MAY 2012
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SINCE 1980 — VolUME 32 • NUMBER 5
The Truth About Annuities By Robert B. Harwood Annuities can be very important financial tools, but are they right for everyone? For sure not! Annuities have been around for a long time and are an important tax and income planning tool and can be very helpful when used correctly. Annuities certainly weren’t designed to be sold as a solution to everyone’s financial woes.
There are primarily two types of annuities: Fixed and Variable. I personally like Fixed Annuities, for the right individual, although there are certain companies that I would recommend steering clear of. In general, Fixed Annuities have a great track record of safety and protecting the account holders’ investment. There are two types of fixed annuities. One you earn a fixed rate of interest, similar to how a bank CD earns interest, and the other is where you earn interest based on a stock market index such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average
(DJIA). The later type of fixed annuity is often referred to as Fixed Indexed Annuity or Fixed Linked Rate Annuity. These Fixed Indexed/ Linked Annuities provide the account holder with the potential to earn a little more interest than bank CD’s and other “safe” investments. Linked or Indexed Annuities may be most appropriate for retirees, individuals that cannot afford to risk losing money in the stock market, or those that want the opportunity to earn a little extra interest from the market but cannot stand the thought of losing any money. Index annuities may be a good alternative to bank CD’s in todays low interest rate environment, but not all fixed annuities are created equal and there are a few companies out there selling inferior products. When choosing an annuity, fixed or otherwise, al-
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ways work with a financial professional that understands the accounts and will watch out for your best interest. Now, let’s talk about Variable Annuities. Variable annuities are risk-bearing accounts where the funds are invested in the stock market. They give the account holder the benefits of investing in the stock market, as well as ALL of the risks. A variable annuity can lose money See ANNUITIES, Page 5.
What’s On Your Bucket List? Cross Goals Off With Friends
Remembered.com launches new “social deathworking” site
SENIORS GIVING UP THEIR KEYS
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Skydiving? Sure. Tango Lessons? Check. See the Pyramids of Giza? Been there. Done that. Remembered.com announces the release of My Bucketlist, a new social networking application that helps you assemble a list of life goals and complete them with the help of friends and family. My Bucketlist allows anyone to easily create a wish list of things they’d like to achieve during their life©bigstockphoto.com time. The term “bucket list” has been and Morgan Freeman. used for years, but was made popular after the 2007 comedy/drama of the The bucket list application relies heavily same name starring Jack Nicholson on social media like Facebook to connect peo-
Senior Voice America… in print, on the web and on the air. Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ Monday thru Friday, from 1 to 2p.m. as Publisher Evan Gold brings you the information to live an active mature lifestyle. Visit our new website, Tampa Bay’s leading news source for seniors, www.seniorvoiceamerica.com.
ple from all over the world. Features include the ability to invite friends, create events, and share photos and videos. Once a goal is created - it is matched with connections in your network to assist, and also vendors who can offer discounts and group offers to help fulfill that goal. Advertisers are now able to reach groups of potential customers who have expressed an interest in buying. “My Bucketlist allows the opportunity to become part of a community of friends and family that encourage, organize, accomplish and share their life goals,” said Adolfo Espadas, Lead Developer at Remembered.com. “By
See BUCKET LIST, Page 5.
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
Health Roundup
Avoiding a Deadly Danger for Diabetics New technology gives people with diabetes peace of mind Diabetes affects millions of Americans, and for many, it can cause devastating effects. One of the biggest risks of diabetes is a sudden and unexpected drop in blood sugar (glucose), called hypoglycemia. It is responsible for a spate of unnecessary hospital visits, auto accidents and deaths nationwide. “Every day, people are dying unnecessarily, simply because they could not predict or detect a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) event,” said Steve Edelman, M.D., founder and director of Taking Control of Your Diabetes, a not-for-profit educational organization. “That’s a tragic outcome, especially because there is modern technology available right now that can prevent it.” A New Way to Monitor Glucose Levels
Traditionally, the standard-of-care for diabetes is to measure blood sugar with regular finger sticks. There are some limitations to that method, however: • Finger sticks capture only a static snapshot of blood sugar. • There is no way to know if blood sugar levels are heading up or down, or how fast. • There are no real-time alarms that alert when blood sugar is headed to the danger zone. New technology from Dexcom called Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), identifies potentially life-threatening drops in blood sugar while driving, sleeping and other critical times. It shows not only total blood sugar, but also the speed and direction in which it is moving, and immediately alerts the user to dangerous changes so action can be taken. CGM is considered one of the mostsignificant breakthroughs in diabetes management in the last 40 years. People with diabetes are not always aware that their glucose levels are dropping. Studies show that one in four people with Type I diabetes experience hypoglycemic unawareness, a complication of diabetes in which the patient is unaware of a deep drop in blood sugar because it fails to trigger the characteristic symptoms. Drops in blood sugar cause a progressive loss of mental func-
tion and cognitive motor skills, which can make operating a motor vehicle dangerous, or result in ‘dead in bed’ syndrome, a tragic outcome of hypoglycemia occurring during sleep. “People with Type I diabetes who solely depend on finger sticks or home glucose monitoring do not know what direction their blood sugar is going and could be at risk for a serious hypoglycemic event,” said Dr. Edelman. “For many individuals with diabetes who take insulin, glucose levels can crash quickly and unpredictably, putting them at risk of passing out or having a seizure while driving or caring for a child, for example. Low blood sugar can and does lead to death, especially in people who do not feel the symptoms of low glucose.” The Dexcom CGM device consists of three parts: a sensor, transmitter and monitor. • The sensor— about the width of two human hairs—is applied by the user to the abdomen, and is attached to a tiny transmitter. • The tiny transmitter sends data wirelessly to a mini display monitor, about the size of a small cell phone, which fits easily in a purse or pocket. • Dexcom’s CGM is equipped with special alerts and alarms, letting users know when their blood sugars spike or drop, so that they can intervene to prevent potential problems. • Dexcom has the only CGM sensor that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for up to seven days of continuous wear. “For too many people with type I diabetes, life and death is what happens between finger sticks,” said Terry Gregg, CEO of Dexcom. “From diabetics living alone, to business travelers on the road, to moms too busy to take breaks – CGM gives them peace of mind to live life uninterrupted.” Proper diabetes management is a vital part of improving health and quality of life. Continuous glucose monitoring has been recognized in the diabetes community as an effective tool for helping patients achieve their diabetes goals, and it can help save lives. Learn more at www.dexcom.com.
Whether you are male or female, you likely have some key elements to your health routine like exercise, good food,
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012
FROM THE PUBLISHER TM
Senior Voice America, Inc. 8406 Benjamin Rd., Ste. G Tampa, FL 33634 Phone (813) 444-1011 • Fax (813) 422-7966 www.seniorvoiceamerica.com Staff Publisher: Evan Gold evan@seniorvoiceamerica.com Associate Publisher: Timm Harmon timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com Broadcast Producer: Deb Goldman deb@seniorvoiceamerica.com Creative Director: Ed Luiso ed@seniorvoiceamerica.com Public Relations Director: Julie Heidelberg julie@seniorvoiceamerica.com Circulation Manager: Sharon Altman sharon@seniorvoiceamerica.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES • (813) 444-1011 Timm Harmon timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com
hen I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s it was a time of great change as more parents split up. My parents divorced when I was 12 and for most of my youth I grew up with a stay-athome mother. Even after the divorce she only worked part-time while we were in school so she could be home for us when we returned from school. Now what I recall is that even though my mother stayed at home and brought up two boys it was as hard work as any full time job. She was there for us when we needed her and shuttled us to games, events and wherever we needed to go. And as my troubled brother grew into his teen years it was more than a full time job. Running him to doctors and programs to do everything she could to help him get on the straight and narrow. Then to watch one of the best mothers I have ever known, my wife that is, bring up three boys and a girl, I could tell you that took even more work. And to listen to a horrible mouthpiece and influence peddler for the Obama Administration, Hillary Rosen, attack Ann Romney and stay-at-home moms was just an outrage. To say that these women are out of touch and they serve our community in a lesser way than working women is despicable. So often these women are the volunteers at our children’s school, serve on committees or PTAs or the ones that chaperone the field trips. And in many cases they have sacrificed their career goals and aspirations to put their families first and serve as referee, nurse, cook, maid, chauffeur, psychologist, teacher and concierge just to name a few. I can tell you that I regret not thanking my mother for all the places she made sure I got to, all the things she did for both my brother and me that would never have happened if she was out working and finally for always being at my events, ball games etc, etc. And I have to say that I miss those days as much as I miss her. Times were easier on families, unlike today, where many mothers need to work to help support their families even if they are married. So as Mother’s Day approaches I want to thank all of the mother’s, whether they worked in or out of the home, and wish you all a very happy Mother’s Day. What I would do to celebrate another one with my mom.
Evan Gold
Glenn Bornemann glenn@seniorvoiceamerica.com Ricardo Rincon ricardo@seniorvoiceamerica.com Join our sales team. For information about opportunities throughout Florida and North America, email timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com.
Contributors Wayne Altman • Abne M. Eisenberg Ruth Fanovich • Judith Sabghir Gannon Robert B. Harwood • Ro Martinez Joe Pippen • Susan Reeve Christine G. Varner • June Hurley Young Would you like to write for Senior Voice America? Please email editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com
Senior Voice is a Proud Member of Better Living for Seniors The Guardian Association of Pinellas County The Florida Assisted Living Association Senior Voice America is published monthly and is distributed free of charge, courtesy of its advertisers. Distribution area includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties. Articles and advertising contained in this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion or endorsement of the publisher, who does not verify advertiser claims and reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertising.
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MOTHER’S DAY
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Trouble brewing for Pinellas library cooperative There are some basic facts that need to be understood. The East Lake area pays into the Library Co-Op about 1.2 million dollars a year in library taxes. The Co-Op gives back to East Lake Community Library about 163,000 dollars a year. As an East Lake resident myself, this makes no sense. I had always assumed “our” taxes paid for “our” library. As ELCL struggles to meet the basic needs of the East Lake Area, 86% of our taxes are going to other libraries. I don’t know what the statistics are, (and I would be interested to hear) but I find it hard to believe the patrons in our area even use many other libraries because they are just too far away. (Distance is one of the reasons the East Lake Community banded together and started a library 10 plus years ago.) How the Co-Op could expect such an inequity to continue into the new Co-Op contract is beyond me. Maybe it is time for an independent taxing district in the East Lake area so we as residents can have some say in where the tax dollars go and on another issue mentioned in the article actually have some representation governing our library. The status quo isn’t going to work for us anymore. — Jackie Waldfogel - East Lake Resident I’m writing in regard to the April 2012 From The Publisher editorial “Leaving the Party.” I was delighted to hear your opinion and want to share with other like minded seniors. Do you have that editorial on the web page so I can forward to out of state friends? Thanks — Al Adato Al, Thanks so much for your note. You can always direct anyone to www.seniorvoiceamerica.com and we have the digital version of our paper there and they can read the entire paper on the internet. Hey Evan...You can do whatever you want, but most voters of both parties do not like others who freeload off the system. This includes corporate freeloaders as well as those on welfare. There are some people who truly need help but others are rewarded for making bad choices in life. Some of the tax breaks for the super wealthy are just plain stupid. The system needs to play fair for everyone. People who work hard should keep most of their money, but everyone needs to pay their fair share of taxes. However, I wonder how hard someone like Mr. Dimon (the C.E.O. of Chase Bank) works for his 20.8 million dollar salary and if he pays his fair share of taxes. I’m banking on that he does not. — B.H.
Senior Voice America
ANNUITIES, Continued from Page 1. when the market goes down, so if you do not want to take any risks with your hard earned money, a variable annuity may not be a good investment for you. Additionally, variable annuities charge commissions for the account, much in the same way a mutual fund does. Because variable annuities can carry very high commissions, I recommend that if you own a variable annuity that you take the time to get it evaluated by someone other than the advisor that sold it to you. Variable annuities, like all investments, have a purpose and when used properly, can be beneficial for the right investor. Unfortunately, I have seen many instances where the account holder did not fully understand their account and only after taking the time to later research it they found that it may not have been the best choice of investments for them. In summary, annuities serve a specific purpose and they can be very important and valuable tools for the right individuals. The most important thing with any financial account, annuities or otherwise, is to take the time to learn if they are right for you. If you are thinking about purchasing an annuity, also make sure the term is acceptable for your situation. If you would like additional information to help you determine if an annuity may be right for your
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BUCKET LIST, Continued from Page 1. particular situation, please give us a call. We can also provide you with a free report that includes the currently available Fixed/Fixed Index Annuities, their features and terms as well as the rating of the companies that are offering these accounts. If you currently have an annuity, we will be happy to sit with you and educate you on it’s costs and features so you will have a second opinion on your account and learn whether or not it may be right for your situation. Robert B. Harwood is a financial advisor and owner of The Harwood Financial Group. If you would like to schedule a free consultation and get a second opinion on whether your retirement can pass the Murphy’s Law test, please call our office at (800) 989-1427 or email us Info@HarwoodFinancailGroup.com and we will schedule you in one of our 4 convenient locations around the Tampa Bay area. An independent firm with securities offered through Trustmont Financial Group, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Trustmont Advisory Group, Inc., 200 Brush Run Road, Suite A, Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-468-5665 Harwood Financial Group is not affiliated with Trustmont Financial or Trustmont Advisory Group, Inc.
photos ©bigstockphoto.com
MAY 2012
Skydiving? Sure. Tango Lessons? Check. See the Pyramids of Giza? Been there. Done that. connecting people with similar goals, we believe our users will have a better rate of success as they work together and support each other.” Remembered.com pioneered the field of “social deathworking” by creating social media applications which support the 11-billion-dollar annual death care industry. “We continue to innovate new products and features to enrich the lives of the living, as well as honor the legacy of our parents and grandparents,” said Andrew Jorgensen, President. “We’ve created an online community where every lifetime is celebrated.” For more information or questions, please contact us at info@remembered.com To learn more, visit My Bucketlist at http://my-bucketlist.net/
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012
Health Roundup
Safe, Simple and Affordable Healthy Skin Tips for Men and Women Whether you are male or female, you likely have some key elements to your health routine like exercise, good food, rest, and regular medical and dental check-ups. Taking care of your skin probably isn’t a part of this important list — but it should be. Your skin is a living organ and a first line of defense against the outside world. Your skin protects you from environmental toxins and pathogens, gets rid of waste, regulates healthy body temperature and is ultimately the picture of health the world sees. Men are often guiltier of neglecting healthy skin care than women. Maybe skin care isn’t considered manly enough, or maybe men simply feel that beyond a good scrub and shave nothing else is needed. And the barrage of high-priced, celebrity-endorsed anti-aging products sold by powerhouse ©bigstockphoto.com cosmetics companies for women contributes to the notion that skin care is a luxury for well-to-do women rather than an important aspect of a healthy everyday lifestyle. What’s not in your skin care products is just as important to your health as what is in your skin care products. Control what goes on your body by making and using a few essential oil-based products yourself that that don’t contain any of the chemiCleanser Maintaining clean skin is important for men and women because a good wash removes the build up of accumulated toxins and allergens from the outside environment while it removes dead skin, oil, bacteria and odor. Cleansing stimulates cell turnover and renewal. A gentle, natural liquid soap made with a wholesome vegetable oil such as olive or sweet almond is the best cleanser you can use. Good old-fashioned soap is a very effective cleanser — but it might be drying for sensitive individuals or with repeated use, so make sure you follow up with moisturizing oil afterwards. Ingredients: 1 cup unscented liquid vegetable oil-based soap • 2 tablespoons water or unflavored green tea 48 drops essential oil or blend of oils of your choice Combine soap, water (or tea) and essential oils in a small bottle. Apply about 1 tablespoon to a soft, wet washcloth and gently scrub damp skin in a circular buffing motion (not for too long or with too much force). Rinse with warm (not hot) water.
Moisturizer It’s essential to re-hydrate the skin after cleansing. Washing with soap lifts away dirt, makeup and dead skin, leaving skin bright and pores clear, but it also strips skin of its natural protective (and wrinkle-fighting) oil known as sebum. A light-bodied, absorbent and
cal preservatives and synthetic fragrances often found in expensive skin care products. Why pay for what you don’t need when you can create more affordable, natural and healthy skin care products — with a custom scent of your liking — on your own? One hundred percent pure and natural essential oils provide a natural way to scent your homemade skin care products. Here are the essential oil scents that tend to be favored by men and women and some doit-yourself natural alternatives to the commercial products cosmetic companies offer. • Masculine Scents — Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Vetiver. • Feminine Scents — Geranium, Jasmine, Neroli, Rose, Ylang Ylang. • Neutral Scents — All citrus oils, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Patchouli, Peppermint Good skin care isn’t as much effort as heavy lifting or running a marathon, but it’s a tool of health maintenance that can be as beneficial as hitting the gym. Man or woman, you should add it to your health routine. For more information and valuable skin care tips, visit www.auracacia.com. non-clogging oil such as grapeseed, jojoba or rosehip oil can be applied to still-damp skin after rinsing off your liquid soap-based cleanser to perform the same function as costly lotions and creams at a fraction of the price. Ingredients: 1/2 cup grapeseed oil • 1/2 cup jojoba oil • 48 drops essential oil or blend of oils of your choice Combine all ingredients in a small bottle, apply a teaspoon to the palm of hand, rub hands together and smooth over damp, freshly cleansed skin. The oil will seal in moisture and protect against dehydration.
Toning and Hydrating Mist As the day goes on, you’ll inevitably lose your fresh glow. Some areas of your skin might become increasingly dry, while others might be oily. A simple mixture of pure water and protecting essential oils like lavender and geranium can help diminish an oily appearance and moisturize dry areas while the oils provide healthy protection. Ingredients: 1 cup water • 48 drops essential oil or blend of oils of your choice • Small spray mister bottle Combine water and essential oils in bottle, shake vigorously and apply 2-3 spritzes of the mist to skin, smooth over surface if needed.
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
Health Roundup
Foods for a Healthier Smile Your dentist can provide a list of foods to steer clear of if you’re looking to avoid cavities, staining, and enamel loss. But did you know there are certain foods you can eat that will actually help keep your mouth healthy? Nutritionist Karen Krchma and Dr. Shawn Frawley, along with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) have developed recipes incorporating foods that benefit oral health in a free “Recipes for a Healthier Smile” e-booklet. Use these food tips and try a delicious recipe from these experts to ensure you receive a healthy report during your next trip to the dentist. For healthy gums • Wild salmon–Omega 3 reduces inflammation • Basil–Natural antibiotic, reduces mouth bacteria To prevent enamel loss • Quinoa–Calcium-rich, good for bones and teeth • Onions–Sulfur compounds may kill streptococcus bacteria that can cause tooth decay • Broccoli–Iron may create a protective barrier, shielding teeth from acidic foods and drinks For white teeth • Pineapple and vitamin C-rich foods–Act as natural “whiteners” To avoid cavities and plaque • Shiitake mushrooms – Prevent oral bacteria from creating dental plaque For a complete list of recommended foods for oral health, and to download a free copy of the recipe e-booklet, visit www.aacd.com/smilerecipes.
Wild Salmon and Quinoa (Yield: 2 servings) Ingredients: Salmon: 2 6 to 8 ounce wild salmon filets Sea salt Fresh cracked black pepper 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon grape seed oil Marinade: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon grape seed oil 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar
Quinoa Pilaf: 1 cup quinoa 1 1/4 cups chicken stock 1 medium onion, finely diced 3 stalks celery, finely diced 1 tomato, finely diced 3 teaspoons grape seed oil (1 teaspoon for sautéing, 2 teaspoons to dress quinoa) 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Season both sides of salmon with salt, pepper and chopped fresh dill. Let salmon come to room temperature. Combine all ingredients for marinade; mix thoroughly. Soak quinoa in room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Rinse and strain quinoa. Bring chicken stock up to boil, add quinoa; reduce to a simmer. Cook for approximately 30 minutes. (Alternatively, you can add the chicken stock and rinsed and strained quinoa to a pressure cooker and cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes.) While the quinoa is cooking or soaking, finely dice onion, celery, and tomato. In large sauté pan, add 1 teaspoon oil; sauté onion and celery until they are translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomato; stir and turn off heat. Add cooked quinoa to vegetables in sauté pan. Strip thyme leaves off stem with fingers and rough chop. Add thyme to quinoa along with enough grape seed oil to lightly coat quinoa (approximately 2 teaspoons). Cook at medium heat while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes and keep warm. Heat cast iron skillet on medium heat. Place small amount of grape seed oil in skillet. Place salmon in skillet skin-side down. Cook for approximately 4 minutes while basting fish with marinade every 30 seconds. Turn heat up to medium-high and turn fish over; cook for another minute. Adjust cooking time based on thickness of salmon. Serve salmon immediately with approximately 3/4 cup of quinoa.
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CANCER ANSWERS Treat Your Skin And The Sun With Respect Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers diagnosed in the US, and melanoma is the most dangerous with an estimated 131,810 new cases this year. Florida has the second highest number of melanoma cases per year (after California), with an estimated 5,450. If melanoma is not diagnosed and treated at an early stage, it can spread to vital organs and cause death. Of the top 10 most common cancers in the US, only melanoma is associated with a rising death rate – the death rates for all other top 10 cancer types have fallen over the past decade. The good news about melanoma and other skin cancers is that if they are found early, they are highly curable. While most skin cancer develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin, a melanoma can form anywhere. Melanoma usually appears as a brownish-black or multicolored growth with an irregular border. It may crust or bleed on the surface, and it may develop from an existing mole or appear as a new lesion.
courtesy of moffitt cancer center
Senior Voice America MAY 2012
Be Aware Of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but it is not the only type of skin cancer. Two other much more common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These skin cancers affect 1 in 5 white Americans over their lifetime. Although all forms of skin cancer can spread throughout the body, melanoma is the most likely to do so. Basal Cell Carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma is found most often on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the head and neck, and is associated with significant sun exposure or repeated episodes of sunburn. Slow growing, basal cell carcinoma does not usually spread to other parts of the body, but if left untreated it can invade the tissue or bone. Many people who have had one basal cell carcinoma will develop another within the next 5 years. Squamous Cell Carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma is associated with cumulative sun exposure over the years. It usually appears on parts of the body such as the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands. Less often, it forms in the skin of the genital area. Squamous cell skin cancer sometimes spreads to other parts of the body. The Department of Cutaneous Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center… is one of the largest melanoma programs in the US and is fully integrated with dermatologists, surgeons, oncologists and dermatopathologists working together. Moffitt is one of the largest centers for melanoma clinical trials in the world, with between 175 and 300 patients per year enrolled on cutting-edge clinical trials. Four new therapies have been approved in the past 2 years for melanoma, either in the US by the FDA or in Europe, while none had been approved in the previous decade. Moffitt was involved in the evaluation of every one of these new treatments. The ABCs of UVA, UVB and SPF The first step in protecting yourself against melanoma and other skin cancers is preventing skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The second step is regular skin examinations. This includes monthly self-exams as well as an annual skin examination by a dermatologist to identify any changes or developments in your skin. While a product’s sun protection factor (SPF) is an important indication of its level of protection from the effects of UVB rays, SPF does not measure protection from the dangers of UVA rays, which play a larger role in the development of melanoma. Check for products that provide protection against the broad spectrum of both UVB and UVA rays. Although most skin cancers, including melanoma, are preventable with sun avoidance and protection, they are highly curable with early detection.
To find out more about skin cancer screening or skin cancer treatment, call Cancer Answers at 1-800-456-7121.
Health Roundup
Dealing with the Suffering of Dementia By Christine G. Varner Magazine articles and TV reports about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia talk about those who “suffer” from or with this disease. As a family member and I chatted in the parking lot the one day, we began to examine this whole idea of “suffering”. As days went by, I couldn’t get “suffering” off my mind. So, I began to think of “suffering” as it applies to our loved ones who actually have this disease. Do people with advancing Alzheimer’s disease/ dementia suffer? If so, in what way do they suffer? How do we, the family and friends that care for them, act to minimize that suffering to its very smallest degree? And, I began to think of how we, as families and friends, “suffer” as well. How do we suffer and from what? How do we act to minimize our own suffering? For our loved ones, in the early stages of their disease, they certainly suffer from fear, frustration, humiliation and decline. As their disease progresses, they suffer from a host of failures in both their minds and their bodies. They suffer the loss of their memory, their intellect, their social skills, their self-determination and their reasoning. They suffer the loss of bowel and bladder control, of hand to mouth coordination, of balance and orientation and speech. But is there another side to this for our loved ones? Perhaps their suffering is limited by the manifestations of the very disease that has afflicted them… the fact that, at some point, they simply do not remember what they have forgotten! Perhaps, after the early stages of their illness, when they are no longer cognizant of their diminishing abilities, their suffering diminishes as well. Perhaps, in the right environment, their suffering is minimized. Our loved ones need an environment that recognizes their limitations and demands no more than what they are able to do. Perhaps, when their needs are met, their abilities are appreciated and daily successes are a part of their lives, their suffering is diminished. At my Pacifica Memory Care Community, we strive to minimize suffering to the smallest degree for all of our residents. We make our resident’s lives more comfortable and more “normal”. We afford them all of the respect they deserve and provide opportunities for many small successes daily. We “take the pressure off” for them to perform tasks they can no longer do, answer questions
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for which they no longer have answers, and expect behaviors that they no longer understand. So then, what about us? Might it be that families and friends of those with advancing dementia suffer in a different but greater way than our loved ones? With all of our intellect and reasoning intact, perhaps we are more at risk for suffering than those stricken with the disease. For sure, we suffer from guilt. Guilt about the ability we have to care for our loved ones, about placing them in a “home”, about not doing enough for them, or doing too much. Ironically, often we feel guilty about providing for them the exact environment that they most need! We suffer from loss and grief. We mourn the loss of the person we once knew. We grieve the loss of the partner with whom we danced, the father with whom we went fishing, the grandparent with whom we played checkers, the sister and brother with whom we played and fought and dreamed. Worse, we cannot mourn in traditional ways. Our lover, parent, sister, brother is still with us on this earth, even though they will never be as they once were; as we remember. We have lost the one we knew; in small, painful, tragic steps One of my favorite quotes (source unknown) is this…“There should be those, among whom we can sit and weep… and still be counted as warriors.” We are all warriors against Alzheimer’s and dementia and we should all feel entitled, occasionally, to sit and weep. So, for each other we must try to have wide shoulders on which to cry, understanding ears with which to listen and hearts full of love and comfort for each other. We hope that our little Village can make your guilt subside and your loss less painful. We must try to understand the meaning of suffering from all sides and stand ready to help each other in any way we can. Christine G. Varner is the Executive Director of Pacifica Senior Living Belleair (formerly The Villas of Belleair)
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
Health Roundup
Top 10 Tech Tips for a Healthier Heart The message that a healthy lifestyle helps protect your heart isn’t new. If you’d like to do more to take care of your heart, here are 10 ways technology can make that easier.
1. Stop Smoking.
Apps such as Smoke Reducer for Android, and iQuit for iPhone can help you wean off tobacco. You can also use the Firefox add-on Quitomzilla, which shows you how much money you save by not smoking, the number of cigarettes not smoked, and the overall time since your last smoke.
2. Stay Within a Healthy Weight Range.
Make it easier to monitor your weight-loss progress with the iHealth Wireless Scale. You can track your weight over time, and see results in relation to daily activity, time of day, diet, exercise, and more. The scale lets you set a milestone and share your results with doctors, fitness buddies and family. The free companion iHealth Scale app works with iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. Learn more at www. ihealth99.com.
3. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine.
Keep track of how much you’re drinking with the DrinkControl or Alcohol Monitor apps for iPhone, or the SoberApp for Android. They estimate your blood alcohol content and let you know whether or not you should drive. To monitor your caffeine intake, try the Caffeine Zone 2 for iPhone and iPad, or the Caffeine Monitor app for Android.
4. Take Care of Your Teeth.
Research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Go online and check the American Dental Association’s database at www. ADA.org to find oral health care products that have the ADA seal of approval. At the ADA website, you can also watch videos on a variety of oral health care topics.
5. Keep Tabs on Your Blood Pressure.
The Mayo Clinic recommends you monitor your blood pressure at home and visit your doctor regularly. With the iHealth Blood Pressure Dock, (www.ihealth99. com), you can accurately measure your blood pressure, track your readings over time, and share that information with healthcare providers, friends and family members. The Dock comes with a blood pressure arm cuff and doubles as a charging station for your iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. The companion iHealth app is available for free.
6. Reduce Stress.
Try a portable biofeedback device, like the StressEraser, to help you relax by synchronizing your breathing and your heart rate. If having too much on your plate and too many interruptions causes you stress, try Quiet Hours. It lets you shut down your computer’s communication apps, like instant messaging, for a specified period of time.
7.
Exercise Regularly. The Online Activity Tracker from the American Heart Health Association lets you create a personalized walking plan, log time or distance traveled, plot and save walking routes, and more. Check it out at www.startwalkingnow.org. You can also use the AHA Walking Paths app for Android and iPhone.
8.
Eat Right. Tracking the foods you consume helps you better understand your caloric and nutritional intake. The Lose It! app for the iPhone allows you to enter and track your meals and snacks, and keep track of your weight loss progress and goals via the app, as well as access your account online. Visit www.loseit.com for more information. Offering many of the same capabilities, Android phone users can use the Diet Assistant app at www.dietassistantapp.com.
9. Make Sleep a Priority. Not getting enough sleep can raise your blood pressure and make it more likely you’ll have a stroke or heart attack. Learn more about your sleep patterns with a sleep monitor. You can try a headband monitor, such as the Zeo, (www.myzeo. com), or an armband monitor such as the SleepTracker, (www.sleeptracker.com). Each keeps track of your sleep cycle and helps you wake up at the optimal time. 10.
Know Your Family History. Knowing your family’s medical history can help you identify patterns that might be relevant to your own heart health. There are a number of online tools such as My Family Health Portrait at https://FamilyHistory.hhs.gov to help you gather and store that information.
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RELATIONSHIPS
Keeping The Spark Alive spark alive in our hectic, stress-filled world. Here is great advice from Dr. Oz:
By Ro Martinez My parents celebrated their 50-year marriage by renewing their vows. In spite of their many differences, my parents are patient and communicate well with each other. They are fun-loving people who find any excuse for a party. To those considering marriage, Roberto and Sol Maria Rodriguez advise, “Maintain your appearance like when you first met. Go out and have a good time. Remember each other and make special memories, celebrate intimately.” Follow their advice and keep the spark, that burning desire to be together, alive. Relationships take time to develop, and when you are dating or newly wed, you are on your best behavior. The spark is more like a flame. In time, the spark may need to be reignited. Does your mate see you wearing bunny slippers and your favorite stained terry cloth robe every morning? Do you put on makeup to throw out the garbage in case a neighbor sees you, but fail to comb your hair or brush your teeth until you leave the house? If so, you aren’t giving your best to the person who matters most. Making an effort to get dolled up for your significant other should be a habit. Taking the time to look good for each other shows you care. We are visual creatures, and although love covers a multitude of sins, we are attracted to beauty. I love my husband first thing in the morning with his facial stubble, messy hair and undershirt, but I adore him when he
Tips For A Happier Healthier Relationship From The Dr. Oz Show Identify Your Stressors Sit down with your partner and write down everything that causes stress in your relationship. Divide triggers into two categories: in your control and out of your control. Then pick three items from the “in your control” list, brainstorm ways you can work together to solve them, and write your strategies down.
Fight Fair Conflict is a natural, inevitable part of any relationship. Running from it will only seed trouble, not solve it. But it’s how you fight that counts. An argument is an opportunity to work things out and develop effective communication skills. Explain how you feel, ask for what you need, encourage your spouse to do the same, and listen well when they do. Remember the 5-to-1 rule — every negative thing you say to one another wipes out five positive things you have said. wears one of his starched dress shirts, dress pants and my favorite cologne. Keep the spark alive by paying attention to your appearance. Other areas of our life need care, too, to keep the
Make Peace Over Money Experts agree that differing views on finances is one of the greatest relationship stressors and the cause of many fights and divorces. Discuss with one another how your parents dealt with money and how that in-
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
RELATIONSHIPS forms your choices. Then each of you should clearly explain what you need or want and where your priorities lie. Come to an agreement on spending that satisfies you both.
Prioritize Health Controlling the stress in your life is a great first step to improving your health. Bolster that commitment with healthy choices. Make more meals at home, never skip breakfast, pack healthy lunches, and limit how much you eat out (which will cut down on money stress and overeating). As Dr. Oz explained, communication plays an important role is the success of a relationship. Your mate cannot read your mind. Men and women have different priorities and think differently. My friend Rose-Ann Kits said this about her 55-year marriage, “We respect each other and put each other first, considering each other’s ideas. Communication is important when making decisions.” Set time aside daily to share your thoughts. Faith also plays an important role in lasting relationships. Studies show that those who have a strong faith live longer, and with this foundation, will have a lasting union. “If you can’t respect your mate, you can’t have a marriage that will hold together. The real secret of a wonderful marriage is Christ, the glue that has held us together for 62 years, and I pray He will give us many more. I can truly say I love him more today than I did 62 years ago,” shared John and Bettye Traylor. My own successful marriage of 30 years is proof that love prevails. Love for God and love for each other will help you overlook each other’s faults. This does not mean disagreements will not occur—it means that when they do, you will treat each other with love, patience and compassion. Overlook petty things and emphasize what is important. Communicate and don’t take each other for granted. Until next time, be fashionable! Ro Martinez, author, model, and modeling coach, has been in the business for 25 years. Her book Modeling At Any Age is a step-bystep, comprehensive, easy-to-read guide for modeling and how to flourish in the industry. For information on becoming a model or actress, visit www. modelingatanyage.net or email Ro at romartinezmodel@hotmail.com. Photos by Angela Mann Photography Makeup by Ro Martinez Models provided by: www.modelingatanyage.net
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012
LOCAL TID-BITS
Vintage Tampa Tune in to
SENIOR VOICE RADIO on 1250am WHNZ Monday- Friday from 1 to 2pm
Every Monday get Financial Advice from
ROBERT HARWOOD of the HARWOOD FINANCIAL GROUP
“Longtime Tampa residents fondly recall Tampa’s glory years. From the 1940s through the 1960s, downtown Tampa was a thriving, bustling hub of the city’s shopping and business district both day and night. Flashing colorful neon signs lit up every block calling out to throngs of shoppers. It was during this time period that downtown Tampa was the center of all activity. Before the arrival of shopping centers and malls, the sidewalks of downtown were lined with all types of stores and shops. Most neighborhoods around the city would have some small family-owned stores and shops that residents could walk over to, but for regular shopping trips everyone would head to Downtown Tampa. Ladies of Tampa would stroll past their favorite dress shops, like Viola Todd’s or Poller’s. Gentlemen found their way to popular shirt shops like Wolf Brothers or Jensen’s. Of course downtown also was brimming with department store favorites like Maas Brothers, Haber’s, Grant’s, O’ Falk’s, Kress and Newberry’s. Life in Tampa revolved around the downtown scene for every type of business from tailors to lawyers and from realtors to roofers. During downtown’s heyday one of the most interesting sights were the elaborate window dressings found in the many department stores lining downtown’s sidewalks. The larger department stores all employed staff to create vivid colorful scenes using the store merchandise to attract shoppers. Storefront windows became the showplace for all the latest fashion trends, redesigned appliances and popular home furnishings of the day.” Here is the official URL for my web page on the new book if you wanted to see it: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738591766/Vintage-Tampa-Storefronts-and-Scenes
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
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LET’S TALK
So Who’s in Charge Anyway? Affordable Apartments for Seniors in the Heart of Sunny Downtown Saint Petersburg. • Newly Renovated • Porches • Pet Friendly • Free Gardening Area • Free Basic Cable • Free Wireless Internet • Free Shopping Buses • Free Assigned Parking • Free Stunning Views By Nurse Ruth Let’s talk about who’s in charge. I know, in my house, it’s Bob the cat. However, when it comes to my health and well being, I know I’m always in charge. Picture this…I recently received a call from a gentleman who was in a nursing home. After completing his rehabilitation, he did not want to remain there long-term. He wanted to return home or go to an assisted living. We considered the basics; cost, safety and health concerns. In my nursing assessment, I found this gentleman competent, physically able to transfer and walk on his own. I saw no reason he shouldn’t be discharged. We then called his Trust Officer who was also his Power of Attorney. She informed me all arrangements and decisions had been made. I then realized this client was not in charge nor had he been informed of any arrangements or decisions that had been made. I’m here to tell you that if you have not been declared incompetent in a court of law, YOU are always in charge! It makes me think, do some people in authoritative positions take advantage of their power? Are the financial lines blurred? Another scenario to think about…my 96 years young, financially sound client, has over the years repeatedly expressed that he will not go to a nursing home. His wishes are to remain at home. Because he is entitled to “free” days through his contract, his financial advisor who is also his POA made arrangements for him to be placed in a nursing home where he still resides. My client believed he has no authority to change this. The decision made in this case was a financial decision. As the patient’s advocate, I can tell you my frustration and sadness at times is more than I can bear. The selection of a POA is of the utmost importance. Many times we can select the
wrong person who will always look first at the dollar over the wishes of the client; this is a conflict of interest. Worn down by bullying, my client did not realize HE was still in charge! I had a friend in the nursing home over the holidays. She was miserable, depressed and wanted to go home. She was told she could not go home and the nursing home refused to obtain orders for discharge. My friend was so depressed and didn’t have the stamina to stand up for her rights. As her advocate, I had to seek legal advice from her attorney and eventually, (unfortunately after the holidays) she was discharged. Worn down by a system that sometimes doesn’t recognize a 93 year old individual can make their own decisions and live their life the way they choose, my friend and the system, forgot SHE is in charge. The common denominator: All three competent individuals did not realize they were still in charge. As a nurse case manager, I’m concerned that these scenarios are becoming all too common and people don’t realize they are in charge. If you have a concern, viewpoint or comment with regard to this subject matter, Let’s Talk!
Ruth Fanovich is an RN, LHRM, and the Owner of Care Placement Home Health Agency, Inc. and RMF Care Management, Inc.
• Country Store • 24/7 Front Desk Coverage 1035 Arlington Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33705
Phone: 727-896-5148 TTY: 800-955-8771
Open: M-F 8am to 4pm EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
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Health FACTS
Caregiving Affects Health of Three-Quarters of Caregivers, According to National Survey Nearly three out of four Americans who provide care for a family member or friend who is disabled, elderly or has physical or mental limitations said caregiving had at least some impact on their health, and six in 10 said caregiving caused them to lose sleep sometimes, according to a recent national survey. The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Academy of Family Physicians in March 2012, looked at both the impact of caregiving and caregivers’ need for credible information about their family members’ changing health needs and how to balance caregiving with other responsibilities. Among its findings: • Nearly nine in 10 (88 percent) of caregivers felt one or more stressors associated with caregiving. • Nearly three out of four (72 percent) of caregivers said caregiving had at least some impact on their health. • Six in 10 (60 percent) caregivers said caregiving caused them to lose sleep at least sometimes. • Slightly more than half (52 percent) said their caregiving responsibilities caused them to neglect their other responsibilities such as meeting their own
health needs, running errands, caring for their home, and spending time with other family and friends at least sometimes. The challenge will grow with time. As the number of people age 65 and older increases, demand for caregiving will rise. Today, 43.5 million Americans provide care for someone age 50 and older, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2012 Facts and Figures report that 15.2 million Americans care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Moreover, caregivers indicated they sought out information about their loved one’s health and about balancing caregiving with other responsibilities. • Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of caregivers who manage the health of those they provide care for sought information from their physician or health care provider when they had questions about the health of those they care for. Of those, nearly all (96 percent) sought information from a primary care physician. • More than half (57 percent) sought information on the Internet.
• More than half (56 percent) of caregivers felt there was no single online resource for highly credible health information on caregiving. • More than half (58 percent) of caregivers said they were frustrated by having to go to multiple resources when they’re trying to find information on a specific health issue. The findings demonstrate that caregivers need a comprehensive clearinghouse of information, such as FamilyDoctor.org, that addresses health conditions and activities of daily living that can be a challenge for 40.4 million elderly Americans and those who care for them, according to Glen Stream, MD, MBI, president of the AAFP. “This age of instant information is a boon and a challenge for caregivers,” Stream said. “Caregiving can be a challenge as new health issues develop and a loved one’s needs change. Family physicians are the place to start for information about a loved one’s health, but millions of Americans turn to online sources to learn — for example — how to keep the home environment safe or how to make sure an elderly loved one is eating right. That’s where FamilyDoctor.
Senior Voice AMERICA
org comes in. It’s a resource that complements the patient-centered medical home, where care is coordinated across all settings, from the doctor’s office to hospitals to nursing homes and many other services that make up our health care system.” Understanding caregivers’ need for timely and practical information, the AAFP’s consumer health website, FamilyDoctor.org, has significantly expanded information on its Seniors page. The enhanced page added information about health care issues affecting the elderly such as preventive health for seniors, balancing work and caregiving, helping older adults deal with life-changing events, tips for keeping older adults safe, preventing falls in the home, improving communication with a relative with dementia, and depression in older adults. “The information on FamilyDoctor. org provides a one-stop clearinghouse for a wealth of information, whether it’s about health and aging, meeting everyday challenges of providing care to older loved ones, or ensuring that both seniors and their caregivers have a good quality of life,” Stream said
Announces the 2013 Senior Cruise • February 17—24, 2013 Set sail with Senior Voice America, for a seven night cruise, departing February 17th, 2013 and experience Holland America’s newest ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam with your hosts Evan Gold and Deb. Enjoy these special amenities: * $25.00 per person onboard credit * Senior Voice America welcome cocktail party with radio host Evan Gold – you won’t want to miss! * Exclusive Senior Voice America Senior Prom * Special speakers for Senior Voice America’s guests * Fitness and educational classes designed specifically for guests * Plus, you will be traveling with other seniors from Tampa Bay and across the country!
Inside staterooms starting at $879.00 per person OPTIONAL Luxury Coach from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Sarasota/Manatee to and from Ft. Lauderdale
Book by May 31st, 2012 and receive 2 tickets to the Tampa Bay Rays!
Evan Gold & Deb
GREAT PORTS OF CALL Sailing roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale visiting Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos… San Juan, Puerto Rico… Philipsburg, St. Maarten… Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Ports subject to change) * To reserve your stateroom contact Judi Gordan, MCC at CruiseOne (727) 397-1900
Your Independent Vacation Specialist Seminole, FL • jgordan@CruiseOne.com • www.cruiseone.com/jgordan
Prices per person, double occupancy; port charges included; gov’t fees, taxes and fuel surcharges additional; service fee of $19.95 may apply; limited availability. Prices shown are min. fares for departure date. Price subject to change. Cancellation fee may apply. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this ad. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply. Ships Registry: Bahamas. SOT number FL ST 35829 .
Enjoy great times, build great friendships and make everlasting memories!
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
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Dollars and sense Last month millions of American taxpayers filed their income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. As they did, it is worth noting that according to a new Marist poll money really does matter, and an annual household income of $50,000 is an important tipping point in personal happiness and satisfaction with life. These results are part of the Generation to Generation study conducted for Home Instead Senior Care by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion at Marist College. It is the first of an annual survey to assess how Americans view their lives based on 10 indicators of satisfaction – family, neighborhood safety, housing situation, spiritual life, health, friends, work or how days are spent, free time, finances and community involvement. This multi-generational study looks at quality of life and finds that for Americans with household incomes of less than $50,000 – some 93 million households – their financial situation spills over to shape a more negative view of their future and life. They are more likely to say they are not very happy and more worried about becoming a burden to their families. What’s more, their quality of life suffers. Most negatively impacted are: Satisfaction with housing, 13.2 points below those with household incomes above the $50,000 figure; relationships with friends, 11.5 points lower; and how work and time are spent, rated 9.1 points lower. Even satis-
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Money Matters After All, Study Finds faction with family life suffers, 5.4 points less for those living below this income level. In contrast, those with a household income of $50,000 or more – about 60 million (39 percent) of U.S. households - say they enjoy a better quality of life in each of the 10 primary drivers of life satisfaction measured. Family, neighborhood safety and housing receive the highest satisfaction ratings. “Money may not directly buy happiness, but our study clearly shows that it is an important factor in satisfaction with quality of life,” said Paul Hogan, chairman and founder of Home Instead Senior Care. “The important take-away is not only the extent to which income shapes perspective on life but how difficult the recent economic downturn has been for many.” The study finds that in the past 12 months, 64 percent of all Americans – about two out of every three – experienced at least one financial hardship: 57 percent cut back on household spending, 26 percent considered delaying retirement, 17 percent experienced trouble paying for medical care, 14 percent had trouble paying their mortgage or rent and 12 percent faced difficulty paying for prescription drugs. What’s more, these financial challenges hit younger Americans (Millennials and Gen Xers) harder than Baby Boomers and the Greatest Generation.
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Senior Happenings a focused, theme-oriented presentation on a variety of Dali-related topics. For more information call (727) 8233767. The Dali Museum is located at 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. MAY 2
Annual Picnic in the Park Taylor Park The New Horizans Club for widowed people and their guests will meet at Taylor Park, Shelter #3, located on 8th St., Largo at 12:00 noon, for a pot luck luncheon, followed by an afternoon of games, trivia and a sing-a-long. For more information call Dolores Ruskin at (727) 584-0958. MAY 1-31
Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America Tampa Bay History Center On loan from the world-famous International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs revisits long-forgotten events in our nation’s history, from the capture of the White House in 1814, to the bombing of the U.S. Capitol building in 1971 to recent events such as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11 attacks of 2001. Exibit here Feb to June 2012. For more information call( 813) 2280097. The Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Old Water St. Tampa, FL 33602. MAY 1-31
Flying Monsters MOSI For thousands of years, humans have believed that there were once flying monsters. Such creatures became mythologized, with stories about them shared around the world. But could they have really existed? About 220 million years ago dinosaurs were on the rise to dominating the Earth. But another group of reptiles was about to make an extraordinary leap—control of the skies. The story of how and why these mysterious creatures took to the air is more fantastical than any fiction. For more information call (813) 9876000. The Musuem of Science and Industry is located at 4801 E. Fowler Tampa, FL 33617 MAY 2
Coffee with a Curator Dali Museum A special monthly PowerPoint talk presented by one of the Dali Museum’s Curatorial/Education team Liz Gray,”Surrealism and the Book”. Join us for complimentary coffee and refreshments in the Raymond James Community Room at 10:15 followed at 10:30 by
MAY 4
Movie Musical: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly John Knox Village Join us for a trip down memory lane, starting with some less known musicals. We will start with musicals of the 30”s and proceed through the early “Technicolor” musicals of the 40”s. We will conclude with the star extravaganzas of the world war II years as well as 50”s and 60”s. For more information call (813)9748036. John Knox Village is located at 4100 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613. MAY 4-6
Taste of Pinellas St.Pete Waterfront Bring your appetite for fun! Join us on the beautiful waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg for delicious taste sensations from the Tampa Bay area’s best restaurants. Featuring great live music from national acts throughout the weekend. This family friendly festival also has games, crafts and a kid’s zone. It’s sure to be a good time and it supports a great cause -- the exceptional care that All Children’s hospital provides for children in need. Come down and join the fun! For more information call (800) 7453000. The St. Petersburg Waterfront is located at 501 5th Av NE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. MAY 4
Understanding Dementia Care: Successful Interaction Strategies Embassy Suites-Brando/Tampa This session is designed to provide health care professionals with knowledge, skills, and strategies for providing help to people with dementia. The methods presented recognize losses and use retained abilities to promote optimal care and positive outcomes in interactions. Emphasis will be placed on helping learners to approach people with
dementia safely and consistently, provide verbal support and responses that reduce distress, and improve social engagement. It will also focus on developing behaviors and habits that promote wellbeing and reduce the risk of negative interactions with people who have a dementing illness. For more information call (813) 6449598. Embassy Suites is located at 10220 Palm River Rd. Tampa, Florida 33619. May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Yogatailates Memorial Hospital of Tampa Join us in the Wellness Pavilion at Memorial Hospital every Thursday for exercises that combine yoga, tai chi and Pilates to improve your strength, balance and flexibility. Come and try this unique approach designed for older adults. 10:00am to 11:00am. For more information call (813) 3421313. Free, Memorial Hospital is located at 2901 Swann Ave., Tampa, FL 33609. MAY 5
15th Annual Moments in Time Gala Hyatt Regency Tampa “State Fair,” chaired by McIver Berner and Catherine Christie-Zanghi, will be held downtown on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 7:30pm at the Hyatt Regency Tampa. This year’s event will awaken your taste buds with childhood favorites and give you the opportunity to test your skills at our midway games, bid on amazing silent auction prizes and maybe even win the $10,000 Chance Drawing. For more information call (813) 8448217. The Hyatt Regency Tampa is located at 211 North Tampa Street Tampa, FL 33602. MAY 5
A caregiver workshop Embassy Suites USF How to Expect the Unexpected: Preparing Caregivers for Transitions in Care, Advocating for their Loved One, and Securing Benefits in plain English. Free to the public 9:00am to noon. For more information call (813)6615297. The Embassy Suites USF is located at 3705 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33612. MAY 6, 13, 20, 27
Village Garden Initiative Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Get growing with our new weekly garden club. Hands on gardening fun for people of all ages. FREE! Sundays at 9:30am. For more information call (727)8937326. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located at 101 Country Club Way South, St Petersburg, Florida 33705.
MAY 6
Big Daddy Band The Pier BIG DADDY is a party band out of Bradenton FL. playing clubs, weddings and private parties from St. Pete to Venice. BIG DADDY has rocked the dance floor with everything from Billy Idol to Beyonce! For more information call (727) 8216443. The Pier is located at 800 Second Ave. N.E. St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 May 9
Diabetes Support Group Memorial Hospital of Tampa Are you one of the 23 million Americans with diabetes? Join us the 2nd Wednesday of each month in Classroom 109-B, for a light lunch, to discuss challenges, share success stories, education and gain resources. Dr. Benjamin Mena, internal medicine on staff at Memorial Hospital, will facilitate the group. For more information call (813) 342-1313. Free, Memorial Hospital is located at 2901 Swann Ave., Tampa Florida 33609. May 10
Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Concert Bilmar Beach Resort Come see Bobby Tess and the Dixie Chaps play at the beautiful Bilmar Beach Resort 7:00pm to 9:30, admission $7.00. For more information call (727) 5226877. The Bilmar Beach Resort is located at 10650 Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island, Florida 33706. MAY 11
Emerging thru Movement John Knox Village Renew your energy, enhance your flexibility and de-stress. Learn how to increase strength and gain better balance. All abilities are welcome for this lively program presented by June Kittay who has appeared in TV commercials and has written many articles for national Magazines. Register by May 9th. For more information call (813)9748036. John Knox Village is located at 4100 East Avenue Tampa, Florida 33613. MAY 11-13
John Levique Pirate Days John’s Pass Boardwalk John Levique Pirate Days is a threeday, pirate-themed event celebrating the dicovery of John’s Pass after the hurricane of 1848. There is a pirate’s ball with pirate’s and wenches auction and costume contests for adults and children. Pirates invade the pass at high noon with a street parade, story telling, strolling entertainment and a village-wide treasure hunt. Entertainment and artisans within the village will provide pi-
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Senior Happenings ratical merriment for attendees of all ages! The event will also include various pirate themed merchandise, food and beverage vendors, along with an abundance of authentic performers. For more information call (727) 3940756. John’s Pass Boardwalk is located at 150 John’s Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, Florida 33708. May 12
May-Faire Community Family Fun Festival Boca Ciega Center “May-Faire” Community Family Fun Festival to be held Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 9am to 4pm . Vendors invited. Arts & Crafts; Health Fair, Business/ Organizations; Kids Korner activities; Community Yard Sale Vendors; Silent Auction; Bake Sale. Benefits Gulfport Senior Center Foundation, Most Holy Name Catholic Church, Boca Ciega Center, LLC. attendees expected. For more information call Ruth at (727) 344-4608. Boca Ciega Center in Gulfport, 1414 59th Street South Gulfport, Florida 33707. May 12
ORGANIC GARDENING Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Create easy low-cost raised garden beds. Held at the Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South. 10:00am coast is $5.00. For more information call (727) 8937326. MAY 12 & 26
“Upper Pinellas Singles “UPS” Our Lady of Lourdes “Upper Pinellas Singles “UPS” meets Tuesday evenings, 6:00 at Our Lady of Lourdes, 750 San Salvador Drive, Dunedin, FL. We are a 50+ singles group (nondemoninational). Come join us for a meal, program and meet new friends. Also, come to our picnic on Dunedin Causeway the 2nd Saturday each month at 6 p.m. All singles are welcome (No Reservations Needed). For more information call Leslie (727) 725-4353. MAY 13-19
Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week is more than a celebration of Clearwater Beach’s incredible food scene; it gives restaurants a much-needed boost during a time when business often slows. Its economic impact is felt by the many businesses that provide goods and services to Clearwater Beach’s vital restaurant industry; customers love it because the specially priced menus offer value that feels downright decadent. For more information call (727) 447-
7600. 10 Pier 60 Dr. Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767. May 15
Movie Day at the JCC Jewish Community Center Films from past Jewish Film Festivals are screened. Free & refreshments are sold. For more information call Rachel Tilow at (813)769-2809. May 3rd at Jewish Center Towers. The Towers are located at 3001 W De Leon St, South Tampa, Florida 33625. JCC (North) is located at 13009 Community Campus Dr, Tampa, Florida 33625. May 17
Veterans Benefits Seminar Hilton Garden Inn “Veterans Benefits: What Do You Know about those Services Your Service Earned You?” and “Common Traps to Avoid when Applying for Veterans Benefits” Many veterans know it’s difficult to break through the web of veterans’ benefits. How much do you really understand about what you’re entitled to? For more information call (813)661.5297. The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 10309 Highland Manor Dr. Tampa, Florida 33610. May 18
Never TOO Old to Play Memorial Hospital of Tampa Enjoy Bingo (bring your quarters), Burgers, and Fun Presenters including Mind Fitness, Yogatailates and Laughter Yoga. Please call for specific times for each event. All events will be held in Memorial’s auditorium. For more information call (813) 3421313. Free, Memorial Hospital is located at 2901 Swann Ave., Tampa, FL 33609. May 18
Never TOO Old to Play Memorial Hospital of Tampa Enjoy Bingo (bring your quarters), Burgers, and Fun Presenters including Mind Fitness, Yogatailates and Laughter Yoga. Please call for specific times for each event. All events will be held in Memorial’s auditorium. For more information call (813) 3421313. Free, Memorial Hospital is located at 2901 Swann Ave., Tampa, FL 33609. MAY 18-20
Tampa Bay Boat Show Florida State Fairgrounds Ahoy Mates! This is the boating sales event of the season. Chart your course to the Florida State Fairgrounds on May 18, 19 and 20. The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a grand event showcasing area boat dealers and manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies... great accessories too. This three-day
sales event offers a great way to see and compare all available makes and models in one location. The main floor will be filled with new boats, trailers, docking and safety equipment and many outdoor-related exhibits! 10:00am-6:00pm Free, $5.00 Parking. For more information call (727) 8938523. The Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa 4800 N US Highway 301, Tampa, Florida 33610. May 19
The Music of America Palm Harbor Public Library Join the Palm Harbor Community Chorus at 2:00pm for an afternoon of music and memories as they celebrate their 30th year! The concert is free and will include romantic love songs and old favorites, donations accepted. For more information call Arlene Shaw at (727)786-2610. The Library is located at 2330 Nebraska Ave. Tampa, Florida 34683. MAY 19
Nature Walk Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Come walk our trails and boardwalks! Get some excercize and see five unique ecosystems: hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, willow marsh and lake shore, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. For more information call (727) 893-7326. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located at 1101 Country Club Way S., St.Petersburg, Florida 33705. May 19
Meet the Author “John Cinchett” Inkwood Books Author John V Cinchett is pleased to announce the release of “Vintage Tampa Storefronts and Scenes” on May 19th 2012. Featured in the book are more than 200 historic photographs taken of Tampa from the 1940s through the 1960s including never-before-seen images of favorite downtown shopping scenes and neighborhood shops. The book will take the reader on a walking tour of Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, West Tampa, Seminole Heights and other neighborhoods, highlighting all the most popular stores of that well-loved era in vintage restored original photographs. 1:00-4:00pm. For more information call (813) 2532638. Inkwood Books is located at 216 S. Armenia Ave in South Tampa. MAY 25-27
Freedom Fest Veterans Park Freedom Fest 2012 a Memorial Day weekend celebration and street festival honoring those who serve. Live music, food vendors, car and motrocycle shows, amusements for the kids, Dunk-a-Cop
for charity. Free admission. Featuring multiple bands throughout the weekend. Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park 10 am Saturday. For more information call (813) 8554233. Veterans Park is located at 250 Shore Drive E, Oldsmar, Florida 34677. MAY 27
Upstairs/downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel University of Tampa Enjoy live theater of single-character vignettes that bring turn-of–the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. Each character presents a different perspective on the time through his or her particular vantage point at the hotel. All characters in this production are based wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Performances are 30 minutes. For more information call (813) 2541891. The University of Tampa is located at 401 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33606. MAY 29
Medication Check Memorial Hospital The last Tuesday of each month; Medication Checks; bring a “brown bag” with your medications in it and speak with our pharmacy staff about the medications you are taking, possible side effects or interactions and other drug-related questions. Meet the team in Classroom 109-B. For more information call (813) 3421313. Free, Memorial Hospital is located at 2901 Swann Ave., Tampa, Florida 33609. Tuesday & Thursday
Water Exercise for Arthritis Imperial Palms Apartments The Aquatics Division of the City of Largo Recreation, Parks and Arts Department is offering a new season of water exercise for those suffering from arthritis. Classes are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:302:30pm, beginning May 1, 2012. Both classes are offered at the Imperial Palms Apartments East Clubhouse Pool. For more information, call (727)5183126 or visit LargoPools.com. Imperial Palms Clubhouse Pool (101 Imperial Palm Dr, Largo Florida 33771.
Email Your Senior Happenings to: Happenings@Seniorvoiceamerica.com The Deadline for the June issue is May 16th
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012
SELP HELP
The Practice of Gratitude By Susyn Reeve, M.Ed. In the words of Tony Robbins, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” No matter who you are, whatever circumstances you are facing, or how overwhelming life may seem at times, there are always reasons to be thankful. When you live your life with an attitude of thankfulness, you begin to see yourself and the world in a different light. When you acknowledge What Is Right In My Life, you experience greater joy, confidence, and trust in your ability to successfully meet and deal with the challenges of life. Problems do not seem as overwhelming when you take a few moments each day to count your blessings and appreciate those who enrich your lives. Begin cultivating gratitude by making a daily gratitude list. Research has shown that people who practice gratitude everyday are healthier and happier.
What are you grateful for? Use these directions for creating your gratitude list: • Get started by picking items from my list, below, that reflect what you are grateful for or create your own list. • Read your list aloud, slowly actually feeling grateful with each item. • Notice how you feel, when you make the time for culti- PHOTO COURTESY E.LUISO vating gratitude. For example, when I focus my gratitude list I am energized, my mind slows down, my breath deepens, my self-esteem is enhanced and I embody a positive atti- tude. I connect to my heart-centered essence feeling calm, peaceful and relaxed. A daily practice of cultivating gratitude can transform your thoughts and as a re-
sult enrich your life. I am grateful for…. • a home to live in and a safe place to lay my head at night • clothes to keep me warm and dry, and shoes to protect my feet • TV so I can watch shows that make me laugh, cry, or keep me informed • access to a computer to help me work, learn and stay connected with people I love • the groups of people I am connected with, the clubs I participate in and the charities I am able to serve • healthy food to eat and safe water to drink • being alive and living in a free country • the freedom to dream and to pursue my dreams • my skills and talents • my parents who raised me and encouraged me • my siblings who are also friends • my spouse who loves me • my friends who make me laugh and are always there whenever I need them, to support and encourage me • my job • my dog who is always excited to see me. A gratitude list is the perfect way to begin cultivating gratitude in your life. Read it daily and add to it regularly. Soon, being thankful will come naturally, and you will begin to enjoy all the benefits of a life governed by gratitude. Susyn Reeve is an award winning author, Life Coach and InterFaith Minister. She is the co-founder of www.Self-Esteem-Experts.com. Her new book is, The Inspired Life: Unleashing Your Mind’s Capacity for Joy. Follow her blog at www. SusynReeve.com
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
Page 19
SELP HELP
Loneliness is not an Option By Professor Abne M. Eisenberg Before discussing what a lonely person can do to lessen that unpleasant feeling, a little background information is necessary. There is a difference between being lonely and being alone. People do not get up one morning and say, “I want to be lonely today.” What they might say is, “I want to be alone today.” A distinction should also be made between the words “alone” and the word “solitude.” Both involve the element of choice. Many creative people do their best work in solitude, completely separating themselves from society. While they voluntarily choose to seclude themselves, they are not necessarily lonely. The number of lonely people in America is enormous. As a result, we have become a nation of “joiners.” In almost every wallet or purse, there are a variety of membership cards. Each card confirms some kind of affiliation, a form of connectedness, of belonging to something. A rich and meaningful life requires that you be connected. At the beginning of the last century, families were larger and very few people lived alone. Today, it has been estimated that approximately twenty-four million Americans live in a single-person household. In the year 2013, that number may increase to thirtyfour million. The symptoms of loneliness include feeling excluded, not being loved by those from whom love is expected, feeling worthless, no longer needed. The result may be a lessening of one’ s self-esteem, self-respect, pride and dignity. All these emotions have a negative impact on the immune system. Lonely people run a higher risk of heart disease and it seems to be more prevalent among unmarried individuals. Since loneliness is not a choice, the desire not to remain lonely is also a choice. It requires a great deal of effort to reach out, establish connections, and embrace the joy of community. People who are lonely often have something on their minds that they are eager to talk about. This need should not be ignored. Just sharing what is on your mind is an effective antidote for loneliness. Loneliness feeds on inactivity. The
more an individual dwells on it, the worse it gets. If health permits, staying active is a must. Here are some things lonely people can do to make life more enjoyable. An excellent method to begin with is to get a tape recorder and tape an interview with an imaginary person who is lonely. Pretend that the imaginary person is actually you. Ask your invisible subject these questions: Why do you think you are lonely? What do you think is causing your loneliness? What do you think would make that lonely feeling go away? What have you tried doing to relieve your loneliness? At night, what thoughts keep running through your mind? Are you willing to admit that you are lonely? What advice would you give a lonely person? What would you do if you were no longer lonely? After you are finished asking these questions, play the tape back. It will give you a different perspective on your loneliness. It will trick your brain into thinking it is no longer you speaking and, by so doing, re-route some of the nerve pathways that serve to perpetuate the loneliness Loneliness is a state of mind that has gone astray. If you are clear minded and in possession of your faculties, accept the idea that loneliness is misdirected energy. Things that can alleviate loneliness include volunteering at a local hospital, library, or senior citizen center, taking a course, getting a therapy pet, listening to soothing music, or joining a group discussion that focuses on loneliness. Psychologists have also suggested that putting your thoughts down on paper helps cleanse the troubled mind. It has been said that a problem well-stated is halfsolved. It is essential that people who are lonely refrain from self-deception by saying that they are merely private or shy individuals who prefer being alone. Only, then, can the healing begin. To read more you can order Professor Eisenberg’s book, “Perscriptive Communication for the Healthcare Provider.” by calling Trafford Publications at 1-888-232-4444.
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Page 20
Senior Voice America MAY 2012
Dollars and sense
What You Should Know About Medicare Taking on the role of caregiver for an aging, disabled or seriously ill loved one can be emotionally challenging — and financially baffling. You want to ensure your loved one receives the best medical care available, yet hold down expenses at the same time. And if the person you care for has Medicare, you’ll want to make sure you know how to best use it to help with medical expenses. You can start by learning the basics. Ask Medicare, a service created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at www.medicare.gov/caregivers offers plenty of tips for the nation’s 66 million caregivers. The site features practical information such as enrolling in Medicare, choosing a prescription drug plan, finding state and local caregiving resources, how to get access to in-home services and more. Ask Medicare offers a handy primer on Medicare benefits: • Medicare Part A (hospital insur-
ance) is for inpatient care in hospitals, including room costs and meals. Skilled nursing facilities, hospice and some home health care are also covered under Part A. • Medicare Part B (medical insurance) is for ambulance services, doctor’s services, outpatient care and some home health care. Also covered are tests, shots and services to help maintain your health, including pap tests, flu shots and various cancer screenings. • Medicare Part C (private Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO plans) covers Part A, Part B and other services. Some Part C Medicare Advantage plans also cover prescription drugs. • Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) helps pay for brand-name and generic prescriptions. Ask Medicare can also direct you to supplemental programs, including: • Medicare Savings Programs help pay Medicare expenses and, in some
cases, deductibles and coinsurance for those who qualify and are available in all states. Go to www.medicare.gov/ caregivers and click on “Caregiver Topics,” then “Support for Caregivers,” and “Financial Help for Caregivers” to learn more. • State Health Insurance Assistance Programs offer free health insurance counseling. To find the SHIP office in your area, visit www.cms.gov/ContactCMS for useful phone numbers and websites . • Other state and federal programs that can cover additional needs. Many people qualify for support from Social Security, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and inhome services pharmacy programs. The National Council on the Aging’s website helps Americans determine their eligibility for a wide range of support programs. Go to www.benefitscheckup.org.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Tips for Smarter Driving John and Helen Taylor, known as the world’s most fuel efficient couple, hold 89 world records and travel the world stretching the boundaries of fuel efficiency, are here to help others do the same. The Taylors say that by simply following the MAP to Smarter Driving, drivers can become more fuel efficient and do it on a budget. The MAP includes:
Maintenance
Actions
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Perform smart maintenance before you drive, including: —Make sure tires are not over- or under-inflated. Proper air pressure cuts down on fuel used while driving. Keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by more than 3 percent. —Keep your engine well tuned and repair problems immediately. If your car has failed an emissions test or is noticeably out of tune, repairing the problem could improve your gasoline mileage by 4 percent, on average.
Practice smart actions and behaviors while you’re behind the wheel: —Avoid the highs and find the lows. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower gasoline mileage by five percent at lower speeds and by 33 percent at highway speeds. You should assume that each five mph driven over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.29 per gallon for gas (savings based on an assumed fuel price of $3.65 per gallon). —Also, avoid idling. Idling gets zero miles per gallon.
Products Purchase smart products at the right price without sacrificing quality: —Choose a high-quality gasoline. Lower-quality gasolines can leave harmful carbon deposits or “gunk,” which can build up on intake valves and fuel injectors. This negatively impacts engine performance, vehicle responsiveness and reduction of
John and Helen Taylor set a new fuel efficiency record for the 48 contiguous states this summer by achieving 64.42 mpg using only Shell gasoline in an unmodified vehicle.
fuel flow — all potentially leading to reduced fuel economy. —Use a loyalty or rewards payment card to save. The Taylors suggest stretching your budget. Shell has teamed up with leading grocers in more than 110 markets across the U.S. where you can earn rewards for using your existing supermarket loyalty card and then redeem the points at participating Shell stations. Another option is to use a Shell payment card that saves you money at more than 14,000 Shell stations across the U.S. Smarter Driving can go a long way to help you stretch your budget while helping protect your vehicle. To find out more about the Shell Smarter Driving Program or to test your Smarter Driving IQ, visit www.Shell.us/smarterdriving, or find Shell at www.facebook.com/shellontheroad. (Some tips sourced from www.fueleconomy.gov.)
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
Dollars and sense
Beyond Angry Birds:
©bigstockphoto.com
Using Technology for your Finances
By Wayne Altman Ameriprise Financial In addition to providing news, entertainment and access to social networking, mobile devices and apps can also make tracking your investments and the financial markets more convenient than ever before. Though this is good news for those who are interested in learning more about how their investments perform, be careful not to let these tools guide your financial decisions. Apps and widgets that allow you access to fast information can be more of a hindrance than a help if they distract you from your long-term financial goals. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the amount of information available at your fingertips, become strategic. Select a few apps or online tools and put them to work for you in the right way – by simplifying your finances and helping you make educated decisions. Here are some to consider: Enjoy easy access – Consumer banking and trading platforms have become more accessible with the advent of smartphones and tablets. To give yourself quick, secure access to your personal banking, credit card, brokerage and other financial accounts, download your bank’s verified app. Having all of your accounts in one place makes it much easier to check on things on-the-go, while they’re fresh in your mind. Know the lay of the land – The financial markets produce mountains of data, which can make it difficult to understand how your investments are performing beyond the day-to-day. Fortunately, interactive tools like Smart Money’s Map of the Market can help you cut through the daily chatter to get to the things you need to know – how specific sectors and the biggest players in your portfolio are performing. Get daily intel – If you’re interested in seeing how your investments are performing day-to-day, there are a number of online resources available that can supplement traditional consumer financial news. For example, apps like Mint.com and Market Scan offer reports on individual stocks, including detailed ratings, organized in a simple way. These kinds of tools are great for getting instant information on a specific stock before you decide to invest, or to keep track of those which are already part of your portfolio. While apps and online tools can help you manage your finances, they are not substitutes for professional advice and long-term planning. Markets will always be unpredictable, and the deluge of daily information – paired with the quick draw effect of your phone or tablet – can lead to impulsive and emotional decisions. The key is to set realistic goals and review your accounts on a routine basis. Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you work through this process. Wayne T. Altman is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial, 5426 Bay Center Drive, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33609, Phone: (813) 868-8713. He is licensed/ registered to do business with U.S. residents in the states of Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney. © 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Serving Seniors
Senior Voice America MAY 2012
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HEALTH TIPS
Unwanted Mother’s Day Gift When your kids wish you happy mother’s day, they may have already given you an unwanted gift. And, you might not even realize it for years to come. Pregnancy causes varicose veins. Almost all pregnant women will develop venous insufficiency and it doesn’t matter if you have had only one pregnancy or multiple. The extra weight, the hormones, the big belly pushing on the veins all work against the normal function of the veins. Although all these conditions return to normal after the birth of the baby, the damage is done and it may not show up until later in life. So exactly what is this unwanted gift?? Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the one way valves within the veins no longer function properly allowing blood to flow backwards into the lower extremity. This can cause your legs to feel tired and heavy. It also causes edema and can ultimately lead to a breaking down of the tissue resulting in ulcers. While the appearance of her legs may be the reason a woman seeks treatment, venous insufficiency is really a medical issue and most treatments are covered by insurance. It is a progressive disease and occupations where one stands or sits for long periods of time are additional risk factors. Now that your children have left the nest, it is time to take care of yourself and get legs that feel and look better. Schedule a free screening with advanced vein and vascular solutions. They offer the latest in minimally invasive procedures. They have four locations in the bay area. Give them a call today at 813-256-care (2273) or 727-871- vein (8346).
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
ASK OUR ATTORNEY
Cheap Wills Cost A Lot
By Joe Pippen Q. Why do trusts cost more than wills, and why are wills so inexpensive? A. Thank you for asking! I often joke with my colleagues that I am going to start advertising wills for $10.00 each and give away a free toaster if I’m assured the probate fee. At a recent bar meeting on probate fees, I heard an attorney make a comparison of the way probate attorneys practice to the way funeral homes used to charge $5.00 for ambulance runs to the hospital and sometimes provide the service free of charge. By offering free or inexpensive services, the funeral homes hoped to get the lucrative funeral fees later on. This attorney went on to explain that fees charged for wills are low in lieu of anticipated probate fees which an attorney hopes to receive in the future, and that because consumer advocates and others are suggesting to clients how they can avoid probate with living trusts, the probate attorneys are now losing large fees because they are getting fewer probate cases. The attorney reasoned that since it was less likely that the firm was going to get the probate fee, the only logical thing to do was to raise the fees for drafting wills. The only logical thing, in my opinion, is always to give the client a choice in which way to plan his estate.
If a client chooses a will, he should be informed of the probate costs and time delays of administration. A guardianship plan should be discussed since wills only deal with death. If the client chooses a living trust, he should be given instructions on how to maximize the use of the trust by registering assets to the trust. Recently I had a debate with a probate attorney on the issue of probate vs. trust, which was televised all over the State of Florida. The other attorney’s main defense against the trust was the higher initial cost, the misunderstanding people have about trusts, and the failure to place assets in the trust. I disagree with all of these points. Trusts are more expensive than wills initially, but not nearly as expensive as probate. Registration of assets is very important in the trust process, and problems will be prevented if the client follows the attorney’s instructions. Trusts are simple to comprehend if the attorney will communicate to the client in an easy-to-understand format. In my opinion, the advantages of the living trust far outweigh planning your estate with a will. According to recent statistics, the average probate fee is four percent of a person’s gross estate. Recommendation: Review your estate plan, and discuss with your attorney what is best for you and your current situation.
Ask Our Attorney! This is a Regular Feature in Senior Voice America
Do you have a legal question or concern? We are here to help.
Attorney Joe Pippen will answer your questions right here every month.
You can send your questions to us two different ways. Email: editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com or snail mail to Senior Voice, 8406 Benjamin Rd., Suite G, Tampa, FL 33634
Page 23
Senior Voice America MAY 2012
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Nearly Half of Senior Drivers Worry About Giving Up Their Keys
©bigstockphoto.com
Page 24
As 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, Tools for Driving Safer, Longer Are Critical Nearly half of senior drivers worry about losing their freedom and mobility when it’s time to give up the car keys, according to a recent survey by the American Automobile Association (AAA). As 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, AAA is helping aging drivers cope with the life-changing transitions facing them with expert advice and easy-to-find resources on its updated website for seniors and their families SeniorDriving.AAA.com. Concerned by a loss of mobility, nearly 90 percent of senior drivers indicate that the inability to drive would be a problem, with almost half claiming it a serious problem. “By 2020 it’s estimated that nearly one in six people will be age 65 or older and most of them will be licensed to drive,” said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago. “No matter how active and healthy seniors are today, it’s evident that anxiety about giving up the keys is an age-old concern. Now is the time for seniors to equip themselves with the tools necessary to stay driving as long as safely possible and have a plan for when driving is no longer a safe option.” Helping to dispel the all-too-common myth that seniors are dangerous drivers, AAA’s survey also indicates that motorists age 65 and older often “self-police” their driving or avoid driving situations that put them at greater risk of a crash. In fact, 80 percent of senior drivers voluntarily avoid one or more high-risk driving situations. More than half (61 percent) of these drivers avoid driving in bad weather; 50 percent avoid night driving; 42 percent avert trips in heavy traffic and 37 percent avoid unfamiliar roads. As a leading road safety advocate for 110 years, AAA continues to provide expert advice and helpful resources for older adults and their families - working to support them as they tackle the challenge of balancing safety and mobility. SeniorDriving.AAA.com provides convenient, online access to a wealth of interactive material including:
• DriveSharp – A brain training fitness program clinically proven to make people safer drivers. For a limited time, AAA is providing this program free for select Illinois and northern Indiana members (an $89 value) at www.AAA.com/DriveSharp. A valid AAA membership number is required. • AAA Roadwise Review – A computerbased screening tool that allows drivers to measure changes in their functional abilities scientifically linked to crash risk. • Smart Features for Mature Drivers – A guide to help identify vehicle features that can assist drivers with the visual, physical and mental changes that are frequently encountered as they age. • State - by-State Licensing Laws for Seniors – Learn how often seniors are required to renew their license. To view results from AAA’s survey of older drivers visit NewsRoom.AAA.com. For more information on AAA’s free resources for senior drivers and their families, visit SeniorDriv ing.A A A. com. AAA Chicago is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, travel, insurance and financial services offerings to approximately 8.5 million members across 11 states and two U.S. territories, including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois, Minnesota and Tennessee; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with nearly 53 million members in the United States and Canada. Its mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety.
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
Page 25
IN YOUR GARDEN
Top Five Tips for Growing Beautiful Roses From June to Sept., roses add a special flourish to yards, gardens and public parks throughout the U.S. But for many gardeners, tending roses may seem intimidating. With 23 years of experience, Jamie Shiffer, head gardener at Hershey Gardens in Hershey, Pa., knows a thing or two about cultivating a beautiful rose, in all of its varieties. Here are Shiffer’s top five rose gardening tips for gardeners of all experience levels: Plant and fertilize early. Consider planting new rose bushes in early spring. “Both new and existing rose plantings will need to be fertilized at this time,” says Shiffer. He recommends applying a slow-release fertilizer surrounding the base, such as the GreenView with GreenSmart Rose Food, which is formulated with essential macro and micro nutrients that provide extended feeding for up to 12 weeks. Research reveals it helps to produce superior plant growth, improve plant health and vigor, and increase buds, blooms and plant yield. After fertilizing, thoroughly water your roses. If desired, you can apply two inches of mulch around the plant. Avoid over watering. “You should water roses sparingly throughout the very hot season,” recommends Shiffer. “The biggest mistake people make when watering is to water from overhead with a hose, instead of at ground level,” says Shiffer. Watering from above, Shiffer explains, can cause black spots to appear on the petals and throughout the day. As the heat intensifies, the water on the petals promotes fungal growth. To avoid this, water at ground level first thing in the morning. Prevent black spot. While good
watering techniques can prevent fungal growth, for some gardeners, a humid environment can still lead to the same problem. “Treat black spot using a fungicide spray application on the plants every two weeks,” says Shiffer. Prune for increased plant growth. To encourage rejuvenation and growth from your rose bushes, be sure to deadhead through Sept. Count from the blossom down to the fifth leaf and make an angled cut. Maintain throughout each season. Regardless of variety, roses require year round maintenance. Use this calendar as a guide to care for your rose bushes: March – Thin out the plantings; cut them back to 8 or 12 inches in length. April – Beginning in late April or early May, fertilize roses with a slow-release fertilizer that will last for 3 months, such as GreenView with GreenSmart Rose Food. May to Oct. – Use spray application on roses every two weeks. From June to Sept., deadhead your plantings, so they will push new growth. Sept. – Remove rose petals without cutting the bulb off completely. Nov. – Cut all roses back for the winter to 32 inches in height. For novice gardeners, Shiffer recommends starting with star roses or knockout roses, as they are among the most disease and insect resistant. “They come in many different colors and produce blooms throughout the year,” says Shiffer. To discover more about Hershey Gardens, visit www.hersheygardens.org and to learn about GreenView with GreenSmart Rose Food, other plant-specific formulations, and find more gardening tips, go to www.greenviewfertilizer.com. ©bigstockphoto.com
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012
Entertainment The Full Monty
The Players Theater May 1-6 A muscial based on the film about 6 unemployed steel workers who overcome their inner demons as they prepare to pull a full monty at a local strip club. Tickets: $25. The Players Theater is located at 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236. For more information (941) 365-2494. Great Escapes: La Bamba
Sarasota Orchestra May 2 - 5 Latin dance rhythms abound in this spicy evening of festive beats and intensely passionate melodies. This Cinco de Mayo celebration showcases south of the border classics including La Bamba and España Cani. May 2 5:30pm, May 3 7:30pm, May 4 5;30pm, May5 8:00pm. Tickets $25.00-$45.00. Sarasota Orchestra’s Holley Hall is located at 709 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236. For more information call (866) 508-0611. Philadelphia Story
Ruth Eckerd Hall May 3 When a rich woman’s ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself. Starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart. Film version, 7:00pm general admission $5.00. Ruth Eckerd Halls Capital Theater is located at 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33755. For more information call (800) 875-8682. A The Music of Billy Joel
Mahaffey Theatre May 4 The Florida Orchestra and Michael Cavaugh present the music of Billy Joel! Michael Cavanaugh is the new voice of the American rock and roll songbook. A charismatic performer, musician and actor, he was made famous for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the title role, and he evoked a style rivaling the Piano Man. He appeared in the show for three years and over 1200 performances, receiving accolade after accolade, which culminated with both Grammy and Tony award nominations in 2003. Tickets $35, $55, $75. Mahaffey Theater is located at 400
First St S, St. Petersburg. For more information visit www.mahaffeytheater. com or call (727) 892-5798. The Fab Four: Beatles Ultimate Tribute
Straz Center for the Performing Arts May 4 With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ songs, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing. This incredible stage show includes three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career. This loving tribute to the Beatles has amazed audiences around the world, including Japan, Australia, France, Hong Kong, The United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Brazil. Tickets from $26.50. The Straz Center is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 229-7827. The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour
Straz Center for the Performing Arts May 5 The Beach Boys, one of the world’s most legendary and influential bands, have reunited for a global 50th Anniversary Tour. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will tour together for the first time in more than two decades. The band, who performed together at the 2012 GRAMMY Awards, will also release a new studio album and commemorative 50th Anniversary catalog with Capitol/EMI. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and recipients of The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, The Beach Boys are an American institution that is iconic around the world. Tickets start at $49.50. The Straz Center is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 2297827. Shen Yen
Mahaffey Theater May 5 Shen Yun presents colorful and exhilarating performances of classical Chinese dance and music. A performance by Shen Yun is a presentation of traditional Chinese culture as it once was: a study in grace, wisdom, and the virtues distilled from the five millennia of Chinese civilization. At the core of Shen Yun’s performances is classical Chinese dance with China’s numerous ethnic and folk dance styles rounding
out the evening. Tickets $50 to $200. Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 First St S, St. Petersburg. For more information visit www.mahaffeytheater. com or call (727) 892-5798. Boeing Boeing
Straz Center for the Performing Arts May 1 – 6 A high style, knee-slapping romp through the age of glamorous, jet-setting air travel. What seems to be the ultimate fantasy bachelor life, with intricately scheduled gorgeous flight attendants, turns out to be a dizzingly hilarious ride for one man, who finds out that one woman is all he can handle. Tickets start at $31.50. The Straz Center is located at 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information, visit www.tbpac.org or call (813) 2297827. The Importance of Being Earnest
Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center May 1 – 6 Oscar Wilde created one of the most delightful and memorable social comedies with The Importance of Being Earnest. This comedy of manners satirizes Victorian manners and customs, with Wilde’s light, witty style that is absolutely unforgettable. Tickets are $17.00 & $20.00. The Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center is located at 324 Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. For more information call (727) 942-5605. Jazz on the Water
LeBarge Tropical Cruises – Sarasota May 6 Enjoy beautiful Sarasota Bay and great Jazz aboard the LeBarge Cruise! 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Tickets are $35 pp and $30 pp for Jazz Club members. LeBarge Tropical Cruises are located at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota FL 34236. For more information call (941) 366-1552. PSY- Finale Chamber Ensemble
Ruth Eckerd Hall May 11 Under the direction of professional musicians from The Florida Orchestra, senior level student musicians from the Pinellas Youth Symphony will perform classical music repertoire selections for string, woodwind, and brass chamber ensembles. The PYS chamber groups perform at community/charity functions and on occasion prior to concerts
or programs in local halls. 7:30pm Tickets $10.00. Ruth Eckerd Halls Murray studio Theater is located at 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33755. For more information call (800) 875-8682. Swan Lake
Patel Conservatory May 12 Presented by the Next Generation Ballet, this indelible classical ballet with ballerinas turned into swans will feature guest artists with the awardwinning dancers of the Straz Center’s Next Generation Ballet. Introduced to the world by Anna Pavola in 1909 and featuring music by Tchaikovsky and original choreography by Marius Petipa, Swan Lake has grown to be one of the most famous ballets of all time – most recently featured in the movie Black Swan. Tickets start at $17.50. The Patel Conservatory is located at 1010 N. W.C. Macinnes Pl. Tampa, FL 33602. For more information call (818) 229-7827. Vince Gill
Mahaffey Theater May 13 One of the most popular singers in modern country music, Vince Gill has a love for country music, top-notch songwriting, and world-class guitar playing, all wrapped in a warm tenor and a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough with “When I Call Your Name,” which won the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year award. Since then, he has won 17 more CMA honors, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Tickets $35, $65. Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 First St S, St. Petersburg. For more information visit www.mahaffeytheater. com or call (727) 892-5798. Sounds of Swing Concert & Dance
Carrollwood Cultural Center May 13 Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day Tea Dance featuring the Sounds of Swing. Ticket holders will receive a free dance lesson between 1 and 2 p.m. The Carrollwood Cultural Center Sounds of Swing was formed in 2012 by Jim Burge, host of Jazz with Jim and a founding member of the Bay Area Saxophone Quartet. In celebration of Mother’s Day, Mom will receive free admission to the event. Carrollwood Cultural Center is located at 4537 Lowell Rd. Tampa FL
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
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Entertainment 33618. For more information call (813) 269-1310. TFO-Once Upon a Time
Ruth Eckerd Hall May 16 This “ Coffee Concert”, begining at 10:am, features complimentary coffee and doughnuts! Featuring Ravel’s “Beauty and the Beast” from Mother Goose Suite, Tchaikovsky’s Waltz from Swan Lake, and Williams’ ET: Adventures on Earth, Stuart Malina conducts. Tickets $26.50, $44.50. Ruth Eckerd Halls Murray studio Theater is located at 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33755. For more information call (800) 875-8682.
Godspell and many more! Tickets: $18 Adults / $12 Students. 2:00pm The Players Theater is located at 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236. For more information cal (941) 365-2494. Florida Orchestra: Beethoven’s Eroica
Mahaffey Theater May 26 Singled out by The New York Times as “brilliant, sensitive and imaginative,” Martina Filjak performs Ravel’s
gloriously coloristic Piano Concerto in G Major with its mix of jazz motifs, meditative melodies and sparkling energy...on a program with Chabrier’s Habanera and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, Eroica. Tickets $17.50, $47.50. Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 First St S, St. Petersburg. For more information visit www.mahaffeytheater. com or call (727) 892-5798.
When It Comes To Entertaining
Ringling by the Bay
Ringling Museum of Art May 17 Join us and enjoy a beautiful sunset to the live music of the Dr. Dave Band as part of your Art After 5 experience. Bolger Campiello at the Ca’ d’Zan. Included with Art After 5 Museum admission, $10/Adults, $5/Children, Members free. 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Ca’ d’ Zan is located at the Ringling Museum 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. For more information call (941) 359-5700. Fire and Rain, James Taylor Tribute Band
Lowery Park Bandshell May18 Local rock, country, folk and jazz acts make up the Friday Extra Concert Series line up this year. The series kicks off March 30th at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The series is in its 25th year and will be held on Friday evenings once a month, March through May. Dates will be split between the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Lowry Park locations. All concerts begin at 7 p.m., and admission is FREE. Attendees often bring blankets or folding chairs and a picnic to dine under the stars while enjoying the local talent. Lowery Park Bandshell is located at 7525 North Blvd, Tampa FL 33604, (813) 931.2106. A Salute to Schwartz
The Players Theater May 20 Our amazing Silver Stars will be mounting a magical musical production that salutes the prolific American theatre composer Stephen Schwartz. See a light-hearted original production that will include songs from Wicked, The Baker’s Wife, Working, Pippin,
Get out from behind your mask and list your Event for Free right here on the Senior Voice ENTERTAINMENT PAGES! Email your event information no later than the 15th of the month for the following month listings to: entertainment@seniorvoiceamerica.com
Tune in to 1250 am WHNZ Monday-Friday from 1 to 2pm. As Publisher Evan Gold brings you information to live an active mature lifestyle.
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012
RELATIONSHIPS
My Favorite Aunt By Judith Sabghir Gannon During a recent visit to my parents’ condo, I noticed that the wooden wall clock was displaying the incorrect time. After I removed it from the wall, I immediately spotted that the battery was dated October 2006. My dad informed me that the battery had been recharged and should have worked. I politely acknowledged what he told me, but even so, asked him for another battery. The second one had the expiration date 2010. Once again my dad said that this one, too, had been recharged, and it should work just fine. Unfortunately, the clock still wasn’t working. I decided to handle the dilemma myself by going to the store to purchase new batteries. When I returned to the condo, I put in a new one with an expiration date of 2015. Magically, the clock started to hum. All too soon, it then abruptly stopped. The minute hand just wouldn’t budge. Being the optimist, I tried one more new battery. Nothing. I informed my dad that no battery, new or old, had fixed the clock’s faulty mechanism. He then told me the precious history of the clock. When he and my mom purchased their condo thirty years ago, my Aunt Ada had given it to them as a housewarming present. That really surprised me since my home is decorated with
some of my aunt’s original handiwork, not something she had purchased. Although special doesn’t begin to describe Aunt Ada, it still seemed unlike her to have given a clock as a housewarming gift. Throughout the years, my aunt’s other gifts had been more personal--a beautiful piece of coral, a motherof-pearl jewelry box, two seed pearls which I had used in my wedding earrings, and even a tiny owl carved out of jade. My aunt had created all sorts of items--from barrettes to baubles to landscaping sculptures. I remember well how she went on rock finding missions to find just the right ones for her sculptures. Whenever I think of my aunt, who has gone to her heavenly reward, I envision her on her two-wheeler bike, with her beautifully coiffed, stark white hair blowing in the wind. Since she didn’t own a car, she rode her bike to work and to run errands, even into her eighties. I can still hear her distinctive voice calling me Dudibelle, her pet name for me. Most of all, I just miss my aunt--the actress, whom I had seen perform, the sculptress, the jewelry designer, and so much more. Obviously, my aunt was multi-talented, and she was anything but ordinary. This is why the clock means so much to me. Although it appears to be just a simple item on a kitchen wall, the clock is anything but ordinary, just like my aunt.
DID YOU KNOW
Linked Long Term Care Insurance Attracting Younger Buyers To protect against the risk of needing costly long-term care an increasing number of national insurance companies are offering protection that combines life insurance with potential long term care insurance benefits. According to the 2012 Buyer Study conducted by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, these linked benefit (also called “combination”) products are gaining favor with individuals in their 40s and 50s. The Association’s annual study of leading insurers found that 53 percent of buyers of these hybrid policies were under age 65 in 2011 compared to only 48 percent in 2010. Some 42.5 percent of male and 38.5 percent of female buyers were between ages 55 and 64 explains Jesse Slome, director of the national trade group. Nearly one in 10 buyers was between 45 and 54. “A linked benefit policy has advantages that many pre-retirement consumers find attractive,” Slome notes. Policies can fund expenses when qualifying long-term care is needed at home or in a skilled care facility. Some linked, or hybrid products, allow unused benefits to pass to named beneficiaries income tax-free. “At a time when long-term care is increasingly top of mind, these life insurance-based solutions avoid the ‘use it or lose it’ risk associated with traditional long term care insurance,” says Chris Coudret, CLU, ChFC, Vice President, OneAmerica one of the nation’s leading insurers offering linked benefit solutions. “In most cases, people make a single payment, effectively removing the risk of future premium increases.” The AALTCI study reported sales for the participating linked benefit insurers increased 14 percent in 2011 and the premium increased almost 20 percent. To learn more or obtain long term care insurance costs from an Association member call (818) 597-3227 or visit the organization’s website www.aaltci.org.
MAY 2012
Senior Voice America
NEW PRODUCTS
“Warm and Fuzzy” meets iPad and Kindle The latest accessory stresses comfort Cypress Creek Marketing, known for bringing innovative products to market, announces the BookWedge (www.bookwedge.net), a hip, ergonomically designed inflatable book support pillow that is the comfortable solution for iPads, tablets, e-readers like Kindle and Nook, and books of all shapes and sizes. The BookWedge is available now in the U.S, and will soon become available in Australia, Canada, South Korea and Europe. Weighing in at three-ounces, the inflatable BookWedge is a wedge-shaped pillow with a front bumper that holds the book, iPad or e-reader safely in place. The BookWedge de-
that some readers suffer, and these products are a remedy for those aches and pains. I’m a reader myself and know that comfort can enhance or distract from the reading experience.” The BookWedge: • The ONLY inflatable/deflatable book pillow • The lightest weight book pillow available • The most affordably priced book pillow • Travels easily • Cleans with soapy water and soft brush • Provides sturdy, secure support
sign makes it a sturdy, safe base. More comfortable than flip-top porftolios or plastic stands, the Bookwedge can make reading a hands-free experience in your lap or on a tabletop! It inflates easily with two or three breaths. Crafted of sueded vinyl with a velvety feel, it deflates to practically nothing, or rolls up for easy, quick storage in a briefcase, backpack or carry-on luggage – it’s the perfect travel accessory! Margie Williams, Managing Partner of Cypress Creek Marketing, and creator of the BookWedge, says the BookWedge was designed in response to requests from readers for a lightweight, transportable book pillow. “Our companion product, the WondaWedge, is a comfy, inflatable reading pillow that offers proper back support. The BookWedge was a natural extension of the product line. It’s amazing the shoulder, neck and arm strain
The BookWedge is available in various retail outlets including bookstores and on-line stores. Priced affordably at $19.99 or less, the BookWedge makes a great gift for any reader. The BookWedge can be imprinted on the bumper with a phrase or logo. For more information contact: Margie Williams at Cypress Creek Marketing margie@cypresscreekmarketing.com 800-549-5773 x 221 or visit www.cypresscreekmarketing.com
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012
Senior to Senior Woman Seeking Man Slim 5’3” Lady, NS, ND, enjoys cards, travel, senior programs, big band music. Wishes to meet S Gentleman, 5’8” for friendship. If you were born in the 1920’s, still healthy, and active with like interests, that’s a plus. P.O. Box 834, Largo, FL 33779.
Meet that Someone Special with a FREE listing in
Senior to Senior
Very tall German born lady looking for kind and loving Gents for humor, travel. Naturally healthy and fit for all kinds of fun. Tampa (813) 598-6743.
©bigstockphoto.com
movies etc. Tampa P.O. box 4271, 33677. D W F 69 Yrs. Young looking for a man who placed his ad saying “You must love animals” & wanting to love again. Call (813) 226-8597.
Pretty European, W W C F ISO a true gentleman who enjoys travel, dining out, the finer things in life. Honesty a must. Tampa (813) 312-0167.
Petite European W WD C ISO Friendship with a 68 to 75 years young gentleman, kind and respectable. I like travel, music, beach, and clean fun. Tampa (813) 312-0167.
Senior to Senior™
Senior to Senior™ Mail to: Senior Voice America PO Box 270 8406 Benjamin Lutz, Rd., Ste G, Tampa, FL 33634 FL 33548 Email: Email: sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com Fax: (813) (813) 433-5181 Fax: 422-7966
I am a:
Lady
Gentleman
Friend to Friend
Please include the following FREE AD of up to 30 words describing me or what I look for in a friend or a date:
First & Last Name: City: To the Seeker: Your name will not be published, only your phone number or P.O. Box.A new form must be sent each month for the ad to continue. The publisher reserves the right to edit all material. Senior Voice of Floridamakes no promises and bears no responsibility for results or non-results. Fraudulent or unauthorized entries are a Federal offense. Submissions are accepted on a first-come basis, until page is full. Unused submissions will be carried over to the following month. Coupons must be received by the 10th of the month.
EMAIL: sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com
SWDM Looking for a nice lady to be with. I enjoy everything. 63 NS 6’ few extra lbs. Largo (727) 365-2008. DWMC ISO, LTR or friend. Home body, tomboy, country gal, non-materialistic, 59+. Call me, let’s see what fate has in store for us. Clearwater (727) 559-1367. W WD C M NS, 65 6’ 195 lbs. I am handsome and fit. I like tennis and church. ISO Christian who likes music and dancing. Largo (727) 3664550.
I’m a sweet old fashion lady. 66 yrs. young who’s caring, loveable, fun to be with GRT. SOH. Full figure, enjoys most things that are fun to do. Hoping to meet my soul mate. Tarpon Springs 727937-3451.
SWM 5’10” 155 lbs. Masculine. Romantic dancer, French lover seeks SWF tall slim feminine dainty for music and romance. Clearwater (727) 331-0700.
man Seeking WOMan
Friend to Friend
S W M NS SD seeks Latina/WF 48-66. Enjoy life, laughter and special moments together. 5’7” 158 Lbs. Largo (727) 831-9966.
F WD W C NS S D SOH seeking female or male for horseback riding, dining out, fishing, events. Honesty is important. P.O. Box 2124, Mango, FL 33550.
D H M ISO LTR 66 yr. 6’2”. R U: emotionally healthy, strong character, kind, good personal habits, affectionate, loyal, stay in or out, passionate, 60 yr. old or less? Tampa (813) 527-5622. Church SWMC NS, ND, 68 yrs. 5’8” blessed. Looking for honest LTR. Time is too short. Zephyrhills (234) 380-0752.
Phone:
C: Christian ISO: In Search Of LTR: Long Term Relationship NS: Non-Smoker ND: Non-Drinker SD: Social Drinker SOH: Sense of Humor
Professional DWM, Retired, cigar smoker, 5’10”, 73, easy going, not a sugar daddy. ISO WF under 70, not overweight, +5’6”, stable, honest, simple things. P.O. Box 82307, Tampa FL 33682.
W D F ISO a man who can write love letters in the sand. I love the beach, movies, NASCAR racing, baseball, etc. Can you write those letters, call me. Largo (727) 481-4842.
BCW with SOH desires C B-WD or S male 70-75, church, socializing, companion, enjoy life,
M: Male F: Female S: Single D: Divorced WD: Widowed W: White B: Black H: Hispanic J: Jewish
I am S W M 59 yrs. 180 lbs. NS, ND looking for someone friend first, may be more looking for country girl. Thonotosassa (813) 447-5095.
B F Seeking godly man who loves to fish, travel, gardening, loves animals and looking for LTR that may lead to marriage. I am 58 yrs. old, med. build, nice looking and happy personality. Tampa (813) 384-0221. Real and 5’2” ISO gent to share swims, hikes, arts, dancing and daytrips: WD, NS, ND, W, C, F, 70s LTR. (727) 947-2191.
Senior to Senior Abbreviations
If you are 60+ Latina or WF and “Crème de la crème” good figure, romantic a must. No I am not a snowbird. Lived in FL for 26 years. Call me NOW let’s get together and see how we get along. Thank you. (727) 938-4900. Nice, Black, great guy, 45, 6’1” 220 lbs. seeking LTR with a nice lady from 30-55 yrs. old. Looking for someone to share life, have fun, movies, and walking. St. Petersburg (727) 645-7642. Quality guy, fun, fit, educated, never married. ISO LTR, way too much to share in 30 words. Let’s talk at length via phone call. You won’t be sorry. Tampa (813) 273-8127.
Seeking a good friend male or female for companionship, shopping, dining out and just enjoying our company. DWF 60. I’m tired of being lonely. If that’s you call me. Tampa (813) 8025640. Older male looking for male or female to share expenses. 2B, 2B, full kitchen extra large t.v. 15 meals per mo., 24 hr. protection, 4th floor, and activities every day. Also pool. Clearwater (727) 726-6844.
English questing free spirit. Slim, fit, healthy S W M 73 into natural living/healing, massage, human potential movement, classical music/ movies and candle light dinners, seeks friend to explore and enjoy. St. Pete (727) 384-4908. Looking for Senior Amateur Artist friends around the vicinity of Seminole, interested in oil painting on canvas. To meet and comment on our paintings. Call and leave a message (727) 3990857.
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DID YOU KNOW Marriage....Comedy and Irony By June Hurley Young If you’ve been married twenty or more years, this is the show for you. You’ll laugh at the comedy, recognize the similarities, and pause at the ironies. “Life in a Marital Institution” comes to the Capitol Theatre, sponsored by Ruth Eckerd Hall, Saturday, April 14th at 8 pm for only one performance. This one-man show was created by monologist James Brady and produced by Meredith Vieira. He describes his show as “twenty years of monogamy in one terrifying hour.” “Life in a Marital Institution” premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, toured nationally last year after playing more than 120 performances in New York City. The New York Times hailed it as a Critic’s Pick and The Broad Street Review, ”as a required course before anyone says I do.” An autobiographical comedy, it cuts back and forth between the deathbed wedding of Brady’s sister and his own hilarious adventures of more than twenty tumultuous years. With Brady as the writer, “Life” is also a forthcoming memoir from St. Martin’s Press. Tickets are on sale at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Call 727-791-7400.
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Place your classified ad in the Senior Voice America today. Clean out your garage, sell that car, advertise your services. Ads are priced from $25 for up to 20 words, plus a phone number. Additional words are $5. To place your ad, call (813) 444-1011, or complete the form below and mail with a check payable to Senior Voice America, 8406 Benjamin Rd, Ste G, Tampa FL 33634. You can also email your ad to sharon@seniorvoiceamerica.com Deadline: 20th of the month for the next monthly issue. NAME _________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________ CITY ______________________________ STATE ____ ZIP __________ PHONE __________________________________________________ EMAIL___________________________________________________
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June Hurley Young reviews theatre in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida. She’s the author of five historical and biographical books, published by Partnership Press. Her articles about preserving the Don Cesar Hotel, St. Pete Beach attracted public attention and resulted in saving the historical hotel from demolition. Her book has sold 25,000 copies. She’s currently listed in Who’s Who in American Women 2008 to 2012.
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Senior Voice America MAY 2012