April 2024 | Howard County Beacon

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Inside ABC’s ‘Golden Bachelor’

By Laura Sturza

The hope that lasting love can happen later in life recently got a huge boost, thanks to two women from the mid-Atlantic who appeared on the first season of the popular ABC program The Golden Bachelor, which premiered last fall.

The show is a spinoff of the reality TV shows The Bachelor, which premiered in 2002, and the 2003 series The Bachelorette The franchise produces romance and relationship programs that offer unmarried contestants a chance to find love — on national television.

Not only did Joan Vassos of Rockville, Maryland and Nancy Hulkower of Alexandria, Virginia become ambassadors of the idea that romance is possible for people over 60, but they also got an unexpected bonus: new friends among the 22 contestants.

When they flew to Los Angeles last August in the hopes of finding love and marriage, they didn’t know that a different type of deep relationship awaited them.

“The camaraderie and the friendships with the [other] women...truly, I did not expect it,” Hulkower said.

“I went on looking for love, like everybody else did. What came together was so much more than that. We all really stuck with each other and (have) supported one another since then.”

While neither woman was among the final three who were selected to go on hometown dates with 72-year-old Gerry Turner, the pair invited four of their fellow contestants, who have become close friends, to come for a visit in February.

‘Like summer camp’

Contestants learn about the show through online national casting calls, such as the one taking place now for those who

hope to follow in Hulkower and Vassos’ footsteps. Hulkower first heard about the casting call from her niece, who encouraged her to apply.

The sense of community that grew from their appearance on the show has been transformative. Before participating as a contestant, Vassos, 61, said she was used to living as a widow in a couples’ world since nearly all of her friends were mar-

ried or in relationships. But then she “walked into this room with 21 other women who were in the same boat as me.”

Hulkower agreed. “It’s like being at summer camp, where you make friends for life.”

Before leaving for Los Angeles, both women said they panicked a bit when they saw ABC’s suggested packing list, which

Maryland resident Joan Vassos, 61, is shown enjoying a televised date with Gerry Turner, 72, star of “The Golden Bachelor,” an ABC reality TV show whose first season attracted more than six million viewers last fall. Although Vassos — one of the show’s 22 contestants — didn’t get a marriage proposal, she made good friends among her fellow bachelorettes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC

I can see clearly now

I’ve needed eyeglasses since first grade.

Throughout school, my relatively poor vision led me to sit in the front row whenever I could. I think that possibly contributed to my more active participation in class and frequent “teacher’s pet” stigma.

It also fed into my already nerdy nature, as eyeglasses helped me look the part.

To my surprise, over the years the rest of the world seems to have come up with the idea that glasses can actually be cool. Even people who didn’t need vision correction started buying them as fashion accessories. (Another marketing coup by Madison Avenue?)

to wondering what life was like for people before modern glasses and contacts were invented.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

I started musing about all this recently when my distance vision took another turn for the worse, and I found myself again struggling to read the eye chart and trying to figure out what frames looked best on me. (Not so easy to do when you can’t see much of anything from more than a few inches away.)

Now that I’m seeing clearly again, I got

I imagine tribal elders with aging eyes were no longer able to go out to the hunt or work the fields. They probably weren’t much help in providing security, either.

In short, back in the “old days,” as one’s vision declined, a person had a lot of free time to sit back in the village and think about things.

Perhaps those with a good memory and a repository of educational experiences began to share some good stories they recalled and to offer advice to the younger folk.

Such a person might also help judge disputes between people, or come up with pearls of wisdom. Maybe one’s close vision would permit whittling to carve useful tools or works of art.

But by and large, I imagine, life slowed down considerably when your eyesight declined, which freed your mind to shift into another gear.

Today, glasses and other modern tech-

nologies give us — regardless of age and vision deficit — the ability to see, read, hear and multitask anything and everything 24/7.

Lucky us! We never have to sit back and think anymore!

Instead, we are saturated with countless videos and websites, endlessly “streaming” entertainment, listening to podcasts while we exercise, drive or ostensibly talk with our spouse, and posting on social media intimate details of our days as they happen.

The pressure (compulsion?) to continually consume — and contribute to — today’s multiple media has become so overwhelming, in fact, that we may find ourselves tuning out any ideas or thoughts that contradict or question our instincts. We don’t feel we have the time to consider or evaluate difficult or unpleasant choices, or to listen to opposing views.

No, we are almost never able to sit alone for any length of time with our own thoughts anymore. As a result, we almost never get to be truly thoughtful .

Of course, a person can go “offline,” whenever they like. Have a “tech fast” or “social media sabbath.”

I do so at least weekly myself, and I find the quiet time rewarding and enriching.

We all need some time to recharge before giving it another go.

But that’s not the kind of thing I’m suggesting here.

I’m talking about taking off one’s glasses or contacts, literally and figuratively. Letting oneself go “legally blind” for a while. (You folks with 20/20 uncorrected vision will have to come up with a different approach. Maybe smear some reading glasses with Vaseline.)

Give yourself time for your thoughts (and blood pressure) to settle, for the cacophony of daily life to dissipate. Let your vision go blurry — on purpose.

See where your thoughts take you and where you take them. Maybe ask yourself some of the bigger questions about life that you may not have pondered for a while.

What I’m hoping we find, given enough time to rethink some of the things we think we know, is that the world is less crystal clear and much more blurry than we thought.

It’s at that point that we’ll know we are finally seeing clearly again.

Publisher/Editor

President/Associate

Executive

Managing

Vice

Marketing

Art

Dear Editor:

The Howard County Arts Center’s proposed move to the Historic Courthouse in Ellicott City was announced last year by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at his State of the County Address. The county did not seek or get any input from artists at the center.

The current Howard County Center for the Arts has two beautiful galleries with over 10-foot-high walls to accommodate large art. Most studios range from over 300 square feet to 750 square feet. Two artists teach full-size classes there.

In January, we resident artists got our first tour of the new proposed art center at the Old Ellicott City Courthouse. Unfortunately, the proposed art center is disjointed, cramped and on different floors. The art

classrooms have no windows, no natural light and very low ceilings, which is a bad atmosphere for making art. The lower ceilings will make it impossible to make tall art on an easel. It was depressing and dismal, especially walking by the old prison cells.

Our current studios, galleries and classrooms are greatly superior to the Courthouse, and it is shocking that we are being moved out of our space. We have resident artists who have been at the art center since the beginning, for 40 years! It took 40 years to develop what we have at the art center for the visual arts. To see it taken away and crammed into a disjointed, haphazard way into the courthouse is

Health Fitness &

Fitness & Health

TO SCREEN OR NOT TO SCREEN?

A doctor clarifies the choices older men have to make about their prostates

GROW YOUR OWN GREENS

Microgreens are popular, healthy and easy to grow from seeds at home

SPEED IS KEY

Know a stroke’s symptoms — face and arm weakness, slurring — and act fast

SWEET TOOTH

It’s best to cut back on added sugar; natural sugars in fruits and veggies are OK

Why autoimmune diseases strike women

By Lauran Neergaard

Women are far more likely than men to get autoimmune diseases, when an out-ofwhack immune system attacks their own bodies — and new research may finally explain why.

It’s all about how the body handles females’ extra X chromosome, Stanford University researchers reported last month. This finding could lead to better ways to detect a long list of diseases that are hard to diagnose and treat.

“This transforms the way we think about this whole process of autoimmunity, especially the male-female bias,” said University of Pennsylvania immunologist E. John Wherry, who wasn’t involved in the study.

More than 24 million Americans, by some estimates up to 50 million, have an autoimmune disorder — diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and dozens more. About 4 of every 5 patients are women, a mystery that has baffled scientists for decades.

One theory is that the X chromosome might be a culprit. After all, females have two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y.

The new research, published in the journal Cell, shows that the extra X is involved — but in an unexpected way.

Special RNA found only in women

Our DNA is carried inside each cell in 23 pairs of chromosomes, including that final pair that determines biological sex.

The X chromosome is packed with hundreds of genes, far more than males’ much smaller Y chromosome. Every female cell must switch off one of its X chromosome copies, to avoid getting a toxic double dose of all those genes.

Performing that so-called X-chromosome inactivation is a special type of RNA called Xist, pronounced like “exist.” This long stretch of RNA parks itself in spots along a cell’s extra X chromosome, attracts proteins that bind to it in weird clumps, and silences the chromosome.

Stanford dermatologist Dr. Howard Chang was exploring how Xist does its job when his lab identified nearly 100 of those stuck-on proteins. Chang recognized many as related to skin autoimmune disorders — patients can have “autoantibodies” that mistakenly at-

tack those normal proteins.

“That got us thinking: These are the known ones. What about the other proteins in Xist?” Chang said. Maybe this molecule, found only in women, “could somehow organize proteins in such a way as to

activate the immune system.”

If true, Xist by itself couldn’t cause autoimmune disease or all women would be affected.

Scientists have long thought it takes a combination of genetic susceptibility and

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an environmental trigger, such as an infection or injury, for the immune system to run amok. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus is linked to multiple sclerosis.

See

Making sense of prostate cancer screening

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: How long should men who have always had a normal PSA continue to get the test? Even if I have an abnormal level, I am not sure I would want a prostate biopsy or treatment with surgery or radiation.

A: While some guidelines suggest stopping prostate cancer screening with a blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA) after age 70, the decision to continue depends on your general health and life expectancy.

The reason: Most prostate cancers are low-grade and will not shorten a man’s life or diminish his quality of life.

On the other hand, diagnosing highergrade cancer at an earlier stage could lead to treatment to keep the cancer from spreading.

In the past, a man with a high or rising

PSA level would have to choose between having an immediate prostate biopsy (to locate any cancer and assess its severity) or living with some uncertainty.

Today, other tests can help predict the presence of cancer, especially cancer that is more likely to spread. Examples include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), specific subtypes of PSA blood tests, and urine testing for specific genetic markers.

For men who do opt for prostate cancer screening but may not want immediate treatment even if cancer is likely, the two main strategies are watchful waiting and active surveillance.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting either before or after a biopsy means you don’t get regular PSA tests or other monitoring. Only if symptoms occur would you have further diag-

nostic testing to determine whether and how to treat the symptoms.

Active surveillance

An active surveillance strategy requires a prostate biopsy first to identify the cancer’s size and probability of spreading.

High-grade and many intermediate-grade prostate cancers don’t qualify for active surveillance because treatment usually begins right away. However, this strategy is an option for men who would be comfortable with close monitoring for low-grade cancer.

Active surveillance involves more frequent PSA testing (to look for any rise in the level over time) and likely periodic prostate biopsies.

Your doctor might order an MRI or a urine test for genetic markers to determine when a repeat biopsy is needed. If and when evidence arises that the cancer

has become more active, then treatment would begin.

Studies comparing men with low-grade prostate cancer who choose active surveillance rather than immediate surgery or radiation show similar outcomes and life expectancy.

By choosing active surveillance, a man can delay or even avoid treatment side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence. The downside is the small risk of delaying treatment of a cancer that grows faster than expected.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu.

© 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Autoimmunity

From page 3

Lab mice help with discovery

Chang’s team decided to engineer male lab mice to artificially make Xist — without silencing their only X chromosome — and see what happened.

Researchers also specially bred mice susceptible to a lupus-like condition that can be triggered by a chemical irritant.

The mice that produced Xist formed its hallmark protein clumps and, when triggered, developed lupus-like autoimmunity at levels similar to females, the team concluded.

“We think that’s really important, for Xist RNA to leak out of the cell to where the immune system gets to see it. You still needed this environmental trigger to cause the whole thing to kick off,” explained Chang, who is paid by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which also supports The Associated Press’ Health and Science Department.

Beyond mice, researchers also examined blood samples from 100 patients — and uncovered autoantibodies targeting Xist-associated proteins that scientists hadn’t previously linked to autoimmune disorders. A potential reason, Chang suggests: standard tests for autoimmunity were made using male cells.

Lots more research is necessary, but the findings “might give us a shorter path to diagnosing patients that look clinically and immunologically quite different,” said Penn’s Wherry.

“You may have autoantibodies to Protein A and another patient may have autoantibodies to Proteins C and D,” but knowing they’re all part of the larger Xist complex allows doctors to better hunt disease patterns, he added.

“Now we have at least one big part of the puzzle of biological context.”

Stanford’s Chang wonders if it may even be possible to one day interrupt the process. “How does that go from RNA to abnormal cells? This will be a next step of the investigation.” AP

Try growing healthy microgreens indoors

By Jessica Damiano

Microgreens have been popping up as garnishes at high-end restaurants, but they’re more than just a gourmet trick of the trade.

The 2-to-3-inch seedlings of edible plants, which add a burst of color and flavor to food, are packed with nutrients and can make for a fun indoor gardening project.

At an average retail price of about $30 per tray, the little nutritional powerhouses can be prohibitively expensive to buy fully grown.

But growing your own at home is cheap, quick and easy.

You’ll need a dome-covered seed-starting tray or a roughly 2-inch-deep plastic lidded takeout container with holes poked in its bottom for drainage; a drip tray or rimmed baking sheet to collect drained water; seed-starting potting mix; a spray bottle; a sunny window and, of course, seeds. A grow light and a small fan are recommended but optional.

Many seeds to choose from

Many catalogs and garden centers sell mixed microgreen seed packs that contain a variety of seeds selected and combined for their synchronized germination times. You can buy those or mix your own batch from new or leftover seeds. Or grow just a single variety. It’s up to you.

If mixing seeds yourself, select ones that will sprout at the same time. Arugula, broccoli, cabbage, kale, mustards, mizuna, nasturtium and radish are among the fastest growers, typically germinating in a week or less.

Beets and chards should sprout in 10-14 days, while parsley and dill can take up to three weeks.

Do not grow microgreens of nightshade vegetables, such as eggplant, ground cherry, pepper, potato, tomatillo or tomato. Their leaves contain toxic alkaloids and should not be consumed.

Simple steps to an edible garden

Fill your seed tray with the seed-starting potting mix and moisten it with water, then sprinkle a moderately dense layer of seeds over the mix. Press them into the soil with your fingers, but don’t bury them.

Spray the seeds and the soil’s surface with water, then place the domed lid or plastic cover over the container, slightly askew. If you don’t have a lid or cover, lightly lay plastic wrap over the tray. Do not seal it tightly.

Place the planted tray on a drip tray or rimmed baking sheet in a warm, 65-to-70degree room. Mist daily to keep the soil lightly but evenly moist.

Alternatively, you can add one-half inch of water to the drip tray and allow the soil to soak it up through the container’s drainage holes; if water remains in the tray at the end of the day, dump it and use less next time.

When seedlings sprout, remove the cover and place the tray directly in front of your brightest window or under grow lights set to run for 16 hours daily. Continue misting the soil surface once a day or bottom watering as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Running a small fan nearby is optional but would help prevent mold and mildew, which could destroy your crop.

Within a few days of sprouting, you will notice the appearance of cotyledons, or “seed leaves,” which are usually generically oval. The plant’s first distinctive true leaves will appear shortly after, signaling it’s time to harvest your microgreens.

Using sharp scissors, clip stems just

above the soil surface, and enjoy your homegrown microgreens over soups and salads or in sandwiches, smoothies and stir-fries.

Then, sprinkle more seeds over the soil to grow your next crop.

Jessica Damiano writes a weekly gardening column for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. Sign up for weekly gardening tips and advice at jessicadamiano.substack.com.

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Understanding and reducing stroke risks

By Family Features

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It will affect 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 globally. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, and it can result in oxygen starvation, brain damage and loss of function.

There are two main types of strokes. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 87% of strokes are ischemic.

Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but can be more serious. They occur when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and begins leaking blood.

Because a stroke can cause lasting disability and pain for those impacted and their loved ones, it’s important to learn

how to identify the signs and symptoms of stroke, how to reduce risk factors, and where to go for timely treatment.

Consider this information from the experts at Cerenovus, who are committed to changing the trajectory of stroke and offering a broad portfolio of devices used in the endovascular treatment of stroke.

Know the symptoms; act fast

If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, acting F.A.S.T. is critical in getting the timely treatment necessary to survive. If you recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke — Face weakness, Arm weakness and Speech slurring — it’s T ime to call for help.

Reducing the amount of time between the onset of stroke and treatment can make a difference in how well the brain, arms, legs, speech and thinking are able to

recover. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the chances are of experiencing long-term disability, brain damage or death.

Reduce stroke risks

While strokes can be devastating and deadly, up to 90% are preventable, according to the World Stroke Organization, and many risk factors can be controlled before they cause a stroke.

You can decrease your risk by managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and atrial fibrillation (AFib); ceasing smoking; eating a healthy diet; getting regular exercise; and taking medications prescribed for you.

It’s also important to know that communities of color are disproportionately affected by stroke risk factors and have poorer experiences when it comes to time-

liness and access to stroke care, referral patterns, treatment utilization and outcomes, according to research published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

In fact, the risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for Black people, according to the CDC, and members of the Black community have the highest rate of death due to stroke.

Additionally, according to the American Stroke Association, non-white stroke patients are less likely to arrive by EMS, and experience longer emergency department waiting times compared to white patients.

Know where to go

For every minute a stroke occurs, 1.9 million brain cells are lost. So, the longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the chances of experiencing long-term disability and brain damage.

That’s why it’s critical to seek immediate treatment at the nearest comprehensive (or Level 1) stroke center. These facilities offer a full spectrum of neuroendovascular care, which can help patients taken directly there survive without long-term disabilities.

Understand treatment options

Seeking immediate treatment for stroke means you have more treatment options available, such as being eligible to receive tissue plasminogen activator or mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for ischemic stroke.

MT, a minimally invasive blood clot retrieval procedure, helps improve the chances you’ll survive an ischemic stroke and make a full recovery.

Treatment options for hemorrhagic stroke include surgery to remove, repair or clip a ruptured aneurysm.

If you or a loved one experience signs of stroke, seek immediate emergency medical services. To learn more about stroke risks and treatment options, visit jnjmedtech.com.

Content courtesy of Cerenovus. © 2023 Cerenovus

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Easy-to-use toothbrushes and flossers

Dear Savvy Senior,

I have arthritis and hand tremors that affect my grip strength and make brushing my teeth difficult. I’ve read that electric toothbrushes can help make the job easier. Can you make any recommendations?

—Arthritic Alice

Dear Alice,

For those who suffer from arthritis or have other hand weaknesses or tremors, an electric toothbrush is an often turned to solution for keeping your teeth clean. At the push of a button, an electric toothbrush will do everything but shake, rattle and roll to do the cleaning for you. Most come with a wide, slightly weighted handle and rubberized grip that make them

easier and more comfortable to hold on to.

How to choose

By Jim Miller

Dozens of different electric toothbrushes are on the market today. Here are several points to consider to help you choose:

Cost: The cost of electric toothbrushes will range from $10 for a model with replaceable AA batteries to more than $200 for some models with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, multiple brushing modes, smartphone integrations and other features. How much are you willing to spend?

Brushing action: Brush heads tend to be either “spinning” (they rotate very fast in one direction, then the other, and bris-

tles may pulsate in and out) or “sonic” (they vibrate side to side). Both methods are effective and a matter of personal preference.

Electric versus battery : Choose a brush with a built-in rechargeable battery and an electric charging station. They’re much more convenient and cost effective than toothbrushes that use replaceable batteries.

Brushing timer: Since most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes (most adults average about 45 seconds), get an electric toothbrush with a built-in brushing timer — most have them. Some brushes will even split the two minutes onto four 30-second intervals and will notify you when it’s time to switch to a different quadrant of your mouth.

Extra features : Most higher-priced electric brushes come with extra features

like cleaning modes, pressure sensors, a charge-level display and more. There are even “smart” toothbrushes that connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to track brushing habits. What extra features do you want?

Best products

According to Consumer Reports — an independent, nonprofit product testing and research organization — the top electric toothbrushes for 2024 are the Oral-B iO 7 Series ($150); Oral B Genius X 10000 ($200); Bruush Electric Toothbrushes ($95); and the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 ($120). The top rated low-cost electric toothbrush is the Brightline 86700 ($30).

The New York Times’ Wirecutter, another popular product reviewing service, rates the Oral-B Pro 1000 ($40) as the best electric toothbrush, followed by the Philips Sonicare 4100 ($40).

Easier flossing tools

If flossing has become challenging too, a good alternative to traditional string floss are floss picks. These are disposable plastic-handle tools that have floss threaded onto them, which makes them easier to hold and use.

DenTek, Oral-B and others sell packages for a few dollars, or check out the Listerine UltraClean Access Flosser, which comes with a toothbrush-like handle for a better reach.

Some other flossing products to consider that are easy on the hands are the WaterPik Power Flosser ($15), which gently vibrates to dislodge embedded food particles between your teeth.

Or consider a water flosser, which uses high-pressured pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque and will stimulate your gums in the process.

WaterPik offers a variety of water flossing products at prices ranging from $40 to $140, as does Oral Breeze, which offers the Shower Breeze and Quick Breeze water flossers (around $40) that connect directly to your faucet or shower head.

Dental care products like these can be found at your local pharmacy or retailer that sells personal care items, or online.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

Treatments for a persistent stuffed nose

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: My nose constantly feels congested, especially on the right side. I don’t have any other symptoms. What might be causing it?

A: The nasal block you feel is likely due to a chronic condition or obstruction that is reducing the amount of air passing through your nose. Allergies or a chronic sinus problem might be the cause.

The insides of your nose and sinuses are lined with a layer of sensitive tissue called the mucosa. They can become chronically inflamed, usually by allergies, reducing the space left for airflow.

Potential structural issues leading to nasal obstruction include:

• Enlarged turbinates. The turbinates are structures inside the nose that warm and filter air as it passes. Environmental irritants (such as smoke), hormone changes, and allergies and chronic sinus problems can inflame the mucosa lining the turbinates. As they swell up, the nasal passages narrow.

• Nasal valve compromise. That’s a fancy name describing a structural narrowing in certain areas of the nasal passages. It can occur as a result of injury, the nasal structure you were born with, nose surgery or simply aging.

• A deviated septum. The septum is the wall dividing the left and right sides of the nose. You might have been born with a crooked septum, or it might have become

misshapen in an accident. A deviated septum that was never a problem before can cause symptoms if there’s also nasal valve compromise and a loss of support tissues.

• Nasal polyps. These noncancerous (benign) tumors grow along mucosa or sinuses and can block airflow.

The cause of nasal obstruction won’t be as plain as the nose on your face, pardon the pun. You’ll probably need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT), also called an otolaryngologist, to figure out what the problem is.

The ENT will ask about your medical history and the symptoms you’re experiencing, and then look inside your nose to see what’s blocking airflow. The specialist

might also order allergy testing.

Different treatments available

Strategies to reclaim real estate in your nasal passages depend on the cause of obstruction.

If you have allergies, sinus problems or enlarged turbinates, your doctor can prescribe a steroid nasal spray or other medications to tame inflammation. If the turbinates don’t shrink with nasal sprays, you may need an office procedure or surgery to reduce them.

For passageways narrowed from nasal valve compromise, the doctor may first rec-

How do natural and added sugars differ?

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: I’m trying to cut back on my sugar intake, but so many natural foods have sugar. What’s a good way to approach this?

A: A healthy way to think about sugar is to consider its source.

Natural sugars are found in whole fruits, vegetables, milk products and grains. Fruit and some vegetables contain forms of sugar called fructose, glucose and sucrose, while milk contains lactose, and grains have maltose.

Consuming these kinds of whole foods is smart. Current guidelines recommend you eat about two cups of fruit and two to three cups of vegetables per day, as well as six ounces of whole grains, such as brown rice, oats and quinoa.

Whole fruits, vegetables and grains also contain fiber, phytochemicals, antioxidants and various vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health. People need to eat more of these foods, not less, so don’t shun them to curb sugar intake.

In comparison, refined sugar is what’s

added to food products to improve taste (which is why it’s also known as “added” sugar). Refined sugar comes from cane, sugar beets and corn, which are processed to isolate the sugar. Added refined sugars include sucrose (table sugar), glucose and high-fructose corn syrup.

The top food sources of added refined sugar in Americans’ diets include soft drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, flavored yogurts, cereals, cookies and cakes.

But refined sugar is also found in most processed foods, including products you might not associate with sweetness, like soups, bread, cured meats and ketchup.

Your body responds differently

When you eat foods that naturally contain sugar, your body digests those foods more slowly because whole fruits, vegetables, milk and grains also have plenty of other components — particularly fiber — that slow the digestion process. In contrast, people often don’t feel full after eating foods high

in refined sugar, especially processed foods.

A diet high in refined sugar is associated with numerous health issues. For example, multiple studies have linked consuming added sugar to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise that all Americans limit refined sugars in their daily diet to less than 10% of total calories. The American Heart Association is more specific and suggests that men consume no more than 150 calories (about the amount found in 9 teaspoons of table sugar) from refined sugar per day.

Unfortunately, the average daily intake of refined sugar is the equivalent of about 17 teaspoons, providing 270 calories.

To avoid overdoing added sugar, be savvier about reading food labels by checking products for refined sugar and amounts per serving. Also, keep tabs on the sugar you add to foods or beverages.

© 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Five potential uses for medical cannabis

Cannabis is an herb often referred to as marijuana. Most people think of it for recreational use, but it has medical benefits just like other herbs.

In 1839, Irish physician Dr. William O’Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to Western medicine. After that, it was used as one of our primary goto medicines for more than 200 years.

Its use has been controversial for decades. Unlike the freedom enjoyed by ginseng, ginkgo, echinacea and St. John’s wort, cannabis has been controlled because it causes psychoactive effects.

with cannabis use, including the potential for addiction, impaired driving and increased heart attack risk.. If you have chronic pain, you should speak with your doctor before considering cannabis as a treatment option.

By Suzy Cohen

When used medicinally, cannabis can be a treatment option for a wide range of conditions and symptoms. Its use continues to be illegal in the United States under federal law, but lately, more state and local jurisdictions are decriminalizing or legalizing it for medicinal and even recreational use (as is the case in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.).

Here are five potential medical uses for cannabis:

1. Pain relief: Cannabis has long been used as a pain reliever, and some evidence suggests that it may be effective for reducing chronic pain. A 2018 review of studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that cannabis use was associated with statistically significant reductions in chronic pain.

However, there are also risks associated

Stuffy nose

From page 9

ommend some non-invasive therapies, starting with a trial of a steroid nasal spray. You can also try to open the nasal passages by using nasal dilators — either an adhesive

BEACON BITS

WHEN TO CALL 988

2. Anxiety and depression relief: Cannabis may hold potential as a treatment for anxiety and depression. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that cannabis use was associated with significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

However, cannabis may have negative effects on your mental health, including increased anxiety and paranoia, and may not be suitable for everyone. It’s a very individual thing.

3. Nausea and vomiting relief: Medical cannabis has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, at least according to a 2018 review of data published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

4. Neurological disorder relief: Medical cannabis has also been investigated for its potential benefits for neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Seizure control is one critical area of research that focuses on cannabis benefits.

5. Sleep aid: Cannabis may also have potential as a sleep aid for people with insomnia. The downside of that is that, for some,

strip you wear on the nose to gently pull the passages apart or small cone-shaped devices that you insert into the nostrils.

The only way to straighten a deviated septum is with a surgery called a septoplasty.

© 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trained counselors are available 24/7 to offer support to people experiencing a range of mental health symptoms at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Simply dial 998 for immediate crisis counseling. The helpline is confidential. For more information, visit disasterdistress.samhsa.gov.

HOWARD COUNTY GREENFEST

GreenFest is Howard County’s celebration of Earth Day. This free event features a native plant sale, document shredding, rain barrel and compost bin giveaways and more. GreenFest takes place on Sat., April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Howard Community College’s SET Building. For more information, visit hcgreenfest.org.

VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK

Enoch Pratt Free Library (EFPL) hosts Nicole Jung, the author of the memoir A Living Remedy, which explores the enduring strength of family bonds, and sheds light on some of the most grievous inequalities in American society. Jung is in conversation with award-winning author Danielle Evans on Tue., April 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. online via EPFL’s Facebook and YouTube pages. This is a free event. For more information, call (410) 396-5430.

daytime sleepiness and impaired driving are associated with nighttime use. Again, the individual response comes into play. Some people process cannabis very slowly.

If you’re considering medical cannabis, you should speak with a doctor registered with your state to prescribe it. I do not recommend street dealers! While rare, contamination is possible.

I want to caution you that there are possible adverse effects if you use too much cannabis, misuse it or are allergic to it.

Once prescribed, you should always follow recommended dosing guidelines and regulations.

For a longer version of this article, visit my website, suzycohen.com.

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

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

Crafts & Fine Arts

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

Watercolors for Beginners with Carol Zika

Learn what transparent watercolor is all about. We mix colors, learn many techniques, understand materials, and have fun. This is a foundation course for those wanting to know how to get started in watercolors. One good brush, a pad of watercolor paper, and a paint set included. Please bring a plastic tablecloth for class.

55 yrs +E Columbia 50 + CtrClasses: 5$30 material fee RP0305.701Apr 21-3pmTu$119

Meet You There! Springtime Flower Creations

Springtime means it’s time for fun, cheer, and flowers! Pinot’s Palette is partnering with Howard County Recreation & Parks for this beautiful painting - themed “Lovely Hydrangeas.” Come and enjoy friendship and step-by-step instructions provided by professional artists on an 11 x 14 canvas with acrylic paints to create a beautiful memory. Includes lite breakfast snacks and treats! 18 yrs +Pinot’s Palette, Ellicott CityClasses: 1 RP4572.701Apr 411am-1pmTh$50

You Can Draw and Paint with Carol Zika

This is an open studio format for artists and experienced dabblers who wish to work on self-chosen activities among other creatives. Participants bring their own materials and projects to work on with an art educator who is experienced in various media. Personal feedback and guidance are provided to each student. Occasional demonstrations provided. Please bring a plastic tablecloth for class.

55 yrs +E Columbia 50 + CtrClasses: 8 RP0305.702Apr 51-3pmF$135

Digital Photography 101

With today’s digital cameras, anyone can take great pictures. Come learn by focusing on the fundamentals. Learn the elements and techniques that produce compelling photos, then practice your new skills while photographing Belmont’s historic manor and grounds. Digital camera required (DSLR, mirrorless or point-and-shoot with manual controls).

55 yrs +Belmont ManorInstructor: John GuionClasses: 4 RP3521.701Apr 169:30-11:30amTu$95

Dance

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

Beginner Ballet for Active Aging Adults with Carol Asher

This adult beginner ballet dance class is filled with graceful and fluid movements that help build strength and flexibility while you have fun. Ballet is characterized by grace and precision of movement. Beautiful classical music is added to this light and enjoyable class. No equipment is needed.

55 yrs +Roger Carter CCClasses: 8 RP3508.701Apr 1012:30-1:30pmW$89

Beginner/Intermediate Soul Line Dance with Jessie Barnes

This line dance class is fun for all. Line up and learn the step-bystep choreography taught by instructor Jessie Barnes. Multiple dances are performed to great pop and rhythm and blues music.

55 yrs +Harriet Tubman CtrClasses: 6 RP3511.701Apr 1211am-noonF$59

Fitness

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

Age Strong, Age Well! with Lori Nowicki, ACE

Are you an active 50+ individual? Then this is a class designed for you. Strengthen your muscles and improve your endurance, coordination, balance, flexibility and mobility. This class works on all the things to help keep you active and strong; plus a lot of laughs along the way. All equipment provided.

50 yrs +Roger Carter CCClasses: 9No class 5/27

RP8481.701Apr 89:15-10:15amM$63

50 yrs +Roger Carter CCClasses: 10

RP8481.702Apr 109:15-10:15amW$70

50 yrs +Roger Carter CCClasses: 19No class 5/27

RP8481.703Apr 89:15-10:15amM,W$133

Light Fitness with Taylor Williams, GFI

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

55 yrs +Cedar Ln Rec CtrClasses: 12

RP3585.701Apr 1510:30-11:30amM,W$89

Mat Core and Strength with Taylor Williams, GFI

Blend classic Pilates exercises with yoga movements that focus on strength and flexibility using resistance bands and light weights. This total-body workout is designed to strengthen small muscles (triceps, shoulders, biceps, and calves) and large muscles (hamstrings, back and chest), leaving you with increased agility in everyday movements.

55 yrs +Cedar Ln Rec CtrClasses: 12

RP3586.701Apr 1511:30am-12:30pmM,W$89

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

Dutch Apple Theater Presents “Ragtime”

Three distinct, American families’ tales are woven together in early 20th-century New York. United by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future, they confront history’s contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, and hope and despair. A delicious and plentiful buffet is included with the show! Walking from bus to seat.

18 yrs +Bus Provided RP4543.701Apr 129am-5pmF$179

National Museum of Asian Art – Washington D.C.

With more than 46,000 objects dating from the Neolithic period to today. The collections range from the arts of China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the ancient Near East, and the Islamic world to 19th-century American art. Learn about communities and traditions. Gain insight into the conflicts and the periods of prosperity. Pack your lunch and snacks or enjoy lunch on your own at a local venue. Lots of walking.

18 yrs +Bus Provided RP4557.701Apr 259am-3pmTh$85

Join us for this amazing, six-day/five-night excursion. Enjoy accommodations at the beautiful Opryland Resort Hotel, located next door to the Grand Ole Opry. This complex hosts over 20 onsite restaurants, cafés, and lounges. Learn the history of the Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of Country Music. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Trip includes a guided tour of Nashville, including Bicentennial Park, Music Row, Historic Downtown, and a stop at The Parthenon and the American Pickers. Lastly, tap your toes to the music of some of the greatest country stars at the Grand Ole Opry. This is a very popular trip destination and will sell out quickly! Lots of walking with opportunities to sit.

21 yrs +Sep 5-10Bus Provided

RP4553.801Single OccupancySep 5-10Th-Tu$1,979

RP4553.802Double OccupancySep 5-10Th-Tu$1,679

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/RPtrips for more trips & tours!

Get Powered by Connection at the OAI Showcase

The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is all about cultivating community and creating connections. But don’t just take our word for it, come see for yourself at the OAI Showcase on May 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the East Columbia 50+ Center, 6610 Cradlerock Way in Columbia.

The OAI Showcase will kick off Older Americans Month (OAM), and aligns with the 2024 OAM theme, Powered by Connection, which recognizes the impact of meaningful relationships and social connections on our health and well-being. Activities will explore the vital role OAI plays to support older adults’ independence and ability to age in our community while combatting isolation, loneliness and other issues.

The Showcase keynote address, “Why Social Contact Matters as We Age,” features Susan Pinker, author of The Village Effect, who will discuss how face-to-face contact is crucial for learning, happiness, resilience, and longevity. As Pinker writes so compellingly, “we need close social bonds and uninterrupted facetime with our friends and families in order to thrive—even to survive.”

Opportunities to connect at the OAI Showcase also include:

Art & fitness classes

Interactive workshops

Live music & entertainment

Food demos & mocktails

Over 30 exhibitors to visit

Special thanks to OAI’s event sponsors: The Beacon, Healthy Fresh Meals, eMerge, the Residences at Vantage Point and Right at Home. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Kathy Wehr at 410-313-5955.

The event schedule and shuttle bus information will be posted at www.howardcountymd.gov/OAIshowcase2024. Register to attend the keynote at https://OAISusanPinker.eventbrite.com. The first 200 people to register will receive a complimentary copy of The Village Effect

A message from Howard County Executive Calvin Ball

Have you had “the conversation” with your loved ones about your future healthcare decisions?

On April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), our Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) reminds us that we will all most likely face medical, legal, and/or religious decisions at the end of our lives or may have to make decisions for a family member.

NHDD is a day for you, your family and healthcare providers to recognize the importance of advance care planning. As a community, we strive to create a space for older adults to feel respected and engaged.  Residents who want to be connected to long-term planning resources can contact Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234 to schedule an appointment for Options Counseling, to make informed decisions about long-term care. More information about MAP can be found at www.howardcountymd.gov/MAP.

April is also Financial Literacy Month. For many older residents who are retired or can no longer work, it is especially important to understand all the resources available to plan for your financial future. Sadly, many of our neighbors are victims of identity theft and other scams that impact their credit.

Older adults in Howard County, as well as the rest of the United States, are often targets of scams and fraud, which are forms of financial abuse. The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection educates the public on how to avoid becoming a victim, prevent fraud, and they handle complaints against businesses. To find out more about these services, call 410-313-6420.

Introduction to Cricut BAIN 50+ CENTER

April 24, 1 p.m. / A01516.700

Cricut is an electronic cu ng machine that can cut designs from paper, vinyl and card stock, and create iron-on transfers. Learn how to make birthday cards, T-shirts, s ckers, and more. Free.

Seder: History, Symbolism, Traditions, and Music

ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER

April 17, 11 a.m. / A05613.700

Join Rabbi Yanky Baron to learn more about the Seder, why it is observed during Passover, the symbolism of the food served, and other tradi ons. Enjoy Passover songs performed by a Klezmer band! Register on Ac veNet or call 410-313-5192. Free.

Introduction to Pickleball

NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER

April 18, 10:30 a.m. / A06420.700

This introductory course, led by the Howard County Pickleball Associa on, will teach you everything you need to know to start playing this popular sport, including court me to prac ce. This course will fill fast; sign-up today! Cost: $19.

Paint it to Frame it

GLENWOOD 50+ CENTER

April 17, 1 p.m. / A03502.701

Enjoy an a ernoon of crea vity, led by ar st Susan Harry, who will provide step-by-step instruc ons to paint a simple picture for spring. Cost: $10.

Working Through Grief

EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER

April 10, 17, 24 & May 1, 8, 15, 1 p.m.

Share your stories and experiences with grief in a peer group se ng. Each weekly discussion will focus on a different topic related to grief. Free. Call 410-313-7680 to register.

White House Memories: The Butler Did It!

ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER

April 17, 11 a.m. / A02608.701

Former White House Butler Alan DeValerio will share insider details about White House entertaining and stories from people with whom he worked, da ng back to the Franklin D. Roosevelt administra on, as well as ar facts he collected. Program is free; bring $20 cash or check to purchase a signed copy of his book.

National Healthcare Decisions Day: April 16

GLENWOOD 50+ CENTER • 10 a.m. to Noon

Na onal Healthcare Decisions Day is an ini a ve to encourage everyone – regardless of age and current health — to express their wishes regarding healthcare treatments by crea ng an Advance Direc ve. Maryland Access Point (MAP) staff will distribute free copies of the Five Wishes advance care document and planning resources. Learn more and create an advanced direc ve online at bit.ly/2MYwr4z.

Tax Credits – What do you qualify for?

BAIN 50+ CENTER • April 8, 11 a.m. (Korean)

BAIN 50+ CENTER • April 9, 11 a.m. (English)

ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER • April 10, noon to 1 p.m.

ELLICOTT CITY FITNESS CENTER • April 16, 9 to 10 a.m.

MAP resource specialists will assist residents with Howard County’s property tax credit programs and provide eligibility screening and applica on guidance. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/tax-credits for a full list of tax credits for older adults, applica ons and requirements. To schedule an individual appointment at MAP’s Columbia office, the Loan Closet or a 50+ Center, call 410-313-1234.

Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot

CENTENNIAL PARK NORTH, 9801 Old Annapolis Rd., Ellicott City, 21042 • April 25, 11 a.m.

Join County Execu ve Calvin Ball at the ribbon cu ng for Howard County’s first Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot at Centennial Park North. Connect with others, improve your health, and enjoy the features of the ADA-accessible park. Free. Register at h ps://bit.ly/AFfitnesslot.

More than half of people over 65 are in debt to some degree. Learn what they can do about it on the opposite page.

What do you think of Medicare Advantage?

By Kiplinger Consumer News Service

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is asking for your help as it seeks to increase the transparency of the privately managed Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and to strengthen the program’s data capabilities.

While traditional Medicare — Parts A and B — covers a large portion of medical expenses after you turn 65, there are things Medicare doesn’t cover, such as vision, hearing and dental expenses This is where Medicare Advantage, a supplemental plan, can help.

But consumers do not always have access to all the information they might need before they make a choice among MA plans.

“Americans with Medicare who have managed care plans called Medicare Advantage should not feel like their healthcare is a black box,” Xavier Becerra, secre-

tary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement.

“The lack of transparency in Medicare Advantage managed care plans deprives patients of important information that helps them make informed decisions. It deprives researchers and doctors of critical data to evaluate problems and trends in patient care.”

To that end, the CMS has issued a request for information (RFI) for the public at large to give data-related input on all aspects of the Medicare Advantage program. The CMS said the information it gathers from the RFI will help it measure what is and is not working and be used to guide policymaking.

Comments are due by May 29.

Need for data is paramount

“In healthcare, you can’t improve what

you don’t know, and the way to know is with data,” said Dr. Meena Seshamani, CMS deputy administrator and director of the Center for Medicare.

The types of information requested includes data on access to care, prior authorization, provider directories and networks; supplemental benefits; marketing; care quality and outcomes; value-based care arrangements and equity; and healthy competition in the market, including the effects of vertical integration and how that affects payment.

Transparency is especially important, the CMS said, because Medicare Advantage enrollment has grown to more than 50% of Medicare enrollment. This puts the government on the hook for about $7 trillion in payments to Medicare Advantage health insurance companies during the next decade, it said.

The CMS said that the information so-

licited by the RFI will support its efforts to:

• Ensure MA plans best meet the needs of people with Medicare.

• Ensure that people with Medicare have timely access to care.

• Ensure that MA plans appropriately use taxpayer funding.

• Ensure that the MA market has healthy competition.

To access the RFI, visit the Federal Register’s webpage at bit.ly/MAcomments and click on “Submit a formal comment.” You may submit comments via the website, or mail them to: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-4207-NC, P.O. Box 8013, Baltimore, MD 21244-8013.

© 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Retiring isn’t easy — even for specialists

By Liz Weston

A couple of years ago, I wrote a column about how to have a retirement worth saving for. It ended with a quote from personal finance educator Barbara O’Neill, who reflected on how the pandemic disrupted many retirees’ plans.

“It wasn’t just two years lost; it was two good years,” O’Neill said then. “You don’t know how many of those you have left.”

One of my younger colleagues objected to that sentiment, saying it was a jarring ending to an otherwise upbeat column. But my older co-workers got it.

Those of us who currently have good health and energy don’t know how long those blessings will last. There’s no guarantee we’ll get to enjoy the retirements we have planned.

That lesson was driven home in July 2023, when a longtime colleague died at age 61. We’d had many talks over the years about the retirement he had envisioned. It’s heartbreaking that his dreams will never happen.

But his death was the push I needed to make my own decision. By the time you read this, I will have retired from my job at personal finance site NerdWallet.

A surprisingly hard decision

When our financial planner told us we

could afford to retire, my initial reaction wasn’t joy but bemusement.

I’ve been writing about retirement planning for three decades and saving for even longer, but it was always a goal in the distant, misty future. Making the decision felt like jumping off a cliff.

Would I be OK without the intellectual challenges, social interactions and sense of satisfaction I get from my job? Had I accomplished everything I wanted to in my career?

And just how much would I miss that nice, steady paycheck and all the wonderful benefits NerdWallet provides, including massively subsidized healthcare?

At this point, I have to acknowledge the huge privilege of even having a choice about when to retire. Almost half of retirees leave the workforce earlier than they planned, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Some are laid off or forced out. Others have health issues or must care for loved ones who are sick or disabled.

Many people keep working out of necessity: They have bills to pay and too little savings.

Do the research

Knowing all that didn’t make the choice easy, however. So, I did what I do best: co-

pious research.

I found it hugely helpful to read O’Neill’s book, Flipping a Switch: Your Guide to Happiness and Financial Security in Later Life

Another good read is Independence Day: What I Learned About Retirement from Some Who’ve Done It and Some Who Never Will, by Steve Lopez, my former Los Angeles Times colleague.

My husband and I had many, many discussions with our financial planner. We asked her to rerun our plan with different assumptions about what we’d spend, how we’d tap our funds, what the markets might do and what we’d earn with part-time work. This stress testing gave us confidence in our plan.

Our planner also connected us with an insurance agent who helped us figure out health coverage. My husband is old enough for Medicare, but I’m a few years shy of 65, and we have a daughter going to college in another state.

I’m glad we have the option to buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchanges. But continuing my employer’s group coverage for my daughter and myself through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) turned out to be the most costeffective option for now.

Our financial plan worked, and healthcare was solved, but emotionally, I was still resisting. Ultimately, I realized why. I was looking at retirement solely as an ending.

Look ahead, rather than back

With previous big life changes — buying a home, getting married, having a child, starting new jobs — excitement about the adventure to come quickly overcame concerns about what I was giving up.

I needed to stop focusing on what I was retiring from and start contemplating what I was retiring to.

Today, I’m seeing retirement for what it is: the beginning of an interesting new chapter in our lives. The time I once spent building a career will be invested in travel, volunteering and deepening relationships with friends and family.

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’ve won awards, written five books, contributed to the growth of a company (NerdWallet) and its award-winning podcast (“Smart Money”).

Most importantly, I’ve helped people solve their money problems. I’ll continue with that last part, but I’m also looking forward to the rest of what comes next.

AP/NerdWallet. This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.

What to do if you have debt in retirement

By Kate Ashford

A growing number of older adults are in debt in retirement, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances from the Federal Reserve.

Among people ages 65 to 74, the share with debt rose to 65% in 2022, up from 50% in 1989 (the first time this question was asked). For people 75 and over, 53% report holding debt in 2022 versus 21% in 1989.

This is a big challenge, since people’s income in retirement is traditionally limited. But there are strategies for tackling your balance sheet later in life.

Take note: Not all debt is bad debt. “It’s not necessarily the worst thing to have,” said Jack Heintzelman, a certified financial planner in Boston. If it’s debt that earns you a tax deduction, he said, like a mortgage, it may be fine to hang onto it while you give your money elsewhere a chance to grow.

But if the debt is straining your retirement budget or you’re paying a high interest rate, a pay-it-off plan is key. Here are some methods that can help.

Pick up side work

The traditional retirement model — work for 40 years and then quit forever — may not be the most appropriate approach anymore.

Supplementing retirement savings and Social Security benefits with part-time earnings can make your money go further and help you pay off the remaining debt.

For some people, consulting in their field is a natural step between full-time work and full-time play. Other people can monetize an interest, or pick up hourly work a few days a week.

“We have a client who works in a music repair shop for part-time income,” said Colin Day, a CFP in St. Louis. “They get to explore their hobby while also getting some level of income.”

Consider moving or downsizing

Your home is usually one of your biggest expenses, and if you live in a high-cost area, you might be paying high property taxes and maintenance costs, which eat into your ability to pay for other things.

Moving to a smaller home or to an area with a lower cost of living can free up room in your budget. You might also get better weather to boot.

“We have a fair amount of clients who are moving from states with a higher income tax and colder weather down to places like Florida,” said Crystal McKeon, a CFP in Houston, who notes that Florida has no state income tax.

Andrew Herzog, a CFP in Plano, Texas, recalls a client considering moving to a smaller home closer to his daughter, easier to maintain and potentially mortgagefree, if he can sell his current house for a high enough price.

“Downsizing can absolutely work,” Herzog said. “It’s best when you do it for multiple reasons.”

Time your Social Security

The Social Security equation — when to claim, when to wait — depends on your health, your marital status and your savings. But debt can also affect your plans.

Taking Social Security early might give you the income you need to get rid of your balances. “As long as I’m not blowing up my

HOMEOWNERS’ AND RENTERS’ TAX CREDIT

2024 Homeowners’ and Renters’ Tax Credit applications are now available online, with a filing deadline of Oct. 1. The program provides tax relief for eligible homeowners and renters based on income relative to the amount of property taxes or rent paid. To determine eligibility for these credits and submit an application, visit bit.ly/2024TaxCreditApplication.

TAX COUNSELING FROM IRS

If you need to file a tax return this year, you can file for free through the IRS at IRS.gov/FreeFile if your 2023 adjusted gross income was below $79,000. If you need some help, contact Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Sponsored by the IRS, the program provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 1-800906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you.

Stop

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141

Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150

Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

BALTIMORE CITY

Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180

Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301

The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487

Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445

Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440

Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344

Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660

Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888

The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000

The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100

The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000

The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988

Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464

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

Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665

Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

plan by drawing Social Security early, it could help sustain me by not having to draw down my investment assets,” Day said.

On the other hand, waiting to claim means you’ll have a higher Social Security check later — benefits increase by 8% per year after full retirement age until age 70.

Depending on the type of debt, it may be better to wait until you can throw more money at it. Talk to a financial professional about the best option for you.

“I would do the calculations,” Herzog said. “That’s a pretty big asset for people when you’re older.”

Tap home equity — cautiously

If you have equity in your home, you might be able to get a home equity loan or line of credit to help you consolidate or pay down higher-interest debt.

Take your time considering this, howev-

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886

Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363

Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185

Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

EASTERN SHORE

Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY

Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064

Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY

Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399

Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118

Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501

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

Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322

Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

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

Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526

Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

er, since an inability to keep up with these payments puts your home at risk of foreclosure. “You have much more to lose if you mess that up,” Herzog said

Keep in mind, too, that the interest on a home equity line of credit is only deductible if you use it for home improvement-related expenses. And this is a better option for a one-time debt, not ongoing expenses.

“Those living expenses are just going to continue,” McKeon said. “Home equity loans should not be a first priority.”

[Ed. note: Reverse mortgages, which let homeowners 62 and up borrow against their home equity, can also end in foreclosure in limited circumstances, such as if you fail to pay property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. For more on using reverse mortgages for funds, see “A reverse mortgage can help pay for care,” July 2023 Beacon.]

AP/NerdWallet. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SENIOR PLANET TECH HOTLINE

Do you have questions or need assistance with Zoom, setting up an email, or knowing what to look for when buying a new computer? Senior Planet from AARP’s free hotline, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., can answer most of your tech questions. To speak with a technology trainer, call 1-888-713-3495.

Apr. 6 Apr. 10

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT

Hear Geneva Lewis on violin, Gabriel Martins on cello and Evren Ozel on piano, performing masterpieces by Beethoven, Stravinsky, Bartók and Fazil Say. The concert takes place on Sat. April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Howard Community College’s Horowitz Center Smith Theatre in Columbia. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at candlelightconcerts.org or by calling the box office at (410) 997-2324, Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HOME IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOP

The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection is offering a free workshop about how to plan, budget and complete home improvement projects. Experts will discuss Maryland Licensing Requirements; Maryland Guaranty Fund; Howard County Permitting Requirements; Howard County Inspection Process; the Reinvest*Renovate*Restore Home Repair Loan Program; how to research contractors and negotiate; and how to avoid common scams. The workshop takes place on Wed., April 10 at 7 p.m. at the East Columbia Library, Marvin Thomas Room, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. RSVP to consumer@howardcountymd.gov.

Arts & Style

Turner

Golden Bachelor” last fall. Our cover story continues on page 20.

Turning scrap wood to wildlife paintings

By Margaret Foster

If you’ve ever seen the Mona Lisa in person, you may have noticed that the painting was made on wood, not canvas.

Leonardo da Vinci painted La Joconde’s mysterious smile on a panel of wood from a white poplar tree. In fact, most artists, from Raphael to Peter Bruegel, painted on wood until canvas became popular in the 18th century.

Wood is also the canvas of Ellicott City artist Franc Miller, who has been painting portraits of wildlife on it since he retired as a graphic designer decades ago.

“I felt that painting wildlife on wood was a perfect thing to do, and I would enjoy it. And I’m still doing it,” said Miller, 94, in an interview with the Beacon.

From April 20 to May 5, Miller’s wildlife on wood artworks will be displayed at an art show in Millville, Virginia, about 100 miles west of Columbia. Miller submits his work twice a year to Art at the Mill, a biannual art show located in the Burwell-Morgan Mill there.

The National Register-listed grist mill, dating from 1785, is open to the public as a museum and art gallery. It’s also a working mill, so visitors can buy flour, cornmeal and grits, all ground fresh.

Soldier to artist

Pablo Picasso once said, “All children are born artists; the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up.”

Art has been a central theme in Miller’s life since he was a child in Washington,

D.C. His interest in art began as doodling and sketching during class. “I used to scribble things all the time,” he said.

When he reached Gonzaga College High School, the war was under way. “I’d draw what was going on in World War II,” he said. “They weren’t exactly nice things,” he admitted.

“I’d do scenes with battles between the Japanese and the Americans, and the Germans and the American soldiers. It was just scribbling. I had no art experience whatsoever.”

It wasn’t until college that he took his first art classes: drawing, painting, art history. He studied art and design at the University of Maryland but had to leave school abruptly because of the Korean War.

“After a year in school, I was going to be drafted. So I enlisted instead, and I wound up stationed in Germany for two years,” he said.

When his Army service was over, he returned to Washington and got a job in the Hecht Company’s art department.

Then he went on to land a job in the art department of the once-famous (but now defunct) newspaper, the Washington Evening Star. The paper won numerous Pulitzer Prizes during his tenure.

Miller moved to Baltimore next to take a position as art director of an advertising agency. When the ad agency went out of business, he opened his own company, Graphics Plus, based in Towson.

For decades, he did the advertising, design and even copywriting for small- and

mid-sized business clients — a “one-man job,” as he puts it.

Fast-forward 25 years, and the design industry began to shift from pen and paper to computers.

“Everything began to change. Everything was going digital, and I decided I wasn’t going to get into that,” Miller said.

“So then I retired, and I became fascinated by wood and painting on wood.”

Giving wood scraps new life

Miller started out by finding discarded pieces of wood — anything from extra

Nancy Hulkower greets Gerry

on “The

PHOTO BY BRYAN MILLER

Ellicott City resident Franc Miller started painting wildlife on wood decades ago, after he retired as a graphic artist. His works will be part of the upcoming Spring 2024 Art at the Mill exhibition in Virginia.

Bachelorettes

From page 1

they had to put together quickly (contestants had to bring their own clothes).

While both women already owned some beautiful dresses, they quickly shopped to fill out their wardrobe for the show.

Once they arrived, they still didn’t have everything they needed for all occasions. So, the contestants generously shared with one another — everything from shoes to dresses to styling help.

“It was almost like I was back in college in my sorority. We all were really support-

ive of one another, and that included doing one another’s hair and makeup,” Vassos said.

Both women found that the show was less of a competition than they expected. While they hoped to find a soulmate, they also wanted to be sure it was the right match for Turner and for the woman he would ask to marry him. So, they wanted to help one another look and feel their best.

But it wasn’t all about glammed-up looks, Hulkower said. “I also like that some of us...were more natural in some of the settings. If I was watching it, I would want to

see some people who weren’t all dolled up.”

Indeed, the women left the program thrilled that they represented so many viewers who don’t necessarily wear ball gowns on dates.

“We wanted it to be a platform for good,” Hulkower said. “I hope that people see that at our age, when you have been divorced or widowed, you will still have hope.”

While most contestants stayed for about a month, both women left the show after the first few episodes. Vassos had a tearful goodbye with Turner, departing because her daughter had just given birth and needed support.

Hulkower left in part due to an injury that made it hard to walk up and down the mansion’s stairs. But she also realized that she and Turner weren’t clicking the same way he was with some of the other women.

Since their television debuts, the two women have received wonderful feedback from locals who watched the show.

“People approach me all the time,” Vassos said, including young women who want to fix her up with their fathers, and women her age who say, “You’re such an inspiration.”

Hulkower hears the same types of comments. “Most people have said, ‘Oh my gosh, you girls are so great. You have so much fun together, it made me want to get back out there again.’”

But like anyone in the dating world, Hulkower and Vassos said they know they have to keep at it until they find the partner who is right for them. Hulkower took up pickleball and plans to start golfing, in part as a way to meet people.

Experience boosted confidence

Fortunately, they gained some new skills as golden bachelorettes. The talent competition, a staple of the Bachelor series, was a place to push themselves past their comfort zones, performing for an audience of 300 in the studio and millions more on TV.

“I felt like I grew a lot because I just got up there and I [found that] making a fool of yourself onstage can be charming,” Vassos said.

Indeed, her performance, reading a comedic poem she wrote, endeared her to Turner, who picked her for a romantic one-on-one date.

Those daring talent show performances, like everything else on the show, were a bit easier for contestants due to the bighearted sisterhood the women forged.

“I was sitting by Joan at the talent show and we were holding hands,” Hulkower said.

“I felt like I was cheering on my six-yearold in her first kindergarten play. We were more supportive and there for each other than it was competitive.”

The women’s family members cheered for them from home as well, watching their mothers or grandmothers on TV.

“They saw me not just as their mom,” Hulkower said. “I think they saw me as a grown woman, a single woman who’s ready for love and wants to find someone.”

Her kids also discovered that their mom wasn’t the only older woman in search of lasting love, which she said “was revelatory for them.”

Still searching

While Hulkower and Vassos gained powerful friendships from the show, neither woman found a new husband.

Theresa Nist was the woman who won Turner’s heart. She married him in a televised wedding on January 4. Both local women are thrilled for the couple, and they left the show with their hearts open to the possibility that lasting love awaited them.

Like the other bachelorettes who were smitten by Turner, Vassos was initially quite attached to him.

“I started to feel for the first time like I was ready for love,” she said. “It’s been two years since my husband passed away. In my head, I knew logically that’s what I wanted, but my heart wasn’t there yet. My heart got there on the show.”

Both women have stayed busy with additional appearances on Bachelor shows since then. They attended Turner and Nist’s wedding. Hulkower also flew back to L.A. to talk to some of the girls who are contestants on the current edition of The Bachelor.

While both have had several offers to date and connected briefly with a few prospective men, neither has found a match.

“I’m still looking. You can put that out

Painter

From page 20

floorboards to wine barrels to forest-floor scraps.

He looks for an interesting color and grain and maybe a rough, natural-looking edge. He cleans and stains the wood, and presto, he has a canvas.

Bachelorettes

From page 20

there,” Hulkower said with a smile.

If ABC asked them to appear in the first Golden Bachelorette, a spin-off planned for this fall, they said they would certainly be interested.

“I would love it if they would find me 22 eligible bachelors to choose from. I think I could find love in one of them,” Vassos said.

“Wood is a beautiful material that quite often is buried or burned as scrap,” Miller describes in his artist’s bio, which appears beside his paintings in exhibitions.

“In recognition of its beauty, I paint wildlife on selected pieces of hard wood… It has the color, grain and texture to complement the eagles, hawks, falcons, wolves, owls, horses and other wildlife that

The women stay connected through group texts, calls and the recent visit of their friends. They cheer one another on while each continues their search for the men who will retire as golden bachelors — and become golden husbands.

If you’re interested in applying for an upcoming season of Golden Bachelor or Golden Bachelorette, visit BachelorNation.com, click on “casting,” select Golden Bachelor and complete the appropriate online application.

Classifieds continued from page 23.

Wanted Wanted

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illustrate how certain species of wood and these wild creatures go together.”

Miller turns the scrap wood into paintings in his home studio. Most of his finished works are portraits of owls, because his owl paintings sell out fast. “The ones that seem to get the most attention are the owls,” he said.

Why owls? “It’s their eyes, primarily, and the fact that they’re not active necessarily, [so can be] easy to photograph. They’re very easy to paint, in a sense.”

Miller appreciates owls, and the neighborhood owls seem to appreciate him, too. A pair returns to his back yard year after year.

“They just show up. I wish I could get a decent shot of them, but I haven’t able to do that yet,” he said with a chuckle.

Perhaps this spring Miller will be able to capture those owls on one of his wood canvases.

The Spring 2024 Art at the Mill show will take place at the Burwell-Morgan Mill, 15 Tannery Lane, Millwood, Virginia. Art at the Mill will be open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. starting Saturday, April 20 through Sunday, May 5.

For more information, email artatthemill@ gmail.com, visit clarkehistory.org/mill or call (540) 837-1799.

A Tasteful Puzzle

By Stephen Sherr

Across 1. Scene 1, ___ 1 (start of filming)

5. Lethargic one

9. Party for teens

13. Arm bone

14. Novelist Pierre (and an anagram for “toil”)

15. The Swifties, at a Taylor Swift concert

16. They may lead to inflamed legwear

Down

1. Home to Oral Roberts University

2. Pseudonym

3. Solemn bell sound

4. Egg hunter

5. Popular convenience store offering

6. Spot for clip-on earrings

7. School that plays at the Sun Bowl, briefly

17. Ride-hailer, profitable for the first time in 2023

18. Descends Splash Mountain

19. Clapbacks

22. Catching some z’s

23. Bit of ice cream on a tiny spoon

27. Norma ___ (Sally Field role)

28. College Board exam since 1971

30. “Ich bin ___ Berliner” (JFK)

31. All the way, no matter what

35. Folk singer Guthrie

36. Grassland

37. ___ Bible: A Woman’s Guide to the Old Testament

38. The losing team’s whining (to the winners)

43. Good blackjack card, usually

44. Ends to vest- and prest-

45. End of a college student’s e-mail address

46. Back out of a promise

48. Part of a 1-800-FLOWERS bouquet

52. Best place to hit a tennis ball

56. Hidden treasure

59. Soft mineral

60. Prefix for the world’s most populous nation

61. Red Cross request

62. Crafts seen in Aliens: Zone-X

63. Swerve

64. Makes a baby blanket

65. Movie reviewer Siskel or Shalit

6. Lightly cooked, as an egg

8. One supported by the Malala Fund

9. Rainbow maker

10. Spare the ___, spoil the child

11. Be in arrears

12. GP’s and ENT’s

15. “The best way to predict the future is to ___ it” (Lincoln)

20. Okeydokey

21. Words between help and hand

24. Exasperate

25. Two may intersect at a point

26. Football pass-catchers

28. Fishing spots

29. Without women

31. Temporary peace

32. Co-worker of Kent and Lane

33. Color in 46 state flags

34. Disgusting

35. Not quite closed

39. Exhaled, emotionally

40. S-shaped curve

41. Trade away the hostages

42. Mine entrance

47. Cultural values

49. Sleeping disorder

50. Writes computer instructions

51. “Nobody is a villain in their own ___” (George R. R. Martin)

53. Excessively self-pleased

54. One on the family insurance plan

55. MBA class

56. Trapper John, M.D. network

57. Bitter beer

58. Sea lioness

Scrabble answers on p. 20.

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Heartlands

Lutheran

Park

Residences

Ikon

UPCOMING SEMINARS & CLASSES

at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and classes that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being.

All programs will be held in-person in the Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Sandy Spring, Maryland, campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village. Register as indicated below or contact Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org with questions.

LIVING WELL SEMINAR AND BALANCE ASSESSMENT: “How to Prevent Falls”

HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “Yoga for Older Adults”

Offered in partnership with MedStar Health’s Center for Successful Aging

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

10:30-11:45 A.M.

Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga

Falls are the leading cause of serious injury in adults aged 65 and older. Learn about the risk factors that contribute to falls and discover tips for minimizing those risks. Brief, individualized balance assessments will be offered following the seminar. FREE

To register, visit: bit.ly/BGPreventFalls by April 16

APRIL 22 THROUGH JUNE 3

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS • 1-1:45 P.M.

This gentle yoga class is geared for older adults and accessible for ALL as positions may be done from a yoga mat, sitting in a chair or standing with a chair/wall for support. Conducted at a slow pace, this class incorporates mindfulness and breathing techniques, while participants learn and practice poses that will increase strength, balance and flexibility.

Six-week Session Fee: $35

To register, visit: bit.ly/BGYoga2024 by April 19

LIVING WELL SEMINAR: “Unlocking the Secrets of Healthy Brain Aging”

Offered in partnership with MedStar Health’s Center for Successful Aging

THURSDAY, MAY 23

1:30-2:45 P.M.

It’s never too soon to start preventing cognitive decline—or to understand it once it’s begun. You can keep your brain healthy as you age by practicing proper maintenance and learning to identify problems as they arise. Learn how to tell the difference between normal and abnormal decline and discover the best practices for addressing both.

FREE

To register, visit: bit.ly/BGHealthyBrain by May 21

MD 20860