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From Me To You...

One of our dogs passed away this week. Even though he was getting on in years - he made it to the grand old age of 73ish in dog years - it was unexpected. What was worse is that he was living at college with my son, and I had to help him (my son, not the dog) navigate emergency vets and momentous decisions about his childhood pet from a distance.

I learned several things during the process, the most important is that letting go can be a blessing. Hank was in pain and I was glad that his suffering was brief, and letting go of him was the right thing to do. My son is now a man and is very capable of making important decisions, navigating the world with the information he has at hand. I discovered that letting go of control where he is concerned was the right thing too.

Hank (the dog) had slipped into the role of old man when he lived at home with us, but once he got to Pullman at the tender age of 9, he joined a Fraternity

and began his teenage years all over again. He chased stray dogs off his property, became a great wing man for his roommates, helped raise money for their philanthropy - Special Olympics, joined his frat brothers on the Fraternity composite portrait, and I am sure lapped up a beer or two in his time there. He was a blessing for my son, a reason to stay on the straight and narrow - you can’t party too hard when you have to take the dog out for a walk when you get home - and above all a friend who always had his back when classes, work, and relationships seemed to much to handle.

So I want to say ‘Thank you, Hank’ you were a good dog and we will miss you.

Catherine Uretsky Editor, The Hamlet Magazine

info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

Fun in the Sun

As the temperatures rise in our communities and the sun beats down with intensity, it is crucial to understand the importance of sunscreen and the role it plays in protecting our skin. Sunscreen is not just a cosmetic product, but rather a vital tool in preventing skin damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

One of the key components of sunscreen is the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which measures the level of protection it offers against harmful UV rays. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. The Higher the SPF factor, the more of the sun’s UVB rays. However there is no sunscreen that can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays.

Sunscreen not only helps prevent sunburns and premature aging, but it also plays a critical role in reducing the risk of skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage the DNA in our skin cells, leading to mutations that increase the risk of developing skin cancer. By consistently applying sunscreen, we can protect our skin and lower the risk of skin cancer.

It is important to note that sunscreen should be applied generously and regularly, especially when spending extended periods outdoors in Arizona’s scorching heat. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if sweating or swimming, is crucial to ensure continuous protection against UV rays.

The importance of sunscreen in Arizona’s hot weather cannot be overstated. By incorporating sunscreen into our daily routine and making it a priority when spending time outdoors, we can safeguard our skin against sun damage and reduce the risk of burns and skin cancer. Remember, protecting your skin today can have long-lasting benefits for your health tomorrow.

Cook With Zona

Pasta Salad

As this is my third recipe in the Estrella Publishing magazine, I thought this would be a great time to introduce myself. My name is Arizona, I’m a former preschool teacher, and a mom of three adult children. My husband and I are officially empty nesters living here in the West Valley. My favorite things include pickleball (I know, real original), dark chocolate, and reality tv. I’m choosing to remain semi-anonymous for the fun of it but you can call me Zona. I’m always on the hunt for new recipes too, so 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.

Pasta salad is one of my favorite dishes to meal prep for lunches or bring to a big gathering! With the weather warming up it’s time to have a backyard BBQ or maybe a pool party and this dish will be a big hit! And a little advice, you do not need to wait to be invited to a picnic or potluck to get some pasta salad magic in your life!

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 12 mins | Total time: 25 mins

Ingredients (5-6 servings)

1 box of tri-colored rotini pasta

1 red bell pepper

1 English cucumber

Mozzarella cheese block

Pepperoni

Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing (measure with your heart)

Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper Steps

• Cook pasta according to the box.

• While pasta is cooking, we’ll chop up the rest of our ingredients. I like to dice my ingredients into bite-size pieces and we’re aiming for about the same amount of all the chopped ingredients.

• When pasta is done, rinse it with cold water to help it not stick together.

• Add all your chopped veggies, as well as the mozzarella and pepperoni to the pasta.

• Pour in your dressing, mix it all together, and don’t forget to season!

ENJOY!

We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your colorful pasta salad or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.

BE FAST

Stroke Awareness Month

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, when health care professionals stress that stroke is a medical emergency and a leading cause of death and longterm disabilities in this country. Stroke affects the arteries leading to the brain and the arteries within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts.

It is important to know the signs of stroke and seek treatment as rapidly as possible, according to Abrazo West Campus Interventional Neurologist Dr. Sushant Kale. During a stroke, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, and that part of the brain starts to die. “It’s important to recognize that a stroke is happening, because you can save a life, including your own,” said Dr. Kale. “The point to remember is that ‘time equals brain.’ A delay of even five or 10 minutes can make a big difference in a patient’s outcome. Every minute in delay to treatment leads to 2 million neurons dying.”

Advanced stroke centers are able to treat patients with ischemic strokes, large vessel occlusions, hemorrhagic strokes, or strokes from unusual causes that may require specialized testing or interventional therapies, as well as provide post-acute care.

“Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. When it comes to spotting stroke symptoms, BEFAST and seek help,” said Kale. “Time lost is brain lost.”

Eighty percent of strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes and controlling conditions that raise the risk for stroke such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Simple lifestyle changes can make a big impact on your risk for stroke such as choosing healthy meal and snack options, lowering your BMI, exercise regularly, limit your alcohol consumption, stop smoking and get regular checkups with your doctor.

BE FAST to recognize a stroke

B - Balance: Watch for sudden loss of balance

E - Eyes: Check for vision loss

F - Face: Look for an uneven smile

A - Arm: Check if one arm is weak

S - Speech: Listen for slurred speech

T - Time: Call 9-1-1 right away

Home Sweet Home

Getting Creative in Today’s Housing Market

Ready to take a big leap in today’s housing market? You just might be eligible for some fantastic programs putting more money in your pocket along the way.

First thing’s first. Paint color, appliances, and decor style can be changed. But location and HOA fees are forever.

Ready to make that move? Here are two great programs taking the hassle out of securing a home loan.

BUY BEFORE YOU SELL

Downsizing? Upgrading? Looking for peace of mind leaving a vacant home? You can buy a house before you’ve sold the one you already own!

Blue Line Painting

“According to property analytics company CoreLogic, the average U.S. homeowner has racked up a cool $274,000 in equity, up from $182,000 since before the pandemic,” reports HomeLight.

Act fast on your dream home by unlocking a portion of the equity you’ve built over the years with an innovative program called HomeLight. It provides you the confidence to make a strong offer on your new home while attracting the strongest offer on your vacant home.

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS

We’re super stoked about the innovative “Home in 5 Platinum” Program! If you’re a first-time home buyer in Maricopa County, you can lock in a 5.9% interest rate under qualifying terms. Here are a few:

Minimum FICO credit score of 640 Annual income up to $138,600

New or existing houses, condominiums, or townhouses

Complete Homebuyer education

K-12 teachers, first responders, U.S. military personnel, veterans, and income qualified individuals who earn up to $49,500 annually get ANOTHER 1% in assistance.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Where does your bargaining power begin? Find a Realtor® with experience and ask for a market analysis to start your house hunting journey.

Submitted by Martin C. Sears PC

The Bug Guy

As the sun beat down on the scorching desert of the West Valley, the residents were dealing with a different kind of heat - a pest infestation. It seemed that no matter what they did, the bugs just kept coming back for more.

One resident, Sarah, was at her wits’ end with the constant stream of creepy crawlies invading her home. She had tried everything from sprays to traps, but nothing seemed to work. In desperation, she called in the pest control experts. When the team arrived, they were prepared for battle. Armed with their trusty bug spray, they set out to conquer the critters once and for all. However, what they encountered was unlike anything they had seen before. The bugs in the West Valley were not just any ordinary pests - they were armed and dangerous.

The cockroaches were equipped with tiny swords, the ants had miniature shields, and the spiders had built intricate web fortresses. Undeterred, the pest control

team sprang into action. With a combination of quick thinking and sheer bravery, they managed to defeat the bugs and restore peace to the valley. As Sarah watched in amazement, she couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

With the bugs vanquished and Sarah’s home once again bug-free, the pest control team bid farewell and rode off into the sunset. As they disappeared into the distance, Sarah couldn’t help but feel grateful for their heroic efforts. From that day on, the residents of the West Valley knew that they could count on their trusty pest control experts to protect them from any future bug invasions. And as for Sarah, she had learned an important lesson - never underestimate the power of a determined pest control team in the face of an army of armed bugs.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Tips

• Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.

• Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development and how often they are around water.

• Make sure kids know how to swim and learn these five water survival skills:

1. Step or jump into water over their head and return to the surface.

2. Float or tread water for one minute.

3. Turn around in a full circle and find an exit.

4. Swim 25 yards to exit the water.

5. Exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder.

• Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.

• Empty kids’ pools after each use. Store them upside down so they do not collect water.

• Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life.

• SOURCE: SAFEKIDS.ORG

Money Matters

Slow and Steady

You’ve probably heard stories about fortunate investors who “get in the ground floor” of a new, hot company and quickly make a fortune. But while these things may happen, they are exceedingly rare and often depend on hard-to-duplicate circumstances — and they really don’t represent a viable way of investing for one’s goals. A far more tried-and-true approach is the “slow-and-steady” method.

To follow this strategy, consider these suggestions:

• Start small — and add more when you can. When you’re first starting out in the working world, you may not have a lot of extra money with which to invest, but one of the key advantages of the slow-and-steady method is that it does not require large investment sums to get going. If you can afford to put away even $50 or $100 a month into individual stocks or mutual funds, month after month, you may be surprised and pleased at how your account can grow. And when your salary goes up,

you can put away more money each month.

• Take advantage of an employer’s retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar tax-advantaged retirement plan, try to take full advantage of it. Again, if you’re just beginning your career, you may not be able to put away much in this type of plan, but even a small amount is better than nothing. And as soon as you can possibly afford it, try to put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. These types of plans can offer some key benefits — and perhaps the biggest one is that investing is automatic, in that the money is moved directly from your paycheck into the investments you’ve chosen within your 401(k) or other plan.

• Be prepared for downturns. The financial markets will always experience ups and downs. So, you need to be prepared for those times when your investment statements may show negative results. By understanding that these downturns are a normal part of the investment environment, you can avoid overreactions, such as selling quality investments with good fundamentals just because their price has temporarily dropped.

• Chart your progress regularly. A key element of a slowand-steady investment approach is knowing how well it’s working. But it’s important to measure your progress in a way that makes sense for you. So, for example, instead of measuring your portfolio’s performance against that of an external stock market index, such as the S&P 500, you may want to assess where you are today versus one year ago, or whether the overall progress you’re making is sufficient to help you meet the financial goals you’ve set for yourself well into the future.

“Slow and steady” may not sound like an exciting approach to investing. But it’s often the case that a little less excitement, and a lot more diligence, can prove to be quite effective.

Submitted by Brian Polk, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones, Verrado resident

Spring Football

The Highs and Lows of the Offseason

It is a crisp sunny day around most of the country and college campuses are buzzing with excitement. No, not because of the end of the semester, or how much they love their professors – it is spring football time. As a Junior currently enrolled in University, I have been through this ritual before, but the energy and anticipation will never get old.

Whether a good or bad season, the players are working tirelessly in the weight room and on the practice field, determined to be better than the day before. The coaching staff is always busy, trying to create the best plan for success leading into the next season. Expectations will always be high, with the goal of an accomplished season.

Of course, this process is not all sunshine and rainbows physically and mentally (farther north, you quite literally never have sunshine). Practices in about any weather, and the early mornings and late nights can leave the players drained, and minor injuries will start to compile. The competition for the starting job is fierce, and some guys who were once key parts of the team may have to prove themselves over again. The staff will be analyzing every rep, evaluating which players have the talent to help the team.

As an avid fan, I make it a point to attend as many open practices as possible. Seeing the team in action, even in a non-game setting, can be exhilarating. The sound of pads cracking together, the passion of the coaches, and the roar of the crowd (okay, it is mostly just a few people) fills me with a sense of school pride. I love watching the young players stepping up, the vets providing leadership, and the coaching staff fine tuning the game plan.

But spring football is about more than just on-field work. It is also critical timing for a team to bond and build chemistry, especially for the transfers and first-

year students. These players go through grueling workouts, eat together, and even share dormitories. For a lot of them, it is not about being teammates as much as being brothers. That specific camaraderie is vital to the success of the team.

As spring approaches, the anticipation on campus is palpable. This annual scrimmage is the culmination of months of challenging work, and the players are eager to show the fans what they are capable of. The stadium will be filled, music will be loud, and hot dogs will be expensive. It is the corner before the fall, and a preview of an exciting season for whatever team you are rooting for.

Hot Car Deaths

Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC) is joining forces with the National Safety Council (NSC) to mark National Heatstroke Prevention Day on May 1, increasing efforts to heighten awareness and educate the community on preventing hot car child deaths.

Since 1998, more than 960 children have died from vehicular heatstroke – 39 in Arizona – with 53% of those incidents involving a parent or caregiver forgetting the child was in the vehicle. And hot cars can hit deadly temperatures quickly. On a 70-degree day, a car’s interior can hit 89 degrees in five minutes and 113 degrees within an hour. On a 90-degree day, the inside of a car can reach 100 degrees in five minutes and 133 degrees in an hour.

ACNSC is urging the community to act immediately to end these preventable deaths. By raising awareness of the danger of vehicular heatstroke and children and emphasizing the three primary circumstances that have led to children dying – a caregiver forgets a child in a vehicle, a child gains access to a vehicle, someone knowingly leaves a child in a vehicle – parents, caregivers and everyone, including bystanders, can play a pivotal role in preventing hot car deaths.

“The possibility of a hot car tragedy is often overlooked. No one thinks it can happen to them or their family,” says Rick Murray, President and CEO of ACNSC. “That’s why it’s crucial that we all become more aware of this danger to prevent such unthinkable and devastating losses.”

Free resources including tips for parents and caregivers, posters, videos, articles, technology solutions and a legislative report are available at www.nsc.org/hotcars. Visitors to the site are strongly encouraged to take NSC’s online course titled “Children in Hot Cars,” designed to raise awareness of the vehicular heatstroke hazard and outline proactive measures to prevent child deaths in hot cars.

About the Arizona Chapter National Safety Council Established in 1949, the Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and motivating individuals to lead safer and healthier lives at home, work, school, play, and on the roadways.

Submitted by The Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC)

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