Seasoned

seasoned

S e p t e m b e r 2017

Over 50 & living the good life!

Positive thoughts

How to handle life’s hits

Wellness

What leads to good sleep

Fall festivities Festivals and fairs in the Brazos Valley, around the state

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seasoned

A monthly publication of The Eagle, 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802 PUBLISHER Crystal Dupre’ DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Sean Lewis

DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER Linda Brinkman SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR/ PUBLICATION DESIGNER Shauna Lewis shauna.lewis@theeagle.com

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Contents

Pack for a hike in the wilderness How to handle the hits of life Vitamin D needed for optimal sleep The fine art of helping your aging parents move What to do about whiplash Calendar

Page 6 - Feature story: Fall festivities in and around the Brazos Valley Cover photo (Contributed by Downtown Bryan Association) A couple enjoys music at last year’s Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival in Downtown Bryan.

Photo by Don Smith A group from Mexico performs on a float at last year’s Fiestas Patrias Mexicanas parade in Bryan.

Contributed by Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo Mutton bustin’ is part of the entertainment during the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo in Bryan.

Pack for a hike in the wilderness

Metro Creative connection September may enjoy the title of National Wilderness Month, but any time of year is a good time to enjoy the great outdoors. One of the ways to immerse oneself in nature is to enjoy a day hike or overnight backpacking excursion.

Millions of people take to trails or create their own paths all across the world each and every year. Hiking is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature, but it also has other benefits.

The American Hiking Society notes that research has consistently shown that hiking as regular exercise can improve overall health and fitness. It also may lengthen and improve quality of life. Hiking as a form of low-impact walking can reduce risk for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and anxiety.

Preparing for a hike involves packing accordingly for the trip. These items should be brought along on hiking trips to ensure such excursions are comfortable, safe and successful.

•Water: Bring along water whether you’re hiking in warm or cool T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

temperatures. Water can be heavy, so some experienced hikers prefer to bring a filtration device or purifying tablets so they can rely on natural water sources for their drinks.

•Proper footwear: Trail shoes may be adequate for shorter hikes or when you are not carrying much gear.

Otherwise, opt for sturdy hiking boots with plenty of sole and ankle support.

•Nutrition: Bring along lightweight food to keep you well fed. Any number of situations, including difficult trails and getting lost, can prolong hiking trips. Nutritious snacks can help hikers maintain their energy levels.

•Rain gear/extra clothing: Dressing in layers and having a change of clothes enables you to adjust your attire according to the weather conditions. Wear water-repellant materials that wick away sweat.

•Sun protection: Sun protection encompasses sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

See Hiking page 8 September 7, 2017 | 3

How to handle the hits of life

I once asked a hospice patient what his favorite season was. Without hesitation, he responded, “Football season!”

It’s that time of year. You can sense it. The atmosphere is permeated with that unique Fridaynight-lights, Saturdaytailgating, Sundayafternoon-couch-potato Gary Roe feeling that every fall Hospice seems to bring.

Life is a lot like football In some ways, life resembles football. It can be exciting, exhilarating and thrilling. It can also be scary, unnerving and painful. It demands discipline, hard work and guts.

Trusting our coaches, being a team player and learning to excel at our positions are indispensable. Mastering the game plan is crucial, but making good adjustments along the way can be even more important.

Above all else, one fact remains: If you’re in the game, you’re going to get hit. How you respond to the hits will make a huge difference, not just for you, but for the entire team.

Life is wonderful - and tough. We’re going to take some hits. A few of them might be brutal. A mentor of mine once said, “Life is a series of losses.

How we interpret and respond to those losses makes all the difference.”

We’ve heard this before, many times. I think of the old Timex commercials - “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”

Here are some other well-used examples: • When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

• When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

• Quitters never win and winners never quit.

• No pain, no gain.

• What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.

The message is clear. Hits will come. Be ready. Persevere. Endure.

Stay at it. Keep moving. Overcome.

As we age, the losses pile up

As we age, the losses pile up.

Over time we lose abilities, memory, health and even independence. We can do less. Body parts ache more.

Our schedules become littered with medical visits. We’re slower. We wear down. Life gets more exhausting. As a friend of mine recently said, “I was just tired before. Now I’m re-tired!”

We also experience relational losses. People leave, move or separate.

Some distance themselves or disappear. Everyone is getting older.

People die. Life and relationships are always in flux. Nothing stays the same for very long.

Over time, our accumulated losses can grow heavy. Like an aging football player, we feel the hits more.

Pain from past injuries surfaces. We adjusted and healed at the time, but we didn’t walk away unaffected. How we responded to those hits powerfully shaped us.

Again, how we interpret and respond to the losses we experience will have a massive impact on our lives. This is truer now than ever before.

How do we handle the hits that come?

How do we handle the losses of life --- past, present and future? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Be aware of your own personal history of loss.

We all have a history of loss. Our pasts are littered with disappointments, rejections and conflicts.

Neglect, abandonment, domestic violence, sexual abuse, physical abuse, physical illness, mental illness, handicaps, learning disabilities, bullying, failures, moves, relational break-ups, separations, divorce, deployment and deaths – these are hits we might experience in life. Some have more intense histories than others, but the key is not how much loss we’ve had but how we responded to the hits that came. The past never determines our future, but it does greatly influence it.

Being aware of your history of loss can be helpful in navigating current and future difficulties.

2. Be real and authentic.

Most of us try to put a good face on things. Nothing wrong with that.

4 | September 7, 2017

But sometimes we can also be guilty of stuffing our losses and denying the pain that comes from them.

What we shove inside doesn’t disappear, but gets stored away to be released later. Unresolved grief and loss can pop up as anxiety, depression, mental or physical illness, vocational trouble and relational dysfunction.

Not handling our losses well can eat us up from the inside out.

Wouldn’t it be nice if our baggage got lighter rather than heavier as time went on? I believe this is possible. We can offload some weight by becoming more real and authentic.

We all need someone -- hopefully several people -- that we can be ourselves with. We heal and grow as we are real with a few other people about what’s happening inside us.

3. Cultivate a thankful heart.

See the positives. Count your blessings. Keep the glass half full. Don’t deny the obstacles and difficulties, but cease to view them through “doom and gloom” lenses.

An old proverb states, “A thankful heart is good medicine.” Seeing the good and being thankful can become salve to painful wounds. Thankfulness leads to more healing than we realize.

4. Intentionally turn losses into gain.

I once read a book titled “I Eat Problems for Breakfast.” We wake up and boom -- here come the challenges.

If hits are inevitable, why not make them count? No matter what happens, focus on growing and learning through it. Put the pain and grief to work. Seek to serve, assist and love others. Live with purpose.

The heart tends to heal as we give and serve. As we turn losses into gains, others will benefit, and the ripple effect can be extraordinary.

5. Develop an overcomer mindset.

Life can be brutal. Don’t waste the pain, but make the most of it. Much of

See Be an overcomer page 5

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Vitamin D needed for optimal sleep

As people get older, many of them say they have increasingly poor sleep quality. Either they take too long to get to sleep or they wake up often during the night. One of many causes is easily remedied: vitamin D deficiency.

Researchers recently reported a study of sleep patterns and vitamin D levels among a group of 3,048 men 68 and older. The study used sensors to record measurements of total sleep time, wake time after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency (the ratio of time spent in bed to the time actually spent sleeping). The participants with low vitamin D levels had Dr. Bill Klemm several problems with The Memory Medic sleep. Their sleep was: • Insufficient, with less than five hours of sleep a night.

• Less efficient in terms of percent of time in bed while actually asleep.

This study is noteworthy because it appears to confirm objectively earlier studies showing that vitamin D deficiency has negative effects on sleep.

Seniors with sleep difficulties may not have considered that they could have low vitamin D. It is worth checking out for other reasons. I have written several blogs on other health and mental-function benefits of vitamin D. Go to thankyoubrain. blogspot.com and type “vitamin D” in the search field.

What’s the best way to increase

Be an overcomer from page 4

life is about overcoming.

This is hero-making stuff. We live for others, for the greater good -- leaping, vaulting and sometimes stumbling over speed bumps, potholes and road closure signs along the way.

We overcome - again, and again and again.

We eat problems for breakfast.

How we do life matters Every one of us is more important than we realize. How we do life T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

balance.

The best way to know if your vitamin D levels are low is to have your physician order a blood test.

If your levels are low, you and your doctor can put together a plan that may include diet, controlled sun exposure and supplements, to bring levels up and make sure they stay that way.

Maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D is good for overall health and likely also to be good for your sleep.

your vitamin D? The free source is the sun. Direct sun exposure to skin triggers the synthesis of vitamin D. But sun exposure can’t always be relied upon for a steady, consistent source of vitamin D. There are a number of factors that can influence how effectively sun exposure can trigger vitamin D production in the body, including air pollution, time of day, season of the year, and level of cloud cover. Sunscreen and clothing can also impede the effects of sun exposure for vitamin D. People with higher levels of skin pigmentation absorb less of the UVB rays necessary to begin the synthesis of vitamin D, and may be more likely to have low levels as a result. Age seems to diminish the ability of skin to manufacture vitamin D in response to sunlight.

Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is important — I am not suggesting you abandon wearing sunscreen. Adding vitamin D rich and fortified foods to your diet can also help increase levels. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, swordfish and sardines are all excellent sources of vitamin D. So are eggs. Many dairy products, including milk and yogurt, are fortified with vitamin D, as are citrus juices and many cereals. Supplements are another important option to help you maintain healthy vitamin D levels, especially for people who are at high risk for deficiency because of age, race, health conditions or where they live. If you take pills, watch the dose.

Too much vitamin may upset mineral

Sources: [1] Beydoun MA, Gamaldo AA, Canas JA, Beydoun HA, Shah MT, McNeely JM, Zonderman AB. “Serum nutritional biomarkers and their associations with sleep among US adults in recent national surveys.”

PLoS One. 9.8(2014).

[2] Massa J, Stone KL, Wei EK, Harrison SL, Barrett-Connor E, Lane NE, Paudel M, Redline S, AncoliIsrael S, Orwoll E, Schernhammer E. “Vitamin D and actigraphic sleep outcomes in older community-dwelling

men: the MrOS sleep study.” Sleep.

38.2(2015): 251-257.

[3] Huang W, Shah S, Long Q, Crankshaw AK, Tangpricha V. “Improvement of pain, sleep, and quality of life in chronic pain patients with vitamin D supplementation.” Clin J Pain. 29.4(2013): 341-347.

I just published my latest book, “To Tell the Truth: Save Us from Concealment, Half-truths, Misrepresentation, Spin, and Fake News.” It is a $2.99 e-book now available at Amazon.

In today’s world, we are becoming accustomed to concealment, half-truths, misrepresentation, spin, fake news and other forms of untruthfulness. Social media spread these distortions like a viral epidemic. This book aims to show why truth matters, identifies seven kinds of falsehood, explains the common causes, and suggests many ways we can reduce the falsehoods we commit. A concluding chapter presents an ethics model that can be used for a variety of real-world situations.

The Most Important Thing in any Relationship

-- including how we interpret and respond to the hits along the way -matters.

Be yourself. Stop hiding. Be real and authentic. Cultivate a thankful, appreciative heart. Seek to grow and serve. Turn those losses into gains.

Develop an overcomer mindset.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s breakfast time. I have some problems to eat.

Robert Herring, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

3091 University Drive East, #410 Bryan, TX 77802 www.listenhearaudiology.com

Gary Roe is an award-winning author, speaker, chaplain and grief counselor with Hospice Brazos Valley.

Visit him at www.garyroe.com or contact him at 979-821-2266 or groe@ hospicebrazosvalley.org.

September 7, 2017 | 5

Fall fun: Upcoming festivals, fair

By STACY CANTU

Special to The Eagle Several fairs and festivals are coming up in and around the Brazos Valley, and attendees can enjoy festivities such as a Kolache eating contest, food and beer sampling, wiener dog races, and shopping for arts and crafts and antiques.

In the Brazos Valley Kolache Festival The 33rd annual Kolache Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 9 in downtown Caldwell. The festival will cover the Courthouse Square, as well as the adjoining streets and businesses, and will host more than 20,000 visitors, according to the Burleson Chamber of Commerce. More than 50,000 Kolaches are expected to be consumed at the event.

Bakers have competed for 34 years to win the title of grand champion of the Kolache Festival, according to the chamber. There are six divisions for the competition: Youth/Burleson County, Youth/State, Non-Professional/Burleson County, Non-Professional/State, and Professional, Champion.

The festival will feature Czech bands, a quilt show at the Civic Center, the crowning of Miss Kolache Festival, a car show, an antique machinery and tractor show at Davidson Creek City Park, more than 200 arts and crafts vendors and several food vendors, said Michelle Gallegos, Kolache Festival coordinator.

“There is also a Kolache eating contest that is always pretty exciting,” Gallegos said, adding that the contest is at 11 a.m.

On Sept. 8 a pre- festival will be held at the Burleson County Expo Center, at 905 State Highway 36 South, to kick off festivities. The pre-festival party and dance will begin with a dinner of sausage, sauerkraut, fixings and tea from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a silent auction held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and The Dujka Brothers, a Czech band from Texas, will provide polka music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In addition, the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum, at 200 E. Fawn St., will be open during the Kolache Festival from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information on the Kolache Festival, visit burlesoncountytx.com/ kolache-fest.

Fiestas Patrias Mexicanas Fiesta Patrias Mexicanas will be held Sept. 17 in historical Downtown Bryan, between 21st and 23rd streets. A parade will begin at noon and the festival will be held from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

According to the Fiestas Patrias Mexicanas of Bryan/ College Station website, Fiestas Patrias is a patriotic holiday in Mexico, the anniversary of Mexican Independence from Spain.

Mexico’s celebration of independence does not celebrate the actual day of independence, but the call for an independent nation.

Sept. 16 commemorates Father Miguel Hidalgo, the parish priest of the small town of Dolores, who called for Mexicans to rise up and overthrow Spanish rule.

Contributed photo Grito de Dolores, the cry, is widely celebrated all over Visitors to last year’s Texas Mushroom Festival Mexico today. in Madisonville pick among several fun options.

The celebration will

6 | September 7, 2017

feature traditional live music, traditional dance, traditional foods and traditional dress, as well as a kids area and a petting zoo. Walgreens will also be giving out flu shots.

For more information, visit www. fiestaspatrias.org.

Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival The 11th annual Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival, sponsored by the City of Bryan and Bryan Texas Utilities, will be held from Sept. 22 through 24 in Downtown Bryan.

The festival will feature more than 25 of the state’s most popular wineries, as well as craft beer breweries, live music, a steak cook-off, artisans, food vendors and a Kids Zone, according to the festival’s website.

“What I like best about Texas Reds is that the festival, a free event, is held in Downtown Bryan,” said Sandy Ferris, director of the Downtown A pair and their dogs check out the festivi Bryan Association. “Having thousands Fest in College Station. of people from all over the state visit our historic downtown and see all the stores and restaurants is a great advertisement and hopefully, an enticement for them to return.”

She added that the festival is a great time to sample food, beer and wine.

“The festival is a great way to sample some of the best steak, wine and craft beer offered in Texas,” Ferris said. “It’s hard to say what the most popular part of the festival is, but I’d say it’s a close competition between the wine and craft beer tasting tents, the steak dinner and the Sunday brunch. The music is pretty great, as well.”

The Saturday steak dinner, which has sold out for two consecutive years, will be provided by J. Cody’s Steaks and Barbecue, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Sunday steak and egg brunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The brunch menu is not yet released, but ticketholders to this event can expect beef and Texas wine.

For more information on Texas Reds, including a complete schedule of events, visit texasredsfestival.com.

Washington County Fair The Washington County Fair, the oldest county fair in Texas, will be held from Sept. 15 through Sept. 23 in Brenham.

The fair, located at 1305 E Blue Bell Road, will feature several events including a rodeo, carnival, live music and concerts, food, a variety of livestock shows, arts and crafts, special attractions, contests, commercial exhibits and more.

The entertainment line-up for the fair includes Dwight Yoakam, Walker County, Dujka Brothers, Casey Donahew Band and Brandon Rhyder, among other entertainers.

For more information, visit www.washingtoncofair.com.

Burleson County Fair The Burleson County Fair will be held Sept. 25 through Sept. 30, at 905 Texas 36 South in Caldwell. The event will include livestock judging events, a carnival and a parade.

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rs in and around the Brazos Valley For more information, see the Burleson County Fair Association Facebook page.

Texas Renaissance Festival The Texas Renaissance Festival will be held on weekends from Sept. 30 to Nov. 26 in Todd Mission, at 21778 Farm to Market 1774.

According to the festival’s website, the Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation’s largest, most acclaimed Renaissance themed park. Each year, more than 500,000 guests pass through the festival’s gates and enter the magic of New Market Village, an authentically recreated 55 acre 16th century English township. The Texas Renaissance Festival presents an enchanted world full of kings and queens, lords and ladies, knights, nobles, fairies, elves, pirates, barbarians and other fanciful interactive characters.

Guests will be entertained by an assortment of unique performers: musicians, magicians, acrobats, jugglers and dancers with 200 daily performances on over 20 stages throughout the village. In addition, there are about 400 shops featuring some of the works of artists, artisans and merchants, as well as live demonstrations Contributed photo by craftspeople skilled in the arts of glass blowing, weaving, pottery making, blacksmithing and more. ities at last year’s Wiener Finally, there are foods and drinks from all over the world.

The festival will offer themed weekends including Oktoberfest, All Hallows Eve, Barbarian Invasion, Heroes and Villains, and Celtic Christmas.

For more information, visit www.texrenfest.com.

Texas Mushroom Festival The 16th annual Texas Mushroom Festival will be held Oct. 14 in Madisonville, the Mushroom Capital of Texas. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m.

The festival will include an auto showcase, a biergarten, cooking demos, beer and wine tastings, arts and craft vendors and an art contest.

The night before the event, a Gala Dinner will be held at 6:30. The dinner will feature a champagne social, a silent auction and live music. For more information on the Gala Dinner, email Susan at galadinner@texasmushroomfestival.com.

For more details, visit texasmushroomfestival.com/index.htm.

Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo The Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo will be held from Oct. 20 through Oct. 22, at 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan. The fair and rodeo will feature a carnival, rodeo, livestock events, a kids zone, concerts, contests and shopping.

According to the fair’s website, The Brazos Valley Fair & Expo was organized for educational, scientific and charitable purposes to encourage, promote and maintain agricultural science, research and educational functions.

For more information, visit www.brazosvalleyfair.com.

Wiener Fest Wiener Fest, held by Aggieland Humane Society, will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 22 at Wolf Pen Creek, at 1015 Colgate Drive in College Station. Wiener Fest is the humane society’s largest community event and fundraiser of the year.

Events will include Wiener Races, Wanna Be Races for the non-dachshunds, and T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

a canine costume contest, according to the festival website. Other entertainment will include music, food vendors, and vendors who will offer items for pets, as well as humans.

For more information on Wiener Fest, visit aggielandhumane.org/wienerfest.

Around the state There are also several fun events near the Brazos Valley or within a day’s drive.

Original Round Top Antiques Fair The 50th Fall Annual Original Round Top Antiques Fair will be held Sept. 25 through Sept. 30.

The fair, at 475 Texas Hwy 237 South in Carmine, will be held 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27-29, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept.

30.

The Original Round Top Antiques Fair is one of the best antique shows in the nation, according to the fair’s website. Throughout the 30,000-square-foot Big Red Barn and the nearby Big Red Barn Tent, visitors will find an array of beautifully displayed very early Americana, Texas primitive and Continental furniture and accessories. The Continental Tent offers high quality items from England, France, Italy, Spain and other European countries − from country to formal, from small to large.

For more information on the antiques fair, visit www.roundtoptexasantiques.com.

Scarecrow Festival The 41st Annual Scarecrow Festival will be held by the Chappell Hill Historic Society Oct. 14 and 15 in downtown Chappell Hill.

The festival features more than 250 juried exhibitors (including home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), country-style food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the historic community, according to the festival website. A Children’s Activity Corner provides pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, a barrel train and more.

The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the next day.

For more details, visit chappellhillmuseum.org/scarecrow.html.

More: • Texas Rice Festival - Oct. 4 -7 at Winnie-Stowell Park, 1400 Park St. in Winnie. The festival honors rice farming, an economic staple in southeast Texas, and will feature live music, livestock shows, art exhibits and antique cars.

For more information, visit www. texasricefestival.com.

• Oktoberfest - Oct. 6-8 in downtown Fredericksburg. The festival will feature German music, food and drinks, artisans and a children’s area. For more information, visit oktoberfestinfbg.com.

•Bootfest – Oct. 6-7 in downtown Victoria. Bootfest, the town’s largest free festival, will feature live music, a washers tournament, a kids coral, a car/ truck/motorcycle show and a fireworks show. Entertainment will include Roger Creager and Casey Donahue. For more information, visit bootfest.org.

Contributed photo A woman selects Kolaches at the 2016 Kolache Festival in Caldwell.

September 7, 2017 | 7

The fine art of helping your aging parents move

An elder care attorney has recently shared a client story with me that got me thinking.

His clients, a couple in their early 50s, needed help convincing the wife’s mom to move to an assisted living facility. “Crisis” is a word that would describe the situation mildly. Mom, a fiercely independent lady in her 80s, was in declining health yet refused to acknowledge that she needed help. Her TracY Stewart family, although well- Financial Literacy meaning, seemed to make matters worse with every conversation. By the time they reached out for help, Mom and the rest of the family were barely on speaking terms.

Sound familiar?

Caring for aging family members is affecting the country now more than ever. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 44 million unpaid elder caregivers. As the needs of aging parents grow, many caregivers must broach difficult conversations about assisted care facilities and nursing homes.

Money can make this task easier, but simply hiring a helper or paying for an assisted care facility does not guarantee that the parent will go along

Hiking

from page 3 •Illumination: Pack a headlamp or flashlight, and don’t forget the

willingly. How can you approach the conversation to get buy-in?

Get talking early.

I recommend that you start the conversation as early as possible. Don’t wait until a stroke or a heart attack forces an impossible choice: quit your job and care for Dad, or move him to a facility over the weekend, kicking and screaming. The more time you make for these conversations without the pressure to make an immediate decision, the more open-minded everyone will be about exploring options.

Be sure to consider all financial aspects of elder care. For most families, a combination of Medicare, long-term care insurance and personal savings can be used to alleviate the expense and help everyone face the situation with grace.

Be your parents’ vocal advocate.

Second, approach the conversation from the position of being your parents’ advocate. If you attempt to force them into a decision, you will lose their cooperation. Talk about your concern for their well-being. Take the time to understand what independence means to them, and what preferences they have for their care down the line.

Many elder parents are reluctant to share their failing health with their children for fear of being a burden, but an open and ongoing conversation can

help create trust and openness.

Be ready for some (or much) resistance.

What should you do if your aging parent is resistant to the very idea of elder care or assisted living? If the situation is not dire, back off for the time being. Much of the older generation mistakenly believes that they will be able to care for themselves for the rest of their lives. Be patient.

Shifting entrenched positions takes time. If you encounter strong resistance, let the issue go but look for future opportunities to return to the conversation.

Sometimes the situation has to deteriorate before it can get better.

It may take a drastic incident before Mom and Dad can stop and realize they need help. Yes, this might mean a fall, a nighttime robbery scare, or getting the utilities turned off because Mom or Dad forgot to pay the bill.

When that happens, adult children should not beat themselves up for not being able to prevent the incident.

Instead, they should reinforce the idea of the elder parent’s selfdetermination. An effective starting sentence might be, “I cannot make decisions for you, but it would mean the world to me if we could make these decisions together.”

Get your ducks in a row.

On the subject of making decisions,

this is a good time to mention the power of attorney. Be sure that the document is in place, and that it addresses who will make decisions related to health care and finances.

Getting your aging parents to consider the will and the power of attorney can be a task of its own because it forces them to face their own advanced age.

However, without these preparations your family can be thrown into chaos by a diagnosis or a sudden serious health issue. Help your family compile a “master file” of all critical documents, doctors’ contact information, financial statement and bank account details, as well as personal preferences and wishes.

Finally, be sure that all family members are on the same page. All it takes is one hold-out son or daughter who insists that Mom should stay at home, and the chances of getting the parent to shift from an entrenched position become very slim.

Family relationships and dynamics can be complex and emotionally fraught. The conversation goes better if siblings make a conscious effort to leave their baggage by the door and focus on creating the best possible outcome for their aging parents.

batteries. Light will help you navigate if you are out after sundown.

Flashlights also can be used to signal others if you’re lost.

•Navigational tools: A compass and map will help keep you on course.

Remember, cell phones may not work in remote areas.

•Fire starter: A night spent in the wilderness may not be on the itinerary, but chemical fire starters, matches or even dryer lint can help start fires in emergency situations.

•Multipurpose tool: A multipurpose tool can be used to cut items, open cans and much more.

•First aid kit: Don’t forget a prepackaged first aid kit to treat minor or major injuries. Taking a first aid course is also helpful.

•Toilet paper: When nature calls in nature, a roll of toilet paper can make things much easier.

•Emergency shelter:

Tarps, tents or even reflective blankets can be put to use if a day trip needs to be turned into an overnight stay.

Hiking is a fun way to enjoy the wilderness. Hikers must pack accordingly for every trip.

8 | September 7, 2017

Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® at www.

TexasDivorceCPA.com.

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What to do about whiplash

Reader question: I am a middle-aged woman. Approximately eight months ago, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident. I was coming to a stop at a red light and another driver ran into the back of me. Since the accident, I have had headaches, severe neck stiffness, and am afraid my neck is not going to get better. My head still feels very “heavy.”

Can you tell me if this is related to the accident?

I have a friend that said I’m suffering from “whiplash.” Is this true?

Whiplash neck injuries are the most common complaint following motor vehicle accidents. You might also see this type of injury in sports (for examples: waterskiing, surfing, skiing, snowboarding) or other collision-type sports (soccer, football).

It is estimated that between 40-60 percent of cases of whiplash lead to chronic neck pain and other cognitive Leon Bradway complaints.

Physical Therapy Immediate symptoms following a whiplash injury include neck and upper back pain, neck stiffness, dizziness, fear and headaches. If a person continues to have symptoms, one might also begin to have shoulder pain, TMJ, visual and hearing problems, loss of memory, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and depression. Chronic whiplash injury signs can include reductions in neck muscle strength, endurance and mobility.

There are no strict clinical guidelines for treating whiplash injuries, unlike other traumatic injuries. X-rays can rule out serious issues otherwise imaging has not proven to be overly successful in identifying underlying problems. Research evidence indicates tha t early intervention is essential to full recovery following an accident. The issues for post-trauma is what to do and when. Doing too much activity too soon can actually extend the recovery process and intensify the spasms and pain. Needless to say there are a number of misconceptions regarding whiplash injuries and the recovery process.

When a person is rear-ended in a car accident, their head is thrown forward and then whips backward, causing a sprain or strain to the cervical ligaments and surrounding muscles. If a moderate to severe muscle and ligament strain occurs, then immobilization is required (e.g., soft neck collar). This can be useful three to five for days.

Longer use is not recommended because this T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

can extend recovery time as it causes the neck muscles to weaken, causing stiffness to get worse.

Normally, a person’s head weighs 10 percent of their body weight, approximately 12 to 15 pounds. A cervical soft collar can be helpful initially off-loading the neck musculature and providing some rest and relaxation for those muscles.

In addition, I’ve had patients see me following manipulation treatments to relieve their symptoms. Unfortunately, manipulation involves a thrusting movement of the neck, which can often cause even more pain and stiffness. I have found that soft tissue work using intramuscular stimulation (dry needling), heat/ice, electrical stimulation, therapeutic soft tissue mobility and mild exercise is more effective than thrust movements initially.

Some whiplash patients are treated with cervical traction soon after the accident.

Unfortunately, I have found that cervical traction immediately following an accident does not help. While cervical traction can be effective when there is a spinal discogenic or nerve impingement problem, it isn’t as effective on moderate to severe cervical soft tissue, ligament or muscle injuries.

I have had patients who began an aggressive strengthening program for the neck, early in their recovery only to encounter intensified spasms and pain. The reason for these negative results is that the neck must first have a significant reduction in pain and cervical range of motion needs to improve before even a mild strengthening program should be initiated. Introducing a vigorous strengthening program too soon can result in increased spasms and pain as the body attempts to protect itself from the exertion.

In a whiplash injury, the provider must listen carefully to the patient during each visit to ensure their treatment program is progressing and not moving in the wrong direction. A good progression for treatment outcomes includes both physical and psychosocial findings. For example, the patient is making improvements with range of motion deficits, pain, postural and muscle weakness.

Other important factors that should be considered in treatment planning are fears, stress, anxiety, disturbed sleep and altered perception of symptoms. Trauma and severity of symptoms can determine treatment progression.

Immediately following a whiplash injury, there is pain, which should gradually subside

over a four-week period. As a treatment program continues, the range of motion should increase. Improvement in range of motion is not necessarily linear. Progress can vary, and there can be good days and bad days. More often, the good days outweigh the bad days, and eventually there are no bad days.

In the latter stage of recovery from whiplash, strengthening is essential. Without a postural and strengthening program, the individual is subject to recurrent neck pain, headaches and poor quality of life.

Full recovery from a whiplash injury is not just recovering from the pain but recovering your range of motion, all your strength, feel a significant decrease in pain and improve your cognitive well-being.

If you have questions and concerns about neck pain and whiplash injury please direct your question to sbpmcoffice@gmail.com.

We will answer your question within 24 hours. Also, check out our webpage at www.

BVphysicaltherapy.com.

Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical therapy and director of the Sports, Back and Pain Management Clinic. See www. bvphysicaltherapy.com.

IN-HOME SENIOR CARE SERVICES

Interactive Caregiving

®

Makes Every Moment Matter Interactive Caregiving® is the unique way our Comfort Keepers® deliver care to our clients. It centers on four interrelated aspects – engagement of the mind, an active body, proper nutrition, and safety. A plan of Care which addresses these aspects, together, will enhance quality of life and ultimately, independence.

SERVICES

Companion Care • Personal Care Light Housekeeping In-Home Safety Solutions

(979) 764-3076

244 Southwest Parkway East • College Station, TX 77840

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CALENDAR

Ongoing Sit and Fit Chair Exercises - Adults 55 and up meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m. Gentle workout while sitting in a chair. Features fat-burning aerobics and weight lifting. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Line dance workshop for beginners – Adults 55 and older are invited to a free line dance workshop for beginners, held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first, second and third Monday of each month, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Learn the steps and terminology. No registration necessary. Contact 7646351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information.

Line Dancing - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, holds line dancing for seniors on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Low impact workout, to the hottest tunes. For more information, contact 979-764-6351, 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Classic Country and Bluegrass Jam Session – Bluegrass Jam Session is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. All levels welcome. Bring string instruments and a friend.

Open to all who like to listen to or play this kind of music. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Friday Bridge - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers bridge for seniors on Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Learn how to play 42 dominoes - Learn the game of 42 every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov for more information.

42 dominoes - Adults 55 and up meet every Thursday to play 42 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. New players welcome. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov.

Bible study – Bible study is held for seniors 9:1510:30 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Contact 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information.

Maj Jongg - Adults 55 and older interested in learning the game will meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station on Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact 764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Game Night - Seniors are invited to Game Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Table games and dominoes provided or bring your own favorite game. Meet friends and enjoy a fun game night. For more information contact 979-764-

6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Forevercise - Forevercise is a free exercise class for ages 55 and up, offered on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:30–3 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Class offers individuals healthy lifestyle practices with helpful tips on nutrition and exercise. Exercises may be done while standing or sitting in a chair. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx. gov.

Dominoes - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays dominoes all day on Tuesdays and Fridays and from noon to closing Wednesdays. Sack lunch for those playing dominoes from 11:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873/www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Bridge – Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bridge from 12:30 p.m. until closing on Tuesdays; noon to closing on Thursdays; and 12:20 p.m. to closing Fridays. Partner needed Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Games - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays board games, Scrabble and other card games on Tuesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873/www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Bible study - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds Bible study 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Exercise class - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds exercise class 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays.

For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Bingo - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bingo 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www.brazoscountyseniorcitizens. weebly.com.

Canasta - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Canasta from 11:30 a.m. to closing on Thursdays.

For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Potluck luncheon - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, has a potluck luncheon 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Fridays. For more, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

One-on-one computer help - 6 to 8 p.m.

Mondays and Saturdays at Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S. in College Station.

Contact the Reference Desk to schedule a 30-minute session, at 979-764-3416. For more information, visit

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www.bcslibrary.org.

Flow and Balance Exercise Class - Seniors are invited to join this free exercise class held from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. The class combines traditional Korean dance movements with music to promote physical and mental health. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Sept. 13 Better Business Bureau Presentation - Monthly presentations on local businesses are held from 11 a.m.-noon on the second Wednesday of each month at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. No registration necessary.

For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Sept. 19 Free Help for Beginning IPad Users – Class held 1-2 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Bring an iPad and learn how to get the most out of technology. Class size is limited; pre-register by calling 979-764-6351.

For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx. gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Beginning Computer Class 101 – Held 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 19-28. Learn basic computer skills and how to use the internet and email. Cost is $25. To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx. gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

“A Healthier You” presented by Texas AgriLife - This four part series will be offered from 10-11 a.m.

Sept. 19-22, at Lincoln Center, at 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. For ages 60 and up. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779.

Sept. 20 Preview Medical Terminology Class – Held 10-11 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Interested in a basic medical terminology class, but not sure if you want to commit? Join for a free class preview. For more information contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx. gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Family History Computer Group: “Family Tree Maker software alternatives” - Meetings are held from 9:30-11 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at Carter Creek Training Room at the Waste

See Calendar page 11 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Calendar

from page 10 Water Treatment Plant, 2200 N. Forest Parkway in College Station. The group, for ages 55 and up, shares an interest in researching family history and storing it on their computer. No registration is required. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Exploring History Luncheon: “Statues at Veteran’s Park” by Payne Lara - The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present monthly lectures on the history of the community and state. Luncheon will be held at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan. A reservation is necessary for lunch; the cost is $7. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Speaker begins at noon. RSVP by Sept. 15 at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Sept. 21 Movie and Popcorn: “Going in Style” – Enjoy a movie and popcorn from 1-3 p.m. every third Thursday at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. No registration needed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Monthly Dance - Adults ages 55 and up are invited to enjoy dancing with a live DJ from 7-9

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

p.m. at Southwood Community Center,1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Door prizes and light refreshments. No reservation needed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Sept. 25 Senior Advisory Committee meeting – Meets at 10 a.m. on the last Monday of the month at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, to discuss programs and activities for ages 55 and up. Visitors welcome.

For more information contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Basic Medical Terminology Class – Held 7-8 p.m. on Mondays, from Sept. 25-Nov. 13, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Learn and understand current terminology used by health care professionals. Will cover commonly used medical terms, abbreviations and symbols. Cost is $25. For more information, contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Watercolor I Class – Held 2-5 p.m. on Mondays from Sept. 25-Oct. 30 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

This beginner’s class focuses on basic painting tools, materials, techniques, composition and color theory.

Supplies will be discussed during the first class.

Basic drawing skills are needed to participate. Cost is $45. To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-7643486. For more information contact 979-764-6371 or

mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Sept. 26 Sewing for Fun - Class held 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays from Sept. 26-Oct. 17 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Participants will need to bring a sewing machine that can run a straight and zigzag stitch, rotary cutters, a cutting mat, ruler, pins and scissors. The class will complete a different project each meeting. Cost is $45. To register visit rectrac. cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486. For more information, contact 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Sept. 28 Free Zumba for Seniors Class – Class meets from 3-4 p.m. every Thursday starting Sept. 28 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Zumba is an aerobic workout that incorporates dance moves. This easy-to-follow program lets participants move to the rhythm at their own speed. For more information contact 979-7646371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

Sept. 29 Bingo & Birthday Celebration – Held 1:302:30 p.m. on the last Friday of each month, at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, to celebrate September birthdays with bingo and cake. Prizes. No registration necessary. Call 979-764-6351 for more information.

September 7, 2017 | 11

A welcome addition to the

MatureWell Lifestyle Center – Dr. Paul Ogden

“I’m excited about helping patients stay healthy and active into their senior years. Everyone should MatureWell.”

– Dr. Paul Ogden

Proud to introduce Dr. Paul Ogden!

With more than 30 years of teaching and clinical experience, Dr. Ogden is passionate about providing personalized care for seniors 55 and older.

Working alongside our Board-Certified Geriatricians, Dr. Ogden provides direct care for senior patients and guidance for their loved ones.

Dr. Ogden is taking on new patients now, so make an appointment today. With his experience and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to maturing well.

To schedule an appointment, call 979.731.6126.

Learn more about Dr. Ogden and the center at MatureWell.CHIStJosephHealth.org

Located in the Atlas Development at 3989 North Shore Drive Bryan, TX 77807

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