September 2019 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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Coming around to cannabis PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW MINTZ, M.D.

By Margaret Foster Dr. Matthew Mintz wasn’t an early proponent of medical uses for cannabis (the scientific name for the plant more commonly known as marijuana). In fact, he said, “I was a little skeptical.” Mintz, a board-certified internist and Washingtonian “Top Doctor,” attended George Washington University medical school and then practiced medicine while serving on GW’s faculty for the next two decades. During that time, he also did research and published articles on diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obesity. In 2017, he decided to open his own concierge practice in Bethesda, Md. While getting his new office up and running, he noticed a medical cannabis dispensary was opening in the same medical office building. “That intrigued me,” he said. “I lived in Maryland forever but wasn’t paying attention to the [medical marijuana] legislation.” While federal law continues to consider cannabis an illegal “schedule 1” drug, 33 states — including the District of Columbia and Maryland — now permit its sale and possession for medicinal and/or recreational use. The Maryland legislature had first voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2012, but five years passed before it became available at state-licensed facilities called dispensaries. Under Maryland’s law, medical marijuana may be recommended to patients with any “severe condition” in which other medical treatments have been ineffective, as long as the symptoms “reasonably can be expected to be relieved” by marijuana. Since Dec. 1, 2017, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) has

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There’s much more to Panama besides the canal; plus, an adventurous whitewater rafting trip in California page 23

ARTS & STYLE Dr. Matthew Mintz, a board-certified internist and former member of the faculty of George Washington University Medical School, certifies some of the patients in his concierge practice for medical marijuana use. He has found many can benefit from the appropriate treatment.

licensed nearly 50 physicians and hundreds of other healthcare providers to certify patients as eligible and make recommendations.

A classic rock band keeps the music alive; plus, a new group helps retirees find their life’s encore page 26

And today, there are more than 80 dispensaries around the state, 29 of which are See DR. MINTZ, page 13

TECHNOLOGY k Try a new video survey tool

FITNESS & HEALTH k A second look at MSG k Men also face osteoporosis

LAW & MONEY 16 k Kids can wreck your retirement k Most take Social Security too soon ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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Your opinion, please There’s only one thing that no one can times, in both business and political contexts, give you or take away from you: your opinion. we might feel the requests are disingenuous. What you think in your (“They don’t really care how I mind and feel in your heart is feel,” we might think. “They uniquely and always yours. just want to use my opinion, if Your opinion might change they like it, to influence othfrom time to time, even from ers.”) minute to minute. But at any That could be true. But in point it’s still yours. And most cases, I believe, busithat’s something we should nesses and political candicherish. dates really want to know Sometimes, however, we what you think. A business can feel we are being bomcan’t survive if it isn’t meetbarded with opportunities to FROM THE ing the needs of its cusexpress our opinions, espe- PUBLISHER tomers. A candidate or politiBy Stuart P. Rosenthal cially in a commercial or politcian who wants to represent ical context. voters well needs to know We shop in a retail store and the receipt what they think. invites us to go online to say how we feel So try not to feel too jaded when asked about the salesperson. We order a product for your opinion. Only you know what you from Amazon and are asked to rate it or think — until you are asked to express it. submit a comment. And that is when your opinion starts to Especially during campaign seasons, we make a difference elsewhere. walk down the street and are asked to sign a petition or “answer a few questions” to You oughta be in pictures help a pollster. We take a survey someSpeaking of surveys… where and find ourselves inundated with inHere at the Beacon, we also frequently vitations to take more or join a focus group. seek information from our readers regardYes, sometimes it seems overdone. Some- ing your views about our newspaper in gen-

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Baltimore area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Howard County, Md., Greater Washington, DC and Richmond, Va. (Fifty Plus). Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Vice President of Operations – Gordon Hasenei

eral, as well as about particular articles, authors and events we sponsor, such as our upcoming 50+Expos (see facing page) and last year’s Celebration of the Arts. We recently signed up for a new service that will allow you to respond to such survey questions via video. That way, we can both see and hear you sharing your opinion. The idea for this service, called Talk Back Time, comes from a local senior with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working before, Allan Horlick. For a story about him and this new venture, see our Technology & Innovations section on page 4 of this issue. For now, we are eager to try it out. Will you help us? If so, using your smartphone camera scan the QR code (the box on the right), or using a tablet or a computer enabled with a camera (for Skype, for example) go to bit.ly/proudest, and after answering one question, you can tell us via video what you are most proud of in your life. You’ll have up to 30 seconds for your video. Or if you prefer, you can share with us what you think about the Beacon, this column, or any other topic of the day that in-

terests you. You may also send an email with the subject line “Please send survey” to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com and we’ll send you the link. We appreciate your reading the Beacon, and look forward to hearing — and seeing — what you have to say!

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: Your July article about spouses sharing passwords is important and timely. I’d like to offer an addendum. Many financial sites now ask for answers to secret questions or two-factor authentication in order to access an account, in particular from a different computer. However, the answers may not be known by your spouse, or the address where a reminder code is to be sent may be an inaccessible email address or phone number. I just went through that ordeal. So don’t forget to share that information, too. Morris N. Saks, CPA Owings Mills, Md. Dear Editor: I recently learned that AARP has $75 million to invest in their Dementia Discov-

ery Fund, which provides “financial capital to companies working on drugs to cure dementia.” It would be wiser to invest these funds in basic research. We really don’t understand the cause of dementia, and it seems a waste of money to give it to drug companies unless they are associated with a research center or university. We need an all-out effort to solve this problem, which not only costs us billions of dollars each year in caring for those afflicted (Medicaid, etc.), but causes endless suffering to millions of affected individuals and their families. I suggest that NIH and AARP establish new divisions to study the causes of dementia. Hedy Peyser, MSW, ACSW Silver Spring, Md.

Vice President, Sales & Marketing – Alan Spiegel Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representative – Steve Levin Editorial Interns – Ivey Noojin, Erin Yu

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FREE MUSIC LECTURE Music synthesizers have been enhancing sound since the early 20th century. Join music scholar and audio engineer Scott Met-

calfe of the Peabody Institute for a free lecture, “A Brief History of Music Synthesizers and the Crafting of Electronic Sounds,” at the Howard Community College.

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions:

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You’ll hear demonstrations and learn inside secrets about the music industry. The lecture is scheduled for Fri., Sept. 20, at 12 noon at the Horwitz Center for Visual and Performing Arts. 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia. For more information, visit howardcc.edu/concerts.

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Technology &

Innovations Identify fake news; don’t send it to others By Jim Miller Q. I recently read that older adults are the number one purveyor of fake news on the Internet. Is this true, or is it fake news, too? If it’s true, how can we go about spotting fake news? A. Yes, it’s true. According to a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, people 65 and older are almost four times more likely to share fake news on social media than younger people. Why do older users share fake news more often? There are two theories. The first is that seniors, who came to the Internet later, sometimes lack the digital literacy skills of their younger counterparts to identify false or misleading content. The second is that many older people experience cognitive decline as they age, making them more likely to fall for hoaxes.

What is fake news? Fake news is nothing new, but it is more prevalent than ever before because of the

Internet and social networking, which enables it to spread like wildfire. Fake news refers to false news stories, hoaxes or propaganda created to deliberately misinform or deceive readers. Usually, these stories are created to either influence people’s views, push a political agenda, or cause confusion. It can often be a profitable business for online publishers. Also note that some fake stories aren’t completely false, but rather distortions of real events. These deceitful claims can take a legitimate news story and twist what it says, or even claim that something that happened long ago is related to current events.

How to spot it Here are some tips from the International Federation of Library Associations, Harvard University and Facebook that can help you spot fake news stories. Be skeptical of headlines. False news stories often have catchy headlines in all

caps with exclamation points. If shocking claims in the headline sound unbelievable, they probably are. Look closely at the link. A phony or look-alike link may be a warning sign of false news. Many false news sites mimic authentic news sources by making small changes to the link, for example “abcnews.com.co” (an illegitimate site) versus the actual “abcnews.com.” Investigate the source. Ensure that the story is written by a source that you trust with a reputation for accuracy. If the story comes from an unfamiliar organization, check their “About” section to learn more. You can also find a list of websites that identify deceptive and fake content at FactCheck.org — type “misinformation directory” in their search feature to find it. Watch for unusual formatting. Many false news sites have misspellings or awkward layouts. Read carefully if you see these signs. Inspect the dates. False news stories

may contain timelines that make no sense, or event dates that have been altered. Check the evidence. Check the author’s sources to confirm that they are accurate. Lack of evidence or reliance on unnamed experts may indicate a false news story. Look at other reports. If no other news source is reporting the same story, it may indicate that the story is false. If the story is reported by multiple sources you trust, it’s more likely to be true. Is the story a joke? Sometimes false news stories can be hard to distinguish from humor or satire. Check whether the source is known for parody, and whether the story’s details and tone suggest it may be just for fun. Do some fact checking. There are many good websites, like PolitiFact.com, Snopes.com and FactCheck.org that can help you verify a story. These sites have most likely already fact-checked the latest viral claim to pop up in your news feed.

Tech startup aims to bring surveys to life By Margaret Foster Allan Horlick enjoyed a whirlwind career as a television producer that had taken him from managing the NBC television station in Washington, D.C., to launching CNBC and NBC Asia from Hong Kong, and then serving as president of CNBC and NBC Europe, based in London. When he turned 50, he decided to retire from all that, and return to America to golf his days away in Florida. “I did that for about three months and I went crazy,” said Horlick, now 71. “I tried

retirement and I completely screwed it up.” Instead, he headed back to the Washington area to work as president and general manager at CBS. Then he started his own consulting company — not his first or last startup. By his own admission, Horlick is “addicted to starting new businesses.”

His latest venture In June, Horlick launched yet another new company, TalkBackTime, which allows survey respondents to submit short

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CAREGIVER YOGA Stretch, breathe and relax. Drop in for an extra-gentle, seated

yoga class designed for those in need of assistance and their caregivers. The free one-hour classes are held on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. from Sept. 4 through Sept. 25 at the Yoga Center of Columbia, 8950 State Route 108, Suite 109, Columbia. For more information, visit columbiayoga.com or call (410) 720-4340.

videos that flesh out their answers. Instead of just checking a box, people can use their smartphone, tablet or computer to submit a 30-second video of themselves and elaborate on an answer. “You could almost think of us as SurveyMonkey with video,” he said. The idea for TalkBackTime was born in a local Starbucks. Five years ago, Horlick met former colleague Bob Okun for coffee, and Okun mentioned an idea to capture voter feedback about the presidential campaign via video. “That conversation morphed into a company we started,” VoteandVideo.com, Horlick said, which became “the first iteration of what we’re doing now. We had some success with it, but it wasn’t scalable.” So the two started shopping their idea to potential investors. Last year, they received a significant financial investment that enabled them to launch TalkBackTime this past June. The company offers software as a service (known as Saas), meaning companies who use it to conduct surveys pay a monthly subscription fee. Customer service surveys are very com-

mon today, Horlick pointed out. “Every time I buy a meal, I’m asked to take a survey.”

Quality over quantity While simple check-off-your-answer surveys provide “quantitative data,” such as how many people bought a particular product, they don’t provide what’s known as “qualitative data,” the kind of information you can gather from a focus group or a conversation with a person. Videos that can convey a customer’s body language, expression and tone of voice provide much more of the latter than a traditional written or telephone survey could ever capture. “To be able to look into the face of someone who probably is really happy with you — or really mad at you — you’re going to get a real sense of how they feel,” Horlick said. There’s no question about how the new company makes Horlick feel. “There are people who are counting the days until they retire,” Horlick said. “My passion is creating new businesses.” Attention Beacon readers: What are you most proud of in your life? Visit bit.ly/proudest and send us a quick video — it’s easy.

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Tracking app aims to help users feel safe

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To use it, download the Safe365 app onto your mobile phone. (It is available free of charge at the App Store and on Google Play.) Then, add the mobile phone numbers of those you want to keep track of. They will receive a link to download the app onto their phone, and will have to give you permission to track their whereabouts. Without their acceptance, the app will not give

each other. That way older adults don’t have to use a different function on their phone to send messages or emoticons. In only a year, Safe 365 has attracted more than a million users in 193 countries. It is available in eight languages, including English and Spanish. To learn more about the app, or to download it, visit the App Store or Google Play.

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you location information for another person’s phone. Tracking can occur at three different levels: exact location in real time, approximate location, and route. Both the tracker and the trackee can select and modify the level of tracking or turn it off entirely. In addition to tracking services, the application provides a way to communicate with

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the older adult’s phone battery is low. Additionally, they can receive exact coordinates of the older adult during an emergency at just the click of a button. That way they can make a decision as a family as to whether the financial burden of an ambulance or hospital visit is necessary. Tobias says Safe365 is the only app to provide these services for free. Life360, a popular family tracking app in the United States that shares the locations of friends and family members, charges for alerts and emergency response. “We wanted to replace expensive solutions,” Tobias said. Safe365 hopes to bridge the gap between technology and older adults, who often feel disconnected due to today’s hyper-digitalized world.

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By Ivey Noojin It can be difficult for older adults to continue living on their own if their family members are constantly worried about them. Now there’s an app specifically designed to provide peace of mind to independent older adults and their loved ones: Safe365. Safe365 is a free, downloadable application for mobile phones that tracks the location of other people in real time. It also can notify family members of any apparent emergencies. The app was created in 2012 in Spain under a different name: Alpify. It was originally meant as a security measure for outdoor excursionists, enabling them to share their exact location with emergency responders. Last year, however, the company rebranded the app to provide assistance to older adults rather than skiers and hikers. “By reading a lot of articles and speaking to a lot of people, we found out there was something missing in [older adult] care,” said Delphine Tobias, spokesperson for Safe365. “It’s a huge market that we could help.” Through the application, family members receive notifications every time their loved one leaves or enters a frequently used location (home, office, neighborhood, etc.). They also get an alert when

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Health Fitness &

MEN AND BONE DENSITY Osteoporosis also affects men. Know your risk and learn how to fight it ONE LEG UP Is swelling or pain in the legs a sign of something serious? Read this X-RAY PROS AND CONS To reduce potential cancer risk, avoid unnecessary or repeated scans DO YOU DRINK ENOUGH? Water can boost your mood, your brainpower and help you lose weight

Surprise medical bills are a national issue By Kimberly Lankford Even if you carefully select a healthcare provider in your insurance plan’s network, you could still end up with an unexpected bill for thousands of dollars. A study by the Health Care Cost Institute found that one in seven patients received a surprise bill even though the care was delivered at an in-network hospital. These surprise medical bills tend to happen when one member of the care team — such as an anesthesiologist or radiologist — isn’t in your plan’s network, even if the surgeon and hospital are. Unexpected bills from out-of-network emergency room doctors and independent labs are also common. This problem isn’t new, but it’s happening more often as insurers offer narrower provider networks.

Cost can be significant Surprise medical bills are frequently in

the $500 to $1,000 range, but sometimes they top $20,000, according to Adam Fox of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, a consumer advocacy group. Consumers “may have done everything right, but they’re treated by someone who is not in their network, and it’s often a situation where they have no real control to choose who their provider is,” said Kevin Lucia of the Georgetown Center on Health Insurance Reforms and co-author of a Commonwealth Fund study about surprise medical bills. Your insurer may pay a limited amount for the out-of-network care, and then the provider charges you the difference, a practice known as “balance billing.” Because out-of-network providers haven’t negotiated a rate with the insurer, they tend to charge a lot more than the insurer pays. “This is really a dispute between insurance companies and providers, and consumers get stuck in the middle,” Lucia said.

Help from the states, Congress At present, 27 states have laws offering some balance-billing protection, but only 18 prohibited providers from sending these bills, according to the latest Commonwealth Fund study from July. (Maryland offers some limited protections; no laws have been passed in Virginia or D.C. at this time.) Colorado recently strengthened its laws. Under the previous law, providers and insurers were supposed to negotiate payments and hold consumers harmless for any additional charges, but providers continued to send balance bills to consumers. Some people were still paying the bills “without realizing they weren’t responsible for them,” Fox said. The new law, which was signed in May, prohibits providers from sending balance bills to Colorado consumers. Recently, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have advanced various proposals.

A lobbying war has broken out between insurers and employers on one side and hospitals and doctors on the other over how to determine payments once patients are no longer liable for out-of-network care. “The detail and time going into this discussion [in Congress] gives us a good feeling that we could have legislation passed by the end of this year,” said Claire McAndrew of Families USA. In the meantime, your best defense is a good offense. Before scheduling a procedure, ask your health plan and providers whether everyone involved will be covered in-network. “Be explicit on the call, keep your notes and who you talked with,” said Ted Doolittle, state healthcare advocate for the Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate. © 2019 Kiplinger. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Additional information on Congress provided from AP.

A second look at MSG corrects the record By Carrie Dennett It’s commonly accepted as fact that MSG, a.k.a. monosodium glutamate, is something we should avoid. It’s the culprit behind socalled “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” and contributor to myriad health problems, right? But is there any substance behind MSG’s bad reputation?

What is MSG? Glutamate is one of 20 amino acids — the building blocks of protein — but it’s also an important neurotransmitter. Your body synthesizes about 50 grams of glutamate each day. Glutamate is also found in human breast milk and makes up 8 to 10% of most protein foods. The cells lining your intestine use almost all of the glutamate you get from food to fuel their constant regeneration. In 1908, Japanese chemistry professor Kikunae Ikeda noticed that certain foods had a savory taste — including Parmesan cheese, ripe tomatoes, dry-aged beef and kombu dashi, a broth made from dried kelp that’s essential to Japanese cooking. Ikeda named that flavor “umami” and started investigating what caused it. He cooked dashi down until it formed crys-

tals, which turned out to be made of sea salt and glutamate. In other words, monosodium glutamate.

“Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” In 1968, the New England Journal of Medicine published a letter titled “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.” The author was a doctor who had experienced a number of symptoms — including numbness in the back of the neck, weakness and heart palpitations — after eating at a Chinese restaurant. He speculated about possible culprits — soy sauce, cooking wine, MSG, or mild dehydration caused by excessive salt. What followed was a number of research studies that claimed to confirm that MSG caused the symptoms. However, these studies didn’t consider how people actually consume MSG. For example, researchers in one 1969 study injected participants with MSG or fed them large doses on an empty stomach. In numerous animal studies, researchers repeatedly injected young rodents with doses of MSG equivalent to injecting a 150pound person with 136-545 grams of MSG. For perspective, in a single day the average American ingests one-half gram of MSG

— far less than the average 4.6 grams consumed in Taiwan — along with 13 grams of naturally occurring glutamate from food. In spite of that, these studies were presented as proof that MSG causes headaches or worse, and many researchers continue to cite these studies and conduct similar research. At the 2018 World Umami Forum, Lisa Watson, M.S., a science advisor for The Glutamate Association, pointed out that our bodies don’t distinguish between glutamate that’s naturally present in food and glutamate that’s been added to food. “We get far more glutamate from our food than from MSG, and do we say that the Parmesan cheese on our pasta gives us a headache?” Accordingly, in 2018, the International Headache Society removed “MSG-induced headache” from its Classification of Headache Disorders.

Later studies find it safe In the mid-1990s, after years of receiving reports of MSG-related symptoms such as headache and nausea, yet being unable to confirm that MSG was the true culprit, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took further steps. They asked the independent scientific

group Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) to examine MSG’s safety. FASEB found that some sensitive individuals who consume three grams or more of MSG without food may experience shortterm, temporary and generally mild symptoms — such as headache, numbness, flushing, tingling, palpitations and drowsiness. However, the report said consuming more than three grams of MSG without food at one time is unlikely, because a typical serving of a food with added MSG contains less than half of a gram. The conclusion? MSG is safe. At the World Umami Forum, registered dietitian Mary Lee Chin, M.S., R.D., who has used MSG her entire life, pointed to MSG’s safety record but acknowledged that the small number of people who are sensitive to MSG should simply avoid it. “If you eat MSG or any other food or food ingredient that causes (or contributes to) an adverse effect, then eliminate it from your diet,” she said.

Some unexpected benefits Since the 1960s, the main source of MSG See MSG, page 9

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Dementia risk raised by cancer treatment By Lindsey Tanner Alzheimer’s disease may be a risk for older prostate cancer patients given hormone-blocking treatment, a large, U.S. government-funded analysis found. Previous evidence has been mixed on whether the treatment might be linked with mental decline. But experts say the new results stand out because they’re from a respected national cancer database and the men were tracked for a long time — eight years on average. Among 154,000 older patients, 13% who received hormone-blocking treatment developed Alzheimer’s, compared with 9% who had other treatment or chose no therapy, the study found. The risk for dementia from strokes or other causes was higher: It was diagnosed in 22% of those who got hormone-blocking treatment, versus 16% of the other patients. The results, using perhaps one of the largest and most reliable databases, suggest there truly may be a connection, said Dr. Sumanta Pal, a prostate cancer expert with the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Pal was not involved in the study. The analysis from University of Pennsyl-

vania researchers was published in July in JAMA Network Open.

Weigh risks and benefits The results aren’t proof, but experts say they underscore the importance of discussing potential risks and benefits when choosing cancer treatment. The researchers analyzed data from a National Cancer Institute database of cancer cases and treatment that covers almost 30% of the U.S. population. The study focused on men in their 70s, on average, with local or advanced prostate cancer diagnosed between 1996 and 2003. They were followed until 2013. Medicare records indicated dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Hormone-blocking treatment can include testes removal to reduce levels of testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer growth. But it more typically involves periodic drug injections or implants that achieve the same result. Most U.S. men who receive this treatment are in their 70s or older. It’s sometimes used in men who might not be healthy enough to tolerate other cancer

treatments, including surgery to remove the prostate and radiation. It’s unclear how the treatment might be linked with mental decline. The researchers noted that it can lead to diabetes, which also has been linked with dementia — perhaps because blood vessel damage from diabetes can restrict blood flow to the brain. Hormone treatment also raises risks for heart disease and depression, which both have been linked with dementia. Researcher Grace Lu-Yao of the Sidney

Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia said the potential dementia risks from hormone-blocking treatment may outweigh any benefit for younger, healthier patients with longer expected life spans. While the study doesn’t prove that the treatment causes dementia, she said, it is important to tell patients “because of the potential impact of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia on the quality of life of patients and their family.” She was not involved in the study. —AP

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Why can’t I hear what’s being said on TV? If you notice you have trouble hearing the TV clearly, and specifically dialogue, you are not alone. Part of the difficulty has to do with variations in the quality of the audio, which is mixed for each individual program or television channel. Movies are also mastered differently for audio. Essentially this means that when watching TV, even with perfect hearing, you can expect a great deal of variability in the clarity of the TV audio, including the level of sound effects, music and, of course, dialogue. The other factor is that all of the original mixing of television audio is done for those with perfect hearing. The bottom line is, TV audio is often poorly mixed, with many movies and programs not well produced for those with even mild hearing loss.

Hearing loss and television listening When we combine this problem with mild hearing loss, or a more significant level of hearing loss, the result is enormous difficulty hearing television dialogue clearly, and often the need to turn the television volume up above the preferred level of others in the house.

Hearing specialist Don Hudson says trouble hearing the television is one of the strongest complaints by those with hearing loss. “Even those with the very best hearing aids often complain that television dialogue is unclear, and their family complains if the TV volume is turned up.” Unfortunately, turning the TV volume up, or even purchasing a TV amplifying system, often doesn’t result in a significant improvement in clarity for the listener. Of course, this also presents a problem in the household for others who are disturbed by the loud volume of the TV.

Why aren’t my hearing aids helping? Hearing aids work with the signal they receive from the air. For those with hearing loss and hearing aids, and even those with normal hearing, the listener is always at a disadvantage as sound waves get distorted as they leave the TV speakers. This is why many people complain that hearing aids don’t work for the TV. Many assistive listening devices are available. The TV Voice Pro wireless system was developed by two prominent hearing specialists and audio engineers based on extensive client-centered audiol-

ogy experience and clinical hearing test results. More than 1,000 audiograms were analyzed to enable the development of the best TV headphone sound quality for those with hearing loss. TV Voice Pro uses wireless technology to deliver optimized TV audio directly to your ears. Following a complete recalibration and optimization of the television audio, the TV Voice Pro system transmits the audio signal directly from your TV audio output to the TV Voice Pro headset in digital form. The result is crystal clear television audio for the wearer.

How the whole family benefits from TV Voice Pro TV Voice Pro allows the wearer to listen at their own volume, while the rest of the family can listen to television at their preferred volume (or even turn the TV volume off entirely). The TV Voice Pro can even be used from a distance, meaning the wearer can move into another room close by and still hear the television through the headset.

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Men get osteoporosis, too; how to fight it Dear Savvy Senior: that accelerates bone loss in women, some Can men get osteoporosis or is it pri- of the key risk factors for men developing marily a problem for women? osteoporosis include: being When I fell and broke my over age 70; being thin or unwrist last winter, the doctor derweight; smoking; consumthat treated me told me I ing more than three alcoholic might have osteoporosis, but drinks a day; having a I never got it checked. What parental history of osteoporocan you tell me? sis and having a previous frac—Bony Bill ture. Dear Bill: Certain health conditions Many people think osteo— such as rheumatoid arthriporosis is a woman’s disease, tis, celiac disease, testosSAVVY SENIOR but men can get it too, espeterone deficiency, hyperthyBy Jim Miller cially in their later years. roidism, COPD, kidney or Here’s what you should know: liver disease, and mobility disOsteoporosis is a disease that causes the orders like Parkinson’s disease, multiple bones to become weak, brittle and more sclerosis or stroke — can also increase susceptible to fractures. Though women are your risk. four times more likely to acquire it, around 2 In addition, so can taking certain medmillion American men have osteoporosis ications, like anti-inflammatory steroids, today, and another 12 million have “pre-os- prostate cancer drugs, proton pump inteoporosis,” or osteopenia. hibitors for GERDs, antidepressants, immunosuppressants and anti-seizure drugs. Risk factors for men To help you determine your risk of osUnfortunately, men are much less likely teoporosis, the International Osteoporosis than women to get the health of their Foundation has a quick, online quiz you bones checked even after they break a can take at RiskCheck.IOFBoneHealth.org. bone. That’s because doctors are often unaware of the many factors that put men at Prevention and treatment risk of osteoporosis. A good first step in preventing and treatWhile menopause is a major component ing osteoporosis is to get screened. All

men over age 70 should have a bone density test, and those who’ve had a fracture or have other risk factors should be tested after age 50. Screening for osteoporosis is a simple, painless bone density test, which takes about five minutes. Many health insurance companies will cover bone density tests, as does Medicare. Here’s what else you can do to protect your bones: Boost your calcium: The best way to get bone-building calcium is through your diet. Dairy products (low-fat milk, cheeses and yogurt), dark green leafy vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards), sardines and salmon, cooked dried beans, soy foods, almonds and fortified cereals and juices are all good sources of calcium. Vitamin D is also important to help your body absorb calcium. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 1,000 mg. of calcium daily for men under 70 and 1,200 mg. for those over 71. They also recommend 800 to 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D if you’re over 50. If you’re not getting enough vitamin D

through sunlight or food, consider taking a supplement. Most daily multivitamins contain at least 400 IU. Exercise: Doing weight-bearing exercises — like walking or strength training with weights or resistance bands — three or four times a week can significantly improve your bone health and reduce the risk of a fall that could cause a fracture. Control these vices: Avoid smoking, limit alcohol to no more than two or three drinks per day, and limit caffeine (coffee, tea or caffeinated soda) to three cups a day. Consider medications: The same drugs to treat osteoporosis in women have also been approved for men. The most widely prescribed for osteoporosis are bisphosphonates, a class of drugs designed to slow or stop bone loss. Talk to your doctor about these and other medication options, as well as potential side effects. Send your senior questions to P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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Sept. 17

VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOUR

What is it like to live with dementia? Come to the East Columbia Senior Center on Tues., Sept. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a virtual simulation of dementia, and learn about tools to care for those with the disease. The center is located at 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. To register, call (410) 313-5917.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Should X-rays be avoided due to risks? Dear Mayo Clinic: At what level does radiation exposure from X-rays and other medical imaging increase the risk of getting cancer in the future? A: While there are wide-ranging benefits to modern X-ray imaging technology, you are correct that there also are risks. The answer to your question isn’t clear-cut, so it’s important to weigh the potential risk against the known benefits of medical imaging. Medical imaging uses radiation to generate images of the inside of your body. It can provide a quick and painless diagnosis or guide treatment, such as determining artery-opening stent placement. The use of X-ray imaging has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, mainly due to technical advances and an increased use of CT and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. As a result, the average amount of life-

MSG From page 6 in America has been processed food, which is ironic because MSG’s original purpose was to make healthy food taste better. MSG boosts a food’s flavor without hiding or overwhelming it. For example, a simple vegetable broth lightly seasoned

time radiation exposure also has increased. [Ed. Note: MRIs, which use magnetic resonance imaging, do not carry radiation risk.] The downside is that radiation can cause damage to, and mutation of, DNA. This might lead to the development of certain cancers.

nation of natural and medical exposure in the U.S. — has roughly doubled since the 1980s to about 6.2 millisieverts. This value is an average over the entire population. If you haven’t had any medical exams that use radiation, your radiation exposure has not increased.

Some radiation is unavoidable

How much is too much?

Radiation is naturally present in the environment, coming from sources such as the sun and radon in rocks and soil. The average annual exposure in the U.S. from all sources of natural radiation is estimated to be about 3 millisieverts per person. However, you may be exposed to more or less depending on where you live. Exposure from natural radiation varies from 1 to 20 millisieverts in the U.S. It’s estimated that the average annual amount of radiation exposure — a combi-

It’s not known at what levels radiation begins to significantly increase cancer risk. Below 100 millisieverts, an increase in risk has not been shown to exist. However, by scaling the risk at higher doses down to lower doses, it has been estimated that 10 millisieverts of radiation exposure could increase the lifetime risk of an adult dying of cancer by about 0.05%. With a 21% overall lifetime risk of dying of cancer, 10 millisieverts of radiation exposure theoretically could raise the life-

with salt will taste a little bland. If some of the same broth is seasoned with MSG, the flavors of the vegetables become more pronounced, and the broth develops a satisfying mouthfeel — all without increasing the total amount of sodium. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine said that MSG could be an effective way to reduce sodium. Because MSG is 12% sodium and

table salt is 39% sodium, cutting salt by onethird and replacing it with MSG reduces sodium by 25% without compromising taste. Additionally, new research suggests that MSG enhances food satisfaction in a way that helps improve food intake in people who struggle to eat enough, without encouraging overeating in general. These two examples show how MSG might be

time risk of dying of cancer to 21.05%. This is a small amount considering the benefits of medically needed imaging tests.

Lower risk at older ages Because the potential for an increased risk of cancer due to medical exams using radiation is small, there’s no reason to forgo an imaging test or X-ray-assisted procedure that could better your health or prolong your life. This is especially true for older adults, as potential radiation-caused cancer development may not occur for decades. Also consider that CT and PET scanners in use today use a much lower radiation dose than was used even just a few years ago. Radiation doses are further kept to a minimum when the dose is tailored specifically to body size and diagnostic requirements. See X-RAYS, page 11

more than just safe — it might even be beneficial. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Questions, answers on leg pain issues By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: My legs used to swell occasionally. But now it’s happening every day. Should I be worried? A: It sounds like you have “edema,” swelling in your legs due to fluid in the soft tissues beneath your skin. This usually occurs because the pressure of the fluid inside your veins is high, which forces water out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues. The most common cause is leaky valves in your veins. Doctors call it venous insufficiency. There are one-way valves in your veins that help keep the blood flowing back toward your heart. Ordinarily, as you walk around, the muscles in your legs squeeze the veins, which pump the blood through these valves up toward the heart. When the muscles relax, the valves prevent blood from draining down the vessels. If these valves become leaky, the blood gets propelled upward, but much of it drops down again when the leg muscles relax. The result is an accumulation of blood — and an increase in pressure — within the veins. The higher pressure pushes fluid out of the veins, causing leg swelling.

Check with your doctor It’s less likely your edema is due to some other medical problem. But you should make

an appointment with your doctor to be sure. Your doctor will ask if you have shortness of breath, fatigue, pain in your legs and whether one leg is more swollen than the other. Depending on your symptoms and your doctor’s physical exam, he or she might order some tests. These could include an echocardiogram to look at how your heart is functioning, blood and urine tests to evaluate your kidney and liver health, and ultrasound testing of your legs to look for blood clots. A number of medications can cause fluid retention in your legs, such as high doses of ibuprofen, naproxen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Also, leg swelling is a common side effect of certain calcium channel blockers, especially nifedipine and amlodipine.

Relieving swelling To help minimize the swelling, raise your legs whenever you sit down. Even better, try to schedule 20 or 30 minutes during the day when you can lie down with pillows under your feet to get your legs above the level of your heart. In doing so, gravity becomes your ally, not the enemy. You might consider compression stockings that squeeze the legs. By resisting the pressure from within the veins, they help prevent fluid from seeping out of the blood vessels. Usually the knee-high versions are sufficient.

Q: I have peripheral artery disease. I try to walk as much as possible. But I stop frequently because of leg pain. What else can I do? A: In peripheral artery disease (PAD), not enough blood flows to the legs. The condition usually is caused by fatty deposits called plaques that build up inside the artery walls. This buildup shrinks the size of the passageway and reduces the amount of blood that can flow through. The result is cramping and pain in one or both legs, even on a short walk. You likely are trying to follow your doctor’s advice to walk as much as possible. But with PAD, it’s common to need frequent stops to let the pain resolve. People with PAD usually modify their walking. They slow down and stop often. They also tend to take smaller steps, and use their calf and ankle muscles more than thigh and hip muscles to push off with each step. With PAD, circulation is slowest in the lower parts of the leg. Using calf and ankle muscles creates more oxygen demand. Not enough oxygen-rich blood gets to these muscles. That’s what causes the pain with walking. So, it makes sense to do exercises that will strengthen thigh and hip muscles. The more those muscles take over when walk-

ing, the less pain you will have.

Specialized exercise training One of the most effective therapies for leg pain due to PAD — an approach called supervised exercise training — has become more widely available and affordable. Medicare and some other insurance companies now cover supervised exercise training for PAD. The therapy, which requires a doctor’s referral, also includes education and counseling about healthy lifestyle habits. But the main focus is on the exercise, which is typically done on a treadmill with coaching from an exercise therapist. Meeting with a trained therapist to exercise several times a week tends to be more effective than home exercise because people are more motivated and tend to work harder. Medicare will cover up to 36 sessions of 30 to 60 minutes each over a 12-week period, with the possibility of approval for an additional 36 sessions over time. To help you walk longer distances, your doctor might prescribe a medication called cilostazol (Pletal). It doesn’t stop the blockages from getting worse. Instead, the drug helps increase blood flow to the muscles. People with PAD almost always have

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

We all probably need to drink more water your progress with a cup or water bottle placed in a spot you will see throughout the day. Set goals for yourself at time points throughout the day to make sure you are drinking enough.

Numerous benefits How our bodies use water Water makes up about 60% of our body weight. It’s vital for almost every function in the body. Water acts as a building block, a solvent for chemical reactions, and a transport material for nutrients and waste. Water also helps maintain blood volume and allows proper circulation. It helps regulate our body temperature and acts as a shock absorber for our joints and our brain. It even helps lubricate the linings of our inner organs and maintains healthy kidney function.

How much should you drink? The amount of water you need to drink will depend on several factors, including your age, gender, activity level and more. However, here’s a good general guideline when it comes to recommended daily water intake: Women should drink at least 2.21 liters per day, and men should drink three liters per day. Increase your daily water intake as you increase your activity level. Drink filtered water to avoid potential toxins in tap water, depending on where you live. As you age, you will likely feel less thirsty and thus be prone to drinking less fluid. Be sure to keep water on hand and drink regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Need help drinking more water? Keep track of your water intake by measuring

X-Rays From page 9 Still, radiation experts generally err on the side of caution. They assume that there’s no risk-free level of radiation exposure and recommend only medically necessary imaging tests. To keep medical radiation exposure to a minimum, ask if the results of a scan or test are likely to change the course of your treatment. If not, it may not be necessary. If you switch healthcare providers, have image files transferred over to your new

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your body healthy and functioning at its highest capacity. Staying hydrated will help you to: 1. Improve physical performance. During physical activity, our bodies use up a lot of water. Staying hydrated before, during and after exercise helps you perform better and protects your body from harm. Proper hydration can reduce fatigue, improve endurance and lower your maximum heart rate. It can also help you to be less sore after exercise. 2. Help you to lose weight. Studies show that people who are on diets lose more weight when they also increase their water intake. In one study, people on weight loss diets who drank 500 milliliters of water before each of their three daily meals for 12 weeks lost 4.6 more pounds on average than people who did not drink the additional water. 3. Boost your mood. People who drink more water also tend to have better moods. One study found that when people who regularly drank less than 1.2 liters of water per day increased their intake to 2.5 liters per day, the participants experienced significantly less confusion, bewilderment, fatigue and sleepiness. On the other hand, for people who regularly drank two to four liters of water per day who were then restricted to one liter per day, the reduced water intake led to negative effects on mood, including deprovider to avoid repeat X-ray exams. Finally, if the test is medically necessary, have the imaging done at a nationally accredited imaging center when possible. Patricia Mergo, M.D., Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinic Q&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2019 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

creased contentedness, calmness and positive emotions. 4. Boost your brainpower. Several studies have shown that people drinking water during cognitive tasks performed much better than those people who did not drink water during the tasks. These results have been found in both adults and children. Studies suggest that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function in the short-term. So next time you need to focus, keep a glass of water next to you and keep sipping. 5. Prevent headaches. Water deprivation is a common cause of headache. In most cases, rehydrating can provide relief from a headache.

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For some people, dehydration can also trigger a migraine, so be sure to keep your water intake regular if you are prone to getting migraines or headaches. 6. Protect against disease. Proper hydration may be a useful tool in preventing a variety of health conditions and diseases. Staying hydrated may protect against kidney stones, constipation, asthma, urinary tract infections, coronary heart disease and even possibly some cancers. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-8295384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Health Shorts Medicare moving toward covering some acupuncture Medicare says it’s moving toward potentially covering acupuncture for chronic low back pain as an alternative to opioid painkillers that can become addictive.

The agency announced its initial decision on July 15. For now, access will be limited to those signed up in government-approved clinical studies. Medicare says more evidence is needed before broad approval can be considered. A cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is believed to be thousands of years old. Trained practitioners insert thin needles at predetermined trigger points in the body to relieve pain and treat various conditions. Acupuncture has gained acceptance in

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

the U.S., but insurance coverage remains limited and patients generally pay for it themselves. Many clinicians in Western nations remain skeptical of acupuncture, but the National Institutes of Health says research shows some pain-management benefits.

U.S. expands growth of marijuana for research The U.S. government is growing the largest crop of research marijuana in five years, responding to interest in varieties with high levels of THC and CBD. (The compound THC causes pot’s mind-altering effect; CBD doesn’t get people high but conveys some health benefits.) Because it still considers marijuana to be an illegal substance, the government is

Leg pain From page 10 blockages in other arteries, including those that supply blood to the heart and brain. So it’s important to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by not smoking and usually taking aspirin and a statin drug.

the only source of pot for nearly all research in the U.S. Scientists have asked for weed that more closely matches what’s sold in states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The federal agency said it plans to grow 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds) this year at the University of Mississippi, which holds the sole federal contract for producing marijuana. That’s enough for 5 million joints, although the government provides the marijuana in different forms. The crop will be divided between high THC and high CBD varieties with “recent interest (in CBD) as a potential medicine for a number of medical conditions,” NIDA said. Last year, a CBD-based drug was approved by federal regulators for two rare seizure disorders. Some scientists are pursuing research on it for other conditions. See HEALTH SHORTS, page 15

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Dr. Mintz From page 1 in Howard County and Baltimore, where patients can pick up a wide variety of products.

Reaching a decision With his interest piqued, Mintz looked into the law and medical literature, and spoke with fellow physicians. Eventually, he decided to become certified to recommend cannabis to appropriate patients and see for himself how it worked. Some of Mintz’s early patients had metastatic cancer and were suffering from debilitating pain and severe anxiety. They had tried “everything under the sun” for the symptoms, he said, and come up short. After he certified them for daily doses of pills, liquids or topical creams containing cannabis, he said, “I realized very quickly” how effective the products were at relieving their pain and anxiety. “While I continued to certify patients, I really dove into the research, took some courses, researched on my own and talked to a lot of people,” he said. “Studying the research and seeing the results of patients, I’ve become convinced that medical cannabis is a useful therapeutic agent.” Mintz now speaks around the area, giving presentations describing the active substances in the cannabis plant, THC — which induces the characteristic “high” of marijuana — and cannabidiol or CBD — which does not. CBD oil, especially a version derived from the hemp plant (which is legal and has low levels of THC), is now found in many consumer products and is available without a prescription. “Since medical marijuana can be expensive (and is not covered by insurance) and I often recommend several products at a time, the cost of using medical marijuana adds up quickly,” Mintz noted. “Using

hemp-based CBD can lower the cost.” In Mintz’s talks, he explains how these substances affect the human endocannabinoid system, through which the body itself synthesizes cannabinoids. That explains why people have CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout their central nervous systems. He also addresses concerns about cannabis such as toxicity and addiction, safety and efficacy in older adults, interactions with other medicines, and side effects, which he has found to be limited. “A lot of people don’t understand that, no, you don’t have to get high, and no, you don’t have to smoke it” to derive benefit from cannabis, Mintz said. He never recommends smoking because of its adverse effect on the lungs. “Because it’s a medicine, I dose it like a medicine,” he said. Mintz typically recommends either pills or a tincture that patients can place under their tongue. For patients with painful arthritis, he suggests topical creams that aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream and won’t produce a “high.” Sometimes he recommends patients try a battery-powered vaping device that heats oil concentrates from the leaves of the cannabis plant to be inhaled. “For someone with severe symptoms, that’s a good way to get instant relief,” he said.

and use of cannabis even in federally-funded trials. This makes it difficult for researchers to obtain the product legally, limiting their ability to conduct studies and find other uses. Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology received grants of $9 million last spring to research cannabis. Two years ago, the National Institutes of Health supported 330 cannabis research projects with grants that totaled almost $140 million. Earlier this year, the Maryland legislature amended the state’s cannabis law to allow research universities here to pur-

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See DR. MINTZ, page 15

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J EWISH E W I S H C OMMUNITY O MMUNITY 1 125 2 5 Y EARS EARS

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More research needed There is still much we don’t know about cannabis and its potential uses and side effects, chiefly because relatively little scientific research has been done to date. Nonetheless, nearly half of U.S. cancer doctors who responded to a survey said they’ve recommended medical marijuana to their patients, even while most of them admit they haven’t seen enough medical evidence to support it. Researchers have been held back by the strict controls imposed on the availability

chase medical cannabis for studies. As a result of these limited efforts, to date the FDA has approved a handful of medications derived from the cannabis plant, mostly to treat seizures in certain forms of epilepsy, anorexia in AIDS patients, and nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Another boost came from a 2017 report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine that “found evidence to support that patients who were treated with cannabis or cannabinoids

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Dr. Mintz From page 13 were more likely to experience a significant reduction in pain symptoms.”

Patients prove convincing Mintz has seen many of his patients benefit from medical marijuana, which he said appears to have fewer side effects and is safer than many drugs. One of its benefits is that it doesn’t interact with most medications — which works well for older patients who may be taking several other drugs, he said. “One day it dawned on me: Why am I prescribing Ambien for an 85-year-old to help her sleep, when it has associated side effects and may interact with her medications, when a little cannabis can do the same thing without the side effects and the interactions?” Mintz said. “It may be a very good medication for

Health shorts From page 12 Others are focused on THC. “We want to study what our patients are using,” said University of Colorado Assistant Professor Emily Lindley, who is investigating marijuana with high THC as an alternative to opioids for chronic back pain.

seniors because most have a little insomnia, they have aches and pains, and they have a little bit of anxiety, and cannabis is good for all those things.” Of course, like any medication, medical cannabis has risks. Among the prescriptions that do interact with it are certain sleep medications, blood thinners, blood pressure medications and diabetes drugs. It also may increase fall risk in older adults and the chance of auto accidents, especially when THC is used. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that “heavy users of marijuana can have shortterm problems with attention, memory and learning, which can affect relationships and mood.” How do Dr. Mintz’s patients react when he suggests cannabis treatment? Some reject the idea, citing unpleasant episodes from their youth, when marijuana wasn’t

available in precise doses. “People who had a bad experience with pot in college probably took too much,” he said. “That’s why we start [my patients on] a very low dose and titrate up slowly, to avoid negative effects.” Attitudes about marijuana vary depending on the age of his patients, Mintz has found. “It’s interesting. The folks in their 60s and 70s are much more amenable to it. It’s the 80- to 90-year-olds, who were adults in the 60s, who have a hard time getting past the pot thing,” he said. Members of that generation remember the stigma of marijuana and are reluctant to see it as a medication. Further research may cement the benefits of medical marijuana and change public perception of the drug, Mintz said. “It doesn’t cure everything and it’s not like it has absolutely no risk,” he said. “But compared to other medications that we use commonly, I think it’s something peo-

ple and physicians should consider.” Dr. Mintz will be the keynote speaker at both of the Beacon’s 50+Expos this fall. The events are free, and feature government, nonprofit and business exhibitors, health screenings, flu shots (provided this year by Giant), and informative resources and entertainment geared to older adults and their families. The events will take place on Sunday, Sept. 22, from noon to 4 p.m., at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Va., and on Sunday, Oct. 6, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring, Md. Exhibitors will offer giveaways and helpful information, answering questions about retirement communities, home remodeling, financial planning, healthcare, travel, fitness, senior services and more. For more information about the 50+Expo, or to exhibit or volunteer, call (410) 248-9101 or visit thebeaconnewspapers.com/50-expos.

Lindley and other researchers want others besides the University of Mississippi to get federal authorization to grow research pot. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration created an application process for growers, but has not acted on more than two dozen applications. In June, Scottsdale Research Institute in Arizona asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to order the

DEA to process the applications. “We are still working through the process and those applications remain under review,” said DEA spokeswoman Katherine Pfaff in an email. She declined to comment on the litigation. In response to questions from the AP, NIDA said there had been no major increase in demand for cannabis by researchers in recent years. Last year, 20 re-

searchers got shipments of government marijuana, much of it from frozen cannabis grown in 2014. Since 2010, the number of researchers receiving government marijuana has ranged from eight to 21. Researchers should be able to obtain material from the new crop in the fall after harvest and analyses are completed, NIDA said. —AP

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Money Law &

TOO MANY PAYMENTS ON AUTO? Consider putting Amazon Prime, Netflix and other monthly subscriptions on one credit card to track costs BANK FROM HOME Save yourself a trip with the right online bank. Choose a trusted one with no-fee savings or money market accounts FIND YOUR PLAN B After retirement, keep busy by volunteering for groups that tap into your core interests. Think outside the box and find the best fit

Don’t let your kids wreck retirement plans By Eleanor Laise Are your kids putting your retirement at risk? Parents of adult children give their kids about $500 billion annually — double the amount they contribute to their own retirement accounts, according to recent research by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave. And roughly half of parents in a recent Bankrate survey said that paying their adult children’s bills was jeopardizing their own retirement security. Nearly 80% of parents give their adult children some form of financial support, Merrill Lynch found, whether it’s footing everyday bills such as cell-phone service, or helping with mortgage payments and other big-ticket items. A “stunning number” are willing to make major financial sacrifices for their adult kids, such as yanking money out of their retirement accounts, said Lisa Margeson, head of retirement client experience at Bank of America. One in four said they’d take on debt to support their kids, Merrill found. Financial advisers say they’re battling to

protect clients’ retirement savings from their adult children.

Most do help their kids “Most of my clients are helping adult children in one way or another,” said Lynn Ballou, senior vice president and partner at EP Wealth Advisors, in Lafayette, California. In the best cases, she said, parents can afford it, and the assistance helps the kids move toward financial independence. But in the worst cases, the financial help is just enabling the kids to live beyond their means and depleting the parents’ nest egg. Parents’ support of adult children has grown amid rising education costs and weak wage growth. Last year, Nick Kovach helped his older adult daughter, who had been paying down student loans, with a down payment on a house, and he plans to do the same for his younger daughter. “Neither kid asked for help,” said Kovach, 62, a retired oncologist. But “our motto has always been that we had their backs so long as they are moving forward.” While he’s reasonably confident that

he’s not jeopardizing his retirement security, Kovach said, “who the heck knows what tomorrow brings?” If markets head south or he makes some poor investment decisions, he said, “we could be in a world of hurt.”

When and how to pull back How do you know when your financial support of an adult child has gone too far? One red flag is when “parents can’t see the end” of these expenditures, said Jim Ciprich, an adviser at RegentAtlantic, in Morristown, N.J. — in other words, your support isn’t putting the kids on a path to independence. And if you find yourself significantly altering your lifestyle or pulling money from your retirement accounts, it’s time to start examining your level of support, advisers say. First, start talking. If you want to help your children, ask how you can be supportive without discouraging their independence, advisers say. Writing a check may not be the answer. Maybe you could help look after the

grandkids in the evening, for example, so that your child can work a second job, Ballou said. If you do provide financial support, set limits. Make it clear that you have a budget and you’re sticking to it. If you have multiple children, Ciprich said, just be aware that the assistance you provide one child may set expectations among the others. If you’re having trouble closing the bank of mom and dad, consider involving a mediator. In a family meeting, for example, a financial adviser can do the math for your children and say, “see how everybody runs out of money at age 80? This has to stop,” Ballou said. That way, she said, “there’s no finger-pointing, no ‘Hey, you don’t love me anymore.’” And if all else fails, you can send a notso-subtle message. One client, Ballou said, sold her four-bedroom home to make her kids move out. “She moved into a two-bedroom condo, told them the date the house would close, and said, ‘See ya.’” © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Taking Social Security too early is costly By Sarah Skidmore Sell It’s tough to decide when to start taking Social Security benefits, and it appears many people are shorting themselves with their choice. A new study finds that only 4% of retirees start claiming their Social Security benefits at the most financially optimal time. Current retirees collectively will lose $3.4 trillion in potential income to fund their retirement because they started drawing benefits at a less than ideal time. That’s roughly $111,000 per household, according to the research from United Income, an online investment management and financial planning firm. The researchers analyzed the information of more than 2,000 households in a Social Security Administration-sponsored survey. Using information respondents provided about health, longevity, finances and other details, they used forecasting technology to simulate how much households would be worth throughout retirement based on various timing options. The

study did not assume any additional job income in calculating the optimal age. Americans typically can start claiming their Social Security benefits as early as age 62, and most adults do so by the time they turn 63. But the size of the monthly benefit grows for each year they wait, maxing out at age 70.

Many factors to consider It’s not just a financial equation, though. Deciding when to draw benefits depends on a myriad of personal factors such as age, health, other savings, marital status and plans for retirement. But the report’s authors say people aren’t spending enough time sorting through this process and policymakers could do more to encourage it. “If you have the discussions, you can optimize your decisions,” said Jason Fichtner, former chief economist at the Social Security Administration and one of the report’s authors. “These discussions aren’t

necessarily happening for everyone.” Those conversations are important because Americans are increasingly in charge of their own retirement planning and Social Security is a major component. It accounts for about one-third of all income annually received by U.S. retirees. And many Americans are underprepared to supplement their retirement with their own savings. For about one-third of retirees, Social Security is their primary source of income. “It is not just about increasing your income, it’s about increasing your chances you’ll be able to afford retirement,” said Fichtner.

The later, the better (for most) The researchers also estimate that elderly poverty could be cut by 50% if all retirees claimed Social Security at the optimal time. They suggest policymakers make changes to encourage people to claim at a more financially advantageous age, such as

improved education for those eligible for Social Security or changing the terminology to indicate that benefits may increase with time. For example, researchers suggest that instead of calling 62 the “early eligibility age” it could be labeled the “minimum benefit age.” While there is no one optimal age, the researchers found that 92 percent of retirees would be better off waiting to claim Social Security until at least their 65th birthday. The exact timing is tough to pinpoint, even varying within households depending on age and who earned more. That said, there are people who are better off taking the benefits as soon as they can, such as those in poor health who have less time to enjoy their benefits. For others, waiting for the ideal time to claim would mean losing wealth in their 60s, as it would require them to live off savings or investment account withdrawals instead of Social Security benefits. See SOCIAL SECURITY, page 17

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Costs add up with subscription services By Sarah Skidmore Sell Sure, it’s nice to have your groceries delivered now and then. Ditto dinner. Want to stream your favorite movies? Why not? Curated clothes and books sent to your home? Yes, please. Subscription services are attractive because they’re easy to sign up for and come with a minimal monthly financial commitment. But the small costs can add up, and prices can increase over time. “It’s very easy for consumers to lose track of what they are purchasing,” said Kate Ryan, a director with TIAA Financial Solutions. There has been a proliferation of subscription services in recent years. Throw in auto-billing and the ease of mobile payments, and you can see how some expenses can fall under a consumer’s radar. About 15% of online shoppers have signed up for one or more subscriptions to receive products on a recurring basis, according to a study released last year by McKinsey & Co. More than half of U.S. consumers streamed video content via subscription last year, according to NPD Group. And nearly two billion foodservice deliveries took place for the year that ended in March, according to NPD. Here are a few tips on how to get a grip on it all:

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cial advisers who would lose out if you draw from investments early, a desire to boost income as many older Americans work low wage jobs, and difficulty in estimating how long you have to live. While not a complete solution for insufficient savings, the study’s authors say that optimizing Social Security would improve the lives of millions of retirees. —AP

From page 16 “This shouldn’t be about ‘claim early’ or ‘claim late.’ It should be a discussion,” Fichtner said. “If anything, just claim as late as you financially can.” Why don’t people wait to claim later? There are many reasons, including personal dynamics within a marriage, finan-

Pay close attention to all the payments you make — recurring or not — and to the forms of payment: credit cards, apps such as Venmo, etc. Research by Waterstone Management Group found that 84% of consumers underestimate how much they spend on subscriptions. Waterstone looked at 2,500 American budgets and found that while consumers estimated they paid almost $80 a month on certain subscriptions, they actually paid closer to $240. Sticker shock can often be a good call to action.

Consider the value Deciding if all these costs are worth it is a highly personal decision. Grant McOmie of Portland, Oregon said that he and his wife began to cut back last year. They decided ridesharing didn’t have a spot in their aggressive budget, and they ditched Amazon Prime, Netflix and various music streaming services as well. “Ultimately none of these services were worth it,” he said. He estimates that over the past 18 months — through taking the bus instead of Lyft or Uber, and cooking a meal instead of ordering delivery — they’ve saved around $5,000. In some cases, however, convenience can pay off. Sarah McLaughlin relies pri-

marily on Instacart for her groceries and estimates she’s cut her monthly grocery spending by $200 by curtailing her impulse spending. Instead of picking up extras like magazines, makeup and prepared meals, she buys only what is on her list and is able to use online coupons to maximize her savings. Consider other benefits too: A timestarved parent may be thrilled to pay extra for food delivery. A pricey at-home workout subscription might be worth it to a fitness junkie. Ask yourself: If I didn’t have this service today, would I buy it again? Then consider whether you would pay cash each time these charges occurred. There’s plenty of research to show that a consumer is likely to spend more if they use a credit card, versus the inconvenience that comes with paying cash. So ask yourself whether you would hand over $50 cash for that last Uber ride and see how that feels.

How to make changes There are some actions you can consider to adjust your habits:

— If you know you are ready to ditch something, unsubscribe or delete your account. Be prepared; they will try to lure you back. — Add some friction. Even small steps to make payments less easy may curb your spending, such as eliminating auto billing or deleting an app on your phone. — Put all your subscription or convenience spending on one card to better monitor it. Or change your credit card number, forcing you to update billing only for the services you truly want. — Set an alternative goal. If there is something else you are saving for — such as a new car or a down payment on a house — think about that when you are tempted to make another purchase. That can help keep your spending focused. — Go on vacation or do something else to disrupt your life. The best way to break a habit is to change the context in which the habit was developed. So if you get meal kits each week, a vacation may change your routines and help shake your reliance on them. In the end, it all comes down to you. —AP

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

How to find the right online bank for you By Miriam Cross Q: I want to open an online highyield savings or money market account. But because these are new to me, I’m trying to perform due diligence somehow. Is there anything I need to know or beware of before signing up? A: Start your search at Bankrate.com or Depositaccounts.com. Online banks don’t have branches you can walk into to ask for help, but you can find one that offers round-the-clock customer service, such as

Ally Bank or Discover Bank. Test out the website of any bank you’re interested in to make sure it’s user-friendly. Some online banks maintain clunky, bare-bones websites that are difficult to navigate. Transferring funds from the savings account at your brick-and-mortar bank to a new account at an Internet bank can pay off big-time. According to DepositAccounts.com, interest rates for savings accounts at online banks averaged 1.52% at

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the end of 2018, compared with 0.26% at brick-and-mortar institutions. Consider both savings and money market deposit accounts, which can have comparably high yields. “Online banks have made leaps in how easily someone can open and transfer accounts,” said Aaron Graham, a certified financial planner at Abacus Planning Group, in Columbia, S.C. Don’t be tempted solely by the highest yields. Sometimes banks will open new accounts with enticing but short-lived promotional rates for new customers. Choose an institution that has been around for many years and has a history of paying competitive rates. These days, well-established online banks are offering savings account rates between 2.1% and 2.3%, with no minimum balance or monthly fees, said Ken Tumin of DepositAccounts.com.

Other things to consider To check out a bank’s rate history, visit depositaccounts.com and select “Savings Accounts,” then “Personal Savings Accounts.” Scroll past any sponsored accounts, and click on the “Details” arrow for each bank to see a rate history chart. If you anticipate making frequent transfers between your online savings account and your checking account at a traditional

bank, look for an online institution that doesn’t have a low daily or monthly cap on the number of outside transfers. And if you value easy access to your cash, search for an account that offers a debit or ATM card (such as Synchrony Bank’s High Yield Savings) or check-writing privileges (such as Sallie Mae Bank’s money market account). Last but not least, make sure accounts at the bank you choose are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). (Online banks typically state that they are covered by the FDIC at the bottom of their home page.) The FDIC will insure up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category. For example, an individual savings account is insured up to $250,000; a couple with a joint account is insured up to $500,000. If your balance teeters at the edge of that limit, you can open another account at a different bank, or use the tool at MaxMyInterest.com, which will spread your cash among high-yield savings accounts at reputable banks, keeping the balances below FDIC limits. But you’ll pay a quarterly fee of 0.02% on your cash balance for the convenience. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 19

AVOID INSURANCE FRAUD

It’s easy to become a victim of insurance fraud. Learn how to protect yourself from fraud and save money on your insurance on Mon., Aug. 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Elkridge Senior Center, located at 6530 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. Registration is free; call (410) 313-5192.

Aug. 24

BASICS OF INVESTING

The world of investments is a confusing place, and you may not know anything about stocks, bonds or capital gains. Learn about investing and consider trying it at the Investing Basics class on Sat., Aug. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Savage Branch Library, located at 9525 Durness Ln, Laurel. The class is free; register by calling (410) 313-0760.

Sept. 12

REAL ESTATE TIPS

Getting ready to sell your house? Get tips on how to get the best price for your house and learn what buyers are looking for on Thurs., Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Ellicott City Senior Center 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. The event is free. Call (410) 313-1400 for more information.

Aug. 29

FREE HEARING SCREENINGS & TALK

Sept. 10

ROAMING READERS WALKING CLUB

Exercise both your body and brain by joining the Roaming Readers Walking Club at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City on Tues., Sept. 10 from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Walk around the grounds while discussing books and current events. Membership is free. Contact (410) 313-1950 for more information.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

What to do with yourself after retirement I recently read an interesting article ganization with 10,000 volunteers, also opYou can learn to play at low cost with For example, my wife and I paid $400 for a about retirees who become depressed and erating in each state. SCORE volunteers lessons at a bridge club. At most clubs, seven-day cruise on a major cruise line durbored — even ones on sound generally have had prior expe- you can play for three hours for a nominal ing which I directed bridge games for a short financial footing — because rience running their own fee, and they provide refreshments. You’ll period of time. To paying customers, the cost they haven’t found enough acbusiness. likely meet many new people who are, by of the cruise was several thousand dollars. tivities to keep them busy. SCORE provides free coun- and large, very friendly and sociable. The bottom line: There is no reason to be I have been retired now for seling to entrepreneurs startIf you become experienced, you can be- bored during retirement. Try out a few volover 20 years, and I am fortuing their own business. In addi- come a bridge director on cruise ships and unteer activities and pastimes and you’re nate to have found enough action, at nominal cost, they offer obtain either free or heavily discounted sure to find something that suits you. tivities to keep me very busy individual courses such as how fees on major cruise ships when you direct ©2019 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by and not bored at all. No doubt, to market your business or es- bridge games. Tribune Content Agency, LLC. the things I do won’t interest a tablish a business plan. As a BEACON BITS lot of retirees, but they might volunteer, you will receive free THE SAVINGS generate some ideas for readtraining and will meet many VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOUR ers who find themselves dis- GAME knowledgeable retirees. What is it like to live with dementia? Come to the East Columbia By Elliot Raphaelson satisfied in retirement. Another activity I have enSenior Center on Tues., Sept. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a virtual simuThe first thing I’d advise is joyed in retirement is bridge. lation of dementia, and learn about tools to care for those with the disease. The cenvolunteering in a field that interests you. Card-playing is not for everyone, but if you There are many advantages: You can learn enjoy it, consider bridge. It will keep you ter is located at 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. To register, call (410) 313-5917. new skills, meet new and interesting people, mentally sharp. 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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services

Volume 9, No. 9 • September 2019

Aging Well at Howard County 50+ Centers

uring September — National Senior Center Month — explore Howard County’s network of 50+ Centers and discover the keys to aging well. Centers not only bring the staff and services of the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) to communities throughout the County, they offer adults age 50+ access to health, wellness and fitness programs, and provide lifelong learning opportunities, nutrition education, shared meals, socialization and more. To meet the needs of a growing older adult population, OAI is committed to building an age-friendly community, supported by the County’s continued investment in capital projects like the renovation of the BAIN 50+ CENTER and construction of a new EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER. If you haven’t checked out the wide range of programs and services available at your local 50+ center, this is a great time to do so. Many centers are offering free trial classes or open houses this month to showcase all they have to offer. Don’t miss "Getting the Most Out of Your Membership" at the ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER on Tuesday, September 24, to learn more about key OAI resources available at centers, including Maryland Access Point (MAP), the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP); Caregiver Education and Support; the Loan Closet; Connections and Kindred Spirits Social Day programs (for adults who need more structured activity); nutrition support; and exercise options at the 50+ Fitness Center. This event is free; register at 410-313-1400. The centers also offer access to local experts who share their knowledge on a variety of topics, including financial security. An estate planning seminar will be featured at the NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER on Friday, September 27, providing information and resources to help identify estate planning needs based on your situation and wishes. Another key partner in center programming is the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. Nutritionist Karen Basinger will present “Lower Your Stroke Risk” at the BAIN 50+ CENTER on September 20. Maintaining optimal levels of health and safety are certainly important keys to aging well. Staying safe behind the wheel can be a concern for older, more mature drivers. Learn how making minor adjustments to

Laminate Your Medicare Card Sponsored by the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

your vehicle can boost your safety and comfort at CarFit at the ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER on September 6; brush up on your skills at the AARP Safe Driving class on September 9. Call 410-313-5192 to register. Learn how to prevent fall-related injuries during Fall Prevention Week, September 23–29. On Tuesday, September 24, the NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER will hold a balance seminar on age-related balance changes and the effects of exercise on balance. Attendees will receive a free balance assessment from a licensed physical therapist. Call 410-313-0380 to register. The ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER will host balance screenings on September 26, and a fall prevention program on September 23. Those with balance concerns are encouraged to sign up for Stepping On, a seven-week, evidence-based workshop being held at ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER beginning Thursday, October 10. This program includes expert guest speakers, strength and balance exercises, and a multitude of resources, all of which can lead to a 31 percent reduction in falls. Active older adults looking for a new challenge may want to give square dancing a try at the ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER on Tuesdays, September 3-24. Learn the basics of modern western square dance from Bruce Simper. It’s a great way to exercise both your mind and body and no experience or partner is needed! The first week of October is Active Aging Week! Be sure to stop by the GLENWOOD 50+ CENTER and participate in a variety of workshops, a free health fair, and hands-on, creative DIY projects.

Come in to experience why Howard County's 50+ Centers have been recognized at the state level for program excellence, education, community partnership, and ﬁtness. Use apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty to register online for classes. From fitness classes (for all levels) to a wide variety of lifelong learning topics (i.e., Russian art history, music and theatre, Civil War presentations, etc.) you can find just about anything you need to live, grow and thrive on a daily basis. Unlock your potential to aging well, staying engaged and informed, learning valuable resources, and making new friends... all in the Howard County 50+ Centers! See details at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging.

Howard County SHIP will laminate your Medicare card and up to two additional cards, at the following 50+ Centers. Social Security cards cannot be laminated.

Bain 50+ Center: Wednesday, September 11 • 10 am to noon East Columbia 50+ Center: Tuesday, September 17 • 10 am to noon Elkridge 50+ Center: Friday, September 20 • 10 am to noon Ellicott City 50+ Center: Tuesday, September 24 • 1:30 to 3:30 pm Glenwood+ Center: Friday, September 27 • 11 am to 1:00 pm Longwood: Wednesday, September 4 • 1:30 to 3:30 pm North Laurel 50+ Center: Friday, September 13 • 10 am to noon

The 50+ Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Ofﬁce on Aging and Independence. This publication is available in alternate formats upon request. To join our subscriber list, email kahenry@howardcountymd.gov 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

Kim Higdon Henry, Editor • Email: kahenry@howardcountymd.gov Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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The 50+ Connection

Master Aging in Meaningful Ways

oday’s narrative on aging is radically reframing how older adults grow, connect, and engage in their communities in new and meaningful ways — and on their own terms. To find out how, join the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) for the debut of Master Aging: Engage, Educate and Inspire on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Howard Community College (HCC) in Columbia. Admission is $1 and plenty of on-site parking is available. A reinvention of the former 50+EXPO, Master Aging is a conference-style event with seminars, exhibitors and entertainment geared toward the interests of the 50+ community, and is being held on a Saturday to attract older adults who may still be in the workforce. Activities will be held in three buildings within easy walking distance of each other on HCC’s campus: Duncan Hall, the Health Sciences Building and the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center (Smith Theatre). Golf carts will be onsite to transport guests between campus buildings, as needed. More than 60 vendor and sponsor booths are located throughout the event. Food carts near Smith Theatre and food trucks in the parking lot will sell breakfast and lunch items. The event kicks off with a keynote address at 11 a.m. in the Smith Theatre by Kerry Hannon, one of the nation’s top experts on careers for older adults. Hannon is the author of “Great Jobs for Everyone 50 Plus” and “What’s Next” – about finding your passion and dream jobs at an older age. Her new book, and the title of her keynote address, is “Never Too Old to Get Rich — The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting a Business Mid-Life.” Hannon will share useful advice on how to start a business, who should do it — and who should not — as well as examples of entrepreneurial success stories and the lessons learned along the way. Do not miss her informative presentation. Also, be sure to return to the theatre at 2 p.m. to enjoy the politically incorrect antics of the Capitol Steps; admission is $5.

Be a FRIEND of Master Aging! Sign Up to Receive Your FRIEND Gift Package! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

One ADMISSION ticket to the MASTER AGING event One RESERVED seat for the Keynote Speaker (11 AM) One RESERVED seat for the “Capitol Steps” (2 PM) A CHANCE to win $50 toward any 50+ Center Program A “Friends” RECOGNITION ribbon to wear all day!

Only $25/person • Contact us today! To process your credit card payment, or for additional details, contact Jeanne White-Davis at 410-313-5824 (voice/relay) or jwhitedavis@howardcountymd.gov.

Howard County Community Forum THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 to 8 pm George Howard Building, Banneker Room 3430 Court House Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 Learn about Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss at this communityfocused listening session. Hear about the basics of Alzheimer’s and available local services and programs offered. Bring a friend and share your thoughts about how the Alzheimer’s Association can help support you in your journey. Light refreshments will be provided.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 • 10 AM TO 3 PM Enjoy your day at Master Aging exploring opportunities to enhance your health and wellbeing; find outlets to express your creativity; and design your own life’s encore.

Programming to Engage, Educate and Inspire You MASTER YOUR FITNESS features a variety of instructor-led fitness demos to try. In Yoga Therapy (presented by Maryland University of Integrative Health) the differences between yoga and yoga therapy will be explained and you can try simple practices for stress management. Exercise with Ease (presented by Howard County Recreation and Parks or HCRP) mixes low impact aerobics core, flexibility and balance work; or try Meditation (presented by OAI’s Jeannie DeCray), which can be done seated in a chair or on the floor; or, you can join in for high energy Zumba® Gold. LIFELONG LEARNING AND LEISURE highlights activities to pursue throughout your lifespan. Learn tips to travel safely alone or in groups (HCRP); dig into some gardening (with a local master gardener); or hear about opportunities to share your skills and knowledge with others in continuing education classes at HCC as a guest speaker, volunteer, tutor, or instructor. This panel discussion features representatives from the college's Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. SMART KIDS FOR SMARTPHONES is a drop-in space designed for anyone who would like to explore technology. Students will be on hand to answer tech questions, help you explore social media or try new apps. NOT YOUR PARENT’S SENIOR CENTER offers the inside scoop on the diverse programming, engaging experiences, available services and just plain FUN which can be discovered at the Howard County 50+ Centers. Meet staff from different centers; try your hand at a DIY project; and schedule some time to visit some of the centers in person. LIVE WELL, BE WELL to explore self-enrichment. Be Your Own Health Advocate (presented by University of Maryland Faculty Physicians) stresses the importance of being involved in your health care decisions; when to seek a second opinion; and what to consider when choosing a physician. Sugar is a Sneaky Thing (HCRP) reveals the hidden sugars in common foods and offers healthier alternatives. Explore your inner artist through a community art project! imaginAGE (presented by OAI’s 50+ Center Staff) offers attendees the chance to discover and express themselves through the creative art process and become part of a collaborative work of art. The final piece will be displayed at one of the 50+ Centers. Be sure to engage yourself in MASTER YOUR ENCORE, a community space hosted by Encore Howard County geared toward (but not limited to) adults age 50-75 who are considering what comes next… the encore. Individuals experiencing their own encores will share their stories across a variety of contexts. Featured workshops: Discovering Your Encore (12:15 p.m.) and Connecting and Engaging with Your Encore (1:15 p.m. ) with resources and local experts to help kick-start your own exploration.

For more event information, details and directions, visit us online at www.howardcountymd.gov/masteraging. Stay connected to the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. Like and share us today!

www.facebook.com/HoCoCommunity For all Ofﬁce on Aging and Independence programs, services and activities, go to www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

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Travel

Leisure &

A whitewater rafting adventure on California’s American River brings a family together. See story on page 25.

Diverse Panama offers more than a canal New and old Panama City Panama City combines the glitz and glitter of New York and Las Vegas with a colorful overlay of Latin American life. A frenzied period of development that began in the early 2000s, related to the city’s role as a center of international banking and trade, has transformed the capital city into an architectural showcase. Its skyscrapers create a dreamlike setting of steel and glass in a myriad of shapes and colors. At the same time, Panama City is home to inviting reminders of its Colonial past. Panama Viejo (Old Panama) is an archaeological site where the first Spanish city on the Pacific coast of the Americas was founded in 1519. It was from this location that expeditions embarked to conquer the powerful Incan Empire, and through it that most of the gold and silver found in the New World passed on its trip back to Spain. Reflecting the poor relations between England and Spain, the Welsh buccaneer Captain Henry Morgan sacked the city in 1671, and today only sprawling ruins hint at its former grandeur. Stroll past the stone remnants of a cathedral, prison, customs house, small Jesuit churches and stately homes built by wealthy citizens. Following the destruction of Panama Viejo, a new city was constructed nearby.

PHOTO BY DENNIS SYLVESTER HURD

By Victor Block An American traveler, adventurer and author named Richard Halliburton swam the length of the Panama Canal a few years after it opened in 1914. He was charged 36 cents for the trip. Today, ships that follow in his footsteps — or, rather, his wake — pay $200,000 to $300,000 for the privilege. The average toll for the largest vessels, which use wider locks that began to operate in 2016, is about $500,000. Yet shipping companies pay the price because they save up to 10 times as much by eliminating the two-week journey around the tip of South America. In addition to its utility for shipping, the canal is a major reason that tourists visit this South Carolina-sized country in Central America. The waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is ranked first on the Society of Civil Engineers’ list of major modern engineering feats, and during my recent trip there I soon understood why. Massive ships squeeze through the canal with just inches to spare. But Panama has many more manmade and natural sites to see. From animal life to archaeological treasures, enticing cities to beautiful beaches, Panama’s compact diversity attracts a million visitors each year.

Panama City has a modern skyline, a cobblestone historic district, and a World Heritage Site, where visitors can wander through the ruins of a 1519 city. Of course, not to be missed is a visit to the Panama Canal. Beyond the capital city, tourists will find rainforests, mangroves and beaches.

PHOTO BY KENT MACELWEE

A Kuna woman displays handmade molas, traditional cotton artwork used in clothing. The Kuna, who live in Panama and Colombia, believe that evil spirits can occupy empty spaces, so they weave dense, intricate patterns into their molas.

Casco Viejo encompasses about 800 buildings in a mixture of architectural styles. In recent years the site of cobblestone streets has turned into a chic neighborhood where boutique hotels and trendy bars contrast with crumbled remnants of the original setting.

sets of locks that lift them a total of 85 feet. Many people are surprised to learn that the direction of the canal is northwest to southeast, rather than due east to west, because of the layout of the isthmus at that location. Some also don’t realize that the waterway includes lakes along its route.

Visiting the canal

Beaches and islands

Then there’s the canal, which continues to intrigue and impress visitors. One of the best places from which to watch ships pass by is on the decks outside the fourstory Visitors Center. Exhibits in the museum located inside the building depict the planning, construction and operation of the canal. You can even board a tourist boat to traverse part of the world-famous waterway. Its route generally follows a trail that indigenous people used to cross the narrowest part of the isthmus. An effort by the French to build a canal spanning the 50mile land bridge in the late 19th century was doomed by an unfortunate combination of bad planning, mudslides and illnesses. The task was ultimately completed by U.S. engineers and workers. Today, close to 15,000 vessels make the voyage annually, passing through three

Just west of Panama City, sunbathers can find more than a dozen beaches. The black sand of Playa Barqueta is a popular weekend destination among locals. The palm-fringed beach Playa Las Lajos is more than seven miles long, and is known for its good surfing. A number of the most inviting whitesand beaches rim the 250 San Blas Islands off the Caribbean coastline. The islands also happen to be home to the Kuna Indians, one of seven distinct indigenous groups that comprise about 12 percent of Panama’s population of approximately four million. Their unique culture and customs have changed little over time. Other smaller cities include Colón, home to Panama’s major sea port; La Palma, surrounded by undisturbed nature; See PANAMA, page 24

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Panama From page 23 and both Santiago and Portobelo, which are treasure troves of graceful colonial architecture.

Exotic wildlife Given its location as the last link in the land bridge between North and South America, the Panamanian isthmus played an important role in the migration of plant and animal life in both directions. Its varied ecosystems of tropical rainforests, mountain cloud forests and lowlying mangrove wetlands among nearly 500 rivers have provided a welcome environment for many species. During a small boat cruise on Gatun Lake in the Gamboa Rainforest Preserve, I saw a crocodile and several iguanas dozing in the sun. Tamarin and howler monkeys peered at us from the treetops, while more social white-faced capuchins swung down to land on the front of our dinghy to peel and devour bananas that we placed there. Jaguars, pumas, ocelots and panthers also make Panama their home, although humans are more likely to see their paw prints rather than the elusive animals themselves. Easier to encounter are sloths, who lead their sedentary lives hanging upside down from the branches of trees where squirrel and spider monkeys also hang out.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Killer and humpback whales, sharks and bottlenose dolphins swim off both coastlines. Panama is also one of the best birding sites in the world, with more species than are found in Europe and North America combined. Resident populations include parrots, toucans, quetzals, macaws and the harpy eagle, the nation’s national bird.

An example of a tour Caravan Tours has been offering trips “at an affordable price” since 1952, and it lives up to that claim. The rate for the eight-day Panama trip we took is $1,634 per person plus airfare ($1,295/dbl). That includes accommodations that range from a modern Marriott Hotel in Panama City to a comfortable rainforest retreat. The itinerary packed a full variety of experiences into a busy schedule, with one day set aside for R&R at a Pacific Ocean beachfront resort. It also included two canal cruises, one through dual sets of locks that offers closeup views of the massive steel gates, and the other on Gatun Lake, which forms part of the channel. Tour participants also spent time at the Museum of Biodiversity (Biomuseo), which turned out to be a surprisingly intriguing diversion during a trip that was chock full of them. For starters, there’s the ultra-modern building that was designed by the world-

renowned architect Frank Gehry. The multi-colored structure is intended to depict how the isthmus of Panama rose from the sea, uniting two continents with a land bridge. Its exhibits describe the lasting impact that event has had on the planet’s biodiversity. Another tour highlight was the opportunity to meet, and briefly mingle with, members of two indigenous groups. We spent part of one day at a Kuna tribal marketplace, where people from that community take turns spending several weeks making and selling their handicrafts before returning to their village in the San Blas Islands. Most prized are mola embroidered cloth panels, which the women use to decorate their clothing and that also can serve as decorative pieces. The scenes on many of them depict rainforest animals and marine life, with which the Kunas are familiar. A more immersive introduction to the indigenous cultures involved a visit by boat to a small Embera village, which began with a description, through an interpreter, of the life and traditions of that ethnic group. It was followed by brief dance and music presentations, the opportunity to purchase handmade baskets, wood carvings and other items, and — best of all — to interact with residents of all ages. For more information about Caravan Tours, call 1-800-227-2826 or visit caravan.com.

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If you go Temperature isn’t a major factor when planning a trip to Panama. Highs hover around 85° F throughout the year, falling as much as 15 degrees only at elevated altitudes. Rain is more of a consideration. More rain usually falls on the Caribbean side of the country, but most often only as short afternoon downpours. The dry season, about mid-December to mid-April, offers the best weather, but also the highest prices for those traveling on their own. Those willing to put up with some wet weather during the rest of the year find that their travel budget is likely to stretch further. Besides Caravan Tours, several other companies offer specialized tours of Panama; very few include airfare. A two-week nature tour is available for $2,580 at Evaneos.com, a website that connects travelers with local experts. Adventure Life offers many options, including a seven-day tour for $1,546. See adventure-life.com/panama. For day excursions, consider Real Panama Tours, which offers river trips and other customized outings, including kosher tours. See therealpanamatours.com for more information. A nonstop flight from BWI to Panama City takes about five hours. The least expensive nonstop flight to Panama City in September costs about $570 on Copa Airlines.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

Riding the rapids of the Sierra Nevadas By Don Mankin You’re never too old for adventure, but on a spring trip on the American River in California, I was thankful for my younger traveling companions. As my fellow rafters and I whooped and thrust our paddles in the air to celebrate a successful run through the roaring rapids, our raft snagged on a rock, sending me flying into the water. I bounced off the river bottom, popped to the surface and grabbed the rope on the side of the raft before I was pulled out of the water to safety. We were quickly approaching the next rapid, though, so I didn’t have time to resume my paddling position in the front of the raft. I just laid down in the bow. From my perspective, sprawled on the floor of the raft, I felt like I was watching an action documentary, with water spraying, arms flying and determined faces screwed into looks of concentration and concern. I wish I would have had a movie camera or a Go Pro to capture the action. In just a few seconds — it seemed an eternity — we were past the rapid. I crawled out of the bottom of the raft and onto the side, grabbed my paddle, braced myself and prepared for the next stretch of churning water.

A family trip I had expected something tamer when I signed up for this trip with my cousin Dan, his 40-something son, Matt, and 30-something daughter, Alissa. Dan and I have been taking these annual family adventures for several years now, and Matt and Alissa decided to join us for this year’s adventure with their dad. Dan, in his early 70s and a relative newcomer to adventure travel, is tackling a movement-related health issue by testing his limits in paddle rafts on whitewater rivers and kayaks on windy, rolling seas. In deference to our age and his kids’ relative lack of adventure experience, I recommended what I thought would be an easy but fun two-day whitewater rafting trip on the American River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in central California. The tour operator and my host for the trip

was OARS, one of the first whitewater rafting companies in North America (oars.com).

More rigorous than expected Several aspects of the trip made it especially appealing — easy to get to, easy camping and easy paddling. The reality was pretty close, save for a couple of significant exceptions. It was indeed easy to get to, with the start and end point less than 150 miles from San Francisco. The camping was also easy. The OARS campsite was just off the highway and featured flush toilets, showers and an outdoor dining area. Most important, it was also adjacent to a small shopping center where we could buy beer and frozen yogurt. Dan and I shared a large tent with beds. Alissa and Matt set up a tent and slept on the ground. Age does have its privileges. However, the “easy” rafting was anything but. One of the attractions of the trip was that all the rafts were paddle rafts. That is, we paddled, sometimes frenetically, under the direction and verbal commands of our excellent guide (“right, forward two strokes,” “left, back one stroke,” etc.). The participation was definitely a plus. All four of us wanted something more challenging and active than just kicking back while the guide used oars to steer us through the rapids. What I didn’t realize is that the South Fork of the American River features one Class 3 rapid after another, usually in rapid succession (pun intended). At times it seemed as if we were in one continuous stretch of whitewater. I have been on trips with bigger rapids, but I have never been on a river with such a density of whitewater, especially where it was up to us to get through the rapids upright and relatively dry. We usually had just enough time to catch our breath before getting set for the next run. This was the most exciting whitewater rafting I have ever experienced.

Intergenerational bonding My biggest takeaway from the trip, besides the rapidly spreading purple bruise

on my backside, was the family connection. For most of our lives, Dan and I have been pretty close. Neither Dan nor I had brothers, so we grew up like brothers. Our mothers were sisters, our families lived near each other when we were young, and we are close in age. These recent adventure trips have been a way to renew that bond. While Dan’s kids were growing up, I was like Uncle Tonoose from the old Danny Thomas Show, occasionally passing through with tales of distant, exotic places

like upstate Pennsylvania and California. I thought Matt and Alissa were cute but never thought twice about them. After this trip, I now see them as adults: funny and smart with distinct personalities, opinions and well-developed senses of humor. They may not be quite as cute, but given the choice, I prefer them as adults — especially because they can pull me out of a churning rapid. For updates on Dan Mankin’s travels, visit adventuretransformations.com.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Style Arts &

The band Wasted Gravity, above, plays classic rock hits from the 1960s through the 1980s.

A classic rock band’s wit and wisdom on bass guitar; Columbia’s Dave Lopes, 49, on acoustic guitar and lead vocals; and Howard County resident Karen Leaf, 53, on lead vocals, who is Appel’s daughter. Wasted Gravity came to fruition in the early 2000s after the breakup of two previous bands. Lopes’ and Hutchins’ Loose Thoughts and Smith’s and Appel’s Flashpoint combined to create the current musical group, which plays at various locations throughout central Maryland.

PHOTO BY POSITIVE VIBE MEDIA

By Timothy Cox As the drummer for a classic rock band called Wasted Gravity, Ron Appel is considered the bedrock and rhythmic heartbeat for the Baltimore area band. Composed almost entirely of Boomers, the band’s eldest member is Appel, 76. Age aside, the fellas and one lone female member continue to rock to the music of their youth — music appreciated by their burgeoning fan base. Wasted Gravity’s motto is “Music you love, Music you lived.” They play an everchanging setlist that includes songs from artists like Janis Joplin, the Eagles, Stevie Wonder and Bob Seger. “We play to people who want to hear the music they enjoy being played like it was originally played,” said Joe Puleo, 65, a retired Bel Air computer analyst whose guitar style was influenced by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. “The late ‘60s, that’s when the music changed forever — for the best,” Puleo said. In addition to Puleo and Appel, Wasted Gravity includes Silver Spring’s Mark Smith, 56, on rhythm guitar, mandolin and harmonica; Severn’s Mike Hutchins, 63,

A serendipitous meeting In a twist of fate, Smith and Hutchins were both traveling home on a Metro train when Smith noticed Hutchins reading a biography of rock legend Neil Young. A brief conversation about the book led to the beginnings of their friendship — and of Wasted Gravity. Smith, a self-described city kid who was raised in Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland, is proud of his penchant for varying styles of music, from acid jazz to acid rock and all genres in between. “I was raised on classic country and Big Band at home, found rock and the blues on

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Ron Appel, 76, is the drummer for the classic rock band Wasted Gravity, known for rocking audiences throughout central Maryland. The group boasts five musicians over 50, including Appel’s grown daughter, Karen Leaf, the group’s lead female vocalist.

my own, and got turned on to go-go music at Potomac Senior High School,” he said. That said, Smith credits his mother for taking him to his first rock concert (Elton John and Kiki Dee) when he was 12. As a kid, he tagged along with older classmates to see acts like ZZ Top, Fleetwood Mac, Kool & the Gang and even a young Bruce Springsteen, who performed at Carter Barron Amphitheater in 1975, when Smith was 13. Smith’s parents quickly realized

his love for music and immediately supported his passion. Wasted Gravity’s best asset, Smith said, is its family vibe. “We’ve been together long enough that we understand our human failings. Hey, we’re six people balancing six independent lives; families, children, grandchildren, work. There are no prima donnas or egos in the band. See ROCK BAND, page 27

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Rock band From page 26 “I’d pick relationships over musicianship any day. It’s the key to success for the long haul, including bands like the Rolling Stones,” he added.

Performing for the fun of it Most of the band members are either retired or working stable government-type jobs. There’s a “special joy,” Hutchins said, “to get to a point when you’re not relying on the money you make in music to feed your family. Thankfully, we’re all beyond that point.” Hutchins, a D.C. native, started playing acoustic guitar at age 8. He transitioned to bass guitar at 15 and has never wavered from the instrument. Besides a brief move to Southern California for work assignments, Hutchins is a lifelong resident of the DMV area. Unlike Hutchins, drummer Ron Appel, a Catonsville High School graduate, took a

decades-long hiatus from music. “My brother Louis and I played in a drum and bugle corps early on, and I played my father’s saxophone as a kid. But I didn’t return to drums until I was in my early 30s,” Appel said. “I was busy raising a family and working a 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift with the Department of Defense as a computer analyst,” he added. Thanks to another musician friend who kept egging him on to return to his musician roots, Appel eventually reconnected with his true passion. His wife of 57 years, Frances Appel, also inspired his return to music, he said. “We used to go out and check out the live bands in the area. I always paid attention to the drummers and would converse with them during their breaks. “One day [Frances] said, ‘Maybe you ought to get a drum set and get back into music.’” Frances now serves as her husband’s unofficial roadie, helping him pack and unpack his drums for every gig. Appel’s daughter, Karen Leaf, said she

enjoys her role as the lead singer in the band, working alongside her dad. “Working with my father gets a little tough sometimes, only because he can be overly critical at times,” she laughed. “But I realize he only wants the best for me.” When Leaf isn’t on stage, she works in the guidance counselor department at Howard County Schools, where she’s been for 20 years. The married mother of two adult daughters said, like her father, she was a latecomer to live music, although she often sang in her bedroom as a child. The band’s other singer is guitarist/vocalist Dave Lopes, who is from Providence,

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AFRICAN ART MUSEUM RECEPTION

Come celebrate African history and art at a reception at the African Art Museum of Maryland on Sun., Sept. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. Meet the artists and admire their art while enjoying refreshments. Attendance is free. The museum is located at 11711 E. Market St., Fulton. To RSVP, email africanartmuseumofmd@verizon.net or call (301) 490-6070.

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Now you can ease your fear of falling while walking more naturally. The Perfect Walker II enables you to walk upright and avoid falls.

Rhode Island. Lopes, a U.S. Army veteran, took organ lessons as a child and played in bands during college. Lopes writes music and poetry and credits Wasted Gravity as his inspiration. “I’ve done my best work with this band. They’ve challenged me. They are my family,” he said. “We’re here to have fun and be happy.” Wasted Gravity is scheduled to play at Coakley’s Pub in Havre De Grace on Sept. 27 and at Inverness Brewing in Monkton on Oct. 26. A full performance calendar can be accessed at wastedgravity.com and on Facebook. For bookings, call (410) 551-1468.

Are you an Active Senior of Moderate Income?

BEACON BITS

Sept. 15

Old Way

Better Way

NE W

What did you tell your children the whole time they were growing up? “Stand up straight, don’t slouch!” Well, now that you are one of the countless Americans who use walkers and rollators for safety and mobility, why aren’t you heeding your own advice? Until now, using these products meant shuffling along, hunched over, eyes down, with your weight centered on your hands and wrists. Instead of promoting safety, these products lead to bad posture, an unnatural gait and a risk of additional injury from not seeing where you are going. Now, there’s a better way. The Perfect Walker II has solved the uncomfortable bent over posture that has plagued users of traditional walkers and rollators. It enables you to walk safely and comfortably in a natural, upright position. 24.5” It features innovative forearm support cuffs that support your weight with your arms and shoulders, keeping you standing in a natural way. It is heightadjustable for users up to 6 feet tall. No more leaning forward, stretching, slouching or crouching- no worrying about FREE toppling over or losing your balance. Best of all, when you Utility Bag and are walking, you are looking forward, not down. Cane Holder

Easy Folding Compact Design

10.5”

39”

Look forward to going more places more often! Perfect Walker II folds up for transit or storage with a dual-folding design, making it compact and easy-tohandle, weighing only 18 pounds. It’s extremely simple and convenient to take and use just about anywhere. It features an advanced braking system, a secure locking mechanism and a stable wheel base. The rear “walking space” of the Perfect Walker II is wider than traditional rollators, Perfect Walker II giving you a greater range of motion and a natural, comfortable walk.

18.5” wheelbase for stability

Supports up to 300 lbs.

So take your own advice, and stop slouching. Call today to find out how you can get a Perfect Walker II. You… and your children, will be glad you did. Call Now!

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Comfortable Seat

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

New group helps people find their encore gic planning in the county public school system, and is now an associate professor in adult learning and development at Northeastern University in Boston.

Time for a new act Adult Encore programs like hers have sprouted up around the country with the realization that older adults are living longer and healthier lives. “People who have reached 50 to 75 — those used to be the years when they were told to slow down,” Mahler said. “Now we have the energy and we want to keep going. It’s the adult encore age of life that people did not have before.” Mahler described Encore HoCo as “A loose organization trying to build a network — a community that supports what already is going on. The mission is to build awareness of this new stage of life, that this generation has a gift of time in their lives that previous generations did not have. “This should lead to decisions on how one wants to use it, how one wants to live these extra years,” she said. “We baby boomers are pioneering this.” In a recent blog post, she noted that “markers of encore adulthood include a growing sense of mortality along with a wish for meaningful engagement and the

GOLD MEMBERS Howard County Oﬃce on Aging & Independence, The Beacon Newspapers, The Residences at Vantage Point SILVER MEMBERS The Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Integrity, Brooke Grove Retirement Village, HomeCentris Healthcare, Let's Move, LLC, Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance, BRONZE MEMBERS Angels of Elder Care Planning, Arbor Terrace Fulton, Brightview Rolling Hills, ComForCare Home Care of Howard County, Homewatch Caregivers, Lutheran Village at MILLER'S GRANT, Stress Free Solutions PATRON MEMBERS 1020 Builders, Acts Retirement Life Communities - Fairhaven, Alfred House, Elder Care, AllCare Advanced Home Care, Alzheimer's Association - Greater MD Chapter, Assisting Hands Home Care, Brightview Catonsville, Country Gardens Assisted Living, Golden Oak Elder Law, P.C., HomeCall, Home Instead Senior Care, Integrated Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics, Miracle-Ear of Columbia, New Life Assisted Living, Inc., Prime Care House Calls, Professional Care Pharmacy, Shanri-la Senior Living, SIMPLICITY Home Group, Sunrise of Columbia, Visiting Angels

opportunity to leave some sort of legacy — but on one’s own terms.” “It is not a period of decline, as per the traditional narrative on aging, but one of shifting priorities and decision-making about how we want to purposefully use the gift of time.”

Part of a national network Mahler credits Mark Freedman, president and chief executive officer of Encore.org, as a pioneer of the adult encore movement. Among his popular books are Encore: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life and Prime Time: How Baby Boomers Will Revolutionize Retirement and Transform America. Freedman’s nonprofit group aims to tap the skills and experience of people in midlife and beyond to improve communities. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Freedman noted, “We’ve been in many ways told to prepare for a life that is three score and 10, but in fact there’s a good chance that people will remain healthy into their 80s, and in the future, into their 90s and beyond… “The years that have been added to life that we keep hearing about have not been added at the end; they’re really being added to the middle or late middle — this

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH MAHLER

By Robert Friedman In the Hawthorne Pool in Columbia a couple of years ago, a middle-aged man was telling a friend that he had retired from his pharmacist career and was looking for a meaningful way to stay engaged. The woman with whom he spoke said she was an activities director at an assistance living facility in Columbia and suggested he volunteer at the site, perhaps to ensure residents that their medications were accurate and up-to-date. Great idea, the man said. He could use his expertise while giving back to his community. Elizabeth Mahler happened to overhear the conversation. She saw it as the first step for the recent retiree in what is becoming known as the transition to the “adult encore” phase of a longer life. It was a major inspiration for her to form Encore Howard County, a new group that aims to reach county residents between retirement and the ever-expanding years before true old age arrives. “I was involved in the Encore movement nationally at the time, but had not yet started Encore Howard County when I overheard the conversation,” Mahler said. Mahler, 64, earned her doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University, led strate-

Columbia resident Elizabeth Mahler recently formed a local branch of the national group Encore, which helps retirees find meaningful ways to contribute to their communities. The group’s motto is “tapping the talent of people 50+ as a force for good.”

period when we actually have learned a great deal and have the chance to do something with that.”

Off to a good start Since its start-up in April, Encore Howard County has hosted two events: a panel discussion of encore experiences and plans, and a program featuring county resident Tracy Quisenberry, a former acSee ENCORE, page 29

Encore From page 28 counting executive at a Fortune 500 company. Quisenberry noted at the event that she has always loved baking cakes and that in 2010, for her encore stage of life, she formed Icing Smiles. The volunteer, nonprofit organization bakes custom cakes for families affected by a child’s critical illness. Over the years, Icing Smiles has baked cakes for some 18,000 children in families across the country, as well as in Canada and the Netherlands. “The families we serve have been rocked,” Quisenberry told the HoCo En-

core audience. “Their worlds have been completely turned upside down. We help create some positive memories during difficult times, one cake at a time.” Encore HoCo will continue holding monthly meetings, while participating in other events as well. For example, in October, Encore HoCo will be presenting at the Master Aging Conference sponsored by the Howard County Office of Aging and Independence. “We will be providing resources and workshops on navigating the encore stage of life,” Mahler said, “including ways to discover one’s own encore.” To find out more about Encore Howard County and upcoming events, visit its website at encorehoco.org.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

BEACON BITS

Aug. 29

VANCE GILBERT

Renowned folk singer Vance Gilbert has recorded 12 albums and has been a choice opener for artists such as Aretha Franklin. Considered a staple of the folk scene since the 90s, Gilbert performs around the country, and he is coming to town on Sun., Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Baldwin’s Station, 7618 Main St., Sykesville. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased by calling (410) 795-1041.

Sept. 7

CARIBBEAN FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

Sample Jamaican Jerk chicken, roti, plantains and breadfruit at the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival on Sat., Sept. 7 from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd., West Friendship. Tickets are $20 and include wine tastings; they can be purchased at http://bit.ly/CaribbeanHoward. For more information, call (301) 221-6517.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 30

VOLUNTEER COMPANION

Are you compassionate and dependable? Become a Volunteer Companion for Howard County General Hospital and provide nonmedical support services, such as companionship or transportation, for people recovering from health issues or hospitalization. Learn more or express your interest by emailing hcgh-volunteers@jhmi.edu or calling (410) 720-8781.

Sept. 8+

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

L A S S

I N T O

L I E R

O P M R I S D O D N O S

HELP KENNEDY CENTER REACH FESTIVAL

The Kennedy Center is seeking volunteers from September 8 to 22 to assist with its Reach Festival’s 16 days of free activities. Indoor and outdoor volunteer positions include artist services assistant, information floater, photo assistant and more. Volunteers should commit to a minimum of two days as well as one orientation/training prior to the festival on Aug. 22 or Sept. 4, both at 6 p.m. To apply, email vols@kennedy-center.org.

N O M B R I C A S L O

A T A R I

C A L Y P S K O I C L K I F E I S G H T

A L S F O I E E F L S U E N U D S I U N A G L O

N E A R M E O W S O D E S

T A R O T

S P I N A C T H N H A I G R N I O S E

E L C A T H U N D E R

T O P S E C R E T S L I M E

I D L E

N O R E A L F

I G L O O

Y O N D O A T

I C E S

F E E T

E R R S

Introducing ZOOMER!

The powerful, portable, folding mobility chair that offers easy one-handed operation “I haven’t been this excited about something since I got my ﬁrst bicycle!” Sturdy & Lightweight Frame

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Joystick Control (adaptable left or right)

Remember when you were a child and got your first bicycle? I do. It gave me a sense of independence … I felt like I could go anywhere, and it was so much easier and more enjoyable than walking. Well, at my age, that bike wouldn’t do me much good. Fortunately, there’s a new invention that gives me the freedom and independence to go wherever I want … safely and easily. It’s called the Zoomer, and it’s changed my life. If you are one of the countless Americans who need a little help getting around, there is a safe, simple and easy-to-use solution … the Zoomer. It is propelled by small yet powerful dual motors for speeds of 3.7 miles per hour over a variety of terrains, on up to a 10 degree incline. Its innovative airline-safe Lithium Ion battery enables you to go 8 miles on a single charge, and the automatic electromagnetic brakes let you stop on a dime.

12”

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Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Bored Games 1

Stephen Sherr

32 36

38 42

51 56

Across 1. Florist’s suggestion 6. The Orkin Man’s targets 10. The only element with a 3-letter name 13. Bryant, Good Housekeeping’s most admired woman 1978-1980 14. Participate in a long jump 15. Stink bug’s defense 17. Reach second base quickly 18. Item in Mother Teresa’s closet 19. Not guilty, for example 20. Feeling of bored melancholy 23. Pieces of the International Peace Institute 24. Old wives’ story 25. Fed. agency for human resources 28. “Things are seldom what they ___” 31. XLIII times VII 33. Boring pharmaceutical side-effect 37. Princess Diana’s beau, Fayed 38. Isaac, to Abraham 39. U.S. News’ top-ranked Southregional university for 2019 41. State of bored indecision 46. Colorful part of an apple 47. Charlie Brown sound 48. Cheerios grain 49. Long-lasting quarrel 51. 2018 FIFA World Cup host nation 53. Lack of personal goals 61. Boat with square-rigged masts 62. Cancel an Excel formula update 63. Preparer of vegetable soup 64. Payment option 65. Moves closer to retirement 66. Islamic ruler 67. Undeveloped parcel of land 68. Run out of Monopoly money 69. Takes a breather

Down 1. Lad’s lady

47 49

24 28

HC919

Scrabble answers on p. 29.

2. Born ___ wealth 3. Futon user 4. Creator of Pong in 1972 5. Harry Belafonte: King of ___ 6. “And, another thing...” 7. Non-alcoholic, to a brewmaster 8. Cards of destiny 9. Green veggie 10. Highly classified 11. Unemployed 12. Leon ___ (palindromic Parisian politician) 16. UK military branch, since 1918 21. Land granted from a lord to a vassal 22. Inside portion of a GELCAP 25. Code for the Midwest’s busiest airport 26. Subatomic particle composed of a quark and antiquark 27. Pre-Windows PC operating system 29. “What ___ can go wrong?” 30. Cat calls 32. Alaskan white house 34. Type of combat sport 35. Abbrevs. for the only two states whose names end in double-letters 36. Grand Master of the Jedi Council 40. “___ on my watch!” 42. Cheats at Truth or Dare 43. Out of the ordinary 44. The beginning of “culture” 45. Storm sound 50. Wild Australian dog 52. Snail trail 53. Days of Our Lives network 54. Unwritten, as a contract 55. Japanese soup 56. Lyric poems 57. Carrot, to a snowman 58. Tops off a cupcake 59. Pool depth units 60. Lowers one’s fielding percentage

Answers on page 29.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the right. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Computer Services THE COMPUTER DOCTORS “We Make House Calls!” Voted Best Computer Repair of Baltimore. On-site Computer Service for homes and businesses. We specialize in helping seniors with their technology needs. Internet, email and WiFi troubleshooting. Virus removal. Clean up and tune-up. PC and Apple support. Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians speak in easy to understand language. Serving Baltimore, Howard, Harford, Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties. Stay connected and call us today! 410-840-3434

Events SQUARE DANCE LESSONS - Start on Monday, September 9, 2019 at the Catonsville Senior Citizen Center at 501N Rolling Rd, in Catonsville, MD 21228. Charge per dancer per lesson is $7.00. The class will meet every Monday throughout the 2019-2020 dance year. The caller is Bruce Simpers. Contact Bruce for information at (240) 608-0652 or e-mail Bruce at brucesimpes@aol.com.

For Sale 5 PLOTS AVAILABLE all together or will separate at Meadowridge Memorial Park. Westland area Block 38 Lot 97 easy access from Meadowridge Rd. Call Pat Contino. 410-3752521 or coninc@verizon.net ... will negotiate.

For Rent/Sale: Real Estate BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW TOWNHOME FOR RENT. Location is the Brand New Trotters Knoll Development in Ellicott City. 3 levels, 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths, Garage. Looking for primarily a mature 50+ individual or working professional who would like to stay in a beautiful house with an awesome setting. Starting August or September. $3,000/Month. HOA fee is paid for you. Call Mike at 443-4720041 for more info. BEAUTIFUL AND WELL MAINTAINED 2BR, 2BA + Library 1460 SF Condo available for rental on Sept. 1. Located in Fairways North, this type S unit includes garage space and enclosed balcony with ceiling fans. $2,200.00/month, call Allen at 301-2527663.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington and Richmond editions). Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this for you. Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number. • Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher's discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

Health

Personal Services

Wanted

PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

FREE DRAWING CLASSES: Volunteers in pilot program propose free at-home drawing classes for seniors over 75 in groups of 1 to 3 participants. Materials provided. Contact our coordinator for details: lex_ever@protonmail.com

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars & countries. Also Lionel Trains, & slots/coin operated machines. Will pay top prices. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783

Personals

SELL ME YOUR CAR, Truck or SUV for CASH today instead of a maybe tax deduction tomorrow. I come to you. NO FUSS NO MUSS. 410-916-0776 I also buy Motorcycles, Scooters & Bikes. If it‚Äôs got wheels, I am a CASH BUYER. Call Today. Let‚Äôs Roll

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for [350 ] procedures. Call 1-844366-1003 for details. www.dental50plus.com/320. 6118-0219

Home/Handyman Services ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-844-3596933 STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-877-240-2061 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/beacon EHRLICH PEST CONTROL EXPERTS: providing pest control solutions since 1921. Protect your home from termites, ants, spiders, fleas, roaches and more?365 days a year! Call 1855-338-8198 to schedule your FREE Pest Inspection.

Legal Services APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABLITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys, 1-866-970-0779! FREE Consultations. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

ENCHANTING LADY, 50s - young looking, voluptuous woman seeks to meet/date an attractive gentleman, SWM, 50s or 60s, with husky build, 200+ lbs, who is sincere, compassionate, dependable, affectionate. Enjoys the great outdoors, movies, dancing, dining out. Seeks friendship, possible relationship. 240316-6152. Please leave a nice voice message for reply.

TV/Cable DISH Network $59.99 For 190 Channels! Add High Speed Internet for ONLY $14.95/month. Best Technology. Best Value. Smart HD DVR Included. FREE Installation. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-844-560-5837 SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY! TV, Internet & Voice for $99.97/mo. Fastest Internet. 100 MB per second speed. Free Primetime on Demand. Unlimited Voice. NO CONTRACTS. Call 1-888366-7573 GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Addtl Cost. Call 1-888-572-4953 or satellitedealnow.com/TBN

Wanted CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, etc. I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. TheAtticLLC.com Gary Roman 301-520-0755.

ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military, rare books, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records, gold and silver coins and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore Counties, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, outbuilding or storage unit is too packed for us! Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.com. SEEKING FULL/SEALED BOTTLES of Vintage Bourbon & Rye (Pre-1990). Examples include, but are not limited to: Old Grand Dad, Pikesville Rye, Wild Turkey, I.W. Harper, Old Fitzgerald. Also purchase vintage advertising & judaica. Call Phil 410-336-1153. MONEY, TIME TO SELL! Make the right choice, Call Greg, 717-658-7954. We buy jewelry, coins, silver, antiques, watches, gold, art, paper money, toys, bottles, comic books and military, etc. No middleman, no fees, no overhead means more money for your sfuff. Give me a call, and let’s do business. 717-658-7954.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Events

Home Improvement

Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Kidney Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Peak Custom Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Perfect Walker II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 TV Voice Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Zinger Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Housing

Senior/Government Services

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10, 32 Charlestown/Erickson Living . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Residences at Vantage Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 R Home Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Shriner Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Howard County 50+ Connection . . . . . . . .21-22

Financial Services Capitol Metro Financial Services . . . . . . . . . .17

Funeral Services Going Home Cremations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 At Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 HomeCentris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Legal Services Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Subscriptions Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Technology Beacon Website and Silver Pages . . . . . . . . . .14

Medical/Health

Theatre/Entertainment

Gentleneedle Acupuncture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Greenhouse Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Nourishing Life Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Laurel Mill Playhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

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Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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SEPTEMBER 2019

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care and memory support, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and events that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All seminars and events will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village campus. Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org. Healthy Living class: “Everyday balance” September 16 through October 23 MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 10-10:30 A.M. During this class, simple yet effective techniques are used to improve balance and agility and reduce your risk of falls. No props are used, so exercises may easily be performed at home. Six-week Session Fee: $30 Reservations are requested by September 13.

Living well seminar: “Use It or Lose It — Strategies to Maintain Your Brain” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 1-2:15 P.M. Are you experiencing more difficulty with your memory? Are you worried about developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia? Discover the steps you can take to improve and maintain your cognitive function and reduce your risk of developing memory impairment. Preceded by complimentary lunch at 12:30 p.m.

caregiver connection: “Too Late to Wait” TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • 2-3 P.M. Discover the signs that indicate when it’s time to consider adding more care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia — either in the home or with a move to assisted living. During this seminar, you’ll explore options, determine how to weigh the pros/cons of a change, and gain tips on how to have this tough discussion with the loved one in your care. FREE. Register by September 15.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care consultations SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH 50-MINUTE SESSIONS This service is designed to help caregivers — as well as those who are newly diagnosed — cope with the impact of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, enabling participants to better understand the disease, manage care and make informed decisions regarding services and treatments. FREE. Schedule an appointment at any time during the dementia journey.

FREE. Register by September 16. Healthy Living class: “mindful meditation” September 18 through October 23

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

MONDAYS • 11-11:30 A.M. Recent scientific studies show that mindful meditation changes the brain in astonishing ways — promoting greater focus, reduced anxiety, increased compassion and improved well-being. Experience guided, mindful meditation in a quiet space.

301-260-2320 · www.bgf.org

Six-week Session Fee: $20 Reservations are requested by September 15.

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