Boomers Gen 50+ - Summer 2016 Issue

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Generation 50+ SUMMER 2016

RETIRE?

It doesn’t need to be black or white Page 5 POWER DOWN AT BEDTIME Page 10

Unwanted Life Insurance?

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS Page 7


Assisted Living or Memory Care? New Ownership. Enhanced Services. A Fresh Look.... New for You!

Maple Leaf Assisted Living & Memory Care 9001 Lake City Way NE (206) 729-1200 • MapleLeafSeniors.com

Queen Anne Manor Senior Living 100 Crockett Street (206) 282-5001 • QueenAnneManor.com

Call For Coffee & Conversation Today!

Communities Professionally Managed by Milestone Retirement Communities, LLC


GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

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Creative ways to use fresh, summer ingredients In summer, the abundance of fresh ingredients can be overwhelming, especially if you stick to the same old recipes. Make more of the fresh produce available to you at the grocer, farmers market and even your own garden, by thinking creatively. To help, the summer food experts at Betty Crocker are offering some great ideas for using fresh, seasonal produce. 1. Save the best berries for later. Berry season is far too short. Make it last longer by freezing berries for the cooler months. Choose fruit at peak freshness, and then store it in high-quality freezer bags that seal tightly, removing as much excess air -- fruit’s worst enemy -- as possible before freezing. Label bags with the freeze date and remember: a full freezer is more efficient, so stock up! 2. Take advantage of fresh tomatoes. If you have more fresh tomatoes than you know what to do with, consider these creative uses: • Caprese Salad. Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and a good balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and serve. • Bruschetta. Served on small slices of toasted bread, bruschetta is a perfect appetizer for any dinner party. • No-Cook Pasta Sauce. Marinara sauce can be too heavy for summer, but a raw sauce showcasing fresh tomatoes is perfect. Try Rigatoni and Tomatoes for a great introduction. 3. Add a touch of sweetness to zucchini. Managing the bounty of garden-fresh zucchini is always a challenge, so think beyond the main course. You can make the most out of the humble summer squash with baked treats like pineapple zucchini bread, zucchini bars and chocolate zucchini snack cake. 4. Bake with fresh berries. Baking with fresh berries is one of the highlights of summertime. Favorite desserts that call for freshly picked strawberries, raspberries and blueberries include classics like fresh strawberry pie, but also inventive creations like brownies and berries dessert pizza and blueberry cheesecake bars. 5. Make pickles easy. Preserving the summer bounty of cucumbers doesn’t mean you need to spend days canning. For a tasty shortcut, layer cucumber slices, onions and carrots in a glass container. Mix with sugar, vinegar, salt and dill weed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, but no longer than two weeks.

6. Make berries last with freezer jam. Freezer jam is a smart way to hold on to summer’s fresh berries without the hassle of traditional jam. Try this recipe for Strawberry Freezer Jam: Mash 4 cups strawberries, until slightly chunky, to make 2 cups. Mix with 4 cups sugar in large bowl. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix 3/4 cup water and one package powdered fruit pectin in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir one minute. Pour hot pectin mixture over strawberry mixture; stir constantly three minutes. Immediately spoon mixture into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe rims of containers; seal. Let stand at room temperature about 24 hours • Nature Walks or until set. Store in freezer up to • Fitness Classes six months. Thaw and stir before serving.

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with us!

• Outings

More seasonal recipes and summer cooking tips can be found at BettyCrocker.com/ summerfoods. Summer’s flavors can be fleeting, so make culinary creations count by using the freshest ingredients in new ways.

Seattle Parks and Recreation Lifelong Recreation programs for active adults, ages 50+

(StatePoint)

www.seattle.gov/parks

Call 206-615-0619


GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

4 FAMILY RESOURCE HOME CARE

Dear Sheila: Hospice or Home? Dear Sheila My husband has cancer and is expected to live for another month or two. His doctor wants him to move to a hospice facility at the hospital where they have medical equipment like an oxygen tank and morphine pump. My husband wants to spend his last weeks at home but he also doesn’t tolerate pain well. Do you think I can manage his care at home or should I do what the doctor suggests? Torn Wife

administer medications. If additional help is needed with non-medical needs (bathing, toileting, ADLs, laundry, etc.), you can hire an outside caregiver through an agency such as Family Resource Home Care. Our caregivers are also trained in end-of-life care. Please speak to Sheila McKannay your husband’s doctor. The expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support of the home hospice team should allow you to keep your husband at home and manage Dear Torn Wife, his pain, while also getting the support you You don’t need to choose between hospice and home; you can have both. While there need in your role as primary caregiver. are hospice centers in hospitals, today hospice is almost always offered in the person’s home and is covered by Medicare. Home hospice uses a team approach with each pa- Sheila McKannay, MA, CMC, is Vice President of Client Care for Family Resource tient typically assigned a registered nurse, bath aide, social worker, chaplain, and hos- Home Care, greater Seattle’s largest provider pice volunteer. Team members are available of private caregiving services for seniors. For more Dear Sheila letters or other helpful 24/7. The hospice benefit usually covers articles, visit our website: all necessary equipment and the team will www.familyresourcehomecare.com/blog train you to operate the equipment and

What is short term memory loss? Short term memory loss is an impaired ability to form new episodic memories. Those like what you had for breakfast yesterday, where you parked your car last night, or recalling details about a conversation you had 10 minutes earlier. Short term memory loss can have a substantial and negative impact on the quality of life. The causes for this can be quite varied, ranging from disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, side effects from medications, to brain injuries such as a stroke. Signs of memory loss can be concerning, whether you are experiencing them, or seeing them with someone you love or a close friend. Although this can be just the process of normal age-associated decline, especially in older adults, a health care provider can differentiate those caused by a clinical significant disorder. If you are concerned, here are some simple questions to answer and discuss with your doctor. • Has the memory loss worsened in the past few years? • Do you/they forget appointments and important events? • Do you or they have difficulty driving or question driving ability? • Do you/they have trouble remembering to take medications? • Do you or they misplace personal items? Such as keys or a purse • Do you or they ask the same questions or repeat the same story several times a day? • Have you or they lost interest in hobbies?

Generation 50+ STAFF Retail Display Advertising: Tammy Greenaway Advertising Sales Manager 461-1322 Leilani McCoy Carolyn Trujillo Diana Lull Matt Wilemski

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• Do you or they have difficulty operating familiar appliances like the coffee maker or microwave? • Do you or they frequently lose track of the current month or year? • Do you or they have trouble finding words, other than names? • Do you or they confuse the names of family members or close friends? • Do you or they have trouble paying bills, or managing finances?

www.pacificpublishingcompany.com

Check out our online publications at: QueenAnneNews.com | CityLivingSeattle.com MadisonParkTimes.com


GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

Don’t want to retire?

You don’t have to go ‘cold turkey’ You may be counting down the days until you can retire and have time to play with the grandkids or travel. Or, you may be scratching your head at how you’re going to spend your time, and questioning if retiring is really what you want to do. The government identifies retirement age as 65 for those born before 1955 and increases to 67 for those born after 1960. For some, continuing to work part time to stay socially active and engaged may feel like a better option than retiring. Others may determine that their financial savings may not be enough to cover expenses. Between the ages of 55 and 60 is when people will often start finalizing their retirement plans. It is a good time to meet with a financial planner to help strategize the different scenarios that can play out regarding health care costs, Social Security payments and taxes. Part of the discussion may include some of the following points if you want (or need) to partially retire: Health care costs: May people want to retire early, but then they realize how much their company-offered health care benefits cover. An average family saw annual health insurance premiums of $17,500 in 2015 (not counting deductibles), and there are rumors of premiums increasing as much as 20 percent in the next year according to a report published by the National Conference of State Legislators. If you don’t qualify for Medicare, you may quickly notice the monthly expense. Those who are interested in continuing employment past age 65 should investigate signing up for Medicare, even if they are covered under company benefits. The reason is, if you don’t sign up for Part A within three months after your 65th birthday, when you sign up at a later date your premiums may be significantly higher. Working and collecting Social Security: Monthly social security payments received at age 62 are only 70 percent of the full retirement amount. People who retire from a career early and take a part-time position may find they can delay taking Social Security until full retirement age because of the income they bring home with their job. People should also keep in mind that Social Security income can be taxable, which can influence their plans. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 made changes to the file-and-suspend options that many couples have used in the past for collecting Social Security. If you or your spouse is approaching age 62, we recommend you connect with your financial planner to discuss the changes and how they affect your retirement plans. Taxes: Earned income, Social Security benefits, withdrawals from retirement accounts and required minimum distributions from IRAs at the age of 70 ½ all combine together to complete the financial planning picture – but how will they affect a person’s tax bracket? Traditionally a person will spend about 25 percent less in retirement, creating the potential to drop into a lower tax bracket. But if you decide to work part time in retirement, there is a possibility it will affect your tax bracket, which may help you determine what types of income to utilize – Social Security, retirement accounts or other investments – if needed. Thanks to advances in health care, many people are feeling younger and more energized when they reach retirement age. If you’re starting to plan your life after retirement, be sure to work with a financial advisor to help develop a plan that will best match your financial interests.

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Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC Credit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association and subject to normal credit approval. This information represents the opinion of U.S. Bank and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. U.S. Bank and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Each individual’s tax and financial situation is unique. Clients should consult their tax or legal advisor for advice and information concerning their particular situation. By Mary Justice, Washington State Market Leader of The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank in Seattle, and Dorothy Mitchel, U.S. Bank Private Client Group Division Manager in Everett, Washington.

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seattle elder connections

Live your life to the fullest at Horizon House, the dynamic retirement community in the heart of downtown Seattle. www.HorizonHouse.org

Counseling and Consultation Leanne King Devitt M.A. LMHC, CCM Office in Ballard or in home visits are available 206.794.1094 • leanne@SeattleElderConnections.com www.SeattleElderConnections.com

900 University Street | Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 382-3100


GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

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Jayne DeHaan Senior Real Estate Specialist CRS, CNE, ALHS, SRES, ASP, CDPE & Remax Hall of Fame

Managing the financial and emotional challenges facing those over 50 when selling or buying a new home. *Ask about my 30-day guarantee.

Your Neighborhood Specialist Since 1976 Jayne DeHaan ladyj@jaynedehaan.com • www.JayneDeHaan.com • (206) 963-3877

Judie Prock Aegis of Queen Anne at Galer resident (pictured left), Bev Paillette Aegis of Queen Anne at Galer resident (center) and Kendall Stead Aegis of Queen Anne at Galer Move-In Coordinator (right).

Cirque du Aegis delights the crowd On Thursday, May 26th at the Lynnwood Convention Center, Cirque du Aegis drew a crowd of more than 600 from Aegis Living communities across the Puget Sound Area including Aegis of Queen Anne at Galer. Cirque du Aegis represents a different way to entertain and engage those living with dementias like Alzheimer’s disease in a controlled environment. More than 500 in the audience live with some form of dementia, like Alzheimer’s. The free event, sponsored by Aegis Living, a leader in the assisted living industry, featured musicians, jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, magicians and contortionists (pictured below) in the Cirque du Soleil style.

Animate Objects Physical Theater.

We help people age where they’re most comfortable. At home. Since 1996, we’ve helped thousands of people receive the companionship and care they need in their own homes. See if we’re the right choice for you. Seattle and Snohomish County: 206.545.1092 Bellevue and Eastside: 425.455.2004 Tacoma and Pierce County: 253.761.8019

www.familyresourcehomecare.com A Washington State Licensed Home Care Agency

Animate Objects Physical Theater


GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

An option for unwanted life insurance Majority of seniors unaware they can sell their life insurance policies More than eight out of 10 seniors are not aware they can sell their life insurance policy for an immediate cash payment. According to a survey of more than 600 people conducted by Coventry Direct, 86.1 percent of life insurance policy owners do not know they have the choice to sell their unwanted policy instead of lapsing it for nothing or surrendering it for its cash value. Even a term policy with no cash value can be sold. Consider this story: A car dealership owner originally purchased a $488,000 life insurance policy as a way to fund a buy/sell agreement with his business partner. After the business dissolved, his family continued to pay the premiums, but eventually decided they no longer needed the coverage. He was planning to surrender the policy back to the insurance company for $6,800 until he saw Coventry Direct on TV. He called them and was pleased to learn he had another option in which he was able to sell his policy for $80,000 - more than 10 times what he would have received from the insurance company. The proceeds were divided among his three children, which they used to supplement their income. “When seniors decide they no longer need or can’t afford their life insurance policy, the typical decision they make is to lapse or surrender it back to the insurance company,” said Alan Buerger, CEO of Coventry Direct. “The vast majority of these seniors have no idea they may be able to sell that unneeded life insurance policy for several times more than its cash value.” Life insurance is personal property, has value and can be sold just like your home. The proceeds of the unwanted policy can be put toward paying health care bills, paying off debt or subsidizing other retirement expenses. To learn more about the option of selling your life insurance policy, visit coventrydirect. com/lifesettlements or call 888-858-9344.

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ASSISTED LIVING (AND HAPPIER THAN EVER)

SERVICES

Life gets easier when you move into Sagebrook Senior Living. Much easier. Imagine no chores to do – no vacuuming, cooking, or fixing the house. (Did you just grin?) Then imagine having Assisted Living Services available to help out if you need them. (We sense a big, huge smile.) Call (206) 789-1900 now to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour. (And come see a community that will have you grinning from ear to ear indeed.)

Visit today and see our newly remodeled community!

(Family Features) Photo courtesy of Getty Images #13215 Source: Coventry Direct

“Why live in a nursing home when you can live in a NURSE’S home?” (RN hands-on care giving)

CYNTHIA L. GRAVES R.N. 30 years experience

HOWARD PERKINS 21 years experience

Memory Care/Alzhiemer’s care welcome!

We have a bed available.

Howard

& Cindy’s

9610 22nd Ct NW • Ballard 98117 206-781-3225 • Perk777@comcast.net

1710 NW 57th Street • Seattle • WA 98107 • (206) 789-1900 www.sagebrookseniorliving.com


GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

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We specialize in Adjustable Beds & 100% Natural Latex Mattresses The Best Selection to Choose From

The Place to Find Your Certified Organic & Natural:

425-454-8727 thesleepstoreusa.com

• Mattresses (Adult, Baby & Child) • Adjustable Beds & Mattress Toppers • Pillows, Bedding, Platform Beds

(StatePoint)

Located in Bellevue - 10623 NE 8th St (98004) | 425.545.8727 | Open 7 Days A Week

SUMMER FUN ACROSS 1. T’ Leoni’s “____ Secretary” 6. Red and blue states 9. *Summer sandal, e.g. 13. Ancient Greek marketplace 14. “____-a-dub-dub” 15. Royal topper 16. See-through curtain 17. Santa ____ winds 18. *Olden-day road trip assist 19. Brezhnev’s hat fur 21. *Luminescent summer catch 23. D.C. bigwig 24. Octagonal warning 25. Rejuvenating spot 28. Windshield option 30. Fall asleep 35. Bowling ball path 37. Bluish green 39. Japanese-American

40. Individual unit 41. Cry of the Alps 43. Sign of engagement 44. Levi’s fabric 46. *Halfway around links? 47. Modern support 48. Catch in a snare 50. Delivery org. 52. Renewable Energy Technology, acr. 53. Obama is in his last one 55. One of Bo Peep’s flock 57. *S’more cooker 61. *Summer movie venue 65. Tear jerker 66. Pilot’s estimate 68. “Around the World in Eighty Days” author 69. Homo homini ____ 70. Tank 71. Cereal killer

72. Ivan the Terrible, e.g. 73. Compass point between NE and E 74. City on Rhone River DOWN 1. Jim Carrey’s 1994 disguise 2. Muslim honorific 3. As opposed to talker? 4. Zones 5. *Outdoor shopping venue 6. Russian mountain range 7. *Soaked up in summer 8. Behind a stern 9. Location 10. Two quarters 11. Like family lore 12. Piece of cake 15. Saltwater game fish 20. Wholeness 22. Charge carrier 24. *Peanuts and Cracker Jack venue 25. *Slip-n-____ 26. Similar to a plate 27. With regard to, archaic

29. Vegas glow 31. *Gardener’s turf 32. Willow twig 33. Use an ‘e 34. Conflict or dispute 36. Arab chieftain 38. *It’s in your sunglasses 42. A pariah avoided by others 45. Monastic nighttime liturgy 49. P in m.p.g. 51. Office chair feature 54. “Super” Christopher 56. Each and all 57. *Summer discharge 58. Cross to bear 59. Australian palm 60. They were Fantastic 61. Romantic occurrence 62. Cogito ____ sum 63. Involved in a secret 64. *Butterfly catchers 67. *Popular summer color Crossword Puzzle answer on page 11


GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

How do I sell my home when I have a Reverse Mortgage? Reverse Mortgages (RM) can be a financial savior to many seniors who are “house rich and cash poor” or as part of a planned strategy to use the equity in their home. When the time comes to sell by the borrower or their family and heirs, there are often questions about how the sale works and how to “pay off” the loan. Recently I got a call from a friend. Her mother has moved to an assisted living community and the family was concerned about the amount owed on the reverse mortgage. Her mother’s home is worth about $100,000 (she’s NOT in Seattle!) and her loan balance due is about $136,000. The family has one clear choice and I advised them to look at all the choices to be sure. The clear choice is to turn the house over to the lender and walk away. The balance due is higher than the value of the home and her mother does not owe the difference. That’s one advantage of a reverse mortgage and one of the biggest reasons a RM can be a good financial decision. A RM borrower can get a one-time payout, an Equity Line of Credit, or a monthly draw against the equity in the home at the time of the loan. The borrower pays mortgage insurance to cover any losses by the lender at the time of the sale of the home, or when the borrower moves out for more than 12 months or dies. Almost all reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing

Administration (FHA). Reverse Mortgages, also called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), cover the homeowner if the house sells for less than the amount due. The borrower will never pay more than the home is worth. If the house sells for more than the loan amount, the borrower or their heirs will get the balance. Through FHA, the government pays the lender for any losses if the house sells for less than the loan’s balance. My friend’s choices are to get an appraisal or a Broker Price Opinion by a qualified real estate agent in her area to determine the value of the house. If it is less than the amount owed, her family can clear out the house and give it back to the bank. If the value is close to the loan amount, including the cost of sale and any other liens due, they might want to list and sell the property to be sure there is no equity. If the house is actually worth more than the loan amount including the cost to sell and any other outstanding liens, then listing the house, paying off the Reverse Mortgage and keeping any additional equity is the way to go. No matter how the family decides to close out the loan, if there is equity the borrower will receive it. In a scenario where the borrowers have died, the heirs have one other option. They can purchase the house for 95% of the appraised value. There are many options with a Reverse Mortgage. Consult a qualified Reverse Mortgage lender to explore the best options for you. Amy Greenberg, SRES, RE/MAX Metro Realty, Inc. - 206-255-9388 amy@amygreenberg.com

Celebrating the Generations!

Coming in our Fall Issue of Generation 50+ Send us an email with a photo of your summer family gatherings, along with your name and address. We will try and do our best to feature it in our photo gallery for the next issue. Send to: ppcadmanager@nwlink.com

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GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

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Goodnight, Smartphone

Powering down before bed for a good night’s rest Checking email or flipping through channels instead of sleeping? Playing video games or browsing social media in bed? If you want to catch some quality ZZZs, you should put down that smartphone. The National Sleep Foundation reports

nearly 90 percent of adults sleep with at least one electronic device in their bedroom. However, staring at a screen after 9 p.m. can zap your body of energy, turning you into a zombie the next day. To get a good night’s rest, consider shutting off all electronics before climbing into bed. How Electronics Affect Your Sleep Your body functions on a 24-hour internal clock. This clock is influenced by your physical environment and daily schedule. Using electronic devices around bedtime can throw off your body clock and negatively affect your quality of sleep.

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Light and darkness affect your body clock. Staring at the blue glow of electronic devices – computers, tablets, televisions, gaming systems and/or smartphones – before bedtime can trick your body into thinking it’s still daytime. The artificial light sends messages to the brain to wake up and activates the body. This, in turn, can reset your body clock, delaying your normal sleep cycle. Studies show that staring at bright screens within four hours of bedtime reduces melatonin, a hormone that makes you naturally tired when it’s time to sleep. This can cause difficulty when trying to fall asleep, poor quality of sleep or sleep disorders, such as insomnia. In the long run, problems sleeping at night can impact you during the day. Lack of proper sleep can lead to impaired focus at work, trouble remembering, fatigue, stress and even weight gain. Get Off the Grid It is important to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. To get a better night’s sleep, experts recommend: Spending at least 30 minutes technologyfree before you climb into bed. Reading a book or magazine in bed instead of using an electronic device. Making the bedroom a technology-free zone (i.e., no smartphones, tablets, laptops, TV, etc.). Using your bed for sleep only – this habit will create a connection in your mind between your bed and sleep. Putting caps over electrical outlets in the bedroom to discourage plugging in electronics to recharge

If your smartphone is your alarm clock, set your phone to sleep mode (do not disturb function) so all calls and texts will be silenced unless it’s an emergency. Be sure to put your phone face down on the nightstand so incoming messages don’t wake you up. Power down tonight and don’t let your technology keep you from a good night’s rest. Find more resources to help you get a better night’s rest from Guard Your Health, a health education campaign by the Army National Guard, at guardyourhealth.com. Night Time Stimulants to Avoid While using electronic devices is one night time distraction, here are some other common things to avoid to get a good night’s rest: Animals Do not let your pets snuggle with you at night as they typically function on a different cycle than humans. Alcohol While it initially makes you drowsy, alcohol leaving the bloodstream wakes the body, interrupting your sleep cycle. Vitamins and supplements Like alcohol, taking a vitamin or supplement too close to bedtime can wake you up later – even if they knock you out initially. Caffeine and sugar Drinking coffee, soda or other sugary beverages should be avoided within four hours of bedtime, otherwise you may be too wired to sleep. (Family Features)

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GENERATION 50+ | Summer 2016

11 Crossword Puzzle answer for page 8

CT Colonography offers a less invasive, safe and sedation-free alternative to the colonoscopy. (c) Tyler Olson - Fotolia.com

Affordable Housing for Seniors Studio Apartments Available Starting at $523*

• Water & Downtown Views • Weekday Meal • Culturally Sensitive Services

Colon Cancer: What to know about getting tested

Colon cancer is a significant health risk, however, less than half of people aged 50 and older get tested for colon cancer. But early detection can save lives. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the US, yet it has a 90 percent cure rate when detected early, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). “We say the best screening is the one that actually gets done,” says Dr. Judy Yee, professor and vice chair of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at University of California, San Francisco. CT Colonography (CTC) or “virtual colonoscopy” -- a less invasive, safe and sedation-free alternative to the colonoscopy -- is increasing colorectal screening rates. CTC uses high-tech, low-dose X-rays to produce moving images of the colon, which doctors examine to detect colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. If you’re interested in avoiding a colonoscopy, but want to get the screening needed to verify your colorectal health, consider the following about CTC, an ACS recommended screening test: • Comprehensiveness: The exam can detect abnormalities outside of the colon, including early-stage cancers in the liver, kidney and lungs, and can pinpoint potentially dangerous conditions, like aneurysms. In this way, it serves as two or even more detection tests in one.

• Accuracy: CTC is just as accurate as a colonoscopy for detecting clinically significant polyps and cancers; however, you don’t have to undergo sedation. There’s no need to take time off work or have someone drive you from the hospital. • Affordability: This exam costs a fraction of the price of a standard colonoscopy and is covered by several major insurers. Your insurance company can verify whether CTC is covered under your plan. • Non-Invasive: While a colonoscopy is the standard procedure, there is a small risk of serious complications associated with the test. However, CTC is non-invasive, as no needles or scopes enter the body. Only a small tube is placed in the bottom of the colon to help distend the colon for viewing. • Improved Screening Rates: Availability of CTC screening significantly boosts colorectal cancer screening rates, according to studies at National Military Medical Centers in Bethesda, MD, and San Diego. The US Preventive Services Task Force recently released draft recommendations naming CTC as an “alternative screening test,” and Medicare is currently reviewing coverage of this test in order to provide seniors with a lifesaving alternative. Bottom line: not enough people are getting screened for colon cancer. Whatever screening alternative you prefer, make sure you schedule this vital appointment and encourage loved ones to do the same. (StatePoint)

*Restrictions apply

Call 206-322-4550 Call 206-322-4550 TDD 800-833-6384 TDD 800-833-6384 or visit 22118th or visit 22118thAve Ave S. S. Seattle Seattle98144 98114

The Place We Call Home

www.KawabeHouse.org * Restrictions Apply

Does Your Hand Shake When You… Drink a glass of water? Write a note? Dial a phone? If so, you may have a condition known as essential tremor. Our team at the Swedish Radiosurgery Center has successfully treated hundreds of patients over the past five years using Gamma Knife, a nonsurgical, FDA-approved approach to treating essential tremor.

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Learn more about essential tremor and find out if Gamma Knife treatment is right for you. 1-206-320-7187 Swedish.org/essentialtremor Seattle, Washington, USA


Family. Friends. Freedom. Green Lake.

These are the reasons our residents have chosen the Hearthstone for the new chapter of their life. The Hearthstone is a nonprofit Life Plan Community. We offer a full spectrum of services so that you can plan for a secure future and enjoy the freedom to pursue what matters to you the most with your family and friends. With the addition of to our independent living options, you can experience a lifestyle that matches the active, vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Green Lake! The Hearthstone is truly a home. It’s a warm, comfortable place to be.

A new Independent Living option

6720 E Green Lake Way N, Seattle, WA 98103 206.517.2213 | hearthstone.org

6850 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA villagecove.org


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