Sun Journal Living Well 2010

Advertising supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

inside:

Your health: Advances in technology Your money: Safe strategies for retirees Your identity: Steps against ID theft

Our annual section dedicated to the items of interest to our mature readers.

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LIVING WELL

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

Identity theft: Safeguards you can put in place now

By Nancy Dubord Freelance Writer / Photographer

“True

identity thef t is w h e n someone else pretends to be you and applies for credit or benefits in your name,” stated William Lund, Esq., superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection at the Augusta State House. In his experience, “true identity theft is relatively rare,” but “state and federal law already provide many of the tools consumers need to protect against identity theft and to correct problems if it does happen.”

Check your credit and debit card statements monthly.

Within 60 days on a credit card charge (less on a debit), report any unauthorized charge (both call and write) to the bank in question. If you comply with reporting regulations, federal and state laws mandate a prompt removal of the charge or a refund of your money.

Another “truly no cost, free way to protect yourself,” asserted Lund, is to obtain your annual credit repor ts. Use w w w. annualcreditrepor t.com, a government-sponsored Web site, to get them for free. After verifying your identity, you will receive your credit reports (have your printer ready) from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion; or you can submit a written request for it (address on the Web site).

“freeze” your account from being reviewed by any business where you don’t already have an existing account. Since creditors won’t extend credit to consumers without this official report, this eliminates the possibility of someone pretending to be you getting a loan. FMI, call 1-800-DEBT-LAW. Lund’s final somber advice: “ I t ’s a ls o i m p o r t a nt f o r seniors to understand that a percentage of identity theft is committed not by strangers, but by someone known to the consumer. This can be family, roommates, ‘friends’ or personal care assistants.”

Monique Gagnon, executive vice president of Auburn Rainbow Federal Credit Union, rarely sees identity theft, but added her recommendations to safeguard your identity: “Never divulge personal information on the phone. Many (bogus) companies try to impersonate legitimate companies. Don’t give credit card information on the phone. Don’t answer unsolicited e-mails.” Never deposit checks from unknown/ unverified sources as this allows scam artists to access and wipe out your account. If you are victimized, immediately file

William Lund

Elaine Taylor

Monique Gagnon

Submitted photo

Photo credit: Nancy Dubord

Photo credit: Nancy Dubord

a report with the police and notify your credit bureau.

In response to consumer interest, some home insurance companies either include identity theft protection in their homeowner policies for free or offer it separately at an affordable fee. Elaine Taylor from Parent Insurance, Lewiston, explained that an identity theft specialist is assigned to assist victims of this crime (but currently only once has someone made a claim). Help might include cash reimbursement or filing for a new social security number.

Identity theft claimed more than 10 million victims in the U.S. in 2008, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Of the cases in which consumers knew how their identity was compromised, stolen wallets and physical documents accounted for 43 percent of all identity theft, while online methods accounted for only 11 percent. “Consumers must remain vigilant and continue adhering to the adage, ‘trust, but verify,’ when it comes to providing personal information,” said Steve Cox of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. For information about how to protect your identity, visit www.ProtectYourIDNow.org. (SPM Wire)

If you detect mistakes and report them to the credit reporting agency, federal and state laws again require their quick and free removal. For added precaution, request a “fraud alert ” be put on your credit file. This requires creditors to further verify it’s you applying for credit should the occasion surface. Another freebie available to previous identity fraud victims: you can Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

LIVING WELL

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Is it real or artificial? Advances in technology make joint replacements more common

By Jeffrey Bush, M.D. Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine

As

life expectancy continues to lengthen, the good news is that we are living longer and enjoying more time with our loved ones. The bad news is that not all of our major joints were designed to last as long as we need them to, and years of wear and tear can take their toll. But advances in medical technology have made joint surgery much more commonplace for patients of all ages.

Joint surgeries have grown exponentially in recent years,

and some experts predict that the number of joint surgeries may double in next 20 years.

Baby boomers are coming of age, and that trend combined with improved technology has led to more and more procedures. Younger patients suffering with arthritic hips and knees are now getting them replaced at an earlier age. Improvements in implant te ch n o l o g y a n d su r g i c a l techniques are providing more longevity and durability for patients.

We have also seen advances in computer-assisted surgery and custom-fit knee replacements, which involve the development

of implants and surgical cutting guides based on a patient’s specific MRI. In custom fit surgery, many of the surgical decisions are made ahead of time based on the pre-operative scan, resulting in less invasive surgery.

Dr. Jeffrey Bush is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon affiliated with the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine.

He is a member of The Maine Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Submitted photo

Other advances have to do with faster recovery. Patients are in the hospital for only two to three days before being discharged to home or a skilled nursing facility. They are up and walking the same day as surgery or the next, putting all their weight on the new hip or knee.

They can return to their daily activities more quickly, whether it’s walking, working, biking,

hiking, fishing, golfing or skiing — within a couple months. Joint replacement is a quality of life decision. When you have pain in a hip or knee on a daily basis and non-operative measures are no longer helping, it may be time to think about joint replacement.

Make sure you know all the options available to you.

Start by talking to your own doctor and get a physical exam.

Your doctor can refer you for a surgical consult and x-rays to pinpoint the cause of the pain.

A surgical consultation does not always require a referral. Check with your insurance carrier regarding their requirements for coverage.

After surgery: Home planning for the hip replacement patient The following is a list of home modifications that will make your return home easier during your recovery: • Securely fastened safety bars or handrails in your shower or bath • Secure handrails along stairways • A stable chair for your early recovery with a firm seat cushion (that allows your knees to remain lower than your hips), a firm back, and two arms • A raised toilet seat

• A stable shower bench or chair • A long-handled sponge and shower hose • A dressing stick, a sock aid, and a long-handled shoe horn • A reacher that will allow you to grab objects • Firm pillows for your chairs, sofas, and car Source: American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

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LIVING WELL

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

Leisure time: By bus or by train, get up and go often in the $150-$200 range, includes ballpark tickets – and access to tickets, especially at Fenway Park and the new Yankee Stadium can be difficult without being part of a travel package.

By Rich Livingston Freelance Writer

F

rom leaf peeping to the plink of coins in slot machin es , th e cr ack of baseballs to great stage performances, there are many recreational opportunities within a couple hours of Lewiston-Auburn, and lots of folks believe the best way to access them is to let others do the navigating, logistical connecting and driving.

A num b e r o f l o c al - are a operators – including Alpine Adventure Tours, Dube Cruise and Travel, Hewins Travel and Northeast Charter, can answer your questions about tour packages. Transportation is by “luxury motorcoach,” a far cry from the rickety, stifling old buses that were used to haul many of us to summer camp.

Today’s vehicles, temperature controlled with ample leg room, comfy reclining seats, also have dvd screens scattered about and often free Wi-Fi (so bring your own wireless devices).

American heritage: Not just transportation, but escorted tours back to the nation’s origins – Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. Touring the mansions of Newport, R.I. is a popular option for locals, as are visits to New York city, for tours of the city or for trips to Broadway.

Passenger rail facts Visiting a casino, going to a baseball game or traveling to see the countryside may be easier when you let someone else drive.

Casinos: Bangor, Foxwoods, M o h e g an Sun – l ot s o f places to try your luck, all perfectly accessible from local motorcoach departures, and with incentives such as casino tokens and meal vouchers, such trips are virtually free.

Leaving Lewiston at 6:30 a.m. on a weekday will enable you to

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

have six hours or so of gaming fun at Mohegan, for instance, before the bus returns to get you home by 9:45 p.m. the same evening.

Baseball: See the Red Sox in Boston, or follow them to New York or Baltimore.

Modest round-trip bus fare,

In 2005, a MaineDOT study predicted that ser vice improvements on the Downeaster passenger train from Boston to Portland and service extensions to additional Maine destinations would lead to increased ridership and the beginning of economic benef its for communities ser ved by passenger rail.

Three years later Downeaster

ridership rose 32% in fiscal year 2006, 5% in 2007, and 26% in 2008. On the Rockland Branch, excursion rail from Brunswick to Rockland, ridership rose 26% from 2006 to 2007. In Brunswick, the first building of the Maine Street Station project has opened. It houses the waiting room for Amtrak and Maine Eastern Railroad passengers.

This $30 million project will contain a hotel, retail, office and residential complex that are projected to create 200 jobs and $500,000 in annual tax revenues. Over the next 20 years, Downeaster-related projects in Maine are projected to generate $3.3 billion in new construction development, create more than 8,000 new jobs, and contribute $16.8 million in new tax revenues annually in Maine. A plan to expand Downeaster service to Brunswick, Maine, via Freeport is part of a 2009 stimulus application. The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority has applied for $35 million in federal funds to complete the project.

Source: Rail facts, Maine Department of Transportation.

LIVING WELL

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A sense of pride in your community: Volunteer your skills

By David A. Sargent Freelance Writer / Photographer

S

ometimes it’s a toss up to decide who benefits most when senior citizens volunteer their services.

They give a lot when they share years of experience and expertise, but they also gain extremely valuable benefits in

their own lives. There’s a perfect match out there for older people to help others. Agencies that need and use volunteer help from seniors range from health care providers to elementary schools.

Androscoggin Home Care and H ospice is one of the area’s benef iciaries

of signif icant volunteer assistance. Their volunteers go into nursing homes and cli e nt h o m e s to p rov i d e intermittent service and to the Hospice House in Auburn where they are impor tant companions to patients in the final stages of life.

“They are all good listeners,”

said Kathy Baillargeon, assistant volunte er co ordinator. A training program equips the volunteer with essential skills.

In addition to person-to-person help, AHCH gets volunteer assistance for kitchen work, office work, and other duties.

Many grateful recipients of AHCH services for a family member want to give back.

One person whose relative was at the Hospice House returned five years later as a volunteer, as do many people who are impressed by the work of this and other similar agencies.

There also are many senior citizens with an interest in theater who will f ind an eager welcome from local organizations. Doreen Trainor, executive director of Community Little Theatre in Auburn, said, “Having senior volunteers is a good match for our patrons.”

These older fans of theater who volunteer often serve as ushers for CLT shows. Trainor said CLT’s average ticket buyer is over 50 and the senior volunteers “are sensitive to our senior patrons’ needs.” She also emphasized that senior volunteers “are reliable, conscientious and have a great outlook. Whenever you ask, they will come.” That aptitude is very welcome.

Actually, all the CLT actors as well as the backstage people are volunteers, and many of them have reached senior citizen status. Working on set construction, costumes or community relations are excellent ways for them to be connected and productive for theatrical productions.

CLT has a Senior Readers Theatre that has a touring schedule to area nursing homes and other centers w h ere th ey p er fo r m fo r appreciative audiences. A mailing committee is another of CLT’s volunteer opportunities with predominantly senior participation.

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There are similar needs for volunteer work suitable for seniors at The Public Theatre, L/A Arts, the FrancoAmerican Heritage Center, and other groups.

People who have retired from a lifetime of work as business owners and managers can be another valuable volunteer resource. Ralph Tut tle, a long-time counselor with the Lewiston-Auburn chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executive), said the advice provided by these veterans of business can help new businesses avoid many pitfalls.

It also means the retirees are challenged to keep learning and stay on top of trends. It’s not all men, either. Tuttle said five women are among the current SCORE volunteers.

Volunteers are valuable

Although a family planning agency may seem to be an unlikely choice for older citizens to give help, they can provide assistance in several ways.

Photos, clockwise, beginning with the photo to the left, Loretta Perry has been a frequent volunteer seamstress for costuming needs of Community Little Theatre. She is a past recipient of CLT’s Volunteer of the Year award.

Cin d y Bro p hy, vo lunte e r coordinator for Western Maine Community Action Health Service, points out several opportunities in that agency which has clinic locations in Lewiston, Norway, Farmington and Rumford, as well as a Wilton office. Two seniors provide fiveday coverage as receptionists.

“We are able to save a lot of money and time, thanks to them,” she said.

Senior volunteers might also be helpful in manning a booth at a public information event or other community outreach service. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for contacts at non-profits. There are programs that may provide some money to volunteers.

That helps when they have to travel or meet other expenses.

Brophy said SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) is one such option. It’s funded under Title V of the Older Americans Act, and that assistance returns

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

Above: Phil Vampatella, a Community Little Theatre volunteer both on stage and backstage, works on set construction. He is a past recipient of CLT’s Volunteer of the Year award.

Above, right: Richard Kendall, wellknown Auburn businessman and ski enthusuiast, counsels a SCORE client at The Business Service Center, Lewiston.

Sewing, construction and counseling are just a few of the skills needed by local agencies. dividends when the volunteers are better able to share their experience and talent.

Some volunteers may enjoy working with children. The Penquis Foster Grandparents Program brings older volunteers into elementary school classrooms where they assist teachers and students.

In Auburn, one woman in her 90s has been doing this five days a week for about 20 years. Another of the volunteers is in her 70s, and there have been some men in the program, as well.

In Lewiston, senior citizen volunteers may choose to be a part of the BookReach

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

Program of readers from the local libraries, and with various mentoring efforts.

Whether a senior citizen is a people-person or prefers to work behind the scenes, there is a lot of need from area agencies — with mutual rewards for older volunteers throughout the area.

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To lease or buy?

By Craig W. Armstrong

T

o lease or to buy, that is the question. The answer is it depends. There is no right answer; it depends on what is best for you. Both are methods of financing a car. One finances its use, the other its purchase.

Both have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on what ’s most important to you.

Do you live for the here and now, or do you look to the future? Most “here and now” people don’t want the major repair risks and enjoy having a new vehicle every two or three years. For people looking

Safe money strategies for retirees

toward to the future, they want long-term savings and ownership. Neither philosophy is right or wrong.

If you buy a car, you are paying for the entire cost of the vehicle.

You normally make a down payment and pay sales tax. If you take out a loan, you will need to pay it back, along with interest. It is said that a car starts to depreciate when you drive it off the lot.

In essence, this is true, and if you decide to sell the car, you could actually end up owing more than it’s worth. Plus if the car needs repairs, they are your responsibility.

I The difference between leasing a car and buying a car should be researched.

When you lease a car, you are really only paying for a portion of it. You normally make a down payment and are then required to make monthly payments, which include a depreciation charge and a finance charge.

The depreciation charge is the portion of the car’s value lost during the lease.

The finance charge is the interest on the money the leasing company has tied up in the vehicle. When the lease is up, you return the car. Keep in mind you have nothing to show for the money you have spent.

What is the best option for you? Buying a car means higher monthly payments, which are buying you equity.

Granted, the car will be worth a lot less once the loan is paid off, but it will be yours.

Leasing means lower payments and no equity. Consider this scenario. Three years from now, are you driving a new car and making monthly payments, or are you driving your three-yearold car and making no monthly payments? Which is more important to you?

nterested in protecting your retirement money and finding safe ways for that money to grow and provide income? Attending seminars on that subject presented by a retirement planner may be beneficial and offer useful up-to-date information. A few of the costly mistakes that retirees commonly make include not understanding how to avoid and reduce the devastating costs of long-term care. Left unchecked, these costs could exceed $60,000 annually.

Many retirees don’t properly plan their 401K, IRA and other retirement plans which causes them to leave too much of their hard earned money to taxes or probate fees. Proper distribution planning is key to maximizing money to one’s family and minimizing taxes.

Improperly set up retirement plans could lose 30 percent, 40 percent or more to the IRS. Not understanding safe ways for money to grow and provide income is another mistake. Conservative concepts may protect retirees’ money. Procrastination is the single biggest mistake that retired people make.

Too often people set up their retirement strategies and then never revisit their plan or their advisor never gets back to them. Consequently, they don’t keep up with how their money is doing and all the choices that are out there. Retirees should not put off reviewing their financial picture. Those considering retirement should take advantage of all the education and information that is out there. Seminars and the follow-up consultations that explain strategies may be helpful for the reasons above.

FMI, contact Gregory Strong at 846-0734. Securities offered through Center Street Securities, Inc., a registered Broker-Dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC.

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LIVING WELL

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

Prepare toolboxes for home projects with adhesives, multimeter, camera

In

Digital camera.

t o d a y ’s e c o n o m y, homeowners feel reluctant to take out new mortgages — instead of finding a new dream house, they want to make their existing home everything they need.

And as more homeowners attempt maintenance and upgrades, they also discover the sense of accomplishment only a DIY job can provide.

But those attempting a DIY home project would do well to look through their toolbox first — you need the right tools to create professionallooking results.

Here are some tools you might not have thought to stock, but that can make DIY projects easier:

Caulking gun and adhesives.

While ever yone knows to keep a hammer and nails on hand, they may not realize that adhesives are sometimes a good alternative or complement to fasteners.

“Adhesives can be used in applications where mechanical fasteners are not practical, such as in the installation of tub surround or a tile backsplash,” said Mike Goldstein, senior

You don’t ac tuall y have to keep it in your toolbox, but a digital camera can be invaluable whenever you have to take something apart.

Before disassembling an IKEA

bedroom set or a light fixture, snap a picture so you’ll know what it’s supposed to look like when you’re finished. That way, you have an image to consult while you put the object back together. (NewsUSA)

DIYers should keep adhesives in their toolboxes for quick and easy home projects. brand manager with Liquid Nails Brand Adhesives (www. liquidnails.com). He added that adhesives are also more forgiving than mechanical fasteners, such as nails and screws, in the installation process.

example, they can be used to fasten a piece of loose laminate on a countertop or even repair smaller items, such as a piece of furniture, heirlooms or metal parts. For more information about adhesives, visit liquidnails.com.

“Once something is screwed, nailed or stapled in place, it is very difficult to re-adjust its position,” said Goldstein.

“With an adhesive, there is some amount of open time, approximately 10 minutes, allowing you to reposition the substrate immediately following installation.”

Multimeter.

Adhesives are useful for projects around the house. For

You’re not planning on doing electronics work, so you don’t need to measure voltage, right? Well, you might be surprised by how many projects will put you in contact with electrical systems. For minimal investment, a multimeter can keep you from finding out the hard way that an outlet is live.

Promote your cause by publishing a book (NewsUSA)—It’s common for celebrities who experience tragedy and want to help o t h e r s t o h av e a b o o k published by a traditional publisher. But now, “everyday people” can do the same thing.

The power of publishing has truly gone public.

Thanks to continuing a d v an ce m e nt s in digit al technology and print- ondemand resources, more people who want to make others aware of a worthy cause can have a professionally published book.

When Margarete Cassalina lost

her daughter Jena to cystic fibrosis, her world stopped; life, as she knew it, was over. Within one year, however, Cassalina went from the depths of depression to simply existing to recovery, discovering that she could not just survive but even harness the power of true and absolute love. She literally went from “beyond breathing” to living a full and purposeful life.

from book sales go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Cassalina published her book, Beyond Breathing, through iUniverse (an imprint of indie publisher Author Solutions), and a film about her story is currently in production. Sixtyfive percent of the net proceeds

“I’ll never stop the fight to eradicate cystic fibrosis by spreading the word, speaking to groups and raising money,”

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

Indie book publishing empowers anyone to publish a professionally designed book, maintaining complete control of the content, rights and marketing. For as little as $1,000, a book can be available for sale on all leading online retailers and ordered at any bookstore.

Publishing

page 10 ‰

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Plan a

fun family

reunion

As

e x t e n d e d families spread out throughout the country, it becomes more dif f icult to get ever yone together. Holding a family reunion, then, gives everyone a chance to meet, catch-up and learn a little more about their family history.

But arranging a reunion can be a massive undertaking, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

However, with a little planning, anyone can pull off a successful family reunion.

Follow these tips to ensure a fun, rewarding family reunion experience:

Create a family reunion committee.

You will need at least two people to plan location, food, activities, budget, mailings, payments and record-keeping.

The better organized your committee, the more smoothly your reunion will run. You can never start planning too early you will need to start at least a year ahead of time

Pick a theme.

Designing your reunion around a theme can make planning activities, food and decorations more creative. Family history themes, such as celebrating an anniversary, a birthday or a cultural heritage are popular.

Develop a budget.

Your budget will influence the rest of your decisions regarding housing, food and activities. When in doubt, plan for affordability - as much fun as a Caribbean cruise might be, it’s unlikely that every family member can afford to attend.

Plan housing.

If possible, choose a location that offers a range of lodging choices. National parks, for

Publishing from page 10

said Cassalina. “The ability to publish a book and use it as a vehicle to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis has been invaluable.”

In Reg Green’s case, his world turned upside down when his son Nicholas was murdered.

Green published The Nicholas

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Don’t forget to take a group photo at your next family reunion. example, often have hotels nearby and may have cabins or tent-camping available, giving your guests plenty of options.

Keep the kids entertained.

D o n’ t p resum e that th e grandparents or teenagers will act as babysitters for the whole reunion. Ask for volunteers, and rotate babysitting duties.

Arranging competitions, like three-legged and costume races, will keep kids happy. You can even present the winner with a trophy. Visit www. plaquemakerplus.com for a variety of trophies, including “Trophy Dudes” with bendable arms and legs.

Create activities.

Integrating the whole family can be a challenge. Try giving each family member a family tree to fill out, or arrange a friendly game of family trivia.

And don’t forget to take a family photo. Plaquemaker Plus can even create heirloomEffect through Author Solutions imprint AuthorHouse. The book chronicles his experience and promotes organ donation.

Nicholas literally saved the lives of seven people who received his organs. Green has sold tens of thousands of books and speaks regularly on the topic of organ donation.

“I was able to expand awareness of the importance of organ donation and use my

quality wooden plaques or acrylic images, so you can offer a unique souvenir to any family member who wants one.

(NewsUSA)

BY THE NUMBERS 1 in 2: The odds an adult will plan to have a cookout with family and friends on Memorial Day are 1 in 2 (US, 5/2008).

1 in 1.37: The odds an adult is interested in tracking his or her family history are 1 in 1.37 (US, 2005).

1 in 9.09: The odds an adult interested in tracking his or her family history has written a personal or family history are 1 in 9.09 (US, 2005).

1 in 1.87: The odds a dog owner considers the dog to be a family member are 1 in 1.87 (US, 2006).

Source: The Book of Odds.

book as a tool to get in front of people and relay the story of how my beloved son saved the lives of so many,” said Green.

“Indie book publishing isn’t just about fulfilling literary dreams,” said Keith Ogorek of Author Solutions. “A book is a powerful tool to educate and make the public aware of pressing social issues.”

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

Mother’s Day: May 9, 2010 The driving force behind Mother’s Day was Anna Jarvis, who organized observances in Grafton, W.Va., and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the countr y, Jar vis asked members of Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers.

She finally succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. The statistics below were published by the U.S. Census Bureau on March 9, 2010.

By the numbers: How many mothers 82.8 million: Estimated number of mothers in the U.S. 2004.

Source: Survey of Income and Program Participation unpublished tabulations

94%: Among the 37.8 million mothers living with children younger than 18 in 2004, the percentage who lived with their biological children only. In addition, 3 percent lived with any stepchildren, 2 percent with any adopted children and less than 1 percent with any foster children.

Source: Living Arrangements of Children: 2004

18,674: N umber of births in 2006 that were the mother’s eighth or more.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

67%: Percentage of women who gave birth for the first time between 2001 and 2003 and worked during their pregnancy. This compares with 44 percent who gave birth for the first time between 1961 and 1965.

Source: Maternity Leave and Employment Patterns: 19612003

36%: P ercentage of women 15 to 50 with a birth in the past year who were not currently married.

Source: Fertility of American Women: 2006

Additional facts and trivia August: The month with the highest number of births, with 387,798 taking place that month in 2006.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

Wednesday: T he most common day of the week to deliver, with an average of 13,482 births taking place on Wednesdays during 2006.

This is the first time since at least 1990 that a day other than Tuesday had this distinction.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

Jacob and Emma: The most popular baby names for boys and girls, respectively, in 2008.

Source: Social Security Administration

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010

Your love life: Romance is alive and well in the U.S.

All

across the country romance is blossoming as s e e n in re ce nt s t atis tic s gathered by media groups.

More couples are going to movies, sales of romance n ove ls are climb in g an d s we e th ear t s co ntinu e to exchange chocolate in heartshaped boxes.

While America witnessed the worst economic collapse in generations, movie attendance rose 16 percent last year, the highest increase in two decades, according to Media by Numbers. Couples taking in movies no doubt contributed to this growth, say experts.

And with many book categories e x p e r i e n c i n g s i g n i f i c a nt drops in sales last year, Nielsen BookScan noted a rise in the adult fiction category, with many publishers reporting an increase in the popularity of romance novels, in particular.

“Good romantic fiction appeals to several generations of readers because love is essential to being human. I am just keeping up with the times.”

between Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd.

Gayle Rogers

“The current state of the world seems to have drawn more people to romantic gestures and romantic fiction,” added Rogers, whose nine romance novels can be found in such online bookstores as amazon.com, bn.com and sojournerpublishers.com.

their continued focus on these popular characters and on love overcoming the obstacles of daily life.

In today’s tough times, couples are enjoying romantic movies and books that transport them to other periods in their lives, such as the recent hit “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” or those set in history, such as Rogers’ popular novel, “My Name Was Mary,” which delves into the love

And other statistics show that American couples could be enjoying dates more frequently. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 23.8 pounds of chocolate is consumed annually by the average American, much of it on Valentine’s Day.

No matter if your idea of romance is an escapist novel, a romantic comedy or a Barry White CD, you’re not alone in seeking more romance.

(StatePoint)

“Love is very popular. Romantic novels and films are great escapism, yet they also inspire us to bring romance into our relationships, unlike other forms of art and literature,” said relationship exper t, Gayle Rogers, who has been a romance novelist for the past 40 years. “My books keep up with the times and reflect what people want and need.”

With romance alive and well, Rogers has seen a resurgence in the sales of her 1972 bestselling, million-copy classic, “Nakoa’s Woman,” which traces the lives of two star-crossed lovers in the Old West, and its newer sequels “Gladyce with a C,” in which the lovers meet again in the Second World War, and “For Love’s Sake Only,” where they unite in Elizabethan England. Her other six novels also have been faring well, due in large part to

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, April 25, 2010