ZesT
January 2011
50+ Living
Starting from scratch Baker Tony Marelic kneads commitment with variety
Caring for yourself Prevention starts with exercise and nutrition
Blazing a trail Ron Nicholson is an example of healthy living
Last Word Ken Merrill says farewell to the newsroom
Women talk about
everything. (Well, almost everything.)
Common and Treatable Incontinence and pelvic pain are common yet embarrassing. Many women suffer in silence – yet effective treatment is easier than you might think.
Relief through Physical Therapy Working with a specially trained physical therapist, you'll learn techniques that help with pelvic pain, bladder or bowel control, and pelvic prolapse. Services are provided in a confidential, comfortable setting. Options include education, biofeedback, electrical stimulation and specialized exercise instruction.
Questions? Don’t be embarrassed to ask. Consult your physician to see if pelvic therapy could help. Physical therapist Erin Sauter would be happy to answer your questions. Call Erin at (320) 484-4400 or email esauter@hahc-mn.org. We’re conveniently located at the Physical Rehabilitation Center in Plaza 15.
Hutchinson Area Health Care PHYSICAL REHABILITATION CENTER 320.484.4400 HutchinsonHealthCare.com 02363Z
2 ZEST / January 2011
Contents
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Health and happiness Hello, readers! Happy New Year! Essayist Charles Lamb once said “No one ever regarded the first of January with indifference.” This statement is evident in the numerous New Year’s resolutions made by millions across the globe and always near the top of the list is diet and exercise. January is the month we all vow to be healthier. In this issue of Zest, we are going to help you stick to those good intentions. Read on to learn about the basic steps to a healthier lifestyle. Our
January 2011 Vol. 1 No. 11 zestforlife.mn
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Opinion: Like to drive?
6
COVER STORY: Starting from scratch
10
Out and About: Baklund’s ducks on display
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FEATURE STORY: Caring for you
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FEATURE STORY: Ron Nicholson: Blazing a trail
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Medicare Answers: Premiums stay flat for most
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Medicare Answers: Medicare plan sign-up is now
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Wellness: Vitamin D is important
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Money: Reverse mortgages offer freedom and choice
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Money: An investment glossary
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Comfort Foods: ‘Tis the season to tailgate
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Comfort Foods: Chase the chill with soup
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Travel: Favorite domestic destinations revealed
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Puzzles
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Last Word: Ken Merrill bids newsroom farewell
special feature on preventive health touches on the ways to adopt a more nutritious diet, fit fitness into daily activities and stay connected in the community. Health professionals agree that these steps can add years to your life. Ron Nicholson is a role model for wellness. The 83-year-old revealed his health secrets to Zest. They include a bicycle, Sudoku puzzles and a garden. Read on to find out how those items combined to improve Nicholson’s quality of life. Quality is the name of the game for Tony Marelic. The longtime professional baker takes pride in making breads and cakes with only the freshest ingredients and avoids
preservatives of any kind. The results are baked goodies that practically melt in your mouth. 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 N. Sibley, Litchfield, MN 55355. Happy Reading!
Katie Winter
ZEST / January 2011 3
Opinion
Like to drive? Volunteer to deliver hot meals Thousands of meals are delivered each day in Minnesota thanks to Hot Meals on Wheels. Area outlets are often looking for drivers to deliver meals. According to Dee Powell, drivers are needed in the Hutchinson area now. The time commitment is no more than one hour per month. Powell says six teams with seven to eight people on each team rotate days. Meals are paid with donations. Those who can’t drive can donate
money for meals. Meals cost approximately $4 each. So, a donation of $100 would pay for about 25 meals. The program allows people to remain independent in their own homes. To learn more about delivering meals, consider contacting an office today: • In Litchfield, call Jerry Spencer at 320-373-6629. • In Hutchinson, call Dee Powell at 320-587-6067. For more information about the Hot Meals on Wheels program in the state, log on to www.meals-onwheels.com.
ZesT
LIFE CHANGES...BUT YOUR ADDRESS DOESN’T HAVE TO
Choice Control
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By Matt McMillan
Local Finds
Trail of the Painted Ponies Collector Series and Norwegian Trolls, Mugs & Gifts Available at Carly’s Shoes Main St., Hutchinson www.carlys-shoes.com Hours: Mon. 9:30-7:30, Tue.-Fri. 9:30-5:30, Sat. 10-4
Now, Look Here . . . The newest collection of writing from the Litchfield Area Writers Group is a 120-page book featuring 55 pieces written by 12 members of the group. Treat yourself or pick one up for the reader on your gift list. $10 Available at the Independent Review 217 Sibley Ave., N., Litchfield (320) 693-3266
Lost Hutchinson Fifty-eight structures lost to fire or the wrecking ball are featured in this 68-page book. Rare old photos offer a glimpse into pioneer life including gravel streets and wooden sidewalks. $19.95 Available at the Hutchinson Leader 36 Washington Ave. W., Hutchinson (320) 587-5000
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ZEST / January 2011 5
Cover Story
STAFF PHOTOS BY KATIE WINTER
Tony Marelic is a familiar and friendly face in the bakery department of Cash Wise Foods in Hutchinson.Twice a week he prepares an assortment of baked goods for customers.
Starting from scratch Baker Tony Marelic kneads commitment with variety 6 ZEST / January 2011
Cover Story By Katie Winter
F
ifty years ago Tony Marelic was a young Croatian immigrant seeking his slice of the American dream. He found it in slices of pie, cake and bread. For 48 years and counting, Marelic has made his living rolling dough and mixing cake batter. Most of those years, 38 to be precise, were spent at the Dassel Bake Shop. For the past decade, Hutchinson’s Cash Wise Foods bakery has been home. Baking is his passion and a talent that came naturally, but in November 1962 a career as a baker was the furthest thing from Marelic’s mind. “I said I was going to work for a little while until I make some money,” Marelic said. “Then I was going to move down to the city. But then month after month after month, I kind of liked the small town. Now here it is 48 years later, I’m still here.” Marelic took a circuitous and at times harrowing path to both Dassel and the bakery. Born in the tiny village of Cara on the Croatian island of Koraula, Marelic grew up surrounded by the consequences of World War II. At age 6, his father was killed, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings. There were no schools and jobs were scarce. At age 17, he enlisted with the Croatian Navy. His service time ended three years later. Marelic and a colleague soon “got in trouble” with the communist government and were forced to flee to Italy. “A friend and I got political asylum in Italy,” Marelic recalled. “We had
to go back to Italy and emigrate from there, wherever we like to go. So we signed up. We were going to go to Australia or we were going to go to United States. We got visas to go to (both), so we decided to come here.“ They were placed in Cleveland, Ohio, where they subsisted on $20 a month and raw bacon sandwiches – cuisine a far cry from that Marelic would be making only a few months later. After an invitation from a relative in Hibbing, Minn., Marelic moved to Minnesota. He worked in his cousin’s St. Cloud pizza parlor before taking the baker’s job in Dassel. “I started at 3 a.m., then
I don’t go home until I’m done. So sometimes on a busy day, I worked 10, 11, sometimes 12 hours,“ Marelic said. “I got paid every two weeks. My first check I took home was $55. Oh I was so excited because I never seen that much money in my life. I was really excited.“ Those first days at the Dassel Bake Shop were some of the most instrumental and instructional in Marelic’s life. “Before I started working in Dassel, I never worked in the baking business before,” Marelic said. “I couldn’t speak much English. It was tough because I had to learn the language and I had to learn
how to do the job. It was tough.“ Now, twice a week, Marelic uses the kitchen at Cash Wise Foods bakery to make his treats. It is a part-time gig that keeps him active and in touch with many loyal customers from Dassel. In the afternoons, Marelic hands out samples of jellyrolls, garlic toast and cookies to shoppers as they pass. As those shoppers stop at the table, they are greeted with Marelic’s warm smile and urging to try something. As much as he loves baking, seeing people enjoy his food brings Marelic equal pleasure. “It worked out perfect for me,” Marelic said. “I could
Tony Marelic entered the baking business humbly in 1962 as a young Croatian immigrant with no baking experience. Now 48 years later, he can make dozens of recipes from memory. ZEST / January 2011 7
Cover Story not ask for better. Cash Wise are fantastic people. They are friendly and treat me very nice. I really enjoy every second. Every morning I go, I feel happy to go to work because I know I’m going to have a good day.” During the last half of century, Marelic has soaked up a wealth of information that has rendered his brain a venerable cookbook of delicious baked goods. He bakes everything from memory, without the aid of recipes. He can recall the exact baking temperatures and ingredient proportions strictly from memory. He also does not rely on timers to know when something is done. He only has to look at a baking loaf of bread or cake to known when to pull it out of the oven. “I never went to school for baking,” Marelic said. “I was making stuff and would remember everything. This was how I learned. So today, whatever I do I never look in book because I have everything up here. I think my memory is very, very good. Even if I have not made that in years, I still remember it.” The assortment of baked goods Marelic can flawlessly create from memory range from rye bread and cowboy cookies to coffee cakes and doughnuts. All are made from scratch with fresh ingredients and no preservatives. No matter what other bakers are doing, he sticks to his origins. He thinks chemicals have no place in baking. “I don’t use preservatives,“ Marelic said. “Everything is natural. What we put into our mouth goes into our body. If you keep putting bad gasoline into an engine, guess what’s going to happen? The engine is going to go bad. Whatever I do, I make if from scratch and I make it fresh. This I’ve been doing all my life and I’ll never change it.” Marelic has no plans to hang up his apron anytime soon, either. He’s grateful for the opportunity to do what he loves. “I never think I was going to be in the baking business this long.” he said. “As long as I’m able to do it, I’m going to do it. And if I cannot do it no more then that’s that.”
8 ZEST / January 2011
Tony Marelic has mastered the art of baking several varieties of bread. Each loaf is baked fresh that morning.
Tony’s Mexican Wedding Cakes Tony Marelic shared his favorite recipe for one of his favorite treats. This recipe for Mexican Wedding Cakes makes 45 cookies. Ingredients: • 3/4 lbs powdered sugar • 3/8 oz salt • 1.5 lbs margarine • 1.5 lbs bread flour • 1 egg • 4.5 oz walnuts • 1/2 oz run flavoring Preparation: 1. Cream together powdered sugar, salt, margarine and rum flavoring. Stir for four minutes. 2. Mix in eggs. 3. Add bread flour and walnuts. Stir for one minute. 4. Drop cookies on a sheet pan. Each cookie should be the size of a 50-cent piece. 5. Bake at 350ºF for eight minutes. 6. Finish by sprinkling with powdered sugar.
Cover Story Tony Marelic is always happy to explain what goes into his breads and cakes. He is insistent on only using fresh ingredients, no preservatives and lots of butter.
Monuments and More! BEFORE
AFTER
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320-693-5902 East Highway 12, Darwin, MN darwinmonument.com
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ZEST / January 2011 9
Out and About
Baklund’s ducks on display Joshua Baklund, a Hutchinson photographer is the featured artist on the cover of the 2011 Ducks Unlimited calendar. His "Mallards in Flight" (left) was chosen for the calendar because it best depicted the organizations mission.The calendar is sent out to 350,000 people and is available to order for $20 by visiting www.ducks.org or calling 800-4538257. BY JOSHUA BAKLUND
Now Featuring
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Independence. Community. Security. For information or to arrange a tour, call Berit Spors at 320-234-0865
The Oaks & The Pines 10 ZEST / January 2011
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The Senior Community of Hutchinson
Out and About Often to get the perfect shot such as "Married Couple (left), Baklund has to endure minus 20degree weather. He began taking wildlife photos five years and said being featured by Ducks Unlimited is a "huge honor." To view more of his work, visit www.pbase.com/joshu abaklund
BY JOSHUA BAKLUND
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Regional Eye Specialists OPHTHALMOLOGY/ OPTOMETRY
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QUALITY EYEWEAR/ PERSONAL EYECARE Amy J. Nyquist, O.D.
ZEST / January 2011 11
Feature Story
Caring for yourself Prevent illness with exercise and nutrition
12 ZEST / January 2011
Feature Story By Katie Winter
W
e all know we won’t live forever, but there are ways to live longer. Health professionals recently shed light on the value of exercise, healthy eating and social interaction in combating diseases often associated with aging. “Preventative is always a much better route to go than being reactive,” said Pam Bagley, health educator and SHIP coordinator for Meeker County Public Health. Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, obesity, arthritis and certain cancers appear more often later in life. Linda Larson, a public health nurse with Meeker County, said she handles cases of osteoporosis, joint disease, diabetes and even depression frequently among the area’s aging population. These conditions are not only burdensome for the patients, but they also take their toll on the wallet. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in 2005 the cost to treat the nation’s 10 most expensive medical conditions hit $500 billion. Data released by the agency in 2007, listed cancer as the most expensive. Heart conditions followed in the No. 2 spot. Other conditions making the list were mental illnesses, including depression, diabetes and osteoarthritis. “As our population gets older, there’s going to be a greater need,” Bagley said. “We don’t necessarily have the health care in place to meet that growing need. Prevention is going to cost us less. It’s going to have a lesser burden on our health care.”
Health experts agree that the keystones to wellness are physical activity, nutrition and social interaction. Incorporating that wellness trifecta into daily life can lead to great strides toward preventing most serious and minor ailments. “Diet and exercise are the biggest for everything,” said McLeod County public health nurse Reneé Kotlarz. “The younger you start the better, but it’s never too late to make changes.” So where exactly does one start when making a lifestyle change? “Your primary health care provider is a great starting point,” Kotlarz said. “If you haven’t had a physical in a while, you probably should have one, so you can see if there are any problems already. Generally an annual visit with your doctor to do a top-to-bottom check (is recommended). They then have the chance to help you prevent stuff or catch things early. If you’re going to have a chronic disease, the earlier you catch it the better control you can have over it, especially diabetes and heart disease.”
Eat your vegetables According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the health consequences of obesity run the gamut from high blood pressure and diabetes to osteoarthritis and even cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight starts with simple dietary changes, like eating healthy snacks, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate protein, Bagley said. “It’s about getting back to the basics,” Bagley said. “It’s cutting out the processed food and limiting your portions.” Water and protein-rich foods are two important components to a healthy diet and weight. Water is one of the essential nutrients the body needs. It is capable of cleansing our insides, reducing hunger and stopping aches and pains. Likewise, foods rich in protein help the body build bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Consuming the recommended amounts of both can ease the transition into nutritious diet. “A lot of times people confuse being hungry with actually being
The starting line One reason for all this emphasis on wellness is the country’s rapidly aging population. Life expectancy has soared to 79.9 years. Baby boomers currently have a 50 percent chance of being alive at 85. Many could be centenarians, making health crucial to quality of life.
STAFF PHOTOS BY KATIE WINTER
Pam Bagley and Linda Larson both with Meeker County Public Health encourage making walking a part of a healthy lifestyle. ZEST / January 2011 13
Feature Story thirsty,” Bagley said, “so always make sure you are hydrated. Make sure you’re getting adequate protein because protein is going to satisfy that hunger and make you feel fuller longer. Where as if you’re eating carbs or sugar, you’ll get that spike in your blood sugar but you’ll be hungry again soon after.” Often eating healthier means trying new and unfamiliar foods that may take some getting used to, Larson said. She recommends easing into the switch. For example, she said if whole grain pasta does not appeal, then try mixing up a meal that has a combination of regular and whole grain pasta. “You cannot make big changes overnight,” Larson said. “It takes at least six weeks to change a habit. Changing one thing at a time is the easiest.” The ideal healthy diet should include the daily recommendations of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and all foods in moderation. Achieving this may require some creativity. Some top tips include grating a carrot into soups or tomato sauces, putting a tomato on a sandwich, or when dining out, consider ordering a kid’s portion or sharing a meal with another person. “I always try to tell people to flip their way of thinking,” Bagley said. “Instead of thinking about what they shouldn’t be eating, they should be thinking more about what they should be eating. If you’re really focusing on getting five fruits and vegetables in a day, you’re not thinking about what you can’t have.”
Get moving Older adults often find fitness activities worrisome due to chronic health conditions or concerns about injury or falls. But, regardless of age or physical fitness, exercise still has its benefits. Reaping the rewards of exercise does not require strenuous workouts. “Walking is often good for anyone,” Kotlarz said. “There are places where you can go to walk inside. You can march in place at home. You don’t have to have a lot of fancy equipment. You can fit a lot of stuff into your daily routine. Park further away or take the stairs instead of an elevator.” Many communities in McLeod and Meeker counties have places conducive to a walking regime. In Hutchinson, the mall walkers program offers the space and protection from the elements, necessary for yearround exercise in Minnesota. The high schools in Litchfield, Hutchinson, Glencoe and Dassel-Cokato have similar services available. The USDA dietary guidelines encourage 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day to cut down the risk of certain diseases. Exercise also has other benefits such as improved balance, mobility and mental health. The time spent exercising can be divided up throughout the day. It’s the accumulated total that’s important. Three to six 10-minute bouts over the course of a day will do the trick, according to the guidelines. The secret to exercise success is finding an activity that is enjoyable.
14 ZEST / January 2011
Reneé Kotlarz is a nurse with Public Health Nursing Service. Her top wellness tip is to eat a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables. “You need to decide what you like to do,” Larson said, “then try to see how that can work in (to a program). If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick to it.”
Staying connected “You don’t stop learning when you grow old, you grow old when you stop learning,” Larson said. This is a motto that Larson tries to stress to her older clients. She said learning is widely recognized as an important factor in keeping a person’s mind active and agile. The focus of many community education classes, clubs and groups is to bring people together through lifelong learning activities. Senior dining sites and volunteer opportunities are prime examples of ways to stay connected. “There’s always opportunities in the community,” Kotlarz said. “There are civic groups to be involved in. There is volunteering. There are lots of needs out there that seniors can fill. Staying connected to people, staying active in mind and body is going to help improve your quality of life and often your health.” A new survey released by United Healthcare and Volunteer Match found that 68 percent of those who volunteered in the past year report that volunteering has made them feel physically healthier. The survey of more than 4,500 American adults identified some of the key health benefits of volunteering. Of
Feature Story the volunteers, 84 percent agreed that volunteering improves physical health, and 95 percent agreed that volunteering also improves emotional health. Additionally, 96 percent of volunteers agreed that volunteering makes people happier. According to the survey, volunteering appears to correspond to a healthier Body Mass Index, with 31 percent of volunteers identified as obese when compared to nonvolunteers at 36 percent. Twenty-nine percent of volunteers who suffer from a chronic condition say that volunteering has helped them manage a chronic illness. “I think it always brings enhanced mental health when they think they’re really making a difference,” Bagley said.
A personal choice The motivating factor for being healthy varies from person to person. For some, it’s family and friends. For others, improved mobility and a better quality of life are the impetuous. In the end, though, Larson said lifestyle choices boil down to individual happiness. “You do not meet a lot of very sick people who are happy,” Larson said. “I think you need to decide what works for you and never give up.”
Local Resources: Meeker County Public Health 114 North Holcombe Avenue, Suite 250, Litchfield Agency phone: 320-693-5370 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday McLeod County Public Health Nursing Service 805 Ford Avenue North Suite 200, Glencoe Agency phone: 320-864-3185
Recommended web sites: • National Library of Medicine www.medlineplus.gov • National Institute on Aging www.nia.nih.gov • National Institutes of Health www.nih.gov • U.S. Department of Agriculture www.mypyramid.gov
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641 Parker Ave. W.
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ZEST / January 2011 15
Feature Story
Blazing a trail Ron Nicholson is a promoter of exercise and an example of healthy living
STAFF PHOTO BY KATIE WINTER
Litchfield's Ron Nicholson is a founding member of the T.R.A.I.L. Project, a group working to create pedestrian and bike paths for the community. By Katie Winter
W
hether he’s cycling in support of multiple sclerosis or harvesting fresh garden vegetables, Ron Nicholson keeps himself active and healthy. His lifestyle choices are born out of a philosophy that has kept him in shape for 83 years. “I feel I’ve been given one body and I’m going to take as good of care of it as I can,” the Litchfield resident said. As ailments – such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis – sideline baby boomers, aging healthily and preventing illness has become a major priority among older adults. Community centers and health care providers are reaching out to the older set with fitness
16 ZEST / January 2011
classes, nutrition education and health screenings and participation numbers are climbing. Nicholson sees this as a move in a positive direction. “I just feel very committed to the safety and the health of the kids, adults and we seniors, too,” Nicholson said. “So keep exercising and eat right. I think those are very essential.” Nicholson’s own personal healthy lifestyle has evolved into a passion to promote a fit community. In 2005, the retired school counselor, created the T.R.A.I.L. Project, a group of citizens whose goal is to develop a trail system that will improve bicycle and walking routes to move people throughout Litchfield. The project’s aim is to create community trails for health and safety.
Feature Story “The trails are more user-friendly,” Nicholson said. “The goal is to promote trail development and provide for their establishment, which will ensure safe, convenient and enjoyable transportation and recreation opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists.” The health benefits of Nicholson’s endeavor caught the eye of Pam Bagley, SHIP coordinator with the Meeker County Public Health Department. Because of the health benefits provided by biking and walking, the T. R. A. I. L. program received a stipend from the Statewide Health Initiative Program grant through the Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services to combat chronic disease and promote a healthier lifestyle. Nicholson said the community’s response to the project has been supportive and even led to offshoot projects, such as the walking school bus. The walking bus – where volunteers walk a group of children to school each Wednesday morning – is coordinated by Litchfield High School student Olivia Wicklund. The “bus” uses one of the T.R.A.I.L. Projects major achievements, a paved path from the Capwood Addition to near the Litchfield Civic Arena. Nicholson is pleased to see young people encouraging an active lifestyle, especially with the rise in childhood obesity. According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and
Hearing less of life? We can help. Hutchinson Center for Hearing 100 Washington Ave. E., Hutchinson 320-234-6825
Litchfield Center for Hearing 32 E. 2nd St., Litchfield 320-593-0885
Prevention, the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years, and puts children at risk for health problems. It also puts them at risk of becoming overweight or obese adults, adding heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer and osteoarthritis to future health risks. “When you look at our kids nowadays, we have too many that are inactive,” Nicholson said. “That’s a big health concern.” Nicholson also has increased his activity level by signing up to accompany the walking school bus once a month. The total route is 1.4 miles and puts Nicholson well on his way to achieving his 10,000 steps a day goal. He also is an avid cyclist, accumulating several hundred miles a year. “I bike all of the time and I walk,” Nicholson said. “I have a pedometer. My goal is 10,000 steps a day, which is about five miles. That’s a personal goal. I try to stay in as good a condition as I can.” Nicholson and his wife, Gladys try to make wellness a regular part of their days. They have three tried and true fitness favorites – gardening, healthy eating and brain teasers. “I love to garden,” Nicholson said. “I think it’s a healthy activity. It’s not only getting down, bending, straightening up, digging, planting and harvesting, but then the end result is the product you grow. So that’s healthy nutrition along with it.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making the effort to eat right is one of the top ways to stave off the effects of aging. The daily recommendations for adults 50 years or older are three servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products, three ounces of whole-grain products and an abundant variety of fruits and vegetables. Nicholson said he works hard to follow the health rules. “We eat healthy, Gladys and I,” Nicholson said. “She is an excellent cook. We get lots of fruits and vegetables. We both like them and eat them regularly.” While gardening and a nourishing diet are beneficial to the body, Nicholson does not neglect the most important muscle of all – the mind. He exercises his brain with extensive reading, civic and church activities and a daily Soduku puzzle. “The mind to me is the same as the body. If you don’t use it, you’re going to lose it,” Nicholson said. “Not only do I want to keep my body healthy and active, I want to keep my mind healthy and active. So I try to keep mentally fit.” Making the choice and putting forth the effort to be healthy is not always simple or without its challenges. However, with the right mindset, support from family or friends and old fashioned hard work, the rewards can be many. And Nicholson can testify to that. “I feel the only thing I can control is my attitude,” Nicholson said. “You adopt an attitude that says I can do this. I want to keep my health as long as I can and if that involves exercise and proper eating then so be it.”
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ZEST / January 2011 17
Feature Story
Screenings may detect hidden health problems “How often should I visit my doctor?” It’s a question asked often by older adults. The answer can vary based on age, gender and health. Most health professional agree that regular physical exams and health screening test are an important part of preventative health care. The earlier a problem is detected and diagnosed, the earlier it can be successfully treated or managed. Screenings are a critical part of protecting our health. But which tests do we really need, and when? And how do we weigh their benefits against any risks? These screenings are recommended for people age 50 and older on a routine basis. The list is based on guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of experts in prevention and medicine that issues advice. Under health care reform law, people in original Medicare will receive free preventive screenings starting this month and most Medicare Advantage plans already offer this benefit. You should also ask your health care provider about vaccinations for flu, pneumonia and tetanus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every year. Adults age 65 and older also should consider a pneumonia vaccine. Most people need to get the shot only once. However some older people may need a booster; check with your doctor to find out if this is necessary. The vaccine typically lasts up to 10 years and protects against almost all of the bacteria that cause pneumonia and related illnesses.
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Provident works with Medicaid, Private Pay and some insurances.
Medicare Answers
Dear Oren, Part B is Medicare’s outpatient insurance. You must pay a premium, or monthly fee, to have Part B. The standard premium will go up to $115.40 in 2011, but this increase won’t affect most people. Most people will pay the same premium they paid in 2010. There will actually be three Part B premium amounts in 2011. Which one you pay depends on when you got Part B, whether your premium is taken out of your Social Security check, and your income. It might seem strange that you pay a different Part B premium than someone else for the same coverage. This happens because federal law says your Social Security check can’t decrease as a result of your Part B premium going up. This is called the “hold harmless provision.” Since your Social Security benefits won’t increase for 2011, that means your Part B premium also can’t go up if you get the premium automatically deducted from your Social Security check. Raising your premium would cause your Social Security check to shrink, which the hold harmless provision doesn’t allow. This is the second year in a row that “hold harmless” applies to most people with Medicare because there’s no increase to Social Security benefits. The result is that most people will keep paying the 2009 standard premium amount. Others will pay the 2010 or the 2011 standard amount. If you’ve had your Part B premium deducted from your Social Security check since December 2009 or earlier, you’ll pay $96.40 per month in 2011. If you started getting your Part B premium deducted from your Social Security check in 2010, you’ll pay $110.50 per month in 2011. You fall into this category if you signed up for Part B in 2010 and have been getting your premium deducted from your Social Security check. If you sign up for Part B in 2011 or do not have your premiums withheld from your social security check, you’ll pay $115.40 per month. The exception to this rule is people with higher incomes. Individuals with incomes at or above $85,000 and couples with incomes at or above $170,000 pay more for Part B and aren’t held harmless. Their premiums will increase in 2011. If your income and assets are below certain limits there are programs called Medicare Savings Programs that can pay your Part B premium. — Marci
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ZEST / January 2011 19
Social Security News
New social security withdrawal rules in effect The Social Security Administration recently published final rules, effective immediately, that limit the time period for beneficiaries to withdraw an application for retirement benefits to within 12 months of the first month of entitlement and to one withdrawal per lifetime. In addition, beneficiaries entitled to retirement benefits may voluntarily suspend benefits only for the months beginning after the month in which the request
is made. The agency is changing its withdrawal policy because recent media articles have promoted the use of the current policy as a means for retired beneficiaries to acquire an “interest-free loan.” However, this “free loan” costs the Social Security Trust Fund the use of money during the period the beneficiary is receiving benefits with the intent of later withdrawing the application and the interest
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earned on these funds. The processing of these withdrawal applications is also a poor use of the agency’s limited administrative resources in a time of fiscal austerity – resources that could be better used to serve the millions of Americans who need Social Security’s services. Although the new rules are effective immediately, the agency is providing for a 60-day public comment period. The agency will consider any relevant com-
ments received and publish another final rule to respond to comments and to make any appropriate changes to the rule. Social Security recommends that comments be submitted via the Internet. To view the new rule or to comment, visit the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov and use the search function to find docket number SSA2009-0073.
Wellness
Vitamin D is important Dear Mayo Clinic: At my last checkup, my blood work showed a vitamin D deficiency. My doctor recommended a vitamin D supplement but didn’t say how much to take. I’m a healthy 51year-old woman and eat a well-balanced diet. How much vitamin D do I need? Answer: It’s well established that vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and helps keep bones strong. There’s also evidence that vitamin D helps reduce the risk of common cancers, muscle and joint pain and perhaps even multiple sclerosis. Given the importance of vitamin D — and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency — it’s good your doctor checked your vitamin D levels. For adults, the current recommended daily allowance for vitamin D ranges from 200 to 600 international units, depending on your age. For someone who’s 51, the recommendation is 400 IU. However, many experts now say that adults should consume 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily. But before taking more than the recommended daily allowance, double check with your doctor. Taking doses higher than 2,000 IU per day can be harmful except in unusual cases.
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For some people, it’s difficult to get these higher amounts of vitamin D from the usual sources, which are diet and sunshine. Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because your body can produce it when you are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. If you aren’t outside much, have dark skin or live in a northern climate, the sunshine factor is not enough. A few foods are good sources of vitamin D — fortified dairy products as well as salmon, tuna and mackerel. A cup of fortified milk offers about 100 IU of vitamin D. Salmon offers about 650 IU of vitamin D. Most people won’t eat enough of these foods every day to reach the recommended amount. That’s where supplements come in. For your age and situation, a supplement that includes both calcium and vitamin D may be a good idea. Many women enter menopause in their early 50s, which is a time of more rapid bone loss. This is why the recommended daily allowance for calcium and vitamin D increases at age 50. Once you’ve gotten the ok from your doctor, consider a supplement that includes 500 to 600 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D and take it twice a day.
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ZEST / January 2011 21
Money
Reverse mortgages offer freedom and choices I
f you’re like most homeowners, you’ve taken care of your house over the years; now, it seems, your house may help take care of you. It’s due to the reverse mortgage, a government-insured home loan program that lets those 62 and older leverage the equity in their house while eliminating monthly mortgage payments.
How it works It works like this: A portion of the equity in the home is converted to tax-free cash. The homeowner no longer makes a monthly payment but continues to pay any applicable taxes and insurance. When the home is sold, the proceeds go toward paying off the reverse mortgage and any remaining cash is kept by the former homeowner. There are some restrictions, such as the youngest homeowner must be 62 years of age and have equity in the house. However, unlike traditional, forward mortgages, credit scores and income requirements are not a factor with reverse mortgages. “Reverse mortgages are a fantastic option for folks 62 or older with equity in their house,” said Jay Farner, CEO of One Reverse Mortgage, a leading national reverse mortgage lender. “However, there are a number of misconceptions that keep some people from seriously considering a reverse mortgage.”
Truth vs. myth The largest concern people considering a reverse mortgage have seems to be that the bank or government will own their home. That belief is totally false. “I had heard that the government would own my home and I was afraid I’d have to give out too much personal information,” said Ann Medeiros, 63. “But I was completely wrong. My
22 ZEST / January 2011
A reverse mortgage can help a person age in place.
home needed a lot of repairs and I was able to make them with the money from my reverse mortgage. Now I’ll be able to continue to live in this home for the rest of my life.” Many Americans are finding that reverse mortgages allow them to supplement retirement accounts that have been dwindling since the economic downturn. “We’ve been able to help clients defer taking their Social Security benefits, postpone IRA and 401(k) disbursements, and even had cases
where homeowners were days away from losing their house and, through a reverse mortgage, were able to not only keep their home but eliminate a monthly payment and have tax-free cash for future expenses,” Farner added. If you feel like you might benefit from a reverse mortgage, find a reputable lender who will take the time to understand your financial position and goals and give you an honest opinion. Reverse mortgages are just one of many options.
Money
An investment glossary Financial jargon can make making smart economic decisions a challenge. It’s important to know the lingo associated with financial planning. 401(k): In the United States, a retirement plan where money is diverted into an account and then invested. Current income tax is deferred until the money is withdrawn upon maturity. Amortization schedule: A comprehensive schedule of payments determining the breakdown of the mortgage amount, interest, principle received and balance due through each period of the loan until the loan balance reaches zero. Annuity: A stream of fixed payments that is generally paid as part of a life insurance policy or retirement fund. Dividend: A portion of a company’s profit paid to common and preferred
Understanding financial jargon can make saving money easier. shareholders. The dividend is paid in a fixed amount for each share of stock held, whether in cash or more stock. Hedge fund: An aggressive invest-
ment fund generally open to a limited number of investors. IRA: Individual Retirement Accounts were initially set up in 1974 to provide a retirement option for individuals who were not covered by an employer-sponsored plan. Eventually it was opened up so anyone under age 70 could donate up to a certain amount of income a year. Liquidity: The ability to turn assets into cash without losing a lot of value. Longevity risk: The risk a pension fund or life insurance company takes on when offering its plans, due to the increasing life expectancy rate. Rollover: This term is used for moving a retirement plan into a different one, generally when leaving a job. Usually there is a set time period in which the rollover must occur so that a penalty isn’t issued.
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Comfort Foods
Tis the season to tailgate Buffalo Chicken Breast Sandwiches
Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix
From Chronicle Books
From General Mills - Chex Ingredients: • 9 cups Corn, Rice or Wheat Chex cereal • 2 cups bite-size pretzel twists • 2 cups bite-size cheese crackers • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted • 1 package (1 ounce) ranch dressing and seasoning mix • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredients: • 6 boneless chicken breast halves • Your favorite barbecue rub • 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce • 1/4 cup (2 ounces) butter, melted • 6 sandwich rolls • 1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese • 1 cup finely chopped celery Instructions: 1. Prepare grill for cooking over direct medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts lightly with rub. Grill for about 5 minutes per side, or to an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove chicken to a plate. 2. In medium bowl, mix together hot sauce and melted butter. Dip each chicken breast in hot sauce mixture and transfer it to a rack to drain for just a minute. Transfer chicken to rolls and top each with an equal portion of cheese and celery. Makes 6 sandwiches.
Instructions: 1. In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal, pretzels and crackers. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated. 2. Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring each minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.
Smoked Cheddar Double-Baked Potatoes From Chronicle Books Ingredients: • 4 large baking potatoes • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 5 tablespoons butter, divided • 2 bunches green onions, white and light green parts only, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 tablespoons heavy cream • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • Paprika, as needed Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Wash potatoes, poke a few holes in them, and rub with oil. Bake for 1 hour, or until tender. Let them cool for 30 minutes. 3. Meanwhile in small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until onions are soft. Set aside. Slice top off potatoes and scoop out the pulp into medium bowl. Set skins aside. With potato masher, crush potato pulp. Add onion mixture, cream, salt and pepper, and mix well. Add cheese and fold gently until mixed well. Spoon potato mixture back into shells. Sprinkle lightly with paprika. Put potatoes on a baking sheet and return to oven for 15 minutes, or until hot. Makes 4 servings.
24 ZEST / January 2011
Comfort Foods
Chase the chill with soup Ingredients: • 2 lbs. stew meat • 5 cups beef broth • Salt and pepper • 6 carrots, cut in 1/2 inch pieces • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered • 1 bay leaf • 2 onions cut in wedges • 1/2 tsp. basil • 3/4 tsp. thyme Instructions: Cook meat, broth, bay leaf, onion and salt and pepper till tender. Add rest and cook till tender again. Mix flour and water to thicken.
• Ring of kielbasa, sliced • 1 green pepper, chopped • Salt and pepper • 1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning • 2 stalks celery, sliced • 2 cups chicken broth • Raw cleaned shrimp or cleaned frozen shrimp Instructions: Mix all together, except shrimp and cook for four hours. When ready to serve, thicken with cornstarch and add shrimp. Can serve over rice or add cooked rice to above.
Warm up a cold winter day with a bowl of hearty stew.
Jambalaya Ingredients: • 1 onion, chopped • 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes • 1 lb. boneless chicken thighs, cut up
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ZEST / January 2011 25
Travel
Favorite domestic destinations revealed C
oinciding with the recent recession, the travel industry has fallen to all-time lows in the past couple of years, as money-conscious Americans have cut back on discretionary spending. According to the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index, a bi-annual report of hotel prices in major city destinations across the globe, the price of a hotel room rose 2 percent in the second quarter of 2010, the first such increase since 2007. While that’s good news for hoteliers, it’s also good news for travelers, as hotel rates have only risen to the levels found in 2004. This means, on average, hotels are at an affordable, low rate, which helps Americans slowly pry themselves away from the “staycation” phase of the past few years. “The economy is just starting to regain its footing, which means now is the ideal time to book travel, while demand is still low and before prices continue to rise,” said Victor Owens, vice president, North America at Hotels.com. “We are seeing signs that hoteliers are increasingly optimistic about the state of the market which may indicate an upward trend.” Owens also added that over the past several quarters hoteliers have become creative in attracting customers by adding specials, deals, perks and complimentary breakfasts to already discounted rates, a trend not likely to wane in the near future. With such bargains to seize, the Hotels.com 2010 Hotel Price Index reported the top 10 domestic destinations for U.S. travelers looking to make the most of their next vacations.
1. Las Vegas, Nev. – The most popular domestic destination for U.S. travelers, Las Vegas proved a great bargain as well. According to the HPI, the average price per room per night in Las Vegas in the second quarter of 2010 was just $84, an 8 percent decrease from the same period in 2009. 2. New York, N.Y. – Though it might be impossible for many people to associate the word “affordable” with New York City, hotel prices in the second quarter of 2010 dipped 14 percent from those in 2009, dipping below $200 to $196 per room per night. 3. Orlando, Fla. – The home to Disney witnessed a more modest dip in prices between 2009 and 2010, from $88 per room per night to $87, but still remains a bargain for families. 4. Chicago, Ill. – The Windy City remains a popular locale for U.S. travelers and prices held steady from 2009 to 2010. 5. San Francisco, Calif. – Few American cities are
26 ZEST / January 2011
The Hotels.com bi-annual Hotel Price Index reports hotel prices are up 2 percent since last year. more beloved than the City By the Bay, which saw prices drop 3 percent in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the same period a year earlier. 6. San Diego, Calif. – Another idyllic West Coast favorite, San Diego warms hearts with beaches adults love and SeaWorld – which no child can resist. While hotel prices slightly increased in the second quarter of 2010, the $124 per room, per night average remains affordable. 7. Los Angeles, Calif. – Just up the coast from San Diego is Los Angeles, home to Hollywood glitz and glamour as well as gorgeous beaches and plenty of tourist attractions. Tourists who took in all the City of Angels has to offer in the second quarter of 2010 spent just $125 per room, per night, a 2 percent decrease from a year earlier. 8. New Orleans, La. – Perhaps no city has a more unique personality than New Orleans, which saw the price of rooms drop 11 percent in 2010. 9. Atlanta, Ga. – This fast-growing metropolis remains affordable, with the average cost of a room just $103 per night. 10. Houston, Texas – Everything is bigger in Texas except, apparently, the hotel bill. While prices increased slightly in the second quarter of 2010, rooms remained affordable at just $113 per night.
Good Reads
A cat’s life “Dewey: The SmallTown Library Cat Who Touched the World,” by Vicki Myron from Grand Central Publishing Library cats have a long, celebrated history throughout the world, but perhaps no library cat was ever as beloved as Dewey Readmore Books of Spencer, Iowa. Plucked shivering from the drop box on a frigid January morning in 1988, the little orange kitten made himself at home from day one, and his antics lent some much-needed lightheartedness and comfort to a community struggling under the economic farming slump then haunting the entire Midwest. All of Spencer banded together over enjoying Dewey and marveling at his remarkable survival story, raising their spirits and strengthening their sense of hometown pride. But Dewey was more than just a decoration. He had a job to do, and he did it well. Dewey loved people and being loved on by people, and he seemed to have a sixth sense for knowing when an employee or patron was in need of a little extra TLC. He was patient with excited children and soothing to harried adults. Every single person at the library felt that he or she shared something special with him. And he was a lifeline for library director Vicki Myron, his adopted “momma.” A single mom to a turbulent teen and a veteran of hard work, family tragedy and ill health, Myron found that Dewey was the friend she never knew she needed. In writing Dewey’s memoir, Myron has created a sweet and compulsively readable tribute that is affectionate without becoming maudlin, heartwarming without being cloying. It’s a story of one all-American town, its history and its identity, as much as it is the story of the cat who represented the heart of it all. By the time of his gentle passing at the stately age of 19, Dewey had woven himself inextricably into the fabric of the town of Spencer, Iowa, and he left it, and thousands of lives, better for his having been in them.
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Puzzles
KING CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Mine output 4 Mel of baseball lore 7 Bull's offspring 11 Sandwich shop 13 Lawyer's payment 14 Sandwich cookie 15 Platter 16 E-mail alternative 17 Eastern potentate 18 Villain's look 20 Madeline of “Blazing Saddles” 22 Taxi 24 Nuanced 28 Continue 32 React to a pun 33 Lotion additive 34 Symbol of intrigue 36 Greek liqueur 37 Violin virtuoso Stern 39 Profligate 41 Standard
28 ZEST / January 2011
43 44 46 50 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 61
Homer's interjection Grouch Chutzpah Martial art Lair Regrets Related Writer Buscaglia Cut quickly Simmons or Kelly Blunder TV Tarzan portrayer Ron
DOWN 1 Probability 2 Harness part 3 Otherwise 4 Vacationing 5 Ship-building wood 6 Largest of the 48 7 Film directors Joel and Ethan 8 Branch 9 Hawaiian memento 10 In support of
12 19 21 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 35 38 40 42 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 54
Scoop holder Beam of light Embrace Acknowledge applause Go sightseeing Lounge around Carbon compound First murderer Additionally Bellow Fresh Lousy Automobile Trinity member Punch-bowl accessory “Cheers” request Mystical character Bridal cover Catch sight of Binge Guitar’s cousin Cacophony Neither partner
All answers on page 31
All answers on page 31
“The mail’s here!” The happiest day of the month is when delivery of the fresh, new issue of ZEST arrives in mailboxes and on newsstands. Home delivery subscriptions are available for $18 per year. Subscribers to the Independent Review or Leader can receive ZEST for only $10 per year.
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Puzzles
Subscribe to ZEST Name ____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ City ____________________State ______Zip____________ Mail this form and your $18 or $10 check to ZEST ZEST OR 36 Washington Ave. W. P.O. Box 921 TO Hutchinson, MN 55350 Litchfield, MN 55355
ZEST / January 2011 29
Last Word
Ken Merrill says farewell to the newsroom By Matt McMillan
K
en Merrill is retiring in January from his second job as owner and publisher of the Silver Lake Leader newspaper. How does this dual-career newspaperman and city finance director feel about it? Read on. Zest: How does retirement feel? KM: “I’m not sure yet. We’re still putting the bits and pieces together. I’m looking forward to the change and getting away from set deadlines and spaces to fill. It will be nice to move onto relaxing, enjoying friends, reading and catching up on my wife’s to-do list.” Zest: How long did you have your other job as finance director for the city of Hutchinson? What did it feel like retiring from it? KM: “Thirty-two years. I started in 1977, and retired at the beginning of 2009. I had the other job (owner of the Silver Lake Leader) to fill time with those activities and things that needed to be done. It was a sense of accomplishment to be a part of all the things accomplished in Hutchinson in 32 years. It was a very positive ending to a nice career.” Zest: What was one memorable moment from your working years? KM: “I remember working on some of the developments in the (Hutchinson’s) downtown area. We were barely completing the Main Street redevelopment of the Kraft building into the Shopko complex when someone said, ‘Now that we’ve got that done, we should move onto to the next site.’ I chuckled thinking we barely had the first project cleaned up, but we moved onto the EconoFoods project. It was a world of change in the downtown area.” Zest: Any moments stand out from the paper? KM: “When the “Silver Lake Leader” celebrated its 100th anniversary, Jason Davis did an interview for his “On the Road Again” show on KSTP TV. It was lined up by my youngest daughter. It was rather nice.” Zest: For those considering retiring, what advice would you give? KM: “To prepare for it. Have something to occupy one’s time. You see that with some people. They are so focused on their job, they forget about their own personal activities – then it is gone. Now what? Decide if you have a hobby of reading or volunteering or something to prepare oneself. It is a whole different ballgame when you are at home from morning to night.” Zest: Did your parents retire? KM: “Dad (Wilbert) was semi-retired. Mom (Genevieve) became ill. Wallace Oscar (grandfather) got out (of the paper) and became postmaster when it was a political appointment. He retired from postmaster. People called him Oscar. His father (Ken’s great-grandfather) had a glove factory in Hutchinson.”
30 ZEST / January 2011
STAFF PHOTO BY KATIE WINTER
Ken Merrill is retiring from his job as owner and publisher of the Silver Lake Leader newspaper. Zest: What are your plans? KM: “Traveling somewhat. My wife enjoys winter, so we spend a week off here and there. We took a driving trip to Texas last winter to see what that was about. We have friends that go to Florida, so we spend a week with them. It breaks it up. Now, we’ll do a little more. “We have a cabin in the Annandale area (Lake Sylvia). Dad bought it in 1948 when the land prices were good, and built the cabin in 1951. Weekends were their only time to get away. The cabin is relaxing. It is small, but only takes 20 minutes to cut the grass. It is small enough to take care of and big enough to enjoy the lake. “My wife is also suggesting I do more volunteering to help out around town.”
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ZEST / January 2011 31
32 ZEST / January 2011