Secrets to a good life

S E C R E T S T O A G O O D L I F E

Changing the Game

This Atlanta resident is giving underserved communities a home-court advantage

“ I N T H E N E I G H B O R H O O D S [we invest in], basketball courts are where everyone goes,” says Arelious Cooper Jr. “They’re places where people have traditionally gathered for fun, whether that be for games or cookouts.” But when the courts begin crumbling, they tend to deteriorate quickly, he notes. “You’ll go out there and see needles, pipes, and liquor bottles. It’s pretty terrible,” Cooper says. He is on a mission to change that. Through his Atlanta-based organization Art in the Paint (@artinthepaintorg), he refreshes dilapidated courts around the world, hiring local artists to transform resurfaced concrete into colorful murals. In addition to larger national partners, the initiative relies on community support as well. “When we are creating the murals, we use a sort of paintby-number system so that anybody in the neighborhood who wants to can get on the schedule and help with the project,” says Cooper. Once the courts are complete, Art in the Paint’s real work begins. They run a safe, free basketball league for kids, and the play spaces double as open-air community centers. “We partner with other organizations [such as UnitedHealthcare and Quest Nutrition] to bring programming to each one we work on, with a focus on STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts, and math], fi nancial literacy, and mentorship,” he notes. The outreach is not just for the kids. Art in the Paint also hosts voter-registration drives and produce giveaways at their courts to benefi t the entire family.

But beyond the league or the workshops, it’s each youth’s newfound pride that Cooper says is the most rewarding part of all. “For at least one moment, they are treated like any other kid,” he explains. “No one cares about how much money they or their parents have. They get a great outdoor facility and brandnew uniforms; are treated with respect and taught respect; are eating [healthy meals]; and are able to be normal kids without worrying about prequalifi ers like race, gender, or anything else. They just get to play.”

H O U S E C A L L

A Time of Transition

About 6 to 10 years before menopause begins, perimenopause occurs. “The ovaries don’t turn off like a light switch,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the North American Menopause Society. “They kind of fl icker and fl utter a bit before they stop working.” Perimenopause symptoms often come as a surprise. They can be similar to those associated with menopause, like hot fl ashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. It’s important to continue using contraception during this phase (if you choose), Faubion notes, as it’s still possible to become pregnant. Find a local provider educated in menopause at menopause.org.

Table Talk

Br e a k fa st that l ove s you back .

How to navigate tricky (and sometimes nosy) questions from well-meaning loved ones

“People in our lives don’t always know how to appropriately show their concern for us, but we can help them by managing our own responses,” says Andrew Anderson, a licensed professional counselor at LaunchPad Counseling in Richmond, Virginia. Here’s how to tackle di cult conversations that may arise during holiday gatherings.

WHEN THEY ASK ABOUT TOUCHY POLITICAL TOPICS “Know your audience and how far you’re willing to go with the discussion. If you love to debate and it won’t put your partner in an awkward position, then lean all the way in. These conversations will inevitably come up in many households, especially given the politically charged climate we live in. Even so, be careful not to agree to something you don’t believe simply to avoid an argument. That will likely only lead to frustration. Instead, learn to defl ect to safer topics if you know these political or religious conversations aren’t going anywhere positive.”

WHEN THEY ASK ABOUT YOUR DATING LIFE “These types of questions are dangerous because they hit on something that we’re most likely already sensitive about. If single, you can always fall back on the general ‘lack of quality partners’ discussion or the ‘not enough time in my schedule’ assertion. Be honest, and show confi dence. If you’ve focused on a career and dating has taken a back seat, just say that. You also have the right to say, ‘No comment.’ One of the advantages of being an adult is that your personal life can be kept private from anyone you decide—even if they gave birth to you.”

WHEN THEY ASK ABOUT YOUR NEXT STEPS “If you are just entering the workforce, many adults may feel entitled to speak about your life. Know yourself, and be patient enough to listen if you feel that someone is genuinely trying to help. At other times, their advice might be steeped in an unhelpful mindset or outdated beliefs about the times we live in. In that case, some education about the current job market may help them set realistic expectations. Either way, be gracious and humble. Whenever you are new to something, the insight of experienced and trusted people can often be benefi cial.”

On the Run

First held in Buff alo, New York, in 1896, the annual YMCA Turkey Trot has since become a treasured (or dreaded, if jogging isn’t your thing) Thanksgiving Day tradition across the country. This year, squeeze in your daily cardio and invest in your heart health by signing up for a local fun run; look for an event near you at active.com/turkey-trots.