Savvy and Sage Monroe Jan.Feb.

Monroe/Ruston Edition

Jan/Feb 2010

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Simple Tips for a New Year That’s Better Than Ever!

by Rico Boyer, Fitness Together Day 38: Love Fulfills Dreams (And Nightmares)

by Tara R. Thomas

READ US ONLINE at savvyandsage.com (Click on “Your Area”)

Photo by Albritton Photography

Mercy Ministries Celebrates Its Roots and Prepares for the Future Winter Honeysuckle

by Jim Turner

Simple Tips for a New Year That’s

Better Than Ever!

By Rico Boyer, Fitness Together

It is encouraging to know that the one thing you can control is your health and your fitness goals… and that is the heartbeat of Fitness Together. The holidays can be a stressful time with family demands, shopping and, of course, the worry of gaining that same 5-10 lbs.

People are always saying, “This year, I’m really going to watch it.” They try to cut back, deprive themselves of the pleasures of the season and somehow, still end up frustrated when the New Year rolls around. Here are some 6 simple tips that will keep you in the holiday spirit and keep you from sliding your belt out a notch: 1. Visualize what you want: Imagine yourself on January 2 standing in front of the mirror. What do you see? Have you actually lost inches? Do you feel great and have tons of energy? Are you incredibly proud that you have actually improved your body during the challenging holiday season? Visualizing is a very important first step. It gives your subconscious a destination to move toward. If you do not know where you are going, you probably will not like where you end up.

2. Eat early and eat often: All too often people are afraid of gaining weight so they skip meals. This is counterproductive.

Not eating early or regularly will slow down your metabolism. Get up each morning and eat a nutritious breakfast.

Plan to eat small meals and snacks throughout the day. Never go more than 3-4 hours without eating. Plan your meals to include a source of protein and

fiber and avoid processed foods. When you arrive at the holiday party, you will not be tempted to “fill up” on junk and pleasure foods.

3. Drink lots of water: Water keeps your body working properly. Everything from digestion to controlling your body temperature can be affected by hydration.

Drink water every 15 minutes throughout the day. This will easily add up to a minimum of at least eight glasses of pure water a day. In addition to keeping your body hydrated, you will not be as hungry and tempted to eat those sugary treats.

4. Chew your food: Did you know that digestion actually begins in your mouth?

Begin by chewing your foods completely.

It will be easier for your body to process and utilize the nutrients. You will also have the pleasure of enjoying foods if you eat more slowly.

Most people find that by consciously chewing food completely, they are more satisfied with only a few bites of rich foods.

5. Add Resistance Training: One of the keys to having a super fast metabolism is maintaining or gaining a high concentration of lean muscle tissue.

Adding resistance training to your daily routine can make a huge difference in kicking your “fat burning furnace” into high gear.

6. Enjoy yourself: Do not deprive yourself of those special things you have always loved during the holiday season.

If you do overeat, don’t waste time feeling guilty. Get back on track and stay focused

on your vision for yourself in the New Year. More importantly, the holidays are for spending time with your family and friends. Sharing great food is a big part of that… not the time for a diet. Remember, have fun, keep it simple and the New Year will be better than ever!

The holidays can be a perfect time to start an exercise program. We at Fitness Together will help guide you into the holidays and assist you with a holiday training program tailored for you. What a great early gift idea for you or for someone who needs direction during the holidays.

We look forward to serving you!

Rico Boyer is a health/fitness professional and the Owner and Manager of Fitness Together in Monroe.

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Call today for reservations! 1-866-200-6866 (24 hrs) Where: Ruston Library Where: Premier Plaza, 6th Floor 910 N. Trenton St., Ruston 1900 N. 18th St., Monroe When: January 19, 2010 @ 10 am When: January 21, 2010 @ 10 am Speaker is Ed Pennington, President of Monroe-based Pennington Financial, LLC. He is a specialist in Asset Protection and Medicaid Eligibility. Investment Advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.

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from the publisher Every New Year we all make resolutions that almost always focus on ourselves to lose weight, quit smoking ,start exercising or stop spending so much money. While all these resolutions are great, we still see in the newspapers, TV, and internet the painful signs of all the despair, suffering, hunger and war going on around the world . The stress of the current recession has produced loss of jobs, hunger and pain in the United States. Perhaps we should embrace and focus on the wonderful meaning and mystery of friends, family and The Holy Family!

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season and I look forward to a wonderful

Elizabeth Reed

New Year for all!!!!!

Savvy & Sage Monroe/Ruston Edition

God Bless,

Elizabeth

679 Ashley River Road Shreveport, LA 71115 Phone: 318-348-1902 elizabeth@savvyandsage.com www.savvyandsage.com

the best sight & look in town routine eye exams contact lenses pediatrics lasik

glaucoma cataracts cosmetic surgery optical dispensary

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! 1310 North 19th Street • Monroe • 318.388.2020 1010 South Vienna Street • Ruston • 318.255.9686 www.cookseymd.com • 800.368.3937 2

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Dig ital Onl ww i w.s now ne Ver av v ya avail sion click ndsag able! on e.co “yo m ur a rea”

Jan/Feb 2010

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Corporate

Shreveport, LA Greg Locke, Publisher 318.429.8311 greg@savvyandsage.com

Simple Tips for a New Year That’s Better Than Ever!

by Rico Boyer, Fitness Together Day 38: Love Fulfills Dreams (And Nightmares)

by Tara R. Thomas

READ US ONLINE at savvyandsage.com (Click on “Your Area”)

Independent Publishers Baton Rouge, Louisiana Hollis Day, Jr. batonrouge@savvyandsage.com

Lafayette/New Iberia, Louisiana Lauren & Phil de Albuquerque lafayette@savvyandsage.com Lake Charles, Louisiana Lauren & Phil de Albuquerque lakecharles@savvyandsage.com Monroe/Ruston, Louisiana Elizabeth Bryant Reed elizabeth@savvyandsage.com Mandeville/Covington, Louisiana Hollis Day, Jr. batonrouge@savvyandsage.com Houma/Thibodaux, Louisiana David Ditch lafayette@savvyandsage.com New Orleans, Louisiana David Ditch lafayette@savvyandsage.com Tyler/Longview, Texas Chris Menard chris@savvyandsage.com Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Don Brown don@savvyandsage.com Houston, Texas Kyle Daniel kyle@savvyandsage.com

Savvy & Sage has made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this magazine, but assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions.

The opinions of the personalities featured in Savvy & Sage do not necessarily express those held by Savvy & Sage or EBR Publishing LLC. Savvy & Sage Magazine is published bi-monthly by EBR Publishing LLC at 679 Ashley Ridge Road, Shreveport, LA 71115.

Phone 318.348.1902.

Email elizabeth@savvyandsage.com.

All rights reserved.

January/February 2010

Photo by Albritton Photography

Mercy Ministries Celebrates Its Roots and Prepares for the Future Winter Honeysuckle

by Jim Turner

on the cover

This photo makes us this of two things: love and vacations. Read a story of true love on page 6. This issue includes two vacation articles. See pages 8 and 15.

Photo by Albritton Photography.

winter honeysuckle 14

features

Simple Tips For A New Year That’s Better Than Ever.................... IFC Crises Planning For Long-Term Care............................4

i need help 20

Day 38: Love Fulfills Dreams (And Nightmares)...............................6 Oasis Of The Seas...............................8 Mercy Ministries Celebrates Its Roots and Prepares For The Future.................................. 10

events 30

Stages of Senior Care....................... 12 Winter Honeysuckle......................... 14

in every issue

Houston, Texas................................. 15

the sage traveler 15

Senior Fitness Now: Fitness In Your Senior Years.............. 18 39 Things To Do In 2010................... 19 Warm Winter Soups......................... 20 Yes, I Need Help............................... 24 Puzzles............................................. 28

health issues 18 taste savvy 20 puzzle savvy 28

Calendar Of Events........................... 30 Writers Holly Clegg Elaine Marze Dianne Newcomer

Tara R. Thomas Jim Turner Peter Woronoff

www.savvyandsage.com

Photography Albritton Photography David Humphreys

Art Director Kathy Sepulvado Printer Branch-Smith Printing Fort Worth, TX

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Crises Planning for long-Term Care

By Chuck Barber

Paul & Mary’s Story Paul and Mary married at a young age and shortly after the wedding Paul enlisted and was sent off to war to protect our country during what became known as World War II. Paul served with great honor and made it through. After serving his time he was honorably discharged. Paul returned home to Mary and they raised a family. Paul worked hard to support his family, paid his fare share of income tax – did I say he defended our country during WWII? Then one day while enjoying their retirement Paul had a stroke. Mary was 4

devastated by this terrible event.

Paul was a large man and Mary knew that she could not care for him in the home and this broke her heart. Paul’s doctor’s told Mary that she should find a long-term care facility for Paul. Mary searched the local area for a suitable longterm care facility.

After a great deal of effort and time she finally found the right place and set an appointment to meet with admissions personnel. During her meeting, she was told all about the facility but one thing stood out to her – that one thing was the cost. It was going to cost $4,000 a www.savvyandsage.com

month (almost $50,000 a year) to have her husband there. She did not have that kind of income. Mary had never worked and the couple was living on Paul’s pension of $1,500 and his Social security of $1,100. Before Paul became ill, this was more than enough for them to live on and to maintain their quality of life.

Now Mary was going to have to go to their life savings of $200,000 to take care of her beloved Paul.

Mary knew that the savings would be used up in only a few years and she would have only his social security to live on because his pension did not have a survivor benefit. Mary wondered if there was anything she could do. So she called her local Medicaid office to see if she could get help paying for his cost of long-term care and was told Paul had too much income and their assets were too great. She would need to spendJanuary/February 2010

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down their saving to $109,560. Once their assets were below that amount they could apply for the Medicaid benefit. Mary was so frustrated.

Paul had worked so hard to raise a family, saved for retirement and hoped they might leave something to the children. Paul had even fought in WWII and now they were going to have to bankrupt themselves because Paul was sick. It just didn’t seem fair.

could qualify for a little known Veteran benefit and Medicaid. During the interview it was determined that Paul and Mary had given their home to their daughter a couple of years earlier when they moved into an assisted living facility. It was pointed out that this gift would result in a period of ineligibility of approximately twenty- five months. Mary was guided through the Veterans Administration

Mary was a fighter and continued to talk to friends and family about her options.

If you would like more information on how this could apply to your situation, please contact Chuck Barber at Pennington Financial, LLC at 318-376-0559.

Consultation is free; there is no charge to learn how we can help either in crisisplanning or pre-planning.

Article submitted by Chuck Barber, member of Pennington Financial, LLC. Pennington Financial specializes in Medicaid Eligibility, IRA and company plan rollovers, and client money management.

Pennington Financial, LLC is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Society of Certified Senior Advisors, Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisors Group “America’s IRA Experts”,

Mary was a fighter and continued to talk to friends and family about her options. She learned that with the help of a specialist in this area she might be able to preserve Paul’s and her assets and Paul would become eligible for Medicaid benefits. Mary wanted to know more so she contacted a knowledgeable specialist for an appointment. What she learned was helpful and comforting. The rest of the story goes like this.

Mary gave an update of Paul and her present situation; she covered their sources of income and assets. After analyzing her situation it was determined that Mary could protect most of the assets. She also learned that Paul and she January/February 2010

application process by the specialist and found that Paul and she would be eligible for a monthly benefit of $1,949. This would help pay for Paul’s period of ineligibility while waiting for his Medicaid eligibility.

This was a great solution; Paul and Mary would be able to save approximately $175,000 of their $200,000 savings. Plus after 25 months of self-pay at the nursing home Paul would qualify for Medicaid benefits. As important, Mary will not be impoverished. She would continue to receive most of Paul’s income during his lifetime and still have most of their savings available for their current and future needs. www.savvyandsage.com

HS Dent Advisor Network and the National Ethics Bureau.

PF, LLC is insurance and securities licensed and offers Notary services. Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC a SEC registered Investment Advisor.

Securities offered through Grant Williams L.P.; member FINRA and SIPC.

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Day 38: Love Fulfills Dreams (And Nightmares)

By Tara R. Thomas

I hate sweat, mosquitoes, rattle snakes, briars, un-level ground, climbing rickety board ladders nailed to trees, cold weather, smelly men, unwashed linens, worn-out hand-medown pillows, coyotes, hot weather, outdoor hole-in-the-ground toilets, no running water, poison ivy, red bugs, red ants, (again I say) smelly men, ticks, crude speech…

All of these loathsome things come to mind when I consider deer hunting with my husband. A thought, might I add, that I would not have considered if it were not for DAY 38!

Last Christmas, I got the most wonderful gift from my husband – two LOVE DARE 40 Day Challenge journals, along with a promise that upon completion of the 40 Day challenge, we would take a romantic getaway trip. We had watched the movie Fireproof and loved the message of the film. Thankfully, our marriage was NOT headed toward divorce like the one featured in the film. However, after twelve years of marriage and two children, our lives had gotten very busy and we realized the need to nurture our relationship like we once had.

Sparks began to fly after just a few challenges were complete. Memories of our early love together came flooding back and romance heated up again. Due to baby-sitting needs we took our little trip a couple of weeks before we finished the challenge. It was better than our honeymoon, I proudly admit.

Then came DAY 38.

LOVE FULFILLS DREAMS. “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. –Psalm 37:4 TODAY’S DARE: Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.”

Up until this point the LOVE DARE had been fun although not always easy. Some of the harder dares were in the beginning. For example on Days 1, 2 and 3 we were not allowed to say anything at all negative to our spouse. On Day 27 we had to “eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations you have in your home.”

But with only two days to go at Day 38, it was looking like this hunter’s wife might not finish.

My husband’s dream is my nightmare. Like the rich ruler in Luke 18 that went away sad when Jesus told him that in order to inherit eternal life he must sell everything he had and give to the poor, the thought of this Love Dare challenge made me very sad. Do I really have to do this one? CAN I really do this? I thought to myself as I began to count the costs.

My son tried to help by telling me with excitement in his eyes, “It’ll be fun, Mama! We’ll even give you some of that stuff that makes you smell good!” He was referring to the

The purpose of the LOVE DARE is to teach you how to love.

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January/February 2010

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scent-killer spray that makes you smell like dirt. I guess you have to be a 9 year-old boy to understand that logic.

It’s not that I am against hunting – I grew up with it and appreciate it. I remember when hunting season was a few glorious weeks out of the year when the guys were gone to the camp and Mom and I had the house, the kitchen and most importantly the TV all to ourselves! We celebrated the season with Christmas shopping, pretty food, and chick-flick marathons. That was years ago, before hunting became a yearround hobby.

When I was a child there was an unspoken rule at the deer camp – no girls allowed. That was fine by me. I accepted it as a general order of things – the way God created boys and girls differently. I embraced the idea wholeheartedly. But all of those things are not important now.

Dares are challenges that take you out of your comfort zone. The LOVE DARE does that, but not for the purpose of your own personal accomplishment. The purpose of the LOVE DARE is to teach you how to love. Love is sacrificial not selfcentered. The LOVE DARE challenges you to move out of

your comfort zone in order to pour out love extravagantly on your spouse even if he does not deserve it.

As I wrote these words and pondered these things, I glanced up from my laptop at my husband. He deserves it. He deserves for me to try as hard as I can to make his dreams become a reality. His dream that he has carried since he was a young man is that his wife would go on a hunt with him. He even has a rifle that he has had since before we met – set aside for his wife.

I hate many things that you have to endure in hunting. But, I love my husband.

I hate Day 38 for daring me to do what I hate! But I love Day 38 for daring me to love my husband extravagantly! He deserves it!

Actually, I don’t hate everything about hunting. I like honey buns, campfires, sing-a-longs, story telling, camaraderie, four-wheeler riding, beautiful colors of leaves, seeing animals in the wild, peace and quiet. More than all of these things I love the idea of making my husband, Todd, happy. So, pass me some of that scent-killer and a honey bun!

I’ve got a dream to fulfill.

...pass me some of that scent-killer and a hon ey bun! I ’ve got a dream to fulfill .

January/February 2010

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By Dianne Newcomer You know how you have heard it said that “bigger isn’t always better“?

Well, while that might hold true for some things, but it definitely does not if you are talking about the OASIS of the SEAS, Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, which set sail last month.

My husband and I were lucky enough to be invited aboard her inaugural sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, and I must confess, in all my years as a travel agent, I have never seen anything quite like her!

You need to think of the OASIS as the mother load of cruising. She weighs in at 220,000 gross tons – 40% larger than any other ship today and 5 times the size of the Titanic! She can accommodate a whopping 6296 passengers plus a crew of 2000.

She spans the length of three football fields and has 16 decks crammed full of activities. This ship represents the latest and greatest in an intense race among the leading cruise lines of the world to push the envelope.

The OASIS of the SEAS was built to deliver something for everyone – to be a “game-changer” in the business of one upmanship! Chairman of Royal Caribbean Richard Fain described his new baby like this: “she is a combination of three things: 1/3 familiar, 1/3 evolutionary, and 1/3 evolutionary.” I found it to be a perfect description, and let me tell you why:

a children’s carousel, an ice cream, candy store, a donut shop that serves Starbucks, and a multi-purpose amphitheater where a high diving water show is performed.! It was always busy!

• Vitality Center – There was an amazing workout center, but I chose to check out the beautiful spa area where even the most jaded cruiser will be impressed! I would plan on sending the kids to the award winning Adventure Ocean youth program, and definitely spend time indulging myself in some wonderful “Me Moments” here!

It’s revolutionary: no more beached whales rolling off this ship!

The OASIS is a cruise ship designed with more fitness activities than dessert bars! For example, if you are a fitness buff, you can choose from over 150 cardio machines, take a kinesis class, burn some calories in a spin class, or pump iron in their state of the art workout room.

Joggers will definitely appreciate the fact that just two times around the OASIS track is a mile. On some ships it takes 12 laps to log a mile!

Her Pool and Sports Zone on the top deck turned out to be a playground for children of all ages. Here, you will find a miniature golf course, the only zip line at sea, a full-sized basketball court, two rock climbing walls, an ice skating rink, four pools (including a sports pool where you can do lap swimming or play water polo, and, my favorite, the flow riders. These surfing simulators are a great way to exercise; and well worth the beating that it gives you!

The OASIS of the SEAS was built to deliver something for everyone.

It’s fun hanging out in the hoods!

Now, I won’t bore you to death with details, because you can Google this ship and see how she is divided into neighborhoods or special sections where you can seek out activities based on personal preferences, styles, age, and mood. Our most favorite neighborhoods to hang out in were as follows: • Central Park – Imagine an open air park, situated in the middle of the ship and filled with huge trees, grass, and gardens, with upscale restaurants, a wine bar, a cigar bar, and other outdoor dining venues in it. This was a wonderful place to escape for a romantic dinner or a quiet evening under the stars.

• The Boardwalk – Built like a New England seaside pier, this “hood” has a fun Coney Island atmosphere, complete with 8

Feint of heart take note: She’s not just a pretty face – she is sea-worthy, too!

Since our 3 day adventure was a “cruise to nowhere,” a working trip for Royal Caribbean’s top travel agents to learn how to best sell such a mega-product, we only sailed as far as the Bahamas. Yet, I must tell you her maneuverability was amazing.

One afternoon, while Rob and I lounged by the beach pool, the captain interrupted our peace and quiet by telling us not to be alarmed, but he was going to practice some sharp turns. We

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January/February 2010

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decided he was really just showing off, because we felt nothing.

When we mentioned this exercise to one of the waiters, he told us how the OASIS had faced winds of “almost up to hurricane force and seas in excess of 40 feet” on her maiden crossing from Finland to New York, but the aquatic show team just kept right on practicing their high dives off the platforms – totally oblivious to the storm!

with connecting doors, some with built in bunks, and lots of nice two bedroom suites for the family who wants the extra space but the convenience and security of everyone being together! When a family decides to leave the luxury of their cabin, they can play all day in the H2O Zone where fountains, water cannons, and a colorful giant octopus decorate the kids’ pool playground. Grandparents, why not consider a family reunion on this oasis of fun!

Casual and fun dining options are everywhere and even the pickiest of little eaters will find the OASIS perfect for them! Be sure and ask me more about their special dining program for kids – now that’s a real “game-changer” for parents!

To do or not to do – that is the question!

If you are familiar with cruising, you will feel right at home with the OASIS – to a point! Yet, a few enhancements have been added: the Rising Tide Bar which can be raised or lowered to three separate levels, a science lab, a computer gaming center, a spa for teens, a tattoo parlor, the first living park at sea with over 56 trees and 12,000 plants, a sports bar, numerous shopping venues, 24 restaurants, stunning artwork, and, my personal favorite, a cupcake shop!

It’s hard to decide how to spend your evening. Everything from a parade through the Promenade to a dining experience in one of Central Park’s upscale restaurants, a Broadway show, a karaoke bar, an aqua diving performance, an ice show, a headliner review, a comedy hour to an outdoor movie theater is available for your pleasure.

Of course, if leisure is your pleasure, this is one ship with plenty of room to discover a quiet retreat .

She is perfectly fine for families!

Aesthetic and revolutionary innovations pop up everywhere on the OASIS. For example, she has very few totally inside cabins and she is the only ship at sea which has balcony cabins that can either be a tree or sea view! Now, how cool is that?

Her size may sound intimidating, but her 12 elevators at each end make it easy, and, when you get off the elevator, they have clever interactive signs to point you in the right direction.

These are probably more for adults than the kids!

I especially liked the cabins built for families – complete January/February 2010

She follows the sun!

In addition to all of her evolutionary ideas and revolutionary concepts – like a roadster in the Promenade – it is easy to forget she cruises, too! Throughout 2010, the OASIS of the SEAS makes a run to the eastern Caribbean. Prices vary based on cabin choice and date, but, for her January-May sailings, MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE has rates for balconies as low as $1389 per adult! Her pricing may be a little more than some of the competition, but, remember, she has alot more to offer, too!

This ship is a destination in itself, and, when you throw in warm sunny days and 3 beautiful Caribbean islands, she delivers the WOW! She is the mother load of cruising – so much to do, you never want to get off. Think of the OASIS of the SEAS as a city that never sinks!

www.savvyandsage.com

Dianne Newcomer is a travel consultant at Monroe Travel Service. You may contact her at 323-3465 or 800-365-3465.

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Mercy Ministries Celebrates Its Roots and Prepares for the Future In 1983, Nancy Alcorn started Mercy Ministries in a small home in West Monroe, Louisiana. Nancy spent eight years working for the state of Tennessee at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls and investigating child abuse cases. Working for the state allowed her to experience first-hand the secular programs which were not producing permanent results exemplary of changed lives. Nancy was determined to provide hope and healing to young women seeking freedom from life-controlling issues.

Mercy Ministries began then and exists now to provide opportunities for young women to experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and life-transforming power. Now, 27 years later, with homes world-wide, Mercy Ministries still operates on the three guiding principles it was founded on: take girls in free of charge, give 10% to other ministries, and never accept money with strings attached. This voluntary Christian 10

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residential program serves a diverse population of young women from various socio-economic backgrounds, ages 13-28, who face a combination of lifecontrolling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, physical and sexual abuse, depression, and unplanned pregnancy.

Mercy Ministries offers its program completely free of charge to the young women they serve, and there are currently 750 young women trying to get into the Mercy program. The West Monroe facility is the very first Mercy Ministries home ever and can accommodate 20 young women at one time.

The Monroe community has always been involved with Mercy Ministries, however, as the number of applicants continues to grow, there are more opportunities for the community to help with funding, volunteering and awareness.

In October, faithful Mercy Ministries’ supporters and Monroe natives, Susan January/February 2010

and Hardeman Cordell, hosted a benefit at their home for Mercy. What was fittingly named the “Mercy Ministries Founder’s Dinner” included close to 300 guests, a sit down dinner, a silent auction, entertainment by local favorites, Hallie and the Comets, and a heartfelt address from keynote speaker and Mercy Ministries founder, Nancy Alcorn. It was definitely a night to remember.

There were even a few Mercy graduates present. One in particular who came to Mercy in the early 1980s shared a bit of her story and the impact it has made on her life.

“What amazed me about the Mercy Ministries program was that it was free of charge… with my family going through major financial difficulty at the time and not having any way to get help for me, Nancy Alcorn and Mercy took me in just like I was already part of their family.”

This particular Mercy Ministries graduate is now helping other young women in desperate situations and is truly making a difference because of the tools and godly principles she learned during her time at Mercy.

This upcoming year will be filled with several exciting events in the community and chances for anyone interested to get involved. The ministry’s first 5K and Family Walk in Monroe is being planned January/February 2010

for the spring and more community luncheons will drive awareness throughout the year. You can also look forward to another high-end awareness event towards the end of 2010. There are many ways to get involved! If you would like to learn more about Mercy Ministries, please visit www.mercyministries.com or contact Community Relations Manager, Kay Frost, at kfrost@mercyministires.com or 318-388-2040.

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries’ free-ofcharge, voluntary Christian residential program has served a diverse population of young women from various socioeconomic backgrounds, ages 13-28, who face a combination of life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, physical and sexual abuse, depression and unplanned pregnancy. Mercy Ministries of America has residential homes in Monroe, La.; Nashville, Tenn.; and St. Louis, Mo., and Lincoln, Calif. Mercy Ministries has global affiliates in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and Peru. For more information on Mercy Ministries, please visit www.mercyministries.com.

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STAGES of SENIOR CARE: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions Comprehensive Resource Book Provides The Tools Needed To Help Readers Make Informed Senior Care Decisions For Themselves And Their Aging Parents With more than 78 million Baby Boomers on the verge of retirement, America is facing monumental social and economic challenges in the ways in which we care for our seniors. With healthcare concerns at the forefront, and with time and money management a major factor for American families in the 21st century, how adult children and seniors can best prepare and plan for their futures have evolved into a complex process that often involves misinformation and injects unwanted stress into our most important relationships.

To ease this tension and give much needed guidance to seniors and their adult children alike, Paul and Lori Hogan, founders of Home Instead Senior Care, the world’s largest provider of non-medical in-home care for seniors, have taken their experiences as both family caregivers and senior care professionals and written Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions (November 2009/McGrawHill/$18.95).

Stages of Senior Care serves as a comprehensive guide for the ever-expanding world of senior care, breaking down the process by addressing the shared concerns of seniors and their family members. Featuring more than 30 sources from the most credible major healthcare organizations, universities and

nonprofit organizations, the Hogans thoroughly explain each and every aspect of senior care, including the array of available care choices, being a caregiver, planning for your own future, aging in place, family and professional care options, how to chose an option and what to look for, financing care, insurance, legal matters, dealing with stress, communication and family relations. Specific chapters are dedicated to informing families about the many options available for professional care including senior centers and adult care centers, non-medical care at home, medical care at home, retirement and independent living communities, assisted living, skilled nursing homes, and hospice care.

“Senior care options have expanded almost beyond recognition in the last 20 years, yet most Americans are still only familiar with nursing homes or family care at home,” said Paul Hogan. “In Stages of Senior Care, we present, fully and fairly, the multitude of options now available while at the same time helping people hold together their family and preserve their own well-being.”

Stages of Senior Care is a comprehensive resource that will help families to provide the best and most appropriate care for their loved ones.

America is facing monumental social and economic challenges in the ways in which we care for our seniors.

12

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And practical. This book will guide family caregivers through the surprisingly complex world of senior care.”

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Jim Turner 318-614-5465

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13

Winter Honeysuckle

By Jim Turner

Lonicera fragrantissima (AKA Winter or Bush Honeysuckle) (lo-niśer-a fra-gran-tiśi-ma) Caprifoliaceae Zone 6

8 x 8’ 5 x 5’ average

A Native of China, this semi-evergreen shrub performs well from the coastal plains to the upper South. It is tolerant of most growing conditions even with considerable neglect but loves a moist, fertile soil. For best flowering, full sunlight is required but it does extremely well even in shade. This plant is generally pest-free and can be propagated by layering or by cuttings. One of the best things about this shrub is that it will begin blooming when everyone else is lying dormant in the winter. The fragrant flowers bloom in later winter (February-March) and provides a lemon scent-like fragrance for many weeks. This a fast-growing shrub that is long-lived. It produces a small red fruit but is seldom seen because the birds devour it with fervor. Winter honeysuckle combines with other shrubs. It can be used as a single specimen or in groupings to provide screening or sound barrier from roads. In addition to screening, its mounding form can be also used a slope cover. This is a low maintenance shrub but may require occasional removal of non-producing canes. The best time to prune is after the plant is finished blooming. Never sheer but selectively cut old canes from the center of the plant near the ground. Fertilizer requirements are low; addition of compost around the plant in early spring and late fall will enhance flower production and fragrance. A complete balanced fertilizer can be applied in late winter before flowering if compost is not available. This is an often over-looked and under-used shrub in our area of landscaping. Being long-lived, it will provide years of fragrance at a time when few other plants are in bloom. The Winter Honeysuckle is an excellent choice to herald in the color and beauty of spring.

Jim Turner is landscape contractor and Master Gardener.

He is currently landscape consultant at Plant-It-Green Nursery in West Monroe, LA.

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January/February 2010

the sage traveler

By Elaine Marze Houston is an excellent representative of “Texas-sized” everything! And, like so many Texans, Houstonians happily and frequently voice their pride in the attractions and points of interest which includes museums, sports teams, shopping centers, restaurants and first class medical facilities. Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city.

Second only to New York City, Houston’s 17-block Theater District boasts nine performing arts organizations and 12,000 seats. In the heart of the downtown Theater District, Bayou Place is a trendy indoor entertainment complex that offers everything from a game of pool, a concert at the Aerial Theater or blues rhythm music heard at Harlon’s Barbecue and Blues.

Or, the Alley Theatre features two post-modernistic stages, one of the oldest resident professional theater companies in the country.

The Holocaust Museum, located at 5401 Caroline Street, is a sobering but factual reminder of what can happen to a nation that loses individual freedoms and is a learning experience as visitors re-live history from the origins of Judaism to the rise of Nazism, the Holocaust and the aftermath of the Final Solution. This commemorative facility pays tribute to the survivors of the Holocaust, and specifically features Houston survivors including a film and montage of personal accounts.

Do not miss The Wall of Tears and the Garden of Hope during your tour.

This is the perfect time of year to watch or enjoy Kinder Lake as it is transformed into an ice skating rink. Part of Discovery Green, located in the downtown area, this 12-acre

area provides facilities and equipment for musical concerts, various sports and games such as bocce ball and shuffle board, walking trails shaded by old oaks, and playgrounds.

The grand lobby of the Jesse H. Jones Hall for Performing Arts provides the perfect ambiance for concerts by the Houston Symphony or the Society for the Performing Arts.

Another popular local attraction is the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center where visitors can experience solitude in nature by hiking meandering trails through an urban forest, meadows and alongside ponds where hikers can spot swamp rabbits, woodpeckers, turtles and other wildlife.

The Discover Center invites participation through interactive exhibits, games, field guides and aquariums. Visitors can learn from experienced naturalists about snakes, birds, coyotes and other creatures. Guided nature walks are scheduled each Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 3 p.m.

While at the HANC, visitors can learn about such subjects as “Backyard Habitat Building” or attend a Winter Native Tree and Shrub sale. During the spring and summer, many people are fascinated by the Hummingbird and Butterfly Island, or walk the paths of the Sensory Garden to smell, touch and listen to the garden buzz (bees). Not all of native Texas critters have been run off by rampant urbanization so visitors can experience swamp rabbits, armadillos and Green Anoles (lizards) in the Wildlife Garden.

An entire day can be spent at the Houston Space Center on NASA Road One while getting reacquainted with the accomplishments of America’s manned space flight programs. (continued on next page)

“Texas-sized” everything!

January/February 2010

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Regardless of a person’s age, it is exciting and interesting to learn how astronauts eat, sleep and shower with zero gravity. The center includes interactive exhibits and the largest IMAX Theater in Texas, which is saying a lot. For those who once dreamed of going into outer space but haven’t realized that dream yet, you can at least enjoy a full-size space shuttle mock up that includes the flight deck, control panel and astronaut quarters.

Anybody who has ever been to Houston has probably been to The Galleria, an indoor shopping mall which is located in the Uptown Houston District – a four-mile area known for its gourmet restaurants, art galleries and international haute couture. The Galleria features more than 330 shops and exclusive stores such as Lord & Taylor, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus in addition to nearly 50 restaurants and an indoor Olympic-size skating rink. Also on Westheimer Road, the Highland Village is another popular shopping spot, though it is an outdoor mall with palm tree lined walkways.

Downtown’s only shopping center can be found on McKinney Street and boasts more than 75 shops. And, for shopaholics who can never get enough, Rice Village is a trendy outdoor shopping center located near Rice University and has as many stores as The Galleria in a 14-block area.

After or during a day spent shopping or touring Houston’s many attractions, a visit to one of the Chocolate Bars is an absolute treat, especially for chocoholics! Any and everything imaginable is available drenched in chocolate – dark, sweet, milk – your choice. I highly recommend the German Chocolate Ice-cream and the chocolate pecan meringue cookies or, basically any of the hundreds of selections available to chocolate lovers there.

Two of my favorite restaurants in Houston are Landry’s Seafood House and Pappadeaux’s Seafood. Landry’s has a luncheon buffet with a nice selection that should satisfy most seafood lover’s palates, and I don’t know anybody who has ever left Pappadeaux’s unhappy with their meal. Their light and slightly crispy batter is excellent, and the dinner entrees are usually large enough to feed two people.

My husband and I have toured Houston numerous times over the past 35 years while visiting friends and family who reside there. But in the 16

The Houston medical complexes have a definite impact on the city’s economy... past months we have traveled multiple times to Houston, like so many other people, for appointments at the medical facilities there. Thousands of patients from literally around the world come to Houston as patients of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Methodist Hospital, Texas Women’s Hospital, Texas Children’s, Memorial Hermann, and St. Luke’s Hospital.

The Houston medical complexes have a definite impact on the city’s economy and MDA’s reputation is worldwide.

Indeed, during our trips to M.D. Anderson, we see people and hear languages from across the globe. And, because each time we are there we run into people we know, I decided to include pertinent information in this travel article regarding facilities there. Maybe it is because most Savvy readers are age 50 plus, but we seem to be at the age when cancer and heart disease is common among our peers, and many families, at some time or other, end up at a Houston hospital.

First-timers should be aware that some hotels located in the medical facility area are attached to various hospitals by sky-walks which are invaluable to people who are making dozens of trips back and forth to one of the hospitals, or who have spouses with physical disabilities, and especially for small town folks who get rattled and lost driving in Houston’s traffic. We spent several nights at the Marriott on Fannin Street, which is a very nice hotel that is attached to Methodist Hospital. And, like most of the downtown hotels, the Marriott has shuttles that take patients and family members to the various hospitals. The shuttles are better than driving oneself, but it does mean you have to wait on their schedules, and you can get crammed in with sick people which can be a problem for those with immune system deficiencies.

Our hotel of choice is the Jesse H. Jones Rotary House because of the sky-walks that connect directly to M.D. Anderson. After outpatient surgery, it is so much easier for the patient to be wheeled directly to a Rotary House room. Most

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January/February 2010

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“If it ain’t in Texas, it ain’t worth seeing!”

of the rooms are stocked with dishes / utensils, a micro-wave, dishwasher and refrigerator. The lowest priced rooms we have gotten in the downtown area begin at $105.00, before taxes and other fees so be prepared.

Many downtown hotel parking fees are $20.00 plus per day.

Also, hotel restaurants have breakfast buffets for $15.00 and dinner entrees typically range from $15 - $30. The hospital cafeterias provide food at more moderate prices.

Some patients have told me they stay at hotels on the outer edges of Houston such as the Holiday Inn where they pay an $85 room rate before added costs which then brings the total to around $108. But, because doctor appointments may be spaced so haphazardly, it can be a real hassle traveling back and forth in all the traffic, though it is a cheaper option than staying at one of the hotels near the medical complexes. Since many patients and their families have to make multiple trips and sometimes the stays are longterm, costs can quickly become a financial hardship.

Because of the H1N1 flu, children under 12 are not allowed in M.D. Anderson unless they are patients. Still, some families bring their children when they visit so it is very handy that the Houston Zoo is within walking distance of the Rotary House. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and has a train ride for lazy viewing of re-created habitats for the animals. A new Children’s Zoo has been added which re-creates the six ecosystems of Texas – city, farm, desert, forest, coastal, and prairie in addition to interactive displays and of course, animals.

Another museum that may be of special interest to families who have a member under-going treatment for a serious illness is the Museum of Health & Medical Science at 1515 Hermann Drive. Among exhibits are huge sculptures of human organs that include a 10-foot brain and 22-foot rib cage that visitors can actually tour for an up close and special encounter. This museum is all about learning and exploring the body and everything under the skin.

Whether for pleasure or business, when

traveling to Houston, you can be sure to find something in this city to interest or entertain you. And, I did not even get into the city’s draw as a sports Mecca or the historical aspects of Houston’s colorful heritage. As one man explained, his reason for refusing to travel outside the state, “If it ain’t in Texas, it ain’t worth seeing!”

Elaine Marze is a freelance writer who also works in public relations and advertising. She can be reached at elmarz7@yahoo.com.

Make the year your bank knows you by name.

The time is now to switch banks!

January/February 2010

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MEMBER FDIC

17

health issues

Senior Fitness Now: Fitness in Your Senior Years

By Peter Woronoff By now, as a senior in life, we may know that to INCREASE our overall fitness level, we will need to focus on several areas of fitness. Areas of our body that needs attention when it comes to our fitness. As we age, our body does take a little longer to repair itself, but moderate physical activity is good for people of all ages and of all ability levels.

Cardiovascular training has an impact on our endurance levels. The more oxygen we breathe the more efficiently we burn our fuel. Oxygen has many benefits in providing essential energy and fitness. If you are trying to lose fat, you need to do more cardio than if you are trying to gain weight. For fat loss, three to five times per week at 20 to 40 minutes per

session is plenty. Start conservatively if you are just starting training, for example three times per week, 20 minutes per session. Walking, cycling and swimming are all examples of cardio or endurance exercises.

Strength training protects our skeletons. Greater muscle strength helps improve your ability to balance and increases you ability to perform everyday tasks without straining your muscles. As a senior, you may know, we are supposed to lose muscle mass as we age; but that does not mean we lose our strength. Just because we are a senior, we need not become weak and vulnerable. Good habits provide fitness at any age.

Flexibility training prevents injury and allows for pleasurable activity. Dance, sports, martial art have strong benefits re: fitness. Stretching is vital to exercise and this is also part of your flexibility training. You should always warm up and cool down when you exercise and both should include some stretching. Greater flexibility could reduce the pain of arthritis.

Many studies have provided evidence that obesity and physical inactivity can increase risk of death for any age adult.

Most important is the quality of life that our best weight provides. Too much weight or too little can damage our self esteem as well as make life uncomfortable. After all, we spend most of our time in our bodies. Hard to get away from them. We might as well enjoy looking and feeling great.

It is believed that adults over age 60 who are active live longer than unfit adults. We do not need studies to convince us. We wish to live longer, but we also intend to have fitness and enjoy our bodies as much as ever. Fitness has us look and feel great.

Peter Woronoff is a psychotherapist and a recovering fitness enthusiast. Claim your Free Audio to get your questions answered at www.SeniorFitnessNow.

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January/February 2010

39 Things To Do In 2010 HealtH: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

21.

Drink plenty of water.

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..

Live with the 3 E's — Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

Make time to pray.

Play more games.

Read more books than you did in 2009.

Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

Sleep for 7 hours.

Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

personality: 11.

Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control.

Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Remember you already have all you need.

Envy is a waste of time.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past.

That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Don't hate others. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

January/February 2010

Remember that no one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. Agree to disagree. You don't have to win every argument.

society:

25. Call your family often.

26. Give something good to others each day.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. Don’t worry about what other people think – it is none of your business.

31. Stay in touch. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.

life:

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. Know that God heals everything.

35. Remember that however good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. Keep in mind that the best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, be thankful for it.

39. Be happy!

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taste savvy

Holly Clegg, author of the best selling trim&TERRIFIC™ cookbook series including a diabetic cookbook with the ADA and Eating Well Through Cancer, has sold almost 1 million copies.

Holly has appeared on national shows including Fox & Friends, NBC Weekend Today, and The 700 Club. Known as the healthy “Queen of Quick,” her focus is on fast, easy and healthier recipes using everyday ingredients.

what’s happening: • Mobile Rush-Hour Recipes phone application-delivered directly to your phone, easy daily healthy and delicious recipes with photo, shopping list, directions and nutritional information - availble on iphone, blackberry and smart phones • Watch Holly’s monthly cooking segment, Holly’s trim&TERRIFIC® Kitchen on “This Week In Louisiana Agriculture.”

• Sign up for Holly’s Monthly Menu Newsletter and check out recipes: www.hollyclegg.com 20

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January/February 2010

hether it is a cold wintry day or you’re entertaining a group, this is the perfect opportunity to highlight savory, simmering hot soups. Soups are comfort foods as well as a source of internal heating and fuel on those cold winter nights. Best of all, traditional soups have been revamped into nourishing one-dish meals making them ideal for the busy person. A good fulfilling soup will meet the needs of all the food groups in one pot, which definitely simplifies cooking.

Soups are ideal for any size group, from small to a larger group that might happen to pop in during the winter festivities. Best of all, soups are truly the ultimate make-ahead recipe allowing you to cook on your own time frame. The old adage, “the longer it sits, the better it gets” is true with soups. To the delight of the cook, a soup pulled out of the freezer might attract more compliments than when initially served. To reheat, take out the night before and thaw in the refrigerator, and heat in a saucepan over a low heat. After freezing sometimes more liquid needs to be added if the mixture is too thick. If you need to stretch the soup, just add more broth and toss in extra ingredients, as soups are very crowd accommodating.

A loaf of hot crusty French bread and possibly a salad may be served with soup to round out the meal.

These Trim & Terrific soup recipes might be hearty and filling but they won’t affect your waistline. These one-dish meals will warm you up on a cold winter night and satisfy the most demanding taste buds from family to friends.

Shrimp, Corn and Sweet potato Soup

Shrimp, Corn and Sweet potato Soup

Time and time again this recipe gets rave reviews, especially prepared with the naturally sweet yams.

1 red onion, chopped 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (yams) 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen corn 1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream style corn 1 (10-ounce) can chopped tomatoes and green chilies 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste 4 cups canned fat-free chicken broth 1 1/2 pounds peeled medium shrimp Salt and pepper to taste Sliced green onions (scallions), optional Coat a large pot with nonstick cooking spray and sauté the onion, celery, garlic, and green pepper until tender.

Add the sweet potatoes, frozen corn, cream style corn, tomatoes and green chilies, tomato paste, and broth; bring mixture to a boil. Add shrimp and continue cooking until shrimp is done, about 10 minutes. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

January/February 2010

Makes 12 servings Nutrition information per serving Calories ................................................. 153 Protein (g)................................................ 13 Carbohydrate (g) ..................................... 26 Fat (g) ........................................................ 1 Calories from Fat (%)................................. 6 Saturated Fat (g) ........................................ 0 Dietary Fiber (g) ......................................... 4 Cholesterol (mg) ...................................... 81 Sodium (mg)...........................................513 Diabetic Exchanges: 1 very lean meat, 1.5 starch, 1 vegetable

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tuSCan Bean Soup

tuSCan Bean Soup This earthy soup with a full array of assorted veggies and barley seasoned with rosemary and thyme whips up with ease. If the soup gets too thick, add more broth.

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons tomato paste 8 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1/2 cup medium pearl barley 1 cup sliced carrots 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach leaves Salt and pepper to taste (optional) In a large nonstick saucepot, heat the olive oil and sautĂŠ the onion, green pepper, and garlic over medium heat until tender, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and cook for one minute.

Stir in the rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, tomato paste, and broth.

Bring to a boil and add the barley, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the carrots and continue to cook, covered, for 20 minutes.

Uncover, add the beans and spinach, and continue cooking for 5 minutes until well heated. Season with salt and pepper (if using). Remove bay leaf before serving.

terrific tidbit Cannellini, white kidney, or Great Northern beans are all terrific in this soup.

10 servings/serving size: 1 cup Calories ................................................. 145 Calories from Fat ................................17 Total Fat ................................................. 2 g Saturated Fat .................................... 0 g Cholesterol .......................................... 0 mg Sodium............................................ 248 mg Total Carbohydrate ............................... 25 g Dietary Fiber .................................... 6 g Sugars.............................................. 2 g Protein.................................................... 7 g Diabetic Exchanges: 1.5 starch

4 22

Speedy Chili I add a teaspoon of Chipotle chili powder to add that smoky flavor. Easiest chili and most popular in my house.

2 pounds ground sirloin 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 (16-ounce) jar chunky salsa 1 (16-ounce) package frozen whole kernel corn 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans seasoned beef broth with onion 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained, optional In a large pot, brown the meat and garlic until done. Drain any excess liquid. Add the chili powder, cumin, salsa, corn, beef broth, and beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes.

Makes 6 to 8 servings Nutrition information per serving Calories ..................................................212 Protein (g)................................................ 26 Carbohydrate (g) ..................................... 14 Fat (g) ........................................................ 6 Calories from Fat (%)............................... 24 Saturated Fat (g) ........................................ 2 Dietary Fiber (g) ......................................... 2 Cholesterol (mg) ...................................... 60 Sodium (mg).......................................... 794 Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch

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January/February January/February 2008 2010

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Plan now for your family’s peace of mind.

Preplanning is something you do for your family. Taking such a simple step now can be so important for all concerned.

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®

By Tara R. Thomas If you’ve ever lived in a foreign country you will understand house was a mess, the laundry was out of control and I was on just how exhausting and stressful the act of living can be, espethe verge of a nervous breakdown. My husband was learning cially in the beginning. The excitement language, as well as working. Believe of the adventure wears off quickly when me, he did more than his share, but it it’s not just the language barrier that is was not enough. I did something that These reasons it is so problematic, but the little things that day that was extremely difficult for me hard to ask for help: you used to do everyday without even to do. I asked someone for help.

• We fear appearing thinking, now require work. Imagine Pride swallowed and phone call weak. that you need to carry a dictionary to over I breathed a deep sigh and waited do your grocery shopping and need a for my rescuers. I don’t remember what • We interpret the temperature conversion chart before we did with our time that day, but I request for help you can cook dinner. You need instrucdo remember what they did. Nancy as an admission tions on how to sort the trash in the and Jimmy Moore showed up at my of failure. required ways, but instead have to learn house with a bucket and gloves. With a • We hesitate to give the hard way- that is get scolded by a smile from ear to ear and a hug, Nancy up control. neighbor for doing it wrong. You don’t shooed Todd, my husband, and me out know if your two-year old son’s crying of the house. during quiet hours is disturbing the I got home that evening to a clean neighbors, so you expect at any time the noise police to ring kitchen, laundered and ironed clothes and a happy boy munchyour doorbell. ing on pizza! Jimmy had entertained and fed Samuel while Take these sorts of things about 18 hours a day, add in lanNancy did the cleaning and laundry. Overwhelmed with grateguage school and advance stage rheumatoid arthritis and you fulness, I went to bed that night thanking the Lord for my serget my state about two months after we moved to Germany vant-hearted friends, retired from worldly jobs and now serving almost eight years ago. One particular day, I’ll never forget. My the Lord overseas in their later years. These two grandparents 24

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had left their own grandchildren behind to serve others overseas and that day they had blessed us greatly. And just think, I almost did not ask for help. ”Asking for help is a universally dreaded prospect,” according to Chicago author, speaker, and master coach, M. Nora Klaver in her book, Mayday! Asking For Help in Times of Need.

On her website, she states these reasons for why it is so hard to ask for help. “We fear appearing weak. We interpret the request for help as an admission of failure. We hesitate to give up control. So we struggle, alone with day-to-day burdens and serious crises. By not reaching out, we make things harder for ourselves.” Sound familiar?

Obviously, you do not have to live overseas to need help.

We all need something some time. Often, though we wait until we are absolutely desperate before asking for help and as Klaver points out in her book, we rob others of the joy of helping someone.

I don’t know how many times I have talked with a friend or family member at length about how bad they felt or how awful things were going. When I asked if there is anything I can do, the answer is so often, “No. I’ll be fine.” Or, “Just pray.”

Which is important and helpful, but what they really need is someone to pick up a few things at the grocery store or make a dinner.

One time my mother was sick and I wanted to help her.

With much effort and struggle she painfully coughed up a small grocery list. The struggle was not due to her illness, I could tell by the slow-drawn out whisper of each item that she was trying to make sure she did not burden me too much. She did not want to seem too needy.

With that in mind, let’s look at some good ways and bad ways to ask for help.

Good ways to ask for help: • Just ask, nicely.

• Be specific about what you need and the details when, where, and how, but not bossy.

• Be gracious and thankful. I heard someone say one time, “Many people like to serve, but no one likes to be treated like a servant.”

• Be willing to help others as well when possible.

When Nancy and Jimmy Moore left my home that night.

Nancy hugged me as I told her a genuine heartfelt thank you.

Her reply was really interesting. With peace in her eyes and a warm smile she told me that it was her pleasure to be able to serve me. She added that all day as she was washing and ironing my clothes and cleaning my house, she was also praying for my family and me. Knowing the devoted prayer warrior that she is, I knew this was true. She and Jimmy had worked hard, as unto the Lord, praying as they worked. It was obvious by their faces that they got a blessing out of blessing me.

So the next time you are in need, I urge you to ask for help before you get desperate. Start by lifting up a prayer and asking the Lord to help you. You can even ask his help asking for help. Think about who might best be able and willing to help you. Ask someone for help. If it does not work out, keep asking until you find the help you need. Then with a grateful heart let that person know how they have blessed you. We can all follow the example of warm-hearted people like Jimmy and Nancy Moore who prove the saying “A friend in need is a friend, indeed.”

Bad ways to ask for help: (In my struggle with asking for help over the years, I have unfortunately tried all of these.)

• Asking for help if you don’t really need it. For example, if you are lonely, and you ask someone to help just to get a visitor.

• Expect people to be able to read your mind and figure out what you need.

• Give up if someone turns you down.

Rejection hurts, but get over it and ask someone else.

• Use someone else to ask for you.

• Wearing people out by asking too much or too often for help. This creates relationship barriers.

January/February 2010

A friend in need is a friend, indeed.

ore o M y m m i J & Nancy 7 Jan . 200

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25

Acupuncture

By Elaine Marze

Years ago when I first wrote an article about acupuncture, some people viewed the concept of it akin to voodoo, but in the intervening years acupuncture has gained widespread acceptance here in the United States. That fact was vividly reinforced when I saw “Acupuncture” signs on buildings in the small Ozark Mountain towns of Kingston and Huntsville.

My first personal experience with acupuncture was nearly 20 years ago, and it came by way of a Texas cowboy who had spent several years in China learning this ancient way of healing so he could repair his own injuries. He was visiting the fire station where my husband, JR, worked, and he learned JR had been suffering for weeks from excruciating elbow pain. A well-respected orthopedic doctor had told my husband that he had a torn tendon that would require surgery. The cowboy, who prefers to remain anonymous, offered to do acupuncture on him. Though doubtful, my husband decided to let him do this non-surgical needle treatment “just in case it worked.”

One session with the needles, which in JR’s words “sent electricity out my elbow,” was all it took. The elbow pain was gone. A year later, a doctor’s directive that he needed another surgery sent him back to an acupuncturist with another successful healing. In the years that followed, our daughter would

fly in from Nashville, Tennessee to have acupuncture done whenever she had a sinus infection, water on the knee, or strep throat because she said the healing was much faster than with conventional medicine.

Eventually, the cowboy became so inundated with people wanting him to “help” them that he now restricts his needles to horses mostly. Professional rodeo and race horses or family riding ponies; people bring them to him for everything from horses with nervous problems to serious equine physical ailments. The same acupuncture that has been practiced for nearly 3000 years in the Orient and is steadily gaining respect here in the West works on animals as well as on people. And, while acupuncture does not always preclude the use of Western medical practices, in some instances it eliminates the need for intrusive surgeries and drugs which adds to the allure of this traditional Chinese health care.

Although the concept of acupuncture may remain unacceptable to some traditional scientific thought and research, some insurance companies are now recognizing its worth and also the fact that it costs less than conventional doctor visits, batteries of medical tests and surgeries. It is proving itself as such an effective modality that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

The same acupuncture that has been practiced for nearly 3000 years in the Orient and is steadily gaining respect here in the West works on animals as well as on people.

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January/February 2010

®

awarded millions of dollars in Dr. Baisong Zhong grant money for acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medical research.

Such conditions as myofascial pain, tennis elbow and musculoskeletal conditions including back pain and Fibromyalgia are often treated with anti-inflammatory medications or with steroid injections, both of which have a potential for undesirable side effects. Acupuncture works as a safe, effective alternative and natural approach to healing such conditions.

More and more rheumatologists and pain specialists are making referrals to practitioners of acupuncture. Other areas where acupuncture is recognized for having high success rates is in adult postoperative, chemotherapy nausea, headaches, asthma, diabetes and addictions.

The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body.

Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. The purpose of acupuncture is to correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin. Also described as the Yin and Yang, this refers to the constant state of dynamic balance of all parts and functions of the body. No organ is seen as an isolated problem, but is part of the whole body system.

Among several current theories on the mechanism of acupuncture is the Neurotransmitter Theory which concludes that acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system and the antinociceptive system.

Some Western studies have led to the consensus that acupuncture may activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects.

Most people agree acupuncture, when thin needles are inserted and left for 20-40 minutes, does not usually “hurt” but

you may feel sensations that are “different” – tingly and energized. These sensations are Qi. Also, endorphins that are released during acupuncture usually cause a deep sense of relaxation. Depending on whether your pain is acute or chronic establishes the number of treatments you may need.

Sometimes referred to as “alternative” medicine along with chiropractic, reflexology, meditation and even massage therapy, acupuncture is nevertheless making great strides in acceptance among the American public due to its phenomenal effectiveness when applied by a knowledgeable and well-trained person.

Any method which results in success is worth investigating, especially by high risk individuals (for surgery) such as those over the age of 50 and those with additional health complications. Avoiding an intrusive surgical procedure with all its accompanying risks of infection, anesthesiology, drugs and even doctor error is the answer to many people’s prayers. And, the demand for low-cost health care cannot be denied.

It is common for first time acupuncture recipients to fear the unknown. Also, a fear of needles is not uncommon.

Doubts about the effectiveness of tiny, hair-like needles to heal and bring pain relief are also a shared feeling of the uninitiated to this ancient method of medicine. I had watched as friends and family members were healed of sicknesses and injuries due to acupuncture while I was still relying on repetitive doctor visits, antibiotics and other drugs to treat chronic sinus infections and flu-like symptoms. Though afterward I regretted all the time I wasted being sick, it was two years before I allowed Dr. Ray Luk, of Far East Acupuncture (713-977-2391) in Houston, Texas, to stick needles in me. I chose him because he was described as the “Master” by people knowledgeable on the subject of acupuncture. (continued (continuedononnext pagepage) 32)

Most people agree acupuncture, when thin needles are inserted and left for 20-40 minutes, does not usually “ hurt”...

January/February 2010

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January/February 2010

2 8

6

1 6 5 7 sudoku rules

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1

Sudoku rules are extremely easy. Fill all empty squares so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear once in each row, column and 3x3 box.

4 1

Tips

4 7 9

4 2

Use a soft erasable pencil.

6 9 3

Double check before placing a number.

Make small pencilmarks to show which numbers are allowed in empty squares. This will come in handy when analyzing techniques are used.

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Never guess. Only make moves based on logical deductions.

4

Answers to both puzzles on page 33.

Don’t Dress for Dinner April 30-May 17

The Equinox Jazz Orchestra

Smoke on the Mountain June 11, 12, 13, 14

2009-2010 Membership Drive Ongoing

May 22

Murder at Cafe Noir June 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

Summer Workshops June/July

So much to do...there’s something for everyone!

318-323-6681 www.StraussTheatre.com January/February 2010

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®

January 30 6th Annual Strauss Masquerade Ball Vantage Health Plan Building, Downtown Monroe

The Masquerade Ball is set in Tuscany as part of the fantasy evening of masks, beautiful gowns and mystery. This is a chance to pull out all of your beautiful dresses and accent with a mask. Fine cuisine from Thurman’s, open bar, and an evening of dancing along with raffles and contests for best mask and costume will make this party fun for all. This is a fund raiser for Young Troupe.

Contact Strauss Theatre Center for tickets 318-323-6681 or www.strausstheatre.com. Tickets are $50.00 a person.

March 11-14 Junior League of Monroe, LA 12th Annual Spring Market Monroe Civic Center, Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm

A gathering of gifts and gardening. The Spring Market is a large charity fundraiser supporting the projects and work of the junior League of Monroe. Advance tickets $6.00 each, $8.00 at door. No strollers please.

Tickets available at Trenton House, The Muffin Tin, Junior League House on Cameron, Community Trust Banks. Call Velma for reservations: 318-322-3236. All tickets $30.00 each. Events listed below.

March 11 Gardens, Glitz and Glamour

March 12 Shop Til You Drop

6pm-9pm

Includes breakfast.

Catering by the Junior League Sustainers. Sponsored

by The Mulhearn Corporation, Inc.

Featuring an open Springtini bar. Catering by Thurman’s.

30

8am -10am

March 12 Girls Just Want To Have Fun 6pm-10pm

Shopping, food and spirits and a “ DJ” Catering by Waterfront Grill.

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February 13 Happy Days Are Here Again Monroe Civic Center Arena

This exciting event will feature music from the Great Depression Era with dancers performing in conjunction. This arts effort is an opportunity to enjoy both the Symphony and Ballet. This promises to be a great performance. Seating is done in dinner theatre style with a twist, you can bring your own dinner and drink.

Tables are available $250.00 for eight and premium seating available for $350.00 and $500.00 sponsorships or singles for $25.00 each. Handicapped wheelchair access is available. Two tiered stage highlighting live music and live dance.

Monroe Symphony Orchestra in partnership with The Louisiana Delta Ballet. Call 318-345-1155 or 318-812-6761.

January/February 2010

®

Save the Date re for the futu ur o y n la and p group plans now!

More info will be available in the next publication. Save the dates are a courtesy for groups looking for venues to go to have a good time. Let the good times roll.

March 6 Cyrano de Bergerac Young Troupe Strauss Theatre Center, Lamy Lane, Monroe 2pm-5pm

318-323-6681. www.strausstheatre.com. $10.00 adults, $6.00 kids

March 26 2nd Annual Shindig MBH Farm 7pm-12midnight

Compliments of Mary Beth and Dr. Herschel Harter the Shindig will be hosted at their barn located at MBH Farm, 228 Carey Nelson Road, off of Britton Road in the rolling hills of West Ouachita. This huge barn, complete with dirt floor, will be decorated in an old country/western style, so dress cool, casual and comfortable. $100 ticket includes entrance for 2 adults, selection of great food provided by area restaurants, variety of beverages, and live music by Easy Eddie & The Partyrockers that have a song list ranging from rhythm & blues to rock to country to today’s current hits.

Ouachita Council on Aging will benefit from all of the proceeds. Purchase tickets at the OCA Center on Ferrand St., Monroe or www.ouachitacoa.com or mail payment to P.O. Box 7418, Monroe, LA 71211.

Directions to the MBH Farm: Take I-20 West to Exit 108 at Cheniere; turn left to head South on Hwy 546 for 3.6 miles; turn right on Britton Road and go 2 miles; and, turn left at MBH Farm brick entrance at Carey Nelson Road.

The barn is on the right. Park along the shoulder of the road and in designated areas.

Tickets $50.00 each. OCA 318-998-0296

March 26 Council on Aging of Ouachita Annual Shindig Music by Easy Eddie and the Party Rockers.

318-998-0296 for more information.

January/February 2010

March 27 Power and Grace Ballet Louisiana Delta Ballet

Jack Howard Theatre, Monroe Civic Center 7:30pm

Easter told through the Gospel of “Luke”. Original concept

by Missy Crain. Local Ministers along with adult choirs are featured with the Louisiana delta Ballet Performance Company.

Ticket information: 318-345-1155 all seats reserved. Buses welcomed, ticket blocks available . Tickets will also be available at the door. Tickets $15.00

March 27 Louisiana Delta Ballet Power and Grace Ballet Monroe Civic Center

An annual Easter ballet, featuring local ministers and choirs working with the dancers. Bus tours welcomed. Call 318345-1155.

May 1 2nd Annual Dancing with the Louisiana Stars Monroe Civic Center

Presented by the Louisiana Delta Ballet and local celebrities. Call 318-345-1155 for more info and to reserve your block of seats or for help with bus tours.

May 1 21st Annual Kiss the Pig Festival Cormier’s on Forsythe Ave., Monroe

An all day event with Cajun bands and dancing in the evening. The pig is kissed by one of the waitresses at about 8pm. Bus Parking available. A celebration of hot and spicy crawfish, roasted spicy pig and fun music. 318-322-0414.

May 8 Starr Homeplace in Oak Ridge Community Day Seven Museums on a Louisiana Plantation

Family fun and lots of history. Call ahead if bringing a bus so Joe Cooper Rolfe can plan for more food (they serve a homemade lunch made by their resident cook). www.starrhomeplace.org.

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31

Accupuncture (continued from page 27)

Acupuncture is a complex intervention that may vary for different patients with similar complaints...

Everybody reacts differently, but one acupuncture treatment will keep my sinuses clear for about two years with no antibiotics or over-the-counter drugs used. I have been treated by two doctors, both Chinese born and taught, but other people I know have used American doctors to administer acupuncture, also with successful results.

The other doctor I use is Dr. Baisong Zhong, M.D. (China), Ph.D. who was invited to come to the U.S. by the (Houston) American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) to teach acupuncture which he continues to do. He has authored more than 30 papers and nine books on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I first met Dr. Zhong and one of his partners, Dr. Ellen Gong, while they were working with Dr. Luk. Their clinic is Eastern Balance Oriental Medicine, and the demand for their needles and expertise is so great that one weekDr. Ellen Gong end every month they go to

09 March/April 20

Carthage, Texas to treat people who travel from Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma for treatment.

Find out more about them at www.easternbalancetcm.com.

Dr. Ellen specializes in female areas such as menopause, fertility and even reducing the signs of aging by facial rejuvenation to tighten pores, improve muscle tone and dermal contraction and increasing the elasticity of the skin.

Acupuncture is a complex intervention that may vary for different patients with similar complaints, but for those who have been successfully treated by acupuncture, this form of treatment is often preferable to expensive, conventional medicine whenever possible. The amazing results continue to astound me and this ancient Chinese method of healing and pain relief is predictably gaining acceptance among the masses with no slowdown in sight. The amount of fascinating information on this subject is way too vast to cover in one article (or many), and interested individuals may want to investigate on their own.

Elaine Marze is a freelance writer who also works in public relations and advertising. She can be reached at elmarz7@yahoo.com.

Boomers Want to reach the

and the rest of the mature market? Want to be seen in a high quality publication that is read cover to cover? Want to be part of a resource that is referenced again and again? Want to be one of a few instead of lost in the crowd?

There is only one

M AG A ZI N E

679 Ashley River Road • Shreveport, LA 71115 elizabeth@savvyandsage.com

318.348.1902 www.savvyandsage.com 32

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January/February 2010

name (Please Print) address city, state, zip phone email

❑ yes! sign me up to receive savvy & sage by email also

Mail to: Savvy & Sage Magazine 679 Ashley River Road, Shreveport, LA 71115 Or go to: www.savvyandsage.com What would you like to see more of? Please comment on Savvy & Sage.

Please Send Information on: ❏ Alzheimer’s ❏ Assisted Living Facilities ❏ Doctor - Specialty: ________________________ ❏ Equipment (Lift chairs, scooters, etc.) ❏ Physical Therapy ❏ Exercise & Fitness ❏ Pain Management ❏ Hearing Aids ❏ Hospices ❏ Home Health ❏ Caregivers & Sitters ❏ Financial Planning ❏ Attorneys - Wills & Successions ❏ Churches ❏ Nursing Homes ❏ Independent Living Facilities ❏ Retirement Communities ❏ Senior Activities / Events & Travel ❏ Pharmacies ❏ Funeral Homes / Planning ❏ Trust & Estate Management ❏ Medicare Planning ❏ Weight Loss ❏ Credit Union Membership ❏ Alternative Medicine/Therapies ❏ Cosmetic Procedures ❏ Hand/Foot Surgeons ❏ A/C and Duct Cleaners ❏ Window Replacement ❏ Other:___________________________________

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Resolution, smesolution — who needs it?

Don’t be so stubborn, look at the answers!

Here are the answers to the puzzles on pages 28 and 29.

January/February 2010

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33

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There are several plans to choose from and all of these benefits may not be available in every plan. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, but not a comprehensive description of available benefits. Additional information about the benefits is available to assist you in making a decision about your coverage. This is an advertisement. For more information, contact the plan. Vantage Health Plan is an HMO Point-of-Service plan (HMO-POS) with a Medicare Advantage contract. Vantage Health Plan is contracted to provide Medicare-approved benefits and services. You may be eligible to enroll in a Vantage Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plan if you reside in our service area and are currently entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium, even if the plan premium is $0. Medicare Advantage plans are NOT Medicare Supplement plans. Vantage Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage.

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