COMPLIMENTARY
NOVEMBER 2015 | VOL. 6, ISSUE 11
Veterans’ Spirits Soar with Ageless Aviation
Plus
CAROLINA CONVERSATIONS WITH TIM WOODALL 8 TIPS TO FIGHT FATIGUE | 5 WAYS TO STAY HOPEFUL A CANCER SURVIVOR’S STORY OF HOPE
Serving the Southern Piedmont, Sandhills & Triangle
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| OUTREACHNC.COM
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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.
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Cape Fear Valley has earned OutreachNC.com | NOVEMBER 2015 The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval TM
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features NOVEMBER 2015
Hope & Living Life Issue
28
7 Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis & Broken Bones by Angela Abram
30
5 Ways to Stay Hopeful by Rachel Stewart
32
Cancer Leads to Life of Meaning
44
Carolina Conversations with Pinecone Bluegrass Show’s Tim Woodall by Thad Mumau
48
Understanding Memory Disorders by Rachel Stewart
50
36
Thanksgiving of 200 Years: Asbury United Methodist Church
by Michelle Goetzl
56
39
by Thad Mumau
by Thad Mumau
Living Life to Fullest with Parkinson’s Disease
Veterans’ Spirits Soar with Ageless Aviation by Jonathan Scott
by Flo Johnston
Restoration Down to a ‘T’
59
Tell Your Story with Memoir Writing by Jonathan Scott
62
8 Tips to Fight Fatigue by Carrie Frye
4
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departments November 2015
“Dull November brings the blast, Then the leaves are whirling fast.” ―Sara Coleridge
66
16 10
advice & health
life
24
Ask the Expert by Amy Natt
14
Gentleman’s Notebook by Ray Linville
53
Belle Weather by Celia Rivenbark
12
Eye Health by John W. French, MD
16
Game On by Thad Mumau
64
Resource Marketplace Find the resources you need.
13
Planning Ahead by Beth Donner
18
Reading for Generations by Michelle Goetzl
66
Generations by Carrie Frye
20
Tech Savvy by Bill Fisher
19
Literary Circle by Cos Barnes
26
Caregiving by Mike Collins
54
Fitness by Kari Garbark
55
Brain Health by Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP
22
The Nonagenarian by Glenn A. Flinchum
24
Cooking Simple by Rhett Morris
52
Grey Matter Games Sudoku, Word Search & Crossword
COMPLIMENTARY
11 NOVEMBER 2015 | VOL. 6, ISSUE
Veterans’ Spirits Soar with Ageless Aviation
Plus
WITH TIM WOODALL CAROLINA CONVERSATIONS 5 WAYS TO STAY HOPEFUL 8 TIPS TO FIGHT FATIGUE | OF HOPE A CANCER SURVIVOR’S STORY
Serving the Southern Piedmont, Sandhills
6
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& Triangle
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| OUTREACHNC.COM
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articles
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Dr. Brian Parkes
Violet Moore
General Surgeon
Breast Cancer Survivor
“I’m fighting breast cancer and winning. And no wonder –
I’ve been ‘in it to beat it’ from the start!” Violet has long understood the importance of monthly breast self-exams and annual mammograms. In the fall of 2014, during one of her self-exams, she detected a lump. Her primary care physician quickly referred her to Scotland Memorial Hospital for tests. On December 18th, a week before Christmas, Dr. Parkes, of Scotland Surgical & GI, shared the diagnosis with Violet – stage 2 breast cancer. Right away, Violet received chemotherapy prescribed by Dr. Kelvin Raybon at Scotland Cancer Treatment Center. Afterward, she underwent a partial mastectomy performed by Dr. Parkes, and then began radiation therapy by Dr. Andrew Brown at Scotland Cancer Treatment Center. “I’ll finish my treatments on October 27th,” Violet says. “Dr. Parkes, Dr. Raybon, Dr. Brown; everybody there has been so thoughtful and diligent. They were wonderful. I can’t imagine going through this without them. And they’re all right here in Laurinburg.” Violet credits her faith, coupled with the staff at Scotland Health Care for her recovery. “I’m now a better person with a fresh new outlook on life. No time for ‘woe is me!’”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
If you haven’t had a mammogram this year, schedule one today.
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NOVEMBER 2015 | SCOTHC 22083 (5.33x9.25) Outreach Magazine.indd 1
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from the editor
N
ovember’s colors are at their peak, and the beauty of a Carolina autumn never ceases to amaze me. This month, we focus on hope and living life, and these pages are filled with advice, tips and personal accounts of how some of our neighbors in the region are doing just that. November also reminds us to be thankful. This year especially I have an extremely grateful heart as we celebrate our fifth year of publication. There are many contributors behind the scenes who help make the magazine possible each and every month. Writers, columnists, photographers, proofers and graphic designers share their many talents and expertise so freely and make OutreachNC a priority among their own busy schedules, and for that, my gratitude overflows. We are also often asked how we produce the magazine, and the answer is simply our wonderful advertisers. Without advertising, OutreachNC would not be possible, so we are forever thankful to all of our advertisers for their support. If you patronize an advertiser, please let them know you saw the ad in OutreachNC. It is a simple statement, but it speaks volumes. To show our thanks all November long, we are posting gratitude statements and photos on our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages and on OutreachNC.com; just click Magazine Extras. Our appreciation for our readers is neverending. Thank you for your kindness, comments, posts, calls and Jeeves’ fan mail. Please keep them coming! All of the information and features in each issue are to educate and entertain, and we love every minute! Putting another magazine together has Jeeves the co-editor ready for his cat nap. Thank you so much for turning these pages with us. From the OutreachNC family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! 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 Jennifer Kirby, Michelle Goetzl, Kate Pomplun, Jenn Webster Contributing Photographers Diana Matthews Contributing Writers Angela Abram, Cos Barnes, Mike Collins, Beth Donner, Bill Fisher, Glenn A. Flinchum, John W. French, MD, Michelle Goetzl, Flo Johnston, Ray Linville, Rhett Morris, Thad Mumau, Celia Rivenbark, Jonathan Scott, Rachel Stewart, Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP
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 PO Box 2019 | 101-A Brady Court Cary, NC 27512 919-909-2693 Office | 919-535-8719 Fax info@OutreachNC.com
www.OutreachNC.com OutreachNC is a publication of Aging Outreach Services, Inc. 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.
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advice
Our Aging Life CareTM Professionals will answer any aging questions you may have.
Email us your questions! ASK THE EXPERT
info@OutreachNC.com
Tools to Help Prepare Your Executor by Amy Natt, MS, CMC, CSA & Consultation by Michael G. Gorenflo, JD I have a will and have named my son as executor. My son is a Michigan resident, and I reside in North Carolina. Where can I get a list of the duties of the executor in North Carolina and any other steps that he needs to take at my death?
This is an excellent question and probably more complicated that it may seem on the surface. There are many different types of estates, and attorneys have years of education and experience to be able to do these things correctly. Empowering your son with knowledge about your estate and what your expectations are will enable him to rise to the occasion. You mentioned having a will, which provides directions on how to deal with those things you leave behind. As executor, your son will be settling your estate. Because you are a resident of North Carolina, the estate would need to be opened in North Carolina. Your executor is a Michigan resident, so at a minimum, he would have to hire an attorney to act as “resident service agent” for the estate if “Notice to Creditors” is required under the kind of estate that you have. It is important for him to have contact information for your attorney in North Carolina, so that he can seek out additional support at the time of your death. Even a simple estate can seem complicated when it is not a common area of practice. There are deadlines and steps that must be taken for the estate to be settled correctly. The N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts has a brochure outlining proper procedures: http://www.nccourts.org/forms/documents/735.pdf Some of the steps he would take include: • Locate the will. • Gather information about the decedent and his or her assets. • Consider hiring professional advisers to assist with settlement. • Probate the will and apply for Letters Testamentary with the Clerk of Court. 10
OutreachNC.com | NOVEMBER 2015
• Prepare and publish the Notice to Creditors. • Obtain the estate’s tax identification number. • Open the estate’s bank account and keep detailed records of all account activity. • Locate, marshal and secure estate assets. • File the Inventory with the Clerk of Court. • Identify all debts of the decedent and decide whether to pay or reject each claim. • Disburse funds to pay debts and administrative expenses. • File tax forms and pay taxes due. • File the estate’s annual account with the Clerk of Court. • Distribute assets to the estate’s beneficiaries and obtain receipts from beneficiaries. • File the estate’s final account with the Clerk of Court. As you can see, there is a lot involved and while you can find some good information online regarding North Carolina courts, they cannot advise anyone on how to administer the estate or what kind of estate they should open. They simply provide documents and review documents for filing. Now would be a good time to make sure your will is up to date for the state of North Carolina and talk with your attorney about support that can be provided to your son during the probate process. Readers may send questions to Natt, an Aging Life CareTM Professional, certified senior advisor and CEO of Aging Outreach Services. She can be reached at amyn@agingoutreachservices.com.
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health
E Y E H E A LT H
Is LASIK Surgery Right For You? by John W. French, MD
Tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? Wish you could see the time on the alarm clock in the morning? You may wonder whether laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery is right for you. LASIK surgery is a type of corneal refractive eye surgery that is designed to correct vision problems and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK surgery is most appropriate for people who have a moderate degree of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism which causes blurry vision. The LASIK candidate is 18 years old or older; has healthy corneas; and has not experienced a significant prescription change within the last year. During LASIK, an eye surgeon uses a highly-focused femtosecond laser to create a tiny flap in the cornea. The surgeon pulls back the flap to expose the underlying corneal tissue. Using the precision of an excimer laser, the eye surgeon contours the shape of the cornea with the goal of enabling light to properly focus on the retina. The flap is then laid back in place where the corneal tissue was removed. Originally, a blade was used to make this flap, but the femtosecond laser has improved the safety and precision of the surgery. LASIK is a two-step vision correction procedure performed on the cornea. The Wavelight FS 200 Femtosecond Laser creates the thin flap of the cornea in the first step and the Allegretto WAVE Eye-Q excimer laser then reshapes the central cornea before the flap is repositioned.
LASIK surgery can help decrease the need for glasses after cataract surgery as well. Patients who had cataract surgery before advanced technology lenses were made available in the U.S. or chose not to have advanced technology cataract surgery typically need glasses for many activities. To reduce the need for glasses in these patients, LASIK surgery can be performed after cataract surgery. Presbyopia is a condition where the natural lens inside the eye loses its ability to “zoom in� or accommodate while reading. This generally occurs in the mid-40s and progresses with age. There are two options with LASIK surgery. Some people choose to have both eyes set to see well for distance without glasses and wear reading glasses for near. Others choose to have one eye set to see well for distance without glasses and the other eye for near without glasses. This is called monovision and LASIK surgery can be performed in these patients to minimize the need for glasses. In addition to LASIK surgery, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is also a type of refractive surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Though PRK recovery takes a bit longer, PRK is still performed and offers advantages over LASIK for some patients. Dr. French is a cornea, cataract and LASIK Specialist at Carolina Eye Associates. For more information, call 800-733-9355 or visit www.carolinaeye.com.
Dec. 15
CARY The Cary | 7pm 122 E Chatham St Tickets: 800-514-3849
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PLANNING AHEAD
Examining Medicare Drug Plans by Beth Donner, CRPC
I
t’s annual Open Enrollment for Medicare, so let’s examine Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. There are actually two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage— either by purchasing a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) Plan outright, or by getting a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan that already includes a prescription drug plan as part of the coverage. Anyone who is eligible for Medicare is automatically eligible for a drug plan. One of the more confusing aspects of purchasing a drug plan is determining which plan is best for your situation. Keep in mind that prescription drug plans are sold and marketed by private insurance companies; each offers a different list of covered (formulary) drugs at different co-pay amounts and with different annual deductible amounts. In addition, it’s not uncommon that a person’s medications change from year to year. But all the potential changes is exactly why we’re given an annual Open Enrollment opportunity; so that we may review plan offerings, along with our current meds, and decide if it’s in our (financial) best interest to change Part D plans for the upcoming year. The quickest way to check Part D plans’ medications and pricing is through the ‘Medicare Plan Finder’ page at www.Medicare.gov. Needed information for the site includes your residence ZIP code, the local pharmacy chain you use (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) and a complete list of all medications,
including the dosage and frequency you take the medication each day. Once all information has been entered, the site will offer a list of all Part D plans available to you and will even list them in least to most expensive projected annual price. Here’s a hint—if you choose a 90-day mail order pharmacy, you might find significant savings. Most of us familiar with Medicare have heard the term “the donut hole.” This term describes a situation where the Part D member has fairly comprehensive coverage for medications, but once a threshold dollar amount of drug costs is reached, has to pay a significantly higher medication cost out of their own pocket (the “hole” in coverage). Once a certain dollar amount has been spent out-of-pocket, the plan reverts back to having fairly comprehensive (small copayment) coverage. In 2016, once you and your Part D plan together have spent $3,310 on covered drugs, you will enter the donut hole. Once you have then spent a total of $4,850 you will come out of the donut hole and revert to paying co-payments again. It’s important to pay attention to the Open Enrollment dates of Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, as this is your one opportunity to choose the best plan to meet your needs in 2016. Donner is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and can be reached at Beth@ DiversifiedPlanning. com or 919-601-0501.
//
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life
G E N T L E M A N ’ S N OT E B O O K
Listening and Preserving Memories by Ray Linville
E
njoying good food, visiting family and friends, and sharing memories—these are all Thanksgiving traditions. Listening to members of an older generation and recording their life stories will soon be included as family holiday activities, if StoryCorps is persuasive. Think how many times you wished you had more information about a grandparent, aunt or cousin as you’ve looked at family pictures taken decades ago, well before social media such as Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram made picture-sharing such a modern phenomenon. What is missing today is a meaningful story about the picture or event. Social media typically limits the text for a picture to a few words, sound bites or characters— clearly insufficient to make it meaningful later in life. Also missing is the sound of the voice of the family member involved. Thanks to StoryCorps, memories shared at Thanksgiving can be preserved for the future. All that is needed is a smartphone and the StoryCorps mobile app, which provides the tools for preparing questions, recording a conversation on the phone and sharing with family and friends. In addition, uploading the conversation to the StoryCorps website archives it at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. So far, 100,000 Americans have participated. Recording a conversation with grandchildren is a great way to develop their speaking and listening skills, nurture an increased connectedness between generations and further a mutual respect for each other.
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StoryCorps, a nonprofit organization founded in 2003, is known for traveling the country and collecting the stories of everyday people. Since 2005, it has had a weekly broadcast on NPR’s “Morning Edition.” When founder Dave Isay received the million-dollar 2015 TED Prize, he used the funds to develop the StoryCorps app, the indispensable tool for “The Great Thanksgiving Listen.” This program is engaging people of all ages this month in the act of listening and recording their conversations. Imagine the potential when a child “across the country records an interview with an elder over Thanksgiving, so that in one single weekend, an entire generation of American lives and experiences is captured,” Isay says. Teachers and high school students are specifically encouraged to join in the inaugural “The Great Thanksgiving Listen.” Some community organizations, such as the Southern Pines Public Library, are encouraging residents to preserve the voices and stories of older Americans with a StoryCorps program. Learn more by visiting the StoryCorps website at www.storycorps.me or finding “The Great Thanksgiving Listen” on Facebook. I’ve downloaded the StoryCorps app and reviewed the online tips. I hope to record conversations with my grandchildren this Thanksgiving. What a great way to make that holiday a more meaningful time than simply enjoying a meal. As Alex Haley, best known for his 1976 book, “Roots,” wrote, “In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.” Let “The Great Thanksgiving Listen” be your bridge to the future and encourage your family to preserve its stories and memories this holiday. Retired from the N.C. Community College System, Linville is a contributing writer for the N.C. Folklife Institute and conducts programs on Southern food, history and culture. He can be reached at linville910@gmail.com.
Donation - a gift,
as to a fund; contribution. Give a gift. (In your name or someone else’s)
Make a difference. (In our neighborhoods and towns)
United Way of Moore County PO Box 207 Southern Pines, NC 28388 The United Way of Moore County wishes you a safe & happy holiday season. www.unitedwaymoore.com
NOVEMBER 2015 |
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life
GAME ON
1960 Pirates ‘Had ’em All the Way’ by Thad Mumau
I
t was 1955 when my Dad took me to Forbes Field to see my first major league baseball game. I was 9 years old. Our family lived in North Carolina, and every year during Dad ’s vacation week, we visited Indiana, Pennsylvania, which is about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh. Indiana was my Dad’s hometown and was where his mother and sister lived. It was also the town where I was born. Baseball had entered my life a couple years earlier when my Dad came home from work one day and handed me a paper bag from the Western Auto store. In it was a hunk of dark brown leather that was flat as a pancake and appeared to have five stubby fingers. The Johnny Sain model fielder’s glove ignited a romance that is still blazing. Initially, it was fueled by sessions of throw and catch with my Dad almost every evening in our yard. No matter how hard he had worked—and it was always hard because he made a living changing tires the oldfashioned way—when he got home, he would go in the house, put down his lunch pail, have a drink of water and return with his battered old catcher’s mitt that he had from his high school days. I was waiting with my glove and a baseball. While tossing the ball back and forth, my Dad taught me fundamentals of the game of baseball. After supper, from the spring through the fall, we listened to Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games on the radio. There was more static than anything else as we strained to hear the action over station KDKA. More often than not, Dad was disappointed with the game’s outcome. He wasn’t surprised, though, because the Pirates were terrible. No matter. My Dad loved them and
he loved baseball even more. Just hearing those games seemed to trigger a certain energy from him. What I remember about that first trip to Forbes was that, after batting practice, the batting cage was rolled out to deep center field, where it remained—inside the fence—during the game. I remember that the Pirates took infield, and that their young right fielder made throws to third base and home plate that took my breath away. I can still remember my Dad, a smile on his lips, telling me to notice how fast the Pittsburgh second baseman got rid of the ball when practicing double plays. And so it was that five years later, the once downtrodden Pirates were taking the National League by storm. Once again, my Dad and I listened to their games on the radio. We had only done that occasionally the past couple years, but this battling bunch of Buccos had grabbed our attention. The colorful accounts of the games came from Bob Prince and his sidekick Jim Woods, known to Pirates fans as the “Gunner and Possum.” Prince’s excitement over a big Pittsburgh hit or defensive play was always evident, and it sparked our excitement as well. When the season stretched into late August and early September, and the Pirates were still leading the National League standings, every game grew more intense. Could they hold on? Could they really do it? Could they win the pennant? Dad and I wondered those things every night, and when the score was close, we would slide to the edge of
Mumau has been a writer for more than 48 years, covering some of the sports greats, including Michael Jordan, John Wooden, Jack Nicklaus and Dean Smith. He can be reached at rutabega12@aol.com. Mumau’s book, “Had ‘Em All the Way,” is available at www.amazon.com. It is his seventh book.
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our seats in anticipation, trying to help Law or Friend or Face get one more key out or pleading for Clemente or Groat or Skinner to come through with one more clutch hit. There were times that we almost felt we were there— Forbes Field, County Stadium, Candlestick Park—wherever the Pirates were playing. We even applauded outstanding plays described by Prince and stood a few times when the great Clemente gunned down an adventurous base runner or when Maz somehow completed a double play that had not seemed possible. We experienced many thrilling moments as our beloved Bucs rallied in the late innings to pull out one victory after another. When that happened, we loved hearing Prince, in that gravelly voice of his, say, “We had ’em all the way.” A few times, when the radio crackled with interference, Dad would drive us a little ways to the top of a hill a few miles from our house so we could get a clear signal over the car radio. It was fun listening to the Pirates come from behind to win again and again. And watching my Dad finally get pleasure, and not pain, from being a Pirates fan. I would go to sleep smiling about that. Those are great memories. Bill Mazeroski’s historic home run was the perfect ending, of course, not just for a very unusual World Series, but for a very wonderful summer for my Dad and me. The 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates are simply a downright fabulous story. NOVEMBER 2015 |
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life
R E A D I N G F O R G E N E R AT I O N S
‘Under the Egg’ Book Review by Michelle Goetzl
F
inding good books for the middle-grade set can be quite challenging. Discovering a book that is both engaging for an 8-to-12 year old reader and that also lends itself to conversations between grandparent and child is a particularly exciting find. “Under the Egg,” by Laura Marx Fitzgerald, is just that kind of book. In this debut novel, 13-year-old Theodora Tenpenny discovers what might be a priceless masterpiece in her recently deceased grandfather’s art studio. She’s not sure exactly what to do with the painting, and the book chronicles her adventure in trying to discover whether the painting is a little known Raphael and if her grandfather stole the masterpiece or came upon it legally. What makes this book extra-special are its key details. First of all, while living in present day New York City, Theodora lives in a world that almost seems trapped in time. Her home has been in her family for over 200 years and does not have a lot of modern conveniences. She is well versed in caring for chickens, weeding and harvesting her backyard farm, and even pickling and canning vegetables, but she knows nothing about the Internet and does not own a television. On the flip side, her new friend, Bodhi, jumps in feet first to help solve this mystery and pulls out her cell phone to Google the answers to anything she doesn’t know. The two make quite the pair and quite a juxtaposition between the world of technology and the world without. As the girls research the painting, readers get a marvelous Located in historic downtown
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lesson in art history that could even prompt a field trip to the local art museum. This story not only takes place in modern day, but also whisks the reader back to World War II Germany. In addition to the death and destruction that Hitler’s forces poured out, they also were in the habit of stealing works of art to keep for themselves and Hitler. What few people know is that there was a group of soldiers and civilians sent overseas to hunt down and protect these works of art. With the numbers of Holocaust survivors and veterans of the war diminishing as time marches on, this section of the book is a great way to get younger people thinking about what happened during the war and talking to adults who perhaps lived through it or remember it better. If you know of a child in the 8-12 age range who enjoys a good mystery or adventure, “Under the Egg” is a great read that the two of you can share.
Goetzl writes an online blog—”Books My Kids Read.” She loves books and sharing that love of reading with children. She can be reached at booksmykidsread@gmail.com.
LITERARY CIRCLE
‘Killing Patton’
HOLIDAYS with the
Book Review by Cos Barnes
I
have always heard that many servicemen who fought in World War II refused to speak of their days on the battlefield. After reading “Killing Patton,” I understand their reticence. The atrocities inflicted by the Germans were beyond belief, too horrible to call to mind later. The dreadful carnage, the bloody massacre that our soldiers had to endure were fixed in their memories forever, and they stayed there. Written by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, “Killing Patton” is the latest in their series, which includes “Killing Jesus” and “Killing Lincoln.” The authors call Patton “America’s most audacious general,” and point out his gutsiness, his daring and bravery as well as his profanity and lack of respect for his higher-ups whom he frequently insulted or ignored. Patton used coarse language and often did impulsive things. Yet, he kept detailed notes each night of what had occurred during the day and kept his wife informed daily. A disciple of the French general Napoleon and a West Point graduate, Patton displayed tactical brilliance on the battlefield but was void of tact in diplomatic situations. His men loved him and were loyal in following him. So what went wrong? The speculation of the authors is he died under mysterious circumstances in December 1945 after being severely wounded in an automobile accident. He was buried in Luxembourg near his fallen comrades. Who’s to know who was responsible? Read the book.
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.
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Holiday Pops FRI, NOV 27 | 7:30PM SAT, NOV 28 | 3PM MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Join us for all your holiday favorites and our popular sing-a-long, plus, new this year, enjoy selections from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express and Frozen! Be sure to visit Santa in the lobby before the performance.
A Baroque Christmas FRI, DEC 4 | NOON & 8PM SAT, DEC 5 | 8PM MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH Noon Concert Sponsors: The Cardinal at North Hills, The Cypress of Raleigh
SUN, DEC 6 | 7:30PM LEE AUDITORIUM, PINECREST HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTHERN PINES
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NOVEMBER 2015 |
OutreachNC.com 19
advice
T E C H S AV V Y
How to Choose an Email Service by Bill Fisher
A
n email address is necessary to do just about anything on the Web these days, from sending messages to banking online to creating a Facebook account. And with so many options to choose from, it’s easier than ever to create an account. Generally, it’s recommended to set up an email address through a free webmail provider rather than through an Internet service provider (ISP). Providing email service isn’t a priority for many ISPs; as a result, the technology they use isn’t always up to date, which introduces some potential problems—including limited storage space and an interface that’s not necessarily user friendly. Webmail, on the other hand, is free and can be accessed through any web browser. Some of the most well-known webmail providers include Gmail, Outlook.com, and Yahoo! Mail. Below are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing a free webmail provider. Advantages of free webmail include: • You’ll always have the same email address, even if you need to change your ISP. • All free webmail services offer a large amount of free storage space (15GB or more). There will also be fewer limitations on file sizes for attachments. • All these services use a clean, simple interface, which makes it easy to send new messages and find old messages. • There are additional features available with many of these programs, including online calendars, photo storage capabilities and online maps.
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Disadvantages of free webmail include: • To offset the cost of their free services, providers will display advertising in your inbox. • For some services, including Gmail, your computer will look for key words in your email messages to show you relevant ads. This doesn’t mean anyone is actually reading your private messages, but it does make some users uncomfortable. Alternatives to Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo! Mail Generally speaking, the convenience of free webmail outweighs its disadvantages. Still, if you’d prefer to use a webmail service that doesn’t show advertisements, you can use one of the services mentioned below. However, please note that these services are not free to use: • HushMail.com • ZohoMail.com • FastMail.com Getting a new email address If you’re ready to get started with a new email provider, simply visit its website and look for an option to sign up or create an account. The process is basically the same for most webmail services. Fisher is an instructional designer with GCFLearnFree.org, a program of Goodwill Community Foundation and Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina Inc. For more information, visit www.GCFLearnFree.org/email101.
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OutreachNC.com 21
life
THE NONAGENARIAN
A Journey Back in Time by Glenn A. Flinchum
T
he title, “D-Day and Battle of the Bulge,” caught my eye as I was thumbing through a travel magazine one evening. I saw that this particular trip would be traversing a lot of the same ground I covered in 1944–1945, nearly 70 years ago. I had always wanted to go back there, but somehow never got around to it. While I was not in the D-Day invasion, we landed on Utah Beach in late August 1944, about the time the allies were liberating Paris. If I were to retrace my steps, I wondered, what dormant memories would emerge after all these years? Being with a Headquarters outfit, I would be spared many of the bloody memories that have haunted some of our veterans all their lives. I was assigned to the Ninth Army Headquarters under the command of Gen. William Simpson. How I got that assignment, I’ll never know. The Army and I had a very simple relationship in those days— they told me what to do and I did it, no questions asked. After several weeks of indecision, I finally signed up for the tour, which assembled in London. Our trip across the English channel on a ferry boat was uneventful, with calm seas, bright sunshine, and nothing to remind us of that day in June 1944, when the largest invasion in history took place. Today, the beaches are tranquil resort areas, the only reference to the invasion being a large stone monument on Omaha Beach. However, a stop at the American cemetery, with its 10,000 white crosses and stars of David, served as a grim reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by so many. Ninth Army’s first mission on the continent was to secure the Brittany Peninsula and kill or capture the more than 30,000 Germans still defending it. I was part of a small group whose responsibility was to provide the commander and his staff with updated information as to the strength, location, casualties, etc., of every unit under his command.
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I recalled one of my fellow soldiers whose name was Caputo, who had a hard time adjusting to field conditions. The Army’s answer to the sanitation problem was a slit trench, a ditch about six inches wide, a foot deep, and as long as necessary to accommodate the troops encamped. So, like all good soldiers do when they have a need, he went scrounging and finally came back with an old wooden shipping crate, a hammer and some nails. With these materials he managed to cobble together what roughly resembled a child’s toilet training chair, only bigger. Thereafter, each morning Pvt. Caputo could be seen ambling down to the designated area with his chair under one arm and a book or magazine under the other. All the comforts of home! This little incident affirms what I’ve contended for many years; when it comes to sheer ingenuity, not to mention a sense of humor, the American GI has no peers! Driving through Normandy, past cultivated fields, hedgerows and small villages, there is little evidence of the heavy fighting that took place in that area. One thing that immediately came to mind was the Red Ball Express, the emergency transportation system set up to shuttle ammunition, fuel and supplies from the beaches of Normandy to the troops on the front lines. Each truck had a large red ball painted on its side, and they were given absolute priority on the roads. I can still see them now, barreling through the small villages, with chickens flying in all directions. After passing through Normandy our group made a stopover at Reims and visited the Modern Technical School of Reims, where German surrender was signed on May 7, 1945. Better known to the troops as “The Little Red Schoolhouse,” it temporarily served as Gen. Eisenhower’s headquarters. The room where the surrender documents were signed has been kept intact as part of a small museum.
As the tour bus pulled up to the front of the school’s arched entranceway, déjà vu hit me. I had been there before; a few weeks after the Germans surrendered we had pulled out of northern Germany and we were on our way to southern France. We were temporarily camped outside Reims when we were visited by a USO entertainer. I don’t know how we managed it, but that evening my tent mate, Roy, and I got the honor of driving the young lady back to her quarters at, you guessed it, The Little Red Schoolhouse. Since the forming of the European Union, leaving Belgium and entering Germany is about as easy as traveling from North Carolina into Virginia. In early 1945, it was a different story. As soon as our forces had time to regroup and re-supply, they began moving into Germany on a wide front, attacking the retreating Germans. We left Maastricht with a twinge of regret, having gotten to know some of the people. There was one boy especially, a tall, gangly kid about 14 years old. We followed him a couple of blocks up the cobblestone street to an old row house, where he opened the door and motioned us to come in. He led us to the kitchen where his mother had just finished baking an apple pie (Dutch apple, of course). Some of our troops marched into Germany on foot, some rode in tanks, Jeeps or half-tracks. So far as I know, Roy and I were the only ones who made our entrance riding in the back of a six-by-six while simultaneously munching on apple pie. I doubt if you’ll find any record of that event in the history books. As the motor coach sped up the Autobahn toward Berlin, there were few reminders of what it was like those last weeks before the surrender in May 1945. On the long flight home, I reviewed the trip on a dayby-day basis and concluded that it was well worth the effort. I saw what I came to see and could go home with my curiosity satisfied. In the midst of my reminiscing a question came to mind. How is it possible that these gracious, hospitable people we had just bade farewell to could have been our bitter enemies in the past? Maybe some things do improve with age. Read more of The Nonagenarian online at www.OutreachNC.com, click Magazine Extras. Flinchum is a former head of the State Office of Vital Statistics in Raleigh, worked at the National Center for Health Statistics in Washington, D.C., is a retired Army major and World War II veteran. He can be reached at info@outreachnc.com. NOVEMBER 2015 |
OutreachNC.com 23
life
COOKING SIMPLE
Fig and Bacon Salad by Rhett Morris | Photography by Diana Matthews
Ingredients
Directions
2 cups fresh or dried figs 3 slices thick cut bacon 1 head bibb lettuce ¼ cup goat cheese 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Chop the bacon and place in a pan over medium heat until bacon is crispy. Take bacon out and set to side. If you are using fresh figs, place them in the pan and sautée for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add balsamic vinegar and cook for 2 minutes. If you are using dried figs cook them with a ¼ cup of water on low heat for 15 minutes to rehydrate them. Then follow next step. Put lettuce on two plates and pour figs from pan over each salad and top with bacon and goat cheese.
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.
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OutreachNC.com 25
advice
CAREGIVING CAN MAKE LIFE CRAZY!
November Honors Family Caregivers by Mike Collins
I
f I were to walk into my mother’s nursing home room, she would not know me. She would know that I am someone she loves and someone who loves her, but if you point at me and ask, “Who is that person?” she could not tell you. As you can imagine—and may have experienced—the impact is heartbreaking. Mama is 87 and during the 3+ year journey into Alzheimer’s disease and dementia my brother and I have been on with her, she has been in hospitals, rehabilitation and care centers, an apartment with 24-hour sitters and now, a nursing home. During our journey, we have come to handle all the details of everyday living for her. We have assisted her with every type of personal hygiene issue sons never would want to imagine doing with or for their mothers. I’ve done it many times, and my brother has done it 10 times more than me. Our relationship as brothers has always been strong, but the incredible stresses of caregiving have tested us during the last couple of years. Luckily for me, Joe has been, and is, the champion in our challenge. In all honesty, at this point, the journey is less about Mama and more about us. To use a cliché, Mama’s condition is what it is, and we can only make sure she is comfortable and safe and let her lead the way into what eventually will happen. The question now, and what it has been since we understood the severity and finality of her condition, is, “How will we let caregiving affect our lives?”
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November is National Family Caregivers Month, and while the caregiver’s concern is always for the person he or she is caring for, this month, the 45 million caregivers in America have a chance to take a clear look at the effects of their experiences. Research consistently shows that caregivers experience more mentally and physically negative impacts—due to the stresses of caregiving—than non-caregivers. According to a University of Pittsburgh study, 6 percent of caregivers die specifically due to caregiver stress. The truth is that we all walk this path in our own ways. Different people experience caregiving in different ways, so they need different solutions. If we’re smart, we seek tips, tactics and strategies to help us with the practical concerns. We welcome the love and concern of our support family and look to our inner strengths to face what the experience is doing to our hearts. To the point, as we baby boomers care for our parents and others, we are showing the next generation—our children—how we do or do not want to be cared for. There is no better time than National Caregiver Month to understand the fact that if you won’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. ©2015 Mike Collins.
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.caregivercraziness.com.
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7
Ways to Prevent
Osteoporosis & Broken Bones
by Angela Abram
O
steoporosis affects nearly 34 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. This condition reduces density of the bones, making them weaker and more brittle. This thinning of the structure of bones leads to weaker bone crystals that results in a higher risk for fractures from falling, especially in the wrist, hip and spine. Osteoporosis can affect a person of any gender, but it is commonly found among women older than 40 or going through the postmenopausal phase due to a sudden decrease in the levels of protective estrogen. In addition to women older than 40, osteoporosis is more prevalent in those with smaller bone structure and especially in those with a previous fracture that occurred after the age of 50. Here are seven ways to prevent and lower your risk of osteoporosis and broken bones:
1
Proper Calcium Intake: At the age of 30, women’s bones complete their structural mass and begin going through remodeling where the whole skeleton is replaced every seven years. To maintain a healthy bone structure after menopause, women’s intake of calcium should beapproximately 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily as compared to the 1,000 milligrams calcium for premenopausal women. The best sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt but there are some other sources such as cereal, juices, sardines and leafy green vegetables that can work wonders as well. Consider taking a calcium supplement to fill in the gaps.
2
Vitamin D: Sunlight is one of the major sources of vitamin D. This compound is extremely useful to avoid the weakness of bones and in order to strengthen them. Vitamin D helps your bones remodel, and it also helps in absorption of calcium in bones. According to the National Institutes of Health, women should get about 600 international units (IUs) per day until age 50. After menopause, this amount should increase to 800 IUs per day. Some other good sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil, salmon, eggs, yogurt, tuna and mushrooms.
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3
Say No to Caffeine: To avoid osteoporosis, curb your caffeine intake, as it pulls calcium out of the bones, diminishing their strength. Some research has found that the intake of high doses of coffee may contribute to hip fractures in women older than 65. Consider switching from coffee to tea, which includes plant compounds that protect bones from its caffeine content.
4
Meditate and Stretch: A daily yoga routine can be very fruitful for the structure and strengthening of your bones. Ten minutes of yoga daily for two years can increase the density of bones, especially in the hip and spine area. You can also improve your body balance, thus reducing the risk of falling and fractures.
5
Quit Smoking: One way to begin strengthing your bones is to stop smoking. Tobacco smoking is one of the worst enemies of your bones as well as your lungs. The nicotine in tobacco accelerates bone loss in women, especially in post-menopausal years.
6
Limit Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol can have a negative impact on your bone structure because of its toxicity on the bone-forming cells. Intake of alcohol not only weakens your bones but it also affects your liver and produces dark circles. There are many home remedies for dark circles that can be followed to avoid this problem. A glass or two of wine cannot impact the your overall bone health, but excess of everything can be bad. To prevent osteoporosis and fractured bones, avoid drinking any sort of alcoholbased products.
7
Eat Omega-3 Enriched Foods: Omega-3 enriched foods and monounsaturated fats are considered to be very healthy for your heart, and they also are good for your bone health by increasing bone mineral content. Studies have found that women eating omega-3 rich foods are less prone to osteoporosis than women without these foods in their diets. They also have better bone structure and density. Omega-3 fatty acids are predominant in fish, including halibut, mackeral, oysters, salmon, sardines, trout and tuna. Look for dairy foods and juices fortfied with omega-3s. You can also find valuable omega-3s in breads, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, walnuts, flaxseeds and naturally in fresh kale, parsley, spinach, watercress and Brussels sprouts.
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5 Ways to Stay Hopeful N
by Rachel Stewart
egativity is hard to escape these days—whether you’re spending time with people or surfing the Web. Pointed opinions, gossip and personal struggles can make it hard to see the good in the world—and in yourself. Don’t continue to dwell in darkness in the coming busy holiday months. Here’s how to make hope the centerpiece of your days:
1
Unplug. Taking a break from technology can give your brain a rest from the barrage of chatter and ongoing debates. Consider having a quiet hour once a day, where you turn the TV off, put your phone on silent and tuck away the newspaper. Use this time to soak in nature from your back porch, have a cup of tea, take a nap, or work on a project you’ve been putting off. Being alone with your thoughts can instill a sense of inner quiet and peace.
2
Follow your bliss. Prayer and guided meditation can be great ways to shake off the white noise of modern life and allow you to consider all the things you can be grateful for. Incorporate this time of reflection when it works best for you. Once a week is a good starting point, but devote more time if you’re feeling anxious, sad, or dwelling on a problem. If you think practicing with others would help, find a prayer or meditation group with like-minded individuals.
3
Focus on the positive. Sometimes it’s hard to see the good in the world and others. Try to find one silver lining in every tricky situation rather than harping on what’s wrong. Over time, you’ll find your perspective will shift and become aligned on the good instead of the bad. Push this concept further by surrounding yourself with positive influences. Examples include writing an inspirational quote on your memo board in your kitchen or listening to a favorite song that brings you joy.
4
Set fresh goals. Feelings of negativity can also spring from past personal failures. Don’t let the past keep you from achieving what you want from the future. Set small, measurable goals and celebrate when you meet them, whether it’s being more active, taking up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, planning a dream getaway or revisiting an old friendship.
5
Talk with someone you trust. Sometimes, a burden is too heavy to carry on your own. Find someone who will listen without judgment and can see your situation more clearly. They might be able to see the good you cannot. In time, return the favor to them when they need some hope.
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Cancer Leads to
Life of Meaning
by Thad Mumau | Photography by Diana Matthews
K
en Rahal’s battle with cancer has been long and hard, but through the pain and struggles, he has found peace. And, after being given a death sentence, he has lived the most rewarding and meaningful life he has ever known. In the summer of 2006, he underwent a nine-hour abdominal surgery during which a tumor was removed along with half of his pancreas, his gall bladder, five feet of intestine and his duodenum. He was told he had stage IV cancer and that he had less than a year to live. Nine years, 59 admissions to hospitals and nine major operations later, Rahal is more alive than ever. He is the faith relations coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills and, as a personal mission, is constantly seeking ways to help people in need. That basically amounts to a full-time ministry to the downtrodden, and that has brought him joy. “There is so much of it in my life on a daily basis,” says Rahal, a former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent. “There is nothing better than doing something for somebody else, something that matters.” Last year, on a visit to Pinecrest High School, he discovered that many students had little or nothing to eat on weekends. There was a program in place to provide food for younger students, but nothing for high school kids. Rahal, who is from Aberdeen, recruited volunteers who—with the help of generous donations of food and money—have made food available to students in need at Pinecrest, as well as North Moore and Union Pines high schools. More than 200 students are benefiting. For his efforts, he was presented the Four-Way Test Award from the Sandhills Rotary Club. “It was nice to be recognized,” he says, “but the best reward is knowing those students have something to eat on the weekends. It is one of many blessings I am receiving these days. The Lord keeps giving me opportunities to be of service to others.” CONTINUED PAGE 34
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“
M y faith continues to grow.
”
—Ken Rahal
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
Rahal was born in Canada and was a Royal Mounted Policeman for three years before moving to the United States. Serving four years with the Army in Vietnam in military intelligence led to 22 years as a DEA agent, a career that was extremely dangerous and stressful. In 1996, he was shot on the job. The next year, he retired. “I always believed in God,” Rahal says, “but I was a convenient Christian. Then, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I became angry with God. When I finally learned to talk with Him instead of to Him, things changed. My life changed. I knew I needed to thank God and tell my friends about Him. “Now I have a relationship with the Father and with His son, Jesus Christ. With that comes the most wonderful peace and joy, along with the assurance that I will spend eternity in heaven.” Rahal puts in about 35 hours a week with Habitat for Humanity. He works with churches, coordinating the finances for the building and repair of houses. All the while—almost every waking hour, in fact—he is either figuring new ways to help folks or continuing to work on ongoing projects. “When I joined Habitat,” he says, “I had been depressed and always down because of my struggles 34
OutreachNC.com | NOVEMBER 2015
with pancreatic cancer. Habitat emphasizes that it does not give a handout to potential homeowners, instead offering a hand up. “I learned from that and changed my attitude. I began to take the focus off of myself and started concentrating on the needs of others. My involvement removed the self pity I had allowed myself to feel, and I began to use what energy I had to truly see there are others who need encouragement. “My faith continues to grow,” Rahal says. “Yes, I have to face situations with the cancer, many of them putting me in the hospital for a while. My focus remains on what Paul says in Philippians (3:12-14) —‘Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’” Every day is a good day for this man, left thin and frail after losing over 100 pounds because of his illness. He does not take even an hour for granted. “No,” he says, “I am grateful for every day because each one is a blessing and an opportunity. I appreciate life, and I’m spending it doing as much as I can for people who are in so much need. I am loving my life, and when the day comes, I look forward to God putting His hand on my shoulder and saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” Quite a few folks on this earth are already saying that about Ken Rahal.
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Living Life to Fullest
with Parkinson’s Disease
T
by Michelle Goetzl | Photography by Diana Matthews
en years ago, Eleanor Vann received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. A senior consultant at IBM, her first symptoms were that her muscles would freeze up, and she literally could not get out of the car. Along with her husband, John, an Army officer for 26 years and then a consultant, Eleanor has enlisted a wealth of complementary therapies as part of her treatment regimen, allowing her to continue to live an incredibly rich life. Parkinson’s disease—a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs motor functions—is characterized by tremors, rigidity and slowness of movements as well as impaired balance and difficulties with speech. Parkinson’s also impacts people on an emotional level through slowness of thought, depression and, at times, dementia. Parkinson’s patients rely on medications to treat the physical symptoms, but many have found that alternative therapies, including acupuncture, massage, exercise and art, have a tremendous impact in helping them relax and relieve symptoms. Eleanor’s first symptoms were frozen muscles. “Then she had stiffness in her gait, arm swinging and balance problems,” John says. Eleanor began to feel the effects on her speech, which impacted her ability to work. “My speech was not clear, and people couldn’t understand me,” says Eleanor, who continued working for the first year after her diagnosis. Seeking a more holistic approach to health care as Eleanor’s disease progressed, the couple turned to massage therapy as one aspect to help her cope. John audited a massage therapy class at Sandhills Community College initially to obtain information. He found himself taking the course very seriously, staying up until midnight studying. After a month, John decided to take the course for credit and has since earned his certification as massage therapist. CONTINUED PAGE 38
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NOVEMBER 2015 |
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36
The therapeutic massage curriculum at Sandhills includes course work in anatomy and physiology, ethical/legal issues, business practices, nutrition and psychology. Gaining this knowledge enabled John to better assist Eleanor with her disease. He understands on a psychological level that simple touch therapy works well as a relaxation technique and can bring a sense of peace to Eleanor. He also knows what muscles need specific stretches to give her relief as well as aid in her range of motion. “It hurts good,” Eleanor says of the daily stretching and massage therapy that has helped enable her to have mobility without always having to rely on a walker. True therapeutic massage has a number of important health benefits for Eleanor. In addition to her Parkinson’s disease, she is a breast cancer survivor and suffers from lymphedema—swelling in the arms and legs caused by blockage in the lymphatic system. A massage therapy course specific to manual lymphatic drainage aided John to relieve these symptoms for Eleanor. “When you get the lymph moving, it helps carry all of the toxins out of the body,” explains John as he utilizes special movements and sequencing. “You can actually see the swelling go down.” Since receiving her Parkinson’s diagnosis, Eleanor also had knee replacement and brain surgery. John’s massage therapy techniques helped to heal her scars more quickly and naturally, minimizing the re-opening of the incisions by keeping the skin and tissue more pliable. Massage therapy, however, is not the only way Eleanor copes with Parkinson’s disease. Three years ago, the couple traveled to Kauai, Hawaii, so that he could study
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the lomilomi technique. While John learned the Polynesian massage practices, Eleanor wandered into an art gallery. “I mentioned to the owner of the gallery that I had always wanted to take art lessons but never had the time,” says Eleanor, who took up painting on the trip and continues it now for both the enjoyment and therapeutic benefits. Her art decorates the couple’s Pinehurst home and earned her placement in the Senior Games in the Pines SilverArts competition, where she moved on to compete at the state level in Raleigh. “I get into another world when I’m painting,” Eleanor says. “ I finds great comfort in the Zen of art. It helps my spirits and my attitude and helps me realize that I can still be productive. Art gives me a sense of fulfillment.” Eleanor is not the only person with Parkinson’s to find comfort in art, specifically in painting. Many Parkinson’s patients report that creative endeavors temporarily relieve symptoms, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. “Not only does painting help her mental health and her soul, but when she paints, she doesn’t experience as many tremors,” John says. Research shows that tremors are more likely to occur when the body is at rest. When people use art as a fine motor activity, the frequency of tremors decrease. Art therapy has long been seen as a way to improve your mood or help you relax. While this means that art therapy is beneficial for anyone, it is especially useful for people with Parkinson’s disease, as stress can temporarily worsen most neurological symptoms. For the Vanns, both art and massage therapy provide additional coping mechanisms for Parkinson’s disease. Through these holistic approaches, combined with the couple’s overwhelming sense of love, support, and thoughtfulness for each other, Eleanor and John continue to live life to the fullest.
Veterans’ Spirits Soar with Ageless Aviation
by Jonathan Scott Photography by Diana M atthews
The Carolina blue sky over the Moore County Airport is crystal clear. A World War II-era biplane is ready to taxi down the runway, clear for takeoff. CONTINUED PAGE 40 NOVEMBER 2015 |
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A
World War II-era biplane is making its rounds high above the horse farms and golf courses of the Sandhills. Pilot Darryl Fisher is at the controls of the open-air cockpit with a grinning veteran strapped in the seat in front of him for this high-flying joy ride. In 2015 alone, Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation has 520 flights like this one scheduled across the United States. “We try to create a lot of happy memories,” says Fisher, founder and president of Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. In 2011, Fisher and his father flew their restored Boeing Stearman biplane across the U.S., stopping along the way to offer rides to some veterans living in longterm care facilities. The response, and the immense satisfaction it gave Fisher, inspired him to establish a foundation that would enable him to continue the service on a regular basis. That idea became the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. The foundation’s mission, which is fulfilled with every flight, is “giving back to those who have given.” Fisher, based out of Carson City, Nevada, travels around the country, visiting communities where senior veterans live. The flights he provides are offered free of charge. “We get paid in satisfaction,” Fisher says. “Many, many times I say we’re overpaid.” The nonprofit program is run entirely by volunteers and funded by donations and sponsorships. One of those sponsors is Sport Clips Haircuts, a chain of men’s and boy’s hair salons, whose logo appears prominently on the fuselage of the red, white, blue and yellow biplane. The sponsor’s logo is a relatively new addition to this particular aircraft. Built in 1940 and used to train pilots in WWII, Fisher’s grandfather purchased it after the war. Since then, the biplane has flown four generations of the Fisher family. CONTINUED PAGE 42
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For more information about the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation, call 775-737-8906 or visit www.AgelessAviationDreams.org.
NOVEMBER 2015 |
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40
“Its low, raspy engine sound is unforgettable,” Fisher says. “This plane has the innate ability to bring back nostalgic memories for veterans.” Ageless Aviation Dreams has taken to the skies with some outstanding members of America’s military past. Among these have been Adeline Ellison, a member of
the former Women Airforce Service Pilots, the civilian “Fly Girls” who learned to fly almost every kind of military aircraft during WWII. When WWII fighter pilot Jack Merkle took a ride in Fisher’s Stearman, he brought along his helmet, goggles and scarf from an F4U Corsair fighter. “It felt like coming home,” Merkle said afterward.
YOUR ONE STOP LOCAL NEWS SOURCE
FOR MOORE COUNTY. 42
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www.AberdeenTimes.com
Marion Meyers was 102 years old when she went up into the sky with Ageless Aviation. She is one of a halfdozen members of the “Century Club,” those 100 years old or older whom Fisher and his team have flown. When they landed, Meyers rubbed her hands together and exclaimed, “Let’s go again.” Back on the ground in Carthage, a group of retired veterans and spouses of veterans from the Southern Pines Gracious Retirement Living community anxiously await their turn for the 15-minute ride, courtesy of Fisher and the Ageless Aviation Dreams. A nostalgic event, the pride and recognition of service of each flyer are evident on their faces. “Some of our residents were a little nervous about the prospects of flying in such a small plane,” says Hallie Ribelin, Southern Pines Gracious Retirement Living’s activity director. “But there are a few who want to jump out with a parachute, just to check it off their bucket list.” Gary Womack, 72, a Pinehurst native, served as an aerial photographer in the U.S. Air Force in the early 1960s. The experience generated two passions, one for photography and the other for being in airplanes. “I almost made a career of flying,” says Womack, who instead of accepting a job at Boeing, opted for professional photography. Womack never lost his love for being in the air. Taking his seat in the biplane, Womack sports a pair of binoculars, setting his sights on the world below just as he had through a camera lens a half-century before.
Larry Deister, 90, sits in the early morning sunshine alongside his daughter, eagerly awaiting his opportunity to takeoff. Deister served in the U.S. Army Infantry in WWII and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge on the Western Front. Alongside Deister is his friend, Dillard Colvin, 91, another Greatest Generation WWII veteran. For Colvin, today’s blue skies are a peaceful change from when he flew with the 400th Squadron in the Air Force. Gearing up for the much-anticipated flight, Harry Diebot, a veteran of the Korean War whose specialty was artillery observation, and John Hamer, 82, who served in the Marines in Europe in the 1950s, are among the day’s riders. When Hamer was a small boy, he recalls watching planes. “I’ve always wanted to fly in one of these,” Hamer says. Dee Dee Miller, 71, takes Fisher’s hand to help her into the plane’s open cockpit. Miller’s husband served 20 years in Special Forces. Fisher outfits Miller with a flying cap and goggles, then climbs in behind her. The aircraft’s engine comes to life in a low roar and taxies down the runway. All is quiet for a few long minutes before the biplane appears again, this time airborne. Fisher tilts the wings at the spectators and those waiting their turn. Accomplishing his mission, Fisher not only evokes memories, he also makes new ones with each takeoff. “We try to honor and recognize servicemen and servicewomen all year,” Fisher says, “not just on Veterans Day.”
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910.692.6801 NOVEMBER 2015 |
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Carolina Conversations with PineCone Bluegrass Show’s
C
Tim Woodall
by Thad Mumau | Photography by Diana Matthews
ary’s Tim Woodall is quite an influence in North Carolina bluegrass music. He has played bass five years for The Grass Cats after being their banjo player more than 13 years. Woodall has also been a co-host of the Pinecone Bluegrass Show on Raleigh radio station WQDR for nearly 27 years. The Grass Cats have recorded nine CDs, five of which have landed in the Top 10 of Bluegrass Unlimited’s national charts. The rest of the band includes Russell Johnson, Chris Hill, Rick LaFleur and Bailey Coe.
ONC: What first got you interested in music?
TW: My mother was very musical, played piano and loved a variety of music ... guess I got it from her. There were musical people on both sides of my family, so I was exposed to music from an early age. Was there someone who motivated you to play an instrument?
I had cousins and there were other people in the neighborhood who played guitar, piano, upright bass and sang. I suppose being around that on a regular basis motivated me to get involved with music. Have you always leaned toward bluegrass as your genre of choice, or did you play in other bands?
I do enjoy the traditional bluegrass bands or first generation bands like that, but I listen to all types from Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs to New Grass Revival, Seldom Scene and some of the other “New Grass” bands. It would be very difficult to pick a favorite. Who are your favorite artists outside of bluegrass?
I love about all of the Motown music from the 1960s and ’70s—the Temptations, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye ... I enjoy classic country, classic rock, Southern gospel, R&B and light jazz. I have a pretty eclectic taste in music.
Not always bluegrass, although I always have enjoyed bluegrass music. I started playing bluegrass in the early ’70s. I played in a rhythm and blues type band in high school. After high school, I played country, country rock and did recording session work, so I have in the past and still do listen to a wide variety of music.
Have any of those been inspirational for you?
You have mentioned listening to Earl Scruggs. Was he the reason you decided to play the banjo?
Do the Grass Cats play music from other genres?
Yes, he was. I used to watch Flatt & Scruggs on Saturday afternoon on TV and was captivated by Earl Scruggs’ playing on both banjo and guitar. There are others like J.D. Crowe, Sonny Osborne, Bill Emerson and some of the banjo players from the ’60s and ’70s I enjoy, but Earl Scruggs did it for me. I have met about all the major players in bluegrass music over the years, but I only have two autographs: Earl Scruggs and Bill Monroe. I figured that about covered it. 44
Scruggs and Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, with whom he played, are legends of bluegrass. Are they No. 1 on your list of favorites?
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Since I play bass now in the band, the Motown bass players like James Jamerson and Bob Babbitt were an influence. They were as good as it gets. Both played upright and electric bass equally well and recorded some of the most famous bass tracks ever. The Grass Cats do a lot of cover tunes that were songs from either rock groups, country groups or singers because we play such a wide variety of venues. We try to play something that all ages will recognize. Typically, our CDs contain about half original material and half cover tunes. We have recorded tunes first done by Bob Dylan, John Denver, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Alan Jackson, Johnny Rodriquez, The Who, Ace and others. We enjoy trying to make those work with bluegrass instrumentation and arrangement. CONTINUED PAGE 46
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44
Are there times you and the band get together and end up just kind of picking and singing pieces, and can you describe the joy of that?
Usually when the band gets together, it is for a practice to work up new material, getting ready to record a new CD or getting ready for a big show, so there are certain songs we work on. As far as just playing for the fun of it, that usually happens when members from other bands jam with you at festivals or shows, and that is a lot of fun. When you’re alone and play and sing, which instrument do you play?
Most of the time it is the electric bass, because that is what I play with The Grass Cats. Plus, I can play along with all kinds of music on bass—R&B, country, rock. Occasionally I will get the banjo, electric or acoustic guitar or pedal steel out, but mostly the bass. That happens more when I am trying to learn a new song ... play with a recording or go to YouTube and just look up songs I haven’t heard in a while or maybe even in years. That is fun for me. You have been co-hosting the PineCone Bluegrass Show” on Raleigh radio station WQDR for more than 25 years. How did you that come about?
I developed an interest in radio when I was an early teenager. KIX was the station around Raleigh that played great music and had great DJs like Charlie Brown, Dale Van Horn, Tommy Walker and Rick Dees, to name a few. I listened to that station all the time. There was another station, WYNA in Raleigh, and I used to go there on Sunday afternoons and watch those guys do their shows. I got my FCC license in 1967. The 46
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“Pinecone Bluegrass Show” came about when WQDR approached PineCone about maybe doing a bluegrass radio show. They would provide the air time and resources and PineCone would provide the DJs. Larry Nixon and I volunteered for that and have been doing it Sunday nights since Jan. 29,1989. What is different about the feeling you get broadcasting compared to singing to a crowd?
There is a different feeling. On radio, it feels like you are talking to one or maybe a few people since you can’t see them. Playing live, you do feed off the crowd. If they are responsive, you tend to react to it. If they are not responsive, it can be tough sometimes. But you still do your best regardless of crowd size. After all of these years, how do you keep the show fresh for your listeners?
Every show is a little different. We play different songs every week and mix it up. Phone calls can keep it interesting. The show is only three hours per week, so it is not usually a problem. We only have three hours per week to play the best music—in our opinion—that we can. There are listeners who call every week for the same song request, but we can’t play the same 45 or 50 songs every week. That would get stale. What do you love about music?
Music is one of the few things that can bring out all types of emotions ... make you happy or sad, relaxes you and can change your mood. It is very therapeutic, and not a day goes by that I don’t listen to some type of music ... most of the time several types.
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Understanding Memory Disorders
by Rachel Stewart
W
orried about misplacing your cell phone or get turned around on your way to run an errand in an unfamiliar part of town? Relax—forgetfulness is actually a part of getting older.
Defining Forgetfulness
Being unable to recall an old acquaintance’s name when you unexpectedly run into them is embarrassing, but not harmful to your health. As the brain ages, the area of the brain that helps you remember details, called the hippocampus, begins to deteriorate. This makes it harder for you to recall information. If you find yourself forgetting something, take a short breather and see if the details come to you after awhile. There are other health issues or conditions that can make you more forgetful, too, including: • Certain vitamin or dietary deficiencies, such as low levels of B12 or protein • Depression, which affects your mood and ability to complete routine activities • Medication side effects, of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications. • Dehydration, which can lead to temporary confusion or forgetfulness
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Be sure to discuss any of these issues with your doctor during your annual wellness visit. Your physician may be able to adjust your medications or recommend vitamins to lift the fog of forgetfulness.
Signs of Dementia
Dementia, unlike occasional forgetfulness, is not a normal part of aging. The most well-known form of this type of memory disorder is Alzheimer’s disease, which causes people to forget how to perform daily tasks and information vital for living. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 5.1 million Americans over the age of 65 currently struggle with Alzheimer’s. In 2014, approximately 150,000 North Carolina residents were living with Alzheimer’s, and that number will continue to grow over the next few decades.
t ’ n o D ! t e g Fo r
Take e n i c i med
So, what’s not normal? Those with dementia exhibit pronounced changes in routine and personality, including: • Forgetting recent conversations • Finding it hard to use the right words to continue a conversation • Being unable to recall the names of close friends or family members • Overlooking payments for monthly bills • Behaving out of character or inappropriately at social gatherings • Abandoning once-loved hobbies or interests • Getting lost in familiar locations • Changes in personal appearance or hygiene • Problems driving or operating appliances • Changes in demeanor—feeling angry, anxious or irritated If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, consult with your doctor. If the physician rules out other issues, you or your loved one may be referred to a specialist for further testing. This could include a neurological exam. Once diagnosed, the doctor and other specialists will identify ways to maintain memory function as long as possible. A person’s care plan may include: • Medications that help support healthy brain function • Counseling, which can benefit both the patient and caregiver as they cope with diagnosis and plan for the future • Logging symptoms over time to discuss at future doctor visits • Clinical trials, depending on the patient’s current health and symptoms • Alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, massage or acupuncture Other resources, such as connecting with a local or online support group, can let you know you’re not alone and there’s hope out there. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. A dementia diagnosis is devastating, so it’s important to honor your feelings—whether they are sadness, anger or fear—before making any long-term decisions for your future. Take things one day at a time and let your doctor or specialist know if you need help finding additional support.
Maintaining Memory
Worried about age-related memory loss? Here are a few ways to keep your brain healthy and feel more secure in your daily life. • Stay active. Exercise isn’t just good for heart
health. Regular physical activity also increases blood flow to the brain, which in turn produces new neurons that further safeguard memory. So don’t skip out on that weekly aerobics class or after-dinner walk with friends. • Embrace learning. You’re never too old for a new hobby or skill—and the right ones can keep your brain sharp. Look for tasks that promote repetition or rely on structure, such as dancing or learning a new language, or playing a musical instrument. • Get some shut eye. Sleep is vital for a healthy brain. While older adults sleep less than their younger counterparts, find ways to cut down on the tossing and turning. Keep a set bedtime, and stick to it. Clear your bedroom of distractions, such as the TV or telephone, and play soft music or nature sounds to drift off more easily. • Spread your wings, social butterfly!
People who stay engaged with family and friends are less likely to have memory-related problems. Think twice before turning down that party invitation. Also, look for more opportunities to get out and connect with others, such as volunteering or attending activities at a local enrichment center. • Get organized. Establishing order in your household can help you feel more confident and cut down time spent tracking things down. Have a set location or dish to put everyday items in, such as your car keys or cell phone. Keep a personal planner or calendar with important dates, tasks, shopping lists and phone numbers written down. Set alarms to remind you that it’s time to head out to an event or that it’s time to take your daily medications. When you come home, get into a routine of leaving items in the same place before settling in, so you’re less likely to misplace something. NOVEMBER 2015 |
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I
Thanksgiving of 200 years
Asbury United Methodist Church by Flo Johnston | Photography by Diana Matthews
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t’s been more than 200 years since Bishop Francis Asbury, a Methodist circuit rider, rode through Chatham County preaching and teaching in brush arbors where the faithful gathered to hear the Christian gospel. The seeds he planted then led to the organization of Asbury United Methodist Church. Organized in 1815, the church located in a rural part of the county about 10 miles from Pittsboro, is still a force to be reckoned with, a congregation that uses its energy for the welfare of the larger Asbury community as well as that of its members. The present church building is the fourth structure on the site. The first two were log and the others wood frame with the present one built around 1900. In the 1950s, the church did a renovation in which brick veneer was installed on the exterior and stained glass windows were added in the sanctuary. The church’s average attendance at Sunday worship is 86, a number larger than the average church in America. Showing its prowess, the Asbury congregation not only worships on Sunday but continues to have a Sunday school with classes for children, youth and adults as well as prayer meeting on Wednesday nights followed by choir practice. This fall, before the birthday celebration, church members gathered and built a brush arbor like those used back in the late 1700s when potential Methodists got together to hear Bishop Asbury preach.
The arbor has attracted much attention from folks driving by the church and has given members as well as the larger community a reason to recall forebears who worshiped at this site 200 years ago. As part of Homecoming Sunday, entries from Francis Asbury’s journal, written after he passed through the area visiting and preaching to people living between Rocky River and Deep River, were shared with more than 150 people who attended the annual event. “Asbury’s response to the preaching going on in this area was ‘lukewarm,’” says Pastor Donald Burns, prompting Asbury to write in his journal that he was not sure the people were “excited enough about their salvation.” Over the church’s long life, a sampling of family names appear generation after generation, including Dowdy, Johnson, Gunter, Bright and Williams. Among the oldest members, all between 85 and 90, are Mabel “Pinkie” Dowdy, Paul Bright and Mary Hilda Stout, who was a Gunter. Bright, 87, grew up in the church and was baptized when he was 9. During a recent round-table discussion by the church’s oldest members, Bright said someone recalled there was a time when members of the congregation engaged in “shouting.” That’s the Methodist (Pentecostal) version of saying “Amen” when the preacher makes a point that really hits home. Ann Mason, who grew up in the church, said that a collage of old photos from the church’s past includes one of a man the church calls “Shouting John Williams.” The story goes that he walked up and down the aisles praising God on Sunday mornings during the worship service. No shouting these days, however. Instead Asbury shows its spirit by its deeds. Its outreach into the community includes support for Habitat for Humanity, Reach Out Crisis Pregnancy Center and Chatham Outreach Alliance Food Pantry. Asbury United Methodist Church is located at 506 Wade Bright Road in Sanford. For more information, call 919-774-4823.
NOVEMBER 2015 |
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GREY MATTER See Grey Matter Puzzle Answers on Page 54
Advise
Before
Entire
Glider
Mends
Annual
Birth
Excuse
Glues
Perch
Approximately Border
Fibres
Helps
Pines
Areas
Bumpy
Films
Hired
Pronunciation
Artists
Bundle
Foggy
Intended
Reach
Attempt
Dance
Friend
Loses
Rests Rooms Ruler Sails Scenes Silvery Skins Slide Spots Statues Steps Stern Trout T-shirt Unless Useful Walked Weird
29. Divine retributions 31. Product quality assurance 35. Deception 36. Bypass 37. Balloon filler 38. Doctor Who villainess, with “the” 39. Alliance that includes Ukr. 40. Inflammation of the small intestines 42. Family subdivisions 44. Bond, for one 45. Biochemistry abbr. 46. Check 50. ___ of roses 52. “A jealous mistress”: Emerson 53. Analyze, in a way 58. Choice 59. Buildings’ covered entrances 61. Busy places 62. Visionary persons 63. Lilac, e.g. 64. Plunder
ACROSS 1. Those who malign 10. Soils composed of sand, silt and clay 15. Plastic film, brand name (2 wds)
52
16. Cereal killer 17. Accustom to a new environment 18. Musical notation for repeat 19. Change, as a clock
OutreachNC.com | NOVEMBER 2015
20. Bolivian export 21. Sage 22. Baby’s socklike shoe 24. Adaptable truck, for short 25. Overthrow, e.g.
9. All in 10. Inferior 11. Sundae topper, perhaps 12. Antibody that causes cells to clump together 13. Believer in one god 14. The Rolling ___, band 22. Car accessory 23. Female sheep 25. Having I-strain? 26. Deeply thoughtful 27. Bring up 28. Crumb 30. Winged 32. Masefield play “The Tragedy of ___” 33. Little bird 34. “... ___ he drove out of sight” 38. Fix, in a way 40. Ring bearer, maybe 41. Backstabber 42. Pie charts, e.g. 43. Least cooked 47. Fleet 48. Chip away at 49. ___ throat 51. Call from the flock 53. Bundle DOWN 1. Boris Godunov, for one 54. Battery contents 55. Santa ___, Calif. 2. Dash 56. Rectangular paving 3. Parentheses, e.g. stone 4. Broad valley 57. “___ quam videri” 5. Condo, e.g. (North Carolina’s motto) 6. Valley (Welsh) 60. Toni Morrison’s “___ 7. A Muse Baby” 8. 4:1, e.g.
life
B E L L E W E AT H E R
The Online Neighborhood Can Be Newsy and Nosy by Celia Rivenbark
B
ack in the day, neighbors got to know each other the old-fashioned way. That’s right. They sent their kids over to spy on the new people and then report back with their findings. I know. You thought I was going to say something about front porches and rocking chairs? That’s adorable. I mean, sure, that does happen but that sort of spontaneous warmth is as rare as an Amish Kardashian. (“Taking photographs of myself? I’ve butter to churn and buckles to bake!”) Mercifully, technology, which is one of the reasons we no longer leave our living rooms to mingle with “those people in the gray house who leave their icicle lights up all year,” has come to the rescue. With all these “neighborhood” sites online, we are told that we can “use technology to make our own neighborhood stronger and safer.” The “Nextdoor” site, one of many, brags that “amazing things can happen by just talking with people next door” and that “online chats can lead to clothesline chats.” First of all, clotheslines? I mean, sure, I’ve got one but I also make a mean buckle so I believe you can tell I’m at least part Amish. I was a little put off by Nextdoor’s labeling of its goals as a “manifesto.” That doesn’t seem like a neighborly word but rather something a lunatic might read out loud from his perch on an overturned lard bucket at city hall.
Wording aside, these Web communities can be helpful (“I lost my kitty”) or pretty whiny (“The train whistle keeps me up at night which I can’t believe even though I moved into a house right beside the train tracks!”). Because I’m a team player, if I can see that it will benefit ME in any way, I recently joined my own neighborhood online group. By and large, it has been useful for publicizing yard sales, finding a reliable tree-trimmer and so forth. That said, there’s always going to be a few who abuse a perfectly good neighborly exchange, you know who you are. “I’m selling the most amazing product that will help you lose all the weight you want to get rid of fast, easy and with ABSOLUTELY NO DIET!” What are you? A hit man? Others use the site because they don’t have the triscuits to confront someone in person. Instead they might type: “The beautification award would be mine if my neighbor would remove the rusty john boat from his driveway as it distracts from my hydrangeas...” Another downside to these neighbor sites is that they can lead to unpleasant online arguments. I recently read a testy exchange that got political. Well. She started it. Rivenbark is the author of seven humor collections. Visit her website at www.celiarivenbark.com. ©2015 Celia Rivenbark. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
• Push button for fast, local response • Responder called for assistance • EMS / police dispatched 1089-140-14
Keeping you and/or your loved ones safe and giving you peace of mind. For more information, please call (910) 715-1271 or toll-free (800) 213-3284. NOVEMBER 2015 |
OutreachNC.com 53
GREY MATTER ANSWERS
SUDOKU
health
FITNESS
8 Tips to Get Most Out of Walking by Kari Garbark
A
s temperatures decrease and nature colors the outdoors, fall is the perfect time to walk for fitness. Walking is an easy activity to add into your schedule because it’s so accessible. It can be done almost anywhere and doesn’t require a schedule, transportation or special outfits-just good shoes. Here are a few pointers to ponder:
CROSSWORD
1
Vary your stride length and speed then use visual markers or time for goals. For example, walk two minutes with short, fast steps followed by two minutes of slower, longer steps. Or, walk as quickly as you can past three houses, and then slow down for six houses.
2
No spaghetti arms or twists! Swing your arms from the shoulder without letting your hands cross an imaginary line down the center of your body. Keeping your elbows bent at 90 degrees can help you take a faster step and increase your walking speed. Avoid using hand weights as they can negatively affect your posture and slow your pace.
3
If you’re just getting started, there’s no need to overdo. Start with a few yards at a time or just five minutes. This can be done two to three times per day until you’ve developed enough endurance to do 1530 minutes consecutively.
4 WORD SEARCH
Get a walking buddy, but if you are at different fitness levels, walking side by side on a treadmill might be best so you can both walk at appropriate speeds.
5 6 7 8
Make sure you always tell someone where you’re walking and for how long you expect to be gone. Be sure of your footing by choosing a well-groomed trail, clear sidewalks, an indoor or outdoor track, or treadmill.
Include some strength and balance exercises in your daily routine to help prevent trips and falls. Take advantage of the greenway trails! Find a greenway trail near you by visiting www.traillink.com.
Remember, the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes can be reduced by walking. So tie your laces and get walking!
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Garbark is the Program Manager for FirstHealth Fitness in Pinehurst. For information on group exercise classes, special events or membership at FirstHealth Fitness, call 910-715-1800 or visit www.firsthealth.org/fitness.
health
B R A I N H E A LT H
10 Things You Need To Know About Concussion In Older Adults by Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP
C
oncussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury and common in older adults due to fall or motor vehicle accident. When the head is hit or jolted with substantial force, the brain moves back and forth rapidly in the skull, which can cause diffuse injury and chemical changes in the brain. A concussion occurs when someone briefly loses consciousness (“knocked out,” “blacked out”) or feels suddenly confused and/or disoriented (“seeing stars,” feeling like you got your “bell rung”). Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms including physical (headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue), sensory (sensitivity to noise and light), cognitive (confusion, trouble concentrating, slowed thinking) and emotional issues (irritability and depression). Keep this list handy to help you best respond to a concussion if you or a loved one should unfortunately sustain one. Know when to seek emergency care. Symptoms that involve a prolonged loss of consciousness/ responsiveness, extreme nausea, severe headache, glossy eyes, weakness, vomiting or a significant worsening of symptoms require emergency care, as they may be signs of brain swelling or bleeding. Only a physician and a CT scan of the head can rule these out. Effect of blood thinners. Even a minor bump on the head can be dangerous for people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or daily aspirin. These people should be evaluated in emergency care even when they do not have any symptoms. Trauma gets worse with age. Just like our bones are at risk for more damage following a fall as we age, so are our brains. Recovery may also be slower and require specialized care by providers with expertise in geriatrics. Memory symptoms are normal, at first. Almost everyone with a concussion will experience memory symptoms including memory lapses before, during or immediately after the event and difficulty remembering recent information. If these symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, it’s time to be evaluated.
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The power of rest. In the first week following a concussion, it is essential to let your body and brain rest. Treat yourself as if you have the flu. Get extra sleep, eat well, avoid significant exertion and gradually return to your daily activities. If symptoms persist beyond three weeks, seek treatment. There are no medicines for concussion. There are no medications to treat the concussion injury; however, there are medications to ease the symptoms while you recover including headache, nausea, dizziness or pain. Avoid a second concussion within next few weeks. Avoid situations that could lead to another concussion before the first one heals. A second concussion can lead to “second impact syndrome,” which is a very rare condition causing rapid and severe brain swelling and often devastating outcomes including death. Fall prevention. Use your walker or cane consistently, if your doctor has made the recommendation. Regular, safe cardiovascular exercise is essential to remaining fall-free in older adulthood. Physical therapy to improve balance and strength is an excellent idea. Wear sensible shoes with a non-slip grip on the sole. Talk to your primary care physician about your concussion history. In general, a history of multiple concussions, even if spaced over years, can cause serious long-term problems, including chronic headache, poor balance, poor concentration and an increased risk of dementia. Evaluation with a concussion specialist. Research tells us that early evaluation by a neuropsychologist and education are critical for an optimal recovery and preventing further damage.
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Dr. Sullivan, a clinical neuropsychologist at Pinehurst Neuropsychology, can be reached at 910-420-8041 or www.pinehurstneuropsychology.com.
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Restoration Down To A
‘T’
by Thad Mumau | Photography by Diana Matthews
M
ack Meadows has done a classic job on a classic car. For nearly a quarter of a century, he has toiled tirelessly to completely rebuild a 1927 Model T Ford roadster. Now, the end is in sight. “The light is bright at the end of the tunnel,” Meadows says. “I hope to be finished by the end of the year.” That finished product will be a piece of art, a gem, a collector’s item on wheels. Sitting in the back yard on a sunny afternoon, the car is not just a car. It is a proud part of history brought back to life.
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Model T ... the very name is regal, conjuring up visions of The Sunday Drive, capitalized because it was an event back then. Shiny and black, the automobile’s look is elegant, its sound a sweet rhythm. Meadows is kind of a throwback himself, one of those people who can fix just about anything because he comes from a generation that had to do that. He has a doctorate in common sense, a knack for figuring things out. CONTINUED PAGE 58
NOVEMBER 2015 |
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56
A veteran of Vietnam, he served 22 years in the Air Force where he was a crew chief, working on-at different times-the KC-135 military aerial refueling aircraft and the C-130 military transport aircraft. He spent time at Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg as well as Alaska. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 7 years old when his dad died and a teenager when a kind man named Pat Allen moved in next door. The new neighbor taught by deed rather than word and was a solid influence. “Mr. Allen was a good guy,” Meadows recalls. “I would go over there, and he would be working on something, and I’d stand around and watch. I learned a lot that way. He would show me things and take the time to explain what he was doing. “I helped Mr. Allen’s son work on a 1938 Chevrolet. Little by little, I learned, and I got to where I could do more and more. I wouldn’t say Mr. Allen was a father figure; he was more of a mentor. I remember that he fixed some things my mama couldn’t have afforded to have fixed. He was a good person and made me want to be like that.” Very old automobiles were always an attraction for Meadows. “I remember when I was in high school, I would sit in class and draw pictures of old cars. I always liked them.” In the early 1990s, he made The Purchase. “A guy I knew at a race car shop had this Model T,” he says. “I had told him if he ever decided to sell it, to let me know. The car was in poor shape. It didn’t run; it didn’t do anything. It would roll if you pushed it, but that’s about it. “My plan was to make it look and run as good as I could.” That has meant not settling-for the car looking or running “pretty good.” Never saying to himself, “That’s enough.” The work itself has been overwhelming in terms of the hours and patience required. Band-aids wouldn’t do; total transplants were needed. Not a major overhaul; a top-tobottom re-do. “The first thing I did was work on the body,” Meadows says. “I had to replace all of the metal on the lower part. That takes a lot of time. You start welding on 80-year-old 58
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metal, you have a lot of problems. Cutting out the bad metal to get to the good, I had to take out a lot more than I kept. “I built a new floorboard, seat support and dash panel. The tailgate is off of a 1950 Ford pickup truck. I modified that to fit the car. I replaced the front axle with a new one and added disk brakes. The rear end came from a junk yard. My car had a Chevrolet rear end, and I found one from a Ford.” He contracted work that required experience and expertise, paying professionals to rebuild the engine and transmission, to install upholstery and to paint the car. When Meadows began the project, he had a full-time job and worked on the Model T when he could. Since he retired, there has been more time. “I was working on it nights and weekends back then,” he says. “Now, I can work on it just about any time I want to. Parts, you can imagine, are not always easy to find. I bought some out of a catalog. Some things I couldn’t find and had to make myself. This has taken a good bit of money and a lot of time. It was a challenge.” Meadows keeps the car in his backyard garage and works on it there. “I bought a 1926 Ford Model T coupe before I bought the Model T roadster,” he says, laughing. “When I did, I told my wife, Frances, I was going to build a garage to put the car in.” The old coupe is in there, all right. Hanging from the ceiling. “I never did anything to that car. Maybe if I live long enough, I will. Or, maybe not.” Meanwhile, Meadows is applying the finishing touches to his masterpiece. They include making a bracket to mount the tail lights on, setting the windshield in its frame and completing the wiring for the turn signals and brake lights. “It won’t be long now,” he says. “It has taken a long time. I don’t know what I’ll do when I finish. A lot of people didn’t think I would. It feels good. It has all come together, and I’m happy.” So, will there be a celebration when there is nothing left to do on his beloved Model T? “Nah,” Meadows says. “I just want to ride up and down the road in it. That’s how I’ll celebrate.”
Tell Your Own Story with
Memoir Writing
by Jonathan Scott Photography by Diana M atthews
W
hen Carolynn Woods of Apex booted up her computer and opened a new document, she was starting a project she had wanted to do for a long time. She was also embarking on a journey riddled with doubt and fear. “I had to revisit those dark areas where I couldn’t verbalize,” she says, “but I had a deep need to tell
my story. I wanted it to be a bit of the triumph of the human spirit.” Woods, 74, was trying to make sense out of her 25-year marriage to a man who suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome—a form of autism that can, in its milder forms, sometimes go undiagnosed. She thought it would help her—and possibly others—if she could write a memoir of their marriage. Her problem was how to begin. CONTINUED PAGE 60 NOVEMBER 2015 |
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59
“It was all jumbled up inside me,” says Woods, who posed the question to a therapist. “The therapist said, ‘If you want this book to come out with a ring of truth to it, you’re going to have to get naked to write it.’” It was only a figure of speech, but Woods came to understand the meaning. “I learned I had to be honest with myself first before I could begin to write,” she says. Of course, not all memoirs require that level of gutsy soul searching, but most memoirs are about selfexploration. Re-experiencing the past can often bring to life strong emotions, not always pleasant ones. Many writers of memoirs, however, report that getting feelings down on paper can be a healing catharsis. For some memoirists, the hope of achieving such a catharsis inspires them. Like Woods, the writing process can be a way to make sense of something that happened or a way to put nagging memories to rest. Others want to write for their families, their children or posterity. They may want to leave behind a trace of who they were and what mattered to them. Still others, like Woods, want to tell their stories in the hope that they might help others understand things about their own lives. For those who have ever thought about writing a memoir, award-winning author Matilda Butler has some advice: “It’s helpful to make a distinction between a memoir and an autobiography. “An autobiography,” Butler says, “is the story of your life to date. But when you think about a memoir, it’s really a slice of your life. It could be just one time period, and it could be just one aspect of your life.” One way potential memoirists can start is by looking through old photographs and souvenirs. They can bring back to life experiences that become inspirations for writing. Listening to music from past times can be a vivid method of evoking memories and inviting the mind to revisit the past. A single song can sometimes bring back a flood of details that may have been forgotten for decades. Kendra Bonnett, a memoirist and co-author with Matilda Butler, suggests that a journal can also be a good place to start. “Journals are wonderful sources of information,” Bonnett says. “I have known people who have taken pieces 60
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from their journals and actually included little phrases, paragraphs or whole entries. But they are not the memoir itself. A memoir is always a sense of going back and reflecting on what happened across a longer period of time.” “A memoir is really an opportunity to reflect,” Butler adds, “to look inside yourself and say, ‘It’s not just all these external things that have happened to me. It’s really how has something changed me? Why am I the person I am today?’” Another effective way to prepare is to read other memoirs. Frank McCourt’s 1999 classic about his childhood in Ireland, “Angela’s Ashes,” won the Pulitzer Prize and was made into a film. Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 book, “Eat, Pray, Love,” which was also made into a movie, stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for 187 weeks. If you want something a little more tuneful, Rolling Stone recommends Bob Dylan’s 2004 memoir, “Chronicles, Volume One.” The act of writing can seem daunting. Like Woods’ blank computer screen, it can be difficult to start the flow of words. Joe Kita, in his Reader’s Digest article “How to Write Your Memoir,” shares a tip to plot your life’s six most significant moments: “When you do it thoughtfully and honestly, there will usually be one pivotal event that stands out as particularly intriguing and meaningful. If there isn’t, don’t worry. There are many ways to diagram a life. Try dividing yours by critical choices, influential people, conflicts, beliefs, lessons, even mistakes. Experiment until you find the one story that wants to be told, the one experience that really fashioned you.” As much as writing can be cathartic, Bonnett suggests steering clear of bitter emotions. “You shouldn’t be writing in order to be vindictive,” Bonnett says. “But you can’t put on the censors and say, ‘I’ll pretend that didn’t happen.’ You write in that true and honest way, and then you can decide what to edit.”
In dealing with sensitive subjects, a memoirist may change the names of people and places to avoid being unnecessarily hurtful. If so, it’s a good policy to add a disclaimer. Good memoir writing includes all the elements of good storytelling, including sensory details, realistic dialogue and character development. It should have a beginning, a middle and an end and, as in any story, a problem, a conflict and a resolution. Not many of us are children of celebrities or grew up in a missionary settlement in Central Asia. However, each of us has stories worth telling. “You don’t need to have had a hardscrabble youth in order to write a memoir,” Kita says. “You don’t need eccentric parents. Believe it or not, you don’t need anything dramatic.” Kita cites Jeannette Walls, author of the best-selling memoir, “The Glass Castle.” “One of the lessons I’ve learned from writing this memoir is how much we all have in common. So many of us think that certain things only happened to us and somehow they make us less of a person. I’m constantly urging people, especially older folks, to write about their lives. It gives you new perspective.”
This is the lesson Woods learned from the difficult work she invested in sharing her story of marriage to a man with Asperger’s Syndrome. When she finished her manuscript, she submitted it to a literary agency in New York City. They wanted her to restructure the book so the issue of Asperger’s would “sneak up on the reader.” However, Woods wanted to connect with her readers—the people she hoped her story would help—in a more honest and direct way. She eventually decided to self-publish it under the intriguing title of “The Aardvark’s Wife.” The book didn’t rocket to the top of the New York Times best-seller list, but that had never been the point. As time went on, Woods’ audience grew. She began to receive letters from readers, thanking her for writing. Both Woods and those who read her book came to realize that they were not alone in their experiences. What Woods and others writing memoirs come to understand is that if we think of our lives as nothing exceptional, we’re wrong. Every life has its own cast of characters, its own story arcs and its own plot twists. If we think of our lives as being too exceptional, as if all our pleasures and pains were unique, we’re also wrong. Writing and sharing our experiences is a way to affirm our connection with others. NOVEMBER 2015 |
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8
Tips
to Fight Fatigue
F
ifteen percent of women and 10 percent of men surveyed recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described themselves as overtired and feeling the effects of fatigue. This particular time of year with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season often adds more items to a growing to-do list and may exacerbate these feelings of tiredness and exhaustion. However, adjusting your diet, sleep and ability to cope as the season progresses can be the first step to fighting off fatigue year-round. “Definitely around holiday times when the days are shorter, we tend to crave richer foods, which can lead to feeling extra fatigue,” says Laura Buxenbaum, a registered dietitian and the assistant director of Nutrition Affairs for the Southeast Dairy Association, where she is responsible for developing and conducting nutrition education
by Carrie Frye
programs for health professionals in North Carolina and Virginia. “I actually find those numbers from the CDC survey as low, but the true culprit is what we eat,” she says. “The foods we eat can help or hurt.” Consider these eight tips to fight off fatigue: Break for Breakfast. Making the time to eat breakfast can be the first step toward fighting fatigue. Those who consume a healthy breakfast have better shortterm memory and an increase in metabolism, according to a 2014 study by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Buxenbaum suggests whole-wheat toast or English muffin and a glass of milk as a quick breakfast option. “A peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread is a great source of protein to start the day,” she says. “Choosing a whole grain bread can add 3 grams of fiber per slice to your diet without any added sugar.”
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Banana Bread Muffins One way to ward off fatigue is to eat breakfast. These grab-and-go muffins call to mind the flavor and texture of banana bread. The addition of flaxseed and walnuts adds nuttiness and a double punch of heart-healthy plant-based omega 3 fats. Serves 12 (serving size: 1 muffin). 1 cup mashed ripe banana ⅓ cup low fat buttermilk 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1 large egg
¾ cup packed brown sugar 5 ounces all-purpose flour ¼ cup ground flaxseed ¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine bananas and next 3 ingredients (buttermilk through eggs) in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed. Beat in sugar. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (flaxseed through cinnamon). Add flour mixture to banana mixture; mix just until blended. Spoon batter into a 12-count muffin tin filled with nonstick paper liners. Sprinkle each muffin with 1 teaspoon walnuts and bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes in pan. Remove muffins to wire rack and cool completely. Courtesy of the Southeast Dairy Association
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2
Milk It. Milk and dairy foods provide both calcium and magnesium for an added energy burst and maximize the absorption of the calcium. One cup of yogurt may provide up to 19 milligrams of magnesium.
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Iron Up. Foods rich in iron, including spinach and other dark, leafy green vegetables, beef, pork, poultry, seafood and cheese have plenty of the mineral to carry oxygen to the muscles and brain to improve both physical and mental performance.
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Gap Snack. Fight fatigue with healthier snacks to fill the gaps in between meals with vitamins and minerals. Pre-planned and pre-portioned options like air popcorn, nuts, raw veggies or fresh or dried fruits may provide an added energy boost. “Remember to steer clear of the vending machines,” Buxenbaum advises. “Instead opt for whole-grain crackers like Triscuits with (cow’s milk) cheese or a carton of yogurt as a healthy alternative to fix the gaps in your diet.”
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Just Say No to Energy Drinks and Sodas. The short-term energy boost is often outweighed by the added sugar that can spike blood sugar levels and weight gain and has been linked to diabetes and heart disease.
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Water Well. Drinking eight glasses of water or 48 to 64 ounces can ward off dehydration and avoid dips in energy levels. “Try adding slices of fresh fruit to water,” Buxenbaum says “oranges, limes, a squeeze of lemon or a handful of frozen fruit for a change. Carrying a water bottle can help encourage and increase your water intake.”
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Walk It Off. Simply walking for 20 minutes three days a week for six consecutive weeks provided great strides in lowering fatigue and increasing energy levels of adults in a recent University of Georgia study.
8
Counting Zzzzs. Adequate sleep is crucial to keep fatigue at bay. Forty-seven percent of Americans attribute stress to their inability to fall asleep, according to a 2015 study by the American Physiological Association. Sleeping seven to eight hours per night while minimizing exposure to distractions—television, smartphones and other electronic devices—prior to bedtime may help increase the quantity and quality of sleep. Reading, listening to relaxing music or taking a warm bath before heading off to bed may also be beneficial. “Fighting fatigue with these healthy habits,” Buxenbaum says, “can boost your energy.”
Meeting needs,
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STAYING ACTIVE IS THE KEY Making exercise a regular part of daily life helps many older adults keep their commitment to being active. Their advice is to: • Make it a priority. Think of your time to exercise as a special appointment. • Make it easy. Put weights next to your chair so you can lift while watching TV, or join a gym that’s on your route to work. • Make it fun and social. Do more of the activities you already like and know how to do. Join an exercise class or exercise with a buddy. Source: http://blog.aginglifecare.org/blog/staying-motivated-to-exercise-go4life/
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Generations
by Carrie Frye
OutreachNC asked adults and children our November question. Share your answer on our Facebook page.
What does hope mean to you?
Having friends, talking to God and saying my prayers keeps me going every day. —Sharon, 58
Hope means giving what I can to others; doing the right thing every day and keeping on going. —Betty, 89 Hope is thoughts of a better life. —Deborah, 59 Hope is my faith and my family. —Amelia, 89 Hope is being blessed by those around me. I see what others in the world go through and know that I am blessed. —Virgie, 69 Hope means that everything will be okay. If someone needs your help, you give it. —Mimi, 87 I have lived a rich, full life. Hope has meant taking care of others and allowing them to take care of me when necessary. —Margie, 94 Hope is an unshakeable confidence that God is utterly in control. —Trevor, 62 Hope is knowing that this isn’t all that there is. —Jackie, 55
Hope is meant culturally where it’s more “wishful thinking.” —Van, 50 Hope is waiting for something to happen that I have been praying and thinking about, something good. —Norma Jean, 51
Hope means there are good things ahead, and everything will be OK in time. Hope keeps us going. —Jenny, 60
Hope is looking forward, that past experiences teach me to do better and a sense of well-being. Without hope, there is no life. The Lord gives me hope. —Belva, 87
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Hope Santa Claus doesn’t forget me. —Levi, 6 Hope is what you want to happen. —Lillian, 8 When I say hope, it means kind of the same as I wish, like I hope to go on a trip. —Olivia, 8 It is I hope I can do it. —Kimberly, 7 If you are wanting something to happen. —Serenity, 7 Hope means: “I wish did not have to go to school for a week.” —Keontae’, 7 Hope means to hope that someone will sing or something. —Ameirah, 7 Hope means you want something to happen. —Katelyn, 8
It means you go somewhere, like wherever you want to go. —Nolan, 5 Hope means to me, like I hope I get a toy. —Thaddeus, 8 I hope I go to gym every day. —Matya, 7 Hope means to me that you are very nervous. —Sarah, 7
Hope means I can play outside. —Harper, 3 Hope means to me, like I hope it snows. —William, 7 Hope means to me, like I wish something. —Yesenia, 7 Hope means there will be some extra turkey and gravy leftovers for me on Thanksgiving. —OutreachNC Co-editor Jeeves, 2
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“The past is a great place to visit, but tomorrow is a wonderful present. Let’s unwrap it here.” Paul Hodges, resident To see how your life can be more fulfilling, happy, and nothing short of remarkable, please call 910.246.1023 or email info@sjp.org
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Your way of living.
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A member of the St. Joseph of the Pines Aging Services Network continuing the legacy of the Sisters of Providence.