April 2025 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

IN FOCUS FOR

Archaeologist uncovers shipwrecks

By Tina Collins

From the thousands of miles of waterways that crisscross Maryland to the murky depths of the Chesapeake Bay, Dr. Susan Langley knows an underwater museum waits to be discovered. There, she excavates the past, carefully studying each site and artifact, piecing together stories that time and tide have sought to erase.

For more than three decades, Langley has served as Maryland’s State Underwater Archaeologist at the Maryland Historical Trust, headquartered in Crownsville.

The agency’s mission is to preserve and protect the state’s historical and cultural heritage. Maryland is one of a handful of states with a dedicated maritime archaeology program. This discipline combines the classic methods of terrestrial archaeology with marine science.

A passionate advocate of conservation, Langley sees shipwrecks as living time capsules as well as evolving ecosystems that tell new stories with each passing tide.

“I find an object, like a shoe, and I think about who wore these,” she said in an interview with the Beacon. “What was their life like? Where are their descendants now? That’s the humanity in the archaeology.”

Family’s connection to the ocean

Langley grew up on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes in a history-loving family that had a personal connection to the sea. Her great-grandfather and his brothers were boat builders in Nova Scotia, and their tragic deaths in a hurricane perhaps explain why she feels she has “saltwater in her blood,” she said.

Langley’s family loved to travel, and her first introduction to archaeology was in the American Southwest.

“I had an uncle in New Mexico whose home was on an active archaeological site. I was enthralled by the dig and seeing what they discovered.”

One specific childhood memory sealed her fate: “In the 1960s, my dad would bring home copies of old National Geographic magazines. On one cover, I saw a pair of hands, a flashlight on one wrist, in deep water, lifting an urn.”

That photograph of divers excavating an ancient shipwreck off the Yucatan Penin-

sula sparked a lifelong fascination.

“I always knew I wanted to be an archaeologist. Now I knew I could be one underwater,” she said.

Langley followed a path of rigorous academic training, specializing in anthropology, archaeology and maritime history. Before arriving in Maryland, she worked internationally, conducting excavations in Canada, Thailand and the Caribbean.

PHOTO BY NICHOLAS ZACHAR/NOAA

Susan Langley, Maryland’s state underwater archaeologist, has spent more than three decades studying our underwater history. “I’ve been so lucky to be on great projects and to have visited the most interesting places that I might not have seen otherwise,” Langley said.

Say cheese!

As the grandfather of the cutest 2-yearold on Earth…oh wait, let me show you. Nope, can’t get him to do his cutest things on camera. Have you noticed that?

Everyone seems to whip out their cellphone camera to record every little thing of interest. But the moment you do that in front of anyone age two or older, they stop doing what they were doing naturally and assume a pose for posterity.

Every time my grandson erupts in his infectious giggles, I grab my phone and… gone. When we put on music and he starts dancing and “conducting” it, I begin to video him, but he immediately stops.

tial observer, so even her corroboration isn’t enough to prove my claim. There is a name for this phenomenon, of course: the “observer effect,” which is apparently an extension of Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

Fortunately, my wife also sees him do cute things. But neither of us is an impar-

8+

Nobel prize-winning quantum physicist Werner Heisenberg proved that the mere act of measuring particles at the quantum level inevitably affects those particles, making it impossible to be certain of both their position and momentum at the same time.

When applied to larger-than-quantum people — perhaps especially 2-year-olds — I think it means we can never record our best moments together. Our human connection is what makes those moments

ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAMMING

Residences at Vantage Point resumes its Arts & Culture Collective, featuring cultural talks, workshops and artist exhibits. The meetings take place on Tuesday, April 8, 22 and 29 at 7 p.m. at 5400 Vantage Point Rd., Columbia. For more information, visit vantagepointresidences.org/events.

Beacon

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beautiful, and pulling out a cellphone breaks that connection.

In a variation on the theme, something older humans are likely to do in front of a camera is to be on our best behavior.

If we know we’re being recorded, we may stifle our yawns, stop grimacing and wave with a smile, put down that delicate item, open the door for another person and, in short, engage in whatever behavior we would prefer to be remembered for.

I suppose that’s a good thing. Those who believe they are always being watched “from above” are (presumably) more likely to be on their best behavior even behind closed doors.

Ironically, perhaps, at a time when the number of Americans who report “no religious affiliation” on surveys is at an alltime high, technology has introduced an “eye in the sky” that’s always watching us in the form of ubiquitous security cameras.

At least one study has shown that when such cameras are visible, they reduce the incidence of crime. Unfortunately, they also may reduce the incidence of cute behavior by children.

I am an amateur photographer — or was back in my youth, when I traveled around Europe carrying dozens of rolls of film in my backpack.

I discovered then that I could interact with my surroundings, whether natural or man-made, in one of two ways. I could ei-

ther stand and take it all in, trying to pay attention to the details, feel the overall effect, sear the image in my memory, and take that feeling with me on my travels. Or I could fiddle constantly with my camera, taking shots from every angle, switching between my wide-angle and telephoto lenses, trying different shutter speeds to improve or blur the depth of field, all hoping to come out of the experience with a cool shot I could blow up and frame on a wall back home.

Can you guess which approach I took most often? Yes, my favorite photos from those years are proudly framed on the walls of our home. And I do love looking at them.

But I have to admit, I hardly remember being in those places when I took those shots. My camera was there, but where was I?

Well, one good thing about my method of recording my travels for posterity is that I could count on the places not changing on me just because I took out my camera.

As for my grandson, I have come to love just being with him and enjoying every moment. And he really is the cutest toddler on Earth. You’ll just have to believe me.

Letters to the editor

Readers are encouraged to share their opinions 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.

WIND

ENSEMBLE CONCERT

Chamber Music Maryland presents a festive performance by the Italian Saxophone Quartet. The program features works by Handel, Rossini, Gershwin, Bernstein, Bizet and more. The concert takes place on Sun. April 6 at 4 p.m. at the Smith Theatre, Horowitz Center, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Single tickets are $45 with a $2.50 online ticketing fee and can be purchased at chambermusicmaryland.org or by calling the box office at (410) 997-2324, Monday through Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TAX PREPARATION HELP

If you need to file a tax return this year, you can file for free through the IRS at IRS.gov/FreeFile if your 2024 adjusted gross income wasbelow $84,000.For help, contact the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TCE provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 1-800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you. You can also get tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide service (AARP membership not required). Call 1-888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp for more information.

HOMEOWNERS’ AND RENTERS’ TAX CREDIT

Maryland provides tax relief for eligible homeowners and renters based on income relative to the amount of property taxes or rent paid. Homeowners’ and Renters’ Tax Credit applications are now available online, with a filing deadline of Oct. 1. To see if you’re eligible or submit an application, visit bit.ly/2025TaxCreditApplication.

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much-needed support to help older adults maintain their independence while improving their mental and emotional well-being.

ff Home care offeers tailored support that addresses the specific needs of older adults facing depression and isolation. Caregivers can provide the f foollowing home care services to not only alleviate practical burdens but also promote emotional and social well-being:

• Companionship and Social Interaction: Regular interactions with a caregiver ucef can help red fe e elings of df loneliness an fooster a sense of belonging. Whether it’s sharing meals, engaging in conversations, or participating in hobbies, caregivers provide

f meaning fu u l connections that can improve mental health and reduce isolation and depression.

• Encouragement of Routine and Activities: Depression often leads to withdrawal and inactivity. Caregivers can help establish and maintain daily routines, encourage participation in enjoyable activities, and even accompany clients on outings to boost mood and engagement.

• Emotional Support: Having someone to talk to and share concerns with can be ff invaluable. Caregivers offeer empathy and reassurance, which can make a significant diffffeerence in managing depression M it i d

• Monitoring and Communication: Caregivers can recognize changes in mood or behavior and alert family members or healthcare providers, ensuring timely interventions.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference:

Family & Nursing Care is a trusted leader in providing specialized home care services tailored to the needs of older ts. W adul We e understand the proffoound impact that depression and isolation can have ff on seniors, and offeera comprehensive range of services to support their mental health, including: • Companionship Services: Our network of experienced

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f y f The fo o cus on meaning fu u l interactions that enhance emotional well-being through engaging conversations, eating meals, playing games together and more.

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• Daily Living Assistance: By helping with personal care, meal preparation and household tasks, caregivers

d f reduce stress an frree up o f y f energ foor clients t fo o cus on their mental health and well-being.

At Family & Nursing Care, we are committed to enhancing the lives of older adults by addressing their physical, emotional and social needs. Our network of highly skilled caregivers provides not just care, but companionship and support that can make a world ce f f diff o ffeeren foor those facing depression and isolation.

T Tool earn more about Family ’ & Nursing Care ss ervices to help combat depression and isolation, call us at 410-6978200 or visit our website at f fa amilynursingcare.com.

Health Fitness & Fitness & Health

NIGHTTIME PAIN

Why we get leg cramps at night and what can be done about it

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A healthy diet may shut down some genes that cause disease

DEVICES USING AI

Gadgets screen for cancer, monitor diabetes and catch irregular heartbeats. Artificial intelligence, when used to analyze x-rays and MRIs, can spot disease that humans can miss

Procedure targets high blood pressure

By Lauran Neergaard

Nothing doctors prescribed controlled Michael Garrity’s dangerously high blood pressure — until they zapped away some nerves on his kidneys.

If that sounds weird, well, kidneys help regulate blood pressure in part through signals from certain nerves. The new treatment disrupts overactive renal nerves.

“My blood pressure would spike and I’d run out of breath and feel tired, and that doesn’t happen anymore,” said Garrity, 62, of Needham, Massachusetts. He still takes medicine but at lower doses, his blood pressure normal for the first time in years. “I’m thrilled.”

About half of U.S. adults have high blood

pressure. It’s a major risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, even dementia. Many people don’t even realize they have hypertension until it’s done serious damage.

“Know your blood pressure, know the numbers,” stressed Dr. Randy Zusman of Massachusetts General Hospital. He specializes in the hardest-to-treat cases and advises people who think they’re fine to at least get a yearly check.

Not well controlled

Only a fraction of patients have their hypertension well-controlled, meaning there’s a need for novel strategies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the “renal denervation” option about a year

ago, based on studies showing a modest benefit in patients whose blood pressure remains high despite multiple medicines.

Now, after the American Heart Association (AHA) recently deemed it promising, some hospitals including Mass General Brigham are cautiously offering it as they work out who are good candidates — and whether their insurance will cover a procedure costing thousands of dollars.

What is high blood pressure?

Two numbers describe blood pressure. The top, “systolic” pressure, is the force blood puts on the walls of arteries as it’s pumped out of the heart. The bottom “diastolic” number measures that same pressure but between heartbeats.

Drugs aren’t the only treatment

To treat high blood pressure, lifestyle changes are the first step, especially for otherwise healthy people. Guidelines urge losing weight, exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting salt and alcohol, and taking steps to handle stress.

Medicine is a must once hypertension reaches 140 over 90. The average patient requires two or three drugs, sometimes more, along with healthier living, Zusman said.

But the hypertension that Garrity has struggled with since his late 20s is treatment-resistant. Despite taking four to six drugs plus a strict diet and exercise, his blood pressure still soared.

What is renal denervation?

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Normal is less than 120 over 80. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, higher when you’re physically active or stressed.

But when it stays high — consistently 130 over 80 or higher, according to the most recent guidelines — it stiffens arteries and makes the heart work harder.

Doctors thread a small catheter, or tube, through blood vessels to reach the kidneys and then beam in ultrasound or radiofrequency energy.

How to measure blood pressure

Pharmacies and sometimes even libraries offer blood pressure screening, and people can use inexpensive at-home monitors.

To avoid falsely high readings, the American Medical Association has tips: Sit quietly with feet on the floor, legs not crossed. Place the cuff on a bare arm, not over clothing. Don’t dangle the arm — rest it on a table.

Those pulses pass through the renal arteries to selectively target surrounding nerves, said Dr. Joseph Garasic, a Mass General interventional cardiologist who performed Garrity’s procedure. It takes about an hour. It’s not a cure, and some patients get no benefit. But Garasic said multiple studies show on average an 8 to 10-point drop in blood pressure. Some see a bigger drop, enough to gradually scale back medications.

The FDA deemed the procedure safe for carefully chosen patients. It wasn’t tested in those with kidney disease or narrowed arteries, for example. —AP

Primary Care At Home

Providing primary care medical services in the comfort and convenience of your home for patients who have difficulty traveling to an office.

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Medicare telehealth coverage ended

By Donna LeValley

Prior to the Covid pandemic, Medicare covered telehealth (virtual doctor visits over the Internet) only for those in rural areas (with certain exceptions). Even then, patients were required to travel to an approved “originating site,” such as a clinic or doctor’s office in order to receive telehealth services.

To address the need to keep an eye on patients during Covid and all the related shutdowns, Medicare expanded its telehealth coverage to include patients’ homes as a permissible “originating site.”

While use of telehealth services has declined since those days, it remains nearly two times higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 12.7% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries receiving a telehealth service in the last three months of 2023.

Under current law, Medicare’s coverage of non-rural home-based telehealth ended on March 31, 2025. It was originally set to end on December 31, 2024, but was extended for three months by the American Relief Act (H.R. 10545), passed to fund the government and avoid a shutdown.

As of April 1, you must be in an office or medical facility located in a rural area (in the U.S.) for most telehealth services. However, if you aren’t in a rural healthcare setting, there are a limited number of telehealth services you will remain eligible to get.

Telehealth coverage

Until the end of March, Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covered certain telehealth services, and paid the same amount for those that you would pay if you received the services in person.

You’re responsible to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doc-

tor or other healthcare provider/practitioner’s services, and the Part B deductible applies.

Medicare currently offers telehealth coverage for preventive health screenings, office visits and psychotherapy. The menu of covered services was expanded in 2020 to include physical and occupational therapy, emergency department virtual visits and nursing facility care.

Of course, with telehealth, you can’t receive care that includes procedures that require a physical examination, taking blood or urine samples, performing x-rays or giving injections.

Here are ways telehealth can be used:

• Behavioral health services. Services offered include mental health screenings, addiction counseling, to monitor and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, and dispensing medication.

• Test results. Checking results from lab tests or x-rays.

• Follow-up care. Checking in with your provider after surgery and managing your medicines.

• Non-emergency urgent care. Getting help for common ailments such as colds or an upset stomach, and checking on common problems like headaches or infections.

• Therapeutic treatments. Physical or occupational therapy sessions.

• Remote monitoring. You can use technology to track and share health data with your health provider. This is called remote patient monitoring or RPM. Some RPM tools track blood sugar levels, heart rates, blood pressure and weight.

Some services continue

Telehealth services that continue for all Medicare patients even after March 31 include:

• Monthly End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) visits for home dialysis

• Services for diagnosis, evaluation or treatment of symptoms of an acute stroke wherever you are, including in a mobile stroke unit

• Behavioral health services, also called mental health services, for the diagnosis, evaluation or treatment of a mental health disorder, including in your home

• Services to treat a substance use disorder or a co-occurring mental health disorder including in your home

• Diabetes self-management training

• Medical nutrition therapy

What you can do

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are required to cover all Part A and Part B benefits covered under traditional Medicare, and have some flexibility to offer additional telehealth benefits, similar to their coverage of eye exams and dental check-ups.

MA plans may continue to offer the expanded services after March 31 regardless

of the status of the temporary telehealth expansions in traditional Medicare. Check with area Medicare Advantage providers.

A workaround for those enrolled in traditional Medicare is using a provider that participates in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO).

An ACO is a group of doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers who work together to coordinate your healthcare. They are permitted to waive these requirements and may continue to provide telehealth services without geographic restrictions, even after the current flexibilities expire for Medicare generally.

Congress could vote to continue Medicare coverage of telehealth, but the legislation proposed doesn’t include a repeal and only offers a temporary extension of the waiver of the requirements.

[Call or write your Congressional representatives to express your views.]

© 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Housing Communities

o Brooke Grove (see ad on page 24)

o Charlestown (see ad on page 7)

o Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant (see ad on page 5)

o Park View at Colonial Landing (see ad on page 9)

o Park View at Columbia (see ad on page 9)

o Park View at Ellicott City (see ad on page 9)

o Park View at Emerson (see ad on page 9)

o Residences at Vantage Point (see ad on page 1)

(evening)

What to do about nighttime leg cramps

By Howard LeWine

Q: I get these brutal leg cramps at night that wake me from sleep. I can never predict when and why they happen. Are there ways to prevent them?

A: Leg cramps are muscle spasms that happen when nerves that power muscle contractions go into a nonstop firing mode. They are more common among people with foot problems like flat feet or high arches, metabolic disorders, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or neuropathy (nerve damage).

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, such as low blood potassium or magnesium levels (a common side effect of diuretics), can increase the risk of cramping. However, many people with recurrent leg cramps cannot identify a cause.

How to stop or prevent one

To stop a foot or leg cramp once it happens, stand up and slowly lean forward. If you don’t want to get out of bed, sit up and reach forward so you can grab your toes, then slowly bend your foot up toward your head. Hold for about 20 seconds, then re-

lease. Repeat as needed.

Despite the lack of scientifically proven ways to prevent recurrent nighttime leg cramps, a few approaches may be worth trying.

Begin with stretching exercises. While facing a wall and standing about two feet away, lean forward until your hands touch the wall. Keep your legs straight and feet flat on the floor.

You should feel a stretch, but it should not be painful. Hold the position for 20 seconds and release.

Repeat the stretch four to five times. Try to do this three times per day for at least the first few weeks and then as needed. The most important time to stretch is before bedtime.

Other preventive measures include staying well hydrated, wearing well-fitting supportive footwear during the day, and keeping the bedding at your feet loose during the night.

Although the evidence isn’t strong, some people find that taking a daily B-complex vitamin supplement containing eight B vitamins — B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic

acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 — helps prevent cramps.

Quinine is one drug known to be effective in reducing the frequency of muscle cramps. However, the drug is out-ofbounds for most people.

Quinine has FDA approval to treat certain types of malaria. But the FDA has issued repeated warnings against using quinine to prevent or treat leg cramps because it may cause serious side effects, including severe anemia, bleeding and kid-

ney damage.

Although doctors can still prescribe quinine, it is recommended only when cramps are disabling and the person understands the significant risks.

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, see health.harvard.edu. © 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Can diet override genetic disease risk?

By Densie Webb

The question of “nature versus nurture” usually refers to a person’s personality and weighs which is most likely to determine who you will be as an adult.

But the question of nature versus nurture is also relevant to your risk of developing certain diseases.

Your genetic makeup, passed onto you from your parents, determines everything from the color of your eyes and hair to your predisposition to certain diseases. That’s nature.

Everyone knows that eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers. That’s nurture.

Your genetic makeup is beyond your control, but can what you eat throughout your lifetime override your genes and reduce your disease risk?

Not exactly, said Debbie Petitpain, MBA, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Diet and lifestyle choices can greatly influence whether certain genes are turned on or off,” she said. “So even if someone has a genetic predisposition to a particular disease, healthy food choices and supplements can reduce the risk or delay the onset. But I wouldn’t refer to this as an ‘override.’”

Nutrigenomics

The study of diet’s effect on genes is

called “nutrigenomics,” and it’s a growing and constantly evolving research field.

It’s important to remember that not every gene is affected by diet. Diseases such as Huntington’s disease or cystic fibrosis, for example, are determined by specific genetic mutations that exist at birth, and diet won’t have a significant impact on the course of the disease.

Diet may not completely control your genes, but what you eat does have the power to turn on or off genetic markers for some preventable diseases.

Your diet can affect the “on” or “off” switch for genes in a variety of ways.

A recent study out of the UK of more than 350,000 adults found that a healthy lifestyle — which included a healthy diet, physical activity, and not smoking — offset a genetic predisposition to disease by 60% and added an average of five years to life for subjects.

The effect of diet alone wasn’t teased out, but the researchers concluded that, regardless of a person’s genetic background, a healthy diet as part of a healthy lifestyle could reduce the risk for disease and extend life.

Nutrigenetics

While diet can affect gene expression, the reverse is also true. Genes can affect the absorption and metabolism of certain nutrients, which in turn affect the way in which those nutrients turn on or off specific disease-related genes.

Several genes are known to influence how nutrients are metabolized. This area of study is called “nutrigenetics.”

Diet, of course, affects the gut microbiome — the 40 trillion bacteria, viruses, yeast and fungi that reside in the intestinal tract. That population of microorganisms can affect health for good or bad, depending on the balance of “good” and “bad” microorganisms.

A high-fiber diet, probiotics, fermented foods, plus yellow, green and orange fruits and vegetables are all beneficial for the balance, which can in turn influence whether a gene is activated or remains dormant.

The future: Personalized diets

The hope is that eventually, you will be able to get a blood test that would provide the information needed to know whether a Mediterranean diet might be better for reducing your disease risk than, say, a vegan diet.

The goal is to eventually evolve from one-size-fits-all dietary recommendations to tailor-made recommendations based on an individual’s genetic makeup.

Government-funded research and private companies are working to develop reliable methods that take into account as many factors as possible that could affect the “on/off switch” for genes that influence disease risk.

A personalized diet will depend on that person’s genetic makeup, microbiome balance and other lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, exposure to toxins in the environment and smoking status. More research is necessary.

“The relationship between genes and diet is complex and not fully understood,” Petitpain said. “The interaction between multiple genes and environmental factors can make it difficult to predict how someone will respond to a particular diet based on genetics alone.”

Bottom line

Until accurate and reliable genetic testing to determine the specific diet to reduce your disease risk is widely available, dietitian Petitpain said to try to maintain a healthy diet.

“We know the fundamentals of healthpromoting diets,” she said. “Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, unprocessed foods low in salt and sugar, and avoid solid fats and too much alcohol.”

Following a balanced, plant-based diet fits the bill and has been linked to a decreased risk of several diseases.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800-8295384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2024 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Gadgets to diagnose and monitor health

Today, we’re diving into how AI (artificial intelligence) and advanced gadgets are transforming diagnostics, telehealth and personal health management.

Let’s start with diagnostics. Imagine you have a lump or need some imaging for your abdomen or knee, for example. AI can now quickly analyze your x-rays, MRIs and pathology slides and catch details that might have slipped past even the most experienced specialist.

Remote-monitoring devices

Real-world conditions like diabetes, hypertension or even heart arrhythmias are now more manageable with telehealth devices.

DEAR PHARMACIST

By Suzy Cohen

For example, Aidoc’s AI helps emergency departments identify pulmonary embolisms or brain hemorrhages in record time, even before a radiologist reviews the scan.

Early cancer detection

AI has been particularly revolutionary in spotting early-stage breast cancer and lung cancer — conditions where early detection can make a life-saving difference.

A study published in The Lancet Digital Health in 2022 found that AI systems in mammography detected breast cancer with accuracy comparable to that of human radiologists, with fewer false negatives.

But what’s truly game-changing is personalized healthcare. AI programs can analyze your unique data and consider your complex medical history, genetic details and even lifestyle factors to create customized diagnostics.

It’s like having a personal Sherlock Holmes dedicated to solving your health puzzles.

For example, AI helps tailor treatment plans for complex conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Apps like MyGIHealth analyze symptoms and dietary habits to recommend personalized lifestyle changes, all while tracking improvements over time.

BEACON BITS

April 12

HOWARD COUNTY GREENFEST

Stop by GreenFest, Howard County’s annual celebration of Earth Day, to meet with local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to help all become better stewards of the environment. This free event features a native plant sale, food trucks, green vendors, giveaways, workshops and more. GreenFest takes place on Sat., April 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Howard Community College Academic Commons, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. For more information, visit hcgreenfest.org or call Alan Wilcom at (410) 313-6433.

Thanks to remote patientmonitoring gadgets like KardiaMobile or the new Apple Watch, healthcare providers can track metrics such as blood pressure, heart rate or blood sugar levels in real time. Imagine catching an irregular heartbeat or an impending hypertensive crisis before it escalates.

Non-invasive glucose monitoring is the next big thing. While “Raman spectroscopy-based” gadgets to analyze body fluids without needles are still in develop-

ment, continuous glucose monitoring devices like the Dexcom G7 and Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 are making diabetes management easier than ever. No more finger sticks, just continuous data delivered straight to your smartphone from a tiny implanted sensor.

And it’s not just for diabetes. Health wearables like Fitbit now sync with AIpowered apps that analyze sleep, activity and even stress levels.

For example, if you’re recovering from long Covid or managing chronic fatigue syndrome, these gadgets can identify patterns and suggest tweaks to optimize your energy levels.

What does all this mean for you? It means healthcare is becoming more accessible, accurate and personalized than ever. Diagnosing early-stage cancer, managing diabetes without needles, or pre-

venting a heart attack with a smartwatch — it’s not just possible; it is happening.

But here’s the thing: While AI and gadgets are incredible tools, they’re not replacements for the human touch in healthcare. Your doctor, pharmacist and other providers are still your most valuable resources.

Until next time, keep your health in check and your gadgets close! If this topic is interesting to you and you’d like more information on health wearables, I have a more comprehensive blog on my website at suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe

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MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141

Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150

Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

BALTIMORE CITY

Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180

Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301

The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487

Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445

Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440

Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344

Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660

Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888

The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000

The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100

The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000

The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988

Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464

Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better

Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665

Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886

Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363

Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185

Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

EASTERN SHORE

Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY

Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064

Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY

Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399

Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118

Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501

Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096

Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322

Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better

Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526

Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

Travel Leisure &

Iceland has more than 10,000 waterfalls. See story below.

A road trip throughout dramatic Iceland

By Don Mankin

Swirling iridescent lights danced slowly across the pitch-black sky. It was only my second night in Iceland, and I was experiencing a light show unmatched since my psychedelic 60s.

I was in Stykkisholmur in West Iceland on a two-week road trip around Iceland in September. For the first week, I traveled with my friend and colleague Michael Bennett, the founder of a Seattle-based travel design company. On the second week, I continued the adventure on my own.

Iceland is often called the Land of Fire and Ice. To that I would add water, rocks and the Northern Lights. Its scenery is incredibly varied: waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, fjords, volcanoes, steam vents, idyllic farmland and lava in various forms, shapes and sizes.

The country’s beautiful, dramatic and often harsh landscape lends itself to the kind of mindful rumination I was seeking — about my life, my past, and my future, such as it is, at age 82.

West Iceland’s national park

Two hours after our plane landed, Michael and I were soaking in the geothermal waters of the posh Retreat spa at the Blue Lagoon.

Before we turned into limp noodles, we got into our 4x4 SUV and drove three hours north to Stykkisholmur, a quaint, scenic town and gateway to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

The highlight of our two days there was a spectacular drive around the peninsula through Snaefellsjökull National Park, which wraps around a massive glacier.

On one side of the road was the sea; on the other, sharp, craggy, blown-out volcanoes with waterfalls tumbling down from the jagged heights. The Northern Lights made their grand appearance that night.

The South’s Golden Circle

Our next stop was the South Coast, only a couple hours’ drive from Reykjavik, the capital.

The scenery on the South Coast is just as dramatic as on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula — a vertical world of flat coastal planes ending abruptly against soaring cliffs, buttes and mountains cut by canyons and waterfalls and capped by glaciers.

Here we saw tall waterfalls, wide waterfalls, waterfalls you can walk behind, waterfalls that morph into wisps in the wind and disappear before they reach the ground.

On the Golden Circle, the country’s most famous scenic route, the Gulfoss wa-

terfall’s wide, thundering falls create mist that will soak you to the bone unless you are fully encased in Gore-Tex.

The South Coast also has an active geyser and black-sand beaches with towers of lava molded into bizarre shapes by the wind and water.

Otherworldly Central Highlands

My favorite destination of the trip was Highland Base, a rugged yet luxurious resort in a remote mountain range in central Iceland. Getting there required a long drive through harsh tundra, bouncing on a gravel road with one pothole after another.

A heavy fog hung over the tundra as we drove, making the experience a bit spooky. Through the fog, I could barely make out the landscape, but what I could see looked like a cross between Mars and the Scottish moors.

On our one full day at the resort, Michael and I hiked up a hill, then across a rocky plateau strewn with lava boulders with a 360-degree view of two huge glaciers, icy ridges and valleys.

Later, we followed a trail alongside a river that opened up onto an unexpectedly colorful vista of yellow-green moss on the black lava slopes. This, plus the blue sky and a sparkling white glacier in the distance, made for one of

the most beautiful views of our trip.

We ended the day by soaking in the outdoor bath with views of the otherworldly surroundings.

The North’s glacial canyon, volcanic lake

A four-hour drive north (half on a rough, potholed road) took us to the rolling countryside of northern Iceland, then along a long fjord framed by snowcapped mountain ridges.

The last hour of the drive was on a road with seaside cliffs on one side and equally steep cliffs on the other. This marked the end of our week together, a week filled with laughs, stories and heartfelt conversations that strengthened our friendship.

As Michael noted later, “Despite the significant difference in our ages, it was reassuring to see that we are dealing with many of the same challenges — the highs and lows of love and loss, figuring out who we are and where we are going, and where to find a good craft beer.”

After dropping off Michael at the airport in Akureyri, the second largest city in Iceland, I was on my own.

I headed to Asbyrgi Canyon, part of

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and April. The iconic lightshow is often visible at around midnight.

Two James Bond movies were filmed at Iceland’s most famous glacial lake, Jökulsarlon, located in Southeast Iceland, about five hours from Reykjavik.

From page 10

Jokulsargljufur National Park, a long canyon with several hikes and scenic viewpoints. The walks and hikes I chose were short and easy, including one to the river at the bottom of the canyon through woods glowing gold with autumn colors.

I also took an early morning walk to the bottom of the canyon for up-close views of lava towers shaped by cones, cubes and columns of basalt.

Best of all was the short walk to the viewpoint for Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Europe. A rainbow shone through the mist rising from the pounding water.

My final destination was Lake Myvatn, a volcanic landscape of craters, geothermal baths and steaming pools and vents. I ended the long day by soaking in my hotel’s spring-fed hot tub while gazing at the sheep and horses next door.

The East Coast: Fjords and waterfalls

The drive to my next stop, Egilsstadir, on the fjord-carved east coast, was the most harrowing drive of the trip — a tense, white-knuckled three hours through a driving snowstorm.

After checking into my hotel and chilling out for a couple of hours, I got back into the car and drove along Lagerflot

Lake to Hengifoss, yet another stunning waterfall at the end of a steep, uphill trail. The drive along the lake was almost as stunning as the waterfall, with the autumn colors lighting up the way.

On my last day I drove to see the Jokulsarlon glacier, the country’s largest glacier.

Far less crowded, though, is the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, just a few miles down the road. I had the beach pretty much to myself for several minutes of quiet contemplation.

During the trip, I had plenty of such opportunities for reflection. On what, you might ask? The meaning of life? Hardly.

But I did think a lot about the meaning of my life. Have I lived my life well? Would I change anything, if I had it to do over again? Perhaps most important, how am I doing now?

Since I was in Iceland, hiking, soaking in hot natural baths and looking at stunning scenery, I figured that the answer to, “How am I doing now?” was, in the words of Larry David, “Pretty, pretty, pretty good.”

If you go

Nonstop round-trip airfare from BWI is about $450 on Icelandair.

In Stykkisholmur in the west, a double room in the Hotel Karolina (hotelkarolina.is) is about $200/night.

On the south coast, the Skalakot Manor Hotel (skalakot.is) is about $350/night, as are self-catering cabins at Seljalandsfoss

Horizons (seljalandsfoss.is).

Highland Base (highlandbase.is) in the central highlands ranges from $350 to $800/night.

In Asbyrgi in the north, the Hotel Skulagardur (skulagardur.com) is about

$100/night. The Sel Hotel Myvatn (myvatn.is), also in the north, is about $125.

On the east coast, Hotel Eyvindara (eyvindara.is) is about $280, and the Hrafnavellir Guesthouse (hrafnavellir.is) is $250.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

When you pre-plan your funeral, you give both yourself and your family a great gix

Your service will be exactly as you wish, and your family won’t be burdened with arrangements.

Pre-planning also fixes the cost at today’s prices. Plus: We offer a price-match guarantee!

Upcoming Programs for 50 Years + Recreation & Parks

To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap.

Special Events

Kid’s Fest

Have a blast with the family at the annual Kid’s Fest. Enjoy sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and more. Preregistration is encouraged ($8 per child, $10 per child on-site–no cash). Info/registration: Amy Patton, 410-313-4718, apatton@howardcountymd.gov, or www.howardcountymd.gov/kids-fest. 2-12 yrsMeadowbrook Pk

Apr 19 11am-2pm Sa $8

Earth Day Celebration Events

Celebrate Earth Day with us to support the community. For a full list of Earth Day volunteer activities, visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org and search using the keyword “Earth.” Preregistration is required.

All agesCounty locations

Apr 26 9am-noonSa Free

Spring Community Yard Sale at NLCC

Clean out your basements, closets and garages for a day of selling and buying. Reservations required on a first-come, first-served basis. Your $25 vendor fee includes 2 spaces and 1 table. Registration/Info: Adam Sterner, 410-313-0457 or asterner@howardcountymd.gov.

All agesFree for shoppers$25 per vendor space

RP4401.304 N Laurel CCApr 26 9am-noon Sa

Belmont’s Spring Open House & Venue Showcase

Experience the rich history and beauty of Belmont Manor & Historic Park – Elkridge’s Hidden Gem! Explore one of county’s best kept historical secrets. Take a step back in time as you stroll through the majestic gardens, meander around the grounds, and explore the manor house. For those in search of the perfect venue for an upcoming special occasion or wedding, stop by our tent and speak with local vendors who work many of the special events at Belmont. Registration is not required but encouraged. Vendors tables are available (email BelmontManorMD@howardcountymd.gov for details). Event Info: 410-313-0200.

All agesBelmont Manor

RP9900.301Apr 2711am-3pmSuFree (Public)

RP9900.302Apr 2711am-3pmSu$30 (Vendors)

Technology

• Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

How to use your Phone/Tablet effectively

Learn how to connect your iPhone with your iPad. Discover useful free apps for your phone. Learn about backing up your phone and how to use voice communication to gain information. Bring your smart phone and/or tablet.

50 yrs +Instructor: Constance LoweClasses: 1

RP3523.301N Laurel CC Apr 2310-11amW$25

RP3523.302Gary J Arthur CC May 1610-11amF$25

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/activeaging50 for more 50 yrs + programs!

Dance

• Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Beginner Ballet for Active Aging Adults

with Carol Asher

v. that e and ble h

This adult beginner ballet dance class is filled with graceful and fluid movements that help build strength and flexibility while having fun. Ballet is characterized by grace and precision of movement. Beautiful classical music is added to this light and enjoyable class. No equipment is needed. Come and enjoy this weekly class and socialize with members of the community.

50 yrs +Classes: 8

RP3508.301Roger Carter CCApr 2312:30-1:30pmW$89

Dancing in the Water

Improve and increase your strength, coordination, and balance. Learn to dance without the need of a partner. This is a low impact class designed to allow the water to help get you back to dancing. The class instructor is Tom Sellner.

50 yrs +Classes: 5

RP3574.301Roger Carter CCApr 127:15-8amSa$68

Fitness

• Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

NEW! Functional Movement with Ladies of MaxxFit

Join The Ladies of Maxxfit’s trainer for a rejuvenating, functional movement class that focuses solely on body weight exercises to enhance your strength, flexibility, and overall mobility! In this dynamic, 45-minute session, engage in a variety of movements designed to improve your everyday functionality (from squats and lunges to planks and balance drills). Class is suitable for all fitness levels and emphasizes proper form and technique to help you build a strong foundation while reducing the risk of injury. A knowledgeable instructor guides you through each exercise, ensure that you are empowered and energized. Experience the benefits of functional fitness and unlock your body’s full potential in this engaging and supportive environment!

50 yrs +Classes: 10No class 4/20

RP3534.301Roger Carter CCApr 6 10-11amSu$119

RP3534.401Roger Carter CCJun 22 10-11amSu$119

Light Fitness with Kathy Whelan, ACE, GFI

Enjoy a light 55-minute workout to start your day and enhance flexibility. Participants improve muscle movement, making it easier to execute a wide range of motion. This class includes low impact aerobics, stretching, muscle toning, and activities aimed at improving overall health.

50 yrs +Meets twice a weekClasses: 12No class 5/12, 5/26

RP3585.301Cedar Ln Rec CtrApr 2810:30-11:30amM,W$90

Nature

• Info: Robinson Nature Center, 410-313-0400.

Sr. Naturalist Program

Having fun in nature is for all ages! This program provides a foundation of understanding on a variety of environmental topics through hands-on exploration and demonstrations in a casual, social atmosphere. Topics change monthly, based on seasonal happenings. Bats: Learn about these misunderstood flying mammals. Take a walk on the property to identify potential nesting sites. Learn about bat conservation. Spring Birding: Enjoy an afternoon practicing bird ID, learning about the best way to support migrating birds, and using helpful technology for your birding.

50 yrs +Robinson Nature CtrClasses: 1

RP4831.301BatsApr 173-4:30pmW$15

RP4831.302Spring BirdingMay 153-4:30pmW$15

• Info: Tracy Adkins, 410-313-7279 or tadkins@howardcountymd.gov.

MGM Casino and National Market

The MGM Grand Casino at National Harbor is a spectacular $1.4 billion Las Vegasstyle luxury facility just south of Washington, D.C. Come spend the day and try your luck at the ultimate casino and gaming experience! Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many award-winning restaurants nearby or shop at several boutique venues. 18 yrs +Bus provided RP4548.301Apr 179am-4pmTh$89

Afternoon Tea at Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Garden

See an amazing and iconic venue! Marjorie Merriweather Post was a leading American socialite and the owner of General Foods. She used much of her fortune to collect art now on display at Hillwood, this museum that was her estate. Walk through her former residence and experience the many elegant personal touches that made Hillwood one of Washington’s most memorable homes. Join us for an impressive afternoon tea at a beautiful venue with a delightfully elegant menu. 18 yrs +Bus provided RP4585.302Apr 249:30am-4pmTh$129

National Cathedral Flower Mart

Since 1939, All Hallows Guild has hosted The National Cathedral Flower Mart, an irresistible array of festival foods, boutique gifts, herbs, and flowers which fill the nave and grounds of the historic Cathedral. This is a very popular trip and sells out quickly! Lunch is on your own at the café or from one of the many on-site food vendors.

18 yrs +Bus provided RP4576.301May 29am-3pmF$89

Meet You There – Toby’s Dinner Theater: The Music Man

This rousing production of “The Great All-American Musical” follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he promises to invigorate a small Iowa town by selling the idea of a boys’ band. This 6-time Tony Award-winning musical features “76 Trombones,” “The Wells Fargo Wagon,” “Trouble,” “Goodnight My Someone,” and “Till There Was You.” The New York Times cites, “The Music Man” is musical comedy at its feel-good best.” Enjoy a delicious dinner buffet with the show!

18 yrs +Bus provided RP4583.301May 96-9pm F$89

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Who’s best to grant power of attorney to?

By Peter Newman

Appointing someone to act on your behalf under a power of attorney (POA) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your estate planning process. The POA grants significant authority over your finances, healthcare or both, so choosing wisely ensures that your wishes will be respected and carried out effectively.

Here are the key qualities to look for in the person to whom you grant POA: Trustworthiness. The person named in your POA, commonly referred to as your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” will have legal authority to act on your behalf. It’s therefore vital that they are trustworthy, will prioritize your best interests and will follow your instructions.

Competence and expertise. Ideally, the person you choose should be organized, detail-oriented and capable of managing financial or healthcare decisions. Someone with experience in these areas — such

as a professional fiduciary or financially savvy relative — can be a good choice.

Emotional stability. Your agent must remain calm and logical in high-pressure or emotional situations, such as handling end-of-life decisions or managing your assets during a medical crisis.

Proximity. While not mandatory, choosing someone who lives nearby can be helpful, especially for healthcare decisions or if frequent in-person actions are required.

Willingness and availability. The role of an agent can be time-consuming and stressful. Ensure the person you choose is willing to take on the responsibility and has the time to dedicate to managing your affairs.

Can you choose your adult child?

Choosing an agent is a critical decision, and while many people consider naming their children, this option may not always be ideal. Here are five good reasons not to name

your children in your power of attorney:

1. Potential for family conflict: If you have multiple children, appointing one child as your agent can lead to disagreements or jealousy among siblings. This may strain family relationships.

2. Lack of financial or legal expertise: Managing someone else’s financial or healthcare decisions can be complex. Your child may lack the necessary knowledge to handle these responsibilities.

3. Emotional involvement: Children, no matter how well meaning, may struggle to make objective decisions during emotionally charged situations. For example, in end-of-life healthcare decisions, they might allow their emotions to override your stated wishes or act out of guilt rather than logic.

4. Conflicting priorities: Your child may already have significant personal or professional obligations, such as managing their own family or career. Adding the

responsibilities of a POA could overwhelm them, leading to delays or mistakes in managing your affairs.

5. Risk of misuse or abuse of authority: Although rare, there is always a risk that a child with POA might misuse the authority, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This could include mismanaging funds, making decisions that benefit them financially, or ignoring your stated wishes. Choosing an impartial third party can mitigate this risk.

Alternative solutions

If you decide not to appoint your child, consider naming:

• A trusted, objective relative with relevant expertise

• A close friend or adviser who understands your wishes

• A professional fiduciary, attorney or

, page 18 A new book captures 20 retirement lessons from experts. See story on opposite page.

POWER OF

How to allocate a well-balanced portfolio

By Zain Jaffer

The 60/40 portfolio, consisting of 60% U.S. stocks and 40% U.S. Treasury bonds, has become the cornerstone makeup of most portfolios ever since John Bogle of Vanguard released the company’s Balanced fund several years ago.

Generally, in most years the 60/40 portfolio has provided good returns, with some years going below expectations, such as when the selected stocks in a 60% allocation were not the best that could have been picked.

Still, as a general statement, if you believe in the U.S. economy and government, the 60/40 allocation should work well for most people.

As the U.S. economy grows, a well-selected set of stocks from the S&P 500 coupled with long-duration Treasury bonds and some short-term bills, if managed well, should give decent returns in most years.

Sometimes a hedge is needed

The problem is if the assumptions above are no longer true. For example, during periods of recession where the economy shrinks or contracts, stock prices general-

ly fall to reflect the projected smaller discounted present value cash flows they would get.

Or, if Congress fails to rein in spending, the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio will keep growing. At some point, bondholders might hesitate to buy more bonds because the U.S. then becomes like a credit card holder who does not pay their bills but still insists on charging more to their card.

Then the U.S. Treasury will likely be forced to offer higher yields to attract buyers, which would raise our interest payments and thus increase our deficit even further.

Plus, when the U.S. prints more money that is backed by debt and not actual revenue from tariffs and tax collections, inflation rises and further dampens the real economy because of the excess currency in the system.

Because of these factors, I believe that with the current situation, it is wise to add an uncorrelated hedge to one’s 60/40 allocation.

An uncorrelated hedge is a protective investment against situations where both stocks and bonds underperform, partially due to the reasons I described earlier.

In other words, you want some of your

bets to win to counteract losses in others. If all your bets are correlated, then you could lose on all of them at once.

Examples of uncorrelated hedges

Some possible uncorrelated hedges to stocks and bonds include gold, silver, ETFs, cryptos, commodities, oil, futures, fine art, luxury watches and the like. The price movements of these assets do not necessarily mirror the movements of stocks (though they sometimes do).

As for how much of your portfolio to devote to such hedges, maybe 4%, more or less, but the actual ratio is up to you. Thus it might be more like 58/38/4, but you determine what it should be.

The thing to remember is that you need to keep allocations to these hedging assets small — small enough that if these were to go to zero, you might have a bad day, but not enough of a loss to wipe you out or feel devastating.

You also want to pick assets that have a high chance of outperforming the S&P 500 if these do well. In plain English, if you are going to take a risky bet, it better be worthwhile if you win. Otherwise, what is

the point of taking the extra risk?

In financial parlance, an asset should have a high alpha (i.e., return over the S&P 500) and ideally a low beta (i.e., volatility). However, sometimes the outsized returns come from highly volatile and very speculative assets, such as cryptos.

The best way to approach this is that if you feel that an asset is extremely volatile price-wise, but can have a potential exponential return, then size your position so that it is small.

That way, if you lose, you will not lose much; but if it goes exponentially parabolic, you at least have a small position in it that could potentially offset any losses from your “safe” 60/40 allocation.

There are no guarantees in life. No one can predict the future. You could get run over just crossing the street.

But if you are hedged properly with a small amount of uncorrelated assets, you might actually grow and preserve your capital despite the many rocky situations you might encounter in the future. © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

What you need to know about retirement

Christine Benz, the director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar, has written an excellent book that I highly recommend. The book, How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful and Wealthy Retirement, is based on interviews with leading experts in all phases of retirement.

What makes Benz’s book different from most retirement planning guides is that she doesn’t focus only on the financial aspects of retirement. She interviews knowledgeable individuals who are able to discuss quality-of-life issues that are crucial to happiness in later life, including establishing important relationships.

Pfau and Mary Beth Franklin, who have all written excellent retirement planning books. Here are some of the topics Benz discusses with experts that will help you plan a more successful retirement:

Asset allocation

By Elliot Raphaelson

Benz interviewed William Bernstein, who recommends that in order to change your portfolio effectively as you enter retirement, you should ask yourself four questions: What is your planned spending rate? After answering this question, you would know how aggressive you have to be in structuring your portfolio.

who is willing to invest conservatively because he wants to be able to endow a wing to a hospital.

Plan for healthcare

Benz interviewed Carolyn McClanahan, who emphasizes the importance of having a good primary doctor. She recommends a primary doctor who is a “board-certified geriatrician.” Make sure that you select a retirement location in which there is no shortage of doctors.

She reviews the pros and cons of different insurance options. If you select a plan that doesn’t cover dental, vision and hearing, you should have an emergency fund to cover such costs.

McClanahan also points out the importance of having long-term care insurance, noting that traditional Medicare does not cover long-term care in a nursing facility.

For example, in the closing chapter, she interviews a physician who gave up a highpaying position to focus on lessons he learned about living a productive life from individuals who were at the end of their lives.

Many of the experts whom Benz interviewed, and others who have recommended this book, have written their own books that I previously have recommended because of their expertise.

These authors include Ed Slott, Wade

At what age do you plan to retire? The expected length of your retirement also dictates how aggressive your portfolio should be.

What is your risk tolerance? If you are very conservative and want to avoid large fluctuations in value, this will determine how conservative your portfolio should be.

Finally, what balance do you wish to strike between making a bequest with your money and “personal safety”? Bernstein uses the example of an individual

Power of

institution experienced in POA duties

This approach ensures decisions are made objectively, professionally, and in line with your best interests.

Consider a professional agent

If you’re concerned about conflicts of interest, emotional decision-making or lack of expertise, a professional agent might be a better option. Examples include attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), licensed fiduciaries and trust companies.

These professionals are experienced, impartial, and legally bound to act in your best interests.

Legal and practical steps

decisions every few years to ensure your chosen representative is still the best fit.

Risks of not having a POA

• Define your wishes clearly. Draft a comprehensive POA document that spells out your preferences, powers granted and any limitations.

Consult an attorney. Work with an estate planning attorney to ensure your POA document is legally valid and tailored to your specific needs and state laws.

If you do not designate a representative in a POA, decisions about your finances and healthcare could fall to a court-appointed guardian or conservator. This process can be lengthy and costly, and may result in someone you wouldn’t have chosen managing your affairs.

Communicate with your chosen agent. Have an open discussion with the person you’re considering to ensure they’re comfortable with their power of attorney duties and fully understand your wishes.

Peter Newman, a CFA with Peak Wealth Planning, LLC, provides estate guidance in the context of financial planning. For more information, email info@peakwealthplanning.com. However, your estate attorney and CPA should be the final authority on your estate documents and tax matters.

Review and update regularly. Life circumstances change. Revisit your POA

© 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

nancial issue is covered by an expert. You will find this book to be a great addition to your library.

The book covers all other important issues relevant to retirement, such as a comprehensive estate plan, Social Security, taxes and housing. And every important fi-

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2024 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Arts & Style

Dolly Parton marks 30 years of free books

By Margaret Foster

Every month, preschool children in Howard County receive a brand new book in the mail from none other than Dolly Parton. The Grammy-winning singer celebrates her Imagination Library’s 30th anniversary this year.

The program launched in Howard County in 2018, and since then, 1,529 children in the county have received nearly 30,000 free books.

Based in Ellicott City, Bright Minds Foundation’s Read With Me program partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to help “inspire a love of reading,” according to its annual report.

A home library helps foster a love of books. Each child who enrolls in the free program receives as many as 50 books before kindergarten.

Tribute to Parton’s father

As Dolly Parton fans may know, she grew up in a poor family with 11 brothers and sisters in eastern Tennessee.

Her father, Robert Lee Parton, was one of 15 children, and although he was intelligent (“horse sense,” Parton calls it), he never

learned to read, which he felt embarrassed about throughout his life.

When Dolly was 49 years old, she decided to donate books to preschool children in the hopes that they would learn to read early in life.

“I said, ‘Daddy, I’m going to start something that you’re going to have to help me with,’” Parton told a live audience in 2022.

The program started small in 1995, mailing books to households in her hometown community of Sevier County.

“My dad and I thought that this would be something that would go maybe a county, maybe two or three counties over,” she said. “We had no idea when we started this that it was going to become what it has become.”

Now celebrating its 30th year, the Imagination Library has mailed more than 270 million books to children in America, Canada, the UK, Ireland and Australia.

More than three million children in those countries currently receive monthly books from the program, which starts at birth and continues until the child turns five.

Although her father died in 2000, Parton said, “My dad got to live long enough to see

it through, and he got such a big kick out of hearing the kids call me The Book Lady.”

How the program works

The books are completely free for families; instead, 3,000 local partners help cover the costs of the Imagination Library. Most partners are state governments or

Pre-concert lecture, 7 PM The Jim Rouse Theatre at Wilde Lake, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia, MD 21044

Dolly Parton read her book to children at the Library of Congress in D.C. in 2018, when her Imagination Library delivered its 100 millionth free book.

Susan Langley is Maryland’s state underwater archaeologist. Our cover story continues on page 20.

Working underwater

Langley regards shipwrecks as “historical snapshots” that provide unique insight into the past: its culture, economy, trade and technological advancements. She’s an underwater time traveler, navigating from prehistoric sites of Indigenous people to colonial settlements to the War of 1812 to 20 th -century wartime relics.

While traditional archaeologists work with sun-bleached ruins and other underwater specialists work in the crystal-clear waters of tropical islands, Langley faces

the cloudy waters of the bay, where visibility can be as poor as a few inches. Langley describes it as “archeology by Braille.”

Each dive is a slow, meticulous and tactile process. “You can’t always see what you’re touching, so you have to feel your way through history.”

Despite the challenges, Langley and her team have documented hundreds of sites. Among the most well-known projects is her work at Mallows Bay, Charles County, home to the famous “Ghost Fleet.” This collection of nearly 200 abandoned World War I-era vessels is the largest ship graveyard in the Western Hemisphere.

The decades have miraculously trans-

formed the ships into artificial reefs that now serve as diverse wildlife habitats. Langley was instrumental in getting Mallows Bay designated as a National Marine Sanctuary, the second of its kind in the continental U.S.

Water environments can preserve organic materials better than on land allowing for new insights into societies of the near and distant past. New skills developed for new technology mean there is always more to learn in studying Maryland’s rich maritime history.

Though she has been an experienced diver for 40 years, Langley often uses non-invasive methods like electronic remote sensing to investigate in challenging aquatic environments. For instance, sonar mapping uses sound waves to create detailed images of underwater landscapes.

Beyond the bay, Langley has investigated countless other famed sites such as Fort McHenry, where she helped locate 1,300 pieces of ordnance, and Pemberton Hall near Salisbury to study the remains of an 18th-century wharf, the oldest bulkhead wharf in the United States.

“I’ve been so lucky to be on great projects and visit the most interesting places that I might not have seen otherwise,” she said.

Wherever she goes and whatever she does, Langley combines a meticulous work ethic with a keen investigative mind and a sense of humor.

Langley revels in the diversity of places, people and disciplines she encounters in her work. This may include collaborations with historians, marine biologists, government agencies and even, yes, National Geographic staff.

“Like other people of my generation, I used to watch ‘The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau,’” she said. “But now I’m most interested in his wife, Simone, who was an early role model for women in the field. She was really the first female aquanaut.”

Tending to the next generation

Langley’s excitement about her job, or what she refers to as the “wow factor,” has not dimmed over time.

She is a passionate educator, lately serving as an adjunct professor at St. Mary’s College.

She is also an avid textile historian and an apiarist, even serving as the beekeeper for Government House in Annapolis.

Whether exploring the depths of the Potomac River, tending to bees or lecturing on pirates, Langley brings abundant curiosity to every aspect of her work. By sharing the joy of discovering history, she hopes to inspire a new crop of underwater archaeologists.

“Recently I asked a friend of mine, ‘Where are all the kind of people we used to look up to?’ My friend laughed, ‘We are those people now.’”

Dolly Parton

From page 19

local libraries that shoulder at least part of the cost of the books themselves. The Dollywood Foundation covers the cost of shipping and other administrative services.

The Imagination Library’s book selection staff, based in Tennessee, selects the titles and pre-orders them from the publisher, Penguin. The shrink-wrapped, ageappropriate books include a special guide on the inside flap with questions and talking points to engage preschoolers.

Exactly what books do kids receive?

Classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Little Engine That Could are on the list, as well as books like Look out Kindergarten, Here I Come! and Parton’s 1994 children’s book, Coat of Many Colors, which extrapolates on her famous 1971 song of the same name.

Sign up your grandkids

Parents, guardians and even grandparents can register children via Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library website, as long as the child or grandparent lives in an area with a local affiliate.

Grandfather Lloyd Kerr told the library

that his granddaughter “developed a love for books thanks in large part to you and all the others involved in Dolly’s program…We spend time every day reading. She gets excited when she receives a new book from you and insists on sitting on my lap and reading it several times.”

Imagination Library partners provide free books to children in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel and Howard counties in Maryland, among others. For more information, visit ImaginationLibrary.com or BrightMindsFoundation.org, or ask your local library.

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Scrabble answers on p. 20.

Crossword Puzzle

For Your Heart By Stephen Sherr

Across

1. Part of a racquetball, but not tennis, court

5. Harvester of wind energy

9. Helen Mirren and Angela Lansbury

14. Jai ___

15. 1/2 B x H, for a triangle

16. Greek marketplace

17. Roving

19. 75% of a G&T

3. Where a dragon keeps its gold

4. Lead actor in Barney Miller

5. She was once called Norma Jeane

6. It was once called Persia

7. Fast times at St. Raphael High

8. Sister who appeared in Michael Jackson’s Say Say Say video

9. Spreadsheet, for example

10. Highly eager

20. They were excluded from a landmark 1978 auto recall

22. Paragon of slipperiness

23. Parts of stringed toys

24. Backyard feature of a fancy house

33. Come as you ___

34. Formerly named

35. Musical pace

36. Where the price tag goes on the watermelon

38. Write your instead of you’re, for example

40. ___ in full (red stamp words)

41. Left-side item on a balance sheet

43. Last word before “blastoff!”

45. O, in a love letter

46. Annual highlight of December’s college football schedule

51. End of mob- or miss-

52. Letters in “anxious” that may make you feel anxious

53. Hearty meals that may include this puzzle’s key words

62. Stock up, pathologically

63. First version

64. Barcelona buddy

65. Outer prefix, from the Greek ektos

66. Operatic solo

67. Toothbrush bristles, usually

68. One who walks the walk

69. VCR buttons

Down

1. Thin child

2.

or Cher

11. Like The Beatles’ earliest albums

12. ___ Brockovich, released 3/17/2000

13. Bunts intended to advance runners

18. Dueling sword

21. Doo-___ (harmonic song style)

24. Unit of gold purity

25. “Kiss me, I’m ___”

26. Like pure gold

27. Go steady with

28. Bird that often symbolizes purity

29. Enthusiasm

30. Largest city on the Missouri river between Sioux City and Kansas City

31. Source of morphine and heroin

32. Chalet

37. Enforcer of The Controlled Substances Act of 1970

39. Single-stranded genetic molecule

42. Wore in a dressing room

44. One who kicks out a tenant

47. Grp. with Reds and Red Sox

48. Let out a soft scream

49. Start of a pirate’s shout

50. Rolling Stone says Jimi Hendrix played it best

53. “A bad excuse is better ___ none”

54. Cozy and comfortable

55. A maglev train doesn’t touch it

56. Start of a conclusion

57. Chevron competitor

58. Record in a journal

59. It’s a string instrument, honest

60. Poem with a lot of words

61. Red, Black, and Yellow

Voice of Tina Turner

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