Viva

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Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

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From Me To You...

As another summer winds down and schools start back up for the fall did you find any relaxation in the last few months? I look back at the summer and see many people trying to cram as much as possible into their ‘free time’, when the children are home for long stretches and the days lengthen into endless possibilities. But do you really gain anything from all that forced activity? There is value in slowing down, taking it one day at a time, really appreciating the moments. This is probably the last year we will see our children come home for the summer and although I know there are many things we could have done we chose to just focus on a few things. We rewatched all the Indiana Jones movies in anticipation of seeing the latest (and most likely last) installment of the franchise. We set the goal of playing all the Indiana Jones Lego Wii games and getting the highest scores possible. We are taking a float down the Salt River with friends and that is about it.

To be honest that sounds like heaven to me. Having raced through so many summers ferrying kids from one summer camp to another. Making

play dates at the pool and water parks, trying to have the ‘best time’ is it really achievable anyway?

We took a trip to Disney World a few years ago and I planned every second of that trip. After 2 miserable days of forcing the kids from one ride to another I realized that there was no way to see everything so why was I making everyone stressed and miserable? At that point I gave up control and allowed the children to lead the way. Did they ride the Muppets 3D ride over and over again? Yes. Did they have the best time doing that? Absolutely!

I am so looking forward to my float trip in a few days, we can relax and catch up without social media or the pressure of having to be anywhere else. And in the meantime I think I will attack my ‘to-be-read’ pile of books; making a dent in that is as much pressure as anyone should have in the summer.

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

We Need You!

Helping Others Together Community Foundation (HOT) is looking for YOU!

HOT is an Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of neighbors, businesses, and friends who care about struggling children and their families in the West Valley. During the holiday season, HOT’s Sugar Plum Fairies program creates magical Christmases by providing wrapped gifts of clothing, hygiene essentials, toys for the children, and grocery gift cards for the parents.

Since HOT’s inception in 2019, 400 children have benefited from the Sugar Plum Fairies program. It is estimated that between 250-275 children will be selected as recipients this year.

HOT is a 100% volunteer organization. We cannot do what we do without the generous donation of time by our volunteers. And HOT is looking for volunteers! Whether you choose to organize our fundraising events, shop for the children, coordinate auction activities, have a

knack for decorating, or serve on a number of other committees, HOT needs YOU!

Check out the number of volunteer opportunities available now. You’ll be inspired by your time with other HOT volunteers, and have fun too!

Scan here to learn more -

Genuinely yours, Susanna Bressner Community Outreach Team Lead

Email: susannab@HOTCommunityFoundation. org

Phone: (217) 377-7254

Website: HOTCommunityFoundation.org

Are You A Chameleon?

Our perceptions, outlook and even personality are often influenced by the situations and people in our lives. If we too often morph to become what others want, though, we’re not being true to ourselves, and this chameleon behavior comes with consequences. If you think this might be you, I invite you to take a look inside and ask yourself some questions:

• Are the changes I make positive or negative?

• Do the changes I make serve me or are they done just for the benefit of others?

• What kind of energy do I carry around with me? Do I feel down more often than not?

• What kind of vibe do I put out to others? Am I more like a ray of sunshine or a dark cloud?

• If I could step outside myself, how would I describe me?

• How would I describe the people in my life to someone else? Do they build me up, encourage me, support me; or do they bring me down or surround me with cynicism?

If most of your answers are in the wrong direction, it’s time for a change. It’s very possible that some of the changes you’ve made as a function of being around others are good,

they’ve made you happier or made you a better person in some way.

Other times, people in our path are there to remind us how not to be. The bottom line is that you should feel good about who you are whether you are by yourself, with one person or in a crowd. If you don’t, you may need to do the following:

• Eliminate toxic people from your life.

• Do the work to learn to love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin.

• Decrease the demands on your time that stress you out and make you an unhappy or even angry person.

• Stop changing in ways you don’t like or for people who are not your priority.

• Set boundaries.

It’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff. Ultimately, you want to ensure that your thoughts and behavior align with your personal priorities and goals.

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

Aging in Place

“Aging in place” (aka independent living) is the phenomena of older adults remaining in their homes as they age, rather than relocating or moving into an institutional setting. In fact, about 75% of 50+-year-olds would like to stay in their current homes or communities for as long as possible, according to AARP. With age, lifestyle needs change and if staying in your home is important to you, you may have concerns about getting around your home or getting simple tasks done, including personal care. Find suggestions below that can help with some of these worries along with easy ideas to ensure you have a functional home.

Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to take the necessary steps now to avoid future issues. One way to plan ahead is to talk to a doctor. Oftentimes, there may be medical conditions that could affect or complicate the

way one ages in place or even hinder mobility around the house. While these may be daunting conversations, it’s important to have them with a doctor and discuss best practices for living in your home long-term.

Another way to plan ahead is to create an athome checklist of simple design updates that’ll allow a safe, independent living experience. The easiest way to identify what to change is to walk around the house and take note of anything that could pose a challenge in the near future. Consider door levers over doorknobs, light switches with a rocker panel versus a toggle switch, or even awning-style windows to make them easier to open and close. Making subtle changes like these can have long-term impacts on your comfortability and ability to stay put.

Tap resources available to you

If one is already having trouble moving around the house, it may be time to outsource assistance. Some people avoid electric scooters or chairs due to the hefty price tag, but what many don’t realize is that some at-home electronic aids are covered by Medicare. Other available resources you can contact if in need of home modifications or low-cost assistive devices include Administration for Community Living, The National Rehabilitation Information Center and AARP.

Having a consultation with an experienced local home designer, or Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), is your best bet! These professionals are trained in meeting the needs of older adults by assisting with aging-in-place home renovations. Resources you can contact for this include Accessible Living, Paul Schumacher Homes and even Care.com. When thinking through ways to create a safer and age-friendly home environment, take advantage of resources available to you and prioritize updating rooms you utilize the most. Focus on the basics and create a well-coordinated and accessible space with fixtures that don’t compromise on aesthetics or functionality.

Exercise Safely

It’s vital to stay active as you age, but how can you keep working toward your fitness goals during the sweltering summer heat? Exercising outdoors as the temps climb may be not only uncomfortable but can risk conditions like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Before heading out for a brisk power walk or a lively game of pickleball this summer, Andi Kwapien, a SilverSneakers National Trainer offers tips that hold true whether you’re a competitive athlete or just staying active for your overall health.

1. Be informed: When planning outdoor activities, make sure to check the weather. Check not only the temperature and humidity but also the air quality where you live. If there are signs it could be hazardous for you to spend much time in the great outdoors, consider an indoor alternative.

2. Pace yourself: Fitness experts advise warming up and cooling down before and after a workout. Start at a slower pace at first, then cool down gradually a few minutes before you end your session, followed by gentle stretching. Choose activities that are easy to do anywhere and that you can adjust to your own pace, such as walking, or that require less strenuous exertion and strength while keeping you active and cool, such as water exercises. Know your limits and listen to your body’s signals. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take time for your body to get used to the heat, so start nice and easy, and lower your expectations for how long and hard you exercise. Take breaks, especially if you feel overheated, lightheaded or out of breath.

3. Try an organized exercise program

Getting involved in a fitness program provides many benefits, including expert advice and instruction, plus opportunities to enjoy the social and mental health benefits of fitness.

4. Stay hydrated

Always keep water or beverages containing electrolytes nearby anytime you’re working out, especially out in the heat. Take sips often, even before you feel thirsty, to help you regulate your temperature and replace moisture lost through sweating. The American Heart Association recommends drinking before, during and after your workout to help prevent health problems that could be exacerbated by dehydration.

5. Prepare for heat and sun: The Mayo Clinic also recommends taking other precautions outdoors in the summer, like wearing light-colored, loosefitting clothing and avoiding exertion during the hottest time of day. To avoid too much sun exposure, stay in the shade when possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen.

Using these tips should help you stay active even when it’s hot outside. Commonsense measures can help you enjoy your favorite activities, no matter what the weather.

Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is an uncommon sound that your doctor may hear between heartbeats. The human heartbeat sounds like “lub-dub,” while heart murmurs produce a swishing or a whooshing sound. In adults, abnormal heart murmurs are usually linked to heart valve problems, diseases or infections. In children, it may be caused by birth defects or congenital heart malformations, which may be corrected with surgery.

Innocent or functional heart murmurs are neither dangerous nor life-threatening. It occurs when your blood flows quicker through the heart than normal. You may experience a heart murmur if you’re anemic, if you’re pregnant, when you’re exercising or doing a physical activity, if you have fever, if you have hyperthyroidism or if you’re a teenager whose body is growing fast.

If you have innocent heart murmurs, you are less likely to experience symptoms. On the other hand, if you have abnormal heart murmurs, symptoms may vary on the cause. But some of its most common symptoms include:

• A cough that won’t go away

• Blue skin around your lips and/or fingertips

• Chest pain

• Decreased tolerance for physical activity

• Dizziness

• Excessive sweating (even without exercising)

• Episodes of rapid heartbeat

• Fainting

• Shortness of breath

• Symptoms of heart failure (at its worst)

For innocent heart murmurs, patients may not need any treatment. For some cases of abnormal heart murmur, you may need to take medications, such as those that may help lower your blood pressure, may help lower your cholesterol levels or anti-coagulants that may help prevent blood clots from forming. If the cause of your heart murmur is a hole in your heart or if your heart valves need to be replaced, you may need surgery, such as a valve repair or valve replacement. Some other non-surgical options may also be recommended by your physician.

Heart murmurs may be harmless and may go away on their own, but some cases require treatment as they may be a sign of a serious heart condition. If you are experiencing heart murmur symptoms, please see a heart doctor, learn more about the root cause of your condition and get the treatment you may need.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Legal Advice

TRUSTING YOUR TRUST WILL WORK

The proper use of a trust will allow your estate to avoid a court probate. Probates add administrative requirements such as giving notice to all heirs–even heirs you may be omitting from your estate plan.

A trust allows one person to have centralized control to collect your assets, pay last bills and make the distributions the way you plan. A revocable trust can be amended and changed over time – as your goals for family or friends change.

Trusts avoid the need for a court conservatorship when leaving money or property to minors, whether children or grandchildren. A court conservatorship is more costly and burdensome than a probate.

Also, trusts can provide incentives for minors for education and employment.

Estate planning does not need to be complex or confusing. You deserve to have your questions answered when they arise. Our documents are drafted to provide the benefit of avoiding obstacles and disputes, whether you have multiple beneficiaries or one special heir.

Sharon

Attorneys,

Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw.com or (623) 815-7451; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. Visit www.sharonravenscroft.com for more info.

Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan,

Cavanagh

The Bug Guy

Ah, August in the West Valley. The scorching sun, the melting pavement, and the delightful company of every pest imaginable. It’s like a summer party where the guests never leave! But fear not, because we have the superheroes of pest control ready to save the day. And let me tell you, their hilarious encounters with these critters are truly a sight to behold.

First up on the list of unwanted guests are the relentless ants. These tiny troops invade with bold confidence, acting like they own the place. But little do they know; the pest control experts are ready to put on their tactical gear and engage in the battle of a lifetime. It’s like watching a miniature ant war, complete with tiny ant-sized tanks and strategic maneuvers. The pest control professionals march in, armed with their arsenal of ant-killing sprays and gels, shouting, “For the glory of ant free living!” It’s a comical sight that will leave you rooting for the humans in this epic clash of ant vs. exterminator.

Do not forget about the most audacious guest of all – the dreaded scorpion. These stingers

seem to have an uncanny ability to appear out of thin air, sending chills down our spines. Yet, the pest control professionals fearlessly enter the battlefield armed with Flowzone Typhoon 2.5 backpacks. It’s like witnessing a bizarre version of Ghostbusters, where the exterminators are equipped with proton packs specifically designed to kill these arachnid villains. And just when you think they’ve caught them all, one sneaky scorpion manages to escape, resulting in a chase scene worthy of an action-comedy film.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the comedic side of pest control. Our brave exterminators embrace the heat as they fulfill their role as pest-fighting comedians, turning what could be a nightmare-worthy situation into a sidesplitting spectacle. With their ingenious gadgets, amusing battle cries, and comic mishaps, they can transform the battle against pests into a source of laughter and amusement. So whenever those unwanted visitors come knocking at your door this August, remember to call upon the help of our pest control heroes. Sit back, watch the show, and let the laugh-filled battle against pests light up your summer days. After all, laughter is the best defense against even the peskiest of intruders!

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Diabetes & Heart Health

Diabetes and heart disease have a direct connection, with the diabetic up to four times more likely to die from heart attack. The good news? It’s manageable, even preventable.

High blood sugar is a known risk factor of heart disease, just like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol increase the risk. Because it increases fatty material inside of our blood vessels, the danger of blockage is increased, along with the risk of heart attack or stroke. The vessels also become stiff and hard, making it easier for the fats to stick to the walls of the blood vessels. When a fat deposit hits a curve on its way into the heart, it’s more likely to cause a pile-up of other deposits behind it, much like a car accident at a freeway stack. But there’s another risk most aren’t aware of. Those with diabetes tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than those without the condition.

Diabetes has some rather frightening implications, but Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Blood sugar levels can be reduced with healthier eating choices, increased physical

activity and medications if necessary. Walking or running are great examples of physical activity, and a great place to stretch those legs is at Sun Health Foundation’s 5K for Women’s Health on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Surprise Stadium. Participation not only supports your health and the women you love but also benefits diabetes prevention education and self-management programs through Sun Health Wellness. To register, visit SunHealthFoundation.org/5K

So why is it important to support diabetes prevention and management programs for women? Diabetes is a serious health concern for women. Did you know that nearly 1 in every 9 adult women is living with diabetes and that a diabetes diagnosis raises women’s risk of heart disease FOUR TIMES? Preventing diabetes is critical, although when that’s not possible, management is the key to prolonging life. Keeping the women in our lives informed and supported is positively life changing.

Submitted by Barbara Mason, Sun Health Vice President of Home and Community Based Services

Yum Yum

Taco Puffs

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min. YIELD: 8 servings.

I got this Taco Puffs recipe from a friend years ago. I still make these cheesy sandwiches regularly for dinner alongside a steaming bowl of soup or a fresh green salad. Any leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch. A helpful hint: Plain refrigerated biscuits seal together better than buttermilk types.

—Jan Schmid, Hibbing, Minnesota

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1envelope taco seasoning

2 tubes (16.3 ounces each) large refrigerated flaky biscuits

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Cool slightly.

2. Flatten half the biscuits into 4-in. circles; arrange on greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Spoon 1/4 cup meat mixture onto each circle; sprinkle each with 1/4 cup cheese. Flatten remaining biscuits; place over lling and pinch edges to seal tightly.

3. Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes.

Money Matters

Most investors are aware of the different types of stocks: big-company, small-company, technology, international and so on. And it may be a good idea to own a mix of these stocks as part of your overall investment portfolio. But the importance of diversification applies to bonds, too — so, how should you go about achieving it?

To begin with, individual bonds fall into three main types: municipal, corporate and government. Within these categories, you’ll find differences in the bonds being issued. For example, government bonds include conventional, fixed-rate Treasury bonds as well as inflation-protected ones, along with bonds issued by government agencies. Corporate bonds are differentiated from each other by several factors, but one important one is the interest rate they pay, which is largely determined by the credit quality of the issuer. Municipal bonds, too, are far from uniform. These bonds are issued by state and local governments to build or improve infrastructure, such as airports, highways, hospitals and schools.

How can you use various types of bonds to build a diversified bond portfolio? One method is to invest in mutual funds that invest primarily in bonds. But you can also diversify your bond holdings by owning a group of individual bonds with different maturities: short-, intermediate- and long-term. This type of diversification can help protect you against the effects of interest-rate movements, which are a driving force behind the value of your bonds. But by building a “ladder” of bonds with varying maturities, you can take advantage of different interest-rate environments. When market rates are rising, you can reinvest your maturing, shorter-term bonds at the new, higher rates. And when market rates are low, you’ll still have your longer-term bonds working for you.

A bond ladder should be consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circumstances. But if it’s appropriate for your needs, it could be a valuable tool in diversifying your bond holdings. And while diversification — in either stocks or bonds — can’t always guarantee success or avoid losses, it remains a core principle of successful investing.

Submitted by Wayne Polk, AAMS, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones

Samurai Sudoku

This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Good Luck!

Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com

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