Prime Time Monthly July 2021

Printed on recycled paper Volume 31 | Issue 7

PRIME TIME July 2021

FOR NEW MEXICANS 50+ SINCE 1990

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Don’t Become A Scam Victim pg 10

Ask A Health Care Professional pg 3

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July 2021

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July 2021

Table of Contents

FEATURES

7 AFib-Take your Fluttering Heart Seriously

12 3 Safe Exercise Options For Summer

13 Savvy Senior - Top Smartphones For Tech-Shy Seniors

COLUMNS 3 15 17 18

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EVERY MONTH 14 Classifieds 15 Crossword 16 Calendar of Events

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Ask A Health Care Professional Wei-Ann Bay, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico

D

o you know someone who has fallen? Have you fallen and gotten injured?

Millions of older adults fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults. One out of five falls results in a serious injury, such as a head injury or broken bones. If you’ve fallen once, your chances of falling again are doubled.

What conditions increase my risk for falling?

The incidence of falls increases with age. In fact, 34% of adults who are 85 years and older have fallen, and falls are reported more commonly in women than men. There are several chronic conditions that are associated with increased fall risk. Some of these conditions include Parkinson’s disease, musculoskeletal pain, knee arthritis, diabetes, history of stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.

Dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment also increase the risk for falls.

How do I know if I’m at risk for falling (and falling again)?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a simple “yes or no” checklist of statements to determine if you are at risk for falling. Below are the checklist statements; if you answer “yes” to four or more statements, please talk to your health care provider about getting a full evaluation.

• I have fallen in the past year.

• I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker to get around safely.

• Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am walking.

• I steady myself by holding onto furniture when walking at home.

• I am worried about falling.

• I need to push with my hands to stand up from a chair.

• I have some trouble stepping up onto a curb.

• I often have to rush to the toilet.

• I have lost some feeling in my feet.

• I take medicine that sometimes makes me feel light-headed or more tired than usual.

• I take medicine to help me sleep or improve my mood.

• I often feel sad or depressed.

How serious can a fall be?

Hip fractures or broken hips are one of the most serious outcomes among older adults who fall. In fact, many older adults who fall and break a hip are hospitalized.

The chances of breaking your hip goes up as you get older, and studies show 75% of all broken hips happen in women. A head injury is another serious outcome from falling. Believe it or not, most of these falls occur from a standing height. Many older adults are on blood thinners, which may increase the risk for a worse outcome.

Falling while taking blood thinners can result in bleeding in the brain, and this can be deadly.

How do I recover from a fall?

Recovering from a fall can take time. Regaining strength and returning to daily activities requires ongoing attention and support.

Your health care provider is a key partner in the recovery process.

Other partners can include physical therapists, occupational therapists and perhaps even a nutritionist.

It’s a good time to re-evaluate your situation and put an action plan in place to prevent another fall and find opportunities to maintain your independence. Unfortunately, the loss of independence is a consequence of getting older and can be difficult to accept, especially if it happens suddenly, like after a fall. It’s important to talk to your family and loved ones about your feelings and (continued on Page 4)

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PRIME TIME

July 2021

Ask A Health Care Professional (cont.) (continued from Page 3)

also answer medication questions and help remove any problems with your medicines.

fears. It can be hard to take advice from others, especially if you are very independent. Advice can be viewed positively as a path towards maintaining your independence.

Give the advice some consideration before dismissing it. Talk to your health care provider to determine if assistive devices are appropriate.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Get an eye exam. Poor vision can increase the risk of falling.

Older adults are more likely to have cataracts or glaucoma, which can affect vision. It’s always a good idea to make sure your glasses are updated so you can see clearly.

• Get your feet examined.

Arthritis and neuropathy are common in older adults. Arthritis can cause pain, and neuropathy can cause loss of sensation. Either or both of those together can cause unsteadiness. It is important to have proper footwear for maximal comfort, balance and protection.

What can I do to decrease my risk of falling?

• Talk to your health care provider about your fall risk.

Tell your health care provider if you’ve fallen. Tell your health care provider if you feel unsteady on your feet, even if it doesn’t happen often, or if you are worried you might fall. Ask your health care provider to assess your fall risk.

• Fall-proof your home. Remove items from the floor that may cause tripping. Make sure there are no wires or cords in high-traffic areas and that items are easily reachable.

Add grab bars in your shower or next to the toilet. Make sure your house has good lighting.

• Review your medicines with your health care provider.

Sometimes medicines or the combination of medicines can cause dizziness or sleepiness, resulting in a fall. Pharmacists can

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• Exercise regularly. Exercises that improve strength and balance are effective. Movement programs such as tai chi or dance can be a fun way to incorporate exercise into daily life.

• Develop a mobility plan. The CDC offers a resource to help older adults develop a mobility plan to stay independent. Check out the resource at https://www. cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/ pdf/older_adult_drivers/ CDC-AdultMobilityTool12.12Customizable508c.pdf.

If you have a health question that you would like to be considered in Ask a Health Care Professional, please email AskHealthcareProfessional@ bcsbsnm.com. BCBSNM will select questions that may appear.

Questions will not be personally answered. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of BCBSNM. This column is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.

Prime Time Publishing, LLC Home of

Prime Time Monthly News Family Caregivers Resource Guide 50+ EXPO

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Sr. Advertising Executive Joe A. Herrera primesales@swcp.com

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Copy Editor

Autumn Gray

Calendar Editor Liz Otero

Contributing Writers Dr. Wei-Ann Bay Kimberly Blaker Richard Fagerlund Autumn Gray Jim Miller Dr. Gerard Muraida Dr. Shellie Rosen Shannon Wagers

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July 2021

On The Road And On The Go: Tips For Getting Away This Summer

T

his year, many Americans are facing a strong urge to get away and recharge with a summer vacation. Nowadays, the time and effort that goes into planning a vacation, a sense of ‘making up for lost time’ and the ability to work and attend school remotely means there’s increased value to planning a longer trip.

Whether you’re taking a road trip, escaping to the beach, camping, or visiting loved ones, preparation is key, especially when you will be away from home for more than a few nights. And if it’s the first time in a while that you or your family has traveled, it’s a good idea to refresh on travel tips and tricks.

Travel expenses can quickly add up, but if you are an AARP member, you have access to a wide range of benefits and discounts on products and services you may not even realize that will help make your trip more efficient, affordable and memorable. Consider the following ways AARP member benefits can help you and your family reimagine your vacation in a way that provides you with both incredible memories and some extra cash back in your wallet: Pack the Essentials and Prepare.

Make your list, check it twice, and then head to Walgreens to purchase travel essentials for your trip, including travel-size toiletries, hand sanitizer, snacks, beverages and more. When you link your AARP and myWalgreens™ memberships, you’ll earn 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens branded health and wellness products and 3% Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible beauty purchases.

Safety is also a top priority when planning a trip -- especially when leaving your home for an extended period of time. You don’t want to worry about uninvited visitors while you’re away. You can take advantage of member perks with SimpliSafe, and relax on vacation knowing that you have top-notch home security that doesn’t break the budget. SimpliSafe alerts you to disasters that may occur inside your home while you’re away, including fire, water damage, and loss of power. With 24/7 professional monitoring, you’ll

be covered around-the-clock with emergency dispatch for police, fire, and paramedics when you need them most. All with no longterm contracts or hidden fees.

AARP members get 15% off any new SimpliSafe home security system and one free month of 24/7 monitoring.

Hit the Open Road. Road trips will continue to be a popular activity this summer, but before you venture out, your car might need a checkup. Schedule time on your pre-trip calendar for a Valvoline Instant Oil Change; AARP members save 15% off drive-thru, stay-inyour-car oil changes -- including a free 18-point maintenance check.

The discount also applies toward preventive maintenance services -- including radiator, transmission and differential services, air filter or wiper blade replacements. Before you fill up at an ExxonTM or MobilTM station, link your Exxon Mobil Rewards+TM account to your AARP membership to earn extra points every day on the things you

already buy, such as fuel, car washes and convenience store items, and 2x the points on fuel on member days. Every 100 points you earn is the equivalent of $1 in savings on eligible purchases.

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countywide. AARP members can save 10% off the best available rate and get late checkout upon request until 2 p.m., when available.

Regardless of where you’re headed, don’t forget to optimize your next adventure by taking advantage of discounts and savings available to AARP members. If you are an AARP member, you can learn more about your saving options by visiting www.aarp.org/save.

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PRIME TIME

July 2021

Latin Lessons

By Shannon Wagers

B

y now you’ve undoubtedly encountered the new term “Latinx,” coined as a genderneutral alternative to “Latino” and Latina” to refer to persons of Latin American descent. But where did the idea of “Latin” America come from in the first place, and when did we start calling it by that name? After all, the lands south of the U.S. border were not settled by the Romans. And why do most New Mexicans of Spanish ancestry refer to themselves as Hispanic or Hispano, rather than Latin-anything?

True, the dominant Romance languages of the region— Portuguese in Brazil, French in several island nations around the Caribbean, and Spanish nearly everywhere else—all evolved from Latin. But oddly enough, the idea of Latin America as a geographic entity originated not in the Western Hemisphere, but in France, around the middle of the 19th century.

It first appears in the writings

of a French economist, Michel Chevalier, who spent a couple of years traveling in the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, and published an account of his observations in 1836. As Chevalier saw it, all the nations whose languages and institutions derived from ancient Rome, and their former New World colonies, shared a common culture and a common destiny as the torchbearers of western civilization—led by France, of course.

Many intellectuals in Mexico and South America embraced the idea.

With Spain and Portugal now out of the picture as colonial overlords, they did look to France as a leader in the world of ideas, culture, and the arts. They were also wary of the growing power of the United States, which had already gobbled up half of Mexico and was casting a covetous eye on the Caribbean.

The possibility of a confederation of “Latin” countries united against the Colossus of the North had wide appeal. Still, use of the term “Latin America” was mostly confined to the intelligentsia until France

decided to assert its cultural preeminence by invading Mexico in the 1860s.

Mexico had been in a more-or-less constant state of political and economic chaos since gaining her independence in 1821. She was heavily in debt to France and several other European nations. Using that as a pretext, France’s selfproclaimed Emperor, Napoleon III (nephew of the more famous Napoleon I who met defeat at Waterloo in 1815) dispatched a 34,000-man army to the Gulf Coast port of Veracruz and then to Mexico City.

They suffered a setback near the city of Puebla, where, on May 5, 1862, they were soundly beaten by a much smaller Mexican force under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza. That victory is still celebrated as Cinco de Mayo. But the French recovered from their defeat and went on to occupy the capital.

In an effort to legitimize this arrangement, French propagandists waved the banner of “Latin America” as a cynical ploy to forge a common identity with the people whose country they had just invaded. They rebranded themselves as liberators, one Latin nation coming to the aid of another. Mexico, they said, simply needed a strong hand to guide her and help her get back on her feet financially. Napoleon III obligingly provided one: a young Austrian archduke named Maximilian whom he installed as his puppet ruler.

Mexico’s conservative faction, consisting of wealthy landowners and the Church, fawned over their new sovereign.

But Mexico’s elected president, Benito Juárez, wasn’t buying any of it, nor was most of the rest of the country. Parlor discussions about Latin unity were one thing; French troops on Mexican soil were something else altogether. Juárez went into hiding and for the next five years the stern-faced Zapotec Indian lawyer, in whose veins no “Latin” blood flowed, maintained

a government in exile and waged constant guerilla warfare against the invaders. Meanwhile Maximilian I, Emperor of Mexico, and his wife, the Empress Carlota, held court in Mexico City and endeavored to bring civilization to the benighted Mexicans, blissfully unaware of how precarious their position really was.

Maximilian’s empire was shortlived. In 1867, with the FrancoPrussian War looming at home, France withdrew her troops.

Without their support Maximilian’s government quickly collapsed.

Juárez returned to power and promptly had him shot by a firing squad. Carlota went mad with grief.

But the idea of Latin America has survived, probably because of its usefulness as a convenient collective label for the diverse nations south of the Rio Grande.

Of course, by the time the French Intervention occurred, New Mexico was no longer part of Mexico. The separation predated the popularization of the notion of Latin America by more than a dozen years, which is probably why the ethnic identifier “Latino” isn’t commonly used here. As for “Latinx,” it remains to be seen whether it will catch on, or go the way of “Chicano,” which was in vogue 40 or 50 years ago but is infrequently heard today.

PRIME TIME

Atrial Fibrillation – Take Your Fluttering Heart Beat Seriously

By Kimberly Blaker

O

ften, when we think of heart conditions, we associate them with age.

Although atrial fibrillation (AFib) is found more often in those over age 60, it can affect people of all ages, even children. Two million Americans are affected by this serious condition, which increases the risk of health complications, including heart attack and stroke.

What is AFib, and what causes it?

AFib makes the heart beat rapidly and irregularly. It commonly feels like a fluttering of the heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, “During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart.”

AFib, also known as arrhythmia, is not deadly in and of itself but is nonetheless a serious condition. It increases the risk of heart failure or can be the result of a serious underlying health problem.

There are several causes associated with AFib. It can be genetic or may be caused by one of several heart-related diseases, previous heart surgery, sleep apnea, lung disease, infection, or an overactive thyroid. Caffeine, heavy alcohol use, street drugs, and certain medications can also cause AFib. What are the symptoms, and how is it diagnosed?

The most common symptom of AFib is a fluttering heartbeat or palpitations. Other symptoms also sometimes accompany the condition, such as: • fatigue • dizziness • thumping in the chest • anxiety • shortness of breath • feeling faint or confused • sweating • chest pain or pressure In the event of chest pain or pressure, you should treat it as a medical emergency because it could indicate a heart attack.

July 2021

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If you do experience symptoms AFib, diagnosis is painless and relatively simple. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and an electrocardiogram. A patient-activated cardiac event recorder can also help with the diagnosis.

Types of AFib and treatment There are four types of AFib, although one form can progress into another.

Paroxysmal AFib is intermittent and can last for just a few seconds or up to a week. Symptoms may range from none to severe. Either way, this form of AFib goes away on its own within a week or less.

Persistent AFib doesn’t go away on its own. It lasts until it’s treated with either medication or electric shock. For those at high risk of a stroke or if there’s another known cause of the AFib, physicians will treat the source of the irregular heartbeat as well.

Longstanding persistent AFib doesn’t respond to the above typical treatments. So several forms of minimally invasive catheter ablation are usually considered. For this procedure, you’ll be given something to relax you and a local anesthetic to numb the groin or neck area where the catheter will be inserted.

Finally, permanent AFib occurs when longstanding persistent AFib is unresponsive to treatment. If treatment has been ineffective, your doctor might decide to discontinue the treatment. This form of AFib is associated with an increased risk of a heart attack and can also impact the quality of your life.

So whatever the form of AFib, take the condition seriously. If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention without delay.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance health and senior writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, specializing in SEO content writing, at kbcreativedigital.com

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PRIME TIME

July 2021

A Natural Solution For Summer Hydration

F

un in the summer sun can mean anything from poolside play and outdoor exercise to simply relaxing in the shade. While these activities make the season special for people of all ages, the heat also leads to the inevitable: sweat.

Electrolytes, critical for the human body to function, are lost via sweat throughout the day. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, helps keep you hydrated. However, adding 100% orange juice to your diet can help replace those lost electrolytes in addition to aiding hydration. According to a study published in the “Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences,” drinking 100% orange juice following exercise contributes to hydration equally as well as water and sports drinks, making the beverage a viable alternative for recovery.

“Electrolytes include nutrients such as potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, scientific research director at the Florida Department of Citrus. “In fluids, these nutrients carry an electric charge, which allows muscles to contract and nerves to transmit signals, and are critical for the human body to function. Plain water contains few if any electrolytes, so you must replace lost electrolytes by consuming foods or beverages that contain these nutrients. Drinking fluids that contain both water and electrolytes, such as 100% orange juice, may help support hydration.”

In fact, 100% orange juice contains about 90% water and can contribute to overall water intake. With no added sugar, it’s an ideal way to support hydration by drinking it on its own or by adding it to recipes like this Healthy Broccoli Salad with Miso Orange Dressing or Pineapple Orange Smoothie.

Consider these major electrolytes found in orange juice: • Potassium: The major electrolyte within all cells, it helps balance fluid in the body with a strong relationship to sodium, the major electrolyte in the blood and outside the cells.

Potassium is especially important for regulating heart rhythm and function. An 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice provides 10% of the recommended daily value for potassium.

• Magnesium: The fourth-most abundant mineral in the body and essential in the regulation of muscle contraction, cardiac excitability, blood pressure and other vital processes. An 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice contains 6% of the recommended daily value for magnesium.

• Calcium: Found in fortified varieties of orange juice, calcium plays an important role in muscle contraction, nerve transmission and the contraction and relaxation of the cardiovascular system. As an excellent source of

calcium, an 8-ounce serving of fortified orange juice provides 30% of the recommended daily value.

Visit floridajuice.com to find more recipes that aid in summer hydration.

Healthy Broccoli Salad with Miso Orange Dressing Servings: 1

Salad: • 2 heads broccoli, cut into small florets • 2 cups purple cabbage, chopped • 1/2 cup golden raisins • 1/2 cup slivered almonds • 1/2 cup chopped green onions Miso Orange Dressing: • 1 cup Florida Orange Juice • 2 tablespoons canola oil • 2 tablespoons miso • 2 tablespoons almond butter • 1 shallot To make salad: In bowl, toss broccoli, cabbage, raisins, almonds and green onions.

To make miso orange dressing: In food processor or blender, pulse orange juice, canola oil, miso, almond butter and shallot until smooth.

Pour dressing over salad, tossing to coat. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.

Pineapple Orange Smoothie Servings: 2 • 1 cup Florida Orange Juice • 1/2 cup plain almond milk • 1 frozen banana • 1 cup frozen pineapple • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 1 scoop walnuts • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne • 2-3 ice cubes • 1 scoop plain protein powder (optional) In large blender, blend orange juice, almond milk, frozen banana, frozen pineapple, turmeric, walnuts, cayenne, ice cubes and protein powder, if desired, until smooth.

Portion into two small glasses.

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July 2021

Don’t Become A Scam Victim that best fit the moment, Amy Nofziger, AARP’s director of fraud victim support, says on the organization’s website.

Editor’s Note: If it seems like Prime Time has given more print than usual to scam stories this year, we have. While we work hard to provide you with diverse content each month, we also believe more is more when it comes to keeping you informed about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. As you’ll see in this story, 2020 saw record financial losses due to scammers, and the trend seems to be continuing in 2021.

In part because so many more people were making purchases online during Covid-19, internet crime complaints soared nationwide in 2020, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2020 Internet Crime Report. Internet crime includes phishing scams, non-payment/non-delivery scams, and extortion. The center received 791,790 complaints of suspected internet crime—an increase of more than 300,000 complaints from 2019—and reported losses exceeding $4.2 billion.

By Autumn Gray

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Internet crimes were especially hard on New Mexico seniors. Of all the fraud victims in the state, seniors lost the most money. Of the more than $15.6 million total paid in New Mexico to internet scammers, almost half - $7.13 million – was shelled out by residents 60 and older, according to the FBI report.

The second most victimized group, it said, was ages 50-59, who suffered a hit of more than $3.5 million.

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cammers are opportunists, and few events have provided greater opportunity to access and target the unwary than Covid-19. Scammers have taken advantage of people’s financial struggles, loneliness, grief, and increased time spent on computers and phones. As a result, fraud reports in 2020 were more numerous, more costly, more creative, and more likely to target seniors than in previous years. So far, 2021 is right on track for more of the same.

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become victims to these scammers who are becoming more and more creative.”

But it’s not just New Mexico seniors who are being impacted.

Both ends of the age spectrum are getting targeted more frequently nationwide. Comparing 2020 with 2019, complaints from consumers 65 and older increased by an average of 15.82 percent, and complaints from consumers aged 25 and below increased by an average of 30.6 percent, according to Fraud!Org, a product of the National Consumers League.

“There isn’t a superior kind of person who is immune to scams, and even those who consider themselves savvy can find themselves a victim if they aren’t careful and informed,” Emily Gaines, regional director for the BBB’s Bryan-College Station office, wrote in an online article.

Indeed, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 2.1 million fraud reports from consumers in 2020, totaling losses of $3.3 billion nationwide. That was up from $1.8 billion in 2019.

Imposter scams remained the most common type of fraud, causing $1.2 billion in losses, followed by online shopping, which accounted for about $246 million in reported losses from consumers. Internet services; prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries; and telephone and mobile services rounded out the top five fraud categories.

The Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, and Torrance counties, filed 8,059 fraud reports with the FTC in 2020, up from 6,210 in 2019. By the end of the first quarter this year (the most recent data available as of midJune), the area had already filed 2,218 fraud reports. The top three fraud categories locally each year have been imposter scams; online shopping; and prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries.

According to the FBI, some of the most common elder fraud schemes are: • Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their elderly victims’ desire to find companions.

• Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues.

The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.

• Grandparent scam: Criminals pose as a relative—usually a child or grandchild—claiming to be in immediate financial need.

• Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments.

• Home repair scam: Criminals appear in person and charge homeowners in advance for home improvement services that they never provide.

• Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam: Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims’ trust. Or they claim their targets have won a foreign lottery or sweepstake, which they can collect for a “fee.”

The prize scam is one of most devastating frauds that Saavedra says her office sees. In this case, someone claiming to be from Publisher’s Clearing House or other well-known giveaway entity calls a person to let them know they have won a prize and can claim it with a one-time payment.

“If you have to send money to collect a prize, it is a scam,” Saavedra said. “One of our local (continued on next page)

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Don’t Become A Scam Victim (cont.) (continued from previous page)

seniors fell for it and provided $400 via gift cards to receive money. The person became very distraught when our office told them it’s a scam and not legitimate. Especially for the elderly, when they lose a significant amount of money, it can really create an inability to pay bills like rent, utilities, everything.”

One of the fastest rising scams locally is an imposter scam known as the Amazon scam. Someone acting as a company representative calls a person to tell them that something is wrong with their account, that they have a lost package, or that there is a problem with their order, and that Amazon needs either additional payment or access to the consumer’s computer.

“You should absolutely never give anyone access to your computer over the phone,” said Jennifer Hawkins, investigations and dispute resolution coordinator for the BBB office serving Albuquerque.

Dr. Schlesinger has been treating patients for 25 years, and educates doctors worldwide on dental implant treatment.

The FBI advises that you disconnect immediately from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen, which may even include sirens and vocal warnings that there is a problem with your computer.

The agency also says to be careful what you download, and never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know.

The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office advises to beware of these signs that are typical of common scams: • Empty promises. (You have to pay up front without first receiving anything in exchange.)

• Threatening phone calls. (Real legal notices are sent in writing, not over the phone.)

• Demands for personal/financial information.

• Accepting only wire or gift card payment.

• Refusing to give you return contact information.

• Pressure to act quickly.

July 2021

11

Fraud Prevention Resources • For a list of common scams and how to report a scam locally, visit the NM Attorney General’s website, https:// www.nmag.gov/scams-and-fraud.aspx.

• Report scams, fraud, and bad business practices to the Federal Trade Commission online at https://reportfraud. ftc.gov/#/.

• You can also contact the AARP scam fraud hotline if you or a loved one believe you have been a victim: 877-908-3360.

• To find out what types of scams have occurred near you, AARP’s website has a Scam Tracking Map: https://www. aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/?Intcmp=AEFRDSC-ABT-MAP. • Looking for resources in Spanish? Go to www.aarp.org/fraude • Get regular updates from AARP on the latest scams by signing up for biweekly Watchdog Alerts at https:// cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup?Intcmp=AE-FRDSCABT-ALRTS, or text FWN to 50757 to receive text alerts.

12

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July 2021

3 Safe Senior Exercise Options For Summer

S

unshine and warm weather have many people thinking about new workout options. If you’re ready to kickstart your fitness routine—but want to do so safely— consider these three simple tips:

protocols. Give your gym a call or visit the location to find out what specific COVID-safe guidelines are in place there, so you can determine whether you’re ready to resume your gym routine.

1.Check in with your gym about its COVID-safe offerings.

Many Americans who have been avoiding public places this past year are now looking to expand their horizons, including going back to a gym. Growing numbers of gyms now offer outdoor workout spaces that include many of the weight training and aerobics equipment choices you previously enjoyed indoors—treadmills, stair climbers, weight machines, free weights—and even outdoor classes. Outdoors or indoors, many gyms continue to maintain at least six feet between each workout station, require masks within the space, and provide free hand sanitizer, clean equipment assurances and other COVID-safe

2.Increase your outdoor exercise routine. After being cooped up for months, getting outside can work wonders for your physical health and emotional well-being. Take yourself to a park to explore a new walking or hiking path. There are several apps that can locate hiking trails near you. Challenge a friend to a regular game of tennis, pickleball or bocce ball. Or dust off your bicycles and enjoy the freedom of feeling the wind in your faces.

Establishing a fun exercise routine with a friend can motivate you to keep it up and help lift your spirits.

Older adults reported increased feelings of isolation last year.

Exercising with a friend can help you shake off the loneliness blues.

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Volume 26 | Issue 6

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FOR NEW MEXICANS 50+ SINCE 1990

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The

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Santa Fe Spotlight

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Santa Fe Spotlight pg 12

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Now can be your time to get back into a fitness routine—or start a new one. Find workout options that you love and that motivate you to stick with them. Then make the most of the season. As always, before you start any new exercise routine, talk to your doctor to discuss your goals and what types of exercise might be safest for you.

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3.Augment your workout with home exercise classes. National guidelines recommend that you get at least 150 minutes per week of exercise. To make sure you’re meeting that, augment your workout routine with home exercise classes that you can view on your laptop, phone or other devices. For best results, mix things up. Incorporate cardio exercise classes with strength training videos that use resistance bands or free weights. If you want to improve balance or flexibility, try a yoga or tai chi class. Popular options

such as the Silver&Fit® Healthy Aging and Exercise program offer a wide range of free online classes specially designed for older adults.

Classes premiere daily on Facebook Live from 8 AM to 4 PM Pacific time, 6 days a week. You can join the scheduled classes at https:// www.facebook.com/SilverandFit to enjoy engaging live with other online viewers. Or you can view the replays on YouTube at a time that’s convenient to you. You’ll find them at: www.youtube.com/silverandfit.

pg 16

pg 13

For the latest in health information, look inside every issue for Ask a Health Care Professional with Dr. Eugene Sun.

Being outdoors offers the added benefit of providing you with a dose of vitamin D. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and to enhance bone health and immune system function. Regularly spending time outdoors is the most natural way to get the recommended 10 to 30 minutes of sun exposure several times a week. Just don’t forget to put on sunscreen.

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July 2021

13

Top Smartphones For Tech-Shy Seniors

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ear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good smartphones for older seniors? I would like to get my 78-year-old mother to upgrade to a smartphone but want something that’s easy for her to see and use.

Shopping Around

Dear Shopping, There are actually several smartphones I can recommend that will provide your mother a simpler, less intimidating smartphone experience. Here are my top three options.

Apple iPhones: Because of the quality and functionality of Apple products, an iPhone is a great choice for seniors who are inexperienced with technology. But, to make it easier for you mom to use, you’ll need to set it up and customize it to meet her needs and preferences.

To set-up your mom’s iPhone and make it senior-friendly, start by cleaning-up/decluttering the home screen, which you can do by deleting the apps your mom won’t use and hiding the apps she’ll rarely use in labeled folders or the App Library. The fewer options the better!

You’ll also want to set up a small number of contacts (with photos) to family and friends that your mom frequently communicates with and install some apps she would enjoy using.

And finally, iPhones have a wide variety of built-in accessibility features you can turn on depending on your mom’s needs. These features, which you access through the phone’s settings, can help users that have diminished vision, hearing impairment, hand dexterity problems or cognitive loss.

Some popular accessibility features among older iPhone users include larger text and icon display, zoom (screen magnification), magnifier (turns iPhone into a

magnifying glass), increased volume and alerts, voice control, find my iPhone, and emergency SOS and medical ID set up.

But there are dozens of other tweaks you can make to enhance your mom’s experience with her iPhone.

more. It also offers a nice variety of optional health and safety features you can add on like:

For a rundown of the different accessibility features and instructions on how to set them up, see Apple.com/accessibility.

• Urgent Care, which would let your mom to speak to a registered nurse or board-certified doctor anytime.

If you’re interested in this option, the iPhone 12 (5G, 6.1-inch display screen, $800) or iPhone 12 mini (5G, 5.4-inch screen, $700) are excellent choices. Or, for a more budget-friendly phone consider the iPhone SE (4.7-inch screen, $400) that came out in 2020.

Samsung Galaxy: If you’re an android phone user and would like to get your mom a phone that you’re familiar with, you should consider a Samsung.

All Samsung phones offer an “Easy Mode” feature in their settings that boosts the text and icon size, and simplifies the home-screen layout and contacts, which makes these phones a nice option for seniors or tech-newbies.

• Urgent Response, which is a mobile medical alert service that would connect your mom to a Lively agent in emergency situations, 24/7, who would confirm her location and get her the help she needs.

• Lively Link, which is an app that sends alerts to family and friends if your mom calls urgent response.

• Personal Operator Service, who can assist your mom with tasks like helping find addresses, setting up appointments booking Lively Rides through a partnership with Lyft and much more.

The Lively Smart is available online at Lively.com or at Best Buy stores for $150.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Robert Benjamin

~ New Mexico Landscape Series ~ Limited Edition Giclées by Robert Benjamin www.RobertBenjamin.com RobertBenjaminLandscapes@live.com

These phones also have a variety of accessibility features – see Samsung.com/us/accessibility/ galaxy-mobile for instructions – that can accommodate your mom’s needs.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (6.2-inch screen, $800) or more moderately priced Galaxy A71 5G (6.7-inch screen, $600) are good choices to consider here.

Lively Smart: Another less expensive option to consider is to purchase your mom a smartphone that’s specifically designed for seniors. The best one available is the new Lively Smart offered by Best Buy. This phone has a 6.2-inch screen, large text and a simple list-based menu that provides one-touch access to frequently used features like video chat, camera, email and

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July 2021

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Senior rates apply.

LIC # 350669 Call Peter @ 505 688-8520 Visit us at: currentsecurityandelectric.com Handyman - Swamp cooler, winterized, electrical, plumbing, Water Heaters, carpentry.

Affordable door and window replacement, bath and kitchen remodels.

Free estimates.

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HANDYMAN SERVICES Carpentry, decks, doors, electrical, fences, painting, patios, plumbing, porches, rock, sprinklers, tile, windows.

Free estimates 505-720-6443 PR Landscaping Lawn care – Tree Trimming – Yard Work Reliable – Honest Call 319-8430 Please leave a message.

HELP WANTED HOME INSTEAD needs you!

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We use the ONLY authorized and verified system in NM. AbqLipoLight.com Call Judy 505-710-5377

VOLUNTEERS

The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is recruiting volunteers 55 years of age and older for the following opportunities.

For more information call 767-5225.

Senior Transportation Ride Coordinator Answer phones, confirm ride requests and match rider and driver. (Coordinate rides).

Enter information into the data base, complete rider intakes over the phone and mail packets. Volunteer must have good phone etiquette, patient, and be familiar with data entry. You must take an Abuse Awareness training class.

2-3 volunteers are needed 2.5 hours per day, 5 days per week. For more information call 767-5225.

CASA (City of Albuquerque Senior Affairs) Kitchen Looking for volunteers to support a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen that prepares food for seniors in the community. Hours are anytime between 4:00a.m. – 12p.m, Monday through Friday. Participate in preparation and distribution of food. Follow proper procedures in handling of food, portion control, sanitation, nutritional requirements and safety procedures. Some food handling experience is preferable; however volunteers will be trained

for areas of help where are needed. Most volunteer activities will involve food prep (slicing, dicing, serving, and packaging) and kitchen sanitation (wiping, sweeping, mopping and dish washing).

Call the RSVP office at 505-767-5225 for more information.

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Advisory Council Needs members to join its efforts in promoting awareness and educating the community about FGP and senior issues. Council members advocate on behalf of FGP volunteers, evaluate the Program’s effectiveness, and assist in the recognition of Foster Grandparents by raising funds and in-kind resources. The Council currently meets once a month at the Barelas Senior Center.

For more information call 767-6412.

Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is looking for volunteers age 55 and older who are interested in making a difference in a child’s life. Foster Grandparent volunteers must be willing to serve an average of 20 hours per week and must be able to pass a background check, physical, and tuberculosis test. Foster Grandparent volunteers serve one-on-one with children, working with them to build their social and emotional development as well as help

improve their literacy skills.

Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement, supplemental liability insurance, meals while on duty, pre-service and monthly trainings, and recognition throughout the year. Volunteers can also receive a small stipend if they meet the income guidelines.

Call 764-6412 for more information and to apply today.

Department of Senior Affairs Home Services is looking for volunteers to assist with yard work, minor home repairs, painting, building of wheel chair ramps and modified steps. Experience in minor home repairs and yard cleaning the use of yard tools, shovels, rakes and painting preferred but not required. Days/hours are open depending on volunteer.

Time commitment: M-F 7:30-3:00. On the job training will be provided.

Mileage reimbursement is available to RSVP volunteers.

RSVP is part of Senior Corps and is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

The purpose of RSVP is to recruit senior volunteers into public, government and non-profit organizations to meet community needs. For information on these and more volunteer opportunities call 767-5225.

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July 2021

Crossword

#5153

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Permanent mark 5. Important foot pedal 10. Chicago __ 14. Bear 15. Carnival attractions 16. Shape 17. Leaning 18. Tiny diagram 19. First-century emperor 20. Young plant 22. Peon 24. Ending for graph or social 25. Rudely brief 26. Quenches 29. Jungle gym piece 30. Units of speed 34. Oaf 35. Not backwards 36. Hang on to 37. Lung contents 38. Blew one’s own horn 40. Truth: Chin.

41. Yen 43. Piece of chicken 44. South American nation 45. Night noise 46. Symbol of victory 47. Unit of purity for gold 48. Slackened 50. Supportive of 51. Burn slowly, without a flame 54. Ulcerates 58. O’Hara home 59. Two cents’ worth 61. Copy: abbr.

62. Ladd or Alda 63. One of The Judds 64. Actress Samms 65. Curve 66. Assisted, cockney-style 67. Respiratory or circulatory: abbr.

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DOWN 1. Train depots: abbr.

2. Cold drink 3. Perched upon 4. Wrote back 5. Pickling solution 6. Piece of jewelry 7. Commercials 8. Word with zoo or bee 9. Organic compound 10. Approval 11. Part of the eye 12. Nag’s home 13. Opening 21. Common contraction 23. Queried 25. Twisted 26. Great quantity 27. Strange 28. Trunk 29. Wraparound accessory 31. Cowboy movie 32. Three-tiered papal crown 33. Pig’s feature 35. Italian numeral 36. Non-premium gasoline: abbr.

38. Bakery purchase 39. Whiz’s forerunner 42. European nation 44. Political divisions 46. Pertaining to spring 47. Business orgs.

49. River in Paris 50. Foul-smelling 51. Pierce 52. Macho 53. Algerian seaport 54. Become enraged 55. Acting award 56. Borders 57. Doctor’s ASAP 60. Burst 8

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and know the hazards of toxic pesticides. I want to help reduce, and hopefully, eliminate pesticides in society. Pesticides are weapons of mass destruction and can be hazardous during the pandemic

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(solutions on Page 18)

Ants (Terro Bait works for most small ants) • Earwigs (newspaper) • Silverfish (baby food jars and flour) • Paper wasps (brown paper bags, Avon Skin so Soft) • Bed bugs (alcohol, water & dish soap, hair dryer) • Head lice (salt water, hair dryer) • Fungus gnats (aquarium gravel) • Fruit flies (vinegar) • Carpet beetles (dirty socks and cheese) • Spiders (peppermint essential oil) • Never use rodenticides or glue boards for mice Here is a recipe for a very good mosquito repellent that you can make yourself.

Combine in a 16 oz. bottle: • 15 drops lavender oil • 3-4 Tbsp. of vanilla extract • 1/4 Cup lemon juice.

Fill bottle with water. Shake.

Ready to use.

For weed control: Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap and 1 cup of salt in a garden sprayer. Spray weeds generously, wait a couple days, they’re dead.

No reason to use Roundup or other toxic herbicides Below are two of the handbooks I have available.

I have several others as well.

They are available via email in PDF format, not in hard copy

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I was IPM Specialist for the University of New Mexico for 12 years and never used any toxic pesticides or rodenticides and the students, faculty and staff loved it. I was also IPM Manager for the City of Santa Fe and personally took care of over 80 city buildings and never used a drop of liquid pesticides and we never used Roundup on city property. I have over 46 years of experience in the pesticide industry

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ou don’t need to be exposed to pesticides. Pesticides can compromise your immune system and make you more susceptible to developing viruses.

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Email questions to AskTheBugman.com or call (505)385-2820

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Ask The Bugman

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For insect control: You can kill any bug in your house with a mixture of water (40%), alcohol (40%) and dish soap (20%).

If you have a specific pest, here are some recommendations • Cockroaches (beer and duct tape)

“Earth Friendly Pest Management for Your Home and Garden and for Commercial Establishments.”

This handbook covers general pest control using non-toxic methods.

“Common Sense Vegetation “Weed” Management (Precautionary Principle Philosophy)” This handbook basically tells you how to control weeds without using Roundup or other toxic herbicides.

If you have any pest questions or want either of the handbooks, you can contact me at askthebugman2013@gmail.com

PRIME TIME

July 2021

SENIOR CENTERS

Summer

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Calendar

Covid restrictions are being lifted around the country, which means people in Albuquerque are finally getting out for the first time in over a year. Below is a list of some of the happenings taking place around town.

GROWERS MARKETS

Saturdays, through November 6

Celebrating 25 years, the Downtown Growers’ Market returns to Robinson Park, 8th and Central SW, for a season of local produce, food chefs, art, bakers, artisans, wellness businesses, and more.

Open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon.

Visit downtowngrowers.org.

Sundays, Through October

Rail Yards Market, 777 1st Street SW, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., is back for 2021, featuring more than 400 local farmers, bakers, food, farm, artisan booths, and more.

Shop online or in person. Express curbside pickup and delivery are available at http:// railyardsmarket.org/market-express.php.

Visit railyardsmarket.org.

Sundays, Through November 7

Corrales Growers’ Market, 500 Jones Road, south of the Post Office, 9 a.m.-noon. Wednesday, July 14, 9 a.m.-noon, tentative First Wednesday Market. See website for 2021 protocol. The Market Shop is open online. You can pick up your purchases at the Market on Sundays.

Visit corralesgrowersmarket.com.

COMMUNITY EVENTS July 4

City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department Presents FIREWORKS IN THE METRO, at Balloon Fiesta Park, 9401 Balloon Museum NE, gates open 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Weather Permitting. Picnic on the grass, bring your food, or there will be food vendors on site.

Entrance to Balloon Fiesta Park off San Pedro only. Advanced ticket sales only.

No ticket sales at the event.

Admission is $20/car.

Visit HoldMyTicket.com.

As the City of Albuquerque adheres to New Mexico’s public health order, the Department of Senior Affairs will shift to more in-person interactive programming and activities while keeping the community safe.

The center hours operate on a MondayFriday schedule, with reservations required for most activities. Sports and fitness centers are open with no reservations required.

Check with your specific center for operating hours and activities scheduled. More activities are planned to begin this month.

Call the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs, 714 7th Street SW, (505) 764-6400 or 311.

Visit cabq.gov.

• Barelas Senior Center 714 7th Street SW. Call (505) 764-6436.

• Bear Canyon Senior Center 4645 Pitt St NE. Call (505) 767-5959.

• Highland Senior Citizen Center 131 Monroe Street NE. Call (505) 767-5210.

• Los Volcanes Senior Citizen 6500 Los Volcanes Road NW. Call (505) 767-5999.

• Manzano Mesa Multigenerational 501 Elizabeth Street SE. Call (505) 275-8731.

• North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Carmel Avenue NE. Call (505) 764-6475.

• North Valley Senior Center 3825 4th Street NW. Call (505) 761-4025.

• Palo Duro Senior Center 5221 Palo Duro Avenue NE. Call (505) 888-8102.

NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER

Openings at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, are as follows: • Art Museum is open to the public, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• History and Literary arts building open, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Welcome Center will be open houses Torreon, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-noon.

More openings are anticipated this month.

Call 246-2261; visit nhccnm.org.

BIO PARK/ZOO

ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave NW, and the ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, are open daily, Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Schedule your tickets online, cabq.gov/biopark. Call 311.

July 11

Old Town Walking Tours, through the Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 11 a.m.-noon. Take a historical stroll through Old Town, led by a knowledgeable Albuquerque Museum docent. Call 505-2437255 or 311. Admission is $3-$6. For tickets, visit cabq.gov/museum.

July 13, 27

Twilight Tours at the Zoo, 903 10th Street, check-in, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo at twilight! Observe interesting animal behavior while taking a Zoo tour in a small group led by a personal guide. (Not all animals are out at night). Admission is $15 adults, $10 youth/ seniors, and members receive a 10% discount.

Call 311 or 505-848-7180.

Visit cabq.gov/events.

July 20

Night Walk at the Botanic Garden, 2601 Central NW, 6:30-8:30 p.m. At nightfall, explore the wonders of sunset as you walk on a guided tour through the Garden in search of night-blooming plants, nocturnal animals, and night pollinators. Admission is $15 adults, $10 youth and seniors, and members receive a 10% discount. Space is limited; pre-registration online is required. Call 311.

Visit cabq.gov/events.

July 10, 17, 24, 31

Movies in the Park has returned for Summer 2021. This year, Movies in the Park will require a reserved ticket. Picnics, lawn chairs, food, and drinks are allowed, and food vendors will also be onsite.

Masks are not required but are encouraged.

Schedule: July 10, Wonder Woman 1984, Westside Community Center, 1250 Isleta Blvd. SW; July 17, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 NM-333, Tijeras, NM; July 24, Lion King (2019), Paradise Hills Community Center, 5901 Paradise Blvd. NW; July 31, Cars, Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 NM-333, Tijeras, NM. Call 314-0477; visit bernco.gov/community-services/culturalservices/cultural-services-events/movies-inthe-park/.

MUSIC

July 23-31

The 2021 season of Music Under the Stars, featuring live Salsa, Jazz, and Blues, is presented by New Mexico Jazz Workshop and held at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 7-10 p.m. Schedule: July 23, Calle 66; July 24, Women’s Voices with Diane Richardson; July 30, Nosotros Salsa; July 31, Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra. Admission is $16- $20. Tickets at HoldMyTicket.com. Visit nmjazz.org or cabq.gov/events.

OTHER REOPENINGS IN THE DUKE CITY:

• Cliff’s Amusement Park, Osuna & San Mateo NE. Call, 505-881-9373; visit, cliffsamusementpark.com.

• Movie Theaters including Century 14 Downtown Albuquerque; Century Rio 24; Regal Winrock IMAX & RPX; Regal UA Cottonwood; AMC CLASSIC Albuquerque 12; Regal UA High Ridge; Rio Rancho Premiere 14; Guild Cinema; the Drive-in Theater at Balloon Park is still operating.

• Museums, call 311; visit cabq.gov/events.

• Sandia Peak Tramway, visit sandiapeak.com.

PRIME TIME

Dr. Gerard Muraida

The Doc Is In Gerard Muraida MD is a Geriatrician and the Medical Director at InnovAge in Albuquerque.

I

n 1984 Glenn Frey, a former member of The Eagles released the song entitled The Heat is On. I doubt he had any notion of global warming or the record- breaking heat wave that would befall our country in the summer of 2021.

New Mexico heat can connote many things: chile, music, and of course, the weather. We are constantly warned of the dangers of heat exposure, which may lead to dehydration if proper precautions are not taken. Dehydration is simply is losing more fluid than is being taken in. Our body loses water through perspiration, breathing, urination, and defecation.

July 2021

The Heat Is On Water is important for many bodily functions, including temperature regulation, organ function, and maintaining adequate blood pressure and even our mood. The delicate balance of sufficient fluid intake versus fluid loss can be disrupted quite easily and is particularly troublesome for seniors. Seniors drink less in general often due to the blunted thirst response that occurs with aging. By the time they feel thirsty, dehydration is already present.

Unrecognized dehydration can lead to hospitalization. Treatment for dehydration has been estimated at about $1.36 billion annually.

Symptoms of mildly inadequate fluid intake include headache, nausea, and darkening of the urine.

Dry mouth, muscle cramps, fatigue, constipation, and dizziness can also be attributed to dehydration.

Physical signs of severe dehydration include confusion, disorientation, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, fainting, and even seizures.

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For some seniors, poor memory or swallowing difficulties affect fluid intake. Incontinence of the bowels and bladder can also lead to excessive loss. Infections of any sort can cause dehydration. Mobility limitations can prevent a senior from accessing fluids. Medications can also increase fluid loss via the urine or cause diarrhea.

Treating mild dehydration can be as simple as drinking a few extra glasses of water. However, if severe dehydration is suspected, a visit to the emergency room for hospital treatment is recommended.

The best treatment is prevention.

Six to eight cups of fluid per day is recommended, though no established standard for the number of daily cups of water exists.

Consult your health care provider regarding your medical conditions, medications, and any fluid intake concerns you may have. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drinks with high sugar content, as these drinks can promote fluid loss. Drink small

amounts of your favorite beverage frequently during the day.

In New Mexico, the heat can precipitate dehydration rapidly.

Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day by planning your outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Consult your health care provider regarding any fluid intake restrictions you may have. Drink up, stay cool, and be safe. The heat is on!

Now Available!

2021 FAMILY CAREGIVER RESOURCE GUIDES free

Pick up your guide at most major grocery stores, or you can have one mailed to you for $5.95. Mail a check or money order to Prime Time Publishing P.O. Box 67560 Albuquerque, NM 87193

PTPUBCO.com 505.880.0470

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July 2021

Shellie Rosen, DOM

Herb Doc

Shellie Rosen is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She can be reached via her website at Bodyvolve.com

A

re you getting tired of your same old summer snacks? Have you added plantain chips to your rotation?

This healthful snack is sure to help satisfy your cravings and ANSWER TO #5153

Nothing Plain About Plantains replace your electrolytes, all while assisting immunity and digestion.

Plantains are a great source of fiber, and they benefit various aspects of digestion, including gastric ulcers. They carry a good amount of vitamin C and destroy harmful free radicals. A ripe plantain offers the body vitamin B6, which helps with brain hormone messengers.

Vitamin A is an essential antioxidant, and plantains have a fair amount of it to help with immunity and skin health.

New Mexico summer heat can destabilize the body’s electrolytes due to sweating and the arid climate, which has a dehydrating effect. It’s crucial to consider ways to replace lost nutrients to balance the body’s needs. Plantains contain potassium, an electrolyte that balances sodium

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levels in the blood. Foods with potassium are essential since they are often rarer in the diet compared with high-sodium foods. Potassium also plays a role in muscle contraction, which affects the body’s performance as well.

Plantains also have a good amount of magnesium, which contributes to blood pressure and bone health. Magnesium is often deficient in Western diets, so finding additional sources is vital for proper biochemical functioning.

Like the effect that potassium has on stabilizing sodium, magnesium helps enhance bone absorption of calcium, so it has a synergistic effect on the body.

Plantains are mostly starch; therefore, they are high in carbohydrates. When considering plantains in your snacks or meal plans, be mindful that while they carry beneficial nutrients, they also elevate blood sugar, so moderation is key. Those who tend toward allergic reactions to certain foods must be on the lookout for the typical cluster of symptoms, including oral inflammation or itching, hives, and difficulty breathing. They are slightly diuretic, so keep in mind their dietary effect on medications that perform similar or counteracting actions.

You may already be familiar with the many ways to prepare plantains, especially those of you from regions that include plantains in the diet (Africa, Asia, Central, and South America, etc.). Unripe or green plantains are perfect for making chips because they are easy to slice into thin pieces. However, the peel is tough to remove at this stage.

When plantains are ripe and yellow, they are perfect for frying in a bit of oil. Once plantains get darker, use them like bananas for baking.

Regardless of how you plan to prepare your plantains, the fun part is that several herbs and spices go well with the sweet and starchy flavor of the fruit. In West Africa, they serve fried plantains with chili pepper; others use various mixes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, anise, and ginger for a sweeter flavor. Fried plantains bring starchy sugars to the surface through caramelizing, so the taste can be savory and mildly sweet to very sweet, depending on the spices selected.

Plantain chips are available prepackaged at most grocery stores.

Make sure to not confuse them with banana chips, which are often in a grocer’s bulk section. Plantain chips are usually located right along with potato chips and tortilla chips and are seasoned for a sweet and savory taste.

To make your own, toss sliced and peeled green plantains in coconut oil or olive oil, lay them out on parchment sheets, and add desired spices, or just salt and pepper. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, turning them once during cooking. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil and moisture, and eat hot or cold with ketchup, guacamole, or alone. Consider adding a few plantain chips to your trail mix. Alternatively, fry a few up with spices after dinner for dessert (or ala mode!).

Abundant Blessings, Dr. Shellie L. Rosen, DOM, L.Ac.

PRIME TIME

July 2021

SERVING NEW MEXICO’S SENIORS SINCE 1999

THE NEXT BEST PLACE TO HOME.

Quality Senior Living In A Residential Setting Call to schedule your free tour today.

505-221-6401 www.beehivenm.com

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Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO) is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on contract renewal.

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