Prime Montgomery July 2012

Prime Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

Montgomery

July 2012 FREE

the Thrill of the Grill

]SunSense] Play it safewoutdoors b INside

Roses n Vacation Savings n A Peach of a Dessert Santa Fe’s World Class Markets n Social Security On-line n Hepatitis C ‘Epidemic’ n Fishing with a ‘Yak n

n

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July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

NUMBER 3

A road trip to Mobile’s Battle House Renaissance Hotel & Spa is the perfect romantic getaway. In this legendary AAA Four Diamond Hotel, you can celebrate The Year of Alabama Food with a gourmet supper at the award-winning Trellis Room. Or relax at The Spa at The Battle House, a spectacular 10,000-square-foot Zen-like oasis. When you’re ready to explore Alabama’s 300-year-old port city, you’re just steps away from the entertainment district, the Carnival Museum and the History Museum of Mobile. Be sure to take time to savor the scented blooms at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, one of the South’s most storied estates. Whether you pack jeans or jewelry, your romantic memories will linger long after Mobile disappears in the rearview mirror.

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

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12 20 ly Ju

Features 10 a grillant summer

Fire up that grill, take out those steaks and burgers, and amaze your friends and neighbors with your culinary skills.

18 Beat the heat & THE GREAT COVER-UP

Golfing, biking, walking, gardening? Heed the signs of heat-related illnesses, as well as protect your skin from the ravages of sun exposure.

By Lenore Reese Vickrey

22 santa fe’s summer markets A trio of world-class folk art markets bring thousands of visitors to Sante Fe in July.

By Andrea Gross

Columns 8 A Gracious Plenty — Carron Morrow 9 Fraud Among Friends — Joe Borg 12 In Every Life — Arlene Morris 13 Yard n’ Garden — Ethel Dozier Boykin 14 Moving Free — Mirabai Holland 17 Off The Beaten Path — Niko Corley 21 MoneyWi$e — Alan Wallace 25 Medicare Q&A — 26 Social Security — Kylle’ McKinney 28 July Calendar — Staff 32 July 4th Celebrations — Staff 34 Prime Diversions — Mark Glass 4

July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

A cool peach treat for a hot Alabama summer (page 8).

Prime

Celebrating Midlife and Beyond

Montgomery

July 2012,Volume 3, Issue 4 PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Andrea Gross, Lenore Vickrey CONTRIBUTORS Joe Borg, Ethel Boykin, Tina Calligas, Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Mirabai Holland, Kylle’ McKinney, Arlene Morris, Carron Morrow, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Corley, Irv Green SALES Bob Corley, 334-202-0114, primemontgomery@gmail.com Prime Montgomery 7956 Vaughn Road, #144 Montgomery, AL 36116 • 334-202-0114 www.primemontgomery.com ISSN 2152-9035 Prime Montgomery is a publication of The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC. Original content is copyright 2012 by The Polizos/Corley Group, LLC., all rights reserved, with replication of any portion prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributing writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Polizos/ Corley Group, LLC. Prime Montgomery is published monthly except for the combined issue of December/January. Information in articles, departments, columns, and other content areas, as well as advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Prime Montgomery magazine. Items relating to health, finances, and legal issues are not offered as substitutes for the advice and consultation of health, financial, and legal professionals.

Consult properly degreed and licensed professionals when dealing with financial, medical, emotional, or legal matters.

We accept no liability for errors or omissions, and are not responsible for advertiser claims.

Editor’s Note Like most of us, my childhood summers were hot, long, and endless - swimming lessons at the neighborhood Y, shooting marbles (by invitation only as this was my brother’s crowd), elegant tea parties with miniature china cups and saucers and the occasional mud pie. Neighbor kids rode bikes up and down the street as games of hopscotch, jump rope and jacks made the daylight hours fly by.

Late afternoon brought naps in the glider, positioned on the breezeway, which is as ill-named a location as there has ever been because no afternoon breeze ever cooled me!

One night we hoisted a big tent - made from an old bedspread - in our yard and proceeded to “rough it” eating bologna sandwiches and drinking lemonade our moms obediently left at the entrance because they weren’t allowed in the tent. But no doubt the biggest thrill was playing Hide ‘n Seek around the neighborhood after dark.

With no air conditioning, families spent much more time outside. Our parents lit charcoal grills as we darted from Sharon’s house to Skippy’s on one side, and from Freddie’s yard down to the twins’ on the other, running “home” as fast our legs would carry us to avoid being tagged out. In my case, it never was fast enough.

Back then we didn’t worry much about protecting our skin, but we should have. The good news is that it’s not too late, as Lenore Vickrey tells us in The Big Coverup (page 20). The message: use sunscreen, and not the wimpy kind.

The older we get, the more sensitive our skin becomes, particularly those of us on certain medications. Lenore’s second story, Beat the Heat (page 18), offers additional advice, this time what to do if you find yourself (or others) fatigued and depleted from our sweltering southern summers.

If you’re grilling, read Firing Up for a Grilliant Summer (page 10) to find out what meat Americans like to grill most, plus great tips for “getting your grill on.”

Veteran Prime contributor Andrea Gross visits Santa Fe, New Mexico, highlighting the city’s folk, Indian, and Spanish cultures in Santa Fe’s Summer Markets (page 22). From fascinating historical exhibits to creative crafts fairs, Santa Fe has much to offer the July traveler.

Our local columnist continue to offer readers interesting and useful information. Alan Wallace lists ways to save on a great vacation (page 21); Niko Corley shows us the fun of pond-fishing in a kayak (page 17); Ethel Boykin shares tips to grow beautiful roses (page 13); Arlene Morris offers information about the CDC’s potential screening test for hepatitis C among baby boomers (page 12); Kylee’ McKinney details a new, on-line way to get information about your future Social Security benefits (page 26); and Carron Morrow shares an unusual peach dessert recipe she received from an active-duty member of the U.S. Navy (page 8).

Happy 236th Birthday, America!

Sandra Polizos, Editor

If you’re 50+ and on Facebook, become a fan of PRIME Montgomery! www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

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new you can use Favorable Outcomes Reported for Robot Assisted Prostate Cancer Surgery Outcomes from use of a robot to assist surgeons in removal of a cancerous prostate are at least as good, if not better, than the other two techniques used for a radical prostatectomy - open or laparoscopic surgery according to a large meta analysis led by researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell. By analyzing 400 original research articles - all that have been published to date on the three methods - researchers concluded that robotassisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is more effective than a pure laparoscopic approach and comparable to an open surgical approach in completely removing cancer from the body. Positive surgical margins, a measure of oncological efficacy, were lower in patients receiving robotic radical prostatectomy as compared to those undergoing laparoscopic prostatectomy. The researchers also

found that robot assisted surgery had fewer intraoperative and perioperative complication rates when compared to both laparoscopic and open approaches.

The study was published online in European Urology.

New Dental Fillings Kill Bacteria & Re-Mineralize the Tooth Scientists using nanotechology at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry have created the first cavity-filling composite that kills harmful bacteria and regenerates tooth structure lost to bacterial decay.

According to researchers, rather than just limiting decay with conventional fillings, the new composite is a revolutionary weapon to control harmful bacteria, which co-exist in the natural colony of microorganisms in the mouth. After a dentist drills out a

decayed tooth, the cavity still contains residual bacteria. It is not possible for a dentist to remove all the damaged tissue, so it’s important to neutralize the harmful effects of the bacteria, which is just what the new nanocomposites are able to do. The researchers also have built antibacterial agents into primer used to prepare a drilled-out cavity and into adhesives that make a filling stick to the tissue of the tooth. Fillings made from new nanocomposite should last longer than the typical five to 10 years, though the scientists have not thoroughly tested longevity. The new products have been laboratory tested using biofilms from saliva of volunteers. The team is planning to next test its products in animal teeth and in human volunteers.

Depression and Heart Health Cardiovascular disease can trigger depression; counseling and medication can help beat it. When someone has a heart attack, heart surgery or stroke, the immediate concern obviously is physical health. But once survivors start down the road to recovery, it’s important to monitor their mental health, too.

It makes sense that someone would be

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July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

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sad while recovering from heart disease.

But how long it lasts, and how debilitating it becomes, indicates whether someone is processing natural feelings (such as general sadness or fear of facing mortality) or slipping into a depressed state.

Other indicators are sleeping and eating; too much or too little of either could be troublesome. (American Heart Association) Crime and Older People Though older people and their families are less likely to be victims of crime than young people, the number of crimes that happen to older people is hard to ignore.

Older people are often targets for robbery, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, car theft, or home repair scams.

During a crime, an older person is more likely to be seriously hurt than someone who is younger.

Here are some things that you can do to avoid crime and stay safe. n Keep your doors and windows locked—when you are in the house and when you're away. n Look through the peephole or a window before you open your door. Ask any stranger for identification before you open the door. Remember, you don't have to open the door if you feel

uneasy. n Avoid keeping large amounts of money in the house. n Get to know your neighbors. Join a Neighborhood Watch Program. n Stay alert when you are out. n Walk with a friend. n Try to avoid unsafe places like dark streets or parking lots. n Keep car doors locked at all times. n Don't open your car door or roll down your window for strangers. n Park in well-lit areas. n Carry your purse close to your body with the strap over your shoulder and across your chest. n Don't resist a robber. Hand over your cash or anything else that the robber demands right away if confronted.

(National Institute on Aging) Eating Fish, Chicken, Nuts May Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s A new study suggests that regularly eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, chicken, salad dressing and nuts, may be associated with lower blood levels of beta-amyloid.

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques between nerve cells in the brain. For the study, people older than age 65, free of dementia, provided information about their diet for an average of 1.2 years before their blood was tested for beta-amyloid. The study found that the more omega-3 fatty acids a person took in, the lower their blood beta-amyloid levels. Consuming one more gram of omega-3 per day

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Computer Use and Exercise Combo May Reduce the Odds of Having Memory Loss Do you think your computer has a lot of memory? Keep using your computer and you may, too. Combining mentally stimulating activities, such as using a computer, with moderate exercise, decreases your odds of memory loss more than computer use or exercise alone, a Mayo Clinic study shows.

Previous studies have shown that exercising your body and mind helps your memory, but the new study reports a synergistic interaction between computer activities and moderate exercise in “protecting” the brain function in people more than 70 years old.

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(equal to approximately half a fillet of salmon per week) more than the average omega-3 consumed by people in the study, is associated with 20 - 30% lower blood beta-amyloid levels.

Researchers noted, “Determining through further research whether omega-3 fatty acids or other nutrients relate to spinal fluid or brain beta-amyloid levels or levels of other Alzheimer’s disease related proteins can strengthen our confidence on beneficial effects of parts of our diet in preventing dementia.” (Neurology®)

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1. Sweet potatoes 2. Eggs 3. Nuts 4. Kiwis 5. Low-fat yogurt

6. Quinoa 7. Beans 8. Broccoli 9. Berries 10. Salmon (and other oily fish) Source: WebMD.com

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

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A gracious plenty

D

Snow’s Jager Peaches

uring the Memorial Day weekend I decided to honor one of America’s brave young sailors, John Waid Snow, III, by sending him some homemade soup, nut bread and fried peach pies. This is great comfort food, especially with no family near.

To my surprise, John is CS3 Snow, a Culinary Specialist in the Navy, stationed in Norfolk,Virginia. With his passion for cooking our discussion naturally turned to favorite recipes.

I told him we were making peach ice cream on a weekly basis for weddings this summer.

However, I couldn’t figure out how to mail him a sample without him having to use a straw when it arrived. Then, he shared his favorite Carron Marrow topping for vanilla ice cream. There’s no official name for the recipe. To honor CS3 Snow, as well as the men and women in uniform who make daily sacrifices on our behalf so we can enjoy our Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays, we came up with something I hope is fitting.

I hope you enjoy Snow’s Jager Peaches.

Carron Morrow owns Personal Touch Events, a 35-year-old Montgomery-based company specializing in corporate and personal catering and event planning. Contact Carron at 334-279-6279 or by e-mail at carronmorrow@bellsouth.net, or visit www.onlinepersonaltouch.com.

Snow’s Jager Peaches 1-1 1/2 cups Jagermeister. n 3-4 heaping T brown sugar n 2-3 fresh peaches, halved and pitted, skin remaining n

Add Jagermeister and brown sugar to a skillet, preferably cast iron, over low to medium heat.

Cook until sugar is thoroughly dissolved and ingredients mixed.

Add peach halves, skin side down.

Once a caramel coating has cooked on the peaches, flip over and cook ‘til desired caramelized coating is achieved.

Serve as a dessert with a scoop (or two!) of vanilla bean ice cream (or other favorite flavor).

To garnish, add two heaping tablespoons of brown sugar to the remaining Jagermeister-caramel mixture in the skillet and drizzle over preferred topping.

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July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

financial

Fraud Among Friends A

re friendships, fellowships, and your desire to trust leading you down a path of financial exploitation? Affinity fraud is an investment scam that preys upon members of identifiable groups, which may include churches, the elderly, ethnic groups, and professional groups. Affinity fraud exploits the faith, love, trust, and friendships that exist in groups of people who have common Joseph P. Borg interests.

Here are some examples of affinity fraud or financial exploitation possibilities in Alabama: n A state employee retires and desires to redistribute her nest egg into new financial products. Her husband forbids the wife to check out the person offering to handle their life savings because he has been his golfing buddy for the past ten years. It turns out the product offered was not an investment and the person offering the product was not licensed to sell securities, but was licensed to sell insurance products.

Caution: Check out your golfing, fishing and social club buddies before trusting them with your life savings. n A member of your church congregation, who travels from state to state and seems like a fine upstanding man in the church community, is offering investment opportunities in gold or other precious metal commodities. He will take your money, give you a certificate and place your gold in a box

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in another state for safe keeping. No prospectus is offered.

Ventures like this are high risk and may fall out of the ASC oversight to regulate. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates futures and option markets.

But check with the ASC to find out.

Caution: More money has been stolen in the name of God than in any other financial crime. n Gas and oil ventures are on the rise! Oil discovery and drilling is back again, like an old time gold rush in the Midwest if you listen to the news. Also, new oil-related technologies like disbursements for completely cleaning up oil spills in the gulf or oceans are being touted. Have friends or business associates offered new and speculative investment opportunities that promise high returns?

Caution: Crooks rip their next scheme right out of the newspaper headlines.

Questions to ask before you invest: 1) Are the seller and the investment offer or financial planner registered in Alabama? Call 1-800-222-1253 to find out.

2) Has the seller given you written information or a prospectus that fully explains the investment?

3) Are claims made about the investment realistic? (Be very wary of guaranteed double digit returns!)

4) Does the investment meet your personal investment goals or objectives?

5) Do you fully understand the investment or financial product offer, the risk, and fees to cash out?

Contact ASC for inquiries regarding securities brokerdealers, agents, investment advisors, and investment advisor representatives, financial planners, the registration status of securities, to report suspected fraud, or obtain consumer information. Upon request ASC provides free videos of actual church scams. Contact the Education and Public Affairs Division at 334-353-4858 or visit the ASC website at www.asc. alabama.gov.

Joseph Borg is Director of the Alabama Securities Commission.

(This article is provided by a generous grant from the Investor Protection Trust, www.investorprotection.org.) www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

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feature

FIRING UP FOR A

Grilliant Summer Simple steps for grilling brilliantly

W

hether cooking on a gas or charcoal grill, at home, at a park or at a tailgate, grilling provides an unmistakable aroma, a sizzling sound and maximum flavor. And research shows that when it comes to grilling, nearly three out of four Americans choose beef as the meat they grill the most often; but nearly 30 percent are still looking for more information on how to harness the power of the grill.

For guaranteed, delicious results when grilling beef, try following these three easy steps: 1. Choose Your Cut Some of the best cuts for grilling include naturally tender ribeye, top

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July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

loin (aka strip) and ground beef.

Flank steak is also an excellent choice after a dip in a tenderizing marinade.

Tip: Rubs and marinades are easy ways to add flavor and tenderize.

2. Prepare Your Beef Prepare grill (gas or charcoal) according to manufacturer's directions for medium heat. Remove beef from refrigerator and season with herbs and spices, as desired.

Tip: Wait to salt until after cooking so you don't draw out the natural, flavorful juices from the meat.

3. Grill Place beef on grates and grill,

Press remaining rub onto beef steaks.

covered, turning occasionally. Test doneness with meat thermometer: Cook burgers to 160o F and steaks to 145o F for medium rare or 160o F for medium.

Tip: Turn steaks with long handled tongs instead of a fork. Do not press down on steaks or burgers as flavorful juices will be lost.

Tip: For detailed grilling time by cut, visit www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner. com and type in "grilling."

Grecian Top Loin Steaks and Mushroom Kabobs Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes Makes 4 servings Lemon Pepper Rub: 3 large cloves garlic, minced 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano Steak and Kabobs: 1 pound medium mushrooms 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 lemon wedges 2 boneless beef top loin steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 1 1/4 pounds) 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) Courtesy of The Beef Checkoff Combine rub ingredients.

Combine mushrooms, onion, oil and 2 teaspoons rub in medium bowl; toss. Alternately thread mushrooms and onion onto six 12-inch metal skewers. Finish with a lemon wedge.

Press remaining rub onto beef steaks. Place steaks and kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill steaks, covered, 11 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 11 to 15 minutes) for medium rare (145∞F) to medium (160∞F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill kabobs 6 to 8 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, turning occasionally.

Remove vegetables from skewers; toss with cheese, if desired. Carve steaks. Season beef and vegetables with salt.

Firecracker Burgers with Cooling Lime Sauce Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes Makes 6 servings

1 1/2 pounds ground beef 6 sesame seed sandwich rolls, split, toasted 1 cup watercress or mixed spring greens Seasoning: 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 tablespoon Caribbean jerk seasoning 1 teaspoon salt Sauce: 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons grated lime peel 1/4 teaspoon salt Combine ground beef and seasoning ingredients in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into six 1/2-inchthick patties.

Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals.

Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160∞F, turning occasionally.

Meanwhile, combine sauce ingredients in small bowl; set aside.

Spread sauce on cut sides of rolls. Place one burger on bottom half of each roll; top evenly with watercress.

More ways to master your “grilliance” Temperature is critical when grilling. Don’t grill over high heat - this may cause charring on the outside before the inside has reached desired doneness, which is why it’s best to grill over medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are white, ash-covered. n Trim visible fat before grilling to prevent flare-ups. n Less tender cuts, like flank steak, benefit from a n

tenderizing marinade. Think acidic ingredients like lime juice or vinaigrette. n Keep raw meat separate from other foods. Use clean plates and utensils for cooked food.

For more delicious recipes, grilling tips and simple rub or marinade ideas, visit www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Source: The Beef Checkoff www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012 11

in every life

Hepatitis C: The ‘Silent Epidemic’

T

he liver is a very important organ. It’s involved in regulating blood sugar, protein, fat, drugs, chemicals, bacteria and other foreign elements, storing some vitamins, making substances needed for blood clotting and production of urea, as well as other functions. When the liver becomes infected or inflamed, it’s called hepatitis.

This can occur following exposure to toxic chemicals, drugs, alcohol or an infectious organArlene Morris ism. Viral hepatitis is most common, with the letters A, B, C, D, E, and G used to identify different viruses, each with different means of transmission and time for disease progression.

Not detecting a hidden infection allows time for one of these viruses to cause serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Liver cancer is the most rapidly increasing cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis can decrease the likelihood of developing these serious, life-threatening complications from hepatitis.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through contaminated blood, blood products, or sexual contact. Hepatitis C’s increase is called a “silent epidemic” because it often has no noticeable symptoms for years or decades.

In May 2012, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) proposed possibly expanding its recommendations to include a one-time blood test for hepatitis C among those born between 1945 and 1965, essentially the Baby Boomers. A final recommendation is expected by the end of 2012, based on findings that: n baby boomers comprise more than 75 percent of American adults who have hepatitis C n routine tests of liver function may miss more than half of hepatitis C infections n death rates from hepatitis C are increasing n newer treatments are effective in treating a large majority of hepatitis C cases The recent CDC proposed recommendation expands prior suggested testing of those at risk for hepatitis C. At-risk factors include: n injected drug use n blood transfusion n organ transplants before 1992 n clotting factor concentrated before 1987 n long-term hemodialysis 12 July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

known exposure such as needle stick injury or tattoos those living with HIV n children of mothers with hepatitis C n those with abnormal liver enzyme test results Up to 1.5 million Baby Boomers with hepatitis C are unaware of their infection. Those who obtain a positive test result for hepatitis C can be referred for earlier care and treatment than those who begin testing and treatment when symptoms are present.

CDC’s proposed screening may be as cost-effective as screening for cervical cancer or cholesterol screening. You may want to include discussion of this recommendation with your health provider at your next visit.

Arlene H. Morris is Professor of Nursing at Auburn Montgomery’s School of Nursing. She can be reached at amorris@aum.edu. n n

yard ‘N garden

Everything’s Coming Up Roses

H

aving just returned from Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” I’m thinking roses non-stop. We visited during the Rose Festival week, perfect timing for viewing the Rose Garden. Established Ethel Dozier Boykin in 1917 and maintained and operated by the Portland Parks Bureau, this is the city’s International Rose Test Garden, the oldest of 24 public rose test gardens in the U.S. for the All American Rose Selection.

The five+ acres have a panoramic view of the city. At one spot, Mount Hood rises in the distance. Many of the best new rose varieties are planted here each year so visitors can see what’s new in the hybridizing world.

There are thousands of roses in the garden, representing 550 varieties. With only two paid staffers, the garden is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. As we toured the grounds, two volunteers were working on the weeds and dead-heading. The flowers were in full bloom and the foliage the darkest green I’ve ever seen on roses. They use 12-5-7 slow-release fertilizer, with plants

grown in a compost mix and mulched heavy with aged, shredded bark.

The roses were in groups based on types. Climbing roses were trained on iron frames and lamp posts. Some favorites of mine were Sally Holmes, an open pink flower climbing over the arbor at the gift shop. The Generous Garden, a double pink, climbed all over the sign. Two Great Yellows were Casino and Carefree. Sunshine, Floribundas, Shrub Roses, Grandifloras, Hybrid Teas, Miniatures and Old Garden roses made up the assortment in the garden. They even had Knock Outs there, which in some ways surprised me.

Don’t think you can’t grow roses.

Anyone can. It just takes good soil prep, well drained beds and plenty of sun - six hours a day at least. If soil is an issue, use a large pot. That way you control both the soil and the sun. Fertilize from March to October and cut and enjoy the blooms daily.

While at the test garden in Portland, I was asked which rose was my favorite.

That was easy; a multi-petal pink variety.

It’s name? ‘Ethel,’ of course.

Ethel Dozier Boykin, a Montgomery native, owns Art in the Garden, a landscape design and consulting company in the Capital City. Contact her at 334-395-5949, or by email at etheldozierboykin@yahoo.com.

Roses most often used in a home garden include n Hybrid Tea: Blooms n Floribunda: A continun Grandiflora: Longmore or less continuous- ous cluster of flowers, stemmed, hardy plants. ly, late spring until frost. late spring to late fall.

Tall growing, they make a Excellent for cut flowers. Hardier than hybrid teas. nice background plant.

Most are fragrant. Needs Good for mass plantings winter protection in or low hedges. colder and exposed area.

FA un Facts Rabout oses mazing ose FRacts The first guide to roses was written around 300 B.C. by Theophrastus, a pupil of Plato and Aristotle. n Until the early 19th century, dried rose petals were thought to possess mysterious powers. Napoleon gave his officers bags of rose petals to boil in white wine to cure lead poisoning from bullet wounds. n

One of the world’s oldest rose bushes, now the size of a tree, climbs the walls of Hildesheim Cathedral in Hildesheim, Germany. Tradition, and city documentation, date the rose to A.D. 815. Legend has it that a king lost a sacred relic containing a lock of St. Mary’s hair. It was found in the forest, hanging on a wild rose tree.

The king thanked God and built a cathedral where the rose tree stood.

(Photo by Roger Wollstadt)

n

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

13

moving free with mirabai

Swim Down Your Blood Pressure

I

’ve been on location in Florida filming for several weeks now. As it has become progressively hotter I find myself swimming daily for about 45 minutes.

Though I do my regular exercise (weights, stretching and aerobics) I am experiencing a whole new level of mind-body fitness in the water. No matter what’s on my mind, or how tired I might feel every single time Mirabai Holland I immerse myself, the movement of my body, and the rhythm of my breath put me into an alpha state and the time just flies by.

I got to wondering about the science of all of this. Sure enough a recent study published in The American Journal of Cardiology* found that swimming lowered blood pressure substantially in adults over 50. Participants built up to 45 minutes three to four times a week and lowered their blood pressure an average of 9 points. (That’s as much as some blood pressure medications according to the Mayo Clinic).

Other aerobic exercise like cardio dance, brisk walking and biking also work, but swimming has virtually no impact on your joints. Gliding weightlessly through the water with a rhythmic stroke creates a mantra that induces a meditative state which is also known to help reduce blood pressure.

I hate to get techie now that I’m all relaxed, but just so we are all on the same page, blood pressure is the pressure your blood vessels experience when blood is pumped through them by your heart. Two numbers represent the pressure leaving and returning to your heart.

The first number is called systolic blood pressure, when your heart pumps out. The second number is diastolic blood pressure, when the blood enters your heart from the lungs. Normal blood pressure is about 120/80 and high pressure starts around 140/90.

Summer is the perfect time to take your aerobic workout into the pool, the lake or the beach.Your blood pressure may thank you for it. As always, be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. *Effects of Swimming Training on Blood pressure and Vascular Function in Adults Over 50 Years of Age http://www.ajconline.org/ article/S0002-9149%2811%2903445-X/abstract Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is a leading authority in the Health & Fitness industry and a public health activist specializing in preventive and rehabilitative exercise. Her Moving Free® approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn't feel like work (www.mirabaiholland.com).

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July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

If you use a variety of strokes while swimming, you exercise almost every muscle group in the body without experiencing impact damage.

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feature

Improving Dementia Care in Nursing Homes

By Bob Moos, Southwest Pubilc Affairs Officer Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services

N

ursing home visitors may see it as soon as they walk in the front door. Residents sit listlessly in wheelchairs or doze off in front of TVs, unable to communicate with others or show much interest in anything around them. They’re in their own worlds.

This disengagement too often stems partially from the misuse of antipsychotic drugs to address the troublesome behavior that sometimes comes with dementia – the aggressiveness toward others, the resistance to care, the wandering at night.

A recent Medicare study found that 40 percent of nursing home residents with dementia were receiving antipsychotic drugs despite the fact that they hadn’t been diagnosed with psychosis.

Seventeen percent were given daily doses that exceeded recommended levels.

Especially in nursing homes where the staff may feel overworked, giving powerful sedatives to unruly residents becomes an easy alternative to more time-consuming responses, like personally calming dementia patients and turning their attention elsewhere.

Not only are the antipsychotics needlessly drugging some nursing home residents, they also can have serious, even life-threatening side effects. The Food and Drug Administration warns that the medications can increase the risk of death for elderly patients with dementia.

Calling the problem a significant challenge, government regulators and industry officials are banding together to curb the inappropriate use of chemical restraints in nursing homes, just as they successfully joined years ago to curb the overuse of physical restraints.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has launched the Partnership to Improve Dementia Care, a coalition of regulators, nursing homes, advocacy groups and caregivers that will safeguard nursing home residents from unwarranted antipsychotic drugs.

The partnership represents an unprecedented marshaling of public and private resources toward this issue. Its aim is to reduce the use of antipsychotics by 15 percent by year’s end and by larger percentages in future years

until it eliminates the problem.

Antipsychotic drugs may be deemed appropriate in some circumstances, based on clinical assessments. But they shouldn’t always be the first option for nursing home staff trying to calm residents. Nor should their use last any longer than medically necessary.

The new national initiative will raise public awareness of antipsychotics’ misuse, improve regulatory oversight and, most important of all, train nursing home workers how to care for aggressive or agitated patients without resorting to drugs.

CMS will post data on each nursing home’s use of antipsychotic drugs starting in July on its Nursing Home Compare website – medicare.gov/ nhcompare -- and will regularly update the information.

Nursing Home Compare is a useful tool for families researching long-term care options. The new statistics on antipsychotics’ use are likely to prompt families to ask about medication practices as they visit nursing homes they are considering for parents or other relatives.

Medicare also is improving the training of nursing home inspectors so they can better identify inappropriate medication use. As a long-standing condition of receiving Medicare payments, nursing homes must comply with federal rules against unnecessary drug use.

Most significantly, CMS is working with associations of nursing homes, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and others to make them more aware of non-drug alternatives. As just one example, “Hand in Hand,” a DVD to help train nursing assistants, will be distributed this summer.

Some nursing homes are already teaching their caregivers a more hands-on approach to reassuring dementia patients – one that includes individualized activities, like exercises or walks outdoor. The coalition’s goal is to spread that message throughout the industry.

One in eight older Americans suffers from dementia. As the new public-private partnership understands, finding better ways to care for them without relying on antipsychotic drugs will improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of nursing home residents. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

15

medical

Early Treatment for Bacterial Meningitis = Better Outcomes Q A:

: The stories about meningitis I hear in the news sound pretty scary. What causes meningitis?

How can I protect myself and my family against it?

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Usually, it results from an infection. Rarely, meningitis may be caused by medications or autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The steps you take to prevent other infections - such as washing your hands before eating and covering your mouth when coughing - can help prevent meningitis. But the best protection against meningitis is to stay up-to-date with immunizations.

Many cases of meningitis are caused by viral infections. A number of different viruses can cause meningitis, but most are from a group known as enteroviruses.Viral meningitis is usually mild and goes away on its own without treatment. Generally, viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis. Rest, extra fluids and over-the-counter pain medication are all most people need while recovering.

Meningitis is sometimes caused by infectious agents transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, so wearing protective clothing and insect repellent in the spring and summer can also help reduce your chances of developing meningitis.

In contrast to viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. The most common causes of bacterial meningitis are three main bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis.

Streptococcus pneumoniae often causes bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults. This bacterium can also cause pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections. Haemophilus influenzae was once the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. But today, the routine childhood immunization schedule in the United States includes a vaccine against this bacterium, greatly reducing the number of cases of this type of meningitis.

Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis often occurs when bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enter the bloodstream. This infection is highly contagious and frequently affects teenagers and young adults. Neisseria meningitidis sometimes 16

July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

causes outbreaks of meningitis at college dormitories, boarding schools, military bases and other places where people live in close quarters. Likely, the cases of meningitis you’ve heard about in the news are due to this form of bacterial meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis often requires hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics for one to two weeks. Although this infection is very serious, many patients can make a full recovery if it’s treated right away.

Common symptoms of meningitis in adults, teens and children older than 2 can include severe headache, a stiff neck, fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, confusion or difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to bright light, vomiting, and sleepiness or difficulty waking up.

For newborns and infants, symptoms may include high fever, constant crying, excessive sleepiness or irritability, inactivity or sluggishness, poor feeding, a bulge in the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the baby’s head, stiffness in the baby’s body and neck, or seizures. Bacterial meningitis symptoms are usually more severe than those from viral meningitis.

In general, cases of bacterial meningitis have decreased significantly over the past several decades because vaccines that protect against several of the bacterial forms of meningitis have been added to the immunizations children and teens typically receive.

Making sure your children get their immunizations on time is the most important step you can take to lower their chances of developing bacterial meningitis. If you suspect meningitis - particularly if flulike symptoms seem more severe than usual or are accompanied by neck stiffness or confusion - seek medical care right away. The earlier treatment for bacterial meningitis starts, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Ritu Banerjee is an M.D., Ph.D in Pediatri Infectious Diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn't replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to medicaledge@mayo.edu , or write: Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, N.Y., 14207.

For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org. (c) 2010 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed

by Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

off the beaten path

A Knack for the ‘Yak

T

he morning was unseasonably cool and the resulting With one or two rods, a little bait or a few lures, an angler fog that formed over the pond had settled a foot or so can catch just as many fish as someone with a big boat, a above the still water. The sun was just creeping over dozen rods and tacklebox after tacklebox of lures. He or she the treetops, throwing long shadows that stretched out from likely won't have to travel as far to find fish, either. the bank. The strokes of his tandem paddle propelled the Even more, the kayak angler can fish where few others can. kayak stealthily away from shore and toward a hickory that How many ponds have you passed that were too overgrown had fallen into the waaround the perimeter ter and whose trunk he to permit bank fishcould see clearly above ing? With a kayak, the the fog. entire pond could be He stripped line accessible. How about from the reel and those small streams made several false or rivers you've driven casts, the fly line slicing over that were miles through the fog bank from or even lacked as it disappeared and a boat ramp? A kayak settled onto the water could easily be slid below. He twitched the down the bank, full of fly twice, felt a sudden gear, without any ramp tug at the end of the at all. Whether the line, and struck the kayak is of the sit-onhook home. He could top or sit-inside variety, feel the strength of the the basic gear required fish and a smile grew is the same. across his face as the Beyond the boat fish fled for deep water, itself, a life jacket, a dragging him with it. A paddle and a stretch of few moments later he fishy water are the only boated a fat bream and other essentials to good added it to the stringer. kayak fishing. In addiHe turned back toward tion, kayak fishing and the fallen hickory kayaking in general can where he'd hooked the be an outdoor activity fish, amazed at how the entire family can far the big bluegill had enjoy. While a kayak pulled him in the small can open up scores boat. of new or previously The kayak is the inaccessible fishing simplest of watercraft, areas, does it mean we propelled by the power should abandon our of the paddle. It is lightpowerboats for paddle weight and extremely boats? I certainly won't portable, making it an lead that charge, but I Niko Corley with his new ‘yak and the results of a morning on the pond. ideal fishing platform have developed a knack for the angler on the go. for the 'yak. If you see a Whether in the bed of the truck or on top of the car, anykayak atop my truck instead of a boat behind it, don't think where you can go you can take a kayak. Equipment storage is any less of me. limited, forcing the kayak angler into a rather Spartan mindset Niko Corley spends his free time hunting, fishing and enjoying when it comes to gear that goes onto or into the boat. But other outdoor activities. He can be contacted at cootfootoutfitters@ that’s also part of the allure of kayak angling. gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @cootfootoutfitters. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

17

feature

Beat the Heat

By Lenore Reese Vickrey

W

hen it’s 90-plus degrees in these parts, hot enough to fry the proverbial egg on the sidewalk, it’s more than uncomfortable.

Summer’s extreme heat can be downright dangerous for older folks, especially those with health problems and those who take particular medications.

“We are always very concerned about individuals with a history of heath problems,” said Dr. Jim McVay, director, Bureau of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Bureau at the Alabama Department of Public Health. Specifically, those with hypertension (high blood pressure), poor circulation, diabetes or who are obese should

18

July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

take special precautions during hot weather.

“All those individuals are at much greater risk,” said McVay. Senior citizens can be less aware than younger persons of their sensitivity to the effects of hot weather, and those with health issues are even more vulnerable.

In addition, anyone who takes certain medications needs to be very careful about getting overheated and being exposed to the sun. These medications include those for high blood pressure, depression and poor circulation.

“Many of these medicines don’t allow the body to handle heat well,” McVay said. “They actually interfere with the body’s natural ability to cool

itself. Anyone who is highly medicated is at risk.”

Older adults must be especially aware of these precautions, as many take multiple prescription medications that fall into those categories.

Heat-related deaths claim hundreds of lives every year. The Centers for Disease Control report that of 3,401 deaths from heat-related causes in the United States from 1999 to 2003, 40 percent were age 65 and older.

Older adults and their caregivers must be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and take immediate action, McVay said. These symptoms include feeling dizzy, having a rapid heartbeat and feeling nauseous.

“If you’re out in high temperatures and start having any of these symptoms, especially if you don’t sweat, you need to get into a cool area as soon as possible,” he said.

Caregivers should give the senior water to drink, and if necessary, use ice to help bring the body temperature down as quickly as possible.

“If someone lives in a house without air conditioning and the temperature outside is extremely high, they need to take cold showers or cool baths to lower their body temperature,” McVay advised.

If someone has been out in the heat and begins having cramps and vomiting, these could be very dangerous signs pointing to a heat stroke and the need for immediate emergency medical help, he added.

Other symptoms can be fainting, confusion, dry,

flushed skin but no sweating, and acting delirious.

Of course, the best way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke at any age is to keep cool and stay hydrated even if you’re not thirsty.

“Drink at least eight glasses of water, and more than you usually drink,” McVay said. “With a lot of water intake, the body will take care of itself.”

Water or any type of fruit juice is far better than drinks with caffeine (such as coffee, tea or colas) which increase the heartbeat, and alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol actually speeds up dehydration and affects the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

It also raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of a heat-related illness and heat stroke, especially in those with high blood pressure.

Besides drinking water, the American Geriatrics Society also recommends the following precautions during the hot days of summer: n Stay indoors in an air-conditioned home or go to a cool area such as a senior center, mall, movie theater or library. n Avoid the sun, but if you must go outside, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. n Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing. n Avoid strenuous outside activity, including yard work or exercise. n Eat small, light meals more often. n Be a good neighbor and check on seniors at least twice a day.

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

19

Coverup:

The

big

H

Skin and Sun

ot, sunny days can make us even more conscious of the need to apply sunscreen, even though dermatologists keep telling us we need to use it every day, no matter what the weather.

Dr. Elise Barnett, a Montgomery dermatologist, notes that the American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use sunscreen that offers the following: • Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays) • Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater • Water Resistance (should you be exposed to water or sweat) And that applies to older adults even more so, because their skin may have already suffered damage from sunburns in their younger years, when the only substance any self-respecting beach-loving teenager would apply to her skin was baby oil.

The good news is that it’s never too late to protect your skin, and nowadays there are a variety of products to choose from.

“The kind of sunscreen you select, whether it’s a cream, a gel, a stick or a spray –- is a matter of personal choice,” said Dr. Barnett, “and may vary depending on the area of the body to be protected.”

Whatever type you choose, it’s important that you use enough of it to make a difference.

“If sunscreen is applied correctly, a bottle should

20

July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

By Lenore Reese Vickrey not last long,” she explained.

“One ounce – enough to fill a shot glass – is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body. Of course, you will need to adjust the amount of sunscreen applied, depending on body size.”

Sunscreen should always be reapplied after swimming and sweating.

Women should not rely on their makeup foundation, many of which have an SPF of 15, to protect their faces from the sun.

“Makeup is generally not enough protection for everyday use,” said Dr. Barnett. “For most women, I recommend a light moisturizer with an SPF 30+ for use under makeup.”

Lip balm with high SPF is also recommended.

Certain medications can induce sun sensitivity, she advised. These may include diuretics (such as high blood pressure meds or “water pills”) and some antibiotics, so it’s important to read the accompanying materials that come with your prescription, the labels for any over-the-counter medications, and talk to your pharmacist.

In addition to faithfully using sunscreen (and don’t forget the bald spots), Dr. Jim McVay of the State Department of Public Health recommends limiting exposure to the sun, and when you’re outside, wearing a broad-rimmed hat.

financial

Spend Less on a Great Vacation

H

ere we are again in the middle of the traditional vacation season, so how about a few ideas for spending less while having a great time of recreation and relaxation?

Tip #1: Don’t travel at peak season. Unless you must vacation during the summer, consider other times.

When my wife and I visited the Canadian Rockies (which we highly recomAlan Wallace mend) a few years ago, we went in May, a few weeks before peak summer season. By going a couple weeks before rates jumped, we probably saved 15-20% on the trip, but our experience was virtually the same as it would have been a month later…except that we likely encountered fewer crowds, another plus!

Tip #2: Stay where you can make some of your own meals.

Depending on your choices, meal costs can account for 10-20% of your total vacation cost. Buying groceries and fixing a few meals at your lodging can cost less than similar meals in a restaurant. In addition, it saves the drive to the restaurant and waiting to be seated and served at those meals. In fact, you do not have to dress up for meals in your lodging, which can eliminate another hassle. Preparing half of your own meals on vacation could save you 5-10% of the total cost and reduce your vacation stress to boot, though you may pay a bit more for accommodations with a kitchen.

Tip #3: Find vacation lodging through non-traditional sources. A few years ago my wife and I wanted to revisit Sanibel Island, a favorite place of ours just off the Florida coast near Ft. Myers. Sanibel is a fairly pricey destination, and naturally, I comparison shopped. I discovered a deal on a nice place through the online site www.VRBO. com (Vacation Rentals By Owner). There are other similar organizations. By combining this approach with going during the off season, I estimate that we saved about 30% of what the trip could have cost.

Tip #4: Travel with friends. Several times

while our boys were still at home we took trips with one or two other families with similar interests. As a result we were able to take advantage of nicer, more spacious lodging at a lower cost per person. We were also able to share the meal prep duties and driving, as well as the transportation cost to and from our destination.

Another example was when we met up with some friends from other states in Seattle a few days before a business seminar. There were seven of us and we rented a van together and saw lots of sites in Washington and British Columbia. When we went to the Space Needle in Seattle, we asked about a group rate and found that they sell tickets at a discount to groups of ten or more.

Having 70% of a “group,” we stood on the steps in front of the ticket booth and quickly recruited enough people to get the group rate.

By the way, I used the same technique recently while waiting to buy a dozen hot glazed donuts at a well-known U.S. business. The fellow behind me also wanted a dozen glazed so I bought two dozen at a lower cost per dozen and he split the cost with me. I saved a little money, and made a friend in the process by striking up a conversation and saving him some coin.

Tip #5: Take advantage of early bird specials. Many resort area restaurants offer meals at a reduced cost for customers arriving before things get busy. Along with saving you some money, taking advantage of such opportunities may result in you getting better and faster service.

Regardless of when or where you travel, I hope that you have a great time, make great memories, and do not spend more than you should for the experience.

Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU is a Senior FInancial Advisor for Ronald BLue & Co.’s Montgomery office, www. ronblue.com/location-al. He can be reached at 334270-5960, or by e-mail at alan.wallace@ronblue.com. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

21

feature

Santa Fe’s Summer Markets

By Andrea Gross Photos by Irv Green

I

think I’m at a bazaar in India, a market in Mexico, a village in Africa. People in bright traditional garb are weaving baskets, beading necklaces, stitching scarves. A medley of sounds — light-hearted laughter, serious bargaining — and a multitude of languages fill the plaza. Exotic smells waft through the air.

In reality, my husband and I are in New Mexico, enjoying the first of three major art markets that over the summer transform Santa Fe first into a global village, next into a Spanish fair, and finally into a prestigious Native American art festival.

The Folk Art Market — July 13-15 The season begins in July with the Folk Art Market, which in eight years has ballooned into the largest international

22

July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

folk art market in the world. Partly as a result of this event, Santa Fe was the first city in the United States to be named a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art. More than 170 craftspeople, all of whom have survived a rigorous selection process, come from 55 countries. We walk the aisles, stopping to see silver jewelry from the Chinese province of Guizhou, ikat weavings from the Malaysian state of Sarawak, magnificent baskets from the Panamanian rain forest.

The pre-show attracts avid collectors who often drop big money for museum quality pieces, but there are less expensive items as well. Best of all, fair-goers can visit with the artists, most of whom are accompanied by translators. One

woman, a weaver from Sudan, tells us how the rebels killed her husband and burned her home.

“I carried my children for many days until I reached a camp where I was safe,” she tells us. “Now, thanks to this market, I support my family through my craft.”

For more infomration, check the market out online at www. folkartmarket.org.

The Spanish Market — July 27-29 While the Folk Art Market takes place several miles from the core of Santa Fe, the Spanish and Indian Markets, which are inextricably intertwined with the history and culture of New Mexico, are held in the downtown plaza, a collection of adobe buildings, some of which date back to the early 1600s.

In order to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere, we check into the Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe. Like the Hotel St. Francis a Above: At the Spanish Market the colorful santos are among the most sought after items. few blocks away, the Chimayó Below: Music and dancing provide a backdrop to crafts at the Spanish Market. is owned by Heritage Hotels, a company that takes special care to have its properties reflect New Mexico’s culture.

After admiring the Southwestern décor as reflected in everything from the chandeliers to the rugs, we wander through the largest exhibition of traditional Hispanic arts in the United States. In short order we learn that santos, which depict saints, come in two versions (three-dimensional bultos and two-dimensional retablos), that tin and straw are frequently used materials in Spanish art, and that the handsomely carved wood furniture is much too large to fit in our house.

Back in the hotel, the chef at Tia’s Cocina serves up traditional meals based on his grandmother’s recipes. I choose “village tacos” for my main course, but I’m stumped when it comes to selecting the chile* sauce. Do I want green, which is often—but, says the waiter, not always—hotter?

Or should I get red, which is usually but not always, more pungent? *Chile, not chili, is the proper spelling in New Mexico. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

23

Above:Visitors can find Pueblo storytellers, Hopi Kachina dolls and Cherokee baskets at the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Below: A Navajo yei rug depicts highly-stylized representations of holy people.

He brings me a bowl of each. “I brought you Christmas,” he says with a smile.

For information on the Spanish Market, log on to www. spanishcolonial.org.

Indian Market — August 18-19 (see resource box) Within a few weeks, the Plaza is transformed from a Spanish market to the world’s largest display of Native American arts. We’re overwhelmed by the sight of 600 booths that exhibit the work of more than 1,000 artists from 100-plus tribes. We soon decide that the only way to survive is to relax, listen to live Native American music, watch some films on Native life, munch on fry bread and then, calmed and fortified, look at the art.

24 July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

Our plan works. We spend two days immersed in art that ranges from jewelry to sculpture, traditional to contemporary.

The two unifying features are that all the artists are indigenous people from the United States or Canada, and they all produce top quality work.

To our surprise, much of what we see is relatively affordable. Many of the top artists offer small items for a fraction of the cost of their award-winning pieces.

But for us, buying is not the goal. We want to look, listen and learn. In short, we want to experience a Santa Fe summer.

If you’d like more information, check out the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts at www.swaia.org.

medical

Marci’s Medicare Answers July 2012

Dear Marci, I have Original Medicare. Will Medicare cover my hepatitis B vaccine?

— Iris Dear Iris, Part B of Original Medicare will cover your hepatitis B shots if you are at medium to high risk for hepatitis B. As long as you see doctors or providers who accept assignment, the hepatitis B vaccine will be available at no cost. If you are at low risk for hepatitis B, the shots will not be covered under Part B, and will instead be covered under Part D. People who are considered at high or medium risk for hepatitis B are: n Those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure n Those who live in the same household as a hepatitis B carrier n Homosexual men n Health care professionals who have frequent contact with blood or other bodily fluids during routine work This year, Medicare private health plans, also known as Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, must cover hepatitis B shots the same way that Original Medicare does.

If you have an MA plan, your costs may vary depending on whether you see an in-network or out-ofnetwork provider.You should call your plan to find out what other rules apply.

Dear Marci, I am about to be discharged from a hospital, but I feel I am not well enough to leave.

Can I appeal the hospital’s decision to discharge me?

— Elaine Dear Elaine, If you feel that you are being asked to leave the hospital (discharged) before you are well enough to go, you can ask for an immediate (expedited) independent review of your case. It is a good idea to ask your doctor for support.

If you make a formal request for an immediate review within the proper timeframe, the hospital cannot force you to leave before a decision has been made.

You should be able to stay in the hospital at no charge while your case is being reviewed.

Even if it is ultimately decided that you do not need continued hospital care, the hospital cannot charge you for any care received until noon of the next calendar day after you get the review decision.

Prior to being discharged, the hospital will give you a copy of a notice called an Important Message from Medicare, which describes your rights as a patient. This notice will tell you how to contact the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) to request an immediate review of the hospital’s decision to discharge you.

To get an expedited review, you must contact the QIO by midnight of the date you are being discharged (and before you leave the hospital).

The QIO will inform the hospital of the appeal right away (that day or first thing the next morning if the request is received after the QIO has closed.)

Appealing to the QIO is the first step in the hospital discharge appeals process. The higher levels of this process vary depending on whether you are enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Dear Marci, My income is a bit higher than the limit to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program.

Should I still apply?

— Amber Dear Amber, Yes. If your income is above the income and/or asset guidelines, you should still apply.

You may still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) because certain income and assets may not count. Keep in mind that MSPs are administered by each state.

How your income and assets are counted to determine eligibility varies from state to state. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for more information on your state’s eligibility guidelines.

Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org. To learn more about the services that Medicare will cover and how to change plans, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at the Medicare Rights Center’s website at www.medicareinteractive.org. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

25

financial

On-Line Social Security Statement

I

users are giving the online Statement a score of 89, making it competitive with our other top-rated, best-in-government online services, such as the Retirement Estimator and online retirement application.

To get a personalized online Statement, you must be age 18 or older and must be able to provide information about yourself that matches information already on file with Social Security. In addition, Social Security uses Experian, an external authentication service provider, for further verification.

You must provide identifying information and answer security questions in order to pass this verification. Social Security will not share your Social Security number with Experian, but the identity check is an important part of this new, thorough verification process.

When your identity is verified, you can create a “My Social Security” account with a unique user name and password to access your online Statement. In addition, your online Statement includes links to information about other online Social Security services, such as applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare.

For more information about the new online Statement, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement.

f you would like to get a Social Security Statement, which provides estimates of your future benefits, it is now available online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

“Our new online Social Security Statement is simple, easy-to-use and provides people with estimates they can use to plan for their retirement,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “The online Statement also provides estimates for disability and survivors ben- Kylle’ McKinney efits, making the Statement an important financial planning tool. People should get in the habit of checking their online Statement each year, around their birthday, for example.”

In addition to helping with financial planning, the online Statement also provides workers a convenient way to determine whether their earnings are accurately posted to their Social Security records. This feature is important because Social Security benefits are based on average earnings over a person’s lifetime. If the information is incorrect, the person may not receive proper benefits.

The online Statement provides you the opportunity to save or print the document for future reference, or to have handy for discussions with family members or a financial planner.

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index,

Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914, ext. 26265, or by e-mail at kylle. mckinney@ssa.gov.

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JULY CALENDAR RECURRING EVENTS Exercise Class, Bible Study, Bingo.Various days, times, locales.

Mtgy. Area Council on Aging, www.macoa.org, 334-263- 0532.

Zumba. Tues. 5-6 pm, Jackson Hospital, www.jackson.org, 334293-8978.

Bluegrass Jam. 1st. Sat. 9 am-Noon. AL River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All levels welcome. 334-578-8594. FREE Jam Sessions. 2nd & 4th Sat., 9 am-noon, Old Alabama Town, www.oldalabamatown.com. 334-240-4500. FREE Bluegrass Jam. 3rd Sat. (Mar.-Sept.), 9 am-noon. Perry Hill UMC. 334-272-3174. FREE “Not Just Art”. Tues. 10 am, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, www.perryhillumc.org, 334-272- 3174. FREE Montgomery Bridge Club. Lessons, games, tournaments. Mulberry St. www.montgomerybridgeclub.org, 334-265-2143.

Docent lead tours. Sun., 1-2 pm. Mtgy Museum of Fine Arts.

FREE Capital City Club Book Group, Martinis and Manuscripts, 2nd Thurs., 6 pm, Jan-Nov. 334-834-8920.

Mtgy Amateur Radio Club, 3rd Mon., 7 pm. Mtgy. Chapter of the American Red Cross, 5015 Woods Crossing Rd. For info. visit www.w4ap.org or e-mail w4ap@aarl.net.

SUPPORT GROUPS Cancer -- Tues., 10-11 am, Mtgy Cancer Center. For info 334279-6677.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia -- 1st Thurs., 11 am, Frazer Church. For info 334-272-8622.

Visually impaired -- 2nd Tues., 1-2:30 pm,

Aldersgate United Methodist Church. For info 334-272-6152.

Hearing Loss -- 2nd Thurs., 4 pm, First United Methodist Church. Speakers, hearing screenings, refreshments. For info. call 334-262-3650.

Mental Illness -- 2nd. Mon., Dalraida UMC Church Annex, 3817 Atlanta Hwy. For info. 334-396-4797.

Fibromyalgia -- 3rd Tues., 6-8 pm, Frazer Church. For info, 334272-8622.

Gluten Intolerance -- 4th Thurs., 6-7 pm, Taylor Rd. Baptist Church. Speaker, research, symptoms, etc. Sample gluten-free food. For info 334-328-5942, http://gfmontgomery.blogspot. com.

Parkinson’s -- 4th Sun., 2 pm, Cloverdale School, Fairview Ave. For info 334-328-8702 or 334-322-6301.

Disabled American Veterans -- Last Thurs., 5:30 pm. 906 Maxwell Blvd. (formerly Bell St.). Disabled vets of all conflicts. For info. call 334-294-1551.

Vietnam Veterans of America -- 1st. Mon., 6:30 pm. Crazy Buffet, Atlanta Hwy.

THEATRE/MUSIC/DANCE/ART Alabama Dance Theatre Summer Seminar, July 23-Aug 6.

Two-week intensive seminar, intermediate and advanced. Classical, modern, jazz. Free performances Aug. 5, 7pm, Riverwalk Amphitheater. For info. 334-241-2590, www.alabamadancetheatre.com.

Vaughn Road CENTER July savings — ! nials 2 5 % o f f p e re n

9350 Vaughn Road Pike Road, AL 36064 (East of Chantilly Parkway)

©2008 PS Graphics & Promotions DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICES ALL rights reserved Landscaping, Irrigation, Outdoor Lighting, Ponds, Waterfalls 334-270-9481 4333333 Bird supplies: feeders, seed, houses.

Unique Yard Art! 10% DISCOUNT for Military Personnel & Master Gardeners

334-272-8180 • vaughnroadgardencenter.com • vrngardencenter@bellsouth.net

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July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

JULY CALENDAR Cloverdale Playhouse: Fables Here & Then. July 12-14.

-- Whitney: One Moment In Time. July 27, 28. Musical tribute and scholarship benefit. -- Workshops, kindergarten to adult, July 17-26. Theatre located at 960 Cloverdale Rd. For info, 334-262-1530, info@cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Millbrook Community Players: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair. July 19-22, 26-28. Millbrook Theatre, 5720 Main St. For info. 334-782-7317, e-mail info@millbrooktheatre.com.

Montgomery Ballet: “Giselle”. July 13, 7 pm. Davis Theatre.

Ensemble of international students. $10 and $20. For info. or tickets, 334-409-0522 or www.montgomeryballet.org.

Mtgy. Museum of Fine Arts: -- Preschool (ages 2-6 w/adult). Working with Clay, July 3, 17, 1:30-2 pm. $8/members, $12/non-members per class.

-- Stories, take-home art activities. July 11, 10:30-11 am. Free.

-- Summer Art Camp ages 6-13. Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-noon; 1-4:30 pm (half- or full-day). Fee includes materials, snacks. 20 student limit. Animals A to Z, July 9-13; Funky Figures & Places, July 23-27; Flowers, Food, Forks & Fun! July 30-Aug. 3 -- Wet Plate Photography Workshop (adult). July 15, 29, 2-4 pm. Produce a photograph on aluminum using 19th Century process. Most supplies provided. Limited to eight students. $55 members/$100 non-members (2-day workshop).

Wetumpka Depot Players: Panache. July 26-Aug 11. 300 S. Main St. For info 334-868-1440, www.wetumpkadepot.com.

FLEA MARKETS/FESTIVALS/FUNDRAISERS Maine Lobsters, Live or Steamed (approx.1.5 lbs. each). Mtgy.

Area Council on Aging (MACOA). Proceeds support programs and services to improve the quality of Reinvintage Boutique life of senior citizens and vintage apparel & accessories promote indefor every occasion proms • cotillions • plays • balls pendent living.

Orders must costume parties • films be prepaid reenactments and ordered

by Aug. 10.

Eastbrook Flea Market & Pick-up is Aug. 17, 3-5 pm at Antique Mall MACOA, 115 E. Jefferson 425 Coliseum Blvd.

St. Drive-thru Montgomery, AL 36109 available. For info. or to place an order 334-799-0709 call 334-263nkynard@yahoo.com 0532. $25.

Kynard Korner’s

Supply Drive for Mtgy. Public Schools. Aug. 4, 10 am-5 pm. A school bus will be parked in Dillard’s parking lot at EastChase to receive supplies. Donated items are distributed to needy schools and children in the county.

Food Fun a Techniques a July 8 - Basics of Canning July 15 - Grow, Cook, Eat Tomatoes July 22 - Prepare Tomato Sauce/Salsa July 29 - Grow, Cook, Eat Summer Fruit Conducted by William Sonoma, Eastchase. Class Class size is limited. To register or for more information, call 334-244-2960. a Home Grown Tomatoes a July 11, 9 am - 2 pm. Howard Smith Ag Center, Autaugaville. Conducted by Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Master Gardeners Association. Tips on selecting, growing, cooking tomatoes.

Attendees encouraged to bring fresh sample of insect, disease or other problem found on their tomatoes, and 3-6 tomatoes of a named variety for taste-testing. Reservation needed. Pay in advance ($15). For information or reservations visit www. aces.edu/homegarden and click on ‘workshop schedule’. Lunch provided. a How-To Demonstration a July 21, 3 - 6 pm. Fresh Market.

Conducted by Chef Nick Ashner. Prepare steak with carmelized ale onions, bacon BBQ glaze, summer herbed orzo salad. 1635 Perry Hill Rd. For information call 334-272-8952. a Cook-Off a July 30, 3 pm. Montgomery Riverfront.

A competition between three Bassmaster Elite series anglers, each paired with a Montgomery chef; Michael Serdula (Olive Room), Ben Skelley (Chop House/Vintage Year), Michael Schwartz (Capital City Club). www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

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“A big hit! Spectacular!” - Newsweek “One of the best shows you’ll ever see!” -the Scotsman

Iron Chef Meets Stomp!

July 11–15

“the funniest thing in seven consonants” -the Washington post “it’s spelled W-O-N-D-e-r-F-U-l!”

-the Wall Street Journal

Book by Rachel Sheinkin | Music and lyrics by William Finn | Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

August 10–September 2

AlAbAmA ShAkeSpeAre FeStivAl montgomery, Alabama 1.800.841.4273 www.ASF.net

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July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

DNA of the Modern Crossword Puzzle Although a fairly recent invention (1913), the modern crossword puzzle has spread across the globe to become, most agree, the most popular word game in history. However, its origins are ancient.

Word squares - a collection of equal length words that reads the same vertically and horizontally - are considered a forerunner of the crossword puzzle, and were found in the ruins of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 AD. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

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Independence Day Celebrations July 3rd

Fort Rucker -- Festival Fields, 3:30 - 10 pm. Headlining is Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Aircraft displays, kid’s zone, food, vendors, exhibits. Music from The 98th Army Silver Wings Band and rising country music star Natalie Stovall. Free. For info. call 334-255-1749.

July 4th

Montgomery -- Old Alabama Town 9 am - 3 pm. Learn how early Alabamians lived and worked. For info. call 888240-1850 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com. $ Montgomery -- Riverwalk Amphitheatre 6 pm. Live music, Biscuits baseball game, fireworks following the game. For info. call 334-625-2100 or visit www.funontheriver.net. $ Prattville -- Downtown parade 9 am. Pratt Park BBQ/ stew sale 10 am. Live music, food, fireworks after dark.

Gates open 6 pm. For info. call 334-358-0297 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.

Wetumpka -- 5 pm until. Street dance, children’s activities, live music, fireworks. For info. call 334-567-5147 or visit www.cityofwetumpka.com.

Montevallo -- American Village: Live music, food, children’s activities, fireworks. For info. call 205-665-3535 or visit www.americanvillage.org. $ Luverne -- Fireworks at Turner Park, 8:30 pm. For info. call 334-335-4468 or visit www.crenshawcounty.net.

32

Greenville -- Greenville High School Tiger Stadium, 7:30 pm, with fireworks at 9 pm. Free watermelon and drinks. For info. call 334-382-3251 or visit www.greenville-alabama.com.

July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

GAMES & PUZZLES Across 1 It may be caged or staked 12 Lace alternative, perhaps 14 Learns cold 16 Out of the teeth of the gale 17 Suffix with city 18 Supply next to the grill 19 First name in travel 21 Circular contents 22 Fix, as a bow 23 Exile, perhaps 25 Less inclined to ramble 26 First National Leaguer to hit 500 homers 27 Pre-makeover condition 31 Leprechaun-like 32 Epoch in which grazing mammals became widespread 33 Mg. and oz.

36 Included as a postscript 37 Humble abode 38 God often depicted with green skin 41 Arlington,Va., post 43 Like many Edwardian era collars 44 Screwdriver parts, for short

47 Perceive 48 __ dixit 49 Exams given by committee 51 Was a passenger 52 1984 Rob Reiner rock music satire 55 Federal Reserve goal 56 Far from settled Down 1 Boldness 2 Pre-Columbian Mexicans 3 Co. with a '90s "Friends & Family" program 4 Conservatory pursuits 5 "Vissi d'arte" singer 6 Square dance quorum 7 Falls heavily 8 Capital on the Gulf of zontal stripes Guinea 14 Resulted from 9 Polymer ending 15 River of Flanders 10 Book covering the Hebrews' 40-year wilderness 20 Game for young matchmakers 22 Is put out by exile 24 Idle and more?

11 Rainbow and Dolly 25 :50, put another way Varden 28 Peachy 12 Lightly and quickly, in 29 Letters used in dating music 30 Animated Flanders 13 Muppet wearing hori33 1984 #1 country hit by the Judds 34 Common voting occasion 35 "Out of Africa" star 36 Food for leafhoppers 38 Passing news item?

39 Some campus returnees 40 Undisturbed 42 Red wine grape 44 Calgary Olympics skating silver medalist 45 Ribbed 46 Links bugaboo 49 Site of 1993 Arab-Israeli accords 50 Kitsch deplorer 53 Org. with a pair of gloves in its logo 54 Ortiz of "Ugly Betty"

Crossword answers can be found on page 31.

Sudoku answers are on page 28. www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

33

prime diversions

Recent dvd releases This Means War,Tim & Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie and The Secret World of Arrietty This Means War (PG-13) This may be biased, since I’m a Reese Witherspoon fan. If you aren’t, check out a gem of a dark little comedy that too few have seen, Election, to fully appreciate her range. So this stab at a romantic action comedy, with a lame premise and two charisma-challenged co-stars, seems a waste of her talents, and overexposure of theirs.

The guys are CIA super-agents and best friends. One (Tom Hardy) is divorced, the other (Chris Pine) is a player. Reese is a workaholic, persuaded by a gal-pal to try on-line dating. She meets both gents in the same evening, and each falls for her (the only sensible part of the story).

They decide to compete for her favors without disclosing their awareness of each other. She guiltily juggles dating the two, conflicted about attractions to both for different reasons.

Any moviegoer knows how well that kind of plan will work.

Laughs are few and forced, as the plot strays progressively farther from how any of their characters ought to act.

One wonders how many actors turned down those parts before the producers settled on this duo, and why Reese didn’t negotiate an escape clause she could trigger upon seeing the final draft and casting. She deserves better. So do you.

Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie (R) Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are apparently well known in the on-line and cable TV sketch comedy circuits for their antics.

Whatever their value may be in those venues, it’s hard to recall a comedy with fewer laughs, or even the sense of expecting anyone to find humor in the proceedings, than here. Two slackers are given the titular sum to make a film. They deliver a moronic short, then scramble to make another movie from nothing to repay the debt.

Will Farrell, John C. Reilly and others who should know better (including actual billionaire Mark Cuban) contribute supporting roles to little avail. Despite my long-standing, adolescent-beyond-my-years affinity for lowbrow comedies, this one bottoms out as gross-with34

July 2012 | www.primemontgomery.com

out-benefits.

Mark Glass Have I finally matured enough to miss the point of a new generation of edgy comics? Is Shia Laboeuf really credible as a star in sci-fi action flicks? Are the Twilight sagas deeper than I can appreciate? If all these are true, don’t expect to see me any more at the theaters. I’ll be rocking on the front porch, yelling at kids who dare to tread on my lawn. I hope I’ve still got enough left to scare them like Clint Eastwood did in Grand Torino.

The Secret World of Arrietty (G) Japanese writer/director Hayao Miyazaki has given us several fine, lyrical animated features, including Ponyo, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Oscar-winning Spirited Away.

His films offer graceful, detailed artwork, fanciful fables, and a leisurely pace that contrast starkly from most high-octane productions from Pixar, Disney, and the rest of the West.

While this one follows the trend in pace and design, its story, based on The Borrowers series, comes up short on maintaining viewer interest. Miyazaki is credited for the screenplay, but not as director.

A sickly boy with an absent mother is sent to the isolated cottage that was her childhood home to rest up for heart surgery. He accidentally sees Arrietty, one of the little people living under its floorboards, borrowing the things they need, while hiding from the humans above.

If seen, they must leave. Arrietty and her parents aren’t sure if they are the last of their species. Even if we humans don’t intend to harm them, our curiosity could lead to their undoing. The lonely lad just wants a friend; Arrietty just wants to keep the home she and her parents love.

Others have different agendas. Among the voice cast, Carol Burnett eventually brings some much-needed mirth and energy to the tale, but it’s too little and too late to keep most viewers - especially the youngest - sufficiently engaged.

Mark Glass is an officer and director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association.

www.primemontgomery.com | July 2012

35

Make a SPLASH

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Call us today (334) 281-8400 “The doctor to see is an ENT.”

R.G. Love, M.D. Michael Passineau

2006 AAO-HNS BOG Practitioner of Excellence

Find us on the web at www.allearscenters.com

Director of Hearing Instruments