Viva

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...

I began this summer fully intending to make a sizeable dent in my rapidly growing pile of books ‘to be read’. The guilt of amassing books one after another all was crushing me. Well, perhaps that is an exaggeration, but I did get a pang of remorse every time a new book was added to the bookshelf without detracting one from the other end.

What stopped me? I had a whole summer of very little responsibility, sparse travel and comfy chairs with perfect lighting. I am embarrassed to say it was television. After years of resisting adding new channels to our streaming line-up - let’s face it those things can hit your pocket pretty hard if you don’t keep an eye on them - a whole bunch were added to my existing stations without any help from me. I now have access to a library of new-to-me, pre-approved, award winning series, and who looks that horse in the mouth?

The first show we binged (not intentionally, but it was so good we couldn’t help ourselves) was Ozark. A gritty, somewhat violent and acerbically funny look at a world where Jason Bateman,

through no fault of his own, becomes a money launderer for a drug cartel. And he was good at it! I found myself rooting for the character to get better at being bad.

Following the dip into organized crime I fell into watching Ted Lasso. I know I am very late to this particular game but I loved it. I finished the show, tears streaming down my face, and immediately wanted to watch it again. There are so many wonderful lessons to be learned here and I wish everyone had a Ted in their lives. I feel this world would be a much happier place for it.

Swinging the pendulum in the opposite direction, I have now almost finished Homeland. Wow, the backstabbing, conniving spycraft - and that is just from the good guys! I wish I could tell you more but Carrie is trying to save the world again and, even though my books are calling me, I want to watch one more episode!

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

Labor Day

Labor Day, a holiday celebrated in many countries, is dedicated to honoring workers’ contributions and the labor movement’s impact on society. It symbolizes the collective power of workers to bring about positive change. The history of Labor Day dates back to the late 19th century when the labor movement in the United States fought for better conditions and workers’ rights. The first Labor Day celebration took place in 1882, and in 1894, it became a federal holiday.

Labor Day holds multi-dimensional significance. It pays tribute to workers’ contributions, regardless of their occupation, driving the economy’s prosperity. It also reminds us of the value of workers’ rights, fair treatment, and workplace safety, achieved through the labor movement’s struggles.

As we celebrate Labor Day, let’s recognize the evolving nature of work due to technology and automation. Addressing job displacement and income inequality is crucial through education and retraining programs, ensuring the benefits of progress are equitably shared.

Labor Day is not confined to the United States; it’s celebrated worldwide with various historical labor movements and struggles for workers’ rights. The underlying theme remains the same: acknowledging workers’ contributions to nations’ economies. While Labor Day offers time for leisure and relaxation, it’s essential to remember its true significance. It’s a day to reflect on workers’ historical struggles, appreciate the advancements in workers’ rights, and renew our commitment to supporting and empowering the labor force.

Our homes play a vital role in striking a balance between work and personal life. They nurture our well-being, bond us with family, and offer comfort and security. On Labor Day, let’s appreciate the warmth of home, no matter its size, and express gratitude for the love and memories created within its walls.

As we gather with loved ones, let’s celebrate not just the labor force but also the comfort and joy of “home sweet home.” May this Labor Day be filled with camaraderie, appreciation, and the spirit of home, making it a day of happiness and support.

Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor

Ask Dr Jen

“There’s so much going on in the world these days that my anxiety is nearly constant. What can I do to find peace?” ~ Lorri M

Being at peace is a personal decision. It’s not necessarily a logical one with everything going on in the world sometimes, but it’s a decision, nonetheless.

To better understand this, let’s look at addiction. With addiction, you can work through the issues that drive it and establish adaptive coping skills. In the end, though, you have to decide to quit. I can give you all the tools and resources in the world, but you’ll stay addicted if you don’t decide at every temptation to say no.

So, if you think about living outside of peace rather than in it, you could see it as your brain being addicted to thinking a certain way. Here are some ideas on how to change this:

1. Try to figure out where you learned to think so negatively. Talking to a therapist who has a psychodynamic approach can help you understand how your life experiences and genetics contribute to your thinking processes. Understanding where your thoughts come from can be a relief in and of itself.

2. Find ways to combat “stinkin’ thinkin’.” You can learn cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts to change your self-talk. When you start thinking negatively, you have to make a conscious effort to replace those thoughts with more positive ones:

• Try thinking the exact opposite of what you’re thinking. If you’re thinking that you can’t be at peace because you’re not good enough in some way, tell yourself that you are good enough, that you’re no different than everyone else you think IS good enough. If you need more convincing, make a list of nice things you’ve done.

• Focus on gratitude. Remind yourself of all the things for which you are grateful. Write them out and look back at them when you need reminding.

• Practice “thought stopping.” Whenever a negative thought comes in, picture a stop sign to interrupt that process. You can also say “stop” in your head or aloud. Or, you can wear a rubber band or hair tie on your wrist and flick it gently when a negative thought comes into your head.

Submmitted by Dr

Jennifer Bellingrodt, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Have a question for Dr. Jen? Email it to AskTheDoc@EstrellaPublishing.com

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

Longevity

Living longer doesn’t happen by accident or by the grace of genetics alone. “Study after study has shown that our lifetime of decisions about what we eat, whether we exercise or whether we’re managing stress have a considerable impact on how well we age,” said Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP.

Another thing to consider is that extending your lifespan shouldn’t be the only goal. You want to focus on maximizing the number of healthy years of your life. By increasing your “healthspan”how many years you live without serious disease - you can enjoy your life well into your 80s and beyond.

Here are three simple but essential habits you can incorporate into your life to help improve your healthspan.

1. Invest in your health like you do your finances

To invest in your health, you need to learn more about your family’s medical history and how lifestyle changes can improve your healthspan. Investing in your health doesn’t require overhauling your life in one night. You can talk with your doctor about your current health status and work with them on setting realistic goals and benchmarks you can work toward over time. By creating a plan and making small incremental changes to your lifestyle, you can reap dividends in healthier years now and in the future.

2. Prioritize socializing and happiness

Your health can be greatly impacted by the relationships you form and maintain throughout your life. That’s because having healthy, stable and strong relationships positively impacts your happiness. According to an 85-year-long study by Harvard University, there is a direct correlation between social connections and longevity. People who have strong social ties with their friends, family and community are happier, healthier and live longer than those who are less well-connected.

Other research supports the Harvard finding. A 2022 article published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that optimism is associated with healthy aging and longevity across racial and ethnic groups. Make it a point to schedule regular calls, meet-ups and activities with people you care about so you can be happier and help contribute to their happiness and health, too.

3. Find a primary care physician

Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) and getting annual check-ups is vital to improving your healthspan. A PCP will get to know you and monitor any changes to your health that could otherwise be missed if you don’t have a regular doctor.

Another advantage of having a PCP is that you can talk about your risk factors and ways to prevent disease instead of reacting only to health problems as they appear. MDVIP-affiliated physicians focus on personalized care, early detection and preventive medicine. These PCPs have smaller practices, so they can spend more time and partner with patients to improve their health.

If you want to lead a healthier, more vibrant life, visit MDVIP.com/LongevityIQ and take the Longevity quiz to understand more about the factors that influence aging. There you can also learn what steps you can take to help extend your healthy years.

Decaf?

Let’s talk about decaf coffee. It’s been getting some well-deserved attention lately. For the longest time, decaf has been unfairly judged as inferior to its caffeinated counterpart. But guess what? Things have changed in the past couple of years, and more and more people are turning to decaf, either as a complement to their regular coffee or even as a complete replacement. It’s pretty clear - decaf is having a moment, and it’s not just a passing trend. If you’re decaf curious but still on the fence, here are some reasons why it’s worth giving decaf a chance.

1. Same coffee taste

A common myth about decaf is that it tastes bland or inferior compared to caffeinated coffee. However, according to Swiss Water’s survey, 66% of dual drinkers and 75% of decaf-only drinkers choose decaf because they enjoy the taste. You can enjoy the nuanced and complex characteristics and flavors of specialty coffee without caffeine effects, which means you can enjoy the taste and aroma all day long. The quality of the coffee beans and the method of decaffeination also have a big impact on the taste.

Even to experts, quality decaf coffee is largely indistinguishable from its caffeinated counterpart. Last year, a Swiss Water decaffeinated coffee from the Panama Chirique province was entered into the Golden Bean World Series competition without the judges knowing it was decaf. Out of 50 specialty coffees, the international judges placed it in the top 10.

2. Less anxiety and improved sleep

Drinking caffeinated coffee throughout the day can worsen your anxiety and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Research shows that people afflicted with panic disorder are more susceptible to experiencing panic attacks and heightened anxiety levels due to caffeine intake. By minimizing caffeine consumption, decaf allows individuals to enjoy the ritual of drinking coffee without as much of a spike in anxiety or poor sleep quality.

3. Quality makes a difference

Quality matters when choosing decaf, and not all decaf coffee is created equal. Quality can vary depending on the decaf process. If you want to cut out the caffeine but don’t want to compromise on the integrity, variety, flavor or health benefits of drinking coffee, decaf just might be your beverage answer.

Look Up!

You’ve probably heard it said that what goes up, must come down. When it comes to the summer season, higher temperatures can prompt homeowners to turn down the setting on their home’s thermostat.

While lowering the thermostat may help take the heat off inside a home, this action may not get to the bottom of a comfort issue - especially if the problem resides in the attic. Issues in a home’s attic can lead to warmer temperatures in other parts of the home, potentially leading to another source of discomfort - higher energy bills.

In both summer and winter, adequate levels of attic insulation are necessary to help regulate the temperature inside a home. As temperatures rise inside the attic, warm air will seek to escape into cooler air-conditioned parts of the home. Installing an adequate level of attic insulation can help defend against heat transferring from the attic into conditioned parts of the home. Attic insulation works to reduce heat transfer and helps keep the air-conditioned part of a home cool.

How much of a difference can attic insulation make when it comes to managing heat transfer? Every home is different and variables such as the size and design of the home and local energy rates will influence energy. The difference that

attic insulation makes may be seen in lower energy bills and overall comfort throughout the home.

An attic inspection will measure a home’s insulation level and provide a recommendation on the appropriate amount of insulation to install.

Inadequate insulation is just one attic issue that can reduce comfort. The ducts inside the attic that transport air to each room of a home can also present problems. Holes and leaks in attic ductwork or poor connections can allow cooled air to escape into the attic before it ever reaches the intended room. When air exits ducts in the attic, the result is diminished comfort and wasted energy as the system works harder to replace the lost air. The additional workload can potentially shorten the life of the air conditioning equipment or result in service calls to inspect a properly operating cooling unit.

Inconsistent temperatures in different parts of the home may be a sign of a problem with leaky attic ducts. As the flow of air throughout a home is interrupted due to leaks or improperly sized ducts, the conditioned air may not travel to the air registers in each room. Thus, one room may consistently be chilly while another room feels too warm.

Beyond reducing thermal comfort, improperly sized or faulty ductwork can also allow particulates in attic air to be blown into a home’s living space. “Any noticeable increase in dust levels may be a sign of a problem with attic ductwork,” says Tom Casey, Chief Visionary Officer of Griffin Service and an Owens Corning AirCare Professional.

Of course, proper maintenance of a home’s HVAC equipment is essential to supporting its optimal performance and longevity. Air filters should be cleaned or changed regularly and equipment should be serviced as directed by the manufacturer.

Legal Advice

AVOID PROBLEMS WITH IRA DESIGNATIONS

For 401ks, IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts, the designated beneficiary form directs how the funds will be paid on your death. Common problems that arise with beneficiary designations are:

a. When the “Estate” or no beneficiary is listed, so a probate is needed and the IRA will be not be stretched for 10 years and will be taxed at a higher rate.

b. When a beneficiary dies before you, the financial company rules apply to who gets the deceased beneficiary’s share. When a trust is listed as the beneficiary, your directions are applied.

c. When the designated beneficiary is a minor, not a trust for the minor, then a costly court conservatorship is need and deferred tax benefit is at risk.

d. When your spouse, who is not your children’s parent, does not sign a spousal waiver, then your spouse is entitled to half or possibly all of funds. Remember, currently, an inherited IRA must be paid in 10 years, if the beneficiary is not a spouse.

Leaving a portion or all of your qualified retirement account to charity can make sense, because the charity does not pay income taxes and will receive more funds than a family member. Other assets which are not taxable can be left to family or friends.

Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, Cavanagh 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.

The Bug Guy

As the temperatures start to cool down in September, many residents of the West Valley in Arizona begin to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the beautiful weather. However, it is important to remember that pests are still active during this time of year and can pose several problems for homeowners. It is crucial to be proactive and engage in effective pest control practices to ensure a pest-free environment.

One common pest in the West Valley during September is ants. As temperatures become more moderate, ants become more active in search of food and water sources. These tiny insects are often found in kitchens and pantries, drawn to crumbs and spillages. To prevent ant infestations, it is crucial to keep countertops clean, store food in airtight containers, and promptly clean up any spills or crumbs. Sealing cracks and crevices where ants can enter the home will also help to keep them at bay.

September is also a prime time for scorpion activity in the West Valley. These nocturnal creatures seek shelter in homes and yards,

posing a potential threat to humans and pets. To keep scorpions away, homeowners should remove any clutter in their yard, seal entry points, and keep vegetation well-trimmed. Inspecting and shaking out shoes and clothing before wearing them is also advisable, as scorpions often seek refuge in these items.

Lastly, September can bring an increase in rat and mice activity in the West Valley. These pests search for warmth and shelter as the temperatures begin to cool down. Homeowners should inspect their homes for any gaps or openings larger than a dime, ensuring that rodents cannot find their way inside. Using traps or engaging the services of a professional pest control company can help eliminate and prevent rodent infestations.

While September may be a month of pleasant weather in the West Valley, it is crucial to remain proactive in pest control efforts. By taking simple measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, preventing ant infestations, deterring scorpions, and securing homes against rodents, residents can enjoy a pest-free environment and fully embrace the beauty of the autumn season.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control

Furry Friends

While you will undoubtedly create unforgettable memories when traveling with your pet, there is always a chance pets might get hurt or sick, be uncomfortable or even get distressed in unfamiliar surroundings. Thankfully, you can prep for travel that helps keep everyone content with these expert-backed tips from professionals.

We all can feel out of place when we’re away from home. Same goes for pets. They might face new situations they aren’t familiar with, like taking elevators or being on loud city streets. Practice new situations in advance to help ease transitions. Before hitting the road, make sure your pet is comfortable in the car. Also speak with your veterinarian about whether a health certificate might be needed for your pet - for traveling, boarding or staying in hotels.

Just like human health care, keeping up with our pet’s veterinary appointments can get away from us during the busyness of everyday life. With a trip around the corner, book a pre-departure visit to your veterinarian to consult on whether your pet’s health status and temperament are well-

suited for travel. Different locations may carry different risks - your veterinarian can share what to watch out for.

Packing a separate bag with all your pet’s supplies will make it easier to find what you need on the go. Plus, having their favorite toys and blankets can bring them comfort in unfamiliar environments - so long as they aren’t prone to chewing or eating items they aren’t supposed to.

Scope out emergency veterinarians in the area you’ll be traveling. Your regular veterinarian may even be able to help with recommendations. The last thing you want to do when you’re dealing with a sick or injured pet is scramble to find a reputable emergency veterinary clinic. And don’t forget to bring copies of your most recent medical records in case they’re needed.

Stick with your pet’s regular feeding routines while traveling to avoid upsetting their schedule - or stomach. Even if you’re indulging on vacation, avoid giving them minibar snacks and table scraps as some human food can be unsafe for pets, especially if they’re already a bit stressed from travel and the new environment.

Bark voyage!

Yum Yum

Tailgating Chicken Nacho Dip

We are well into Football Season and dips are a great go-to option when entertaining. Try this one when you have friends over for the next game.

Ingredients

1 pound cheese, cubed (Velveeta is great for this)

1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained

2 large cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded

1/3 cup sour cream

1/4 cup diced green onion

2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper, or to taste (Optional)

1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning mix

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

Gather all ingredients. Stir cheese, diced tomatoes with chiles, shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, green

onion, jalapeño, and taco seasoning together in a slow cooker.

Cover and cook on High, stirring occasionally, until cheese has melted and dip is hot, 1 to 2 hours.

Stir in black beans and cook until heated through, 15 minutes. Serve with chips.

Tips

If the dip gets too thick, thin it with a small amount of milk.

Money Matters

Many people benefit from working with a financial advisor, someone who knows their needs and goals and makes appropriate recommendations. If you’re considering getting some help, you’ll want to ensure a particular financial advisor is right for you, so it’s a good idea to ask questions.

Here are some to consider:

• Have you worked with people like me? All of us are unique individuals. And you might feel comfortable knowing that a financial advisor has worked with people like you and can readily understand and appreciate your needs and specific goals: a certain type of retirement lifestyle, the kind of legacy you’d like to leave and others. The more information you can provide about yourself upfront, the better your chances of finding a good match.

• Do you have a particular investment philosophy? Some financial advisors follow a particular investment style, while others might focus on specific investments or categories.

• How will you communicate with me? Open and frequent communication are key to a successful relationship with a financial advisor. So, you’ll want to know what you can expect. Will you have annual or semi-annual reviews of your accounts? In between these reviews, can you contact your advisor at any time with questions you may have? How will an advisor notify you to recommend investment moves?

• How do you define success for your clients? Some investors track their portfolios’ performance against that of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500. But these types of benchmarks can be misleading. For one thing, investors should strive for a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and other investments, whereas the S&P 500 only tracks the largest U.S. stocks. So, when you talk to potential financial advisors about how they define success for their clients, you may want to look for responses that go beyond numbers and encompass statements such as these: “I’m successful if my clients trust me to do the right things for them. And, most important, I’m successful when I know I’ve helped my clients reach all their goals.”

• How are you compensated? Financial advisors are compensated in different ways — some work on commissions, some charge fees, and some combine fees and commissions. There isn’t necessarily any best method, from a client’s point of view, but you should clearly understand how a potential advisor is compensated before you begin a professional relationship.

These aren’t the only questions you might ask a potential financial advisor, but they should give you a good start. When you’re trusting someone to help you with your important financial goals, you want to be completely comfortable with that individual — so ask whatever is on your mind.

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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