The Hamlet
March 2018
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From Me To You... Welcome
to the March edition of The Hamlet.
Most people know that this year is the Year of the Dog, well in my house it is the Year of the Weddings. My eldest 2 children are both getting married in 2018 and the pressure is beginning to build. Thankfully I am only organizing one of them as my son and his fiancee have decided that they will be doing everything (including paying for it!) by themselves. I am not so lucky with my daughter. This is a wedding that I get to plan and pay for. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of joy in the event. I get to see friends and family who would otherwise wait for me to visit them. Luckily we have a pool, and the wedding is in the summer, so that takes care of the entertainment. I am looking forward to summer evenings by the pool with a glass of wine and pleasant company. I am also looking forward to seeing people from many parts of my life mingle, to get to know each other, and hopefully have a great time. I am sure it will be somewhat frantic as we get close to the date but that is where I have played my Ace. I hired a wedding planner. She knows who to call, who will be there when they are supposed to be, and how to take all my worries away. If I start to panic about when to send the invites for the guests from overseas - Danielle has the answer. If I don’t know who is the best DJ - Danielle has the answer. If I don’t know how much food I need to order - Danielle is there for me too.
She is so helpful I am thinking of keeping her after the wedding. Don’t know where I should go on vacation? “Danielle!” Need help finding a plumber? “Danielle!” Hard to get reservations for a restaurant on a Saturday night? You guessed it. “Danielle!” But back to the wedding... Along with seeing my loved ones I also get to invite plenty of people on the other side of the aisle, who I will most likely not speak more than a couple of words to. That seems unfair to me. If I had the nerve I would put out a collection plate. Perhaps a tip jar of sorts. There was a parent I read about who sent a bill to people who RSVP’d yes to her son’s party then didn’t show up. Part of me, deep down, admires the Chutzpah of the woman. Because you know there will be people who say they are coming but won’t be there. Danielle assures me that it will all balance out because there are also people who will attend that were not invited, or changed their mind on the day. See? The woman is a gem! I must admit, most of the planning is fun. As many of you may understand, my wedding was not my wedding. What do I mean? Well although I was the one in the big white dress standing at the altar, I chose the dress my Mum preferred, the location my Mother-in-law favored and the band my soon to be husband wanted. Now it is my turn. I am steering the bridal couple towards choices I want. They pick the songs, but I chose the DJ. Their choice of food, my caterer. I did put my foot down with the dress. She got what she wanted, even though she tried to pick the dress she thought I liked best... Most of the planning is done at this point and all I have to do is relax and enjoy the big day, once I decide what I am going to wear. “Danielle!”
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Hamlet magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283
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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 © 2010-2018 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.
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The Hamlet
March 2018
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March 2018
I Am What I Am
“That’s not the way it’s supposed to be.” “That’s the way we’ve done it for years.” “It’s always worked that way.” Do any of the phrases sound familiar? They’re common responses in business when there’s…wait for it…CHANGE! Many people don’t like change, some people love it, and others simply go with the flow. My reply to anyone who doesn’t want change: “Resistance is futile.” Change starts with something new whether it’s an idea, a situation, a person, or event. Weather is a good example of change that’s out of our control. One rainy day out of the 300-plus days of sunshine is a dramatic change. For the people who don’t like change (or the rain), it’s an inconvenience, annoyance, or complete disruption of their routine. Others run outside to dance and twirl to enjoy a change in weather or simply because they like dancing in the rain. I would say, “whatever,” and decide if it’s raining hard enough to put on a coat. We can’t stop the rain, so resistance is futile. Wonder if anyone said, “I’ll keep using the outhouse. I don’t want that thing inside my home!” We would all still be running outside to do “business” if it wasn’t for Mr. Crapper’s idea. In the beginning, only prestigious people had a private toilet. The commoners use public toilets that were also places to socialize. Eew! Glad we have evolved, but that’s because nothing remains the same…thankfully.
The Hamlet
There are many instances when we don’t want things to change. Finding a great spouse, great place to live, great job, great group of friends, and the list goes on of all the great things in our life. Things that make us happy are the things we want to remain the same.
The primary reason nothing remains the same is people change. Their needs, wants, desires, goals, dreams, and health are all factors that will change you and everyone else whether you know them or not. Think ‘six degrees of separation’; anyone on the planet is to any other person on the planet through no more than five friends or acquaintances. Social media is very good at making that six-degree connection. Core values should always be unwavering. It’s what makes you the person you are. Anything else that you change is due to an outside force or choice you make. Anyone who isn’t willing to change becomes like Popeye, “I yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam.” If you’re willing to change, you can influence change in the entire world. John Safin, Goodyear Chamer of Commerce
March 2018
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Healthy Living The ability to see is one of our most precious gifts. Like most things in life, our vision may be impacted as we age. That’s why it’s important to learn about Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Prevalent among older Americans, it affects one in five adults age 65 and older, and is the leading cause of blindness for this population. While there is no cure for this condition, there are steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of progression, including:
1) Schedule routine eye exams. As early stages of AMD may not present any symptoms, you may not think to consult your eye doctor. Keeping routine eye exams that include eye dilation may help to identify the condition early, as well as help maintain overall eye health. 2) Address symptoms immediately. See your eye care professional right away if you experience sudden or gradual changes in vision quality. As AMD progresses, straight lines may appear distorted, central vision may look dark, blurry or white, or changes in color perception may become noticeable. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, you should also regularly check your eyes with an Amsler grid tool that helps track incremental vision changes. 3) Lead a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, quit. Regular exercise can also help to maintain eye health and minimize the risk of progression. Other risk factors for AMD include obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
4) Eat right. A diet rich in green, leafy vegetables as well as healthy fatty acids may also help reduce the risk of progression. Foods that contain these nutrients include: spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, romaine and chard, and fatty fish such as salmon, sea bass, herring, whitefish, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. 5) Consider supplements recommended by the National Eye Institute. If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to advanced AMD, The National Eye Institute recommends taking a specific nutrient formula based on the AREDS 2 study, that may help reduce your risk of progression. Talk with your doctor to see if an AREDS 2 formula eye vitamin is right for you. To raise awareness of this public health issue, Bausch + Lomb, in collaboration with Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, has launched the Why Eye Fight campaign. To learn more about AMD, what steps you can take to help fight for your sight or to watch the patient stories or PSA, visit www.WhyEyeFight.com. You can also join the online conversation and share your story using #WhyEyeFight on Facebook and Twitter.
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March 2018
Home Sweet Home
Should I Get A Home Inspection?
Home buyers are encouraged to carry out home inspections and rightly so. Buying a home is one of the largest purchases we’ll ever make, so ensuring you’re not buying a heap of trouble (remember the movie The Money Pit?!) is a smart move - yes, pun intended! Hiring a professional is key. Your real estate professional should have their clients’ best interest at heart and be able to refer a good inspector or you may know someone who’s recently bought a home and worked with an excellent individual or company. Be sure the inspector is bonded and insured and beware of inspectors who have other business interests - roofing, renovations, etc. You’re looking for an honest opinion of the condition of the home, not someone who is trying to sell you other services. Ask what the inspection includes. The main items such as the roof, heating & cooling system, plumbing, electrical, etc., will be part of the inspection but how about the yard irrigation system? Some inspectors will inspect pools and spas but how detailed will these be?
Bear in mind, it’s not just older homes that should be inspected. Don’t get talked out of carrying out inspections on a newer home. Builders aren’t foolproof and an inspection should catch any errors made during construction. Actually, it’s good practice for new home buyers to have an independent inspection carried out just before their builder warranty expires. The report can then be delivered to the builder outlining any issues uncovered - and there are always some! - and anything under warranty can be addressed.
Once the inspection has been completed, you will be invited to attend the “wrap up” during which time the inspector will review with you any main issues that have been discovered. You’ll receive a detailed report a little later - usually late that day or the following day. A good inspector should be open to chatting with you about anything of concern and also even further down the road once you own the home. Hopefully there will be nothing major to address but the report can now serve as a punch list to make corrections once you own the home. Then it will be in tip top condition when your time comes to be the seller, right?! Submitted by Gale Sanuelsen, Realtor
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The Hamlet
March 2018
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Outdoor Living Outdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018. Thanks to new high-performance materials and innovative design approaches, homeowners everywhere are transforming their outdoor spaces into multi-seasonal extensions of their homes. Just because people are spending more time outdoors doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for upkeep. In fact, high-maintenance materials like wood are seeing a decrease in demand as people are opting for offerings that deliver better performance and sustainability. Unlike wood, highperformance composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold - and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water. Among the hottest design influences right now is “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) - the Scandinavian term for a feeling of coziness and comfort. This year, outdoor spaces will beckon homeowners and their guests to relax and rejuvenate with hyggeinspired accents, from plush cushions and throws to protective pergolas, cozy warming features and outdoor lighting
wainscoting or deck skirting. Kids are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. Outdoor play spaces for all ages are on the rise, including everything from swimming pools and embedded sandboxes to regulation cornhole courts, horseshoe pits and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton and bocce ball. Beyond yard games, electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment systems specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, new storage options include durable wall-mounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully protect pricey electronics from the elements, while concealing all of the unsightly - and potentially unsafe - cords and cables. For more information about outdoor living trends, go to www.trex.com.
While railing matched to the decking remains popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the complementary decking and railing pairings afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek designs inspired by commercial architecture. More homeowners are inspired by outdoor spaces they find in commercial settings, such as hotels and urban rooftops, and want to replicate those looks in their homes. A prime example of this commercial-to-residential trend is the growing popularity of horizontal railings such as rod rail - a sleek, industrial look that’s ideal for optimizing a panoramic view. With the increased usage of outdoor living spaces comes higher demand for chic decor and privacy. An easy design trick that adds personal style and functionality, lattice panels are perfect for enhancing privacy and concealing storage areas or unsightly views. With styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels can be integrated into any outdoor area and applied to structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used as decorative
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March 2018
Rent vs. Own
It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice and is, in fact, not in line with market trends, considering 60 percent of homebuyers buy with a down payment of 6 percent or less, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Yes, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a down payment as small as 3 percent of the purchase price. It is also true that you can reduce your monthly mortgage payment by paying for discount points at closing, but that can be 5 or 10 percent of the purchase price - not 20. And because every buyer’s situation is unique, it’s important to do the math. In today’s market, it could take a family earning the national median income up to 20 years to save 20 percent, according to calculations by U.S. Mortgage Insurers using a methodology developed by the Center for Responsible Lending; a lot can change during that time, in the family’s personal finances and in overall mortgage market trends. How can buying now save you money later? Consider you want to purchase a $235,000 home. A 5 percent down payment is $11,750 versus $47,000 in cash for 20 percent down. With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $110, which is added to your monthly mortgage payment until MI cancels. MI typically cancels after five years; therefore, you will only have this added cost for a short period of time versus waiting an average of 20 years to save for 20 percent.
The Hamlet
With home price appreciation, today’s $235,000 home will likely cost more in the years ahead and this will also have an impact on the necessary down payment and length of time required to save for it. There are other variables in the equation too, such as interest rates. As federal rates rise, so too can the costs associated with financing a mortgage. The savings a borrower might calculate today could be altogether negated by waiting even a few more years. Another factor is that rents are on the rise across the nation, leading to a reduced capacity for many would-be homebuyers to save for larger down payments.
If you decide to buy today with a low down payment mortgage option, it is true that MI is an added cost on top of mortgage principal and interest, but keep in mind that it is temporary and goes away. Again, it typically lasts about five years. Private MI can be cancelled once a homeowner builds approximately 20 percent equity in the home through payments or appreciation and automatically terminates for most borrowers once he or she reaches 22 percent equity. And when MI is cancelled, the monthly bill goes down. Importantly, the insurance premiums on an FHA mortgage - the 100 percent taxpayer-backed government version of mortgage insurance - cannot be cancelled for the vast majority of borrowers with FHA mortgages. So, do the math and let the numbers guide you.
March 2018
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Cancer.com Whether you’ve helped a family member through treatment or are facing a diagnosis yourself, hearing the word “cancer” can make people feel powerless and overwhelmed. For many, the best way to regain control is to be as educated as possible. This desire to be informed can lead to an endless and exhausting search for relevant, trustworthy, and relatable information.
“People with cancer are overwhelmed by information from many disparate sources, however, they need to absorb and retain what’s important to them. Curated information that is specific to their individual situation allows them to focus without having to sift through irrelevant and often inaccurate content.” Ellen Miller-Sonet, Chief Strategy and Alliance Officer, CancerCare That’s why the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies collaborated with leading advocacy organizations to develop Cancer.com, a new online destination for people impacted by cancer. Cancer.com offers educational information, a powerful coaching tool, and links to relevant blogs and social channels, all in one place. You can create a profile that serves up content tailored to you. This includes information for your cancer type and where you are in your cancer experience: just diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or living in remission. Further customize your Cancer. com experience by learning more about topics that interest you. Cancer.com
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topic areas were created based on what patients and caregivers search for the most, including: “Every person’s journey through cancer is different, which makes personalized information an essential part of the patient’s care plan. We want to help individuals find the combination of educational and emotional support resources that will give them a sense of control.” Hildy Dillon, MPH, Vice President, Education and Support Programs, Cancer Support Community Cancer.com houses information from key patient advocacy groups that collaborated on the site: the American Cancer Society, CancerCare, and Cancer Support Community. It is also a gateway to the educational resources and tools featured on these groups’ websites. Additionally, Cancer.com features a wealth of articles and links to content from reliable sources that include government agencies, medical centers, and news and academic media. “As a trusted resource for cancer information, the American Cancer Society is pleased to contribute its expertise and content to ensure people affected by cancer receive the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions about their health.” Chuck Westbrook, Senior Vice President, Cancer Control Programs and Services, American Cancer Society
March 2018
Positive Parenting
The daily routine for a parent can be hectic and stressful, and having a child that is living with atopic dermatitis (eczema) can be difficult.
Eczema is a common skin condition that may develop during childhood. Eczema typically occurs in characteristic areas of skin and is often identified by scaly or dry patches. Nearly 18 million children and adults across the United States live with the condition. About 90 percent of those with eczema have the mild-to-moderate form of the disease. And you shouldn’t be too surprised your child has eczema, if you have asthma, hay fever, or eczema yourself. Genetic factors are associated with eczema. If your child has eczema, the following tips may help you care for your child and their skin. 1. Know what to watch for. Eczema may look different on different people, so it’s important to know what to watch for. The face, neck, arms and legs are common sites for many people, depending on their age. Eczema often appears as a rough, red skin rash. If you think your
child has eczema, talk with a doctor to learn what to look for and discuss a possible treatment plan. Here’s another tip: consider pajama or bath time as an opportunity to take a moment and check for any changes in your child’s skin. 2. Tame the triggers.
For some, eczema may flare, or get worse, when they’re exposed to different triggers, even if they are currently treating their eczema. Food choices, sweat, stress, and clothing types may all be possible triggers for your child’s eczema. Monitor your child’s skin, and if you notice a change, talk to their doctor to find the strategies that may best identify these triggers. 3. Prepare appropriately. As a parent, you’ve probably learned that children never stop moving. Purses are filled with all sorts of things to help keep your child entertained. That preparation can also be applied to eczema. For example, heat and sweat are common causes of flares. Try dressing your child in comfortable, loose clothing or uniforms that have been washed before your child wears them. Don’t forget those new gym clothes and soccer jerseys! 4. Adjust bath time routines. Children take baths-for obvious reasons!-but bath time might be a challenge for children with eczema. Try to limit bath time to 5-10 minutes up to once per day with warm, not hot, water. Applying a moisturizer soon after bathing may also help ensure your child’s skin is moisturized. 5. Understand your options. There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatment options available. While the above tips may help you manage your child’s eczema, always be sure to talk to their doctor to help identify the best treatment plan.
The Hamlet
March 2018
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Home Decor Barn doors moved out of the farmyard and into the house a long time ago. Recently, however, they have become an even more popular and useful feature in residential design. It’s not hard to see why.
“Many homeowners hear the term ‘barn door’ and think of reclaimed, rustic wood, which may not be a look they’re interested in,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “But contemporary barn doors offer many more aesthetic choices than their traditional image suggests. We’ve noticed a trend toward the use of solid, fine-milled hardwoods like walnut and cherry for sliding doors, which not only gives them satisfying heft but is also a great way to bring the warmth and character of natural wood into an interior.” New York-based interior designer Laura Bohn agrees. “I’ve installed hardwood barn doors in many projects, both in the city and the country,” she says. “They provide a lot of decorative interest, particularly hung in pairs. I’d choose a clean, sophisticated design in a subtle wood like maple or birch for an urban interior. Poplar planks painted a cheerful color, or characterful woods like hickory and cypress would be better for doors in a country house.” Along with their decorative qualities, barn doors often provide a functional alternative to conventional swing doors. “Barn doors, either singly or in pairs, offer a simple and effective way to divide large spaces - a kitchen from a livingdining area, for example,” says Laguna Beach, California-based designer Lisa
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McDennon. “They can create instant separation and privacy in even the most open-plan house, which allows for greater flexibility in daily use.” “A traditional door can use up to nine square feet of space, which is a lot in city apartments where every inch counts,” notes New York-based designer Glenn Gissler. “A barn door only takes up a sliver of floor, making it a terrific solution in tight situations such as hallways and narrow rooms. You just need enough adjacent wall footage to slide the door over.” Barn doors offer economic advantages, too. While pocket doors have similar space-saving benefits, installing them requires wall reconstruction - a messy and expensive business. Because barn doors run on hardware installed outside the frame, they need no such preparatory construction, saving time and money. And the tracks themselves are part of the doors’ decorative appeal. “There’s a terrific selection of barn-door hardware available,” Bohn says. “Use sleek, high-tech tracks in brushed aluminum or satin-finish stainless steel for a modern urban vibe. For a more rustic or industrial statement, think blackened iron or raw steel, both of which look powerfully graphic against natural or painted wood.” Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about residential design trends and other applications and products using American hardwoods.
March 2018
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March 2018
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Inspiration With mounting pressures and expectations, the high school years can feel overwhelming - for students and parents alike. Teens grapple with questions like: Which colleges should I apply to? What should I choose as a major? What do I really want to do with my life? What if I don’t have a clue? As a parent you naturally want to give advice and steer them in the right direction, but you also know it’s a tricky balance. It’s their life, after all, as they’ll often remind you. So how can you help? Encourage them to explore different interests, with no strings attached. Look for activities beyond the usual choices. Research extracurricular programs at your school, in your community, even overseas so they can see the breadth of what’s out there. Expose them to a range of possibilities and see what they pick. Does your teen already have a clear focus? Look for innovative programs that allow them to dig even deeper in real-world settings. Or maybe your son or daughter is shy or stuck in a rut and needs a gentle nudge to try something new? It’s amazing how a change of scenery can inspire students and tap hidden talents. Over time they’ll gravitate toward one thing or another, and the journey will be rich with self-discovery. From local to global, there are many valuable paths that help spark new interests while building selfknowledge, confidence and 21st century skills along the way. Global clubs and activities spark interest in the world at largeMost high schools offer a range of extracurricular opportunities to get involved in a topic of interest or try out something new, from sports and theater to robotics and debate. Many offer programs with an international theme as well. After-school language clubs provide a chance to practice conversational skills in a relaxed environment while joining in cooking and other cultural activities. And bonding with other language enthusiasts inspires many to want to travel to experience different cultures first-hand! Larger high schools offer more languages, from French, Spanish and German to Mandarin, Arabic and Japanese, while teens with more limited offerings can often find regional programs a bus ride away.
skills. A new activity picked up on a whim may turn into a lifetime source of joy or even a career. If options are limited at school, branch out. Urge your teen to get involved in the local community, meet new people, and bond with others who share similar interests. They’ll see what’s out there in the bigger world while demonstrating to colleges and employers that they’re engaged beyond the standard classroom requirements. Service programs help teens gain valuable perspectiveWhen teens offer their time and talent to nonprofits and worthy causes, they gain more than just real-world experience for their college resumes. They gain maturity, perspective, practical skills and a greater appreciation for what they’ve got. Volunteering can be customized to one’s own interests, whether it means walking dogs at an animal shelter or building a website for an environmental group. Adventurous students can take it one step further by participating in service programs abroad. Whether working to raise social awareness, lending a hand with environmental and conservation project, or mentoring underprivileged youth, teens grow exponentially during a summer far away from their usual routine. Study abroad transforms the way a teen looks at fields of study - and lifeStudying abroad is not just for college. More and more high school students are making the leap overseas for summer programs or for a semester or gap year. As many students, parents and guidance counselors have discovered, this is an opportune time to develop valuable lifelong skills, learn a new language and discover career interests in a way that is not possible in an everyday classroom environment. Perhaps the ultimate opportunity for personal growth, studying abroad also expands communication skills and helps students understand different cultures and ways of living.
Model UN is another valuable program that teaches students about the world around them, and builds confidence as well as leadership and communication
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March 2018
Life As A Caregiver Anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s has been told that the disease effects people differently. Some patients become mean and hard to handle. Others lose themselves in the disease and are quiet and unresponsive. And still others suffer from depression. My mom has stayed pretty true to herself. But…depression DOES rear its ugly head from time to time. The disease and her inability to do things for herself makes her sad and frustrated. The disease also creates what is called “episodes” from time to time. Episodes where her behavior changes drastically. When they hit, they last for about 24 hours. Mom doesn’t sleep during any of that time. For that 24-hour period, she doesn’t eat much, becomes very restless, doesn’t remember that her mother, my father, and her siblings have all died, and asks a million questions. This particular time, though, she thought I had a daughter (which I don’t) named Joyce, was sad that she spoiled a dinner outing with my husband (I haven’t had a husband for a very long time) and thought I was a friend of the family. During this particular episode, she had a very hard time trying to find the words to express herself. It made me literally sick to my stomach. My mom didn’t know me. She recognized me, but didn’t know why or who I was.
about what’s happening, seeing someone you love in discomfort is extremely painful. I became SO emotional this time that it really made me look at my behavior during the crisis. I found myself angry and rather irritable in the way I answered my mom’s numerous questions. What I experienced was my lack of control over something negatively effecting someone I love. And when we are used to being in control and taking charge, as caregivers must be, there is nothing worse than NOT being in control. I couldn’t help her. I couldn’t make it better. I couldn’t make the bad stuff go away. And that broke my heart. Once she started feeling better, then I started feeling better. But something she said to me after she had calmed down a bit played over and over in my head. I thought it was pretty insightful. She said, ” I feel like my life is in front of me in a book… and some of the pages are missing.” Indeed they are, mom. Indeed they are. And I’m so sorry! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
This ‘episode’ was a rough one…..seeing her struggle with information that she knew well; having her not know me as her daughter. I cried for a good part of the day when she wasn’t with me….partly because of the confusion she was experiencing and partly because I wondered if this was the beginning of the next phase of Alzheimer’s. I had done my homework several years ago and chose a group-home nearby where I thought my mom would be comfortable when the time came to move her. But not yet!! It’s not time YET!!! Or is it? What has usually happened when mom has had an ‘episode’ is that after the 24-hours passes, she crashes. She has an enormous headache, she sleeps for almost an entire day and begins to eat normally. Her new normal returns and she knows me and recognizes all of her surroundings. And so it was this time, too. She didn’t remember what had happened and was perfectly content to sleep and regain her strength. I learned a lot from this ‘episode’. I learned that I can deal with the day-to-day routine of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, but not the extreme behavior changes that occur once in a while. That no matter how much you’ve prepared or understand The Hamlet
March 2018
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Living With Faith Mercy and humility A man brings some very fine material to a tailor and asks him to make a pair of pants. When he comes back a week later, the pants are not ready. Two weeks later, they are still not ready. Finally, after six weeks, the pants are ready. The man tries them on. They fit perfectly. Nonetheless, when it comes time to pay, he can’t resist a jibe at the tailor. “You know,” he says, “it took God only six days to make the world. And it took you six weeks to make just one pair of pants.” “Ah,” the tailor says. “But look at this pair of pants, and look at the world!”
were created differently so are our thoughts and ideas. We need to propose that there is no one path to knowledge or acceptance but rather many ways to the paths of brotherhood and civility. Take the time to look around and see that while we are all different in appearance, we are the same in the way we were created. Scripture describes the birth of humanity, and the question that is raised relates to the fact that only one man and one woman were the beginnings of everything. The answer is too simple, and maybe it’s simplicity is designed to help us understand that the example is there to remind us that one person is no better than another for we come from one mother and one father.
When we look at the world around us we despair. There is so much bloodshed, so much famine, so much hopelessness, and there is so much bigotry. We were created to be together in both action and deed. And this closeness often leads to contempt.
Perhaps we should step back and take a long hard look at the world, and know that while all was created in just six days, it will take a lifetime, and many lifetimes to follow to continue to complete the task of creating an appreciation for the value and purpose for the greatest gift given us: Life.
But then we realize that with just a few kind words or simple gestures we can enhance our lives and those around us. In fact, if we really wanted to get along with others we would not be so judgmental or critical.
As the winter approaches its height, let us resolve to keep the warmth of our spirit and the breath of the impending Spring, the most important aspect of the choices we make: “To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)
We can, and should take a different approach to indifference. We should resolve to confront it, not with antagonism but with a straightforward appeal to decency and morality. We can propose dialogue and exchange of ideas to remember that as we
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
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March 2018
Travel Wisely
As international travel gains popularity each year, new destinations are added to bucket lists and new travel gadgets and accessories appear on the market. The way we travel has changed in the past few decades, but that age-old itch to explore and discover new places and experiences remains the same. So how and why are people traveling now? The results of Visa’s recently released Global Travel Intentions (GTI) Survey reveal some interesting travel trends - and tips - to keep in mind for 2018. People travel because of culture - Of all the places to go in the world, why is it some people choose one place over another? According to Visa’s GTI survey, 41 percent of people cite “rich culture” and “friendly locals” as reasons to pick a destination. Although famous monuments, great museums and spectacular palaces continue to draw in visitors, the people who live in a traveler’s destination are hugely important. TIP: Hang with the locals. Check out fun events such as festivals and concerts to make sure you’re not missing the best events in the city you’re visiting. And don’t forget local flavors of the country’s national dishes.
GTI Survey, global travelers spend an average of $1,793 per trip.
Technology is the new travel companion - The traveler’s well-folded map and dog-eared guidebook might be a thing of the past. As more travelers adopt digital technology, virtually everything they need to navigate fits right in the palm of their hand. What’s more, 88 percent of travelers have online access while abroad and almost half, 44 percent, use ride-sharing apps to get around once they are on the ground. TIP: Research apps or technology that might be helpful on your travels. Downloading your bank or credit card apps can help track your money while traveling. As technology continues to revolutionize our daily lives, so it will continue changing how we travel. Staying on top of trends can allow travelers to plan accordingly. By budgeting, planning, avoiding cash and finding out the best ways to track spending, travelers can get the most from their dream travels - and their wallets.
Ideal vacations look a little different to everyone - What do you want to get out of travel? Is it to meet new friends, see something in person you saw on television, or fulfill a longtime dream? When vacationing, 63 percent of travelers are motivated by a combination of reward and achievement. That means to them, an ideal vacation has some combination of relaxation and experiencing new cultures or exotic locations. TIP: Block out time on your trip to relax and reflect on the experience. It can be easy to plan activities and sights to see, but it’s important to rest in between. People are feeling optimistic about travel - Though they may be excited to get out of their comfort zone, some people have reservations about the safety of traveling to far-off locations, or worry about affording such a trip. However, according to the GTI Survey, people are not letting these factors keep them at home. What that says is that people are willing and eager to visit their dream destinations. TIP: Budget your trip accordingly. A better understanding of what you can spend can help keep your mind at ease during travel. According to the The Hamlet
March 2018
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Puzzles & Games Sudoku for March Sudoku Solution
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18 The Hamlet
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Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
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20 The Hamlet
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