OutreachNC magazine August 2016

COMPLIMENTARY

AUGUST 2016 | VOL. 7, ISSUE 8

Outdoor LIVING EXPLORING ROCKINGHAM’S HITCHCOCK CREEK BLUE TRAIL AQUATIC THERAPY AND IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE HIGH BLOOD SUGAR EQUALS LOW BRAIN POWER: 5 TIPS TO DECREASE YOUR RISK

Serving the Sandhills & Southern Piedmont

AUGUST 2016 |

OutreachNC.com 1

| OUTREACHNC.COM

race to recovery

:

joint replacement program

capeable

of getting you back in the game

Whether your passion is golf, tennis or even taking walks with your spouse, when the pain of arthritis makes you consider hip or knee replacement surgery, there’s really only one choice.

Only one joint replacement program in the Sandhills has been awarded two Gold Seals of ApprovalTM from The Joint Commission, the nation’s premier accreditation agency.

And Cape Fear Valley is designated a Blue Distinction CenterSM for Hip and Knee surgery by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Just two of the many reasons we’re CAPEable of keeping you in the game.

For a referral to an orthopedic surgeon who is part of Cape Fear Valley’s award-winning Race to Recovery joint replacement program, please call Carelink at (910) 615-link (5465) or toll free at 1-888-728-well.

2

Cape Fear Valley has earned OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016 The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval TM

www.capefearvalley.com

The Experts in Aging Well

Ready to plan for your Second 50?

Make your own decisions now.

Aging Life Care ProfessionalsTM provide a client-centered approach to guide families to actions and decisions that ensure quality of care and optimal life.

Let our resources and experience help you maintain your independence.

Call us today. We can help!

AUGUST 2016 |

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910.692.0683 | AgingOutreachServices.com

features AUGUST 2016

23

Making A Splash!

Aquatic Therapy and Improved Quality of Life

by Michelle Goetzl

28

With Our Gardens...We Grow!

by Jennifer Webster

42

Carolina Conversations with WRAL-TV's Tom Suiter

by Thad Mumau

46

Rehab at a Sea Turtle's Pace

by Carrie Frye

34

50

by Jonathan Scott

by Rachel Stewart

Better With Age Series: Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail

6 Ways to Stay Safe Outdoors This Summer

38

54

5 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

by Rachel Stewart 4 OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016

Outdoor Living Issue

Outdoor Oasis

by David Hibbard

AUGUST 2016 |

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departments August 2016

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing and the lawn mower is broken.

16

20

—James Dent

66 advice & health

life

10

Ask the Expert

by Amy Natt

14

Belle Weather

by Celia Rivenbark

64

Resource Marketplace Find the resources you need.

12

Eye Health

by Anna F. Fakadej, MD

16

Gentleman's Notebook

by Ray Linville

66

Generations

by Carrie Frye

15

Law Review

by Jackie Bedard

20

Cooking Simple

by Rhett Morris

18

Brain Health

by Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP

21

Literary Circle

by Cos Barnes

22

Tech Savvy

by Ryan Hinson

41

Senior Shorts Poetry

by Ruth Moose

62

Caregiving

by Mike Collins

60

Grey Matter Games Sudoku, Word Search & Crossword Puzzles

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

BY KATHERINE CLARK

6

OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016

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910-692-9609 or mail a check to: P.O. Box 2478 Southern Pines, NC 28388

Orthopedic quality meets robotic precisıon.

Improved joint replacement surgery at Scotland Health Care System.

Our Orthopedic team helped pioneer the use of computer-assisted navigational surgery with total joints. By using the new MAKO ™ RoboticArm Assisted Surgery System, our highly skilled surgeons have the latest technology to perform total hip and partial knee replacements. This is just the next step in the evolution of precise surgical technology.

Scotland Health Care System is one of the few hospitals in the Carolinas to offer the surgeon controlled robotic-arm. This potentially lessinvasive procedure may lead to faster recovery with more successful outcomes as compared to traditional joint replacement surgery. And it’s all done right here at Scotland Health Care System.

These total hip and partial knee replacement procedures potentially offer:* • Smaller incisions • Less blood loss • Quicker healing • Fewer post surgery issues *As compared to traditional joint replacement surgery.

What's Online?

OutreachNC.com

articles

advice previous issues recipes

magazine extras

Doctor Paul Rush

Doctor John Smid

Doctor Ralph Carter

Doctor Richard Alexander

More than 80 years of combined experience including 36 years in computer-assisted surgery.

To learn more, visit scotlandhealth.org/orthopedics

AUGUST 2016 | SCOTHC 20603 (5.33x9.25) Outreach NC.indd 1

OutreachNC.com 7

3/30/16 4:24 PM

from the editor

A

ugust is here, so it is time to savor these remaining days of summertime.

This month, we celebrate outdoor living, from making the most of small garden spaces and patios to a complete oasis with an outdoor kitchen. We learn about low-maintenance plants, those that attract beautiful butterflies, how both pets and pool time are good for our health, and some safety tips to keep in mind when outside this summer. We also sit down for our Carolina Conversations and talk some sports with WRAL-TV's newly retired Tom Suiter. And there is plenty of great information to help you age with success, too.

Did you know sea turtles may live to be more than 100 years old? Since this time of year is also nesting season for sea turtles along the North Carolina coast, we share our excursion to The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. If you are in the area, don't miss the opportunity to see three different species: loggerhead, green and Kemp's ridley. The center runs on volunteer power and a love for the sea turtles, helping them heal and return to the ocean. The good works of Jean Beasley and her team are astounding, having rehabbed and released more than 600 sea turtles in the center's tenure. Amazing!

Another animal-friendly group we meet this month is Peak Lab Rescue. The group was kind enough to pose with some adorable black lab puppies for our "5 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet" feature on Page 38. Their tireless efforts rescue labs from high-kill shelters across the state and foster the dogs until they can find their forever home.

Speaking of home, there's a hidden gem of nature in Rockingham's Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail Paddleway, this month's Better With Age destination. Special thanks to photographer Katherine Clark for going knee-deep in the creek to capture this beautiful landscape!

Time to let co-editor Jeeves outside for more adventures chasing birds and squirrels. Thank you for turning pages with us. Until next month...

—Carrie Frye

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Editor in Chief Carrie Frye | carrief@OutreachNC.com Contributing Graphic Designers Nikki Lienhard, Jonathan Scott Contributing Proofreaders Michelle Goetzl, Jennifer Kirby, Kate Pomplun, Jennifer Webster Contributing Photographers Katherine Clark, Diana Matthews Contributing Writers Cos Barnes, Jackie Bedard, Mike Collins, Anna F. Fakadej, MD, Michelle Goetzl, David Hibbard, Ryan Hinson, Rhett Morris, Thad Mumau, Celia Rivenbark, Rachel Stewart, Karen D. Sullivan, Jennifer Webster

Y Publisher Amy Natt | amyn@AgingOutreachServices.com Marketing & Public Relations Director Susan McKenzie | susanm@AgingOutreachServices.com Advertising Sales Executive Shawn Buring | shawnb@OutreachNC.com 910-690-1276 OutreachNC PO Box 2478 | 676 NW Broad Street Southern Pines, NC 28388 910-692-9609 Office | 910-695-0766 Fax info@OutreachNC.com

www.OutreachNC.com

OutreachNC is a publication of The entire contents of OutreachNC are copyrighted by Aging Outreach Services. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial, photographic or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. OutreachNC is published monthly on the first of each month.

Interventional Pain Procedures • Physical Therapy • Infusion Therapy Movement Therapies • Yoga • Medication Management Asheboro • Fayetteville • Laurinburg • Sanford • Pinehurst • Pembroke 910-687-4888 www.ips.md

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Get the best seats & discounted rates!

Visit www.uncp.edu/gpac or call: 910.521.6361 AUGUST 2016 |

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advice

Our Aging Life Care ProfessionalsTM will answer any aging questions you may have.

Email us your questions! info@OutreachNC.com

ASK THE EXPERT

Staying Active with Parkinson’s Disease

by Amy Natt, MS, CMC, CSA I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years ago. I am starting to notice the impact on my balance and golf game. My neurologist mentioned that there are exercise programs, but I have a hard time sticking to them. Is there something you would recommend?

As we journey through life, a new diagnosis can challenge the day-to-day routines and activities that we have become accustomed to and enjoy.

Your mindset of wanting to remain active is key to finding ways to adjust, and that will serve you well both physically and mentally.

Your neurologist or primary care physician can guide you through the medical side of Parkinson’s and possible treatment options, so let’s focus on what you can do to remain proactive and continue living life. As you suggest, exercise can be very important. Many people participate in more formal movement or therapy programs. These may require a written order from your doctor to enable utilizing insurance coverage. You can simply ask your provider for this documentation. The therapist can help you determine the best program for you and how to maintain it going forward.

North Carolina has many therapists trained in LSVT Big™, or “Training BIG,” a structured training program that specifically targets increasing amplitude of limb and body movement for those with Parkinson’s disease. Many clients I have worked with reported positive results and found it

beneficial to maintaining movement. Other physical or occupational therapy programs may be able to specifically target your golf game and individualize a program to you. There are also Movement Disorder Clinics throughout the state that specialize in programs for individuals like you. Duke and UNC are both good examples. The benefit to exploring these resources now is that you can start to make modifications to your everyday life that will help you stay active and be prepared for future challenges. With an open mind and good support, you can continue to modify activities as needed to meet your needs.

Attending a support group specific to Parkinson’s is another wonderful resource. The group facilitators typically bring in a variety of experts that can offer you information and education on a number of topics. You also gain an opportunity to network with others who have been diagnosed and can share struggles and successes they are experiencing. Your local hospital is often a good place to identify what groups may be in your area. You can also access an Aging Life Care Professional™ in your area at www.AgingLifeCare.org .

Readers may send questions to Natt, an Aging Life Care ProfessionalTM, certified senior advisor and CEO of Aging Outreach Services. She can be reached at amyn@agingoutreachservices.com .

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“” Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.

—Jim Rohn

If you are struggling with sticking to a specific program, consider finding a training partner. This can be a friend, family member, volunteer or someone you hire to exercise with you and help keep you on track.

The initial cost of any of the structured therapy programs will often be covered by Medicare (if you meet eligibility criteria), but the ongoing costs to maintain what you have learned should be discussed, so you know your options.

You might also try writing down your exercise goals or keeping a journal. Perhaps post a picture of yourself golfing as a reminder of what you are working toward.

At some point, be willing to make modifications to maintain your safety and keep an awareness of fallprevention strategies. We all struggle with motivation, but maintaining those exercises will truly help you achieve your goal of continued activity. Take your time as you go down this path, and continue to seek out resources and opportunities to learn about Parkinson’s and how to live your best each day.

AUGUST 2016 |

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health

E Y E H E A LT H

What Is a Cataract?

by Anna F. Fakadej, MD

A

cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. This lens, located behind the iris, works just like the lens of a camera, focusing light images on the retina, which sends images to the brain. The human lens can become so clouded that it keeps light and images from reaching the retina. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in adults 55 and older.

A cataract can cause images to become blurred and bright colors to become dull. It can also make seeing at night more difficult. Vision with cataracts is often described as seeing through an old, cloudy film. Is your vision blurry or foggy? Do colors appear dull or muted? Are your glasses no longer working? Does sunlight or other light seem overly bright or glaring? Do you have decreased night vision or see halos around lights? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have cataracts.

Many people believe cataracts have to be “ripe” before they can be removed. This is no longer true. Today, cataract surgery can be performed as soon as your vision interferes with the quality of your life.

Cataract surgery is generally an outpatient procedure with little discomfort. First, you are given an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and/or around the eye. The procedure involves making a tiny incision in the eye. The surgeon then inserts a small instrument into the eye to break up the cloudy lens with ultrasound technology and remove it from the eye. Once the cataract is removed, a new artificial lens is inserted through the same incision.

An Intraocular Lens, or IOL, is an artificial lens that replaces the cloudy lens. As an alternative to receiving a standard IOL, today many patients have the option to

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OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016

choose advanced technology lenses to fit their individual lifestyle. Often these advanced lenses can reduce the dependence on glasses. After a thorough examination of your individual needs, your doctor can help you decide which lens or treatment is right for you, including: • Accommodative lens: Unlike traditional lenses that focus at only one or two distances, this lens moves fluidly with the natural action of the eye’s muscle. However, as with all cataract surgery, there is no guarantee the patient will not require glasses or contacts after surgery.

• Multifocal lens: This type of lens is also designed to reduce a patient’s reliance on glasses or contacts, though some may still require additional correction after surgery.

• Toric lens: Some patients have astigmatism, which simply involves a different shape of the front surface of the eye. The Toric lens implant can help reduce astigmatism.

• Blended vision/monovision: An eye treatment that corrects short-sightedness (myopia) in one eye and long-sightedness (hyperopia) in the other eye.

Primarily, the treatment is for a condition called presbyopia, which is the progressive loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects.

Dr. Fakadej, a cataract and aesthetic laser specialist at Carolina Eye Associates, can be reached at 800-733-5357 or by visiting www.carolinaeye.com .

AUGUST 2016 |

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life

B E L L E W E AT H E R

Vacation ‘Honey Do’ List Details Who Does What

A

by Celia Rivenbark

few years ago, I wrote a column about how unfair it is that men get all the credit for a successful summer cookout when the only thing they actually do is (1) go buy the ice and, OK, that was it; there is no (2). Women really loved that column. I still get stopped every now and then and thanked for writing it, which makes me feel heroic, not in a “Saving Private Ryan” type of way but more on the order of the small-town politician who casts the deciding vote for a traffic light to be installed near the liquor store.

Hey, I’ll take my adulation wherever I can get it. #notproud.

So now that we’re in the heart of vacation season, it seems like a good time to revisit some of “My favorite differences between men and women and why we are just, well, frankly better.”

Don’t get me wrong. Some of my best husbands have been men. I’m very fond of them in general but, let’s face it, when it comes to planning a family vacation, men are pretty much going to, you guessed it, get the ice. And even that is useless if you’re flying somewhere. If you think the TSA hates little tubes of hair gel, just watch them go batpoo crazy when you show up with 40 pounds of ice.

A survey of my women friends confirms that, this year as every year, they’re doing almost all the planning for the summer vacation. I say “almost” because one did brag that her husband was in charge of buying amusement park tickets in advance so they could skip the long lines. Do you want to break it to her or shall I? He forgot to do that and

so now you must line up in the heat. That cute romper you got at TJ Maxx is now sweat-glued to your butt, and you will have to be cut out of it by paramedics. Another line.

Here’s a list to clip and save detailing who does what so there will be minimal confusion. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

SHE: Makes all the hotel, flight and attractions reservations; arranges pet-sitter for family dog and bird and fish; packs suitcases for all family members; stops newspaper and mail delivery; tells trustworthy neighbors about trip dates in case they see suspicious activity around empty house; makes sure burglar alarm is working properly and that lights are on a timer or invests in smart home app that can be used remotely; empties refrigerator of all perishables; makes sure prescriptions are up to date and packed for all family members; gets haircuts for kids; reminds hubby he needs one and you have a coupon; packs chargers for all phones, video cameras, etc.; packs sunscreen, first aid kit and collapsible water bottles in easily accessible bag; updates Last Will and Testament (optional).

HE: Goes to Great Clips. Forgets coupon. Lies about using it when asked.

Rivenbark is the author of seven humor collections. Visit her website at www.celiarivenbark.com. ©2016 Celia Rivenbark. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• Button pushed for fast, local response • Responder called for help • EMS / police dispatched 1052-140-15

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OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016

Keeping you and/or your loved ones safe and giving you peace of mind.

For more information, call (910) 715-1271 or toll-free (800) 213-3284.

L AW R E V I E W

advice

Divorce Means Separating Estate Plans

by Jackie Bedard

W

henever life changes happen, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. When married couples create estate plans, both spouses typically name each other as agents in case of incapacity and as primary beneficiary upon the first death. This is reasonable, but it’s important to ensure there are provisional situations addressed.

For example, what happens if you divorce? Between 1990 and 2010, the divorce rate doubled for people older than 50 and more than doubled for those older than 65, according to a recent Forbes article on estate planning for baby boomers. Divorce is a difficult decision, but you can minimize the long-term effects by handling these important estate planning issues right away. I recommend the following updates not only to those who are divorcing but also to those experiencing or expecting any major life changes during the year:

1. Wills & Trusts. Wills and trusts are an obvious place to begin. You need to ensure these important legal documents are updated and that loved ones and trusted advisers know where to locate them.

2. Beneficiary Designations. Update the beneficiary designations for life insurance policies and retirement funds. This is an often overlooked but crucial change to be made during divorce.

3. Health Care Power of Attorney. Change your healthcare power of attorney documents, naming who will handle medical decisions and advocate on your behalf in the event that you are incapacitated and unable to express your wishes. In addition, advanced healthcare directives (living wills) should be updated to reflect this change.

4. Financial Power of Attorney. A new designation should be made for the durable financial power of attorney, so that the correct person has authority to handle money matters if you are unable to do so.

5. Estate Planners. Change your estate planning attorney. Married couples generally worked together with the same planner when they created their plan, but when divorcing, you are most often best advised to find other planners to avoid a conflict of interest.

6. Qualified Domestic Relations Order. Many people may choose to allow ex-spouses rights to a portion of funds as part of the divorce settlement. File a Qualified Domestic Relations Order to designate exactly what those ex-spouses are entitled to and how it should be distributed.

Bedard, an elder law attorney with Carolina Family Estate Planning, can be reached at 919-443-3035 or www.carolinafep.com.

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life

G E N T L E M A N ’ S N OT E B O O K

The Sweetness of Summer

W

by Ray Linville | Photography by Diana Matthews

e’re in the midst of my favorite season, the time that Silver Queen and other sweet corn sparkles on display at farmers markets and roadside stands. Their kernels glisten like pearls.

Once or twice a week now, my family and I look for where a local farmer is selling fresh sweet corn. When we buy in the mid-afternoon, our hope is that we are buying ears picked that morning.

Buying sweet corn as soon as it’s picked is critical. It loses freshness and sweetness rapidly after being picked, and the loss rate increases with temperature.

Ears harvested early in the morning are more than 10 to 20 degrees cooler than when harvested later in the day. That’s why in this hot weather the best sweet corn is found at farmers markets and roadside stands.

When I was growing up, sweet corn was a seasonal food, limited to the growing season. It never came from a can. With more than 200 varieties, sweet corn can be white, yellow, or bicolor. I prefer white because it reminds me of Silver Queen, which was so plentiful back then. It was wrapped tightly in green husks that were my job to strip, which I extremely disliked but quickly forgot about when I could sink my teeth into the small, tender kernels.

Before shucked ears are put in a pan to boil, I usually take a few bites of an ear to see how sweet it is. For me, sweet corn is as good raw as it is cooked. In fact, some of us boil sweet corn only because we’re so used to boiling the starchy, chewy field corn that needs aggressive cooking.

In contrast to field corn, sweet corn is grown for human consumption. Because it accumulates about two times more sugar than field corn, it’s much more enjoyable.

Sweet corn has a celebrated history in our area like elsewhere in the South and on the East Coast. Native to the Americas, corn was introduced early to colonial explorers and settlers by several Native American nations, but sweet corn does not appear in any written records until 1779 when the Iroquois introduced it to settlers. Fortunately for us, sweet corn has only improved with age.

There’s nothing like having an ear of Silver Queen anchoring a plate at dinner, and it balances well with any meat. Its ears are l-l-l-long, usually 8 to 9 inches, and an ear has 14 or 16 rows of kernels. (Do you know that corn always has an even number of rows?)

Sweet corn is true bliss, as Garrison Keeler, host of "A Prairie Home Companion," acknowledges in his song “Sweet Corn:” “O that fresh sweet corn that the Lord sent down, so we know how heaven will be.”

Linville is a contributing writer for the N.C. Folklife Institute and writes about Southern food, history and culture. He can be reached at linville910@gmail.com .

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health

B R A I N H E A LT H

High Blood Sugar Equals Low Brain Power 5 Tips to Decrease Your Risk

by Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP

B

lood sugar abnormalities are common in older adults, with research estimating that about 30 percent meet criteria for some version of glucose disorder, ranging from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes. Over time, excessive blood sugar damages the blood vessels throughout the body via a process of inflammation. Although all organs are at risk for injury, the small blood vessels in the brain are particularly vulnerable. When blood vessels in the brain are damaged, the fuel it needs to survive, glucose and oxygen, cannot get through and cells die. Brain cells have a very high need for glucose to function properly, using 65 percent of our body’s supply.

High and low spikes in blood sugar, defined by the American Diabetes Association as outside the range of 80-120 mg/dL, are particularly harmful to brain cells and associated with cognitive impairment including dementia.

Both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia have been associated with poorly controlled blood sugar levels.

Even in the absence of dementia, blood sugar irregularities can negatively affect cognition. Attention, memory and mental processing speed are particularly susceptible to damage. A 2015 study published in the journal Neurology reported that among older adults with diabetes, scores on thinking and memory tests decreased by an average of 12 percent while test scores of those without diabetes stayed the same. Consider these five tips for decreasing your risk:

1

Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential for preventing or reducing brain complications from diabetes. Check your glucose levels at least once daily and write down the results in a notebook, so you can see trends over time. Take all the medications prescribed exactly as prescribed; don’t miss even one day.

Eating a whole foods diet, minimizing processed foods and increasing your physical activity can really make a difference in keeping your blood glucose levels stable, especially as we age. Strive to break a sweat for about 30 minutes at least 3 times per week. Cardiovascular exercise strengthens blood vessels and helps them to withstand the damage caused by high blood sugar.

Keeping your blood pressure under good control, as high blood pressure can worsen the effects of diabetes. The goal for older adults is typically below 130/80.

2

3

4

Living with diabetes is hard; there’s a lot to do every day. People with diabetes often have to balance food choices, medications and exercise. Try your best to put a positive spin on negative thoughts. If you only focus on the foods you shouldn’t eat, you’ll feel deprived.

If you focus instead on all the good things that you are able to eat, such as fresh greens and seasonal fruits, you’ll make better choices over time. Ask for support. It’s normal to want to talk about what you are going through with someone who can really understand. Find out how others with diabetes cope, and you will likely feel less alone and more motivated to make the necessary changes to keep your blood sugar levels steady.

Baseline testing is the best tool we have for detecting changes affecting the brain with thinking and memory. Working with a neuropsychologist can provide you with personalized recommendations to reduce your risk of cognitive impairment.

5

Dr. Sullivan, a clinical neuropsychologist at Pinehurst Neuropsychology, can be reached at 910-420-8041 or www.pinehurstneuropsychology.com.

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AlzNC Triangle Walk

to benefit families in North Carolina touched by Alzheimer’s and other dementias

October 1, 2016 Cary’s Koka Booth / 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Register to walk and learn more at www.AlzNC.org/walks.

For more information please contact 919-832-3732 or www.AlzNC.org #AlzNCTriangleWalk.

All Funds Raised Remain in North Carolina.

LIVE MUSIC • CHILI COOK OFF • RESOURCE FAIR KIDS ACTIVITIES • RAFFLES

Other upcoming events: 6th Annual Chatham County AlzNC Walk & Lee County 5K Run (Pittsboro) (Sanford) September 10, 2016 October 15, 2016

Robeson County (Lumberton) October 15, 2016

The Voice of Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias in North Carolina

1-800-228-8738 www.alznc.org

Raleigh 1305 Navaho Dr. Suite 101, 27609

Greenville Wilmington 2245 Stantonburg Rd. 219 Racine Dr. Suite C, 27834 Suite B, 27403

AUGUST 2016 |

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COOKING SIMPLE

Peach Cobbler

by Rhett Morris | Photography by Diana Matthews

Ingredients

6 peaches, peeled and cut into slices ½ cup brown sugar divided ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspon nutmeg 2 tablespoons lemon juice zest of 1 lemon

Directions

Mix peaches, half of the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and zest in bowl, and coat peaches evenly. Put in a baking dish. Combine flour, oats, remaining brown sugar and butter together, and put on top of peaches. If you would like to try a variation on the topping, substitute the flour and oatmeal with 2 cups of your favorite granola. Cook in 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

½ teaspoon salt 1 cup of flour 1 cup oats ¼ cup butter 20

OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016

Morris, owner of Rhett’s Restaurant, Personal Chef & Catering, is an award-winning chef, specializing in Southern gourmet fare with fresh ingredients. He can be reached at 910-695-3663 or rhett@rhettsrpcc.com .

Mom Needs Trusted Home Care. And You Need Us.

LITERARY CIRCLE

‘The Martian’ and ‘Discovering Nature’

She took care of you and now it’s your turn, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day, but still, you want to give your mom your loving best. Talk to us. For over 60 years we’ve built a foundation of trust, confidence, and loving support for moms just like yours.

Call us. We’re here when you need us. Always.

Book Reviews by Cos Barnes

A

uthor Andy Weir presents an enticing tale of the astronaut who was left behind on Mars after a dust storm in "The Martian." Assuming he was dead, his teammates returned to Earth, and he was left alone.

I am not particularly a fan of sci-fi, but I was fascinated with the young man’s determination to stay alive.

The astronaut calls on all his training, realizing he had to have a pressure vessel, oxygen, radiation shielding, water, food and energy.

Knowing he has to take care of himself for four years, he plans out his whole destiny. He keeps a log of what happens to him each day and it probably keeps him sane.

Reruns of 1970s sitcoms provide his recreational outlet and he, too, finds how invaluable duct tape is to survival.

Weir’s book was first self-published.

“Discovering Nature, An Introduction to the World Outside” was published in 1958 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and is as pertinent to today’s gardener as it was then.

Written by the late Charlotte Orr Gantz and illustrated by Charles Hargens, the book details Gantz’s quest as a child for fossils found near her home in the Catskills and shells found on family trips to Florida, Europe and Jamaica. She and her brother created a museum to show their treasures.

Gantz’s love of nature continued after she married a man who was as devoted to nature. They lived in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and developed part of their land into a bird haven. She established a more complete museum with all specimens labeled and catalogued.

Barnes has been writing for OutreachNC since the first publication in 2010 and currently participates in three book clubs. She can be reached at info@outreachnc.com .

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advice

T E C H S AV V Y

What To Do If Your Computer Gets a Virus

by Ryan Hinson | Illustration by Brenda Vienrich

C

omputer viruses can be dangerous and should be taken seriously, but there are ways to remove them before serious damage is done. Here are the basic steps involved in virus scanning and removal: Install antivirus software. If you don’t already have an antivirus program, install one. Be sure only one program is installed; having more than one running simultaneously can cause significant problems.

Run a System Scan. Once you’ve verified that your antivirus program is running, begin a scan. If you’re unsure how to do this, review the documentation for your antivirus program, which usually can be found on the developer’s website.

You’ll want to run the most thorough type of scan available, which is usually called a full system scan.

This may take several hours, but you should not need to remain at your computer during the scan.

Review threats and recommended action.

The antivirus program will notify you of discovered threats and recommend various courses of action.

Generally, the recommended action for each threat is the best choice. If the antivirus is unable to remove

a threat, don’t ignore it. Investigate how to proceed by searching online or contacting a professional.

Look for malware.

Your antivirus program may be bundled with an antimalware program. If it isn’t, you may want to install an anti-malware program and run a scan. This can help find any malware your antivirus may have missed.

If all else fails... If you are unable to remove the virus—or if your programs or operating system are damaged beyond repair—it may be necessary to erase the hard drive and reinstall your operating system and programs.

At this point, you may want to consider hiring a technical support professional, but it is still possible to do this yourself. If you perform a full reformat of your hard drives during this process, it is almost guaranteed to eliminate even the most dangerous viruses, but all data on your drives will be lost. This is why it’s crucial to keep regular backups of your data before your computer develops any significant problems. If you restore data from backups after reformatting your hard drive, perform a virus scan on the restored data to ensure it’s not infected.

Hinson is an instructional designer with GCFLearnFree.org, a program of Goodwill Community Foundation (GCF) and Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina Inc. (GIENC). For more information, visit www.GCFLearnFree.org/basic-computer-skills .

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Aquatic Therapy and Improved Quality of Life

by Michelle Goetzl | Photography by Katherine Clark

W

hat if getting into the water on a regular basis could improve your quality of life? We know that water-based exercise is the easiest on your body, but what if aquatic therapy also allowed our most cognitively impaired loved ones moments of increased responsiveness and joy? Every summer children flock to pools to splash and play. Throughout the year, many older adults who want to stay fit but need something easier on their joints take water aerobics classes. However, there is a population that underutilizes the pool who could find dramatic results—patients with cognitive difficulties, especially dementia, stroke, PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

Stacy Lynch, PTA, CLT, CPT, Aq, GAq, director of programming for Inertia Therapy Services in Arizona, specializes in aquatic therapy and is leading the way to get more people benefiting from getting into the pool (pictured at top left with Woodland Terrace resident Beryl Kilbride, center, and Teresa Sawyer, Woodland Terrace’s wellness coordinator).

Earlier this year, Lynch came to Woodland Terrace in Cary to discuss a dementia case study and inform the public and medical communities about the benefits of aquatic therapy.

His research and presentations have earned him the nickname “The Aquatic Advocate” among his colleagues.

Physical therapists have long utilized aquatic therapy to help people after an injury, but aquatic therapy for long-term care residents is something that tends to be overlooked.

Some may be leery of allowing the most compromised patients into the water. Lynch has specialized in aquatic therapy for more than 10 years and wants to encourage more patients to get into the pool.

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“I am drawn to the amazing physical, mental, and emotional responses that would occur with most every patient that participated in aquatic therapy,” Lynch explains.

There are many reasons that aquatic therapy is beneficial to your health. By simply immersing the body from the neck down, blood flow increases, which allows for an increase in oxygen intake. Sodium levels are reduced, edema and swelling are reduced, even pain perception is decreased. Patients are able to participate in the water in ways that they may not be able to on land simply due to the buoyancy of the pool.

What makes the information that Lynch brings to the table even more credible is a casestudy he was a part of that shows the dramatic impact aquatic therapy can have on people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

In 2012, Lynch started a therapist/patient relationship with “Bill,” an end-stage dementia patient in Arizona. Bill was poorly communicative, non-ambulatory, expressionless and incapable of any activities of daily living except self-feeding. After failing to progress after six weeks of conventional physical therapy, aquatic therapy was initiated twice a week for 30 minutes. On his first day in the water, Bill could stand, smile and even follow simple commands.

“It was like he woke up,” Lynch recalls.

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More than just the physical benefits of being in the water, Lynch also witnessed the emotional effects of aquatic therapy on Bill.

“One of the most wounding effects of Alzheimer’s is a pulling back from family,” Lynch says. “After participating in the aquatic therapy sessions, Bill was able to emote and participate with others when he was in the water. He was even able to have conversations.

“There is recent research bringing to light a number of neurological benefits with aquatic therapy affecting cognitive function in healthy and impaired individuals,” he adds. “As important as that is, this is simply about quality of life.”

Bill’s daughters, Wendy and Sally, used the time in the pool with their father to share memories that had failed him for him for so long.

“This therapy provided him a few hours in which he could enjoy life more during his last months,” Wendy says.

Recognizing the positive effects of aquatic therapy, Teresa Sawyer, wellness coordinator at Woodland Terrace, intends to bring aquatic therapy and water experiences in general to more of her residents just to bring them joy (seen above right with resident Mary Larkin, center and Jackie Green, dementia care coordinator at Woodland Terrace).

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The Power of Water • Buoyancy: Buoyancy reduces weight bearing. Stress to the joints is reduced and allows performance of exercises that may not be possible on land due to gravity.

• Warm Water: The warm water helps to reduce pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The warmer water also stimulates the production of white blood cells, which strengthens the immune system.

• Resistance: The resistance of the water will help to increase strength without putting stress on the joints.

• Hydrostatic Pressure: Hydrostatic pressure, or the pressure applied to an immersed body, can reduce swelling associated with arthritis. Water exerts pressure against the body, acting like full body support hosiery during water exercise. Additionally, the pressure of water on the chest wall creates a training effect for the respiratory muscles.

• Endorphins: Aquatic therapy can release endorphins in the body, which act as natural pain killers, reacting similarly to over-the-counter medications. In addition to pain being decreased, anxiety decreases up to 40 pecent with immersion alone.

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“Being in the pool reminds someone of the joy and playfulness water brings out in all of us,” Sawyer explains. “It is an absolute joy to watch an agitated, non-ambulatory or expressionless person with dementia get into the pool and be able to move freely without a wheelchair or scooter. They beam at being able to be independent and free of assistance.

Watching a person who has limited language begin to crack jokes or smile while becoming playful in the pool makes the experience powerful for our wellness team and for the family members that we report to about their loved one’s experience in the pool.”

Sawyer’s passion for aquatic therapy has led to an aquatics class for people with Parkinson’s disease.

“They will benefit greatly from the socialization and freedom of movement in the pool,” says Sawyer, who has also taught aquatic therapy classes for those with chronic pain amd multiple sclerosis.

As Lynch and Sawyer both acknowledge, the world of aquatic therapy is relatively small. This often has to do with the expense of being connected to pool facilities. Moore Rehab, an outpatient rehabiliation clinic at FirstHealth of the Carolinas in Pinehurst, is fortunate to have access to the pool at the health center of the facility.

“We often utilize the pool for therapy sessions because water makes us feel weightless, so you can do things that you could not do on land,” explains Heather MacMillian, PT, DPT, supervisor at Moore Rehab. “Simply moving around in the water releases endorphins and induces relaxation.”

MacMillian brings a variety of physical therapy patients into the pool. In the water, they have less risk of falling and can accomplish goals that are more challenging to them on land. Those with chronic pain who have tried every modality to manage their condition often benefit from moving in water.

“We have many clients who find getting into the water three to five times a week is the only way for them to manage their pain,” MacMillian says.

Water does seem to have some magical properties that can make the difference in our health and that of our loved ones. Whatever the situation or condition, these therapists all agree with one mantra—get into the water!

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by Jennifer Webster | Photography by Diana M atthews 28

OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016

A

lmost everyone loves outdoor spaces, especially when they can participate in creating them. Accessible gardens for older adults and those challenged by mobility issues are in particularly high demand, but no matter age or accessibility, keep these three tips in mind when creating a smaller outdoor space.

1 2 3

Outdoor spaces grow with us. Create your garden and choose a gardener with an eye to the future.

The outdoors are for living in. Make your patio, porch or garden a space you can share and enjoy.

Garden together. Landscapes worked by hands from many generations—and frequented by animals, too—are among the most beloved and naturally accessible.

Plant a marigold seed in a cup and watch it sprout.

Years later, watch a grandchild climb a willow tree you planted a generation ago.

Growing Together Charles Allen IV, CEO and founder of Green Biz Nursery in Fayetteville, has 30 years’ experience in landscaping and grounds maintenance, often for long-term clients.

“My parents were both landscape and plant people,” he says.

“I accompanied them to nurseries and gardens in Japan, among other places. I try to always visit arboretums and private gardens, so I’ve developed a style encompassing everything from classic to naturalistic—I’ve kind of put it all together. And I’m able to see what folks actually need and make suggestions from my experience.”

One of the gardens he’s tended the longest is his mother’s. At 83, she’s sized down to pot gardening, but still likes getting her hands dirty.

“Across the board,” Allen observes, “most people still want to garden, but they may not have the physicality any more.

“I’ve had several long-term clients who started out very active in working on projects. As their mobility has changed, they have come up off the ground a little more. We have raised up and built areas they can reach from a less arduous position so they can still get their hands in it.”

Allen has come to see gardening as a life-long process, one that follows an arc of shifting interests and priorities similar to other lifetime pursuits.

“My mom and dad started toward perennials more as they grew older,” he says. “I didn’t understand it as a kid; now as I’ve gotten older I realize it’s like an investment. It grows and comes back to you every year—generally better every year!”

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In his personal garden, he says, he tends to use sturdy plants.

“You can drive over a crepe myrtle with a car and it comes back,” he says. “I use re-blooming materials, plants with colored leaves, evergreens with blues, reds and yellows in them, variegated forms—it’s easier than putting in annuals every year or moving bulbs around.”

When it comes to selecting a landscaper and maintenance service, Allen says, consider the longterm relationship, not just the project at hand. Interview potential landscapers, talk to their other clients and look at their work to see whether your styles are compatible. Often, as gardeners grow older, they transition heavy work such as mowing and pruning to their landscaper.

“If you have a good landscaper who knows what he’s doing, is friendly and has a love of plants, that shared interest can bring people together in a lifelong relationship,” Allen says.

A Space to Share Like Allen, Gail Scott, owner and landscape designer at Lotus Designs Landscaping in Vass, came to gardening through family connections. She appreciates the shared, social nature of the out-of-doors. Scott has created numerous outdoor spaces for people with limited mobility or other difficulties accessing the space. Sometimes she builds a project from start to finish; for other clients, she starts a plan and helps them work on it on their own time and terms. Using ramps and other architectural features, Scott has learned to make spaces where someone with limited mobility can interact seamlessly with the environment.

One such garden, for Southern Pines United Methodist Church, was a complex challenge involving creating carefully graded paths to different entrances at different levels. Not only did the entryways need to be safe for wheelchair- and walker-users, the paths needed to blend invisibly into the project. Drainage slopes and ADA compliance were also important.

“In the end, it’s the most natural thing,” Scott says. “I was able to focus on the space, and it turned out wonderfully.”

In another instance, Scott created an outdoor space for a robust disabled veteran.

“A lot of wounded warriors are very ambitious people. They are used to 16-hour days, so they often hire me to come up with something for them, and they do it themselves,” says Scott, who offers 3-D rendering and exportable CAD files of her landscape designs.

Living in Fayetteville, this particular veteran “had a stroke in her mid-50s,” Scott says. “She has a slower lifestyle after the stroke. She wanted something durable. In her situation, you have to pick your days; you can do good work, but you can’t overdo it.”

While creating gardens to last, Scott has made an important observation: “Clients value face-toface contact,” she says. “They also want spaces where they can congregate when their families visit.”

Decks, overhangs for shade, ceiling fans, and screened porches to ward off mosquitoes are some of Scott’s recommendations for accessible outdoor spaces that people can age into. Shade and comfort are as important as wide paths and gentle slopes.

“In the last several years, I have really focused on creating outdoor spaces that enhance people’s ability to be outside, even if it’s just reading a book on a covered patio,” she says.

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All Hands on Deck Jeff Masar, director of environmental services at Penick Village, a continuing care retirement community in Southern Pines, is actively developing the 32 acres of grounds and gardens there. He describes group projects involving everyone from local Eagle Scouts to an occasional visiting deer.

Moved to brighten the days of his neighbors at Penick, Masar enlisted residents’ help. They took down some trees and installed planters—filled with vegetables one year, flowers another—that residents could easily see and touch from wheelchairs. Dirt was mounded up into a meditation garden filled with fragrant flowers.

Other projects are consistently shared and accessible.

“At our main building, Village House, we built some raised bed boxes very close to the dining area so kitchen staff can snip mint or oregano or rosemary,” he says. “We plan to add boxes and some raised pottery pieces to hold herbs, more for decoration and wildlife.

“We just finished a water feature in our center green, working with an Eagle Scout candidate to get a hard surface walkway to it. One resident had grandkids visiting in town who bought goldfish for the pond. We have

a 3-foot-high landing so people using wheelchairs or walkers can come right to the edge of the water without fear.”

Appealing to all the senses is important, Masar notes. The memory care house at Penick Village features an enclosed garden where residents can spend time enjoying the sweetsmelling flowers.

Input from everyone also makes a difference. Masar builds gardens with, not just for, the residents. At Penick Village, an active residents’ grounds committee meets monthly to make plans. And residents contribute sweat as well as concepts.

“In conjunction with our grounds crew, they may paint benches, plant annuals or prune,” Masar says.

A common thread among landscapers who work with clients over time is the conviviality the outof-doors creates. Our gardens aren’t merely our own; they’re spaces we share with each other over the years— spaces that age and become more beautiful, just as we do.

“It’s enjoyable to see residents gathered outside with each other or family members, or using the vegetables and herbs they’re growing,” Masar says. “It’s been fun to bring that experience to our community and see the residents get excited about the space.”

Low-Maintenance Perfect Plant Picks • Buddleia—Also known as butterfly bush, these shrubs with purple and white flowers have a honeyed smell.

• Lobelia—This low-growing, shrubby plant has lovely tubular flowers. It’s also known as Indian tobacco.

• Spirea—This deciduous shrub produces cascades of flowers that may be pink, red, yellow or white.

• Sweet Pepperbush—These shrubs grow tall spires of fragrant white flowers.

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• Vitex—Also called Abraham’s balm, this tree-like shrub

may grow up to 15 feet tall with spires of lavender flowers.

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BETTER WITH AGE SERIES

by Jonathan Scott Photography by Katherine Clark

Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail Paddleway

W

hen Rockingham’s Pee Dee #1 Textile Mill went into operation in 1875, it was powered by water flowing over a dam in Hitchcock Creek. More than 70 years later, the dam broke, leaving a sprawling, overgrown lakebed.

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The mill no longer needed the water, but it was dependent on North Carolina’s textile industry. That, like the dam, eventually gave way. The mill shut down in the late 1980s, leaving forlorn ruins and a degraded creek, cluttered with debris.

Since 2006, the City of Rockingham has been working in partnership with an impressive list of organizations and individuals to acquire and improve land around the old dam and mill. They restored Hitchcock Creek to its pristine state, put in miles of greenway trails and established a public access area located off Steele Street.

Today, the area has become a favorite of paddlers from all over the region as well as locals who come to jog, walk or simply be immersed in the exquisite natural beauty.

For more information on Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail in Rockingham, visit http://mpweb.org/cityofrockingham/ departments/parks-and-recreatio/hitchcock-creek-bluetrail-paddleway/ or call 910-997-5546.

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5

Health Benefits

of Owning a Pet

by Rachel Stewart | Photography by Diana Matthews

W

hether you have a loyal labrador by your side or you enjoy taking care of an independent tabby cat, pets can offer more than just companionship. Here are five ways being a pet owner can keep you healthy:

1 2

Pets keep you active. Dogs love going outside for walks and playing fetch in the back yard, which means you’re on the go, too. According to a study in Harvard Health Publications, public housing residents were able to lose an average of 14.4 pounds in a year after getting a dog—and this was without the participants making any other lifestyle changes.

Furry friends give you a reason to get out of bed.

Regular feedings, brushings and playtimes are part of being a pet owner. While these actions are essential for keeping your pet healthy and happy, they can also keep structure in your days—giving you both something to look forward to. If you’re coping with changes in your life, a pet can be the constant you need. Starting a whole new chapter in your life, such as retiring or moving somewhere new? Having a pet to accompany you can keep you grounded as you adjust.

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DOG RESCUE At Its Peak

by Carrie Frye

T

hese black labrador retriever puppies were in the care of their foster dad, Bill Mierisch of Whispering Pines, as part of Peak Lab Rescue, a nonprofit based in Apex that retrieves and fosters labrador retrievers from high-kill shelters across North Carolina.

Founded by Debbie Letteney, Peak Lab Rescue places approximately 700 dogs annually with the help of their volunteer foster families throughout the area.

“We love to get them early like these guys,” says Letteney, cradling one of the puppies and showering it with her affection. “So we know they are getting a good start and they’re healthy.”

All of the rescued dogs receive a full veterinary check, appropriate vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter (if older than six months) and a microchip prior to adoption.

Letteney, Mierisch and fellow volunteer Karen Steers all have pets of their own in addition to their fostering responsibilities and know the positive effects that their pets have in their lives.

“They get us outside exercising even when we don’t necessarily want to be out," says Steers, laughing, as she holds all four of the group’s newest additions. “We take them swimming.”

“And they are definitely good for lowering your blood pressure,” Letteney adds.

All find the placement of the dogs the most rewarding.

“We’ve placed well-socialized labs in nursing homes as companions and with families and people of all ages,” Letteney says.

“There was a family with an autistic child who adopted one, and the boy was so afraid at first,” Mierisch recalls.

“Then, the mother called me later to tell me how the dog and her son had become inseparable. It really makes you feel good about fostering, and I enjoy watching them grow and develop their personalities.”

For more information on Peak Lab Rescue in Apex, visit www.peaklabrescue.com or call 844-732-5522.

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3

Pets lessen stress, and pet owners are less likely to have anxiety or depression than their pet-less counterparts.

Why? It comes down to touch. Being able to pet or cuddle with a dog or cat gives you a positive outlet for your stress. The nonverbal, unconditional love and affection pets give back provides comfort when you’re feeling down, and it can cause your body to naturally produce the hormone oxytocin, which can reduce pain and feelings of sadness. So next time you have had a bad day, just curl up with your pet for a quick play session or nap.

4

Four-legged companions can lead to other friendships.

Ever walk your dog down a busy street and end up speaking to multiple people? Being a pet owner can help many people—especially older adults—stay social, which can lead to a longer, happier life. New to owning a pet? Look for other pet owners in your neighborhood or online at www.meetup.com.

5

Pets can keep your ticker in check.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, the CDC also found that pet owners are more likely to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who don’t have pets. Cat owners are also less likely to suffer from a stroke than other pet owners. Studies suggest this is because cats are more independent, putting less stress on their owners.

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SENIOR SHORTS POETRY

On the Death of a Blue Beta Fish

by Ruth Moose

I. How does one mourn a blue fish?

He. I suppose it was a he, though we never named it, was no real pet.

He never mouthed a sound.

Didn’t complain, nor thank you when you flaked down a wafer of food.

He’d quickly surface, grab a minuscule morsel, his fins waving like small silk flags. All his movements were graceful, always a water ballet except for sudden flare-ups when something blue came near his bowl and he stiffened, “Enemy, enemy.”

Strange to think I bought Fish originally as Cat’s pet. Something to watch, entertain a bored feline who took one look and stalked away.

After that Cat ignored Fish and I fed, watched, changed his water and admired him though he did no tricks, never begged nor jumped, didn’t come when called. He was no trouble.

The morning I found Fish floating, I gasped and touched him softly to try and make him move.

He only kept floating, so I took him in a spoon to the front flower bed and with a trowel dug a hole not much bigger than my thumb at the base of the blue hydrangea bush.

II. Later that day I saw Cat stop, stare into the bowl, then fix on her face a strange expression, lift her chin, look at me as if to say what happened?

How can you explain Death to a cat?

To anyone? The fish was here. Now he isn’t. I thought Cat never knew him, never noticed the bowl after the first quick sniff.

Was there a private relationship? One I never shared? Fish was no bigger than my little finger, and yet I miss his small blue light.

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T

om Suiter is a true giant when it comes to television sports in North Carolina. He would never say so himself, and that is one of his most endearing qualities.

Despite being one of the most recognizable personalities and one of the best at what he does, he is always down to earth, friendly and humble. The WRAL broadcaster, who recently became totally retired after 45 years with the station, is kind to everyone; his smile has become a state treasure.

Suiter has made "Football Friday" and the Extra Effort Award landmarks of high school athletics. He has kept sports fun, while becoming friends with the folks watching him on screen. The word icon is perhaps used too frequently, but in Suiter's case, it is appropriate.

It really is hard to think of TV sports and not think of Tom Suiter.

ONC: How did you decide to work in television?

TS: It all started when I was in high school.

It was the summer before my senior year, and I was thinking, “What in the heck am I going to do when I grow up?� I was really only interested in sports, and I decided I needed to do something with that. When school started back, I joined the school paper and did the same when I went off to Erskine College.

My freshman year, I played for the basketball team as a walk-on. After realizing I wasn't as good as I thought I was, I worked in the sports information office. During the summer of 1969, I had my first broadcasting experience, working as the public address announcer for the Rocky Mount Leafs of the Carolina League. In the spring of 1971, I was getting ready to graduate college, and it's then I thought about television.

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Carolina Conversations with

WRAL-TV's TOM SUITER

by Thad Mumau | Photography by Diana M atthews

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I was on television didn't mean I was anything special. There were many nights I believed I probably shouldn't have been on television. I always did —and still do to this day—know my limitations. I tried to stay out of situations I knew I might not do well. I used to marvel at some of the people I worked with, like Charlie Gaddy and Bob Debardalaben.

They were so good and natural. I wasn't in their class and I knew it. I considered myself someone doing a job that happened to be visible. A job maybe I wasn't cut out for, but trying to do the very best I could. To this day, I remember the mistakes more than the successes.

You have always been so friendly and kind. Does that come from your parents?

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You were with WRAL from the start. How did that happen?

I applied to every TV station in North and South Carolina, and the only letter I got back was from WRAL, the station I grew up watching. It came from Jesse Helms, who at that time was the executive vicepresident. Later, of course, he was a six-term U.S. Senator. Anyway, he wrote that there might be an opportunity for me. I interviewed with the legendary Ray Reeve, whom I grew up watching and listening to, and started work June 2, 1971. WRAL is the only place I ever worked.

Did you grow up loving sports?

I sure did. Sports was my entire life when I was young. I played football, basketball and baseball. I loved reading about sports, especially baseball. I read every book or magazine story I could that was about sports. I loved the old Brooklyn Dodgers and Boston Celtics. I can still tell you the starting lineup for the 1927 New York Yankees. I would go out in the back yard by myself, and I was the announcer and also all 10 players—Duke against Carolina in basketball. My broadcasting hero was Ray Reeve. Little did I dream that one day I would work with him.

Some people in television consider themselves celebrities. You have always been the same guy.

How did you avoid having a big ego?

The great broadcaster, David Brinkley, once said if you put a chimpanzee on television for seven years, everybody would know who he was. Just because 44

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Both of them were extraordinary people. My dad died in 2001; my mom is still going strong at 92.

From my dad, I learned kindness and never to brag, and to be grateful. My mother has such a love for life and people, and luckily, I picked up some of those traits from her. I am very proud of them. I have always believed you should treat people with respect and kindness. I love when people come up and want to talk. I relish those moments and am flattered they would want to do that. I love those conversations.

Is there an interview that stands out for you?

I've been kind of like Forrest Gump—an average person who has gotten to meet a lot of big-time people and have seen plenty of North Carolina sports history.

My very first interview for WRAL was with John Wooden, and my last was with Mike Krzyzewski.

I guess the one that stands out is John Wooden, the great UCLA basketball coach. He was an instructor at the Campbell Basketball School, and I was there fresh out of college. I wore the only tie and dress shirt that I owned. I had never been on camera my entire life.

I had stayed up most of the night before, thinking of questions I could ask Coach Wooden. It was a really hot day and I was so nervous. When the time came, I forgot everything I had memorized. So I started to read my questions off my notes. About halfway through, Coach Wooden asked our photographer to stop the camera. He looked at me and said, “Son, talk to me like we're having a conversation, and if you do that, you will do pretty well in this business.” It's something I will never forget.

What sport did you enjoy covering the most?

Growing up, my favorite sport was baseball, but that changed to basketball as we moved into the 1960s.

The first game I ever saw on TV was UNC's tripleovertime win over Kansas for the 1957 national title. You don't grow up in North Carolina without loving ACC basketball. Then, to go to WRAL and be able to cover Tobacco Road was a dream come true.

"Jamburger" (describing a dunk) is the Suiterism that comes to mind. How did that come to be?

Jamburger is one of those phrases I wish I could forget.

My style was to try and take people to the game and make them feel like they were there. Most of my good stuff was stolen from the great Warner Wolf, the most famous local sportscaster in history.

"Football Friday" is synonymous with Tom Suiter.

How did that happen?

It was a result of our trying to have more coverage of high school athletics. So we would send photographers out and get highlights of as many games as we could. We packed them into our late sportscast on Friday night. In 1989, we started doing the 30-minute show that turned into Football Friday. The response has been wonderful.

You love to read … who are some authors whose next work you always eagerly await?

I just finished "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, and it put tears in my eyes. I read a lot of fiction—Dan Silva, Stuart Woods, John Sandford, John Grisham, David Baldacci, Jack Higgins, Den Follett, Nelson DeMille.

What's your secret to staying fit?

I walk three to three and a half miles almost every day.

I get some form of exercise each day. My wife, Julie, has really helped me with my diet. She was a gymnast at Duke and is in excellent condition. She tells me how eating healthy will keep me living longer. I'm a vegan and haven't had meat since June of 2001. I weigh what I weighed in high school: 152 pounds. I can't do the same things or do them in the same ways. It's tough sometimes, but I enjoy life.

How do you sum up your career?

I got to work in the golden age of television, was paid to be a part of North Carolina history. I have been very fortunate and very blessed.

How did the Extra Effort Award come about?

It came from Steve Grissom, our news director at the time.

It was 1981, and he thought it would get me out in front of people since I had always been pretty low-key. At the start, we would land our helicopter on the school's football field on Thursday and shoot the presentation to be shown that night. It was based solely on athletics. Now, academics and community involvement are also criteria. We look for people who do lots of things. I am very proud of the Extra Effort Award.

What was your relationship like with your WRAL colleagues?

I have worked at the station almost 45 years. It was like a family. So many talented people. So many nice people. When I started at WRAL, I didn't have the slightest idea about television. They put me on the air right away and helped me learn.

What sports icons are at the top of your list?

There are so many. Among them is Muhammad Ali, whom I got to interview in 1977. When I introduced myself, I said, “Champ, I am … ” And he said, “Tramp? Did you just call me tramp?” He saw the look on my face and laughed, telling me he was just kidding. He was great.

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Rehab

at a Sea Turtle's Pace

by Carrie Frye | Photography by Katherine Clark

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ith the dawn of every new day from May to August, rain or shine, steadfast groups of volunteers of The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center scour the 26 miles of beach on Topsail Island, searching for any signs of sea turtle tracks and nests.

It is nesting season, so every nest found is secured, marked, roped off and watched to give the eggs the best possible chance to hatch and the hatchlings the opportunity to return to the ocean.

“We sit with nests to educate people,” explains Jean Beasley, the center’s executive director presiding over this army of helpers, all committed to the cause of conservation and protection of the sea turtles.

“We want to educate people to leave the mother turtle alone to do her thing.

“Sea turtles are very complex creatures. They are the world’s best navigators, reading the magnetic bands of the earth, which is how they know where to return each year. They know a lot instinctively. The female knows where to return to build her nest every year, and me, I have a hard time finding my way to Raleigh sometimes,” she adds, smiling.

Don’t be fooled by Beasley’s modesty. She’s an octogenarian with a dynamic personality and unflappable commitment to the center that rose from her daughter, Karen’s, passion for helping sea turtles. Karen’s untimely death from cancer led the Beasley family to work to realize her dream that began in 1996.

Celebrating 20 years, the center that started with Karen’s idea and community support was housed for more than a decade in a tiny, 900 square-foot, concrete building on Topsail Beach. After 15 years of fundraising efforts and tireless toils of Beasley and volunteers, property in Surf City was gifted to the nonprofit, and a new steel building facility now spaciously serves the turtles undergoing care and serves as an educational center for the conservation of the marine species.

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“We raised all the money,” Beasley says. “We designed the building with an observation ramp for visitors and installed a recycled saltwater system that is large enough for a small town, and we had 500 people come out on the first day this facility opened.

“I am so proud of the fact that our building is four years old, and we’ve swept and mopped it every day to keep it looking new, and it has the capacity to allow us to help as many turtles as possible. We have had tanks everywhere, even in the bathrooms,” she adds, laughing.

This building also provides ample room for radiology, intubation and exam space as well as a therapy pool for the sea turtles treated at the center by specialists from the N.C. State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Approximately 40 sick or injured sea turtles are receiving care on any given day. Beasley names every turtle and chronicles its story.

“Wrangler was caught in a trawl net with multiple shark bites and was brought to the center in a Jeep Wrangler,” Beasley says. “The reasons for the injury vary tremendously, but the highest number have cold stunning.”

Cold stunning is when the sea turtle experiences a prolonged exposure to colder water temperatures, which decreases its heart rate and circulation, causing lethargy, shock and potentially death if untreated. It occurs in sea turtles who fail to migrate to the warmer waters of the Mid-Atlantic in the fall.

Beasley has seen it all; turtles hurt by everything from boats and gill nets to one entangled in an abandoned beach chair.

A 2016 sea turtle patient, Sweet Pea, posed a very large problem. She weighed more than 250 pounds, and Beasley didn’t have a tank that would accommodate her size for the long-term.

“A new tank that size costs $2,000, and we say it was a turtle blessing that saved her,” Beasley says.

“I just announced what we needed, and thanks to someone’s tremendous generosity, we had a new tank for Sweet Pea in a few days. We are so blessed to have donations and volunteers to make all of this possible.”

These stories of each turtle are relayed to the volunteers, who then share these tales of each turtle’s journey with visitors as they make their way by the individual tanks inside the observation area.

Advice from a sea turtle...

Swim with the current. Be a good navigator. Age gracefully. Spend time at the beach.

More than 150 volunteers donate their time to the center, traveling near and far, from age 14 to over 80.

A volunteer works at each learning station from the entryway and gift shop to the educational displays, highlighting everything from what a nest looks like to the impact of garbage left on the beach on marine life.

“This is rewarding work,” says Anita Wood, a longtime volunteer and retired Surf City resident, who was busy working the cash register inside the center’s gift shop. “We love these turtles, and everything we do is for the turtles.”

“Every volunteer does everything from scooping turtle poop to scrubbing their backs,” adds Beasley. “The only requirement for volunteering is that the person cares about the ocean, the planet and the turtles.”

Holding true to that mantra, volunteers are cross-trained for each educational station as well as in the necessary chores of cleaning tanks, doing laundry and, most importantly, acting as chef and prepping meals for the turtle patients.

“We feed them fish, shrimp, algae, green peppers, lettuce…it’s a smorgasbord,” Beasley says. “We also use honey to treat their wounds.”

The center undergoes stringent inspections to run within strict guidelines to maintain its permits and capacity to continue its service to sea turtles.

The center has no paid employees and depends upon the funds raised by its admission fees, gift shop and adopt-a-turtle program to meet its goals. Group tours are available and are wheelchair and walker accessible.

Volunteers often begin the day at 7 a.m. preparing for the first visitors to arrive.

Beasley’s focus remains as an advocate for conservation.

“Sea turtles are the majestic symbols of how little we know and the degradation of the ocean,” she says.

"If our animals cannot survive, we won’t either. They are the canaries in the coalmine, so to speak, and when turtles can’t survive, we are in trouble.”

The most rewarding part for Beasley is, not surprisingly, the release of turtles back into the ocean.

“We had a female nest on Bald Head Island near Corncake Inlet,” she recalls. “She had expelled her reproductive system, and we had to put her on the ferry and transport her off the island and then to the vet school for a partial hysterectomy. We named her Corncake, and nobody knew what the outcome would be after she had been rehabilitated... if she would ever mate again or produce eggs.

“Every turtle treated at the center has a numbered tag and a microchip inserted into its shoulder, and I had this feeling she would be OK and be back,” Beasley says. “A few weeks later after her release, I got the call that she was back and laid a clutch of eggs. And two weeks after that, she laid a second clutch of eggs.”

To date, the center has released more than 600 turtles back to the ocean, and the good works of Beasley and her volunteer team carry on.

“We got the message that the sea turtles bring that our oceans are in trouble, and the greatest message I can convey is to be a conservationist.”

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, located at 302 Tortuga Lane in Surf City, welcomes visitors every day of the week, except Wednesday and Sunday, from 12-4 p.m. For more information or to schedule a group tour, call 910-329-0222 or visit www.seaturtlehospital.org .

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6

Ways to Stay Safe

Outdoors This Summer

by Rachel Stewart

S

ummer is in full swing—and there’s nowhere you’d rather be than enjoying the outdoors with your loved ones.

However, older adults are at greater risk for heat-related injuries in the summertime.

As we age, our bodies change and may not be able to regulate higher temperatures like we used to. Older adults also perspire less than their younger counterparts—which is the body’s natural way of cooling itself down. Prolonged periods outside in the high temperatures could lead to heat exhaustion or—in serious cases—heat stroke.

So whether you’re heading to the beach with your family or just your back yard for a few relaxing hours of gardening, take these precautions so your day outside is the best yet.

1 2

Plan outings with care. The sun’s ultra violet (UV) rays are hottest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and it is easy to get overheated during this time period, too. Consider shifting your plans earlier or later in the day if possible. If not, make sure there is a shaded or air-conditioned area, where you can take breaks to cool off from time to time.

Protect your skin. Your skin becomes more delicate as you age—and exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer. Applying a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or more can protect your skin. Be sure to cover your face, neck, arms and hands with sunscreen. While coverage can last for many hours, that decreases when you sweat or go swimming, so be sure to towel off and reapply sunscreen for maximum protection.

3

Drink plenty of water. Many times, people can become dehydrated and not know it.

Signs of mild dehydration include having a dry sticky mouth, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and decreased bathroom trips. To stay hydrated, stick to water when you’re outdoors. Beverages like coffee, tea, and even lemonade can speed up dehydration because they contain caffeine and sugar. If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, try infusing it with fresh herbs and sliced fruit. Craving the fizz of soda? Stick to seltzer water or calorie-free mineral water instead of colas or fruit-flavored sodas.

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Add these to your bag..

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4

Dress to stay cool. Lightly colored and loose layers are best for outdoors. Choose breathable fabrics, such as cotton, linen, rayon, or silk, so your body can stay cool. Adding a wide-brimmed hat can further protect your skin, while sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays. Select footwear that is comfortable and features no-slip bottoms to help keep you balanced while you stroll through outdoor markets or by the ocean.

5

Have your cell phone and first aid kit at the ready.

Accidents or illnesses can happen at any time, so be prepared by sticking a first aid kit in your car or bag so you are always prepared. Additionally, keep your cell phone with you at all times, just in case you need to call someone. Always make sure it has a full charge before heading outside.

6

Revisit or redesign outdoor areas for better mobility.

If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors at your house either on your back porch or in your garden, now’s the time to consider important upgrades to decrease your risk of falling or other injury.

Add extra railings near steps, and clear up or repave broken walkways.

Lower raised door thresholds to reduce the risk of tripping. Illuminating walkways and back yards is also beneficial—when you can clearly see where you’re going, you’re less likely to slip or fall. Motion-sensor lights can offer coverage for back yards, whereas solar-powered lights are perfect for walkways or gardens.

Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke: What’s the Difference?

Older adults are at risk for both heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Knowing the difference between the two conditions could save you a trip to the hospital—or even save your life.

Heat exhaustion is characterized by having a headache, upset stomach, fatigue, heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat and thirst. When someone has heat exhaustion, it means their body has lost too much water and salt.

To treat this condition, quickly move to a cool place and drink water or a sports drink to restore lost electrolytes. It may also be helpful to remove clothing or fan yourself.

Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a serious, life-threatening condition, where the body is unable to regulate its temperature on its own.

Symptoms of heat stroke include headache, elevated blood pressure, feeling confused or disoriented and rapid breathing. Seizures and fainting can also occur. This condition requires emergency medical attention, so if you think you or someone else has heat stroke, dial 911.

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Building the Best First Aid Kit While there are many first aid kits readily available on the market, you can also make your own and tailor it to the activities and health needs of your family. Here’s a quick checklist of things to consider adding to your kit:

• Bandages • Gauze • Alcohol wipes • Antibiotic ointment • Hydrocortisone ointment • Aspirin • Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen • Allergy medication • Tweezers • Instant cold compress • Plastic thermometer • Small pair of scissors • Small flashlight • Extra cell phone charger • List of emergency contacts, doctors and pharmacies

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Oasis

OUTDOOR

by David Hibbard | Photography by Diana M atthews

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"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright." —Henry David Thoreau

O

ne of the perks of living in North Carolina is the ability to enjoy nature virtually year-round. Whether your preference is a mountain hike, a beach retreat or exploring a state park, you can usually find it close by.

Even closer is the nature available to many of us just outside our own doors—literally. More and more folks in this area are transforming their back yards into living spaces they use with the same ease and frequency as their dens, living rooms and kitchens.

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Lewis Bennett, co-owner of Green Dreams, an Aberdeen-based landscaping company, says he has seen an increase in the number of homeowners interested in upgrading their outdoor spaces with everything from new patios to full kitchens to fire pits.

"There was a survey by Realtor.com in 2014 that called outdoor kitchens 'the new granite countertops,'" Bennett says. "With the improvements in technology in recent years, just about anything you have inside, we can do outside."

And there's most definitely technology involved.

And science. And engineering, too. While a stone retaining wall may look simple enough in your back yard, there are many parts the naked eye doesn't see—such as compacted infill soil, a gravel fill pad at the base of the wall and geosynthetic material to stabilize soil. That stone or slab patio may look like something you can do yourself, but have you considered the correct type of sand, soil or gravel base it will need to last for years?

"A lot of people are really surprised at the things we have to take into consideration when we do one of these projects," Bennett says.

Tom and Angela Weiss of Southern Pines had an idea of the work involved in building the outdoor space they wanted, since Angela's father and brother own a landscaping business. They attended the Home and Garden show in Pinehurst last year where they met Bennett, and it wasn't long before Bennett and Green Dreams were busy in the Weisses' back yard.

"We enjoy al fresco dining, so we knew we wanted a space out here where we could cook and eat," Angela says. "Green Dreams helped us think about the elements we wanted, and especially helped us when deciding on how much space we needed."

The result is an outdoor space that fits the Weisses' lifestyle perfectly—an outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill, granite countertop and cabinets, a spacious, water-permeable patio and a wall that doubles as an enclosure for the space and extra seating for guests. It's even become a favorite hangout for their dog, Dozer.

"We use it seven days a week, and at all times of the day," Angela says. "When we sit out here at night, we can hear the frogs in the water feature we have on the side of our house. Honestly, it's very rare that there's a time we find it too hot or too cold to use this space throughout the year. We love it."

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“ ” It doesn't look that big, but we can have quite a few people, and it never feels crowded.

—Monica Converse

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Monica and Cliff Converse came to Pinehurst three years ago from the Finger Lakes region of western New York.

"We weren't planning to move when we did," Monica says. "But we were down here to play golf, had a chance to visit this house and made a spur-ofthe-moment decision to pick up and move!"

The home's location, with a back yard facing the Pinehurst No. 3 golf course, played a major role in their decision.

"We knew we wanted a home that faced the course, but this house only had a small wooden deck when we bought it,"Cliff says. "We really liked the idea of having a yard that incorporated a stone concept."

Soon, the deck was gone, as the Converses undertook a project that would give them two distinct outdoor areas. The first, located roughly in the footprint of the old deck, is a small patio that is comfortable in the morning sunlight, perfect for enjoying the newspaper and several cups of coffee to start the day. It also includes a hot tub for unwinding after a busy day.

The second, larger patio area is located on the opposite side of the house, complete with outdoor chairs, sofa and grill. Surrounded by a small wall that provides plenty of comfortable seating, the Converses frequently enjoy having neighbors and friends over for drinks or dinner.

"I'm amazed sometimes by just how many people we can accommodate out here," Monica says. "It doesn't look that big, but we can have quite a few people, and it never feels crowded."

Lindsey Heise, a landscape designer with Green Biz in Fayetteville, says it's critical to think ahead about the different ways you'll want to use your outdoor space.

"Will you be entertaining, or is this a space just for you? If you like to entertain, how many people would you typically have over at one time?

These questions are critical when designing custom landscapes, so that the outdoor living spaces are created in the appropriate size for the customer, the site and the activity," Heise says.

Giving some thought to those questions ahead of time gave Angela Weiss the outdoor space she and her husband had always imagined.

"One other piece of advice I'd give people is to trust your first instinct," Weiss says. "If there's something you think will work for you, work with your designer to make it happen. You won't regret it, and you'll enjoy the results for years to come."

YOUR ONE STOP LOCAL NEWS SOURCE

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www.AberdeenTimes.com

Make Most of Space With Hay Bale Garden

W

hether you have a limited amount of space or a limited amount of time to devote to gardening, you don't necessarily have to give up your desire to show off your green thumb. Pinehurst resident Cliff Converse discovered a simple way to have a small backyard garden that yields enough vegetables for him and his wife, Monica, to enjoy on a regular basis.

Converse purchased about 10 bales of hay and treated them for two weeks with water and nitrogen.

This conditions the bale and prevents decomposition.

Once the bales were treated, Converse then planted his favorite vegetables, including tomatoes, spaghetti squash, cucumbers and more, using a small amount of gardening soil to surround the base of each plant.

"It's worked out very well for us," says Converse, who enclosed his garden inside a small yard fence to discourage wildlife from poaching his veggies. "You do have to water more often than with a traditional, in-ground garden, because there's more

evaporation with everything being above ground. But otherwise, it requires very little maintenance."

A variety of resources and instructional videos on this technique can be found online by using the search term "hay bale garden."

Crop consultant Reid Whitaker of Carthage Farm Supply says tomatoes continue to be the vegetable of choice for people who want their own backyard garden.

"They're very easy to grow; you can grow them in a fivegallon plastic bucket if that's all you have.

I think that's why they're so popular."

In addition to tomatoes, Whitaker also recommends squash and cucumber as easy-to-grow vegetables for novice gardeners.

A common vegetable fertilizer should be used to condition the soil, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, Whitaker advises. Blossom end rot, a condition that results from a calcium imbalance in plants, can be prevented by treating soil with calcium nitrate, or in some cases, lime.

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GREY MATTER See Grey Matter Puzzle Answers on Page 62

Able Accompaniment Accomplishments Achieve Amateur Artist

Atlas Atoms Beards Choir Civil Clams

Costs Dived Drill Drown Exits Frontier

30. Ring bearer, maybe 31. Money in the bank, say 32. On any ____ day 33. Arch 34. Separating two adjacent vowels 37. Appropriate 40. Rainbow ___ 41. Sense of touch 45. “Flying Down to ___” 46. Western blue flag, e.g.

47. Extent 48. Welcome to _______, son 50. Clinch, with “up” 51. “A jealous mistress”: Emerson 52. Swindled 53. Keeps in memory 55. Elevator inventor 56. Two forms of an element 59. Composes 60. “Cool!”

61. Bacteria discovered

by Theodor Escherich 62. Deuce topper 63. Food sticker 64. Black stone

DOWN

ACROSS

1. Strong fiber 5. Bit 9. Amounted (to) 13. Archaeological find 15. ___ lamp

60

16. Elliptical 17. Eloquent 19. Bondman 20. Scientist that studies minute forms of matter 21. Bond, for one

OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016

23. Absorbed, as a cost 24. Congratulations, of a sort 25. Roundabout course 27. Essence 29. MasterCard alternative

1. “My man!”

2. Freshens, in a way 3. Person who lays slate for roofing 4. Josip Broz, familiarly 5. Creme de la creme (2 wds)

Hasn’t Light Lions Manufacturers Mends Mountainous Ninth Ought Owner Pills Plays Plows Polar Pollen Raining Runners Seize Shouldn’t Sixth Stuns Sturdy Surely Sweden Tents Theory Thorn Tires Umbrella Value Wasn’t 6. Boor’s lack 7. Egg cells 8. Bodily weakness 9. Trig function 10. Like streets 11. Kind of law 12. “The Lord of the Rings” figure 14. Skilled event 18. 100 dinars 22. Ironware with stone like enamel 23. Alias 25. Catlike, carnivorous mammal 26. “Don’t give up!”

28. “20,000 Leagues” harpooner ___ Land 29. Computer woe 32. Shape of the earth 35. Brazen 36. Decline 37. Branch 38. Mideast money 39. Shared annuity 42. Spiked iron plate on soles of boots 43. In a short and concise manner 44. Undertake, with “out” 47. Balance sheet item 49. Brazen one 50. Walloped, old-style 53. Brio 54. Bananas 55. Decide to leave, with “out” 57. “Fantasy Island” prop 58. Half a dozen

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advice

CAREGIVING CAN MAKE LIFE CRAZY!

7 Ways Ecotherapy Can Brighten Your Outlook

M

by Mike Collins | Photography by Diana Matthews

y father said, “It’s so soft,” as he walked barefoot in the grass at Duke Gardens. It was about this time of the year several years ago, and he was at Duke University Hospital recovering from a heart attack.

Daddy had been cooped up in the room for a couple of weeks and was getting to the point that he could walk down the hall so I thought, “Let’s get you outside.”

I put him in a wheelchair and headed for the exit closest to a grassy area at Duke Gardens. I had him take his slippers off and when he stepped out of the chair and onto the grass, his whole countenance changed. He stood straighter, looked up at the sun and, for the first time in awhile, he smiled…as did I. In fact, I immediately took my own shoes off, and we walked out into the grass and back to his chair half-adozen times.

While walking barefoot, we were in therapy and didn’t even know it. Encouraging people with a whole range of health issues to get outside is known as ecotherapy.

Stephanie Sloan’s article, “Seven Benefits of Going Barefoot Outside” (www.mindbodygreen.com), points out a great example of ecotherapy with good reasons to tickle your toes out in Mother Nature.

Here’s her list along with some of my suggestions: 1. Clear Your Mind. To walk barefoot safely you’ve got to pay attention to what is in front of you…which means you can’t be thinking about other things. This is a practical example of living in the moment.

2. It’s Free Foot Yoga. Walking barefoot helps you stretch and strengthen muscles in your feet and legs that receive little work when you wear shoes. This is especially important for caregivers who may spend a lot of time sitting.

3. It’s a Free Reflexology Session. The little aches and pains you feel when walking barefoot are signals your body is sending you. Your body is saying, “I need to be stimulated here!” After a few sessions of walking the pain points will go away and you’ll be stronger.

Collins is the producer of the video, “Care for the Caregiver,” winner of a National Caregiver Friendly Award from Today’s Caregiver Magazine. For ways to deal with the craziness of caregiving, visit www.crazycaregiver.com .

GREY MATTER ANSWERS

CROSSWORD

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WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

4. Decrease Anxiety and Depression. Some of the research about walking barefoot shows that it can decrease anxiety and depression by 62 percent. A practical point is that the experience increases endorphins, the chemicals in our bodies that make us feel good.

5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep. Ancient cultures believed that walking barefoot cured insomnia. It can certainly be relaxing, which leads to a better night's sleep.

6. It’s Grounding. OK, this part is a little woo-woo, if you know what I mean, so if you’re not into New Age philosophies you might want to jump to No. 7. The earth has a negative ionic charge and negative ions have been shown to “detoxify, calm, reduce inflammation, synchronize your internal clocks, hormonal cycles and physiological rhythms,” according to Sloan. Our bodies ground us to the negative ionic charge.

7. Get Back to What Matters. Going outside barefoot, whether during the day or night, takes you back to Mother Nature. It’s difficult to stand barefoot in the grass or on a beach and look up at the moon or feel the sun on your face and not believe you’re part of something bigger; something that can offer guidance and peace.

Now, make time to get outside and kick your shoes off!!

©2016 Mike Collins.

Stay in Southern Pines

◆ Close to Downtown Shops, Dining & Golf ◆ Sleeps 4 Comfortably ◆ Pets Welcome with Deposit

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info@aosvc.com | 910.692.0683 | AOSVC.com

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RESOURCE MARKETPLACE

ASSISTED LIVING

DID YOU KNOW? August is National Rye Month Nydia Brooks Executive Director

Assisted Living & Memory Care 190 Fox Hollow Road Pinehurst, NC 28374 | 910.695.0011 mnbrooks@5ssl.com

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Research indicates that consuming wholegrain rye has many benefits including: • Improved bowel health • Better blood sugar control and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes • Overall weight management, improved satiety (feeling full longer after eating) Source: www.wholegrainscouncil.org

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Rehabilitation Services 500 Lauchwood Drive Laurinburg, NC | 910.291.7800

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75 Branches Serving You Across North Carolina Estate Planning & Administration Michael G. Gorenflo Attorney at Law 910-673-1325 mike@sandhillslawgroup.com

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senior health services A Network of Private-Duty Caregivers Serving South Central NC SOUTHERN PINES: 910.692.0683 CARY: 919.535.8713 info@AOSNC.com

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HOSPITALS

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a full range of primary care for men and women ages 60 and older. Our physicians have special training in treating seniors and employ the most current information, treatments, medications and practices for disease prevention and diagnosis.

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NEUROPSYCHOLOGY Memory Clinic Your Full-Service Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Specialists Serving the Sandhills since 1953

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PERSONAL CHEF | CATERING

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Karen Sullivan, Ph.D. ABPP 45 Aviemore Drive Pinehurst, NC | 910.420.8041 www.PinehurstNeuropsychology.com

RELOCATION SERVICES

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Supporting NC families for three decades Find a support group alznc.org | 800.228.8738 AUGUST 2016 |

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Generations

by Carrie Frye

OutreachNC asked adults and children our August question. Share your answer on our Facebook page.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

Eat watermelon under the big maple tree in the back yard and get in the pool every chance I get.

—Kelly, 85

Grilling beer chicken and enjoying the summertime weather. —Joe, 58 Dangle my feet in a cool stream.

—Henrietta, 80

To stop and smell the roses.

—Robert, 83

Stay in the air conditioning.

—Lois, 57

Playing bocce on the beach with family and friends. —Faye, 76 Taking the boat out on Jordan Lake. —Dennis, 51 Go swimming. I love to jump off the diving board. —Lauren, 8 Playing with my dog Jack and riding my scooter to the park to play baseball with my friends.

—Gregg, 90

—Natalie, 10

Play golf, drink wine and socialize. —Terry, 76

Playing soccer. —Makenna, 12

Sitting outside reading and enjoying the sunshine. —Lucy, 70

—Nolan, 7

Stay inside and turn down the air conditioner. — Elizabeth, 83

Work in the yard and the vegetable garden.

—Bob, 87

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Having a picnic with my children and playing in a mountain stream.

OutreachNC.com | AUGUST 2016

Jumping ramps with my bike.

Swimming. —Caleb, 12 Doing cartwheels and gymnastics. —Allie, 10 Riding bikes. —Evan, 13 Going to the pool and taking a walk to find wild animals.

—Nathan, 7

Jumping rope. —Jadzlyn, 8 Swimming. —Hayden, 15 Blowing bubbles in the back yard.

—Addison, 3

Playing in the dirt at home and making sandcastles at the beach.

—Morgan, 4

Fishing. —Brady, 14 Catting around and chasing birds and squirrels just never gets old.

—OutreachNC Co-editor Jeeves, 3

(formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers)

Call on the Experts in Aging Well… …when looking for excellence in comprehensive services for aging or disabled adults and their families

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Aging Life Care™, also known as geriatric care management, is a holistic, clientcentered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, the expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals™ provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family caregivers.

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for qualified, experienced professionals at aginglifecare.org

The Aging Life Care Professional is educated and experienced in any of several fields related to Aging Life Care / care management, including, but not limited to nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.

AUGUST 2016 |

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1.09

1.49

%

%

APR

APR

IF BY LAND.

IF B Y S E A .

Introductory Auto Loan rates as low as 1.09% APR for 6 months

Introductory Boat and RV Loan rates as low as 1.49% APR for 12 months

1.99

3.50

%

%

APR

APR

FOR THE REMAINING 30 MONTHS

FOR THE REMAINING 48 MONTHS

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO CRUISE, WE’RE READY WITH THE BEST RATES:

MOTORCYCLE — NEW

RV — NEW

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As low as 5.25% APR for up to 72 months

1.49% APR for 12 months, then 3.50% for the remaining 30 months

2.99% APR for 12 months, then 4.50% for the remaining 108 months

Introductory APR available to qualifying customers. Not all borrowers will qualify. 100% financing is available for auto loans. Motorcycle, boat, RV and boat slip require 20% down payment. For new auto loans, based on 3 year term, borrower will pay 6 monthly payments of $28.24 per $1,000 borrowed and then the remaining 30 monthly payments will be $28.57 per $1,000 borrowed. For new boat and RV loans, based on a 5 year term, borrower will pay 12 monthly payments of $17.30 per $1,000 borrowed and then the remaining 48 monthly payments will be $18.01 per $1,000 borrowed. For new motorcycle loans, based on 6 year term, borrower will make 72 monthly payments of $16.22 per $1,000 borrowed. For certified boat slips, based on 10 year term, borrower will pay 12 monthly payments of $9.65 per $1,000 borrowed and then the remaining 108 monthly payments will be $10.29 per $1,000 borrowed. Financing examples illustrate lowest rates Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC available. Ask us about other loan terms that are also available. Loans are subject to credit approval.

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