Viva

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Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive

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From Me To You...

At this time of year I find myself sorting through things, reorganizing, re-homing, generally tidying up. I think it is the autumn. The thought of cooler weather (finally) puts me in the frame of mind to get things done. I decided to tackle my closet and let me tell you, it has led me on a merry chase. I began by getting rid of things that don’t fit, are worn out or just no longer bring me joy. Do you see where I am going with this? I did it. I tried, pretty unsuccessfully, to ‘KonMarie™’ my clothes. For anyone who has been living under a rock, Marie Kondo stirred the souls of many people with the promise of a streamlined home, and by extension, a way to streamline the rest of your life if you so choose. I stink at it. I started out with the best intentions. Anything that doesn’t fit - in the bag for donations. But what if I loose some weight? This was expensive. This has a sentimental attachment. This might fit one day.

After several false starts I managed to remove a couple of bags of clothes and was on to the fun part. Or so I thought. Folding! The recommended folding method reminds me of a laundromat in New York. Way back in time, before kids and a mortgage and other important

money drains, I used to send out my laundry to be washed and folded. In my defense we had no washer and the building’s laundry room was creepy, and I wanted to! The clothes came back in the most perfect, tiny squares. To this day I have no idea how they did it but it is reminiscent of the way Marie Kondo recommends you fold your clothes, before lovingly placing them in your closet.

So off I went on the folding adventure and after several false starts I had a beautiful, color co-ordinated (ahem, way to go the extra mile) drawer full of t-shirts. Then it hit me. I was going to have to do this FOREVER. I mean really, who has the time? My foray into a streamlined life was fun for a day or two, but who has the energy to maintain it?

Next year I think I will satisfy my autumn cravings with a pumpkin spice latte instead.

Catherine Uretsky

Editor, Viva magazine catherine@estrellapublishing.com 623-398-5541

The Bug Guy

Finally, we’ve made it through the summer heat and the weather has shifted to cooler temps! It’s time to get outside and enjoy the best that the valley has to offer. Dinner on the patio, a fire pit with friends, a hike, a bike ride—all of these are great activities to enjoy during this time of the year and why many of us have made our way to the valley.

It’s also the beginning of the holiday season and pumpkin spice is everywhere, its in your coffee, your pie, and even in your muffins. Thanksgiving is the time to get together and be thankful for the people in our lives. The ones that care, the ones that have been there for us, the ones that make life richer just by being themselves. Friends make life better for all of us, so get out there and stay connected, it’s worth it.

Make sure to take the opportunity to honor our Veterans this season along with all your other celebrations. Veterans day is November 11th, what is Veterans Day? It is a national holiday honoring all veterans of the armed forces who served and those who are still serving during

times of peace and war. November 11th became a national holiday in 1938 in remembrance of Armistice Day in 1918 that ended WW1. In 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all who served in the armed forces. Each year on Veterans Day a wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier to commemorate the sacrifice that all who served have made.

As we engage with our friends and family during these events outside, we have the potential to see more flying insects at this time of year. Yikes! One of the causes of this increase is the volume of rain we have experienced over the last few months. Be prepared to see more flying insects as well as an increase in Aedes Aegypti (mosquitoes). These mosquitoes are day biters and very small. They have black and white striped legs and tend to rest on the underside of leaves during the night, and they are hangry! As these insects increase, we will also see an increase in spider activity as they are building webs in areas to feed on these flying insects. Remember unless we have a freeze the bugs will just keep coming around!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Eye Eye

As you age, you’ll notice several parts of your body change. One area of your health you may not think about changing as you age is your eyesight.

“Vision changes are a natural part of aging,” said optometrist Dr. Inna Lazar. “But so many Americans don’t get their eyes regularly examined and aren’t proactive about their eye health.”

If you want to take care of your sight but don’t know where to start, check out these tips for protecting your eyes as you age.

1. Review your family eye health history

Just like you inherit your eye color from your parents, they may pass down eye diseases and conditions that develop as you age. Talk with your family about their eye health history to determine if you’re at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.

2. Notice changes to your vision

Our eyes change slowly as we age, so you might

not notice eye issues immediately. One common eye condition you’ll likely develop as you age is presbyopia, the gradual loss of your ability to focus on nearby objects. A telling sign of this condition is holding books, newspapers and other reading materials farther away so you can read them.

3. Protect your sight by eating right

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nutrition can help protect your eyesight. Focus on eating eye-healthy foods like orange-colored vegetables and fruits like carrots, cold-water fish with omega-3 fatty acids and leafy green vegetables.

4. Get examined

An eye exam can identify potential eye issues in their early stages when they’re easiest to treat.

5. Protect your eyes

When you think of eye protection, you probably imagine safety goggles, eye shields and sports glasses. But one piece of eye protection you should use regularly is a pair of sunglasses.

According to the American Optometric Association, overexposure to solar radiation over time can increase your risk of cataracts, eye cancer and macular degeneration.

6. Rest your eyes

f you spend most of your day looking at screens, you may experience eyestrain. To give your eyes a break, look away from your screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Be proactive and protect your eyes. Using these tips, you can give your sight the best chance of staying healthy as you age.

Diabetes

November is American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when excess glucose (sugar) builds up in the blood. It can cause numerous health problems if not properly managed. Some symptoms of diabetes may seem so insignificant that you may not even notice them for months or years – but being diagnosed early is key to a lifetime of better health.

If left untreated, long-term diabetes complications include cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the arteries, according to dietitian Katy Stemple, MDA, RDN, manager of the Abrazo Health Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program.

“The increase in diabetes in adults worldwide has quadrupled over the last few decades. The connection with heart and blood vessel damage is undeniable,” said Stemple. While there isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, the CDC says that losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can really help.

“Type 2 diabetes, which typically is diagnosed in adults and accounts for between 90-95% of all diagnosed cases, can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and kidney disease,” she explained. “In the last 20 years, the number of adults with diabetes has more than doubled as the American population has become more overweight or obese.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people living with diabetes, resulting in two-thirds of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes.

“The good news is that with proper exercise, diet and diabetes management, you can reduce your risk of getting cardiovascular disease and the complications that come with it,” noted Stemple.

For more information about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org. Submitted by Keith Jones, of Abrazo Health

Energy Bills

Soaring energy prices equate to rising energy bills for households nationwide. This is a burden in particular for low-income people on a tight budget. No one should have to go without the energy necessary to heat and power their home, and now, thanks to numerous programs and incentives, there are more options to keep costs down for those that need it most. Consider these opportunities to make energy efficiency upgrades and help lower your energy bills and save money. Learn about these and other ways to save energy and money at energystar.gov/ SaveForGood.

Rebates and tax incentives

Through rebates and tax incentives, ENERGY STAR certified products are becoming more affordable while enabling customers to save on their monthly energy bills. For example, ENERGY

STAR certified heat pumps are eligible for a $300 federal income tax credit for residential energy efficiency.

Ultra-efficient upgrades

When upgrading heating and cooling elements of the home, look for options with superior efficiency.

Support from local utilities

Local utilities may offer energy efficiency upgrade support for low-income customers. When available, these programs typically include a home energy assessment accompanied by direct install of energy-saving devices including ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats.

Weatherization assistance programs

Each U.S. state offers a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) available for households that qualify (such as those that already qualify for Supplemental Security Income, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and other income eligibility criteria). This program includes a home energy assessment and help with weatherization upgrades, like attic insultation, and fixing or replacing old water heaters.

Low-income assistance programs

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers help with home repairs and upgrades based on household size and income. For example, a four-person household with an annual income of $39,750 would qualify for LIHEAP and could get a replacement for a broken heating and cooling system through this program.

The typical household spends nearly $1,900 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR appliances, you can save 24% or about $450 in household energy costs while helping prevent climate change. Those savings are on top of assistance programs, rebates and tax incentives that help keep every home comfortable while staying on budget. Learn more at energystar. gov/SaveForGood.

Yum Yum

Hot Cheesy Shrimp Dip for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is a time for relaxing with family & friends around the table ~ and indulging in a feast that spans the afternoon into evening!

While every family has their traditions, I always include a seafood appetizer or chowder since most of my life was spent by the water.

When I lived on Cape Cod, I used lobster in this recipe since it was readily available ~ but shrimp is far easier to find in the desert in the frozen food section!! I always start with raw shrimp so I can cook it for 3 minutes in a pot of boiling water with 3 T Old Bay Seasoning for added flavor ~ but you an also use fully-cooked shrimp.

Serve this with pita chips or baguette slices. This recipe is a great “What Can I Bring” solution ~ but don’t plan on having any leftovers to bring home!

Ingredients:

4 T unsalted butter

1 C tri-color peppers (red/yellow/ orange), finely chopped

1 C shallots, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 T flour

1 C heavy cream

¾ C whole milk

1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp dry mustard

½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

2 T sherry wine

1 C Gruyere cheese, shredded (or Swiss)

2 lbs cooked shrimp (I use 31-40 count, prepared as noted above)

1 T fresh parsley, chopped

1/3 C kettle cooked potato chips, crumbled

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray medium size casserole dish with nonstick spray ~ set aside.

In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter and saute peppers and shallots about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute; then add flour and cook 2 minutes more. Whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth.

Add Old Bay, paprika, mustard, salt, pepper, cayenne, and sherry. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens. Add cheese, shrimp & parsley and pour into prepared dish.

Sprinkle top with potato chips and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Submitted by Maureen Woods

Veteran Dogs

Did you know that roughly 3.5 million military veterans suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder? There is hope for those who are impacted. Research shows that veterans with properly trained service dogs show lower symptoms of PTSD, reduced depression and increased social participation. This year, to highlight and celebrate the remarkable impact these dogs have on the daily lives of veterans, Dog Chow launched its first-ever Visible Impact Award in partnership with the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans.

Meet the five service dog finalists who are making life better for their veterans:

1. Bjorn - After U.S. Army Veteran Derek left his third inpatient treatment for attempted suicide, he knew he needed help to treat his complex PTSD. Everything changed when he met his service dog Bjorn, who helps him break out of negative thought spirals by interrupting

flashbacks and thoughts of self-harm. At night, Bjorn sleeps with or on top of Derek to help him sleep and wakes him if he’s experiencing night terrors.

2. Ivy - U.S. Army Veteran Todd was on the brink of ending his life when a well-timed conversation with a fellow veteran inspired him to apply for a service dog to manage his PTSD. Ivy was the companion he needed. Ivy can smell changes in Todd’s body chemistry when he gets hypervigilant, angry or anxious in crowded social situations. She quickly moves to bring him back to the present by interrupting his train of thought.

3. Liberty - After an explosive went off under his Humvee outside Kirkuk, Iraq, Army Veteran Carlos’s life changed forever. Ten years after the incident, Carlos had trouble leaving his home and managing his PTSD symptoms. Since receiving his service dog, Liberty, Carlos has been able to enjoy everyday life again. Because of Liberty, Carlos was able to overcome his anxieties and attend a Los Angeles Dodgers game. Liberty kept Carlos calm as they stood on the field and received a standing ovation from over 50,000 people.

4. Raphael - Constant panic and anxiety attacks made life a daily struggle for U.S. Air Force Veteran Bernard. Even on medication, Bernard’s PTSD caused him to become withdrawn and depressed, making simple tasks intolerable. Like other PTSD service dogs, Raphael performs a “standing hug” to give Bernard compression therapy when he begins to experience an anxiety or panic attack. This hugging works to place Bernard’s focus on Raphael instead of the anxiety trigger.

5. Trigger - After U.S. Navy Veteran Rebekah returned from service in 2011, she could not go out in public on her own. Luckily, her service dog, a rescued boxer mix named Trigger, helped reduce her PTSD symptoms. When out in public, Trigger always remains by Rebekah’s side, standing between her legs and decreasing her hypervigilance.

To learn more about these veterans and their service dogs visit DogChow.com/Service.

Legal Advice

NON-STRESS PROBATE WITH A WILL

The Last Will and Testament is the document that allows courts to re-title accounts and assets which are in your name (not a trust) and which do not have a beneficiary designation.

If you are leaving assets to adults (not minors), then you can use beneficiary designations and avoid probate. A Will is still a good idea to have as a backup for any account without a beneficiary; either because a beneficiary was not listed or a financial company lost the beneficiary designation. If your spouse has children which are not also your children, the Will also can assure that your spouse’s half of the community property goes to you. Otherwise, intestate laws apply and your spouse’s children will be entitled to one-half of the community property and one-

half of your spouse’s sole and separate property.

Be sure to keep your Original Will, because using a copy requires a formal court probate hearing. Evidence proving the Will was not revoked is needed when the original cannot be located. Wills need two witnesses and a specially worded affidavit so the Will can be probated without a hearing. A handwritten Will does not need witnesses or a notary if all of the dispositive provisions are in your handwriting and all pages are originals.

Submitted by Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq.

Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq., The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@ CavanaghLaw.com. Sharon’s practice focuses on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information www. sharonravenscroft.com.

Dependency

What’s the difference between dependence, codependence and interdependence?

Dependence is a state in which one person relies on another for support in some area(s). For some, their very existence seems contingent on someone else’s. In other cases, the dependent may be subordinate to the other party in the dynamic. Sense of self is absent.

Codependence is a term for a pattern of relating in which a person puts the needs of others before his own. In other words, he gives others power over his feelings and well-being. He allows them to be in charge, to have control. His self-worth is based on what he can do for or be to others. It can seem like a mutually beneficial relationship, but in the end, neither the “getter” nor the “giver” learns to take care of himself

and develop appropriate, internally-based selfesteem. Sense of self is distorted.

Interdependence involves a true mutually beneficial relationship or partnership wherein both parties influence each other in healthy ways. Thus, one party can influence the other’s emotions, actions, thoughts and wellbeing. The difference from codependence is a matter of degree: some power over vs. nearly complete power over, influence vs. control. Healthy couples are interdependent in that they allow themselves to be influenced by each other. This is a sign of mutual respect and understanding. Sense of self is present.

DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional.

Submitted by Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist. For the full article and more, visit www.doctorbellingrodt.com.

Samurai Sudoku

samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills.

solve this

puzzle use standard sudoku

for every 9x9

from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3

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