The Hamlet

�e Hamlet ® A magazine for Palm Valley residents

From your neighbors, for your neighbors Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

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Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor

Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec

Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com 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 and Family Features. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers 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.

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

From Me To You...

Does anyone else have a hard time writing 2021 as the current year? I catch myself every time I have to write a check or note the date. It seems as though I didn’t get to use 2020 much so switching to 2021 seems... disloyal?

We all lost so much last year, time is one of the smallest to think about but perhaps one of the biggest to wrap our heads around. We not only lost time, but all the things we were planning on using that time for. Momentous birthdays were swept under the rug. Graduations were virtual.

Time itself seemed to stretch and bend. The world was at once creeping along at a snail’s pace and also racing towards some unknown destination.

Time is not just a space from one moment to another, it is also something you can give. Time to heal, time to think, time to grow. The grace of time to make mistakes and learn. Time to become something more, something better.

As a parent there are many moments where the gift of time is all that your child needs to figure out a way forwards. I try to model that behavior as my own children become older. The impulse as a Mom is to rush forwards and help, ease the way and prevent our offspring from making easily avoidable mistakes. I think that is not doing them any favors. If they do not fail, how can they learn to overcome life’s trials and tribulations?

One day you will not be there to jump in front of them when a problem arises, and if they have not learned to cope on their own already it will be that much harder without guidance.

I have a friend who is struggling with her health.

She probably doesn’t have much time left on this Earth, and watching her vibrancy slipping away is almost unbearable. Her time is cut short and there is no fairness in that. Her time to live, watch her children grow and thrive. Her time to age gracefully, see the grey hair and wrinkles mark the passing of time. Her time to be. I am a planner and a do-er. I want to rush in and organize her life and tie up all the threads I see hanging around her. Things she should do for her family, things she should do for herself. But. It is not my life and not my time to decide how to use. The best gift I can give her is the time to do what she wants. To spend or squander the time she has remaining in whichever way she chooses. And that is hard. But it is right.

I urge you all to think about the time we have been given and decide how you want to spend it. Otherwise it will just rush past, and by the time you decide it may be too late.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Estrella Publishing info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283

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April 2021

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

Routine Checkups COVID-19 has caused many disruptions in families’ lives - and in some cases, it has meant that children have missed or delayed their wellness checkups and vaccinations. These routine checkups, however, are a critical part of ensuring children stay healthy. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations - even during COVID-19.

Well-child visits are essential. At these appointments you can track your child’s developmental milestones, discuss any concerns about your child’s health, and get your child vaccinated to help protect them from 14 serious diseases.

“We know it has been challenging for parents to manage so many responsibilities during this pandemic,” said Lee Beers, MD, FAAP, president of the AAP. “But now is the time to get your children caught up on their immunizations and well visits, and your pediatrician wants to help.

As things open back up, children will need the protection that vaccinations give them.”

Getting vaccinated following the recommended schedule allows children to build immunity before they may be exposed to potentially lifethreatening diseases. Many doctors’ offices and clinics are taking steps to ensure your safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19, including: * Scheduling sick visits and well-child visits during different times of the day Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

* Limiting the number of people in waiting rooms * Offering sick visits and well-child visits in different locations * Providing curbside visits or mobile vaccination options There are resources available about regular checkups and routine vaccinations during this time that will help answer your questions, such as: Which vaccines does my child need?

Check out CDC’s easy-toread childhood immunization schedule to see the vaccines recommended for each age and the diseases they prevent. If your child missed a vaccine, they should be caught up as soon as possible using CDC’s catchup immunization schedule.

Are routine childhood vaccines safe?

Vaccines are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages at the recommended doses.

Did you know your child could get free vaccines?

Vaccines for Children can help. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines to children who qualify. About half of American children younger than 19 years old receive VFC vaccines. Ask your doctor if you qualify.

During these challenging times, remember that you have the power to keep your child healthy by keeping any scheduled appointments for wellchild visits and rescheduling appointments that may have been missed.

To learn more about keeping your child healthy, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/ vaccination-during-COVID-19.html.

April 2021

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Hot Water

You’re likely thinking of improvements from a new perspective after spending more time at home. Because spaces are being utilized in different ways and utilities are getting used more frequently, you want smart upgrades that make life easier and more convenient. That’s why tankless water heaters are gaining popularity.

Traditional versus tankless

A cold shower. Washing your hands in a chilly stream from the faucet. Having to wait to do dishes because there’s no more hot water.

The problem with traditional water heaters is they have a holding tank that heats a specific amount of water. When that water is not being used, it sits there being heated, which wastes energy. On the flip side, when in use, when the hot water is gone, it’s gone. It doesn’t matter if you’re mid-shower, mid-bath or mid-laundry load.

A tankless water heater solves these problems, making it both a logical and luxurious home improvement. Tankless water heaters are popular in homes throughout Europe, plus they are commonly used in spas or other facilities in the U.S. due to the benefits of ondemand and endless hot water. They are slowly gaining popularity in U.S. homes as Americans are becoming more energy-conscious and discovering the many efficient advantages over conventional types of water heating.

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Top reasons to go tankless

Efficient and environmentally friendly: Tankless heaters flash-heat water when you need it, and turn off as soon as you turn off the faucet or shower. That means water is heated instantly and heated only when you need it. Tankless heaters are designed to save energy, which saves you money and protects the environment. For example, Thermalux tankless water heaters, on average, help reduce up to 118,000 tons of CO2 emissions a year.

Constant hot water without the waste: With a tankless water heater, you get to enjoy an endless stream of hot water because it’s heated through a compact yet powerful system that mounts on a wall. Once the demand for hot water no longer exists, the tankless water heater automatically shuts down and stops using energy. Choose the right size tankless and you’ll always have hot water when your family needs it.

Small size equals significant space savings: Usually about the size of a carry-on luggage bag, tankless water heaters can help you reclaim space compared with large tank-type heaters.

These compact systems can be conveniently located in a utility room, garage, attic, basement or closet.

Cleaner water: Traditional tank water heaters can build rust and sediment inside the tank after years of use. This material can end up in the water that you use in your home. Since tankless options do not store water and heat it only on demand, you get fresh, clean water every time without worries of sediment.

Lower costs: The upfront cost of getting a tankless can be defrayed thanks to possible local, state and federal tax credits. Check out energystar.gov for more information. Once installed, a tankless will help lower your energy bills, helping you to further save money.

Finally, tankless water heaters have double the lifespan of their tank-style counterparts, which significantly impacts savings over time.

With new demands on a home’s comfort and its systems, a tankless water heater is a smart investment that will pay off for years to come.

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

Necessary Surgery If you need surgery during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you may wonder what the procedure and recovery will be like. You may even be tempted to put it on hold. Prioritizing your health is important, and the good news is experts agree surgical procedures in the United States are safe.

“It is very safe to have surgery, especially with all of the precautions in place,” said Beverly K. Philip, M.D., FACA, FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

“Surgeons, physician anesthesiologists and other providers caring for patients wear extensive personal protective equipment and assess each patient to ensure they receive the safest and most appropriate care.”

ASA recommends talking with your health care team about any concerns you have. ASA are providing answers to some common questions you may ask ahead of your surgery:

Should I wait until I’m vaccinated before having surgery?

If you are eligible for vaccination and are having non-emergency surgery such as hip or knee replacement, it may be wise to get vaccinated first.

Have rules for waiting rooms and mask-wearing changed forever?

The days of large families gathered in waiting rooms are likely gone. Some hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers don’t allow anyone to wait at the facility. Some hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers allow one person to wait for their loved one in a waiting room with socially distanced rules.

Although the pandemic has created the need for more rules and guidelines, it’s important to remember surgery and health care in general are safe.

Will I need a COVID-19 test before surgery?

It is likely you will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test before surgery for the foreseeable future. If you need emergency surgery and you test positive or your results aren’t available quickly, your health care providers will perform the procedure, but will take extra precautions, such as enhanced PPE and placing you in quarantine for recovery.

Does COVID-19 or the vaccine interfere with anesthesia?

There is no evidence that either COVID-19 or the vaccine interferes with anesthesia.

However, because surgery is stressful on the body and temporarily puts extra strain on your immune system, you should wait until you are fully recovered from COVID-19 or you are fully immunized after vaccination before proceeding with surgery.

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

Green Thumb Gardening saw record growth in 2020 and experts expect many more people will be digging in the dirt again this spring. From “Victory” vegetable gardens to balcony containers, outdoor gathering spaces and mood-lifting landscapes, gardening is providing an outlet during the pandemic. With all that expansion and enthusiasm comes the need for inspiration and advice.

The National Garden Bureau was founded in 1920 in the wake of World War I, when an increasing number of suburbanites needed basic backyard gardening instruction. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide education to motivate people to enjoy plants, from indoor houseplants to outdoor gardens.

How do they do it? One way is with their ‘Year of’ program. Each year the National Garden Bureau

selects one annual, one perennial, one bulb crop, one edible and one shrub as their ‘Year of the’ crops. One of the more popular picks for 2021 is The Year of the Sunflower. If there was ever a time where we needed to add some sunshine to the world, it’s now. Sunflowers add bright, cheery color to the garden, and they’re extremely easy to grow. They’re simple to start from seed, or you can purchase new potted varieties that promise multiple blooms throughout the season.

Planting sunflowers, hibiscus, hyacinth, monarda and other easy-to-grow flowers can help add color and curb appeal, but they also add natural beauty to outdoor gathering spaces, another COVID-19 world trend.

Need more information or inspiration for your garden this year? Visit NGB.org.

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

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Fun @ Home

Cold weather paired with stay-at-home orders means families across the country have been spending more time at home. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together and make memories in the process. No matter what your household size or the variety of ages that live in your home, there is plenty to do without leaving the house.

Try interactive games: When you’re not sure what to play, ask Alexa. The smart device is your gateway to countless great games like Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Deal or No Deal, Escape the Room and classics like Pac-Man, The Floor is Lava, Clue, Twister, Simon Says and Mads Libs if you’re feeling nostalgic. Plan a family game night, stock up on favorite snacks and have some fun. It’s a challenge to try something new you’ve never played before and you might be surprised to see who wins!

Backwards day: Sometimes the opposite can be more fun, so plan a backwards day and do everything in reverse. Young children really enjoy doing activities like wearing sweatshirts backward or eating breakfast for dinner.

Look at family photographs: Get a little sentimental by spending some time looking at images of your family over the years. While some of this can easily be accessed on your phone, don’t limit yourself. Dust off old photo albums and have fun trying to guess who is who and sharing memories with younger generations.

If you have an Echo Show, you can say “Alexa, show my photos” to view your photos.

Try new recipes: Extra time at home means extra time for trying new foods and recipes. Whether it’s cookbooks in your home or asking Alexa to show you a new recipe on your Echo Show, have everyone pick out a few they want to try and then plan a day each week to cook them together. Another idea is to choose theme weeks and cook to match your theme.

Catch up on your favorite podcasts: Looking for a new podcast to listen to or want to catch up on your favorites? Alexa has you covered! Just ask Alexa to play the podcast of your choice or if you need inspiration on what podcast to listen to just say “Alexa, recommend a podcast” and sit back and relax.

Have a dance party: Play some tunes and show off your best moves with a family dance party for smiles all around. You can even have a multiroom dance party when you play music across multiple Alexa Devices. Simply use the app to create a Multi-Room Music group and ask to play your favorite music.

Music sharing: Want to share a song with your family and friends to let them know you’re thinking about them? Alexa can help with that!

Sharing music with your loved ones is as easy as saying “Alexa, share this song with Claire.” The person you’ve sent the song to can listen on their Echo device and send back a reaction. What better way to discover new music.

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

Is Your Doctor Ready?

The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people think about healthcare. Interacting with your doctor has never been more critical, but now some or all those interactions might occur online.

The ability to make appointments online and see your physician without leaving home has benefits. As telehealth use grows and patients have come to expect more online services from their doctors, it’s important to ask your doctor about available tools to help you stay connected and save time.

NextGen Healthcare experts suggest you ask your doctor about: * Online patient access: How does their patient portal work, and what features does it offer?

Can you easily send a message to your doctor, request a prescription refill, access your personal health records, and view lab results online?

* Online appointments: Can you schedule your own appointments online? Can you view your appointment history and/or modify existing appointments? * Virtual visits: Do they offer virtual video visits (aka telehealth) for situations that don’t require an in-person office visit (e.g., refill requests, lab results, or follow-up appointments)? Are they using a secure and HIPAA-compliant telehealth system? * Online bill pay: Can you see your balance and pay a bill electronically without having to call or send payment in the mail?

People are comfortable shopping online from their smartphones, tablets or computers. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, video chats with friends and family skyrocketed in every age category. Software platforms enable us to do almost anything from the comfort of home, and the same expectation now applies to healthcare.

There’s no doubt that the patient experience will continue to evolve beyond the confines of a traditional office setting. This growth of consumerism also means you have more choices for where and how you receive healthcare, and this will likely impact how you choose a doctor in the future.

Your health is your top possession. Stay connected to your doctor and take an active role in your own health by ensuring your doctor’s practice offers digital patient engagement tools that make it easy for you to stay on top of your healthcare. Through technology, doctors and patients can be more aligned for even better overall health outcomes. NextGen Healthcare’s award-winning ambulatory software platforms enables a more seamless and efficient experience that helps improve the providerpatient relationship.

Learn more at www.nextgen.com.

Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

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Healthy Life Choices Do you want to be healthier and have a new outlook on life? Making your health a priority may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these easy steps to get you started on your health journey.

Drink More Water While you may be tired of being told to drink more water, it is essential for your body and can promote your health in many different ways. Staying hydrated can help lower your blood pressure, aid digestion and improve your physical performance. Drinking water can also help with weight loss, whether consumed before a meal or replacing sugary drinks and sodas.

According to a 2018 study, dehydration can also lead to depression, proving that water benefits are not just physical.

Prioritize Mental Health After a challenging year like 2020, it is essential to maintain your mental health as much as you do your physical health. Health and wellness counselors can help, too. Programs like InSHAPE® from Southwest Behavioral & Health

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Services promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. They allow participants to hold themselves accountable with weekly sessions and quarterly assessments with free, certified health mentors.

Health programs like InSHAPE go deeper by not only making participants more mindful of their health choices but boosting their confidence and improving their self-esteem as well. These improvements can significantly impact other parts of their life. Members have said that the program has helped them beat addiction, pursue a career, and feel physically and mentally healthy.

Eat Breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s not just for kids. Regardless of your age, breakfast is vital for brainpower, can improve weight control, and makes you less hungry throughout the day. The most significant benefit of eating breakfast is the energy boost. While it can be hard to get out of bed in the morning, having breakfast helps fight off sluggishness and jumpstarts your day. While you may feel like you never have enough time for breakfast in the morning, there is an abundance of easy and fast breakfast recipes available online.

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Your health can be tricky to navigate, and significant changes can be overwhelming. Remember to start small and build your way up over time. If you need any help along the way, we’re here for you.

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

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April 2021

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Easter Maze

Puzzles & Games

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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

April 2021

Samurai Sudoku for April This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. There are 5 overlapping grids with one unique solution. Each of 4 corners are shaded. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard every each digitlogic from 1 toThere 9 can appear once This samurai sudoku puzzle sudoku is a great rules way tofor engage the9x9 braingrid: and help develop skills. areonly 5 overlapping grids in with onerow, unique solution.

Each3x3 of 4box. corners are shaded. solve this are Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 every column and Good Luck! To Solutions on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

Samurai Sudoku Puzzle #14

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

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Samurai sudoku grid, symmetric, beginner No 14 Created: Estrellahttps://www.sudoku-puzzles-online.com Publishing - The Hamlet magazine

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April 2021

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April 2021