Senior Living

SENIORliving ACTIVE RETIREMENT ON THE CENTRAL COAST

Published quarterly by the Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

MAY 2012

INSIDE… A Champion: Mary Reese • Templeton High School gathering • Seniors of the Year • Calendar of Events • and more!

A champion in our midst British Olympian Mary Reese will be honored in England — again CREIG P. SHERBURNE Staff writer

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tascadero is home to the sixth fastest bicycle in the entire world. It is home to an elite triathlete who does well at invitation-only events in Hawaii. It is home to volunteers and coaches and teachers. And since 1995 or so, Atascadero has been home to Mary Reese — she competed as Mary Rand — an honest-to-goodness gold medal winning Olympic athlete.

Not only is she a gold-medalist, she is the very first British woman to earn a gold medal in an Olympic track and field event. That event was the long jump, and it was in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Also at those games, she earned a silver medal in the pentathlon and a bronze in the 100-meter relay.

Reese said she’d always been athletic, as far back as she can remember.

“I think I was just a natural athlete,” she said. “I just loved doing what I did.”

Growing up, she said she played cricket and football — Americans call it soccer — with her older brother and, ever year, would run around the orchard behind a local pub during some civic games.

In secondary school — Americans call it high school — Reese made it to the equivalent of CIF championships in the long jump. She said over the four years she competed, she placed 11th, then fourth, then second, then first.

“I worked my way up the ladder,” she said, smiling.

So it may be unsurprising that she climbed a few more rungs and com2 • MAY 2012

Photo by Creig P. Sherburne

Mary Reese, née Rand, shows off the medals and other awards she’s earned over the years in her home office in Atascadero. Here, she holds a book which chronicles her athletic life. She said she had given away all of her copies, so has been buying them back on Amazon and eBay to be able to give to her family members. peted on the international stage at the age of 17, then went to the Olympics in 1960 at the age of 20.

“In Rome in 1960, I was favorite to win the long jump,” she said.

One of her preliminary jumps would have earned her a silver medal then, if it had counted toward the final.

Unfortunately, she said, she fouled a jump and finished ninth. But she competed again four years later and earned her gold.

Another sport Reese excelled at was the high jump. And that’s where some trouble has crept in to Reese’s life.

The high jump — Americans call

it the high jump — is a track and field event wherein athletes hurl themselves up over a horizontal bar without the assistance of springs, pulleys or magic. The women’s record for jumping straight up in the air is just less than 7 feet and is held by Stefka Kostadinova of Bulgeria, not a magician.

Reese’s problems stem from her landings. Nowadays, high jumpers fall onto a thick cushioning mat high above ground level. But in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, when Reese was competing, she would fling herself over a bar about six feet tall and then come back down again in a pit of sand at ground level.

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Reese said she had her right hip replaced recently, but is still having problems with it and the left. And that problem, she said, has led to myriad other problems, including limiting her ability to garden, one of her passions.

“I got out and I see weeds, but I’m scared to death about pulling them,” she said.

A while back, her hip popped right out of socket while gardening, an experience she said was “uncomfortable.”

Back in 1964, Reese was given the royal treatment in her hometown, Wells, near Somerset, including a parade. With the 2012 Olympics being Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

held in London, the city of Wells has decided to recreate the honors of almost half a century ago. Oh, and she will also be presented with the key to the city.

“It means you can feed your sheep on the local green, in front of the cathedral,” Reese said, laughing.

“They’ll call you a taxi for you if you get drunk, and if you commit a crime, they’ll hang you with a silk cord.”

Reese moved to the United States in 1967 and became a permanent citizen in 1969. She currently enjoys dual citizenship.

She moved to Atascadero in 1995 with her husband, John. And for a few years a few years ago, she participated in the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation’s All Comer’s Track Meet. Her grandchildren came for the event and competed.

“They loved it,” Reese said with a big smile. “They absolutely loved it.

My grandson didn’t care if he came in last, he just loved it.”

As far as athletics go, Reese said the biggest thing she wanted was something she achieved: being the best in the world at something.

“I wanted that world record, if only for a minute,” she said. “And I got it.”

But, she added with emphasis, the thing she’s most proud of in her entire life is raising her three daughters.

“The greatest thing for me was raising my children,” she said. “I felt like I was the only one who’d ever done it.”

On her upcoming trip back to Brittain, Rand said she may leave her medals at Millfield School, the school she attended for secondary school.

“It means more over there than here,” she said, but added that she’s not yet decided on that one.

In the meantime, Rand, John and their dogs live happily and quietly in Atascadero.

Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

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living MAY 2012

Mary Reese: A champion in our midst Page 2 Templeton High School grads reunite Page 4 Seniors of the Year named Page 5 Steve Thayer saves a life Page 6 Community Calendar Page 18 Now is the time Page 10 Big-impact in 15 minutes!

Page 11 Senior Living is published quarterly by the Paso Robles Press & Atascadero News Paso Robles Press (805) 237-6060 www.PasoRoblesPress.com Atascadero News (805) 466-2585 www.AtascaderoNews.com Publisher Jason Cross Advertising Director Karli Twisselman Editors Josh Petray & Heather Young

MAY 2012 • 3

Templeton High School grads Group has fun visiting and reminiscing MEAGAN FRIBERG Staff writer

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ix graduates of Templeton High School recently gathered at a local restaurant to talk about their teen years and catch up on each other's lives. A ten year reunion, perhaps? Or maybe 25-year reunion? Not quite - many of these former THS students are well into their 90's and have spent the years since graduation maintaining their friendships.

"It's great, really, to get together," Irene Marquart said. "It's a lot of fun just visiting and reminiscing with each other."

Although all of the friends were a bit hesitant to divulge their age or year of graduation, Rudy Hamm, who was seated near his cousin, Velma Hamm, said the two graduated from the same class at THS. "We started in first grade together at Oakdale, a little country school," Rudy Hamm said. "We went all the way through school together, graduating from Templeton High School."

Marquart attended school with Rudy and Velma and sat nearby Dorothy Claassen, Velma' sister and Rudy's cousin, as the group gathered for 4 • MAY 2012

Photo by Meagan Friberg

Templeton High School graduates (clockwise from left) Virginia Hamm, Dorothy Claassen, Alice Carroll, Irene Marquart, Velma Hamm and Rudy Hamm gather at a local restaurant recently to reminisce and share stories.

lunch at Touch of Paso restaurant.

"We get together every couple of months, have lunch, visit and just catch up," Claassen said. The former classmates now live in Atascadero, Paso Robles, Morro Bay and Templeton and have lunch together at a variety of restaurants in the local area.

Alice Carroll joined her friends and said she enjoys

"the companionship, very much." Virginia Hamm, Rudy's wife, said she was Carroll's teacher when she was a senior at THS during her very first year of teaching.

As local high school seniors across the county prepare for graduation in June, many will move out of the area and friendships will change. The former THS students, who have

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managed to maintain contact through the years have a bit of advice for those students in regards to keeping in touch with one another.

"It's important to maintain those friendships," Marquart said. "Especially through the years, and as we get older. I think it was Velma's idea to start getting together. She called around and here we are."

"I think its really impor-

tant to stay in touch, especially as we get older," Velma said. "It's nice to see what everybody's doing and just have fun together."

The vibrant group has plans to continue their monthly gatherings, enjoying their time together as they talk about their earlier years together and share news of recent events in the lives of their families.

Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

Seniors of the Year named 2012 Senior of the Year title goes to Bill Clark and Barbara Moreland CONTRIBUTED

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n Saturday, April 21 the Paso Robles Senior Center held its annual Senior of the Year Award Ceremony. This year, that special title went to two local do-gooders: Bill Clark and Barbara Moreland.

“Bill Clark is rarely seen and seldom heard, and still somehow has managed to serve more homebound

seniors in our community throughout the years than any other volunteer we have,” said Lynda Holt. “When thinking about our second recipient, Barbara Moreland, the words exuberance and brilliance are the first to come to mind.”

Added Holt, “She is one of the most positive and joyful people we’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.

She always has a warm smile and a bit of bling.”

Photo by Hayley Thomas

Above, Paso Robles Seniors of the Year Bill Clark and Barbara Moreland pose for a photo at a celebration held at the Paso Robles Senior Center.

Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

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MAY 2012 • 5

Thayer saves woman’s life AUSD bus driver gets award from CHP HEATHER YOUNG Staff writer

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tascadero resident Steve Thayer was working when he came across a car upside down in a ditch. He said something didn’t feel right to him, so he pulled over. Once he got out to investigate, he heard a woman calling to him.

“Steve found the woman lying on her back in the dirt outside her car,” California Highway Patrol Officer Tami Reece said. “He was not sure if she was thrown from her car or if she crawled out of the broken window. Steve’s first-aid training immediately kicked in and he assessed the situation.”

While he checked for signs of broken bones, blood, etc., he found out there her name was Susan and that her neck and back hurt.

“Steve knew immediately that he could not move her and that she needed help fast,” Reece said.

He then went back to the bus — he was driving 45 students to school at the time — and radioed for help. Reece said that after Thayer gave directions to Atascadero Unified School District bus dispatcher Wendy Moris, he asked for a volunteer to man the radio so he could stay with the driver until help arrived.

Atascadero High School student Chris Brebes helped emergency personnel find the bus and driver out near Creston.

“It’s something I hope anyone would do,” Thayer said.

At a special ceremony Wednesday, the CHP honored Thayer as 6 • MAY 2012

Photo by Heather Young

Atascadero resident Steve Thayer, center, holds the award he got from the California Highway Patrol on Wednesday with his family gathered around him. From left are Kevin, Brian holding granddaughter Audrey, 2, Kristin, Kathi and Scott.

Bus Driver of the Year for 2011 for all of Southern California. CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said they all knew Thayer didn’t want to be there because he said he was “just doing his job.”

Thayer was selected first as the Templeton area Bus Driver of the Year, and then was selected for the Southern California honor.

“I’m kind of embarrassed by this whole thing,” Thayer said. “I didn’t do it because of an award or recognition, but because someone needed help. I’m very honored by

this. I’m humbled.”

Thayer has been a bus driver for 11 years for the Atascadero school district. He said that being a bus driver is a retirement job. For 36 years before his retirement, he worked in grocery stores.

He and his wife, Kathi, moved to Atascadero in 1973. They have five children, Scott of Templeton, Kristin of Atascadero, Brian of Santa Cruz, Michael of Morgan Hill and Kevin of Atascadero; and 11 grandchildren.

Thayer did not tell his children

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about what he did or even about getting the award. Kathi surprised Thayer by having four of five children and one granddaughter at the ceremony in Paso Robles.

Thayer was one of three people nominated for the Templeton area award. The other two were Kelly K. Jenal-Stainbrook and William “Billy” Bowles, both Paso Robles school district bus drivers. The pair performed lifesaving CPR on a coworker who was not breathing.

The coworker walked out of the hospital two weeks later.

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MAY 2012 • 7

CALENDAR of events On-going Events MONDAYS

Templeton Lions Club holds bingo every Monday at the American Legion Hall on Main Street. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. and games start at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 434-2844.

A Sign to Song class is held at the Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, on Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. The class is a fun way to learn sign language by signing along with music. The class is free and is for adults 50-plus. For more information, call the Atascadero Fun Club at 674-7092 or email atascaderofunclub@charter.net.

Poker for prizes will be played each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way. This activity is for adults 50-plus. There is a $4 fee to play for the chance to win prizes.

For more information or to sign up, call the Atascadero Fun Club at 6747092.

Bridge is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:50 a.m. in the AARP Building at the Atascadero Lake Park. To reserve a place, call 461-4136. The cost is $1 to go toward prizes.

TUESDAYS Ranch Dog Knitting, 5835 Traffic Way in Atascadero, hosts a knit along every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8 8 • MAY 2012

p.m. For more information, call 4644075.

California Manor, 10165 El Camino Real, Atascadero, a senior retirement community, holds a free exercise class every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Community members are welcome.

For more information, call 4660759.

A billiards group meets at the Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Pool table equipment may be checked out from the staff at the Community Center. This free group is for adults 50-plus. For more information, call the Atascadero Fun Club at 6747092.

Mah Jong games are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. in the AARP Building at the Atascadero Lake Park. For more information, call 461-4136.

The Paso Robles Alzheimer's/Dementia general interest support group is open to the public and meets the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Emeritus/Creston Village, 1919 Creston Road, Paso Robles. Call Elana at 975-8270 for more information.

SLO Astrologers meets for free astrology workshops each month on various subjects from basic Astrology to natal chart reading. All levels are welcome. Meet the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6 to p.m. at Coast National Bank Community Room, 500 Marsh St. in San

Luis Obispo. For more information, visit sloastrologers.blogspot.com or call 546-3420.

WEDNESDAYS California Manor, 10165 El Camino Real, Atascadero, a senior retirement community, holds bingo every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Bingo is open to the community. For more information, call 466-0759.

A ping-pong group will be held at the Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, every Wednesday from 10 to noon. Equipment may be checked out from the Community Center staff. This group is for adults 50-plus and there is no fee to play.

Those interested in joining this group, contact the Atascadero Fun Club at 674-7092.

Remedial Bridge lessons are held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the AARP Building at the Atascadero Lake Park. For more information, call 461-4136. The lessons are free and no reservations are needed.

Pinochle is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the AARP Building at the Atascadero Lake Park. For more information, call 461-4136.

North County Multiflora Garden Club meets at 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at the Paso Robles Community Church, 2706 Spring St. Call 462-9128 for more information.

A support group for children of aging parents meets the second

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Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Village at Sydney Creek, 1234 Laurel Lane, SLO. Call Wynette at 570-3836 for more information.

THURSDAYS

A horseshoe group will plays each Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Atascadero Lake Park horseshoe pit. The group is designed for players 50plus. There is no fee to play. For more information, call the Atascadero Fun Club at 674-7092.

FRIDAYS

Bunco for prizes will be played each Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way. This activity is for adults 50-plus. There is a $4 fee to play for the chance to win prizes.

For more information or to sign up, call the Atascadero Fun Club at 6747092.

SATURDAYS

Guided meditation meets every Saturday at 8600 Atascadero Ave. at 1:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. For more information, email RuthCherryPhD@aol.com, call 5457939 or go to www.meditationintro.com.

The Templeton Alzheimer's/Dementia general interest support group is open to the public and meets the fourth Friday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the conference room of Rabobank, 1025 Las Tablas Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

Road, Templeton. Call Elana at 9758270 for details, and 434-2081 for free respite arrangements. Co-sponsored with CAP Adult Day Services.

held the first Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For more information, go to www.northcountynewcomers.org.

tend the open hours to talk with the supervisor.

The North County Parkinson's Caregivers Support Group meets the second Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and discussion at Coco's, 7300 El Camino Real in Atascadero. Call Rosemary at 4667226 for reservations and details.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

The Atascadero Mayors’ Winemaker Dinner will be held at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero on Friday, June 22. The gala begins at 5 p.m. with open wine sampling. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. This year’s Winemaker Dinner is jointly sponsored by Atascadero Kiwanis Club and the City of Atascadero. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward the completion of a new lakeside performance venue which will be presented to the city on the occasion of its bicentennial celebration in 2013. A gourmet meal will be prepared and served by Pacific Harvest Catering, 33 local winemakers will participate both during and before the event and there will be a silent and live auction to help raise funds for the bandstand endeavor and other projects. Each table of six will include one winemaker. Many of the wineries will also be pouring during the social hour. Ticket information is available by calling Cathy Van Orman at 464-0632 or going to www.atascaderokiwanis.org.

June

County Supervisor Jim Patterson will be available in the Martin Polin Regional Library, 6850 Morro Road in Atascadero, the second and fourth Friday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend the open hours to talk with the supervisor.

SUNDAY, JUNE 3

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13

The ninth annual Paso Pinot & Paella Festival will be held on June 3 in Templeton Community Park from 2 to 5 p.m. The event will include Paso Robles pinot noir producers for an afternoon of wine, food and fun. The event raises funds to support youth arts in San Luis Obispo County such as the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation. Tickets include a souvenir Burgundy-style fine wine glass, tastes of 20 pinot noirs and 20 paellas, live music by Incendio and dancing if you like. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. Tickets are $65 each and only a limited number will be sold. For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.pinotandpaella.com.

County Supervisor Jim Patterson will be available in the Santa Margarita Library, 9630 Murphy Ave., the second Wednesday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend the open hours to talk with the supervisor.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6

North County Newcomers Club is open to all residents who have lived in the North County for two years or less. Monthly general meetings are Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

TUESDAY, JUNE 19 North County Parkinson's caregivers support group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the First Presbyterian Church, 610 Main St., Templeton. For more details, call Rosemary Dexter at 466-7226.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 County Supervisor Jim Patterson will be available in the Creston Library, 6285 Adams St., the third Wednesday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is invited to at-

FRIDAY, JUNE 22

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 Huntington's Disease support group meets the fourth Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Carriage Vineyards, 4337 South El Pomar, Templeton. For more information, call Mike Brown at 2959663.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 28

The North County Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group meets monthly in the Pavilion Room at Twin Cities Community Hospital, 1100 Las Tablas Road in Templeton, on the last Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. This meeting is a group discussion. Man to Man is an American Cancer Society Program for men to learn about Prostate Cancer diagnosis and treatment options.

The meetings offer objective, unbiased information about prostate cancer and encourage men and their families to discuss openly and share solutions to common problems. Man to Man is sponsored by the American Cancer Society with facilities provided by Twin Cities Community Hospital. These meetings are open to patients, spouses, family, friends and anyone interested. No reservations are necessary. For further information, call Bill Houston at 995-2254 or the American Cancer Society at 4731748.

The North County Humane Society, 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, offers a free pet bereavement support group the last Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Shelter. This group is open to all family members and is led by a Bereavement Counselor. It is intended to help those who have lost a pet to transition from grief, emotional pain, and sadness, to appreciation and acceptance. For more information, contact Sherry at 4665403 or sherry.nchs@gmail.com.

MAY 2012 • 9

Now it is your time to pay back When your parents need you most

BY HERTHA WOLFF-AREND Special to Senior Living

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ust recently I had to make the hardest decision of my life: I had to sign the papers that sent my mother to a nursing home. You might ask, "What made this decision so hard and painful?” My mother lives on the other side of the world in Germany.

All your life your parents take care of you.

They are there for you when you need them, always covering your back with love, support and sometimes financial help. They guide you and never judge you. They love you and never let you down. Then the day comes when they can’t keep up the role of the caregiver of their children. They start to require care – frail, often sick and in need.

This is our time to provide the best care for the ones we love so much.

What is the best you can do for your parents?

This is where the problem starts and I must honestly admit, I don’t know. After my mother showed severe signs of dementia and almost died as result of falling in her home (despite having 24 hour-a-day caregivers), I was forced to realize that the best for her is probably what she hates the most – leaving her home and moving into a nursing home. It felt to me like I was pushing her off the cliff to save her from a raging fire. I had the choice between almost certain death at home or letting her drop into the unknown – both painful options with no good way out. As a responsible daughter, you want your parents to be safe and cared for, and this is why you most probably choose the drop off the cliff into a nursing home. It hurts but once they land they are on safe ground.

When you are confronted by your parents' lives ending, you must deal with questions nobody has prepared you for. As a mom you learned about raising children, but nobody taught you how to accompany your parents to the end of their lives. Many women are able to take their parents in and provide for everything they need.

Others don’t have the option and reach out for 10 • MAY 2012

professional help. There are certainly various options. Whatever option you choose, you are in charge and take over the lead. Your parents might not cooperate and they will be upset, scared or angry. Your role in this process will not be appreciated and suddenly you will find yourself alone with a load of responsibility and despair.

Women wear many hats. We take care of our children and husbands and often have a day job.

On top of that, we want to do the best for our old parents in a way that everybody is taken care of and nobody will complain. I call this a "mission impossible," there is no way you will succeed.

So where to go from here? I can only provide you with what I have learned and tell you how I am keeping my head above water. I cherish what I have and every single day I spend time with my

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family, husband and son, showing them my love and support. I do the same with my mother and confirm to her every day that I am there for her.

I am not perfect, but I am doing the best I can knowing that it is never going to be good enough.

I finally learned to accept that fact. Yes, I accept that I don’t have the perfect solution for everybody, and I ask for forgiveness and patience.

There is not one day that I am not concerned about the well-being of my loved ones, but at the same time I know that I also have to take care of myself – my well-being. They need me and I want to make sure I can be there for them even with my imperfection. I must stay strong and healthy which is a real challenge in the struggle of paying back. There are certainly numerous methods to take care of yourself in trying times, but once you understand that your engine needs maintenance to perform, you can find the best service.

I wish you all the best for this part of your life. I have all the confidence that you will also do the best you can for the ones you love so much. Save some time for yourself and keep going. For my part, I will take a bath now and allow my muscles to relax from the tension that has built up with my concern about my mother who, like many mothers, needs her children most at this stage in her life.

Please share your own story on my blog, www.BeAWomanAndActLikeOne.com.

• More about Hertha Wolf – Arend Hertha Wolff – Arend lives in Paso Robles with her husband, young son, five horses, two goats and two dogs. She relocated to the United States from Germany about seven years ago and is finding her way through a new culture. Her business focuses on mentoring women through her book, “Be a Woman and Act Like One, Succeeding in Business and Life." Along with her book, her blog, eblasts and seminars focus on helping women become more successful in business and life by teaching them about what she calls “living your femininity with strength.”

Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

Big-impact health activities In 15 minutes or less!

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he American baby boomer generation isn't content sitting still - they live full lives working, traveling and pursuing their favorite hobbies. Age is only a number for this determined group whose population is pushing an estimated 78 million. If you are one of the many active baby boomers, you understand your health is a priority, but that doesn't mean you want to spend long hours each day making sure you stay well. Luckily some of the best things you can do for yourself only take a matter of minutes each day.

Dr. Wendy Bazilian (wendybazilian.com), a doctor of public health, registered dietitian and author of "The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients," knows the importance of optimizing health for baby boomers. Simple healthy activities, when done on a daily basis, can have a huge cumulative effect on health and wellness. Here are four big-impact health activities from Dr. Bazilian that you can do in 15 minutes or less:

1. Be flexible with gentle stretches Stretching might seem like a basic physical activity, but its positive effects can be substantial. Especially for boomers, stretching for five to 15 minutes each day can help keep muscles and joints flexible, and help increase overall body health. Plus as you age, stretching can help maintain your mobility levels and decrease the risks of falls. Try gentle stretches to get your blood flowing in the morning or before you take a walk. Want to Paso Robles Press and Atascadero News

try something different? Yoga blends stretching and strength for a wonderful workout for people of all ages.Time requirement: 15 minutes or less 2. Get an oil change - in your kitchen The right kind of oils can benefit your health and wellness, and the wrong ones can put you at risk for high cholesterol, heart disease and even cancer. Cooking healthy means stocking your pantry with the right kinds of oils so you can enjoy the foods you love the right way. Two to keep on hand are extra virgin olive oil and organic grapeseed oil. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats which can help boost healthy HDL cholesterol while at the same time help to reduce unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels. Lower cooking temperatures or cool/room temperature usage is best. Organic grapeseed oil has a more neutral flavor and a high smoke point, allowing for higher temperature cooking while using a lighter hand in measures with this healthier cooking oil. Time requirement: five minutes or less 3. Consider taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement Recently, there's been a lot of talk about omega-3 essential fatty acids and their ability to prevent common disease as well as benefit brain and overall health. Because you can only get these essential fats through what you eat, Americans often don't get as much as they need. Include food sources like wild salmon and sardines, as well as

plant sources like walnuts and flaxseeds. Luckily, you can fill a nutritional gap by incorporating a high-quality fish oil supplement into your daily routine. A highquality supplement can mean more benefit to your health; Ultimate Omega-D3 from Nordic Naturals is a good example and great option.

Time requirement: two minutes or less 4. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies each day Few foods can provide the high levels of nutrients your body needs than fresh produce, yet more than 80 percent of us are not getting enough. It's important to aim to

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make half your plate fruits and vegetables at meals every day. And try to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies daily, and don't forget about frozen and dried options without added sugars or preservatives.

They're super nutrient-rich, too. The tasty options are endless - from berries, apples, bananas, and cherries to broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and kale. Be adventurous and try a new recipe that features a veggie you've never had before. Or, taste local flavors by visiting your neighborhood farmers market.

Whether for a snack or with a meal, fresh produce is great for any baby boomer's diet. Time requirement: five minutes or less MAY 2012 • 11

12 • MAY 2012

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