Home and Garden 04/01/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

Look inside for these specials and many others.

SLEEP Bedrooms that encourage

EXPLORE NATURAL SLEEP REMEDIES YOUR BEST YARD, SIMPLIFIED APRIL GARDENING CALENDAR

SLEEP Bedrooms that encourage

F

BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

orty percent of adults in the U.S. get less than the recommended amount of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night, while the average is approximately 6.8 hours.

Many factors may play into this — with the near-endless technological distractions, work demands and personal stresses. Lack of sleep is linked to health problems and cognitive impairment, so it is worth the time and effort to assess your bedroom and determine if it’s a nurturing environment for slumber.

TELEVISION While the convenience of having a television in the bedroom may be tempting, it may not be the best choice for quality sleep. Television in the bedroom can cause individuals to go to sleep later, and it can disrupt sleep cycles. The same can result from computers, laptops and phones. When you lay in bed at night, it is a time to shut down the mind and put distractions aside. If you’re up staring at your phone, laptop or television, it will naturally interfere with the process of peacefully drifting to sleep. Practice

powering off or silencing your phone and other devices; and keeping them out of arms reach or, ideally, out of the bedroom.

If you must have a TV in your bedroom, it is best to have it in an entertainment center where cabinet doors can close off the blaring screen from your view when you’re ready to hit the hay.

COLOR SCHEME The color choices you make for the walls and decorations can also play a positive — or negative — role in quality sleep. Colors that encourage sleep are muted blues, pale yellows, dim silvers and soft greens with flat finishes — as opposed to glossy finishes. It’s best to avoid reds, purples and whites on the walls as these may keep you alert or even create feelings of anxiety.

Personal preference also plays a role here.

Just because blue is generally the best color for a calming sleep, someone who loves green might get more comfort from a subdued shade of green.

LIGHT Many people need to sleep in complete and total darkness in order to get the ultimate night’s sleep. To achieve this, it’s helpful to have blackout curtains and make

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, APR 1, 2017

sure the hall light is turned off. While the natural light in the bedroom is wonderful during the day, the moonlight or street lights making their way into your window at night can stimulate the retina and make it harder to fall asleep. Alternatively, you may be sharing a room with someone who needs a night light to feel comfortable enough to fall asleep, or perhaps it’s a partner up working late in bed — and in this case a compromise may have to be reached. There are dozens and dozens of sleep masks to choose from — TempurPedic, Nidra Luxury Patented Deep Rest Mask, Earth Therapeutics and many more.

From gel-based to cotton-based to silkfinished to essential-oil infused, eye masks are a sure-fire way to block out the light.

BED Has it been seven years or more since you changed your mattress? If so, it might be time for a new one. Choose a supportive bed that is comfortable and well-made.

The two most popular mattress types in 2016 and 2017 thus far are memory foam and innerspring mattresses. Memory foam mattresses reign supreme, however, with 80 percent owner satisfaction. Also decide what the best size bed is for your situation.

If you are always bumping into your partner in the night with your queen bed, it may be time to get a king. Also make sure your comforter and pillows are cozy — with the pillow being just right for your needs, whether that’s soft, firm, side sleeper, black sleeper or belly sleeper.

PROPS Props can help with sleep as well. Have some soothing lavender spray — found to eliminate nervous tension; a weighted blanket — found to increase the melatonin and serotonin levels associated with restful sleep; something to hug — 35 percent of adults still sleep with a stuffed animal or body pillow; a noise machine — this can be used to drown out the sound of snoring or outside disturbances, or it can provide some soothing ambiance if you don’t like complete silence while sleeping; and crystals — people have been using crystals by their bedside, such as amethyst, moonstone, celestite and clear quartz, to aid with sleep for centuries.

Though changing the colors on your walls or switching out your pillow may not be an instant cure for insomnia, incorporating several of these tips can promote a more restful environment for dreaming.

natural

E xplore

sleep remedies

S METRO SERVICES

leep is a natural process designed to recharge the body and mind. Although some people find no difficulty in settling down for the night, many others profess to have periodic or chronic sleep problems. But before asking doctors to reach for their prescription

2016

pads, men and women struggling to fall asleep at night may want to consider some all-natural remedies to help them get a good night’s rest.

Delta Sleep Labs says between 20 and 40 percent of all adults have insomnia in the course of any year, and more than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders and wakefulness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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SATURDAY, APR 1, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

April gardening calendar

BY EILEEN TULLY, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER, PHOTO BY FREDRICKA BOGARDUS

A

pril is a busy gardening month and the beginning of the planting season.

Every year brings new gardening challenges.

This year it’s been windy and dry with unusually warm weather. Don’t be surprised if your plants appear confused and are coming out of dormancy early. Be watchful. We could still get freezing weather and heavy snow. If it remains dry be aware of high fire danger.

If you lost a lot of mulch to winter winds lay out a new layer one-and-a-half inches deep.

WHEN SOIL HAS THAWED Divide and transplant summer and fall blooming perennials such as sedum autumn joy, phlox paniculata, Shasta daisy, perennial salvias, and ajuga and bugleweed. Label your plants as you plant and subdivide.

Plant trees, shrubs and vines. If you purchase bare root plants, soak them in

water for several hours before planting.

VEGETABLES Outdoors, plant asparagus crowns (roots) in trenches six inches deep — gradually fill in with soil as the young plants grow.

Plant early potatoes, lettuce, radish, onions, peas, rhubarb, spinach cauliflower and carrots.

Indoors, start tomato seeds. Choose good “performers” like big beef, celebrity and early girl.

FLOWERS Early planting of pansies will give your garden instant color. Outdoors, sow seeds of perennials and wild flowers.

As spring weather settles in — plant snapdragons, sweet peas, lobelia and sweet alyssum. These cool season annuals can tolerate a light frost.

ROSES Usually around mid-April new growth

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starts. This is the time to slowly remove mulch from around the plants. Prune damaged or dead canes first then prune all others to approximately 12 inches to 24 inches above ground. When roses are actively growing, fertilize with a rose food formulation of nine-14-nine, which is higher in phosphorus to encourage blooms and strong roots. For climbing roses prune only dead or damaged canes.

once the hose has relaxed. Also, put some sort of markers along the soaker hose so you won’t slice into it when planting. I use colorful golf tees.

LAWNS

LATE FREEZE DAMAGE TO TREES AND SHRUBS

To grow a beautiful lawn begin with aeration. If weather is warm and dry water one inch a week.

This is prime time to examine your irrigation system. Check for leaks or problems with sprinkler heads. Examine the lines and emitters to be sure everything is working in drip irrigation. If you’re a hose-dragger like me, check for bends or punctures in your hose. If you’re planning to try soaker hoses in your garden choose a sunny day to lay out the curledup hose. It’s much easier to set in place

WEEDS These persistent survivors seemed to come up earlier than usual this year. Hand pull the young ones before they get too big … or too many.

If we get a sudden freeze and new, emerging leaves wilt and look brown wait at least a week to see if new growth emerges. Frozen plant tissue is soft and wet and vulnerable to infection if it’s “open.” If a branch fails, to revive it may be necessary to prune again.

If you have lawn and garden questions, go to ask.extension.org for answers. To learn what events are coming up at the CSU Extension office in El Paso County, visit http://elpasoco.colostate.edu/index.shtml.

SLEEP REMEDIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

insufficient sleep as a public health epidemic that can result in difficulty performing daily tasks, hypertension, depression and even obesity.

While sleeping pills can be effective, they pose the risk of dependence and also may carry with them dangerous side effects. Some individuals have driven or engaged in other potentially dangerous activities while under the influence of sleeping pills. No such side effects have been associated with natural remedies.

When lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine intake or creating a sleep hygiene program, fail to produce the desired results, the following natural remedies, when used as directed, may help men and women get a better night’s rest.

MEDITATION

Focusing on breathing and employing visualization may help relax the body into a state where it can drift off to sleep. In addition to calming the mind, meditation can reduce stress and hormone levels.

Picturing a relaxing scene and focusing on all the senses involved in that scene may put you in a peaceful state of mind that makes it easier to fall asleep.

DISTRACTION

Although there are conflicting reports as to whether reading or watching television before going to be can be a help or a hindrance, some people with insomnia do find these actions can help induce sleep. Choose a book or a program that isn’t stimulating to distract yourself from anything that is causing distress. Doing so can create a state of relaxation that makes it easier to fall asleep. Use the sleep timer on the television to automatically turn of the TV after a set number of minutes, so you are not woken from sleep by a loud show after drifting off.

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The AROUND THE HOUSE column

by Ken Moon is on vacation this week.

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AROMATHERAPY

Calming scents can relax the body.

Preliminary research suggests that lavender essential oil may lengthen total sleep time, increase deep sleep and help people feel refreshed in the morning, particularly for women who have a more acute sense of smell than men. Put a few drops of lavender on a pillow before retiring to bed, or take a relaxing bath with the oil mixed into the bath water.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is a natural sedative. Foods rich in magnesium include dark green, leafy vegetables, almonds, whole grains and legumes. Magnesium supplements also are available, and these are usually taken in a specific ratio with calcium to be the most effective.

VALERIAN

Valerian is a natural herbal remedy that grows in the form of a tall, flowering grassland plant. The roots are ground to produce the supplement that could assist with sleep. The Mayo Clinic notes that several small studies indicate that valerian may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. Other studies have shown valerian to be no more effective than a placebo. However, with relatively few side effects, valerian may be worth a try.

LEMON BALM

This herbal supplement and tea works in a similar method to valerian. It is said to relieve anxiety and calm nerves, which could be infringing on your ability to fall asleep.

weeks of acupuncture increased melatonin secretion in the evening and improved total sleep time.

MELATONIN SUPPLEMENTS A naturally occurring hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle in the brain, melatonin is produced when darkness falls. According to a Journal of Sleep Research study, time-release melatonin supplementation was effective

in reducing sleep latency and improving sleep quality. Lower doses of melatonin have been shown to be as effective as higher doses, so less is often more with melatonin.

Insomnia can often be traced to anxiety and an overactive mind. However, it also may be a side effect of medication or a symptom of a larger condition. Speak with a doctor if insomnia becomes chronic or problematic.

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ACUPUNCTURE

A study from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh concluded that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for insomnia. The study found that five

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denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

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by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

SATURDAY, APR 1, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey across 1 Shuttle facility 9 Auto shop purchase 15 Slender smoke 16 Thorny shrub 17 Emotionally withdrawn 18 Buries 19 Little laughter 20 In a pinch 22 Autumn shade 23 Many profs 24 Oktoberfest supply 25 Transportation option 26 Whopper inventor 27 Unites for a purpose 28 Jaunty topper 29 __ golf 30 Ja, across the border 31 Beezus’ little sister, in Cleary books 33 Perfect 36 Proper 37 Delight at the comedy club 38 Super __ 40 Hitches 43 Punxsutawney headliner 44 Default result 45 Doughnuts, geometrically 46 “Growing Up in New Guinea” author 47 Joint component 48 Hatchling from a green egg 50 Art incorporating architectural elements 51 Judge’s declaration 52 Rule with many exceptions 54 Software giant 55 Yak, yak, yak 56 One way to break the news 57 Like an escalator, and, aptly, like the six-letter word that begins where 40-Across ends

8 Its sung in the same act as “Some Enchanted Evening” 9 Comes down 10 Unpopular spots 11 Concert tix flashed at a singles bar, say 12 Stuck at the ski lodge, maybe 13 Sack for company?

14 Surgical tools 21 Wartime prez 23 Fruity cocktail word 26 Fuzz 27 Lift 29 Challenging locks 30 Colorful ring tone producer?

32 It could involve a disappearance 33 Arrived home evasively 34 Clearing 35 Layered dessert 37 Colombian singer formerly a coach on “The Voice” 39 Agree 40 Hearing aid, briefly?

41 “That’s it for me” 42 Oranjestad native 43 Pumping target, for short 44 Casino table do-over 46 Daughter of Billy Ray 47 Medford school with a Boston campus 49 Tobogganing spot 50 Prefix with carpal 53 Swing in a box

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

by mike Peters

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

down 1 Say scornfully 2 Emergency exit device 3 Something detested 4 Furniture mover 5 Heavens 6 Creepy look 7 Entirely HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, APR 1, 2017

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by Chad Carpenter

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

B.C.

by hart

ziTS

by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

Frazz

by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

SATURDAY, APR 1, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

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by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: You asked for men to respond to the letter from “Confused Woman,” who was wondering if the time would ever be right and if her reluctant husband would ever want to have a baby.

Anything can be justified: have AMY children or don’t have them.

DICKINSON When you’re 80 and wondering what happened, it is too late then. I think children are the way to make your life complete. — Happy

ADVICE

DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN

nover, N.H.

Question: I keep hearing that drinking coffee is good for your health.

But I drink decaf. Is it coffee or caffeine that’s so beneficial?

— Katie J., Ha-

Dear Amy: I tyrannically resisted having children until I was 50, when my first girl was born (now there are two, 14 and 12).

Not only was I not too old, but my girls have kept me young and given me a happiness I never could have imagined. Life’s pleasures alter with children, but the new pleasures are richer, more resonant, deeper than the old. I’d reassure the reluctant husband and urge him to take the leap. — David

Answer: In a nutshell — or a coffee bean — some studies show that caffeine has its own virtues, and others point out that caf and decaf are equally health-beneficial. So, clearly other components in the coffee bean besides caffeine are responsible for some of its healthy rating; after all, it contains over 1,000 biologically active compounds.

Decaffeinated coffee has around 97 percent of caffeine removed — 8 ounces brewed delivers 2-12 mg of the chemical; a regular cup has about 75-200 mg. So even with decaf, you are getting a touch of the brain-boost that caffeine provides.

The benefits of caffeine: • Stimulates the central nervous system and has neuroprotective properties.

• Helps suppress production of chemicals that contribute to inflammation; increases alertness and improves memory.

• Moderately reduces your risk for Parkinson’s disease (by 20 to 40 percent) and its symptoms.

• Significantly reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s disease (by 20 to 60 percent) and cognitive dysfunction.

The benefits of coffee — high-test or decaf: • Lowers the risk for esophageal, colon and rectal cancers by 20 to 30 percent and reduces the risk for endometrial, aggressive prostate and estrogen-negative breast cancer.

• Two substances in unfiltered coffee (although filtered is overall the heart-healthiest), cafestol and kahweol, may improve response to some treatments for hepatitis C, lower elevated liver enzymes and offer some protection against liver cancer.

• Lowers postmenopausal women’s risk for Type 2 diabetes by 15 to 25 percent.

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.

Dear Happy: Many people responded, and some edited answers are below: Dear Amy: I had the same fears as the 40-something could-be-father, who was concerned about having children.

You should have told “Confused Woman” that many men like me never knew what true love was until they had a child.

As long as her husband is passively willing, they should take the plunge.

Having children changed my life for the better, and none of my fears came true. — Took the Plunge, in Tallahassee, Fla. Dear Amy: My children are literally saving my life. The happiness they bring to my wife, my family and me are daily gifts that will last forever.

My wife is being treated for stage 4 cancer. Whatever the outcome, she and I are facing this threat with strength and determination because of our kids. Otherwise, I would be suicidal and she would be despondent. In my opinion, the biggest rewards of having children come not when they are babies, but after they become adults. — Chuck

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ADVICE

HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Heloise: Those of us in the animal-rescue business understand the term “foster failure.” It means you’ve taken in an animal in the hopes of finding a good home for it. Well, this “failure” to find a home is really not because many “foster folks” end up keeping the animal!

You can help save animals that might have been abandoned, lost

or dumped.

Many rescue groups may supply food, a crate, blankets, etc., to care for the animal. Medical care and vetting also might be covered.

There are many ways to network the animal — social media groups, mass emails, digital bulletin boards, etc. I’ve seen a lot of happy reunions come about because of people who care. — Lisa P., via email

Readers, check animal-welfare groups in your area to see how you can help. “Woof, woof ” from Chammy, a silky wheaten, and Henry VII, a mini schnauzer, who are “rescues,” and we are sure glad they are. — Heloise Dear readers: Please take this hint seriously!

Large buckets are helpful around the house and garage for cleaning, brush pickup, storage, etc.

But they can be dangerous and DEADLY to children and pets.

Small children, especially toddlers, can accidentally fall in headfirst. Since the child is topheavy, he or she usually cannot get out. A child can drown in just a small amount of liquid. Keep these buckets empty and picked up off the floor.

— Heloise Dear Heloise: I wanted to paint my patio furniture, but I hate spray paint and worry about the damage that aerosol cans may be doing to the environment.

My solution? I covered the patio with newspapers, pulled on a rubber glove and dipped a sponge into the paint. Easy solution. (Two thin coats are better than one thick one, by the way!)

— Anne J. in New York —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) You may be caught up in material ambitions and unwilling to change your focus. A change of scenery could provide a fresh perspective.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Read the newspaper headlines. You could become mindful of how shifts in the markets have altered your financial situation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Let sleeping dogs lie. You’ll only make an awkward situation worse if you keep bringing it to everyone’s attention. Concentrate on something more pleasant and the previous problem will fade from memory.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Schedule the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves. Spending the afternoon window shopping won’t get the dishes washed, rug vacuumed or the bills paid. Use spare time wisely.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Feed the dog and change the baby diapers. You never really appreciate the value of something unless you are willing to take care of it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Wanting and needing are two separate entities. This might be the time to analyze your needs and compare them to your wants. With careful analysis, you can avoid making frivolous or wasteful purchases.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) When too many people put in their two cents, the result may be so much noise that a very good financial idea may be overlooked.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) The steady tortoise won the race. You might be at the top of the pecking order where financial security is concerned, but you still can’t afford to take a chance on shortcuts or risky investments.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You must honor commitments even when you think no one is looking over your shoulder. Learning how to do things in a more efficient or technologically advanced way may speed things along.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The more hands on the rope the easier it is to win a tug of war. A mountainous task can become a molehill when everyone pitches in.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Some choices are really a command performance.

You must pay bills and make obligatory social appearances just like everyone else.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Focus on the family. Do something to spruce up the house that will make you proud to cross your doorstep. Speak frankly with loved ones and make sure there aren’t any issues that need to be addressed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY April 1 Reassess your finances and relationships during the upcoming four to six weeks while your judgment is at its best.

You can make a clear-headed appraisal of people and situations. This is the best time to launch important projects that must endure over a long time period and when beneficial opportunities could come knocking at your door.

In June, you might mistake a new fiend for a new romantic prospect.

SATURDAY, APR 1, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

COMMUNITY EXPERT ADVICE

GOREN BRIDGE

WITH BOB JONES ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

weekly bridge quiz SPONSORED FEATURE BY HEATHER GUNNERSON, SPENCER’S LAWN & GARDEN CENTERS

Your best yard, simplified

q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠Ak4♥94♦kqJ843♣kq

With the opponents passing, you open one diamond and partner responds one spade. What is your rebid?

SOuTH 1♦ ?

q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

weST NOrTH eAST Pass 1♥ Pass

What call would you make?

♠q4♥kJ2♦Aq♣J76432

q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 8 ♥ k q J 10 ♦ A k q 10 8 ♣ k 7 5 SOuTH 1♦ ?

weST NOrTH eAST Pass 2♦ Pass

What call would you make?

♠ A 10 9 8 6 ♥ k 10 7 4 ♦ k 8 7 ♣ 10 eAST Pass Pass

SOuTH 1♠ ?

q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A 3 ♥ q 10 8 6 2 ♦ A 8 ♣ A q 6 5

q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

NOrTH 1♦ 2♣

With the opponents passing, you open one club and partner responds one heart. What is your rebid?

SOuTH 1♥ ?

What call would you make?

weST Pass

What call would you make? q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠A76♥3♦AqJ953♣Ak7

weST NOrTH eAST Pass Pass 1NT

Look for answers on Monday.

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001.

E-mail: tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

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fungicide if problems persist.

Pre-emergents are great for lawns, gardens and hardscaped areas for weed control. If seeding, wait 14 days after full germination to apply.

For existing weeds in the lawn, use a broad-leaf specific herbicide that can be used in cool temperatures. Use a nonspecific herbicide for complete weed and grass removal.

Keep up on seasonal lawn fertilizing with an appropriate feed. A fertilizer with iron is best in late spring, a slow release nitrogen food for the heat of midsummer, and a winterizing feed in autumn. Use Soil Activator for added benefits.

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