Collected Columns 2009 by Sally Ann Connolly

Collected Columns 2009 __________________ Sally Ann Connolly

Sally Ann Connolly Collected Columns 2009

Contents For the New Year: A Moving Resolution

Old Like Me: A Crisis in Health Care

That Falling Feeling: Foiled Again

Helping Kids Make Right Career Choice

Keeping a Lid on Permissiveness

Winning in Wii Reality

Working to Pave the Way

Chewing: A Means to Success

Dance and Romance: A Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tale

Happy Days Are Here Again

Meeting with Your Doctor: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

On Our Honor: Educating for Character

Beating Obesity: It Takes a Village

True Grit: The Key to Success

The Best Way to Go: With Everything in Place

Schools and Obesity: Letter to the Editor

School Lunch: Fit for Consumption

A Best Friend for Life

To Life: A Little Music

Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year

The Gift of a Lifetime

For the New Year: A Moving Resolution “The health benefits of exercise are so great that it is probably the most important self help treatment available.” Thus say the editors of the British Medical Journal in the December issue. “Regular exercise,” they continue, “reduces the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and death from all causes. Regular physical activity and structured exercise can also reduce falls and injuries, and it is a key factor in the prevention and management of osteopenia and osteoporosis. It also promotes mental welllbeing and helps people to manage their weight.” What more could I want? But wait, there is more. Researchers have also found that physical exercise may prevent cognitive decline. Researchers at the University of British Columbia recommend clinicians to “consider encouraging their clients to undertake both aerobic-based exercise training and resistance training not only for ‘physical health’ but also because of the almost certain benefits for ‘brain health.’” How fortuitous. This news comes only a few weeks after my decision to begin a self-imposed program of increased physical activity. The timing couldn’t be better: with the new year comes a chance to wipe the slate clean and begin again. The first goals in my program are flexibility and aerobic endurance. Strength training is important, I know, but maybe later, after I have made some real progress. To begin, I am relying on old and recently-purchased DVD’s. Like an artificial Christmas tree, which for years I have urged my children to buy, DVD’s are convenient. With them you don’t have to worry about weather or crowds or manner of dress. For flexibility and balance I am relying on the ancient art of Tai Chi. The program I chose includes instruction as well as 20-, 40-, and 60-minute workouts. The instructor, Ramel Rones, has an extensive background in the martial arts, and he works as a scientific consultant of mind/body therapies at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Tufts School of Medicine. Sounds good to me. But Ramel is not my only mentor. Depending on the mood of the day, I can choose to walk slim with Leslie Sansone, or I can heat up the dance floor with Kathy Smith in a Latin dance fest, or I 5

can hula along with Kili on the Hawaiian shore. If I’m feeling a bit more classical, I can join the New York City Ballet in its beginner’s workout. Improvising is another possibility. Having added the Jersey Boys and Saturday Night Fever to my CD collection, I now have an open invitation to dance. If Frankie Valli and John Travolta can’t draw me onto the floor, nobody can. Unlike Oprah, I don’t have the benefit of a personal trainer like Bob Greene. But I do have a gallery of companions to take his place. I will keep both Bob and O in mind during the New Year as I work to combine Tai Chi, dance, and plain, old-fashioned walking to improve my health. Like Oprah, I am sharing my goals for the New Year. Public disclosure, I have found, puts direct social pressure on one’s intentions. And following Oprah’s lead, I plan to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. ______________________________ January 2009

Old Like Me: A Crisis in Health Care In the 1960’s, when I was fresh from graduate school, I experienced firsthand what is called a hate stare. I was attending an event in the suburbs with a person of the opposite sex. Although he was only a friend and co-worker, my companion’s color made us a socially unacceptable pair. The searing, demeaning glare pierced me to the core, and I had an inkling of what prejudice does to the soul. More than forty years later, when I attempted to transfer my medical care to a new general practitioner, the same feeling left me gasping and grasping for something sensible to say. “You will need to have a complete physical first,” the voice on the phone said, “and the first appointment with the doctor is in March. What is your health insurance?” “I have both Medicare and private health insurance,” I replied. I have always been fortunate to have excellent insurance coverage. “Sorry,” the voice countered. “The doctor is not taking any more Medicare patients. Call back after January 1. There may be an opening then.” A silent slap in the face, and the door slammed shut. Access denied. The years had slipped by, and with them I had been swept over the hill. As a senior citizen on Medicare, I was no longer a prized patient. My access to health care was limited to the whim of or, rather, the quotient set by the physician. My recourse for treatment: the emergency room of the local hospital. But aren’t emergency rooms already overburdened? Shouldn’t they be reserved for true emergencies? And not for an earache or a bug bite or a persistent cough? Discrimination, however, can be a spur to action. My father often said, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Even a second-class citizen can have some potentially influential contacts. I enlisted the help of my new medical specialist. He recommended a young internist, who was establishing a practice in my community. But with health needs that are no longer routine, I felt I 7

needed a primary care physician with more experience. Like most other seniors, I have developed chronic conditions that require continuous monitoring. After more recommendations and many “Sorry, the practice is closed” responses, I found a generalist who would accept me. But the search was frustrating. Generalists are declining in number. Doctors have been lured away from internal medicine and family practice by the specialties, which offer greater prestige, a more comfortable lifestyle, and higher compensation. Medicare’s payment allowances only add to the problem. In 1994, a federal advisory commission, the Physician Payment Review Commission, warned that the gap between what Medicare pays and what private insurers pay might “compromise access to care for Medicare beneficiaries." Their warning has come true. In 2005 a panel of doctors reported at the American Geriatrics Society annual conference that although the importance of primary care is widely recognized, “we are moving in the wrong direction.” Access to primary care by Medicare beneficiaries is “limited and varies significantly by region, population size, and type of provider.” The situation, moreover, is going to get worse. The Baby Boomers are beginning to knock on the door. And by the year 2030, one out of five Americans will be 65 years of age or older. As serious as the problem is for senior citizens, the situation is worse for those on Medicaid. Dr. Joseph Heyman, chair of the American Medical Association’s Board of Trustees, demonstrated their plight when he wrote: “If a patient comes for an annual exam in my office and reveals a serious bleeding problem, or I discover a breast mass, I may not do the endometrial biopsy or the cyst aspiration on the same day unless I am willing to forgo payment. MassHealth does not accept the CPT modifier 25. So either I make a sacrifice or my patient must.” Is there no other choice? Somehow we should be able to provide everyone with access to comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous care. The door to a primary care provider’s office should be open for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or age. Connected or not, we are all trying to stay alive. But, I’m sorry to report if your name isn’t Kennedy or Newman or Gates and you haven’t grown old along with your doctor, your prospects for finding an experienced primary care provider are bleak. We’ve got trouble, throughout our land of plenty, and it starts with the letter “D.” ______________________________ The Senior Beacon News of New Hampshire, Senior Wire, January 2009

DANVERS WITH NEWS FROM THE DANVERS HERALD

Columnists

That Falling Feeling – Foiled Again All day long I shuttled back and forth to the house, the car, shopping, and the restaurant. Two solicitous daughters kept me from taking a spill on the stairs and icy sidewalks. That is, until I reached home again, alone. As I opened the front door and stepped across the threshold, my wet boot skidded on the wooden floor and off I went, arms flailing. I didn’t fall, but while saving myself, I wrenched my knee. And what was that pain in my hip? From a lifetime of twisted ankles—almost all due to walking mishaps—I knew that I had to react quickly. “R.I.C.E.” is second nature to me: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. I retrieved the ice packs from the freezer, wrapped my injured leg with an Ace bandage, sat down, and perched my leg on the coffee table. There I remained for the rest of the evening. “Expect it when you least expect it,” I thought. Although I didn’t actually fall, I railed against the pain and the interruption of my daily routine. “No exercising this week,” I grumbled inwardly. And that trip to the shopping mall? Forget about it. Maybe next week. Falls do that to us. They disrupt schedules, immobilize us, and more, especially if we are on the far side of 60. “Each year,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “one in three older Americans (65 and older) falls, resulting in 433,000 hospitalizations.” Falls, the CDC says, are “the leading cause of injury deaths and nonfatal injuries for those 65 and over.” Most of these falls — 60 percent — occur in the home. When my mother fell and broke her hip, I didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation. But that was more than 30 years ago. We weren’t as informed about health issues then. I have since learned that one out of four people who fracture a hip will die within the year, and “half will never be as mobile as they were before the fall.” My mother, who was in her mid-60s, survived only two years. But hip fractures are only part of the picture. Other common areas of injury are the spine, wrist, and head. In 2005, traumatic brain injuries related to falls resulted in approximately 8,000 deaths and 56,000 hospitalizations among those 65 and older. Those who survive often have long-term effects including loss of mobility and independence as well as emotional problems.

Falls constitute a significant and costly public health problem that continues to be underreported. The CDC, however, has begun to sponsor fall-prevention programs. In Oregon, for example, the CDC funded a study in conjunction with the Department of Human Services to see if a Tai Chi program for the elderly could be effectively introduced. The results were positive, and program participants showed “significant improvements in health-related outcome measures such as balance, reduction in falls, and increased functional independence.” Tai Chi seems to have increased my leg strength and balance enough to help me avert a fall. My husband used to say that I could trip over the flowers in the linoleum, so I plan to look closely at the recommendations made by the Mayo Clinic in their bulletin, “Fall Prevention: 6 Ways to Reduce Your Falling Risk.” This bulletin can be found at www.mayoclinic.com/health/fall-prevention/HQ00657. Too bad my dog can’t read. That loud thump-thump-thump I just heard was my elderly Bichon Frisé tumbling down the stairs. Now there are two of us to worry about. Give me a break. ______________________________ January 15, 2009

My View: Helping Kids Make Right Career Choice Where would we be without our electricians, our plumbers, and our carpenters? Or our auto mechanics, hairdressers, and trained chefs? These technicians and others in skilled occupations keep America running. Yet information about vocational/technical occupations and the schools that offer such training does not always get out to youngsters. Writing in the forthcoming March issue of the Counselor's Notebook, the newsletter of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA), Karen Decoster and Lisa Sander of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) say, "Vocational education in Massachusetts celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, but even in our state where education is highly valued, there are misconceptions about this excellent form of education." Students and parent/guardians, the authors say, depend upon school counselors "to provide them with up-to-date information and sufficient notice, as early as the seventh grade." Usually students learn about the programs in a vocational/technical school by visiting the school themselves on an individual basis or through formally arranged group tours. Quite often, vocational school counselors reach out to middle and high school students by meeting students in their own schools, where they can discuss both job opportunities and the training involved. As a former counselor at North Shore Technical High School in Middleton, I participated in many of these school tours and "dog-and-pony shows." I can attest to the cooperation of school personnel in Salem and my hometown of Danvers with regard to both forms of recruitment. Not all schools, however, show the same spirit of cooperation. And not all school personnel possess the same knowledge of state regulations. In addition to the requirement that students have equal access to information concerning available vocational/technical programs, middle schools have an obligation to release student names and addresses to the vocational/technical high school. All studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;male and female, regular ed and special edâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are entitled to information about vocational/technical education. This will be the central message of a workshop that DESE will conduct in May at MASCA's annual spring conference. 11

At the conference, elementary, middle, and secondary school counselors will have an opportunity to hear from the experts in the field. Counselors will return to their schools with the information they need to continue helping all students succeed both personally and professionally. And in the process, school counselors will be meeting one of the standards set for all school counseling programs in the state: Ensuring equity in access and the delivery of programs. When it comes to repairs around the house, those of us who try to do it ourselves often find that we could have saved both time and money if we had turned to a trained technician first. Finding a rewarding career path is no different. MASCA and DESE want to ensure that students and their parents get the information they need by turning first to an informed, trained school counselor. These two groups will help students and their parents save time, money, and effort when it comes to choosing a career and the best means of attaining it. ______________________________ February 10, 2009

Keeping a Lid on Permissiveness Although television programs are aired without warning labels, watching TV can have unwanted consequences for the behavior of teenagers. Surprise. Surprise. Watching TV can have serious consequences for behavior. So says a threeyear study of youngsters between the ages of 12 and 17. The RAND Corporation study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics, found a high rate of unwanted pregnancies among teenagers who watched the most TV programs with sexual content. Teenagers who had with the greatest exposure were twice as likely to get pregnant. The study went on to point out that the United States has “one of the highest teen pregnancy rates among industrialized nations. Nearly 1 million young women become pregnant each year, with the majority of these pregnancies unplanned. Research has shown that young mothers are more likely than others to quit school, require public assistance and to live in poverty.” Are we really stunned by the findings of this latest study? How shocked would we be to learn that someone who saturates his diet with hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats has developed cancer? Or that someone who gorges daily on baked goods, candy, and ice cream has become obese or developed diabetes? Overindulging is bound to have consequences, some of them unwanted and unplanned. Our favorite TV programs, however, seldom carry warning labels. The possible consequences of risky behavior—pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases—are seldom portrayed. How often have the characters on “Friends” or “Sex and the City” talked about safe sex? Or engaged in safe practices? How often have the frequent portrayals of one-night-stands resulted in health problems? But avoiding TV programs with sexual content is difficult. Approximately 80 percent of today’s programming includes sexual scenes or dialogue. Producers and scriptwriters rely heavily on the marketing premise that sex sells. Take a look at the themes of the highly popular “Two and a Half Men” or the program geared specifically to teenagers, “90210.” We must not wait for other studies to confirm what we already feel in our gut. The hypersexualized messages being fed to us by TV as well as movies, music, magazines, and the Internet have a negative impact on formative minds. 13

As parents, we need to know the viewing and listening habits of our youngsters, and we must be willing to have frank discussions with them about the behavior and values being portrayed. Everybody may be doing it on TV, but in real life, actions have social, moral and legal consequences. To avoid overexposure to the media we need to work with our teenagers to help them find satisfying alternatives for their bountiful energyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;activities such as after-school sports, personal enrichment opportunities, or limited, part-time work. It is often said that in terms of our body, we are what we eat. In terms of the formation of attitudes and our behavior, we can say the same thing: Garbage in, garbage out. ______________________________ February 3, 2009 Also published in: MASCA Counselorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notebook, February The Danvers Herald, February 5, 2009

SENIOR NEWS OF HOUSTON

MARCH 2009

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Winning in Wii Reality Blasting the air with their clenched fists, the two young men fought fiercely for dominance. No shadow boxing for these contenders. My sons-in-law waged a furious, prolonged battle for bragging rights. With ringside seats to our own reality show, family members cheered on the contenders. We reveled in the rivalry, knowing that no harm would come to them, because we had stepped into the world of virtual sports. My niece had received a coveted Wii console as a holiday gift. As did my daughter and millions of other people. In fact, NPD Group, a market research company that provides information on consumer sales, reports that over 10 million units of Nintendo Wii were sold in the United States in 2008. On Black Friday alone, Wii received the most searches and topped the list of consumer electronics sold. But danger lies hidden in this most popular of gifts. The battle for the crown at our holiday gathering could have been more than a sight for sore eyes. Dr. Shawn Mansour, an orthopedic trauma surgeon at East Texas Medical Center, says that players of Wii games are “swinging their controllers, hitting ceiling fans, hitting other people.” And couch potatoes who heedlessly jump into the arena put themselves at risk for sprains, strains, and fractures. Most of the injuries, Dr. Mansour says, involve the upper body—the shoulder, elbow, and wrist—but back and knee problems are also common. “Wiitis” is the term Dr. Julio Bonis used to describe his intensely painful shoulder injury. Writing in the June 2007 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Bonis attributed his repetitive motion injury to overexertion, that is, too much Wii-ing. If a player gets too engrossed,” Dr. Bonis explained, “he may ‘play tennis’ on the video screen for many hours. Unlike in the real sport, physical strength and endurance are not limiting factors.” Players don’t tire as readily as they do in a real game, and they under-estimate the amount of exertion. Fathers, some say, are especially prone to such injury, as they try to keep pace with their more physically fit children. Also at risk are those who are highly competitive. Little did I know that a competitive spirit lurked in heart of my granddaughter.

“I want to box Nani,” Sommerlyn declared at our holiday get-together. My sweet, mildmannered six-year-old had thrown down the gauntlet. Politely I declined. I had seen the spectacle of two grown men going at it full force. But, I replied, “I will bowl with you.” How humiliating. To be instructed by such a young child and to fail. Although I can walk and chew gum at the same time, I can’t seem to simultaneously throw and release a virtual bowling ball. Tennis, however, was another matter. Although I have hardly ever stepped onto a tennis court, my serve and swing matched Sunnie’s, play for play. Only my natural reserve held me back from throwing all caution to the wind. My timidity, it seems, was a move in the right direction. Doctors say that players of virtual sports need to take precautions. Dr. Mansour urges players to view virtual games as they do any physical activity. They should clear the environment, stretch before playing, and take frequent breaks. He also says players should always wear the wrist strap on the hand control. Flying hand controls can become weapons of destruction. Both other players and prized possessions are at risk. And who wants to be responsible for smashing a 56-inch, flatscreen TV? Dr. Mark Klion, clinical instructor in orthopedics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, urges players to warm up by stretching, swinging arms, or taking a brisk walk. Beginners, he says, should play no longer than 30 minutes. And all play should stop if they experience tingling, numbness, or other kinds of discomfort. Although minor pain can be treated with rest, ice, and an anti-inflammatory drug, persistent pain or swelling requires medical attention. If we want to Wii without weeping, thus, we would do well to heed such advice. And in our pursuit of fun and glory, we should remember the words of an ancient philosopher: “Moderation in all things.” In the world of virtual games, we need to use our heads as well as our bodies and “Wii” careful. ______________________________ March 2009 Also published in: Senior Connection / Mature Lifestyles, May 2009 Alaska Senior Voice, June 2009

Working to Pave the Way Where would we be without our electricians, our plumbers, and our carpenters? Or our auto repairers, hairdressers, and trained chefs? These technicians and others in skilled occupations keep America running. Yet, information about vocational/technical occupations and the schools that offer such training does not always get out to youngsters. Writing in the March issue of the Notebook, Karen Decoster and Lisa Sander of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education say, “Vocational education in Massachusetts celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, but even in our state where education is highly valued, there are misconceptions about this excellent form of education.” Students and parent/guardians, the authors say, depend upon school counselors “to provide them with up-to-date information and sufficient notice, as early as the seventh grade.” Usually students learn about the programs in a vocational/technical school by visiting the school themselves on an individual basis or through formally arranged group tours. Quite often, vocational school counselors reach out to middle and high school students through planned visits, where they can discuss both job opportunities and the training involved. As a former counselor at North Shore Technical High School in Middleton, I participated in many of these school tours and “dog and pony shows.” The school personnel in most communities, I found, were quite cooperative in our efforts. But not all schools showed the same spirit of cooperation. And not all school personnel possessed the same knowledge of state regulations. In addition to the requirement that students have equal access to vocational/technical information and programs, middle schools have an obligation to release student names and addresses to the vocational/technical high school. All students—male and female, regular ed and special ed—are entitled to information about vocational technical education. This will be the central message of a workshop that DESE representatives will conduct in May at our annual spring conference.

To ensure that you possess the most up-to-date information on state regulations regarding vocational education as well as other issues, plan to attend the MASCA Spring Conference. ______________________________ April 2009

Malden WITH NEWS FROM THE MALDEN OBSERVER Opinions / Sitting In

Chewing: A Means to Success Could my teachers throughout school have been wrong? In their classrooms, gum chewing was strictly verboten, and anyone caught violating this basic rule was strictly punished. I never had a piece of gum stuck to my nose. But I would love to have a nickel for every time a classmate had to spit out a piece of gum, wrap it in a scrap of paper, and serve detention. Times are changing, though. Teachers in communities throughout Massachusetts are handing out gum to their students. These students are beginning their MCAS journey, and educators feel that chewing gum will help them do their best on the tests. A memo sent home by school personnel in Newburyport recommended that students prepare for the three days of MCAS by getting adequate rest over the weekend and a nutritious breakfast on testing days. The memo also advised parents to send students to school with a healthy snack and chewing gum. In Melrose, Kerry Clery, principal of an elementary school, said in an interview about MCAS testing that students are allowed to chew gum or eat sour candy. “They have fun with it,” she said, “but it’s also helping them take the test as well.” Some nutritionists believe that chewing gum helps to increase attentiveness. Dr. Alan Titchenal and Dr. Joannie Dobbs of the University of Hawaii at Manoa say that chewing increases blood flow to the brain, resulting in a greater ability to focus. Gum chewing, they say, also helps a person to relax. Is that why so many gum chewers seem to have that nonchalant, I-really-don’t-give-a-d---- look? Or why baseball players and coaches of all sorts continually chomp away? Does the act of chewing allow them to focus and relax at the same time, even though what they usually chew is not gum, but a known carcinogen. “What, me worry?” Chomp, chomp, chomp. What we needn’t worry about when students chew gum is tooth decay. The experts say that chewing gum increases the production of saliva, which “helps to flush sugars, food debris and decay-causing acids out of the mouth.” Sugarless gum is better for dental health than regular gum because it eliminates the culprit that forms plaque and leads to decay. 19

Although chewing vigorously is not lady-like, I may add more gum to my daily routine. A more relaxed attitude could mean better blood pressure readings. And greater concentration could mean increased learning and less memory loss. Improving cognition is a goal for all of us, young and old. My antennae are out for the latest discoveries, and to teachers everywhere I say: “I’m still listening.” To students who are still in school I say: “Heed the advice of your teachers and on testing days, remember your gum. It may be as essential to your success as a Number Two pencil.” ______________________________ April 10, 2009 Also published in: The Danvers Herald, April 16, 2009 MASCA Counselor’s Notebook, May 2009

Dance and Romance: A Woman’s Tale O body swayed to music, O brightening glance, How can we know the dancer from the dance? —William Butler Yeats June may be the traditional month for weddings, but in my family, June is the month for dance recitals. When I was a youngster, I spent gorgeous Saturdays and Sundays in June, year after year, in a darkened theater, donning greasepaint along with tons of sequins and taffeta. My daughters followed my lead. Or, I should say, they were directed along the same path. No family weddings during that glorious month, but plenty of recitals. Now their own daughters are tying up their dancing shoes and booking their June weekends. But, I ask: Where are the boys? In dancing schools around the country, males are few and far between. Little girls in tutus overflow the practice halls and the aisles at recital time, but the only males in attendance seem to be brothers, who have been dragged along reluctantly, or fathers, who grumble about having to give up a day of sports. Even my own daughters show no inclination to include their sons in this family tradition. My experience, however, has shown that mothers could do their sons a great service by ensuring that rhythm flows through their veins. Although the way to a man’s heart may be through his stomach, the way to a woman’s heart is through her feet. We like to move it. A male with the right moves on the dance floor has a leg up on his rivals when it comes to catching the attention of the distaff side. 21

Women love a dancin’ man. Even a big man with “flat feet” hath charm if he can scoot around the dance floor. Warren Sapp, the three-hundred-pound football great, who almost captured last year’s “Dancing with the Stars” championship, won over many hearts. Week after week he applied himself with an athlete’s grit and determination. What he lacked in technical expertise, he made up for in showmanship and light-footedness. Now, along with his many gridiron accomplishments, this macho man will be remembered as the cuddly teddy bear with twinkle toes who almost took home a dancing title. . Warren is only the latest in a long string of men who have tugged at our heartstrings by swaying to the music. For decades, Fred Astaire wooed and won many a maiden, both onscreen and off, with his sophisticated charm, perfect footwork, and elegant grace. In the 40’s and 50’s, Gene Kelly showed us that real men can dance. With joyous athleticism he splashed across the sound stage, the embodiment of both dance floor prowess and virility. Then came John Travolta. His feverish disco dance showed another generation how to liven up a Saturday night. Even today his sensuous moves can be found on almost any dance floor. But when we talk about hot, hot, hot, the man who set us afire was Patrick Swayze. He seduced not only Jennifer Grey but also millions of other females with his sinuous steps. Patrick showed us what George Bernard Shaw had in mind when he said that dancing is “the vertical expression of a horizontal desire.” To this day, the music of Dirty Dancing sets my hips swaying. Merely a few bars of the music, and, once again, I have the time of my life. Since my heyday, generations of liberated women have found and embraced their own dancing men. For many, Michael Jackson set the standard. Today, as the spotlight moves to performers such as Chris Brown and Usher, juices flow to a different beat: the rhythm of the street and hip hop. But, although the beat may have changed, the Japanese proverb still rings true: “All dancing girls are nineteen years old.” So, mothers, I offer a piece of advice. Be good to your sons as well as your daughters. Teach them to dance.

New Hampshire, May 2009 Also published in: Idaho Senior Independent, June/July 2009 Montana Senior News, August-September 2009 The Danvers Herald, June 29, 2009 22

Boomer Beat

Happy Days Are Here Again Ah, the good old days. Or, at least, I think they were. But what difference does it make? We all perceive what happens around us according to our own filters. And if my memories are tinted pink, that’s fine with me. At this stage in my life, rosecolored glasses are just what I need. My truth may be slanted with pleasant memories, but I share this distortion with many of my peers. Researchers are finding that the brains of more mature adults record and recall positive images more effectively than they do the negative ones. In younger adults, they say, negative images are processed more deeply. Since our negative images are shallower, they are harder to recall. As a result, and contrary to widely held beliefs, we older adults are rather content with life. We feel, generally, that we are coping well with our life circumstances, and we tend to be more – not less – satisfied than our younger counterparts. Satisfaction levels, researchers find, take a dip during middle age, but then they start climbing back to previous highs. Our higher level of satisfaction is attributed by some to the greater value we place upon time. Dr. Susan Turk Charles and her associates say that “with age, people place increasingly more value on emotionally meaningful goals and thus invest more cognitive and behavioral resources in obtaining them.” We are less likely, in other words, to waste time and energy mulling over unpleasantries. “I’ve got better things to do,” I often say to myself. Then I turn to something more productive and much more enjoyable. Researchers find that intelligence has little to do with our level of happiness. In one study of older adults in Uruguay, researchers found that the factors influencing happiness include being married, having higher standards of health and having a higher income level or a standard of living that was perceived as suitable. 23

If you want to enhance your level of life satisfaction, pay attention to the factors you can control. In addition to eating well and getting proper medical care: • Apply yourself to new and challenging tasks. Take on the unfamiliar. Learn a new skill. Engage your mind: read, do puzzles, crosswords, or other forms of mental exercise. Engage your hands. Find a satisfying outlet for your energy, talents and creative urges. • Get moving. Keep physically active and include exercise in your daily routine. Do stretching exercises for flexibility, aerobic exercises for cardiovascular health, and weight-bearing exercise for bone strength. • Enjoy each day. Laugh and have fun. (That’s an order.) Treat yourself to a simple indulgence. Give thanks for the special gift of the day: a well-cooked meal, a visit with friends or the grandchildren, or the absence of pain. Express your gratitude in writing, in prayer or in person. • Stay connected. Above all, maintain and develop ties with family and friends. Strong social networks bolster both our emotional and physical well-being. Those of us who are single again can seek out other ties that bind. Share your feelings, your aspirations and your fears. Albert Schweitzer once said: “Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.” With advancing years, forgetting is getting a whole lot easier. I will continue to do my part, regularly monitoring my blood pressure and cholesterol levels, drinking alcohol in moderation, refraining from tobacco, and taking my prescribed medications. I will rely upon Mother Nature and Father Time to take care of the rest. In the meantime, I can truthfully say – along with Larry David – that life is good. Pretty, pretty, pretty good. ______________________________ Florida, May 2009

Meeting with Your Doctor: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare When it comes to fame as well as doctors’ appointments, most of us get only 15 minutes. Thus, we need to be prepared. We need to ensure that our time in the spotlight is highly productive. I became acutely aware of the need for preparation when I transferred to a new primary care doctor. Several major concerns and recent diagnoses worried me, and I wanted to be sure the doctor had a complete picture of my medical needs. Several weeks before my appointment, the doctor’s office sent me an extensive health questionnaire. In the comfort of my own home, I leisurely filled it out. The anxiety-free atmosphere allowed me to provide a thorough, accurate medical history. And I had ready reference to my prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. This experience taught me the value of calling in advance of any future appointments and having required paperwork faxed or mailed to me for completion. My next step to get ready for my appointment was to prepare a list of questions to take along with me. Not an overwhelming number, just enough to cover my major concerns and symptoms. The questions focused on my recent breast surgery, the persistent pain from my knee injury, and monitoring of my blood pressure and thyroid condition. I didn’t have any embarrassing symptoms to ask about this time, but I would have included them. Feeling sluggish seemed like an insignificant annoyance, but since it could indicate a more serious situation, I put that on my list as well. I have read about a rather common phenomenon called the “doorknob effect.” In order to avoid it, I put my biggest health concern first on my list. I didn’t want to be one of those patients who wait until the end of appointment and on their way out the door say something like, “Oh, by the way, doctor, I have been seeing flashes of lights in my eyes. Does that mean anything?” Researchers say that we have only 20-30 seconds at the beginning of the appointment to get a doctor’s undivided attention, so first things first. Probably my best preparation was lining up a health buddy. These days I never go an appointment alone. I need a second pair of ears. And a second set of hands. With her pen and notepad in hand, my daughter Jen is ready to record all important information. The things I don’t want to 25

hear get recorded. And the concerns that I may have overlooked get aired. I consider her help a good return on my investment in her education. Jen is a great note taker and listener. When we leave an appointment, either one or both of us will have a good grasp of my condition and the plan of action. That plan may include simple monitoring, further medical procedures, or new or revised prescriptions. In any case, better understanding leads to more informed decisions and avoidance of complications. Knowing what my thyroid medication was intended to achieve, for example, helped me avert a potentially serious error. Rather than increasing my current dosage, my new prescription called for less. A quick check with the pharmacist and a call to the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office confirmed the error, and I was back on the right track again with the right dosage. A thorough reading of that new prescription, in addition, indicated that the medication shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taken at the same time as the calcium carbonate supplement. The unintended interaction of the two medications may have contributed to my feeling of tiredness. Better late than never. Overall, I feel quite satisfied with my appointment, especially now that my medical records and my health providers are all part of one healthcare system. I had ranted and raved over what I considered to be the exorbitant cost of having my medical records copied for transfer: $18.00, for a base clerical fee, and $.61 per page. But $52 is the price I had to pay for peace of mind. I am confident that I am in good hands. I trust that my doctors and I can partner successfully in promoting my health plan. My aim is to continue to stay informed and go to all appointments thoroughly prepared. Time is precious, but never more so than in the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. ______________________________ North Carolina, Senior Wire, June 2009

On Our Honor: Educating for Character According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), certain values “affirm basic human worth and dignity and support healthy communities.” These include honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. They sound like the traits of the perfect Boy Scout, but they are precisely what keeps the wheels of society running smoothly. And they are what I look for in my doctor, my automotive technician, and even my landscaper. Recently, when I engaged the services of a landscaper, I did so expecting him to be courteous. Clean and cheerful would have been great. But above all, I expected him to be trustworthy. I wanted him to show up when he was supposed to and perform the work we had agreed upon for the price we had negotiated. I was looking for someone I could turn to for help throughout the year. I didn’t expect that the young man would call five hours after the appointed time to say that he wouldn’t be able to come. I didn’t expect that he would show up hours late the next time and that the price would increase substantially. Certainly I didn’t expect that he would fail to show up for our final appointment. Needless to say, the work in my yard did not get done on time, and my hopes for finding a permanent landscaper were dashed. How did he, like so many other workers, miss learning the importance of reliability? When I was working as a counselor in a vocational school, teachers and administrators repeatedly advised students that a worker’s most important trait is reliability. “You must show up for work,” they would say, “and you must show up on time. All the skill in the world is useless if you are not there to do your assigned job at the appointed time.” The importance of dependability was reinforced daily in the students’ shops, out on the job sites, and in their academic classes. Deadlines had to be met. Reliable workers possess what is basic to successful social interaction: empathy. They can visualize the impact of their words and actions. And they care. My auto technician, for example, recognizes the importance of tightening the lug nuts on the wheels of my car and he follows 27

through. I can depend upon him to accurately diagnose a problem, make the necessary repairs, and return to me a vehicle that is reliable to drive. With a modicum of empathy, my landscaper would have imagined what it was like for me to rush home for our appointment and to wait, fruitlessly, hour after hour. Character education plays an important role in our schools. Values may be taught as part of formal instructional units geared to age-specific groups or as part of discussions about what is important and worthwhile. The most significant teaching occurs, however, during everyday interactions. We teach by example. Writing in Today’s School, educators/TV producers David H. Elkind and Freddy Sweet, say: “Whether you are a teacher, administrator, custodian, or school bus driver, you are helping to shape the character of the kids you come in contact with. It’s in the way you talk, the behaviors you model, the conduct you tolerate, the deeds you encourage, the expectations you transmit.” In working with our students, let us strive to develop in them the traits promoted by ASCA. Let us work together to ensure that everyone grows up to be a Boy Scout. ______________________________ Fall 2009 Also published in: The Danvers Herald, July 30, 2009 MASCA Counselor’s Notebook, September 2009 The California School Counselor, Winter 2009

Beating Obesity: It Takes a Village Forget special diets. If you want to lose weight, eat less, exercise at least 90 minutes each week, and get support for your efforts. Writing in the February 26 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers report that overweight or obese adults in their two-year study lost weight mainly by reducing their caloric intake. Contrary to the claims of proponents of the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, and others, the source of the calories mattered less than the actual amount. Dieters were just as successful when the calories came from reduced carbohydrates, reduced protein, or reduced fat. Participants in the study included 811 adults, male and female, in two locations, Boston and Louisiana. They were divided into four groups, each of which was assigned to eating varying proportions of heart-healthy foods selected from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. The regimen also included a moderate amount of weekly exercise—90 minutes—and individual as well as group counseling sessions. Although they varied in age, income, and geographical location, participants in the study shared a key ingredient in weight loss: motivation. Researchers found that participants lost the greatest amount of weight during the first six months. And, similar to the results of other studies, “after 12 months, all groups, on average, slowly regained body weight.” Those who lost the most weight at the end of the study, however, shared another common factor: highest attendance at the group counseling sessions. Continued social contact reinforced their efforts. In the battle against obesity, this study showed, “any type of diet, when taught for the purpose of weight loss with enthusiasm and persistence, can be effective.” The key lies in “behavioral factors rather than macronutrient metabolism.” But complicating any attempt to lose weight are social factors beyond the control of the individual. Even with support systems, the highly motivated subjects of this latest study could 30

not maintain their weight loss. The editors of the NEJM say that “individual treatment is powerless against an environment that offers so many high-calorie foods and labor-saving devices.” Reversing the obesity epidemic, they say, requires broad changes in society. A total-community approach seems to be working in France, where several communities have adopted a program called EPODE (Together Let’s Prevent Childhood Obesity). Town officials, families, schools, medical personnel, restaurant owners, the media, and others are working cooperatively to promote good nutrition and exercise. After only five years, the percentage of overweight children in the communities has dropped dramatically. Spain and Belgium are incorporating the program as well, and communities in Greece, Australia, and Quebec, Canada are introducing their own versions. It may be time for us to consider a similar approach. As the editors of the NEJM say, “The only effective alternative that we have at present for halting the obesity epidemic is large-scale gastric surgery.” Schools, which are vital to reforming attitudes and behavior, can lead the way. They can start by removing all unhealthful foods and drinks from their menus and vending machines. They can ensure that all students receive wholesome, heart-healthy meals as well as continuous instruction about nutrition. And because children no longer choose to spend most of their free time out of doors, biking, skating, playing ball or hopscotch or hide and seek, schools can integrate periods of physical exercise into their daily schedules. Most importantly, schools can screen students for total body mass. No parent wants to hear, “Your baby is fat.” But recognition of a problem early in life is a giant step toward preventing obesity and related health problems in adulthood. ________________________ Fall 2009 Also published in: MASCA Counselor’s Notebook, June 2009 Florida School Counselor, Back to School Issue, August 2009 The Pennsylvania Counselor, Fall 2009

True Grit: The Key to Success Stay the course. “Sail on.” Quitters never win. And Jeanine Mason never quit. Although at one point she begged her mother to stop the dance lessons she had begun at age 3, Jeanine never ceased lacing up her dancing shoes. Now, at the ripe old age of 18, she has become America’s favorite dancer. The approximately 22 million votes cast on the TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” catapulted Jeanine to the top spot. She outranked an incredibly talented contemporary dancer, a personable Broadway-style dancer, and “White Lightning”— the porcelain doll who danced with ethereal perfection. Throughout the season, Jeanine tackled every choreographer’s creation with enthusiasm and humility. Dancing her heart out, she peaked — according to the judges — at just the right time. But not only technical skill placed her in the top spot. Her passion, determination, and perseverance carried her through. Like the Energizer Bunny and winners of all kinds, Jeanine kept on going, working steadfastly to achieve her goal. Whether it’s a dancing contest, a swimming meet, or a spelling bee, winners know the secret to success: “How do you to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice.” Add to that a commitment to a long-term goal, and you have a winning combination. I learned this lesson as a youngster from watching one of my fellow dancers. Debbie, the star of our dancing school, was naturally talented and came from a long line of accomplished musicians. Her aunt owned the dance studio, and Debbie could do it all — ballet, tap, acrobatics. But the key to her success was continuous effort. My friends and I practiced, of course, but Debbie’s work ethic amazed us. We couldn’t fathom how she could practice two hours each morning before the beginning of school. And never take the summer off. Debbie sought to excel. She worked hard consistently, and she achieved her goal. When I started teaching high school, a friend came to me for advice. Her niece was not doing well in school, and she wanted to know the secret of my success. In high school I had ranked

among the top achievers in my class, and four years later I graduated as valedictorian of my college class. Although I showed the young girl how to approach a reading assignment and gave her some tips on note taking and breaking assignments into “baby steps,” my best piece of advice was straightforward. “Study, study, study. In the long run what makes the difference is persistent effort.” Recent research shows that successful people are not necessarily the most intelligent, the most creative, or the most talented. Rather, they are the ones who set their sights on a long-term goal and work steadfastly to achieve it despite setbacks and temporary failings. Successful people possess what psychologists call “grit.” The second place winner in this year’s “So You Think You Can Dance” contest was overlooked last year. He didn’t even make the Top 20. Returning to shine this year, he garnered accolades that are certain to further his career goals. Effort and persistence pay off. This year for America’s favorite dancer it paid off to the tune of $250,000. Name your own tune and work, work, work. ______________________________ October 2009 Also published in: The Danvers Herald, September 10, 2009

Retirement Living

The Best Way to Go: With Everything in Place The easy way out, I have found, can often be the hardest. Facing up to an unpleasant task can actually make the job go faster, and better. This holds true for critical issues in life as well as the mundane. My daughter, for example, was rushing to work one morning, and she needed to press the collar of her shirt. Holding the iron to her neck, she wiped out the annoying wrinkle. But now she has a permanent, slanting scar that even her necklaces can’t hide. Recently, when I shortened some curtains in order to make them perkier, I decided not to take them down. “Surely I can sew a simple hem with the curtains still on the rod.” While holding the fold of the original hem with one hand, I stitched the first pair. The awkward position and lack of a free hand slowed me down and the finished product was not as neat as I would have liked. The process went more smoothly with the second pair. Handy little common pins held the hem firmly in place, and I zipped seamlessly through the stitching. As any professional craftsperson will tell you, it’s all in the preparation. A professional housepainter works on the same principle. He knows that the quality of the project depends upon how well the surface has been cleaned, patched, sanded and primed. Although I usually dread the painstaking preparation process, whenever I have to paint a room, I follow this advice. I didn’t receive any helpful advice, however, when my mother faced her final illness. To this day I regret my decision. “Do you want us to use...?” the hospital staff asked. The procedures they referred to were what medical ethicists call extraordinary measures. “Of course,” I replied. “This is my mother. Do what you can to save her.” 34

No one had told me that she had only hours left or, at best, a few days. I didn’t know the signs of terminal illness. It was my first time. The first time I had to make a life and death decision. The next time, though, I was better prepared. My husband’s long decline allowed me to accept the inevitability of his passing. Certain types of brain cancer, you see, still present an insurmountable challenge for the medical profession. After a series of hospitalizations and rehabilitation attempts, he had returned home. With the help of Hospice care, he spent the last eight months of his life in familiar surroundings with the people he loved. One evening, with his family gathered at his bedside and his favorite sacred songs playing in the background, he passed gently into that dark night. This time I had no regrets. A relative of mine used to condition many of her statements with, “If something should happen to me.” Recognizing that it’s not a matter of “if” but “when,” I have put my own end-of-life plans in place. My living will has been written. My health proxy has been chosen. And the trustees of my estate have been named in my will. My children and I have even discussed what I want for final arrangements. A wise person once remarked: “Prepare now. Remember, it wasn’t raining when Noah built his ark.” Now that my affairs are in order, I am turning to my bucket list. It’s filled to the brim with wishes. I’ve got a lot of living left to do. _____________________________ October 2009

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Home Globe Opinion Letters to the Editor - Boston Globe

Schools and obesity October 18, 2009

THE EDITORS of The New England Journal of Medicine say: “Like cholera, obesity may be a problem that cannot be solved by individual persons but that requires community action.’’ Currently, the Massachusetts Legislature is looking at what schools can do. Although continuous education about good nutrition is a beginning, schools also need to set an example. We can no longer afford to advise our children, “Do what I say, not as I do.’’ School menus should include only wholesome, healthful foods. High-calorie foods and soft drinks that have little or no nutritional value should be banned from school vending machines. Schools play a vital role in changing attitudes and behavior. By throwing our weight behind effective reforms, we can begin to beat obesity. SALLY ANN CONNOLLY Danvers © Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.

DANVERS WITH NEWS FROM THE DANVERS HERALD Columnists / Viewpoint

School Lunch — Fit for Consumption? A hot dog for lunch, two days in a row. That’s how my granddaughter started kindergarten this year in Danvers. And it’s the same way my first grandchild began her own school career four years ago in Newburyport. Then, however, weeks had passed before her mother made the discovery. Hot dogs, unfortunately, are possibly the worst food we can offer our children. Although they are cheap to buy, easy to prepare, and delicious to eat, hot dogs are loaded with salt, saturated fat, and sodium nitrite. They pose a health risk similar to that of other cured food products such as sausage, bacon, and deli meats. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) says that “research on processed meat shows cancer risk starts to increase with any portion. . . . When meat is preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives, cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) can be formed. These substances can damage cells in the body, leading to the development of cancer.” The AICR says that its “2007 expert report compiled and analyzed over 7000 studies on all aspects of diet, physical activity, body weight and cancer. The AICR/WCRF expert panel weighed the evidence on all potential associations and concluded that the link between diets high in red and processed meat and colorectal cancer is convincing.” As a result, the AICR recommends that processed meat be avoided: “There is no amount of processed meat that can be confidently shown not to increase risk.” The Cancer Project, an independent affiliate of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, maintains that hot dogs also increase the risk of childhood leukemia. One study of children up to the age of 10, they say, shows a higher than normal risk among children whose fathers had eaten 12 or more hot dogs per month. And for those children who had eaten 12 hot dogs per month, the risk of developing leukemia was nine times greater. Another study cited by the Cancer Project points to a higher than normal incidence of brain tumors in children whose mothers had eaten hot dogs once or twice per week during pregnancy. From watching my own daughters progress through their pregnancies, I know that doctors set very specific guidelines for their mothers-to-be. No smoking, no unpasteurized cheese and drinks, little or no alcohol, and no uncooked deli meats. I have long suspected that hot dogs played a role in the death of my friend. She was only in her 37

twenties when she contracted and died from cancer. Her mother had imposed a restricted-calorie diet; and for years my friend sated her hunger by secretly cooking hot dogs over an open flame on her kitchen stove. The World Cancer Research Fund says that “the everyday choices people make can reduce their chances of getting cancer.” In New Jersey, three individuals—along with the Cancer Project—chose to file a class-action lawsuit against several hot dog makers including Sara Lee and Kraft Foods. The complainants seek to have warning labels placed on packages of hot dogs, thereby alerting consumers to the cancer risk. We can choose to promote our children’s health. We can instruct them about good nutrition, serve them only wholesome, nutritious foods, and restrict unhealthy food choices. We can insist: “In our schools, no dogs allowed.” _____________________________ October 29, 2009 Also published in: MASCA Counselor’s Notebook, November 2009

DANVERS WITH NEWS FROM THE DANVERS HERALD Columnists / Viewpoint

A Best Friend for Life My heart leapt up when I beheld him, my friend of long ago. “Ah, how good it feels!” the poet Longfellow once said, “The hand of an old friend.” And how the warmth of my friend's handshake unleashed a flood of memories. Hilarious sessions spent with high school friends, working on a skit for the annual variety show. Daily commutes to college; my friend’s eyes glued to the road, and mine, cramming for our weekly biology exam. The all-nighter we pulled to complete an Urban Sociology project — typing and retyping a hundred-plus pages about our hometown. The shared banana split, our traditional toast to the end of two more semesters. The trials and triumphs we shared as we began our teaching careers at our alma mater. Trips into Boston to see a Gilbert and Sullivan production or the latest pre-Broadway tryout. Throughout the years, my friend has been an honest, loyal, and dependable companion. His sense of humor is delightful, and his unconditional acceptance is a continual source of comfort. I know he is there for me, even though space and time separate us. Friends of all ages make our everyday interactions more enjoyable and the unpleasant tasks we face more tolerable. My daughter, Jennifer, and her chum, Tracie, were so inseparable as youngsters that we used to call them the Bobbsey Twins. Wherever you saw Jen, you also saw Tracie. Although Jen hardly ever missed school, in second grade she was absent one day due to illness. Without her friend present, an otherwise wonder-filled day was ruined for Tracie. “Jen, where were you yesterday?” her friend sighed. “I missed you.” The closeness of relationships can be noted even in toddlers. My 3-year-old grandson, Brendan, often prefaces his statements with the words, “my friend John.” When John missed his scheduled Gymworks due to an operation, Brendan was inconsolable. Throughout the session he wailed and refused to join in activities. He continued crying until he eventually fell into a fitful sleep that lasted three hours. Brendan’s sisters, who are 5 and 7 years old, have their own special friends. When they walk hand in hand or work together side by side with them, their joy is there for all to see. Researchers say that social bonds can affect how long we live. The on-going Nurses’ Health Study has looked at the link between social ties and the survival of women after receiving a 39

diagnosis of breast cancer. The study found that “women without close relatives, friends, or living children had elevated risks of breast cancer mortality and of all-cause mortality compared with those with the most social ties.” Another study, reported by Tara Parker-Pope of The New York Times, showed that over a 10year period “older people with a large circle of friends were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends.” A writer once said, “My friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.” My chance encounter with an old friend brightened my day and lifted my spirits. He was my rainbow, my host of golden daffodils, and just what the doctor ordered. For health, happiness, and extended life, plan to spend some time with your own BFF. _____________________________ November 19, 2009

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Danvers Herald ___________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Sitting In

To Life: A Little Music In the seventeenth century, William Congreve wrote, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast.” Today’s researchers know why. Studies show that music affects our respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure. The louder the music and the more upbeat the tempo, the faster we breathe and the more our hearts race and our blood pressure rises. Retailers and advertisers have long recognized the power of music to set a mood and influence behavior. “Don't leave your customers waiting in silence,” says one vendor of canned music. “Use this calming combo of acoustic, jazz, and classical hold music to ensure that they will remain on the line while you are assisting other customers.” And if you want to create a mouth-watering atmosphere, they continue, select from among the most appetizing of backgrounds. Muzak—the originator of elevator music— asks in its promotional literature: “What sort of experience do you want to deliver to your customer?” An Italian restaurant, for example, “can come in as many flavors as the fare. The simple yet substantial folk music of Sicily. The butteryrich croon of Dean Martin. Ambient background music redolent of heady spices and salty sea air.” To enhance the customer’s dining experience, in other words, match the music to the menu. Caregivers latched onto the magical properties of music many generations ago. How do you soothe a fussing baby? Sway to the lyrics of a lilting lullaby. A little soft rock will surely do the trick. This past year I attended the Broadway musical, “Billy Elliott,” in New York City. The finale of the show had the audience rocking in quite a different way, and I left the theater all pumped up, ready to join the celebratory throng in Times Square. But what I really needed to cap off the evening was a little light music: songs by Sinatra or his heir apparent, Michael Bublé, or the 41

lyrical playing of Beegie Adair. Her piano interpretations of the Great American Songbook calm my spirit and let it soar at the same time. For a retro treat I would have chosen the smooth, vocal blending of the Four Freshmen. Their appearance in Boston this year proved that the sweet, sweet harmony has been preserved for the listening pleasure of another generation. To set a course toward better health select your own easy listening. If popular music is not your cup of tea, soak in the soothing sounds of Mother Nature. Tune in to a bubbling brook or sweetly singing birds. Or follow the lead of Brad Pitt. In a recent interview the actor said that for his brood of six young children he finds that “classical music works as a great pacifier.” Researchers at the University of Maryland Health Center have found that although musical tastes vary widely, listening to one’s favorite music is good for the cardiovascular system. The song in my heart may not be the same as yours, but—along with chasing the blues away—a diet of personally pleasing tunes may be the cheapest medicine we have for both body and soul. _______________________________

December 10, 2009

DANVERS WITH NEWS FROM THE DANVERS HERALD Columnists / Viewpoint

Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year My pal is gone. Kayla’s heart gave out this week, and with her passing another hole has been pierced in my heart. Kayla was a birthday gift for our youngest daughter 17 years ago. As in most families, though, her care became my responsibility. It was a job I gladly assumed. Who isn’t charmed by a puppy, especially one that’s a handful of white fluff? Over the years what I did for my four-legged friend was so unremarkable. When she was thirsty, I gave her drink. When she was hungry, I gave her food. And when she was sick, I tended her. She required little care, however, other than her regular checkups and routine shots. For a 15pound bundle of bones, Kayla was surprisingly hearty and hale. What Kayla gave back in return to all of us was so remarkable. She became my constant companion, the white shadow that settled in beside me — at the computer, next to my favorite chair, or beside my bed. And for the other family members, Kayla became a welcoming committee of one. She graciously accepted into her home: cats, dogs (many times her size), and seven grandchildren. Our babies became her litter mates. From them she learned patience, and from her they learned the rudiments of caring. As a puppy, Kayla was either “on” or “off,” running full force or sound asleep. Her frequent frapping (frenetic random activity periods) would have us in hysterics as we watched her race through the kitchen, down the hall, into and out of the living room, into the kitchen, down the hall, into and out of the living room. The pace of her circling would have challenged the most talented of sprinters. During her early years, keeping up with her on walks was a challenge. She had enough strength to pull along a six-foot, 200-pound male. What a treat it was when she learned to walk contentedly beside me. Admittedly, I spoiled her. During our jaunts up at the lake, I let her set the pace so that she could scout out the most unusual of scents. Don’t tell the animal control officer, but when we were at home I could rely on Kayla to be off leash for her duty trips. Under a watchful eye, I allowed her to check on our fenced-in, fourlegged neighbor. She returned within minutes, seldom wandering beyond the limits of the yard. 43

In the evening, however, Kayla was on leash for her trip out of doors. The possibility of coyotes on patrol curtailed her freedom. Until this past year, my companion was the best possible early warning system. No mailman or UPS man could take me by surprise. And for almost two decades, my next-door neighbor remained on alert whenever he deemed to engage me in conversation within sight of my protector. For all such territorial intruders, life became much easier as Kayla’s hearing waned and her eyesight blurred. How long will it take, I wonder, before our daily routine no longer impinges on my consciousness? When will I stop checking to see if she is underfoot? When will I no longer turn to say that I’ll be right back? If I had the skills of a poet, I would write an ode to my buddy. I would eulogize the beauty of her youth, the sprightliness of her spirit, and her unwavering devotion. But, instead, an old song, paraphrased, will have to do: “I know what to tell our friends, dear, the reason we two are apart / I know what to say to strangers, but what can I tell my heart. Farewell, my fair friend. ________________________ December 17, 2009

MALDEN WITH NEWS FROM THE MALDEN OBSERVER Columnists / Sitting In

The Gift of a Lifetime This year I received the best Christmas gift ever. Loved ones delivered from harm. It doesn’t get any better than that. At seven o’clock in the evening, the week before Christmas, my daughter called. In a voice quivering with excitement, she said, “Thank you for the gift you gave us. Our carbon monoxide detector started beeping tonight. I thought the battery was low, so I replaced it. But it continued beeping. We’re all out of the house now, and the firemen are here, looking for the source of the problem.” What they discovered was a blocked chimney. Carbon monoxide, the byproduct of combustion in their heating system, was unable to escape, and it had continued backing up into the house. Windows that had been sealed shut against the winter wind accelerated the accumulation. Although I was not standing in subfreezing temperatures as she was at the time, a chill ran through me. What if I hadn’t given them the detector as a housewarming gift? They had moved in before Nicole’s Law went into effect. Although this law requires carbon monoxide detectors in all residences that burn fossil fuels or have an attached garage, my daughter or her husband may not have made the effort to purchase detectors themselves. What if they hadn’t replaced the battery in the detector? What if they had been asleep on the second floor, far from the detector placed on the first level? My daughter, her husband, and their fou children, ranging in age from one month to nine years, would not have been roused by its insistent alarm. Carbon monoxide is called “the silent killer.” Although poisonous and deadly, the gas is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and it is not easily detected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that “each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.” Researchers writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association say that moderate to severe carbon monoxide poisoning can have lasting, adverse effects on the heart. This incident has taught my family that compliance with Nicole’s Law saves lives. Detectors must be placed throughout the living quarters, specifically, within 10 feet of sleeping areas. 45

Following recommended safety precautions also makes good sense. The heating system should be cleaned annually and the chimney and flue checked for flaws. Batteries should be replaced each year. And the detection devices themselves should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Surprisingly, carbon monoxide detectors last only a few years. Testing the operation of the alarm does not indicate that the device itself is still operating properly. Fact sheets on carbon monoxide and the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning can be found at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html and www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm. A consumer’s guide to the state requirements is available by Googling “Massachusetts Department of Public Safety and Security carbon monoxide alarms.” Now that the holidays are over, I am reconsidering what I will buy for my children next year. Rather than an extra toy for the grandchildren, I will give them the gift of life: a carbon monoxide detector. And I may throw in a smoke detector as well. _____________________________ December 30, 2009 Also published in: Melrose Free Press, December 30, 2009 Milford Daily News, December 30, 2009 The Danvers Herald, December 31, 2009