Senior Living • April 2018

Ann Zimmerman performed at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in 2014 as part of the center’s annual Water Festival. Herald file photo

Enjoying the life around you Austin is flush with activities for seniors to take part in

By Deb Nicklay

deb.nicklay@austindailyherald.com

The personal finance website, Wallet Hub, called Minnesota one of the best states to retire in, in 2018 — and Austin is a good reason why.

Minnesota ranked first in two out of three criteria. While the third, affordability, wasn’t quite as high as people might like — Minnesota killed on the other two: healthcare and quality of life.

We all understand good healthcare — but what about this thing we call quality of life? We aren’t sure about exact definitions, but we’re pretty sure we know what it looks like. —and Austin has it.

Austin is chock full of lots of things to do, whether they are recreational, related to wellness, the arts or learning something new.

Nancy Schnable, head of Discover Austin!, the community’s convention and visitor’s bureau, often hosts senior groups and finds that seniors find a multitude of things to do, from listening to the lunchbox series at the Mower County Historical Society and antiquing, to visiting the Historic Paramount Theatre to finding just the right place to dine.

“There are so many dining options to choose from, Kenny’s Oak Grill, Barleys, the Old Mill, Tendermaid, Bella Victoria … They could go once a week for a year and still not get to all the dining options in Austin! Plus many of them like to go in and “experience” Knauer’s Meat Market,” Schnable said.

Here is a run down of just some of the top draws that make Austin the place to be for those over 55.

•Explore! For about the past eight years, The Jay Hormel Nature Center has offered a lively slate of free activities for seniors — from trail rides via golf cart, to musical and naturalist guests.

This summer, a whole raft of entertainment and talks are scheduled, free of charge.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the center’s amenities otherwise, including beautiful hiking trails — to enjoy wildflowers, birdwatching and if you have a hankering for it, photography.

“I would say that we have an average of 40-50 for a session” of the senior programming, said Julie Champlin, of the center. “Oh my gosh — these programs are among the best things we ever added here. They have become so popular — usually they are only held in the summer, but this year, we added two — one in February and one in April.”

Champlin mentioned that becoming a Friend of the nature center — a group that supports the activities at the center — can also enjoy Friendsonly activities. Champlin noted that with three or four days advance notice, there are also private tours given on the trails. Call Julie at 507-437-7519, or go to: www.hormelnaturecenter.org/ •Theater: Austin is home to a host of theater opportunities, from the Riverland Theatre and Summerset seasons at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre (past performances have included “On Golden Pond,” “She Loves Me,”) at Riverland Community College; to within-a-few-miles of Austin performances.

LEFT: Russell Vaale works on a piece during a meeting of the Woodcarvers Club at the Mower County Senior Center. RIGHT: Mandie Siems and James Zschunkeight in Summerset Theatre’s “Peter and the Starcatcher” at Riverland Community College’s Frank W. Bridge’s Theatre.

Herald file photos

And, there is always the Matchbox Children’s Theatre whose productions for the younger set – which provide opportunities for grandkids/ grandparents get-togethers – will make you Grandparent of the Year.

Austin is also well-located for other theater choices. Twenty miles to the west is the Albert Lea Community Theatre (“The Miracle Worker,” “Beauty and the Beast”); 20 miles to the east is the Rochester Civic Theatre (“Shrek: The Musical,” “The Diary of Anne Frank.”)

Go to: www.summersettheatre.org/ www.riverland.edu/student-life/finearts/theatre/current-season/ •Music, Music! Austin is your summer destination for its vast array of musical choices, from community band concerts at Bandshell Community Park, and Peace Garden Concerts at the Hormel Historic Home.

But those are just the beginning. The Historic Paramount Theatre sets the stage for a number of musical concerts throughout the year. The Austin Symphony Orchestra is also a favorite treat – who also does a summer concert at the band shell. The Austin Artists Series, almost three-quarters of a century strong, provides year-round concerts that can be enjoyed in Austin, Albert Lea or Osage.

•www.hormelhistorichome.org/ •www.austinareaarts.org/ •www.austinartistseries.org/ •www.austinmnsymphony.org/ •Read: You haven’t experienced anything like an author’s visit to our Sweet Reads Book and Candy.

Owner Lisa Deyo works hard to invite Minnesota authors to book signings and talks. Of course, there are a lot of other things to do at Sweet Reads, from participating (or just listening to) a monthly Poet’s Mic; or enjoying a Sherlock Holmes Mystery session. http://www.sweetreadsbooks.com/ The Austin Public Library – well, you just have to go to see all the resources available to you; there are too many to list here. https://www.aplmn.org/ •Film: Watching your wallet? The Historic Paramount Theatre is also home to $5 classic movie nights, whose offerings in May include a number of

beloved films, from “Arsenic and Old Lace,” to “Gone with the Wind.” www. austinareaarts.org/ Of course, there is always Austin’s cineplex, CineMagic 7.

•Wellness: The YMCA here has exercise – on both “water and land” — throughout the week as part of its Active Older Adults programming, designed to keep you in shape for all the other activities there are to enjoy.

The Y designs programs for low impact fitness activities that improve health and well being. People of all ability and fitness levels can participate.

And guess what? In two years, you’ll have a brand new facility to enjoy.

For more: www.ymca-austin.org/yprograms/active-older-adults/ •Senior Center: Well, if you are not familiar with the Mower County Senior

Center, you are just plain missing out. What don’t they do here? This senior center works hard to address every senior need, from wellness and exercise, to good food, cards, travel and guest speakers. Add to that informative sessions on topics important to seniors.

Don’t wait. www.summersettheatre. org/ •Take in a game: It’s summer, and time for baseball! Marcusen Park is home to the Austin Greyhounds; in the winter, hockey with the Austin Bruins is a favorite at the Riverside Arena. And, of course, lots of other high school sports in between. Check out everything Austin’s Park and Recreation Department has to offer: www.ci.austin.mn.us/park-recreation www.austingreyhoundsbaseball.com www.austinbruins.com/

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Senior Living

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Austin Living magazine Looking Back

The National Guard in Austin during Korea, Vietnam and Beyond The Austin National Guard has served in a number of capacities throughout the year

By Jaimie Timm Mower County Historical Society

The first National Guard unit it Austin organized in 1882 as a cavalry troop. In 1883, the National Guard unit was reassigned to the 135th Infantry Regiment.

The Austin National Guard participated in the SpanishAmerican War, World War I and World War II and was also called up to state service in 1934 to prevent further violence connected to a strike by Minneapolis truckers.

After their long and distinguished service during the Second World War, Co. H became part of the 47th (Vikings) Infantry Division in North Dakota and Minnesota in 1947. After World War II, the unit was reorganized and re-designated so many times that is can be difficult to follow.

Although some of those changes are mentioned below, not all are included.

During the second half of 1950, the National Guard in Austin ramped up its training and inspection schedule to prepare for war mobilization. They were called to federal duty on Jan. 16, 1951, and eventually left for Camp Rucker in Alabama.

Members of Company H were sent to Korea separately and, for the first time, did not return to Austin as a unit.

Instead, the guardsmen mustered out at whatever camp they were stationed at when their term of service expired. In 1959, the unit was again re-designated to become

These are the local guardsmen that left in 1951 for Camp Rucker, Alabama following Chinese entry into the Korean War. This was the fifth time the local unit was called up since it was organized in 1882. Photos provided Combat Support Company, 2nd Battle Group, 135th Combat Arms Regiment, 47th Division.

In 1963, the unit was again reassigned and became a detachment of Rochester-based 4th Battalion Headquarters Company of the 135th Infantry Regiment. Two years later, the unit again reorganized, increased its troop strength, and undertook intense training (including studying jungle warfare) in preparation for possible deployment during the Vietnam War. However, in 1968, the Austin unit became a motor vehicle unit and was removed from the selected reserve force designation and, as a result, was no longer selected for immediate callup for Vietnam.

Over the next years, local guardsmen helped with tornado clean-up in

“Looking Back” can be found in each issue of Austin Living magazine.

The May-June issue is now out.

Waseca in 1967, helped with flood control after the two, 100-year floods in Austin in 1978, participated in Operation Haylift to help farmers get feed for the livestock during a drought, and handed out supplies after the Halloween ice

Minnesota National Guard members training at Camp Ripley.

storm in 1991.

Seven National Guard soldiers from Austin volunteered for Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and other members have deployed to Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

In 1982, the unit received the Eisenhower Trophy as the best unit in the state and received a Superior Award from the National Guard Bureau for the best training of all units in Minnesota that same year.

In 2011, Austin’s National Guard unit was re-designated from the 1135th Combat Support Company, but today the unit is the 224th Transportation Company of the 347th Regional Support Group.

A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Senior Living

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

Stuck in the Middle

3

What you need to know about caregiving

By StatePoint Media

As the population ages, more people (particularly women) will be “sandwiched” in between taking care of their parents or other family members in need, and their children.

Take telenurse and nurse educator Kathie Wells, RN, BSN, CCM. At age 55, she is juggling full-time work, while raising school-age kids and caring for her husband Robert, 64, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2002.

As a nurse, Wells understood the onset and progression of PD, which often includes motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity and balance issues.

But her husband’s disease progressed in a surprising way when he began to see and believe Caregiver, Kathie Wells, her husband Robert, and their family. things that weren’t real. the course of their digging up garden stones, PD is a disease. Yet, only 10 to convinced he’d found neurodegenerative 20 percent of patients valuable “treasure.” brain disorder often Neighbors remarked on involving both motor and will proactively report their hallucinations and Robert’s behavior and non-motor symptoms, including hallucinations delusions to their doctor. his children wouldn’t When Wells’ husband invite friends over to and delusions. When began to experience avoid them seeing their those symptoms appear, delusions, she found his dad relentlessly digging. it may be Parkinson’s behavior frustrating Robert’s delusions disease psychosis (PDP) and alarming. For combined with his other and it occurs in more example, Robert would PD motor symptoms than half the people spend hours in the yard were hard for Wells to with Parkinson’s during

manage. She struggled to get enough sleep caring for Robert, and their children were hesitant to go out in public with their father because he shared his treasure hunting stories with strangers all the time.

While there’s currently no cure for PD, there are different treatment options to address

both motor and nonmotor symptoms. Wells says it was a relief when her husband’s neurologist suggested an FDA-approved medication indicated for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with PDP. Wells recommends the following to

caregivers of people with Parkinson’s.

• Consider talking to a professional, as caregivers are more likely to experience relationships or social life suffering and emotional stress than non-caregivers. Likewise, caregiving can take a toll on physical health. Take time to sleep, de-stress, eat well and exercise.

• Seek logistical and emotional help from family, friends, support groups and advocacy groups, who often have free resources available.

For example, the Parkinson’s Foundation has advice for caregivers and a helpline staffed by nurses, social workers and therapists.

• Even if you understand your loved one’s condition, report new symptoms or concerns to a healthcare provider as they arise. “I now know that delusions along with hallucinations are telltale signs of Parkinson’s disease psychosis, however, I didn’t recognize those symptoms immediately,” says Wells.

For more information visit www. moretoparkinsons.com.

Remember that you’re not alone. Support exists to help you manage the struggles associated with caring for loved ones.

Understanding your risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis

By StatePoint Media

Anything that keeps the blood from circulating properly can cause a clot, including injury, illness, lack of movement, certain inherited conditions and lifestyle factors. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a large blood clot that forms in one or more of

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Senior Living

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Celebrating good health during Older Americans Month

By StatePoint Media

The contributions of older Americans are celebrated each May during Older Americans’ Month. This year’s theme, “Engage at Every Age,” emphasizes that you are never too old to enrich your physical and emotional well-being.

To encourage happy, healthy and productive golden years when older adults are able to pursue their hobbies and passions, consider these tips from CignaHealthSpring, one of the nation’s largest providers of Medicare plans.

• Get an annual exam.

Annual visits are critical for identifying potential health issues early, as well as maintaining a relationship with your primary care physician. During this visit, your doctor can establish a plan based on your age, gender and health status for the vaccinations and health screenings you need, such as mammograms, cholesterol screenings and colorectal cancer screenings. Medicare and Medicare Advantage cover certain types of annual exams at no extra cost. Check with your plan for details.

• Take medications as prescribed. Your drugs were prescribed for a

reason. It is important to adhere to your medication regime and take medications as prescribed. Some drugs can cause harmful interactions, so make sure your doctor knows everything you take, including over-thecounter drugs.

• If you smoke, stop.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S. It’s never too late to quit, and the benefits of doing so are almost immediate, according to the American Cancer Society. Keep in mind that parts of Medicare cover smoking cessation counseling and prescription medications.

• Get some exercise.

Regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer exercise programs designed specifically for older adults at no extra cost. If your plan has a program like this, make sure to take advantage of it.

• Have some fun! Be sure to make time for activities you enjoy and seek out others who also enjoy them. The social interaction is good for you.

“We are constantly

Halfpoint/stock.Adobe.com

inspired by stories of older adults reinventing themselves later in life in meaningful ways, from running marathons to mentoring young people to painting for the very first time,” said Brian Evanko, president of Cigna-HealthSpring.

“The key that unlocks all of this is maintaining your physical and emotional health and well-being through the years.”

DNR says smallmouth bass population of Mille Lacs ‘healthy’

By Kirsti Marohn MPR News/90.1 FM

As the debate over how to manage the walleye of Mille Lacs has dragged on, the lake’s reputation as a destination for smallmouth bass fishing has continued to rise.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources gave that reputation a boost this week when it called the lake’s smallmouth bass population healthy based on a new estimate.

“We do think that the very small amount of harvest that goes on out there now is sustainable,” said DNR regional fisheries manager Brad Parsons.

Parsons said the agency didn’t have solid numbers on the bass population prior to the survey, which was conducted last year by electroshocking, catching and tagging thousands of fish. Anglers in fishing tournaments and volunteer clubs also added information about their catches.

Based on the data, the DNR estimates there are about 67,000 adult smallmouth bass in the 128,000-acre lake.

“Whether that seems like a lot or not is really hard to say,” Parsons said. “We have so few bass population estimates in our state,

and certainly nothing on this sort of scale.”

In the last couple of years, anglers have been averaging a catch of about 125,000 smallmouth bass each year, Parsons said.

“There’s obviously a lot of recycling of fish, a lot of catch and release, and those fish are surviving well,” he said.

Parsons said the DNR will keep last year’s smallmouth bass regulations that require the release of any fish between 17 and 21 inches.

“We really want to protect those big fish that people are really excited to go catch on Mille Lacs,” he said.

From 2000 until 2012, anglers on Mille Lacs were limited to keeping one bass over 21 inches.

Since 2013, they’ve been able to keep more.

Jim DaRosa, president of the nonprofit Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance, said his group has been prodding the DNR to get an accurate count of the lake’s bass.

“What’s good about it is that now that the DNR does have some good scientific data of what they’re dealing with, hopefully they’ll take that data then and apply management techniques based on science,” he said.

The lake gained national attention as a smallmouth bass

destination when the Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship was held on Mille Lacs in 2016, then returned last year.

In 2017, Bassmaster Magazine named Mille Lacs the best bass fishery in the nation.

“I know there’s more pressure on the lake than there ever has been before for smallmouth bass because of the national spotlight that’s been shone on it,” DaRosa said.

DaRosa runs a guide service on the lake, and said about 70 percent of his business comes from anglers from outside of Minnesota.

“They’re hearing about the lake, it’s put on the bucket list,” he said.

“And bass fishermen will travel thousands of miles to pursue their sport.”

Mille Lacs isn’t the only Minnesota lake seeing an increase in smallmouth bass as climate change causes lake temperatures to rise.

“They are a warmer water fish,” Parsons said. “And as our lake temperatures and our growing seasons have changed over the course of the years, bass have expanded into new places. There are more in many of the lakes that people fish.”

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A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Senior Living

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

5

Drugs, alcohol a growing problem

By StatePoint Media

Misuse and abuse of drugs and alcohol among the elderly is one of the fastest growing health problems in the U.S., according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), yet it can often be mistaken for normal aging behavior.

The statistics are alarming: according to The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., 2.5 million older adults have an alcohol or drug problem; while a SAMHSA report shows that the use of illicit drugs, combining drugs with alcohol, and the nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals, results in an average of nearly 300 emergency room visits nationwide each day for those aged 65 and older.

Despite these disturbing trends, substance abuse among the elderly often goes unrecognized and untreated. According to “The Tough Talk: Aging Parents and Substance Halfpoint/stock.Adobe.com Abuse,” a new survey equipped to identify an commissioned by abuse problem, they WellCare Health Plans, are often the ones who Inc., adult children of can best spot changes elderly parents know very little about the drugs in behaviors that could indicate one exists,” and alcohol their parents said Kevin Middleton, consume, and threePsy.D., vice president, quarters say it’s possible behavioral health, that they may not even know if their parent had a WellCare. “Given the substance abuse problem, serious consequences likely mistaking the signs that overuse or abuse — such as slurred speech, of drugs and alcohol can have on seniors, it’s dozing off and confusion important to look for — for normal behaviors those signs and also ask of aging.

“While family questions that will help members may not feel determine if and what

kind of help is needed.”

Dr. Middleton advises those with aging loves ones to be aware of the following.

• Life Changes Can Trigger Abuse: Retirement, the death of a spouse or dear friend, the loss of a pet and other significant life events, are times when the elderly are most likely to begin misusing or abusing drugs and alcohol.

• Signs of a Potential Problem: Many older

people will hide their problem out of shame, and while substance abuse can mimic symptoms of other diseases, always consider the possibility of abuse if there are any major changes in behaviors, such as loss of interest in hobbies, activities or socializing, as well as changes in appetite and sleeping habits. Other signs to be aware of are noticeable memory loss, slurred speech and confusion.

• Asking Questions is

Smart tips to keep your grill clean and safe and grease build-up is likely to occur. Scrape out this section regularly.

You can better protect your grill from the elements and guard against rusting by covering it after each use. If possible, use the cover provided by the manufacturer, as its designed to best fit your grill.

This season, take great care of your grill. With the right tools on hand, you can streamline your routine.

By StatePoint Media

Nothing beats barbecues, block parties and al fresco dining. For your family’s safety and for the sake of your grill, here are some pointers on keeping that grill well-maintained all season.

Visual Check

Ensure your grill is still in good working order after the off-season by giving it a once-over. Remember to turn off the gas and tank valves before getting started. Check whether all of its components are intact, including gas hoses. Also, deter mine whether the tank is full.

Keep in mind that many grills come with a warranty, and you may be able to replace wor n out parts without needing to buy a brand-new grill entirely.

Quick Clean-Up

When it comes to the g rates, experts recommend using tools that allow you to skip the brush and the elbow grease to save some time and energy.

“Spray a concentrated

maksymowicz/stock.Adobe.com

multipurpose cleanser over your grill’s grates evenly, wait a few seconds to give the grease time to break down, then gently wipe the area down with a sponge,” says TV contractor, Jeff Devlin, who uses Mean Green on his grill.

The spray, which was recently named by Real Simple Magazine as the Best Multipurpose Spray, is available at Walmart and other retailers.

Other Considerations

A deep clean is important once or twice a season.

However, after each use, you can keep debris and

build-up from becoming a bigger problem with a quick spot clean. One important area you don’t want to neglect is the bottom of the grill, where ash

Enter your event in the

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Stop in the Austin Daily Herald or call 507-434-2232 today!

the First Step: At times when loved ones appear sober and alert, start asking questions about their use of drugs and alcohol and if they think they have a problem.

Speak frankly about your concerns and the risks of substance abuse, but also be sympathetic to the difficulties with which they’re dealing.

• Seek Help: If you do suspect a substance abuse problem, contact his or her health care provider and discuss the

best approach to getting appropriate treatment.

For more tips and information on managing substance abuse for aging parents, visit WellCare’s blog at tinyurl.com/ ycu6e7g2.

Identifying substance abuse can be challenging, particularly when it comes to the elderly.

However, addressing the issue quickly is critical.

If you’ve detected signs of a problem, start by asking the right questions.

6

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

Senior Living

A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Tips for tackling age-related skin issues

By StatePoint

Aging is a fact of life, and your skin is no exception. However, experts say that there is a lot you can do to help your skin at all stages of life.

“By spotting signs that your skin is maturing, you can take steps to intervene early, helping skin stay as healthy and youthful looking as possible,” says Dr. Roger Ceilley M.D., a nationally and internationally recognized dermatologist with over 30 years of experience.

To tackle age-related skin issues, Dr. Ceilley recommends the following tips.

• Around age 40, begin examining your skin for changes. You’ll get a better understanding of your skin’s specific needs so you can address them accordingly. Be careful DragonImages/stock.Adobe.com not to focus only on the face, as you may wind up playing catch-up with the lotion that contains skinrest of your skin late in nurturing ingredients the maturing process. like hyaluronic acid, • According to Dr. retinol, glycolic acid and Ceilley, the levels of niacinamide. These can collagen, elastin and be found in products such fatty tissue important as DerMend Fragile Skin for making skin appear Moisturizing Formula plump and youthful begin from the new DerMend to diminish as you age, Mature Skin Solutions causing thinner-looking line. In addition to skin. Help counteract those ingredients, the this process with a lightweight cream also moisturizing cream or features five critical

ceramides to help make skin more resilient and fresher looking.

• A well-balanced diet promotes healthy, younger-looking skin.

Make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats each day.

• Thin, fragile skin can bruise more easily.

Medications such as blood thinners may

leave skin especially vulnerable to bruising.

To help, keep a product on-hand like DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula which contains a blend of ceramides, alpha hydroxy acid, arnica oil and retinol.

• Dr. Ceilley also advises using gentle, unscented products when bathing or showering.

Scented soaps, cleansers

and alcohol-based products can leave aging skin feeling irritated and dry. Be sure to wash gently and avoid scrubbing or overexfoliating as this can further irritate the skin.

• Itchy skin is not only a nuisance, but it can keep you from being comfortable and prevent a good night’s sleep, which can be detrimental

to one’s health at any age.

Though doctors are not certain why, itchiness is a very common problem in maturing skin. To temporarily relieve discomfort, use a steroidfree, anti-itch product containing pramoxine hydrochloride 1%, which can rapidly interfere with the itch/scratch cycle, helping to calm skin and allowing you to have a better night’s sleep.

• No matter what age you are, protect your skin from the sun and use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Sun exposure throughout your lifetime can cause a myriad of skin problems as you get older including skin cancer, deep wrinkles, thinning skin, dark spots and broken capillary veins.

“Your skincare should be specific to your needs,” says Dr. Ceilley.

“Watch for signs of aging and then adopt a routine that addresses every inch of your skin.”

For more information, please visit www.

Dermend.com or www.

FerndaleHealthCare.com.

By incorporating these tips along with speciallydesigned mature skincare products into your daily beauty routine, you can help tackle age-related skin conditions and help maintain healthy-looking skin for life.

5 ways to reduce everyday stress

By StatePoint Media

Deadlines, responsibilities, bills — there are so many causes of stress in our lives.

Unfortunately, stress can take a negative toll on one’s health and wellness, particularly if it goes unaddressed for too long.

Indeed, common effects of stress include headaches, stomach upset, anxiety, sleep problems and more, according to the Mayo oneinchpunch/stock.Adobe.com Clinic.

• Aromatherapy: wearable tech, like the Scent your home and WSD-F20 ProTrek Smart workspace with stressOutdoor Watch, which relieving scents like features functions like lavender, rosemary and full color maps and peppermint. Whether you GPS, app functionality use candles, oils or fresh to track progress, herbs, this is an easy way as well as sensor to immediately reduce technology, allowing feelings of stress. you to comfortably get • Get outdoors: Both off the beaten path and exercise and nature can better appreciate your have stress-relieving surroundings. properties. Combine the • Meditate: Many two with hiking, biking, experts agree on the and water-based sports. benefits of meditation, Support your adventures from increased positive with water-resistant emotions to the relief of

stress and anxiety. And these days, meditation is more accessible than ever, as employers offer mindfulness programs in the workplace, mobile apps in guided meditation abound, and communities and fitness clubs add practices like tai chi and yoga to their rosters.

• Enjoy music: Music can be an extremely powerful outlet for stress relief, particularly when you’re getting creative and making it yourself.

Have the means at home to play a variety of beautiful music so that you can de-stress any time you need. To faithfully reproduce the sounds of acoustic instruments like guitars, drums, basses, brass, wind instruments, string ensembles and more, you don’t need an entire music studio full of separate instruments.

The upgraded technology and sound quality found in digital pianos like Casio’s CT-X700, which includes the new AiX SoundSource, reproduces subtle nuances and gestures specific to each sound.

• Keep a journal: Keeping a journal can be a good way of putting things in perspective and thinking through the short- and long-term problems and challenges that are causing you stress. Plus, the ritual aspect of what could be made into a daily habit, may have a calming effect on the body and mind.

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