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
This age-old adage rings true in countless aspects of our lives. It’s a peculiar quirk of human nature that we often find ourselves yearning for the very things that others envy about us. Take, for instance, the realm of hair care. Personally, thinner, smooth hair would be a joy, but I was ‘blessed’ with so much wavy, thick hair that my hairdresser spends as much time thinning it as she does cutting it. While some might consider this a fortunate problem to have, it’s a source of constant frustration for me.
This grass-is-always-greener mentality extends far beyond our physical appearances. When I go to a restaurant, I agonize over choices, knowing full well that whatever I pick, I will inevitably wish I had gone with a different dish. The moment my order arrives, I find myself eyeing the plates of nearby diners, convinced that their selections must be more satisfying than my own. It’s a curious phenomenon that can turn what should be an enjoyable dining experience into an exercise in second-guessing and mild regret.
Of course, social media exacerbates this issue, presenting us with carefully curated glimpses into
others’ lives that seem far more appealing than our own reality. We scroll through endless feeds of perfect hair, exotic vacations, and mouthwatering meals, forgetting that these snapshots rarely tell the whole story.
Ultimately, the pursuit of what we don’t have can be a never-ending journey. There will always be something new to desire or a different path to consider. By recognizing this tendency in ourselves and consciously shifting our perspective, we can find greater satisfaction in our current circumstances while still allowing room for growth and change.
So, the next time you find yourself envying someone else’s straight hair or regretting your dinner choice, pause and reflect. Consider that the very things you’re wishing for might be someone else’s source of discontent. In doing so, you might just discover that what you already have is pretty great after all.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, Surprise Living Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
Teacher’s Notes
Whether they’re learning in person, online or in a hybrid format, there are some steps families can take to make sure they’re setting students up for success in the months ahead. Dr. Betsy Fowler, Head of Schools for ASU Preparatory Academy, offers these tips:
Establish a routine. Kids thrive by knowing what to expect and when. Setting expectations for getting out the door in the mornings and winding down the day for bed helps kids start and end each day more smoothly. In the mornings, it helps kids remember all of the steps necessary to get out the door. At night, a consistent routine signals the body that it’s time to wind down and ease into sleep.
Encourage open communication. It’s very common for a new school year to produce anxiety or worry for students. Talking about these concerns proactively can help uncover concerns with easy resolutions before they become big problems. Talk with your students about what they’re learning, including the subjects they’re enjoying most and the ones they find more challenging. Ask about friends and social dynamics. Don’t settle for a “fine” when you ask how the day was–dig for more.
Work together to set goals. Giving students something to work toward can be a powerful motivator for success. It teaches kids about the benefits of hard work and the rewards that come with achieving something you set your sights on. Goals should reflect your child’s unique interest and needs, but they don’t necessarily have to correlate to grades or academics. Developing a new skill, building their social circle and picking up a new hobby are just some examples of valid goals.
Make education a priority. In many ways, children develop their own attitudes and perceptions based on their parents’ worldview. Education is no exception. Establishing expectations for attendance, encouraging college preparation, modeling respect for teachers and reinforcing the value of learning are all ways you can help your student approach school with a positive mindset.
Teach time management. This is an important life skill that will serve your child throughout their academic career and beyond. Managing time well means completing assignments completely and on time, but it also involves learning to prioritize and make time for schoolwork along with socializing, extracurriculars and other personal interests.
The Doctor Is In
5 Steps to an Authentic and Effective SelfImage
Your self-image is the way you view yourself. When who you are aligns with what you do, you’re living authentically. Having your public and private selves in alignment means you’re acting honestly and living congruently.
2. Determine if you have any conflicts. Maybe adventure and freedom are two of your most important values, but what if you also strongly favor responsibility and security? When you’re faced with an inner conflict, you’re likely to shut down and do nothing.
Those who live lives misaligned with their values, beliefs and attitudes suffer from more anxiety, guilt and shame than those who are congruent and authentic. Follow these steps to determine your true self and live life on your terms:
1. Identify your core values. An authentic self-image is one that’s aligned with your values. By knowing your values, you’ll gain an understanding of what’s important to you. Once you’re aware of your values, you can build a self-image and life that are more meaningful and enjoyable.
3. Create an action plan for each value. Imagine one of your values is frugality. You could create a budget and savings plan that incorporates that value. You might plan to start clipping coupons, eat out less frequently, visit less expensive stores or thrift shops and search for free entertainment options available on the weekends.
4. Make a list of activities you enjoy that are in alignment with your values. For instance, if generosity is a priority, you could find an enjoyable way to spend your time helping others. If health is a value you cherish, you could join a yoga studio or take a nutrition class.
5. Evaluate yourself at the end of each day. Think about the instances when you failed to live according to your values. Try to discern where things broke down for you and explore what thoughts or feelings lie beneath. Then, shift your thinking and create a plan of action for how to handle similar situations in the future.
Create a self-image that’s in alignment with your values. Authenticity eliminates many of the common emotional ailments in life.
Your beliefs about yourself are everything. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Be bold enough to choose the person you want to become, and live accordingly. The benefits are immeasurable.
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 Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical
Psychologist
Cook With Zona
Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
Ever since I started making this recipe my husband has been OBSESSED with it! Every Sunday my husband and I sit down and decide what meals we would like to eat for dinner that week; and without fail, he always asks if we can add this dish as one of our dinners. I hope your family obsesses over this recipe as much as mine does.
This recipe is totally customizable to you and your families personal preferences. When I first started making this dish I thought broccoli and carrots worked perfectly with the fall inspired flavors, but you can really use any vegetables you like. If you like sweet potato over regular potato, throw that in instead. Such a simple swap. I love the sweet chicken apple sausage used in this recipe, but if that’s not your thing add a different type of chicken sausage. Whatever is your favorite. I absolutely love the maple roasted veggies here, but if you don’t want the sweet just leave out this ingredient.
If you have any recipes you’d like to share with me I would love to try them out! Email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com.
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 60 mins | Total time: 1 hr 10 mins
Ingredients
4 Chicken Apple Sausage
24 oz Baby Potato Medley
1 cup Baby Carrots
1 large crown Broccoli
2-3 tbsp Maple Syrup
Olive Oil
Seasonings & Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper. Measure with your heart.
Steps
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Start by chopping the potatoes and broccoli. Slice the chicken sausage too.
• Toss the chopped potatoes and carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a large sheet pan. Roast for 20 minutes, mixing halfway through.
• While the potatoes are roasting, mix the chopped broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Move the potatoes & carrots to one side and spread the broccoli on the other side. Roast for 10 minutes.
• Remove the pan again, make room, and add the sliced chicken sausage. Roast for 20 minutes, mixing halfway through.
• Remove the pan once again and add the maple syrup to the broccoli, potatoes, and carrot. Add more salt & pepper. Mix everything and roast for the last 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
Legal Advice
While there are many forms of estate planning documents available on line, there are just as many ways to make mistakes that could cause problems for you and your loved ones.
Original documents are important. Financial institutions want to see original powers of attorney and Wills. When there is only a copy of the Will, the court process to probate can be double the time and cost of probating an original.
Legal terms have specific meaning. If the term “heir” is used, when meaning “descendants,” unintended rights could be given to a spouse or sibling.
Powers of attorney should not be contingent on you being incapacitated. Once you are found incapacitated, you lose your legal rights to handle financial decisions. You should not have to lose your rights, when you just need help on the phone or going to the bank.
Health care powers of attorney should cover mental health and medical health care. Avoid court
intervention by having a complete health care power of attorney.
With a trust, probate can only be avoided if assets are titled to the trust or made payable to a trust. Without a trust, probate can be avoided by utilizing beneficiary designations on accounts and a Beneficiary Deed for real estate.
Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com
Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, The Cavanagh Law
Be Careful Out There
Dementia & Extreme Heat Precautions
The excessive heat warnings we’ve had recently can have a significant impact on safety, but these conditions can be even more stressful for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. If you’re a caregiver, there are certain precautions to help your loved one during the summer.
Expect Mood Changes: Any kind of discomfort, like excessive heat, can trigger altered behaviors in dementia patients. It can also increase confusion. Dementia patients often like routine, such as outdoor walks. But morning or evening walks can be disrupted due to heat. This change can trigger anxiety and agitation. Prepare to see mood changes and make a plan.
Offer Hydration Without Asking: Refrain from asking if they’d like a glass of water. Instead, help them increase water intake by offering more water regularly. Be aware that some medications and dementiarelated illnesses can make dehydration worse, and often they’ll forget to drink.
Provide Sunblock: Provide proper sunblock every day, as you would for a child. Without help, those suffering from memory loss are particularly at risk for dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn. Also, make sure they have light clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Check A/C Units: Make sure you are checking A/C units or hire professionals. Many dementia patients cannot regulate their body temperature. Some find it too cold, while others will say it’s too hot. Make sure they are comfortable and safe.
Increase Wellness Checks: If you regularly visit once a day, increase your visits to monitor well-being. If a patient tends to wander, stay calm and follow the path of their dominant hand. If they are right-handed, they might exit the premises to the right. This is a general rule. Wandering can be life-threatening during extreme heat. Have recent photos and medical information ready for emergency responders.
For more information: www.HeartsForDementia.com
Submitted by Lolita Tramel, Family & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner; Founder of Hearts for Dementia
Whole Body Health
Arizonans Increasingly Understand Whole-Body Health Includes
Oral,
Mental Health
According to the 2024 Oral Health and Wellness Report, a statewide survey that studies the ways in which individuals think about health and approach their own care, it is clear that this patient-centered approach to health care that considers a person’s entire well-being is more than a passing wellness fad or buzzword. According to the report, Arizonans are increasingly familiar with the connection between oral health and conditions like heart disease (50%), respiratory illness (32%), diabetes (29%), and high blood pressure (28%) at higher rates than in years prior.
It also shows that three in four adults, on average, say oral health is closely related to mental health. As it relates to generational data, 71% of Gen X and
Boomers are making the connection, while 76% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials feel strongly there is a direct relationship between the two. Diving deeper into the findings, 23% of all respondents reported direct feelings of anxiety as a result of their oral health; 21% reported embarrassment over their appearance; 20% lost sleep over oral health; and 19% experienced direct feelings of sadness related to oral health.
Additional findings:
Only about three-fifths (59%) of Arizonans replace their toothbrush every three months or more often, as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines. This is down from 70% in 2023. Financial issues are reported as the No. 1 barrier to care. Half of Arizonans who faced such a barrier cited out-of-pocket costs, while 43% were concerned by not having dental insurance.
This year, Boomers were more likely than Gen Z and Millennials not to go to a preventive visit simply because they thought their oral health was good enough (15% vs. 11%).
The top items wanted in dental insurance across all generations are two free preventative cleanings annually, oral surgery coverage, and extra cleanings for high-risk individuals
Taking action to protect oral health is taking action to protect one’s overall health, including mental health. This report shows that engaging the community around whole person health, supporting innovative programs, and providing equitable access to care is more important than ever.
It is critical that health and wellness organizations continue to work to collectively create programs and initiatives that support access to whole-body health for all Arizonans. We are all in this together.
Submitted by Michael Jones, Delta Dental of Arizona
The Bug Guy
Battlin’ Critters on Land and Sea
Ahoy, landlubbers of the West Valley! While ye may not be sailin’ the seven seas, ye’ve got yer own battles to fight against the pesky invaders that be tryin’ to board yer homes and businesses. Aye, we be talkin’ ‘bout pest control in this here desert oasis. The West Valley, with its scorching summers and mild winters, be a veritable treasure trove for all manner of creepy crawlies. From the dreaded scorpions to the sneaky cockroaches, these bilge rats be causin’ havoc faster than ye can say “shiver me timbers!” But fear not, ye scurvy dogs! There be a whole crew of pest control experts in the valley, armed to the teeth with the latest in pest-fightin’ technology. These brave buccaneers stand ready to send those pests to Davy Jones’ locker.
Now, ye might be wonderin’ why the West Valley be such a hotbed for these landlubbin’ pests. Well, matey, it be the climate that draws ‘em in like moths to a
flame. The heat be perfect for insects and arachnids, while the monsoon season brings out the rodents faster than ye can hoist the Jolly Roger. But here’s a piece of eight for ye: prevention be the best medicine. Ye can keep yer ship tight by sealin’ up cracks and crevices, keepin’ yer galley clean, and removin’ standin’ water from yer property. These simple tricks can make yer home as uninvitin’ to pests as a plank over sharkinfested waters.
Now, ye might be thinkin’, “What’s all this talk of pirates got to do with pest control?” Well, me bucko, September 19th be International Talk Like a Pirate Day! It be a day when landlubbers and sea dogs alike can unleash their inner pirate. So why not combine the practical with the fun?
Imagine callin’ yer local pest control company and greetin’ them with a hearty “Ahoy, matey!” Or describin’ yer ant problem as “a mutiny of the tiniest proportion.”
So, me hearties, as ye navigate the treacherous waters of pest control in the West Valley, remember to keep yer sense of humor intact. Whether ye be battlin’ scorpions or celebratin’ Talk Like a Pirate Day, a jolly attitude can make even the most challengin’ situations feel like a grand adventure on the high seas. Yo ho ho, and a bottle of pest repellent!
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
Extracurriculars
Choosing the right extracurricular activity for your child can be a pivotal decision that influences their development, interests, and social skills. The school year often presents a wealth of options, so it’s essential to approach the selection process thoughtfully. Start by considering your child’s interests and passions. Engage them in a conversation about what they enjoy doing, whether it be sports, arts, music, or science. Understanding their motivations and preferences can guide you toward activities that resonate with them, ensuring they stay engaged and excited throughout the year.
Remember to consider your child’s personality traits. Introverted children might thrive in smaller, less competitive environments such as art clubs or theater groups, allowing them to express themselves comfortably. On the other hand, extroverted kids may flourish in team sports or debate clubs, where interaction is abundant. It is also important to consider the time commitment and demands of each activity. Balance is crucial; too much involvement can lead to burnout, while too little might not provide enough stimulation or social interaction.
Another key factor is your child’s current commitments. Review their academic workload and family obligations to ensure they can realistically participate without feeling overwhelmed. If time management is an issue, activities with flexible schedules or those that meet less frequently could be an advantage. While children need to engage in activities, ensure they have downtime to relax
and pursue their own interests outside structured environments.
It’s important to involve your child in the decisionmaking as much as possible. This collaboration allows for a sense of ownership and helps them feel empowered regarding their choices. Explore various activities together, attend introductory sessions, and meet with coaches. This exposure gives your child a feel for what to expect, enabling them to make an informed decision.
As you narrow down the options, consider the potential for developing skills. Is your child interested in improving leadership skills, teamwork, or creativity? Look for activities that cater to their interests and provide space for growth in areas they might want to develop. Trust your instincts as a parent. If an activity seems overly competitive or stressful, it might not be the right fit, even if it appears appealing on paper.
Finding the right extracurricular activity can boost your child’s confidence and allow them to discover their unique talents, leading to a well-rounded and fulfilling school year. Extracurricular activities intend to enhance your child’s school experience, enrich their life, and help them gain friendships, but most importantly it’s about having fun! Always remind your child to have fun!
Puzzle Time
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. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com Difficulty: Easy
