Boomers (Jan. 2014)

boomers Est. 2011 u Mid December 2013 - Mid January 2014

Yoga for all

Holiday cookie recipes Second generation parenting Volume 3, Number 12 Gulf Coast Newspapers GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gift ideas for the kitchen-savvy

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Boomers

Mid December - Mid January 2013

AwardWinning.

Nationally recognized care delivered daily.

Every day, we commit ourselves to providing patients with the kind of high-quality care that has earned national recognition from some of the most demanding organizations in healthcare. These seals are your assurance that South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is deeply committed to providing you and your family with outstanding care.

To find a physician who practices at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, call 251-949-3627.

SouthBaldwinRMC.com

Top Performer on The Joint Commission Key Quality Measures™ 2011 & 2012

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2012 & 2013

2011 & 2012

2012 & 2013

11/26/13 1:56 PM

I don't know why you say 'Goodbye,' I say, ‘Hello’ I would like to tell you, myself, that I have taken a new job as the PR and event specialist with the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach; the November/December issue was my last as the editor of Boomers magazine. Boomers has felt like my baby since it began shortly after my promotion to special publications editor with Gulf Coast Newspapers. I have tried, in each issue since the fall of 2011, to put myself in your place — to think as a baby boomer and as a reader about what topics to cover, articles to include and events to feature. I have laughed and cried with you at the Flashback 50, thought long and hard about environmental issues, even planned my schedule to include as many wondrous, lower Alabama experiences as possible.

I hope readers and contributors will keep in touch with me during this new chapter of my life. Feel free to visit me at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach and email me at JJsaysPoetryPlz@me.com.

“I don’t know why you say, ‘Goodbye,’ I say, ‘Hello’” to new adventures, challenges, and to creating wonder with the written word, wherever I go.

INSIDE: Mid December - Mid January 2013

Boomers

delicious holiday gift suggestions

page 6

Wishing you all the best, Jessica Jones

About the cover Jane Tyler, a runner and a former dancer who takes Yoga classes at the John McClure Snook Family YMCA in Foley, says yoga “gives me stretching and body toning especially in the core muscles. It also teaches serenity and how to release tension.” Jane works for Precision Imaging in Gulf Shores.

See story on pages 4-5.

Photo by Capt. Mark Robinson

boomers Est. 2011

Sudie Gambrell Publisher Paige Renka Layout and Cover Design Dr. Cobb, Theresa Corbin, Dr. David East, Will Hodge, Melissa Pershina, Don Prosch, Jane Tyler and Dr. Steven Wittmer Contributing writers Deirdre Davison, Cindy Dean and Dr. Linda Mitchell Columnists Gulf Coast Newspapers 217 N. McKenzie St. Foley, AL 36535 251-943-2151 features@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

4u Get Active, Stay Active

Yoga for all 8u

Flashback 50

9u

Making the most of each day Holiday Traditions

10u Calendar of Events 11u Hospitalists 12u Holidays and Hollow Days 14u Yummy’s Corner

Second generation parenting 16u My Date with a Celebrity 17u Mature men’s volleyball 18u Food for Thought

Holiday cookies 19u South Alabama Senior Travelers

Nashville trip 20u Ask Dr. Cobb 22u Meet the Precision Imaging staff

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Get active, stay active

Yoga for all

By Theresa Corbin Contributing writer

W

hat one activity can erase aches and pains; give you improved muscle tone; will give you better posture, better breathing, better outlook on life, better sleep and does not put stress on joints?

If you rolled your eyes and said there is no magical exercise that can do all that, you would be wrong.

Yoga is an all-in-one exercise that is not just for the youthful and fit.

Yoga and exercises derived from yoga can and have helped so many people, from the young and those looking for better posture to the over -the-hill folks who are looking to have fewer aches. Local yoga instructor Pat Wiley sings yoga’s praises and wants all to know that, “Yoga is fun.”

If you get in a class and it is not fun, you need to look around. You should be having fun and enjoying yourself.

That doesn’t mean every moment should be a riotous moment, but it should be something you look forward to.

Wiley suffers from the auto-immune disorder polymyositis, which caused her to lose muscle. She discovered the healing effects of yoga after her doctor suggested it might help.

“So I started seriously at that point and I loved it, loved it, loved it,” she said. “I found an awesome teacher and stuck with him. I knew retirement was coming up, and I decided that I would pursue teaching.”

For Wiley to go from a point in her life where she couldn’t use her muscles, because of an auto-immune disease, to a point where she is an exercise instructor is a testament to the benefits and ease of yoga. Yoga is not an exercise that is just for the experienced or people in top physical shape. It is also a way to help the body heal.

Jane Tyler, a runner and a former dancer who takes yoga class with Wiley, says yoga “gives me stretching and body toning, especially in the core muscles. It also teaches serenity and how to release tension.”

After experiencing neck and lower back pain, Tyler’s therapist asked her if she had ever done yoga. He said that for people in her age range, the stretching and strengthening of yoga would help her with the issues she was experiencing.

From this suggestion, Tyler decided to give it a try.

“I liked the form of it,” she said. “I really, really enjoyed it. It keeps me stretched out and in shape. Because of my back, there are positions I cannot do anymore, but that is the good thing about yoga; you can adjust it.

And I have adjusted it and I still feel like I get the full benefit of the yoga.”

Yoga is flexible enough for participants ages 9 to 90 to participate and to improve or stay in good health.

Dan Barberi, a 13-year yoga veteran who is in his 80s, says that yoga keeps him going. Barberi says yoga “has helped me tremendously. It has helped me maintain posture and my breathing. Breathing is vitally important.”

“We [Boomers] hear so much about what we can’t do. We can’t do this, and we can’t do that. You find out what you CAN do [with Yoga]. You can do a whole lot more than you think you can.”

-Pat Wiley, Yoga Instructor at the John McClure Snook Family YMCA in Foley

Photos by Capt. Mark Robinson

Yoga instructor Pat Wiley believes in the healing benefits of Yoga.

Barberi says knowing how to breathe in yoga has helped him out at a critical moment. After having been in an horrible accident that left his wife in the hospital for a month, Barberi says, “I’m sitting in the emergency room and being examined by the doctor. I see my blood pressure going up too high. So I just incorporated my yoga breathing and it came back down. That is just one of the benefits you have from it.”

Barberi says yoga is something he recommends to everyone. And for his annual check-ups, doctors tell this octogenarian to keep doing what he is doing.

Many Boomers can be fearful to start a new activity, thinking they need to be in shape to get started.

But this is not true for yoga. Many yoga participants like Wiley and Tyler came to yoga because of physical challenges.

There is only one thing to consider when going to a yoga class, Wiley said, “for my classes and for most yoga classes you have to be able to get up and down off the floor. We do a lot of down from the floor to standing. You have to be semi-comfort-

Mid December - Mid January 2013

able doing that. But there is a SilverSneakers Yoga stretch program for those who don’t feel comfortable doing that. You come from standing to a chair.”

We all know that staying active can help us get or stay in good physical health. But more than that, staying active can help us stay or get emotionally and mentally healthy. An active lifestyle can reduce stress and anxiety, and

it can increase focus and mental clarity. Yoga is one of many activities that can increase physical, emotional and mental strength.

Staying active for Boomers can be the difference between living and thriving. While yoga is a great way to get healthy, stay healthy and thrive, there are many other ways to get and stay active.

If you are looking for more ideas on how to get

Boomers

and stay active, this is the first of a Boomers series that is dedicated to inspiring readers to do just that.

Make sure to stay tuned for all the great ways for Boomers to stretch and move their way to a healthful lifestyle.

Know where to go for yoga John McClure Snook Family YMCA

2560 South Pine Street Foley, Ala. 36535 251-970-3003 (call for class times) Yoga classes offered Tues and Thurs. 8:30-9 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., and 4:30-5 p.m. membership for adults is $41 a month

Kula Yoga

Eastern Shore Dance Academy Saturday 9:30 a.m.

Lake Forest Area 9060 Merritt Lane Daphne, Ala. 36526

Kula Yoga

Daphne Recreation Center 2605 Highway 98 Daphne, Ala. 36526 Contact Mary Ann Sinde for Kula Yoga 251-591-7094 $10 for class drop-in $50/month unlimited classes at any location

Dan Barberi practices a warrior pose on his yoga mat. He says the deep breathing he’s learned in yoga has not only improved his health but also lowered his blood pressure after a car accident sent him to the emergency room.

Integrated Health & WellnessHealth Coaching and Yoga 456 Morphy Ave Fairhope, Ala. 36532 251-554-4181 Monday 6-7:30 p.m.

Wed 9-10:30 a.m. $120 for five week series

Pneuma Yoga/Movement Studio 1256 Frances St. Daphne, Ala. 36526 251-458-6506 Classes offered Mon-Sat 8:15-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10:45 a.m., 5:45-6:45 p.m. annual membership $750 monthly package $70 monthly or 20 classes for $200, 10 classes for $100, 5 classes for $50 (expires after 4 months)

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Cookbooks make a delicious holiday gift “The Good Housekeeping Christmas Cookbook” (Hearst 2013) is packed with marvels of the season, homemade goodness, nostalgic tidbits, sparkling decorations and gift ideas. The book is also sprinkled with contributions from celebrity chefs, actors and musicians — it's sure to please even the most jaded of cookbook collectors. A beautiful book outside and in, it brims with sumptuous dishes: cranberry mojitos, herbed rice pilaf with cranberries and thyme, glazed ham with apricots, decadent Dulce de Leche Christmas wreaths and gingerbread whoopee pies. Join Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, Bobby Flay, Sting, Reese Witherspoon and many more to fill your stocking with the promise of great celebrations this year and many more to come.

“The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Dessert Cookbook: 100 Delicious Heritage Recipes from the Farm and Garden” (Rodale Books 2013) by accidental goat farmers Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, features vintage-modern recipes by season. Incorporating generations of family favorites with personal memories and hints of nostalgia, this first edition brings a bright new meaning to the words lovely and delicious. Shake things up next July with Fourth of July fruitcake compliments of Brent’s grandmother or puff pastry apple strudel for a January treat. Beautiful pictures add to the allure of this new classic.

“The Southern Vegetarian” (Thomas Nelson 2013) by Justin Fox Burks and Amy Lawrence prove that the words vegetarian and Southern are not antonyms. Bountiful Southern vegetables and fruits are spectacular even if they’re not fried. The unique arrangement of the book — by season — makes it easy to organize meals around luscious fresh food and an inventive way to plan your home garden. From its cover featuring pancake cake and maple cream frosting to the grilled peach ice cream, the desserts will reel you in. Add pimento cheese with lemon zest and thyme, okra fritters with creole mustard sauce and grilled watermelon with honey lime vinaigrette and it’s a feast fit for, well, a Southerner.

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“Paula Deen’s Cookbook for the Lunch-Box Set Spiral-bound” (Simon & Schuster 2009, ages 7-12) is colorful, event specific and a delight for children and adults. Excellent, brief cooking and safety tips are included. Fun ideas for dressing the part while cooking Christmas dishes and how to plan endearing family nights, along with specifics on how to measure ingredients, make this little book a gift with promise.

“Weightwatchers 50th Anniversary Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Griffin 2013) includes updated recipes, most of which are easy and quick to prepare. From scrumptious meat and vegetarian dishes to decadent desserts, this book proves that low-cal, low-fat food can be loaded with lusciousness. A few of the goodies include sausage focaccia, pizza margherita, buffalo chicken wings, chicken pot pie, and fudgy brownie pudding cake. Each recipe has nutritional information, PointsPlus® values, and values for Weight Watchers 360˚.

SOUTH BALDWIN

PODIATRY Foley • Lillian

Dr. Debra M. Gibson Comprehensive conservative and surgical treatments are a daily practice at South Baldwin Podiatry for all foot related issues, including: • • • • • •

Bunions Hammertoes Heel/Arch Paint Ingrown Toenails Fractures/Trauma Wound Care

• • • • • •

Flat Feet Correction Removal of Soft Tissue Masses Sports Injuries Warts Neuromas Fungal Infections

Dr. Gibson also offers an extensive collection of products to meet the needs of diabetic patients. These specialized shoe lines are designed to help diabetics comfortably deal with the many foot problems associated with diabetes, without sacrificing style.

www.southbaldwinpodiatry.com

Comprehensive Care at Every Step...

FOLEY LOCATION 1 770 North Alston Street, Foley, AL 36535 251 -943-3668

LILLIAN LOCATION 1 2831 6th Street, Lillian, AL 36549 251 -943-3668

No representation is made about the quality of the podiatric services to be performed or the expertise of the podiatrist performing such services.

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Flashback 50: January uThis month in 1964 From various Internet sources

JAN.

Born: Nicolas Cage, US actor (as Nicolas Kim Coppola), in Long Beach, California.

Nicolas Cage was recently spotted shopping at the Fresh Market in Daphne. He was in Mobile filming a new movie in 2013.

JAN.

In his first State of the Union Address, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson declares a “War on Poverty.”

JAN.

“Introducing...the Beatles” is released by Chicago’s Vee-Jay Records to get the jump on Capitol Records’ release of “Meet the Beatles!,” scheduled for Jan. 20. The two record companies fight over Vee-Jay’s release of this album in court.

JAN.

United States Surgeon General Luther Leonidas Terry reports that smoking may be hazardous to one’s health (the first such statement from the U.S. government).

JAN.

“Hello, Dolly!” opens in New York City’s St. James Theatre.

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John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, resigns from the space program.

JAN.

John Glenn announces that he will seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senator from Ohio.

JAN.

Plans to build the New York World Trade Center are announced.

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The Beatles appear on the Billboard magazine charts for the first time.

JAN.

“Meet the Beatles!,” the first Beatles album from Capitol Records in the United States, is released 10 days after Chicago’s Vee-Jay Records releases “Introducing... The Beatles.” The two record companies battle it out in court for months, eventually coming to a settlement.

JAN.

Thirteen years after its proposal and nearly two years after its passage by the United States Senate, the 24th Amendment to the United States Constitution, prohibiting the use of poll taxes in national elections, is ratified.

JAN.

The Soviet Union launches 2 scientific satellites, Elektron I and II, from a single rocket. Ranger 6 is launched by NASA, on a mission to carry television cameras and crash-land on the Moon.

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Making the most of each day: Holiday Traditions

I

By Deirdre Davison Columnist

n December 1963, my family, along with most of the rest of the world, was still reeling from the Nov. 22 assassination of President Kennedy. Our grief was compounded when all of the passengers and crew on Pan Am’s flight 214 were killed after their plane was struck by lightning and crashed. Our fear of calamity was magnified when Frank Sinatra’s son was kidnapped the very next day. All this happened on the heels of the shot in Dallas that echoed around the world only three weeks earlier.

Our world was changing too fast. The United States, involvement in Vietnam was escalating. Baghdad was in nearly as much turmoil then as it is now. Racial tensions were high, and the Beatles with their “hippie hair” had taken over the airwaves and were corrupting the nation’s impressionable youth. Yes, the world was changing all around us, but in my brother’s and my little insulated world, change, while coming, was a bit slower.

By December, the spine of the Sears Wish Book was as well worn as its pages. If the book was dropped, it automatically fell open to either my older brother’s 300+ piece Erector set or to my Easy Bake Oven. We spent untold hours lying on the living room floor, propped up on one elbow, face in hand dreamily looking at and reading (aloud) the description of every single item we wanted.

After all, we had to be absolutely sure that there was no confusion over what we wanted Santa to bring us. We read and dreamed and did our level best to be good for as long as we could. Of course, we were typical siblings, which meant that our time on the floor usually eroded into fighting by means of pushing, shouting and the eventual “I’m gonna tell!” screeches.

Our mother and father tried to find a modicum of balance between protecting our innocence and creating jaded, cynical, fearful children. Just as we were good for as long as we could be, they ignored our fights for as long as they could. It was only after our voices hit banshee levels or blood was drawn that they intervened. During Christmas, there was only one parental response required when we got too far out of line. One of my parents would calmly put down whatever he or she was reading or drinking and would quietly and very matter-of-factly say, “If you’re not good, Santa won’t bring you anything.”

At the uttering of those words, Bobby and I instantly remembered our good manners and either began taking turns sharing the Wish Book again or went to our separate corners to sulk privately.

Now that I’m grown, I know that those words were just an evil adult ploy to buy some peace and quiet and that it really had no bearing on whether Santa Claus would come or not. I also know now that reading aloud from the Wish Book the week before Christmas was fruitless

for anything except improving our reading skills because the gifts had already been bought and were secreted away somewhere above eye level. Still, I have to admit that as an adult, I have used that same adult evil incantation many a Christmas season with the same magical result as that of my parents. Quiet. Peace.

Even though we fought, my brother and I still loved each other. We shared the special childhood memories of goodies cooked by a light bulb in my Easy Bake Oven and Erector set ferris wheels. We wondered aloud to each other what exactly sugar plums were and because we didn’t have the benefit of the Internet, we made up our own definitions. We didn’t have the iconic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964) or Frosty the Snowman (1969) Christmas specials yet. Instead, we had A Visit from St. Nicholas and the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, and neighborhood caroling as part of our Christmas traditions.

Thanks to my parents and some of the wonderful traditions that they carried forward from their childhoods and created together, Christmas has never lost its magical quality. I am still just as thrilled by the sound of Christmas music during the winter months as I am by the sound of the ice cream truck’s calliope in the summer.

I am transported back to Old Salem’s Candle Tea every time I walk into a store and smell beeswax candles. When I see Sugar Cake from Dewey’s Bakery in the Fresh Market during the holiday season, I buy two or three because that was our traditional Christmas morning breakfast.

A few days before Christmas, my mother would go take my brother and me to the Thruway Shopping Center for her last minute gift shopping. While there, we would enter the doors of Dewey’s Bakery with anticipation and leave with three or four squares of the divine potato bread known as Moravian Sugar Cake. One square always befell the same fate as the Krispy Kreme doughnuts and never made it home before being gobbled down. I guess that’s why Mom always did (and still does) buy more than one square.

The world has changed tremendously since I was a child. Maybe it’s a byproduct of growing older, but it seems as though the magical wonder of the holiday doesn’t last as long with the little ones as it used to. I can’t say that we’ve created a generation of jaded, cynical children, but the last time I said, “If you’re not good, Santa won’t bring you anything,” my niece told me that there was no Santa Claus. My response was to go to my separate corner and sulk privately.

This holiday season, share a tradition from your childhood with your family or create a new tradition that you, your children and grandchildren can delight in. “Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, the touchpad was humming. Who needs a mouse? The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, leaving out batteries? Now there’s a big scare!” Happy Holidays.

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calendar of events uArts

Caroling at the Water Tower

6 p.m., Dec. 20 Dauphin Island Water Tower, Dauphin Island St. Francis Choir and the Island Methodist Church celebrate the season singing favorite Christmas carols. Refreshments are offered.

251-490-0294 or stfrancisdi.com

Holiday Parade and Market

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 21 Free Cathedral Square, Mobile Bring the kids or grandkids and enjoy free children’s activities while waiting for the parade to ride along.

208-1550 or 208-1554; ncsmobile.org

and Entertainment

Polar Bear Dip

Jan. 1 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola Start 2014 off right with a brisk dip in the Gulf of Mexico.

850-492-0611 or Florabama.com

Mayor’s Luncheon

12 p.m., Jan. 3 $30 individuals; $300 for tables of 10 Mobile convention Center, Mobile Brett Farve is this year’s guest speaker.

251-635-0011 or godaddybowl.com

Baumhower Tailgate Challenge

Dusk, Dec. 21 Begins at the Hwy 98 bridge at Weeks Bay and ends at Big Daddy’s Grill on the Fish River near County Rd. 32.

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 25 Ladd-Peebles Stadium Parking Lot, 1621 Virginia St., Mobile Compete in Bob Baumhower’s Tailgate Challenge showcasing food combinations, originality and presentation.

Then, hop over to the Food For Less Tailgate party.

251-438-2276 or Seniorbowl.com

New Year’s Eve, Dan LaPore, Hypnotist

Reese’s Senior Bowl

Fish River Christmas Boat Parade 2013

Dec. 31 Gambino’s Italian Grill, corner of Scenic 98 and Laurel Street, Fairhope New Year’s Eve, Dan LaPore, hypnotist, will be appearing for a fun and exciting show that you will not want to miss.

Dancing and music afterwards, bringing in the New Year.

Limited seating.

Fairhope New Year’s Eve Celebration

Dec. 31 Downtown Fairhope Bring friends or family and take in the fireworks and live entertainment.

251-990-0218, 929-1466 or fairhopemerchants.com

New Year’s Eve Bash at The Wharf

7-11 p.m., Dec. 31 Free, VIP passes available for $75 The Wharf, Orange Beach Ring in the New Year with all of your friends at the party of all parties! Enjoy live entertainment on several stages, fireworks, and the famous Marlin Drop! alwharf.com

3 p.m., Jan. 25 $10-$30 Ladd-Peebles Stadium Parking Lot, 1621 Virginia St., Mobile Catch the nationally televised game at home on NFL Network or in person.

251-438-2276, 251-432-4109 or Seniorbowl.com

2nd Annual Heritage Arts & Camellia Festival Jan. 25 (Rain date: Feb. 2) Free Baldwin County Heritage Museum, 25521 Hwy. 98 E., Elberta Camellia arrangement contest, Camellia bloom display contest, heritage arts, blacksmiths, antique tractors.

Call the museum for more details on how to be a vendor or to participate in the Camellia & Bloom Display contest.

251-986-8375

Mid December - Mid January 2013

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Hospitalists promote continuity, consistency in patient care

By Dr. Steven Wittmer and Dr. David East South Baldwin Hospitalist Group If you’ve been in the hospital recently, you probably noticed that the medical team who provided your care included many specialists other than your personal physician. At South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, in addition to the doctors, nurses, case managers, diagnosticians and other specialists, your regular physician may partner with a special type of physician known as a hospitalist.

A hospitalist — a physician who practices exclusively in the hospital setting — serves as your personal physician’s right hand and spearheads your care while you are in the hospital. Hospitalists have been a part of the medical field for many years, and are one of the fastest-growing types of doctors because of their important role in coordinating care and providing continuity for patients during their hospital stay.

Like a primary care doctor, hospitalists are trained in general internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, and other specialties. Some specialize in critical care medicine, cardiology, or

other subspecialties.

Hospitalists are valuable liaisons for both patients and their physicians. The average primary care physician spends only 12 percent of his or her time seeing patients in the hospital, according to a study by The Advisory Board Company, a Washington, D.C.-based health care consulting organization. Hospitalists, on the other hand, are onsite 24 hours a Dr. David East day, seven days a week. They are Dr. Steven Wittmer available to see patients more freHospitalists have a thorough underquently — sometimes more than once standing of inpatient medical care, and a day — to monitor patients’ progress, are uniquely qualified to recognize and answer questions, and oversee the efdiagnose medical disorders, anticipate forts of other health care professionpotential problems and rapidly respond als involved in patients’ care. Because to any sudden change in the patient’s hospitalists do not maintain medical condition. practices outside the hospital, they can Patients under the care of a medifocus their attention exclusively on pacal team led by a hospitalist often have tients’ medical care while they are inshorter hospital stays and quicker reside the hospital. coveries. A study at the University of If you are admitted to the hospital California, San Francisco and Tufts Unifor surgery, a hospitalist may coordinate versity found that patients under hosyour inpatient care after your procepitalists’ care had a 12 percent shorter dure. During this time, the hospitalist length of stay in the hospital — nearly and your primary care physician are in half a day — as well as better surgical continual communication. Your physioutcomes and fewer return trips to the cian will consult with the hospitalist hospital. to provide background South Baldwin Regional Medical information on your Center has had a hospitalist program health history and disince June 2013 and employs 4hospitalagnosis. The hospitalist ists. During 2013, these physicians prothen carries out the plan vided care for more than 800 patients. of care set up by your “Having hospitalists on staff allows our physician, coordinates patients to have more personalized atyour daily care with tention while in the hospital,” says other members of the Keith Newton, South Baldwin Regional medical team, and comMedical Center CEO. municates any changes in your condition to To learn more, visit www.southbaldyour physician. Once winrmc.com, click on the “Services” you are discharged link and choose “Hospitalists.” Or, view home, the hospitalist a list of our hospitalists and their prowill communicate with fessional qualifications by searching for your physician about “hospitalists” under the “Find a Physifurther treatment needcian” link on the homepage. ed, help arrange followup care or medications Sources: The Society of Hospital needed, and send your Medicine www.hospitalmedicine.org, hospital records back to Medical News Today www.medicalyour primary care pronewstoday.com vider.

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Boomers

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Holidays and Hollow Days Most of us are familiar with Sally Forth from the newspaper comics. A recent cartoon shows Ralph, Sally’s boss, standing at a vending machine at work, then walking away dejected. Ralph laments, still no antidepressants in the vending machine. Sally replies, sometimes chocolate just doesn’t do the trick.

You may ask why so many newspapers and magazines print articles about depression and grief during the holidays. The answer is simple.

Depression and grief are common in the United States, especially during the holiday season. Nearly 7 percent of the US population experiences some degree of depression during any given year. For more information, refer to the following website of the National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

LOSS

Grief: Individual has a recognized loss.

Depression: Individual may or may not have an identified loss.

THOUGHT PROCESS

EMOTIONAL STATES

Grief: Mood may shift from anger to sadness to content in the same day.

Depression: Mood is primarily marked with withdrawal, despair, and feeling stuck.

Grief: Focus is on the loss/preoccupation with the deceased.

Depression: Focus is on persistent, distorted, and negative perceptions of self.

RESPONSES

Grief: Vivid, clear, dreams are sometimes of the deceased and may provide comfort.

Depression: Dreams have negative imagery and content with an intensified physical response.

PLEASURE

PHYSICAL

Grief: Presence of close friends and willingness to listen are reassuring.

Depression: Connection with self and others is minimal.

DREAMS, FANTASIES AND IMAGERY

Grief: The body relaxes and the person admits to exhaustion.

Depression: Bodily damage may result from lack of sleep, sleeping excessively, anorexia, weight gain, and unnecessary physical risks.

SPIRITUAL

Grief: The person has a connection to something beyond and a healthy awareness of emotions.

Depression: The person persistently fails to find meaning, focuses on why me, and cannot discover answers to questions.

Grief: Warmth, touch, and reassurance provide comfort and hope.

Depression: Promises and urging fail to lift a sense of hopelessness.

Grief: Pleasure varies with feelings.

Depression: Pleasure is essentially nonexistent.

ATTACHMENT BEHAVIOR

THE GOOD NEWS

Most grief and depression respond well to treatment.

The Mayo Clinic states, numerous depression treatments are available. Medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) are very effective for most people.

THE COUNSELING CENTRE 1404-F W. 1st Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Telephone 251-948-2999 willhodge@counselingcentregs.com

Mid December - Mid January 2013

Boomers

Will Hodge – PhD, PIP, LCSW 1404 W. 1st St, Gulf Shores, AL

251-948-3976 / 205-834-4622 What in the world is counseling? Counseling is a collaborative effort between individuals, couples, families, and the counselor. The Counseling Centre provides an open, supportive, and confidential environment for the citizens of South Baldwin County to resolve issues that frustrate satisfying and functional day-to-day living.

Living in emotional pain is unnecessary. We can choose to remain in pain or to seek qualified assistance. Below are just a few of the problems that people often experience.

• Symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression • Issues with, academic problems and relationships • Interpersonal difficulties, including, family problems, romantic relationship concerns, and assertiveness • Bereavement and grief related to the loss of a loved one through death, relationship breakups, divorce, and parental divorce, or family breakup.

• Questions and confusion about identity, self-image, sexuality, gender, or religion • Experience with sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, abuse, or other trauma • Thoughts of suicide, death, or hurting others • Loss of income or job • Adjustment to retirement You may wonder about the best time to seek counseling assistance. Perhaps the list below will help.

• You are unhappy on most days or feel a sense of hopelessness.

• You worry excessively or are constantly on edge.

• You are unable to concentrate on work, schoolwork, or other activities.

• You are unable to sleep at night or constantly feel tired.

• You have experienced a change in your appetite or your weight.

• You have experienced a loss of a relationship • You have increased your use of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or food.

• You feel overwhelmed by what is going on in your life.

• You are having thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else.

Appointments with the Counseling Centre are available night and day, seven days a week. Rates are reasonable. Currently, we only accept cash or check.

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Mid December - Mid January 2013

Yummy’s Corner

By Cindy Dean

Second Generation Parenting It’s hard for me to believe it, but I have joined the ranks of “SecondGeneration Parenting.” Just at a time when I should be enjoying the “empty nest,” I am now raising my grandson, Nathan. I got him when he had just turned 1, and now he is 3. We are going through all of those stages that I swore I would never go through again (Whoever said that the twos are terrible had not yet had a 3-year-old). Yep! Here I go again. As we all know, the older we get, the harder it is to keep up. At least I know that I am not the only one. There really ought to be a support group.

You would think that starting over would be easier than the first time since we have “been there and done that.” Everything seems different this time around. Of course, some things stay the same, especially for single parents. We are back to coordinating work schedules around daycare, sick days, finding babysitters, doctor appointments, play dates, PTA and after school activities. Just yesterday I was called by the daycare to come pick Nathan up to take him to the doctor because he had a rash. It never ends.

I went from being able to do things at the spur of the moment to finding someone to watch him while I do errands at the last minute. Do I need a sitter? Will it be too late in the evening? Will there be other kids there?

We should be the ones telling the next generation what and how to do

things. It should be our privilege to impart our wisdom to our children and sit back and watch them raise their kids. But, as we all know, life gets in the way, things happen and we have to do what’s best for the children. (How could I possibly sit back and watch my grandson go to foster care?) On those days when he has frazzled my last nerve — like when he has dragged all of his toys out into the living room right after I just cleaned it — I have to remind myself that if he weren’t with me, where would he be?

Being a Second Generation Parent has its rewards, too. When I have a rough day, exhausted and can’t wait to go to bed, I check on him to make sure he is asleep. I stand there and watch him sleep and think how blessed I am to have him. I guess another good thing about being a Second Generation Parent is that we realize and understand not to let the little things be an issue. Things that bothered us the first time around, we realize now that they are not that important. We don’t panic as much over the small things. I think we slow down this time. We just don’t rush things anymore.

We stop to enjoy them more because we know how fast time flies and know they will be grown before we know it. I also think we have more patience this time around. Raising our grandchildren is a special responsibility and creates a remarkable bond that is different from any other. I guess

raising Nathan thus far has been easier than when I raised my two sons.

The experience I gained the first time around will make the awkward stages less stressful and easier to handle. Experience can be a wonderful thing. I wish I had hindsight when I was raising my sons. Boy, would things have been different. Now, I have the experience to know what to change. We still have a lot of stages to go through, some of which I am not looking forward to, but now I have the hindsight to get the job done.

I know that there are a lot of us “Second Generation Parents” out there. We recognize each other as we drop the kids off at the daycare, while shopping and at the park. Our conversations are repeat conversations only 20 or more years later. We have already talked about the parenting issues, problems and remedies to try.

How we did things before seem “old timey” compared to how the new parents are doing things, but if it worked before it should work again. We do have to keep on our toes for the new toys and electronics that are being aimed at younger children. Ours were happy with the basics — football, basketball and bikes, etc. — but not today.

I am enjoying being a parent again, as I am sure you are too. Nathan gives me a new sense of being needed. Isn’t that what most parents want? This is not what I expected for my life, but I am grateful for this time with him.

Mid December - Mid January 2013

Boomers

6351 Monroe Street, Daphne, AL 36526 • 251-626-2030 • www.prudentialnichols.com

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$89,900 - 19655 Quartz Lane, Robertsdale

MLS#206061/500496 – Georgian/Colonial on 4.5 acres tucked behind trees for seclusion in the country. Well-built home with carport with covered porch leading through it. This home has extra spaces, real masonry fireplace, granite kitchen with all appliances, and new stick-built storage building. Contact The Nichols Family Team @ 251-621-1000.

MLS#206120/500544 – Great location. 3 bedroom/2 bath brick home in Rock Valley. Needs TLC. Home features an above ground pool. This is a potential short sale. All offers are subject to lender approval. Contact Lew Bryant @ 251-626-2030 or 251-752-1798.

$1,198,500 - 2603 Main Street, Daphne

$159,000 - 4 Yacht Club Drive Unit #14 (Sunset Bay Villas), Daphne

MLS#202239/256205 – Pristine older Bay-front home (Bancroft Lane) with 130 feet on Mobile Bay. The lot is 1.69 acres with oaks laden with moss, fruit trees, and a stocked pond. Unique home with wood floors and walls. The formal living room and den both have a fireplace. The Sunroom has a panoramic view of Mobile.

Main house plus 932 sq. ft. guest house that is perfect for renting out. Jubilees here you come! Walk/drive to flat sandy beach.

Contact The Nichols Family Team @ 251-621-1000.

MLS#: 192657/246313 – Great view of Mobile Bay. Condo has many upgrades. Granite countertops, wet bar, stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher, washer/dryer and unit has its own private elevator. Community has outdoor pool, gazebo/fishing pier, and is gated. Contact Elizabeth Kaye @ 251-626-2030 or 251-490-1111.

$319,900 - 29671 St. Basil Street, Daphne

MLS#200730/254625 – Spacious 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths with vaulted ceilings. Large corner lot, master bathroom has jetted bathtub, plus large walk in Shower and dressing table. Master bedroom has great closet, office spot, formal dining, and great room with lots of built-ins. Maximum amount of storage plus air conditioned work room off garage. Contact The Nichols Family Team @ 251-621-1000.

$194,500 -

314 Gayfer Court Unit #19, Fairhope

MLS#: 193563/247325 – Beautiful condo in Fairhope. Renovated in 2009 w/hardwood, ceramic tile & carpet floor, new full bath added in 2010. Crown moldings, smooth ceilings, designer lavatory cabinets in 1/2 bath & up private bath, plantation shutters on down windows. Refrigerator, washer/dryer stays. Granite countertops throughout. Contact Elizabeth Kaye @ 251-626-2030 or 251-490-1111.

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$1,800/mon. - 9352 Bascayne Circle, Daphne

MLS#206146/500561 - Five year old 3/2 located between 181 & 13. Large master suite & bath. Open kitchen with granite. 2 car garage. Contact Brennan Chamblee @ 251-626-2030 or 251-510-5730.

$1,650/mon. - 65 Echo Lane, Fairhope

MLS#: 193589/247361 – Cute Fairhope cottage can be leased for 6 months or longer. TOTALLY furnished with all appliances and washer & dryer, white picket fence around backyard, stone & brick patio, ceramic tile floors. Lawn care included in rent.

Contact Elizabeth Kaye @ 251-626-2030.

$775/mon. - 1104 N. White Avenue, Bay Minette

MLS#: 203804/257964 – Nice cozy house in the heart of Bay Minette with three bedrooms, one bath, large storage building in back with a fenced-in backyard. Contact Brennan Chamblee @ 251-626-2030 or 251-510-5730.

$1,200/mon. - 103 Bell Circle, Daphne

MLS#: 204465/258709 - Very nice home with room for everyone on cul-de-sac with double, enclosed garage. Contact John Siemssen @ 251-626-2030 or 251-445-8727.

$1,475/mon. - 31166 Jessie Road, Spanish Fort

MLS#: 203613/257746 - Great house, fully furnished, new kitchen, fenced-in backyard. Property comes with lawn maintenance and cable included. Contact Brennan Chamblee @ 251-626-2030 or 251-510-5730.

$800/mon. - 200 Parma Drive Unit O-1, Daphne

MLS#205950 – Nice townhouse with master bedroom downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs Contact John Siemssen @ 251-626-2030 or 251-445-8727.

An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no affiliation of Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Boomers

Mid December - Mid January 2013

My Date with a Celebrity

By Melissa Pershina Contributing Writer

O

ld Age. For Baby Boomers, it feels like a betrayal. Our birthday suits need ironing and we develop turkey necks and caterpillar-like midriffs. Suddenly, the Free Love generation can't give it away. Well, I wasn't going to take this sitting down! I grabbed my HurryCane and struggled to my feet as I resolved to do something wild and crazy. But what? Try a different Dr. Scholl's orthotic insert?

Wear a tee shirt with a risquĂŠ saying like "My bra size is 38 Long?" Oh! I know! Go on a date with actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan!

Jeffrey, who inflamed female hearts in 2005 as Denny Duquette on Gray's Anatomy, was available for a date, and I didn't even have to claim to be dying! (Not that I couldn't pull that off easily enough.) Of course, it wasn't a real date.

My husband paid $2,200 for him in a charity auction to raise money for the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, which supports women filmmakers. Jeff is often described as "sex on legs" by the lustful ladies who prowl his fan sites. As a woman long past her expiration date, I'm indifferent toward his sex appeal. I admire him for the sensitivity of his acting and his kindness toward animals and — Oh, who am I kidding? I'm old, not dead!

So when he came sauntering through the restaurant door in Rhinebeck, N.Y., you'll understand why I yelled "BINGO!" as I'm wont to do when I'm this excited, especially if the pot is over $25.

"How are you?' he asked politely. I complained about the sorry state of my glands and organs.

"Don't forget to tell him about that rash you got from Depends," added my twin sister, Becky, who had come with me.

Jeff sat down next to Andy Ostroy, the rep from the ASF, who was there to chaperone, or defibrillate, if necessary.

Jeff told us about the locations of area attractions that might interest us, such as the nearest emergency room and Shuffleboard court, as the waitress brought our menus. I squinted at the blurred print. "Everything looks so good!"

I enthused, though we all knew I was going to order the Creamed Peas and Prunes platter.

Eager for celebrity gossip to pass around the Nix Center, I quizzed Jeff about his leading ladies. I had put fresh batteries in my hearing aid so I wouldn't miss anything.

Becky, unfortunately, had not.

"Did you have an affair with Kathy Bates when you were filming P.S. I Love You?" I asked, subliminally pairing older women and romance .

"The leading lady was Hilary Swank".

"Hilary stank?" Becky gasped. Becky hails from St. Petersburg, a town that's like a giant Nix Center. Celebrity gossip is the social currency.

"SWANK!" he enunciated loudly.

Becky looked at me in confusion. "Why is he yelling at us?"

I tried again. "What's the latest on Frankie and Annette?"

He gave me a blank stare. "You know, Beach Blanket Bingo?" I prodded.

"Beach Blanket what?" asked Jeff, over the squawk of Becky's dying battery.

"BINGO!" I shouted. Becky looked at her placemat in bewilderment. "You've already bingoed?"

Honey, I bingoed the minute I laid eyes on him, I thought to myself.

Too soon, Andy noted that we should be winding things up since it was probably time for our naps. I tried to stall.

"I need more water" I called to the waitress. "I have to take a pill for my hammertoes!"

Andy instructed her to fix the water to go. As Jeff helped me on with my shawl, I couldn't help but ask for a hug.

"Careful!" Andy warned. "Women her age have brittle bones!"

We went outside to where we'd parked our Hoverounds.

After hoisting us up, the boys cautioned us to pull off the sidewalk if we became drowsy before we got to the car, parked two blocks away.

And just like that, my celebrity date was over. For now, I have the memory, but, much like the scent of my "Mrs. Yesterday" perfume, it will soon fade away. At least the prune platter eventually produced something tangible that I can brag about at the Nix Center!

Mid December - Mid January 2013

Boomers

17

’S N E M E M AT U R

ut by a mile! o s a w ll a b t Hey man, tha What? Are you kidding me, it hit the outside edge of the line.

By Don Prosch Contributing Writer Once a week, there is a collection of mostly older men who get together to play what we call “Mature Men's Volleyball,” (also known by other affectionate names) at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope. And this is not a new game in town. It has been going on for more than a decade, at one time with two separate groups in Baldwin and Mobile counties. It did originate in Mobile, but some of the players had a different opinion about what the rules should be and splintered off to form another “gang” of players in Baldwin County. Now there is only one group that plays in Fairhope, but these are a bunch of some of the craziest and best characters around, ranging from physicians to businessmen and even an ex-professional dancer.

Founded by buddies led by retired professional Boston Red Sox baseball player and scout Milt Bolling of Mobile, who sadly passed away in 2012, they were looking for some type of physical, semi-athletic activity that they could compete and have fun without risking too much of a chance of getting injured. The players range widely in age and skill, varying from an retired gynecologist in his mid 80's to the obligatory, but beloved church minister in his early 30s. The majority of the men are in their 70s and older with a few in their 60s. Guests are allowed to join in occasionally, ranging from grandchildren to out-of-town visitors, and even allowing a lady friend in once in a while.

They selected the Mobile St. Pius X gym for their 2 p.m.

Sunday afternoon games. Word spread through friends in Fairhope about the fun and games they were having and five men from Fairhope joined the Sunday group in Mobile.

After two years, they started a Tuesday night group in Baldwin County led by A.J. Huddleston, a member of St. Lawrence Church, who obtained permission to use the church gym. He was assisted by Dr. Paul Mozley, Andrew Huggins, John Pierce, Bill Green, and John Reimer. The present cochairmen of the Fairhope volleyball group are John Reimer, Bill Mundy and George Thorpe.

Rules are based on real competitive volleyball, with a few

You're as blind as a bat, old man.

OK your serve. 11-7 .

twists to accommodate for stiff joints and a reduced range of motion. The biggest single difference is the ball itself which is much lighter, slower and easier for the guys to play with, same size as a volleyball, yet heavier than a beach ball. Serving underhanded also slows the game down for them. Depending on how many guys show up each night, players are divided into two teams from four to seven players on each team, and sometimes divided into three teams if warranted.

They are even hip enough to have a weekly email exchange to make sure they do get enough players and note the game location in case the church gym is taken that night.

A senior senior of the group will divide the players into teams based upon age, height, and ability. We serve the ball and rotate players just the same as in the real game, but have no limit on the number of times each team can hit the ball before crossing the net. Those over eighty can strike it three times in a row, while all the others can only hit the ball once. Any body part can strike the ball with occasional kick saves and headers from some of the more creative guys.

Volleys can get long and very competitive with frequent spectacular plays keeping the ball alive. We jokingly say “no jumping or diving” and the guys are glad to accept that rule. Some guys are active enough to cover a lot of space and a couple mostly stand in one spot and strike when the ball enters their personal space. Styles range from power smashing from some to strategically placed soft shots by others. Scoring usually goes to 15 and the guys take a welldeserved rest and water break between games over a two hour span.

Besides the banter and ribbing that goes on during the games it continues during the breaks which also gives us time to catch up with family news, funny stories, and of course SEC football. We have consoled those who have lost a loved one recently and congratulated those with business or athletic successes in their family.

The game itself is wicked fun and great exercise, but the best part of “Mature Men's Volleyball” is the camaraderie, joy, and friendship that these guys share on a weekly basis.

It is not so bad being an old guy when you have a game to play like kids again with friends like this.

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Boomers

Mid December - Mid January 2013

Food for Thought: Santa Claus is coming to town…how about those cookies?

By Dr. Linda Mitchell Columnist I remember how excited I was as a child to put out cookies and milk for Santa. I definitely over-thought the whole thing. I wanted the cookies at our house to be homemade because I thought it was cheating Santa to use store bought.

I figured everyone left him chocolate chip, so I wanted to do something way different. I wondered if Mrs. Claus was a good cook and if Santa had a favorite kind of cookie. Christmas with our family involved lots of homemade sweets — cookies, candy, pies, and cakes — it’s no wonder I have a monster sweet tooth. I come by it naturally. On Christmas morning I was almost as excited to check the dish we left out for Santa as I was to check under the tree for my presents. I was never disappointed; Santa always ate every last crumb of the cookies I left out for him, so I assumed he approved of my choices each year.

Cookie Tips:

• Dust rolling pin and smooth surface with flour. This will prevent dough from sticking. Too much flour will make cookies tough and dry.

• Roll only part of the chilled dough at a time. Keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator.

• Roll the dough to the appropriate thickness. Thinner dough makes a crisper cookie; thicker dough makes a softer, chewier cookie.

• Use room temperature margarine or butter.

• Check cookies at the minimum baking time.

Even 1 minute can make a difference! Continue checking them every minute until done.

Immediately remove cookies from the sheets.

• Use cookie crumbs or broken cookies in pudding or ice cream dishes.

Cookies and Christmas still go together for me so I want to share a few favorites with you.

Buttery Thumbprint Cookies

(one of the first cookies I made all by myself, I loved filling them with jams, chocolate, caramel and then dipping them in egg whites and nuts. This is a great recipe to do with children) 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup vegetable shortening 1/2 cup light brown sugar 3 egg yolks 2 tablespoons milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup your favorite jam, jelly or filling Sugar, coconut, or nuts for rolling

Dr. Linda Mitchell

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside. Cream together the butter, shortening and brown sugar. Add the egg yolks, milk, vanilla and salt, and beat well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until well blended.

Measure about 2 teaspoons dough for each cookie and roll into balls. Place the sugar in a small bowl and roll the balls of dough in the sugar to coat. (or dip in beaten egg white and roll in coconut or nuts) Using the back of a teaspoon or your thumb, make a deep rounded indentation in the top of each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes, remove from oven. Redo the indentation with your thumb or spoon. Place about 1 teaspoon of your choice of filling into the indentation of each cookie. Bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool. The cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 1 month.

Chocolate Truffle Cookies

(a chocolate lovers dream…great with ice cream or dipped in milk) 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 20 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped 10 tablespoons butter, softened 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar 6 eggs, at room temperature (eggs always mix better when they are at room temp) 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups semisweet (or bittersweet) chocolate chips (real chocolate, not flavored chips) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 or 3 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder. Whisk in the salt and set aside. Melt the chocolate by microwaving, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely melted and smooth. Melted chocolate will hold its shape, so you must stir to melt evenly without burning.

Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Mid December - Mid January 2013 Boomers 19 Add the melted chocolate and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips. Using a tablespoon, immediately scoop the cookies into mounds about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each mound of dough slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon. Bake the cookies until they are evenly cracked all over the tops and softly set, about 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time. Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheets.

Peppermint and White Hot Chocolate (I promise that Santa will love this)

6 tablespoons sweetened Ground White Chocolate ( I use Ghiradelli quite often) 2 candy canes, crushed, plus more for garnish 24 ounces warmed milk Whipped cream (lots of it) Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of the ground white chocolate in four 8-ounce mugs. Sprinkle in a quarter of the crushed candy canes and stir. Slowly pour the hot milk into each mug. Top with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes for garnish or use dark chocolate curls to contrast with the white.

South Alabama Senior Travelers visit Nashville

By Louise Childs In the early morning of Dec. 2, 46 South Alabama Senior Travelers began their Christmas trip to Nashville, Tenn. After enjoying a delicious Italian dinner, they headed for their hotel near Gaylord’s Opryland Resort and settled in for the evening, ready to arise early for the first day of touring.

During the week’s stay, the travelers visited many local venues and saw several shows. Their favorite performance was the Radio City Rockettes from New York, and the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater was a close second.

The Belle Mead Plantation and Winery was one of the group's stops during the day. It was very well restored, furnished, and the costumed guides explained about the lineage of the plantation.

Of course, the Coun-

try Music Hall of Fame was beautiful to see and a pleasure to walk through.

The group saw so many artifacts and costumes of the performers.

Pictured in no particular order are Frank Rickard, Jenny Rickard, Kathy Bales, Carol Adams, Ron Chema, Jan Chema, Robert Frye, Margaret Frye, Pat

Evans, Ann Poe, Coylene McGeehon, Joyce Esneul, David Witt, Suzanne Witt, Reuben Michallis, Barbara Michallis, Truitt Moore, Velma Moore, Dot Vosloh, Mike Springer, Marty Springer, Marie Thompson, Elijah Shoots, Barbara Shoots, Jack Flowers, Pat Flowers, Vera Douglas, Mary Barnhill, Louise

Childs, Joan Nagy, Joanna Hardin, Sheila Wanninger, Dick Achorn, Joan Achorn, Don Borck, Lewis Musolf, Phyllis Musolf, Bill Keating, Marilyn Keating, Diane Diaz, Steve Fry, Liz Fry, Joan Olsen, Marv Maudlin, Lanier Maudlin, Tom Hutton and Diane Hutton, president and tour escort.

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Boomers

Mid December - Mid January 2013

ASK DR. COBB…

Frequently asked questions about senior eye care: I have been diagnosed with cataracts, what does that mean?

Cataracts are not a disease, but rather a normal part of the aging process. A cataract is a clouding of one of the focusing lenses in the eye. As this lens gradually becomes more clouded, blurred vision, glare (especially at night) and halos are the result. A more subtle change is a gradual decrease in the perception of color intensity.

Can cataracts grow back?

Cataracts can never recur after being removed. However, about 50 percent of patients will require a simple, in-office laser procedure at some point after cataract surgery. This is because a cloudiness can develop behind the new implant lens and that needs to be cleared with a laser procedure. This is a safe, painless procedure that usually never needs repeating. The vision is cleared instantly after the procedure.

My eyes burn and sting regularly, why is this happening?

As we age, we tend to produce fewer tears and they tend to evaporate more quickly.

This results in dry spots on the eye that cause feelings of grittiness, burning, and discomfort. Unfortunately, dry eye has been shown to be greatly undertreated by most eye doctors. Simply using artificial tears usually provides temporary relief at most. However, we have a number of more advanced treatments that can provide lasting relief for many patients.

What are the main threats to my vision as I age?

Macular degeneration is by far the number one cause of vision loss in older Americans. This aging change causes a loss of the central, detail vision. Although no one goes blind from this condition, losing the ability to read, drive and manage our finances can be a devastating loss. Imagine being able to see the newspaper, but not to be able to read it. Imagine seeing someone across the street, but not being able to see who they are, or to read prices in a store, or to read your mail or computer.

What does it mean to have glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a slowly progressive disease that can lead to TOTAL blindness if undetected / untreated. Since glaucoma usually has no symptoms (it is often called the “sneak thief of sight”), it is critical to have annual eye exams once you are older than age 50. When detected early, treatment for glaucoma is usually pretty straightforward, by simply using one eye drop per day in the effected eye(s). With new technology, we can diagnose glaucoma up to a decade earlier than we were able to just a few years ago. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

What is Macular Degeneration and symptoms to look for?

Macular Degeneration affects your central vision, including color and fine detail.

Symptoms include: Distorted vision, straight lines that appear wavy Gradual dimming of central vision, especially while reading Sudden loss of central vision If you or your loved one over the age of 50 has not had an eye exam in the past year, then it is critical to have an eye exam to look for the conditions above, as well as many less common problems. As we age, our prescription eyeglasses can often be stable, but that should not be confused as a reason to not have an eye exam to check the medical health of your eyes.

Mid December - Mid January 2013

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Mid December - Mid January 2013

THE STAFF AT PRECISION IMAGING

By Jane Tyler In 2009 when Jason Williams decided to open a radiology practice in Gulf Shores, his commitment was to provide patients with the best quality of care available utilizing the latest technology, all in the most convenient manner possible.

Convenience, state-of-the-art technology and quality of care are all dependent on not just the facility and the technology but also on the people providing those services. Here’s an introduction to the people that make Precision Imaging the leader in diagnostic and interventional radiology in this area.

Jason Williams, MD, Founder

Dr. Williams himself is a board certified radiologist experienced in both Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology. Prior to coming to Gulf Shores, he served as Director of Radiology for two major hospitals in North Mississippi having served his residency at the University of South Alabama.

Dr. Williams has developed a variety of innovative procedures utilizing the latest technology available in radiology to perform image-guided therapy in the treatment of joint and spine conditions. He is a pioneer in the field of Radio Frequency Ablation, a technique which he has successfully used to treat cancer patients. He has also performed image-guided stem cell therapy for the relief of pain and to promote growth of new cells.

Other interventional procedures performed by Dr. Williams include biopsies, angioplasty and epidural and facet injections. He is one of the few doctors in south Alabama to offer cervical injections.

Lance Knecht, MD

Recently Precision added another board certified radiologist to its’ staff, Dr. Lance Knecht. Dr. Knecht comes to our coastal area via Clearview Regional Medical Center in Monroe, GA and Del Sol Hospital in El Paso, TX. His most recent tenure involved practicing with the trauma center in a high volume hospital.

Dr. Knecht and Dr. Williams studied and practiced together in the Radiology Department at the University of South Alabama and established a compatible relationship there leading to their current association. With the addition of Dr. Knecht to the staff, diagnostic readings can be performed in a more timely manner allowing additional opportunities for interventional procedures.

Technologists, Registered Nurses

All of the medical staff at Precision are trained and registered in their specialty: Daniel Bui, Registered MRI and CT Technologist Maury Crowder, Registered MRI and CT Technologist Lucretia Shedeck, Registered Ultrasound Technologist Lisa Carrino, Registered Mammography Technologist Jarrod Dickinson, Registered Nurse Angie Holder, National Certified Medical Assistant And, they all have extensive experience in their fields.

Office Staff

On the phone or in the facility, you may encounter Angie Holder, Office Manager…the one with that soft Alabama drawl; Elaini Christie, who diligently schedules appointments; Ashley (with the smiling face) Willis, the receptionist; Monica Turner, who handles billing issues with earnest concern.

There’s Jessica Williams, business manager and creative genius; Tony Whited, who keeps the facility in such pristine condition; Lisa McElhannon and Sandra Kidd, who make all events possible; and me, Jane Tyler, who simply wants the public to know what a phenomenal staff manages the day-to-day activities of Precision.

These are the people that make Precision Imaging a benchmark radiology facility… located in the unlikely non-metropolitan city of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

For further information, contact Precision Imaging at 1680 W. 2nd St., Gulf Shores, AL 36542, 251-948-3420, PrecisionImag.com.

Mid December - Mid January 2013

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