ZesT 50+ Living
Out of the woodwork Richard Swift brings rural history to life
December 2010
Here
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Last Word Norb Mohs serves with gladness
Talking with the jolly man in red
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Contents
ZesT 12
6 30 Worlds apart “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” but have you ever wondered how the holiday looks on other parts of the globe? With our imaginations, let’s take a journey to explore a pair of holiday traditions that are markedly unlike any in the United States. Our first stop is in my favorite country, the United Kingdom, where a highlight of the season is pantomime productions. Commonly referred to as pantos, these quirky plays re-invent classic fairy tales through song, dance and audience participation. Families from across the UK travel to some of the area’s largest venues to revel in the panto experience. No expense is spared for this Christmas tradition as some of the biggest stars of British stage and screen take part in pantos. The most popular fairy tales retold
December 2010 Vol. 1 No. 10 zestforlife.mn
4
Opinion: Christmas in Arizona?
6
FEATURE STORY: Heritage rises from woodwork
10
Days Gone By: Winter wonderland
12
COVER STORY: Here comes Santa Claus
16
Comfort Foods: Holiday cheer at the table
18
Medicare Answers: Be alert for signs of fraud
20
Wellness: Coffee is good for the body and mind
21
Wellness: Tips to avoid cold and flu
22
Holiday Central: Gifts that are sure to please
23
Money: Tips on charitable giving
24
Travel: Stay safe during the winter driving season
26
Puzzles
30
Last Word: Norb Mohs serves with gladness
through the brightly colored costumes and layers of face paint are Aladdin, Cinderella and Peter Pan. This great family activity is sure on my list of things to do in the UK one day. Moving on, we travel to Italy, a devout Catholic country that celebrates the Christmas season with elaborate nativity scenes or Cribs. People spend Christmas Eve strolling from scene to scene admiring the delicate craftsmanship of the clay figurines. The Italians’ celebration of the holidays stretches to the eve of Jan. 6 (the start of the Epiphany season), when children prepare for the arrival of a female Santa Claus figure called La Befana. She brings gifts of all kinds. Legend states the La Befana met the three wisemen and gave them shelter and directions to Bethlehem. The holiday theme continues in this issue of Zest with an exclusive
interview with a Christmas icon. Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to give you a glimpse behind the scenes at the North Pole. Richard Swift seems to have the holiday spirit year round thanks to his woodworking hobby. In his workshop, he creates everything from trains to tables with great enthusiasm. As always I welcome your feedback and ideas. You can reach me via email at winter@hutchinsonleader.com or by sending a letter to Hutchinson Leader C/O Katie Winter, 36 Washington Ave. W., Hutchinson, MN 55350 or Litchfield Independent Review C/O Katie Winter, 217 North Sibley, Litchfield, MN 55355. Happy Holidays! Katie Winter
ZEST / December 2010 3
Opinion
Christmas in Arizona? By Matt McMillan Retirees face many difficult questions: • When should I retire? • Should I sell the house for one with less upkeep? • What would the kids say if I left for Arizona early and missed the holidays? After spending an entire lifetime in the frozen north, some retirees want to go south for the winter as soon as the snow flies. It makes sense. But, what will the family say if you are not there for the holidays? How will the grandkids take it? We’d like to hear from readers how to best handle this situation. If you’ve done it, was it worth it? How do you celebrate with family now? Running this gauntlet is tricky. But, it has been done before. You might know people who leave early and pester their friends with daily weather reports. Most families go through it. I remember going to Christmas at my grandparents’ house in northern Minnesota. It was an annual tradition to go to their farm. The trips stopped at some point. After it stopped, grandma and grandpa made the rounds as their schedules permitted.
Stopping the long tradition might seem daunting. But, the magnetic pull south is also strong. We’ve heard about one couple in their early 70s going through this exact situation. They’ve hosted every year. But, their best friends leave early. So, why can’t they? Upon hearing about it, one granddaughter said, “That is the WORST idea EVER.” Eventually it will happen. Adult children take over hosting duties. It is the transition that is hard. A good strategy to ease this transition is to ask to celebrate early. This technique can be especially effective if grandchildren are given gifts early. My wife and I host our retired parents for Thanksgiving. Both sides of the family come over. Getting the house ready, cooking two large turkeys and cleaning up is more work than we imagined. But, it is nice for our parents. At some point, grandparents have cooked enough turkeys. When is that point? How do you announce it? Send us a letter with your thoughts about phasing out of hosting the holiday gathering. We’ll publish our favorite letters next month. Each letter writer selected for publication will receive a free turkey.
ZesT P U B L I S H E D BY Litchfield Independent Review PO Box 921 Litchfield, MN 55355 (320) 693-3266
Hutchinson Leader 36 Washington Ave. W. Hutchinson, MN 55350 (320) 587-5000
NEWS Katie Winter, reporter winter@independentreview.net or winter@hutchinsonleader.com (320) 693-3266 or (320) 234-4172
A D V E RT I S I N G Shari Forsman, advertising representative sales@crowriverpress.com (320) 234-4171
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ZEST / December 2010 5
Feature Story
STAFF PHOTOS BY KATIE WINTER
Richard Swift, of rural Biscay, has been crafting things out of wood since the 1950s, making tables, trains, even a miniature replica of a Heatwole thresher.
Heritage rises out of the woodwork With tools and timber, Richard Swift brings rural history to life 6 ZEST / December 2010
Feature Story By Katie Winter
I
f necessity is the mother of invention, Richard Swift should thank necessity for opening the door on a lifetime of enjoyment and creativity. When Swift began working with wood 60 years ago, the aim was to remove some of the stress and strain of daily farm chores. “The evolution of making things started maybe 60 years ago,” Swift said. “I was on the farm and we needed a cattle bunker. There’s two ways to go at it. You can go to the lumber yard and have somebody make it or you can bring the lumber out and beat it together yourself.” Today, Swift’s woodworking craft has morphed from necessity to preservation. If his creations ever were displayed in an art gallery, the title hanging above it would read, “A tribute to mechanical ingenuity in oak.” In his workshop in rural Biscay, the past comes to life. With the turn of the lathe and the slice of a band saw, Swift creates working replicas of farm machinery from the days of yore. From hay balers to threshing machines, the pieces are intricately designed and crafted, with attention paid to every detail. “If it won’t work, what good is it?” Swift said. “It has to be done correctly. I was basically self-taught with trial and error. Lots of stuff went over the left shoulder until I got it right. I feel kind of good because it works.” Each project originates in the same place: Swift’s drawing desk, which is
tucked against one wall of the shop. Atop it, rests pieces of thin brown paper scrawled with pencil lines and tiny written numbers. “(Do you remember) a Mr. Rogers Show? That’s kind of what I feel like when I come in here,” Swift said. “I take off my one pair of shoes and put on the other ones. I put my light jacket on and then I’m ready for action. There is a place to draw. That is where all the mischief gets started. The ideas start there.” From the drawing board, Swift transfers his idea to the raw material. The carefully selected piece of wood,
destined to become a wagon or a chair, then is run through a variety of saws, sanders and lathes. The process can take months for some of Swift’s most detailed creations. His threshing machine took six months to complete. “This one took six months to make from the time I drew the first line on the paper to putting it together,” Swift said. “I made all the pieces for it. It doesn’t go very speedy.” Swift’s exactness for details and authenticity stems from a true passion and respect for the agricultural heritage of the Midwest and an apprecia-
tion for the toiling of his ancestors. Not only can he rattle off the dimensions of each full size model, he also knows their history. “I enjoy the history of it,” Swift said. “I like to make something you remember seeing or remember using when you were a youngster like, for instance a haymower. My dad had a haymower that was pulled by horses.” In fact, Swift is so passionate about the context of his creations, that in 2004 he began boxing up a variety of his woodworking projects and taking them to assisted living facilities and senior centers, where he
Richard Swift’s woodwork creations, including a side rake, hay stacker and a pair of carved horses, are displayed in his shop.
ZEST / December 2010 7
Feature Story displayed them. He also answered people’s questions about the creations. “I give them a little history on how this (implement) came to be and what it was designed to do,” Swift said. “There was a great interest. These people grew up in an era when some of this stuff was the only thing. They enjoyed it immensely.” The instinct to create useful and needed pieces still burns inside him. His home is furnished with end tables, step stools and shelves that add function and beauty. Swift lives with his wife, Bernetta. The couple moved to McLeod County in 1999 from the Morris area, where the Swifts farmed for decades. The move south brought them closer to their son, David and grandchildren. After the move, Swift transplanted his tools from his Grant County basement workshop to a small shed attached to his garage in rural Glencoe. His workspace is heated, insulated and furnished with workbenches, shelving and storage. Each screwdriver, toolbox and finished project has its own designated hook or drawer. Before retiring in 1990, Swift often did not have the time to act on many of the ideas that ran through his head. There were fields waiting to be planted or animals expecting to be fed. As Swift phrased it, “priorities came first.“ While his hands were in the soil, his mind was churning over fresh woodworking designs. “This darn, old imagination was still percolating,” Swift said. “In the back of my mind I wished I had time to put something together, to create something. Once you’re retired,
you have the chance to sit down and draw something up that you always thought about, but priorities kept pushing it back.” Once Swift found that time, he filled it with hours of perfecting his woodworking skills and obtaining the necessary tools. He traveled miles in search of a bargain on a table saw or plating machine. His most prized find, a turning lathe, cost him $75 at a Washington State garage sale that he stopped at while visiting family in the area. “I said to my brother-inlaw, ‘If you can get it for $75, you take it. We’ll get it to Minnesota somehow,’” Swift said. “After the sale, my brother-in-law and his son took the turning lathe apart and put it in his van and his son came east to go out to a swap meet in Minneapolis. So on the way he dropped off this lathe. It’s about 60 years old, but cast iron don’t deteriorate, so it will last for generations.” He reads the magazines “Wood” and “Woodsmiths” religiously. (He has 175 issues “archived” in his workshop.) He often lifts ideas from their pages and melds them with his own creativity to form something completely different. His prowess with timber and tool extends to making bookshelves, children’s puzzles and bowls. The array of forms Swift bestows on raw blocks of oak or ash means a lot to him. “I feel a sense of satisfaction,” Swift said, “a sense of accomplishment that maybe I’ve done a little part toward helping humanity to understand where they come from.”
8 ZEST / December 2010
Woodworker Richard Swift holds a pair of nearly identical carved horses.The only difference is one is trotting and the other is standing in place.
This replica of a hay loader and wagon are special to Swift, who remembers seeing a real one used on his father’s farm.
Feature Story
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A workbench in Richard Swift’s workshop displays the array of objects Swift designs, carves and pieces together. He has made everything from horses to coffee tables to steam shovels.
ZEST / December 2010 9
Days Gone By
Winter wonderlands Carl’s Lunch, a popular cafe at 122 Main St. S. in Hutchinson, was decorated with evergreen swags and two Christmas trees during the holiday season of 1932.
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Cover Story
Here comes Santa Claus An interview with the jolly man in red
STAFF PHOTOS
It’s that time of year again when Santa will be checking his list to find out if we’ve been naughty or nice in 2010. Read on to learn what else Santa gets up to at the North Pole.
12 ZEST / December 2010
Cover Story By Katie Winter
really have some good conversations with them.
H
Katie: What are the most popular requests from kids? Santa: They still ask for dolls, but now its Nintendo Wii, cell phones and iPods that they want. But there is one girl I can remember (who was different). I asked her what she would like for Christmas. I said “I bet you’d like a doll.” She said “No, I do have a doll. It’s kind of worn out, but I don’t want anything if you can just get my sister something.” That’s rewarding.
e is one of the most recognizable and magical icons of Christmas. With his red suit, white beard and jovial laugh, Santa Claus has achieved worldwide celebrity status. Albeit, shrouded in mystery. People often wonder if he even truly exists. Where is his hidden workshop, and how does he make it around the world in one night? The little that is known about him was scoured from ancient texts and passed down through folk legends. He answers to multiple names, including Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and Kris Kringle. He is said to deliver gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve. A feat he accomplishes with a fleet of nine flying reindeer. The rumor is that all of the gifts are built by magical elves inside Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. These tidbits of information have never been confirmed…until now. I had the incredible opportunity to interview the jolly one himself while he was paying a visit to Darwin. As we sat down for our chat around a large oak table with pale winter sunlight streaming in from the window behind us, I fired my first question at Santa.
Katie: Would you mind sharing a bit of background info about yourself? How did you get to be Santa? What got you started? Santa: I’m really just a representative of good. I have some fond memories. I think the first time I did it, was at least 40 years ago. (Another man) who played Santa Claus called me and said he had double booked himself and could I help him out. I said yes. I had 602 kids that year. I came into that auditorium and it was just solid kids. Katie: Have the children of the world been good this year? Santa: All the kids are good. I love kids, especially those who are appreciative for a piece of candy. You can
Katie: Sometimes kids can be a bit frightened by Santa. How do you handle that? Santa: Little kids are a little bit afraid at times. So I’m not a boisterous Santa with a loud ‘ho, ho, ho.’ I play it pretty quiet. I’ll come in sometimes and kids will scamper, but usually by the time I’m ready to leave I can have them on my lap and talking to them. Katie: You are known as the bearer of gifts, but has anyone ever given you something special?
Santa: There was a little girl who came through the line and then an hour later here she was back in line. I said “I thought I saw you here before.” She said you did, but her grandfather had given her two bells and she thought I should have a bell. I always make sure to have that bell hanging on my belt. Katie: How can a child reach you to ask for Christmas gift? Santa: I get a lot of letters and notes. The kids usually have a list of what they want, but I don’t promise them anything. I say I’ll have to take that list back to look it over. I don’t want them to be disappointed. I always tell them to write. I tell them I might forget so what they need to do with their notes is tape them to a window, facing outside. Then I see it when I go by. Katie: Some people don’t believe in you anymore. What do you say to that? Santa: I say “What makes a real Santa.” The kids say they don’t know. I tell them a real Santa would be warm. They feel my arm. It’s warm. Then I tell them Santa has a
Do you know...The Real Santa Claus? Come Christmastime, children all around the world await the arrival of Santa Claus. Although many of his abilities are the result of folklore, there actually was a Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas.The real St. Nicholas lived in Turkey. He was a bishop in the town of Myra during the 4th century. According to Dutch legend, Sinter Klaas, or St. Nicholas, brought gifts at Christmas, either through an open window or down a chimney.This legend is the basis of the Santa Claus we know and love today. St. Nicholas takes on many personas depending on the country in which his tale is being told. For most, he is a plump and jolly man with a penchant for cookies and milk. ZEST / December 2010 13
Cover Story beard. My beard is real. They can pull my beard. Most of the time, after that they’re convinced for another year.
you do during the rest of the year? Santa: I keep very busy. I help my neighbor on his farm. I have a big garden. I love to garden.
Katie: One longstanding Christmas Eve tradition is leaving out milk and cookies for Santa. What is your favorite cookie? Santa: I always tell kids not to leave chocolate chip. I don’t like them. Sugar cookies or anything else is fine.
Katie: Finally Santa what is the secret to unlocking the holiday spirit? Santa: Everybody having a good
Katie: How do you get around the world so quickly? How do you visit all those homes on a single night? Santa: I can’t carry a lot of stuff with me, so to get to every home I have to have my elves deliver presents to me. That way I don’t have to go back to the North Pole. Katie: What is your workshop like? Santa: It’s a big, long building, heated by wood. Two elves keep the stove going. Mrs. Claus is in charge. And all year round it looks like Christmas. There’s snow all the time at the North Pole. Katie: Where are the reindeer? Santa: The reindeer have their own barn and they don’t do anything all year except on Christmas Eve. The reindeer are very temperamental. It took a while for Rudolph to become the leader of the group. He had to work his way up. It wasn’t an easy task for him. Katie: So, what keeps you going after all these years Santa, do you ever feel like just retiring, and taking it easy, let some elf take over for you? Santa: Every year is an experience. My wife asked me how long are you going to keep doing this. I said until I quit having fun because the kids will be the first to sense that. Katie: You are observed to be busy during the Yuletide season. What do
14 ZEST / December 2010
time. Age has no bearing as long as you’re having fun. The adults are like kids. They’re all in on the party. Katie: Thank you Santa. Merry Christmas. Santa: My pleasure and Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!
Do you know...The Department Store Santa? Each year, shoppers are greeted by the sights of the holiday season at area stores. However, it’s an appearance by the man in red that really signifies the arrival of Christmas. Department stores count on Santa Claus to attract customers to pose for pictures and shop the day away. History suggests the department store Santa made his debut in 1841, when J.W. Parkinson, a Philadelphia merchant, hired a man to dress up in a “Kris Kringle” outfit and climb the chimney of his store. It wasn’t until forty years later that a Boston merchant repeated the idea, hiring a Scottish immigrant named Edgar, who happened to be tall and a little round around the middle and who boasted a white beard, a warm voice and a The folklore surrounding Santa Claus dates hearty laugh. back to the 4th century.
Cover Story Santa must be a good listener with an even better memory to keep track of the millions of gift requests he receives from children all over the world.
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Comfort Foods
Holiday cheer at the table Fruit 'n Spice Sweet Potatoes From Princella Sweet Potatoes Ingredients: • 1 can (40 ounces) Princella or Sugary Sam Cut Sweet Potatoes • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger • 1 cup raisins • 1 1/2 cups diced apples • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1/3 cup chopped and toasted pecans, optional Instructions: 1. In large pot combine sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. 2. Add raisins and mix well; heat to a simmer. 3. Combine diced apples and lemon juice; add to sweet potato mixture; simmer 5 minutes. 4. Before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans over each portion, if desired. Serves 10.
Glazed Ham With Pecan Crust From the National Pork Board Ingredients: • 1 10-pound cooked ham, bone in • 2 cups apple cider • 1 cup light brown sugar • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Insert meat thermometer into center of ham without touching bone. Place ham in baking dish and pour cider over. Roast in oven, basting with cider every 30 minutes for a total cooking time of 2 to 2 1/2 hours (12 to 15 minutes per pound) or until thermometer registers 140°F. 2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard and pecans. Remove ham from oven during the last 40 minutes and firmly pat the sugar pecan mixture all over the ham. Return to oven and continue roasting until crust is brown and ham is done. 3. Slice and serve with pan sauce. Some topping will fall into the sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to the ham. Makes 20 to 25 servings
Santa's Snickerdoodles with Raisins From Sun-Maid Growers of California Ingredients: • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened • 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar • 2 eggs • 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1-1/2 cups Sun-Maid Natural Raisins • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Instructions: 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease cookie sheets. 2. Combine butter and 1-1/2 cups sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs; blend well. 4. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt and add to butter mixture; mix well. Stir in raisins. 5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar and cinnamon mixture to coat. 6. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets and bake in upper third of oven 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 42 cookies.
16 ZEST / December 2010
Comfort Foods Excellent Eggnog Ingredients: • 8 large eggs • 2 1/4 cups superfine sugar • 8 ounces brandy • 8 ounces rum • 4 ounces bourbon • 1 quart milk • Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish Instructions: 1. Separate the eggs from the egg whites, setting the whites aside for a moment. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the yolks with a hand mixer until completely combined. Add the sugar and beat until it reaches a creamy consistency. 3. Add the brandy, rum and bourbon, and then the milk, beating well. 4. In a medium-size mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form (be sure before beating the whites that you have cleaned and thoroughly dried the beaters). 5. Fold the egg whites into the yolk, sugar and alcohol mixture. Refrigerate the mix until well chilled (at least three hours). You may also refrigerate it overnight if desired. 6. Stir to recombine as needed. Serve the eggnog in mugs, topping each serving with some nutmeg.
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ZEST / December 2010 17
Medicare Answers
Be alert for signs of fraud Dear Marci, I’ve been hearing a lot about Medicare fraud in the news. What can I do to prevent fraud? — Arianna Dear Arianna, Medicare fraud is when providers mislead Medicare into paying for services it shouldn’t pay for or paying more than it should pay. There are many ways you can prevent fraud: • Protect your Medicare number the same way you would protect your credit card number. Be careful about who you give your Medicare number to. Be especially wary of someone who promises to give you a free service in exchange for your Medicare number. • Know what Medicare covers and what Medicare does not cover. That way, you can question a provider who says you can get coverage for something Medicare doesn’t cover. • Only accept services you need. Some providers may try to talk you into getting tests or services you don’t need. Don’t let them. • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a provider says Medicare will pay for something that sounds too good to be true, such as a dance class, follow your instinct. Medicare probably won’t pay for it. The key to preventing fraud is to be aware. The more you know about what Medicare does and does not cover, the less likely you’ll be to fall into a fraud trap. If you lose your card or someone steals it, check your Medicare Summary Notice. Make sure you received all the services on the MSN and someone else has not added additional services to it. Also, be sure to only give your Medicare number to health care providers. If you spot fraud, you can report it to the Office of the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 800-4478477. — Marci
18 ZEST / December 2010
A sign of Medicare fraud is being billed for services not received. Dear Marci, I got my Medicare Summary Notice and there were charges for services I didn’t get. I called my doctor to ask about the charges. He said it was for services I received last year but was never charged for. I think he may be fraudulently billing Medicare. What can I do? — Mike Dear Mike, It sounds like your doctor might be fraudulently billing Medicare. Medicare fraud is when doctors or other providers mislead Medicare into paying when it shouldn’t be paying or paying more than it should. The following are considered Medicare fraud: • Billing Medicare for services you didn’t receive; • Billing Medicare for services that are different than the ones you received (usually more expensive); • Continuing to bill Medicare for rented durable medical equipment after you have returned it; • Offering or performing services that aren’t necessary in order to charge Medicare for more services
• Telling you Medicare will pay for something when it won’t; • Using another person’s Medicare number or card. You should always carefully review your Medicare Summary Notice to make sure all the charges are for services you actually received. If you’re in Original Medicare, you usually get an MSN four times a year. The MSN shows claims processed in the last three months. If you’re in a Medicare private health plan (sometimes called a Medicare Advantage plan) you should get an Explanation of Benefits that shows claims your plan processed each month. You did the right thing by first calling your doctor. Whenever you think there’s a mistake on a bill, you should always call your doctor, hospital or other provider first in case it was an honest mistake. If your doctor’s answer isn’t satisfactory to you, you should call your Medicare carrier at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 800-HHSTIPS (800-447-8477) to report possible fraud. Your identity will remain anonymous. Medicare fraud is illegal and it’s important to always report it. — Marci
Medicare Answers
What is Medicare fraud? Most Medicare payment errors are simple mistakes and are not the result of physicians, providers, or suppliers trying to take advantage of the Medicare system. If you have a question or concern regarding a Medicare claim, you should discuss it with your physician, provider, or supplier that provided the service. Medicare fraud is when doctors or other providers deceive Medicare into paying when it should not or paying more than it should. This is against the law and should be reported. Some types of fraud include: • Billing Medicare for services you never received • Billing Medicare for services that are different than the ones you received (usually more expensive) • Continuing to bill Medicare for rented medical equipment after you have returned it • Offering or performing services that you do not need in order to charge Medicare for more services • Telling you that Medicare will pay for something when it won’t • Using another person’s Medicare number or card.
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ZEST / December 2010 19
Wellness
Coffee drinking is good for the body and mind Dear Mayo Clinic: What are the current thoughts on coffee as to how it affects one’s health, good or bad? Answer: Over the past several years, research has busted some health myths about coffee. It doesn’t contribute to heart attacks, cancer or reduced bone density — all of which have been suspected in the past. We’ve learned that coffee, in moderation — perhaps one to two cups daily — isn’t bad for you. And in some cases, coffee seems to offer health benefits, perhaps the most noteworthy being a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. Many studies have shown that coffee decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes. One study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2004, showed this significant protective effect increased with coffee consumption up to six cups a day. The effect was similar for caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. This study and others on the health effects of coffee highlight that there’s more to coffee than caffeine. Where health benefits or risks have been documented, researchers don’t necessarily know what components in coffee are linked to the health effects. A “cup of joe” has up to 2,000 different components, including micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, niacin and vitamin E. Among coffee drinkers, coffee may be the largest food source of antioxidants — substances that protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Studies have documented coffee’s other health benefits in various areas: • Parkinson’s disease: A number of studies have shown that coffee drinkers benefit from a protective effect against Parkinson’s disease. • Asthma: Coffee may reduce asth-
20 ZEST / December 2010
ma symptoms. • Gallstones: Coffee may reduce gallstone formation. • Cognition: Coffee increases alertness. That’s why it’s the morning wake-up call for many people. Studies also have shown that coffee can improve cognitive performance. Results from at least four studies suggest that coffee drinkers have a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. • Mental health: Three studies have shown a decreased risk of suicide with moderate coffee consumption. The reason for this isn’t clear. • Liver disease: Coffee seems to offer a protective effect against liver disease including cancer, especially among those who drink alcohol. Before you rush to brew a pot of coffee, know that there are some side effects and potential health concerns from drinking coffee. Side effects can include jitteriness, insomnia and benign heart palpitations. The extent of the side effects varies by individual and the ability to metabolize caffeine. Some people forgo coffee in the afternoon because it causes insomnia. Others can have a coffee nightcap and sleep soundly. Side effects also can include loose stools and heartburn or reflux in people who are predisposed to those conditions. Coffee may worsen urinary symptoms for men with prostate problems. Occasional coffee drinkers may see an increase in their blood pressure after a cup of coffee. With regular consumption, tolerance develops and the blood pressure falls to previous levels. If you are going to drink coffee, it's probably best to enjoy it daily to avoid blood pressure spikes. Here’s another reason for consistency. If you skip a day, you’re likely to experience a withdrawal headache, since caffeine is slightly addictive. Another health concern is that cof-
Studies show that a cup or two of coffee each day can protect your health from many different ailments. fee in more than moderate amounts may affect a woman’s fertility and possibly contribute to miscarriage. Other negatives are that coffee decreases iron and calcium absorption. It also increases urinary calcium loss, but this can be offset by increasing calcium consumption. If you are not a coffee drinker, I wouldn’t suggest starting for the sake of better health. On the other hand, if you enjoy a daily cup or two of coffee and aren’t bothered by side effects, there’s no need to worry about serious health risks from coffee. And you may be sipping in some health benefits, too. — Donald Hensrud, M.D., Preventive and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Wellness
Tips to avoid cold and flu It’s cold and flu season again and here’s a refresher course on what you can do to keep healthy. Most people know colds are less severe than influenza, but they’re often unsure about specific symptoms. For example, the flu is often accompanied by a high fever (between 101 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit), and can cause extreme exhaustion that can last from two to three weeks. A cold usually lasts only a few days. If you’d like to avoid using up those sick days, here are some tips to help you avoid colds and flu.
Become a germ-a-phobe A little fastidiousness in areas of public hygiene can go a long way in avoiding illness this season. Put distance between you and anybody displaying symptoms like coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, using an alcohol-based sanitizing gel or wipe if water and soap aren’t available. To rid your hands of bacteria and viruses, rub your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds be sure that you reach every surface of you hands and finger nails. That is the amount of time it takes to recite the alphabet – or to sing the “Happy
When you must, admit defeat If you do contract a cold or flu, the best thing to do is stay home and avoid spreading it to others. Rest and plenty of fluids will help your recovery. Also take any medications prescribed by your doctor, such as antivirals. Different from antibiotics, antiviral drugs can shorten the time you are sick and prevent serious flu complications. For more tips, visit cdc.gov. –StatePoint
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Birthday” song twice. Frequently disinfect high hand-traffic items, such as doorknobs and keyboards. Be sure to get sufficient rest, exercise and eat right, including plenty of vegetables and fresh fruit. Foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, help maintain a healthy immune system. Most importantly, get your annual flu shot. This year for the first time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending everyone ages six months and older get the flu shot. However, remember it takes a few weeks after your shot to begin reaping flu-fighting benefits.
320-587-9432 ZEST / December 2010 21
Holiday Central
These gifts aim to please The Christmas countdown has begun, and the days are once again flying off the calendar like they do every year. With the number of shopping days dwindling, those who have not yet started shopping may feel pressed for time and worried they will not be able to find gifts for everyone on their lists. But good gifts can be found in the 11th hour. Here are some potential gift ideas to keep an eye out for this year.
Adults • Visit a liquor store for a bottle of wine in the price range desired. Wrap it in a wine bag or leave it as is with a nice bow. • Pick up passes to a local attraction, such as an amusement park or a museum. Put together tickets for a play paired with a soundtrack of the production. • Food is often appreciated. A box of fine chocolates or one of those edible fruit arrangements will be a tasteful, and tasty, gift. • Fill a large bowl with a scooper, sprinkles, cherries, and other toppings for making ice cream sundaes. • Pick a gift that embraces the holiday spirit. Holiday music, ornaments or table decorations can be used this year or next. • Birthstone jewelry, which allows mom or grandma to showcase all the kids’ birthstones. • A digital photo key chain. Some display as many as 100 digital pictures.
Children • Moon Dough: A less sticky version of Moon Sand that’s easier to cleanup. • Tickle Me Elmo: That loveable Elmo is back in an “extreme” version. He laughs, tells jokes and rolls to the ground in fits of laughter. • “Twilight” Action Figures: Based on the popular “Twilight” saga, these action figures are bound to be the next collectibles for kids. • Furby: Furby is back in an incar-
22 ZEST / December 2010
Christmas is right around the corner, so now is the time to find that perfect gift for friends and family. nation that reacts with true emotions thanks to new technology. • Dance Star Mickey: This Mickey Mouse doll dances, talks and moves. • Extreme Micro RC Helicopter: This infrared helicopter is the smallest on the market and can dart and fly around inside or outdoors. • Rock Band: The Beatles: Those who love previous incarnations of Rock Band and playing along to favorite songs will enjoy The Beatles version. • An art set for older children, full of paints and markers. If a complete set can’t be found, make an art package with a bunch of supplies packed into a gift bag. • An educational gift that is still fun, such as alphabet flash cards or puzzles. • A subscription to a children’s magazine would also work, seeing as children love getting mail. • A DVD of their favorite television characters. The DVDs should feature an age-appropriateness rating to make choosing one even easier.
Teenagers • Teenagers can be finicky, so a monetary gift will be one-size-fits-all. • Teenage girls may appreciate a gift basket of deliciously scented lotions. • Passes for movies can make date night less expensive. • Consider a gift card or e-gift coupon for digital music downloads. • Give a subscription to a teen magazine so that everyone can keep abreast of their favorite celebrities.
Green gifts • Water saving showerhead: Put together a gift basket of spa items, including body oils, sea salt scrubs, authentic loofa sponge, and a showerhead that conserves water. • Bamboo cutting board: Treat the consummate host or hostess to a bamboo cutting board that can easily double as a cheese and crackers platter. • Reusable travel mug: For the coffee fanatic, a personalized insulated travel mug can keep coffee warm.
Money
Tips on charitable giving Statistically speaking, Americans are extremely generous. One of the reasons that charitable giving has remained strong is the variety of options that exist for giving and the fact that many donations can be taken as tax deductions. Here are some of the most common convenient ways to give. • Write a check. Many organizations hold annual fundraising campaigns through the mail or the media. Writing them a check is still convenient for many people. It’s important to make sure, however, that the organization you’re supporting is legitimate. Never send money to an unfamiliar organization or one that seems suspect. • The gift of goods. Many people donate their used or unwanted items to charities, thrift shops, schools or shelters. These donations are typically tax-deductible, so ask for a receipt.
Donating money and goods helps many causes. • Shop for a cause. Today, many purchases can support charitable causes, from name-brand products linked to charitable organizations. Some major retailers make donations
to fight AIDS in Africa or give away a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. • Make a microloan. A number of organizations have been established in recent years that specialize in microlending – the making of small loans to individuals or small groups in impoverished areas to encourage entrepreneurship. • One-stop giving. Network for Good is an exciting and convenient resource for making charitable donations online. Its website (www.networkforgood.org) allows you to research and give to any of 1.5 million charities. • Wills. Many people designate gifts to charity in their wills. These bequests can be in the form of a specific amount of money, a portion of an estate, a particular asset, a trust or the naming of an organization as a beneficiary.
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ZEST / December 2010 23
Travel
Tips to stay safe during the winter driving season Winter traveling in Minnesota can be a great challenge for motorists. Conditions can change within a matter of miles on the same road, requiring travelers to adapt their driving to meet the road conditions. Weather-related accidents are some of the most prevalent. More than 500 fatalities were attributed to snowy, icy roads in the 20082009 winter season in the U.S. These can be largely prevented or reduced in severity if the proper driving techniques and survival methods are followed. The Minnesota Department of Transportation and AAA offer these tips.
Be Prepared • Pack your vehicle with winter survival kit that includes a cell phone, booster cables, road flares, a shovel, sleeping bag or blankets, mittens, stocking cap and boots, windshield scraper and tow rope. Also have flashlights, hand/foot warmer packets, first aid supplies, medications and high energy candy or snacks, brightly colored cloth to tie on vehicle’s antenna for help if stranded and a small metal container to melt snow for drinking water. • Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and time of arrival. • Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors. • Check current road conditions. MnDOT has a 24-hour phone line for current statewide road condition information.
Stay put • If you become stranded during a snowstorm, stay in your vehicle. Allow fresh air in your vehicle by leaving a downwind window slightly open to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. Also keep warm by allowing your blood to circulate freely. Loosen tight clothing and change positions frequently. Move your arms and legs. Massage fingers and toes.
Take your time • When driving in the snow, accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember, it takes longer to slow down on icy roads. It is also a good practice to increase your follow-
24 ZEST / December 2010
Drive carefully and take your time on winter roads. ing distance to eight to 10 seconds. • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. • Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly. • Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill. • If skidding is experienced, gently steer in the direction of the skid without applying the brakes. When traction is resumed, slow down and correct the car.
Maintain your vehicle It is important to make some modifications to a vehicle if driving on ice or snow. • At the least, proper tire inflation is important to maintain traction. Tires should also be checked for tread, as bald tires do little to grip the road. • Individuals who want even more protection should consider switching to snow tires for the winter. These tires are made from a softer rubber so they can better grip the road. They may also feature a different tire tread for even more traction. • Snow chains can be used to offer greater grip. However, speeds will have to be greatly reduced when chains are in place.
Humor Corner
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ZEST / December 2010 25
Puzzles
KING CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Army rank 6 Huge 9 Matterhorn, for one 12 Eat away 13 Tramcar contents 14 Knightly address 15 Trapshooting 16 “Alas!” 18 Motivated 20 Urban fleet 21 Tackle moguls 23 Listening device 24 Wheels of fortune? 25 Scull lineup 27 Hosiery fabric 29 Large constrictor 31 Zeroes 35 Precise 37 Campbell's product 38 Analyze 41 “- Wiedersehen”
26 ZEST / December 2010
43 44 45 47 49 52 53 54 55 56 57
Greek H Undo a dele Followed Slight footing Staffordshire ceramicware Shade provider Latin 101 word Norton's workplace In medias Supporting Meddler
DOWN 1 Month (Sp.) 2 Deluge refuge 3 2001 David Spade movie 4 Baltic Sea feeder 5 Fix a stubborn knot 6 Section of NYC, with "The" 7 Unyielding 8 “Golly!” 9 Black tea of India 10 People will bend over backward to do it
11 17 19 21 22 24 26 28 30 32 33 34 36 38 39 40 42 45 46 48 50 51
Fourth estate Cupcake enhancements Woman of letters? Bribe Bandleader Kyser Singer Rawls Scabbard Yoga position Anti-acne brand Square-dance party Historic boy king Resort Frankness Autumn bloom Filched Appears to be Persnickety Ticklish Muppet Duel tool Lummox P.I. Geologic period
All answers on page 29
All answers on page 29
Monuments and More!
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Puzzles
ZEST / December 2010 27
Calendar
Celebrate the holiday season DECEMBER
Dec. 2: Unforgettable Christmas, Hector. Activities include a visit from Santa and his friends and horse drawn rides.
Dec. 4: Hutchinson Downtown Christmas Celebration, Library Square in downtown Hutchinson. The day includes horse drawn rides and Santa. Dec. 4: Minnesota BoyChoir Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., Hutchinson High School Auditorium. Enjoy an evening of beautiful holiday, sacred and secular music.
Dec. 4: Forest City Pioneer Christmas, activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, a visit with Santa, Christmas caroling and old-fashioned ornament making.
28 ZEST / December 2010
Dec. 5: Crow River Singers Winter Concert 2010, 2-3 p.m. The Crow River Singers community choir will perform their Winter Holiday Concerts under the direction of Brian Brosz. Dec. 6-11: Holly Days Celebration, Glencoe. The celebration starts with the annual medallion hunt. Activities include Christmas at the Library and a Christmas Jubilee party with Santa & his reindeer. The Holly Days Parade, which is one of the largest lighted Christmas parades in the region, will be Dec. 11.
Puzzle Answers
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ZEST / December 2010 29
Last Word
Mohs serves with gladness By Kay Johnson
I
t’s not every Sunday that a volunteer gets recognized during a church worship service, but that’s what happened to Norb Mohs. Mohs was honored with the State American Legion Volunteer of the Year Award during Mass at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. “It (volunteering) makes me feel good,” he said. “I can understand why young people don’t volunteer. They’re busy raising a family, but for older people, it gives them something to do.” It seems fitting that the award presentation took place at Mohs’ church since it’s one of the many places he volunteers. Mohs also can be found lending a helping hand at Hutchinson American Legion Post 96, the Coffee Shop at Hutchinson Area Health Care, Common Cup Ministry, Fare for All and Kids Against Hunger. Mohs likes to bake and garden. Among his specialties —
STAFF PHOTOS BY KAY JOHNSON
Norb Mohs recently was honored with the State American Legion Volunteer of the Year Award. He often volunteers at the Hutchinson American Legion Post 96, Common Cup Ministry and Fare for All. 30 ZEST / December 2010
rosettes — a type of Scandinavian deep-fried holiday cookie. Last year, he made 500 dozen, many of which he donated to Legion spaghetti dinners and potlucks. “I have a big garden,” he said. “A lot of it I donate to the food shelf.” Another passion of Mohs is fishing. He can be found at the West Central Industries Thrift Store in Hutchinson looking for fishing poles, softballs, baseballs and gloves. He passes them along to kids who need them. Mohs didn’t get much of a chance to volunteer while working for 27 1/2 years at Kraft Food Co. in Albany,Minn. Remarkably, he never missed a single day of work. It wasn’t until he retired at 55 that he finally had the time. Volunteering also has helped Mohs and his wife, Noel, meet people in Hutchinson. The couple moved to town in 2003 to be closer to two of their three children — and grandchildren. If you’re interested in volunteering, Mohs recommends starting at your church. “It’s the easiest place,” he said.
Norb Mohs helped prepare a salad while volunteering at the coffee shop at Hutchinson Area Health Care.
GREAT GIFT IDEA! The Hutchinson Leader is pleased to bring you another wonderful community event just in time for the holiday season
Mark Johnson, Artistic Director Todd Price, Accompanist Enjoy an evening of beautiful holiday, sacred and secular music with the Minnesota Boychoir — featuring the Allegro and Cantabile Choirs.
3 When: Sat., December 4 3 Where: Hutchinson H.S. Auditorium 3 Time: Show begins at 7 p.m. Doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first served
3 Tickets on Sale NOW!
$12 including tax Available at the Hutchinson Leader or by calling 320-587-5000 with credit card
36 Washington Ave. W., Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-500 • hutchinsonleader.com
The Minnesota Boychoir was founded in 1962 and has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, The Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony, the Prague Philharmonic, Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” and touring Broadway companies, as well as performing national and international tours.
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ZEST / December 2010 31
Heart disease kills more
women and men
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Approximately half of these deaths occur suddenly, without prior symptoms. However, if the risk factors leading to a heart attack are identified early enough, 85% of sudden heart attacks may be prevented. Are you at risk? K Male over 45 or female over 55 K Family history of heart disease K History of tobacco use K High blood pressure K High cholesterol K Inactive lifestyle K Overweight K Diabetes If you checked two or more boxes, you may want to speak with your physician about cardiac calcium scoring. What’s cardiac calcium scoring? A computerized tomography (CT) scan — fast, easy and painless— presents a picture of calcified plaque. Your cardiac calcium “score,” along with other indicators, gives you an idea of your future risk for heart disease, while there’s still time to do something about it. Learn more at HutchinsonHealthCare.com/cardiac.html
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