The Hamlet

Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor

623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive

623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

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From Me To You...

As another summer winds down and schools start back up for the fall did you find any relaxation in the last few months? I look back at the summer and see many people trying to cram as much as possible into their ‘free time’, when the children are home for long stretches and the days lengthen into endless possibilities.

But do you really gain anything from all that forced activity? There is value in slowing down, taking it one day at a time, really appreciating the moments. This is probably the last year we will see our children come home for the summer and although I know there are many things we could have done we chose to just focus on a few things. We rewatched all the Indiana Jones movies in anticipation of seeing the latest (and most likely last) installment of the franchise. We set the goal of playing all the Indiana Jones Lego Wii games and getting the highest scores

possible. We are taking a float down the Salt River with friends, and that is about it.

To be honest that sounds like heaven to me. Having raced through so many summers ferrying kids from one summer camp to another. Making play dates at the pool and water parks, trying to have the ‘best time’ is it really achievable anyway?

We took a trip to Disney World a few years ago and I planned every second of that trip. After 2 miserable days of forcing the kids from one ride to another I realized that there was no way to see everything so why was I making everyone stressed and miserable? At that point I gave up control and allowed the children to lead the way. Did they ride the Muppets 3D ride over and over again? Yes. Did they have the best time doing that? Absolutely!

I am so looking forward to my float trip in a few days, we can relax and catch up without social media or the pressure of having to be anywhere else. And in the meantime I think I will attack my ‘to-be-read’ pile of books; making a dent in that is as much pressure as anyone should have in the summer.

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

Are You a Chameleon?

Our perceptions, outlook and even personality are often influenced by the situations and people in our lives. If we too often morph to become what others want, though, we’re not being true to ourselves, and this chameleon behavior comes with consequences. If you think this might be you, I invite you to take a look inside and ask yourself some questions:

• Are the changes I make positive or negative?

• Do the changes I make serve me personally in a good way or are they done just for the benefit of others?

• What kind of energy do I carry around with me? Do I feel down more often than not?

• What kind of vibe do I put out to others? Am I more like a ray of sunshine or a dark cloud when I’m with people?

• If I could step outside myself, how would I describe me?

• How would I describe the people in my life to someone else? Do they build me up, encourage me, support me; or are they negative people who bring me down or surround me with cynicism?

If most of your answers are in the wrong direction, it’s time for a change. It’s very possible that some of the changes you’ve made as a function of being around others are good, they’ve made you happier or made you a better person in some way. Other times, people in our path are there to remind us how not to be.

The bottom line is that you should feel good about who you are whether you are by yourself, with one person or in a crowd. If you don’t, you may need to do the following:

• Eliminate toxic people from your life.

• Do the work to learn to love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin.

• Decrease the demands on your time that stress you out and make you an unhappy or even angry person.

• Stop changing in ways you don’t like or for people who are not your priority.

• Set boundaries.

It’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff. Ultimately, you want to ensure that your thoughts and behavior align with your personal priorities and goals.

Submitted by Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.

Diabetes & Heart Health

Diabetes and heart disease have a direct connection, with the diabetic up to four times more likely to die from heart attack. The good news? It’s manageable, even preventable.

High blood sugar is a known risk factor of heart disease, just like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol increase the risk. It’s common knowledge. Because it increases fatty material inside of our blood vessels, the danger of blockage is increased, along with the risk of heart attack or stroke. The vessels also become stiff and hard, making it easier for the fats to stick to the walls of the blood vessels. When a fat deposit hits a curve on its way into the heart, it’s more likely to cause a pile-up of other deposits behind it, much like a car accident at a freeway stack. But there’s another risk most aren’t aware of. Those with diabetes tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than those without the condition.

Diabetes has some rather frightening implications, but Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Blood sugar levels can be reduced with healthier eating choices, increased physical activity and medications if necessary. Walking or running are great examples of physical activity, and a great place to stretch those legs is at Sun Health Foundation’s 5K for Women’s Health on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Surprise Stadium. Participation not only supports your health and

the women you love but also benefits diabetes prevention education and self-management programs through Sun Health Wellness. To register, visit SunHealthFoundation.org/5K

So why is it important to support diabetes prevention and management programs for women? Diabetes is a serious health concern for women. Did you know that nearly 1 in every 9 adult women is living with diabetes and that a diabetes diagnosis raises women’s risk of heart disease FOUR TIMES? Preventing diabetes is critical, although when that’s not possible, management is the key to prolonging life. Keeping the women in our lives informed and supported is positively life changing.

Submitted by Barbara Mason, Sun Health Vice President of Home and Community Based Services

We Need You!

Helping Others Together Community Foundation (HOT) is looking for YOU!

HOT is an Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of neighbors, businesses, and friends who care about struggling children and their families in the West Valley. During the holiday season, HOT’s Sugar Plum Fairies program creates magical Christmases by providing wrapped gifts of clothing, hygiene essentials, toys for the children, and grocery gift cards for the parents.

Since HOT’s inception in 2019, 400 children have benefited from the Sugar Plum Fairies program. It is estimated that between 250-275 children will be selected as recipients this year.

HOT is a 100% volunteer organization. We cannot do what we do without the generous donation of time by our volunteers. And HOT is looking for volunteers! Whether you choose to organize our fundraising events, shop for the children, coordinate auction activities, have a

knack for decorating, or serve on a number of other committees, HOT needs YOU!

Check out the number of volunteer opportunities available now. You’ll be inspired by your time with other HOT volunteers, and have fun too!

Scan here to learn more -

Genuinely yours, Susanna Bressner Community Outreach Team Lead

Email: susannab@HOTCommunityFoundation. org

Phone: (217) 377-7254

Website: HOTCommunityFoundation.org

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The Bug Guy

Ah, August in the West Valley. The scorching sun, the melting pavement, and the delightful company of every pest imaginable. It’s like a summer party where the guests never leave! But fear not, because we have the superheroes of pest control ready to save the day. And let me tell you, their hilarious encounters with these critters are truly a sight to behold.

First up on the list of unwanted guests are the relentless ants. These tiny troops invade with bold confidence, acting like they own the place. But little do they know; the pest control experts are ready to put on their tactical gear and engage in the battle of a lifetime. It’s like watching a miniature ant war, complete with tiny ant-sized tanks and strategic maneuvers. The pest control professionals march in, armed with their arsenal of ant-killing sprays and gels, shouting, “For the glory of ant free living!” It’s a comical sight that will leave you rooting for the humans in this epic clash of ant vs. exterminator.

Do not forget about the most audacious guest of all – the dreaded scorpion. These stingers

seem to have an uncanny ability to appear out of thin air, sending chills down our spines. Yet, the pest control professionals fearlessly enter the battlefield armed with Flowzone Typhoon 2.5 backpacks. It’s like witnessing a bizarre version of Ghostbusters, where the exterminators are equipped with proton packs specifically designed to kill these arachnid villains. And just when you think they’ve caught them all, one sneaky scorpion manages to escape, resulting in a chase scene worthy of an action-comedy film.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the comedic side of pest control. Our brave exterminators embrace the heat as they fulfill their role as pest-fighting comedians, turning what could be a nightmare-worthy situation into a sidesplitting spectacle. With their ingenious gadgets, amusing battle cries, and comic mishaps, they can transform the battle against pests into a source of laughter and amusement. So whenever those unwanted visitors come knocking at your door this August, remember to call upon the help of our pest control heroes. Sit back, watch the show, and let the laugh-filled battle against pests light up your summer days. After all, laughter is the best defense against even the peskiest of intruders!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

What Is A Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an uncommon sound that your doctor may hear between heartbeats. The human heartbeat sounds like “lub-dub,” while heart murmurs produce a swishing or a whooshing sound. In adults, abnormal heart murmurs are usually linked to heart valve problems, diseases or infections. In children, it may be caused by birth defects or congenital heart malformations, which may be corrected with surgery.

Innocent or functional heart murmurs are neither dangerous nor life-threatening. It occurs when your blood flows quicker through the heart than normal. You may experience a heart murmur if you’re anemic, if you’re pregnant, when you’re exercising or doing a physical activity, if you have fever, if you have hyperthyroidism or if you’re a teenager whose body is growing fast.

If you have innocent heart murmurs, you are less likely to experience symptoms. On the other hand, if you have abnormal heart murmurs, symptoms may vary on the cause. But some of its most common symptoms include:

• A cough that won’t go away

• Blue skin around your lips and/or fingertips

• Chest pain

• Decreased tolerance for physical activity

• Dizziness

• Excessive sweating (even without exercising)

• Episodes of rapid heartbeat

• Fainting

• Shortness of breath

• Symptoms of heart failure (at its worst)

For innocent heart murmurs, patients may not need any treatment. For some cases of abnormal heart murmur, you may need to take medications, such as those that may help lower your blood pressure, may help lower your cholesterol levels or anti-coagulants that may help prevent blood clots from forming. If the cause of your heart murmur is a hole in your heart or if your heart valves need to be replaced, you may need surgery, such as a valve repair or valve replacement. Some other non-surgical options may also be recommended by your physician.

Heart murmurs may be harmless and may go away on their own, but some cases require treatment as they may be a sign of a serious heart condition. If you are experiencing heart murmur symptoms, please see a heart doctor, learn more about the root cause of your condition and get the treatment you may need.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Back To School Prep

There’s something special about this time of year, no matter how old you are - with plenty of excitement and anticipation as the next school year approaches, mixed with just a little anxiety about the upcoming changes. Parents and kids of all ages, especially those who are collegebound, can sometimes feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to happen to be ready for this big transition. Fortunately, you can make preparing for the upcoming academic year a lot easier with some tips and tools to help everyone stay on track during the shift from summer to school mode.

1. Tackle time management

One of the biggest shifts from the lazy days of summer back to school again is keeping on top of everyone’s schedules. A tried-and-true tactic is to create and post one big family calendar where everyone can see it. That way everyone can add their appointments, extracurricular activities and upcoming events so the whole family knows what to plan for and look forward to each week. Try using color-coded markers so everyone knows

which events are for which family member.

2. Make mealtimes easier

Preparing nutritious meals for kids takes some advance planning, so it’s a good idea to print out a useful tool like a printable meal chart from TwoPeasAndTheirPod.com. Involve kids in the planning by asking what they want to eat for each meal, while introducing different colors based on each of the food groups to show them what a balanced meal looks like.

3. Get ready for the move to campus

For college students, the move away from home can be a real test of their organizational abilities. Help ensure they’ll have what they need by printing a list of everything they think they’ll have to pack for the big move. Once their list is complete, they can print out their finalized list for shopping and crossing off items they’ve already purchased. They can also help reduce the homesickness they’re bound to feel their first year away from home by printing out pictures of beloved family members (and pets) from their phone so they can always have loved ones with them, while also making a welcome addition to their dorm room decor.

With these tools and tactics, you should all feel better prepared for the changes to comehelping you and your kids make the transition seamlessly, no matter what the new school year brings.

Yum Yum

Taco Puffs

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min. YIELD: 8 servings.

I got this Taco Puffs recipe from a friend years ago. I still make these cheesy sandwiches regularly for dinner alongside a steaming bowl of soup or a fresh green salad. Any leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch. A helpful hint: Plain refrigerated biscuits seal together better than buttermilk types.

—Jan Schmid, Hibbing, Minnesota

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1envelope taco seasoning

2 tubes (16.3 ounces each) large refrigerated flaky biscuits

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Cool slightly.

2. Flatten half the biscuits into 4-in. circles; arrange on greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Spoon 1/4 cup meat mixture onto each circle; sprinkle each with 1/4 cup cheese. Flatten remaining biscuits; place over filling and pinch edges to seal tightly.

3. Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes.

Splish Splash

Bath time can sometimes feel like a daunting experience, especially for first-time parents. But bath time with your little ones is so much more than just another chore on the list. It provides parents the opportunity to bond with their child while making sure they’re happy and clean. With some expert advice you can turn bath time into a happy, developmental activity for the whole family. Bath time expert Ashley Sousa, registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation

Consultant and Baby Magic ambassador, shares her top tips to help create a fun and relaxing bath time experience for babies and parents.

1. Choose the right bath time

Routine is essential to baby’s health. A daily routine helps baby transition into a rhythm, which in turn, helps them to feel comfortable and secure. You can help your baby expect bath time by selecting a time in the day when they’re most relaxed and happy. Once you find a time that works best for your family, do your best to stick to it.

2. Create a bath time ritual

Establishing a bath time ritual creates cues that let your little one know it’s time to relax while you bathe them. As the tub fills, begin play time with your baby so they associate bath time with fun time. After a bath, dress them in their pajamas and enjoy some cuddle time so your little one feels calm and relaxed before you tuck them in.

3. Integrate bath toys

Babies love playing with toys, especially in the bathtub. Toys like rubber ducks, squirt toys or water scoops can make bath time fun and stimulating for baby. Having dedicated bath toys builds positive association with bath time so that your baby looks forward to getting squeaky clean. Be sure to pick out age-appropriate toys that are safe for your baby to use in water. Changing up bath toys from time to time can help keep them engaged during a bath.

4. Soothe fears with bubbles

Water can be a scary element for babies. The sound, temperature and sense of floating can startle them, making them feel unsettled or scared. Help soothe your little one’s fears by adding a playful element like bubbles.

5. Sing, talk and bond

Bath time is the perfect opportunity to bond with your little one. Talking and singing to them while they bathe can help them feel secure, entertained and loved. Try singing nursery rhymes, telling stories or simply talking to your baby. Your presence and voice will help them relax and make the time a more enjoyable experience. The sound of your voice will help you and your baby bond and create cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Exercising these five tips can make bath time a fun part of your daily routine with your baby.

Samurai Sudoku

This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com