It’s A Grand Life
May 2017
1
2 It’s A Grand Life
May 2017
It’s A Grand Life
May 2017
3
From Me To You... Welcome! to the May edition of It’s A Grand Life magazine.
I went to the mailbox with a sense of anticipation, a feeling similar to childhood birthdays washed over me. What would I get? Would I like it? Would it change my life? I am sure you too have seen or enjoyed the recent rash of subscription box services that have popped up. You can subscribe to a box of make up, clothing, dog toys even your family dinners. Some of these are time savers, others just pander to our childhood love of presents. Because that is what it feels like. Sure I put down my credit card to enjoy this present, but someone else picked it out for me and took the time to wrap it and send it to my door. I will admit that I have, in the past, enjoyed a box of food that I wanted to use to expand my family’s dinner repertoire. The measured and decanted oils and vegetables promised a new experience that we could all enjoy making together. That lasted for the first meal. My imagined evenings of bonding over cooking and sharing meals we prepared together fell to the wayside as the food languished in the
fridge. The box delivered on its promises but what it did not give me was more time and energy to gather the troops and organise the cooking project. Plus, some of those meals were downright weird. As for the box of dog treats and toys... Well that always delighted my four-legged friend, and he pretty much ate everything that arrived (toys included). The downside of that particular box is that now he thinks every package is his and goes nuts trying to get at my Amazon deliveries. Will I subscribe again? I am sure I will. After all, who doesn’t love getting a present in the mail? As always, our magazines are not associated with any HOA and are not produced using any of your fees. Please patronize our advertisers, after all they are the reason you get this magazine for free every month!
Catherine Uretsky Editor, It’s A Grand Life Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
Estrella Publishing is a proud member of the Surprise & Peoria Chambers of Commerce and Local First Arizona. We are holding our Cutest Pet in Sun City competition this month. If you have the cutest pet in all the land email a high resolution picture to info@estrellapublishing.com. If you want to send in an actual physical picture you can mail it to us at Estrella Publishing, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ, 85338. Photos cannot be returned so make sure it is a copy! Please note that you are a Sun City Grand resident and we will send you a photo waiver to fill out. All entries should be sent by May 15th to be considered for the prize and our winner will be featured on a future cover. Good Luck!
4 It’s A Grand Life
May 2017
Where To Look 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 © 2009-2017 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. 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.
Best Advice ~ pg 6 Best At Any Age Furry Friends ~ pg 7 Rattlesnakes! Health Care Costs ~ pg 9 Reduce Your Spending Living With Faith ~ pg 10 Mothers’ Day Life As A Caregiver ~ pg 12 Face Reality Business Directory ~ pg 13
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
It’s A Grand Life
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
Puzzles And Games ~ pg 14 Mothers’ Day Games
May 2017
5
The Best Advice
5 simple steps to be your best at any age
They say you’re only as young as you feel, and if you’re an older American, the ability to feel young a little while longer is always appealing. Having a youthful state of mind goes a long way toward accomplishing this goal, but you can’t ignore the importance of solid physical health. To improve your physical and mental health and prove age is just a number, apply these five tips from Mayo Clinic today. * Find the perfect interval. If you’ve never participated in high-intensity interval training before, here’s a compelling reason to start. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found high-intensity aerobic exercise actually reversed some cellular aspects of aging. The research also found that the exercise improved muscle proteins, enlarged muscles and increased energy levels. * The benefit of brain games. A sharp mind is every bit as important as a healthy body, and exercising your brain can be a lot of fun. Spend time learning new things on the internet, enroll in a class for that craft you’ve always wanted to master, go out with friends or sit down and play a board game. All of these activities can greatly improve your mental health. For example, a Mayo Clinic study found playing games decreased a person’s risk of mild cognitive impairment by 22 percent making this enjoyable activity healthy as well.
* The importance of sleep. A good night’s sleep offers health benefits at any age, but getting enough rest can be more difficult as you get older. To get a better night’s sleep, review your medications with your doctor to see if anything is impacting your rest. You should also try to limit your daytime napping (just 10 to 20 minutes per day is best) and avoid alcohol, caffeine or even water within a couple hours before bedtime. * Focus on your sexual health. This topic may not be as widely discussed as your physical or mental health, but it is no less important. Men should talk to their doctors about their lessening testosterone levels, which drop about 1 percent per year after age 30. Women may experience a similar drop in estrogen levels as well and should consult their doctor for treatment options. Don’t be shy about discussing sexual health issues with your doctor, from STDs to annual checkups, having a thorough understanding of your current sexual health - and what you need to do to protect or improve it - will benefit every other part of your life. With aging comes new challenges and the need to be more vigilant in maintaining your overall wellbeing. By incorporating some of the tips above from the experts at Mayo Clinic, you’ll make sure the best years of your life are still to come. You can learn more about improving your health at any age through the advice offered in Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging, or visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthylifestyle for more healthy lifestyle ideas.
* Supplementing your health. Health supplements should never completely replace whole food offerings, but they may offer you real health value as well. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, supplements may be ideal for vegans and vegetarians or those who consume less than 1,600 calories per day. People with a condition affecting the way their body absorbs nutrients and those who have had surgery on their digestive tract should also speak with their doctor about supplements that may improve their overall health.
6 It’s A Grand Life
May 2017
There are plenty of reasons to love summers in Arizona… pool parties, less traffic, Chase Field’s retractable roof… to name a few. Yet with the Arizona heat, there are some summer safety tips you may want to take into consideration, especially pertaining to your furry friends. Rattlesnakes are a hot topic (pun intended) for this season. Rattlesnakes tend to be more active in the spring when they first come out of hibernation and in the late summer, early fall when they breed. They typically find shade on sunny days, coming out at dusk when the temperatures are cooler. Rattlesnakes cannot hear you but are alerted to your presence through the vibrations of your step. Dogs can be trained to stay away from rattlesnakes. Community Paws offers Rattlesnake Training each Spring. This year, there were 39 canine graduates. If you missed this informative training, check out www.ViperVoidance.com for upcoming sessions. Never, ever leave your fur-friends in the car, not even for a quick coffee stop. It only takes minutes for your car’s internal temperature to quickly rise. Heatstroke can lead to brain damage or death.
It’s A Grand Life
Furry Friends
Leaving the windows down does not help. If you see an animal in a car exhibiting signs of heat stress, call your local animal control or police department immediately and take the following steps: 1. Get the vehicle’s license number and enter the nearest store or business to request an emergency announcement be made about a pet left in a hot car. 2. Go back and wait for help to arrive at the vehicle. Think Fluffy needs a summer haircut? Not necessarily… It may even make him more susceptible to being sunburned. Dogs’ coats protect their skin, from the hot summer heat. When considering sunscreen, ask your vet, as humangrade sunscreen may not be the best option. All in all, make sure your family pets have access to plenty of fresh water, shade, and are wearing proper ID tags at all times. Consider buying your dog his very own kiddie pool for your backyard too… that’s a sure way to beat the summer heat! Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws, W Valley resident
May 2017
7
8 It’s A Grand Life
May 2017
Health Care Costs Tips to reduce your health care expenses Health care costs are in the news all the time. You hear about them at work and when you’re with friends and family. The comments are always the same. Health care is getting more and more expensive and it seems to be outpacing the money you make. Fortunately you’re not helpless when it comes to controlling your health care costs. While some treatments simply have to be done in order to support your health, there are other things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones while looking out for your pocketbook at the same time. Employ these five tips today and you’ll enjoy the care you need without breaking your budget. * Focus on your health first. When it comes to controlling your health care expenses, you actually have more control than you think - a lot more. The decisions you make every day - what to eat, whether or not to smoke, how much to exercise all play a dramatic role in your overall health. So take charge, dine on fruits and vegetables, take a run and kick that nicotine habit for good. Each of these little decisions will benefit your health and your budget. * Be decisive with your deductible. Your insurance deductible is a fixed cost and one you’ll pay every single year Check out our Golf Shop! PAR 3 Great Apparel, Headwear, 18 Hole before receiving Bags, Putters, Etc. with the Walking Course network coverage Best Prices Around. support. But once 18 HOLES 9 HOLES it’s paid, you’ll enjoy the full 00 00 $ $ PLUS PLUS coverage of your TAX TAX plan. Thus, if you May 1 - October 31, 2017 Appropriate Golf Attire Required have another SUN VILLAGE Golf Course is a Surprise treatment or Business Hall of Fame “Best of Surprise” winner 10 years in a row! procedure coming Call or visit sunvillage.org to set up Tee Times up, don’t put it off any longer 623-584-5774 than you have Playing 18 Holes to. Undergoing Doesn’t Take All Day! additional On Average procedures in the 2 1/2 Hours! same year means 17300 N. Sun Village Parkway, Surprise, Arizona 85374 you get more Bell Road, one block west of Litchfield
Sun Village Golf
13
10
It’s A Grand Life
coverage while paying only one deductible. Many health plans also cover preventive services in full, without going against a deductible. * Be smart about where you go for care. While health care facilities across the country are all capable of delivering compassionate, quality care, they are not all priced the same. According to a Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report, 29.8 percent of emergency room visits were for conditions that could have been treated in retail clinics. The same research also found consumers saved money on out-of-pocket costs by visiting retail clinics for routine services when compared to doctor’s offices, and the visits were much more inexpensive than receiving the same treatment in the emergency room, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. * Ask questions. Your provider may know best, but it’s all about your health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, not only about the procedure itself, but about the price of the procedure and if there is anything you can do to reduce the expense. Sometimes there may be something you can do on your own that supports your health and lessens your costs at the same time. * Embrace an HSA. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a cost-effective way for people who don’t use a lot of health care services, to access care and pay for services up until they reach their deductible. Plus the money you save in your HSA can be used to pay for co-insurance payments or co-pays at your doctor’s office, and it’s also an eligible tax write off, opening the door to further savings. There are ways you can manage your health care spending. Follow the tips above and be an active participant in your role as a health care consumer and you’ll be surprised at how much you save. To learn more about the The Health of America Report, visit www.bcbs.com/healthofamerica.
May 2017
9
Living With Faith There is nothing sweeter than a mother’s love. In fact, there is nothing more precious than the attachment that began in the womb and was then drawn into light, still attached. And when the cord is severed a different connection materializes: loyalty, devotion and affection. That is what is known as a mother’s love. In the Bible, Sarah, the mother of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, gives birth to Isaac in the winter of her life, a time when all things sleep and wither and even die. Her immortality was ensured because she completed her role in determining the future of the human experience that was woven in the promise of a relationship with the Divine. In the ancient writings there is a story, emphasizing this connection, about a dialogue between Sarah and an image of her son Isaac in which she inquires about the happening with his father Abraham. Isaac relates the whole episode of how Abraham took him to the top of a mountain, built an altar, arranged the wood, bound him and took a knife to slaughter him. And then God prevented this from happening. Before the dialogue ends, Sarah dies. There is nothing more heartrending then to witness the death of a child. It is not hard to imagine the despair she felt. Not only had she sacrificed so much to give birth to Isaac, but also now she saw her dreams of the future shattered in an instant of uncompromising faith. The binding of her son was more that her heart could carry. This detail of a mother’s anguish and pain speaks to the suffering we all experience as we journey through
life, trying to find our purpose for being. Yet we must all answer the Divine in us. Some more than others. Some with sacrifices beyond imagination. Sarah talks to me in a way that no other human being can. She represents the goodness and kindness and love that a mother has not only for her own but also for all of humanity. Her lesson for us is simple: Sometimes we go through experiences that require us to search for new meanings because of disappointment, a tragedy or an illness, not being able to communicate with a loved one because of something that really is insignificant. And then like Sarah, we are no more. It is a broken heart that finally creates the need for her story to be told, and particularly at this time of the year when we remember our mothers. The call to sacrifice Isaac was not a test of faith but rather a calling to a higher purpose. It wasn’t the sacrifice of a person that was its message but an entrance to a spiritual awakening: to love each other and treat each other with dignity and to stand in awe of each other. Sarah could not cope with the thought that God would want such a sacrifice. Her knowledge that human relationships are the foundation of creation causes her to doubt, and it is this doubt that causes her defeat. And this defeat she could not reconcile with her faith. Yes, there is a chapter set aside in the Bible called “The life of Sarah,” because from the moment she dies, Abraham changes and understands that faith in God requires a human vision of life. Perhaps that is the lesson we should take with us on this Mother’s Day. Life is not death. Life is to live. And a mother’s love brought us to this understanding. Happy Mother’s Day to all. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
10 It’s A Grand Life
May 2017
SMALL SPACES
Big-impact ideas for small patio spaces Do you have a small patio? Do you think you can’t do much with the space due to its size? There’s probably a lot more potential than you think. From the influx of urban dwellers, empty-nesters in transition and even the tiny-home movement, the trend of downsizing continues across the United States. Contrary to popular belief, you can have an impressive patio even if you have a smaller abode. Here are a few design ideas to help bring your limited patio area to life while maximizing the space: Rugs Add visual interest under foot with a patterned rug. A rug properly placed under a table can break up a smaller floor, giving the illusion of more square footage. Colored rugs are readily available in a variety of designs. Pick your favorite striped, chevron or paisley variety and see what a difference it makes. Water features The natural elegance, gentle gurgle and sparkle of a flowing water feature can add a sense of peacefulness to any patio. For smaller spaces, easily turn a decorative waterproof container or planter into a beckoning water feature by simply adding water and a smartpond Low Water Shut-off Fountain Pump. This smart pump automatically shuts off if the water becomes too low, preventing pump burnout. It’s also a great replacement pump option to revive a decorative premade fountain that has quit working. Think vertical To get the most out of a limited space, think upward instead of It’s A Grand Life
outward. Hanging plants are a classic option, but vertical wall gardens are a top trend that’s sure to be a conversation starter. You’ll enjoy plenty of greenery but also open floor space for your furniture, water feature and entertaining to ensure a welcoming area for hosting summer parties.
Built-ins To get the most out of every inch of your petite patio, look for furniture and features that multitask to help save space while maximizing functionality. An easy solution is to opt for a table that opens to become a cooler for beverages or a bench to hold blankets and other patio extras. Just remember to keep scale in mind so you don’t overwhelm your space with massive furniture. Mixing materials Matching is out for 2017, so forget about perfectly paired combos and explore a variety of decor. A great way to try this trend is to add visual interest by experimenting with different materials. Inject your own personality through various finishes. One example: consider setting black resin pots next to a handwoven wicker for an eclectic blend of textures. Vibrant colors Don’t make the mistake of thinking a small space must have muted colors. Vibrant hues inject energy and style, often making a small patio feel larger than it is in real life. From ocean blues to ferocious fuchsia, an accent pillow here and a throw blanket there will transform your space dramatically. From DIY water features to vertical gardens, a small patio doesn’t have to be short on style or functionality. Let these top trends guide you to create a space you’ll enjoy all year long.
May 2017
11
Life As A Caregiver Face Reality
Mom has shown numerous changes since we’ve been in Arizona these last four years. But especially in the last year. Deteriorating changes. When we first moved here, she was able to do various activities in spite of her condition: word puzzles, fold laundry, wash the dishes, do a little ironing, and set the table. She really was into the tv shows she liked and laughed out loud at their stories. But now, there has been what seems to be a consistent decline. She is getting very hard of hearing which makes things even more challenging. She does none of the above-mentioned activities and her focus in general is short and scattered. She now must be told what to do: like brush her teeth, wash her hands, flush the toilet and what clothes to put on. And when told to do these things, she must be told several times because she forgets. Because her focus has diminished, she gets lost in the tv programs and becomes oblivious to all that surrounds her. But what she STILL has is her sense of humor, her ability to laugh at funny things and have interesting conversations. Her opinions are still strong. And so is her love for Buddy…and me. She tells me how much she loves me all the time. I think what I miss the most throughout this journey is her inability to remember what is going on in MY life: where I’ve been or what I’ve done, if I’ve been sick, if I’ve met someone new. The things we used to share all the time. That is the hardest part! Holidays really don’t matter to her any longer because one day is just like all the rest…even if there is celebration. She doesn’t remember. And frankly, that breaks my heart! But we celebrate anyway!
have fallen; some have been attacked. That would probably send me over the edge if something like that happened to my mother. So the doctor and I felt that locking her inside was for her own safety (and my piece-of-mind)…especially since she sleeps most of the day, doesn’t walk steadily any longer and lives in a stucco building (with little or no chance of fire). It might sound harsh, but she feels safe and isn’t scared that someone might open the door and come in. The main point to all of this is to know what to expect as a family member battles through Alzheimer’s disease. This is happening to my mother. But, in addition to our elders, it could happen to your husband, your wife, your sister or your brother. Knowing what to do and understanding what you will be faced with in the future can help both your family member AND you! Be prepared….to the best of your ability. Denial is NOT your friend! Submitted by Kathy Linton, Sun City Grand Resident
Anne Yost (623) 692-9563 Joe Wristen (480) 369-5804 Full Time REALTORS® and Residents
Home Warranty with a Sale or Purchase. www.yostrealtyteam.com
Here is a big decision the doctor and I made together. Everyone’s situation is different, of course. But what he and I both felt was best for mom was to lock her inside her casita when she’s there alone. One of the characteristics of Alzheimer’s is wandering. Fortunately, mom doesn’t have the tendency to wander. But if she did, that would be a horrible thing to deal with. There are so many stories about elders with Alzheimer’s walking aimlessly through their neighborhoods (or beyond), often in their pajamas, not knowing where they are, how they got there or how to get back home. Some
12 It’s A Grand Life
May 2017
Business Directory CONSULTING SERVICES Estrella Partners Group
623.594.9283
FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES Edward Jones - Chris Carlton Goldsmith Law Signature Documents Succentrix Business Advisors
623.386.1940 480.322.1088 623.974.2272 623.594.9615
HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY A Tender Dental Care Active Life Pain Center Alycan Design Medspa Sunridge Dental Care
623.556.2828 623.535.9777 602.368.8413 623.544.0700
General Exterminating JBS Roofing LJ Designs Studio Miracle Methods of Phoenix Super Green Solutions The Window Cleaner AZ
623.329.5170 623.628.5558 623.556.8378
REAL ESTATE
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Bullfrog’s Garage Doors Door Pros
Arizona Premier Realty Yost Team
623.977.2100 623.247.9252 623.332.1060 623.772.8600 480.485.8498 623.738.6064
623.692.9563
RECREATION Sun Village Golf
623.584.5774
RETAIL SERVICES Budget Blinds of Gooodyear Foot Solutions Kyle’s Shoes Steel Shield Security Doors
It’s A Grand Life
480.629.8854 623.536.6676 623.584.1445 623.977.3277
May 2017
13
Puzzles & Games Sudoku for May
Sudoku Solution
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
1
7
3
9
4
6
9
4
8 5 3
2
8
3
9
8
6
2
1
5
5
7
3
1
4
6
5 4 8 2 1 6 7
6 5 7 3 8 2 9
4 6 5 9 2 7 8
2 3 4 8 6 9 1
9 2 1 7 3 4 5
14 It’s A Grand Life
3
7
8
1
1
8
7
5
4
3
5
1
3
3
9
6
7
4
4
5
8
6
2
4
2
6
1
8
7
3
1
9
4
5
2
3
8
2
1
9
5
8
7
2
5
3
8 7
6
May 2017
Serving the Valley for Over 30 Years!
“Let Our Family Cover Yours” New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Installation of Gutters & Attic Insulation Shingles, Tile, Built Up, Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake We’re Here To Answer Your Questions. Give Us A Call!
623.247.9252 It’s A Grand Life
www.JBSroofingAZ.com
May 2017
15
16 It’s A Grand Life
May 2017