271 Pine Island Rd. NW., Pine Island. Entry Fee: $200 per boat - max 4 anglers/boat. (239) 349-1129.

Open Mic Night, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Center Stage. Come read, sing, listen and enjoy!

Presented by The Peace River Center for Writers.

Info: (941) 637-3514.

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Fun Events Near Charlotte County The following events will be held at the Military Heritage Museum, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade #48, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Patriot Day Commemoration, 1 p.m., Center Court.

Reception to follow at the Museum.

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POW/MIA Recognition Day Commemoration, 1 p.m., Center Court. Followed by reception at the Museum.

• Walk to End Alzheimers: Sept. 24. The nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, this all age, all-ability walk has mobilized millions to join the fight against Alzheimer’s, raising over $347 million.

Registration at 9 a.m., Fishermen’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Marion Avenue Entrance, Punta Gorda. Info: (727) 578-2558.

For more information, please call (941) 575-9002.

Helping Hands

9 12

Veterans!

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• 4th Annual Peace Day In The Park: Sept 18. Local artisans, intuitive readings, Reiki and massages. Food, music, speakers and group meditations. Participate in the blood drive, food drive and raffle.

Doggy Fashion show and kids activities. Free. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jaycee Park, Beach Parkway, Cape Coral. (239) 560-5224.

• 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.

Fremont John performs, 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

Honor Our

Join Us For Our Oct. 2011 Edition!

Halloween and Fall Fun!

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.

Country Line Dance Lessons, $3/person, 7 – 9 p.m., Center Court. Call (941) 575-8188 for information.

Angie & The Perfect Gentlemen perform, 5 – 9 p.m., Center Stage.

Fishermen’s Village is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Call (941) 575-3007 for details.

Charlotte County!

Call Dave Kelly for Special Rates and Marketing Packages for the Best of Charlotte County!!

239-823-3542

Mature Lifestyles Is Your Connection To The Seniors Of Charlotte County Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 10

Physician Volunteerism

BY JULIE RAMIREZ, Health and Wellness Director, Senior Friendship Centers

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ost of us dream of the day when we retire and live the “good life” after years of hard working. But what happens after the novelty of retirement wears off? What do you do with your time then? You can volunteer!

The Lee County Senior Friendship Centers Health and Wellness Clinic is the perfect place to volunteer if you are a retired nurse or physician. Just a couple hours a month makes a huge difference in the health and lives of our seniors here in Lee County. Our clinic was designed to help seniors ages 50 – 64 who are without insurance and have limited incomes.

Last year, Senior Friendship Centers with the assistance of our two volunteer physicians, both gynecologists, saw 120 patients. Three of these patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and were placed on treatment plans paid for by emergency Medicaid.

These patients were able to be seen in a timely manner, saving valuable time, money and possibly even their lives. We could not see these patients without our volunteer physicians.

Our two volunteer physicians are Dr. Marilyn Young and Dr. Francis Howington. Dr. Young retired in 1999 after 15 years of private practice here in Lee County. Eager to still use her skills in the community, she joined Senior Friendship Centers Health and Wellness Center in 2008. After three years of volunteering at Senior Friendship Centers and seeing the growth of this clinic, Dr. Young invited former colleague Dr. Howington to join the team. Dr. Howington has been a prominent presence in Lee County since August 1968. He owned and ran his own successful OB/ GYN practice until April 1, 2000 when he retired. Dr. Howington has been with Senior Friendship Centers since September 2010. We thank these two physicians and their willingness to volunteer and help our senior community.

We would love to have additional physicians join our team and expand the services that we provide to seniors.

Every physician is given sovereign

immunity from the Lee County Health Department. Our hours of seeing patients revolve around our physicians and the times that they have available. We see patients at two different clinics. Our main clinic is located at Hatton Rogers Retirement Community in North Fort Myers in partnership with Goodwill and United Way. Our secondary clinic is located at the Lee Memorial Clinic at the Dunbar United Way House, in which we share clinic space with Lee Memorial once a month.

We will also have clinic space at the Cape Coral Kiwanis Club off of Santa Barbara Blvd. starting in early 2012.

In addition to the need of retired physicians, we also have need of assistance of actively practicing physicians that would be willing to see one or two pro bono cases. Some ailments are beyond the guidelines set forth by our grants, but are still in need of further care.

If you would like to volunteer or have further questions, please call Julie Ramirez at 239-656-0221 or e-mail jramirez@friendshipcenters.org.

Home Care for Seniors by Seniors OUR LOVING, COMPASSIONATE CARING SENIORS ARE THERE TO HELP. There’s a huge difference in the kind of home care you can receive from someone who really understands what your life is like as a senior. The concerns you have. The need for independence. At Seniors Helping Seniors services our in-home providers are carefully matched with you to provide the best comfort, companionship and safety so you can maintain your independence and stay in your own home. ®

• Meal preparation/cooking • Companion Care • Overnight and 24-hour Care • Doctor Appointments • Transportation

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Call us today! It’s like getting a little help from your friends

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Phone: (239)-243-8555 Email: helpingseniors@comcast.net www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/SouthwestFlorida/ ©2011 Each office is independently owned and operated. All trademarks are registered trademarks of Corporate Mutual Resources Inc. Not all services available in all areas.

Free Long-Term Care Planning Guide For Women Evan 6-21-2011.indd 2

6/20/2011 2:17:47 PM

Booklet Explains Issues And Options For Women With Spouses and Women Living Alone ong-term care affects more women the majority of than men, yet few women have done women over 50 anything to learn about their risks or under- estimate planning options. the risk of Women generally live longer lives than needing longmen and, as a result, are significantly more term care and likely to need long-term care. Women are have no plan far more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s in place. The disease and almost one million women organization over age 65 currently reside in nursing reports that home settings versus 335,000 men. roughly twoJoseph Ferrara “Long-term care is clearly a woman’s thirds of the $6 issue”, explains Joseph Ferrara, President billion in yearly long-term care insurance of Joseph Ferrara Insurance Services claims benefits are paid to women. located in Ft. Myers. “Women provide Every woman over 50 needs to have a the majority of care for their spouses or plan in place, Ferrara explains. The best other aging family members, and because time to start is prior to retirement when they live longer than men are far more you have the greatest number of available likely to eventually need long-term care options to choose from. themselves”.

A free copy of A Woman’s Guide To Planning for long-term care is important Long-Term Care Insurance Protection for women who are married, living with published by AALTCI can be obtained partners or residing alone. According to by contacting: a study by the American Association for Joseph Ferrara at 239-931-9555 or Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI), by email at JFinsurance@msn.com.

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Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 11

Three Ways to be Happy in Retirement

BY JERRY RICKER

A

braham Lincoln said: “ Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

That’s positive thinking—an optimistic attitude.

Positive psychology is different.

Positive psychology, championed by psychologist Martin Seligman and others, is a research-based study of our psychological well-being. Seligman suggests there are three approaches to happiness itself. In other words, there are many ways to be happy, but each comes under one of three basic approaches. John Nelson and Richard N. Bolles discuss the three approaches as very important in living the retirement life in their book What Color Is Your Parachute? For Retirement.

Pleasure This involves having fun in an easy, relaxed way. Pleasure brings a burst of positive emotions which come and go quickly and seldom last long. Using this approach to happiness, you need to keep going back and doing enjoyable activities over and over again to get more happiness.

Engagement or involvement Another word for this approach is “flow,” which happens when your abilities are well matched to some challenging task. It’s the kind of task you get so deeply involved in that you lose track of time. You’re so engaged in it that you lose yourself in what you’re doing, often not realizing that you’re genuinely happy while you’re doing it, but afterwards you say, “That was great!”

Engagement demands something from you, so it’s not as simple as pleasure. It can’t be bought or consumed the way pleasure can, either.

The authors point out that another difference between pleasure and engagement is that engagement sticks with you longer than pleasure does and can build up into a lasting satisfaction with life.

Contrary to the “go with the flow” approach to life, however, engagement is more like “make the flow.” It’s the difference between enjoying a baseball game and becoming a part of a team.

Meaning or purpose This approach to happiness is not as easy to pin down. The way you get meaning or purpose is to use your abilities in the service of something larger than yourself. This approach to happiness requires something of you and doesn’t come just from believing in a cause larger than yourself, but from being in service to that cause.

This is part of living your life in alignment with your core values.

Examples of what is larger than yourself depend on your belief system.

It could be God, family, environment, a political party, a particular culture.

You might find purpose in service to a neighbor who needs help, a child with difficulties or even a cause such as litter-free neighborhood walkways.

And this approach to life is more than contributing money to a cause.

Summary In the first level you are dealing with your interests. When you move to engagement, you’re looking at your skills and strengths and using them to experience engagement in an interest. But the next level—meaning or purpose—is most closely related to your values.

“What Color Is Your Parachute? For Retirement: Planning a Prosperous, Healthy and Happy Future” by John E. Nelson and Richard N. Bolles.

Remember 9/11 R

emember 9-11 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. There is no charge, but reservations are required and must be made by calling Broadway Palm’s Box Office at (239) 2784422. Continental breakfast will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ms. Lovegrove will “Paint Out

Loud” on stage, creating a billboard sized canvas of the American Bald Eagle to music and live testimonials. At 12:30 p.m. the participants will honor the heroes of that day with a moving ceremony. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Galloway Ford is the title sponsor for the event.

Calendar Girls Perform See the Calendar Girls this month:

10 Villa Vacation Rentals • Day Spa • Fishing Charters Harbor Cruises • Boat & Kayak Rentals • Military Heritage Museum Live Entertainment • Special Events & More!

Just 3 miles west of I-75, Exit 164 on Marion Ave., Punta Gorda

800-639-0020 • 941-639-8721 • fishville.com Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 12

Veteran’s Foundation Community Fun Day from noon to 6 p.m. at Leapin’ Lizard, 1719 Cape Coral Parkway East, Cape Coral.

Vendors, kids’ activities, entertainment. Calendar Girls perform at 5 p.m. Puppyraisers representing the Southeast Guide Dog School will also be there. The Calendar Girls

support Paws for Patriots to help give a miracle with a tail to a veteran.

18

4th Annual Peace Day in the Park from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Jaycee Park, Cape Coral. Family activities all day. Calendar Girls dance at 2 p.m.

To learn more about the Calendar Girls, visit their website online at www.calendargirlsflorida.com.

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Sterling Flatware, Tea Sets, Bronzes, Silver & Gold Boxes, Enameled Objects, Dolls, Mechanical Toys, Military Items Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 13

Think You Are Too Young for Long-Term Care Insurance?

How you qualify for benefits is the same for all companies offering a Long-Term Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist Care policy. And although we buy am often asked “What is the right age LTC insurance with our older age in to consider Long-Term Care insurmind, it is possible that an accident ance?” My answer hasn’t changed: As or injury can generate a claim well young as possible. Actually, age 40 and before we are in a retirement mode. up is best…but if you haven’t looked into There are basically two ways to generate this before now and you are over 40, 50 a claim. One is the inability to perform is better than 60 and 60 is better than 70. two of six Activities of Daily Living. The Since the premiums for Long-Term Activities of Daily Living (A.D.L.s) are Care insurance are based on your age as follows: Eating, Dressing, Bathing, and also your current health, the younger Continence, Toileting and Transferring. and—even more importantly—the Since companies measure functionality, healthier you are, the better. Sometimes if you are unable to perform two of these I hear from potential clients who ask me, six ADLs, you qualify for a LTC claim. “wouldn’t it be better to wait until I am Your diagnosis is not important…just older and closer to needing this benefit?” your inability to take care of yourself.

I answer, unequivocally…no! When you The second way to qualify for benefits is postpone looking into LTC insurance called Cognitive Impairment. In simpler you are risking two things. One: you terms: senility, dementia, Alzheimer’s or may not qualify. In other words, some a mental disease connected with aging. health event may happen that precludes These two ways to qualify for benefits you from qualifying. Secondly, it will are mutually exclusive—you need only always cost more if you wait. The to meet one of the above two conditions. premium difference between buying Planning for the future requires being edat a younger age and waiting until you ucated about potential pitfalls. The articles think you are closer to using it can be I have written each month for the past 7 significant—in some cases, as much as years are meant to be helpful in educating $100 to $200 per month difference. you about how to protect your financial The Waiver of Premium benefit on every future. And, as I always say, having a Long-Term Care policy sold balances out plan in place guarantees you can enjoy a the total premiums paid into the policy be- pleasant future without financial concerns. fore you have a claim. If you are younger, Rosemarie Hurley, Owner of Senior the premiums are much less. This makes Insurance Solutions, has worked in the senior perfect sense, because the companies are healthcare market for 21 years. She is a Cerexpecting actuarially that you will pay tified Senior Advisor and has been a Longpremiums longer than a person who is, Term Care Insurance Specialist for over 18 let’s say, 10 years older. But paying a years. She represents only the finest insurance premium longer does not mean you are companies in the industry. Can be reached paying more premiums. That’s where the at (239) 274-6678 in Estero, or website: substantially lower premium comes in. www.longtermcareinsurance-online.com.

BY ROSEMARIE HURLEY, CSA

Planning for Long-Term Care is so important.

Learn all you can about something that can jeopardize the financial future of your entire family.

Rosemarie Hurley, CSA, has 16 years experience as a Long-Term Care Specialist.

She brokers with many fine insurance companies and can find the right company to suit your needs.

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I

In Remembrance O

n Sunday, Sept.

11, the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra will present a concert In Remembrance, honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The first half will showcase Mozart’s brilliant and haunting Requiem.. The second half will feature such patriotic

favorites as “America the Beautiful,” “Salute to the Armed Forces” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” The Philharmonic Youth Chorale will sing as well. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. For tickets and more information, visit thephil.org or call (239) 597-1900.

The Truth About Cataracts and Vision Loss

quent changes to your glasses or contact lens prescriptions. The best time to have a cataract removed ore than 20.5 milis when it starts to interfere lion Americans with the things you like to do. age 40 and older have We offer free cataract cataracts, the clouding evaluations in all five of our of the eye’s normally locations for new patients clear lens, blocking the 55 and older performed by passage of light needed our optometrists. We also for vision. Today cataract host free cataract seminars surgery is one of the safthroughout the year to help est and most successful people learn more about procedures available in cataracts. A schedule of semiterms of restoring your Dr. Jonathan Frantz. nars is posted on our website quality of life. www.bettervision.net.

No drugs or exercises will make a Dr. Frantz and his medical team offer cataract disappear. During outpatient a broad spectrum of patient-focused cataract surgery the cloudy natural comprehensive care from eye exams lens is replaced with an artificial lens and eyewear to cataract removal, to give the eye proper focusing power. glaucoma care, 100 percent blade-free You may have a cataract if you notice iLASIK, hearing services, and eyelid a gradual painless blurring of vision, surgery with office locations in Fort double vision in one eye, fading or Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Punta yellowing of colors, sensitivity to Gorda, and Lehigh Acres. To reach glare and/or bright light or trouble Florida Eye Health, call (239) 4180999 or visit www.bettervision.net. driving at night, or if you need freBY JONATHAN M. FRANTZ, M.D., FACS Frantz Cataract Center at Florida Eye Health

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Joy? In the Shadow of Dementia? Does Sex Help or Hurt fter witnessing her “We have a tsunami coming at us,

A

father’s decline and struggle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, Susan Garbett became passionate about understanding this disease and the devastating toll it has on caregivers and families.

This passion led her to become a volunteer support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and to write Susie and Me Days: Joy in the Shadow of Dementia.

Dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form, is an illness that is ravaging the senior population and places an enormous burden on our present and future generations. Neurologist, Richard Mayeux, M.D. of New York’s Columbia University, best summed up what our country is facing when he said,

and we’re sitting in a rowboat.” It’s a subject that most people don’t want to face or talk about, especially babyboomers. But it’s real, it’s “now,” and by 2050 it is predicted that 13.5 million Americans will have the disease.

Susie and Me Days describes the unexpected gifts caregivers can receive if they have the capacity to let go of negative thinking about what once was, or what could have been, in order to embrace what is happening right now “in the moment.” By entering their world, caregivers have the opportunity to create gratifying experiences for and with their loved ones.

Susie and Me Days is a candid, intimate, insightful account that brings to life the relationship between a father and daughter as they journey through the murky haze of dementia. To learn more, visit susieandmedays.com.

the Heart As We Age? I s sex a form of exercise that can keep us healthy or a threat to those with heart disease? The June issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch reviews research on the connection between sex and health.

According to one study, sex doesn’t count as heart-protective exercise.

This research monitored middle-aged male and female volunteers while they walked on a treadmill in the lab and during private sexual activity at home. The two are not equal—the treadmill proved more strenuous.

During sex, the men raised their heart rates only 72 percent as high as they did on the treadmill. Sex was even less strenuous for women in terms of heart rate, blood pressure and perceived exertion. All in all, average sexual activity ranks as mild to moderate in terms of exercise intensity.

But if sex can’t protect the heart, can it hurt it? Careful studies show

that fewer than one of every 100 heart attacks is related to sexual activity, and for fatal arrhythmias the rate is just one in 200. So for a healthy 50-year-old man, the risk of having a heart attack in any given hour is about one in a million; sex doubles the risk, but it’s still just two in a million. For men with heart disease, the risk is 10 times higher, but even for them, the chance of suffering a heart attack during sex is just 20 in a million, which are pretty safe odds.

The best way to stay healthy and protect cardiovascular health is to avoid tobacco, exercise regularly, eat a good diet, stay lean and limit alcohol. Do not initiate sexual activity if you are not feeling well, and anyone experiencing possible cardiac symptoms during sex should interrupt the sexual activity at once.

With these simple guidelines and precautions, sex is safe for the heart.

Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 15

John Kagan, M.D.

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Our team of board certified orthopaedic surgeons specialize in the following: • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Arthroscopy • Fracture Care • Sports Injuries • Knee, Hip, Shoulder, Hand • Fracture Care and Foot Surgery • Arthritis Surgery Team physicians for the Everblades,Miracle baseball and several local high school football teams.

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

www.bone-fix.com Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 16

3210 Cleveland Ave. Suite 100 Fort Myers, FL 33901 239-936-6778

2721 Del Prado Blvd.

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3400 Lee Blvd.

Suite 105 Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 239-368-8277

The Healthy Geezer Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared to nonsmokers, and they often go through menopause : Do men get earlier. Smokers also may absorb osteoporosis? less calcium from their diets. Quit.

A: Yes, men do get osteoporosis, Regular consumption of 2 to 3 but women are at greater risk. ounces a day of alcohol may be Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a damaging to the skeleton. Heavy disease characterized by low bone drinkers are more prone to bone mass and structural deterioration of loss and fractures, because of poor bone tissue. This condition creates nutrition and increased risk of fallan increased risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis is a major public health ing. Quit or, at least, cut down.

People may not know they have threat for 44 million Americans; about osteoporosis until their bones become 68 percent of them are women. One so weak that a bump or fall causes a out of every two women and one in four men over 50 will have an osteopo- hip to fracture or a vertebra to collapse. See your doctor for a check-up. rosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

Following a comprehensive medical Our bodies remove old bone and assessment, your doctor may recomreplace it with new bone. During our growth stage, new bone is added faster mend that you have your bone mass than old bone is removed. We hit peak measured. A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to deterbone mass around age 30. After that age, we lose more bone than we form. mine your bone health. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine your Who is at risk of getting osteoporosis? risk for fractures and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The The chances are greater if you are a most widely recognized bone mineral woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because density test is called a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or DXA test. of changes from menopause. Small, A comprehensive osteoporosis thin-boned women are at greater risk. treatment program includes a focus Caucasian and Asian women are on proper nutrition, exercise and at highest risk. Age is a major risk safety issues to prevent falls that may factor because bones become thinner result in fractures. In addition, your and weaker as you age. Heredity physician may prescribe a medication can also increase fracture risk. to slow or stop bone loss, increase Low calcium intake appears to be bone density and reduce fracture risk. associated with bone loss. Good If you would like to read more sources of calcium include low-fat columns, you can order a copy dairy products, dark-green leafy of “How to be a Healthy Geezer” vegetables, almonds and foods at www.healthygeezer.com. fortified with calcium, such as orange juice. Some people may need to take a calcium supplement.

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and in bone health. It is made in the skin through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D production decreases in the elderly, in people who are housebound and for people in general during the winter.

Depending on your situation, you may need to take vitamin D supplements.

Bone responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Weightbearing exercise is the best for your bones. Get off the sofa.

Enter Now!

BY FRED CICETTI

Q

Presents...

Nothing Captures the love of a grandparent for a grandchild more than a great photo!

Could Your Grandchild’s Photo be a Winner?

RULES:

Photos should be: Maximum size 8 1/2” x 11”, printed Selected photos will be published in upcoming issues of on photo paper Mature Lifestyles magazine. Photos will be on display at the only. Maximum 5 entries per person.

Senior Friendly Extravaganza, November 4, 2011 at the Harborside Event Center, NO professional photos. Please no 1375 Monroe St. Ft. Myers 33901. photos by e-mail.

Call 1-888-670-0040 for more information.

✸1st Place Winner $75 ✸ 2nd Place Winner $50 ✸ 3rd Place $25 ✸ Grand Prize Winner $125 Your Send inNow! Photo

Please enclose this form with your entry. (make sure to sign the bottom) Mail to: News Connection USA, P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583-0638

Grandparent Name Address City

State

Zip

Phone Photo Title Sender’s Age(s)

Subject’s Age(s)

Subject’s Name Photo release signature Entries must be received by Oct. 12, 2011 to be entered in the Photo Contest. (Send your photos in early so we can share them with our readers). Photos will be returned within 45 days after contest ends, if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope (large enough to fit your photo) and name and address on the back of the photo.

FM

Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 17

Roanoke—“It’s a Blue Ridge Day! Day!” Attention Readers: The second part of our Northern Ireland story will be featured in our upcoming October editions. —Kathy Beck, Publisher.

Boston Red Sox affiliate and the beautiful stadium is simply a great place for an evening of fun.

Eat Well When in Roanoke, eat like a Southern native—that means as directly from farm to table as possible. Visit the downtown Roanoke City Market for food, shops and restaurants too.

The Local Roots restaurant features changing seasonal menus. Beverages tend to go native as well, coming from “small batch, family-owned, rare, and unique purveyors.”

For quality steak dinner, nothing beats NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s 347 Grill in the Sheraton Roanoke Hotel—delicious filet mignon and the best cheesecake in town.

BY JANICE DOYLE

“I

t’s a Blue Ridge Day.” That means the temperature’s perfect, the sky’s blue and all’s right with the world.

It must mean I’m in Roanoke, Virginia, right there on the Blue Ridge Parkway. What’s the buzz about Roanoke?

In the Spotlight You! Let your family know they can see you on their computers when you’re in front of the web cam located at The Roanoke Star and Overlook on Mill Mountain. You’ll go there for a bird’s eye view of the city and then you’ll call them to say you’re waving at them. The Star was built in 1949 to encourage Christmas shopping and just stayed on to become a theme for “Roanoke, the Star City.”

While you’re on Mill Mountain, visit the gardens, the Discovery Center and the little zoo.

Travel Hot Ticket!

Take me out to the Salem Red Sox Class A Minor League professional baseball team. It’s a

Top: Overlook on Mill Mountain and the Roanoke Star. Above: The Taubman Museum of Art

The Local Gem! I found several gems in Roanoke, but none more visually stunning and values-impressive than the Taubman Museum of Art. It’s a downtown architectural wonder which is “an abstract sculpture of the Blue Ridge.”

Outside design elements relate to the surrounding mountains and inside design elements reflect the rivers of the area in the rounded walls and meandering overhead designs.

This gem of a museum has nine galleries and impressive works throughout. It’s free from 5 to 9 on Friday nights. However, regular

Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 18

Link the photographer used lights and cameras and trains as he documented the last days of the steam locomotive —pictures that we recognize from ads and commercials of a bygone era.

Virginia Museum of Transportation

senior admission is just $6—one more reason it’s impressive.

In the Bag Among the city’s unique shops is chocolatepaper, featuring all things chocolate.

If you’re a treasure hunter, visit Black Dog Salvage for 40,000 square feet of architectural treasures (old church windows, etc.), antique designs like mantels and wrought iron works, furniture and much more.

All Aboard Roanoke was a railroad hub for decades and today it holds the best railroad collection in the U.S. The Hit the Trail, Jack town’s sidewalks become Pick a trail, any trail. a Rail Walk leading via In Roanoke, you’re just signage through history and The Crooked Road minutes from the famous Virginia Heritage into the Virginia Museum Appalachian Trail. If hiking Music Trail of Transportation. Located isn’t your thing, drive the in the historic Norfolk & Crooked Road Virginia Heritage Western Railway Freight Station, Music Trail.

It will lead you by way there are 50 pieces of rolling metal of numerous studios, galleries and and a huge collection that includes shops to the Blue Ridge Institute and automotive (a 1913 Detroit Electric Museum of Ferrum College. Check car), aviation, transit and more. the trails out when they all lead to the Nearby, the old Roanoke Hotel Folklife Festival at Ferrum College exudes the rich heritage of a grand the fourth Saturday of October. hotel built to house the guests who enjoyed new and luxurious transporta- The Sweet Spot The area’s best-kept secret is Hometion of the 1800s. You can relax in stead Creamery, an old fashioned the lobby while looking at the hotel’s family-owned dairy and produce history in photos, stay in one of the hot spot. Treat yourself to yummy 300+ guest rooms or enjoy a fabulous sandwiches, soups and ice cream made meal right in downtown Roanoke. right next door. Table for Two… or A movie across the street at the more. Information at visitroanoke.com.

Winston Link Museum tells how

Parkway or Skyline Drive?

G

ood question—are you on the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive? The answer is that the Skyline Drive is the 105-mile-long roadway through Shenandoah National Park, a traditional national park. There are six entry points and an entrance fee to visit Shenandoah NP.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, also a unit of the National Park System, is a landscaped corridor with a few areas of large acreage, designed as a recreational motor road connecting Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks.

So, one is a drive through a traditional park and one is a roadway only.

Head for the Keys

school students). Look for local artistic and culinary specialties, plus family-friendly activities at Hawks Cay Marina.

Try your hand—er, your mouth—in the conch blowing contests and feast on offerings by vendors like t’s a great time conch fritters, to head for the conch salad, Florida Keys. brats, hot dogs Through Oct. 31, and hamburgers.

Hawks Cay Resort $5 per person hosts a Heroes Weldaily with onsite come promotion parking. Visit every weekend recHawks Cay Resort KeysConchtober ognizing America’s salutes our heroes. fest.com. military, fire rescue, police and mediLodging special: Hawks Cay, 61 cal personnel. The event will include Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key. live music and tribute ceremonies.

Room rates to Conchtoberfest attendCelebrate the lowly conch at Conchtoberfest, Sept. 29 through Oct. ees start at $140 per night, which includes admission for two to the event.

2 to benefit Take Stock in Children Call 1-888-313-5749 for reservations. (a scholarship program for local high

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Tour: Shades of Ireland Group Name: Senior Connection Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 19

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!

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.

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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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If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month).

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Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 20

TO RESPOND TO AN AD

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.

Krispy Kreme With Minimum Guilt

H

ow can you enjoy a stop at a Krispy Kreme and not break the calorie bank? You almost can’t, but you can make some choices. Here’s a hint: Cinnamon’s your answer. Not one of Krispy Kreme’s cinnamonflavored creations has more than 290 calories. Example: The Cinnamon Apple Filled has 290 calories (14 sugars) and the Glazed Cinnamon Doughnut has 210 calories (12 sugars).

To go with that, enjoy a 20 oz. Orange You Glad Chiller (300 calories) instead of the Lotta Latte Chiller at 1,050 calories (and 97g sugars).

Avoid the Apple Fritter like the plague. It weighs about the same as the Cinnamon Apple but is frosted to be called the “worst item on the menu” because of the high saturated fat content.

Here’s a doughnut decoder: Original and Sugar Doughnut – 200 calories, 12g fat.

Cake Doughnut – 210 to 290 calories, 16g fat.

Iced (but not filled) Doughnut – 240 to 280 calories, 14g fat.

Filled Doughnut – 290 to 350 calories, 20g fat.

So, what’s left to enjoy? Well, pick up a serving of Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnut Holes and enjoy 210 calories, 10g fat and 17g sugars.

Then eat nothing but veggies the rest of the day!

From the book “Eat This, Not That!”

By David Zinczenko.

Word Search Sept. 2011 Last Month’s Answers

Enter

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?

This Month’s to Win! Winner Is Paul Trojak Congratulations!

This month’s winner is

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Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 21

Veterans Corner

Membership Has Its (Veterans) Benefits

M

FREE INFORMATION SERVICE

Senior Connection & Mature Lifestyles For information, please return completed form to:

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

Name: Address: City:

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When you complete this form and mail it back, your name will be entered in our monthly drawing! (held the 20th of the month) ML/SW Mature Lifestyles • September 2011 • page 22

embership in the U.S. Armed Services has its benefits. Even if you served as a young man, you can be a member with benefits in your senior years.

There are 23 million American Veterans in the U.S. today. Eight million of them receive VA benefits, yet many veterans never apply for the benefits they have both earned and deserve.

Some don’t know they are eligible.

Others fear the daunting process of applying and qualifying for the benefits.

Some of the benefits available include the following: Prescription Drugs: All drugs are free with an $8 co-pay, depending on income, often eliminating the need for a Part D coverage plan.

Veterans receiving pensions are fully exempt from co-pays for VA health services, including prescriptions.

Nursing Home Care: The VA contracts with over 2,500 privately owned and operated nursing homes complementing the 132 they own themselves. Congress has ordered the VA to find a place for all veterans with a 70 percent or higher disability rating. Lower-rating veterans are also eligible but will be placed on a waiting list in areas where beds are scarce.

In-Home Care: Veterans who need in-home care and meet the income means test can receive limited home-making services and assistance and basic home health needs, to be provided by service companies contracted by the VA. Single veterans with income above $29,402 (and $32,285 for married) might have to pay a co-pay of $15 for a provided medical services visit.

Respite Care can also be provided to allow a family caregiver some time off, with co-pays from $0 to $90 per day, depending on income qualification.

Health Care Benefits: The VA provides extensive health care, including surgery and in-patient care at its 1,400

clinics, hospitals and care centers. Except in the case of service-connected disabilities, eligibility is based on an income-qualifying test. Single veterans cannot have income exceeding $32,342 ($38,812 for married), but adjustments are allowed for residing in higher-cost parts of the U.S., using a Geographic Means Test from HUD. Disability Compensation: Formerly, VA disability comp. examiners were encouraged to reject all but the most obvious and extreme cases involving specifically service-connected disabilities. In a new view, a servicerelated disability does not have to be an injury received in combat. Injuries that occurred or were aggravated while serving in uniform are worthy of consideration. Since disability comp. payments are unrelated to current income, they are available to a surviving spouse at a reduced level, based on the degree of disability.

Disability degree can range from 10 percent to 100 percent as determined by a VA doctor and subject to appeal.

VA Guaranteed Mortgages: If you’re an older veteran wanting to buy a senior-housing complex unit, eligibility determination is very gracious. SSI and food stamps are not counted as income, homes and cars are not counted as assets and household savings and investments up to $80,000 are allowed and still allow pension and health care benefit.

Because the VA’s goal is to keep people in their own homes and out of institutions, there is no “look-back” period for giving assets to relatives.

To learn more, take your DD214 or Certificate of Service to your local Veterans Service Centers.

Local help: Cape Coral Veterans Foundation. 3100 Del Prado Blvd. S. Bldg.

3, Unit 6. (239) 541-8704; Veterans Service Center, 2440 Thompson St., Ft. Myers Ph: (239) 533-8381; Port Charlotte Veterans Service Center, Cultural Center, Port Charlotte (941) 764-5579.

Help! My Son Moved Back Home

I

n the book, How to Raise Adult Children, Gail Parent and Susan Ende, M.F.T. tackle all sorts of issues that affect every family with adult children. Here’s one letter and answer:

Dear Gail and Susan, My son Eric was living with us for a little while after college. He finally got a good job and moved into his own apartment. That was two and a half years ago. He just lost that job and has moved back in with us. He’s depressed. How can I help him? —Robin

Retirement Living Dear Super Mom? If you, Robin, can get Eric out of his depression, someone should hand you a psychology degree immediately. He needs therapy. But until you get him to a doctor’s office, what you can do is help him get his work situation under

control. I know he knows what to do, but . . . remind him gently.

It means sending out resumes, networking at LinkedIn and going on Yahoo Jobs and other job search websites. Remind him it’s not a one-time thing.

It has to be done every day. At least he’ll be pro-active and not feel that he can’t do anything about his situation.

We get depressed when our kids get depressed. Try to smile for his sake. Also, remind him that he’s not alone and that this is a difficult time to find work and others are in the exact same situation he is. —Gail (who told her sons if they ever need to, they can move back in with her).

Sometimes a safety net becomes a trap. Moving in with parents can

Last Month’s Answers

August Sudoku

New winner selected each month

There should be conditions for his room and board. For instance, he could be in charge of all the grocery shopping, the gardening, taking younger kids to school, all of which gets him into the world with people and making an adult contribution.

The more his parents treat him like an invalid, the more helpless and depressed he will become.

I strongly recommend that parents and child have a plan for losing a job that does not require that the kid move back home. How about three months expenses in savings, unemployment insurance, moving in with roommates and getting a temporary job to make ends meet? Life brings challenges we have to cope with.

Going back to Mom and Dad should not be a child’s only coping tool.

Certainly, if Eric is too depressed to do any of the above, he should be seen by a doctor for medication and therapy. —Susan

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sometimes make the problem for our child worse. Eric not only lost his job but he also lost his apartment, his independence, his adult identity. No wonder he’s depressed.

He thought he was launched and now he’s right back where he started—at home with Mom and Dad. Moving in with parents should not be the only option if a kid gets in trouble.

It’s often not the best option.

But here Eric is home and depressed.

I agree with Gail, that he should be looking for a job, every day in any way he can. However—and here’s where parents have to take charge— Eric should not be allowed to give up his life and become a catered-to, dependent invalid who can do nothing but look for a job.

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Sept. 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 Sept. 21 will win.

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION OR MATURE LIFESTYLES 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY SEPT. 21, 2011

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