Family Focus - November 2019

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NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

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NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

9 myths about hospice and palliative care debunked

In recognition of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, here are 9 myths about these two types of medical care.

1. Myth: Hospice and palliative care are exclusively about controlling pain.

Fact: While pain management is an important aspect of palliative and hospice care, treatment programs also include psychological, social, practical and spiritual support.

2. Myth: My condition isn’t serious enough to warrant palliative care.

Fact: Palliative care isn’t just for those facing a terminal diagnosis. Most people with life-limiting illnesses can benefit from it.

3. Myth: My doctor hasn’t recommended hospice or palliative care, so I don’t need it.

Fact: Patients who think they might benefit from hospice or palliative care should bring up the topic with their doctor.

4. Myth: I can’t access palliative care without a hospice.

Fact: Palliative care can be provided at home, in the hospital, at a hospice and in long-term care facilities.

5. Myth: If I receive palliative care, it means my life is over.

Fact: The goal of palliative care is to improve patients’ quality of life during every stage of their disease. Many continue to receive curative treatment in conjunction with palliative care.

6. Myth: I’m too young for hospice and/or palliative care.

Fact: People of all ages can benefit from hospice and palliative care.

7. Myth: I shouldn’t talk about dying with my loved ones — it’s too upsetting.

Fact: Addressing your end of life wishes and any advanced medical directives will save your loved

ones a lot of stress and uncertainty down the road.

8. Myth: Palliative care is only for people who are at the end of their life.

Fact: This type of care can help patients from the time they’re diagnosed right up till the very end.

9. Myth: Children don’t need hospice or palliative care.

Fact: Palliative and hospice care are given on the basis of need. Everyone should receive the care appropriate for their condition, age and level of understanding.

Dealing with a chronic or terminal illness is challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Hospice and palliative care are available and can provide you with the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual help you require to manage your disease.

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

Safe medication use during pregnancy

Women who are expecting are understandably cautious about what they put into their bodies. From the foods they eat to the beverages they drink, expecting mothers tend to take nothing for granted.

Expecting mothers also exercise caution about medication. Women typically have questions about medication use during pregnancy, including how current medications can affect a fetus or one’s ability to conceive.

Women who take prescription or over-the-counter medications for conditions like diabetes, seizures or depression may be hesitant to continue doing so while pregnant, but unsure of how to continue their treatments without medication. It’s important to note that pregnancy can affect medications much in the same way that medications can affect pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association says that when women are pregnant, their blood volume increases, and the heart and kidneys both work harder. This means that medications have the potential to pass through the body more quickly than usual, potentially affecting their efficacy.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about two-thirds of women in the United States take one or more prescription medications during pregnancy. Some medications have been adequately studied for their safety during pregnancy, while others have not. Therefore, it is important for women to pay careful attention to any

medicine or herbal remedy taken while pregnant, raising any questions they have with their physicians.

Keep a careful eye on substances taken during the first trimester of pregnancy, a crucial time of development for the embryo and fetus, and one when medications may have the most impact.

The CDC urges women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant to speak with their doctors about medications and dietary products. Some medications should be stopped, while others may be safe to use or should be gradually declined.

Doctors can help women weigh the risks and benefits of taking medications while pregnant and point out which ones have the potential to be harmful. Physicians and pharmacists have listings of medications and their risks to the unborn fetus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists and pharmaceutical companies collect information about the risks of taking medications during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. No drug is 100 percent safe to use during pregnancy, but many have no known harmful effects.

When in doubt, pregnant women should always address medication concerns with their obstetricians prior to taking a particular drug, herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Alternative therapies, such as chiropractic treatment, massage, acupuncture, and nerve stimulation also can be addressed during prenatal visits.

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

The vet of tomorrow:

As the U.S. military undergoes significant demographic shifts, so too does the veteran population.

In honor of Veterans Day, celebrated every year on November 11, here are some facts about the future of American veterans.

MORE VETERANS ARE WOMEN According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the proportion of female veterans will almost double by 2043, from nine percent to 17 percent. In the wake of increased enrollment following the events of 9/11, women are actually the fastest growing group of veterans. They face particular challenges when trying to adjust to civilian life, many of which aren’t addressed by existing resources.

THE AVERAGE AGE OF VETERANS IS CHANGING Currently, people aged 50 to 69 make up 42 percent of the veteran population. By 2043, however, the proportion of veterans under the age of 50 will increase considerably, as will the number of those over the age of 70. This means that the services offered to veterans will need to accommodate the needs of a more diverse population in terms of age.

VETERANS ARE BECOMING MORE ETHNICALLY DIVERSE As the U.S. military becomes more diverse, it’s expected that the veteran population will exhibit the same trend. The proportion of non-Hispanic white veterans is likely to fall to 64 percent in 2043 from 78 percent in 2013.

Since non-White veterans are disproportionately affected by issues such as homelessness and lack of access to resources, it’ll be important for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to work with community leaders to help ensure their well-being.

Veterans of all genders, ages and ethnicity have sacrificed a lot to keep our country safe. On November 11, take a moment to thank them for their service.

Honoring Native American veterans

Native Americans have a long history of serving in our military. Since the Civil War, they’ve taken part in armed conflicts as U.S. soldiers. In fact, the terms of surrender between the North and South were written by Ely S. Parker, one of two American Indians to reach the rank of brigadier general during the Civil War. Earlier this year, the United States Government announced the construction of a $15 million memorial celebrating Native American service members and veterans in Washington, D.C. In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, here are some of their achievements.

WORLD WAR II As many as 44,000 Native Americans joined the military during World War II. They saw their first engagement in the Pacific Theater and were involved in many critical battles. Notably, they fought at Iwo Jima, where the iconic

picture of native soldier, Ira Hayes, raising the American flag with four of his fellow soldiers, was taken.

After 9/11, a large number of newly enrolled soldiers were Native Americans.

In addition, Native American code talkers played a crucial role in the war effort. Native soldiers formed telephone squads and together they used their native languages to craft coded messages.

In fact, the United States asked soldiers from a variety of tribes to develop secret combat communication systems. Their codes were never broken.

Approximately 140,000 veterans alive today are Native American.

TODAY Over 31,000 Native Americans serve in the Armed Forces today. They continue to be active in the military, serving all around the world.

This Veterans Day, take a moment to remember the long-standing involvement of Native Americans in our nation’s military history.

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

How to give back

to seniors in your community

T

he strongest communities tend to be those in which members make a concerted effort to give as much as they get. Giving back to one’s community can foster strong relationships with fellow residents and ensure that everyone, including the less fortunate, is in position to live happy, healthy lives.

Certain people in a community may be more vulnerable to issues that can adversely affect quality of life than others. For example, the National Institute on Aging notes that, as men and women age, many are alone more often than when they were younger, leaving them vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. Such feelings can prove very harmful to their health, potentially contributing to problems such as depression, cognitive decline and heart disease.

A

Volunteering to help the aging members of one’s community is a great way to give back, and such efforts can prove rewarding for both seniors and the volunteers who lend them a hand.

Pull an extra chair up to the dinner table.

Many a meaningful connection has been made and maintained over the dinner table. Breaking bread with a senior from your community is a great way to foster such connections and provide an avenue for social interaction for seniors. Seniors who live alone might not enjoy cooking for one each night, but they might jump at the chance to eat dinner with a neighbor and even help prepare the meal. Invite a senior over once per week, encouraging them to share stories about their lives as well as how the community has developed over the years.

Help seniors manage their finances.

Many seniors struggle to manage their

finances, as laws regarding taxes and investing are subject to routine changes. A little help in this area can go a long way for seniors. Adults who want to help but don’t know where to begin can do the legwork for their aging neighbors. Contact agencies such as AARP to determine if there are any financial assistance programs that can help seniors effectively manage their money and take advantage of agespecific perks, such as programs that may help seniors lower their energy costs.

Offer to help around the house. Seniors who reside in single-family homes may not be able to keep up with routine home maintenance. Neighbors who want to help can offer to mow the lawn,

tend to the landscaping and tidy up inside. Keep an eye open for other issues, such as clogged gutters, that can be fixed easily but prove costly if they go ignored.

Helping aging neighbors is a great way to give back and build strong communities.

Did you know?

ccording to United Nations Volunteers, global estimates indicate the number of volunteers worldwide at 970 million. When considering 2018 estimates from the U.N. that pegged the global population at just under 7.6 billion, that means that nearly oneeighth of the world volunteers in a given year. That’s good news for the health of the global population, as various studies have linked volunteering to health benefits such as lower rates of depression and a great sense of self-purpose. It’s also good news for charitable organizations, many of which would be unable to meet their missions or even operate at all without the assistance of volunteers. A study published by researchers at Johns Hopkins University estimated the hours contributed by volunteers were the equivalent of about 125 million full-time workers. Many charities operate on strict budgets, making the free contributions of their volunteers vital to their survival.

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Deductions and Donations:

What donors should know

G

iving to charity is a selfless act that’s worthy of recognition. That recognition can come in many forms, and donors should know that even the “tax man” likes to reward men and women who donate to charity.

Both the United States and Canada reward donors with tax credits. The financial services firm H&R Block notes that, in the United States, taxpayers can deduct donations made to qualified charities.

Such deductions must be itemized, but they can greatly reduce a person’s taxable income.

According to TurboTax®, Canada also has a generous tax credit system, rewarding taxpayers who donate to charity by giving them a credit that’s up to 29 percent of the amount donated at the federal level. In addition, taxpayers also may be entitled to an additional amount up to 24 percent depending on which province they call home.

Laws regarding donations and tax deductions can be difficult to understand, so donors should always An Expert in discuss their donations HOME with their financial Online Banking LOANS planners or tax preparers Serving the area for over 89 years. before filing their returns.

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regarding donations and deductions that can be useful to prospective donors.

Are all donations deductible?

H&R Block notes that, in the United States, donations must go to one of three types of groups in order to qualify for deductions.

Donations made to nonprofit religious groups, nonprofit educational groups and nonprofit charitable groups, which are often referred to as 501(c)(3) organizations, may qualify for deductions.

Does a donation have to be money in order for it to be deducted? -- Noncash donations are eligible for deductions in both the United States and Canada.

Do I need to get anything from the organization I donate to?

In most instances in the United States, H&R Block notes that charitable organizations must provide donors with certain information in order for donations to be deducted. A receipt that indicates the organization’s name and address and the date and location of the donation must be submitted. In addition, the amount of the donation when donating cash or, in the case of non-cash donations, a reasonably detailed description of the items donated.

Donating to charity is a selfless endeavor that may lead to rewards when donors file their tax returns.

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

GivingBACK

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

GivingBACK

What to give

in the wake of natural disasters N o region of the world is immune to natural disasters. According to the World Health Organization, natural disasters, which include earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, heat waves, and droughts, affect close to 160 million people worldwide.

Donations to relief organizations tend to spike considerably in the wake of natural disasters.

While relief organizations can certainly use such help, the organization Planet Aid, which works to bring about worldwide environmental and social progress, notes that donations during natural disasters can prove overwhelming for emergency responders and potentially even hamper their efforts to help those in need.

So what are well-intentioned men and women to do when compelled to help those affected by natural disasters? First and foremost, prospective donors should heed the calls of disaster relief organizations. For example, The Salvation Army notes that, after some disasters, they will appeal to people and businesses for donations of specific goods that can then be distributed to disaster survivors. These appeals might be based on reports from first responders who are on the ground in areas affected by natural disasters.

First responders can see what people are most in need of and then report those needs to relief organizations. Donors who answer these appeals can do a lot of good and provide immediate relief to people whose lives have been turned upside down.

Collection efforts in the wake of natural disasters also should be based on needs expressed by relief organizations. Shipping costs can be especially

high, and many relief organizations may not have the resources to arrange for items to be transported to regions in need of relief.

The Salvation Army notes that it is extremely rare that clothing, furniture and motor vehicles are needed during a disaster response. While such items can still prove invaluable to charitable organizations, donors who want to help people affected by natural disasters should know that these gifts are rarely the most effective way to lend a hand.

When compelled to give in the wake of a natural disaster, cash donations may be the most helpful gifts donors can send.

Cash won’t incur shipping costs or customs fees, and relief workers can use cash to purchase exactly what is needed in areas affected by disasters.

Natural disasters can strike at any time. Learning what to give in the wake of natural disasters can help donors do the most good for those in need.

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

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NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

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Answers: A. antique B. shop C. refinish D. bargain Answers: A. sweet B. seeds C. produce D. pick

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Easy ways to volunteer and give back to your community

M

illions of people across the globe volunteer every day. Without the selfless efforts of volunteers, many charities would be forced to cease operations. In fact, a 2017 study from the charitable community membership organization Independent Sector estimated that the labor provided by volunteers is worth roughly $193 billion per year in the United States alone.

But volunteering can be as beneficial for volunteers as it can for the organizations they help. For example, the Mayo Clinic Health System notes that research has indicated volunteering leads to lower rates of depression while providing individuals with a sense of purpose. Volunteering can be especially beneficial for adults over age 60, with the MCHS noting that older volunteers experience greater increases in life satisfaction and greater positive changes in their perceived health as a result of volunteering.

With so much to gain from volunteering, it’s no wonder that so many people across the globe volunteer. According to the United Nations Volunteers program, global estimates place the number of worldwide volunteers at 970

million. That’s nearly three times the population of the United States in 2018.

It’s never been easier to volunteer and begin helping your community. Adults and children who want to join the nearly one billion strong global volunteering community need not look far to get involved. The Corporation for National Community Service notes that the following are some easy ways to volunteer in your community.

• Serve meals at a local shelter or community kitchen.

• Sign up to work as a tutor or mentor with a local afterschool program.

• Help adults find the right professional opportunities by hosting a résumé writing/review workshop and conducting practice interview sessions.

• Work in conjuction with a local food pantry to organize a food donation drive.

• Volunteer to help the environment by working with local, state, or national park services to beautify parks and/or a local community garden.

• Work with a local emergency response organization to produce and distribute disaster-preparedness kits.

• Help fellow community members save money by collecting and sharing information about free tax-preparation services.

• Read to students or seniors- contact a local community or senior center.

• Volunteer at an animal shelter.

When it comes to volunteering, the opportunities are as endless as the benefits of giving back to your community.

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NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

GivingBACK

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

Thanksgiving centerpieces: ways to make your table-scape pop

Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year and looking for unique ways to dress up your table? If so, here are some centerpiece ideas that are sure to wow your guests.

STALKS OF WHEAT A Thanksgiving centerpiece made of wispy stalks of wheat can be both charmingly rustic and easy to assemble. Available in bunches from your local craft store, wrap the whole bundle of wheat you have in ribbon and place it in a vase of your choice. Or, forgo the ribbon and instead wrap small clusters of the stalks with brightly colored yarn or embroidery thread.

MODERN CORNUCOPIA Pile a variety of fruits, berries and nuts on a large platter for a play on the traditional Thanksgiving horn of plenty. Add autumnal touches by including a few small gourds and colorful leaves in the arrangement. If you prefer, you can arrange your centerpiece in several smaller bowls along the length of the table. Place them on a table runner for added impact.

LEAF-WRAPPED VOTIVES If you love the ambience of candlelight, this is the option for you. Gather some leaves from outside and adhere them to glass candle holders or vases using double sided tape. Make as many or as few as you want and arrange them in the middle of your table. To enhance visual interest, use candle holders of different heights and sizes.

These centerpieces are easy to assemble and make use of materials that you likely already have at home. Alternatively, your local florist will be happy to put together a festive fall arrangement for your table.

How to make a gratitude tree for Thanksgiving

Are you on the lookout for a craft to make with your family that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving? If so, consider creating a gratitude tree. Here’s what you need and how to do it.

MATERIALS • 3 or 4 branches (white birch works well) • A vase or other vessel to hold your gratitude tree • Sand or small stones • Construction paper • Scissors • Hole punch • String DIRECTIONS 1. In a vase, arrange the branches in a pleasing way. Fill the bottom with stones or sand to help keep them in place.

2. Using the scissors, cut the construction paper into leaf-shaped pieces. How many you make will depend on the number you want on your tree.

3. With the hole punch, make a

hole in each leaf.

4. Thread a piece of string through each hole.

5. Encourage your family members to draw or write down one thing they’re grateful for on each leaf.

6. Hang the leaves on the tree.

Afterwards, display your tree in your home or use it as a centerpiece during Thanksgiving dinner. Making a gratitude tree is a great way for families to come together and reflect on the meaning of the holiday.

Women’s clothing

• Blouse: $4 to $9 • Sweater: $4 to $13 • Pants: $4 to $23 • Dress: $6 to $28 • Two-piece suit: $10 to $96 • Handbag: $2 to $10 • Hat: $1 to $9 • Shoes: $3 to $30

Men’s clothing

• Shirt: $4 to $9 • Sweater: $4 to $6 • Pants: $4 to $23 • Two-piece suit: $5 to $96 • Shoes: $3 to $30 • Jacket: $10 to $45 • Overcoat: $3 to $9

Computer equipment • Battery back-up: $1.50 to $2 • Desktop computer: $20 to $50 • Keyboard: $0.30 to $10 • Laptop: $25 to $60 • Mouse: $0.30 to $5 • Printer: $1 to $10

Noncash donation value guide N

oncash donations can help charitable organizations just as much as financial gifts.

What’s more, noncash donations serve as a great way for generous men and women to help their favorite charities even whenthey do not have much cash to spare.

Charity Navigator, a widely utilized evaluator of charities that has helped millions of people make sound donation decisions, notes that most charities can only make use of items that are new, unused or nearly new. Gently used clothing that is free of stains and holes can be a great help to a charity such as Goodwill. Goodwill Northern New England offers the following guide to donors so they can get an idea of just how much their local Goodwill store may earn by selling items commonly donated by thoughtful men and women.

Children’s clothing • Shirt: $2 to $10 • Sweater: $2 to $10 • Pants/jeans: $2 to $10 • Dress: $2 to $10 • Shoes: $3 to $10 • Boots: $6 to $10 • Snowsuit: $2 to $10

Appliances

• Iron: $3 to $10 • Vacuum cleaner: $5 to $60 • Coffee maker: $5 to $10 • Radio: $1 to $10

Furniture

• Floor lamp: $8 to $34 • Sofa: $40 to $395 • Table lamp: $3 to $20 • Stuffed chair: $10 to $75 • Kitchen set: $35 to $135 • End table: $10 to $75 • Coffee table: $15 to $100 • Dresser: $20 to $80

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

GivingBACK

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

Sarah arah Josepha Hale: the Godmother of Thanksgiving in America Most of us know the tale of the first Thanksgiving in which pilgrims and Native Americans shared a sumptuous feast to celebrate the harvest. But have you ever heard of Sarah Josepha Hale, sometimes called the Godmother of Thanksgiving? Without this remarkable 19th-century American, Thanksgiving may not have ever become a national holiday.

Born in New Hampshire in 1788, Sarah Josepha Hale grew up celebrating Thanksgiving, which at the time was a holiday only recognized in some New England states. As a widow with five children, she started supporting her family by writing articles, short stories and novels and became the first American woman to serve as a magazine editor.

After becoming a successful writer and editor, Hale began a campaign to make Thanksgiving a nation-wide holiday.

She wrote countless editorials and letters to politicians arguing that a national holiday of Thanksgiving could help unify the country at a time when tensions were rising between the North and the South. She also published re-

cipes and encouraged Americans to celebrate the holiday with foods like turkey and pumpkin pie, which eventually became traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

In 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, Hale wrote directly to President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln liked Hale’s idea of a national day of Thanksgiving designed to bring the country together, and on October 3, 1863, he declared the last Thursday of November Thanksgiving Day. (It was later changed to the fourth Thursday in November.) Since then, Thanksgiving has remained a quintessential American holiday.

Where do our Thanksgiving traditions come from?

Do you know the origins of our Thanksgiving traditions? Check out the questions and answers below to discover the truth about about one of our most beloved national holidays.

WHY DO WE EAT TURKEY ON THANKSGIVING? Turkey probably wasn’t eaten at the first Thanksgiving when the pilgrims feasted with the Wampanoag people in 1621. However, when Thanksgiving started to become a popular holiday during the 19th and 20th centuries, turkey — along with cranberries, pumpkin and sweet potato — became typical items on Thanksgiving menus because they’re native to the Americas.

WHO WAS THE FIRST PRESIDENT TO PARDON A TURKEY? Live turkeys have been presented to presidents each Thanksgiving since Harry S. Truman was president in the 1940s. John F. Kennedy was the first president to pardon the turkey by sparing it from being killed for Thanksgiving dinner. Howe-

ver, it was only during the presidency of George H. W. Bush that it became an annual tradition for the president to pardon the turkey.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE? The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade occurred in 1924. In 1927, large animal-shaped balloons replaced live animals in the parade and have been a staple of the event ever since. Today, it’s the world’s largest parade.

HOW DID THE TRADITION OF WATCHING FOOTBALL ON THANKSGIVING BEGIN? As early as 1869, just a few years after Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, colleges began hosting annual football matches to celebrate the holiday. After the National Football League was founded in 1920, it started hosting annual Thanksgiving games. Today, the NFL hosts three games on the holiday Thursday, two of which always feature the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys.

Will you be joining the millions of Americans traveling this Thanksgiving? If so, brace yourself: from busy airports to congested roadways, the November long weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Here are some tips to make the journey a little easier.

• Give yourself time. Since you won’t be the only one heading out of town, make sure to leave early enough to catch your flight, avoid traffic jams and arrive on time for dinner at your destination.

• Be flexible. The Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are the busiest days to travel in November. If possible, arrange your schedule so that you don’t have to go anywhere on those days.

• Stay connected. Make sure your phone’s fully charged before you leave home. There are many travel apps that can make your trip easier, from those that provide airport information and real time updates on flights, to maps that’ll alert you to traffic jams and suggest alternative routes.

• Be prepared. If you’re flying, put all of your liquids in a clear baggie to avoid issues when passing through security. If you’re driving, be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand and an emergency preparedness kit that includes road flares, a first aid kit, phone chargers and blankets.

Above all else, try to enjoy yourself. If you get

5 reasons to sign up for a turkey trot

Running a turkey trot (a road race that occurs on Thanksgiving) is a great way to get moving before settling in for a day of watching football and feasting on your favorite dishes. Here are five reasons to go for it this year.

1. You could use the exercise. Did you know that the average American consumes 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving? And that doesn’t include drinks or dessert, which can add another 1,500 calories! A turkey trot will help you burn off at least a portion of what you consume.

2. You don’t take yourself too seriously.

frustrated, remember that Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what you have, including the freedom to get from one place to another safely, if not quickly.

When else will you have the opportunity to run a race while dressed as a turkey or a pilgrim? Some races even dole out a prize for best costume.

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3. You want to give back to the community. Most turkey trots are fundraisers for a particular charity or cause.

4. You’d like to win your dinner. Participants in some races will win a turkey for finishing the race first.

5. You’re big on tradition. Believe it or not, the first turkey trot was held in Buffalo, New York, in 1896. Since then, the tradition has spread across the country to make Thanksgiving the most popular race day in the country.

Whether you choose to run a mile or a full marathon, a turkey trot is a great tradition to adopt this Thanksgiving.

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NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

Stress-busting tips for traveling on Thanksgiving

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

Four kid-friendly activities for Thanksgiving It can be challenging to find activities to keep kids occupied during the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving weekend. Cooking, decorating and cleaning can take twice as long if your little ones are demanding your attention. Here are four ways to keep them entertained while you’re getting things done.

1. Holiday-themed crafts. Keep kids occupied by giving them Thanksgiving-themed art projects to work on. One simple and fun craft for younger children to make is a hand turkey. Ask your kids to trace one of their hands on a piece of paper and then turn the outline into a turkey, with the thumb as the turkey’s head and the fingers as feathers.

2. Thanksgiving cards. Ask your children to design holiday-themed cards for their family members, friends and teachers. Encourage them to write messages expressing how thankful they are to have these people in their lives and suggest they decorate the cards with fall or Thanksgiving-themed drawings.

3. Table decorations. Urge your children to help you set the table. In addition to putting out the place mats, dishes and silverware, kids can make decorative place cards for all the guests or even craft a creative centerpiece.

4. Cooking. Many kids love to help out in the kitchen, but it can be tough to find recipes that are

easy enough for them to follow. Get them involved in the cooking by giving them simple tasks to do like measuring out ingredients, tossing the salad and carrying food to the table.

1. Cool Whip on Pie, 2. Pineapple on Ham, 3. Mom’s Shirt Collar, 4. Grandma’s Drink, 5. Dad’s pocket, 6. Girl’s place mat, 7. Boy’s broccoli, 8. Gravy Bowel Handle and Spout

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

FIND 8 DIFFERENCES IN THESE TWO PICTURES

NOVEMBER 2019 FAMILY FOCUS

Don’t Miss December 2019 Family Focus Full of Christmas Ideas, Tips, and More

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