The Park

From Me To You...

They say that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb”, and we can certainly hope so. This winter has been wet and cold, and I for one am ready for some sweet, warm, lamb-like weather before we rush into the blast furnace that is summer in the desert.

It was March 2004 when we first came to Arizona to look for a house. We left the chill of a New York spring and landed in 82 degree sunshine. At the time we could not imagine it getting any hotter. We kept asking people, “How hot does it get here in the summer? Is it much warmer than this? How will we survive?” I suppose it is all relative. Now, the thought of 82 degrees makes me feel warm and cozy, I would discard my sweater for sure, but would probably not switch to shorts quite yet.

Growing up in the frigid North of England I remember a heat wave in the summer of 1976 when the thermometer made it all the way to 86 degrees! We did not have air conditioning, or even ice cubes for our drinks, but what we

did have was thick stone walls and heavy curtains to keep out the heat. I also had no responsibilities and nowhere to be, so that was a glorious summer for me.

Adapting to the severity of Arizona summers has to be the hardest part of living here. As I drove our car west that first summer, I watched the thermometer climbing and climbing, hardly able to believe it could get so hot. Now I think nothing of going for a walk, or joining a pickleball game on a summer evening when it is 104 degrees or more.

It is amazing how adaptable we are when we have to be. As someone famous once said, “God never gives us more then we can handle”and so far that seems to be true. I will enjoy as many balmy days as I can get before it heats up; and even when summer hits I can relax, knowing that no matter how hot it gets I have access to as many ice cubes as I want.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, Estrella Publishing info@estrellapublishing.com

Getaway 2023

With so many places to see, both close to home and abroad, it can be hard to choose. To help, here is a short list of the best travel destinations for next year.

Leap across the pond to explore the many historical landmarks of London, United Kingdom. In 2023, tourists will have the chance to experience the London Games Festival in April or Trooping of the Color in June. History buffs can take a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, experience the modern landmark at the London Eye or explore the many sprawling and luxurious rooms of the famous Buckingham Palace. Looking for an afternoon pick-me-up? After a busy day exploring, settle down at one of London’s famous high-tea cafes, or cozy up at a famous local pub. London is a city intertwined with the perfect mix of tradition and history all while embodying a modern flair that is attractive to many travel-lovers. As a popular year-round travel hub, there are ample lodging options when exploring London to meet every budget and taste, making it the perfect fit for those looking for a luxurious getaway or for those

looking to vacation affordably with the whole family.

Spend a cozy weekend nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Bozeman, Montana. Celebrated for its picturesque scenery and rich history inspiring a new hit TV show, Bozeman will undoubtedly be another hotspot for travel in 2023. While it is known as a “home base” destination for those planning to take in the sights of Yellowstone National Park, the city itself also has so much to offer. Whether it is taking in the views on a nearby hike, experiencing one of the city’s bars or restaurants, or heading to Yellowstone for a guided tour of the Old Faithful Geyser, Bozeman offers a range of activities, ensuring there’s something for every traveler. The city also has an array of lodging options. From upscale hotels that offer adventurous excursions, to family-friendly options for all to enjoy, there is a place for all types of adventure-seekers in Bozeman.

Immerse yourself in new cuisine, culture and experiences in Tokyo, Japan. In October 2022, Japan reopened its borders to independent international travelers, making this an exciting hotspot for 2023 tourism. Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is known for its remarkable skyscrapers and breathtaking public gardens, all while offering luxury, modern and boutique hotel options for every type of traveler. Visitors can take in the famous Mount Fuji from hotel rooftops or check out the Sumida River that ripples through several Tokyo neighborhoods. Additionally, exciting nightlife buzzes in Shinjuku, Roppongi and Shibuya.

The Bug Guy

Wow! Can you believe spring is right around the corner bringing warmer weather and more visibility to spider activity. For many, the mere sight of a creepy crawly spider scaling a wall or lurking in a webbed corner gives people the heebie-jeebies— but why? Over time, many myths and misconceptions about spiders have evolved, resulting in a multitude of terrified reactions.

While spiders can be a nightmare for homeowners, most species are nothing more than a source of unexplained fear. Here are a few well-known legends about this eight-legged arachnid and detailed the truths behind them.

Myth #1: The average person swallows about eight spiders a year when sleeping: This urban legend has become one of the most widespread rumors – it’s false. In reality, it’s highly unlikely for a person to swallow even one live spider when sleeping.

Myth #2: Daddy longlegs are one of the most poisonous spiders, but their fangs are too short to penetrate human skin: This myth is false. How can a spider inject venom into the human body if they are too short to pierce skin tissue? Arachnologists at the University of California said, “There is no reference to any pholcid spider [read “daddy-long-legs”] biting a human and

causing any detrimental reaction… Furthermore, there are no toxicological studies testing the lethality of pholcid venom on any mammalian system.” Simply put, there no facts to support this legend.

Myth #3: All spiders are dangerous: Spiders have lived around us for centuries and most aren’t harmful to humans; in fact, many species are beneficial to the environment. Spiders are predators, feeding mainly on insects, so they help to reduce the number of pests in homes and gardens. While it’s true that all spiders have a venomous bite, only a few species are medically dangerous. In Arizona, only the widow spiders pose a health threat. And, contrary to popular belief, most tarantulas are harmless.

If you believed any of these myths, you’re not alone. There are many misconceptions about spiders, however, we encourage homeowners to take preventative steps to keep spiders from gaining access to your home. Consider storing clothes and shoes in plastic containers, sweeping away webs, and remove clutter from garages. If you suspect a spider infestation, contact a licensed pest professional for treatment.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Gymtimidation

Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle at every age, but it is particularly important for seniors. Why? Sharlyn Green, a national trainer with SilverSneakers, says it goes beyond physical wellness. “Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost your memory and decrease the risk for some diseases such as Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” she said. The problem is, a gym can be intimidating! To help everyone feel comfortable and confident Green recommends these steps:

Step 1: Get a tour

Have someone who works for the gym show you where everything is. Don’t expect to understand immediately what it all does or how to use it. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions during or after your tour. Employees at a good gym will be happy to help you.

Step 2: Request a training program

People new to gyms typically get the best results from a personalized program created by a trainer. Print out the program for reference and to record

what you do - which machines, how much weight, how many times you lift.

Step 3: Know the exercises in your program

Work with a trainer who can guide you on proper techniques so you get the most out of your workouts and prevent accidents. Understanding the equipment and gym etiquette is important for your safety and others’.

Step 4: Learn how to adjust machines

You may need to adjust certain machines every time you use them. When in doubt, ask. It’s better to pause and use a machine correctly than go forward and risk hurting yourself or others. A trainer or gym employee can help you, so don’t be shy.

Step 5: Know how much weight or resistance to use

A good trainer will guide you in finding the appropriate weight or resistance for each exercise and share that information in your program. Use this as a foundation and adjust as needed, keeping in mind that as you progress, you’ll likely make changes to continue your health journey. Again, if something isn’t clear, ask!

Money Matters

Tax season can be a stressful time of year. However, if you qualify for a tax refund, it can be used to pay off bills and debt or add to your savings for a rainy day.

“For the past 40 years, Jackson Hewitt has advocated for hardworking Americans, and we know the current economy has impacted many. We understand people are worried about money and rising costs, along with the potential of receiving a lower tax refund this year, since all the pandemic government benefits have ended,” said Kim Hudson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. “Now more than ever, every dollar matters, so don’t wait to file.”

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now accepting and processing 2022 tax returns. While you can wait until the April 18 deadline, here are four reasons you should file your tax return early.

1. Get your refund early

Some people put off filing because they don’t believe they’ll get a refund. However, according

to the IRS, over two-thirds of American taxpayers are typically entitled to a refund. That means the earlier you file, the earlier you’ll get your money and avoid processing delays.

2. More time to pay

A popular myth about filing taxes is that you must pay what you owe when you file. In fact, if you file early, you do not have to pay until the return due date of April 18 this year. The benefit of filing early when you owe money to the IRS is that you will know what you owe in advance of the payment due date, giving you more time until April 18 to set aside those funds or spread the cost over the next few months, which means less financial stress.

3. Protect your personal information

Tax season is a busy time for fraudsters. With just a few pieces of your personal information (your name, birthday and Social Security number), they can submit a fraudulent tax return to get your refund and steal your identity. Many taxpayers won’t realize their personal information has been compromised until they attempt to e-file their taxes and find that someone has beaten them to it. By filing early, you’re locking your personal data and preventing scammers from stealing your refund and identity.

4. Reduce stress

If you’re rushing to get your taxes filed before the deadline, chances are you’ll forget to include essential information and documents. By preparing to file early, you’ll have more time to gather your documents, review your tax return, and speak with your Tax Pro - helping you feel more confident and less stressed. If you wait until too close to the April deadline, you could make a mistake requiring the filing of an amended income tax return or subject yourself to paying penalties and interest.

There’s no reason to wait until April 18 to file your taxes. Submit your tax return early and reap the financial rewards and peace of mind.

Yum Yum

Stuffed Peppers - Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground turkey

1/4 pound lean ground deli ham

1 cup of white or brown rice, cooked

6 large bell peppers (any color)

3/4 cup of onion, diced

3 teaspoons of garlic, minced

1 cup of cooked white rice

1 teaspoon of salt

14 ounces canned diced tomatoes

4 ounces of tomato sauce, divided

1/4 cup of golden raisins

1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds

1 teaspoon of salt to taste

1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon of dried leaf oregano

Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees

* Bring a large pot of water to a boil

* Cut the tops off your peppers and set aside.

Carefully pull out the seeds and membranes, creating a cavity inside

* Dip the peppers into the boiling water, letting them cook for just 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, and drain on a paper towel

* Meanwhile, saute the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of oilil in a skillet for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent

* Toss in the cooked rice, half of the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, raisins, toasted almonds, seasonings, salt and pepper

* Stir to combine and cook until just heated through

* Lubricate a casserole dish by using a paper towel and a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking

* Place the peppers in the casserole dish and spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into each of the prepared peppers

* Top each pepper with about a tablespoon of the tomato sauce

* Sprinkle with a little oregano and chopped cilantro, and cover the dish with foil

* Bake for 10 minutes, remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes

* Carefully remove from oven, let cool and enjoy!

Blessed AND Depressed

Many people feel so blessed in their lives, so fortunate, yet they also feel depressed and they don’t know why. Some feel guilty about it, others are confused. Guess what? Gratitude and depression are NOT mutually exclusive. Here’s why:

1. Just like our parents can pass on their eye color or their predisposition for diabetes, they can pass on depression and other mental health conditions. Your life may be great, but you still have to contend with genetics that aren’t within your control.

2. Just because there are many good things in your life doesn’t mean there aren’t also bad things, too. Maybe you live well, but you’re lonely. Maybe you have a happy marriage and healthy kids, but you also have an incurable illness. Maybe you have a good life and support system, but you just lost your spouse of many years.

3. Even though you are very blessed now, it doesn’t mean that you haven’t had a rough childhood or life before now that’s left an indelible impact on your mental health.

4. We face a very real enemy. Satan’s job is to keep us away from God. He tries to make us doubt God and the plan He has for us, including putting thoughts in our heads that are dark or depressive.

5. Human nature is to focus on the negative. The brain processes negative emotions more thoroughly than positive ones. For every negative comment we hear, it takes at least five positive comments to counteract it.

6. Things aren’t always as they seem. Just because someone has a good life on the outside doesn’t mean that things are good behind close doors. Maybe they secretly live with an addict, maybe they’re being abused, maybe they’re in so much debt they can’t see straight. The cover of the book may be beautiful, but the content really sucks.

Next month, we’ll discuss six things you can do to combat feeling blessed and depressed.

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.

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

Psychologist.

Colorectal Cancer

Every year the month of March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s your annual reminder that screenings that can detect polyps or early cancers in the colon can be life-saving. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Unites States, and the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. During the pandemic, many put off their annual screenings, and now is a great time to get back on track.

Nearly all colorectal cancers start with a polyp, which is small area of unchecked growths on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps and colon cancers rarely create symptoms such as pain or bleeding. Early detection and treatment, even before symptoms appear, results in improved survival rates.

“The colon is the lowest part of the intestine, also called the large intestine. Its inside lining where growths called polyps can appear, and some polyps can grow into colon cancer. Through colonoscopy, doctors can inspect the

inside lining of the colon and remove polyps which helps prevent cancers from forming,” explained Dr. Sushil Pandey, a colorectal Surgeon on the medical staff at Abrazo West.

It’s important to find cancers early or find them as polyps and have them removed. The incidence of colon cancer is increasing among younger people, and the recommendation is that screenings begin at age 45.

“The risk of developing colon polyps and cancer increases as one ages. The majority of colon cancer is found in patients without any symptoms or a family history of colon cancer. ” said Dr. Carlos A. Esparza, a colorectal surgeon on medical staff at Abrazo West Campus.

If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you and how often to get tested.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

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