DEB GEISSLER PUBLISHER KIMBERLY BRUCKS ADVERTISING MANAGER
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JOSE DE LA CRUZ GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT
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News news@desertentertainer.com Advertising kbrucks@desertentertainer.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER ALISON ELSNER
DISTRIBUTION All delivery inquiries should be directed to Desert Fox Distribution at 760-989-0882 or DesertFoxDist007@aol.com.
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Entertainment and events sometimes change after press deadline. Please check with venues to confirm the date and times.
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in this issue 4
Health Beat
5
Reduce Your Risk
6-8
A PRODUCT OF
How to eat healthy during barbecue season. Medication and Driving: What you need to know.
9
12-13
14-15
10 steps to help prevent cancer.
On The Cover: Hearing
Finding and affording the right hearing aid.
desertmobilehomenews.com Titles registered and all contents copyright 2018 by the Hi-Desert Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
22
Puzzled?
Rev up the Fun. Check out these valley events!
Recipes
Make summer sweeter with fresh cherries.
16-17
Take A Hike
18-20
Money Matters
Have some fun!
10-11 Datebook
Medicare
Millions of people with Medicare are getting new, more secure cards.
22
Enjoy a bit of the outdoors at one of these local trails.
Get peace of mind by protecting your bottom line.
Protect Your Identity
Better manage your personal data.
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018
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3
HEALTH BEAT
HOW TO EAT HEALTHY DURING BARBECUE SEASON There’s no doubt about it: summer and grilling go hand in hand. If you’re a barbecue enthusiast, here are some tips to help you whip up healthy meals on the grill. First off, know that fat combustion produces smoke that contains carcinogens. Grilling meat at high temperatures for long periods fosters the formation of these harmful substances. Therefore, you should: • Remove the skin and fat before cooking • Marinate the meat in a low-fat preparation that contains an acidic component • Pre-cook the meat (in the oven or microwave, for example) to minimize grilling time • Cook food in foil packets (or cover the grill in foil) to avoid fat-induced flare ups • Keep a good distance between the meat and the fire to limit smoke exposure
• Turn down the heat and don’t burn the meat — and if you do, don’t eat the charred parts • Frequently flip the meat • Clean the grill after each use Eating healthy means varying your meals, limiting your red meat consumption and accompanying your meat dishes with grilled vegetables. You can even prepare your own marinades: halve the fat (compensate with water), season with spices or fresh herbs, and use quality ingredients (cider vinegar, applesauce, tomato juice, papaya, pineapple) to add the acidity. You could also try dry rubs. Bon appétit! MEDICATION AND DRIVING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Just like alcohol and recreational drugs, certain types of medication can affect your ability to drive. Before you take the wheel, make sure your mental state isn’t altered by any
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medication. Your safety and that of others on the road depend on it. Almost all types of medication, from muscle relaxants to antidepressants to simple decongestants, risk causing side effects. Whether what you’re taking was prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter, it’s crucial that you proceed with caution. Confusion, blurry vision, sleepiness, memory loss, dizziness, difficulty concentrating — side effects affecting your vision, coordination or attentiveness are numerous and widespread. Before you start taking any sort of medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the potential side effects. BEWARE OF MIXING MEDS Certain medications don’t have any side effects when taken alone, but may cause some when combined with other drugs. Discuss your situation with your healthcare provider. Be careful as well when changing dosages, as this can cause a whole other set of symptoms. Finally, remember that alcohol, recreational drugs and medication don’t mix. Combining any of these before getting behind the wheel increases your risk of causing an accident tenfold.
REDUCE YOUR RISK!
10 Steps to Help Prevent Cancer
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early 4 out of 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and it remains the second-leading cause of death for Americans, but nearly half of all cancer cases can be prevented. Research from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) shows that diet, exercise and weight play a critical role in cancer prevention. “Making changes in what you eat, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight have strong and clear links to your risk for cancer,” said Alice Bender, MS, RDN and director of nutrition programs at AICR. “We know from decades of research and a thorough review of the science that there are simple things we can all do to reduce our risk.” To live a cancer-preventive lifestyle, consider taking these 10 steps recommended by the scientific experts at AICR: 1. Be a healthy weight. Higher body fat can be a cause of many cancers. Try to stay at a healthy weight and avoid weight gain as you get older.
2. Be physically active. Incorporate moderate physical activity into your daily life through steps like walking more and sitting less. 3. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans. Make these foods a major part of your diet. 4. Limit consumption of “fast foods” and other processed foods high in fat, starches or sugars. Cut down on processed foods to help control calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. 5. Limit consumption of red and processed meat. Eat no more than three portions of red meat per week, and little, if any, processed meat. 6. Limit consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks. Don’t drink sugar-sweetened drinks, which contribute to weight gain. Choose water instead, when possible. 7. Limit alcohol consumption. For preventing cancer, it’s best not to drink alcohol.
8. Do not use supplements for cancer prevention. Aim to meet nutritional needs. 9. For mothers, breastfeed your baby, if you can. Breastfeeding is good for both. 10. After a cancer diagnosis, follow these recommendations, if you can. Cancer survivors are encouraged to continue following these guidelines. Refraining from smoking, avoiding other exposure to tobacco and limiting sun exposure are also important in reducing cancer risk. Because it can be hard to make lifestyle changes, AICR aims to help people adopt healthier behaviors through efforts like the Cancer Health Check, a tool that shows people how their lifestyle stacks up against known cancer risks and recommends changes that can improve health. For recipes, tips and other resources, visit aicr.org.
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HEARING
Living Out Loud Sounding off about hearing aids
BY ALISON ELSNER FOR PRIMETIME MAGAZINE
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ost of us remember the hearing aids of yesteryear…cumbersome, embarrassing contraptions obscuring one’s ears which practically sent up a flare exclaiming, “I’m old!” Those days are gone, and not only are modern hearing aids much more compact and attractive, but also people of all ages happily wear them with pride and confidence. The first hearing aid, in the form of an ear trumpet, was created in the 17th century. The first electronic hearing aids were constructed after the invention of the telephone and microphone in the 1870s and 1880s,
and the first electric hearing aid was created in 1898. By the late 20th century, the digital hearing aid was distributed to the public commercially, as the technology within the telephone increased how acoustic signal could be altered. The introduction of transistors in 1948 by Bell Laboratories led to major improvements to the hearing aid, and the first commercial digital hearing aid was created in 1987 which led to the behind-the-ear (BTE) digital hearing aid in 1989. Current digital hearing aids can now adjust sound themselves depending on the environment. Most recently, “Made for iPhone
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hearing aids” (MFi) were introduced by Resound, which enables users of MFi digital hearing aids to stream phone calls, music, and podcasts directly from iOS devices.
There are several types of hearing aids: • Behind the Ear (BTE) – connects to an external case and is often worn by children because they are more versatile. • In the Ear (ITE) – fits behind the outer ear bowl, or concha; custom fitted and partially visible.
HEARING
• Invisible in canal hearing aids (IIC) fits inside the ear canal completely and practically invisible; some models allow the wearer to use a mobile phone as a remote control to alter memory and volume settings; more suitable for middle aged wearers instead of elderly. • Extended wear hearing aids - non-surgically placed in the ear and the first “invisible” device.
Bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA), also known as a Cochlear Implant - audi•
tory prosthetic based on bone conduction which can be surgically implanted; ideal for active lifestyles and often used for patients who are 100% dear in both ears. Most hearing aids also require batteries. Typical battery lifetimes run between one to 14 days and can be recharged by various methods.
Of course, the cost of each type of hearing aid increases depending on the sophistication of the design, the technology involved and the process required for fitting. Despite major strides in performance and aesthetics, there are clearly still challenges in finding – and affording - the right hearing aid. Hearing aids are still not covered by Medicare, because when the program was created, hearing loss was considered a natural result of aging. However, research indicates that hearing loss contributes to a deterioration in health. According to Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging, hearing loss fast-tracks brain shrinkage as we age and leads to an increased risk of dementia, falls, hospitalizations and diminished physical and mental health overall. Some studies have shown a correlation between hearing loss and a reduction in personal income (The Hearing Journal, October 2010). It seems to be just a matter of time before this research
will trickle down – or up - to the policy-making process, which should at some point consider Medicare coverage of hearing aids. Direct cost of hearing aids can be prohibitive, since most private healthcare plans and insurers don’t provide coverage, although that is starting to evolve with some thirdparty insurers getting into the game. Devices remain pricey, partly because their sale must be “bundled” with the services of an audiologist who provides a medical evaluation before hearing aids can be prescribed. Another reason for the daunting cost structure is that the FDA regulates hearing aids as medical devices, which means they must be sold by a medical professional (the aforementioned audiologist or an otolaryngologist), which means that their manufacturers are required to comply with costly record keeping and reporting. This is a good thing, but it does mean that costs are passed on to the consumer.
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HEARING
<< Continued from page 7
Theodore M. Mazer, M.D., San Diego otolaryngologist and President of the California Medical Association (CMA), says, “The mark up of hearing aids has been very high for years. There have been some movements towards investigating the cost of hearing aids and toward making them available without a physician visit or even an audiology visit, just over the counter. There are perhaps cost savings in doing so, but there’s also a great potential for getting the wrong device or worse yet missing a treatable form of hearing loss or even missing a serious diagnosis that can be identified with proper exam and testing…for instance a nerve or brain tumor or an infectious disease such as syphilis causing distorted, one-sided loss.” So, what are we talking in cost? The fee for a single hearing aid can vary between $500 and $6,000 or more, depending on the level of technology and whether the clinician bundles fitting fees into the cost of the hearing aid. Fortunately, some state-run vocational rehabilitation programs and non-profit organizations for seniors can provide full or partial financial assistance. Military veterans receiving VA medical care are eligible for hearing aids based on medical need. The cost of hearing aids is a tax-deductible medical expense for those who itemize medical deductions. Dr. Mazer notes, “Medi-Cal does cover hearing aids for many people, including dual-eligi-
bles [those who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal] who meet certain criteria. And some Medicare Advantage plans also offer some benefits as an add-on to attract patients.” As technology is refined, specialists say hearing aids will continue to get smaller and smarter. In addition to their tiny size and practically invisible positioning in the ear canal, the newest hearing aids are very advanced, offering users many practical benefits like wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, which can include links to other devices and much greater quality and convenience. Although prices remain high, the value has increased. What was once considered a topof-the-line hearing aid is now considered basic technology, for the same price. Dr. Mazer says, “While many people could indeed use basic models to help hearing loss, at the least, some type exam should always be done. The cost aspect, like pharmaceutical costs, warrants some investigation as to real costs and mark up as well as how to make these needed devices more affordable and accessible.” Bottom line: it’s important to explore options, and a qualified professional will be able to guide you towards a solution that meets your budget and will make you feel like you’re a part of the action once again. Now, doesn’t that sound like a winning plan? There are several options for purchasing hearing aids
Hearing aids are still not covered by Medicare, because when the program was created, hearing loss was considered a natural result of aging.
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RECOMMENDED 1. Make an appointment with an audiologist to have an audiological exam, or audiogram, which involves an evaluation to identify the type and amount of your hearing loss. He or she will determine the need for medical/surgical treatment and/or referral to a licensed physician and ways to provide rehabilitation of the hearing loss. 2. Make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat physician (otolaryngologist) who will perform a medical examination. He or she will test your ears to rule out any medical reason for your hearing loss, such as infection, injury or deformity, ear wax in the ear canal and, in rare cases, tumors. If you’re not sure where to start, check with your family physician. NOT RECOMMENDED: 3. Order online. Although more affordable and now allowed by the FDA, these types of hearing aids are not properly fitted and there is no follow up involving cleaning, adjustments, repair or feature upgrades. They tend to amplify the low frequencies of background noise, making it harder to hear the human voice.
For more information, visit: fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/HearingAids/ucm181479
HAVE SOME FUN
Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to stargazing.
Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to gardens.
Answers: Comets and Fertile
Puzzled?
WORD SCRAMBLE
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9
DATEBOOK Sunday, August 5 “Who Put the Chutzpah in Broadway” at 2 p.m. Sydney Weisman celebrates American songwriters. Arthur Newman Theatre, 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. lesmichaels.com/joslyn
Tuesday, August 7 Michelle Fiore at 7 p.m. She won audience favorite and second place at this year’s “Open Call” at the McCallum Theatre. The Atrium, 69930 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. cvrep.org
Friday, August 10-12 Jazz in the Pines Featuring over two dozen bands. Idyllwild Arts Academy, 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild. jazzinthepines.com The Jacksons. Photo courtesy of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
Rev up the fun SUMMER EVENTS
Sunday, August 12 “Broads of Broadway” at 2 p.m. Direct from the Las Vegas hit “Showstoppers” Rachel Tyler will showcase all of your favorite Broadway characters and songs they made famous. Arthur Newman Theatre, 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. lesmichaels.com/joslyn
Thursday, August 16
Friday, July 27
Thursday, August 2
Donny and Marie at 8 p.m. The duo will bring their favorite chart-toppers to the stage along with a little sibling humor, supreme Las Vegas band and dancers. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
Brad Paisley at 8 p.m. Critically acclaimed country singer brings his chart-topping tunes to the desert. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
“The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover” at 6 p.m. At Le Hollandais gourmet restaurant, every night is filled with opulence, decadence and gluttony. But when the title characters all come together, they unleash a shocking torrent of sex, food, murder and revenge. Annenberg Theater, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs. psmuseum.org
Friday, August 3
Friday, August 17-19
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening at 8 p.m. Tribute to Led Zeppelin. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
“All You Need is Love” Brenda Moore sings the songs of The Beatles. The Atrium, 69930 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. cvrep.org
Saturday, July 28 The Selena Experience Tribute at 8 p.m. Los Chicos del 512 have been performing the music of the late Tejano singer for over 15 years. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella. spotlight29.com
Sunday, July 29 “Soul Food – Music that Touches the Heart and Inspires the Soul” at 2 p.m. Keisha D sings your favorite songs with soul. Arthur Newman Theatre, 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. lesmichaels.com/joslyn A Salute to The Eagles at 7 p.m. Presenting an exciting showcase of the Eagles megahits. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
August 3-5 “Blank” Playing 12 characters, adoptee Brian embarks on a quest for identity ultimately discovering the horrific truth of his birth, an instinctive love for his birth mother, and a dedication to his adoptive family. The Atrium, 69930 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. cvrep.org
Saturday, August 4 Cheech and Chong at 4 p.m. The famous duo will perform their hit songs and comedy bits. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
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Saturday, August 18 Desert Stories XIII at 7 p.m. Featuring an exciting line-up of eclectic artists, hear more true-life experiences and a few tall tales from some of the best storytellers. Hi-Desert Cultural Center, 61231 Highway 62, Joshua Tree. hidesertculturalcenter.org Roger Daltrey at 8 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and founder of “The Who” makes a tour stop in the desert to perform “Who” hits, rarities and songs from his new album. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
DATEBOOK Sunday, August 19 “We’re Having a Heatwave” at 2 p.m. Paul Kay sings songs. Arthur Newman Theatre, 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. lesmichaels.com/joslyn
Wednesday, August 22-26 Palm Springs International Animation Film Festival The festival is expected to screen over 250+ award-winning short and 5 feature-length animated films from over 103 countries. Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 North Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs. psiaf.org
Friday, August 24 Steve Martin and Martin Short at 8 p.m. The duo will present musical sketches and conversations on their iconic careers, most memorable encounters and their legendary lives. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
Friday, August 24-26 Comic Con Palm Springs Bringing together all your favorite artists, creators, celebrities and cosplayers to one event. Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 North Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs. comicconpalmsprings.com
Saturday, August 25 The Jacksons at 8 p.m. One of the biggest and most popular groups in the history of music with chart-toppers like “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Can You Feel It.” Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
Sunday, August 26 “Behind the Curtain” at 2 p.m. Tales from Marcia Harp career with songs she learned along the way. Arthur Newman Theatre, 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. lesmichaels.com/joslyn
Friday, August 31 Peter Frampton at 8 p.m. One of the most celebrated guitar artists in rock history brings his latest world tour to the desert. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
Saturday, September 8 Martina McBride at 8 p.m. Multiple Grammy nominee brings her latest tour to the desert. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
Sunday, September 9 “Simply September” at 2 p.m. Vicki Knight, known as ‘The Desert Songbird performs a mix of songs, there’s something for everyone. Arthur Newman Theatre, 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. lesmichaels.com/joslyn
September 14-23 “Southern Fried Funeral” Dewey Frye is dead, and the rest of his family is left to pick up the pieces. Not only does matriarch have to contend with sudden widowhood, but she’s also faced with church-committee harpy sticking her nose in the family business, Dewey’s snake-inthe-grass brother making a grab for her house and two grown daughters reliving their childhood rivalry. Presented by Desert Theatreworks. Indio Performing Arts Center, 45175 Fargo Street, Indio. dtworks.org
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MEDICARE
New Medicare Cards
Millions of people with Medicare are getting new, more secure cards
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illions of people with Medicare will receive new, more secure Medicare cards in the mail in 2018. The new cards replace Social Security Numberbased Medicare numbers with a new unique, personalized Medicare Number, known as the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier. Each person with Medicare will have his or her own number. The cards will be mailed automatically, free of charge, and there will be no changes to Medicare users’ current benefits. The new Medicare cards no longer contain a person’s Social Security number, but rather a unique, randomly-assigned Medicare number that protects people’s identity, helps reduce fraud and offers better safeguards of important
health and financial information. Removing Social Security Numbers from Medicare cards is one of the ways the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is helping to protect the identities of people with Medicare. The unique Medicare Number not only increases protections from fraud for people with Medicare, it also makes it harder for criminals to use Social Security Numbers to falsely bill Medicare for care services and benefits that were never performed. CMS is mailing the new Medicare cards in geographic waves. This means people with Medicare may not get their new card at the same time as their friends or neighbors. People with Medicare and their caregivers can visit medicare.gov/newcard to find out when
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cards will be mailed to their areas. They can also sign up for email notifications about the card-mailing and check the card-mailing status in their states. As soon as people receive their new Medicare cards, they should safely and securely destroy their old Medicare cards and start using their new cards right away. Make note of these facts to help ensure a smooth transition to your new card. 1. Your card will have a new Medicare number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This can help protect your personal information more secure. 2. Your card will automatically come to you at no cost. You don’t need to do anything. If you need to update your address, visit socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
MEDICARE 3. You can find out when your card is mailing by signing up for email notifications at Medicare.gov/NewCard. 4. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same. 5. Mailing takes time, and Medicare will mail the new cards by April 2019. Your card may arrive at a different time than others. 6. Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new one right away. Rather than simply throwing the old card away, shred it or cut it into small pieces. 7. Your card will be paper and not laminated, which makes it easier for many providers to use and copy for their records. 8. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare. You should still keep and use. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card, too.
9. Doctors, other health care providers and facilities know your new card is coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care, so carry it with you. 10. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care pro-
viders, your insurers or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. Treat your Medicare Number like you treat your credit card numbers. Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for personal information. For more information, visit medicare.gov/newcard.
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RECIPES
S
ummer and cherries seem to go handin-hand, and using fresh fruits can help boost seasonal food and drink recipes. Whether you use them as a snack, as a special ingredient in recipes or to inspire new dishes, Northwest-grown sweet cherries are one delightful way to celebrate the summer season. Many grocery store shelves are full of these sweet, seasonal treats. Ripened on the tree and generally harvested, packed and ready for sale within just one day, it can be difficult to find a fresher summer fruit. Cherry recipes can be enjoyed outside the summer months, too – simply rinse, pack and freeze an extra bag or two of cherries to harness the sweet flavor and health benefits in your appetizers, desserts and sweet or savory sauces throughout the year. Impress your guests this summer with this ice-cold Cherry Lavender Spritzer or the Cherry Limeade. Try the Roasted Cherry Sauce for an accompaniment to your favorite barbecued meat, as an ice cream topper or paired with a cheese plate; it’s one way to have everyone asking for more. Find more recipes and cherry tips at nwcherries.com.
Cherry Lavender Spritzer Servings: 6
• 4 cups pitted and halved sweet cherries • 2 cups water • 3 tablespoons lavender • 2 tablespoons sugar • 6 Sweet cherries with stems • 6 sprigs lavender blossoms
Make summer sweeter with
Fresh Cherries 14 | PRIMETIME | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018
In small saucepan, combine cherries, water, lavender and sugar. Heat mixture until it begins to boil. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool completely. Strain and reserve liquid. For each drink, combine 4 ounces cherry-lavender mixture and 4 ounces crushed ice in tall 12-ounce cocktail glass; top each with club soda. Garnish each drink with one cherry with stem and one sprig lavender blossoms. Variation: To make alcoholic version, shake or stir strained cherry-lavender mixture and ice with 9 ounces vodka. Strain into 8-ounce martini glasses, top each with club soda and garnish each with one cherry with stem and one sprig lavender blossoms.
RECIPES
Roasted Cherry Sauce Makes: 1 cup
• 2 cups pitted sweet cherries • 2/3 cup sugar • 2 teaspoons cornstarch • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper Heat oven to 400 F. On foil-lined baking sheet, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt and black pepper; toss to mix. Place in oven and roast until cherries start to release juices and become soft, about 10 minutes. Cool before serving.
Cherry Limeade • 11/2 cups cherries (pitted) • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice • 2 teaspoons sugar (more if desired) • 2 cups sparkling water In a blender, puree the cherries, lime juice and sugar. Taste and add more sugar if needed. In batches, pour puree into a large piece of cheesecloth, pull corners into a bundle and squeeze the bottom gently to get the juice out and leave the cherry skins in the cheesecloth. In between batches you can rinse the cheesecloth to get rid of the skins, squeeze out the excess water and repeat. When you’re done you should have about 1 cup of cherry lime juice. Mix with 2 cups sparkling water and pour into glasses with lots of ice. Garnish with slices of lime and cherries if desired.
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15
TAKE A HIKE
Summertime Hikes Enjoy a bit of the outdoors at one of these local trails
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iking the Coachella Valley means waterfalls, sand dunes, oasis, wildflowers and breathtaking views. Depending on the time of the year, there is something for everyone, from strenuous and difficult to moderate and easy. Whether it’s Joshua Tree National Park, the trails above the Tram, Indian Canyons, numerous preserves, the Mecca Hills, or the hundreds of miles of trails along the desert cities, people are flocking to catch a bit of the outdoors. Here are seven of the popular hikes, all with trailheads within a few minutes of the desert cities.
South Lykken Trail
4.4 miles with an elevation of just over 1,000 feet. This is considered strenuous and the north end of the trail starts at the west end of Mesquite Road, just south of downtown Palm Springs off South Palm Canyon Drive.
There is no parking at the trailhead, but street parking is available. The hike is pretty strenuous for the first mile or so and then it levels off and one gets a great view of the Indian Canyons golf courses and South Palm Canyon communities. It is a beautiful hike and ends along South Palm Canyon Drive towards Indian Canyon. You will need to have vehicles at both ends.
Museum Trail
2 miles round trip with an elevation change of around 1,000 feet. This hike is quite strenuous because of the rapid incline. The trailhead is just behind the museum off Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs. Turn around at the picnic tables.
Clara Burgess Trail
4.4 miles round trip with an elevation of 1,339 feet. The trail is the only route to the summit
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of Murray Hill, a prominent conical peak just south of Palm Springs. It is best seen when heading south on Gene Autry Trail and, although it is only a couple miles to the peak, it is strenuous with a steep incline.
Bump and Grind Trail
3 mile loop with an elevation rise of 523 feet. This trail is probably the most popular trail in the desert and frequented by exercisers who start behind Desert Crossings shopping center on Painters Path in Palm Desert.
Randall Henderson Trail
2.4 mile loop with a gently rising elevation change of 423 feet. This easy trail offers a good introduction to desert hiking for the novice. It starts and ends at the National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert on Highway 74.
TAKE A HIKE
Bear Creek Oasis Trail
8 miles in and out, with an elevation rise of 1,989 feet. Considered strenuous. From the Cove Oasis trailhead at the top of La Quinta Cove, follow Bear Creek Canyon to where the trail leaves the sandy wash. Follow the signs. Hikers on this trail enjoy the beautiful palm oasis at the end.
Eisenhower Peak Loop
6 mile loop with an elevation gain of 700 feet. This trail is considered moderate and is part of the Living Desert preserve (admission fee required) in Palm Desert. The trail begins at the Eastern edge of the Living Desert and takes hikers toward Eisenhower Peak. The trail is a good representation of desert terrain and makes a perfect beginning to a Living Desert tour. There are several wonderful and easier trails in this area, including Garstin, Shannon, Araby (this trail goes up behind the Bob Hope home), Berns, Henderson and Goat Trails. These trails are all connected at various points and make for a great network of hiking trails. The best advice before heading towards this area is to get a map and experience the easier trails first before heading too far into the mountains.
Summer Hiking Essentials Water: Plain and some with electrolyte replacement. Food: Especially salty foods. Eat twice as much as normal. First Aid Kit: Bandaids, ace wrap, antiseptic, moleskin, etc. Map: While many trails are well-marked, maps are helpful tools. Pack: To carry the essentials. Flashlight/Spare Batteries: Allows you to hike out during the cool of the evening. Spray Bottle: Fill with water for your own personal air conditioning system. Hat/Sunscreen: Keep the sun off you and protect your skin. Whistle and/or Signal Mirror: For emergency use.
Wait for the Shade Even if you are eating and drinking correctly you still need to avoid hiking in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Plan your day so you are not hiking between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take a break near shade and water to avoid the worst heat of day. Enjoy a predawn start and a late afternoon finish. Experienced desert hikers know that the timing of their hike is the most important factor in avoiding hazards. Most of the people who need emergency medical help in the canyon due to heat illness are hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Always bring a lightweight flashlight to give yourself the option of hiking out after dark in the event that illness, injury, or enjoyment should slow you down. For more information, visit nps.gov.
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MONEY MATTERS
Get peace of mind by protecting your bottom line
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ow big is your retirement nest egg? Is there a chance you could outlive it? Even if you’re socking money into your 401(k) every paycheck like clockwork, that’s a question worth pondering. Americans are living longer, more active, younger lives. They say that 60 is the new 40, and if you look around at who we used to call “senior citizens,” you’ll see people in their prime. That’s the good news. It also presents a problem. We’re all facing a silent, growing crisis. Study after study, including financial research organization LIMRA’s 2016 Secure Retirement Study, shows that many Americans underestimate their retirement expenses. Today, retirement isn’t the end of your life, it’s a transition point. It’s about enjoying the fruits of your labors without the stress of your 9-to-5. Will you have enough money to do that for the rest of your life? Kent Sluyter, president of Prudential Annu-
ities, says the first step toward achieving that goal is to change your mindset. We’re all programmed to think about retirement savings, contributing to that 401(k) and accumulating wealth month after month and year after year. That’s important, no doubt, but it’s only one part of the retirement puzzle. It’s also about generating regular income during retirement, so you’re not simply depleting your accumulated retirement savings with nothing coming in to replenish the pot. One way to get a regular “paycheck” during retirement, Sluyter says, is with annuities. But they’re not top of mind for many people, and misinformation and confusion is floating around out there, even in financial advisors’ offices. “The annuities market is at an inflection point,” says Sluyter. “Annuities are passed over by many consumers and investors because they are often perceived as expensive
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and unnecessary.” Annuity sales fell 8 percent in 2017, according to LIMRA data. Observers attribute much of the drop to the Department of Labor’s Fiduciary Rule that governs the way financial professionals sell and market annuities. The rule made it less attractive for many to sell annuities and created a great deal of media coverage that amplified existing negative perceptions of them. Annuities have a reputation of being complex, which only increases the risk of their being misunderstood. However, annuities can serve a critical purpose within a retirement portfolio among a combination of strategies, investments and products. That’s why several companies, including Prudential, recently established the Alliance for Lifetime Income with the goal of proContinued on page 20 >>
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moting greater understanding of how annuities can protect retirement income and help grow retirement savings. “Through the Alliance, we’re fostering clarity and simplicity, so consumers have confidence in lifetime income solutions such as annuities,” says Sluyter.
Annuity 101 What are annuities, exactly, and how do they differ from other retirement savings? Here’s a short course in Annuity 101. An annuity is an insurance product that guarantees income. Just like an insurance policy, you pay into it, often in a lump sum, and it guarantees you monthly, quarterly or yearly payouts for the rest of your life. There are three different types:
• Fixed Annuity These allow you to lock in a rate of earning that, even over lengthy periods of time, remain unaffected by market ups and downs.
• Indexed Annuity This is tied to a stock index, giving the annuity the potential to grow if the index goes up. If it goes down, you still get any minimum rate of return you agreed to when you bought it.
• Variable Annuity If you’ve got high risk tolerance, this may be the best choice for you. Your lump sum is invested, there’s no minimum interest rate guarantee and you may lose money. Why are more consumers investing in annuities? Sluyter explains: Recent equity market volatility is making consumers nervous. Combine that with better clarity from the U.S. Department of Labor about the Fiduciary Rule, and annuities are once again becoming more attractive. Current industry expectations are for a slight uptick in sales this year.The 2017 Language of Retirement study found most Americans favor financial strategies that offer guaranteed lifetime income. Ninety percent of all consumers who responded to the survey are
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very or somewhat interested in receiving lifetime income, which is what an annuity can provide.The industry has evolved beyond traditional variable annuities, offering new, more flexible options such as fixed indexed annuities, which can provide protection and are tied to one or more indexes, rather than direct equity performance.The bottom line is that protected retirement income can help provide much-needed peace of mind for many Americans. Annuities are issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pruco Life Insurance Company (in New York, by Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey), located in Newark, NJ (main office), or by Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation located in Shelton, CT. (main office). Variable annuities are distributed by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., Shelton, CT. All are Prudential Financial companies and each is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Brandpoint.com
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY!
Better manage personal data • Never access the internet with unsecured public Wi-Fi
Proactively Protect Your Identity! Don’t let your personal data end up on the dark web
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onsumers today give out personal information all the time—from shopping online to signing up for special promotional offers to filling out job applications. However, there are millions of identity theft victims each year, and when your information is stolen by a cyber-criminal, it will likely be sold on the dark web. Your social security number, for example, could be sold for as little as $1, according to Experian, one of the nation’s three credit bureaus. The end result is that criminals can open a credit card account in your name, steal your tax return, try to hack into your financial accounts and conduct other malicious activities.
The Dark What? The dark web is a mystery to many. Only one in four people know what it is and what it’s used for, according to the Experian Cybersecurity Survey. It essentially allows criminals to conduct illegal activities in the deepest pockets of the Internet, undetected. For identity thieves, the dark web is a marketplace for personal information, including phone numbers, email addresses, account passwords and social security numbers that can be used to commit identity theft and fraud.
While it’s doubtful that your local dry cleaner or gym will be targeted by an identity thief, any database is attractive to a cybercriminal. Companies can also be victims of rogue employees, and smaller operations have less security. It’s best to err on the side of caution when giving out personal information.
Better Manage Personal Data “Having your personal information exposed can be a threat to your identity and financial future, but there are ways to take control,” says Brian Stack, vice president of Dark Web Intelligence at Experian. “In a digital world, all of us are at some risk for identity theft and fraud. One step to get peace of mind is enrolling in an identity theft protection product so you are notified if credit is opened in your name or your personal data is on the dark web.” To proactively protect your identity, take the following key steps: • Only provide personal information when it’s required. • Change online account passwords periodically and use a unique password for each account.
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• Never access the Internet with unsecured public Wi-Fi. Only use secured public Wi-Fi with a password for browsing—don’t shop or access accounts, including social media and email. • To log into accounts, enable authentication questions as well as two-factor authentication when available (and don’t use real answers such as your mother’s actual maiden name). • Several times per year, check your credit reports from all three credit bureaus for possible fraudulent accounts. Wondering if there’s already cause for concern? Experian offers a free Dark Web Triple Scan that searches thousands of dark web pages, networks and forums for your phone number, email address and social security number. This scan will inform you if any of this information is on the dark web. Learn more at experian.com/triplescan. Your daily routine doesn’t have to lead to a darkened outlook. Taking proactive steps can help you stay vigilant and offer you better protection.