Prime Time Monthly September 2020

PRIME TIME

Printed on recycled paper Volume 30 | Issue 9

PRIME TIME

September 2020

September 2020

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September 2020

Table of Contents

FEATURES

6 Screen Time Is Not The Problem

12 Savvy Senior – Should Seniors

Consider A Reverse Mortgage Now?

Albuquerque Author Wins Novel Writing Award

By Prime Time Staff

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cuteByDesign is proud to announce that Albuquerque author, Beverly Ann Allen, has been honored with their Novel Writing Award for her new book, Rio Grande Rhapsody.

AcuteByDesign awarded Beverly a publishing contract last year, and her book is now available on Amazon and other national book outlets.

COLUMNS 4 Shannon Wagers 9 Prescription For A Better Life

Dr. Barry Ramo 14 The Doc Is In – Dr. Muraida 15 Herb Doc

AcuteByDesign’s Writing Award is granted annually to three new authors whose first-time novel represent the best in adult storytelling and fiction writing.

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After teaching for seventeen years, Beverly decided to pursue her love of writing, resulting in her award-winning novel, Rio Grande Rhapsody. She also is a freelance contributor to several magazines,

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including Prime Time and New Mexico Woman.

Michele Thomas, AbyD publisher, said, “Beverly Ann Allen’s historical novel represents the best of action fiction supported by her relentless attention to historical accuracy. It is written with the cunning of a seasoned author.”

Beverly graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a B.A. in English and a minor in history.

She lives in Albuquerque with her two orange cats, Sonny-Ray and Bianca, and rescue pups, Sasha and Malia.

Beverly Ann Allen is currently writing her second novel, a sequel to Rio Grande Rhapsody.

For additional information, please feel free to contact the publisher, Michele Thomas, at AcuteByDesign@gmail.com.

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September 2020

Who Was Don Juan de Oñate?

By Shannon Wagers

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on Juan de Oñate has been getting a lot of bad press lately—not that his reputation was ever spotless. Statues of the first colonizer of New Mexico have been removed in Albuquerque and Alcalde. Oñate High School in Las Cruces has changed its name, and movements are afoot to remove his name from public buildings elsewhere.

The reason for all this opprobrium is, of course, his brutal suppression of a revolt at Acoma Pueblo in 1599 and the subsequent punishment of 24 adult male survivors by the

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amputation of their feet. That act was undeniably cruel, even by late 16th century standards.

It resulted, along with other offenses, in Oñate’s removal as governor, the stripping of his titles and emoluments, and his permanent banishment from New Mexico. And that, unfortunately, is about all that ever gets reported about him.

But who was Oñate the man, what were his origins, and how was he selected to lead the entrada into the land of the Pueblos? To refresh my memory concerning Oñate’s career I recently re-read Marc Simmons’ biography, The Last Conquistador: Juan de Oñate and the Settling of the Far Southwest (University of Oklahoma Press, 1991), which is the source of most of the information that follows.

Oñate’s ancestors were minor nobility from

the Basque region of northern Spain. His father, Cristóbal de Oñate, arrived in Mexico in 1524 at the age of 20, with an appointment as a junior official of the royal treasury. He was apparently a conscientious public servant, and rose quickly in the ranks of the colonial administration. He served as a cavalry officer during the conquest of western Mexico and was one of the founders of the city of Guadalajara. Later he was appointed acting governor of the province of Nueva Galicia and was among the financial backers of the Coronado expedition of 1540-‘42, the first large-scale exploration of what would later become the southwestern U.S. Cristóbal then turned his attention to prospecting in the silver-rich region of Zacatecas, about 350 miles north of Mexico City. There he developed several productive mines and established himself as one of the wealthiest men on what was then the northern frontier of New Spain.

In 1549, at the mature age of 45, he married and began to raise a family.

Oñate was the second of seven children, born sometime between 1550 and 1552 at Zacatecas or possibly in Mexico City, where the family maintained a second home.

The birth records have been lost, and later documents report his age inconsistently.

Young Oñate took a keen interest in the family business, becoming well-versed in every phase of the mining and extraction of silver. At the same time, he was gaining military experience in the ongoing wars with various tribes of north-central Mexico, whom the Spaniards collectively called Chichimecas. These conflicts involved cruelties on both sides, and undoubtedly convinced Oñate of the necessity of putting down native uprisings with an iron hand.

In 1576, he became a co-founder of the city of San Luis Potosí, about 100 miles southeast of Zacatecas, and served as its first alcalde, or mayor.

Like his father, Oñate built a reputation as a decisive leader and a capable administrator. It was those qualities, along with his wealth and social position, that led Viceroy Don Luis de Velasco, in 1595, to award him the contract to undertake the colonization of New Mexico. That contract obligated Oñate to recruit a minimum of 200 soldier-colonists and to arm, equip and provision

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them and their dependents at his own expense. He, in return, would serve as governor of the new colony with a salary of 6,000 ducats a year, plus a share of the wealth the colony produced. In addition to the governorship, he was to be awarded the title of Adelantado and the military rank of Captain-General.

Oñate began making preparations at once, hoping to launch his venture in the spring of the coming year. But a series of unanticipated setbacks, bureaucratic red tape and political intrigue delayed the expedition’s departure for more than two years.

By then most of the colonists he had recruited had lost interest and drifted away, leaving Oñate with only 129 able-bodied men, plus their families and servants. Oñate pressed on, despite the frustration and mounting expenses, certain that New Mexico’s mountains held mineral wealth that would make it all worthwhile.

To say that New Mexico turned out to be a disappointment would be an understatement. The climate was harsh, good farmland was scarce, and the hoped-for silver bonanza did not materialize.

Almost immediately Oñate had to deal with threats of desertion and mutiny. One can imagine the mental strain he must have been under.

Oñate’s tenure as governor lasted 12 years, during which he became increasingly dictatorial and heavy-handed in his methods.

The Acoma mutilations were just the first in a long string of abuses for which he was eventually tried and convicted, although his punishment was rather light, considering the enormity of his alleged crimes.

Oñate returned to his family home near Zacatecas, paid the fines he had been assessed, and resumed the operation of his mines, which had been neglected during his long absence. In 1621, he traveled to Spain to personally petition King Phillip III and the Council of the Indies to grant him a pardon and restore his titles in recognition of his years of loyal service to the crown. After initial rebuffs, he eventually succeeded, at least in part. In addition, the king appointed him royal mine inspector for all of Spain, a post he held for the rest of his life.

On June 3, 1626, he collapsed and died while inspecting a silver mine at Guadalcanal, in southwestern Spain.

PRIME TIME

September 2020

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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

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ith the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased awareness about vaccinations and immunizations. Vaccines protect people from getting disease and prevent the spread of disease.

Perhaps by now you have already started to see influenza vaccine campaigns and may be aware that some pharmacies already have the vaccine in stock. While most of our vaccines were received when we were younger, there are several important vaccines recommended for older adults.

What is the difference between vaccination and immunization?

The words vaccination and immunization are used interchangeably. Vaccination is the act of introducing a vaccine into the body, and immunization is the process by which the body becomes protected against a disease through vaccination.

A vaccine is the product that is administered to the patient. It can be given as an injection, as a nasal spray or by mouth. The vaccine will cause the body to produce a protective response, which is called immunity.

How does a vaccine work?

Your body’s immune system protects you from illness and disease by producing proteins called antibodies whenever a foreign organism (virus or bacteria) enters

your body. The antibodies fight the foreign organism and help you recover. Antibodies also help protect you from future infections and illnesses. The next time you are exposed to the same or similar organism the immune system will activate the same type of antibodies required to fight and destroy the organism. Ideally, this response (called immunity) protects you for life. Vaccines work in the same way; they stimulate your body to produce an immune response by making antibodies but without causing severe illness. This is done by introducing either a weakened form of the harmful organism, inactive parts of the organism or antibodies donated by other people.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Some common adult vaccines include the yearly influenza vaccine, the pneumonia vaccine, the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine, and the tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis booster every 10 years. If you have underlying chronic conditions, your doctor may recommend that you have additional vaccines or take a vaccine at an earlier age.

For example, the pneumonia vaccine is routinely given at age 65 years or older. However, if you have diabetes or heart disease, the pneumonia vaccine is recommended for you even if you are younger than 65. Other vaccines, such as those for hepatitis A or B or meningitis, may be recommended depending on your situation, occupation or travel plans. Please

discuss your vaccination needs with your health care provider.

What are the side effects from getting a vaccine?

Most vaccines are safe and cause very few serious side effects. You may not have any side effects.

Usually, the side effects from getting a vaccine are mild, such as a sore arm or redness where the injection was given. Mild side effects also can include fever, joint pain, or skin rash, which usually resolve in a day or two. Serious side effects are rare. These can include neurologic reactions, such as seizures or severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Severe allergic reactions usually are apparent within minutes to hours after getting the vaccine. Serious side effects should be reported immediately to your health care provider and may require emergent care. If you have allergies to any component of the vaccine, you should avoid getting it.

Certain vaccine types are also not recommended for those who have a weakened immune system.

When will there be a COVID-19 vaccine?

Most experts predict that a COVID-19 vaccine will not be available until 2021.

Vaccine development requires comprehensive understanding of the virus structure, how it interacts with the immune system and lots of testing. Vaccines must be safe, effective, and easy to reproduce because they will be given to large number of people. There are more than a hundred COVID-19 vaccines being developed, and a few frontrunners have already started testing on humans. The race is on as the world eagerly waits for a chance to return to the many activities we once enjoyed. Meanwhile please get your influenza vaccine, discuss the other recommended vaccines with your health care provider, and keep your appointments with your health care provider for your chronic conditions. Don’t hesitate — health care can’t wait.

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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September 2020

Screen Time Is Not The Problem Your Kitchen Is

By Autumn Gray

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ven the medical experts say that now is no time to be overly critical of the amount of time we’re spending in front of a computer screen. Still stuck at home for the most part due to the pandemic, technology has become a lifeline to, well,

some semblance of life. This is especially true for older people who are at greater risk for Covid-19. Thanks to computers, we’re all able to work from home, visit family and friends through Zoom, shop online, take classes, or help a child or grandchild with

remote school. The computer is in many ways helping us cope mentally and emotionally, but it may also be increasing our risk for physical injury. The potential problem with our digital compensation for “normal” activities lies in how and where we’re spending the screen time.

day, and the unnatural positions are wreaking havoc on our musculoskeletal systems.

Kevin Costello, a certified professional ergonomist and president of New Yorkbased U.S. Ergonomics, said, “The companies we’re working with, everyone went home and took their laptops. … So now they’re lifting them up and working high on kitchen counters, or balancing them on their knees with their feet up on couches or worse.”

“Office ergonomics comes down to simple geometry – setting the body up in a balanced way to minimize stress and strain, and having good, supportive seating,” Costello said. “The other key is movement. Changing position and stretching is also important for circulation and blood flow.”

The common denominator is that our bodies are scrunched, twisted, and bent for hours each

“If it’s too high, it hurts the hands and wrists, and too low, the back and shoulders… An external keyboard and mouse are essential,” Costello said.

When these precautions are not taken, cumulative trauma injuries may occur. These include carpal tunnel, tendonitis in the arms and hands, ligament and joint inflammation, and even disc or nerve compression in the neck and back.

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“These are long-term injuries, so you may not see it in the first six months that we’ve been in this (pandemic) situation,” said Katherine Mendoza, environmental health and safety manager for the National Safety Council and senior program manager for the Campbell Institute, a division of the NSC. While it’s too early for data to have been collected on the scope of injuries people are sustaining as a result of working from home, there is anecdotal evidence it’s becoming a problem. Mendoza said her organizations are getting reports of discomfort from staff and members suddenly working from home for the first time.

Many don’t have a home office much less an ergonomic space, she said.

“I would certainly suspect that as other people are asked to stay (continued on next page)

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Screen Time Is Not The Problem (cont.) (continued from previous page)

home, they’re also experiencing some of these sorts of issues, too,” she said.

Creating an ergonomic space, whether for work, hobbies or online visits with grandchildren, doesn’t have to cost a lot.

“We’re trying to get people to use what they have available in the house as much as possible - using pillows, boxes, stacks of books and things around the house to raise monitors, improve the support of a chair and get foot support,” Costello said.

U.S. Ergonomics, which has specialized in product and workplace ergonomics for 30 years, has regional experts nationwide. However, the company has shifted away from face-to-face visits to conducting webinars and remote assessments of home work stations to avoid close contact amid Covid-19 concerns. To help guide these, the company asked participants to

send pictures of areas in the home where they use the computer.

“There was a guy in a hammock, and one man was at a Playschool table with kids in his lap. … A woman was in a bathtub - with her clothes on of course. (Bathtub work has become a fairly common tactic used to escape children during office hours).

“So, it’s not just the setup that’s a challenge right now, but other distractions from home,” Costello said.

To accommodate a varied, and perhaps unpredictable, home environment, it may be useful to have two or three places to work that are adjustable, using props on hand. Get in the habit of making any necessary adjustments before sitting down, Costello advises. It’s also essential to take breaks, stretch and stay hydrated.

Whether you’re suddenly working from home, are retired and spending extra time on the computer, or if you have children

or grandchildren doing more schoolwork on-screen, now is an ideal time to assess the workstation(s) in your home for you and your family members.

With the pandemic showing no signs of abating, the school year underway and colder months about to limit outdoor activities, the likelihood is that

September 2020

computer use in your home will only increase.

“I think now is when we need to take the initiative to make the changes because later is when we’ll see the repercussions of not taking action today,” Mendoza said.

How to Prevent Injury

The proper body position for a work station looks like this, according to WebMD: • When typing or using a mouse, your wrists should be straight, your elbows close to your body, and your hands even with your elbows or slightly lower.

• Forearms should be aligned with the thighs and knees level with your hips, feet flat on the ground or other floor support.

• Eyes should be in line with the top of the monitor, which should be about an arm’s length away.

• And use the wrist on your keyboard for your palms only, not your wrists.

For those who want to invest in ergonomic chairs, keyboards and desks, there are plenty of excellent options that can help and last a lifetime. See Wirecutter, Consumer Reports and other trusted resources for reviews before buying. It’s also a good idea to ensure equipment can be returned after a trial period; what’s comfortable for a 6-foot, 250-pound man may not work for a slender female, child, or older person.

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September 2020

Grocery Shopping Options Expand During Pandemic

By Beverly Ann Allen

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ven before the pandemic, online grocery shopping was picking up steam: In 2017, big-box stores like Walmart had already rolled out options for their customers to purchase whatever was on their grocery list via either store pick-up or home delivery. It is projected that by the end of this year, online grocery sales will have nearly doubled from those in 2019, according to a recent article in supermarketnews.com.

Of course, some folks still prefer to browse the grocery aisles themselves. Here are some options for getting your grocery shopping done safely, whether by scouring the shelves in person or in cyberspace.

Delivery Services There are options to order your groceries through a local store or a grocery delivery service. Either allows for delivery to your doorstep for a fee. You simply go to the store website of your choice, fill a virtual shopping cart with items on your list, then either the store or an independent delivery service will bring your products to you, with options for contactless drop- off.

When shopping from a local store online, just choose the “delivery” option. To order groceries through an independent delivery service, you can download their app.

According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, reputable delivery services include Instacart, Shipt, Walmart and Amazon Fresh, to name a few. Some local stores, such as Albertsons, partner with a delivery service, in this case Instacart. Many delivery services require a membership fee, with a minimum order amount typically in

the $30 range, and many offer the option of same-day delivery.

Be aware that independent delivery services commonly charge annual membership fees upfront. For example, be prepared to pay $120 when you sign up for a plan that costs $10 a month.

Pick-Up Many local grocery stores, as well as the big-box stores, offer free curbside pick-up, typically with a minimum purchase. This is the most cost effective and safest way to do your grocery shopping since there is no delivery fee. Simply order online, park at the store and call them to say you’ve arrived. An employee will bring your groceries outside and load them into your car without you ever having to leave the driver’s seat.

Whether you order online and pick up your groceries at the store or have them delivered to your home, there are ways to receive a refund for items that are spoiled or inaccurate.

You will need to call the store to report the problem; often there are convenient options to do that online, as well.

Keep in mind that items from pickup orders can be substituted if the store is out of a particular product.

Often, those items will be replaced with a similar item, or if it cannot be substituted, you will simply not be charged for items unfulfilled in your order.

Food Banks Albuquerque has several venues where seniors who are facing financial difficulties may access free groceries.

Silver Horizons hosts a couple of Senior Food Markets each month at 3540 Pan American Freeway NE. They are available to seniors age 50

and older, without proof of income.

Shoppers are asked to wear masks and stay in their cars when they arrive at the Silver Horizons food warehouse, where boxed food items are brought to their vehicle.

“They just pop open their trunks, and volunteers fill them with free groceries,” said Silver Horizons executive director Ron Hidalgo.

“We also have free delivery service for those seniors who are truly homebound.”

The drive-up markets for September had not been scheduled as of deadline for this article, but Hidalgo advises checking the organization’s website, Silverhelpingsenior.org, for more information, or calling 505-884-3881.

Other food banks offering assistance to Albuquerque residents include Roadrunner Food Bank, 505-349-5340, The Storehouse New Mexico, 505-247-2052, and the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center, 505-243-2333.

Farmers’ Markets Albuquerque has several farmers’ markets where you can purchase locally sourced products such as organic produce, baked items, jams and honey, as well as dairy products.

Many, including the Rail Yards Market, Los Ranchos Growers’ Market and Corrales Growers’ Market, now have increased safety measures due to the pandemic.

Check out their websites for more information on market dates and the products they sell.

There are several options for shopping at your local farmers’ markets. Take advantage of the Farm-to-Car program offered at the Downtown Growers’ Market, where products can be ordered online

directly from vendors and farmers ahead of time, then picked up at the market, which takes place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Robinson Park, 810 Copper Ave. NW. Visit www.downtowngrowers.org for information about food vendors, deadlines for orders and where to pick up.

Customers with EBT/SNAP benefits can take advantage of the Double Up Food Bucks program at many farmers’ markets, whereby the amount the cardholder spends on food is matched by the participating vendor. For example, if you spend $10 from your SNAP EBT card at a participating outlet, you’ll receive another $10 to buy produce grown in New Mexico. For more information, visit https://www.doubleupnm.org/ how-it-works/farmers-markets/.

Of course, masks are required for in-person browsing at the markets.

Also, this year, pets are not allowed.

In-Person Shopping If you’re not in one of the atrisk groups for Covid-19, there’s always the old-fashioned method of shopping in person for your groceries. Keep in mind that stores have instituted new rules and policies to keep their customers and employees safe. Measures include social distancing markers spaced six feet apart in lines to enter the store and at the cash register.

One-way directional signs may be placed at grocery aisles, and masks are required.

Many stores offer special hours to help seniors shop free of large numbers of people. Anyone age 60 or older is designated at higher risk for the virus and should consider shopping at these times, typically the hour before the store opens for regular business.

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September 2020

For A Healthy Life

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

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54-year-old woman breast cancer survivor came to New Heart Fitness and Health to manage her weight and start exercising Five years ago, after she was treated with chemotherapy and radiation post-surgery, she was told to take it easy because she was fatigued and depressed. She was never told of the benefits of exercise for cancer patients.

The number of cancer survivors in the United States exceeds 15 million.

The cancer and therapy often leaves them debilitated. Additionally, two thirds of these patients are over the age of 65 and have other chronic diseases.

Many of these problems would benefit from cancer rehabilitation. Despite overwhelming evidence of the benefits of exercise, most patients with cancer are not referred by the oncologist to programs offering supervised exercise, nutrition, and weight management.

A Cancer Treatment With No Side Effects A review of the literature published in 2019, representing the view of 19 international oncology and exercise organizations, “Exercise is Medicine in Oncology: Engaging Clinicians to Help Patients Move Through Cancer” concluded “there is sufficient evidence to support the efficacy of specific doses of exercise training to address cancer-related health outcomes, including fatigue, quality of life, physical function, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.”

The debilitating effects of cancer treatment was dramatically shown in a study of patients with breast cancer. Researchers found the patient’s exercise capacity at six months after had deteriorated to become equal to women without breast cancer who were ten years older. Exercise training can bring a cancer survivors fitness level of fitness back to a level expected for their age.

At New Heart, where I am the director for an exercise and nutrition/ weight management program, cancer rehabilitation begins at the time of cancer diagnosis and continues through and beyond cancer treatment. Our cancer rehabilitation trained exercise physiologist and I assess the patient’s

physical impairment and we provide nutritional and exercise intervention aimed to optimize functioning, health, and quality of life.

Bone loss, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, adverse body composition, and renal disease are common in cancer survivors. Because of this, the initial evaluation with a physician is important in being certain that more than just the cancer is addressed. The participant meets weekly with a trainer to outline the exercise program for the week with a goal of increasing the duration and intensity. Our nutritionists emphasize the Mediterranean type diet and utilize a 12-component weight monument program when appropriate. For breast cancer survivors, overweight and obesity increase

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recurrence risk so weight management is an important feature of the program.

Exercise is great medicine to battle cancer. Your goal for an exercise program should be 1.5 hours of moderate exercise weekly along with 20 minutes of strength and flexibility training twice a week. So, don’t just sit there, get up and start exercising.

If you are unable to get to a gym or a specialized caner survivorship program , we have home exercise program you can use at New Heart

New Mexico’s Leading Medical Gym

Fitness for Hearts, Lung and Cancer Patients 601 Lomas NE 505 881 8195 Newheartnm.com

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Coming Soon!!! Enjoy your morning coffee on the great front deck of this brand new 3BR/2Bth, Cavco home located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community. The cathedral ceilings give the bright and open floor plan a very spacious and homey ambiance. The gorgeous kitchen with all stainless-steel appliances, and a great island is enough to make you want to cook a five-course dinner.

Accommodate your overnight company in the nice guest bedroom and enjoy using the bonus room as either a bedroom, den, office, or hobby room. Low-flow, high toilets are featured in both the master and guest bathrooms and the large master bathroom has a walk-in shower. The master bedroom has a ceiling fan and a large walk-in closet. This home comes with a manufacturer’s one-year home warranty. Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991. (stock photo)

Relax on the front porch of this premium Cavco home located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community.

Cathedral ceilings accentuate the bright and open floor plan that has a large living and dining room. The gourmet kitchen is any chef’s dream with plenty of cabinets and counter space and beautiful stainless steel appliances. This home has 2 bedrooms with an optional 3rd bedroom, den, or office. The nice-sized master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a ceiling fan and the master bathroom has double sinks, a walk-in shower and a large linen closet. The pretty guest bathroom has a tub/ shower combination. Add tape and textured walls throughout, refrigerated air, a covered carport, and a shed for all your extras. Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991. (stock photo)

WANTED TO BUY Old tools, Old Jewelry and hunting knives Please call 505-363-4813 VET WANTS TO BUY WWII Flight Jackets And WWII memorabilia Call (505) 254-1438 WEIGHT LOSS Drop A Dress Size Now! No Gimmicks!

ABQ LIPOLIGHT treatments are non-invasive, targeted fat reduction and body sculpting.

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

PRIME TIME

September 2020

Classifieds 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:

Crossword

ACROSS 1. Part of the brass section 5. Unimportant 10. Refreshing drink 14. Do a household chore 15. Fuming 16. To __; with no exceptions 17. “Goodness gracious!”

18. Traveler’s stop 20. Put in place 21. Breathe heavily 22. Hangs 23. Level of progress 25. King Kong, for one 26. Word of warning 28. Opposed 31. Oklahoma Indian 32. Part of a vacuum cleaner 34. Defensive weapon: abbr.

36. Inflammation: suff.

37. Stupid person 38. French priest 39. “Dancing with the Stars” judge 40. Crow 41. Region called “The Roof of the World” 42. Will subject 44. Angry speech 45. Item on a death certificate 46. Rent out, although a renter oneself 47. Range 50. Sugar plant 51. Mischief-maker 54. Has “big ears” 57. Pockmark 58. At any time 59. __ Gorme 60. Polynesian tuber 61. Berry and others 62. Essentials 63. Glide down a slope

Ombudsman Program Ombudsmen are advocates and problem solvers for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Please apply if you are looking for a rewarding experience that makes a difference in the lives of the elderly.

Time commitment: 3 hours per week, any day MondayFriday. For more information call 767-5225.

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.

Robert Benjamin

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

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North of Albuquerque on I-25, exit 248

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Offering stone and steel sculpture, paintings and fine art prints.

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“Church in Golden, NM” - 18 in x 24 in 125/125 s/n

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DOWN 1. Links 2. Egg on 3. Petty officers 4. Connector 5. Desert sight 6. Castle or Dunne 7. Cartoonist Thomas 8. Mel the Giant 9. Actor Stephen __ 10. Calling 11. Arabian Sea country 12. Terra firma 13. Picnic spoilers 19. Amphetamine 21. Skin 24. Price indicators 25. Cosmetics maker 26. Painful problem 27. __ Lauder 28. Weighs __; is heavy 29. Professor’s delight 30. Declined 32. Impatient chess player’s word 33. Unprocessed material 35. __ out; allot 37. Other sock 38. English river 40. Goes on a rampage 41. Flooring piece 43. Light producers 44. Grammar book chapter 46. Hurried 47. Hunt for 48. Early abode 49. Roaster 50. Area __ 52. Hay muncher 53. Poke 55. Group of scouts 56. Reuben’s necessity 57. Blvds.

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Algodones Gallery

#5144

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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

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12 September 2020

D

ear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about reverse mortgages?

The coronavirus damage to my retirement account has me considering it but want to make sure I know what I’m getting into.

Cash-Strapped Senior Dear Cash-Strapped, Massive job losses, a volatile stock market and low interest rates caused by the coronavirus pandemic has caused many cashstrapped retirees to consider a reverse mortgage. But there’s a lot to consider to be sure it’s a good option for you now.

Let’s start with the basics.

PRIME TIME

Should Seniors Consider A Reverse Mortgage Now? A reverse mortgage is a unique type of loan that allows older homeowners to borrow money against the equity in their house (or condo) that doesn’t have to be repaid until the homeowner dies, sells the house or moves out for at least 12 months.

At that point, you or your heirs will have to pay back the loan plus accrued interest and fees, but you will never owe more than the value of your home.

It’s also important to understand that with a reverse mortgage, you, not the bank, own the house, so you’re still required to pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance. Not paying them can result in foreclosure.

To be eligible, you must be 62 years of age or older, own your own home (or owe only a small balance) and currently be living there.

You will also need to undergo a financial assessment to determine whether you can afford to continue paying your property taxes and insurance. Depending on your financial situation, you may be required to put part of your loan into an escrow account to pay future bills. If the financial assessment finds that you cannot pay your insurance

(continued on next page)

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CONTACT

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

To receive your money, you can Other Options opt for a lump sum, a line of she didn’t have to and this changed If you have a short-term need for At Atención every client has a team of caregivers everything for my family.”

cash, there are other options you

assigned to them that ensure their continuity 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.”

and es N e w —HJennifer m Muller. e d ocompassion n w o Muller exemplifies Atención’s re l a bforl eevery throughP her individual v a icare client— throughA home visits and constant communication with caregivers.

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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.

ATENCIÓN Family Services

ATENCIÓN

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

Family Services

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.

TRANSPORTATION MEAL PREPARATION LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING

ASSISTANCE WITH PERSONAL CARE COMPANIONSHIP

www.AtenciónFamilyServices.com

info.AtenciónFamilyServices.com • 505-217-1770 6300 Montano RD NW STE H Albuquerque, NM 87120

505-217-1770

6300 Montano RD NW STE H Albuquerque, NM 87120

505-217-1770

Another possibility is a regular home equity loan or line of credit. This type of borrowing

505-349-3875

F S P E A LL CIA LS

info@Atenciónfamilyservices.com 505-349-3875 www.Atenciónfamilyservices.com

info@Atenciónfamilyservices.com www.Atenciónfamilyservices.com

Activities

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Fitness Center

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See 3 Listings on Page 10 In This Issue Affordable 55+ Independent Resort Style Living

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requires you to make payments, and lenders can freeze or lower limits on lines of credit, but the borrowing costs are much lower.

5783-943-505

Loan Details Around 95 percent of all reverse mortgages offered are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), which are FHA insured and offered through private mortgage lenders and banks.

HECM’s also have home value limits that vary by county but cannot exceed $765,600.

To learn more, read the National “MY FATHER’S Council CAREGIVERS on Aging’s online booklet How much you can actually .” to Stay at Home” CHANGED MY LIFE “Use Your Home get through a reverse mortgage —atJennifer Muller NCOA.org/home-equity. depends on your age (the older you are the more you can Also note that because reverse “get), MY FATHER’S CAREGIVERS your home’s value and mortgages are complex loans, the prevailing CHANGED MYinterest LIFE.”rates. WE TREATallYOUR FAMILY LIKE OURS borrowers are required to Generally, most people — Jennifer Muller can get counseling through a HUD Atención Family Services was founded in 2007 borrow somewhere betweenwith the goal ofapproved assisting New Mexican familiescounseling independent their home healthcare needs. Albuquerque 50 and 60 percent of the with Business Owner, Jennifer before Muller purchased agency taking one out. the company in 2015 and has since grown the home’s value. To estimate how Most agencies charge between organization and sustained the company mission.

WE TREAT FAMILY LIKE much youYOUR can borrow, useOURS the $125 and $250. To locate one near AtatAtención every client has a team of caregivers reverse mortgage Atención Family Services wascalculator founded in 2007 you, or call assigned to them thatvisit ensureGo.usa.gov/v2H, their continuity with the goal of assisting New Mexican families ReverseMortgage.org. of care. Muller purchased the company after with their home healthcare needs. Albuquerque 800-569-4287.

should look into. For example, many low-income seniors don’t realize they qualify for the earned income tax credit, a refundable tax break that can put cash in your pocket. You also could use BenefitsCheckUp.org to search for financial assistant programs you may be eligible for.

September 2020

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But be aware the reverse mortgages aren’t cheap. HECM loans require a 2 percent upfront mortgage insurance payment, plus an additional 0.5 percent annual charge, on top of origination costs and lenders’ fees. Any amount you borrow, including these fees and insurance, accrues interest, which means your debt grows over time.

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and taxes and have enough cash left to live on, you’ll be denied.

credit, regular monthly checks or a combination of these.

T C AT N O C

(continued from previous page)

S R U O E K I L YL I M AF R U

Savvy Senior (cont.)

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Library

Fire Pit

Relaxation Area

Art Studio

C o mG a t e d mu nity

(505) 821-1991 AlbuquerqueMeadows.com

PRIME TIME

14 September 2020

Dr. Gerard Muraida

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

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hat a difference a day makes, or should I say what a difference six months make? Covid-19 has changed how we dress, how we travel, how we socialize and even how we shop. Recommendations regarding safe interactions have changed month by month as we T I E S

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ANSWER TO #5144 M I N O R I R A T E R E S T A U P A N T P A G E A P R E A V E E M O T O R M O R O N R A V E N T A T E T I G E R E L E C A N E S D R O P S E Y D I E N E E D S

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Sudsy Safety have learned more about how the virus spreads. We wear face coverings in public, we practice physical distancing, shop online and order curbside pickup. So, what is the latest on shopping for and handling the groceries we bring home?

First, and most importantly, if you feel ill, stay at home. Have a friend or neighbor shop for you. Wear a face covering when in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household. Consider everyone as having Covid-19, including yourself.

Try to shop during less popular store hours. If you have medical conditions that place you at high risk, shop at stores that have special hours for special populations. Not long ago we were told to use reusable bags. However, because these bags may harbor virus particles, most stores have banned them.

Make a grocery list and stick to it. This limits your potential exposure time in the store. Once inside, disinfect the shopping cart or wear gloves. Follow the

directional signs on the floor.

These signs lessen the chance of spreading air droplets produced by exhaling and speaking. Stay at least six feet away from other shoppers.

Avoid sampling products.

Touch only the products you intend to buy. Clean your credit or debit card after each use.

At one point during the pandemic, we believed that prolific use of bleach and sanitizer on surfaces was the best way to be safe. However, as we were told in a New England Journal of Medicine article in March, the virus’ life span depends upon the surface it’s on. The virus remains in airborne particles for three to five hours; on porous surfaces, such as paper and carboard, up to 24 hours; and on hard surfaces, like plastic, glass and countertops, up to 72 hours.

What should you do when you get home? Wash your hands.

Consider a staging area for cleaning your groceries. Soapy water is all you need. While no solid evidence exists that Covid-19 can be transmitted via

food packaging, wipe down the packages with soapy water and allow them to air dry. Wash all fresh fruit and vegetables before eating. Canned goods and bottled items should be wiped down before opening.

After cleaning and putting the groceries away, clean the staging area with soap and water or with your favorite disinfectant.

Afterward, wash your hands again, and avoid touching your face. Although these recommendations may seem a little over the top, the idea is to reinforce the practice of washing hands, cleaning surfaces often and physically distancing ourselves.

Safety is in the suds and is our top priority.

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The

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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:

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PRIME TIME

September 2020

Zinc-Building Cellular Defense Against Pathogens

Shellie Rosen, DOM

Herb Doc

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

Z

inc has been a recommended supplement for colds and flu for years, as it may provide increased protection against pathogens. There are no randomized, controlled clinical trials presenting evidence that zinc kills viruses but rather that its presence in the plasma membrane inactivates a critical enzyme that may inhibit viral reproduction.

Zinc could play an essential role in helping prevent viral infections at the surface of the cell before a virus has an opportunity to replicate and cause severe damage.

However, a strategy is necessary when taking zinc for long durations. Zinc supplements taken at concentrations higher than in dietary foods can lead to side effects if not careful.

Zinc is not produced naturally but is the second most abundant mineral (behind iron) within the body. The best way to get a consistent supply is through the diet. Zinc is found primarily in oysters, crab, lobster, beef, pork, lamb, turkey, chicken, milk and eggs. Non-animal foods such as black beans, pumpkin seeds, cashews, oats, quinoa, brown rice, mushrooms, kale, peas and asparagus contain zinc, but they often have competing chemical components that get in the way of optimal absorption.

Phytic acid found in plant seeds impairs zinc absorption, so consider limiting nuts, legumes and grains during times when you want a high cell concentration of zinc.

If you choose to supplement zinc externally, take zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate glycine or zinc citrate for maximum absorption, rather than zinc oxide, which does not absorb well. Many fortified (and processed) foods include zinc; check supplement

fact box labels to monitor your daily intake.

Zinc in natural cold medicines such as lozenges and nasal sprays may help deliver the mineral directly to the most vulnerable tissues. If you are looking to take zinc when exposed to a viral pathogen, consider taking it four hours before exposure or as soon as you can after exposure.

There is evidence to suggest that polyphenols (such as quercetin and epigallocatechin or EGCG) help zinc move across the plasma membrane better than zinc alone.

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in onions, apples, grapes, berries, broccoli, capers, peppers, Ginkgo biloba and St. John’s wort. Green tea is an incredible partner for zinc; it contains both quercetin and EGCG. Zinc helps with DNA synthesis, immune function, cell division and growth, wound healing, and carbohydrate digestion. Zinc is also necessary for taste and smell, so consider a zinc deficiency if you have a reduction in either. Zinc

may help calm inflammation by reducing inflammatory proteins and oxidative stress involved in chronic inflammation.

Taking too much zinc can block iron and copper absorption and cause a variety of side effects.

Take zinc as recommended, but if you choose to bump up your milligrams per day to take advantage of protective aspects, be conscious of your dose, and consider the days when the protection is most needed. Oversupplementation for long durations can reduce health and immunity.

Some zinc supplements come with copper (a sign that copper deficiency is a real issue with increased zinc supplementation).

Diet is the best place to build a balanced nutritional inventory, but it’s OK to supercharge that from time to time through targeted supplementation.

Abundant blessings to your body as you stand strong in defense of pathogens.

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

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PRIME TIME

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