It’s A Grand Life
August 2017
1
2 It’s A Grand Life
August 2017
It’s A Grand Life
August 2017
3
From Me To You... Welcome! to the August edition of It’s A Grand Life magazine.
Growing up, my father’s favorite phrase was “Silence is golden!” I guess it was his polite was of telling us to shut up, but we blew it off as just one of those funny things Dad said. Although silence is a wonderful thing now, when my children were young silence meant trouble. I knew to fear those moments, especially when the silence was followed by an “Uh oh...” That one usually involved calling a handyman. A family friend once told me that when her 5 children were young she made them sing the whole time they were in the bath. That way she could tend to other things while they played (and got clean). Silence in that situation meant Danger! I must point out that these children were over 4 at this time and several of them went on to become professional musicians. Perhaps she was onto something. As an adult I recognise the beauty of silence. Just being still in the moment is such a rare commodity nowadays. With the onslaught of
4 It’s A Grand Life
social media and the accessibility of our lives we are constantly being sucked in to the FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out. So we check our phones every few minutes - or seconds. The life that we are watching on our devices is mostly not enriching us, it is distracting us, as real life whizzes by unnoticed. Now that the monsoons are in full swing and some of our mornings are cooling down, I love to sit outside with a cup of coffee and listen to the silence. It is never really silent, there are birds chirping, the occasional car driving past and a dog barking. But in that moment silence truly is golden.
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.
August 2017
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
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
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. 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.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
It’s A Grand Life
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
August 2017
5
Health & Wellness
3 pressing reasons to talk hearing health at your next physical exam When was the last time you and your doctor talked about your hearing?
The fact is, only about 3 in 10 adults who had a physical exam in the last year say it included a hearing screening, according to research conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). That’s a shame, because research shows that hearing health is more closely tied to whole health and quality of life than previously understood - which means that diagnosing and treating hearing loss early may be beneficial on many fronts. To help people take charge of their hearing health, BHI has created a free digital flipbook, “How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hearing Loss,” which anyone can view and download at www. betterhearing.org/news/how-talkyour-doctor-about-hearing-loss. The flipbook provides pertinent information to help consumers start the discussion, which is especially important because research shows that patients are more likely to initiate the conversation about hearing than their doctors are. To go along with the free flipbook, BHI has put together this short list of reasons to speak up and start the conversation on your hearing: 1. Hearing loss has been linked to other significant health issues. In recent years, a flurry of studies has come out showing a link between hearing loss and other health issues, including depression, dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
6 It’s A Grand Life
moderate chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, obesity, an increased risk of falls, hospitalization and mortality, and cognitive decline. With so much new and emerging research, it makes sense for people to talk with their doctors about their hearing as a routine part of their medical care. 2. Addressing hearing loss often has a positive impact on quality of life. Most people who currently wear hearing aids say it has helped their general ability to communicate, participate in group activities and their overall quality of life, according to BHI research. The research also shows that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids are more likely to be optimistic, feel engaged in life, get more pleasure in doing things, have a strong social network and are more likely to tackle problems actively. Many even say they feel more confident and better about themselves as a result of using hearing aids.
For instance, middle-aged adults (55-64) with diagnosed hearing loss had substantially higher health care costs, according to a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, indicating that hearing loss may place patients at risk for increased health care use and costs. The study authors suggested that early, successful intervention may prevent future hearing-related disabilities and decreased quality of life. For more information on hearing loss, visit BetterHearing.org.
3. Leaving hearing loss untreated may come at a financial cost. Most hearing aid users in the workforce say it has helped their performance on the job. In fact, BHI research found that using hearing aids reduced the risk of income loss by 90 to 100 percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65 to 77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss. People with untreated hearing loss can lose as much as $30,000 in income annually, the BHI research found. Health care spending may also be affected. August 2017
Sun City Grand residents, Dorothy and Jim Sexton recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary! They have known each other since 7th grade, but their relationship began as Sophomores in high school, after Jim asked Dorothy to the prom. They have been together ever since. After high school, Jim joined the Navy and was stationed in Japan and Korea. While Dorothy began her training to become a nurse. Once she had completed her training, the Director of Nursing gave her permission to get married. Life was certainly different then. Dorothy worked happily as a nurse for 50 years. During her career she worked in maternity, operating rooms and the
It’s A Grand Life
On Our Cover
emergency room, finishing her career as Head of the Utilization Review Department. Jim was a mechanical designer for 30 years, working in San Francisco at U.C.S.F.
Together, Dorothy and Jim have 3 children (2 boys and 1 girl), 8 grandchildren, and 4 greatgrandchildren. All of their family were planning on coming into town for the celebration. Although Dorothy and Jim originated from Saint Louis, Illinois, and spent a majority of their adulthood in California, they were happy to come to Arizona for retirement. In 2002, Dorothy and Jim moved to Sun City Grand, although they had begun looking there for a home a year before. Jim had a heart attack which delayed their
move for a year. When they started house hunting again, they found a spec home in Sun City Grand, which was almost movein ready. This turned out to be a lucky break for them because their home in California sold within 36 hours! Dorothy and Jim love being members of the community here at Sun City Grand. Some things they mention are the lack of snow, and great neighbors, and the activities that go on in Sun City Grand. They are also located near medical care and everything they need.
Dorothy and Jim have always been avid dog lovers, their current furry family member is Wilson, a lovable Shih Tzu. Known as Mr Will in the neighborhood, Dorothy and Jim welcomed the rescue into their home 4 years ago.
August 2017
7
8 It’s A Grand Life
August 2017
Yum Yum Seasoning tips to help you savor a great grilling season Flowers are blooming, days are getting longer and temperatures are warmer - you can probably recognize all the signs that grilling season has arrived! But do you know how to best season all the fresh foods you’ll grill this summer? Sure, a dash of salt and pepper may be all you need for some premium cuts of meat, but creative seasoning with organic spices and herbs can enhance the taste of virtually everything you grill. What’s more, the clean simplicity of organic seasonings perfectly complements the natural healthfulness of grilling. The organic seasoning experts at Frontier Co-op offer some tips for using seasonings to achieve greater grilling this spring and summer: Dry or wet? That’s the rub Two of the most common ways
to add seasonings to grilled food is through the use of a rub or marinade. What’s the difference between the two? It’s not just that one is dry and the other wet, because some rubs are wet, too. Generally, rubs are mixtures of dry spices that you rub on food to add flavor before cooking. They’re good for high-fat foods like meat, and often contain salt and sugar, which also promotes the formation of a crust on the food when you grill it. Usually, after applying a rub you’ll want to let the food sit an hour or two before grilling it. Marinades are typically liquid seasoned with spices to add flavor to food and sometimes tenderize it. You place the food in the liquid and allow it to sit for a set period of time - a few hours to overnight. When you’re ready to cook, remove the food from the marinade and use a brush or rubber spatula to remove excess marinade before placing the food on the grill. Marinades are great for vegetables and meat, poultry
or fish that tend to be dry. Other ways to spice things up Of course, seasonings can add flavor to food in multiple ways. For example, if you’re soaking vegetables or fruit before grilling, you can add herbs and spices to the soaking water. In addition to absorbing liquid, the food will also soak up the great flavor of the seasonings. Some foods benefit from basting during the grilling process. You can enhance the flavor of the food by adding seasonings to the butter or liquid you use for basting. If you use foil packets to steam fish, veggies or fruit on the grill, you can add seasonings directly atop the food before folding the foil, or add them to a bit of liquid at the base of the packet. Pairing seasonings with food Some food/seasoning pairings are obvious, like apples and cinnamon or fish and lemon pepper. However, a wide range of seasonings can elevate the flavor of a variety of foods. Here are a few creative pairings to try this summer grilling season: * Cardamom - Pork, apples, pears, citrus fruits, cabbage and carrots * Cloves - Beef, pork, sweet potatoes, onions, apples, pears, citrus fruits and peaches * Cumin - Hamburgers, pork, chicken (marinades), tofu, tempeh and cabbage * Ginger - Steak, chicken, fish, seafood and fruits * Marjoram - Burgers, chicken, fish, lamp, poultry and vegetables * Poppy seed - Potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions and zucchini * Saffron - Chicken and fish * Turmeric - Lamb, beans and zucchini
It’s A Grand Life
August 2017
9
10 It’s A Grand Life
August 2017
PET PARADE A happy pet is a hydrated pet It’s a warm summer day - the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the scent of blooming flowers fills the air. As a pet owner, you’re probably planning to take your dog on a walk, maybe even several. Meanwhile, your cat has found that sunny space underneath the windowsill. Sound familiar? If so, then you already know how much cats and dogs enjoy basking in the sun, but just like people, over-exposure to heat can cause our furry friends to become varied versions of themselves. And too often signs of dehydration, which frequently appear in the form of lethargy, dry mouth and loss of appetite, are confused with run-of-the-mill exhaustion. Considering all the things we do know about our pets, it’s hard to believe that we wouldn’t recognize the symptoms that accompany something as serious
as dehydration. But the truth is that unless you know which indicators to look for, it can be easy to misdiagnose. That’s why the experts at PetSafe have compiled a list of tips and tricks for making sure your pet is experiencing healthy hydration all year long. Keeping them hydrated Water is without a doubt the single most important resource you can provide your animal, especially during hot summer months. Whether outside or inside, dogs and cats should consume around one ounce of water per pound each day. In other words, if you have a 20-pound terrier or a 20-pound tomcat, they should have access to at least 20 ounces of cool, clean drinking water every day. It’s also important to remember that liquid can evaporate quickly in high temperatures, so if your pet’s water source is outside it’s best to check on the amount of available water several times throughout the day or consider purchasing an auto-fill watering bowl like the Drinkwell(R) Everflow Indoor/Outdoor Fountain by PetSafe. How do I detect dehydration in my pet? The observable signs of dehydration will frequently include one of more of the following symptoms: * Lack of skin elasticity. You can test this by gently pinching or pulling some of their skin. If it doesn’t return to a normal position, your pet is likely
It’s A Grand Life
dehydrated. * Drop in energy levels * Dry, sticky gums or foam around the mouth * Heavier than average panting * Loss of appetite * Sunken, dry eyes * Vomiting Treatment and prevention If your dog or cat exhibits any of these behaviors or symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary attention where they will likely monitor the body temperature of your pet. To prevent dehydration, pet parents should consider taking active measures to encourage pets to drink more water. Products like PetSafe Brand Pet Fountains are designed to continually circulate and filter water. This not only provides dogs and cats with a steady source of fresh water, but relieves owners of the constant hassle of refilling the bowl. Plus, the sound of flowing water tends to trigger an animal’s desire to drink more. With proper care and precaution, your pet can enjoy every season - even summer - while staying happy, healthy and hydrated. Visit PetSafe.com to find more great tips, products and articles on pet care.
August 2017
11
Life As A Caregiver Stress-relief & the Kindness of Others
I talked about taking care of YOU in my last blog as it related to finding a good caregiver to help give you a respite from caring for your loved one. There are other things that can help you find ways to take care of yourself, as well. One is fairly obvious. Working-out is probably the best stress-reliever we have. But that doesn’t mean you have to join an expensive gym or go crazy working-out for hours and hours. Around-the-house remedies are also very effective: a brisk walk around the block, lifting hand weights in your living room while watching tv, practicing yoga, using a hula hoop or jump rope in the garage, dancing to your favorite fast-paced music, or (like I just did) purchasing a mini trampoline & bounce around. Any one of these can help clear your mind and refresh your body. Craft projects (if you are so inclined) can also relieve stress. I enjoy creating something with my hands (as long as I have a picture or directions to follow) and have done numerous projects which have brought me enormous amounts of pleasure, healthy frustration, and positive reinforcement. You must choose wisely and not overdue it, but using your creative mind is a very healthy way to release stress. As is reading! Nothing says stressrelief like immersing yourself in a good book!!!
unmarried and without children. While it’s not a bad thing to be in this on my own, there are times when it would be nice to have someone to lean on when making tough decisions. NOTE: That is only the case if I were to have a harmonious family. I am thankful that I don’t have to fight or argue with siblings or a spouse on how to care for my mother as some people have to endure. This new Arizona community of mine has been wonderful in offering their support. Many have offered to come and care for mom for a day so I can have some personal time. The ONLY upsides to mom & Buddy staying in her casita most of the day is that she is safe, she is as comfortable as she can be, and it allows me to do fun things with friends. But I’m never too far from home, unless Rose is there.
traveling, so they discussed among themselves about creating a plan to have several Rotarians and friends sign-up to care for my mom for a couple of weeks so that I could do that. When they told me about their plan, I was speechless…and filled with emotion. What a kind, wonderful and selfless gesture… and probably one of the dearest things I have ever had anyone say to me. And who knows….I just might take them up on it! The point here is….find things to do that make you happy and will mentally & physically give you a break. And reach out for help when you need it. The stronger and calmer you are, the better caregiver you will make and the healthier you will be! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
I recently had an amazing offering from one of my favorite Rotary friends and his wife. They knew I had been lamenting about wanting to do a bit of
But the most important thing when going through this Alzheimer’s journey is to let those around you know. People can’t help you if they don’t know what you’re going through. In my case, I really do need help from time to time because I am an only child,
12 It’s A Grand Life
August 2017
Business Directory CONSULTING SERVICES Estrella Partners Group
623.594.9283
FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES Edward Jones - Chris Carlton Goldsmith Law Premier Documents Signature Documents Succentrix Business Advisors
623.386.1940 480.322.1088 602.371.8898 623.974.2272 623.594.9615
HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY A Tender Dental Care Active Life Pain Center Alycan Design Medspa Sunridge Dental Care Updegraff Clinic
623.556.2828 623.535.9777 602.368.8413 623.544.0700 623.975.4244
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing
623.329.5170
Bullfrog’s Garage Doors Door Pros General Exterminating JBS Roofing LJ Designs Studio Loilty Cleaning Service Super Green Solutions The Window Cleaner AZ
623.628.5558 623.556.8378 623.977.2100 623.247.9252 623.332.1060 623.225.2002 480.485.8498 623.738.6064
REAL ESTATE Arizona Premier Realty
623.692.9563
RECREATION & CHARITY We’re Moving Forward
480.209.7663
RETAIL SERVICES Budget Blinds of Gooodyear Foot Solutions Steel Shield Security Doors
480.629.8854 623.536.6676 623.977.3277
12
It’s A Grand Life
August 2017
13
Puzzles & Games Sudoku for August
Sudoku Solution
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
7
1
2
9
8
4
3
5
6
6
9
7
1
2
5
4
3
8
6 2 9 4 8 1
5 7 8 3 6 9
3 1 4 5 7 2
9 8 6 2 1 3 7
6 4 3 1 2 9 5
2 9 5 7 8 4 6
5
8
6
1
4
7
4
5
9
4
14 It’s A Grand Life
2
3
3
9
5
7
6
9
4
7
9
9
2
1
5
5
8
4
7
6
1
1
6 2
1
5
8
9
5
6
7
6
6
4
8
3
1
6
2
9
7
1
9
4
August 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
August 2017
15
16 It’s A Grand Life
August 2017