It’s A Grand Life
June 2017
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June 2017
It’s A Grand Life
June 2017
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From Me To You... Welcome! to the June edition of It’s A Grand Life magazine.
Inroducing Toby our runner up for Cutest Pet in Sun City Grand! Isn’t he adorable? Next month we have our winner so stay tuned! Looking outside my window one day last week I was shocked to see mass destruction in my front yard. OK, perhaps not mass destruction, but something had been having a wild old time in my rocks, and had pushed most of them into the sidewalk. I was immediately incensed. How could someone walk their dog and allow it to make such a mess on someone else’s property? Operation “Cease and Desist” was on! Step One: Surveillance I began to watch our security cameras vigilantly, seeking the culprit. I was thwarted at every turn, the minute I was distracted the rock would be disturbed. I thought I had the miscreant one day but it was just an elderly gentleman walking his dog without a leash. OK I know that is not allowed but he was so old and frail that I worried for his health if I yelled at him.
Step Two: Deterrence Off to Lowes I went. Bear Pee, Animal Away, you name it, I bought it. If this animal could not be caught I would make the area so noxious that it would find a better place to mess around. And boy, is that stuff foul. As I was spreading it among my rocks the wind picked up and I accidentally inhaled some of the dust. 10 minutes later with my eyes still streaming I had managed to get the coughing under control... no worries, I was sure that anything that disgusting would solve the problem. Nope. Those critters were not giving up! A couple of days later as I ran out of the house to pick up my child from school I saw them. Quail! Quail? That was the problem? Apparently so. The adorable birds with the feather bobbing on top of its head, the cute families that scatter across the road in a demented line of what seems like 20 babies, that was my vandal. A quick Google search revealed the answer. Dust baths. The quail are amongst a group of birds who dig holes in the rocks and wallow in the dust they create, it binds to dirt and oil on their feathers and falls away. I have resigned myself to waiting until quail season is over and in the meantime I can comfort myself with the fact that I probably have the cleanest quail in the neighborhood. 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.
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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 day 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.
Anne Yost (623) 692-9563 Joe Wristen (480) 369-5804
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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Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
It’s A Grand Life
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
June 2017
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Transportation safety How seniors can maintain independence outside the home
It can be hard to admit your vision isn’t what it used to be, especially when it comes to driving. Maybe you’ve noticed some difficulties reading traffic signals, or you’ve found it challenging to drive at night. If you’re a family member noticing these warning signs in a loved one, pointing out these challenges may seem like a daunting and delicate undertaking. But when it comes to being on the road, safety is one thing you can’t ignore. Encouraging your loved one to prioritize safety can be hard, especially when it feels like their independence is at stake. That’s why it’s important to have an open and honest discussion to determine the best options for maintaining independence outside the home. Step 1: Address driver safety Vision is the most important sense for driving safety. Annual vision screening is important for everyone, but it is especially critical for older people, since the sensory data used for driving is predominantly visual. For seniors still able to drive, a defensive driving class can be beneficial. These classes allow students to brush up on skills while gaining confidence and introduce them to alternative transportation options for the times and locations of their preference. What’s more, many insurance companies provide discounts to seniors who complete these courses. Giving up driving doesn’t have to mean choosing between all or nothing. For example, start limiting driving to daylight only, non-rush-hour periods. Then look into supplementary transportation options that eliminate the need to drive while still allowing you to get where you need to go.
Rides in Sight is a nationwide, online database of senior transportation options built by ITNAmerica, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sustainable transportation options for seniors. Visit www.ridesinsight.org and enter basic information like your state or zip code, and you can find the ride option that’s best for your situation. If you prefer to access information by phone, call 1-855-60-RIDES (1-855-607-4337). Rides in Sight makes it easy to find customized transportation, no matter what a person’s needs. For example, you can find wheelchair accessible transportation options or door-to-door driver assistance if that’s what you need. Step 3: Implement a trial period Giving up the keys is easier if you do it over a period of time. Pick a date and schedule your first ride with a transportation service during a time you normally drive. Any change takes time to adapt to, so try it out for a while before reassessing and making any necessary adjustments. After this trial period, you should feel more comfortable with someone else driving you, and you get to be in control of your mobility. For older Americans, it’s important to be able to maintain independence when they limit or stop driving. When they are encouraged to create their own driving transition plan, more emphasis can be placed on finding new passions and activities to engage with their communities. The result is a positive impact on people of all ages. To have that impact, reliable, secure transportation is essential. Having the necessary conversations and researching appropriate transportation options helps keep everyone happy, healthy and safe.
Step 2: Research transportation options It’s important to educate yourself or your loved one about locally available transportation options for seniors. When you know there are reliable, costeffective transportation options available, it can help maintain a high level of independence for a trip to the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment.
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It’s almost monsoon season here in Arizona. I hear it will be raining toads soon – Sonoran Desert toads that is! I thought the scorpions and rattlesnakes were enough! While these unassuming nocturnal amphibians do ingest large amounts of pesky bugs, they also come with an invisible warning tag-- a potentially deadly neurotoxin quietly tucked away in their glands. If picked up or mouthed, Sonoran Desert Toads will emit a potent toxin that, if ingested, is capable of deadly harm. Predator or playful pup, these large toads know no difference. While keeping your dog inside after dark is ideal, these toads have a way of popping up in obscure places. These persistent toads have been known to scale a fence or two with ease. They also enjoy hanging out in swimming pools as they call out to their mates. If you see your pet mouthing or ingesting one of these toads, please watch for these signs: • mouth irritation • bright red gums • excessive drooling • seizures • weakness and collapse • vomiting or diarrhea
It’s A Grand Life
Furry Friends
Unfortunately the Sonoran Desert Toad’s toxin is not just toxic, it is also hallucinogenic. Rapid intervention is life saving. Following these steps can greatly reduce the health risks for your beloved pet: 1. Wash your pet’s mouth out with water. This can be done using a garden hose for larger dogs, and the kitchen sink for smaller ones. Keep your pet’s head pointing downward and rinse thoroughly for 10-15 minutes. It’s important to note that you want a steady, gentle flow of water across the mouth – the water should be flowing out the front of your pet’s mouth. This prevents any water from going down your pet’s throat. Rubbing your pet’s gums and wiping of its nose further helps to remove any toxic residue. 2. Seek immediate care at your local vet or emergency hospital. Additional medications or fluids may be needed to ensure optimal health for your pet. By following these immediate actions, most pets respond positively within a couple of hours of treatment. Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws, West Valley resident
June 2017
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Your Health Need care today? Here are 4 choices to try before the emergency room
care, made even more so because it is covered by most insurance providers.
A health concern rarely strikes when it’s convenient for you, and in most cases it occurs at the worst possible time. When you need care and don’t have time to schedule an appointment, what do you do?
Retail clinics Otherwise known as walk-in clinics, retail clinics are commonly found in supermarkets or pharmacies and specialize in treating less serious conditions than urgent care centers or emergency rooms. If you have a minor illness or you need preventative care, like a vaccination, then a retail clinic is a logical stop for you.
You head to the emergency room, of course. You wait in the long ER lines and pay the hefty bill that concludes your visit, all for a non-emergency situation that required immediate treatment. It’s hardly the most efficient solution, and while your health is certainly your most important concern, there are ways to receive the same quality care without the long wait and extravagant expense of an emergency room visit. Considering the three C’s Years ago the emergency room was your only option when you needed immediate care, but today’s health care market is home to a number of flourishing alternative options. To find the right solution for your situation, consider the three C’s: care, convenience and cost. * Care: Evaluate the severity of your symptoms and identify what services you need. An emergency issue should always be treated at the ER, but if the problem is not life- or limb-threatening, it can be treated somewhere else. * Convenience: It’s a good idea to know what health care facilities are near you, as well as their hours of operation. * Cost: Not every provider will be covered by your insurance, so it’s important to understand your coverage area as well as your pre-authorization requirements. Finding the best health care option for you If you face a serious health issue, you should head to the emergency room immediately. However, if the issue merits immediate care but is not life- or limb-threatening, the Urgent Care Association of America offers this quick guide to your on-demand health care options.
Telemedicine A product of the digital age, telemedicine connects patients with providers via virtual visits, resulting in lower costs and decreased travel time. Telemedicine services are an attractive option if you live in a rural community or for times when the treatment you require does not extend beyond a consultation. They are also a handy tool for followup appointments that do not require an in-person visit. On-site clinics Finally, you may consider an on-site clinic. This option is now offered by many employers as a way of providing increased health care access to their employees. Similar to retail clinics, an on-site clinic specializes in offering wellness and preventative services - though the specific services offered by each clinic may vary. Finding the best solution for you You’ve read all the care options above and you have a pretty good idea of the best solution for any care need. Match that need with the right treatment option above and you’ll receive the same quality care without the long wait and hefty bill of that emergency room visit. To find an urgent care center near you, visit www. whereisurgentcare.com.
Urgent care centers Urgent care centers are equipped to handle illnesses and injuries that require X-rays, intravenous fluids and/or on-site lab tests. With an emphasis on convenience, urgent care offers short wait times - often 30 minutes or less compared to four hours in the emergency room - and affordable It’s A Grand Life
June 2017
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Living With Faith Optimism
All too often we are faced with issues that can, boggle the mind and cause anguish and despair. We are witnesses to unimaginable horrors. People are murdered. People are exiled. People are displaced from their homes. Anyone who can muster any type of hope for the future is certainly hard pressed to do so. Yet, there are people who still cling to the belief that with an optimistic approach to life, all will be right. Not long ago I read an article listing “six little stories” in which the value of life and its blessings are depicted attending to our need for confidence and assurance: There was a village where people gathered together to pray for rain. On that day the whole town showed up, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That, my friends, is FAITH. When you throw a baby in the air, he or she will laugh because they understand you will catch them. That’s TRUST. As we journey further into life we go to bed not knowing if we will see the next sunrise, but still we set our alarm to wake us up. That’s HOPE.
We see suffering and misery, but still we get married and have children. That is LOVE. And, then there was an old man who had written on his shirt, “I am not 80 years old. I am sweet 16 with 64 years of experience.” That is ATTITUDE. We all have doubts and fears. Our country seems to be lost in some uncontrollable tailspin. The world has gotten away from us. We look at our neighbors with suspicion. Our identity is lost somewhere in the past. Still we celebrate holidays and life cycle events because we have confidence that all will be right. We sit next to each other in our church or synagogue, sing our hymns, mouth our prayers, and feel the love we have for each other. Most of all, we leave these sacred places with the attitude that we can and will be better people. Some will ask, “As we age what is there to hope for, or feel optimistic about? For that matter what kind of love is left for us, or, perhaps what is faith? As we progress in age, these questions preoccupy us to the point of despair. That is, if we allow them.
Here is something to dwell on; our vibrancy may have been diminished, but not our enthusiasm; we may not be as spry as we once were, but we know that we can take that next step; we have As time marches on we make plans in spite of not determination to complete our journey with heads knowing if there is a future. That is CONFIDENCE. held high because we have and continue to contribute to the value of life; we have confidence in ourselves – even though we go through periods Check out our Golf Shop! PAR 3 of doubt; most of all, we are hopeful Great Apparel, Headwear, 18 Hole – remembering what we were and Bags, Putters, Etc. with the Walking Course Best Prices Around. excited about what we mean to 18 HOLES 9 HOLES others. We can feel good about ourselves 00 00 $ $ because our attitude tells us that we PLUS PLUS TAX TAX are relevant – as relevant as we were May 1 - October 31, 2017 Appropriate Golf Attire Required yesterday, and even more relevant SUN VILLAGE Golf Course is a Surprise tomorrow.
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Faith, trust, confidence, love, attitude – all the ingredients necessary for a life of fulfillment. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
June 2017
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It’s A Grand Life
June 2017
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Life As A Caregiver Food and Meds
I guess in one sense, my mom and I are lucky that she doesn’t take ANY meds at all…other than her half-pill-a-day Aricept for Alzheimer’s. Now, what that says is that she is in good health for an 88 year-old woman, except for those horrible chronic headaches and the Alzheimer’s itself. But, she doesn’t have heart issues, or circulations problems, etc., that usually plague our elders. On the one hand, that’s good, because she used to take an arsenal of meds for her headaches until we all learned (including the doctors) that they were dangerous and, after a while, useless. On the other hand, it also means that she could go on and on with Alzheimer’s for a long time. I am positive THAT would not be good. There are several Alzheimer’s drugs that people take. The most common is Aricept, but there is Razadyne and Exelon, as well. All they really do is possibly slow down the process. None of the drugs out there today do anything to stop it…or even attempt to cure it. For us, Aricept has done its job to slow things down. At one point, five or six years ago, the doctor put her on one of the newer meds, called Namenda. It claimed to even reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in some cases. But for us, all it did for mom was cause a few visual hallucinations and agitation…so we stopped it immediately. But, as I’ve said over and over, everyone is different, which would mean, everyone doesn’t do well with the same drug. In the readings I’ve done, many doctors feel Alzheimer’s is caused, in part, from toxins we ingest: water, genetically-altered foods, the soil in which our food grows, plastics, additives, pesticides, and from the polluted air we breathe. In their opinion, these toxins impact brain tissue and form brain plaque that destroys our cognitive, behavioral and psychological behavior. But arguably, no one seems to be sure.
should eat, what we shouldn’t eat, good fat, and how we process our food which could indeed lead to brain tissue erosion. It also goes into what role certain vitamins, antioxidants, anti-infammatories and food vs. supplements play. Very interesting reading and I highly recommend it. I try and prepare food that my mom likes. Because let’s face it: she’s 88 years old, she already has Alzheimer’s disease (which will NOT be cured in her life time) and is in headache pain most of the time. She deserves the pleasure of food. ‘Trader Joe’s’ has become one of our best friends. She likes most everything that comes from there… whether it simply needs heating up or comes in the form of ingredients leading to a nice meal. Fortunately, there is one close to where we live. So…she gets to eat what she likes, and I eat what is best for me. Often, our meals are different. But hers always ends with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake (or something sweet), which will usually put a smile on her face. Because remember….everything is in the moment with Alzheimer’s disease! While there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of “prevention theories” out there being peddled, there are unmodifiable risk factors that we cannot alter or improve upon. These include our age, our gender, our family history, and our genetic risk factors. We need to work with them, understand them and do whatever we can to minimize and postpone the outcome we may be facing because of them. THAT is where the experts can help. Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
If it is food-related, which I tend to think that is largely true, then most of how we approach food will NOT help people who already have the disease. But it may impact those of us who might likely develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. There is a great book out there (on Amazon) co-written by my mom’s doctor, Marwan Sabbagh, entitled “The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook—Recipes to Boost Brain Health“. It describes the kinds of food we
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June 2017
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for June
Sudoku Solution
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
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June 2017
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June 2017
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