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12 War Babies
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April 2015
Table of Contents Editor’s Notes 4 Quick Reads 6 Yard ‘n Garden 8
Royalty in the garden
A Gracious Plenty 9 Cheesecake!
MoneyWi$e 10
Can I borrow some money?
Our History 12
Do you know these people?
In Every Life 13 Sinus wars
Health at 50, 60 & 70 14 Where should you be?
Moving Your Parents In 16
What you need to know
Social Security 18
Are excuses killing your exercise plan? These eight tips can help counter those nagging voices (page 30).
Your ex-spouse & taxes
Voices of Change 20
12 War Babies entertain us
Oxford, U.K. 24
Adult study-abroad.
Puzzles 27 Tinseltown Talks 28
“Keeping up Appearances”
Prime Celebrating Midlife and Beyond
FREE FOR YOU
April 2015
12 War Babies
who entertained America Robert DeNiro • Faye Dunaway Carole King • Bob Dylan & others...
and: When friends
& family ask for money...
The movies and music of the so-called “War Babies,” (born 1939 to 1945), have entertained us for decades.We offer a quick look at a dozen whose careers continue to have an impact on our lives (page 20). (Cover photo: Petr Novák, via Wikimedia Commons)
Excuses, Excuses... 30
Overcoming reasons not to exercise
Finding an Auto Repair Shop 32 7 questions to aid your search Medicare 33
Comparing Nursing Homes
April DVD Releases 35 Calendar 37 Off the Beaten Path 38 The lucky ones
www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
3
Prime P
EDITOR’S NOTE
MONTGOMERY
April 2015 Vol. 6, Issue 1
PUBLISHER Bob Corley, primemontgomery@gmail.com EDITOR Sandra Polizos, primeeditor@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Callie Corley, primemagdesign@gmail.com WRITERS Jackie Dishner, Andrea Gross, Brian Hayden, Liza Kaufman Hogan, Richard Pells, Lisa M. Petsche CONTRIBUTORS Niko Corley, Mark Glass, Kylle’ McKinney, Lynette Morse, Bob Moos, Arlene Morris, Nick Thomas, Alan Wallace PHOTOGRAPHERS Irv Green, Wiki Commons (various) SALES Bob Corley • 334-202-0114 primemontgomery@gmail.com Wendy McFarland, • 334-652-9080 mcfarlandadvantage@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 2014 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.
hotographs have always been a part of our lives, whether taking them or viewing them. We all remember our parents snapping away at family reunions and vacations, often to the embarrassment of us children. When George Eastman developed the “Kodak” — arguably the first consumer film camera — it ushered in an exciting era of documenting the world around us with, at the time, unimaginable ease. Preloaded at the factory, the “Kodak” was returned intact for processing, taking that complicated and laborious task out of the hands of amateurs. My father was the quintessential amateur photographer — going so far as to process and enlarge his own black and white photos in the late 1940s. We still have a suitcase full of those blowups somewhere, along with boxes of slides and countless photo albums. They not only document the people Dad photographed — they also bear witness to his own life: evidence of the places he went, people he met, and events he wanted to remember. With our parents gone now, my siblings and I are very thankful for the seeming endless moments we were forced to stand still, smile, and pose for Dad’s obligatory picture — before opening Christmas presents, before jumping in the surf, before taking that bite of birthday cake. Frozen moments in time, reluctantly offered, they are now precious memories. I love to pull out even older family photos, looking for clues to new truths that might be revealed. Where is Mookie (Bob’s grandmother) going in that horsedrawn wagon in Dothan? How was business the day my grandad stood behind the counter of his first restaurant in Cordele, Georgia? Could my 15-year-old Pop have possibly imagined the future in store for him, when he solemnly stared into a camera lens 83 years ago on his native island of Skopelos, Greece? It is with great pride that Prime has partnered with the Alabama Department of Archives and History to bring a series of photographs to our readers in hopes of identifying those who stare out at us from the past. It’s often difficult to realize the faces we see from decades, even centuries, past, were living, breathing individuals whose countenances are forever captured in time. You likely have your own family photos tucked in drawers or neatly arranged in albums. If you’re lucky enough to have an elderly family member around, have them identify the people in the photos — just as we’re attempting to do with Archives. Too many names and faces are lost to time because someone failed to note who they where, where they were, and what they were doing. Think of a photograph — whether from film or captured as a digital file — as a window in time. It’s a privilege, gazing into the past at that particular split second when someone’s face was captured. Go a step further and treat the moment with the respect it deserves, by making the effort to identify the face you’re looking into. I hope you all have a happy April. This month is Prime’s sixth birthday — how quickly it’s gone by!
Sandra Polizos Editor 4
April 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com
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QUICK READS
Questions to Ask About BP Meds Taking charge of your healthcare can be as simple as asking questions. Here are some to consider if you’re taking, or are being prescribed, medications to lower your blood pressure. n What’s the name of my blood pressure medication? n It is brand name or generic? (This can affect the cost.) n Should I be on a diuretic (water pill)? n What are the possible side effects of this blood pressure medicine? n Are there foods, beverages or dietary supplements to avoid when taking this medicine? n What should I do if I forget to take my blood pressure medication? — Scientific American, Health After 50, www.healthafter50.com/alerts/
Easy Reading = Better Understanding The size and type of font used to present health information, and the words used to describe it, can engage or discourage readers, indicates new research by the U. of Manchester and Leeds Beckett University, UK. When a program title was easy to pronounce and the information sheet presented in an easy-to-read font, study participants perceived the program to be less complex and easier to understand. When the same information was presented in a more awkward style, it was seen as more complex, less understandable, and participants were less likely to follow the recommendations of the program. The study concluded that practitioners should present participant information sheets in a clear manner if they are to maximize the program’s value to its intended recipients. “In reality, such information is presented in all manner of styles, fonts and formats,” said lead researched Dr. Andrew Manley, “and we wanted use this study to explore just how much this impacts on people’s level of understanding and engagement. When it comes to people engaging with written information related to their health and wellbeing, it is vital that it is presented in the most accessible format.” — Manchester University, via ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com
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African Thunderstorms Breeding Atlantic Hurricanes? Hurricanes require moisture, the rotation of earth, and warm ocean temperatures to grow from a mere atmospheric disturbance into a tropical storm. But where do these storm cells originate, and exactly what makes an atmospheric disturbance amp up full throttle? A new study by Tel Aviv University Prof. Colin Price finds most hurricanes over the Atlantic that eventually make landfall in North America actually start as intense thunderstorms in Western Africa. “Eighty-five percent of the most intense hurricanes affecting the U.S. and Canada start off as disturbances in the atmosphere over Western Africa," says Prof. Price. According to Price, only ten percent of the 60 disturbances originating in Africa every year turn into hurricanes. And while there are around 90 hurricanes globally every year, only ten develop in the Atlantic Ocean. "We wanted to know what was so special about these 10% of disturbances that develop into hurricanes,” said Price. “Was there something different about these storms at their genesis?” "If we can predict a hurricane one or two weeks in advance -- the entire lifespan of a hurricane -- imagine how much better prepared cities and towns can be to meet these phenomena head on," Prof. Price says. He is currently examining the thunderstorm clusters around the eyes of hurricanes to study the intensification process of those destructive phenomena. — American Friends of Tel Aviv University, via ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com
Sleep Loss & Blood Pressure People exposed to prolonged periods of shortened sleep have significant increases in blood pressure during nighttime hours, Mayo Clinic researchers report in a small study of eight participants. “We know high blood pressure, particularly during the night, is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, and Americans typically do not get enough sleep,” says lead author Naima Covassin, Ph.D. “For the first time, we demonstrated that insufficient sleep causes increases in nighttime blood pressure and dampens nocturnal blood pressure dipping by using a controlled study that mimics the sleep loss experienced by many people.” — Mayo Clinic, via ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com
Diet Soda & Obesity
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society shows that increasing diet soda intake is directly linked to greater abdominal obesity in adults 65 years of age and older. Increases in belly fat may contribute to greater risk of cardiovascular diseases. Previous research shows that in the past 30 years, artificial sweeteners and diet soda intake have increased, yet the prevalence of obesity has also seen a dramatic increase in the same time period. The study authors recommend that older individuals who drink diet soda daily should try to curb their consumption of artificially sweetened drinks. — American Geriatrics Society, via ScienceDaily
Age Discrimination Bad for Your Health Being discriminated against by the healthcare profession or system can create or worsen disabilities in older people. A national survey, with results published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, shows that one in every three older Americans on the receiving end of agerelated discrimination in the healthcare setting will likely develop new or worsened functional ailments. One in every five survey respondents reported experiencing healthcare-related discrimination, with age the most common reason cited by both sexes and age groups. Follow-up studies showed almost a third of older adults frequently experiencing such discrimination developed new or worsened disabilities, in contrast to participants who never or seldom experienced such treatment. The study concludes that reducing experiences of discrimination, and the perception of discrimination, should be a priority. — Journal of General Internal Medicine, via ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com
www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
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American Monarchs
YARD ‘N GARDEN
B
ack when I began my Backyard Wildlife Habitat, I had a wide variety of creatures I took for granted. The Sulphur butterflies would color the place yellow, and I saw Skippers and huge Swallowtails and Wood Nymphs fairly often. A friend gave me a butterfly book to help identify these denizens. Slowly I developed the Habitat to encourage butterflies. There’s a butterfly bush (Buddleia) in the front, as well as some beautiful Butterfly Weed (Asclepias), and numerous ordinary milkweeds at the back. By now I have a good variety of native plants such as Trillium, Redbud trees, and so on. But in spite of it all, the butterflies have diminished. American Monarchs are in trouble (perhaps they heard we are a Republic?) — so much so that a monarch-counting website has been established in California. As we increasingly
Have a question about gardening? Call the Alabama Master Gardeners free help line April-August, 1-877-252-GROW (4769). Leave a message 24 hours a day. A Master Gardener will contact you.
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take land for our cities and developments, the habitat of our pollinators declines. As we rid ourselves of pests with insecticides, we kill off our useful insects too. That’s where gardeners come in. We can plant milkweeds (there are many interesting varietals) to help monarchs find host plants for their larvae.We can stop using deadly insecticides that kill our monarchs. Beware of feeding the birds in summer: they eat butterflies too! (But do help the birds out in the cold weather!) The National Wildlife Federation has a beautiful account of the lifecycle of the monarch: how they work their way Capital City down to Mexico for their Master Gardeners summer, and back again for Annual Plant Sale ours. It is surely a remarkable journey, utterly dependent on April 25 abundance of certain plants. 7:30 a.m. - Noon I suspect my little Wildlife Frazer United Habitat is suffering because Methodist Church there is little support around 6000 Atlanta Highway it. The monarchs can hardly (corner of Burbank/Atlanta find their way to my yard if Highway) there aren’t enough butterfly gardens along their route. Free Demonstrations! Fortunately a growing 9:00 Growing Tomatoes nationwide movement (no 11:00 Succulents pun intended) is helping to reestablish the monarchs, and I hope you will consider joining it. The Xerces Society in California is organized to protect pollinators and offers a great deal of information on the subject. They have published a popular book, Attracting Native Pollinators, as well as pollinator habitat signs (one of these in your front garden creates a lot of interest and excitement). The group also has numerous articles on butterfly gardening, milkweeds (http://www.xerces.org/milkweed/) and even a milkweed seed finder (http://www.xerces.org/milkweed-seed-finder/). The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center also has a section on butterflies and moths (www.wildflower.org/collections/collection. php?collection=bamona). Be sure to check out this site too – you’ll love it! (http://blog. nwf.org/2014/09/a-visual-journey-through-the-monarch-life-cycle). It’s a good feeling, when you know that you are helping. Lynette Morse , a Master Gardener in the Capital City Master Gardener Association, lives in Montgomery. For info on becoming a Master Gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.
A GRACIOUS PLENTY
F
rom full-course brunches to simple sit-down dinners, Easter celebrations are a time to enjoy family, friends and the delicious tastes of spring. However elaborate the festivities, a rich and creamy dessert is the perfect finale to any Easter gathering. Made from fresh milk and real cream, cream cheese is an ingredient that makes sweets stand out. These fresh dessert ideas all feature everyone’s favorite indulgence - cheesecake - along with other lively flavors, such as coconut, lemon and blueberry (on-line at Prime website). Desserts this delicious will have your guests hopping up for seconds! (Family Features)
Easter Desserts Easter Mini Cheesecakes Servings: 18
1 cup graham cracker crumbs 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 eggs 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons coconut, toasted 54 speckled malted milk eggs (about 9 ounces) Heat oven to 325oF. Mix graham crumbs, 2 tablespoons
sugar and butter; press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin cups. Beat cream cheese, vanilla and remaining sugar with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Spoon over crusts. Bake 25-30 minutes or until centers are almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 2 hours. Top each cheesecake with 1 tablespoon coconut; shape to resemble bird’s nest. Fill with malted milk eggs.
Double Lemon Cheesecake Bars | Servings: 16 52 vanilla wafers, finely crushed (about 2 cups) 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 4 eggs, divided
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 3/4 cups sugar, divided 3 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/3 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons), divided 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup water
Heat oven to 325oF. Mix cornstarch and remaining sugar in medium saucepan; gradually Line 13-by-9-inch pan with parchment paper, with ends of paper stir in water and remaining lemon juice until blended. Bring just to extending over sides. boil on medium heat, stirring constantly; cook and stir until clear Mix wafer crumbs and butter until blended; press onto bottom and thickened. Lightly beat reserved egg yolk in small bowl with of prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes. fork until blended; stir in 2 tablespoons of hot cornstarch mixture. Separate 1 egg; refrigerate yolk until ready to use. Beat cream Return to remaining cornstarch mixture in saucepan; stir until cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon blended. Cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly. juice and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add Cool slightly. egg white and remaining 3 whole eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on Spoon lemon glaze over cheesecake. Refrigerate 1 hour or until low speed after each until just blended. Pour over crust. firm. Use parchment handles to remove cheesecake from pan Bake 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool 1 hour. before cutting to serve. Refrigerate 4 hours. Note:This lemon glaze can be prepared ahead of time. Cool, then refrigerate up to 8 hours before spooning over individual slices of cheesecake. Garnish with 1/2 cup blueberries, lemon peel and fresh mint leaves. www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
9
MONEYWI$E
I
Pleas for Help
f you have family and friends and live long enough, someone sometime is probably going to Alan Wallace approach you for financial assistance. While no rules exist to dictate the right decision in such a case, the answers to a few questions can help you choose a course of action. The 10 questions below may not cover everything that you should consider, but they are a good start.
1. Who is asking for help and what is the nature of your relationship? A request from a new acquaintance is not on par with one from your parent or child. 2. Who else is affected? Situations rarely impact only one individual. If the request is from your son because of his wife’s uncontrolled spending, you may not be inclined to help, but you need to consider the consequences of your action for your grandchildren. 3. How will your decision affect the future of the relationship? If you decline to help, might you lose the friend or become estranged from members of your family? If you help this time, are you setting a precedent for this person to come back repeatedly? 4. How big is the need? It is easier to say “Yes” if someone needing $500 plans to pay you back than if they want $10,000 that you will never see again. 10
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5. Is the need one-time or ongoing? Providing a single infusion of funds is a smaller burden than agreeing to help with a medical situation that is open-ended both from the standpoint of duration and magnitude. 6. How did the need develop? Is the person in need responsible and diligent but faced with a challenge through no fault of their own, or is he perpetually in difficulty because of his own character deficiencies? Is this the first time she has approached you or part of a longstanding pattern? 7. What other resources are available? Are you the first person they have approached? Should they go to other people on whom they have a more reasonable claim? Are charities or governmental benefits available? 8. What is the impact on you if you assist? Can you afford to do what is being asked? Counting the cost before making a commitment may reduce the risk of resentment later. 9. What terms and conditions apply to the assistance? Are you making a gift or a loan? If you want to be repaid, including by a family member, treat the transaction as a business arrangement and document it properly. I once sold a car to an acquaintance for a series of payments. After two months he filed for bankruptcy and made no
further payments. I was unable to get the car back because the loan agreement did not provide me a security interest in the vehicle. 10. How will this decision affect future behavior? Does helping this person this time set a precedent for her or others she might tell? For instance, if you do something for one child and that child tells your other children, are they all emboldened to ask for help instead of working through situations they can handle on their own? Should you develop limits and boundaries ahead of time to guide your actions so that you have a method in place for dealing with requests? Exceptional situations might arise that you would handle outside of your normal approach, but you would have a frame of reference for most situations. Most of us need a little help from time to time. My wife and I received financial help a time or two from our parents and we have assisted our children and various friends on occasion. Generosity and sharing driven by genuine care for others are praiseworthy, but wisdom suggests that we not jeopardize our own security or become enablers of others’ irresponsibility. Alan Wallace, CFA, ChFC, CLU, is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor for Ronald Blue & Co.’s Montgomery office, www.ronblue.com/locational. He can be reached at 334-270-5960, or by e-mail at alan. wallace@ronblue.com.
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11
OUR HISTORY
Remembering Our History
C
ontinuing Prime’s partnership with the Alabama Department of Archives and History, here are three additional photos that need your help in identifying the individuals shown. The photos are from the collections of Montgomery-area photographers Horace Perry, John E. Scott, and Jim Peppler. If you know any of the people in these photos contact Meredith McDonough, meredith.mcdonough@archives.alabama.gov, 334-353-5442, or e-mail us at primemontgomery@gmail.com.
Right: Young boy wearing a cowboy hat, holding a puppy. 1965-1968. (Jim Peppler, photographer) Below: Cheerleaders, Baldwin Jr. High School, Montgomery, AL, January 10, 1956. (John E. Scott, photographer) Bottom Right: Students, Goode Street School in Montgomery, AL, gathered around a live chicken. On the blackboard is a poem about chickens. One of the girls holds “The Little Red Hen.” Circa 1940s, 1950s. (Horace Perry, photographer)
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IN EVERY LIFE
Battling Spring Allergies
A
fter a cold and windy winter, spring seems a welcome relief — until the onset of seasonal allergies. Although many people experience reactions to food, medications, or other substances throughout the year, sensitivity to airborne pollens or molds can cause a seasonal allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa), increased watering of the eyes, sneezing and possibly coughing. Seasonal pollens vary: early spring Arlene Morris brings tree pollen, such as oak, elm, poplar; early summer brings flower and grass pollen; and early fall brings weed pollen (ragweed, goldenrod). Additionally, airborne mold spores require a damp and warm environment, and can persist throughout the year in areas that do not experience freezing temperatures. Allergic rhinitis is among the top 10 reasons for visits to healthcare providers. The proportion of those who experience allergic rhinitis actually increases with age, due to increased exposure and changes in the immune system. Inhaling a substance such as mold or pollen begins to sensitize a person. Then, on subsequent exposure, slowed action of cilia
(that sweep out particles in nasal mucosa) causes swelling (edema), dilation of blood vessels, and increased capillary permeability, resulting in clear, watery nasal discharge and itching of the nose. Nasal drainage results in itching of the soft palate and throat leading to coughing and attempts to clear the throat. Further symptoms can include headache, pain over the sinuses, bleeding of the nose (epistaxis), fatigue, loss of sleep, and difficulty concentrating. In other words, misery! Accurate diagnosis includes a history of the onset and progression of symptoms, examination, and diagnostic tests such as nasal smears, blood counts, allergy testing, and/or elimination of causative triggers. Avoidance measures can help decrease symptoms. For example, high-efficiency particulate air purifiers [HEPA] in air or vacuum filters reduce allergens. Furthermore, air conditioners, removal of dust-catching furniture, rugs, or drapes, pillow and mattress covers, removal of pets, and smoke-free environments can reduce substances that cause allergic sensitivity. Other methods to reduce pollen or mold spores include changing clothing when coming in from outside, bathing to wash allergens from hair and skin, and/or using an over-the-counter nasal irrigation device to remove allergens lodged in the nasal passages. If taken when symptoms begin, over-the-counter antihistamines can help manage mild allergies by preventing development of additional symptoms. However, antihistamines have a side effect of sedation that can increase fall risk, and possibly contribute to cognitive decline. Benadryl and Chlorpheniramine are included in the Beers List of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults due to physical changes of aging that may not allow the body to effectively clear the medication. Over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed or Afrin actually constrict the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, but after a few days can cause rebound congestion. Nasal decongestants can reduce nasal blood flow, watery discharge, and nasal edema, but can interact with other medications. NasalCrom is a spray that reduces the release of histamine and the immune response, but may take a week or more to achieve benefits. Discuss with your health care provider if over-the-counter medications are safe and appropriate for you, and specifically which one is least likely to interact with your physical changes or other medications. Ask specifically about anticipated side effects, and suggestions to maintain safety if you determine the potential benefits outweigh the risks. See also http://www.guideline.gov/content. aspx?id=37706 and http://www.americangeriatrics.org/files/ documents/beers/2012BeersCriteria_JAGS.pdf Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE, is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing, and Immediate Past President of the AL State Nurses Association. Reach her at amorris@aum.edu. www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
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FEATURE
Health
at 50, 60 and 70 By Liza Kaufman Hogan Next Avenue, www.nextavenue.org
T
his is the second in a series on skills and knowledge valuable at different stages of life, focusing on staying healthy through your 50s and beyond. Prime’s online version of this and the previous article provide extensive links to additional information (www.primemontgomery.com).
50 By age 50, it's good to be aware of health problems that may slow you down and to be settling into a fitness routine you can sustain through your 50s. 1. Take preventative tests. Soon after you turn 50, there are a few preventative tests you should take if you haven't already. These include a colonoscopy, a bone density test and, for women, a Pap smear and mammogram. Men should discuss prostate-cancer screening with their doctor, but routine prostate exams are no longer done on symptom-free men. A complete list of recommended screenings for men and women ages 4065 are on the website of the National Institutes of Health. 2. Know your health risks, including high blood pressure, diabetes and ovarian cancer for women. Know how to prevent and treat these illnesses. If you haven't already, it's time to quit sitting too much, drinking too much and smoking. 3. Step up your fitness. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says all adults age 18 to 64 need 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week. 14
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60
At age 60, you'll want to pay special attention to your sexual health, your heart and your mental well-being. Fitness is still essential, though you may find you want to adapt your routine to your current fitness level to avoid injuries. 1. Mind your sexual health. Maintaining an active and satisfying sex life is part libido, part mindset and part health. If things are not as you would like in the bedroom, see your doctor. It may be that prostate problems for men or symptoms associated with menopause for women are slowing you down. 2. Maintain your fitness. Try Do-It-Yourself baseline tests (there are several on-line) to see where you stand, and improve your strength, flexibility and endurance based on the results. 3. Recognize and treat depression. Depression is common in older adults. Untreated, it can lead to a loss of quality of life and even suicide. Know the signs of depression and see a mental health professional if you need help. Depression is treatable and you don't have to live with it.
70
By the time you are 70, the focus is on continued fitness, nutrition and falls prevention. Mental health is also important. And good news — you don't need so many health screenings.
1. Keep exercising. You may need to alter your routine, but maintaining regular aerobic activity and weight training are especially important as you near your 70s. If you have fallen out of the habit, it's not too late to start. 2. Eat well. While there is a tendency to gain weight from your 30s to 50s, weight loss is more
typical after 60. Some of this is due to loss of muscle and some to poor nutrition. Research shows the better you eat, the longer you live. 3. Avoid falls. A fall and broken hip can lead to a precipitous decline in health. Take steps to avoid falls and prevent injury. 4. Care for your mental health. Binge drinking and depression are both risks among those 70 and older. But research also shows this can be a time of renewed happiness compared to the 40s and 50s, a progression called the U-Curve.
Liza Kaufman Hogan, who grew up in Montgomery, AL, is a Next Avenue senior editor. She is a founding writer and former senior producer for CNN.com and a former lecturer at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism. www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
15
FEATURE
Moving A parent in: Should you do it? By Lisa M. Petsche
I
f you have a parent who lives alone, you may be concerned about their physical or emotional well being — or both. Especially if they do not live close by or clearly are not managing well, you may wonder whether you should invite them to move in with you. Before making an offer, ask yourself the following questions and take time to honestly and thoroughly answer each one. Interpersonal issues What kind of relationship do the two of you have? How do others in your household get along with your parent? Any personality clashes will be magnified when you
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are living under the same roof. Your needs Consider your physical and mental health. Would you be able to provide hands-on assistance if needed? Could you cope with the ongoing stress involved in primary caregiving? Your family's needs If there are others in your household, what do they think of your parent moving in? It's crucial to have their support in order to make it work. Would you still have enough time to devote to them? Lifestyle issues If you are employed, how might the primary caregiver role impact on your work? How would it affect your social life, vacation plans and other pursuits? Decide
what adjustments you're prepared to make. Your parent's needs Determine what kind of assistance your parent requires and how much time it involves. Can they be left alone? If they’ve been diagnosed with a progressive disease, how will their needs change? Available supports What kind of support would family members be willing to provide to help make this work? Perhaps they could accompany your parent to appointments, have them over for dinner, or periodically take them into their home for the weekend. There are many possibilities for sharing care. What kinds of community support services are available to assist you in meeting your parent's needs, now or in the future? Find out about accessible transportation services, senior recreation centers, day programs, home healthcare services that offer nursing, homemaking and various types of therapy, and residential respite programs. If you live in a different town, how easy would it be to link your parent with needed medical supports, such as a new primary physician? Finances Give thought to how household expenses would be shared. Find out, too, whether your parent has savings or insurance that would cover the cost of medical equipment or healthcare services. If not, are you able to pay for them? Home setup Is there sufficient space in your home to meet everyone's needs? Would your parent have separate quarters? Consider, too, your home's accessibility. Would renovations need to be made, and if so, what is the estimated cost and who would pay it? Your expectations What are your expectations in terms of your parent’s participation in the household? Would you want them to help in practical ways, such as preparing meals, if they're well enough? Your parent's wishes and expectations Would your parent want to move in? If so, can you anticipate their expectations in terms of privacy, financial arrangements and practical help if appropriate? Other options Before making any decisions, explore alternatives: in-home services; adult day care programs; live-in help; an assisted living facility or a skilled nursing home. Determine whether any of these options are appropriate and affordable. Consider the least disruptive ones first. The decision If you conclude that moving your parent in with you is not feasible, help them develop a workable plan, whether it’s arranging in-home services or finding another place to live. Provide as much support as possible. If you decide to move your parent in, allow plenty of time for everyone involved to adjust to the inevitable changes in family dynamics and household routines. Most challenges can be worked through if all parties are committed to making the arrangement work. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker with experience in elder care. She is also a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior concerns.
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A Montgomery Cardiovascular Associates Facility www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
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SOCIAL SECURITY
Taxes & Ex-spouse Benefits
A
pril 14 is the eve of tax day. Did you know that Social Security pays benefits to eligible former spouses, and you may need to claim this income on Kylle’ McKinney your tax forms? If you are age 62, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on his or her record. To be eligible, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more. If you have since remarried, you can’t collect benefits on your former spouse’s record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse's work. In other words, we’ll pay the higher of the two benefits for which you’re eligible, but not both. You can apply for benefits on your former spouse’s record even if he or she hasn’t retired, as long as you divorced at least two years before applying. You can also elect to receive only the divorced spouse benefits and delay benefits on your own record after your full retirement age, which may translate to a higher monthly amount for you. If, however, you decide to wait until full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse, your benefit will be equal to half of your ex-spouse's full retirement amount or disability benefit. The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse. The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the benefits of your ex-spouse’s and his or her current 18 April 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com
spouse. Visit “Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced” at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/divspouse.htm to find all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a divorced spouse. Our benefits planner gives you an idea of your monthly benefit amount. If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you can still quality for widow’s benefits. You’ll find information about that in a note at the bottom of
the website. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/divspouse.htm today to learn if you’re eligible for benefits on your ex-spouse’s record. What you learn may bring a smile to your face … even on tax day! Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866593-0914, ext. 26265, or by e-mail at kylle. mckinney@ssa.gov.
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Voices of Change
FEATURE
12 War Babies Who Entertained America By Richard Pells (photos via Wikimedia Commons)
D
o you find yourself stopping on Taxi Driver every time you run across it while channel flipping? Or shedding a tear each time you watch The Godfather? How about singing along to “Mrs. Robinson” when it’s on the radio or adding tunes by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, or Joan Baez to new playlists you create? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you owe a “thank you” to a group you may not have heard of, but who have been nevertheless entertaining Americans for decades: the war babies. Born between 1939 and 1945, the war babies are often overshadowed by the two generations that bookend them: the “greatest generation” and the baby boomers. And while boomers often take a lot of the credit for reshaping American culture in the second half of the 20th century, the fact is that the war babies had by far the biggest impact on American postwar music and movies. Prior to the 1960s and ’70s, popular music and filmmaking were generally designed to appeal to entire families and often reinforced the country’s core values and traditions. But as war babies began to compose, write, and perform, that changed. Music became dissonant, more complex, and less melodious — both in sound and substance — and connected intimately with audiences’ private tensions and pain. Likewise, movies became more personal and idiosyncratic, speaking to their audiences’ social concerns and private predicaments. While songs and films from this era certainly gave meaning to boomers’ lives and influenced their
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own development, the boomer generation was the recipient of the new creative movement, not its originator. This distinctive generation produced individuals who were instrumental in shaping the country’s culture and politics during the last half of the twentieth century. Elements of American life influenced 12 war baby entertainers as they were growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, and those influences shaped their music and films. Francis Ford Coppola was born in Detroit in 1939. As a child, Francis contracted polio—the most dreaded disease of the first half of the 20th century. Confined to a bed, he created a puppet theater, a traditional form of Italian entertainment, one he reproduced in the early 20th century segment of The Godfather: Part II. The experience of polio also taught Coppola how to flourish alone, entertaining himself—an example of the reliance on one’s own personality, instincts, and emotional resources, a trait that characterized so many of the mem(photo by U.S. Embassy, bers of the war baby generation. Bucharest, Romania) Martin Scorsese was born in 1942 in Queens. As a boy, Scorsese (like Coppola) was ill; he had severe asthma and was unable to play sports or engage in other physically demanding activities. So Scorsese was isolated from other people, a lonesome introvert spending much of his childhood staring out the window of his house and later his apartment in Little Italy in Manhattan. As an escape from his cloistered surroundings, his father often took him to the movies, where Scorsese first discovered a passion for an art form that shaped the rest of his life. In fact, as a young child Scorsese began to draw cartoons and then scenes from the movies he saw, almost as if he were creating story-boards for a film of his own. Like Coppola, Scorsese learned early on to depend on his own visual fantasies and imagination. (photo by Siebbi) Consequently, Scorsese could not decide early in his life whether he wanted to be a painter, a filmmaker, or a priest. But what he did do, as an adult, was capture in his movies
the vibrancy and violence of the streets in Little Italy. Al Pacino was born in 1940 in New York to Italian-American parents (like Coppola and Scorsese). Pacino’s parents divorced when he was two years old, and his mother moved to the South Bronx to live with her parents, who came from—if you can believe it—Corleone, Sicily. Robert De Niro, whose background is both Italian and Irish, was (photo by GabboT.) born in New York in 1943 and grew up in Little Italy. De Niro’s father was a painter and sculptor and his mother a painter and poet. De Niro himself displayed an early talent for acting, playing the Cowardly Lion at age 10 in a grade school production of The Wizard of Oz. As a young man, De Niro studied Method acting, which emphasized the need for an actor to draw on his or her own psychological resources, and on memories and past experiences. It’s easy to see how De Niro’s upbringing in Little Italy prepared him for his Oscar-winning role as Vito Corleone in Coppola’s The Godfather: Part II. De Niro’s identity as a New Yorker also enabled him to develop a close affinity with Martin Scorsese. De Niro and Scorsese collaborated on many films that influenced and reflected the experiences of war babies: Mean Streets,Taxi Driver, (photo by David Shankbone) Raging Bull,The King of Comedy, and Goodfellas all come to mind. Faye Dunaway was born in 1941 in relatively impoverished conditions in Florida. She picked cotton as a child, all the while (at the urging of her mother) dreaming of a better life. From the beginning, she had a difficult, painful relationship with her father. He was a career soldier who served in the war and stayed in the army afterwards, while also having affairs with women. The closest Dunaway came to her father during World War II was listening to battle reports on the radio. All of these experiences inspired in Dunaway an early ambition to flee from her feel-
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(photo by Akumiszcza)
ings of childhood alienation, to escape to the big city and become a star. She decided at the age of five that she wanted to be an actress and began taking dancing and singing classes. It was precisely these incipient influences that prepared her for the movie role of a lifetime in 1967, as Bonnie Parker in Bonnie and Clyde, another desperate, lonely young woman who hungers for fame. Bonnie became Dunaway’s signature role, one that not only made her a movie star but the most idiosyncratic
actress of her generation. Judy Collins was born in Seattle in 1939. She started piano lessons when she was five years old, practicing Chopin and Debussy in the belief that she might someday become a serious classical pianist. But she also sang along with music on the radio, in her church choir, and for anyone who would listen. She was a child envisioning what it might feel like to be a show business idol — a dream that was reinforced by her father, a musician who had his own radio program during the early years of the war and was later hired by NBC for a show broadcast from Hollywood. There he took Collins to meet or watch radio superstars like Bob Hope and Red Skelton. (Collins also had another cultural influence in her milieu, though in this case the stimulus was literary rather than musical. Her godfather, named Holden, met J.D. Salinger in the army during World War (photo by Bryan Ledgard) II. Salinger eventually named his most famous creation, Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye, after Collins’s godfather.) Bob Dylan wasn’t always Bob Dylan — he was born Robert Zimmerman in 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. Like many war babies who became filmmakers or songwriters, Zimmerman came from a musical background; his father played violin. Zimmerman’s father also had polio and was exempt from the war. Zimmerman’s uncles, however, were soldiers who (like most veterans) were reluctant ever to discuss their often grisly experiences in the war. Zimmerman himself, even as a child, was taciturn, remote, and secretive — quali(photo by Bryan Ledgard) ties that would mark his persona 22 April 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com
as an adult. He devoted a good part of his youth to listening to blues and country music on the radio. By the late 1950s, as he embarked on his own singing career, Zimmerman renamed himself Bob Dylan in honor of one of his favorite writers, Dylan Thomas. Joan Baez was born in 1941 on Staten Island to a Mexican father and Scottish mother. Baez soon moved with her parents to Menlo Park, California, where her father studied at Stanford for a master’s degree in mathematics and taught military engineers during the war. But despite his background in math and physics, he was a pacifist and refused to work on the atomic bomb at Los Alamos. His pacifism influenced his daughter, who became a lifelong pacifist herself. While growing up in California, Baez began experimenting with rhythm and blues on a ukulele. From childhood, she was also blessed with an exquisite singing voice—one she learned early to develop as a way of fitting in, as half-Mexican, with her white (photo by Pat Swayne) cohorts. Though Baez was born in the New York area, along with many other war babies who became prominent singers and songwriters, her exodus to California meant that she met none of them until she moved to Boston in 1958, where she began by the early 1960s to find fame. Notably, Baez met Bob Dylan, nurtured his early career, and was, episodically, his lover. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were both born in 1941 and grew up in Queens. Simon came from a family of professional musicians and loved to listen to his father perform in bands. He was especially attracted to rumbas and sambas. Simon would later expand on this fascination with exotic rhythms when he started experimenting with Latin American and African music in the 1970s. But Simon had another passion as well—this one for the New York Yankees. So it was not surprising that “Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?” would become Simon’s most famous (photo by Nationaal Archief) lyric in “Mrs. Robinson” in 1968. When Simon was 11 years old, he became friends with a classmate, Art Garfunkel, who lived just three blocks away. Garfunkel’s grandparents had migrated to America from Romania. Both he and Simon came from similar Jewish backgrounds and harbored similar musical ambitions, which Garfunkel’s parents (like Simon’s) encouraged. Once they discovered that they appreciated each other’s voices in harmony, they started to perform as a teenage duo in the 1950s in school and before audiences, even making a
recording—all this before they emerged in the 1960s as two of the most poetic singers of the war baby generation. Joni Mitchell was born Roberta Joan Anderson in Canada in 1943. Her father served in World War II in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was an amateur musician who played trumpet and worshipped the swing bands of the 1930s. At the same time, her mother instilled in Mitchell a sensitivity to poetic language, especially as exemplified in Shakespeare. Later, at the age of eight in 1951, Mitchell caught polio and began singing in the hospital. Her response to the disease, as well as the musical and literary interests (photo by Asylum Records) of her parents, were the origins of her career as a sophisticated singer and composer who shaped American music like Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel. Carole King was born in New York in 1942, where the most valued piece of furniture in her home was a piano. King began making up songs on the piano when she was three years old and started her first piano lessons when she was four. King’s mother took her as a young child to Broadway musicals and collected cast recordings of shows like Oklahoma! and Carousel, to which King eagerly and repeatedly listened. All of these childhood experiences were the catalyst for King’s emergence as a major songwriter and performer in (photo by Linda D. Kozaryn) the 1960s and 1970s. Of course, this is only a small sampling of war baby entertainers and artists who modernized music and film in America. Others include George Lucas, Jerry Garcia, and Lily Tomlin—not to mention foreign singers/ songwriters, directors, and actors. For instance, all the Beatles as well as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones were born between 1940 and 1943. Members of this unique generation (which has been unfairly overshadowed by the boomers) were born, grew up, and became adults during the most stressful and transformative years of the 20th century—and their responses to the crises they faced were ingenious. Using their own pasts, experiences, and private struggles, they crafted a cultural revolution from which we’re still reaping the benefits today. Richard Pells is Professor of History Emeritus at The University of Texas at Austin and the author of War Babies: The Generation That Changed America (Cultural History Press).
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The View! www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
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TRAVEL
College and Culture in Oxford, England
The city of Oxford is often called “The City of Dreaming Spires,” a name that comes from a poem by Victorian poet and Oxford grad Matthew Arnold. All Soul’s College, one of the university’s 38 constituent colleges, is known for its distinctive twin towers.
By Andrea Gross; photos by Irv Green
M
y tutor hands me a piece of paper. "Congratulations," he says. "You're an Oxford graduate." Well, not really. A "faux grad" is more like it. But I do have a certificate verifying my attendance at one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, one whose alums include kings and saints, economists and entrepreneurs, Nobel Prize winners and Olympic medal winners. And now, me. My husband and I have just completed “The Oxford Experience,” a one-week program at Christ Church, the largest and arguably most beautiful of the university’s 38 constituent colleges. During that week, we took classes in the 24
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morning, explored the historic campus in the afternoon (including areas that are off-limits to most visitors), and played croquet, danced medieval folk dances and went pub-crawling in the evening. We lived in dorms carved out of buildings that dated back to the 18th century and ate in the Great Hall where King Charles I held his parliament in the 17th century and which was used as inspiration for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Hall in the 21st century. Our fellow students, who included folks from more than a dozen countries, ranged in age from under twenty to over ninety, although the majority were in their mid to late sixties.
In short, we were taught by experts, surrounded by history, immersed in culture and members of an international community. It’s a heady combination and undoubtedly explains why the program, which began in 1990, is so popular. There are six one-week sessions between the first of July and the middle of August. During each session, there are at least ten courses, each limited to twelve students, who meet with a tutor for three hours every morning. Courses range from the specific (George Eliot’s Middlemarch) to the general (Moral Philosophy), the artistic (Beethoven: His Life and Music) to the historic (The Birth of Europe), the religious (Sacred Landscapes and Holy Places) to the scientific (Human Memory and the Brain). The courses are so varied, and so well presented, that more than fifty percent of the attendees are repeaters. Indeed, we met one woman who has come for ten summers and, during many of those summers, has stayed for two or more sessions. Although Christ Church is just a few blocks from the center of Oxford, our days on campus were so full that we weren’t able to thoroughly enjoy the town. So after “graduation” we allow ourselves three days to see the age-old buildings and cobblestone alleys of the city itself. To get an overview, we climb the 100-plus steps to the top of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, where we look out over a sea of spires. Steepled churches and turreted buildings are surrounded by hills of green, and narrow alleys are bisected by modern thoroughfares. Descending from the stratosphere, we stop at the Bodleian Library, which with more than eleven million volumes is the second largest in Britain; gaze at the Sheldonian Theatre, designed by famed 17th century architect Sir Christopher Wren; and meander through the Botanic Garden, the oldest such garden in England. In the shallow river bordering the Gardens, we get our first look at punting, a popular Oxford activity that involves propelling a flat-bottomed boat by pushing a pole against the riverbed. It looks easy so we rent a boat, intending to try our skill, but it takes us less than ten minutes mired in mud to realize that we have no skill. We finally hire a “chauffeur,” who punts while we contemplate the view. We get our literary fix by having pub-grub at the White Horse, figuring that if it’s good
Above: Christ Church was founded in 1524 on the site of an old monastery. Below:The Christ Church campus is filled with tall towers topped with intricate spires.
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enough for Inspector Morse it’s good enough for us; downing ale at The Eagle and Child, the favorite stomping grounds of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis; and visiting the shop that was frequented by the real life Alice in Wonderland as well as Lewis Carroll, the man who immortalized her. Finally, on our last day, we treat ourselves to an all-day tour of the Cotswolds. As Martin Cowell, owner of Absolute Touring, drives his eight-passenger van along windy roads and small villages that are inaccessible to larger vehicles, we enter a world where sheep graze in fields bordered by stacked stone fences and homes are built from bricks the color of burnished gold. Martin tells us that the Cotswolds has been deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it is indeed. But it’s more than that. It’s a poster come to life. Back in Oxford, we stop at a souvenir shop where I buy a tee-shirt emblazoned with the Oxford University insignia. After all, even a faux-grad deserves some bragging rights. www.oxfordexperience.info/ www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/ Right, top: Punting is a popular Oxford activity that involves using a pole to propel a flat-bottom boat along a shallow river. Right, bottom: The Cotwolds, one of England’s most beautiful districts, is less than an hour from Oxford. It is a rural area of stone cottages and stately homes. Its name is derived from two Old English words: cots, which means “sheep enclosures,” and wolds, which means “gentle hills.”
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April 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com
GAMES Across 1 One-on-one contest 5 Pub orders 9 Creator 14 Sicilian smoker 15 Shout to a storeful of customers 16 Elegant headgear 17 Line on an envelope 20 Noel beginning 21 Current to avoid 22 Gives the nod 23 Pago Pago's land 28 Dudley Do-Right's gal 29 Green prefix 30 Golfer Woosnam 33 Down __: Maine region 36 "Gotta run!" 40 Paul Hogan role 44 Side of the 1860s 45 __ Lisa Vito: "My Cousin Vinny" role 46 Cold-sounding commercial prefix 47 "I'm not impressed" 49 '60s White House daughter 52 Classic cartoon shout 58 NYSE overseer 59 Green roll 60 Tropical trees
62 Zero in Morse code, any part of which will finish the title of the Oscarwinning song found at the ends of 17-, 23-, 40- and 52-Across 67 Stopped lying? 68 MBA seeker's first hurdle 69 Napa prefix 70 Array for a Boy Scout 71 Comes to a stop 72 Quick cut Down 1 Rectilinear art form 2 City east of Syracuse 3 Sci. of insects 4 Nonprofessionals 5 Pantry pest 6 Green expanse 7 Cast-of-thousands member 8 Pub order 9 High-elev. spot 10 A leg up 11 Sung-into instrument 12 Slezak of "One Life to Live" 13 Shoots the breeze 18 Plagued by drought 19 Church recess 24 "Where Is the Life That
Late __?": Cole Porter song 25 Forty-niner's stake 26 Rights gp. 27 Ghostly sound 30 Post-ER area 31 Son of Prince Valiant 32 "There's __ in ‘team'" 34 __-mo 35 Potato sack wt., perhaps 37 B. Favre's career 508 38 Velvet finish? 39 Collectible car 41 Search everywhere in 42 Front row seat 43 Apply amateurishly 48 It may be slung at a diner 50 Matador's cloak 51 Oft-baked veggies 52 Long (for) 53 Blessed outburst? 54 Evade 55 Butler's last words 56 Of yore 57 Muscat native 58 Where to find Pierre: Abbr. 61 Class with tools 63 Mar.-Nov. hours 64 Two-time loser to DDE 65 Owned 66 Boozer's syndrome (c)2015 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
Answers on page 34. www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
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TINSELTOWN TALKS
Still
Keeping Up
Appearances By Nick Thomas
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P
known more for his malevolent rather than melodic perforroduced from 1990-1995, the British sitcom “Keeping mances – Vincent Price. Up Appearances” quickly crossed the Atlantic, bringing “The play was about an artist,” explained Routledge. smiles to viewers of American Public Television where “Vincent was very knowledgeable about art and a big collecthe show was widely broadcast. tor, so I suppose that’s why the management brought him in. The success of the series, still seen on limited PBS stations today, was mainly due to the formidable acting skills of Patricia But he had not been on stage for many years and basically wasn’t musical, so he did not have a good time. However, he Routledge who created the ludicrously snobbish and comical character Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced ‘bouquet,’ of course). was wonderful to work with and all the company loved him. We shared his pain in the not very positive reviews he had to “The basic premise of Hyacinth is pretension and that’s the source of so much comedy,” said Ms. Routledge from London. endure.” The extent of Routledge’s musical background was revealed “While attempting to be a social climber, she also had to deal in Edward Seckerson’s British stage production “Facing the with members from the other side of her family like Onslow, Music,” in which who sat around the actress apin his string vest peared for several drinking beer. In a years. way, the show was “Edward dug a microcosm for up my history and society.” a lot of my old Still busy, Routmusical recordledge (who turned ings that I had 86 in February) forgotten about. has been traveling We have a conthe U.K., Europe, versation on stage and Australia starabout that aspect ring in “Admission: of my career,” she One Shilling,” a said. stage presentation In sharp conrecounting the life trast to Routof early twentieth ledge’s actual century British singing voice, her pianist Myra Hess. Routledge (L) and above with “Keeping Up Appearances” co-star and on-screen husband Clive Hyacinth charRegarded as one Swift. (BBC Productions) acter in “Keeping of Britain’s most Up Appearances” demonstrated frightful and failed attempts eminent theater actresses, Routledge graduated from the to impress others with her vocal prowess, leading to many University of Liverpool as an English and Literature major. “I didn’t have any intention of becoming an actor, although look- comedic situations. Combining classic British innuendo, clever slapstick, and memorable supporting characters, the show has ing back now I can see it was really inevitable.” become a treasured comedy import around the world. Though best known in the U.S. for her TV roles (including "I remember reading the pilot script and feeling confident I “Hetty Wainthropp Investigates”), Routledge is also a profescould knit this character together," says Routledge. "Hyacinth sionally trained singer with many years experience in musical absolutely leapt from the page.” theater. In 1968, she even visited the U.S. to star in the Broadway Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and musical “Darling of the Day.” has written features, columns, and interviews for over 550 magaThe production only ran for some 30 performances, but zines and newspapers. Follow him on Twitter @TinseltownTalks. yielded Routledge a Tony Award working alongside an actor
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FEATURE
8 Excuses for Not Exercising (and How to Resist Them) By Jackie Dishner
L
et’s face it: We all want to look good and be healthy, but none of us wants to exercise. And we all have a dozen reasons, like “It’s too much work” or “It’s hard” or “I don’t have time.” The list goes on and on. But here’s the bottom line: “The secret to slowing the aging process is to move,” says celebrity trainer Sean Foy, author of The Burst! Workout: The Power of 10-Minute Interval Training. To get yourself to move, you need to figure out and address what’s keeping you from starting.
Inspire yourself Foy works with his clients to write out what he calls a “Fit Card”. On one side of an index card, he instructs them to list the benefits to be gained from being healthy and fit (walk farther, breathe easier, improved circulation, and so on). On the other side, they list the barriers that keep them from exercising (no time, too expensive) and the effects of not exercising (no energy, depression, etc.). Doing this helps his clients change behavior because they are then able to see for themselves the benefits versus the cost. “You’re wrestling with apathy and motivation,” Foy says. “How do I get rid of one to gain the other?” Once clients have the card, he instructs them to read it daily. “Don’t worry about anything else. Just read the card. You don’t even have to attempt any exercise. In time, you’ll see your attitude shift and those barriers begin to lift.” If you’re not sure which barriers might be holding you back, here is a list of the most common ones, and how you can address them — most in under 10 minutes.
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1. "I don't have time" Everyone has time. Break yours into one-minute increments. Warm up for 30 seconds with some light stretching or running in place. Then jog in place for four minutes. You don’t even have to stand up. Use a chair. Jog while sitting in your chair for four minutes. If four minutes sounds like too much time, give yourself 30 seconds to warm-up, and then do one fast minute of jogging in your chair. Go as fast as you can for one minute. You can work your way up to 10 minutes of high aerobic exercise just sitting in your chair. 2. "I don't feel like it" To overcome a lack of motivation, you have to know your “why.” What is your deeper reason for exercising? To get fit? To be around for your grandchildren’s weddings? To see the birth of your great grandchildren? Play the dream game and ask, “What if?” Imagine yourself as healthy and as fit as you can be. What do you look like, feel like, think like? What could you do? Think about your own barriers. What’s keeping you from being as healthy and fit as you can be? Write this out on your Fit Card. Then take baby steps to access your motivation—a minute at a time. 3. "I can't" People are more apt to tackle things they think they can achieve, so Foy suggests starting off with one minute of exercise and revisiting that same exercise every hour or every other hour. Set a clock so you’ll remember to stand up and move for 1-2 minutes. Try chair squats. Stand up from your chair and then sit back down. By the end of the day, you could have done 50 squats. This will prove to yourself that you can do it. 4. "I'm tired" If you are too tired at the end of the day, that’s probably because you haven’t been moving. “Get moving,” says Foy. Easy, light movements throughout the day will make a difference in how you feel. Your best bet, says Foy, is to begin the day with a little exercise, even if just a walk around the block. If you don’t want to walk alone, get a dog. Dogs need to go for walks outside. 5. "I'm too old" No, you’re not. Foy says to read the books Biomarkers or Strong Women Stay Young to learn otherwise. “You can’t dispel research that shows exercise keeps you young by helping to increase muscle mass, improve heart health, and more. Plus, our bodies are able to gain strength quickly. You’re never too old.”
Just focus on light resistance if you’re worried about that. Foy says you’d be amazed at what people can do in just 10 minutes over time. A 65-year-old client of his became a power lifter, and he says his 85-year-old mother can do all of the Burst! exercises. 6. "It's too expensive" Again, no. It doesn’t cost anything to take a walk. And some equipment that you can use at home costs under $10. You can get resistance bands for $6, says the Orange County, California, trainer. Start stretching your hamstrings with those. 7. "I don't like it" You don’t have to like exercise to do it. But to help you overcome this hurdle, it’s best to exercise with others. “Get a buddy to do it with you.” Then the two of you can argue about how much you hate exercising while you’re leaning against the wall to squat or sitting on chairs doing side bends. To make exercise more fun, try it with your grandkids and watch them giggle as you engage in a friendly competition of Jumping Jacks. Count how many you can do in 30 seconds. 8. "I can't get back on track" It’s not uncommon to feel like giving up when setbacks occur and you find yourself not able to do as much as you were doing before. “You don’t have to be perfect to be fit,” Foy says. “Give yourself that grace, that forgiveness” because this is the time when having a buddy helps the most. For check-ins, goal-planning or competitive events, your workout buddy is someone you can use to help hold you accountable, especially when you experience a setback of some sort. No matter if your buddy is a human or a pet, it’s harder to skip out on a friend than it is yourself. If none of this works, Foy says to begin with deep breathing and stretching. “Work your way up to something else. Over time, pay attention to how your body feels. You should notice that you feel better. Focus on that.” Grandparents.com is a lifestyle site that celebrates the grandparent community by providing trusted information about family & relationships, health & well-being, travel & retirement, and more. Follow the site on Twitter (@ grandparentscom) and on Facebook (facebook. com/grandparentscom). www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
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7 Auto Repair Shop Tips
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ork, school, errands and the other demands of family life put your vehicle at the center of it all. When something goes wrong with it you may find yourself overwhelmed. Finding a repair shop you can rely on can ease your frustration and get you back on the road. “For most people, a vehicle is their second biggest investment next to a home,” says Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “It makes sense to take the time to select an auto repair facility that will take the best care of that investment.” Asking a few questions can help identify an auto repair shop to properly care for one of your most valuable assets: 1) Does the business employ certified technicians? Credentials and affiliations are indicators of professionalism and the management’s commitment to training and education. 2) Is the shop and customer waiting area clean and organized? Cleanliness and organization are signs of a well-run business. 3) Are customers greeted and treated in a friendly and respectful manner? A simple phone call to the shop to inquire about their services can give you a glimpse into how they treat customers. 4) Does the business provide a written estimate? The business should complete a written estimate and request your signature prior to starting any repairs on your car.
Season
Montgomery Symphony Orchestra
2014-15
Classical Season Concert V • Monday, April 27 • 7:30pm Davis Theatre
Fellowship Series Violin, April 16 • 7:30pm Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts montgomerysymphony.org / 240-4004 32
April 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com
5) What type of warranty does the shop offer? Most auto repair businesses offer a warranty on parts and labor, and the warranty is usually in writing or posted in the waiting area. 6) Does the business have a list of satisfied customers or references that it is willing to give you? Satisfied customers and recommendations from family, friends and neighbors are helpful in finding a good shop. 7) Is there a website you can visit? Many auto repair facilities have company websites that are worth checking out as they often include testimonials and additional information about the business. For more advice on selecting an auto repair shop, plus information on the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair, visit www.carcare.org. (Courtesy: Family Features)
MEDICARE
Compare Nursing Homes By Bob Moos
Y
ou can now be more confident when looking for a nursing home for yourself or a loved one. Medicare has just improved its Nursing Home Compare website so that the public can get a more precise and meaningful picture of the quality of care at 15,800 nursing homes nationwide. Families must often search for a nursing home for a spouse or parent at a moment’s notice, after some crisis or emergency. With no time to spare, many turn to Nursing Home Compare to begin their research. The website – at medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare -- receives 1.4 million visits annually. Nursing Home Compare provides details on recent health and safety inspections, nursing homes’ staffing levels and such quality measures as whether residents are in pain or losing weight. The website uses a five-star rating system to help families understand the differences between nursing homes. Each facility receives a star rating for its overall performance and separate ratings for its recent inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. One star means “poor.” Five stars mean “excellent.” Nursing Home Compare already enjoys a solid reputation among consumers – 85 percent find what they’re looking for. The latest revisions will make it even more trustworthy and user-friendly: 1) Medicare will rate nursing homes according to two new quality measures, both involving the use of antipsychotic medication. This is an outgrowth of an ongoing campaign to discourage nursing homes from using such powerful drugs simply to calm dementia patients who become unruly. 2) Medicare will do more to verify the quality data and the staffing levels that nursing homes now report themselves. The government will inspect a sampling of nursing facilities and rely on payroll data to make sure operators aren’t overstating the quality of their care and the number of their caregivers. 3) Medicare will raise the standards for nursing homes to achieve a high star rating. This will encourage nursing home operators to step up their quality improvement
efforts, as well as make it easier for consumers to distinguish the best performing facilities from the lesser ones. Just three years ago, only 16 percent of nursing homes had scored five stars on quality measures. By this past January, 46 percent had reached that coveted rating. In fact, as many as 80 percent of nursing homes had scored four or five stars. One-star homes accounted for just 8 percent. Though the higher scores may be partially the result of the nursing homes’ self-reporting, they’re also an indication of real improvements in patient care. As just one example, more attentive care of bed-ridden nursing home patients has reduced the prevalence of pressure ulcers in recent years. As welcome as those caregiving reforms are, Medicare thinks more progress can and should be made. Quality improvement needs to be a continuous process. The new, more demanding thresholds for star ratings on the quality of care will challenge nursing homes to redouble their efforts. A higher bar will lead to even better patient care. The improved Nursing Home Compare website and the increased public scrutiny will help nursing home leaders pinpoint problems in their facilities and promptly correct them. Owners who don’t make these improvement efforts will be left to explain to a prospective resident why their nursing home compares so poorly against other facilities. Still, the star ratings aren’t meant to be the final word on a nursing home’s quality of care. They’re simply a screening tool that lets families focus on a few facilities that interest them. The families can then have an informed conversation with a nursing home’s staff when they visit. Even under the best circumstances, choosing a nursing home can be trying. There are always many emotions at work. But if you do both your homework and your legwork and take it one step at a time, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Bob Moos is the Southwest public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
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You found the Jester Hat and it’s no April Fools! E-mail primemontgomery@gmail.com and write “Jester” & this page number in the subject line. You’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $25 Gift Certificate from Mr. Gus’ Ristorante. Drawing to be held May 4. Good luck!
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PRIME DIVERSIONS
Recent dvd releases
Rosewater • The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 • Interstellar Rosewater (R) As an ardent fan of The Daily Show, when Jon Stewart left for the summer of 2013 to direct this movie, I was sorry to see him go, even though his decision was not only understandable, but laudable. The film dramatizes the true story of Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari who was imprisoned for 118 days on bogus charges of espionage, largely due to his appearing in a satirical skit for Stewart’s show. After the ordeal, Bahari wrote a compelling memoir, which formed the basis for Stewart’s debut as director and co-writer of the screenplay for a feature film. One need not be Jewish to be motivated by guilt...but it certainly helps. Gael Garcia Bernal plays Bahari, a Tehran native living in London and working for Newsweek. He returned home to cover their hotly-contested 2009 elections.While there, he met members of the opposition during his reporting, fearing more for their safety than they seemed to. He also sat down with Daily Show “correspondent” Jason Jones for an amusing interview that wound up causing more unanticipated backlash than laughs. At first, Bahari couldn’t believe his captors didn’t know the bit was in jest. But months of isolation and interrogation took a severe toll on him, as would be true for anyone. The film efficiently covers the period from just before his return to Iran until the end of his incarceration, powerfully depicting the ordeal not only from his perspective, but including plenty of context for how and why it occurred, and how much diversity exists among the Iranian populace, despite the staunch theocratic facade presented by their political leaders.The viewing experience is far from pleasant, though the government’s methods of trying to force a public confession to a crime he never even dreamed of committing were far more psychological than physical. Mideast locations added a sense of authenticity to all the scenes outside his prison.This is a compelling tale not only because it’s true, but for how it is emblematic of many big-picture issues underlying our dealings with Iran and throughout the entire region. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (PG-13) As a mild disclaimer to this high rating, consider that some sequels work well as stand-alone products; others fill in enough backstory for newcomers to catch up without much effort.This third installment of a four-part dystopian future epic absolutely exemplifies neither. If you haven’t seen the first two, and aren’t already salivating over the finale (now in post-production), skip to the next review. Dilettantes have no chance of enjoying this one without recalling the others, or having read the popular novels that spawned them. Young, heroic Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is being urged to serve as the face of revolution for the oppressed Districts of Panem to rise up against their corrupt, vicious overlords in The Capital.This film
covers the movement’s early struggles against these tyrants with challenges more daunting than those facing the Jedi against The Empire, the current St. Louis Rams vs.The Greatest Show on Turf, or this U. S. Congress doing Mark Glass anything useful.These rebels get their movement started with a few successes, but they suffer much along the way, and are still in deep doo-doo when the credits start to roll. The Las Vegas odds against our heroes would likely be worse than those of Luke, Leia and the captured Han Solo against Lord Vader at the end of The Empire Strikes Back. But for intrepid fans committed to the whole journey, the acting and f/x are all you’ve been hoping for. Interstellar (PG-13) One of last year’s most-anticipated movies also ranks among the longest (close to three hours) and most confusing.This space opera is set in a dystopian near future, in which Earth has become another Dust Bowl, with food becoming harder to grow for what’s left of the populace. One surviving family of farmers includes Matthew McConaughey, his two kids and father-in-law (John Lithgow). Matthew was just beginning his career as an astronaut when disaster struck, ending the program and much of modern communication and technology. His daughter shares his love of science, but that’s not considered much of an asset when brutal climatic conditions threaten global starvation...or worse. But Matthew stumbles upon arcane clues from some mysterious source that lead him to a secret surviving NASA facility. He’s recruited to fly through a wormhole that could be a shortcut to another galaxy for colonization, since Earth’s habitability can’t be restored. It’s a race against time while bending time, hoping to find a new world before everyone on ours dies out. Leaving his family is agonizing, but essential. Anne Hathaway is one of the scientists on the mission to find which of the previous dozen explorers, if any, found potential new homes for our species. This one raises the bar over last year’s Gravity in terms of compelling space-flight simulations. The scientific components might be more coherent than my kind of book-learnin’ prepared me to appreciate, but seemed to careen between cogent principles with plausible applications and over-the-top speculations about space, time, gravity, etc. A scattering of insights and perspectives of arguable social and political relevance elevate the product beyond the thrill ride of boldly going where few have gone before. But the last 30-45 minutes lower the IQ of all the preceding activity in a vain quest for satisfying conclusions on each subplot. Many viewers might scratch their heads from ambivalence about what it all meant, and how much they enjoyed the experience, ala viewers of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Mark Glass is an officer and director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
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Faster, easier ways to save. Welcome to the modern world. Call 1-800-519-0891 to see how much you could save on car insurance.
Not available in all states. Savings may vary. April 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com
Things to Do in April Apr 10 — FREE document shedding (private residential only; five bags or boxes), 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 1555 Federal Drive (South parking lot, Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery). Confidential documents disposed of properly. Public encouraged to donate non-perishable food to benefit the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more info 334-625-2175. Apr 16 — Coping with Loss & Grief Seminar. FREE. 1 pm. CaraVita Village, 4000 Fieldcrest Drive, Montgomery. Conducted by Hospice of Montgomery. For information call (334) 284-0370.
April 19 — Montgomery Chorale presents Johannes Brahms German Requiem for chorus, orchestra, baritone and soprano soloists, 2:30 p.m., Eastwood Presbyterian Church, Montgomery. Tickets are $25 standard, $50 premium, $20 senior and student and are available online at www.montgomerychorale.org or from Chorale members.
April 18 — 6th Annual St. James UMC Benefit Auction, 4-6 p.m., 9045 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery. Preview is Friday, April 17, 5-7 p.m. No cost for either event. Items featured include antique furniture and rugs, original artwork, jewelry, salon and boutique certificates, gift cards from local businesses, vacation home rentals. Visit www.sjlifeauction.com to preview of items. For info contact Jennifer Aughtman, 334-481-0735, jen@sjlife. com. Auction benefits local and international mission projects.
May 2 — F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Gala Fundraiser, 7-11 p.m, 919 Felder Ave. Live music. Come in period costume or formal/semi-formal attire for an evening of wine, music, dancing. Tickets $50/ea. purchased at www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net/ or by mail, Fitzgerald Museum, P.O. Box 64, Montgomery, 36101. For info contact Willie Thompson, 334-264-4222.
May 6 — Lunch & Learn: Beneficial Pollinators and Native Bees. FREE. Noon-1 p.m. Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery. Sponsored by the Capital City Master Gardener Association. Bring a sack lunch; drinks provided. For more information contact the Montgomery County Extension Office, 334-270-4133.
May 7 — Taste of the Gardens, American Red Cross Fundraiser, 5-8 p.m., Southern Homes & Gardens, Vaughn Rd., Montgomery. Silent auction featuring local artists, restaurant and caterer tastings, wine, live music. Tickets $20. Purchase online, http://american. redcross.org/tasteofthegardens or at SH&G and Caffco Outlet. For more information contact Kari Hennagin, 334-260-4016, kari.
www.primemontgomery.com | April 2015
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OFF THE BEATEN PATH
T
Survivors
he odd set of tracks in the damp earth alongside the road were unmistakable; four long, well-scaled toes on the left, none on the right. He smirked, recognizing them instantly, and muttered under his breath. “Seems you survived another year Ol’ Peg,” he said. He’d first come across the turkey and his tracks three springs prior in a well-worked chufa patch not far from the house. They’d intrigued him, so he hung a camera on a nearby tree. A week later, he retrieved the memory card, quickly scanned through videos of coon, deer, and coyote, but stopped cold on a clip of a long-bearded tom with a funny gait. Opening day found him on a wood line bordering the chufa patch, daydreaming of Ol’ Peg, the nickname he’d given the unique gobbler. But three days’ persistence at the patch turned up no sign of Ol’ Peg, and he began to wonder whether the trophy bird had crossed another hunter’s gun barrel. For a month he checked the chufa patch periodically, working other areas of the property and finding plenty of birds but no Peg. The season of 2001 ended without a single sighting. The next two seasons he missed, one in service to his country, the next in a VA facility struggling to hold his life together. Like many young men of draft age, he’d been caught in the fervor that swept the nation as tens of thousands of young patriots enlisted to take the war on terror to the terrorists’ front doors. On an otherwise routine patrol one afternoon, his Humvee hit an IED, sending thousands of fragments of steel through the vehicle’s floor, killing three of the soldiers inside. He was the lucky one, the doctor had said, suffering only a knee-down amputation of his left leg, permanent nerve damage in the other and a deep gash across his cheek that stopped short of his right eye. Eight months into his rehab, titanium prosthetic on one side and a normal looking yet nearly unresponsive leg on the other, he’d survived but wondered how lucky he’d really been. As he struggled to learn to walk again he thought of Ol’ Peg with his jerky shuffle. His own movements were not all that different. With an honorable discharge, a Purple Heart and the well wishes of the U.S. government, he limped home, a hero to all but himself. In the sandbox, he’d often thought of turkeys, of home and the creek that crossed the pasture just this side of the hill behind his folks’ place. He thought he might even do a little guiding when he returned home, show those rich out-of-staters around the woods, until life’s path became clear. Given his new reality and limited mobility, hunting was the last thing on his mind. Just getting around was tough enough, let alone his need and desire to reenter society, and so he’d moved back in with his parents. When he’d returned stateside – even through rehab – he dreamt of home and kept thinking the worst was behind him. No more sand, no 38
April 2015 | www.primemontgomery.com
more patrols, no more death hanging over your head. Just get stronger, just get through it. Survive. But being home wasn’t so easy. Nightmares, cold sweats, panic attacks; these were all common. With spring approaching, his mother asked if he’d thought about hunting a bit, that it might lift his spirits. After a few weeks of her encouragement, he acquiesced, more to stop the nagging than anything else. He struck out before daybreak, the same worn vest and shotgun over his shoulder. He managed to hobble to the chufa patch by first light and stopped, out of breath and with sweat dripping down his face, to hit the owl call and see if he could roust a tom. Instantly, a thunderous reply not a hundred yards away broke the morning air. He eased his back against a large pine and slid as quietly as he could down the trunk. With little feeling in his right leg and his halfleg tingling from all the walking, he popped in a mouth call, propped the gun on his good leg and settled in to wait. A few minutes later he could see the gobbler and let out a soft purr with the call. The gobbler answered immediately and made straight for what he thought was a lonesome hen. As the bird approached, he could feel his right leg beginning to cramp and knew if he didn’t shift his weight the walk home would be misery. He twisted as stealthily as he could, but the gobbler caught the movement and hightailed it in the other direction. He sighed, exasperated, and dropped his head. When he finally looked up some moments later, a large tom stood 30 yards away through some brush looking in the direction the other gobbler had fled. He carefully shifted his shotgun to the other knee and let out a cluck with the mouth call. The tom spun around awkwardly, and he could see clearly the bird’s long, thick beard. His pulse quickened and his palms began to sweat. The bird began to step forward, but shuffled his feet instead, then did so again. His eyes widened as the tom shuffle-stepped several feet closer before turning broadside toward the wood line. Barrel propped atop his metal prosthesis, he watched the peg leg gobbler, beard nearly dragging the ground, limp across the field scratching for chufas with his good foot. He lowered his gun and Ol’ Peg disappeared into the brush. They were survivors, and survivors learn to make do. He reached up and traced the scar on his right cheek. Maybe it was time he grew a beard, too. Niko Corley, a licensed charter boat captain, spends as much of his free time as possible on the water or in the woods. He can be contacted at niko.corley@gmail.com.
Niko Corley
The independence you want... ...with the peace of mind you need Wesley Gardens Retirement Community Elegant Assisted Living Community and Memory Care
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Hearing loss? You can COPE or you can CALL. COPE with hearing loss by: • Cupping your hand behind your ear. • Avoiding noisy locations and back-lighting. • Asking the speaker to talk louder and face you directly. • Asking the speaker not to cover their mouth or chew gum.
CALL about hearing loss and: • Be evaluated by a Board-certified ENT MD. • Determine the cause of your heaing loss. • Develop a treatment plan to improve your hearing.
6912 Winton Blount Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36117 334-281-8400
all
EARS
Hearing Centers www.allearscenters.com
300 Medical Ave., Suite 2 Andalusia, AL 36420 334-427-2476