Senior Connection Dec. 2012 Hillsborough edition

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 12 HILLSBOROUGH DECEMBER 2011

Honor Flights

Yummy Cranberry

Orange Bread

Visit our w

ebsite at:

www.seniorconnectionfl.com

• Volunteer With Passion• Alabama: Prepare to Be Surprised• Keeping the Family Cool

During the Holidays• Home For the Holidays

& Every Other Day

Senior Connection • December 2011 • page 2

HeySeniors!

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Ken Brady of the Casinos, Tommy Johnson, The “Real” Boogie Man, William “Duece” Hulett, Best in Country Entertainment,

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Meet Santa!

2202 W. Reynolds St.

SENIOR FRIENDLY LUNCH

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A Mouth-Watering Taste Of Riverside Is Sure To Delight

Residents of Riverside Club, a Solstice Golf & Boating Community,

along with locals in the SouthShore area, know of the best kept secret in Ruskin, Florida. The superb Riverside Bar & Grille restaurant serves some of the tastiest food in the Tampa Bay area and it’s open to the public. Chef Ted Hastings and his wife own the waterfront Riverside Bar & Grille located within Riverside Club, along the shores of the Little Manatee River. You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the mouth-watering

and delicious fare at this hidden gem. Located next to Riverside Club’s 48-slip marina, guests can come by boat, golf cart, or car (via the com-munity’s Stephens Road entrance) for a meal that is sure to delight. Diners can savor the great menu that Chef Ted cooks up and a full-service bar,

while enjoying serene waterfront views and a laid-back atmosphere. For more than 25 years, Chef Ted has honed his cooking experience in top restaurants as well as his own establishments. He trained in classic Italian cuisine in San Diego, and Pacific Rim and Asian cuisine in Oahu, Hawaii. Riverside Bar & Grille offers fresh seafood, steaks, burgers and loads of daily specials cooked up by Chef Ted. Stop in for lunch or dinner Tuesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. –

6 p.m. Enjoy live music on the riverfront patio every Saturday evening. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, and all day Sunday.

Besides the exceptional restaurant, this gated 55+ community’s other fabulous amenities include a 48-slip marina, 18-hole championship golf course, golf pro shop, waterfront Hayes Bayou clubhouse, state-of-the-art Landings clubhouse, swimming pools, fitness center, performing arts

center, movie theater, mini day spa, computer center, library, woodwork-ing shop, tennis and pickleball courts, shuffleboard, billiards and more. With so many amazing resort-style amenities and a full-time Lifestyle Director planning fun-filled events and activities, it’s easy to see why every day feels like a vacation in paradise at Riverside Club. Riverside Club’s active retirement lifestyle is very affordable at a price that fits nearly every budget. New manufactured homes are priced from the high $90s. These wonderful homes typically offer two bedrooms, two bathrooms, plus den, two-car garage or carport, in a variety of floor plans. Resale homes are also available starting from the $30s. The Riverside Club Welcome Center is located at 2550 Pier Dr. in Ruskin, Florida. To schedule your personal tour or for more information, visit www.RiversideClubFlorida.comor call (800) 889-9804.


Dear Readers,

My trusty Bulova watch stopped in

November, 2010. It was a sleek little number, with a gold rectangular face I’d grown accus-tomed to. The narrow black leather-look band was feminine and accentuated my thin wrists (which are the only part of my body I can call thin). I’d bought that little gem on a sale table for $13 in 1997 because another lady looking at the watches raved about it. She picked it up and said to no one in particular that it was the “classiest” watch on the table. I have very little flair about such things, so I snapped it up the second she laid it back on the table. Classy, I wanted! The watch became my all-in-one accessory piece, and I wore it daily. Admittedly, as the years passed and my vision changed, I learned how to angle my wrist so I could read the time. “Where is that min-ute hand?” I would ask myself. Still I never considered getting rid of it and replaced the band many times. When it stopped last year, I went totally out of character—I told my family that the only thing on my Christmas list was a watch. I even encouraged them to have fun with that request, to go a little crazy if they chose to. It seemed a ‘no-brainer’ for all concerned. Watches, after all, are easy to find, come in all price ranges and make an uncomplicated package. From my point of view, watches don’t take up much room and could even be re-gifted. I might even learn to like changing things up a bit! Reactions varied. My step-daughter Whitney is a discriminating, thought-ful and creative gift-giver. She didn’t particularly like the idea that everyone would be getting me watches. To her, it meant if she got me one and other

people did too, her gift wouldn’t be so special. (Instead, she gave me my all-time favorite pink knit robe.) From my two daughters-in-law, I do believe I heard an audible sigh of relief when I told them. This would be easy, I imagined them thinking—check off the mother-in-law gift at the first store! So the word went out, and I sat back to see how people interpreted my wish.

It was great fun! I got a whimsical frog watch which I especially love wearing when I’m going to be with children. There was a unique red one—a large, round red watch face with the letters spelling out Liz Claiborne where the numbers would be (advertising and style all in one!) A very utilitarian LL Bean watch gives me time and date and is even waterproof. Two others are ordinary inexpensive watches to slip on quickly when I’m in a hurry. They are meaningful because they represent a decision, a choice about what Janice would like, and that makes them special. I didn’t hear my dear husband David’s actual sigh of relief at being given a gift idea, but I’m sure there was one. His watch came first, as my early December birthday gift.

It, too, has a rectangular face, only this one is surrounded by tiny diamonds and has a lovely gold band. The perfect gift, lovingly chosen. This year? I’ve spread the word that I’m collecting scarves—bright, jewel-colored scarves. Let the shopping begin! And, yes, it’s that season again! We remember Christmases past, enjoy the seasonal music and look forward to being with friends

and family perhaps. One of my Christmas memories almost seems unreal. I wonder if I would react the same way today. This would have been in the ‘70s when my three children were small. A young family’s car broke down on a highway near our house on Christmas Eve and a neighbor called to see if we could help them. Two young parents—very broke—were traveling from Illinois to Texas with a three-week-old baby named Elvis. Calls were made. Our church provided them a motel room for two nights. We picked them up for Christmas dinner with us. A parent wired money for their car repair the next day and they went

on their way to family. I sometimes wonder what happened to baby Elvis. It reminds me of that other and fa-miliar story of a baby far from home with his young parents. The difference is that I don’t know what happened to baby Elvis, but I do know what hap-pened to the other baby, the one born some 2000 years ago. That was the baby whose life changed the world. The reason for the season! Blessings!

Cover photo courtesy of SantaOnVacation.com

‘Tis the Season! Make It Easy, Make It Fun, Make It Classy!

Janice Doyle, Editor

Hillsborough, Pinellas/Pasco Published monthly by

News Connection U.S.A., Inc.

Corporate Advertising Offi ce:P.O. Box 638

Seffner, Florida 33583-0638

Send press releases to: [email protected]

News Connection U.S.A. Inc., is also the publisher ofis also the publisher of

ATTENTION READERS:The articles printed in Senior Connection and Mature Lifestyles do not necessarily refl ect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. The Senior Connection/ Mature Lifestyles endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Senior Connection/Mature Lifestyles reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the January 2012 issue is December 15, 2011.

Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.

Lee/Collier and Charlotte Counties: Southwest Edition

Lake/Marion Counties: Lake Edition

Sarasota/Manatee Counties: Sarasota Edition

Publisher, President: Kathy J. [email protected]

Editor: Janice Doyle

Production Supervisor Graphic Design: Kim Burrell

Production Assistant:Tracie Schmidt

Advertising Sales:Hillsborough/Pinellas

1-888-670-0040

Sun City CenterJudy Coleman: (813) 653-1988

Glenn Bornemann: (813) 500-6190

Pinellas/PascoJudy Floyd: (727) 678-0315

Chuck Bingham: (813) 293-1550

Accounting: Vicki Willis

Distribution1-888-670-0040

Tampa Bay AreaDena Bingham: (813) 653-1988

(813) 653-1988888-670-0040

Fax: (813) 651-1989www.seniorconnectionfl .com

888-670-0040

Customer Service: [email protected]

another lady looking at the watches

accessory piece, and I wore it daily.

ute hand?” I would ask myself. Still


10 “Carols of the Season” presented by Tampa Oratorio

Singers at First Presbyterian Church, 404 West Reynolds, Plant City. Free will offering. (813) 247-3866.

10 Christmas Show presented by Tampa Bay Heralds Of

Harmony Chorus at Straz Center for the Performing Arts. $20 – $45 tickets. Call (813) 254-9115.

11 Handel’s Messiah performed by The Brandon Choral Society.

Over 80 singers from Tampa area under director Robert Romanski and Chris Westfall. Southside Baptist Church, 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon. $10/advance purchase at Music Showcase or $12/door. 3 p.m. (813) 541-1690 or [email protected]

11 Bells of Christmas, hand bell music by three groups. In the

Grand Salon of Plant Hall at the Uni-versity of Tampa. Free concert. Also enjoy the Victorian Stroll through the Museum daily through Dec. 23; check prices and times at (813) 254-1891.

12 Stargazing Party with astrono-mer, telescopes. 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Free. SouthShore Library, Ruskin. Information at (813) 672-1155.

13 Computer Class—How to Communicate with Friends

and Family for Free. Lecture/demonstration followed by Q & A. No registration required. 2 p.m. Oldsmar Public Library: olds-marlibrary.org. (813) 749-1178.

13 Right Thoughts/Right Moves/Right Food classes, Bentley

Commons Senior Living, 38130 Pretty Pond Road, Zephyrhills. 2 p.m. Free. Other classes offered. Call for schedule. RSVP: (727) 643-7159 or [email protected].

15 Christmas and Movie Themes Concert by the Eastern Hills-

borough Community Band at United Methodist Church, 1210 Del Webb Blvd. West, Sun City Center. $5 at the door. (813) 569-1771 or visit ehcb.org.

16 and 18 Handel’s Messiah by Tampa Oratorio Singers with

the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Choir, 3501 San Jose St., Tampa. 7 p.m. Free Will Offering. (813) 247-3866.

18 “Afternoons with the Maestro” featuring por-

tions of La Bohéme plus holiday favorites by the St. Petersburg Opera Company. Rollins Theater, 970 Cherry Hills Dr., Sun City Center. Ticket info at (813) 642-2001.

23 Boat Parade of Lights Holiday Spectacular. 6:30 p.m. on board

the American Victory Ship in Chan-nelside. View the lighted boats as they sail throughout the Channel. Refresh-ments available for purchase. Tickets: $12/adults; $7/youths 12 and under. Under three years free. Tickets avail-able online at ticketweb.com or in per-son aboard the ship. (813) 228-8766.

24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Lessons and Carols at

Community United Methodist Church, 207 E. Buckingham, Oldsmar. 7 p.m. (813) 855-1567. Send Around Town news to Senior Connection Magazine, 1602 S. Par-sons Ave., Seffner, FL 33584; fax (813) 651-1989. News must be received by the 10th of the month prior to event (i.e. December 10 for January event.)

Around TownW H A T ’ S H A P P E N I N G D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Take the Grandkids

Through 23 Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. See trees trimmed with tea cups, aromatic cigars, twinkling bells, antique toys and more. Play “Where’s Henry?” $11/seniors; $7/youths (4 – 18 years). (813) 254-1891.

10 Tricky Dogs Show starring six dogs and their human. Free.

SouthShore Library, Ruskin. 2 p.m. Call (813) 273-3652.

11 “The Life and Adventures of Santa” at Straz Center for The

Performing Arts. For kids ages 5 – 8. Tickets start at $9.50. (813) 229-7827.

The EASY BOARDING Bicycle by

For more dealers contact Biria USA: Tel: 201-461-1980 www.biria.com

• Unisex step-through design engineered in Germany• Cross bar is only six inches from the ground, so you

can easily step-through the bicycle• Upright seating position for less back pain & clear

view of the road• Relaxed arm position for more control

University Bicycle Ctr.1218 E. Fletcher Ave.Tampa, FL 33612

813-971-2277 Allen Road Bicycle Ctr.4927 Allen Rd.Zephyrhills, FL 33541

813-782-6947Street Fit 360 / Trikke Tampa3311 West Gandy BoulevardTampa, FL 33611

813-319-3735


Stay Connected!

Go to: www.seniorconnectionfl.com

M Places to GoM Things to DoM ContestsM Great Local StoriesM Great Events

M Be Inspired

M Find Great Recipes

M Read Your Paper Online

and

Senior Connectionand Mature Lifestyles

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Eligible for Medicare?

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) and Health Options, Inc. (HOI) is a Medicare Advantage organizationwith a Medicare contract and Medicare approved Part D sponsor. These contracts are renewed annually andavailability beyond the end of the current contract year is not guaranteed. Exclusions and limitations may apply.The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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Anywhere Tours of Florida, Inc.

For reservations or information call Christina at 813-620-3332 or website • www.tampabus.com

IF YOU HAVE TEN PEOPLE OR MORE WE CAN PICK UP AT YOUR LOCATION. WE PICK UP AT THE LIBRARY ON NORTH PEBBLE BEACH, SUN CITY CENTER.

Dec. 6, 21 & 29, and Jan. 3, 9 and 23 Seminole Hardrock Casino - Tampa, pay $15.00 per person - get $15.00 free play and $5.00 meal voucher, pick up 8:45 am. Evening pick up is at 3:45 pm, returns at 10:30 pm. Pay $15.00 get $20.00 free play and a $5.00 meal voucher.

Dec. 28, 2011 and Jan. 17, 2012 Big M Casino - Ft. Myers, pay $25.00 boarding fee - get $50.00 free play and free gifts, free buffet - board bus at 8:00 am returns 7:00 pm.

Dec. 20, 2011 and Jan. 4, 2012, Seminole Casino Immokalee Beach, pay $25.00 boarding fee - get $30.00 free play and $5.00 meal voucher, board bus at 8:00 am returns 5:30 pm.

Thank You ...From All Of Us At Anywhere Tours of Florida.Call for details, all prices subject to change.

Serving Hillsborough and Pasco Counties

Tai Chi for Health and Well BeingTaoist Tai Chi Society®

Awareness DayOpen House CelebrationsSaturday, Jan. 7, 2012

Beginner classes start the week of Jan. 8, 2012.

We offer morning, evening, and weekend classes, as well as ongoing Health Recovery classes. First class free!

Classes held in Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Brandon, Sun City Center and Palma Ceia.

For times and locations, please call 1-877-398-1108 or go to www.taoist.org or www.brandon.florida.usa.taoist.org

The Taoist Tai Chi Society ® is a charitable organization.

Brandon Center 911 Bryan Rd, Brandon, 33511

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Temple Terrace Location10919 56th Street (Sherwood Forest)

Temple Terrace, 336172:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Come join us, watch us practice our Tai Chi set and learn a move or two.

Only in America. . .Only in America ...do drugstores

make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front. Only in America ...do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a diet coke.Only in America ...do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.Only in America ...do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.Only in America ...do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight. Only in America ...do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.


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FREE COFFEE & GOODIES

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS

Call 1-888-670-0040 for information.

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Join the Fun! One mile “walk,” Jan. 19, 9:15 am, $3 minimum donation. Enjoy Continental Breakfast, T-Shirt, Sponsor “Goodie Bag” & Prizes to the Winners! Call 1-888-670-0040,

go to www.seniorconnectionfl.com (MAIL DEADLINE 1/8/12) or sign up, Jan. 19 at 8:30 am.

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BY TERESA AMBORD

Not much money for Christmas presents this year? That might

give you the blues, but it shouldn’t. Look at this as a chance to readjust your focus. If you put your heart into it, when your family and friends look back on this holiday, it won’t be the lack of presents they remember.

Years ago, the economy was thriving, but my husband and I were in our own recession. As a young man, Mike’s temper and other habits caused him to lose job after job. We barely covered our basic expenses every month. So at Christmas time we assumed we would not be able to buy gifts for each other at all. That was our life then. One year, some friends gave us a small Christmas tree which I decorated with hand-me-down ornaments. Just before Christmas, Mike got paid and we wrote out our bills as usual. To our amazement, there was an extra 20 dollars in the bank. It wasn’t much, but to us, it felt like found wealth. We divided it, and each set out with ten dollars to spend on the other. I shopped carefully for Mike’s present, then wrapped it and hid it. Looking back, I can’t remember what I bought for him. But I’ll never forget what he gave me. A couple of days before Christmas he went shopping. He was gone a long time, then fi nally he poked his head in the front door.

“I’m going next door to wrap your presents,” he said with a huge smile. An hour later he returned, carrying a bag and wearing a Santa hat that our neighbor, Pam, had given him. He made me close my eyes while he hid the bag. The next morning Pam came over for coffee after Mike went to work. “Mike must really love you a lot,” she said. “I hope so,” I said, wondering what made her say that. “When he showed me what he bought you, he was so excited his hands were shaking. It was so sweet. I had to cut the paper for him,” she said. Pam’s words were exactly what I needed to hear. My life with Mike was so full of diffi culties that each day felt like a struggle. I knew he loved to give gifts. But I wasn’t so sure that he still loved me. Finally it was Christmas morning. As soon as the smell of coffee reached him, Mike bounded out of bed and dug in the closet. Then he appeared, carrying four small presents as if they were fi ne china. He set them in my lap, then sat on the fl oor in front of me, watching my face and waiting for my reaction.

The fi rst package held green socks—my favorite color. Happily, I put them on. Then Mike handed

me the next package, which was also socks, but red. He pulled off one of my green socks and replaced it with a red one so that I looked more Christmasy. “I got those because your feet are always cold,” he said. “And I know you love new socks.” He was right. I still love new socks. It felt good to know that, even in the chaos of our daily lives, he remem-bered the things and colors I liked best. Quickly he urged me to open the other two packages, one of which turned out to be a tube of mascara, and the other, a container of eye shadow. They were exactly what I would’ve bought for myself if I’d had a few extra dollars. The colors and brands were perfect. But I was baffl ed. Mike never paid attention to girly things like makeup. “How did you know what I wanted?” I asked. “I was almost out of both of these. And how did you know the colors and brands I like?”

“Before I left for shop-ping, I looked in your makeup bag. I wrote down what you were running low on. I know you like to have makeup and nice things. But with our money, you can never buy anything for yourself.” My mouth fell open. I pictured my tall, rough-around-the-edges husband, plodding down the makeup aisle at the drugstore looking for the things on his list. Knowing Mike, I assumed the list was written on his hand, and it was. The thought he

put into buying these things for me was amazing. No amount of money could’ve replaced that consideration.

That’s the Mike I want

to remember. He was a troubled

soul with seriously destructive habits that

took a heavy toll on our family and on his body. Because of that, he passed away too young. Our years together were tumultuous, but they weren’t all bad. Some stand out like pockets of calm in a long storm. For me that Christmas, it boiled down to one thing. Mike knew me. He could have bought any old thing. Instead he went to great effort to see me smile when I opened his packages. That was the true gift. That was 26 years ago. But today when I think of Mike, that Christmas is the memory I choose. Whether or not money is short this Christmas, our extravagances should not be in the money we spend. It should be in the thought we put into fi nding what warms the hearts of our loved ones and makes them smile down to their souls. Anyone can do that. Teresa Ambord is a full-time business writer who works from her home in rural upstate California. For fun she writes family stories, with the inspira-tion and assistance of her small dogs.

We divided it, and each set out with ten dollars to spend on the other. I shopped care-fully for Mike’s present, then wrapped it and hid it. Looking back, I can’t remember what I bought for him. But I’ll never

forget what he gave me.

me the next package, which was also socks, but red. He pulled off one of my green socks and replaced it with a red one so that I looked more Christmasy. “I got those because your feet are always cold,” he said. “And I know you love new socks.” He was right. I still love new socks. It felt good to know that, even in the chaos of our daily lives, he remem-bered the things and colors I liked best. Quickly he urged me to open the other two packages, one of which turned out to be a tube of mascara, and the other, a container of eye shadow. They were exactly what I would’ve bought for myself if I’d had a few

Mike never paid attention to girly things like makeup.

That’s the Mike I want

to remember. He was a troubled

soul with seriously destructive habits that

took a heavy toll on our family

“I’m going next door to wrap me the next package, which me the next package, which

Ten-Dollar Christma$


Y0070_NA016232_72555E_WCM_ADF_ENG File and Use 09172011 ©WellCare 2011 GB07_FL057_HILLSBOROUGH_12/2/2011 NA_08_11

41183

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$10

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With WellCare, I’ll keep over $1,150 extra in my Social Security check this year. So the money I save makes getting the things I need a little easier.

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WellCare is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract. Benefits, limitations, co-payments and restrictions may vary by plan and by county. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2013. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. WellCare uses a formulary. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-866-790-5865 (TTY 711). A variety of Medicare Advantage, Part D and Special Needs plans may be discussed. Limit one per person. There is no obligation to enroll. Please contact WellCare for details.†Other pharmacies/physicians/providers are available in our network.

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J32611_W41183_GB07_10x9.8125_ENG_WE_WG_HISC_120211_72545.indd 1 11/10/11 4:24:34 PM


Wrap Up the Savings this Holiday SeasonHoliday time is fast ap-

proaching, and along with it, all that fun holiday shopping. With the average American family spending upward of $800 on gifts, chances are, you’d welcome any opportunity to have a little extra spending cash. So AAA Insurance Agency has put together some ways to save on auto insurance that can help put the jingle back into your pocket.

Start by thinking long-term. When your policy comes up for renewal, go for an annual policy instead of a six-month policy if you have the option. Why? Because you lock in the rate for the whole year. Knowing what to budget each month for auto insurance, especially during the holidays, can keep you feeling more like Santa than Scrooge.

It may also help to consider packag-ing all your insurance needs with the same company. For example, if you have coverage for your boat, motorcycle, RV or home with one company and auto with another, you could receive a discount if you insure them all with the same company. Discounts for multi-policies might save you enough for a new HDTV.

The same applies if you have more than one automobile and they’re insured with separate companies. Wrap them up with one company and you could get yourself a gift with the savings. The holidays could be a little cheerier for drivers age 55 and older if you’ve taken a driver improvement course. Some insurance carriers offer discounts for successfully completing the course. Talk with a AAA Insurance Agent about what carriers provide this discount, how much you could save and when you can sign up for the next AAA Senior Defensive Driver class. Who wouldn’t like a new iPod this holiday season? Well, one quick way to put some money toward that goal is to talk with your insurance agent about increasing your deductible.

Believe it or not, deductibles can be increased or decreased any

time during the policy’s duration. To find out what you could save, ask

a AAA Insurance Agent. And Santa isn’t the only one who gives gifts to nice girls and boys. If you have

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The Dangers of ChocolateBY ROCHELLE CAMPBELL, D.V.M.

Everyone is always told that chocolate is bad for dogs and

cats, but why? Is one type of choc-olate worse than another type? How much chocolate does a pet need to eat before there is a problem?

The main ingredient in chocolate that causes toxicity is theobromine, which is a methylxanthine. Caf-feine is also a methylxanthine. When a dog or a cat eats chocolate in toxic amounts, an owner may observe a number of clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity/restlessness, and an increased heartrate. Sometimes an owner may even see muscle

tremors, seizures and weakness. These clinical signs typically occur within one to four hours after chocolate ingestion and if a pet does not receive treat-ment, death may even occur. Higher concentrations of theo-bromine and caffeine are found in baking chocolate and darker chocolates. Therefore, it takes less

of these for a pet to become toxic if they ingest it. Whether or not a pet will reach toxic levels not only depends on the type of chocolate eaten, but also on the size of the pet. Presumably, a smaller animal will reach toxic levels of chocolate more quickly than a larger animal.

Be safe this holiday season!

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Could Your Grandchild’s Photo be a Winner?

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Entries must be received by Jan. 12, 2012 to be entered in the Photo Contest. (Send your photos in early so we can share them with our readers). Photos will be returned within 45 days after contest ends, if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope (large enough to fit your photo) and name and address on the back of the photo.

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The Healthy GeezerBY FRED CICETTI

Q. What is acetaminophen and why do I see it listed

on so many products in my medicine cabinet?A: Acetaminophen is the most widely used pain-reliever and fever-reducer in the world. It is contained in more than 100 products. Tylenol is the best known over-the-counter (OTC) acetamino-phen product. It is also a component of well known prescription drugs such as Darvocet and Percocet. Acetamino-phen also is known as paracetamol and N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP). Acetaminophen is available without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package label carefully. If your doc-tor prescribes it for you, the prescription label will tell you how often to take it. Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. The risk for liver damage may be increased if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks while using medicines that contain acetaminophen. The maximum daily dose of acet-aminophen is 4 grams in adults. The toxic dose of acetaminophen after a single acute ingestion is about 7 grams in adults. The at-risk dose may be lower in some susceptible populations, such as alcohol abusers. When dosing recommendations are followed, the risk of liver toxicity is extremely small. Acetaminophen is one of the most com-mon pharmaceutical agents involved in overdose, as reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. One of the problems with acetamino-phen is its widespread use. You have to check your medicine cabinet to see what products contain acetamino-phen. Then, if you’re taking more than one medication, be sure you don’t exceed the maximum daily dose. Adults should not take acetamino-phen for pain for more than 10 days without talking to a doctor. Acet-aminophen should not be taken for high fever, for fever lasting more than three days, or for recurrent fe-ver without a doctor’s supervision. There are basically two types of over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliev-ers. Some contain acetaminophen and others contain non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ex-amples of OTC NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis). NSAIDs are associated with stomach distress. You should talk to your doctor before using NSAIDS if you are over 60, taking prescription blood thinners, have stomach ulcers or other bleeding problems. NSAIDs can also cause reversible dam-age to the kidneys. The risk of kidney damage may increase in people who are over 60, have high blood pressure, heart disease or pre-existing kidney disease, and people who are taking a diuretic. You should talk with your healthcare professional if you have questions about using an OTC medicine before using it in combination with other medicines—either OTC or prescrip-tion medicine. Combining prescription medicines and OTC medicines can lead to problematic drug interactions. All older adults should consult their doctors before taking any OTC medication or herbal. Often, older adults use many drugs at the same time, including prescription and OTC drugs. They also process drugs differently than younger adults. This is why older adults need to be especially careful about drug-drug interactions. If you’re a senior, talk with your doctor about all of the drugs and herbal health products you take. He or she can tell you whether you are at risk for having a bad reaction from taking an OTC drug. If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at healthygeezer.com. All Rights Reserved © 2011 by Fred Cicetti.

Hawthorne Village Retirement CommunityHawthorne Assisted Living

Hawthorne Inn is so much more than just living in a secure environment; it is a wonderful lifestyle for those needing a little more help as they age. Hawthorne Inn is where residents can enjoy:• Three delicious meals a day • 24-hour care and support

from a professional loving and caring staff

• Weekly laundry and housekeeping services

• And a long list of special activities and outings Respite and Day ServicesHawthorne Inn has two programs that will help alleviate and share in the demands of caring for a sick, aging or disabled loved one. 1. Our Day Service Program will allow you to bring your loved one to Hawthorne Inn for as many or as few hours a day as needed, so you can get caught up on all those errands you have been postponing. For a small hourly fee Hawthorne Inn can provide: care, meals, entertainment and activities for your family member. 2. We also have a Respite Program designed so you can leave a loved one overnight for 1 to 30 days while you vacation, rest or just take a weekend for you. Working together, knowing you have help and making quality decisions as to what is best for you or your loved one is what Hawthorne Inn does best. Stop in for a cup of coffee and a short visit. I would love to meet you.

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Veterans CornerA Day With a World War II Honor FlightHonor Flights are

flights to trans-port WWII veterans to Washington, DC to be honored at the WWII Memorial. A day spent with 75 or more of the 85- to 100-year-old vet-erans starts early and ends late and is filled with smiles, tears, old memories and new friends.4:30 a.m.: Arrive at airport where veterans and their guardians (sometimes family members) meet for a 6 a.m. departure by chartered flight to Wash-ington, DC. Veterans wear one color shirt; guardians wear another color. Washington arrival: Local volunteers cheer the group and assist in getting to chartered buses. One man, dressed in a WWII Army uniform, brought smiles with his sign “Lookin’ for Kilroy.” Remember Kilroy?

First stop: Iwo Jima Memorial for a group picture. Other stops: Arlington Cemetery, the Vietnam and Korean Memorials.

WWII Memorial: Veter-ans spend time, often telling stories as memories rush in. Many groups are personally greeted at the memorial by former U.S. Senator and Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole (a World War II veteran who received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star).Army Nurse Hazel Murphy sat on a rainy visit remembering her four years of duty in the Pacific.

Mail Call: Aboard the flight home, veterans open letters from a thankful nation. Letters come from school classes and friends as well as from anonymous strangers grateful to live in a free country. One seventh grader’s letter read, “Politicians say they’re going to Do It, Do It, Do It. You’re one who went out and Did It.”

In the hometown airport, hundreds of people dress in red, white and blue to celebrate their heroes.

God bless America!


Within the last decade, Minimally Invasive SpineSurgery (MIS) has transformed the field of spinesurgery. Today, MIS is far superior to outdated,conventional spine surgery in regard to patientoutcomes.

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How to Volunteer with Passion“If you want to feel good,

volunteer,” said Sellman, a volunteer with 16 different groups and author of the children’s book The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake. “There are few ways to feel as good about yourself as volunteering.” The key to discovering that feeling is to let your passion guide you when you decide to volunteer, she added. Her tips for beginning volunteers include:

• Choose Wisely—Many people get “roped into” volunteering for an organization because their boss or family member is involved. Those can be rewarding ways to enter volunteerism, but only if the project is a match for your personal interests. The most important aspect to volunteerism is to find what you love. Just pick the right one, and your volunteer time won’t be a chore—it will be a joy.

• Watch Your Schedule—As much as you want your passion to direct your choice of project, you don’t want those volunteer projects to rule your schedule. Most organizations will take as much time as you offer them, but if you only have an hour or two each week, they’ll take that time, too. Your volunteer life should not consume your work or home life.

• Have Fun—Helping others is its own reward, but it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Even the most mundane task can be fun if you manage it with a sense of humor and passion for helping others. More at lisasellman.com.


The Fisher House—“Because a Family’s Love Is Good Medicine!”BY JANICE DOYLE

It’s Christmas. A young soldier

has been badly wounded in Iraq and his parents, wife and chil-dren who live in Oregon want to be near this son, hus-band and father. Thanks to the Fisher House, they can live temporarily just steps away from James A Haley VA hospital where he is receiving care and rehabilitation. Also at the Fisher House is the brother of a female veteran recovering from surgery. For the holiday season, a church group has come in and put up lights and decorations and a Christmas tree. In fact, it looks a lot like Christmas around the house! The Fisher House in Tampa was built five years ago to provide a “home away from home” for military families simply because “a family’s love is good medicine.” Manager Paula Welenc said that because the Haley facility is one of five VA designated poly trauma hospitals across the country, “We get a lot of young soldiers out of Iraq and Afghanistan with head and spinal cord injuries who come here for rehabilita-tion. They have families as far away as Germany, Oregon, Georgia, all over. Their loved ones support their recovery and, in some cases, must learn to be their caregivers here.” She added that patients can have respite passes here as well – it’s a place with their families and “without beepers or buzzers or bright lights.” Family members who occupy the Fisher House have one of 20 suites, take care of themselves and their rooms, do their own cooking and have access to the beautiful communal kitchen, dining room, living room and laundry. Welenc said, “One day I realized that at any one time we may have five

generations in the house. Right now we have a mother and her newborn,

but we also have older people, grandparents, and all ages in between. It’s a fabulous dynamic and very rejuvenating for everyone.” Fisher Houses (54 of them) are built by the Fisher House Founda-tion and then gifted to

the facility, which covers basic expenses like utili-ties and maintenance. However, the VA does not include “creature comforts” such as linens,

coffee and other staples for the kitch-en. These must come from donations, either personal or from businesses or groups. 100 percent of all monetary gifting is put to use for the guests. “And we love to use volunteers’ time, talent and treasures,” Welenc says. Individual and group opportunities which can be coordinated with Welenc but do NOT require registering through the VA as an ongoing volun-teer, include dropping off a prepared meal for about 30 people—can be breakfast (such as ready-to-bake breakfast casseroles delivered the night before), lunch (sandwich fixings, soups, salads) or dinners (think comfort food such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes, says Welenc). (No serving or cleanup needed.) Or you might bring a couple of friends and bake cookies or cakes or bread in their kitchen and fill the house with homey smells. An organization might have food drives or buy theater tickets and gift cards. Ongoing volunteers might help with administrative needs, mail or doing special things needed around a house such as cleaning out refrigerators, straightening linen closets, etc., must be registered with the VA and complete an orientation process. Call Paula Welenc at (813) 910-3000 or e-mail [email protected] to coordinate a way to help.

A young soldier

Oregon want to be

Thanks to the Fisher House,

just steps away from James

the facility, which covers basic expenses like utili-ties and maintenance. However, the VA does not include “creature comforts” such as linens,

Five Things You May Not Know About Second OpinionsMost people face at least one

major medical decision in their lives. Sometimes the treatment choice is clear-cut—but when it isn’t, getting a second opinion is recommended. Second opinions can lead to less expensive tests and treatments, so insurers have an incentive to allow—and may even encourage—second opinions. Here are five other observations about second opinions from the Health Letter editors:1. They’re less common than you think. A recent poll showed that about 70 percent of Americans don’t feel compelled to get a second opinion or do additional research.2. Your doctor won’t be mad. It can feel awkward to bring up, but doctors generally welcome having their patients seek second opinions.3. You may need to make your priorities known. Although your

primary-care physician may know you well, a specialist providing a second opinion may not focus on different aspects of the treatment. For example, cancer treatment patients may be more likely than providers to focus on possible side effects.

4. The first opinion may affect the second. An orthopedic surgeon may, for instance, be more prone to recom-mend surgery if a first physician has advised it, rather than a conservative approach. (However, no such effect was found among the neurologists.)

5. You may need to bridge a communications breakdown. Patients should contact the office of the second opinion doctor to see what medical records they should bring with them or have sent.

Information from October Harvard Health Letter.

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Handling Family Tension During the Holidays

BY LISA M. PETSCHE

The holiday season is a hectic time for many people. Staying sane is even

more of a challenge for those who don’t get along well with their extended family. Every family has dysfunction, of course, because no member is perfect. But some families are prone to more interpersonal tension than others, due to diverse personalities, circumstances, values and lifestyles among members. Read on for some tips on how to cope with the almost inevitable stress inherent when relatives get together for the holidays.

PreparationMake it a point to practice self-care at this time of the year. Eat healthy foods, make time for exercise and get adequate sleep. Allow plenty of time to get ready for a family event, so you’re relaxed and feel your best.Conjure up compassion for relatives who emanate negativity, bearing in mind that they are unhappy individuals. Try to feel pity rather than anger towards them.Set realistic expectations about fam-ily members’ behavior. The narcissist, non-stop talker or chronic complainer is not going to change. Plan to steer clear of them if possible, otherwise limit the amount of time you spend with them.Give yourself a pep talk. Reassure yourself that you are up to the challenge of gracefully handling a few hours with anyone.If you are particularly anxious about a gathering, invite a friend along for support.Aim to cut your visit short as a last resort. Plan something to look forward to afterwards.

During a Gathering: Do’s and Don’tsAvoid consuming alcohol; otherwise, limit yourself to one or two drinks. Disinhibition can cause you to say things you may regret.

Practice good listening skills: pay attention, don’t interrupt and ask open-ended questions. Be conscious of your non-verbal language, keeping your posture open (avoid crossing your arms), making eye contact and nodding periodically. Show courtesy towards everyone. When you can’t manage any more politeness towards a particular individual, find a reason to excuse yourself and move on.Count to ten and refuse to take the bait when someone tries to one-up you or goad you into an argument. Instead, adopt a “stupid and cheerful” demeanor – signature advice from syndicated radio host and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Browne.Stay away from contentious topics and change the subject if others raise them. Don’t participate in gossip or put-downs of others, or bring up unpleasant events.Engage relatives positively by reminiscing about pleasant times or inquiring about something meaningful to them, such as their children or grandchildren, work, a hobby or a recent vacation.Breathe deeply if you find yourself getting stressed. If that doesn’t help, head to the washroom or step outside, to compose yourself.

Parting Thoughts If you keep in mind that you can’t change anyone’s behavior except your own, and that it’s always within your power to be civil and, yes, even kind to a certain degree, you

will make it through family events, per-haps even better than you anticipated. If things don’t go well in spite of your best efforts to be congenial, plan a vaca-tion over the holidays next year, so you can have a guilt-free break from family functions - and other sources of seasonal stress - and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker and a freelance writer specializing in inter-generational issues.

Retirement Living

them if possible, otherwise

Reassure yourself that you

about a gathering,

Parting Thoughts If you keep in mind that you can’t change anyone’s behavior except your own, and that it’s always within your power to be civil and, yes, even kind to a certain degree, you


For Healthy Holiday Recipes, Get Creative With New IngredientsEating healthy during the holidays

can be difficult. There’s no need to entirely forgo your favorite festive foods this season. Try substituting healthier ingredients into your favorite recipes. Instead of mayonnaise or cream cheese, use Chobani Greek Yogurt. It’s a great way to cut out extra calories without sac-rificing taste. Greek yogurt also has two times more protein than regular yogurt and it’s a great source of calcium. Have fun in the kitchen with these two deli-cious and nutritious recipes. Find more at chobanikitchen.com. (Family Features)

Turkey PotpieYield: 4 servings1 small onion, chopped1 medium carrot, chopped1/2 cup peeled potato, diced1/4 cup celery, chopped1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/3 cup all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage1/4 teaspoon pepper1 cup chicken broth2 cups cooked turkey, cubed1/2 cup frozen peas1 cup 0% Plain Chobani1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry

In large saucepan, sauté onion, carrot, po-tato and celery in butter until tender. Add flour and seasonings until blended; gradu-ally add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in turkey, peas and Chobani; divide mixture among four ungreased 5-inch pie plates. Divide pastry into quarters. On a lightly floured surface, roll each quarter into a 6-inch circle; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges; cut slits to vent. Cover and freeze two potpies for up to 3 months. Bake the remaining potpies at 375˚ F for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

To use frozen potpies: Remove from the freezer 30 minutes before baking. Cover edges of crusts loosely with foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 375˚ F for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake 15 – 20 minutes longer or until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Nutritional Information: Calories 510, Calories from Fat 240, Total Fat 27g, Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 90mg, Sodium 900mg, Total Carbohydrate 36g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 7g, Protein 31g

Cranberry Orange BreadYield: 10 (3/4-inch) slices

2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt3/4 cup 2% Plain Chobani 1 cup sugar1 egg3/4 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon grated orange zest1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped coarsely Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Spray a9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. In medium bowl, combine dry ingredients. Set aside. In large bowl, mix together Chobani and sugar. Add egg and combine. Stir in orange juice. Add dry mixture to wet mixture. Mix only until just combined. Carefully, fold in orange zest, cranber-ries and walnuts. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully invert pan to remove, and finish cooling on rack. Wrap in plastic and foil. This bread is extra delicious on the second day. Nutritional Information: Calories 160, Calories from Fat 30, Total Fat 3.5g, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 230 mg, Total Carbohydrate 31g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 15g, Protein 5g

RecipeCranberry Orange Bread

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups cooked turkey, cubed

Drink Green Tea to Prevent DiseaseBY DR. NORMAN

My research suggests that drinking green tea can bring a 75 percent

reduction in the risk of basal-cell car-cinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma. How does green tea get its sunblock qualities? The answer lies in the pow-erful antioxidants, namely epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG) that acts as a sort of self-destruct button for would-be skin-cancer cells, causing them to die off before they can turn malignant. Health Tip Green tea is reportedly the most powerful antioxidant known to man. Green tea is the second most con-sumed beverage in the world (water is the first) and has been used medici-nally for centuries in China and Japan. A number of beneficial health effects are attributed to regular consumption of green tea and dried/powdered extracts of green tea. Green tea comes from the leaves of the white-flowered tea plant, Camellia sinensis, a bush native to Asia. These tea leaves are

less processed than black tea and contain rich sources of antioxidants which protect the body’s cells from damage and fight diseases. The antioxidants, which are the beneficial particles in green tea, have been linked to cancer prevention, decreased risk of stroke and heart diseases, and lowered blood cholesterol. Catechin, a tannin derivative found in tea, is the main component that provides benefits in green tea and is present in higher amounts than in grape juice and red wine, which are also believed to reduce the rate of heart disease.Bottom Line You should drink six to eight full glasses of water a day. Green tea can be substituted for two of the glasses or can be drank in addition. Green tea is great for cancer prevention (including skin cancer), decreased risk of stroke, heart diseases and lowered blood cholesterol . Dr. Rob Norman is a board-certified dermatologist. To make an appointment,please call 1-800-488-7336.

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Friendships: A Key to Longevity“Make two friends and call

me in the morning.” The next time you ask us how to get healthy and live longer, that may be our answer. No, don’t go crazy signing up new “friends” on Facebook. It’s about quality, not quan-tity; about having the kinds of friends you can hang with for hours, call with big news or give a kidney to. If you’ve got friends like this, you have a 50 percent better chance of living longer than people who don’t have good friends, says a startling new analysis of 300,000 people and their pals. Put another way: Having friends is as powerful as quitting smoking (and way more fun). Not having them is even more life-threatening than becoming obese or so inactive that just

getting off the couch involves grunt-ing. So making new friends and keep-ing the old ones near should be at the top of your healthy to-do list. Try this:

• Get physical. Take exercise classes together, help in each other’s lawns, do early morning laps around the mall.• Go out and give. Need a bigger social circle? Volunteer for a community center, a hospital or

a park cleanup. You’ll connect with people who care about the same things you do. • Organize a reunion. Don’t wait for a funeral to get together; have a happy gathering. Family pals are some of the closest friends you’ll ever have.• Keep these important relationships alive. They’ll do the same for you.

Facebook. It’s about

• Get physical.exercise classes together, help in each other’s lawns, do early morning laps around the mall.• Go out and give. Need a bigger social circle? Volunteer for a community center, a hospital or

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Medicare: What You Need To KnowThe health reform

law has made some important changes to Medicare that go into effect in 2012.• Make way for baby boomers qualifying for “Original Medicare” at age 65. This year, baby boomers begin turning 65, which means more people will be enrolling in Medicare this year than in the past. All of these new enrollees will put more stress on Medicare enrollment experts.• “Newbies” be aware of deductibles, coinsurance, out-of-pocket limits and prescription drugs. If you’re new to Medicare, it’s important to know that both parts of Original Medicare (A and B) have deductibles. And, the deductibles are not tied to a calendar year like they are with

traditional health insurance. Instead, they’re tied to a 90-day benefi t period, with some exceptions.

• Get “star power” in 2012. The Affordable Care Act (health reform) requires a star

rating system to be used for Medicare Advantage plans, beginning in 2012. Plans get a rating of 1 to 5, with a 5-star rating equating to an “Excellent Performance,” and a 1-star rating equating to a “Poor Performance.” If you’re lucky enough to have access to a 5-star plan, consider it as an option for your coverage. One benefi t of a 5-star plan is that you can enroll in it any time, even outside of Medicare’s annual enrollment period. Ross Blair is President and CEO of Plan Prescriber, Inc. (www.PlanPrescriber.com)

law has made some traditional health insurance. Instead, they’re tied to a 90-day benefi t period, with some exceptions.

• Get “star power” in 2012. The Affordable Care Act (health reform) requires a star

Health Benefits of Broccoli Require the Whole Food, Not Supplements

BY DAVID STAUTH

New research has found that if you want some of the many health

benefits associated with eating broc-coli or other cruciferous vegetables, you need to eat the real thing—a key phytochemical in these vegetables is poorly absorbed and of far less value if taken as a supplement. The study is one of the first of its type to determine whether some of the healthy compounds found in cruciferous vegetables can be just as easily obtained through supplements. The answer is no. And not only do you need to eat the whole foods, you have to go easy on cooking them. “The issue of whether important nutrients can be obtained through whole foods or with supplements is never simple,” said EmilyHo, an OSU associate professor. “Some vitamins and nutrients, like the folic acid often recommended for pregnant women, are actually better-absorbed as a supplement than through food,” Ho said. “Adequate levels of nutrients like vitamin D are often difficult to obtain in most diets. But the particular compounds that

we believe give broccoli and related vegetables their health value need to come from the complete food.” A necessary enzyme called my-rosinase is missing from most of the supplement forms of glucosinolates, a valuable phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables. Without this enzyme found in the whole food, the study found that the body actually absorbs five times less of one important compound and eight times less of another. Intensive cooking does pretty much the same thing, Ho said. If broccoli is cooked until it’s soft and mushy, its health value plummets. However, it can still be lightly cooked for two or three minutes, or steamed until it’s still a little crunchy, and retain ad-equate levels of the necessary enzyme. Although broccoli has the highest

levels of glucosinolates, they are also found

in cauliflower, cabbage, kale

and other cruciferous vegetables.

The same cooking recom-

mendations would apply to those foods to best retain

their health benefits, Ho said. But for now, if people want

the real health benefits of broc-coli, there’s a simple guideline. Eat your vegetables.

Information from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

through whole

supplements is never simple,”

associate professor. “Some vitamins and nutrients, like the folic acid often recommended for pregnant women, are actually better-absorbed as a supplement than through food,” Ho said. “Adequate levels of nutrients like vitamin D are often difficult to obtain in most diets. But the particular compounds that

Although broccoli has the highest levels of glucosinolates,

they are also found in cauliflower,

cabbage, kale

The same cooking recom-

mendations would apply to those foods to best retain

their health benefits, Ho said. But for now, if people want

the real health benefits of broc-coli, there’s a simple guideline. Eat your vegetables.

Information from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

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Could It Be Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be easily detected and

treated at a cost of as little as 10 cents a day. But B12 deficiency is rou-tinely misdiagnosed and left untreated, crippling millions of Americans—and causing billions of dollars in unneces-sary health care costs that are ulti-mately paid for by the U.S. taxpayer. Sally Pacholok, R.N., and Dr. Jeffrey Stuart, authors of “Could It Be B12? An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses,” call for a united effort by medical professionals for early testing and treatment of B12 deficiency. An estimated 15 percent of Ameri-cans over age 64 suffer from B12 deficiency—that’s 5.9 million older adults. Other groups at risk for devel-oping B12 deficiency are vegetarians, gastric bypass patients, alcoholics and sufferers of anemia, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, autoimmune disease and AIDS. The use of certain drugs

such as proton pump inhibitors, metformin, H-2 blockers and

nitrous oxide can also cause B12 deficiency.

What are the symptoms? If your vitamin B12 defi-ciency is mild, you may not have symptoms or you may

not notice them. As anemia gets worse, you may: Feel weak, tired, and lightheaded. Have pale skin. Have a sore, red tongue or bleeding gums. Feel sick to your stomach and lose weight. Have diarrhea or constipation. If the level of vitamin B12 stays low for a long time, it can damage your nerve cells. If this happens, you may have: Numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes. A poor sense of balance. Depression. Dementia, a loss of mental abilities. When detected in time, B12 deficiency can be treated and cured with inexpensive vitamin B12 injections, which can cost as little as $36 a year—just 10 cents a day.

Neuropathy & Other Foot Problems?Yes, You Can Feel Great About Your Feet Again!

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How to Stop Your Foot Pain!BY DR. BONNIE SANCHEZ, DPM Board Certified ABPOPPM

Your foot hurts be-cause you are injur-

ing it with every step you take. What I have found is that over the years your tendons, muscles, and ligaments have been stretched out like an overused rubber band, creating laxity in your feet and ankles. This laxity causes a misalignment of the joints and bones of the feet and ankles. All of this leads to tired, painful feet. You have tried more expensive shoes, or shoe inserts from the drug store, or even possibly some very expensive inserts for your shoes that did not work. But, all you want is only to be pain free. My solution is to solve the underly-ing problem of this constant re-injury

of your feet and ankles every time you take a step. I do this by holding

your feet in their unique ideal position with every step you take. I use full contact therapeutic orthotics that capture your ideal arch. The orthotics go into your shoes and, by holding your arch in your ideal position, your muscles, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones and joints can again work together properly. My patients have expe-rienced relief from years

of foot pain. Some even no longer need a cane or walker, and many have also experienced relief of ankle, knee, hip and back pain. If these are the types of results you are looking for, please contact my office to schedule an appointment and evaluation. In Pinellas: (727) 824-5100, and in Hillsborough: (813) 645-1993.

creating laxity in your feet

your feet in their unique ideal position with every

contact therapeutic orthotics that capture your ideal arch. The orthotics go into your shoes and, by holding your arch in your ideal position, your muscles, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones and joints can again work together properly. My patients have experienced relief from years


Participants must be at least 55 years young. Only solo & duet acts, no groups please. Please bring your own instruments and your own tape/cd or accompanist to the audition. A piano will be available. Audition on fi rst-come fi rst-serve basis. No Entry Fee to audition.Ten Acts will be chosen from the auditions to perform at the show!

For Information call: Pinellas: 727-329-2618 – Susan Juhl and Nicole Woodring

Hillsborough: 813-436-2296 – Andrea White and Chrissy Crumpton

SENIOR IDOL SHOW – APRIL 4, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.Ruth Eckerd Hall

1111 McMullen Booth Road • Clearwater, FL 33759

Pinellas Auditions: January 18 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Japanese Garden Mobile Estates19709 U.S. Highway 19 NorthClearwater, FL 33764-1006

Senior Talent Show: February 11, 2012 - 2:00 p.m.

Largo Cultural Center105 Central Park Drive • Largo, FL 33779

Hillsborough Auditions: January 18 - 9:00 a.m. to noon

Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce1651 Sun City Center Plaza • Sun City, FL 33573

January 25 - 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m Brandon Community Center

502 East Sadie Street • Brandon, FL 33510

Senior Talent ShowFebruary 18, 2012 - 3:00 p.m.

Spoto High School8538 Eagle Palm Drive Riverview, FL 33578


Learn to Reboot Your ThinkingReboot your Life at the meeting of

The Sun City Center Branch of the American Association of Universi-ty Women (AAUW) luncheon meeting on Sat., Dec. 10 in the Florida Room of the Atrium Building on North Course Dr, Sun City Center. The meet-ing will begin at 11 a.m. Till Hagen will be the speaker, and lunch will fol-low. To reserve a spot, contact Sandra at (813) 642-0425 by Dec. 7.

Holiday DanceThe public is invited to a holiday

dance at Freedom Plaza Retire-ment Community, 1010 American Eagle Blvd. in Sun City Center. Dance the night away to the sounds of Richie Merritt. RSVP to (813) 634-1824. Afford-able cash bar offering beer, wine and sodas. Free admission. 7 to 9:30.

Have You Tried Square Dancing?Beginner Square Dance lessons are held at Strawberry

Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City on Monday evenings from 6:30 – 8 p.m. with caller/teacher Roland Blanchette. Go and see how much fun square dancing can be! Plus Square Dance Lessons are on Mondays from 8 to 9:30 p.m. If you haven’t danced in a while, come for brush-ups or if you just finshed Begin-ner’s lessons, continue with Plus square dance lessons. Call (813) 752 0491 or visit their website atstrawberrysquaredancing.com.

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Last Month’s Answers Nov. SudokuSylvia Foster is

last month’s winner! Congratulations!

Dec. Sudoku Sudoku requires no arithmetic

skills.The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must

include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from

the drawing on Dec. 21 will win.Send your answers along

with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION

OR MATURE LIFESTYLES1602 S. PARSONS AVE.,

SEFFNER, FL 33584

WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!SUDOKU MUST BE RECEIVED BY DEC. 21, 2011

Win Great Prizes!New winner selected each month

Good Luck!

Word Search Dec. 2011In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions – forwards, backwards, horizontally,

vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?

Send your answers along with your name, address and telephone number to: SENIOR CONNECTION or MATURE LIFESTYLES

1602 S. PARSONS AVE. SEFFNER, FL 33584

The first correct answers selected from the drawing on December 21 will win.WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES!

(Puzzles must be received by Dec. 21, 2011.)

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Word Search Answers

From November 2011

Coretha Givens is last month’s winner!

Congratulations!Florida’s Award Winning Senior Magazine

&

Fun Santa FactsSanta is a man of many names. In

the United States, Santa is called St. Nick and sometimes Kris Krin-gle. He’s called Father Christmas in England, Christkindli in Switzerland, Pere Noel in France, Babbo Natale in Italy and Weihnachts-mann in Austria. Where does Santa go on vacation? You can visit Santa’s Beach House Village in Panama City, Florida. See visitpanamacitybeach.com. U.S. scientists calculat-ed that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, traveling at 650 miles a second. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa Claus’s sleigh ride across the globe every Christmas Eve and posts realtime updates via the internet. Visit noradsanta.org.

Santa’s traditional suit depends on which country you’re in. In England and the U.S, he wears red and white. In some European countries, he was said to have worn a red or black bishop’s cloak with bishop hat, and

sometimes a long green furry robe. On Santa’s blog on santaflorida.com, one reader asks: Does Santa Claus have swim-ming trunks? His reply: Indeed I do, and I use

them regularly. I like to swim best in the summer, but I am known to jump into the icy cold water and play with polar bears. I always make sure the Elf lifeguards are on duty. Every year in California, a “Surfing Santa” contest is held to benefit charities. See surfingsantacontest.org.From internet sources.

Pere Noel in France, Babbo Natale in bishop’s cloak with bishop hat, and


Five Things Worth the SplurgeIt will cost you more

in the long run if you try to save money on these five items:l. Interior paint. Good quality paints look great and are easier to apply.2. Estate planning. It’s a complex issue and an attorney will know if you’ve covered all the bases.

3. Mattress. It’s the key to a good night’s sleep.4. Kitchen knives. You want the best balance, comfort and cutting capabilities.5. Running shoes. Cheap shoes will have

insufficient cushioning and support. Information from USAA Magazine.

3. Mattress.to a good night’s sleep.4. Kitchen knives.You want the best balance, comfort and cutting capabilities.5. Running shoes.Cheap shoes will have

The Florida Orchestra Offers Jazzy Classics and Christmas at the PopsBY HENRY ADAMS

Concertgoers can enjoy compli-mentary coffee and doughnuts

at the next Coffee Concert with conductor Stuart Malina leading The Florida Orchestra in a morning of Jazzy Classics. Malina is also the soloist in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue on a program with Shostakovich’s Suite for Jazz Orchestra No. 1, a medley of Duke Ellington favorites and more. The conductor talks to the audience about the music and the composers during this performance on Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater, in St. Petersburg. At the next Raymond James Pops concert, the 140 soaring voices of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay join the orchestra for everyone’s favorite Christ-mas carols along with the “Hallelujah! Chorus” from Handel’s The Messiah, together with such beloved musical chestnuts as Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman and more. Grammy Award

winner Victor Vanacore conducts these concerts on Dec. 9, 10 and 11 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The St. Petersburg Times Masterworks series continues with a celebration of the music of English composer Fred-erick Delius. Baritone Leon Williams and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay join Stefan Sanderling and the orchestra for Delius’ Sea Drift and Appalachia: Variations on an Old Slave Song on a program that includes Beethoven’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage and Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. There are two performances at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts—Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, the first of which launches the new Morning Masterworks series: Jan. 6 at 10 a.m.and Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. The concert repeats on Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Enjoy new lower ticket prices of $15, $30 and $45 for the Masterworks and Pops concerts. Visit floridaorchestra.org or call 1-800-662-7286 for more info.

From all of us at

727.892.3337 or www.FloridaOrchestra.orgFor group benefits (10 or more) : 727.362.5443

Join The Florida Orchestra for

Music in the Morningsat one of our two matinee series!

Coffee Concert

The Sounds of NatureFeaturing Debussy’s Clair de lune, Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons, and excerpts from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, Pastorale, Stuart Malina conducts the morning Coffee Concert featuring Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer, with complimentary coffee and doughnuts served before the performance.

Wed, Jan 18, 10am Ruth Eckerd Hall Thu, Jan 19, 11am Progress Energy Center for the ArtsMahaffey Theater

Sponsored by:

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New Progress Energy Morning Masterworks

Celebrate DeliusBaritone Leon Williams and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay join the orchestra to celebrate Frederick Delius with his Sea Drift and Appalachia: Variations on an Old Slave Song along with Beethoven’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage and closes with Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. Stefan Sanderling conducts. Join us after the concert for “Lunch with the Musicians” for $25. Concert tickets start at $15.

Fri, Jan 6, 10 am Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater

Sponsored by:

© J

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TFO-Senior Connection-Dec.indd 1 11/14/2011 3:43:33 PM


Travel

Mobile, Alabama…Prepare to be Surprised!BY DAVID LALMOND

In Mobile, Alabama, the coastal way of life is lived out every day

in food, music and festivals. Mobile still holds surprises for the traveler, whether for a day or a week. Pre-pare to be surprised as you eat your way along the bay, visit dozens of historical sites and get out on the water. Or join one of their many festivals. It’s worth a stop!

When to go MARDI GRAS in Mobile…the surprising original! The fi rst known American Mardi Gras celebration took place in Mo-bile in 1703, even before New Orleans had one. Visit Mobile Carnival Museum to see a se-lection of jeweled robes and crowns of past celebrations. Go aboard an actual fl oat and learn about the two weeks of celebrations that culminate on “Fat Tuesday” each year. Docents take you through the cultural and social aspects of local Mardi Gras traditions.

Or maybe go for New Years. On New Years Eve, you can relax with an RC Cola and a Moon Pie (or champagne) in Mobile. At midnight a twelve-foot illuminated MoonPie descends from a 34-story tower to usher in the new year, Mobile style. (Mobile consumes four million Moon Pies annually, so many that the city has adopted the delicious treat as an informal emblem.) So...enjoy Moon-Pie Over Mobile next New Years Eve.

Or go to Mobile when the gardens are in bloom, and that is year-round in Mobile at Bellin-grath Gardens and Home – the house that Coke built. Mr. Walter Bellingrath was an early franchise investor in the Coca-Cola Compa-ny and today his famous 75-year-old estate on 65 acres presents a horticultural bouquet where there are blooms most every day

of the year. World-renowned for its camellias in winter, 2,000 rose bushes in summer, dozens of azalea bushes in spring, magnifi cent Christmas lights and much more. Popular among travelers, it’s an easy drive off I-10.

What to see In the Museum of Mobile, innovative and state-of-the-art exhibits help you relive the journey of some of the earli-est Americans. Particularly impressive were the African-American stories and their infl uence in arts, sports and leadership. Civil War soldiers tell their stories. Natural disasters are portrayed as their impact changed the commercial fortunes of Mobile.

On the edge of Mobile Bay, the Five Rivers Delta Center offers outdoor activity and adventure in the scenic waterways, woods and wetlands where fi ve rivers converge. The interpretive center presents background, live exhibits and is adjacent to the Bertram Canoe Trail. I enjoyed a kayak trip but guided trips are also available on pontoon boats.

The Gulf Coast Exploreum is a kid’s fi eld trip delight and the only science center between Houston and Tampa along the Gulf coast. High tech adven-ture in heart health awaits the visitor. The Ciba Lab offers lab coat and goggles so you can try your hand at table-top experiments. Hands-on inter-active exhibits offer a chance to strum a tune on a laser harp. The Virtual Journeys Digital Theater uses power-ful computers and digital projection systems the size of an 18-wheeler. You can relive baseball’s glory days at the Hank Aaron Childhood

home and museum. His childhood in Mobile is presented at the Hank Aaron Stadium where the Mobile Bay Bears play (affi liated with the Arizona Diamondbacks). A walk through downtown Mobile, takes you to A & M Peanut Shop with an original Planters peanut roaster still in operation and Three Georges Ice Cream Shop. Stop for lunch at the Spot of Tea and then be sure to see the old Saenger Theater and the beautiful 19th century cathedral.

Where to stay The newly remodeled Battle House Hotel is one of the grand old hotels of the South. Located in downtown Mobile, the Battle House Hotel opened in 1852 and has been opened and closed a couple of times, but the recently completed renovation easily makes it the most desirable hotel stay along the coast. Rooms are luxurious, the pool and fi tness area exceptional and service is genteel Southern. If you don’t have the time or inclina-tion to stay at the Battle House, tours are available through the Beaux Art style lobby. Unique to the second fl oor is the “whispering arch” where one may whisper at one end of an arch and be clearly heard 35 feet away at the other end of the arch. For information, visit mobilebay.org or call 1-800-5MOBILE.

Jubilee!Near Mobile, the town of

Daphne is world-known for the unusual phenomenon of “jubilee.” Once or more a year, environmental factors deplete the water of oxygen drawing shrimp, flounder, crab and other fish up to the surface close to the shore. The word goes out, phones ring all over the area—“Jubilee!”—and residents rush with their cool-ers to the area to collect immense numbers of fish, free for the picking up.

festivals. It’s worth a stop!

surprising original!

Or go to Mobile when the gardens are in bloom, and that is year-round in Mobile at Bellin-grath Gardens and Home – the house that Coke built. Mr. Walter Bellingrath was an early franchise

aspects of local Mardi Gras traditions.

Mobile, Alabama…Prepare to be Surprised!Mobile, Alabama…Prepare to be Surprised!

in food, music and festivals. Mobile

Or go to Mobile when the

On the edge of Mobile Bay, the Five Rivers Delta Center offers outdoor

in the scenic waterways, woods and wetlands where fi ve rivers converge. The interpretive center presents background, live exhibits and is adjacent to the Bertram Canoe Trail. I enjoyed a kayak trip but guided trips are also

Or go to Mobile when the

travelers, it’s an easy drive off I-10.

available on pontoon boats.

Get up close and personal with the human heart at

The Gulf Coast Exploreum

In the Museum of Mobile, a “Human Cargo” exhibit shows

how slaves were transported from Africa in the hold of a ship.

investor in the Coca-Cola Compa-ny and today his famous 75-year-old estate on 65 acres presents

there are blooms most every day

Climb aboard a real Mardi Gras fl oat at the Mardi Gras Museum.

Oysters at Wintzell’s Oys-

ter House in Mobile, served “fried, stewed or nude” since

1938.


Travel: To Shop or Not to ShopBY YVONNE CURLEY

Shopping can be a big part of

travel. Unique wares and low prices draw us to products created in exotic locations. But consider the cost and difficulty of getting it home before you buy. It seems easy enough to say, “I’ll have them ship it.” Not so fast. A fellow traveler at a pottery shop in Peru purchased pottery knick-knacks for gifts and told the clerk to pack them for shipping. It turned out that the packing and shipping charges were $95 for her $50 purchases. I bought one very nice bowl and several smaller pieces and decided to carry them home. The shop wrapped them securely in a cardboard box, but I knew it wouldn’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. What to do? I

later bargained at the outdoor market for an

inexpensive cloth bag which would fit under

the airplane seat. Since then, I carry a very lightweight

nylon duffel bag in my suitcase in case I

find irresistible items. If I do, I pack the nylon bag with dirty clothes and extra shoes and check it as a second piece of luggage.

My larger suitcase can be packed with my purchased treasures

safely wrapped in other clothing or wrapped in native newspapers. Some travelers pick something specific and easy to carry to shop for in each location, such as unframed pen and ink drawings or watercolor prints or perhaps embroidered pieces which can be framed at home. To shop or not to shop? Why, shop, of course!

Travel: To Shop or Not to ShopBY YVONNE CURLEY

hopping can be

prices draw us to products created in exotic locations. But consider the cost and difficulty of getting it home before you buy. It seems easy enough to say, “I’ll have them ship it.” Not so fast. A fellow traveler at a pottery

later bargained at the outdoor market for an

inexpensive cloth bag which would fit under

nylon duffel bag in my suitcase in case I

find irresistible items. If I do, I pack the nylon bag with dirty clothes and extra shoes and check it as a second piece of luggage.

My larger suitcase can be

Congratulations, Mature Lifestyles and Senior Connection!Dear Readers,

Every month, Senior Con-

nection and Mature Lifestyles magazines look forward to bring-ing you the latest and best information on health and wellness, travel, finances and retirement living. We celebrate our local heroes and encourage seniors like ourselves to stay connected to their community and live life to its fullest. We are proud to announce that Senior Con-nection and Mature Lifestyles magazines have won awards for excellence at the 2011 North American Mature Publishers Associa-tion (NAMPA) convention last month. We could not have done it without the support of our readers and sponsors. Thank you!Awards and NAMPA Comments:General Excellence, Second Place: Mature Lifestyles, Florida This publication showcases the personali-ties, events, news and features that fit its readership with strong, clear writing

and cheerful, effective design. It packs a wealth of content into each issue, making it a good investment in the time spent reading it.Travel, First Place: Kathy Beck, “Belfast’s Iconic Titanic Comes to Life,” Senior Connection, Florida

In this first-person account, the writer takes us along as she visits both a historic city and the museum dedicated to its most famous ship. Detailed writing and the accompany-ing photographs put us in the scene.Profile, First Place: Tracie Schmidt, “Elie Wiesel Connects Cultures, Generations Through his Work,” Senior Connection, Florida Elie Wiesel is internationally known for his retelling of the Holocaust story and his pursuit of its perpetrators. At 83, he reveals his private life, includ-ing his love of his grandchildren. To learn more, visit maturepublishers.com or seniorconnectionfl.com.

Lifestyles and Senior Connection!

look forward to bring-

issue, making it a good investment in the time spent reading it.Travel, First Place: Kathy Beck, “Belfast’s Iconic Titanic Comes to Life,”

One mile “FUN” Walk around Florida State FairgroundsWalkers Receive: T-Shirt, Continental Breakfast, Sponsor

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In consideration of our acceptance of this entry, I for myself, my heirs, devises, executors, administrators and assign hereby waive, release, discharge any and all claims against Florida State Fairgrounds or News Connection USA, Inc., or anyone sponsoring or conducting this event or their employees, representatives or successors for any and all damages or injuries I may suffer. I hereby, grant permission for the free use of my name and pictures in any broadcast or account of this event.

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December 2011 Fishing ForecastWeather can be one of

the biggest hurdles to cross when fishing in the winter months. If it’s too cold, the fish don’t usu-ally bite, if it’s too windy it makes it very hard to get out and find fish either by boat or from shore. Snook seek out warmer water in the local area such as spring-fed rivers, power plants with warm water runoff or deep spots that hold warmth as the surface water cools. If you catch one, please handle it with care as the season is closed. Trout will be in the deeper grass flats and some of the deeper spots of the Manatee and Little Manatee Rivers. Try fishing trout with soft plastic artificial baits. DOA makes some very good plastic baits; one of my favorites is the DOA shrimp. It works well this time of year because you can fish it very slow. Trout season is closed through December in the Southern region. Redfish can be found near the many

oyster bars that fill the backcountry of Tampa Bay. Try using a pin fish under a bobber or one of the many artificial types of bait avail-able at the local tackle shops. If you can, get out and

enjoy this great place we live in but remember it’s not the number of fish you put in the fish box that makes a successful trip. Measure your

fishing success by the number of smiles you receive by going fishing. Call now to sign up for the South-Shore Professional Fishing Tournament, May 10 – 11, 2012. The tournament, hosted by The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, 611 Destiny Drive, Ruskin, benefits the Out of School Time programs, the mentoring programs of the SouthShore Rotary Foundation and YMCA’s Camp Cristina.—Capt. Danny Guarino; D.R. Guarino Charters; (813) 956-2010; [email protected]; fishingguidetampabay.com

Arnold Graves from Atlanta, Georgia shows a snook he caught and released while

fishing Tampa Bay with Captain Danny Guarino.

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Is There a Kipper in Your House?

Down Under in Australia, they call them “kippers”—“kids in parents’

pockets eroding retirement savings.” The 2010 U.S. census figures indicate that more than 80 million so-called American “empty nesters” now find themselves with at least one grown child living at home. U.S. pundits refer to these adult children as the “boomer-ang” generation. Some kids return home for economic reasons—this year over 18 percent of 16-to-24-year-olds were unemployed vs. 8.7 percent for people over 25. College grads with college loans may move back in with their parents—where life is comfortable and rent is either low or nonexistent—while they get their finances in order.

Of course, some return for personal reasons, to recover from a divorce or an illness, or just because they cannot afford their parents’ lifestyle living on their own. Focus on the Family, which has an extensive family-related website, offers these tips for maintaining a healthy relation-ship with your adult child: • Trust your adult children to make wise choices, even if they sometimes don’t. They’ll eventually figure things out. After all, didn’t you learn much the same way?

• Squelch the impulse to give advice unless it’s asked for. That’s easier to do when your kids are out of your radar range, but when they’re sleeping just down the hall, self-censorship can be more difficult. You don’t want to sound like a nagging broken record of “You shouldn’t have” and “Why didn’t you?”• Communication is key. Set a regular time to discuss issues, clarify expectations or simply clear the air. Pray together regularly. • Practice grace—everyone. We all have bad days. Three or more adults living in one house is a challenge whether you’re related or not. Give each other some space! A New York Life spokesman notes that the return by adult children to the nest can become a financial burden that can derail the parents’ plans and jeopardize their financial future, especially their retirement, as they try to do too much for their children.

They offer these key suggestions for dealing with debt and helping your children out financially:1. Help them restructure debts, rather than simply bail them out. Then teach them how to avoid new debt. One option is to match debt-reduction payments with the under-standing that they put away credit cards and live within their means.2. Do not sacrifice your own finan-cial future. Decide how much you want and can afford to help. Children tend to think their parents are wealthy, while some parents provide more financial support than they can afford. Having your children return to the safety net of your home can be a won-derful time of family closeness. Setting the tone, laying out the ground rules and making smart-money financial decisions can help create a positive, supportive environment that is in the best interests of you and your returning family members. Your role is to guide them.

Home for the Holidays—and Every Other Day

Of course, some return for

Elder Helpline

1-800-963-5337

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“I’m Leaving My No-Good Son Just One Dollar…”BY WILLIAM R. MUMBAUER, Attorneywww.fl willstrustsprobate.com

Rarely does a week go by that a misinformed client requests that I

put a clause in their yet-to-be-prepared will to the effect that their out-of-favor child receive only one dollar upon his or her parent’s death. The rationale behind this slap in the face bequest, besides the obvious message it con-veys, is that it somehow magically prevents the unfortunate child from contesting the will. This is a myth.

First of all, it should be understood that with the exception of certain very specific situations involving homestead real property owned by a decedent who is survived by minor children, a parent who is a Florida resident has absolutely no legal obligation to leave his or her child anything, and certainly not one dollar.

Perhaps the confusion regarding a parent’s post mortem obligation to their children arises from the fact that many jurisdictions, including Florida, recognize the concept of entitlement by a “pretermitted” child. Under the pretermitted child law, a child born or adopted after the date their par-ent’s will was executed has the right to receive a share of the deceased parent’s estate equal to what the child would have been entitled to had the parent died without having made a valid will. Clearly this is a unique situation that rarely occurs. Finally, what of those cases in which the lawyer acquiesces to the client’s ill-advised wishes and actually drafts the will devising the one dollar (or similarly nominal amount) to a child? If the will is later probated, inevitably, the rejected child refuses to cash his or her disbursement check and all kinds of problems then arise, resulting in unnecessary additional expense and delay in closing the decedent’s estate.

Mr. Mumbauer, a fifth generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning. He takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and prac-tical approach to problem solving. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and is a participating attorney in the AARP Legal Services Network. He is also a Mentor in probate law and has been qualified by the Second District Court of Appeal in Florida as an expert witness in matters involving the drafting of wills. Mr. Mumbauer’s Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating for Legal Ability is High to Very High and his General Recommendation Rating is Very High. His articles are based on general principles of law and are not intended to apply to individual circumstances.

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Q: How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

A: If you are an adult, you must be un-able to work for a year or more because of a medical condition or combination of medical impairments. Overall, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. The process considers any current work activity you are doing. It also considers your medi-cal condition and how it affects your ability to work. To be found disabled: • You must be unable to do work you did before you became dis-abled and we must decide you can-not adjust to other work because of your medical condition; and• Your disability must last, or be expected to last, for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security pays only for total disability. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability. For more information, read our publica-tion Disability Benefits at socialse-curity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

Social Security Questions Answered


The Greatest Human Strength

Is Will PowerRepeat after

me: “I will not eat ice cream, I will not eat ice cream, I will not eat ice cream.” Now, behold the luscious waffle cone heaped with scoops of rocky road and vanilla caramel ripple? Repeat after me: “Well . . . maybe just a little taste . . . .” Arrgh—don’t do it! At least not until you’ve read Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by FSU Professor Roy F. Baumeister. Baumeister learned that willpower “gives people the strength to perse-vere, how they lose self-control as their willpower is depleted and how this mental energy is fueled by the glucose in the body’s bloodstream.” His research shows that self-regu-lation, like a muscle, can sometimes be worn down. When subjects were given a task that required them to resist something—like a sweet treat or not thinking about a certain kind of animal—they didn’t perform as well on a subsequent assigned task involv-ing willpower, a result of what Baumeister calls “ego depletion.” Even more interesting was that when the subjects were given a sugar-sweetened drink, self-control actually improved. Apparently, the sugar provided fuel for the brain to get back to work and restore the person’s willpower. And when subjects were asked to make moderate lifestyle changes, such as exercising, they eventually displayed greater overall self-control in their lives, which showed that willpower can be beefed up much like an unused muscle. (Newswise)

epeat after

will not eat ice

luscious waffle

epeat after

will not eat ice

luscious waffle


A Little White Lie

BY BRIAN GUNNELL

On defense, sometimes a little white lie is necessary in order

to point Partner in the right direction. No more clues, here’s your problem:

You are sitting East, trying to beat 4♥. Partner leads the ♣A. Where can you find four defensive tricks? No doubt Declarer has the ♠A and the ♥A for that opening bid, so at first glance it may appear that the best the defense can do is to take its two Club tricks and the ♦A. Any ideas for an extra trick? OK, now that you’ve solved the problem, the full hand: That’s right, at Trick 1 East false-cards with the ♣8, showing a double-ton! East’s plan is to conjure up a

trump trick out of thin air. Look what happens! West next cashes the ♣K, and East completes his fake high-low. Then West plays a third round of Clubs and who can blame Declarer for ruffing that trick high in Dummy? Obviously he doesn’t want to get overruffed by East, and, anyway, squandering that high trump costs nothing if the trumps are 3-1 or 2-2. But they are 4-0, so East gets a trump trick and it’s down one! It was necessary to fool Partner as well as Declarer. If East had signaled honestly in Clubs, then, at Trick 3, West would no doubt have shifted to the ♠Q, hoping that East has the Ace and trying to grab a couple of Spade tricks before they disappear on the Diamonds. Visit acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or e-mail [email protected] To find a bridge club in Florida, go to district9acbl.org/D9Clubsmap.htm Bridge article provided courtesyof St. Petersburg Bridge Club; online at stpetebridge.org.

BRIDGE BITESFrom The

American ContractBridge League

BRIDGE BITESBRIDGE BITESBRIDGE BITESBRIDGE BITESBRIDGE BITESBRIDGE BITESBRIDGE BITESBRIDGE BITESFrom The

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Winter Open Houses at St. Joseph’s John Knox VillageVisit one of the upcoming open

houses at St. Joseph’s John Knox Village this winter! They will offer complimentary hors d’oeuvres and feature their newly renovated Assisted Living Community. If you are caring for a loved one, please take the time to meet their friendly and experienced staff, and see what makes St. Joseph’s John Knox

Village unique. They are also excited about their brand new Memory Care Unit, “New Beginnings,” which will be opening in 2012! Open House Dates: December 11 (2 – 4 p.m.), January 12 (4 – 7 p.m.), and January 22 (2 – 4 p.m.). Where: 4100 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL 33613. For more information, please call (813) 632-2331.

Florida Residents Can Enjoy Biking Every Day!What is Florida living without

a bike? We have the ultimate climate that is conducive to bike exer-cise. You can do it virtually every day of the year from January to December. In the cooler winter months, what could be more beautiful than bik-ing on a sunny afternoon? Or in the summer, just get up early to beat the heat and watch our gorgeous sunrises. Either way, you are guaranteed to be able to use your bike to exercise and build good healthy habits every day. Many people want to ride bicycles but find getting on and off of one more than what they can handle. Biria USA is producing bicycles, called the Easy Boarding, that are specifically geared towards this growing market. The “Easy Boarding” bike makes cycling easier for older adults because it has a frame bar that is only six inches off the ground, creating a

step-through frame that is extremely easy to mount. Riders can mount the “Easy Boarding” bike simply by lifting their leg less than 6 inches rather than up and over the bike’s frame, like on traditional designs. With such advanced, senior-oriented features as upright seating (for less back pain), relaxed arm position (for more control), and a unique step-through design (making it easier to get on the bike), Biria bikes can be just the thing for the active senior! Imagine – healthy exercise, good conversation, fresh air,and a feeling of freedom, all while burning off fat and improving your health! Isn’t that why we live in Florida? For more information on Biria bi-cycles or to find a Biria distributor near you, visit www.biria.com or call 1-201-461-1980. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.

Using your prior year’s tax form, Thrivent Financial’s “What-If” tax calculation program can help you understand how changes in your financial situation might affect your tax liability. We have tax-efficient financial strategies that can help, too. For more information, call today.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its respective associates and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services. Work with your Thrivent Financial representative, and as appropriate, your attorney and/or tax professional for additional information.21573C R8-10 ©2011 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans 201003719

Use your history to help change your financial future

Pam Markle, ChFC, CLU, CASLFinancial Associate

17535 Darby Ln, Ste 311Lutz, FL 33558813-443-5088


Seniors Getting TogetherTO RESPOND TO AN AD

Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped en-

velope and write the ad number on the bot-tom left hand side of the envelope. Place

your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into

another envelope and address it to:News Connection USA, Inc.

Seniors Getting Together1602 S. Parsons Ave.,Seffner, FL. 33584

TO PLACE AN ADSend your ad, stating what category you

would like it placed in, your edition(s), along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the News Connection USA, Inc. address listed above. Ads received

by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue. No more than three ads will be accepted each month per person. The editor reserves the right to edit any ads for

space or content. In order to protect our readers’ privacy, we will not include phone numbers, e-mail or home addresses in the ad copy. City or area included at no charge.

trails. I am a 67 YO SF who loves the outdoors and prefers to live a simple life.4072 FSW ISO SOH NS SD F, Hop-ing to meet someone, a senior who would enjoy another and would like to go places: movies, dinners, any fun outing. Just need a friend, a buddy like. Thank you. Gulfport.4074 PLAIN AND FANCY GAL lSO fit/fun gent to enjoy life’s journey of events. WD, NS, ND, W, F, C, 70s.4076 RETIRED WW, NS, SD Seeks gen-tleman for friendship, age 65 – 75. Enjoys music, movies, reading, travel, intelligent discussion, eating out. Brandon area.4080 SEEKING NICE GENTLEMAN White, Christian female, never smoke, wine with my dinner (a glass). Hon-est, healthy, music, exercises, travel, etc. Please send a recent photo.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

4071 I AM 64, MALE, TALL, profession Asian. Seeking a white, petite, attractive, spiritual in yoga around 60 – 69 young. LTR.

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

4023 SEEKING CUTE 59 –65YO HONEST, ONE-WOMAN MAN. IQ, “Patriotic,” conservative with SOH. Love travel, have RV? Love Ford Mustangs (rear-drive), beaches, sm Dogs! NS/SD/NDrg. I’m 5’5”, HWP, Pretty w/blonde hair. Let’s dance—make Bucket list! Florida.4061 PRETTY DBF, 54, CURVY, looking for a S/DWM who can be monogamous, sensual, funny and patient, and can picture himself in LTR with me. Pinellas County.4067 ISO BICYCLING COMPANION, 62 to 70 YO, who likes to ride on paved

Attention SGTers!Screen respondents carefully. Always

meet in public places and have your own transportation. Don’t divulge your home

address. Be sure to provide a way for your correspondent to respond to you – phone number, e-mail address or Post Office Box address. Contact the authorities if you feel

threatened or harassed by an individual. Be patient and careful – a good relationship and

your personal safety are worth the wait!

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Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month prior to placement.

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Ad Copy • Please Print Neatly • 30 Word Limit

If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month).

We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is confidential.

Name:

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MAIL TO: SENIORS GETTING TOGETHER, C/O NEWS CONNECTION, USA, INC. 1602 S. PARSONS AVE., SEFFNER, FL 33584

Only $6 to place an ad!

Title (First 4 Words):

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4073 HAPPY-GO-LUCKY GUY wants to meet a pretty, slim, happy lady 60 – 65. LTR, NS. I’m attractive, youthful 70, 5’8”, 155 lbs., trim. Good cook, dancer, dress-er, neat, romantic, active, lots of fun.4077 HEALTHY, SINCERE, CARING RETIREE 76, HWP, financially secure, W, WW, NS, NDrg, seeking woman of high caliber who is, above all, honest and sincere, in her 60s or 70s. Photo would be nice. Tampa.4081 EAST INDIAN MALE, 64 YEARS, professional, seeking a soulmate. White female, petite, attractive, into the spiritual nature. Photo. St. Petersburg.

Commonly Used Abbreviations:F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WW-Widow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old,

YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker,

NS-Non Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height &

Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

Meet Other Seniors Online!Get Connected to Friends;

Make New Friends with SeniorAve.com!To celebrate its new Internet home, SeniorAve.com is hosting an iPad

giveaway to one lucky registered member (always free to register).

Registering also allows you to become part of an online neighborhood of constant communication and ever-changing information. As a member, you can connect

with others who share similar interests, send and receive friend requests, take part in live chats with other members, participate in discussion forums, and browse

an extensive article database with information relevant to your generation.

Visit www.SeniorAve.com

Car Colors: Personal, Regional, FashionableThe car color you

choose may say a lot about you. In fact, accord-ing to a recent survey, it may indicate where you live. Gray and silver are most popular in New York and Los Angeles. San Franciscans like white and Bostonians like black.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the U.S., customers have different preferences. Red is popular in the Midwest. Drivers in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh like green. And

in Phoenix and Miami, customers like warm colors: orange and gold.


Last Month’s Answers

Enter To Win!

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN MONEY!

Name

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Sendyouranswersforadrawing.FirstcorrectanswersselectedfromthedrawingonDec.19willreceive$20cash!

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Senior Connection • June 2005 • page 36

LEARN HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR PETS IN AN EMERGENCY

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Getting the Gift of Social MediaIf your family is giving you

a gift of social media this holiday, help them understand that it’s more than just wrap-ping the iPad, iPod or computer and placing it under the tree. Remind them that with the gift, you may need help with the following: • Arranging online access, often through cable TV or other providers.

• Setting up access to desired social networks.

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• Arranging online access, often

✦ Featured on Nationwide TV✦ Reasonable rates✦ Huge windows on

tropical gardens✦ Vet on call✦ Soft music, lots of

loving & petting

15501 Boyette Rd.Riverview

Unique Vacation Hotel for Cats Only!

u212

OZZIE’S BUFFET BAR & GRILL“Great American Home Cooking”

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Best Fried Chicken in townBest Jamaican Jerk Chicken

3074 E. COLLEGE AVE. PH. (813) 641-1300 Located at Sun Port Plaza

American • Caribbean Italian • Oriental

Catering & Take-out Available • Banquet rooms Available

Welcome Back Friends!Evening Entertainment!

6pm – 9pm, Wednesday & Thursday

Healthy Choices

AvailableSENIOR

DISCOUNT

CHRISTMAS

LUNCH & DINNER BUFFET NOW SERVING

Crab Legs & Whole Lobster Specials

Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Healthy

Lobster or Crab Dinner

with 2 sides. Buffet not included

Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 8 p.mFri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Open for:Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner

Ruskin, FLoff 674

CHRISTMAS

Catering & Take-out Available • Banquet rooms Available

American Legion Hall

BINGOPost 26

Plant City, FLBaker & Woodrow Wilson

Every Sat. night6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Public Welcome

(813) 752-8608

Happy Holidays!

Doctor appointment? Humana will take you.

When you’re a member of Humana Gold Plus® (HMO), we’ll pick you up and take you to your doctor’s offi ce. It’s just one of the many benefi ts of being a Humana member.

In addition to UNLIMITED rides to your doctor, with our plan we offer:

• $0 monthly Plan Premium• Doctor’s offi ce visits and hospital coverage• Prescription drug coverage• Convenient mail-order delivery of prescriptions• Fitness program - gym membership at no additional cost• Vision coverage• Preventive coverage• 24-hour nurse hotline• Over-the-counter medication benefi t• Meals delivered to your home after you’ve been in the hospital• Wellness program• Emergency coverage at home and when you travel• And more we haven’t listed!

A Health plan with a Medicare contract. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. If you are a member of a qualified State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program, please contact the Program to verify that the mail-order pharmacy will coordinate with that Program. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, but not a comprehensive description of available benefits. For more information contact the plan. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-800-451-7382 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus H1036-025, 040, 052, 054, 062, 067, 068, 074, 081, and 164 (HMO). *Some exceptions may apply. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus H1036 (HMO) in Florida.H1036_GHHH532HH CMS Approval 08262011 TMP 12/11

Call to schedule an in-home appointment or to fi nd a seminar near you.

1-800-451-7382 (TTY: 711)8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week

New Medicare enrollment dates! The dates to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2012 have changed. The new dates are October 15th - December 7th.*

ZEPHYRHILLSHumana Guidance Center

7400 Gall Blvd.Every Weekday at 3pm

until Dec. 7th

WESLEY CHAPELHoliday Inn Express

27615 Wesley Chapel Blvd.Dec. 6th • 10am

SAN ANTONIOTampa Bay Golf & Country Club

10641 Old Tampa Bay Rd.Dec. 7th • 9am

LAND O’LAKESVillage Inn

2003 Collier ParkwayDec. 1st • 2pm

ZEPHYRHILLSGolden Corral6855 Gall Blvd.

Dec. 5th, 7th • 9am

SEFFNERCracker Barrel

6150 Lazy Days Blvd.Dec. 1st • 2pm

BRANDONGolden Corral

815 Providence Rd.Dec. 5th • 2pm

RUSKINOzzie’s Buffet

3074 College Ave.Dec. 6th • 2pm

VALRICOBeef O’Brady’s

4330 Bell Shoals Rd.Dec. 1st • 2pm

TAMPALee Roy Selmon’s

4302 W. Boy Scout Blvd.Dec. 1st • 2pm

TAMPALander’s Steakhouse

4744 N. Dale MabryDec. 6th • 11:30am

PLANT CITYBuddy Freddy’s

1101 Goldfi nch Dr.Dec. 1st, 3rd, 6th • 10am

TAMPA TGI Friday’s

2501 E. Fowler Ave.Dec. 7th • 11:30am

TAMPAPiccadilly

11810 N. Dale MabryDec. 5th • 9am

TAMPARanch House Grill4426 W. Gandy Blvd.Dec. 1st, 5th • 2pm

DON’T FORGET!

Enrollment ends

December 7th.

TAMPAGolden Corral

6942 W. HillsboroughDec. 1st • 4pm (Spanish)

Senior Connection Dec. 2012 Hillsborough edition

Documents

Transcript of Senior Connection Dec. 2012 Hillsborough edition