Prime Time Monthly June 2021

Printed on recycled paper Volume 31 | Issue 6

PRIME TIME June 2021

FOR NEW MEXICANS 50+ SINCE 1990

MONTHLY

Senior Olympics Offers Virtual Fun Free Fitness pg 10

What Is Probate? pg 12

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June 2021

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June 2021

Table of Contents FEATURES 8 Planning A Summer Vacation

17 Savvy Senior - How To Downsize Your Home For A Move

COLUMNS 3 15 16 18 19

Ask A Health Care Professional Bugman Dr. Barry Ramo Herb Doc Dr. Muraida

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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

H

ypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a risk factor for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.

It affects about 45% of the adult U.S. population. However, many Americans are not aware they have hypertension, nor do they regularly get their blood pressure checked. In April 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmed its recommendation on the annual screening of persons ages 18 years and older without known hypertension.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

Hypertension is a condition when the blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, and it can fall and rise many times throughout the day depending on your activities. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers called the systolic and the diastolic (unit of measurement is millimeters of mercury (mmHg)). The systolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

The diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. The systolic blood pressure is stated first followed by the diastolic pressure.

For example, 120 over 80 means the systolic is 120 and the diastolic is 80.

Guidelines for diagnosing hypertension can vary, but the most common definitions come from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACA/AHA) and Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC): • ACA/AHA: Hypertension is systolic more than or equal to 130mmHg and diastolic more than or equal to 80mmHg. • JNC: Hypertension is systolic more than or equal to 140mmHg and diastolic more than or equal to 90mmHg. What are the risk factors for developing hypertension?

Risk factors include older age,

family history, race (e.g., Black population), high-sodium diet, excessive alcohol intake and not enough physical activity. There are some medications and conditions that can cause hypertension.

What can happen if hypertension is not treated?

Hypertension is known as the silent killer because usually there are no symptoms or signs. This means if you are not getting your blood pressure checked regularly it could be too late to undo the damage to your body. Untreated hypertension can result in a stroke, heart disease, chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis, and eye disease resulting in blindness. Untreated hypertension can also cause a high blood pressure emergency — signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, passing out, chest pain, shortness of breath and blurry vision. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to get your blood pressure measured.

What are “white coat hypertension” and “masked hypertension?”

Different types of hypertension depend on the situation.

• Sustained hypertension: Blood pressure measurements are high in the health care provider’s office and outside of the office setting (e.g., home setting).

• White coat hypertension: Blood pressure measurements are high in the health care provider’s office but not outside of the office setting.

• Masked hypertension: Blood pressure measurements are not (continued on Page 4)

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June 2021

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

high in the health care provider’s office but high outside of the office setting.

Cardiovascular disease risk is highest for sustained hypertension, followed by masked hypertension and then white coat hypertension.

Does hypertension increase the risk for severe illness due to COVID-19?

Yes. Hypertension is a possible risk factor for developing severe illness with COVID-19.

However, it has been shown that when hypertension is treated and controlled the risk can decrease.

What is the treatment for hypertension?

Hypertension is usually treated with medications. Common medications include beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers and diuretics. Sometimes the treatment plan includes a combination of medications, and it may take a few adjustments to find the right dose. If you’ve been prescribed medications to control your blood pressure, please take them exactly as directed and give feedback to your health care provider. Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended.

Your health care provider will appreciate the feedback and home blood pressure readings because it will help him or her fine-tune the treatment plan.

Other things you can do include losing weight if overweight, stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, incorporating physical activity in your daily routine, reducing the amount of salt in your diet and decreasing alcohol intake.

If you’ve delayed your care during the pandemic, it’s time to get back on track with your health.

Please make an appointment to see your health care provider as soon as possible. Working closely with your health care provider can be lifesaving!

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.

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Contributing Writers Dr. Wei-Ann Bay Terry Delgado Richard Fagerlund Autumn Gray Jim Miller Lori L. Millet Dr. Gerard Muraida Dr. Barry Ramo Dr. Shellie Rosen

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June 2021

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June 2021

Take Advantage Of Telemedicine For Better Health

I

f there is a silver lining to the challenges the past year created for families, it may be the growth, availability and affordability of virtual care for medical and mental health needs. The ability to see a doctor from home, with little notice, offers a level of flexibility in accessing health care that was historically quite rare.

Virtual care, or telemedicine, can span a wide range of services to address a family’s health needs without going to a doctor’s office and provides easy access to experts and specialists via phone and video. Plus, telemedicine services are covered by most insurance providers.

“Telemedicine is a safe and practical way to access health care for the entire family,” said Dr. Desreen N. Dudley, a clinical psychologist and behavioral health quality consultant for Teladoc.

“For example, Teladoc has thousands of care providers across all 50 states that let members quickly connect with a doctor or specialist who can provide peace of mind any hour of the day or night.”

From care for specific illnesses to managing ongoing concerns, learn how accessing telemedicine might be a good

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

fit for your family’s health care needs.

Everyday Illnesses In the past, if your doctor’s office couldn’t get you in to help treat conditions like allergies, sinus infections or other common illnesses, urgent care was one of your few remaining options. Now, virtual care can be increasingly relied upon to conveniently address non-emergency needs and everyday illnesses in place of urgent care.

Specialty Care Even with a referral, it can take weeks or months to get an appointment with some specialists. One example is dermatology. Instead of waiting months to be seen by a dermatologist, with a virtual provider, you can seek and receive treatment a matter of hours.

Mental Health As a result of the pandemic and related social implications, many organizations are reporting substantial upticks in requests for mental health support and anticipate telemedicine will outlive the pandemic. In fact, phone and video visits for mental health have been shown to be as effective as in-person treatment, according to the Telemental Health Institute.

Wellness Care Most people think of their health needs in terms of reactive care for known problems, but it can also be useful for wellness care, such as nutrition. With more families cooking meals at home during the pandemic, registered dietitians can provide virtual consultations to help ensure everyone, including family members with special dietary needs, receives proper nutrients.

Expert Advice If you’re unsure about a diagnosis, need help choosing treatment, have medical questions or concerns, or want an expert’s advice or second opinion, some virtual care providers can connect you with leading specialists to give you the answers and confidence you need to make informed decisions about your family’s health.

Learn more about how virtual care may work for your family at Teladoc.com.

Take Charge of Your Mental Health Between virtual school, safe playdates and working from home, lives have been interrupted in countless ways by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among those is the impact on mental

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health. These tips from Dudley can help make your mental health a priority.

Engage in self-care. Self-care should be prioritized along with your work or family priorities. Make time to reconnect with family and friends by phone or video chat and allow kids to do the same. Remember asking for help, including seeking mental health counseling, is a form of self-care, too.

Change expectations. Give yourself and your family grace, embrace flexibility and let go of your pursuit of perfection. Be patient and give yourself a “timeout” when challenges arise. For example, wait to address kids’ negative behaviors until you are less frustrated and stop apologizing for things like children making noise in the background of calls.

Keep a structured routine. Even if your regular schedule is off due to virtual school or other factors, maintaining routines like regular bedtimes allows for more time to get things done and unwind. Similarly, focus on your responsibilities during the day then catch up with kids and non-essential activities after work hours.

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June 2021

Depression Disconnect: New Survey Finds Most People With Depression Feel Deeply Misunderstood

A

new nationwide poll, the GeneSight Mental Health Monitor, has found more than 8 in 10 people diagnosed with depression say life would be easier if others could understand their depression. Yet, most people who have not experienced depression may not be able to understand the challenges, including its treatment.

This is important news about a serious disease affecting more than 17 million Americans each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

“Depression is one of the most misunderstood disorders. When people misinterpret depressed patients as ‘lazy’ or ‘dramatic,’ they are vastly underestimating and misunderstanding the debilitating symptoms of major depressive disorder,” said Mark Pollack, M.D., chief medical officer for the GeneSight test at Myriad Genetics.

Seeking Support from Loved Ones According to the survey, three in four depressed people said they wanted support from their loved ones—including just listening or saying supportive things such as: “How can I help?” or “Do you

want to talk about it?” Instead, nearly half of those with depression said they were more likely to hear statements like “You need to get over it/snap out of it” or “We all get sad sometimes.”

This lack of meaningful support represents a significant disconnect among those who suffer from depression and those who do not.

This May, in observance of Mental Health Month, GeneSight and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) are working to raise awareness of the symptoms of major depressive disorder and how those symptoms make it hard to seek treatment.

“Depression affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Though typically characterized by feelings of sadness, depression symptoms may appear as irritability or apathy,” explains Dr. Michael Thase, professor of psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine and the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, and DBSA scientific advisory board member.

Nearly half of those surveyed who were either diagnosed with depression

or concerned they may have it say they would feel embarrassed if others found out.

“Misunderstanding the disorder may lead to people feeling embarrassed and/ or unwilling to seek the treatment they need,” said Dr. Thase.

Advances in Depression Treatment May Help The poll also found that more than half of those diagnosed with depression began taking a new medication since the beginning of the pandemic. For some, starting a new depression medication doesn’t guarantee success: • Half of those diagnosed with depression have tried four or more depression medications in their lifetime.

• 4 in 10 are not confident their depression medications work and 7 in 10 would feel “hopeful” if their doctor recommended a genetic test as part of their treatment plan.

Genetic testing, like the GeneSight test, can provide insight to clinicians about a patient’s unique genes and how they may affect outcomes with medication commonly prescribed to

treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions.

“With just a simple cheek swab, the test provides information about which medications may require dose adjustments, may be less likely to work, or may have an increased risk of side effects,” said Dr. Pollack. “It’s one of many tools in a physician’s toolbox that may help get patients on the road to feeling more like themselves again.”

Conquering the Depression Disconnect Only half of adults polled said they are very confident they can recognize if a loved one is suffering from depression. One answer is to virtually experience a “day in the life” and a few of the symptoms of living with depression. You can do that at www.KnowMentalHealth.com.

Learn More For more information on how genetic testing can help inform treatment decisions for depression and other mental health disorders, visit genesight.com.

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June 2021

Planning A Summer Vacation?

Pack Patience, Flexibility, And Smarts

By Autumn Gray

S

ummer vacation has come, and people are scrambling to go. As they plan the getaways they’ve been dreaming of for the last year, many are seeking deals that were common in 2020.

When Covid-19 brought travel to a standstill, airlines and hotels reduced fares to ridiculous lows to attract anyone who would venture out. But the days of a $40 roundtrip ticket to Hawaii are over.

Travelers also shouldn’t expect a trip to be hiccup-free. Prices are up; uncertainty abounds; and most vacations this summer will require a heightened degree of due diligence to protect both yourself and your bank account.

“There’s tremendous pent-up demand, but you’re still limited in places you can go,” said Alfred Volden, owner of All World Travel in Albuquerque. “People need to be

aware of (Covid-19) requirements of their destination.”

As of deadline for this story, some international destinations and Hawaii were necessitating that travelers present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of the flight. A few countries were even insisting tourists buy travel insurance that includes medical coverage in case they contract the coronavirus while on foreign land. Tourists should also be prepared to have to take a Covid-19 test before returning to continental U.S. soil.

“God forbid you test positive, because you’re stuck there for the necessary time period until you’ve been symptom free for a certain period or until you re-test negative if you got a false positive the first time,” Volden said.

Even though travel has opened up quite a bit and is likely to

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continue to do so, people need to be prepared to adjust plans. “We have pandemic waivers (at our agency) because what I’m telling you today may change in 72 hours,” Volden said.

Nothing this year is a given, not even the ability to rent a car for those traveling within the States.

National rental car companies sold off their fleets in 2020 in response to the plunge in demand, and they haven’t rebuilt them. Travelers who anticipate needing a vehicle at their destination should reserve one as soon as possible and expect to pay more than normal.

Volden said one of his clients paid $3,000 for use of a car for a week because he waited until the last minute. “And even if you reserve one, there’s no guarantee one will be there when you arrive,” Volden said.

In fact, if you see a car rental rate that seems cheap, it’s probably not real. Rental car scams are among a host of fraudulent practices revving up for summer travel. The combination of an industry in flux and a public itching to move about has created a ripe environment for thieves. Scammers see the eagerness and the impatience, and they’re capitalizing on it, using fake websites and promoting offers that are too good to be true.

The Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker as of May was receiving reports of con artists creating fake airline ticket booking sites and phony customer service numbers, and impersonating rental car company representatives. The organization cautioned that anyone buying airline tickets or renting a car should be sure to double check the URL or phone number before providing credit card information.

Here’s how one scam works, according to the BBB: While doing an online search for cheap flights, you come across what seems like a great deal with a major airline. You book the flight—either through the website or by calling a customer support number—and receive a confirmation message. However, when you look more closely at the email, you notice that you never actually received your ticket.

Alternatively, you book a flight on a travel website and pay with your credit card like normal. But shortly after making the payment, you receive a call from the company saying that there’s been a sudden price increase or an extra charge to finalize your booking. No legitimate company would do this.

“If it’s too good of a deal, be weary of it,” said investigations (continued on next page)

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Planning A Summer Vacation? (cont.) (continued from previous page)

and dispute resolution coordinator Jennifer Hawkins of the BBB office serving Albuquerque. “If the business is asking anything out of the ordinary that you wouldn’t normally do with a transaction, don’t do it.”

Between the excitement of booking a trip and the rate at which bookings are filling up, people feel a sense of urgency to act. But the No. 1 piece of advice from consumer watchdogs is to avoid making hasty decisions, and take the time to do your homework.

“Don’t be rushed into a decision. Stop, take a minute.

You don’t need to click right then,” said Jennifer Saavedra, director of the New Mexico Attorney General’s Advocacy and Intervention Division.

That advice goes for any kind of online purchase, she said. Also,

never wire money, and don’t use prepaid gift cards.

While neither the local AG’s office nor the Albuquerque BBB have received travel scam complaints so far this year, Saavedra anticipates them as vacation season gears up.

It is anticipated that by June, vaccinated U.S. travelers will be able to bypass the more than yearlong ban on travel to Europe.

As of April, the Albuquerque International Sunport had an average of 7,389 passengers moving through. That’s about 49

June 2021

percent below April 2019 but a significant increase from a year ago. In April 2020, the Sunport averaged just 654 passengers per day.

Historically, July has been the peak summer travel month for Americans.

How To Avoid Travel Scams • Do your research. If you come across a company you haven’t dealt with before, research it

before making any purchases. Consult the Better Business Bureau website, BBB.org, for reviews and feedback from previous customers.

• Doublecheck the URL before you enter personal and payment information. It can be

easy to click on a sponsored ad or imposter website without noticing. Before you enter any sensitive information, make sure that you are on the right website and that the link is secure. Secure links start with “https://” and include a lock icon on the purchase page.

• Be wary of third-party websites. Some websites appear to offer a legitimate service but are only fronts for a scam. Be suspicious of websites with no working customer service number and no physical address. Typos and grammatical errors can be indications of a scammer’s handiwork.

• Make online purchases with your credit card. Fraudulent charges made on a credit card can usually be disputed, whereas that might not be the case with other payment methods.

For the latest on what scammers are up to, you can subscribe to the BBB’s weekly Scam Alert emails at https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1900156/1902645/. * Source: BBB

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June 2021

Senior Olympics Offers Virtual Fun & Free Fitness As We Wait For In-Person Classes To Open

By Terry Delgado, NMSO Events Co-Coordinator

V

irtual Fun and Fitness has taken over New Mexico Senior Olympics and we want you to know what we have to offer. Check out one or more of our FREE classes or activities and you’ll be glad you did! If you need more information, you can always call NMSO at 575-6235777 or send an email to nmso@ nmseniorolympics.org. We welcome all seniors 50+ to join in, get more active and get healthy!

Virtual Fitness Classes Balance and Stability presented

by Cindy Russell, CPT, CGFI Do you live in Los Lunas, Belen, and the Valencia County area?

This class is for you! Promotion of the class would be through

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the Valencia County Senior Affairs lunch program. This is a progressive program presented 3 times a week for 8 weeks.

Class are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 11:00 – 12:00, running through June 25th, 2021.

The classes are designed for those who are not physically conditioned as well as the physically conditioned looking to improve their balance and stability.

Participants will complete in a Pre and Post balance Assessment to assess improvement. Want to participate? Call or email Cindy at 505-290-7894, cinru2001@ gmail.com Chair Yoga, Tai Qi and Laughing OH MY!! by Roxanne Sanchez, Certified Yoga and Tai Qi teacher and Senior Fitness and Fall Prevention Specialist.

You heard right – Roxanne will add some joy and laughter to your life by moving, breathing, laughing, and gaining new coping skills to keep your mind youthful.

If you live in the Taos area, this class is for you!

Walk4Fitness The Walk4Fitness program is designed to be conducted in a face to face environment between the walk leader and the walk participants. W4F is in full swing in sites around the state – Albuquerque, Silver City, Las Cruces, Hobbs, Roswell, and Mescalero. Walk leaders are trained on protocol for the 12-week program, meeting three times a week. Participants are given incentives such as their own personal walk log, pedometer, visor, shoestrings and more! Some classes still have availability. Call our office for more information – 575-623-5777!

Stay At Home Challenge Season 2 We are extremely excited to announce Season 2 of the virtual Stay At Home Challenge for fourteen (14) different sports/ activities. Each Challenge will run

three months (May – July 2021) and is available on our website with specific details (information sheet) on each sport/activity. Each participant that submits results will be entered into a (monthly) drawing for a $100 gift card. We will award one gift card for each 100 participants, maximum of three per month!

Send your monthly challenge(s) results via online, by fax, text, email, or phone call to NMSO. All Challenges utilize a virtual race site for getting started and submitting results. Find the link and view the flyers on our website at www.nmseniorolympics.org. If you registered for Season 1, your registration works for Season 2. Challenge results are based on the honor system and you can check back on the NMSO

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June 2021

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Virtual Fun & Free Fitness (cont.)

Here are a few descriptions of a few of the activities. Remember to find them all on our website and participate in the one that interests you the most.

(continued from previous page)

website for monthly top finishers as individuals will be listed for bragging rights!

Cycling - Each month do as much as you can and record your results. First Month Cycle 30 hours per month. Record cycling hours each time. Second Month - increase cycling activity by 10 hours for total hours of 40/month, still recording your time. Third Month - increase cycling to 50 hours per month & create teams (details to follow) but report results individually.

Triathlon - Each month do as much as you can and record results, Swim 400 meters, Bike 20K 12.4 Miles, Run 5K 3.1 Miles.

Horseshoes - Throw 20 shoes per game, 5 games per week. Can be thrown over multiple days in that week. Keep distance all as per NMSO rules for male, female, and

age division. Record your score online in the TIME field.

Dance - Each month do as much as you can and record results. A Dance Resource Guide is available. All types of dancing are acceptable - Line dance, video dance lesson, create your own routine, group dance virtual dance instructions, aerobic dance, couples dance, etc. NMSO will schedule a Zoom Dance Fest at the end of the Challenge provided we have 20 Challengers!

For more information on any of our Virtual Classes, sports, and activities, give us a call.

We are always glad to hear from you!

Remember – “You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old

because you stop playing!” Don’t stop playing!

New Mexico Senior Olympics, toll free 1-888-623-6676 or email nmso@nmseniorolympics.org.

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June 2021

— Jennifer Muller

secivreS ylimaF

NÓICNETA

Atención Family Services was founded in 2007 with the goal of assisting New Mexican families with their home healthcare needs. Albuquerque Business Owner, Jennifer Muller purchased the company in 2015 and has since grown the organization and sustained the company mission.

WE TREAT YOUR FAMILY LIKE OURS

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CONTACT

At Atención every client has a team of caregivers Atención Family Services was founded in 2007 assigned to them that ensure their continuity with the goal of assisting New Mexican families of care. Muller purchased the company after with their home healthcare needs. Albuquerque Business Owner, Jennifer Muller purchasedexperiencing Atención’s care giving services firsthand. the company in 2015 and has since grown the organization and sustained the company mission.

“Our caregiver loved my father when

Learn more about planning for your pet beyond your lifetime by contacting us at 505.938.7919 or she didn’t have to and this changed At Atención every clientPlannedGiving@AnimalHumaneNM.org has a team of caregivers assigned to them that ensure their continuity everything for my family.” of care. Muller purchased the company after — Jennifer Muller. experiencing Atención’s care giving services firsthand.

Muller exemplifies Atención’s compassion through her individual care for every “Our caregiver loved my father whenclient— through home visits and constant she didn’t have to and this changed communication with caregivers. everything for my family.”

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0771-712-505

ATENCIÓN Family Services

ATENCIÓN Family Services

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This is what Animal Humane “MY FATHER’S CAREGIVERS CHANGED MY LIFE.” New Mexico — Jennifer Muller can ensure when you plan now “MY FATHER’S CAREGIVERS for your CHANGED MY LIFE.” WE TREAT YOUR FAMILY LIKE OURS pets.

Probate is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes the decedent’s

5783-943-505

for them.

Personal representatives must also seek out legal heirs, including surviving spouses, parents, and children. The probate court will determine the distribution of the estate among its legal heirs. In the absence of any family or other heirs, remaining assets go to the state.

The more complex or contested an estate is, the longer the probate process can take to finalize. The longer the process, the higher the cost. Probate without a will typically costs more than probate with a valid will, but neither scenario is inexpensive. Probate court documents are public record, so if you want to keep your estate private, it is best to pursue other estate planning options such as a trust.

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of mind for you, a future filled with

estate planning goals can only be met through the probate process.

Disputes among heirs can also be resolved through a probate. There are advantages and disadvantages to probate and probate avoidance techniques, so make sure you have the facts about all the techniques when deciding what course of action is best for you.

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Probate is required for any asset or account that does not have a joint owner or beneficiary named. If a joint owner or beneficiary is named then title changes automatically and probate becomes unnecessary.

All real property (land or homes) must go through probate regardless of value unless the property was transferred with a transfer on death deed or had a surviving joint tenant.

With very narrow exceptions, even a surviving spouse who was not in title has to probate real property that belonged to the deceased spouse. srevigerac fo maet a sah tneilc yreve nóicnetA tA ytiunitnoc rieht erusne taht meht ot dengissa retfa ynapmoc eht desahcrup relluM .erac fo secivres gnivig erac s’nóicnetA gnicneirepxe .dnahtsrfi

The personal representative’s function is to locate and oversee all of the estate’s assets and to determine each asset’s value. The personal representative will pay any taxes and debts owed by the

decedent from the estate.

Creditors are given a limited time to make claims against the estate for any money owed to them. If the personal representative rejects the claim, the creditor may take them to court, where a probate judge will determine the debt’s validity. The personal representative is responsible for filing the decedent’s final, personal income tax returns and estate tax returns where applicable. The personal representative’s last task is to distribute what remains of the estate to the beneficiaries.

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If a person dies without a will, they are said to have died intestate, which means New Mexico law imposes a pattern of distribution for the estate, so the estate may not be distributed the way the decedent

There are dedicated county probate courts that have limited jurisdiction to oversee probates.

District courts in each county have full jurisdiction to oversee the process. It is the personal representative’s responsibility to initiate the probate process in the court in the county where the decedent lived. The personal representative files an application in the court and the will to initiate the probate process. A court officially appoints the personal representative, giving the personal representative legal authority to act on the estate’s behalf. A personal representative has no authority to administer the estate without a court order.

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P

robate is the legal process for transferring title of the assets of a deceased person (decedent). The process includes authenticating a deceased person’s will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to their heirs. After the decedent dies, the court will appoint the person named in the will as personal representative to administer the estate in accordance with the terms of the will. If there is no will, an interested person can ask to be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate in accordance with intestacy law. A personal representative can be a family member or professional fiduciary.

would have wanted. An estate can also be deemed instate if the will presented to the court is found to be invalid.

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Lori L. Millet, J.D., LL.M. ABQ Elder Law, PC

T C AT N O C

What Is Probate?

S R U O E K I L YL I M AF R U O Y TA E R T E W

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Do you want a big agency, or a little ATENCIÓN?

Committed to agency, providing the highest quality, Do you want a big CONTACT client-centered and affordable home care services. or a little ATENCIÓN?

Dedicated to assigning exceptionally qualified, trustworthy and compassionate individuals to you and your loved ones.

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June 2021

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June 2021

Classifieds COUNSELING

Enchantment Counseling • Counseling & Therapy • Medication Management • In Person & Telehealth info@enchantmentcounseling.com enchantmentcounseling.com 505-257-6867

HANDYMAN/YARD/ LANDSCAPE Electrician 30 years’ experience.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured.

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.

Call 463-4744.

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!

We are hiring for all shifts and would love to add you to our team of amazing CAREGivers.

We serve Albuquerque and surrounding areas. You can go online at homeinstead.com/144 or call 884-0353, ask for Kathy. We look forward to meeting you!

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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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North of Albuquerque on I-25, exit 248

PRIME TIME

June 2021

Crossword

#5152

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Arrives 6. Unwritten 10. Molecular unit 14. Usually abbreviated Latin phrase 15. Cone dropper 16. Be generous 17. Incomplete statue 18. Renounced one’s office 20. Before, in poetry 21. Gasoline quantities: abbr.

23. Demonstrate remorse 24. Tops 25. Part of a horse’s collar 27. Films 30. Bumpkin 31. __ Khan IV 34. High clubs 35. One who takes target practice 36. Married title: abbr.

37. Dinner basics, for some 41. Mr. X, to friends, perhaps 42. One who translates into symbols 43. Away from the wind 44. Response: abbr.

45. Portent 46. Stirs 48. Raised 49. Talk wildly 50. Permanent place 53. Fixed stance 54. Govt. envoy’s title 57. Holds dear 60. Less frequently seen 62. Small islands 63. __ down; wrecked 64. Strike 65. Rope fiber 66. Sight sites 67. Down source 1

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DOWN 1. Give a speeding ticket to 2. Garlic eater’s problem 3. Parisian mom 4. Snakelike letter 5. Item for a smoker 6. Gems 7. Cage parts 8. As well as 9. Fragrant necklace 10. Semiprecious stone 11. Late Communist leader 12. Turkey’s destination 13. Ancient Persian 19. Tourist’s item 22. Promos 24. Shopper’s item 25. Amuse 26. “Wanna make __?”

27. Family member 28. Indian __ 29. Meat store purchases 30. Mellow 31. Soap plant 32. Crayon color 33. Beasts of burden 35. Combined 38. Oaks-to-be 39. __, Alaska 40. Steal 46. Existed 47. Disinclined 48. Crow 49. Valentine’s Day gift 50. Inflict a wound 51. Solo for Sills 52. Common contraction 53. 3 Down’s complement 54. Like the Sahara 55. Give out fixed portions 56. Word with Rabbit or Fox 58. Early Coloradan 59. Trigger’s rider 61. Friend at the Sorbonne 7

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48 51

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(solutions on Page 18)

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

Y

ou can help prevent cockroaches from coming into your home by inspecting all incoming food products, boxes, and any used furniture or appliances for the presence of cockroaches or their egg capsules. Do not store paper bags anywhere in the kitchen.

Seal any holes or crevices around plumbing under sinks and behind toilets. Regularly vacuum and clean floors under kitchen appliances. Keep all of your drains closed at night to prevent cockroaches from coming up from the sewer system.

Safe baits that control cockroaches can be either homemade or purchased. You can put equal amounts of baking soda and sugar out in flat containers, and they will take it. Niban Bait, which is made from boric acid, can be purchased online. When using Niban, put it under and behind appliances, around hot water heaters, inside lower cabinets, in the garage, and other places roaches will hide.

One of the best ways to control cockroaches outside is to place several pie pans filled with beer around your home.

Roaches love beer and you will find many dead roaches in the pans in the morning.

You can also put down duct tape, sticky side up, in the house or garage where it won’t get stepped on. Roaches are attracted to the glue and will get stuck on the tape. It will also catch crickets.

American cockroaches This common roach feeds on a wide variety of plant and animal material, and it is commonly found

15

in sewer systems. It will come up the drains at night and enter the living space of a home. It also likes homes that have crawl spaces. The is the largest of the home-infesting roaches in the country, and unlike most roaches, it can fly. It is a dark brown, with a yellowish band around its thorax (section behind head), and measures about 1½ inches long. One beneficial aspect of this cockroach is that it will feed on bed bugs. Of course, most people don’t want roaches in their bed feeding on the bed bugs that are feeding on the humans. Niban Bait is a very good commercial bait that works well on controlling these insects.

Oriental cockroaches Oriental cockroaches, or “waterbugs,” are found throughout the United States. These roaches are common in sewer systems and will come up the drains into the homes. They are also common in underground debris outside and love stacks of firewood. These roaches will readily take Niban Bait, as well as the homemade baits discussed above.

German cockroaches The German cockroach is the most prolific of the roaches. It is small, dark brown with two distinct black stripes on its thorax. It will feed on almost anything edible and a lot of things we wouldn’t consider edible. It grows from egg to adult in as little as 45 days and, if left unchecked, can severely infest a home or business. Usually, they are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. When you

are controlling German roaches, you should use German Roach Pheromone Traps, available online.

The traps will attract and catch the roaches. These roaches also take Niban Bait.

You can control almost all pests in your house or business without using toxic pesticides and spending a lot of money.

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PRIME TIME

June 2021

P X

For A Healthy Life

Barry W. Ramo, MD, FACC • Director New Heart Fitness and Health • Cardiologist, New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group

J

erry, a 50-year-old executive, developed what he thought was the flu during the pandemic. Symptoms including chills, a low-grade fever, cough, and muscle aches made his case sound as if it could be Covid-19, but he thought only older people got this disease. However, a Covid-19 test indicated he was positive, and after fighting shortness of breath, he was hospitalized.

A two-week hospital stay followed. Doctors placed him on high-flow oxygen, steroids, and Rendservir. Although he still required oxygen for a week

Covid-19’s Unexpected Legacy after discharge, his strength did start coming back. But then the recovery changed course.

Exhaustion and shortness of breath returned. A test for Covid-19 came back negative, showing that he was not reinfected. Also, a new symptom had presented - “brain fog”. He couldn’t focus; he would go blank in the middle of a sentence. Jerry came to the New Heart Covid Recovery Program for help.

Jerry had developed what is now recognized as Post Covid Syndrome (PCS). PCS patients are sometimes referred to as longhaulers. Contrary to those most severely impacted by Covid-19 older people or those with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic pre-existing conditions - people with PCS are often younger, previously healthy men and women between the ages of 25 and 50.

COVID RECOVERY PROGRAM Medically Supervised Increase Energy and Improve Shortness of Breath 3 Month Gradual Exercise Progression & Breathing Exercises

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The Covid-19 virus can attack multiple organs in the body, including the lungs, heart, nervous system, and even the kidneys and liver. The most common symptoms of PCS are fatigue, shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest pain. Brain fog is often the chief complaint.

Reports also note the similarity of the symptoms to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Blood pressure control is disturbed, causing a striking fall in blood pressure with standing, often accompanied by a very rapid heartbeat. The findings suggest abnormal function of the autonomic nervous system.

Before the medical community had the time to develop a better understanding of PCS, PCS patients were written off as having psychosomatic complaints.

Respiratory problems with PCS can last for months and, in some cases, appear persistent, requiring continuous oxygen therapy. CT scanning sometimes shows evidence of pulmonary damage. The degree of limitation of activities due to fatigue and shortness of breath can be profound.

The New Heart pulmonary program is enrolling PCS patients.

Some of our PCS patients at the New Heart Covid Recovery Program can hardly walk into the New Heart to begin training. The program is designed to enhance their stamina through progressive aerobic exercise and strength training. Improving fitness allows patients to do more work with less effort. Because nearly 80 percent of the effort of breathing comes from work done by the diaphragm, breathing exercises can reduce the work of breathing and shortness of breath on exertion.

Fatigue is often the most disabling symptom for PCS patients. Fatigue late after the infection had cleared was also seen in the SARS epidemic of 2002 and often occurs after a viral infection. No specific therapy other than physical conditioning has been shown to benefit the fatigue.

Recovery can take months.

Covid-19 can also damage the heart muscle, producing an illness called myocarditis. Myocarditis can lead to heart failure and arrhythmias. Cardiologists are just beginning to understand the significance of Covid-19 infections in the heart and know little about the long-term consequences.

The therapy for heart failure is identical to treatment for other types of heart failure.

Neurological symptoms have been the most distressing to many of our patients. In our program, a previously healthy 33-year-old female developed a very mild case of Covid-19, and like Jerry, she believed she was done with Covid-19 when her symptoms initially lifted. However, nearly a month after her illness, she complained of brain fog.

Although she is improving at six months post-Covid, the problem still exists.

Neurologists at Covid-recovery clinics are working with patients like her and Jerry. We encourage patients to keep diaries and make lists to help with memory. Some apps designed to help manage memory problems can also be downloaded. Becoming more physically fit helps patients with brain fog feel more robust, but it is unclear if it has any effect on brain function.

Comprehensive Covid-19 clinics are appearing around the country.

The University of New Mexico has one, and Lovelace is planning one. Our program at New Heart addresses the pulmonary and cardiac aspects of PCS, improving fitness, nutrition, and a patient’s self-image. Still, we do not deal with the broad spectrum of Covid illness that these other clinics do.

When so many people ages 2550 are refusing to get vaccinated, it should be remembered that PCS can occur in people with mild Covid-19 infections. Those contracting Covid-19 now are younger and healthier than in the early days of the pandemic. Going unprotected increases their risk and prevents the disease from going away. PCS will be here until everyone gets vaccinated and the condition is wiped out.

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June 2021

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How To Downsize Your Home For A Move

D

ear Savvy Senior, What tips can you offer for downsizing? My husband and I would like to relocate from our house into a retirement community condo near our daughter but need to get rid of a lot of personal possessions before we can move.

Overwhelmed Willa Dear Willa, The process of weeding through a house full of stuff and parting with old possessions is difficult and overwhelming for most people. A good place to start is to see if your kids, grandkids or other family members would like any of your unused possessions. Whatever they don’t want, here are a few tips and services that may help you downsize.

Sell It Selling your stuff is one way to get rid of your possessions and pad your pocketbook at the same time. Selling options may include consignment shops, a garage sale, estate sale and selling online.

Consignment shops are good for selling old clothing, household furnishings and decorative items – they typically get 30 to 40 percent of the sale price. A good old-fashion garage sale is another option, or for large-scale downsizing you could hire an estate sale company to come in and sell your items. See EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org to locate options in your area. Some estate companies will even pick up your stuff and sell it at their own location – they typically take about 35 percent of the profits.

Selling online is also a great option and opens you up to a wider audience. The OfferUp app (OfferUp.com), Facebook Marketplace (Facebook.com/ marketplace), Craigslist (Craigslist. org) and the CPlus for Craigslist app (Yanflex.com) are great options for selling locally, which can eliminate the packing and shipping costs

and hassle. These websites and apps also don’t take a cut of your sales, but you’re responsible for connecting with your buyer and making the exchange of money and goods.

Donate It If you itemize on your tax returns, donating your belongings to charitable organizations is another way to downsize and get a tax deduction. The Salvation Army (SAtruck.org, 800-728-7825) will actually come to your house and pick up a variety of household items, including furnishings and clothing. Goodwill (Goodwill.org) is another good option to donate to but they don’t offer pickup services.

If your deductions exceed $500, you’ll need to file Form 8283, “Noncash Charitable Contributions” (IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8283.pdf).

You’ll also need a receipt from the organization for every batch of items you donate and will need to create an itemized list of the items donated. To calculate fair market value for your stuff, use the Salvation Army’s donation guide at SAtruck.org/home/ donationvalueguide.

Toss It If you have a lot of junk you want to get rid of, contact your municipal trash service to see if they provide bulk curbside pickup services.

Or, depending on where you live, you could hire a company like 1-800-Got-Junk (1800gotjunk.com, 800-468-5865) or Junk-King (JunkKing.com, 888-888-5865) to come in and haul it off for a moderate fee.

Another disposal option is Bagster (TheBagster.com, 877-789-2247)

by Waste Management. This is a dumpster bag that you purchase for around $30, fill it to a limit of 3,300 pounds and schedule a pickup, which costs anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on your area.

Get Help If you want or need some help, consider hiring a senior move manager. These are professional organizers who help older adults and their families with the

daunting process of downsizing and moving to a new residence.

To locate one in your area, visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers at NASMM.org or call 877-606-2766. You can also search at Caring Transitions (CaringTransitions.com), which is a large senior relocation and transition services franchise

company that has more than 200 franchises nationwide.

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.

Established in 1929

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Health City Sun

New Mexico’s Legal & Financial Weekly Newspaper

Call To Order Your Subscription Today 52 issues for $24 Annual Subscription is $24 Editorial, Legal & Advertising:

(505) 242-3010 Fax: (505) 842-5464

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HealthCitySun.com

18

June 2021

Shellie Rosen, DOM

Herb Doc

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

P

rocessed food is often loaded with dangerous ingredients and lacks beneficial nutrition. It provides minimal satisfaction while placing you on a blood sugar roller coaster. Dietary fiber is something your mom or dad ANSWER TO #5152

Oldie But Goodie: Dietary Fiber The Healthy Helper lectured you about decades ago, and their wisdom stood the test of time. Nothing slows the absorption of sugar down quite like fiber. That bulky, hard-todigest fiber sticks around long enough to satiate you right before helping to ease your bowel movement. Fiber does it all; it helps with weight and mood, and promotes healthy gut bacteria, leading to a more robust immune system and overall health.

There are two types of fiber: soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (does not dissolve in water). The soluble form of fiber transforms into a digestive mucous that helps digestion and slows blood glucose metabolism, preventing diabetes. It survives a journey throughout digestion into the colon, where it feeds the good bacteria. Insoluble fiber pulls water and other digestive remains together to form an easyto-pass stool. The fiber in the

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digestive tract reduces cholesterol absorption, slows digestion, and slows the release of blood sugars. These mechanisms lead to increased satiety, fewer cravings, and overall improved health benefits.

To achieve better colon health, reduce your risk of diabetes, and expel unnecessary dietary cholesterols, consider adding nonprocessed fiber to your shopping list. For best results, stick with whole food. Fruits high in fiber include raspberries, strawberries, pears, avocados, bananas, and apples. Vegetables include broccoli, carrots, beets, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, sweet potato, kale, and spinach. Lentils, beans, quinoa, oats, popcorn, almonds, dark chocolate, and chia seeds also add more fiber to the plate.

If you have ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, changing your fiber intake can trigger symptoms.

Many people with these conditions find slow introductions of increased dietary fiber to be tolerable and beneficial over time.

The key here may be dialing in the source of fiber that works with your digestive symptoms.

Perhaps consider avoiding grainbased fiber or raw foods. Some of these options are high in lectins, which may irritate the gut lining.

Do your research and seek a fiber option that works to ensure you also gain gut and overall health benefits.

Taking too much fiber can cause anyone to develop bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.

Dietary changes are best to engage in slowly. Split pea soup is my favorite high fiber treat.

Peas are high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin C, thiamine, and manganese.

The following recipe packs a satisfying, nutritious punch that will kick that pandemic weight off in no time. Stabilize your metabolism and feel better today; incorporate fiber as your healthy helper. Abundant Blessings this summer!

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

High Fiber Pea Soup • 16 ounces (1 package) dried split peas • 32 ounces chicken broth • 2 cups water • 1 onion chopped • 2 celery stalks chopped • 2 carrots chopped • 1 potato diced • 1 clove garlic • 1 bay leaf • 2-4 tablespoons olive oil • 1 teaspoon sea salt • ½ teaspoon pepper Soak peas overnight for stovetop cooking. In a pressure cooker or on a stovetop, sauté oil, garlic, and vegetables until soft. Add in liquid, peas, and seasoning, and cook. If using a pressure cooker, set to high pressure for 8 minutes natural release. If using the stovetop, cook for an hour or until peas are soft. Add additional seasonings to taste. If you wish, add a package of bacon or ham hock to the sauté method and then to the pot for flavor.

PRIME TIME

Risk Of Falling The Doc Can Be Increased Is In

By Variety Of Factors

June 2021

19

Dr. Gerard Muraida

Gerard Muraida MD is a Geriatrician and the Medical Director at InnovAge in Albuquerque.

A

s a geriatrician, one of the most common complaints I hear from my patients is about falling. The annual incidence of falls among seniors approaches 35 percent after 75 years of age. Each year, more than 9,000 deaths in seniors are attributed to falls.

Seniors who survive a fall often experience significant morbidity.

Hospital stays are almost twice as long in older patients who are hospitalized after a fall compared to seniors who are admitted for other reasons (e.g., pneumonia, heart failure, infections, etc.).

Fractures and soft tissue injuries may result, along with longstanding pain, functional impairment, and

reduced quality of life. There is an increase in doctor visits, medical costs, and even in the risk of dying.

Cluttered spaces in the home, throw rugs, and extension cords are major hazards to eliminate.

Falls among seniors have been studied in various settings, such as community dwellings, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

About one-third of communitydwelling seniors and up to two-thirds of nursing home residents fall each year. Half of these individuals have multiple falls.

Osteoporosis can lead to more brittle bones and increased susceptibility for fracture. Hearing loss increases a senior’s risk of falling three-fold. This risk continues to rise with every 10 decibels lost.

More than 90 percent of hip fractures are associated with falls, and most of these fractures occur in persons over the age of 70.

More than two-thirds of falls don’t happen from a height but occur due to slipping or tripping. Decreasing the risk of falls in seniors begins with a home safety evaluation, followed by a medication review, sensory examination and footgear analysis.

Medical conditions that impair gait and balance, such as Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, anemia, and central obesity, increase the risk of falling. The higher center of gravity associated with central obesity (increased waist circumference) decreases stability. Vision loss due to cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma also contribute to increased fall risk.

The pandemic has exacerbated the problem because it has prevented many seniors from updating their

vision prescription. Also, isolation and inactivity due to Covid-19 have been linked to an increased incidence of falls in seniors.

Medications that impair one’s level of consciousness, including anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and some antihypertensives, pose risks as well.

Discuss your fall risk factors with your primary care provider, and determine the safest ways to increase your activity.

There is now strong evidence in the medical literature that structured fallpreventive programs for seniors can be beneficial in reducing the number of falls.

Don’t become a fall statistic.

Stay safe!

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