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50+ LifeStyles
December 2015
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December 2015
Suffolk Federal has re-elected of James J. Maggio, Jr., Frank C. James J. Maggio, Jr., Chairman, has been a member of the Trotta and Joseph Poerio to its Board of Directors. Trotta also credit union for more than 35 years and a member of its Board serves as Chairman of Suffolk Federal’s Member Services Com- of Directors since 2008. Prior to the Board of Directors, he served mittee. two years on the Board of Managers of the credit union’s finanFrank C. Trotta, Vice Chaircial services subsidiary and two man, is the Publisher of 50 Plus years as a volunteer on the Loan ReLifestyles , a Long Island based view Committee. Maggio retired publication covering Long Island from Suffolk County as a Senior boomers and seniors and Fire Legislative Analyst for the Suffolk News with 6 editions covering 7 County Legislature. His responsibilstates including New York, New Jerities included analyzing the budgetsey, Delaware, Massachusetts, ary implications of pending Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. legislation as well as special studies Trotta served as an elected official at the request of the legislature. Magof the Village of Bellport for 31 gio earned his Bachelor of Busi-ness years with the last 25 as mayor. He Administration degree from the Unihas served as the Chairman of the versity of Massachusetts and an MBA Board of Zoning Appeals for the from Adelphi University. Town of Brookhaven, Director of the Suffolk County Office for the Aging, Trustee of the Suffolk County Community College and was appointed by the Governor to the Stony Brook University Council. Trotta’s involvement with local charities includes the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Foster Grandparents of Suffolk County, and the American Red Cross. Trotta serves as the Chaplain of the Bellport Fire Dept. He is a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and earned both his Bachelor in Business Administration and Masters in Public Administration from Long Island University.
50+ LifeStyles
Suffolk Federal Re-Elects Board Members
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EDITORIAL
Happy Holidays
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Whew! We made it. How about we take a walk down Memory Lane just for the heck of it? The year 2015 will go down as the year that marijuana started being legalized around the country. The Hillary Clinton e-mail scandal broke back in March, courtesy of The New York Times. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the US Congress, also in March. The Baltimore riots started in April after a prisoner died in police custody. Mixed martial artist Rhonda Rousey takes out two fighters in two fights in 48 seconds total (February and August) before losing her first fight by a knockout versus Holly Holms in November. In June, two convicted killers break out of a maximum security prison (Clinton Correctional, nee, Dannemora) and stay on the run for most of the month before one is killed and one captured. Mass shootings occur in Chattanooga, TN; Charleston, SC; Lafayette, LA; and Roseburg, OR. A television reporter and her cameraman are killed on live TV by a former employee. And — as I write this — the Paris terror attacks have just happened. But all is not lost. While the old newspaper adage, “if it bleeds, it leads,” still rules the news world, there is much more uplifting
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news going on — it’s just under-reported. Stories such as Manhattanite Carol Suchman who bought out the entire contents of a toy store and donated it to the NYC Department of Homeless Ser vices in November. In the Netherlands, two police officers of the Eindhoven PD, after a mother of five was taken to a hospital, stayed behind, watched the kids, cooked and cleaned until a caretaker could take charge. A similar story came out of Manchester, England, when two Manchester Police officers realizing the call they were answering was simply two lonely oldsters, hung out with the couple and had some tea with them. (If you have a feel good story, send it along to us, please!) There’s always lots of good in the world to counter all the bad. We just have to work a little harder to find it. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you from all of us here at 50+ LifeStyle. — Gary P. Joyce; Ed.
President/Publisher Frank C. Trotta ext. 100
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50+ LifeStyles December 2015
50+ LifeStyles
December 2015
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Holiday Recipes
Spice up Your Holidays When the house is filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon, it’s a sure sign the holidays have arrived. This signature flavor of the season can add warmth and nostalgia to everything from traditional baked goods to vegetable sides and cocktails. “Everyone loves cinnamon in classic desserts like apple pie, but this spice is so versatile, it can be used in countless sweet and savory dishes,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “For the perfect seasonal side dish, you can toss carrots cooked in a slow cooker with a cinnamon-sugar glaze. Or, add cinnamon sticks to a festive drink, like holiday sangria.”
Caramel Apple Slab Pie Ingredients • 2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts), divided • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1/4 cup cornstarch • 1 tablespoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon • 8 cups thinly sliced and peeled Honey Crisp apples (about 8 apples) • 1 cup caramel topping, divided
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Use cinnamon in sweets, sides and sips
Before you stock up this holiday season, make sure you’re buying the highest quality cinnamon to bring pure flavor to your dishes. Look for clump-free ground cinnamon that’s a deep brown, mahogany color. It Preparation should have a warm aroma and taste with a little “red hot” cin- 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring crusts to room temperature acnamon heat. cording to package directions. Try these recipes to showcase that pure cinnamon flavor from 2. Unroll pie crusts. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch glass cocktail hour to dessert. For more recipes and tips, check out Mc- baking dish with 2 pie crusts. Press seams of overlapping crusts Cormick.com and visit McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest. in middle of baking dish together to seal. 3. Mix sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in large bowl. Add apples; toss to coat well. Spoon into pie crust. Drizzle with 3/4 cup caramel topping. Top with remaining 2 crusts. Pinch edges of top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut small slits in top crust. 4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup caramel topping to serve. Serves 16 Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Carrots 50+ LifeStyles December 2015
Ingredients • 2 pounds baby carrots • 2 tablespoons butter, melted • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Ground Cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Ginger • 1/2 teaspoon salt
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Preparation 1. Spray inside of 4-quart slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. Add carrots and melted butter; toss to coat. Cover. 2. Cook on high 3 to 4 hours or until tender. 3. Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and salt in small bowl until well blended. Toss cooked carrots with brown sugar mixture in slow cooker just before serving. Serves 8 Notes, Tips & Suggestions Keep cooked carrots in slow cooker when transporting to a party. Bring brown sugar mixture in small resealable plastic bag. For best results, toss carrots with brown sugar mixture just before serving. Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Cranberry Sangria Ingredients • 1 orange • 16 McCormick Gourmet Whole Cloves • 1 bottle (750 milliliters) sweet white wine, such as Moscato or Riesling • 3 cups cranberry juice • 1 cup fresh cranberries • 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier • 2 McCormick Gourmet Cinnamon Sticks • 1 tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract Preparation 1. Cut orange into 8 wedges. Press 2 cloves into each wedge. Set aside. 2. Mix wine, cranberry juice, cranberries, liqueur, cinnamon sticks and vanilla in large pitcher until well blended. Add orange wedges. 3. Refrigerate 3 hours or until ready to serve. Serve in ice-filled glasses, if desired. Serves 6 Notes, Tips & Suggestions If transporting Spiced Cranberry Sangria to a party, prepare recipe without adding the wine. Take the spiced cranberry juice in a clean, portable tightly covered beverage container leaving enough room for the wine. Then pour the bottle of wine into the container at the party. Serve and enjoy! Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Veterans
News ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
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Rep. Zeldin Secures Additional VA Services for East End Veterans
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Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C – NY-1), Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, announced today that the Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) based in Riverhead, has just been approved as a new member of the Choice Program under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Choice Program provides veterans, who are enrolled within the program, with an option to receive healthcare from non-VA facilities. Two eligibility standards require that a veteran has been, or will be, waiting more than 30 days to receive healthcare at a VA medical facility; or the veteran lives more than 40 miles away from a VA medical care facility, or is faced with substantial travel burdens. Additional information is available by phone at 1-866-606-8198, and online at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apps/choice. PBMC can also be reached directly at 631-5486827. Congressman Lee Zeldin said, “One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring our veterans have access to the highest quality of healthcare. Since the beginning of the year, I have been working closely with Peconic Bay Medical Center and the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase access to care for veterans who live on Long Island's East End. Peconic Bay Medical
Center, as an organization under the VA Choice Program, is an important new healthcare option for veterans, while still allowing them to continue receiving other services and ongoing treatment at the VA Hospital in Northport.” Andrew Mitchell, President and CEO of Peconic Bay Medical Center, said “Creating medical access and assisting with travel time for the Veterans on the East End is a benefit to our community. We are excited and proud to be able to offer convenient healthcare access to our deserving Veterans.” “I am pleased to learn that Peconic Bay Medical Center has joined the growing ranks of private health providers on Long Island registered under the Veterans Choice Program, which offers veterans expanded access to care, when indicated,” said Philip Moschitta, Director, Northport VA Medical Center.
Study Looks at Women Veterans A new study has found that up to one in five women who served in the U.S. Military during the 1960s and 1970s experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives and many are still living with the condition. Most of the study participants who served in Vietnam and the U.S. were members of the Army. More than half of the women in all categories were nurses during the war. About 20 percent of the women who served in Vietnam met the criteria for PTSD at some point in their lives, and about 16 percent of women who served in Vietnam still met the criteria for PTSD. An abstract of the study is available at archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2453293. Helping Vets
50+ LifeStyles December 2015
Some of the lovely items the Yarn Crafter Club at Hauppauge Public Library have made for the veterans. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of women. They truly are an asset to our community. The Hauppauge Public Library is located at 601 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge. 631-979-1600; www.hauppaugelibrary.org. Photo by Fran Palumbo
HEAP Can Help You emergency situations in Nassau County must call thge Education and Assistance Corporatiion at 516-5654327. Applicants who do not meet the Office for the Aging guidelines may still qualify based on HEAP Tier Income Guidelines for income and household size. A family’s gross monthly household income must be at or below the poverty standards set by New York State for HEAP. For example, monthly income for a 1-person household cannot exceed $2,244, for a 2-person household the limit is $2,935 and for a 3, 4 or 5-person household it cannot exceed $3,625, $4,316 or $5,006 respectively. For more information, call the Department of Social Services HEAP Unit at 631853-8820. Non-emergency new applications can be obtained and completed in person at the Suffolk County Department of Social Services South West Center, located at 2 South 2nd Street in Deer Park, 631-854-6684/6685. Non-emergency new applications can be obtained and completed in person at the Nassau County Dept.of Senior Citizens Affairs, 60 Charles Lindbegh Blvd., 2nd Floor North in Uniondale, 516-227-7386.
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50+ LifeStyles December 2015
Temperatures have suddenly dropped, and many local residents are growing concerned about the ability to afford the high cost of heating their homes. That’s why Suffolk Legislator Lou D'Amaro wants to inform local residents that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging and the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizens Affairs will began processing applications for the 20152016 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which provides financial assistance for qualifying households. Depending on the primary heating source, qualifying senior citizen homeowners can receive a basic HEAP benefit of between $350 and $625 for oil, propane, kerosene natural gas or electricity. Renters can receive a benefit of $30 or $35. Each year, thousands of Suffolk and Hanssau County households receive assistance through HEAP. Assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while available. Individuals who have not previously received the benefit and wish to submit a new application to the Office for the Aging must meet one of the following conditions: • Age 60 or older, or • Under 60 and receiving Social Security Disability, or • Under 60 and receiving Supplemental Security Income Code A. To request an application in Suffolk County call the Office for the Aging HEAP Hotline at 631-853-8326. In Nassau County call the ofccice of Senior Citizens Affairs at 516-227-7386. Seniors in
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Holiday Health Tips Give Your Family the Gift of Good Health
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As colder months approach, many families enjoy spending time together on the couch watching football, indulging in delicious family recipes and preparing for the holiday season. Many of us look forward to this time of year when we can spend quality time with loved ones, relax, reflect on the year and look forward to the new year ahead. This can also be a challenging time to stay healthy, as people tend to stay bundled up indoors and the food seems to pile up on the dinner table. Learning how to eat well and stay active ahead of the holiday season may mean the difference between staying healthy or packing on a few extra pounds and creating habits that could lead to serious health issues down the road. That is one reason the Aetna Foundation is working to make nutritious foods and exercise programs readily available for families year-round. “Poor nutrition poses a challenge to
America’s health, especially for vulnerable populations whose access to healthy food is often limited,” said Garth Graham, M.D., MPH, president of the Aetna Foundation. “We’re excited to support programs that help make healthy food and exercise programs more affordable and accessible to people nationwide.” There is a great need to increase access to nutritious foods in vulnerable communities and to make healthy food available, accessible and affordable for more people across the country. Millions living in underserved communities struggle to maintain healthy habits during the holiday season without the help of school-provided meals and activities. That is why the Aetna Foundation is working with nonprofit organizations across the country to provide healthy foods and exercise options and tools to more people year-round. These tips from the Aetna Foundation are designed to help people stay active and healthy during the holiday season. 1. Eat well. When grocery shopping for large (or small) family meals, choose fresh,
seasonal, nutritious foods as often as possible. When fresh is not possible, keep in mind that frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are still healthy alternatives. To guard against nutrient loss, be sure to eat frozen fruits and veggies soon after purchase and steam or microwave them rather than boiling to minimize the loss of watersoluble vitamins. 2. Cook together. As you plan and cook meals for your friends and family over the holidays, inviting your children to cook with you is a great way to teach them about nutrition and better food choices. 3. Get off the couch. It can be tempting to curl up on the couch to stay warm and dry during the cold winter months, but find ways to stay active with your family – such as interactive dancing video games, an indoor game of hide-and-seek or dancing during commercials while you watch your favorite TV show. Find more healthy living tips for your family at aetna-foundation.org. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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Holiday Gift Ideas
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2015 Hess Toy Truck Now Available Online
Don’t Forget Entertainment for the Holidays! See pages 12-13
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50+ LifeStyles December 2015
If you remember waking up on Christmas morning and finding a shiny new Hess Toy Truck under the tree, you're not alone. This year, you can share that beloved tradition with a child in your life with the new 2015 Hess Toy Truck – a Fire Truck and Ladder Rescue. The Fire Truck features oversized tires, swiveling chrome-detailed fire hose nozzles, 51 LED lights (including a high-powered pivoting LED searchlight), a slide-out ramp and four realistic sound effects. The accompanying Ladder Rescue features a rotating extension ladder with a movable nozzle and push-activated friction motor. The Fire Truck and Ladder Rescue, now available at HessToyTruck.com for $30.99, includes five free Energizer batteries and free standard shipping. The Hess Toy Truck, one of the longest running toy brands on the market, has been a beloved holiday tradition for more than 50 years. It all began when New Jersey entrepreneur Leon Hess first purchased a second hand truck and started delivering fuel oil to homes in 1933. Shortly after opening the first Hess branded gas station in 1960, Hess decided to offer families a fun, high-quality toy for kids - the Hess Toy Truck - that would become a hallmark of the holiday season. Hess wanted a toy truck made with outstanding craftsmanship and innovative electronics at a price families could afford. Fortunately – for collectors, enthusiasts and kids of all ages – the Hess Toy Truck tradition lives on today. “The Hess Toy Truck is one of the longest running toys on the market, and a cherished holiday tradition,” said Justin Mayer, Hess Toy Truck general manager. “We're excited to keep that tradition alive online and continue to bring smiles to kids' faces across the country for many holiday seasons to come.” This year, Hess has added a twist. Individually numbered Silver Edition Fire Truck and Ladder Rescues will be hidden in 100 random toy boxes. To learn more about the 100 Silver Edition surprises, place online orders and find mall kiosks for purchases, visit HessToyTruck.com and follow @HessToyTruck on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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A New Season of Broadway-quality Shows to Start at The Gateway
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Tickets are now on sale for the 66th blockbuster season of Broadway-quality entertainment at The Gateway. Based in Bellport, NY, along Long Island’s southern shore, this musical theatre powerhouse proudly continues its winter season. The season’s lineup started with a special event: Legends in Concert - with tributes to The Blues Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Cher, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton and Justin Timberlake. The month of December kicks off with Mooseltoe and tap dancing sensation Two On Tap: Happy Holidays! at The Gateway. The fun then moves to Patchogue Theatre with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, a fantasy come to life based off the recent Broadway revival. The Gateway rings in 2016 with The Rat Pack is Back with spe-
cial guest Marilyn Monroe. Call 631-286-1133 or visit www.GatewayPlayhouse.org for a full show schedule, ticket prices and more. The Gateway strives to enrich a wide range of communities with quality theatrical experiences through diverse arts, entertainment and educational programs. It endeavors to serve these communities in a fiscally responsible manner, to provide affordable resources to schools and non-profit organizations, and to ensure the future of the theatrical arts in the Long Island region. The Gateway’s 2015 season is sponsored by AARP New York. Funding provided, in part, by the County of Suffolk; and is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
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Janet Longo – Running for a Cause By Erica Lee Jackson
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When Janet Longo, 60, of Coram, hit the pavement 25 years ago, she never thought what started out as a hobby would one d ay equate to raising thousands of dollars for an organization that she holds dear to her heart. Longo’s running story starts in 1990 when her father, Merrill Hughes, challenged her to run a 5K run with him. “My dad was very into running since the 1960s and 70s when running wasn’t so popular.,” said Longo, who decided to take her father up on his challenge. She began training by taking her two boys to a local track and running as far as she could while one son looked on from inside a playpen and the nother from the sidelines. The race took place as part of the annual Mattituck Strawberry Festival and from then on, Longo decided to make running a permanent part of her life. As her children moved on, Longo con-
tinued running with a close friend always urging her to do more. “My friend used to tell me if you can do a 10K, you can do a half-marathon and if you can do a half-marathon, you can do a marathon,” said Longo, who has run, in the past 25 years, eight full marathons, three-to-four half-marathons a year and more 5 and 10K races that she can count. “Half-marathons are my favorite. They are a challenge, but its not an extreme challenge,” she said. Longo, in the last several years, decided to run not just for herself, but for a cause. Specifically, for disabled children. Each one of her runs is dedicated to the Roll Stone Foundation and includes a fundraising component. The Roll Stone Foundation is a charity that raises money to assist families who adopt children with disabilities. “This is what keeps me going,” she said. “Roll Stone is such an amazing foundation. These people, these families that adopt these children are the angels on this earth.” To date, Longo with the help of her run-
ning mates, has raised over $8,000 and is preparing to take on the upcoming 2015 NYC Marathon. Also, keeping Longo going is a running group called the North Country Road Warriors, which she runs with often and travels with to races around the country. To prepare for all of her runs, Longo, who works for Suffolk County as the acquisitions supervisor, runs nearly daily and on weekends. Most days, she rises before the sun to meet a group of friends, who she has been running with for the past 16 years. Together, they run between five and six miles before heading to work. “We have a route that we follow,” said Longo, adding that it never feels like exercise when running with friends. “We talk the whole time. We solve each other’s problems, the world’s problems; we have a lot of laughs. It is a blessing to have these friends,” she said. Those interested in donating to Long’s runs for Roll Stone, can donate www.crowdrise.com/janetsrunforrollstone2015/fund raiser/rollstonefoundationi.
LifeStyles Puzzle Solution from page 20
M O P U B U R R A R E A S L I T S D O E R S E D A B R A M I A L E E B L E S B E T I N S
P E O I L G I G H O A T K Y T E I N G S A P R S E D P O E A N N
R R T O U E U E S S T P L B R A C R A H A N D O G R R M E E E N S T A S E V E S E D
LifeStyles Sudoku Solution from page 20
S T E E D
P A D D Y
L E A Y W E E R R Y G E
50+ LifeStyles December 2015
‘Retiree Tax Map’ Offers Easy, Interactive State-By-State Guide Kiplinger’s has released its annual ranking of the most and least tax-friendly states for retirees. The list was unveiled as part of Kiplinger’s Retiree Tax Map — available at kiplinger.com/links/retireetaxmap — which offers an easy-to-use visual guide that compares taxes on income (including Social Security benefits, pensions and other forms of retirement income), property, everyday purchases, and, ultimately, your estate. The guide also reveals special senior tax breaks across all 50 states. “What many people don’t realize is that where you retire can be just as important—or, in some ways, even more important—than what you have when you retire,” said Sandra Block, Senior Associate Editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “Retirees and near-retirees can use Kiplinger’s 2015 Retiree Tax Map to explore their options and determine which locations would be the best fit for them, taking into account their personal finances, needs and lifestyle.” The 10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees: 1. Alaska 2. Wyoming 3. Nevada 4. Mississippi 5. Georgia 6. Delaware 7. Arizona 8. Louisiana 9. South Dakota 10. Florida
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Retirees: 1. Vermont 2. Connecticut 3. Rhode Island 4. Minnesota 5. Oregon 6. Montana 7. California 8. Nebraska 9. New Jersey 10. New York The Retiree Tax Map is a sister project to Kiplinger’s annual Tax Map—which presents each state’s income taxes, sales taxes, gas taxes, “sin” taxes (for products such as alcohol and tobacco) and other tax types, rules and exemptions. The 2015 Tax Map launched in September. The 2015 Retiree Tax Map features comprehensive retiree tax profiles of each state, a list of the 10 most tax-friendly states for retirees and a list of the 10 least tax-friendly states for retirees, as well as additional roundups including states with no sales tax, states that don’t tax Social Security, states that tax Social Security and states with estate and/or inheritance taxes.
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The Complete Caregiver’s Organizer; Your Guide to Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others, by Robin Porter, is a wire bound (i.e., lies flat) that focuses on two main points. Caring for the patient and yourself. There are checklists, Q&As, guided conversations, sections in which to keep a journal and activity suggestions. All laid out in tabbed chapter format that allows you to easily get to the section you need. Published by Spry Publishing (sprypub.com; 877-722-2264) for $19.95. — Gary P. Joyce
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50+ LifeStyles December 2015
Tax Heavens, Hells for Retirees
A Caregivers Organizer
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Seniors and Weightlifting Recent Study Proves Pumping Iron Can Help Adults Over 65 Improve Brain Function and Bone Density
50+ LifeStyles
e i g h t we e k s o f we i g h t l i f t i n g , a group comprised of seniors ages 87 to 96 improved their muscle strength by nearly 180 percent. Falls are a leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65. “Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of falling by building balance and flexibility,” says Dr. Drapkin. “However, weightlifting has its own unique benefits and can aid in the prevention of falls.” Weightlifting has been proven to improve muscle strength and balance; additionally, weightlif ting can make it easier to do daily activities and improves walking ability, as it builds endurance. A University of Vermont study found that af ter 12 weeks of weightlifting, a group of healthy seniors ages 65 to 79 were able to walk almost 40 percent farther. Dr. Drapkin cautions that seniors must learn how to use machines with correct techniques. “Safety is paramount,” says Dr. Drapkin. “Weightlifting can prevent injuries; however, we want to avoid causing them by using too much weight or moving incorrectly. It's important to work with a professional in order to learn proper form.” Dr. Drapkin has spent his career dedicated to reversing the ailments and stigmas of the elderly. Inspired by his own unhealthy habits and his patients, Dr. Drapkin began his bodybuilding career well after the age of 40. Now, at 71, Dr. Drapkin is an active world-class bodybuilder. Dr. Drapkin began bodybuilding to help improve his quality of life as he grew older and in order to debunk myths regarding elderly fitness through example.
December 2015
While numerous studies preaching the health benefits of physical exercise for the elderly have been around for a while, weightlifting as an important part of healthy aging has long been overlooked. The American College of Sports Medicine has recommended that elderly adults ages 50 and up should partake in weight training as part of their physical exercise program as a part of healthy aging. “Weightlifting has long been overlooked as an integral part of healthy aging,” says Robert Drapkin (drrobertmdfacp.com/), MD, board certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care. While many elderly adults partake in regular physical exercise, Dr. Drapkin urges seniors to incorporate weightlifting into their physical fitness regime. Per Dr. Drapkin, weightlifting can help prevent osteoporosis, increase bone density and improve cognitive functions. The health benefits linked to regular exercise are many and include prevention of aging related diseases including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, back pain, joint pain, and cardiovascular disease. “Regular exercise can lessen the symptoms of diseases that are already present and prevent those diseases from getting worse,” says Dr. Drapkin. Weightlifting, also known as strength training, can be beneficial for elderly adults who are well into their 90s. After just
Robert Drapkin, MD, is a healthcare provider who is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care. He is currently 71-years old, and started training as a body builder when he was in his 50s. He has been a competitive body builder for 17 years. He is currently in training for a national event in July 2016.
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Tech Talk with
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Where All Your Technology Questions Are Answered By Nick Radesca QUESTION: When people say that Windows 10 is a lot like
December 2015
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Windows 7, what do they mean? ANSWER: Before Windows 8 all versions of Windows operated pretty much the same. The home (or start) screen was always the Desktop Screen which had a start button in the lower left corner to locate and open programs. It was a simple set up that was easy to use and understand. Here’s an image of a Windows 7 Desktop screen with the start button pressed and the start menu in the open position. With new touch-screen PCs and tablets gaining popularity, Microsoft decided to upgrade Windows to have touch sensitive tiles and operate uniformly on all PCs and tablets, it has many great new features, plus the upgrade is free for a limtouch-screen or not. To emphasize the tiles, Microsoft changed ited time, why not get on board? the Windows 8 home screen to something it called the Metro Start Screen that displayed these colorful blinking app tiles. For Nick Radescu is a volunteer at SeniorNet (631-470-6757; www.semany devoted users (me included) the single most important tile niornetli.org). He can be reached at nick2p@yahoo.com. was the one that opened the Desktop Screen. However, to our disappointment, the new Windows 8 Desktop Screen lacked the familiar start button and without it, the system’s prior simplicity was gone. Changing the home screen and removing the start button angered people and businesses to the point where many refused to ever upgrade to Windows 8, so new computers using Windows 7 remained in strong demand. Here’s what the Window 8 Metro Start Screen looks like with its colorful app tiles. Selecting the flowered tile in the lower left corner would bring up the deficient Desktop Screen. With Windows 10, Microsoft listened to the public and changed the home screen back to the Desktop Screen with a Start Button. The below image shows the Window 10 Desktop Screen with the start button pressed and start menu open. As you can see the Start Menu now contains app tiles in addition to program links. A CNET article says it best: “Windows 10 bridges the gap between PCs and tablets without alienating anyone. The new OS combines the best bits of old and new Windows features into a cohesive package, while correcting nearly all of the missteps of Windows 8. The upgrade process is mostly painless, and free for most Windows 7 and 8 users.” Microsoft says Windows 10 is its last Windows upgrade. Since
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Age of Elegance By Ethel Bennett
Magic Carpet From New York to Florida
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In last month’s article I wrote about “The Magic Carpet Ride” for Lorraine Alberghine accompanied by Joan Allen. From New York to Naples, Florida, love and support surrounded Lorraine on her final journey to be with her family in her last days. Her wish fulfilled, she peacefully passed on October 16th, at age 78. Let us remember her accomplishments and celebrate the pleasure she gave to all of us. Lorraine was a professional dancer with the New York City Roxyettes, and was runner-up in the New York Senior America Pageant. As the assistant director for our 'Seasoned Steppers' our tap dancing developed to new heights. We already miss our friend and sister. 2016 Contestant Auditions The following eleven perspective contestants appeared at the Massapequa/Bar Harbour Library to audition for the April 3rd 2016 NY Senior America Pageant which will be held
50+ LifeStyles
COUPON Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2016 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant.
at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY: Jean Boyton, Shirley Darkeh, Tina Hanley, Dolores Hofman, Marie Quigley, Jeinne Reskallah, D. Margarita Rojas, Gerry Russell, Maryann Santagata, Theresa Walton, Paula Zdavenski. Their talents kept us entertained with piano, song, poems, dances and comedy. There is still time to audition. If you are interested in participating, our next audition date is January 9, 2016. Fill in the coupon below or call Marleen Schuss at 516-678-3242. An Annual Victorian Christmas Good Old Gold, Massapequa, NY, one of our sponsors, will be celebrating their annual 'Victorian Christmas' on December 6, 2015. Come join us and meet the NY Senior America ladies who will be hostesses and greeting all of the attendees. This is a fun time for for all! Annual Holiday Gala The Birthday/Luncheon will take place on Friday, December
11, 2015 at the Southward Ho Country Club, Bayshore. Come and bring your friends and family. Enjoy the fine cuisine and wonderful dancing music.
Name Address
December 2015
Telephone E-mail Address Return to: Marleen Schuss, State Director 80 Banks Avenue - Apt. 2113, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Or e-mail: marleenschuss@aol.com Phone: 516-678-3242
In closing.... May I wish you all good health and happiness this holiday season. I look forward seeing you at the NY Senior America Pageant on April, 3, 2016. Till then, Ethel
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Deal Me In
by Mark Pilarski
Doubling as James Bond for $5 a Pop Dear Mark: What are your suggestions to win playing Mini Baccarat? Keith W. Like Baccarat, Mini Baccarat offers a very low house edge, and for the low roller it is one of the best games the casino offers. With Mini Baccarat, only two hands are dealt, regardless of how many players are sitting tableside. Your only decision, Keith, is to wager on the Bank or the Player hand. The rules are simple enough, the nearest to nine wins. Adding a third card is dependent on the total of the first two cards, and is done by the dealer based on predetermined rules. Although you can easily pick up the nuances of the game in mere minutes, when you come right down to it, you just chill and watch the dealer perform
his or her craft. As a side note, it was my favorite game to deal. The quality of these two wagers is exceptional, especially for those who don’t want to use their noggin. The casino advantage on the Bank hand is 1.17 percent and 1.36 percent on Player. The one other option you have is a bet that both
carat than playing almost any other casino game. Here’s the math, Keith. If you were to play $5 a hand wagering on the Bank hand, even with a house edge as low as 1.17 percent, after seeing 200 decisions an hour, you would still end up having an hourly loss of $11.70. You can’t alter
Gambling Wisdom of the Week: Gambling Wisdom of the Week: “A gambler's acquaintance is readily made and easily kept – hands result in a tie. Never, ever make that bet, as the house edge on the tie wager is 14 percent. The casino holds an edge against your play no matter if you bet on the Bank or the Player hand, so any notion of “interminable winning” is illusory. It’s more like you will lose less money playing Mini-Bac-
FUNERAL DIRECTORY
that loss, Keith. But for $12 an hour, free cocktails – vodka martini “shaken not stirred” – and some points on your Player’s Club card, what’s not to like? One option where you can get a decisive break is finding a casino that offers a commission of four percent (compared to the standard five percent) on winning Bank hands. Here the
house edge drops to .6 percent. I haven’t seen this opportunity in a long time, but if some reader knows where it exists, I’ll gladly pass it along. Dear Mark: I live in Maryland, and I am starting to learn the game of craps. What is the best strategy for the game? Wendall As frequently stated in this column, for the newbie, a Pass line bet (house edge 1.4%) and Placing the six or eight (1.5 percent) is what I repeatedly recommend. Since most readers are bone-tired of reading about those wagers, as an alternative to taking up any more real estate writing about these terrific bets, I suggest you mosey on over to my web site (markpilarski.com) and use the search feature (upper right side) and type in Pass line or Place bets.
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December 2015
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December 2015
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Holiday Gift Ideas
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Keeping Track of the Grandkids
December 2015
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50+ LifeStyles
Most grandparents don't want to give an eight-year-old an iPhone, but want to be able to contact them in case of an emergency and vise versa. No selfies. No social media. Just necessity. KidsConnect may be the answer. KidsConnect is an all-in-one security solution and wearable technology that is helping keep children safe and secure while also giving parents peace of mind. KidsConnect is a small phone with many features including – four pre-programmed numbers, parental control of incoming calls, built-in GPS, real time tracking and voice monitoring. The Geofencing feature sends a text to parents when their child enters or leaves a predetermined location such as school, extra-curricular activities, the park or a friend’s house. KidsConnect has an SOS button and when it’s activated it will dial all four pre-programmed numbers continuously until someone answers. Parents can monitor their child’s activity via any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone with KidsConnect free app (iOS or Android). The unit is $79.95 with cell ser vice plans provided by Value Wireless for as low as $13 a month. For more information, visit www.mykidsconnect.com.
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Expert Tips And New Tech To Make Winter Driving Safe Whether a short drive on the parkway or a long haul road trip, travelers need to stay protected while “dashing through the snow.” The Federal Highway Commission estimates that more than 116,000 Americans are injured and over 1,300 killed on snowy/slushy/icy pavement every winter. The best way to combat the winter-driving hazards is to be prepared. Consumers can take action by following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – and leveraging new connected car technology.
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new, rented or has been a member of the family for some time – spend a few minutes testing your brakes on icy pavement, understanding where hazard lights are located and reviewing the owner’s manual for other vehicle-specific hints.
Driving Tips from the NHTSA: Pack Kitty Litter in your Prep Kit: Emergencies do happen, so be prepared for any winter driving delays or roadside incidents by packing the essentials – like a shovel, protein bars and blankets – in addition to supplies like kitty litter, which can help get your vehicle get un-stuck in icy road conditions. Get to Know Your Car – Especially If You’re Renting: Whether your car is
Messy Mats Can Cause Mega-Problems: Improperly installed floor mats, especially during inclement weather, can greatly impact the driver’s ability to break or accelerate. Double-check that mats are installed properly and won’t move or lose position in the winter months. Check Your Lifelines: Colder temper-
atures can put a strain on your car battery – it takes more power to start-up your vehicle. Have your mechanic check your battery. In addition, keep an eye on your cooling system – as coolant can expand in colder temperatures and damage your engine. Get Your Tires Winter-Ready: Replace summer or all-season tires with a set of dedicated. winter tires that have tread patterns and rubber compounds specially designed to grip snow and ice. Make Sure You’re Connected: Whether your car is new or old, self-installed solutions like Hum by Verizon provide drivers the ability to speak with a live mechanic who can help diagnose car troubles, provide cost estimates and recommend local shops to get the work done. In addition, help will be dispatched when you need it most via GPS technology – whether you need help changing a flat during a snowstorm, or need emergency services.
50+ LifeStyles December 2015
Farmingville, NY – On November 10, the Town of Brookhaven honored those who have served their country at its annual Veterans Luncheon at Windows on the Lake in Lake Ronkonkoma. The event was held on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps. Pictured left to right are Supervisor Ed Romaine, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Walter Tracy from American Legion Post 352 in Ridge, Councilman Kevin LaValle, Councilman Dan Panico, Joseph Rosalia from VFW Pearl Harbor Memorial Post 1941 in Port Jefferson and Councilman Neil Foley.
Send your Around The Towns submissions to; editor@50plusny.com
By Neal Katz As Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina try to elbow their way to- presidential candidate? — “Woodhull advocated a tax on the ward their political parties’ nominations, one may wonder: Who wealthy, women suffrage, equal pay, free vocational training or higher education for women and full legal equality as emanciwas the first woman to run for president? Victoria Claflin Woodhull was nominated in May 1872 by the pation from the slavery of marriage,” Katz says. Katz states that Woodhull’s story is important, because: Equal Rights Party, and her running mate was African•Feminism matters because, ultimately, it engenders American social reformer and abolitionist Frederick compassion, making us better human beings. Katz is Douglass. Woodhull’s most notable claim to fame pledging 50 percent of his royalties to a foundais just the tip of the iceberg however. “Well-behaved women seldom make history,” tion formed in tribute to Victoria Woodhull that will transform the lives of single mothers. wrote Harvard scholar Laurel Ulrich in 1976, •Knowing her story enlightens how we create “and this is especially true about our first our own history. Young people are grasping the woman presidential candidate in the U.S.,” says importance of women empowerment, yet charitable entrepreneur Neal Katz, author of knowledge of early suffragettes and strong the historical novel Outrageous: The Victoria women in history is not widespread. Woodhull Woodhull Saga, Volume One: Rise to Riches (thevictoriawoodhullsaga.com). should be an iconic symbol for all of us. “Victoria would not let anything keep her •“Free love” meant something different in the from what she believed was her entitled destiny, 1870s. Woodhull helped progress enlightened notwithstanding social expectations and prevailing views of a woman’s sexuality by def ying the remorality.” gressive norms of her day. Woodhull and her sister, Tennessee Celeste Claflin, be•She effected change and so can we. Her story is about came the first women both to own and operate a Wall Street hope, overcoming adversity, and manifesting the life you want brokerage firm and to publish the first women-owned newspaper. to live. Woodhull was also the first woman invited to address a Con- Neal Katz is a serial entrepreneur. His novel is “Outrageous: The Victoria Woodhull Saga, Volume One: Rise to Riches” (thevictoriagressional Committee. How do the current candidates compare to the first woman U.S. woodhullsaga.com).
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50+ LifeStyles December 2015
Who Was America’s 1st Female Presidential Candidate?