55+ Living Spring 2020

April-June April-June 20202020

Redefining Life After 55

ALL ABOARD! Exploring the

CANADIAN ROCKIES

5

Health Benefits of Gardening

Long Distance

CAREGIVING

Monhegan Island

N OW PE 4 R IS YE S AR UE S

MAINE'S

55PlusLivingGuide.com 1

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20

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE

8

Publisher’s Note

10

ARTICLES

FEATURING GUEST EDITOR:

10 Monhegan Island, An Artist's Jewel

Shankar P. Das, MD

20 All About Rhubarb

Orthopaedic Surgeon The Bone & Joint Center

32 Travel:

26 5 Great Day Trips to Take This Spring

40 State-of-the Art Care

48 Health & Wellness:

46 5 Health Benefits of Gardening

16 Elder Law:

Estate Planning and Sibling Rivalry

All Aboard! Exploring the Canadian Rockies With Love, for the Men in our Lives

58 The Vine: 4

Two Angels

30 Good Grief 52 Long Distance Caregiving April-June 2020

for Injured Hands

Where You Live Matters!

Summit Senior Living

Visit a Summit Community Today!

Come see what maintenance-free living is really all about, meet residents that have already made the move, and see why living at Summit is unlike any place else.

Weekly Social Events and Outings Daily Continental Breakfast Indoor Heated Pool and Sauna Health and Fitness Classes

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518.659.0226

NORTH GREENBUSH | GLENVILLE | SARATOGA | GUILDERLAND | COLONIE SummitSeniorLife.com

Publisher/CEO Alison Michael

Managing Editor Christopher Michael

Production Manager/Designer MoonlightDesignsNC.com

Contributing Writers Michael Arce Conrad Baker George Balogh Frank Buck Corlis Carroll Shankar P. Das, MD Kathleen Gilboy Hayley Hunkin David Kubikian, Esq. Rod Michael Jenn Segal, Once Upon A Chef Ed White George Zander, MD

Website Development Elite Venture Media

Office 38 Mall Way, #83, West Sand Lake, NY 12196 Phone: 518-713-4765 Email: alison@55pluslivingguide.com

55+ Living, a free publication published quarterly, serving the 55+ demographic throughout the NY Capital Region and beyond.

55+ Living Guide, LLC. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

This publication may not be reproduced in any fashion, including electronically, in part or whole without written consent from 55+ Living Guide, LLC. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination� we will not knowingly accept any advertising which is in violation of the law.

All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

55PlusLivingGuide.com

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Spring AHEAD

W

hile looking forward to longer days this season none of us could see the coronavirus coming. It’s time for all of us to step up and do our part. Together we will get through this unprecedented time. Not unlike the flu, our older population is more susceptible so let us keep social distancing ourselves, continue to frequently wash our hands, avoid crowds and stay close to home.

May this time teach us to come together to protect the greater good. Let us all do our part to help one another.

Travel might not be on the forefront of your mind during such times but who does not love to learn about a new place to explore when we are traveling again. The Canadian Rockies, page 32, is one of those places, breaktaking nature at every turn. Discover what it would be like traveling via rail aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, through the glorious With love & gratitude,

Canadian Rockies.

Maine's Monhegan Island, page 10, is another wonderful place to visit. This jewel of an island is 12 miles off the coast and holds a special place in American art history, having been the part time home of artists Edward Hopper, Rockwell Kent, George Bellows and countless others. You can only get there by boat and no cars are allowed on the island. This rare find is truly a place to disconnect and feel as if you've stepped back in time.

Alison Michael

“And in the end, the love you take ...is equal to the love you make” — The BEATLES

SIMPLICITY is the ultimate SOPHISTICATION. – Leonardo da Vinci

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Monhegan Island — An Artist’s Jewel —

BY CORLIS CARROLL

23 years ago I was a recent

honors graduate of the University at Albany Art Program. I packed my paint and easel, left my Albany home and husband and drove to Port Clyde Maine. Once there I boarded a ferry (no cars allowed) that took me to Monhegan Island where I still live, 5 months of every year, without electricity. One solar panel and a 12 volt battery charges my phone and computer. Bottled propane feeds my stove and refrigerator and portable battery operated lamps light my evenings after the sun goes down.

I was born and raised in Green Island and I have called Albany home for my entire life. My Grandfather laid the sidewalks in Green Island in the late 1800's and was the lock tender on Federal Lock #1 in Troy. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison met in the Green Island Park where I played as a child and orchestrated and engineered the dam and power plant that still provides power to that community. Theodore Edison, the son of Thomas Alva Edison, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Monhegan Associates, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Monhegan Island, my second home.

So, why would I choose to leave my home and husband for 5 months every year? The answer is simple: I love art and Monhegan Island is a place where conversations about art happen daily.

I went there in 1981 with a friend for 10

April-June 2020

2

1

a 2 week vacation and then spent the next 15 years trying to figure out how I could live there.

Monhegan Island is located 10 miles off the Central Maine coast.

This tiny isolated island has been attracting some of the world's greatest artists for over 150 years.

It’s natural beauty still lures artists from all over the United States every year for a chance to stand on her majestic cliffs (the tallest cliffs

in the State of Maine), wander through her pristine forest (17 miles of hiking trails) and experience an active community of fish houses, lobster boats and fishermen . It is easy to imagine what life was like all those years ago.

There is still a one-room school house on Monhegan (grades preK-8) and a year round population of approximately 40 people.

There are trucks on the island

for hauling freight from the boat and walking and golf carts are the dominant means of transportation. No cars allowed.

Famous artists such as George Bellows, Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth, Edward Redfield and former Ausable Forks resident, Rockwell Kent, all painted on Monhegan. Artists who exhibited in the Armory Show of 1913, "The Show that Shocked America" all found a

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home in Monhegan where they worked and socialized during the summer months. American Sculpture, Louise Nevelson, claimed that Monhegan Island was the inspiration for her larger works for which she is famous.

Ted Edison, whose grave is marked in the Island Cemetery,

saw the potential for conservation and worked the latter years of his life to prevent exploitation and development of the "Wild Lands" of Monhegan. He purchased property when it came up for sale, he convinced the locals that protecting Monhegan from development was a good thing

Monhegan Island — Art Exhibit —

PCorlis OS Gallery of American Art T P ONED 1855 Western Ave., Guilderland Due to corona virus pandemic, The Gallery is postponing all exhibition activity and extending the schedule.

For more info call:

518-265-9509

corliscarroll.com LECTURES:

TBA at later date: Monhegan Art and the Art of Collecting

5

12

April-June 2020

TBA at later date: Visiting Monhegan, When to Go, How to Get There and Where to Stay

to do and eventually endowed the Monhegan Associates with a vision for preservation and some funds to help the process along.

Ted Edison was nothing short of a rockstar for the people of Monhegan, ten miles out to sea.

Artists from 7 states will be exhibited in a show at “The Corlis Gallery” in Albany. “Monhegan, Her Art and Her Artists” was supposed to run from April 2nd through May 17th, but with the current corona virus pandemic, this exhibit will be postponed until a later date. At that future date, yet to be determined, the exhibit will include works in sculpture, tapestry, painting, lithography, woodworking, collage, printmaking and photography.

Of particular interest is a work by noted American Artist, Jamie Wyeth. A small edition lithograph, signed and numbered, was a gift from Jamie and his wife Phyllis (sadly, now deceased) to my husband, Robert Bourgeois. The gift was compensation for a little “fender bender” that Bob had with Jamie in the Hannaford Parking Lot in Rockland, Maine. In one of Bob's more astute moments, he told Jamie that he didn't need his insurance information, “just a nice little signed sketch would be perfect.” Jamie, son of artist Andrew Wyeth and Grandson of Illustrator NC Wyeth, did not disappoint! I am honored to present this work, a focal point of the show.

When we are able to safely host this exhibit, we will also feature two lectures, one on “Monhegan Art and the Art of Collecting” and one on “Visiting Monhegan, When to Go, How to Get There, and Where to Stay” are planned, both within the context of viewing the art collection. Please contact the gallery at 518-265-9509 or by email to TheCorlisGallery@gmail.com for scheduling updates. We appreciate your interest and look forward to showing you this outstanding body of Monhegan Art in the very near future.”

1. Carolyn Mrazek, Oil 2. Corlis Carroll, Painted Photo 3. Alison Huber Gewett, Oil 4. Joan Brady, Oil 5. Ed Magnotti, Oil

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Elder Law

ESTATE PLANNING

and Sibling Rivalry

There is a perception that estate litigation occurs only where there are multi-million dollar estates, second or third spouses, children from prior marriages, or opportunistic caregivers.

16

BY DAVID A. KUBIKIAN, ESQ Herzog Law

While, yes, there are many estate litigation cases that result from lots of money, lots of wives and lots of last minute estate plan changes, estate litigations need only an emotional spark and a perceived slight by one of the beneficiaries to cause a litigation to quickly engulf an estate administration.

As in almost any other part of life, communication about your estate plan is the key to avoiding estate litigation. Some clients want to treat their children the same and divide their estate equally. Others wish to give more to their needy children and less to the ones who are in a better financial place or wish to take into account gifts or loans they made to one child during life by equalizing bequests at death. There is no wrong answer for what a client wants to do with their assets. However, all things being equal, if a beneficiary feels slighted because his sibling receives a larger share of the estate, and you are no longer around to provide an explanation, the stage is set for a dicey estate administration.

Many clients do not wish to tell their kids about their estate plans, especially where there may be an unequal distribution of assets. They may want to avoid conflict by remaining silent. As a result, this will likely increase the chance of litigation.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, clients also try to mend their children’s broken relationships via their estate plan by doing things such as naming all their children co-executors. Children who do not get along with one another during your life are not likely to mend fences while sorting out your personal property and deciding who gets Dad’s Rolex (or Swatch Watch) or Mom’s Diamond Tennis Bracelet (or Alex & Ani Bracelet). Siblings who never worked together by choice, are stuck with one another doing a lot of emotional heavy lifting. Consider naming someone other than your children as executor as another way to try to avoid conflict.

Take the time to speak to your kids about your estate plan and your rationale behind your decisions. At a minimum, you should communicate your wishes and rationale to your estate planning attorney. Communication is the best way to avoid lengthy and expensive estate litigation.

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All About...

b r a b u h R

BY ROD MICHAEL

20

April-June 2020

I

have got to say that there is nothing better than my wife’s strawberry-rhubarb crisp. What makes it so exceptional is her baking skills are without equal. She truly is remarkable and I am not trying to score brownie points here, although her brownies are scrumptious too. If that is not enough, her strawberry-rhubarb jam is the family’s favorite.

Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, look out!

Here are some things we all should know about Rhubarb. First, it is a perennial vegetable and it primarily is used with fruit in desserts and jams. Second, the leaves are poisonous, so eat the stalks only. It is easy to grow and likes some cool weather to thrive.

It grows from short thick rhizomes and loves a site that is well-drained, fertile and in full sunlight. When planting be sure to use compost, rotted manure and anything high in organic matter, but do not add any chemical fertilizers to the plants during the first year.

It enjoys plenty of water so do not be stingy. Mulch the plants generously with straw and manure to help retain moisture and discourage weeds. Once you have established the plants and after the first spring frost, apply a light sprinkling of high nitrogen fertilizer (25-3-3 or 10-6-4) when the ground is thawing or just thawed. Dig and split rhubarb plants every 3 to 4 years and be sure to divide when plants are dormant in early spring or fall.

When should I eat it? Harvest the stalks when they are 12 to 18 inches long. After three years the harvest period runs about 8 to 10 weeks long. If the stalks are thin this means the plant needs to be fertilized. Always leave about two stalks per plant to insure continued production. With proper care your plants could produce for up to 20 years. When harvest time ends, the stems may die back, be sure to remove all plant debris and cover with up to 4 inches of mulch, preferably well-rotted compost.

The stalks are commonly cut into pieces and stewed with additional sugar until soft. The resulting compote sometimes is thickened with corn starch and used in pies, tarts and crumbles. When making a jam a greater quantity of sugar is added with pectin. The more common use in the United States is the making of pie. The plant is nicknamed the “pie plant” going back to 19th century cookbooks. Rhu-

barb is often paired with strawberries to make one of my favorite pies. Add some whip cream or vanilla ice cream and you have an unbelievable desert!

When choosing some red varieties, which tend to be more tender, consider, Valentine, Crimson Cherry, Canada Red, Victoria, Timperley Early and Early Albert. The color of rhubarb stalks can vary from the commonly associated crimson red, through speckled light pink, to simply light green. The stalks are commonly described as crimson stalks. The color results from the presence of anthocyanins and varies according to variety. The color is not related to its suitability for cooking.

The history of Rhubarb is unbelievable. The Chinese call rhubarb, “the great yellow” and have used its root for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It has also been thought of as a laxative for several millennia. Rhubarb originally comes from two Greek words for rhubarb. Rheon from the Persian rewend, later becoming the Latin word rheum. The other Greek word is rha, an ancient name for the Volga River. It made its way to Russia via the Silk Road. No matter what name, this has been enjoyed in many cultures for many centuries. In the United States, it is thought that John Bartram in Philadelphia was the oldest cultivator going back to 1730, with Thomas Jefferson planting at Monticello in 1809.

Rhubarb has been used throughout history for digestive complaints including constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain, symptoms of menopause, menstrual cramps and inflammation of the pancreas.

This plant also contains nitric oxide, which is responsible for the dilation and contraction of blood vessels. It helps to protect the smooth interior lining of

55PlusLivingGuide.com 21

the arteries from excessive plaque accumulation. By adding this to an already healthy diet, it will give you an edge over vascular conditions.

The recipes for deserts are many and if you want to try something really delish try braising some beef short ribs in rhubarb and onions. So, it is that time of year when you can go out into your own garden and make a yummy little desert.

RHUBARB, it’s just that simple.

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Chefs in Motion: Culinary Tasting and Competition to benefit Colonie Senior Service Centers’ Transportation Services

Monday, June 15, 2020, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany Chefs in Motion is a collaboration between the New York State Department Colonie Service of Agriculture and Markets,Senior Cornell Cooperative Extension, the New York StateCenters Wine and Grape Foundation, and the Times Union.

The event will highlight New York State Vitners, Wine Makers and Sommeliers in an additional competition of “Stump the Wine Expert” as part of the VIP/Honorary Reception prior to the event’s start time.

Emcee • Steve Barnes, Senior Writer and Restaurant Critic for the Times Union

Tickets:

$65 General Admission $75 VIP Judges (includes Stump the Sommelier) • Richard A. Ball, Commissioner, NYS $30 Seniors Department of Agriculture and Markets $30 Professionals under 35 • Robert Curley, New York Chairman To register, call Sharon Herald of Berkshire Bank at 518-459-2857 ext. 302.

• Paula Mahan, Supervisor, Town of Colonie • Widjiono “Yono” Purnomo, Executive Chef, Yono’s Restaurant 6 Winners Circle Albany NY 12205 • Harold Qualters, Chef, Former owner www.colonieseniors.org of Qualters Restaurant Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. was established in 1981 as a duly authorized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

22 CSSC QuarterPage Ad 55+ Chefs.indd 1

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Gorgeous red fruit bubbling away beneath a crunchy oat streusel topping — this strawberry rhubarb crisp is one of the easiest and best desserts I know.

Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 50 Minutes Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE FILLING 1 pound rhubarb stalks, trimmed and sliced 1/2-inch thick 1/2 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla extract FOR THE TOPPING 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with a knife 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt

April-June 2020 3/2/20 11:23 AM

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats 1/2 cup chopped pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Glenmont Abbey Village

7 Thomas Cole Drive Glenmont, NY 12077 FOR THE FILLING In a large bowl, combine the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Stir until the fruit is evenly coated with the sugar mixture, and the sugar mixture is no longer white.

Transfer the fruit mixture to a 2-quart or 8-inch baking dish (no need to butter it) and set aside while you prepare the topping.

FOR THE TOPPING In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar and salt. Process until well combined, about 30 seconds. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with a few pea-sized clumps of butter within. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the oats and chopped pecans.

Spoon the topping evenly over the fruit without packing down. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the fruit is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. Cool for 20 minutes before serving.

Spoon into shallow bowls and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Note: If your baking dish is shallow, place it on top of a foil-lined sheet pan to catch any spills that might bubble over the edges.

Note: Don't be tempted to increase the strawberries in the recipe, or you'll end up with fruit soup (they release a lot of juice).

Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The crisp can be frozen tightly covered for up to 3 months. Before serving, reheat it, uncovered, in a 300°F oven until heated through and crisp on top.

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Grand Premier

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April-June 2020

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5

Great Day Trips to take this Spring

BY CONRAD BAKER

2 4

3 1

SPRING is the perfect time to hit the road and explore the many wonders the New York Capital Region has to offer. All it takes is a tank of gas and a sense of adventure, and the sooner you get started the more landmarks you can check out. Here are five of our favorite spring road trips for residents to enjoy.

1 Cooperstown is Sure

to Be a Hit

If you are a baseball fan, a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame is probably already on your bucket list, but there is much more to explore in this charming little town. From quaint shops and amazing shopping to microbrews

26

that will leave you thirsty for more to a surprising amount of culture, Cooperstown has something to offer everyone.

Best of all, Cooperstown is an easy drive from the NY Capital Region. Close enough for a day trip but charming enough for an overnight stay or weekend getaway, Cooperstown is the perfect springtime adventure.

2 Lake George If you love the great outdoors and want to revel in the beauty that nature has to offer, why not head out to Lake George? This natural wonder really comes alive with the warm spring weather, and you will find plenty of great things April-June 2020

5

to see and do once you get there.

Whether you enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lake, stroll the shore while you watch the world go by or take in a competitive game of mini golf, Lake George is sure to capture your imagination.

The beauty and excitement is less than a tank of gas away, so load up the car and get ready to have some fun.

3 Niagara Falls Springtime in Niagara Falls is a thing of beauty, with the melting snow and ice revealing the wonders of the falling water. And while some may find it too far for a day trip, others will jump at the chance to hit the highway and take in nature's splendor.

If you do find it too far for a day trip, you can easily find accommodations for the night. With so many hotels and motels dotting the local roadways, finding an affordable place to stay should not be much of a challenge.

4 Saratoga Springs If you are looking for a relaxing day away, you cannot go wrong with a trip to Saratoga Springs.

There is a reason this charming

city has been dubbed "The Queen of the Spas," and when you get there you will know where that name comes from.

Whether you want to lie back and be pampered or spend some time at the local casinos, you can get your fill of springtime fun at nearby Saratoga Springs. And while it is close enough for a day trip, you may want to spend the night or book a long weekend.

5 Howe Caverns The weather may be lovely outside, but that does not mean you cannot do some underground exploring. Close enough for a day trip, Howe Caverns is the largest cavern structure in the entire northeast, and second in popularity only to Niagara Falls.

The grandkids will love exploring the natural wonders underground while their parents learn about the forces that created the caverns and passageways. And when you are done exploring, you can grab a bite to eat a local restaurant before heading back home.

Sometimes you just want to get away, and when that wanderlust strikes you will not have to go far to find adventure and excitement.

With so many amazing day trips within driving distance, there is no reason to stay at home this spring. The five day trips listed above are just the tip of the iceberg, and you are sure to find a few other favorites as you explore the highways and byways of New York state.

CDPHP

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GRIEF

BY KATHLEEN GILBOY

I can vividly remember thinking,

"this life is so great, I wonder when the other shoe is going to drop."

30

Frank and I met at 16, married and had three children. Our children were grown and happy, we were enjoying the empty nester stage of life and were enjoying a long and happy marriage. On a trip to the doctor for some vague indigestion/nausea symptoms we ended coming home with a diagnosis of stomach cancer. One of the deadliest cancers, with an extremely low five-year survival rate. Although we thought we could beat this cancer, Frank died within 7 months. At the age of 53, 10/28/14, the day “the other shoe dropped."

This was not a dream even though there was fog everywhere in my mind. Wake up, go to the funeral home, decide what to bury Frank in, what casket, which prayer, which song. So many people want to share love, a meal or a memory because Frank was the best! I found myself so busy. Then the busy slowed and I had to endure my first Thanksgiving and my first Christmas alone. This time was so dark, I cried so much and the pain was so deep. It sneaks in and consumes you like a giant rolling wave that is never ending.

My family and friends were all still there, but this was my journey with grief, and I had to live it. I was angry that he left me and sad that he did not get to enjoy what we had worked so hard for. My shell of a person would go through life day by day working, interacting, slapping a smile on my face every time I was asked how I was doing.

I would ask fellow widowers how long the emptiness would last. A few months? A year? A few years? I did not want to live with this pain anymore. How can life be happy when your future has been erased?

I was not prepared for all the firsts that came up. How about the first time you fill out a form that asks your marriage status, here April-June 2020

comes that giant wave of grief again. Am I really single? Attending a wedding alone that we should have been attending together, waves of grief crashing on me the whole way home driving alone. Getting in the car and hearing that song come on the radio could make me turn the car around and go back to finish my sad thoughts.

Year two was even harder because the fog had somewhat lifted and now this life without Frank was my reality. The need to keep moving crept in, even if it was not always moving forward. Thoughts would pop into my head making me think I could have done better, but we cannot change the past. No guilt.

Go easy on yourself. Make peace with the thoughts that pop up and know that you had done the best you could. What if you date right away, that is ok! If you wait that is ok too. This is your grieving path and we all travel it at different speeds.

Burke and Casserly, PC.

I remember the day that I sang out loud, I remember how good that felt and thought that I am surviving, and I like the new stronger me.

I decided not to wait to be invited out, I would go out alone. Guess what? I survived that. I joined clubs, sports, and life again! I thought about dating, but how to go about that was a whole new topic to think about.

Unknowingly the love that Frank and I shared grew a very strong tree of experiences, emotions and memories with deep deep roots. Nowadays I can climb that big healthy tree and have fun and swing on it. It gives me shelter when it rains, its branches pick me up in an embrace when I need them too and this tree of life still continues to grow strong.

Howard Hanna/Kathleen Gilboy

55PlusLivingGuide.com 31

Travel

ALL ABOARD!

EXPLORING THE

CANADIAN ROCKIES

BY GEORGE BALOGH

The Canadian Rockies are known to many as a must-do vacation and one that my wife and I had the opportunity to cross off our wanderlist last year. Beauty abounds throughout this majestic place with awe-inspiring vistas showcasing nature’s most beautiful aspects with sparkling lakes, snowy mountains, and local wildlife at every turn.

We mapped out our trip to include an arrival in Vancouver for a few days, followed by two days on the Rocky Mountaineer train, one night in Lake Louise and the final night in Banff, our goal being to experience a combination of R&R mixed with some adventure.

We were preparing for a half marathon at the time, so were fortunate to find some amazing runs along the way!

Our trip began with a stay at the 32

ROCKY M

OUNTAIN

VANCOUVER April-June 2020

EER

LAKE LOUISE

STANLEY PARK

Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver, a desirable location along the city’s dynamic harbourfront. This bustling area of Vancouver is home to the vast 1,000 acre Stanley Park, which is considered the soul of the city. Explore beautiful gardens, along with the diverse selection of restaurants along the parks waterfront, or enjoy the Gastown area which abounds with local brews and historic Victorian charm.

Our stay in Vancouver included an excursion to Grouse Mountain, a refuge for endangered wildlife where we rode the gondola to the summit to have Breakfast with the Bears. This neat attraction invites guests to have an up close look at resident grizzlies, Grinder & Coola, as they enjoy their morning feeding. Both were rescued cubs and have lived on Grouse

GRINDER AND COOLA ON GRO

USE MOUNTAIN

Mountain ever since. In addition to these orphaned grizzly bears, Grouse Mountain is also home to retired movie star wolves, rare birds and more.

The next morning, we took an early shuttle to the Rocky Mountaineer rail station where we started our journey along this historic route. The Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train operating in Western Canada, is one of the best ways to see all that this part of the world has to offer. Connecting Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, this train takes you on a journey alongside rivers, through quaint mountain towns, and

55PlusLivingGuide.com 33

FAIRMONT CHATEAU, LAKE LOUISE

within arms reach of stunning, craggy snowcapped peaks. Along the way, you will have a frontrow seat to fleeting wildlife, including moose, elk, bighorn sheep, bear, and soaring eagles.

Our route was titled the First Passage to the West, which travels from Vancouver to Kamloops on day one, and from Kamloops to the Lake Louise and Banff region on the second day. History came alive as we traveled the rail route that united Canada as a nation more than 130 years ago. From lush rainforests, through the semi arid desert, alongside the powerful Kicking Horse River, and into the Rocky Mountain towns of Lake Louise and Banff.

Traveling through Western Canada’s most remarkable attractions, the Rocky Mountaineer trip includes vistas of national parks, quaint valleys, and tranquil lakes. The train travels only by daylight, so we didn’t miss a moment of the beautiful scenery. On the one overnight that was part of our package, we stayed at a hotel in Kamloops so we could explore a bit of the destination before boarding the train the following day. Kamloops is a riverside city with fantastic restaurants, local pubs, and a serene park. After the train pulled in at 4:30PM, we had an amazing run along the riverfront followed by a great meal and craft brew at The Noble Pig across from our hotel. With the sunsetting so late, we still had time to stroll the town before heading to bed so we’d be rested for the day two of our train journey 34

Once onboard the train on day two, the ascent up the mountain range to the peaks of the Rockies continued to get better with each mile. The staff onboard gave us some talking points about the highlights of what we were seeing along with some amazing stories.

We enjoyed gourmet food and quality spirits within this friendly atmosphere that is conducive for both solitude or for making new friends. It’s a journey we will never forget, in one of the most beautiful settings on the planet.

As our rail journey ended, our itinerary had us visit Lake Louise and Banff, one night each, which was certainly too short, although it was all the time we had. I consider Banff & Lake Louise as two separate destinations even though they are so close together.

We rented a car so we could drive from one to the other, ending at Calgary airport for our return flight home. Having the rental gave us time to explore the area, which included seeing the former winter Olympics site.

In my opinion, including a stay or overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a must on any itinerary. The iconic Lake Louise is one of the most pristine—and photographed—lakes in the world. I vividly recall when we walked into our room, my wife opened the curtains and I heard her gasp... as she saw the lake and the glaciers in the background, she exclaimed that it was the most beautiful view she had ever seen.

Located just outside Banff, the phenomenal turquoise-tinged lake is set against a breathtaking backdrop of rugged peaks and glaciers. We were immersed in nature and went for a run around the quiet waters

April-June 2020

KICKING HORSE RIVER

of Lake Louise, taking in the famous Victoria Glacier.

The idyllic train station, peaceful lake, and neighboring mountains make this a must-see landmark in the Rockies A short drive from Lake Louise into the village of Banff, which lies within the vast untamed wilderness of Banff National Park. It is the most well-known town in the Rockies, offering towering peaks, gorgeous lakes, and the amazingly turquoise Bow River. This picturesque resort area is full of distinctive hotels, restaurants, and watering holes. A delightful combination of rugged mountains, lush parks with postcard scenery, and a thriving arts community can be found here. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, an historical resort, sits majestically overlooking the spectacular Bow River Valley. Whether you stay at this iconic resort or stay in one of the other hotels in town that are closer to the restaurants and shops, Banff is a wonderful destination to consider on your trip.

We walked from the Fairmont into the town. In our typical fashion, we asked several locals where they’d go eat, and each of them directed us to a hamburger place, Eddie Burger Bar, where all the locals eat, and now I understand why. It was tiny and busy, and served more local brews than I could have imagined. It was a great town to explore, safe and easy to navigate, and what you’d expect from a winter ski destination that also has a fantastic summer industry including giant elks roaming throughout the town.

The final day of our trip, we went for a long run, along the river, where we saw a family of moose swimming in the river, allowing the current of the river to

MOOSE GRAZING ON FOLIAGE

carry them downstream. Our run was interrupted for 15 minutes as we stood in awe and to take in this magical scene.

The Canadian Rockies will be ingrained indelibly in my memory forever!

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55PlusLivingGuide.com 35

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April-June 2020

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GUEST EDITOR Shankar P. Das, MD Orthopaedic Surgeon, The Bone & Joint Center

I am pleased to be a contributing editor for healthcare and medical topics in 55+ Living magazine. I hope to help readers better understand medical conditions and treatments that tend to affect the 55+ population.

In this edition one of my colleagues, Dr. George Zander, writes about State-of-theArt Care for Injured Hands.

In future editions of 55+ Living, we will feature articles on other common medical conditions experienced by adults, as they mature. Topics will include lower back pain, hip replacement and shoulder sports related injuries. Regardless of the topic, our team will make every effort to make these articles helpful and informative.

Shankar Das

Shankar P. Das, MD Orthopaedic Surgeon, The Bone & Joint Center Dr. Shankar Das is a Board Certified Orthopaedic surgeon with the Capital Region Orthopaedic Associates, a 40 physician Orthopaedic practice serving the greater Capital Region and upstate New York.

Dr. Das is fellowship trained and specializes in sports related injuries in addition to general Orthopaedics. He is an Assistant Professor at Albany Medical College and their Orthopaedic residency program.

Dr. Das also works with many of the local college and high school sports team, as their team physician.

theboneandjointcenter.com 40

State-of-the Art

for CARE Injured Hands

BY DR. GEORGE ZANDER

April-June 2020

Hand sensation and movement are essential to almost every tasks performed throughout the day, including eating, dressing, and writing, typing, driving, and working. Although often taken for granted, the hand can be considered just as important to functioning as eyesight.

Motion of joints, gliding of tendons and contraction of muscles are all part of hand operation.

When injury takes of place, care is given to the various tissues that facilitate functioning of the hand. In addition, millions of people suffer from such problems as arthritis and inflammatory conditions.

Impairment of the – especially when deformities are involved – can create a socioeconomic and psychological burden. To provide relief to suffers, hand surgery has become a medical specialty in its own right.

The focus on the hand as a specialized field of study began in the era of World War II. Before that time, one physician would be needed to treat the broken bones, another to repair the damaged nerves and still another for skin reconstruction. It was soon realized that one specialist for the entire hand in all of its functions would be beneficial. Thus, the era of the hand surgeon was born. Today, some hand surgeons specialize in the treatment of children, while others treat both children and adults.

Many hand surgeons are general surgeons or orthopedic surgeons with additional training to care for problems of the hand, wrist and forearm. Much of their time is spent outside the operating room, treating these problems without surgery. A number of problems including cuts, wrist

pain, sports injuries, tennis elbow, burns, ganglion cysts, tumors, arthritis, congenital abnormalities and carpal tunnel syndrome are now routinely treated by hand surgeons.

TRIGGER FINGER

One form of chronic tendinitis, called trigger finger poses a particular challenge to the hand specialists. Tendons that bend the fingers and thumb passed through the opening of a snug tunnel. When the tunnel becomes too snug - or when the tendon becomes too thick - the tendon becomes stuck at the opening of the tunnel. A popping sound or sensation may result when the tendon finally gives way. In severe cases, the finger may remain stuck in a bent condition.

No x-rays are needed for diagnosis of “trigger finger;" a hand specialist can detect the prob-

55PlusLivingGuide.com 41

lem simply by interviewing the patient and examining the hand.

Medications can be used to treat the pain. A splint may be all that is needed to rest the finger. If the problem is severe, outpatient surgery may be recommended.

The decision for surgery is a personal one, as trigger finger is neither life threatening nor dangerous. The goal of surgery is to widen the opening of the tunnel so that the tendons will not be blocked or obstructed. A small incision is made in patient’s palm, after which the tunnel is opened with the needle.

Usually, movement of the finger is improved immediately after surgery, although it may be several weeks before recovery is complete area meanwhile, swelling and pain can be controlled by elevating the hand.

HAND INJURIES

Injuries to the hand are common, affecting as much as a third of all accident victims. He had

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injuries usually involve either fractures of the bone or joint, damage to the fingernail bed, or fingertip injuries. Fingertip injuries are the most common injury to the hand and may involve loss of skin or damage to the fingertip had. Fingertip injuries are not minor. Without treatment, swelling loss of sensation and infection may occur and lead to disability of the entire hand. Thus, seemingly minor injuries can have major consequences.

Deep cuts to the wrist, palm or finger can result in nerve and tendon injuries. Each finger contains two flexor tendons, one extensor tendon, and two nerves.

Hence even when one tendon or one nerve is cut, some movement or feeling may be present. Damaged nerves can be repaired, often through microsurgery, although these may not heal completely.

Flexor tendons can also be repaired through microsurgery. One complication however, involves scar tissue, which can bind the tendon and prevent movement. To address this, a program of post-operative hand therapy is important. Specific exercises can help the patient break up scar tissue and restore function to the tendon.

Diabetes is often an underlying factor in hand pain. For example, trigger finger, discussed earlier, is more common in diabetic patients. In addition, a side effect of diabetes is a peripheral neuropathy, which results in tingling of all fingers. It can be difficult to distinguish this condition from carpal tunnel syndrome, but the telltale factor is one of distribution: a peripheral neuropathy often involves both hands and both feet, starting at the ends of the fingers or toes and moving toward the center of the body.

DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Another hand problem that frequently requires surgery is Dupuytren’s contracture, which most often affects the fourth and fifth fingers. Not to be confused with trigger finger (which also results in bent fingers), Dupuytren’s contracture is a disease of the palmar fascia that causes the fibrous bands of the hands, the layer of flesh just under the skin of the palm, to thicken and short. Lumps or dimples in the April-June 2020

skin of the Palm a result. Small nodules develop in a cord like band, preventing the hand to straighten and giving it a clawlike appearance. Although he usually has its onset in adulthood, some say the Dupuytren’s contracture is inherited.

It is best to seek help for Dupuytren’s contracture before the condition deteriorates to the point that the fingers are bent into a fist. In severe cases where deformities are present, surgery will usually be recommended for Dupuytren’s contracture. The goal of the surgeon is the excision of the fascia and releasing of the ligaments to restore the strengthening of the hand.

The field of hand surgery continues to provide renewed hope to millions. State of art care is helping many who suffer from disease or injury today and, helping them to experience something they may have thought impossible, a life without pain.

27 MAINTENANCE FREE COMMUNITIES

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H ING L! S

A IA LE EC Towers SP

of Colonie

AMENITIES:

DR. GEORGE ZANDER is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. His area of expertise includes reconstruction and arthroscopic treatment of hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries. He also specializes in elbow and shoulder replacement surgery. Hit practice includes general orthopedics and orthopedic trauma.

Dr. Zanaros is a native of the Capital District.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and his Medical Degree from Albany Medical College. He then completed his general surgical internship and orthopedic surgery residency at Albany Medical Center.

He received his fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Zanaros is a member and fellow of the following professional societies: • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons • American Society for Surgery of the Hand • American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons • N ew York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons Dr. Zanaros is affiliated with Albany medical Center, St. Peter’s Hospital and the Capital Region Ambulatory Surgery Center (CRASC).

He sees patients at the Albany and Saratoga offices.

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55PlusLivingGuide.com 43

Hannaford

naturally sweet naturallysweet sweet maple maplenut nutyogurt yogurt dip yogurtdip dip

The The natural nectar of maple syrup addsadds the perfect sweetness to this this yogurt dip. Pair withwith the saltysalty natural nectar maple syrup the perfect perfect sweetness The natural nectar ofofmaple syrup adds the sweetness to to thisyogurt yogurtdip. dip.Pair Pair withthe the salty crunch of heart-healthy mixed nutsnuts for afor fruit dip that’s suresure to please youryour tastetaste buds, and and a crowd. crunch of heart-healthy mixed a fruit dip that’s to please buds, a crunch of heart-healthy mixed nuts for a fruit dip that’s sure to please your taste buds, and acrowd. crowd.

Nutritional Information amount per serving: Here’s what you need: Nutritional Here’swhat whatyou youneed: need: Nutritional Information Informationamount amountper perserving: serving: Here’s (Includes a serving of dip, 1/2 of a medium apple and chopped nuts) 0% Fat Plain Yogurt 1 1/2 cups Stonyfield® Organic ® (Includes a serving of dip, 1/2 of a medium apple and chopped nuts) Organic 0% Fat Plain Yogurt 1 1/2 cups Stonyfield (Includes a serving of dip, 1/2 of a medium apple and chopped nuts) 1 1/2 cups Stonyfield® Organic 0% Fat Plain Yogurt Protein Plain Unflavored Powder 1/2 scoop Cabot® Whey Calories 160 Sodium 65 mg ® scoop Cabot Cabot 160 Sodium mg ® Whey Protein Plain Unflavored Powder Whey Protein Plain Unflavored PowderTotalCalories 1/21/2 scoop Calories 160 Sodium65 65 mg Fat 6 g Carbohydrate 22 g 1 Tbsp.

Maple syrup Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrate 22 g 1 Tbsp.

Maple syrup Total Fat Fat 16gg Carbohydrate 1 Tbsp.

Maple syrup Saturated Dietary Fiber 3 g 22 g 1/4 tsp.

McCormick® Pure Saturated Fat 1 g Dietary Fiber 3 g ® Almond Extract 1/4 tsp.

McCormick® Pure Almond Extract Saturated Fat 1 g Protein Dietary Cholesterol 5 mg 7 g Fiber 3 g Pure Almond Extract 1/4 tsp.

McCormick Cholesterol 5 mg Protein 7 g 1/2 cup Planters NUT-rition Wholesome Nut Mix Cholesterol 5 mg Protein 7 g 1/2 cup Planters NUT-rition Wholesome Nut Mix 1/2 cup Sliced Planters NUT-rition Wholesome Nut Mix fruit such as apple, pear or banana Sliced fruit such as apple, pear or banana Sliced fruit such as apple, pear or banana Thank you to our sponsors for partnering with Hannaford Toothpicks Thank you to our sponsors for partnering with Hannaford Toothpicks Thank to our sponsors for partnering with Hannaford to offer freeyou dietitian services.

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Registered dietitians offer FREE nutritional services 2. Chop nut mix into a crumble. Place in a shallow bowl Registered dietitians offer FREE nutritional services 2. Chop nut mix into a crumble. Place in a shallow bowl in many Hannaford stores. offer FREE nutritional services and set aside.

Registered dietitians 2. Chop mix into a crumble. Place in a shallow bowl in many Hannaford stores. and nut set aside. in many Hannaford stores. and set aside.

3. Using toothpicks, dip sliced fruit into yogurt mixture, Visit hannaford.com/dietitians to learn more about 3. Using toothpicks, dip sliced fruit into yogurt mixture, Visit hannaford.com/dietitians to learn more about then dip into choppeddip nuts for a crunchy coating.mixture, the program and to find a dietitian neartoyou.

3. Using sliced yogurt thentoothpicks, dip into chopped nutsfruit for ainto crunchy coating.

Visitprogram hannaford.com/dietitians learn more about the and to find a dietitian near you. then dip into chopped nuts for a crunchy coating.

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MAKESMAKES 6 SERVINGS 6 SERVINGS MAKES 6 SERVINGS 44

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Health Benefits of Gardening

I

BY ED WHITE

n an age where entertainment is gradually being reduced to gaming and social networks, it can be refreshing to get back to the types of simple activities that made our parents and grandparents happy. When compared to staring at bright screens for hours at a time, hobbies like gardening can provide a far greater sense of personal satisfaction. The list of rewards is rather extensive, but the benefits to your health can make a world of difference in your life. Here are five of the best health benefits of gardening.

1. Improved Mood

Life in the 21st century can be pretty hectic.

Sometimes the best thing you can do to preserve your own sanity is to separate yourself from technology and enjoy nature. You'd be surprised what some time spent in the dirt can do for your state of mind.

Researchers from the University of Texas asked nearly 300 adults how they would rate their levels of optimism and satisfaction with their lives. The results 46

showed that gardeners were significantly happier than non-gardeners.

2. Exercise Benefits

Another benefit of gardening is that it gets you out in the sunshine and keeps you moving. Although it's not like running a marathon or lifting heavy weights, it's better than vegetating on a couch, in front of the television. Repetitive tasks like pulling weeds, digging and planting require a certain amount of strength and flexibility. This low-impact exercise is great for those who are unable to participate in a more vigorous exercise program, such as seniors and those with mild disabilities.

3. Reduced Risk for Osteoporosis

It shouldn't surprise you that the physical activity involved in gardening can lead to better overall physical health. However, a study by researchers at the University of Arkansas suggests it's also good for your bones. A group of 3,310 older women took

April-June 2020

part in it and the results showed that the women who were regularly involved in gardening and other types of yard work had lower rates of osteoporosis than those who took part in activities like aerobics, swimming and jogging.

Researchers believe that the reason behind this lies in the fact that gardening often involves lifting heavy bags of soil and fertilizer, digging holes and pulling weeds. These types of activities involve muscles that would also be activated in weight training, which is known to help ward off osteoporosis.

4. Reduced Risk for Diabetes

One of the most important things a diabetic can do to manage their condition is to get plenty of exercise. In most cases, at least 150 minutes of exercise per week is recommended. According to a study from Kansas State University, this is rather easy for an active home gardener to surpass. Those who tend their gardens just for fun tend to get a bit less exercise, but it still beats sitting around indoors. In addition to the exercise, remember that fresh produce can reduce your risk for developing diabetes and help keep it under control.

5. Reduced Risk for Dementia Recent studies also suggest that physical activity such as that associated with gardening can actually lower your risk for developing dementia. Research from two separate studies involving people in their 60s and 70s found that those who took part in regular gardening activities had up to a 47 percent lower risk for developing dementia than those who did not.

The studies followed these individuals for up to 16 years and results remained consistent, regardless of other health factors that had already been considered. If anything, the studies suggest that this particular combination of mental and physical activity has a positive effect on the human brain.

Regardless of what compels you to take up gardening, you'll find that it's often more rewarding than many other recreational activities. While part of this is likely due to its simplicity and timelessness, what it does for your mental and physical health is hard to ignore. The more hectic this world gets, the more grounded you can expect to feel when you're in close contact with plants, soil and water.

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Health and Wellness

With Love, for the MEN in our Lives

BY MICHAEL ARCE

June is the month we celebrate the men in our lives; Men's Health Awareness Month. From the handmade gifts, ties, tools, BBQ accessories, or golf clubs we give dad on Father’s Day the one thing dad could do for us starts with a simple talk with his doctor. The most important men in our lives ironically put their own heart health as a relatively low priority.

Dr. Lance Sullenberger, Medical Director of the Cardiovascular CT Scanning Suite at Capital Cardiology Associates, urges men to take a more active role in their heart health – today. “Men, as young as in your twenties, you should be thinking, ‘What can I change now to start preventing future problems?’ We were all in our 20’s once, 66 seems a long way away but 40 is not that far. We see plenty of patients with heart attacks and strokes in their 40’s.”

When a physician is seeing a patient in front of them, from a cardiac perspective there are two major types of patients: patients with symptoms and patients without symptoms. “The vast majority of patients are patients without symptoms, they don’t come in with chest pain or shortness of breath. What I or any other provider are trying to determine is, what is the chance that this person is going to have a 48

heart attack that is unexpected, or die of cardiovascular disease, or have a stroke — unexpectedly? There have been multiple ways over the years that we have tried to determine what that risk is. Initially it was just with stress testing but that has multiple failures in terms of people without symptoms just looking for the unexpected plaque. Then there are mathematical models based on population studies that we put factors into an app like: age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes, what the cholesterol levels are, if the patient smokes, and what their race is. What comes out is a mathematical prediction of what this patients risk of having a heart attack or dying of cardiovascular disease or having a stroke is over the next ten years,” says Sullenberger.

But those models not only change over time, as do population studies, they include a lot of people who won’t actually have an event and sometimes they miss people. As Sullenberger shared, “Where we find they miss is in family history because there are certainly people who have strong genetic predisposition to coronary disease who have normal lipid levels, blood pressure, normal body weight, and do the right things yet are still predisposed. When these

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mathematical models were created there was no way to account for all the variances and nuances of family history and it didn’t really pan out as something that was included in those mathematical models.”

When your primary care physician assesses your risk, they may order a cardiac CT (computed tomography) scan which provides a high-resolution three-dimensional image of the moving heart and great vessels. A CT scan is a low risk procedure that has been around since the 1990’s. The CT scan is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views of the body. “With this technology we can see if there is plaque in the arteries. That plaque can then be scored using a software package that uses the number of pixels and density that gives us a score,” notes Sullenberger” “Studies since the early 2000’s which have been longitudinal, meaning the patient populations who have been scored have been followed for years; we now have five year, ten year, and now twelve year data on calcium scoring. That data shows us that number, your score, is directional proportional to event outcomes making it the most predictive model

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we have for determine whether or not a patient who has symptoms is going to wind up having a heart attack or what their risk of heart attack, stroke, or dying from cardiovascular disease is over the near future. When I look at calcium scoring, I usually start thinking about calcium scoring people in the mid 30’s, especially if they have a strong family history. Certainly people over 40. Above that age, I think everyone should at least consider or discuss with their physician if calcium scoring is appropriate for them. What we know from studies that have been done is that a calcium score of zero gives you the best prognostic information of any test that anyone can do for you at any time regarding your cardiac health. A calcium score of zero gives you a risk of somewhere in the range of .5% risk of heart attack over the next five years on an annual basis and there’s nothing else, no math model, no stress test, or anything else. Scores above zero are abnormal and the height of the score is indicative of increased risk.

The highest score I have ever seen a symptomatic person was in the 12,000 range, that’s very usual.

The usual high score we see is in the low thousands, I usually tell people 2,000 is the highest we’ll see in a week of doing scoring.”

Women go to the doctor more often than men, particularly in their reproductive years, according to a 2016 study conducted by the University of Sydney.

One reason women see their doctor more than

50

men is mainly for gynecological and reproductive health visits. Women also have health screening tests earlier in their lives than men. Since women are more familiar with their health care provider, they also tend to be more forthcoming when discussing their personal health. Sullenberger noted this difference in visits with his patients. “Women will expound upon their symptoms and tell you about it. With men, you really have to pull out the details. I can tell you that as a physician it’s important to give those details up to make sure that those aren’t important to the development or workup of a symptom.”

During Men’s Health Month one statistic we would like to see changed is this: men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year. Guys, if you haven’t seen your doctor for a check-up this year, you are not alone.

“I am around doctors all of the time and I am reluctant to go to the doctor,” admits Sullenberger. “It is important, much like, you wouldn’t drive your car forever and never take it in to be serviced. That’s just not smart. You need to take your body in, get it serviced, see what’s going on, see what’s under the hood.

You are much better off finding things that can be changed before they become life altering than having that problem develop into an emergency room visit or hospital stay that could have been prevented.”

If you have a family history of heart disease or have questions about your risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart attack — talk with your doctor. “The first person to talk with is your primary care physician,” points out Sullenberger. “Address what your concerns are. Most primary care physicians especially in this area respect that a lot. In this area, primary care physicians are very familiar with coronary calcium scoring and are comfortable ordering the test and dealing with the results of it. If you want more than that, you can always ask your physician for a referral, alternatively at Capital Cardiology Associates, we see all patients even if they don’t have a referral.

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Long Distance CAREGIVING

BY HAYLEY HUNKIN

Caring for elderly and aging parents can be quite complex, particularly if there is a geographical barrier of distance between you and your parents.

Here are six ways you can ensure your aging parents are receiving the care, love, and support needed.

1. Daily Check In

This is probably one of the most important services you can offer your aging parents, especially when your parents live a long way from your family. With the technology in the world today, no one is ever too far away to make contact.

Make a daily telephone call or email chat time with your parents and check in every day. You may only spend a few minutes on the phone, but this time gives you the peace of mind of knowing your parents are okay, and enables you to share in your parent’s lives.

2 . Meal Delivery Services

As people get older it can become difficult to go grocery shopping and to prepare and cook nutritious meals.

Many elderly people find it so bothersome to cook that living off cheese and tomato sandwiches can seem like an easy solution. If you want to be sure that your aging parents are eating properly, consider organizing meals to be delivered to your parent’s home.

This way, your parents do not have to go shopping, prepare, or cook meals, and you will have the peace of mind of knowing your parents are receiving 52

meals that form a nutritionally balanced diet.

You can order meals that suit your parent’s tastes, medical conditions, and dietary requirements. You may want to order only meals on a few days to start with, just to give your parents a break. Later, you can increase the services to provide full meals for your aging parents. This service is particularly useful if you have only one parent now living, especially if your parent is not used to cooking for him or herself.

3. House Cleaning Services

There are many different types of house cleaning services available, from a daily clean to a weekly, or even monthly. As your parents age, it becomes harder to maintain a clean house, so organizing and paying for appropriate house cleaning services can really provide care to your aging parents. At first, you may want to supplement the cleaning your parents can cope with by ordering a monthly clean for the bathroom, kitchen, main living areas, and difficult tasks like cleaning the blinds or the windows. As your parents become less able to cope with tasks like vacuuming and dusting, you may need to consider having the house cleaner come more often.

4 . House and Lawn Maintenance Services

Many of the jobs for maintaining a house and garden become too difficult when people age and become frail. Let us face it, do you really want your 85 year old mother or father climbing a ladder to clean out the gutters on the roof? Organize for a local house maintenance person to come out and do these kinds of odd jobs about once a month.

If your parents live in a house with a garden and a lawn that needs maintenance, you will also need to arrange for regular lawn mowing and gardening services.

April-June 2020

5. Enlist Neighbor’s Help

When you visit your parents, make sure you meet with the neighbors too. A good neighbor can help by keeping a general watch over your parents, and assisting with on the spot local aid, such as driving your parents to the doctor or hospital in an emergency. Exchange telephone and email contact details with the neighbors, and make contact every month or so to confirm everything is all right.

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Even though there is a long distance separating you from your aging parents, you can still provide love, care, and support and become a long distance caregiver.

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The Vine

Two Angels

BY FRANK BUCK

For those who say that angels do not exist, perhaps they have not looked closely enough.

It is quite possible that one or more are working and walking with you in your life right now.

I

believe that my angelic encounters have been my two beautiful grandmothers that sprinkled love, affection and stardust over my life. Both my maternal and paternal grandmothers had five children, they lived through the depression, lost loved ones prior to their own passing, never had a driver license or owned a car and could stretch a dime into a ten-dollar bill. They knew hardship and met adversity with the tenacity of a mountain lion. They had an education less than high school, but had the wisdom of a college professor and a way with words that would dazzle even the most seasoned attorney in a courtroom. They had a zest for life and made all who came in contact realize how beautiful and precious life really is. They were funny and made me laugh and laugh and laugh.

I had the great fortune of living with both of my grandmothers. As a young child I lived downstairs from my paternal grandmother and I was able to climb up the stairs to spend time in her arms. She was an amazing cook and I attribute my culinary interests to her and why I still have her cast iron frying pan that is close to 100 years old today.

After my parents divorced I got to live with my mother and maternal grandmother for three years prior to my mother remarrying. We did not have much money, but the love and attention I received from her still brings me comfort today. She told me I was her favorite, so I never questioned her again. She did get remarried much later 58

in life after losing her first husband at age 34. She was remarkably strong. I stuttered as a child and could not get grammie out of my mouth and the only thing I could mumble was Nummie and so she became Nummie, my Nummie. I know about nicknames, because my grandson calls my wife DP, DeePee and she loves it! She herself has now turned into his angel. They bake together, play games, talk on the phone, laugh, hug and kiss.

A little later in life, I moved in with my paternal grandmother. Her address became my legal address for the five years of my life while I served in the armed forces.

Her name was Gram, I had stopped stuttering by then and we shared morning coffee together and I learned family history while we ate dinner. A sumptuous dinner prepared by her hands and after dinner she would do a tea leave reading from that special brewed pot of tea. The revelations of love that would come out of those readings were so beautiful and enchanting. The biggest gift of all was a big hug and kiss each time I walked in or out of the house and she would demand it, without fail. She was a woman short on criticism, long on love and an apple pie to prove it.

So, do angels really exist?

Do they have names?

I am sure you know one that does. You do not need me to convince you of it. Our angels are the ones that get to hold our hands for just a little while and our hearts forever.

April-June 2020

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