Grand Living Magazine

Vol. 4 Issue 6 - Holiday 2012

Grand Living Complimentary

Delmarva’s Premier 50+ Magazine

www.grandlivingmag.com

Wreath Making 101 Inflammation Choosing a Slow Cooker

A Toast: “To Your Health”

Trusts

New York For The Holidays 1

Grand Living Magazine

Holiday 2012

Cold Symptoms:

Comes on more gradually, often with a low grade fever. You’re more likely to have a runny/stuffy nose and sore throat. You may feel tired but not to the point of exhaustion.

Tried &True Methods to relieve Cold/Flu Symptoms: • • • • • • • • •

Take Ibuprofen, (i.e. Advil), or Acetaminophen, (i.e. Tylenol) for mild pain relief and fever.

Put a hot, damp cloth on your face for 5-10 minutes, followed by a dry towel, to ease pressure in your sinuses.

Check label warnings and with your doctor before trying decongestants for a runny nose.

If you try nasal sprays, do so for only 3 days to prevent more swelling, bleeding or raw nose and throat.

Don’t take antihistamines for a runny nose. They dry up mucus and make it harder to get rid of it.

Suck on hard candy and gargle with warm salt water for sore throats.

For a stuffy nose, mom’s chicken soup, clear soups and other liquids can help break up the stuffiness.

While water, juice and herbal teas are helpful for runny noses, caffeine and alcohol (i.e. hot toddies) are not.

Breathe in steam, (i.e. take a hot shower or use a humidifier) to help clear a drippy or stuffy nose.

Cold/Flu Prevention Do’s: Wash your hands many times a day with hot water, and soap long enough to sing the “Happy Birthday” song: • Before and after meals.

• After using the bathroom.

• After using shared telephones, keyboards and refrigerator handles, etc...

• After shaking hands with someone.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between washings.

Boost your immune system through exercise, adequate sleep, eating healthy and don’t smoke.

Get a flu shot every year, preferably in October or November. However, flu shots are still okay to get as late as January, particularly if you’re over 50 years of age or pregnant. Shots are also recommended for children from six months to four years old, or for people with chronic illnesses like asthma or diabetes.

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Holiday 2012

Flu Symptoms:

Comes on quickly and severely with a high fever, headache, tiredness to point of exhaustion, dry cough and muscle aches.

If You have Flu symptoms, do: Call your doctor immediately (within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms), he may be able to treat you with antiviral drugs, or if you: • Have white patches in the back of your throat and it’s very, very sore.

• Have a fever of 102° that lasts more than 3 days.

• Cough up something pink or reddish with a fever, shortness of breath or chest pain.

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room if you: • • • • • • •

Have new and or severe pain in the arms, neck, back, jaw or stomach.

Feel numb, especially on one side of the body.

Get a sudden very bad headache for no reason.

Throw up over and over.

Have trouble breathing or shortness of breath.

Suddenly feel dizzy or confused.

Have pain or pressure in the chest or stomach.

Take Cold/Flu Medicines Safely: Read the Label!

• Make sure it is okay to take the cold medicine in combination with your other medicines.

• Take the correct dose! Taking more is NOT better!

Make sure that if you’re taking acetaminophen, other cold medicines do not include it in their medicine list too (i.e. cough syrup). Check for side effects, particularly drowsiness.

Cold Flu/Prevention Don’ts: Don’t get a flu shot if you are allergic to eggs.

Don’t go to work or out in public places, if you have a cold or flu, where the virus can spread.

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Publishers Note

Happy Holidays, and welcome to the next evolution of Grand Living Magazine. Businesses grow and evolve, and we are no different. It was time for a change and we hope you are pleased with the direction we have moved in. Although our look is a little different, our content will still be the same. Our goal is to offer you resources on topics that affect our lives as we age. Keep in mind that even though we research our material and have it reviewed by professionals, there is still no substitute for discussing your own personal situations with health care, financial and legal professionals. We like to plant seeds in Grand Living which offer basic direction for living a better quality of life, here on the shore, and we will continue to bring you relevant information. Remember that because we are complimentary, we rely on our sponsors support to continue to bring you Grand Living. Please visit them often and let them know you saw them in our magazine.

We would also like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and to our loyal readers, we wish you a warm and joyous holiday season.

Sandy

About Grand Living Magazine Publisher Sandy Phillips Creative Director Farin Phillips Editor Lou Ann Hill-Davis Photography Kyle Hughes, Next Wave Studios 4

Grand Living Magazine

Contributing Writers Therese H. Ganster, ACSW, MPM. Polly Elliott Jenny Kho Roxana Laguerre James W. Respess, Esq. Mark Stoehr, MAC, LAC Betsy van Die For advertising, contact: Grand Living Main Office (410)726-7334 grandlivingmag@verizon.net Holiday 2012

Grand Living Magazine is published six times a year; Jan., Mar., May, July, Sept., and Nov. It is circulated throughout Worcester, Wicomico & Sussex counties, by Grand Living Magazine, LLC. Grand Living Magazine is protected under trademark registration. “Grand Citizens”™ is also protected under trademark. No portion in whole or part may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Copyright 2010 ©, Grand Living Magazine LLC. All rights reserved.

Content in Grand Living Magazine is intended to provide information only, and is in no way meant to treat or diagnose.

Always consult with a speciality professional (i.e. medical, financial, etc.) to address your own personal needs. The company makes every effort to ensure that all information presented is correct. However, we do not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information, and reliance on information provided is solely at your own risk.

Issue Contents 16

22

A Toast to Your Health

6 Learning Curve 7 Grand Calendar Home & Hearth 8 Wreath Making 101 10 How to Choose A Slow Cooker 12 Simple Steps For Cleaning Your Furnace 13 Grocery Store, Entertainment & Activity Discounts for Grand Citizens Help to Lighten Your Spending Load Well Being 14 Following Simple Precautions Can Help Prevent Falls and Injuries During the Holiday Season and Year Round 18 Inflammation Financial Strength 21 Trusts Grand Escapes 22 New York for the Holidays 23 Hearts Desire

New York City for the Holidays Holiday 2012

Grand Living Magazine

5

Learning Curve

Some Medicines & Alcohol Don’t Mix Many Grand Citizens take medicines, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs, and herbal remedies. Drinking alcohol can cause certain medicines to not work properly and other medicines to become more dangerous or even deadly. Mixing alcohol and some medicines can cause sleepiness, confusion, or lack of coordination, which may lead to accidents and injuries.

It also may cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and other health problems.

Dozens of medicines interact with alcohol, with possible negative effects. Here are some examples: • Taking aspirin or arthritis medications and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach.

• Taking the painkiller acetaminophen in large doses and drinking alcohol can increase the chances of liver damage.

• Cold and allergy medicines that contain antihistamines often makes people sleepy. Drinking alcohol can make this drowsiness worse and impair coordination.

• Drinking alcohol and taking some medicines that aid sleep, reduce pain, or relieve anxiety or depression can cause sleepiness and poor coordination.

• Drinking alcohol and taking medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, ulcers, gout, and heart failure can make those conditions worse.

Medications stay in the body for at least several hours.

So, there can still be a problem if you drink alcohol hours after taking a pill. Read the labels on all medications and follow the directions. Some medication labels warn people not to drink alcohol when taking the medicine. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider whether it's okay to drink alcohol while taking a certain medicine.

Source: National Institute of Health

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Delmar Villas On October 21, Davey’s Assisted Living commemorated a private ground breaking ceremony for the much anticipated Delmar Villas Assisted Living, at the building site in Delmar.

Delmar Villas will be located next door to Delmar Manor, also owned and managed by Davey’s. “Since opening our 3 other Davey’s Assisted Living’s six years ago, we have been able to help Grand Citizens thrive by offering a more home-like setting,” says owner Kelli Davey. Now Delmar Villa brings all the best practices of assisted living to our community offering upscale senior living amenities without the upscale price. “Our residential-style assisted living model has worked so well on Delmarva, Kelli continues, because it offers all the comforts of home; including home-cooked meals, “anytime” visiting hours for family, along with support services such as 24/7 on call nursing, and personal care as needed.

With only sixteen residents in each facility, our care teams can truly provide more customized care for each resident and we look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of Grand Citizen’s on Delmarva.”

Update Your Family Medical History at the Holidays Doctors can use a family health history to see if you, your children, or your grandchildren might face an increased risk of developing serious health problems. These health problems might be common ones, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. They could also be less common diseases that are passed from one generation to the next, such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia.

While you can't change the genes you inherit from parents, you can change things like diet, physical activity, and medical care to try to prevent diseases that run in the family. This is good news because many diseases result from a combination of a person's genes, lifestyle, and environment.

A health care professional can use a family health history to help assess a person's risk of certain diseases. The professional might recommend actions to lower the chance of getting those diseases.

Actions to reduce the risk of disease may involve • lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods or exercising more • getting certain medical tests • taking medicines that are more effective based on your specific genes.

For example, a son who is at risk of developing diabetes might be instructed to lose weight and exercise more to reduce the threat.

Grand Calendar

Mid November, 2012- Mid January 2013

Nov 15- Jan 1

Nov 21

Winterfest of Lights Northside Park, 125th St. Sun-Thurs: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Fri. & Sat: 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

800-626-2326

Parkinson Support Group

FREE 3rd Wednesday every month at 2:30 p.m.

Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore 410-749-8511

Nov 22 - Thanksgiving

Nov 25 - Jan 1

Nov 24

Nov 25

Berlin- Victorian Christmas

Wicomico Yacht Club 25th Annual Boat Parade Along the Wicomico River

Berlin Holiday Arts Night & Christmas Tree Lighting

5:00 p.m. - 700:00 p.m.

Salisbury, MD More info at: 443-614-6323

Main Street, Berlin 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

410-641-4775 www.BerlinChamber.org

Events throughout the Holiday Season Including: Town of Berlin Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Arts Night, Classical Christmas Dinner & Concert, The Annual Christmas Parade, 4th Annual Reindeer Run, Breakfast with Santa and many more.

For more information: www.MainStreetBerlinMD.org or 410-641-4775

Dec 1

Dec 1

Dec 1

Dec 2

Ocean City Christmas Parade

Lewes Hometown Christmas Parade, Tree-lighitng, & Caroling FREE 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Victorian Christmas

66th Annual Jayces Christmas Parade

FREE 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Coastal Hwy.; 100th St.-115th St. 410-289-6733

208 W. Market St. Snow Hill, MD Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

410-632-0515

For more info.

Begins at Wicomico Civic Center More information at: www.salisburyjc.com

www.leweschamber.com

Dec 6

Dec 7

Berlin Christmas Parade

Clear Space Theatre “A Christmas Carol”

FREE Main Street, Berlin 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

410-641-4775

Rehoboth Beach Theatre of The Arts Friday 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

For other dates and times visit www.clearspacetheatre.org

December 25 - Christmas Day

Dec 11

Dec 13

Dec 31

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Parkinson Support Group

Berlin’s New Years Eve Celebration

FREE 2nd Tuesday every month at 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

302-436-0808 RSVP the Friday before the meeting you wish to attend

FREE 2nd Thursday every month at 1:30 p.m.

The Woodlands Ocean Pines 410-208-9001

FREE Main Street, Berlin 10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

410-641-477

Dec 31 - New Years Eve

Submit your Grand Calendar events before the first of the month prior to press via email to grandlivingmag@verizon.net Holiday 2012

Grand Living Magazine

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Wreath Making 101 N N

by Sandy Phillips

Wreath Making Tools: Circular Form Commercial or Homemade from a wire coat hanger.

Green floral wire Hot glue gun Scissors Ribbon Embellishments Metal over-the-door wreath hanger

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othing greets holiday guests like a bountiful wreath on the door. Wreaths are available in a large variety of sizes and colors, along with a number of embellishments. Even with the many options on the market, I often find myself struggling with the cost of the ones I really like, so I typically make the annual trip into the woods and create my own work of art. The possibilities are truly endless, and creating a signature wreath you are proud to show off just adds to the holiday cheer.

The traditional pine wreath never disappoints guests, and if you don’t want to brave the cold woods, you can easily find the basic pine wreath at your local garden center. It’s all ready for you to add your own personal touches. These simple wreaths can be decorated with really anything you can imagine. If you’re more traditionally minded, glass ornaments are the way to go, but remember, your door will be opened and closed many, many times during the holidays and you can find outstanding non- breakable look alikes which won’t create a mess if they become loose and fall from the wreath. Glass ornaments are available in many sizes and shapes, and the ones that are reminiscent of the old-world glass ornaments add a great deal of uniqueness to your creation.

Have little ones around for the holidays? Sponge Bobs’ striking yellow color against an evergreen wreath is a real eye catcher.

We’ve even found Looney Tunes characters, and several current cartoon characters that your grand kids will easily identify with.

You can find these fun decorations in lots of places, from the dollar store to the toy store and again, you are only limited by your imagination.

If you’re looking for something completely different, you could fashion a wreath from more Eastern Shore fauna such as murckle bush or beach grasses. We aren’t suggesting you trim those along the dune lines, but what about those growing right outside your door? Keep in mind that they will have to be cut back in the spring, so garnering a few sprigs for your wreath won’t be noticeable.

The grass plumes will add an unusual dimension and texture to your holiday creation. The grass wreaths will look very “beachy” adorned with small white shells. You could even dot your shells with glue and sprinkle them with a bit of glitter, or cookie sanding sugar, for a festive look.

Embellishment Ideas: Holiday ornaments Seashells Ornamental Grass plumes Holly berries, or Nandina berries.

Strung popcorn or cranberries Small children’s toys or characters This list is endless...

If you have a Magnolia tree, you have the perfect holiday green easily at hand. Magnolia is as traditional as pine but is often only found in landscapes. Finding a Magnolia wreath at the garden store might cost a bit more, but again it’s a very unique look. Magnolia branches also bend easily around a metal form or shaped coat hanger. These forms are available at your local craft store or even at the big box in the holiday decorating section. It’s worth the extra couple of dollars to purchase the heavier forms, particularly for the Magnolia pieces. You could find it very frustrating if your wreath begins to sag in the middle before the holiday. Wire forms are easy to wrap greens around, but some crafters, like the Styrofoam or straw forms, so sprigs can be inserted rather than wrapped.

If you are game to explore the many options in the woods, crow’s feet is one of my favorites. Small bunches of this green can be wrapped around a form quickly, and the result is a very tightly formed wreath. You can also consider mixing greens for color variation and texture. Be sure to pick up a few pine cones while you’re out, they not only look great on a wreath in their natural state, but they can create that “winter” feel when the tips are dipped in white paint or sprayed with a little “canned” snow. Pine cones and gum balls offer another unique option for wreath making. When finished with a festive bow, you have a wreath that becomes an instant conversation piece. To quickly hang your wreath, consider an over-the-door metal hanger for easy installation without damaging the door.

Remember, most any form of greenery we have touched on can be strung on a wire to create garland, and depending on the look you’re going for, you can use embellishments to compliment your wreath. Garland also looks great wrapped around porch columns and along deck rails. You can even bring the outdoors in by stringing your creations along staircases and across mantels.

Just remember to remove your greenery before lighting the fire.

The options are truly endless, with so many unique items available you are sure to find something eye-catching to add sparkle to your door. GLM

Holiday 2012

Grand Living Magazine

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Home & Hearth

Choosing A Slow Cooker

DD

by Jenny Khoo

o you love to cook healthy, nutritious home-cooked meals but don’t have the time to prepare and watch over them? Then you need a slow cooker. Preparation will be as easy as adding ingredients to your slow cooker and letting it do all the cooking for you. There are a lot of slow cookers available on the market, so before we proceed to choosing the right one, it is helpful to first understand how they work.

When a slow cooker heats up, the steam is caught in the groove of its lid and circulates back into the pot. This helps lock moisture and flavor into whatever you are cooking. Slow cookers also maintain a low pressure, so there is no risk of accidents from the accumulation of high pressure which comes with pressure cookers. The food is gradually and continuously cooked at temperatures of 170-200°F, as the crock itself acts as the heat reservoir. Because of the way a slow cooker operates, finding a model with a great locking lid, a sturdy base, and a reliable heating element should be your primary priority. High quality cookers cost a little more, but they are absolutely worth the investment.

Crock pots, also called slow cookers, come in many sizes and shapes.

It’s important that you select the right size so you wouldn’t have to buy another one in case the first one is too small or not suited to your preparation goals. Slow cookers function best when they are about three-quarters full, ensuring your food maintains its moisture as it cooks. To help you decide which size to get, remember that a three quart slow cooker typically feeds two to four people and a six quart six to eight.

Another important factor to consider is the shape of the slow cooker.

The oval ones are your best choice if you want to cook poultry or roast most of the time, as they accommodate the shape of the meat much better.

If you mostly want to cook stews, soups and chilli, then any shape will do.

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Some slow cookers are programmable and offer several advantages for the “harried” cook.

Even though all slow cookers are designed to be left unattended, programmable ones will let you control how long they will cook and can be set to automatically switch to a warming mode when the cooking cycle is complete. These models protect your food from over cooking and ensure you will always have a warm dish waiting when you arrive home. Some also offer a delay timer for the perfect start time, too.

Another factor to consider is the weight of the slow cooker especially if you want to take your cooker to a potluck party. Weights vary a great deal and some cookers can weigh as much as 15 pounds empty. Models which are easiest for travel are lighter in weight and offer extra features like a clip-tight lid, a clip-on serving spoon, and larger handles for carrying.

There is really no better way to prepare a healthy hot meal while you’re out, and soups, and stews are seasonal favorites this time of year. Clean-up is breeze as well with the new Crock Pot liners which are now available in the storage section of the grocery store. GLM

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www.jnaohd.com • 302-846-9915

Shane Kelley at 410-968-1022.

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Respite Care Program www.chesapeakecove.org Holiday 2012 Grand Living Magazine

11

Home & Hearth

Simple Steps for Cleaning your Furnace Filter

R R

by Polly Elliott

egular furnace maintenance is indispensable to keeping your home's cooling or heating system in top condition. Cleaning a furnace can be cumbersome to some homeowners, but knowing that the build-up of dust and debris in the system can create friction, and a possible fire hazard, should be deemed important.

There are lots of professional services offering furnace and duct cleaning, using the right tools to fully reach down and target the dirt accumulated in your HVAC’s furnaces. However, there are simple tools easily accessible right in your nearest hardware store which can let you clean your own furnace.

Follow these simple steps on how to save money and clean your own furnace filter.

1. Disconnect the power and fuel sources. You don't want your first furnace filter maintenance job to be your last, so keep in mind that you are working on an electrical appliance. Never work with the electrical wires plugged in. As an additional safety measure, in gas and oil furnaces, the pilot light and fuel supply needs to be shut off.

2. Locate your furnace’s maintenance service panel. You can refer to the user manual to see if you might need any tool to accomplish this task. Some furnace doors open by hand, while others are screwed in or fastened, so you may need a screwdriver or other simple tool to open it.

3. Locate the furnace filter. The furnace filter is that spongy-like piece which sits between the furnace and the air duct. It has a width of one inch or slightly more than that.

4. Once you locate the filter, take it out of the furnace. If you have a reusable filter, you can just take it out and clean all the dirt from the filter with a garden hose. Let it dry before replacing it. If you have a disposable filter, you can simply replace it with a new one.

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5. Clean the areas where the filter sits. You can use an old toothbrush to get into the furnace’s blower and smaller spaces, thus effectively removing accumulated dust and debris.

6. Replace the filter and put back any safety cover that you have removed. Check to see if everything is in order. If so, you can reconnect the furnace and turn it on. If you have an electrostatic air filter, simply take it out, wash it with a hose, and place it back in the filter tracks.

7. Run the furnace for a few minutes, and observe if there are any unusual sounds or odors coming out. If you smell burning wires or are hearing crackling sound, for a prolonged period of time, shut down the furnace and call in a furnace and duct cleaning professional.

A clean furnace is the number one thing to keep heating or cooling equipment running at its peak performance, along with maintaining its life span. Checking your air filters for blockage at least once a month, especially if you use continuous heat throughout the winter season, cannot only increase your furnaces’ efficiency, it can also cut down your bills and save your family from possible respiratory health issues as well. GLM The preceding are general cleaning tips, and may not be perfect for everyone’s furnace. For optimum cleaning, consult your owner’s manual or a professional.

Grocery Store, Entertainment & Activity Discounts for Grand Citizens Help to Lighten Your Spending Load

Coming Soon!

Delmar Villas Assisted Living

Upscale Living At An Affordable Price

by Lou Ann Hill-Davis As you learned from the last two issues, it PAYS to be a Grand Citizen! Around town and while traveling, make the most of your Grand Citizen years by using the Grocery Store and Entertainment senior discounts listed below.

As I also have mentioned, many local businesses shy away from discounting during the summer season, but in the off season, make sure to ask your favorite establishments for their Grand Citizen specials!

Grocery Stores Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+) Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)

We offer a home-like environment where individulas can maintain their independence and dignity. Our goal is to provide care to seniors in a setting where they feel they are not institutionalized.

Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+) Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+) Entertainment & Activities AMC Theaters: Up to 30% off (55+) Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+) Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+) Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+) Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off (55+) U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+) Regal Cinemas: 30% off (55+) Ripley’s Believe it or Not: % off one-day ticket (55+) SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

Home-Like Setting Includes: • • • •

All Meals Snack Station Concierge Services Activities & Outings

• • •

Movie Theatre Medication Mgmt.

Housekeeping

410-726-1951

Nourishing Souls Delmar, MD

Enriching Lives DaveysAssistedLiving.com

Don’t miss Grand Living Magazine’s next issue when LYLS will bring you Grand Citizen “Travel” discounts!

NOTE: Ms.Hill-Davis would like to thank Nancy Larson for her invaluable information used for this article.

Lou Ann Hill-Davis is the President of Lighten Your Load Solutions, LLC. Offices are located in Jacksonville, FL. www.LightenYourLoadSolutions.com Information from more Southern locations provided for those of you who will be wintering in warmer weather. Remember you can read Grand Living online at www.grandlivingmag.com.

Holiday 2012

Grand Living Magazine

13

Well Being

Following Simple Precautions Can Help Prevent Falls and Injuries During the Holiday Season and Year Round.

by Betsy van Die

D D

uring the winter holiday season, there are tragic stories about house fires caused by Christmas trees and faulty electrical wiring. There are also sad stories about too much merriment leading to alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. And every year there are thousands of unfortunate people who suffer devastating injuries from winter sports and recreational activities, although the good news is that helmet usage is increasing among skiers. Hanging and taking down Christmas decorations – inside and outside the house – is a lesser publicized health risk, but one that often leads to accidental falls. If a traumatic brain injury results from a fall, even a seemingly fun activity can prove fatal. Although Christmas decorations do not rank as a leading cause of injury, falls inside the home and on ice are very common.

Every year, an estimated 2 million people age 65 and older are treated at U.S. hospital emergency rooms for accidental falls. Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal accidental injury among Americans of all ages and the third leading cause of accidental death each year. One in three Americans age 65 and older will experience a fall every year, and in that age demographic, falls are the leading cause of injuryrelated death. US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates show that in 2011, 14.2 million overall injuries were treated at US hospital emergency rooms, and of those, 1.97 million were head injuries. In people age 50 and older, this figure was estimated at 3.6 million, with 597,012 patients suffering head injuries.

An in-depth analysis revealed that the top three CPSC product categories for overall injuries also produced the highest number of head injuries, with floors causing 429,230 head injuries in people of all ages. People age 50 and older incurred 776,880 injuries attributed to floors, and of those, 203,290 were head injuries. In the majority of the 28 floor-related fatality cases reported by the CPSC, many of the victims suffered cardiac arrest – the presumed cause of the fall, while others suffered fatal traumatic brain injuries from the head hitting the floor’s hard surface. Falling off furniture and ladders; slipping on rugs, down steps/stairs, and in bathtubs; and banging into everyday objects including walls and doors cause many injuries inside the home.

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Holiday 2012

Whether vacationing or in your own neighborhood...

We make your summer a breath of fresh air

Top 15 Home-Related Causes of Injury Treated at US Hospital Emergency Rooms in 2011 Floors or Flooring Materials: 1,406,545 Stairs or Steps: 1,293,080 Beds or Bedframes (other or not specified): 637,441 Doors (glass, garage, automatic, not specified): 374,343 Ceilings and Walls (completed structure): 368,981 Chairs (other or not specified): 346,548 Tables (not classified elsewhere): 342,120 Bathtubs or Showers: 295,907 Ladders (all types), Step Stools: 199,987 Sofas, Couches, Davenports, Divans: 192,364 Cabinets, Racks, Room Dividers and Shelves: 151,675 Rugs, Carpets, Throw Rugs, Runners: 149,200 Desks, Chests, Bureaus or Buffets: 138,021 Toilets: 101,504 Televisions: 59,431 A moment of distraction, hastiness, or carelessness can lead to a life-altering or even fatal head injury, but following a few simple precautions can prevent most injuries. If an elderly person has experienced a recent change in mobility or health, but can still live independently, it is a very good idea to make an assessment of the home to help prevent serious falls and injury.

Respiratory homecare specialists

Transportable self-filling oxygen tanks.

Home Medical Equipment including: • Invacare • Pride • Respironics

Delivery & set-up of a wide array of medical equipment to your home or vacation rental.

Locally owned and operated since 1988

Visit our web site for a full list of products & services. www.bayviewhomecare.com

302.629.0202 800-564-0633

1601 Middleford Road, Seaford, DE

Injury Prevention Tips Inside the Home • Secure loose electrical cords and put away any items that are lying around.

• Do not use recalled products – discard or take back to the store.

• Keep chairs and other furniture away from windows.

• Use safety gates and install window guards.

• Buy bath mats and rugs with slip-resistant backing and secure them.

• Do not walk on slippery, freshly washed floors and avoid floor waxes.

• Install grab bars and handrails if you are frail or elderly.

• Improve the lighting in your home; dim lighting can increase the risk of falls.

• Install night lights in halls and bathrooms, and keep a flashlight near your bed.

• Store products in easy-to-reach places; use stable stepstools/ ladders only when absolutely necessary.

• Wear proper shoes with slip-resistant soles.

• Take special precautions and talk to your physician if medications are causing dizziness, blurred vision, or light-headedness.

Continued Page 19

Holiday 2012

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A Toast: “To Your Health”

by Therese H. Ganster, ACSW, MPM

T T

he holidays are a time to reflect upon the past, seek joy and contentment in the present, and make resolutions for the future.

I would like to make a toast to all of the readers and their loved ones, “to your health!”

As a teenager and young adult, I would share my woes (which may have been miniscule but I perceived monumental), with my grandpa. While seeking to console, many times my grandfather would say, “You have your health, so you have everything.” It wasn’t until I’ve become much older that I’ve truly come to understand how true that statement has become.

We are born with many predetermining health/physical factors that we frequently love; like my daughter and granddaughter having my mom’s curly hair. But there are also those that we wish we did not have such as a predisposition to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, etc. The good news, in this time of modern health care, is that we are constantly learning that there are things we can do to assist in preventing, controlling and maintain our health. Whether we choose to act upon them becomes our individual choice.

For those of you who truly love your families, I ask you to reflect upon the following questions, seek a means of finding the healthy balance in your lives and make resolutions you can start now to optimize your good health: Look to your family histories and share them.

Growing up, the word “cancer” was a word not discussed in public and perceived as something almost as horrible as the plague. So when my great grandparent died from the disease, I did not know until I was grown. My grandmother’s side of the family is known to have many relatives that died from colon

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cancer, which became my mom’s nemesis. While I knew this fact, I was totally amazed to find that many of my first cousins were unaware. They either did not discuss the illness openly with my aunts or uncles or never thought to ask. My grandfather had three brothers, all of which died of heart disease before the age of 50. Grandpa also had heart disease but took action to live a healthier lifestyle and he lived to be 87.

Live a healthy lifestyle.

Once you know your family’s history, take action. When you share this information with your primary care physician, you become partners in your health care. Just as in any partnership, communication is key. Your doctor can begin to map out certain tests, and you can have discussions to help you try to prevent or control your illnesses. When I shared my history of colon cancer with my physician, we scheduled my first colonoscopy at age 40.

While I do not relish this task, I’ve been faithful to listening and know I need to continue to have them when scheduled. My physician is also aware of the history of heart disease in my family. Through testing, we know that high cholesterol is also something which I need to take action to resolve.

Diet and exercise.

Modern technology is wonderful. Believe me, using this laptop is far better than pounding on an old typewriter, having to use Wite-Out when making an error, etc. Where would I be without my washer and dryer, vacuum, and high definition TV, or the convenience of microwaves and fast food on the run?

While I love all of my conveniences, they have made for a much more sedate and unhealthy population. We forget that we have alternative choices out there!

We now have to make a concerted effort to “eat balanced meals, find hobbies that keep us active or just take a walk outside.”

Relax.

Sometimes this is easier said then done. Our lives are very chaotic in today’s world. Sometimes we are so busy taking care of everyone and everything else, we forget to literally stop and smell the roses. Exercise can be a form of relaxation. While we are taking that walk on the beach, biking, taking photos, practicing yoga, or tai chi, we allow our minds to wonder, we breathe slower and deeper. We feel better and sometimes, more energized.

Remember you are not alone on this journey.

Your physicians are your partners and coaches and they can only be as good as we allow them to be. We have to not only share information with them, but follow their instructions. Take medicines correctly, if you don’t know what the medicine is for or how to take it, ask! If they suggest a specific diet and or exercise regimen, do your best to follow it.

You are not an island; your family can work with you. There is no reason you need to make separate meals and wish that you were eating some of those delicious foods that may not be as good for you. Many recipes have been adapted to a modern diet and can be just as delicious, if not better than those of yesterday.

You are also keeping your loved ones healthy by working together to maintain good health.

Remember you get to make the choices when toasting “to your good health.”

Happy Holidays!” GLM

For the third time in four years, Peninsula Home Care has been ranked among the

Top 25% of Medicare-certified home health agencies in the nation on the Decision Health "2012 HomeCare Elite."

It is an honor for us to be recognized for doing what we love: providing the best care possible in patients’ homes and helping them recover their independence.

Trust your care to the team that ranks the patient first: trust Peninsula Home Care.

Visit www.peninsulahomecare.com or call today!

Wicomico & Somerset Counties 410-543-7550 Worcester County 410-208-4828 Sussex County 302-629-4914

Delmarva’s Cancer Specialists Salisbury 410-543-1943 410-641-0277 Berlin

www.21stcenturyoncology.com

Therese H. Ganster, ACSW, MPM is a resident of the lower shore and Branch Director of Peninsula Home Care in Ocean Pines, MD.

Vincenzo De Masi, M.D.

The physicians and staff of 21st Century Oncology would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

Manoj Jain, M.D.

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Inflammation

by Mark Stoehr, MAc LAc

II

nflammation is a leading cause of many modern diseases.

Ailments such as pain, arthritis, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's are all linked to inflammation. It is a major cause of early aging and poor health. Doing everything in our power to reduce inflammation, in order to stay well and age gracefully, is critical. You may have inflammation if you have all five of the following signs: redness, pain, swelling, warmth, loss of function. Some people can relate to a warm, red, swollen joint. The inflammation is clearly there. Other times, it’s not so obvious, like in the case of celiac disease and multiple sclerosis.

Oxidation inside the body can be made worse by many lifestyle choices, and the main culprits are unhealthy diet, smoking, lack of exercise and stress. Think of inflammation as “internal rust.”

The body can suffer from oxidative stress the same way that a piece of metal, exposed to the outdoor elements, rusts. As the body gets exposed to oxidants, it shows signs of internal rust.

Luckily, there are many practices one can implement to reduce it.

Many people have no idea that the food that they are eating is causing their arthritis! Eating sugar is a major inflammatory factor because of how it stimulates insulin production. In addiction to aiding in fat storage, the release of insulin begins a cascade of hormonal processes that increases inflammation. So, reduce the amount of sugar and simple carbohydrates that you consume on a daily basis to decrease inflammation. Rancid or improperly heated cooking oils pose another inflammatory threat.

When olive oil is raised beyond a certain temperature, it begins to oxidize. When we ingest this olive oil, we introduce an oxidant into our system. Oil, if unsaturated, can also oxidize prematurely with age. Therefore, it is important to smell for rancidity before using cooking oils (olive, canola, safflower, etc).

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Or better yet, stick with butter and coconut oil which are saturated and therefor are safe for cooking at high temperatures and have less chance of going rancid.

Food sensitivities can also trigger inflammation. Many people are sensitive to foods that contain dairy and gluten. If you are sensitive, allergic, or intolerant and you still eat these foods your body will show signs of inflammation. For example, many children develop chronic ear infections from dairy sensitivities. The dairy makes the body so inflamed that the infection manifests in the ears. Also, avoiding processed foods that may contain trans fats is a good idea.

There are many herbal medicines and dietary supplements which are excellent inflammation fighters. Omega-3 fish oils are critical to reducing inflammation and keeping it at bay. High anti-oxidant supplements help to rid the body of free radicals and reduce the chances of the body “rusting” internally. Resveratrol and Astaxanthin are two of the worlds most potent anti-oxidants.

Resveratrol is found in foods like red wine and Astaxanthin is found in krill-oil. Both have potent anti-aging benefits as well.

There are several herbs that are natural anti-inflammatory’s.

These include, white willow bark, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, cayenne pepper and rosemary. All of these herbs can included daily in your diet to reduce inflammation and feel better!

Always check with your health care provider before starting any of the above dietary supplements. Many anti-inflammatory products interact with cardiovascular medications because they naturally lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Other ways to reduce inflammation include quitting smoking, exercising on a regular basis (although too much exercise can trigger inflammation), and meditation to decrease stress. Reducing inflammation will improve your body, mind and spirit! GLM

Mark Stoehr earned a BS degree of University of Maryland College Park and a Masters Degree in Acupuncture from Tai Sophia Institute. He has a private practice in North Ocean City on 142nd Street and West Ocean City next to OC Organics. Mr. Stoehr is also a faculty member at Tai Sophia Institute and has been a guest lecturer at University of Maryland Medical School, Salisbury University and Howard Community College. Mark can be reached at (410) 707-1540, mastoehr@hotmail.com and www.marksacupuncture.com.

Continued from page 15, Following Simple Precautions Can Help Prevent Fall and Injuries During the Holidays.

Discover the Eastern Shore Difference

Injury Prevention Tips Outside the Home • Inspect and remove debris and ice from walkways, driveways, porches, and yards.

• Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing or gardening.

• Store outdoor equipment and tools properly.

• Make sure that ladders are stable and secure before using them.

• Do not use broken equipment or tools.

• Install outdoor handrails if elderly or frail.

• Do not let your grandchildren engage in activities inappropriate for their age.

• Supervise younger grandchildren at all times.

• Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or ride as a passenger with anybody else who is under the influence.

410-749-5253

Across from PRMC, on the corner of Eastern Shore Dr. & Carroll St.

Winter Sports Injury Prevention Tips • Buy and use helmets or protective head gear approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for skiing, snowboarding, hockey, and snowmobiling 100 percent of the time. These must fit correctly and be worn properly to be effective.

• Do not participate in outdoor sports when weather conditions pose a serious hazard.

• Ice skate only in areas designated for skating, and always check the ice for cracks and debris.

• Use only sleds that can be steered, and never go down a slope head first.

• Follow all posted signs and warnings on ski slopes, sledding hills and skating rinks. GLM Betsy Van Die is a Chicago-area communications professional with more than 16 years of diverse public relations, media, design, and publishing experience. She has a long track record translating injury statistics into compelling sports, home, and occupational-related injury prevention messages for consumers.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Financial Strength

by James Respess Esq.

Trusts

I I

have been doing Estate Planning for over 25 years and have used Trusts and Wills to accomplish this in the most effective way possible.

I have found that the most affluent clients know a lot about Trusts, but others, especially the younger clients, look at it as a mystery and something to be avoided.

Many attorneys seem to think Trusts are over sold, and are not needed in most cases. In my conversations with them, I suspect that they either do not fully understand the utility of a Trust or rather save the Probate for themselves. The reason, Probate is very lucrative for attorneys and very expensive for beneficiaries of an Estate. It also takes a long time to complete; six months minimum.

There are several different Trusts used for different purposes. Your Estate planner will help you choose the ones that meet your needs. There are two that are most often used in Estate Planning. The main or primary purpose of a Trust is to “Take Control of Your Future and the Future of Your Loved Ones.” Let’s take a closer look.

First, know that a Will only takes effect the moment you die and has no effect on anything until that moment. A Trust takes effect when signed or when you want it to take effect, and under what conditions you want it to take effect.

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The most common Trust is the Revocable Living Trust. You are the Grantor (one who establishes the Trust and puts property in the Trust) you are usually the first Trustee, and you remain the Trustee as long as you wish, (or as long as you are competent to manage the trust property). This means that you can do everything with the property in the Trust that you could with the property in your own name. There are many things that can happen to you, which may result in you being disabled. An accident can be the cause for short-term disability. If you are temporally disabled and need to have someone manage affairs, you would have to have a Judge declare you “incompetent.” After you recover, you would return to the Judge to be declared competent.

This would all be public knowledge. You state in the Trust when and how your competency is to be decided, and who will be the Alternate Trustee, when you are no longer able to maintain control and when you die. In either case, the Trust becomes an Irrevocable Trust and the Trustee must follow the language of the Trust which you placed there. That gives you control while you are alive and after you are gone.

You give your property to whom you want, how you want and under what conditions you want.

The most overlooked use of a Trust is for a young couple or a single parent. When a couple has young children, they will usually purchase life insurance for both spouses, making each other the beneficiary of the other’s policy. This will provide for the replacement of the deceased partners lost income and provide for the care of the children. What is over-looked is the possibility that both parents may die before the children are grown. In this case a court would have to establish a Guardianship for both the children and their property. The most dangerous part for the children is that they will have a right to receive all the property on their 21st birthday, unless they are disabled. Most people do not believe that a person is mature enough at that age to take control of a large sum of money.

Holiday 2012

Most parents will also put other restrictions in a Trust for the child’s qualifications to take control of the estate, such as “a destructive life style, drug or alcohol use,” or have if they have “spendthrift habits.” This is to protect the child from their own lifestyle, not to deny them of financial assistance, because the Trustee will always have authority to provide the children with their financial needs.

An Estate Plan and its several parts should not be considered an event; it is a process and should be reviewed as circumstances change, and then at least every five years thereafter. Remember, even if your circumstances do not change dramatically, the laws and events outside your control change constantly. The tax laws are a prime example.

The Trustee of your Trust will be able to manage your property during and after your life, according to your wishes, as stated in the Trust. A Trust is also changeable to meet your needs and wishes and as events change in your life. You must keep it up to date by placing property in the Trust as it is acquired. If not the property will end up in Probate. A Will must be prepared as part of the plan, since all your property will never be in the Trust, and some should not be in the Trust. The property not in the Trust can pass to the Trust by way of a Pour Over Will, which makes the Trust the sole beneficiary of the Will. The Trust will then take control of all your property and will be the vehicle to manage and distribute the property as you wish.

There are at least three documents to an effective Estate Plan; a Pour Over Will, a Trust, and an Advanced Health Care Directive. Your Estate Planner will assist you in preparing these to meet your individual or your family needs. GLM James W. Respess is an Estate Planning, Elder Law, Veterans Advocate and Business Succession Planning Attorney with offices at 213 W. Main Street, Salisbury.

He can be reached at jrespess@comcast.net. For more information visit JamesRespess.com or Estplan. net. You can also visit estateplanning .com for more in Estate Planning.

Inside Ocean City FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC CARE,

Inside Ocean City, Official Concierge of the Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association, is an annual, hardbound coffee-table book that delights readers with a savvy, insider’s view of the resort. It is available, in-room, at Ocean City hotels and motels.

Through gorgeous photography and insightful articles, Inside Ocean City is a publication visitors are compelled to pick up and want to linger over—timely yet timeless, and reflective of the soul and spirit of the city. Its modern, eye-catching designs and innovative layout create an environment designed to attract advertisers, impress hotels and the travelers who stay in them.

Inside Ocean City offers useful information that helps tourists decide where to go, what to do, what to eat, what to buy and what attractions to visit during their time in the resort. Inside Ocean City offers rich content and editorialized layout for advertisers, offering them the opportunity to share the scope of their business as opposed to a snapshot.

Support the OCHMRA & Reach Millions, All at the Same Time!

Reserve Your Space Today 410-726-7334

CHOOSE NANTICOKE.

Psst...looking for a great gift for the grandkids? May we suggest...

The Christmas Hippo A charming, true story, about how God answered a very special prayer, in just a short time. Written by Lisa E. Williams and illustrated by local artist Stacie Desautels, of Daisy DeZigns Art Studio.

Congratulations ladies!

For more info visit thechristmashippo.com Holiday 2012

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Grand Escapes

New York City for the Holidays

TT

by Farin Phillips

here is nothing more magical than experiencing New York City during the holidays. The streets of New York City (NYC) become a winter wonderland, as the streets of Manhattan are blanketed with newly fallen snow. Droves of people bundle up and window shop the stores that line Fifth Avenue, and just for the experience.

But Christmas in NYC is not all about the shopping; although who doesn’t want to stop in FAO Schwartz to relive their childhood fantasy, there are many other things to see and do that will even leave you with cash for holiday presents.

The “must see” items on your itinerary should include a stop at Rockefeller Center. Of course the main center piece there is the iconic Christmas tree that boasts over 30,000 Christmas lights. This year the tree will be illuminated on November 28 and will remain intact until January 7, so you have plenty of time to experience its holiday splendor. Also, while at the Rockefeller Center, make sure to don your ice skates, then cross it off your “Hearts Desire.” Ice skating in Central Park is something that many people want to do while in NYC for Christmas, so there may be a line, but it’s well worth the wait to experience this time-honored New York Christmas tradition for yourself.

New York City is famous for its Broadway productions, and there are no shortage of Holiday shows. A Christmas classic, the Nutcracker, has been performed by the New York City Ballet for almost 60 years. A Christmas trip to New York is not complete without Sugar Plum Fairies and the rest of the Nutcracker crew. Another show that should top your list is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Radio City Rockettes have been part of the Holidays for over 75 years and never disappoint. Make sure that you get your tickets early at Ticketmaster, the show sells out ever year!

NYC does offer a few free activities that are a “must do.” Take time to stroll the shops of Madison Avenue and Times Square. Stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman create multi-million dollar window displays for the Holidays. Just visiting them will spark the “ahhh.” The second free activity, is the Grand Central Station Laser Light Show. A show not seen since 2005, returns this year by popular demand. The event is a series of six, six minute shows that are projected onto the Constellation Sky Ceiling, located on the Terminals Main Concourse. Shows run every half hour between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., beginning November 30.

If you’re budget conscious this year, consider taking the Amtrak from the station in Wilmington, DE to NYC. It will drop you off right in town and save you the expensive parking and hassle of dealing with your car. Most activities are with in walking distance and if you chose to stay the night, hotels are close by as well. GLM

Photos courtesy of NYC & Company

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Heart’s Desire

Live Life To The Fullest

We all have a list of things to do in our lifetime, and the list often begins in our childhood. Things like college, marriage, children, and home building, take center stage. There are many other things that make your “list of a lifetime.” Consider adding some of the suggestions below, because you’re only as old as you think you are!

Send your “Heart’s Desire” for an upcoming issue, to grandlivingmag@verizon.net or call us at 410-726-7334.

“Ride the Top 10 Roller Coasters.”

A. Wilkins - Age 49 - Berlin, MD

“Participate in a bike race.”

M. Matthews - Age 52 - Millville, DE

“Visit the Effel Tower.”

J. Floyd - Age 70 - Snow Hill, MD

“Find and cut down my own Christmas Tree.”

E. Medina - Age 55 - Salisbury, MD Holiday 2012

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