The Hamlet

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Published by Estrella Publishing

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All contents © 2010-present Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Some content is provided by Brandpointe. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the content of contributing writers and advertisers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.

2 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine November 2022
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From Me To You...

At this time of year I find myself sorting through things, reorganizing, re-homing, generally tidying up. I think it is the autumn. The thought of cooler weather (finally) puts me in the frame of mind to get things done. I decided to tackle my closet and let me tell you, it has led me on a merry chase. I began by getting rid of things that don’t fit, are worn out or just no longer bring me joy. Do you see where I am going with this? I did it. I tried, pretty unsuccessfully, to ‘KonMarie™’ my clothes. For anyone who has been living under a rock, Marie Kondo stirred the souls of many people with the promise of a streamlined home, and by extension, a way to streamline the rest of your life if you so choose. I stink at it. I started out with the best intentions. Anything that doesn’t fit - in the bag for donations. But what if I loose some weight? This was expensive. This has a sentimental attachment. This might fit one day.

After several false starts I managed to remove a couple of bags of clothes and was on to the fun part. Or so I thought. Folding! The recommended folding method reminds me of a

laundromat in New York. Way back in time, before kids and a mortgage and other important money drains, I used to send out my laundry to be washed and folded. In my defense we had no washer and the building’s laundry room was creepy, and I wanted to! The clothes came back in the most perfect, tiny squares. To this day I have no idea how they did it but it is reminiscent of the way Marie Kondo recommends you fold your clothes, before lovingly placing them in your closet.

So off I went on the folding adventure and after several false starts I had a beautiful, color co-ordinated (ahem, way to go the extra mile) drawer full of t-shirts. Then it hit me. I was going to have to do this FOREVER. I mean really, who has the time? My foray into a streamlined life was fun for a day or two, but who has the energy to maintain it?

Next year I think I will satisfy my autumn cravings with a pumpkin spice latte instead.

Editor, Estrella Publishing info@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

Catherine UretskyEstrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine November 2022 3

Fall Fitness

Falls have been a fact of life for each of us, ever since we took our first steps as infants. While often embarrassing and sometimes painful, as we get older, they may become more frequent with more serious consequences, including broken bones and hospitalization. More than one in three people aged 65 years or older falls each year, according to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging. Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide.

Many factors increase fall risk. Some may be obvious such as poor vision, unsupportive footwear and hazards in the home including stairs or surfaces that easily become slippery. But other factors may seem unrelated or change so slowly that we don’t notice the danger. These include difficulty hearing, single or combined medications that cause dizziness, and decreased lower body strength and ankle mobility.

Some of these issues are best addressed by a medical professional, but exercise can dramatically reduce the risk of falls and the consequences. By engaging in activities that improve balance and build strength, you can become less vulnerable to falls. Fortunately, senior fitness programs prioritize those very things.

While anyone can begin exercising at any time, it can be difficult to know where or how to start. Which activities are best? How do you know if you’re performing them correctly?

Fitness programs are a great solution because they offer a variety of ways to get active, but senior fitness programs offer the guidance that you need - the right activities at the right pace to maintain interest and prevent injury, where, when and how you want. As seniors, you have a unique set of physical and emotional needs, making activities that are offered in convenient community locations or from the comfort of home especially appealing. For older adults, the social component is often just as important and beneficial as the physical. With the right Medicare Advantage plan, joining a senior fitness program is easy. SilverSneakers is offered at no additional cost to members and serves members in all 50 states from more than 70 health plans. Medicare Advantage members can visit silversneakers.com to determine eligibility.

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Flu Season

The weather is beginning to cool and leaves are changing. Fall also usually brings flu season, a time when kids are more likely to get sick with flu. That’s why it’s important to get children a flu vaccine and help them fight flu, so they can do what they do - like having fun with friends! Is your family ready to fight flu? Which of the statements are true about protecting your children during flu season?

* Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold. Millions of children get sick with flu every year and thousands will be hospitalized as a result. Flu can lead to serious complications, like

inflammation of the heart and brain. While most children recover from flu within two weeks, some children can develop more serious illnesses like pneumonia.

* Vaccination is the best way to protect children against flu. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, ideally by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated after October can still provide children with important protection during most flu seasons. Some children 6 months through 8 years of age may need two doses for the best protection.

* Flu vaccines are updated every year to keep up with changing flu viruses. This season’s flu vaccines were updated from last season to better match the viruses currently circulating, which change year to year. Seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the four flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.

* Children still need to be vaccinated against flu even if they received a COVID-19 vaccine. While both flu and COVID-19 are potentially serious contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by two different viruses. It is important to stay up-to-date on both flu and COVID-19 vaccines to provide the best protection for children this winter.

All answers are true! Flu vaccines are safe, reduce your risk from flu, and are important to keep your child healthy. It’s important for parents to make sure their children are vaccinated against flu so kids are ready to fight flu this season. Learn more about flu and how to best protect children so they can enjoy all the season has to offer.

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623-398-5541

Veteran Dogs

Did you know that roughly 3.5 million military veterans suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder? There is hope for those who are impacted. Research shows that veterans with properly trained service dogs show lower symptoms of PTSD, reduced depression and increased social participation. This year, to highlight and celebrate the remarkable impact these dogs have on the daily lives of veterans, Dog Chow launched its first-ever Visible Impact Award in partnership with the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans.

Meet the five service dog finalists who are making life better for their veterans:

1. Bjorn - After U.S. Army Veteran Derek left his third inpatient treatment for attempted suicide, he knew he needed help to treat his complex PTSD. Everything changed when he met his service dog Bjorn, who helps him break out of negative thought spirals by interrupting flashbacks and thoughts of self-harm. At night, Bjorn sleeps with or on top of Derek to help him sleep and wakes him if he’s experiencing night terrors.

2. Ivy - U.S. Army Veteran Todd was on the brink of ending his life when a well-timed conversation with a fellow veteran inspired him to apply for a service dog to manage his PTSD. Ivy was the companion he needed. Ivy can smell changes in Todd’s body chemistry when he gets hypervigilant, angry or anxious in crowded social situations. She quickly moves to bring him back to the present by interrupting his train of thought.

3. Liberty - After an explosive went off under his Humvee outside Kirkuk, Iraq, Army Veteran Carlos’s life changed forever. Ten years after the incident, Carlos had trouble leaving his home and managing his PTSD symptoms. Since receiving his service dog, Liberty, Carlos has been able to enjoy everyday life again. Because of Liberty, Carlos was able to overcome his anxieties and attend a Los Angeles Dodgers

game. Liberty kept Carlos calm as they stood on the field and received a standing ovation from over 50,000 people.

4. Raphael - Constant panic and anxiety attacks made life a daily struggle for U.S. Air Force Veteran Bernard. Even on medication, Bernard’s PTSD caused him to become withdrawn and depressed, making simple tasks intolerable. Like other PTSD service dogs, Raphael performs a “standing hug” to give Bernard compression therapy when he begins to experience an anxiety or panic attack. This hugging works to place Bernard’s focus on Raphael instead of the anxiety trigger.

5. Trigger - After U.S. Navy Veteran Rebekah returned from service in 2011, she could not go out in public on her own. Luckily, her service dog, a rescued boxer mix named Trigger, helped reduce her PTSD symptoms. When out in public, Trigger always remains by Rebekah’s side, standing between her legs and decreasing her hypervigilance.

To learn more about these veterans and their service dogs visit DogChow.com/ Service.

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine November 2022 7

November is American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when excess glucose (sugar) builds up in the blood. It can cause numerous health problems if not properly managed. Some symptoms of diabetes may seem so insignificant that you may not even notice them for months or years – but being diagnosed early is key to a lifetime of better health.

If left untreated, long-term diabetes complications include cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the arteries, according to dietitian Katy Stemple, MDA, RDN, manager of the Abrazo Health Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program.

“The increase in diabetes in adults worldwide has quadrupled over the last few decades. The connection with heart and blood vessel damage is undeniable,” said Stemple. While there isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, the CDC says that losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can really help.

“Type 2 diabetes, which typically is diagnosed in adults and accounts for between 90-95% of all diagnosed cases, can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and kidney disease,” she explained. “In the last 20 years, the number of adults with diabetes has more than doubled as the American population has become more overweight or obese.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people living with diabetes, resulting in two-thirds of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes.

“The good news is that with proper exercise, diet and diabetes management, you can reduce your risk of getting cardiovascular disease and the complications that come with it,” noted Stemple.

For more information about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org. Submitted by Keith Jones, of Abrazo Health

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Diabetes

Medicare Enrollment

Have your health needs changed over the last year? Medicare plans can change every year, and your health situation can also change. That means your current plan might not meet your current needs. Medicare Annual Enrollment, which runs Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, is the perfect time to review your plan to make sure you have the right plan for your health needs at an affordable cost for the upcoming year. With inflation hitting people’s pocketbooks, reviewing your plan this year is more important than ever.

When researching Medicare plans, it’s important to ask yourself some basic questions. These can help you understand your unique health needs

and goals and choose a plan that will best help achieve them. It’s important to consider:

* Does the plan fit your budget? Review all the plan’s out-of-pocket costs. Your out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on which coverage you pick and your medical needs. Be sure to note the plan premium, but also check out the deductibles, copays and coinsurance you’d have to pay (this is what the plan requires you to pay when you use a particular service).

* Next, think about your current providers. Are your preferred doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network? That’s very important if you want to continue using them. This is a common area of confusion and dissatisfaction for beneficiariesthere are a lot of different Medicare Advantage plans and each have their own network. Does the plan allow you to access a non-network provider, for example?

* And don’t forget your prescription drugs. Find out if the prescription drugs you take are included under the plan and what you will have to pay for them. For example, some Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans offer certain medications with $0 copays (depending on their drug list and drug-tier levels). Drug lists can change every year, so you’ll want to check annually whether your prescription medications are still covered under your plan and what you will have to pay for them.

Medicare Annual Enrollment is your chance to make sure your plan fits your needs and budget. Visit NCOA or Aetna Medicare for more tips and guidance.

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine November 2022 9
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Yum Yum

Hot Cheesy Shrimp Dip

Thanksgiving is a time for relaxing with family & friends around the table ~ and indulging in a feast that spans the afternoon into evening! While every family has their traditions, I always include a seafood appetizer or chowder since most of my life was spent by the water.

When I lived on Cape Cod, I used lobster in this recipe since it was readily available ~ but shrimp is far easier to find in the desert in the frozen food section!! I always start with raw shrimp so I can cook it for 3 minutes in a pot of boiling water with 3 T Old Bay Seasoning for added flavor ~ but you can also use fully-cooked shrimp.

Serve this with pita chips or baguette slices. This

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp dry mustard

½ tsp kosher salt

recipe is a great “What Can

I Bring” solution ~ but don’t plan on having any leftovers to bring home!

Ingredients:

4 T unsalted butter

1 C tri-color peppers (red/ yellow/orange), finely chopped

C shallots, finely chopped

cloves garlic, minced

T flour

1 C heavy cream

C whole milk

1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

2 T sherry wine

1 C Gruyere cheese, shredded (or Swiss)

2 lbs cooked shrimp (I use 31-40 count, prepared as noted above)

1 T fresh parsley, chopped

1/3 C kettle cooked potato chips, crumbled

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray medium size casserole dish with nonstick spray ~ set aside.

In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter and saute peppers and shallots about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute; then add flour and cook 2 minutes more. Whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth.

Add Old Bay, paprika, mustard, salt, pepper, cayenne, and sherry. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens. Add cheese, shrimp & parsley and pour into prepared dish.

Sprinkle top with potato chips and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Submitted by Maureen Woods

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Energy Bills

Soaring energy prices equate to rising energy bills for households nationwide. This is a burden in particular for low-income people on a tight budget. No one should have to go without the energy necessary to heat and power their home, and now, thanks to numerous programs and incentives, there are more options to keep costs down for those that need it most. Consider these opportunities to make energy efficiency upgrades and help lower your energy bills and save money. Learn about these and other ways to save energy and money at energystar.gov/ SaveForGood.

Rebates and tax incentives

Through rebates and tax incentives, ENERGY STAR certified products are becoming more affordable while enabling customers to save on their monthly energy bills. For example, ENERGY STAR certified heat pumps are eligible for a $300 federal income tax credit for residential energy efficiency.

Ultra-efficient upgrades

When upgrading heating and cooling elements of the home, look for options with superior efficiency.

Support from local utilities

Local utilities may offer energy efficiency upgrade support for low-income customers. When available, these programs typically include a home energy assessment accompanied by direct install of energy-saving devices including ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats.

Weatherization assistance programs

Each U.S. state offers a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) available for households that qualify (such as those that already qualify for Supplemental Security Income, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and other income eligibility criteria). This program includes a home

energy assessment and help with weatherization upgrades, like attic insultation, and fixing or replacing old water heaters.

Low-income assistance programs

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers help with home repairs and upgrades based on household size and income. For example, a four-person household with an annual income of $39,750 would qualify for LIHEAP and could get a replacement for a broken heating and cooling system through this program.

The typical household spends nearly $1,900 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR appliances, you can save 24% or about $450 in household energy costs while helping prevent climate change. Those savings are on top of assistance programs, rebates and tax incentives that help keep every home comfortable while staying on budget. Learn more at energystar. gov/SaveForGood.

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Free Internet?

In the past few years, the United States has made significant progress in expanding access to high-speed internet. During the COVID-19 crisis, emergency relief rolled out for Americans who needed to stay connected from home. In the last two years, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the federal government has invested an unprecedented amount of money towards connectivity, including the launch of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a $30 monthly subsidy for home internet to qualifying households.

And while the resources are there, getting families online remains part of the challengemillions of Americans still remain unconnected at home, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“As a society, it is imperative that we work together to help people connect to the transformative power of the internet at home,” says Broderick Johnson, executive vice president of public policy and digital equity for Comcast Corporation.“The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for millions of Americans to get online for little to no cost, but connectivity is just the beginning. It’s critical for service providers like Comcast to continue to partner with nonprofit organizations across the country to deliver digital literacy skills training so more people can learn how to take full advantage of everything the internet has to offer.”

The ACP is a benefit program that helps ensure

every household can afford broadband connection. For eligible households, the program provides a credit of $30 per month toward internet service, or $75 per month for those on Tribal lands.

You are eligible to use ACP benefits if your income is 200 percent or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. When you apply, you may have to show proof of income. You are also eligible if you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs:

* Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

* Medicaid

* Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

* Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

* Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

* Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

* Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools

* Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

You can learn more about the qualifications at AffordableConnectivity.gov.

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine November 2022 13

Dependency

What’s the difference between dependence, codependence and interdependence?

Dependence is a state in which one person relies on another for support in some area(s). For some, their very existence seems contingent on someone else’s. In other cases, the dependent may be subordinate to the other party in the dynamic. Sense of self is absent.

Codependence is a term for a pattern of relating in which a person puts the needs of others before his own. In other words, he gives others power over his feelings and well-being. He allows them to be in charge, to have control. His self-worth is based on what he can do for or be to others. It can seem like a mutually beneficial relationship, but in the end, neither the “getter” nor the “giver” learns to take care of himself

and develop appropriate, internally-based selfesteem. Sense of self is distorted.

Interdependence involves a true mutually beneficial relationship or partnership wherein both parties influence each other in healthy ways. Thus, one party can influence the other’s emotions, actions, thoughts and wellbeing. The difference from codependence is a matter of degree: some power over vs. nearly complete power over, influence vs. control. Healthy couples are interdependent in that they allow themselves to be influenced by each other. This is a sign of mutual respect and understanding. Sense of self is present.

DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional.

Submitted by Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist. For the full article and more, visit www.doctorbellingrodt.com.

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Samurai Sudoku

samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills.

solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9

digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box.

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine November 2022 15
This
To
grid: each
Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com Difficulty: Hard Saturday, 15th October 2022 6 5 9 6 2 1 6 3 6 8 7 3 5 8 2 1 5 7 1 2 4 7 7 6 8 5 8 3 3 2 4 9 7 6 3 5 7 1 6 5 9 3 1 6 9 4 2 7 5 9 5 3 8 3 1 8 1 7 5 2 4 1 9 6 3 8 5 2 4 8 1 5 4 1 6 9 1 2 4 9 2 6 9 5 7 3 6 7 4 8 1 2 1 6 2 3 8 6 9 4 8 9 7 6 3 1 2 7 5 8 2 8 www.samurai-sudoku.com
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