Focus on Seniors

FOCUS ON SENIORS Supplement to The Oklahoman, August 18, 2010

BENEFITS

HEALTH

MEDICARE OR MEDICAID?

FLU SHOT OPTIONS

While both are government plans, there are some major differences between the two.

New lineup gives seniors a choice.

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INSIDE Fashion Retirement Wills Social Security Recipes

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New lineup of flu vaccines gives seniors some options FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Health officials predict this year’s flu season won’t be as bad as last year’s, but they don’t want to take any chances.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a health advisory announcing seasonal flu infections were under way in several states. Iowa already has had two outbreaks.

New flu vaccines that combine seasonal and H1N1 viruses in single doses should help avoid a repeat of last year’s scramble for immunizations.

High dose A new lineup of vaccine options is available, including a seasonal flu vaccine that includes H1N1 and — for the first time — a high-dose vaccine for seniors ages 65 and older.

Seniors have a higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, health officials say.

According to the CDC, annual vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing flu. Experts advise everyone to seek one early.

other Influenza A strain and Influenza B) has the right ingredients to protect against the likely viruses as well as slight variants.

Flu season

Less impact Last year, Americans in areas hard-hit by flu outbreaks searched for two immunizations, the seasonal shot and the H1N1.

The double injection was due to H1N1 emerging after the seasonal vaccine was developed.

The 2009-10 pandemic shut down school systems, businesses and college dormitories, but experts expect the flu’s 2010-11 run to sicken, hospitalize and kill far fewer people.

Medical authorities believe this year’s seasonal flu vaccine (with H1N1, an-

The flu season typically begins as early as October and lasts through May. Vaccinations usually start in September. The peak of the flu season in general is in January or soon after.

Baylor University Medical Center flu researchers in Texas have been developing super-antigen flu vaccines for decades and worked on Fluzone before it had that trade name, said Dr. Wendy Keitel, a professor of molecular virology and microbiology.

Fluzone High-Dose, a shot, has been proven to provoke a better immune response in seniors, Keitel said, and there’s a clinical trial under way to determine if those who receive the new vaccine are better protected from flu than other seniors.

Fluzone High-Dose is covered by Medicare without a deductible or copayment, according to the Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Services. The list price is $25, a Sanofi Pasteur spokeswoman said.

No free shots Oklahoma is ending the practice of offering free flu shots to all residents at health department sites statewide, although some will still qualify for the vaccinations at no charge, officials announced recently.

The Oklahoma Department of Health will now charge $25 for the seasonal flu shot. The fee is projected to raise about $750,000 for the agency, which experienced budget cuts like other state agencies that averaged 7.5 percent last year.

The state spent $1.5 million last year for 195,000 seasonal flu shots, said Dorothy Cox, vaccine manager for the health department.

There will be no charge to people on Medicare and without an HMO, those on Medicaid (SoonerCare), or children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program. Others may be eligible for fee waivers based on their income.

Seniors get free day at state fair FROM STAFF REPORTS

While there are many sights and events in which seniors can participate at the Oklahoma State Fair every day, Sept. 22 will be a special day at the state’s annual event.

That will be Senior Citizens’ Day at the Great State Fair of 2010.

On that day only, all seniors age 55 and up will be admitted to the fair free.

There is one catch: you must show proof of age.

But once that little detail is taken care of, you’re in.

The fair offers entertainment for all ages, from exhibits and contests to a variety of performances

from featured entertainers.

There also are many foods to sample and lots of activities to keep things moving.

This year’s fair (Sept. 1626) will feature Disney on Ice “Let’s Celebrate,” TNA professional wrestling “Lords of the Ring,” the PRCA Extreme Bulls Tour

“Bulls and Brawn” and performances by Josh Turner and Jake Owen.

Regular admission tickets are adults $8, children 6 to 11 $5 and kids under 5 are free.

Advance tickets, available through select metroarea retailers, are adults $7 and children 6 to 11 $4.

FOCUS ON SENIORS Focus on Seniors is published three times a year as a promotional supplement to The Oklahoman and is produced by OPUBCO Communications Group.

Vice president, News and Information Center: Kelly Dyer Fry Director of Presentation and Custom Publishing: Yvette Walker Section Coordinator: Don Gammill Section Designer: Judy Hooper

Senior News Editor: Amy Raymond Director of Photography: Doug Hoke Art Director: Todd Pendleton Advertising Senior Account Executive: Jama Patton

ON THE COVER: Virgil Rifenbark carries a headboard for a bed to a customer’s vehicle in Norman. Rifenbark works at the Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, which sells reusable and surplus building materials to the public at a discounted price. Story, Page 7.

PHOTO BY TETONA DUNLAP, THE OKLAHOMAN

ONLINE

“know it: Retirement” If you’re looking for Information about retirement, go to our “know it: Retirement” page to see what is available and read personal stories.

KNOWIT.NEWSOK .COM/RETIREMENT

Looking for something to do? Go to wimgo to check out opportunities. There are dozens of events relating to seniors.

WIMGO.COM

HELPFUL LINKS Senior Magazine www.seniormag.com Tax resources www.ok.gov/tax_ resource.html Medicare help www.medicare.gov Internet Public Library http://vlib.org Tips for grandparent, fun activities www.grandparents.com Senior resources www.seniorresource.com American Seniors Organization www.americanseniors.org

Senior Internet Community www.senior.com Senior travel advice www.nc.cdc.gov/travel Finding a pen pal www.writeseniors .com Your 55-up lifestyle portal www.myseniorsite.ca AARP www.aarp.org/ National Council on Aging www.ncoa.org/ Staying fit www.senior fitness.net/

MATURE SHOPPERS KNOW WHAT LOOKS GOOD ON THEM

Style won’t go out of fashion with age

BY LINDA MILLER Fashion Editor lmiller@opubco.com

Fashion magazines often break down fashion into what’s appropriate for women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and older.

It’s not always that black and white.

Certainly most women age 50 and older don’t want to dress like their daughters. But like their daughters, they want clothes that are comfortable, flattering and stylish.

While a 20-year-old may wear crop sweaters and miniskirts, a more mature woman might reach for a classic cardigan and a slim skirt that stretches to the knee.

“They want the look, but they want the fit for their body type,” said Mark Warner, owner of Jerome’s in Northpark Mall. “It’s just a matter of making sure it’s a fit for a missy customer, not a contemporary customer.”

Women are living longer with better physical and mental health, and they still have a young-at-heart feeling, Warner said.

“When you still have that feeling, you want to dress the part, too.”

And therein is the problem, at least for many women who say there’s an abundance of clothing for young women and not as many stylish choices for mature shoppers.

Retailers suggest searching for clothes that fit your image, your personality and your lifestyle.

Seek out stores that cater to your needs.

Toula fashions from Jerome’s, Northpark Mall.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Though many mature women are looking for clothes that look good and feel good, they are not boring in their approach to fashion. They’ve honed their style and know what looks good on them.

As they get older, they don’t like clothes that are constricting or fussy. They want fabrics that wear well and are easy to care for.

“With technology, that’s easier today than it was five to 10 years ago,” Warner said.

Mature shoppers also like color and accessories, said Pat Jensen, owner of Pat’s Of Course. For fall, key colors are blue and

green. These shoppers also expect good service.

While many older women reach for pants, they’re steering away from tightfitting tops, she said.

“They’re more casual,” she said. “Many of them are retired and more carefree. They’re not really looking for business suits, even the women who work.”

Whatever the style, retailers suggest mature women look for quality clothing in a design that best fits their body type.

“The whole key is the fit,” Warner said. “If it fits her right, it’s going to look great on her.”

Rule shift eases Roth IRA investing MONEY | SURVEY SHOWS SOME AMERICANS STILL ARE NOT AWARE OF SHIFT THAT COULD BENEFIT THEM FINANCIALLY FROM FAMILY FEATURES

IRAs (individual retirement accounts) long have been a staple of retirement saving, and this year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) introduced a new rule that makes Roth IRAs available to more investors.

The IRS has removed the $100,000 modified adjusted gross income limit for conversions from traditional IRAs or 401(k) accounts to Roth IRA accounts. For conversions in 2010 only, investors have the option to pay the resulting taxes from a conversion in full in 2011, or to split in half the tax payments in 2011 and 2012.

While the new options could be beneficial to many Americans, a recent survey commissioned by online investing firm Scottrade found most Americans are unaware of the 2010 Roth IRA conversion options.

Investors should be aware that there are many different options for retirement savings. Education is the first step toward finding the investment vehicle that’s right for you.”

KRISTIN GRUPAS

CUSTOMER EDUCATION MANAGER AT SCOTTRADE

ONLINE IRAS Investors can learn more about IRAs and access planning tools and calculators at Scottrade’s online Knowledge Center at www.scottrade.com.

SURVEY For more information about Scottrade’s 2010 American Retirement Survey, visit www.scot trade.com/researchstudy.

Understanding IRAs Scottrade, like many other financial services companies, is educating its customers about the changes, as well as the overall benefits of IRAs. Kristin Grupas, customer education manager at Scottrade, oversees Scottrade’s initiative to help investors understand their options when opening an IRA. “An IRA can be a simple way to build a solid financial base for your retirement dreams,” Grupas said.

“It’s essential to do your homework and take an indepth look at the recent changes and the differences among the types of IRAs to ensure you select the one that best matches

your investing strategy.”

To help new investors understand IRAs and the recent changes, Grupas answered three common questions she finds investors typically have when opening an IRA account: Q: How do I determine the right IRA for me?

A: There are several IRAs available for investors, such as traditional, Roth, SEP (simplified employee pension) and rollover. Choosing and understanding the IRA that’s right for you is important.

The most common are

traditional and Roth, with one of the biggest differences being the tax benefits. With a traditional IRA, contributions may be tax-deductible.

In a Roth IRA, contributions are made with “after-tax” dollars, or already have been subject to income tax. Overall, a traditional IRA puts more money in your pocket from your paycheck, while a Roth IRA provides more control over withdrawals because it allows withdrawal of contribution dollars at any time, gener-

ally tax-free.

More information can be found at www.irs.gov/ retirement/.

Q: I regularly contribute to a 401(k). Can I still consider an IRA? A: Yes, if you are already contributing to a 401(k), an IRA account can act as an additional vehicle for your retirement savings, and in some instances, offer more

freedom to diversify and use investment products that may not be offered through your 401(k).

In addition, thanks to the new conversion rules for 2010, a 401(k) can be rolled over into a Roth IRA for those who earn more than $100,000 modified adjusted gross income.

Q: How much should I contribute?

A: The amount an IRA holder is eligible to contribute is based on income and age. For a traditional IRA holder, contributions are taken pre-tax. For a Roth IRA, contributions are made with after-tax dollars.

The IRA holder can make a contribution to an IRA based on their yearly earned income, up to a maximum of $5,000 or $6,000, depending on their age. Investors can contribute regularly throughout the year.

Contributions between Jan. 1 and April 15 may be applied to the prior tax year.

“Investors should be aware that there are many different options for retirement savings,” Grupas said. “Education is the first step toward finding the investment vehicle that’s right for you.”

Scottrade Inc., its representatives and affiliates do not make investment recommendations or otherwise provide personal investment, tax, accounting or legal advice.

Consult with your financial, tax and legal advisors regarding any specific investment, tax, accounting and legal issues.

Understand what your will can’t do

BY LARRY PARMAN Parman & Easterday

Did you know that your will does not cover every aspect of your estate?

Having a last will and testament is an important part of the estate planning process, but there are several things your will cannot do, some assets it will not control.

If you and your spouse own property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, your will cannot leave this property to anyone besides your spouse as long as he or she is alive, as survivorship joint tenancy property automatically passes to the surviving spouse by operation of law.

When the surviving spouse does pass away, it will be his or her will that determines how the property is distributed because he or she is the sole owner of the property at that point.

For this reason, you and your spouse may wish to discuss whom your property should go to after you are both gone.

Your will can also not affect any property that is held within a trust. Upon your death, the trust will determine how the asset should be distributed, and can do so whether your will has been probated or not.

And if your will contradicts the designations of your trust, the trust will reign supreme because it “owns” the property.

This is also true with other legal documents where you have named a beneficiary.

This includes life insur-

Leave your funeral arrangements out of your will. Wills are often not read until after the funeral. ance policies, IRAs, 401Ks, annuities and pension plans. These assets transfer to the beneficiary you have designated.

To change a beneficiary/ recipient, you must update the corresponding document for each account or property. Making the change in your will does not override the contents of the other document.

Be sure to name a secondary beneficiary, as failure to do so could result in a probate.

Unless it contains specific tax planning language, your will also cannot change or lower the taxes on your estate.

There are ways to minimize taxes on your estate, but you’ll need to employ different estate planning tools for that to happen.

A good estate planning attorney can help you choose the right strategies for you.

You should also leave your funeral arrangements out of your will. If this is the only place you make your wishes known, there is a chance your requests may not be honored. Wills are often not read until after your funeral.

Ask your attorney to create another document for your funeral plans.

Property that passes by your will cannot help your family avoid the probate process after you’re gone.

You can, however, make

probate easier by updating your will regularly to avoid any confusion.

Your will also cannot leave conditional gifts.

Sure, you may have seen a movie with an older gentleman stipulating that his son cannot inherit the estate until he has married, but in reality these conditions would be thrown out during estate probate.

If you have loved ones or even a pet that will need special care, create a trust in their name.

Many states now have pet trust statutes. Since your pet is considered property by law, it cannot inherit, so you must leave any funds for its care to the person you’ve designated to inherit your pet.

But once the will has been probated and those funds are distributed, there’s nothing to ensure that your pet actually receives the benefits of that inheritance.

With a trust you have much more control over the future care your pet receives.

LARRY PARMAN IS FOUNDING ATTORNEY AT PARMAN & EASTERDAY IN OKLAHOMA CITY. HIS FIRM HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THIS PRACTICE SINCE 1985. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS AND OTHER AREAS RELATED TO SENIOR CONCERNS, CONTACT PARMAN & EASTERDAY, 13913-B QUAIL POINTE DRIVE, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73134, CALL 843-6100, OR GO TO THE FIRM’S WEB SITE, WWW.PARMANLAW.COM. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A FREE REPORT DISCUSSING THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE IN MORE DEPTH, CALL 843-6100.

Baby boomers still working, yet retired

BY LARRY JONES

The massive Oklahoma and national baby boom generation is staring retirement right in the face and that’s a scary thought.

Who would ever have thought that baby boomers and retirement could actually be spoken in the same sentence. This is the generation of the Beatles, Woodstock and demonstrations against war.

Unlike prior generations, the lines between working and retirement are much grayer (no pun intended) than they were for boomer parents and grandparents.

Because of poor saving and even poorer spending habits, it may be that boomers will continue working even though that wouldn’t be the first choice. Sadly, this generation has been the

poorest saving generation in recent memory.

A growing number of retirees are including work — either full or part-time — in their retirement lifestyle. Some of these retirees work because they need the income; others work because they find it helps them to stay physically and mentally active.

Whatever their reasons for working, all retirees need to understand the relationship between working and their Social Security benefits ... including when to let Social Security know about their earnings.

For workers who are between age 62 and full retirement age: The earliest you can apply for Social Security retirement benefits is age 62.

And if you are younger than full retirement age,

DID YOU KNOW? SOCIAL SECURITY Here are a few brief reminders if you or someone you know is a “semi-retired” beneficiary.

For workers who are “full retirement age” or older: If you work and are full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn.

The full retirement age for workers born in the years 1943 through 1954 will be 66 years of age, and then gradually rise by two months each year to age 67 for people born in 1960 or later.

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ONLINE You can find out exactly what your full retirement age is by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ ageincrease.htm and typing in your year of birth.

there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full Social Security benefits.

If you are younger than

full retirement age during all of 2010, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earned above $14,160.

And we do not count pensions, savings or investment income toward these threshold amounts – only wages or self-employment income.

If you reach full retirement age during 2010, we must deduct $1 from your benefit payment for each $3 you earn above $37,680, until the month that you reach your full retirement age.

Because we adjust the amount of your Social Security benefits based on what you have told us you would earn this year, it is important to let us know if you think your earnings for 2010 will be different than what you originally told us.

If other family members get benefits based on your work, your earnings after you start getting retirement benefits could reduce their benefits, too.

However, if your spouse and children get benefits as family members, their earnings affect only their own benefits.

It’s important to note that if a retiree’s earnings cause benefits to be withheld before they reach full retirement age, Social Security will increase that retiree’s monthly benefit amount starting at full retirement age.

This also will increase the benefit amount paid to his or her survivors.

For more information about Social Security retirement benefits and working, read the pamphlet, How Work Affects Your Benefits. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10069.html LARRY G. JONES IS A PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST WITH SOCIAL SECURITY IN OKLAHOMA CITY

PROGRAM HELPS PEOPLE 55 AND OLDER FIND JOBS

Employers invest in seasoned help

BY TETONA DUNLAP Staff Writer

NORMAN — Virgil Rifenbark is 59, but workers half his age struggle to keep up with him.

Rifenbark zips around the lot of Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Norman. ReStore is Habitat for Humanity’s outlet store that sells reusable and surplus building materials to the public at a discounted price.

Rifenbark pushes a wheelbarrow full of household items into a garage. Then, he emerges carrying a headboard for a bed to a customer’s truck.

Along the way, Rifenbark greets customers milling about the store.

Following behind him is a young worker who tries to keep up with his fast pace.

“Just try to keep up with him,” said Larry Goodwin, 58, chuckling as he answers phone calls and assists customers.

Rifenbark and Goodwin are employees at ReStore through Experience Works, one of three programs that work with the Oklahoma Workforce Investment system to help find jobs for low-income workers who are 55 and older. The other programs include AARP and National Indian Council on Aging.

“A lot of them (seniors), their Social Security is not enough to live on,” said Rosemary Isom, project director with AARP. “And some want something to do.”

For Goodwin, it is nice

ONLINE

Careers Learn more about how to go about looking for a job.

KNOWIT.NEWSOK.COM /CAREERS-OKLAHOMA

to have a steady job and income. He used to work as a loan signing agent and real estate appraiser.

“Age is the biggest barrier,” Goodwin said. “It really is. I’m almost 60.

Someone who is 20 might be more physically capable, but I’m more mentally capable.”

Jana Castleberry, executive director of Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity, calls Rifenbark and Goodwin “essential.”

Because an outside program is paying their wages, this saves a nonprofit like Habitat money. Before, the group only could pay one or two employees to run the store, which soon became overwhelming.

“With the addition of the Experience Works staff, we’ve been able to keep our shelves stocked, increase donations received from the community and enjoy the increased revenue to do more work in the community,” Castleberry said.

In the Experience Works program, workers receive training and are paid no less than minimum wage.

Rifenbark spent the past five years working odd jobs

and finding temporary employment.

Before that, he worked as an electronic technician for more than 16 years in California and Oklahoma.

He has worked at ReStore for two years and loves his job.

“Back in the ’60s and ’70s, you could get dismissed from a job or dismiss yourself, but you could find another in a couple of weeks,” Rifenbark said, noting the lack of jobs today.

Government officials have projected that within 10 years, baby boomers will begin retiring. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2010 and 2030, the number of people age 65 and older is expected to grow by 79.2 percent.

But Rifenbark and Goodwin aren’t thinking of retirement.

“I doubt I will ever retire,” Goodwin says. “I’ve always worked, sitting around just idle would just drive me crazy.”

At the beginning of this year, the U.S. Department of Labor provided an additional $225 million in funding for Senior Community Service Employment, which addresses the unmet needs for employment and job training among low-income, older workers.

Oklahoma was not one of the states that received additional money because further funds were not needed, said John Cole, program administrator of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

Larry Goodwin talks with another Habitat for Humanity employee inside the ReStore. Goodwin is employed at the ReStore through the Experience Works. This program finds jobs for low-income workers who are 55 and older.

PHOTO BY TETONA DUNLAP, THE OKLAHOMAN

Cole said the state is still tapping into last year’s funds, in addition to two

grants it received.

“This is the wonderful instance of a federal pro-

gram working with a nonprofit to make it work,” Castleberry said.

The difference between Medicare and Medicaid

BY LARRY PARMAN Parman & Easterday

A video image provided by Medicare.gov shows actor Andy Griffith pitching President Barack Obama’s health care law to seniors, in a cable television ad paid for by Medicare.

AP PHOTO

Andy Griffith new pitchman for health care

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON —

Actor Andy Griffith has a new role: pitching President Barack Obama’s health care law to seniors in a cable television ad paid for by Medicare.

The TV star — whose role as sheriff of Mayberry made him an enduring symbol of small-town American values — tells seniors that “good things are coming” under the health care overhaul, including free preventive checkups and lower-cost prescriptions for Medicare recipients.

Polls show that seniors are more skeptical of the health care law than are younger people because Medicare cuts provide much of the financing to expand coverage for the uninsured. That could be a problem for Democrats in the fall congressional elections, because seniors vote in large numbers.

Medicare says the national ad is not political,

but part of its outreach to educate seniors about new benefits available next year. The ad is set to run on channels seniors watch, such as the Weather Channel, CNN, Hallmark and Lifetime, at an initial cost of $700,000.

Not even the 84-yearold Griffith could keep the ad from being pulled into the partisan politics of health care.

Said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky: “It’s going to take more than slick taxpayer-funded ads to convince skeptical seniors that cutting a half-trillion dollars from Medicare is good for them.”

But presidential adviser Stephanie Cutter said the law strengthens Medicare by reducing wasteful spending.

“Seniors were the target of a major misinformation campaign,” she wrote on the White House blog, saying the ads will help correct the record.

There is a lot of confusion between Medicare and Medicaid, and though they are both government-sponsored healthcare plans, there are some major differences between the two.

Medicaid This plan is sponsored by the federal government and is intended to provide assistance to those with a low-income. If you have a financial need, Medicaid will cover you, even if you are over the age of 65.

Many seniors who are low income will have Medicaid in conjunction with Medicare, simply because it covers many expenses that Medicare will not, such as eye glasses, preventative care, and prescriptions.

Medicaid also will cover Medicare premiums and the 20 percent co-pay that Medicare doesn’t cover.

Medicare Unlike Medicaid, there are no income restrictions to qualify for Medicare; each person has already paid for this program through their employment taxes, or self-employment taxes.

There are age restrictions due to the fact that the purpose of this program is to address the increased need for medical care for seniors, as well as their decrease in income.

To qualify for Medicare, you must be at least 65 years old or have a qualifying disability. Unlike

Medicaid, which is overseen by individual states, the federal government administers this medical coverage program.

To obtain information about Medicare, you need to contact the Social Security Administration.

Medicare is administered in three parts: Part A for hospital insurance; part B for routine doctor appointments and lab tests, plus in some cases it will pay for medical equipment; and with part C you get some coverage for prescription medications.

The premiums and out of pocket cost for this coverage can be high,

LEARN MORE Larry Parman is founding attorney at Parman & Easterday in Oklahoma City. His firm has been involved in this practice since 1985. For more information on this and other areas related to senior concerns, contact Parman & Easterday, 13913-B Quail Pointe Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73134, call 843-6100, or go to the firm’s Web site, www.parmanlaw.com. If you would like to receive a special free report discussing this important issue in more depth, call 843-6100.

though not what you would pay with a private healthcare insurance.

If you are having problems covering the cost of your medical expenses, despite qualifying for

Medicare, you might want to find out if you also will qualify for Medicaid.

Those that qualify for both programs can save a great deal of money on the cost of their healthcare.

Just a push of a button and zap — a hot meal FROM FAMILY FEATURES

It’s that frantic time of day — after work, after school, after day care and after sports events — when you have to get dinner on the table.

Overwhelming!

It’s more than enough to drive you to the fast-food lane.

Relax — you own a microwave oven. In mere minutes, you can zap a nutritious, home-cooked, family-friendly dinner — even if the meat is still in the freezer when you get home.

The microwave oven has been called one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. More than 90 percent of homes in America have at least one.

In fact, if you have ever been without one for a few days, you find out just how much you rely on it. But most folks are using theirs only for reheating leftovers, defrosting food or making popcorn.

Loyalists testify that the microwave is great for cooking ground meats, poultry, and vegetables — three items that can make a fast, family dinner. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would like to add “safe” to that.

Microwave ovens cook food to temperatures hot enough to kill bacteria, but they can cook food unevenly and leave “cold spots” where harmful bacteria survive.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not cooking food to high enough temperatures to destroy bacteria is one of the top two causes of foodborne illness.

For this reason, it is important to use a food thermometer to verify that foods reach USDA-recommended temperatures.

Know the wattage It’s important to know the wattage of your oven when using cooking directions from various sources. Microwave ovens vary in wattage, and the higher the wattage of a microwave oven, the faster it will cook food.

If you don’t know the wattage of your microwave oven, try looking inside the door, on the back of the oven or in the owner’s manual.

Read the publication “Microwave Ovens and Food Safety” at www.fsis. usda.gov to learn how to use a “Time-to-Boil” test to estimate your oven’s wattage. This publication also tells how to determine whether a utensil is safe to use in a microwave oven.

Microwave frozen convenience foods until safely cooked In addition to microwaving home-cooked foods safely, it’s also very important to follow handling and cooking instructions on frozen convenience foods. Some frozen foods, such as breaded chicken cutlets, can look fully cooked.

However, many people have gotten sick from such products that were undercooked. Just thawing them in the microwave isn’t enough to make them safe.

You must microwave such foods to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees for them to be safely cooked.

RECIPE QUICK CHICKEN NUGGETS Tested in an 800-watt microwave oven.

Makes 4 to 6 servings 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts 4 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 cup dry herb stuffing 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon dry basil leaves 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme Cut chicken into bitesize chunks. Place butter or margarine in a glass pie plate and microwave on high 1 minute, or until melted.

Put dry stuffing on a piece of wax paper and crush with a rolling pin.

Add cheese, basil and thyme; mix. Dip chicken chunks into melted butter and then roll in stuffing mixture.

Arrange coated chicken in a single layer in a

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Microwave safety Following the USDA’s microwave recommendations will help you get dinner prepared speedily but safely.

Before freezing a package of ground beef, form it in a doughnut shape to thaw faster.

Remove frozen meat and poultry from packaging before thawing to avoid chemical contamination.

Transfer the frozen meat or poultry to a microwavesafe dish.

2-quart rectangular glass dish. Cover with wax paper and microwave on high 3 minutes.

Using a fork, move less-done chicken to the edges of the dish.

Re-cover and microwave on high 3 to 4 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165 degrees as measured with a food thermometer. Let stand 2 minutes before serving.

Serving suggestion: To make a complete meal, accompany the dish with side dishes of rice or potatoes and a green vegetable.

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SOURCE: FAMILY FEATURES

Remove thawed portions of ground meat and transfer them to a plate; return frozen portion to the microwave for additional defrosting.

When thawing chicken parts, break them apart as they defrost and rotate them in the dish so that the frozen areas are to the outside of the dish.

Cook meat and poultry immediately after microwave defrosting because some areas of the frozen food may get warm or be-

RECIPE 12-MINUTE SOMBRERO SUPPER Tested in an 800-watt microwave oven.

Makes 4 servings 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey 1 small green bell pepper, cored and chopped 1 (1.25-ounce) taco seasoning packet 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce 1 (14.5-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained Round tortilla chips 1 cup shredded cheese Crumble ground beef into a hard plastic colander set over a 2quart microwave-safe casserole. Microwave on high 3 minutes. Stir to break up beef and scatter bell pepper over the top. Microwave on high 3 minutes.

Discard fat that has drained into casserole dish and transfer meat mixture into same casserole. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Cover and micro-

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wave on high 3 minutes. Stir and add kidney beans. Re-cover and microwave on high 3 minutes. Test meat mixture with a food thermometer to make sure it reaches 160 degrees. Let mixture rest 2 minutes before serving.

Two ways to serve: 1) Transfer meat mixture to the center of a large platter, or 2) divide the meat mixture among 4 plates. Surround the meat mixture with tortilla chips to resemble a hat brim.

Scatter cheese over the meat mixture to resemble a straw hat, and serve hot.

Serving suggestion: To make a complete meal, accompany the dish with a salad and a green vegetable.

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SOURCE: FAMILY FEATURES

gin to cook during the defrosting time. Do not hold partially cooked food to use later.

To remove fat from ground beef, crumble the meat into a hard-plastic colander set over a microwave-safe casserole. After microwaving, discard the fat that has drained into the casserole.

Cover food to create steam that helps destroy harmful bacteria.

Follow package directions to make sure all foods reach safe internal temperatures. Sometimes frozen foods look fully cooked, but they actually require cooking to be safe.

Microwave foods to safe minimum internal tem-

peratures as measured with a food thermometer (165 degrees for poultry; 160 degrees for ground meats).

After microwaving, allow the food to rest so cooking is completed.

Use cooked meat and poultry within four days.

Leftovers may be frozen.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the USDA’s Food Service Inspection Service’s virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov.

The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, (888) MPHotline or (888) 674-6854, is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mondays through Fridays.

Good bones equal good overall health NUTRITION | EATING FRUITS, VEGETABLES DAILY IS IMPORTANT FROM FAMILY FEATURES

You may not know this, but your bones play an important role in your overall health. Bones not only give the body a frame that lets you move, they also store minerals that are vital to the function of other lifesustaining systems.

According to the office of the Surgeon General, an estimated 10 million Americans over age 50 have osteoporosis or “thinning of the bones,” while an additional 34 million are at risk.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says that approximately one in two women, and up to one in four men older than 50, will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime.

Bone health needs to be a priority for people of all ages. One simple way to improve bone health is to make sure your diet includes bone-building nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and phytonutrients.

According to a newly released report by the Nutrilite Health Institute, “America’s Phytonutrient Report: Bone Health by Color,” Americans who fall short in meeting their daily fruit and vegetable intakes are also likely missing out on other nutrients that contribute to bone health.

“It’s like a double impact — if you fail to eat enough fruits and vegetables, you are also likely not getting enough bonebuilding nutrients like calcium and vitamin D from all food sources in your total diet either,” said Keith Randolph, technology

AT A GLANCE FOOD LIST Here are some foods that provide phytonutrients for each color category.

Green Phytonutrients: EGCG, lutein/ zeaxanthin, isoflavones.

Key Food Sources: tea, spinach, soybeans

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Bone is an active tissue in the body, and fortunately just like other muscles and tissues, there are ways adults of all ages can protect and keep their bones healthy.”

AMY HENDEL

NUTRILITE’S PHYTONUTRIENT COACH

strategist for Nutrilite.

Phytonutrients Along with vitamins, minerals and fiber, fruits and vegetables contain plant-based compounds known as phytonutrients that research suggests provide a range of potential health benefits, including bone health.

“The research highlights the importance of the variety of the fruits and vegetables. Everyone can benefit by eating fruits and vegetables that span a broad color spectrum,” Randolph said.

“Bone is an active tissue in the body, and fortunately just like other muscles and tissues, there are ways adults of all ages can protect and keep their bones healthy,” said Amy Hendel, Nutrilite’s phytonutrient coach.

To help promote better bone health, Hendel, a registered physician assistant and health/wellness expert, offers some tips for people at any age: Eat a calcium and vitamin D-rich breakfast.

Start your day with breakfast foods like lower-fat

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dairy, soy milk, yogurt and calcium-fortified orange juice and cereals for bonehealthy nutrients.

Add color to meals.

Toss some phytonutrientrich foods into meals. If you like soup, consider adding kale, broccoli or turnip greens, which also provide bone-building calcium.

Exercise. Keep in mind that diet alone will not keep your bones dense and strong. A weightbearing exercise program that includes walking, jogging or running, and use of free weights, is important for bone health.

Meet the daily phytonutrient goal. A good goal for most individuals is to consume 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

For those having trouble getting enough fruits and vegetables into their diet, natural, plant-based supplements that contain phytonutrients can help close the phytonutrient gap.

For more information about Nutrilite Nutritional Supplements and to get more practical tips, go to www.nutrilite.com/color.

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Red Phytonutrients: lycopene.

Key Food Sources: tomatoes and tomato products.

White Phytonutrients: quercetin.

Key Food Sources: onions.

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Yellow/Orange Phytonutrients: beta-carotene, hesperidin, beta-cryptoxanthin.

Key Food Sources: carrots, oranges and orange juice.

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Eating right can tip scale on happiness DID YOU KNOW?

SUPER MOOD FOOD A perfect example of a super mood food is watermelon, which is higher in lycopene than tomatoes, and is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C. Better yet, watermelon is 92 percent water, which means it is a natural hydrator, and it contains two amino acids, citrulline and arginine, that maintain blood vessels in the body.

FROM FAMILY FEATURES

Most people recognize the link between what they eat and their physical health. But many don’t know that there is a link between what they eat and their mood.

Literally, says Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., what you eat or don’t eat for breakfast can have an effect on your happiness quotient by afternoon.

The effects also are cumulative: eat the right foods for months, years or decades and you will be that much happier and mentally sharp in the years to come.

In short, follow these tips that come from, “Eat Your Way to Happiness,” the latest book by Somer, and she promises you will say, “I never knew I could feel this good!”

Eat breakfast People who eat breakfast have more energy, a more sustained good mood, perform better at school and at work, and sleep better at night.

They also are less prone to food cravings and have an easier time losing weight and maintaining the weight loss.

But, Somer is not talking doughnuts and coffee.

The breakfast must have: A whole grain to provide needed high-quality carbs for the brain during the morning hours.

A little protein to keep you satiated and maintain even blood sugar levels throughout the morning.

One, preferably two, fruits and vegetables.

Somer’s favorite is a bowl of whole-grain cereal topped with berries and

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low-fat milk, and served with sliced watermelon.

Or, a morning smoothie made with watermelon, lemon yogurt and dash of ground ginger, served with whole-grain raisin bread.

Keep lunch light Not only will a heavy lunch leave you groggy, but eat too much fat midday and it turns on a brain chemical called galanin.

According to research from Rockefeller University, the more fat we eat, the more galanin we produce.

People who eat a fatty lunch are likely to eat more calories later in the day compared to someone who eats a low-fat lunch.

An example would be a turkey breast sandwich on whole wheat piled high with spinach leaves and served with a glass of low-

fat milk and a fruit salad, watermelon, orange slices or pineapple.

Eat super mood foods Somer says that it is a style of eating, not just a few foods, that will stack the deck in favor of feeling great.

The 10 secrets of happy people discussed in her book include habits such as focusing on “real foods,” not processed ones, cutting back on the quick fixes and keeping meals light.

If you are following those guidelines, adding super mood foods gives you an even greater nutritional bang for your buck.

Super mood foods are ones loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidant-rich phytonutrients, while being moderate in calories.