Mountain View

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...

I began this summer fully intending to make a sizeable dent in my rapidly growing pile of books ‘to be read’. The guilt of amassing books one after another all was crushing me. Well, perhaps that is an exaggeration, but I did get a pang of remorse every time a new book was added to the bookshelf without detracting one from the other end.

What stopped me? I had a whole summer of very little responsibility, sparse travel and comfy chairs with perfect lighting. I am embarrassed to say it was television. After years of resisting adding new channels to our streaming line-up - let’s face it those things can hit your pocket pretty hard if you don’t keep an eye on them - a whole bunch were added to my existing stations without any help from me. I now have access to a library of new-to-me, pre-approved, award winning series, and who looks that horse in the mouth?

The first show we binged (not intentionally, but it was so good we couldn’t help ourselves) was Ozark. A gritty, somewhat violent and acerbically funny look at a world where Jason Bateman, through no fault of his own, becomes a money launderer for a drug cartel. And he was good at it! I found myself rooting for the character to get better at being bad.

Following the dip into organized crime I fell into

watching Ted Lasso. I know I am very late to this particular game but I loved it. I finished the show, tears streaming down my face, and immediately wanted to watch it again. There are so many wonderful lessons to be learned here and I wish everyone had a Ted in their lives. I feel this world would be a much happier place for it.

Swinging the pendulum in the opposite direction, I have now almost finished Homeland. Wow, the backstabbing, conniving spycraft - and that is just from the good guys! I wish I could tell you more but Carrie is trying to save the world again and, even though my books are calling me, I want to watch one more episode!

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Mountain View Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

Ask Dr Jen

“There’s so much going on in the world these days that my anxiety is nearly constant. What can I do to find peace?” ~ Lorri M

Being at peace is a personal decision. It’s not necessarily a logical one with everything going on in the world sometimes, but it’s a decision, nonetheless. To better understand this, let’s look at addiction. With addiction, you can work through the issues that drive it and establish adaptive coping skills. In the end, though, you have to decide to quit. I can give you all the tools and resources in the world, but you’ll stay addicted if you don’t decide at every temptation to say no.

So, if you think about living outside of peace rather than in it, you could see it as your brain being addicted to thinking a certain way. Here are some ideas on how to change this:

1. Try to figure out where you learned to think so negatively. Talking to a therapist who has a psychodynamic approach can help you

understand how your life experiences and genetics contribute to your thinking processes. Understanding where your thoughts come from can be a relief in and of itself.

2. Find ways to combat “stinkin’ thinkin’.” You can learn cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts to change your self-talk. When you start thinking negatively, you have to make a conscious effort to replace those thoughts with more positive ones:

• Try thinking the exact opposite of what you’re thinking. If you’re thinking that you can’t be at peace because you’re not good enough in some way, tell yourself that you are good enough, that you’re no different than everyone else you think IS good enough. If you need more convincing, make a list of nice things you’ve done.

• Focus on gratitude. Remind yourself of all the things for which you are grateful. Write them out and look back at them when you need reminding.

• Practice “thought stopping.” Whenever a negative thought comes in, picture a stop sign to interrupt that process. You can also say “stop” in your head or aloud. Or, you can wear a rubber band or hair tie on your wrist and flick it gently when a negative thought comes into your head.

Submitted by Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@EstrellaPublishing.com.

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.

Look Up!

You’ve probably heard it said that what goes up, must come down. When it comes to the summer season, higher temperatures can prompt homeowners to turn down the setting on their home’s thermostat. While lowering the thermostat may help take the heat off inside a home, this action may not get to the bottom of a comfort issue - especially if the problem resides in the attic. Issues in a home’s attic can lead to warmer temperatures in other parts of the home, potentially leading to another source of discomfort - higher energy bills.

In both summer and winter, adequate levels of attic insulation are necessary to help regulate the temperature inside a home. As temperatures rise inside the attic, warm air will seek to escape into cooler air-conditioned parts of the home. Installing an adequate level of attic insulation can help defend against heat transferring from the attic into conditioned parts of the home. Attic insulation works to reduce heat transfer and helps keep the air-conditioned part of a home cool.

How much of a difference can attic insulation make when it comes to managing heat transfer? Every home is different and variables such as the size and design of the home and local energy rates will influence energy. The difference that attic insulation makes may be seen in lower energy bills and overall comfort throughout the home. An attic inspection will measure a home’s insulation level and provide a recommendation on the appropriate amount of insulation to install.

Inadequate insulation is just one attic issue that can reduce comfort. The ducts inside the attic that transport air to each room of a home can also present problems. Holes and leaks in attic ductwork or poor connections can allow cooled air to escape into the attic before it ever reaches

the intended room. When air exits ducts in the attic, the result is diminished comfort and wasted energy as the system works harder to replace the lost air. The additional workload can potentially shorten the life of the air conditioning equipment or result in service calls to inspect a properly operating cooling unit.

Inconsistent temperatures in different parts of the home may be a sign of a problem with leaky attic ducts. As the flow of air throughout a home is interrupted due to leaks or improperly sized ducts, the conditioned air may not travel to the air registers in each room. Thus, one room may consistently be chilly while another room feels too warm. Beyond reducing thermal comfort, improperly sized or faulty ductwork can also allow particulates in attic air to be blown into a home’s living space. “Any noticeable increase in dust levels may be a sign of a problem with attic ductwork,” says Tom Casey, Chief Visionary Officer of Griffin Service and an Owens Corning AirCare Professional.

Of course, proper maintenance of a home’s HVAC equipment is essential to supporting its optimal performance and longevity. Air filters should be cleaned or changed regularly and equipment should be serviced as directed by the manufacturer.

Creative Surface Solutions is part of the Younger Brothers Family of Companies

Rx & Opioid Update

The impact of physical pain on the lives of millions of Americans cannot be underestimated. Opioids, once prescribed to alleviate suffering, have now exposed us to an alarming “opioid crisis” due to their highly addictive nature. Mitigating youth access to prescription medications is imperative, as studies reveal that 60% of teenagers who misuse prescription drugs acquire them from friends or family. To safeguard your loved ones, here are verified facts and proactive steps you can take:

Key Facts:

• Tragically, the United States has witnessed over 1 million opioid-related overdose deaths. Fentanyl, a substance 50 times more potent than heroin, has become pervasive in nearly all street drugs and counterfeit pills, posing a grave risk to users.

• A concerning 80% of individuals who use heroin initially started with prescription medications.

• Prolonged use of prescription painkillers, even at low doses, over two to three months can lead to addiction.

• Painkiller addiction often originates from the improper use or sharing of legitimately prescribed medications after medical procedures or injuries.

Protective Measures:

• Monitor Medications – Assess your awareness regarding the number of medications within your

household. Can you confidently detect any missing pills? Ensure you can affirmatively answer this question moving forward. Frequent refills might indicate an issue. If your teenager is prescribed medication, maintain control over it and closely supervise dosages and refills. Be especially cautious with substances prone to abuse among teens, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.

• Secure All Medications – Implement locking mechanisms. If you have children or grandchildren, treat prescription medications with the same vigilance as you would potentially harmful household items when they were toddlers. Lock them up. Remove prescription medicines from accessible areas like the medicine cabinet and store them in a discreet location known only to you. If feasible, consider securing both prescription and over-the-counter medicines in a locked cabinet, rendering them inaccessible to your teenager. Extend this recommendation to other households that might have teenagers with access to medications and encourage them to adopt secure storage practices.

• Proper Disposal of expired or unused medicines plays a crucial role in safeguarding your teens and household and minimizing the likelihood of medication misuse.

Submitted by The Peoria Primary Prevention Coalition (3PC). For additional information or support resources, visit https://www.3PCoalition. org or email us at info@3PCoalition.org

Yum Yum

Tailgating Chicken Nacho Dip

We are well into Football Season and dips are a great go-to option when entertaining. Try this one when you have friends over for the next game.

Ingredients

1 pound cheese, cubed (Velveeta is great for this)

1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained

2 large cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded

1/3 cup sour cream

1/4 cup diced green onion

2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper, or to taste (Optional)

1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning mix

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

Gather all ingredients. Stir cheese, diced tomatoes with chiles,

shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, green onion, jalapeño, and taco seasoning together in a slow cooker.

Cover and cook on High, stirring occasionally, until cheese has melted and dip is hot, 1 to 2 hours.

Stir in black beans and cook until heated through, 15 minutes. Serve with chips.

Tips

If the dip gets too thick, thin it with a small amount of milk.

Money Matters

Many people benefit from working with a financial advisor, someone who knows their needs and goals and makes appropriate recommendations. If you’re considering getting some help, you’ll want to ensure a particular financial advisor is right for you, so it’s a good idea to ask questions.

Here are some to consider:

• Have you worked with people like me? All of us are unique individuals. Yet, you do share certain characteristics with others and you might feel comfortable knowing that a financial advisor has worked with people like you and can readily understand and appreciate your needs and specific goals: college for your children, a certain type of retirement lifestyle, the kind of legacy you’d like to leave and others. The more information you can provide about yourself upfront, the better your chances of finding a good match.

• Do you have a particular investment philosophy? Some financial advisors follow a particular investment style, while others might focus on specific investments or categories.

• How will you communicate with me? Open and frequent communication are key to a successful relationship with a financial advisor. So, you’ll want to know what you can expect. Will you have annual or semi-annual reviews of your accounts? In between these reviews, can you contact your advisor at any time with questions you may have? Is the financial advisor the individual you’ll communicate with, or are other people involved?

• How do you define success for your clients? You may want to look for responses that go beyond numbers and encompass statements such as these:

“I’m successful if my clients trust me to do the right things for them. And, most important, I’m successful when I know I’ve helped my clients reach all their goals.”

• How are you compensated? Financial advisors are compensated in different ways — some work on commissions, some charge fees, and some combine fees and commissions.

When you’re trusting someone to help you with your important financial goals, you want to be completely comfortable with that individual — so ask whatever is on your mind.

Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones

Immunizations Matter

When an individual feels sick, wants to address a health concern, or receives an annual check-up, they visit a doctor and trust that any problems will be addressed and solved. These visits should also include prevention and protection measures which often come from immunizations. The World Health Organization proclaims immunization to be a key component of primary health care and that it reduces the risks of getting a disease by working with our body’s natural defenses to build protection.

When we think of immunizations, we often think of flu shots and, in recent years, the COVID-19 vaccine. However, immunization can come in many forms and is recommended for all ages–from infancy to adulthood. Some Arizonarecommended vaccines include but are not limited to Chickenpox, Hepatitis A & B, Mumps and Tetanus.

While self-protection is a big part of why many receive recommended vaccinations, individuals should also think about the benefits to the community, which include: Protection of future generations. Harmful diseases such as smallpox have been eradicated worldwide thanks to the success of immunization. Children today are no longer at risk of obtaining the condition;

therefore a smallpox shot is no longer needed. If adults continue vaccinating now, diseases may no longer be around to affect future generations. Prevention against harmful diseases that can have life-threatening outcomes or result in prolonged disabilities. Addressing health concerns already present may be more timeconsuming, costly, and dangerous than taking preventative measures against them in the first place through vaccination. Long-term health investments in communities. With immunizations protecting individuals against harmful diseases, communities can become stronger and healthier.

While getting a seasonal flu shot and vaccinations are essential, what is arguably more important–and is often overlooked–is the community’s access to these immunizations. Some individuals or families cannot pay for a doctor’s visit, are unsure where to find quality care, or do not have the luxury of healthcare at their fingertips. Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) recognizes the state of health disparities in the U.S. and is committed to improving healthcare within communities through our provision of primary care, behavioral health, and social services to all ages, faiths, and backgrounds–regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.

Immunization means more than just a flu shot. Vaccinations offer protection and prevention within communities. And by integrating primary and behavioral health care, those same communities are supported, strengthened, and granted affordable access to quality care.

Submitted b,y Tammie Kay Perez FNP Family Nurse Practitioner at the West Valley Healthcare Center. For more information about Jewish Family and Children’s Service or to find a healthcare center, visit https://www.jfcsaz.org/.

Legal Advice

AVOID PROBLEMS WITH IRA DESIGNATIONS

For 401ks, IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts, the designated beneficiary form directs how the funds will be paid on your death. Common problems that arise with beneficiary designations are:

a. When the “Estate” or no beneficiary is listed, so a probate is needed and the IRA will be not be stretched for 10 years and will be taxed at a higher rate.

b. When a beneficiary dies before you, the financial company rules apply to who gets the deceased beneficiary’s share. When a trust is listed as the beneficiary, your directions are applied.

c. When the designated beneficiary is a minor, not a trust for the minor, then a costly court conservatorship is need and deferred tax benefit is at risk.

d. When your spouse, who is not your children’s

parent, does not sign a spousal waiver, then your spouse is entitled to half or possibly all of funds. Remember, currently, an inherited IRA must be paid in 10 years, if the beneficiary is not a spouse.

Leaving a portion or all of your qualified retirement account to charity can make sense, because the charity does not pay income taxes and will receive more funds than a family member. Other assets which are not taxable can be left to family or friends.

Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com or (623) 815-7451; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. Visit www.sharonravenscroft.com for more info.

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