Asheville 50+Living JULY 2022 by WNC Homes & Real Estate

of Western NC

Calling Out

Medical Gaslighting Flip-flops or

Flip-nots?

Satisfying

Summer Salsas

50pluslivingWNC.com

July 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS 50pluslivingWNC.com

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Why Flip-Flops Reducing Your Risk of Dimentia Gathering Together With Healthy Herbs Wild Salmon and Salsa Verde Local Music Makers How to Get Through Periods of Economic Recession Seven Satisfying Summer Salsas What is Medical Gaslighting Home Improvement Projects

50+ Living | July 2022

July 2022 | 50+ Living

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July 2022 | 50+ Living

50+Living of Western NC

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50+ Living | July 2022

Arden 4 Long Shoals Rd. 828-333-4366 Woodfin 50 N. Merrimon Ave. 828-210-9544

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it can cause pain and stiffness in the heel and bottom of the foot when you walk. The pain of plantar fasciitis is usually most pronounced when you first step out of bed in the morning. It’s a common condition that more often affects people with flat feet or arches that are too high. If you have plantar fasciitis, you need arch support to reduce heel and foot pain when you walk and to avoid inflaming the plantar fascia. Some flip-flops are made with arch support, but most are not. When there is no support for your arches, the added trauma each time you take a step can inflame your plantar fascia.

Why Flip-Flops

are Among the Unhealthiest Shoes You Can Wear

lip-flops may look like a summer staple, but they can be dangerous to your feet. According to podiatrists, flip-flops offer no support or cushioning for your feet, and that can lead to problems for your feet and the rest of your body. Those Painful Blisters Flip-flops can cause blisters on your feet. These pesky and painful areas develop when flip-flops rub against your feet and abrade your skin. If you don’t watch them carefully, they can become infected. The thing about blisters is, you tend not to notice them until it’s too late. You put on flip-flops or other shoes that rub your feet in the morning and go about your business. After a while, you notice a vague soreness, but you’re busy, so you don’t think much of it. Only much later do you take off your flip-flops or shoes and discover the damage: angry red patches of skin, some of them already oozing fluid. With flip-flops, blisters can form between your toes or on top of the foot where your foot rubs against the strap. Either way, it’s painful for your tootsies, and you might end up limping for the rest of the day. Best to leave the flip-flops at home, especially if you’ll be walking a long distance. Flip-Flops Can Worsen Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. If it gets strained or overstretched, 8

50+ Living | July 2022

Walking in Flip-Flops Can Lead to Achilles Tendonitis Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the large tendon that connects your heel bone to your heel and runs down the back of your calf. The Achilles tendon is particularly susceptible to injury due to its poor blood supply. This also makes it prone to degeneration (wear and tear), which is more common in people aged 40 years and older. As we age, our tendons become less flexible and less able to withstand stress. Achilles tendonitis is most common in runners who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of their runs. It’s also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends. Wearing flip-flops also increases the risk. One cause of Achilles tendonitis is shortening and tightening of the calf muscles. Flip-flops put your feet in an extended position, which can cause your calf muscles to tighten, triggering Achilles tendonitis. For many people, this extension is not enough to cause problems. But if you have flat feet, which roll inward when you walk, this might push you over the edge into injury. If your feet are sensitive to this type of dysfunction, you may even notice pain after walking for just a few yards in flip-flops. Flip-Flops Increase the Risk of Injury and Other Orthopedic Issues When you walk around in open-toed shoes, even if they’re thick like flip-flops, you don’t get the same level

of protection and support as you would from sneakers or other closed-toe shoes. These shoes are designed to protect your feet against injury while flip-flops are not.

wearers also clinch their toes together to keep a grip on the flip-flops and keep them coming off. This places added stress on your feet and ankles and can lead to pain.

Because flip-flops and other open-toed shoes give you less support, this can cause pain in the feet, ankles, and lower back. The positioning of these shoes also puts more stress on your knees. The lack of cushioning to absorb trauma each time you take a step increases the risk of stress fractures in the lower legs.

The Bottom Line

Certain activities are also unsafe to do while wearing flip-flops, including running or biking. Avoid wearing flip-flops if you expect to do these things, so that you don’t injure yourself. When you’re pedaling a bike while wearing flip-flops, the tip of the flip-flop can get caught in the pedal and lead to a serious injury. Flip-Flops Change Your Gait Did you know that flip-flops also change your gait? People who wear flip-flops tend to slide more when they walk, which causes their toes to grip harder. Flip-flop

If the reasons listed above aren’t enough to convince you, maybe this will. A study that looked at flip-flops found that a single pair of flip-flops hosted more than 18,000 bacteria, some of them of fecal origin. Also, don’t drop anything on your feet when you’re wearing flip-flops. Your feet will definitely feel it! Maybe it’s time to switch flip-flops for a good pair of sneakers.

References: “Can Flip Flops Cause Blisters on the Feet?.” denielfootandanklecenter.com/flipflops-blisters/. “Flip Flops and Heel Pain | Grapevine Foot Doctors ....” 26 May. 2021, footdoc. org/library/flip-flops-and-heel-pain.cfm. “Study shows the ways flip-flops damage feet | KSL.com.” 15 Jul. 2013, ksl.com/ article/26012248/study-shows-the-ways-flip-flops-damage-feet.

July 2022 | 50+ Living

Reducing Your Risk of

Dementia Ten Lifestyle Changes

everal incurable diseases cause dementia. Generally speaking, dementia is a neurological disorder of the brain that often includes memory loss and issues with solving problems, language, and thinking. Dementia is cruel in that it slowly robs a person of their ability to function. However, there are things you can do that might protect you from diseases that lead to dementia. Here are ten steps you can take that may reduce your dementia risk:

Spend Time with Other People If you want to avoid diseases that cause dementia, spend time with others frequently. While everyone needs their personal space, human beings are social animals. It is, therefore, unsurprising that there is a link between dementia and loneliness. Ensure that you regularly spend time with other people. If you are an older person living alone, consider changing that. Perhaps you could move in with friends or relatives. Retirement villages are another possibility if you want to enjoy the company of people of a similar age. 10

50+ Living | July 2022

Eat Well Amending your diet could reduce your odds of developing a disease that causes dementia. Ensure your diet contains plenty of whole grains, vegetables, poultry, fish, beans, berries, olive oil, and nuts. Cut down on fried food, red meat, butter, cheese, and fast food. You do not have to be extreme about your diet to reduce your dementia risk. However, the more closely what you eat resembles a Mediterranean diet, the lower your risk of developing dementia should be. Aerobic Exercise If something is beneficial for your heart, it usually helps your brain. Regular aerobic exercise can reduce your risk of dementia and decrease the odds of developing several other diseases such as type two diabetes and certain types of cancer. The more active you are, the less likely you are to succumb to Alzheimer’s disease, one of the leading causes of cognitive decline and dementia.

Strength Training

Stimulate Your Mind

Strength training includes lifting weights, muscular isolation training, and push-pull training. Strength training could help to reduce your risk for diseases that lead to dementia. It helps protect brain areas linked to Alzheimer’s, such as the hippocampus, slowing down or even stopping cognitive degeneration in these areas.

Keeping your mind active may help to prevent diseases that cause dementia. Keep your mind and memory sharp by engaging in the following activities:

Avoid Drinking Alcohol to Excess Drinking alcohol in moderation will not harm you. However, consuming a lot of alcohol over a long time can eventually lead to brain damage and dementia. Excessive alcohol use over several years changes the structure of the human brain, which increases the odds of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. How much alcohol can you drink safely? To maintain your physical, mental, and cognitive health, aim to consume no more than fourteen units of alcohol a week. Avoid binge drinking, too. It is best to spread those fourteen units of alcohol over at least three days. Fourteen units of alcohol are the equivalent of about six pints of four-percent beer or six medium-sized glasses of wine. Manage Your Weight When it comes to dementia, obesity is another risk factor. If your body mass index is greater than 30, you are at more risk of developing dementia than someone whose BMI is within the healthy range of between 18 and 25. Why is there a correlation between obesity and dementia? The reason for this correlation is uncertain. However, excesses of body fat can increase inflammation. This inflammation may lead to an increase of harmful proteins in the brain. If you want to lower your risk of getting a disease that causes dementia, try to keep your BMI within the healthy range. Give Up Smoking If you smoke cigarettes, it does not automatically mean that you will get dementia in later life. Nevertheless, there is a link between smoking and dementia, memory loss, and the ability to think logically. If dementia is a cause of concern for you, do yourself the favor of speaking to your health care practitioner about smoking cessation.

• • • • • • •

Playing chess and other mentally stimulating games Completing crosswords and puzzles Learning new skills Keeping a journal Baking cakes Playing card games Reading books

Staying mentally stimulated and forcing yourself to adapt by learning new skills helps your brain build new neural connections. Keep Your Blood Pressure Stable If you have elevated blood pressure in midlife, it increases your risk of getting vascular dementia in your senior years. Eating healthily, regular exercise, and stress management will help you manage your blood pressure and avoid hypertension. If your lifestyle is healthy and you still have hypertension, talk to your health care provider about medications that control blood pressure. Get Enough Sleep If you do not get adequate sleep, it alters parts of your brain that correlate with Alzheimer’s disease. Those with primary insomnia face higher odds of receiving a dementia diagnosis. If you have primary insomnia, your inability to sleep well is unrelated to another cause, such as depression or drug use. To reduce your chances of receiving a dementia diagnosis one day, aim to get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Excellent Cognitive Health in Your Senior Years By making ten positive lifestyle changes today, you will give yourself a fighting chance of having excellent cognitive health for the entire duration of your life. Why not live a fulfilling life in your senior years? Perhaps today is the day to get up off the sofa and walk to your neighbor’s house to play chess.

July 2022 | 50+ Living

Gathering Together

with Healthy Herbs

by Laurie Richardone

Summer is a special time to create magical moments that will be remembered throughout the years. One summer I still remember is a gathering I had for twenty people; twenty years ago. I grilled twenty ears of corn, pulling back their husks and tying them with kitchen twine and I snipped the ends with shears, to create a unique handle. After they were perfectly grilled, with charred brown bits of color and still warm to the touch, I layered each piece with my fresh parsley parmigiano butter blend. I presented them on a decorative platter. It was a conversation piece. Succulent and scrumptious. Giving ourselves the time to plan a special gathering will have beneficial effects on your health. Coming together with people in our lives brings in joy, connection, and laughter. Pair this along with summer dishes and a dusting of fresh healthy herbs for a perfect alchemy to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Creating peak experiences for those you care about is not only fun and inviting, it sends a message of how much appreciation you have for the people at the table.. Did you know that fresh herbs can pack in just as much nutrition as vegetables? Just like green leafy vegetables! It’s true! Fresh herbs contain large amounts of vitamins A, C and K. Many herb plants also contain polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant compounds that have both antioxidant and antiinflammatory capabilities. You find them in green tea, blueberries, oregano, and olive oil just to name a few. Herbs are loaded with phytonutrients that protect healthy cells from damage by neutralizing the free radicals, which helps prevent adverse effects on our health. Research shows that all of these compounds regulate blood sugar, combat arterial plaque, and protect the liver. Wow wee. 12

50+ Living | July 2022

Summer is also the time we may crave satisfying treats. Indulge that sweet tooth by getting your sugar fix from fresh in-season fruits like peaches and melons. Take the liberty to integrate summer herbs into your sweet dishes. Chop up some fresh Summer basil, mint, or rosemary to pair with my coconut ice-cream recipe. Try a sprinkle of seasonal herbs over your fruit, or even my strawberry cashew cheesecake. Yes, rosemary adds the savory to the sweet, and with summer fruit at their peak of flavor, it’s amazing. To your good health If you are a curious cook or person, join me on my Podcast A taste for All Seasons. Listen to the latest episode, that will change the way you cook Salmon. Learn how to master three summer sauces with healing herbs, that will cover just about everything you whip up this summer. Summer Desserts are on my website: https://www. laurierichardone.com/recipes/categories/desserts All shows on LaurieRichardone.com or wherever you listen to your podcasts. We talk to farmers, wellness experts,and artisans where you can learn how to cook & live within the wisdom of the seasons. Laurie Richardone is a seasonal gluten free chef and certified health coach. To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com

Wild Salmon and Salsa Verde Serves 4 4 wild salmon fillets 7-8 oz 1 tbsp. clarified butter, or grass fed butter, for pan searing salmon 2 cucumbers, sliced thinly, sprinkled with a bit of fresh lemon juice. Poaching Liquid 1 1/2 cups water, or veggie broth 1/2 cup white wine 1 tsp. sea salt 4 pepper corns 3 lemon slices a few leaves of aromatics, dill, parsley

In a non-stick pan, heat to medium- high heat. Add butter of choice. Lay the salmon skin side up, and sear for 2 -3 minutes, depending on thickness of fillets. Place the salmon in serving dishes.

Salsa Verde 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed 1 shallot, minced 1/8 tsp. salt, to taste 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, plus zest pinch of fresh black pepper 4 tbsp. good quality olive oil Poaching the salmon Fill a sauce pan with enough room to lay salmon fillets flat. Do it in batches of 2 if need be. Add all the poaching ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer. Place the salmon fillets skin side down in liquid, and poach for 5 minutes.

Salsa Verde In a small bowl, add chopped parsley, minced shallot, salt, lemon juice, and zest. Let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk in olive oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Taste for seasoning. Assembly Drizzle salsa verde over the salmon and the cucumbers. Serve.

Gently place fillets on a plate lined with paper towels, to remove excess liquid. Pan searing the salmon

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal gluten free chef and certified health coach. To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com July 2022 | 50+ Living

Local Music Makers Summer Explosion

ey Readers! Welcome to my new music column called “Local Music Makers” where I spotlight area musicians and events. I am not dropping my Women Making Music interviews by any means, but I am in the process of finding a new space on social media, to publish it on a regular basis. I will keep the fans of that female-focused feature informed so you’ll know where to find it when I do. Within this column I intend to conduct interviews, offer reviews of shows and new releases. I will sometimes shine a light on area venue owners and booking managers that keep the wheels turning, helping to create income for area musicians and bands. I’m excited to interview and present to you, 50+ male musicians like veteran guitarist and Asheville native, Mike Barnes. There are movers and shakers I plan to interview; like entrepreneur, sound engineer, guitarist singer songwriter, Josh Blake. It will be our pleasure together to get to know better, the likes of phenomenal songmen Datrian Johnson, Jeff Thompson and Reggie Headen. My longtime music partner, Jonathan 14

50+ Living | July 2022

By Peggy Ratusz

Pearlman as well as longtime collaborator guitarist Jon Corbin and the man of 1000 songs, Hank Bones; all male artists that I am eager to highlight. Musician doubling as a booking agent, Jim Arrendell and owner, operator booking manager, Scott Woody from Isis Music Hall will be interesting and informative features in the future. The Buffalo Kings started out as a busking duo and now have taken WNC by storm with a full 4 piece band and I am giddy at the opportunity to track them down for an interview feature here. Women and femme artists I am eager to learn more about are Jenny Bradley and her daughter, Blue Belle who just moved here and have been singing all over town together! Ashley Chamblis, a singer songwriter who just moved back to Asheville, will share with us her journey back to the mountains. Newly transplanted bassists both named Kim – Butler and Jade I look forward to spotlighting! For now, let’s launch into some of the area’s “regular” weekly events.

Summer of 2022 is coming on strong on the local music scene. Regular weekly series have resumed and venues are fully open for nightly bookings. Compared to 2 years ago, the opportunities are a-plenty. It’s a variable smorgasbord for the local and the tourist live music going audience. Sunday Funday is a moniker that has two entertainment iterations: 1 - A recurring jam hosted by Kyle Travers of The Travers Brothership band at The One Stop in downtown Asheville at 8pm. Kyle features a different singer or instrumentalist each time, accompanied by an impressive backing band. Check the One Stop website for the next Sunday Funday Jam. 2 -The last Sunday of each month at Southern Appalachian Brewing in Hendersonville is a Sunday Funday with your hosts: guitarist and singer, Jonathan Pearlman along with yours truly. Similarly to Kyle’s SF, we feature a singer or instrumentalist to join us and we often have Ryan Kijanka on upright bass. Those happen 4pm-6pm, rain or shine but for the summer, we’ll be on the spacious courtyard and stage.

Well-Crafted Wednesdays is a songwriter series hosted by Honeycutters lap and pedal steel player, Matt Smith. A featured area songwriter joins him at Highland Brewing (East Asheville location) starting at 6:00pm on these special nights. Southern Appalachian Brewing hosts Jazz on Wednesday nights, with your MC, Jason DeCristofaro starting at 6pm. There’s always a featured musician which is followed by a Jazz Jam until 8pm. The Biltmore Inn is now offering music every night of the week in the Library Lounge starting around 6pm. If you’ve got an annual pass, use it to come hear some great Jazz Swing and Blues with Peggy Ratusz every Wednesday June-August! Thursdays are hoppin around town, given that it’s the gateway night to the weekend! Here are just a few of the regular options on Thursdays. The Asheville Sessions – Vocal series showcase at Isis Music Hall, Upstairs Lounge, 7pm Pleasure Chest – 5 Walnut Wine War, 8pm Jazz Thursdays at The Guitar Bar, 7:30pm Howie Johnson/Bill Mattocks duo every 2nd Thursday at Southern Appalachian Brewing, 6pm.

Shakedown Sundays is for all your Grateful Dead fans. They happen every Sunday starting at 7pm at the Asheville Music Hall.

Dine and dance to the hot Jazz of Russ Wilson & His Speakeasy 10 at The Speakeasy in Hendersonville. Make reservations! 7pm-9pm each Thursday.

Sunday Jazz jam and brunch happens each Sunday afternoon starting at 1pm on the outdoor stage at One World West with your hosts Connor Law, Ray Ring and Jason DeCristofaro.

Mr. Jimmy’s Friday Night Blues happens every week at The Guitar Bar. Jimmy features a different Blues artist each week starting at 8pm.

Little Jumbo Mondays is a must-be-hang for all your Jazz Fusion listeners. Always an amazing lineup of instrumental Jazz groups, Little Jumbo is an intimate restaurant located in north Asheville. The music starts at 7:00pm. JLloyd’s Monday Mashup is hosted by trombonist to the stars, Jonathan Lloyd. One World West is where all the cool kids hang out on Mondays. If you want to join in the funk, be there by 8:00pm On Tuesdays, the place to be is One Stop for the early Funk Jam at 8:00pm and the late funk jam just upstairs at The Asheville Music Hall starting at 10:30pm. For those of you with a taste for vocal and instrumental Jazz, Gypsy and Standards, 5 Walnut is the place to be each Tuesdays evening starting at 8pm with the Jon Henry’s.

On Fridays and Saturdays you’ll find a plethora of music happenings, concerts, gigs and showcases. My go-to sources for everything live music include Asheville Live Music on Facebook and the WNCW music calendar shout outs on-air! I am excited to highlight music in all its glory here in the Mountains of Western North Carolina. Several opinion polls rank “live music” as one of the top 3 reasons why people move to the area. And yet most of our per-gig wages have not increased in over 25 years. So it’s with humility and passion that I urge you to get up off the couch and into a brewery, bar or music hall to celebrate and support and tip our incredibly diverse community of Local Music Makers! Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter. For vocal coaching email her at peggymarie43@gmail.com July 2022 | 50+ Living

How To Get Through Periods of Economic Recession

hen you see news stories about a shrinking economy and recession looming on the horizon, try not to panic about your finances. Recessions are worrying. However, other people have survived them, and you can, too. Here are eight steps you can take to ensure you and your loved ones get through the recession intact: Pay Off Your Debts Getting through a recession is tough when you have a lot of debt. If you want to make your life a bit easier, you should pay off as much of your debt as possible. Start by paying off the credit cards and loans with the highest interest rates. Make a few phone calls to see whether any credit companies will lower your interest rates to make your debt easier to pay off. Consider a consolidation loan. 16

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Do not get into further debt. Avoid expenses you cannot afford without using a credit card. Diversify Your Portfolio It is not wise to invest solely in stocks and high-yield bonds when the economy is not doing well. Instead, diversify your financial portfolio. Diversifying your portfolio is vital during a recession. If you are unsure what further investments to make, consider real estate and precious metals. Such investments are wise when the economy is taking a nosedive. Try putting between ten and fifteen percent of your assets into precious metals such as gold bullion and silver and an additional ten percent into property investment. Taking steps to diversify your portfolio will offer you a measure of protection when times are difficult.

Develop Your Skills

Grow Your Own

Investing in yourself is always worthwhile. You can invest in yourself by continuing your education and expanding your skillset. The more education you have, the more attractive you will be to potential employers. Enrolling in an educational course may be less expensive than you think. If you take the time to shop around, it is easy to find discounts and offers. Furthermore, online courses have made studying more convenient than ever before.

Do you have a lot of outdoor space? If you have a sizable garden, use it to grow herbs, fruit, and vegetables. When you grow produce at home, you will not need to buy as much. If you have more produce than you can eat, make jam or pickle it. You can then eat the jam and pickled vegetables during the fall and winter months. You can also trade excess produce with neighbors for foods you don’t have.

Change Careers

Start Repairing Clothes

Is your career recession-proof, or is it in jeopardy? Working in a manufacturing plant is risky during times of recession, as is a career in the food production industry. Your job may also be at risk if you perform secretarial duties or work in inventory management.

In modern society, people throw away clothes that need mending rather than repairing them. Consider purchasing a sewing kit or even a sewing machine, and learn how to use them. You can then start to fix your clothes instead of discarding them when they need repairing.

Some jobs are more recession-proof than others. For instance, there will always be careers in specific fields. These include healthcare, education, law enforcement, financial services, and funeral services. If you think your job may be at risk because of a recession, do what is necessary to change your career path. For instance, you might need to do a course or some voluntary work to increase your employment chances in a specific work sector. Live Within Your Means You may think you need a set amount of money to live on each month. However, you can probably survive on less than that sum if you are willing to make some sacrifices. For instance, you could spend less on clothing or stop a few of your monthly subscriptions without it having any negative impact on your life. During an economic crisis, try to resist the urge to purchase anything that you do not strictly need. Before buying something, ask yourself if it is a matter of want or need. If it is a want rather than a necessity, avoid making the purchase. When possible, buy things that are secondhand rather than new. For instance, a pre-loved textbook will serve you just as well as a new one.

Reduce Your Fuel and Energy Expenditure Stop driving your vehicle to stores less than a ten-minute walk away. Instead, walk and save money on gas. When you are at home, be aware of how much energy you are using unnecessarily. Do not leave lights or televisions blaring in empty rooms. Unplug devices that you are not using. Do not leave your smartphone plugged in if it is already at one hundred percent. When the weather is moderately cold, wear more layers instead of putting the heating on. When the weather is warm, remove a few layers before switching on the air-conditioner. Stay Aware When the economy is in bad shape, it makes life challenging. However, heeding the advice you have just read will make surviving a recession easier. Looking for other opportunities to save money and earn more of it wherever possible will also help you remain financially solvent during economic uncertainty.

Do you have gadgets, furniture, or luxury items that you do not need? If you have unneeded items, consider selling them and investing the profit. Making new investments will expand your financial portfolio. July 2022 | 50+ Living

Seven Satisfying Summer Salsas

alsas, whether homemade or store-bought, add a bright pop of flavor to many different dishes, but they don’t always have to be tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Take advantage of the delicious summer fruits and vegetables to get creative. So, besides eating it with chips, what can you do with salsas? Grab your hat for a quick trip through some of these ideas: • Top your tacos or nachos. • Add them to burgers, hot dogs, and summer sandwiches. • Mix them with your scrambled eggs or top fried or poached eggs with them. • Stir them with macaroni, beans, and grilled vegetables for a new twist on pasta salad. • Spoon them over grilled fish, chicken, pork chops, steaks or tofu. • Make a quick guacamole by adding them to mashed avocado and a drizzle of lime or lemon juice. • Use them in place of salad dressing on sturdy, leafy salads. Take it to the next level by also adding black or pinto beans, crushed tortilla chips, and queso blanco or Mexican blend cheese. • Forget the accompaniments - just eat it by itself as a side or snack. Yes, that’s allowed! 18

50+ Living | July 2022

Now, for seven great salsas made from fresh summer produce. Note: Control the heat of your salsa by how much of

the pepper veins you leave. For a milder salsa, remove all of the veins and seeds; for hotter varieties, leave a little of each.

Be careful when working with jalapenos; if you don’t use gloves while handling them, wash your hands thoroughly with soap before touching your face and eyes. In fact, it’s often wise to wash them more than once! Salsa Verde Besides the uses above, this sauce is perfect for topping chicken enchiladas. Mix cream cheese, grated Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, chopped onions, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Roll the mixture in softened corn tortillas, top it with the sauce, and sprinkle with a little more onions and cheese. Bake until everything is melty and gooey. 4 tomatillos 2 jalapenos, seeded and deveined as desired 1 large onion Roast the vegetables together at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the tomatillos are soft. Put everything in the food processor and pulse it until it is mostly smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and a squeeze of citrus juice. Dip in and enjoy.

Mango Salsa This salsa is fantastic on fish, shrimp, and scallops. Kick it up a notch by adding a bit of pineapple as well.

Strawberry Summer Salsa Sweet and savory come together with a bang in this summer treat.

Dice and stir together: 2 mangos 1 red onion 2 jalapenos, seeded and deveined to your taste and diced 1/2 c parsley

Toss together: 2 c strawberries, diced 1/4 c jalapeno, diced 1/2 c red onion, finely chopped Zest and juice of 1 lime 1/4 c parsley or cilantro salt and pepper

Zest and juice a lime; add it to the diced fruit and vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Corn and Black Beans Salsa Is there anything more delicious than fresh summer sweet corn? After you try this salsa, you’ll agree that the corn is the best. You’ll need: 2-4 ears of corn, cut from the cob 1 large tomato, seeded and diced (or 1 c grape tomatoes, cut in half) 1/2 red onion, finely diced 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 jalapeno, seeded, deveined, and diced 1/4 c balsamic vinegar 1/4 c water Mix the vinegar and water; pour it over the combined vegetables, Serve with a slotted spoon. This one is also extra delicious with 2 diced avocados. Ginger-Apple Salsa Not only is this amazing on meats, but it also makes a scrumptious and surprising topping for pound cake and ice cream. Gently mix together: 1 Granny Smith apple, diced 1 Kiku, Honeycrisp, or other sweet cooking apple, diced 1 onion, diced 1/4 c lime juice 2 T fresh ginger, minced 2 t jalapeno, diced 2 T cilantro or parsley, finely chopped salt and pepper to taste

Cucumber-Radish Salsa Surprise everyone with a refreshing vegetable salsa. This one is especially good on burgers, salads, and chicken. Because it is not cooked, use a high-quality oil in this. Mix together: 2 bunches radishes, diced 4 Persian or 2 English cucumbers, diced 1/4 c parsley, julienned or chopped 2 T extra-virgin olive oil Zest and juice of 1 lemon salt and pepper Great Grapes Salsa As a dip, on top of meat, on cake or ice cream, or just by the spoonful - this one is delicious. Gently toss together: 3 c green grapes, halved 3 c red grapes, halved 1 c parsley, finely chopped 1-2 jalapeno, diced 1/2 c green onions, finely sliced (white and green parts) Zest and juice of 1 lime 1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil 1 t hot sauce salt and pepper

Grab those chips, a spoon, and your appetite, it’s summer salsa time! July 2022 | 50+ Living

What is

Medical Gaslighting

and What Can You Do About It?

s it possible for your doctor to gaslight you? Yes, the people you trust with your life and health can gaslight, and it can have consequences. Gaslighting can even impact a person’s ability to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. Here’s what you need to know about this phenomenon, how it happens, and what you can do about it. What Does Medical Gaslighting Mean? Medical gaslighting is a form of gaslighting that occurs in a healthcare setting. The term gaslighting comes from the film called Gaslight released in 1944. In the movie, a husband tricks his wife into thinking she’s mentally ill so he can take her money. Gaslighting is an insidious form of manipulation that involves convincing a perpetrator that their version of reality is false. Gaslighting typically occurs between romantic partners, but can also occur in other relationships, including friendships and family. It also occurs in the medical field between healthcare provider and patient. Regardless of the setting in which it occurs, gaslighting seeks to sow seeds of doubt in an individual, making them question their own memory, perception, and sanity. Using persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, and lying, the gaslighter tries to destabilize the victim and delegitimize the victim’s belief. Medical gaslighting may be used against patients suffering from chronic pain, mental illness, or other health conditions. Gaslighting occurs when someone with power over a person makes subtle suggestions that they are imagining their symptoms or illness and that their symptoms are not real. For example, doctors and

50+ Living | July 2022

other healthcare professionals can employ gaslighting to make you think your symptoms are “all in your mind” or aren’t significant. Why Medical Gaslighting Happens There are many reasons why medical gaslighting occurs. The doctor may have a different perspective on why a person is experiencing symptoms. They could be trying to help, but their attempts to help don’t match with the experience of the person having the symptoms. The doctor brushes them off as being “all in the mind.” Sometimes gaslighting doctors will try to present their opinion as fact to convince someone that what they’re saying is factual. If someone perceives the doctor as in a position of power, they may accept this and question their own beliefs. It’s understandable that patients would want a second opinion when they feel like a healthcare provider isn’t properly addressing their concerns. In many cases, that’s a good idea. For perplexing symptoms, you may need several opinions before you find an answer. However, doctors are even more likely to gaslight if they know you’ve already seen several healthcare providers and that they all underplayed the symptoms. It’s further reinforcement that there isn’t an organic basis for the person’s complaints. Examples of Gaslighting in the Medical Field Gaslighting in the medical field can take other forms too: • Invalidating concerns about your health by telling you there’s nothing wrong with you. • Explaining away new symptoms as something unrelated or normal for someone who is ill. • Discrediting concerns about side effects from medications by saying they’re all in your head. • Discounting physical symptoms caused by stress, anxiety, or other mental health problems. • Making patients feel guilty for not complying with a particular treatment plan or for doing something that makes them feel better even though it may not be in line with what the doctor tells them is “correct”. • Refusing to answer questions or explain their reasoning behind certain actions. If you are uncomfortable about taking an action and ask why it’s necessary, it is essential that your physician gives you an answer and explains their reasoning so you can understand the decision being made together.

How to Recognize Medical Gaslighting Medical gaslighting can be difficult to recognize because it often happens slowly and subtly. The first step is to be aware of your own personal experiences with it over time. Many people who have experienced medical gaslighting feel confused or angry when confronted with it -- this is normal! The following are some signs of medical gaslighting: • No one listens to your concerns. • Your doctor or the hospital staff dismiss you or ignore you. • Your symptoms aren’t taken seriously. • You’re told your symptoms are all in your head. • You feel like you’re being over-medicated or undertreated. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to speak up and advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion from another doctor if you don’t feel like you’re being heard. What to Do When You’re Being Gaslit by a Doctor There are several ways to deal with being gaslit by a doctor. Speak up and ask questions. If the doctor is giving you conflicting information or appears to be incorrect regarding the details of your case, ask them what they mean. Don’t be afraid to question their judgment and stand your ground if they’re wrong. They are humans, after all, and we all make mistakes sometimes. Get a second opinion from another doctor or healthcare professional who won’t gaslight you (ideally someone who works at a different hospital or healthcare provider). You can find out if there are top-notch doctors in your area by searching online reviews on Google Maps or Yelp. Conclusion Gaslighting can be confusing because it often involves a lack of communication between doctor and patient. When someone seeks treatment for an ailment, they should be treated with respect and kindness. Expect nothing less. If you suspect you’re being gaslit, trust your instincts & look for another doctor or medical professional. At the end of the day, your health is your responsibility-not theirs! July 2022 | 50+ Living

Home Improvement Projects to Do in the Summer

he summer brings warmer weather and better opportunities to complete projects around your home that you normally can’t do in colder months. The better weather provides you with more options to either do DIY projects to the exterior of your home or contract someone to complete a project that might be difficult or impossible to do in colder months. Here are five home improvement projects to tackle this summer before the weather starts to get cold again. 1) Replace your windows Summer is the perfect time to go ahead and get your windows replaced. Typically, most people get their windows replaced every 15 to 20 years, so this isn’t a project you’ll have to complete every year. You’ll know you need to get your windows replaced when they become difficult to operate and start to show signs of wear. 22

50+ Living | July 2022

Most people don’t replace their windows on their own. You can pay for installation services to come out and replace the windows on your home for you. Some of these services offer package deals in the summer to lower the price because they know many people want to replace their windows in warmer months. While it’s not impossible to get your windows replaced in the winter, it’s definitely more bothersome. Especially if your windows take more than a day to replace, you could be stuck with a draft in your house for weeks during the winter. 2) Clean your gutters Cleaning the gutters is something that can be done at almost any time of the year. However, it’s safer and easier to do in the summer. You don’t want to deal with the snow or ice when climbing on top of your house to clean your gutters.

Your gutters can be a great home improvement DIY project that you can complete in a single day. You can save yourself money by doing it yourself in the summer when the weather is nicer. 3) Replace or repair your roof Your roof is another summer project that can be easier to complete when the weather is warmer. Most roofers won’t work if the weather is too cold and only do roofing repairs in warmer months. If you’re looking to get your roof repaired or replaced, save your money for the summer to do it, if possible. You’ll know if your roof needs work if you notice leaks, drafts, or any kind of damage. Consider getting a metal roof if it fits your budget as they are designed to never need to be replaced. 4) Power wash your house Power washing your home can make it look nicer, and the summer is a great time to do it. If you own or rent a power washer, warmer months in the summer are a great time to go ahead and use it on the exterior of your home. If you’re paying someone to power wash your home, make sure you know that they will likely only do it when the weather is warm. 5) Landscaping projects The most obvious summer project on this list is landscaping. Doing your landscaping projects in the summer is smart for a number of different reasons. Making your yard and property look nicer in the summer by keeping it maintained is important. Plants and weeds grow faster in the warmer months than in the colder ones and need to be trimmed. You might find your property has quickly grown out of control due to the abundance of sunlight and warm weather. This also could lead to

more bugs in and around your house if your plants aren’t properly maintained. The summer is the time for outdoor projects Summer is the ideal time to finish home improvement projects you’ve been putting off in colder months. Some of the projects can be DIY, and other ones might have to be contracted out to workers who know what they’re doing, but your home’s exterior will be more attractive and valuable as a result of the work you put in.

July 2022 | 50+ Living