55 and Better

55& Bet ter ABC'S

OF MEDICARE

GOD'S LESSON: A MOTHER

DAUGTHER STORY

Non-Stop at 58: Lana Boren

g n i c a R g a r D THROUGH LIFE WITH RAY STROOPE

www.lightandchampion.com Fall Edition

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Quality. Compassion. Care.

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For the ones you love most

Allergies to Ankle Sprains

Laura Briggs ACNP-BC

Trusted Infant, Children and Adult Care Executive level medical care to everyone of all ages and stages.

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Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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320 Russell Blvd., Nacogdoches 936-462-1622.

contents

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Publisher STEPHANIE ELSWICK Editor MIKE ELSWICK Copy Editor GINIA HOOPER Editorial STEPHANIE ELSWICK LEON ALDRIDGE Advertising Sales STEPHANIE ELSWICK GINIA HOOPER Art Director STEPHANIE ELSWICK Ad Design JONI GUESS GINIA HOOPER CLAUDIA PEREZ Photography LEON ALDRIDGE *Otherwise noted.

Photo by Leon Aldridge

About the Cover With the alcohol-burning supercharged motor running, Ray listens and looks for signs of anything that is not performing perfectly. Photo by Leon Aldridge.

55& Bet ter Executive Publishers H.G. FOX, SR. SUZANNE FOX Managing Editor SUZANNE FOX

Copy Editor CHAD RUIZ Production & Design SUZANNE FOX CLAIRE THOMAS TRA PHAM

Contributing Writers AMBER AREVALOS MICHELLE FOUCHI ESNEAULT COURTNEY FARNET REBECCA GUTKNECHT JULIE MADDOCK SHIRIN MEHDI KRISTY PODRUCHNY DINA ZELDEN © 2020 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC, New Orleans, LA All rights reserved Printed in the USA by Fox Print Services, igofox.com The information contained in 55 & Better is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in 55 & Better for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of 55 & Better do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of 55 & Better and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in 55 & Better. Readers should not use the information in 55 & Better for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem.

Ray Stroope checks the motor in his Outlaw Racing "4.9 class" race car; the class for cars running under five seconds in a one-eighth mile distance.

4. FEATURE

Drag Racing through Life with Ray Stroope 8. PETS

Pets and COVID-19 10. NON-STOP PROFILE

Non-Stop at 58 11. RECIPE

Italian Herbed Chicken and Veggies 12. FINANCE

The ABC's of Medicare 15. RECIPE

Cooking For One: Breakfast Sweet Potato

12. FINANCE

The ABC's of Medicare 18. RECIPE

Game Night Snacks 19. RECIPE

Italian Herbed Chicken and Veggies 20. NUTRITION

Food for Thought

22. GOD'S LESSON

A Mother Daugther Story

DRAG RACING THROUGH LIFE WITH RAY STROOPE

Photo submitted by Ray Stroope Ray Stroope brings his 2,000-plus horsepower race car out of. pre-stage burnout and to the starting line.

Story by Leon Aldridge

Hobbies are a great source of fun and relaxation at any age.

A hobby can be almost any activity that is enjoyed during free time: collecting stamps, fishing, gardening, woodworking, or driving a 2,000-plus horsepower, alcohol burning, race car accelerating to more than 150 miles-per-hour traveling 660 feet in less than five seconds.

If that last one sounds like a hobby you would like to know more about, talk to Shelbyville resident Ray Stroope. He’s a life-long racing enthusiast who enjoys talking about, and driving, fast cars.

Like many auto racing enthusiasts, Ray’s interest in fast cars started as a child when his fascination with cars and speed earned him the nickname of ‘racer.’

“Mom and dad called me ‘racer’ after Daddy bought me one of the little kid’s cars that you ride around on by pushing yourself,” said Ray. “I’m 58 years old now and kinfolks still call me racer.” Not only did the nickname stick, but the fascination for cars and racing stuck with him as well. He turned his fascination into a serious hobby in 1996 with the purchase of his first professionally built drag racing car.

Drag racing is a contest of acceleration between two cars (or motorcycles) racing side-by-side on a straight-line track from a standing start for a distance that varies between one-quarter and oneeighth mile. The sport started in the late 1940s on quarter-mile tracks.

With the increasing power and speeds reached in recent years, shorter tracks of 1,000 feet or 660 feet (1⁄8 mile) have become the norm.

Several sanctioning associations in the realm of drag racing provide structure for safety and entertainment. Stroope competes in what’s known as ‘Outlaw’ Racing. Despite the name, Outlaw racing is legally sanctioned racing on a race track only. The name is derived from the fact that specifications on how the cars are modified and some of the

rules for racing are not as restrictive as some of the more long-standing traditional sanctioning association rules.

While there are touring professionals who make a living by racing somewhere every weekend, the majority of competitors at any track across the country on a typical weekend are hobbyists. “I’m in it for the fun,” the 1980 Shelbyville High School graduate said. “Doing it to make money takes the fun out of it. To me, it’s the people and the friendships—that’s what it’s all about.”

Visiting with “serious hobby” drag racers, it’s apparent that there really is a unique family feeling between people sharing the sport.

Commonplace are the stories of many good and long-lasting friendships that have been formed at drag strips, the common term for race tracks designed specifically for drag racing.

Social activities and visiting at the races often resemble family reunions.

“I have many friends I’ve had for years that I met through drag racing,” Ray noted.”

The Stroope Racing pit crew is also a collection of family and friends from the crew chief—the one who keeps the car running at its best and raceready—to every member involved in competing. “James McDonald is my crew chief,” said Ray. “And he doesn’t get paid for it,” he adds with a laugh. “The rest of my crew is my wife, Beth; James’ wife, Melinda; our daughter, Callie Cash and our son, Russell Stroope; plus Michael Simms; and Ronny Hogue.”

The tangible rewards for winning in drag racing are like many other competitive events; trophies and prize money. But the drivers in it for the fun, especially the good ones,

are easy to spot. They’re the ones telling stories of memorable wins rather than prize money or trophies. Ray is no exception to that rule. “I like racing the fast ones,” he said without hesitation. “You can look around at a race and see the ones you know you can outrun. But what’s fun to me is beating the car everybody knows is fast: the one nobody wants to race. That’s the one I want.”

Ray’s stories about memorable moments underscore that competitive spirit of focusing on outrunning the fast ones. There’s no mention of how many races he’s won but his smile gets bigger when he talks about beating the cars that others dread racing. “I ran Steve Wiley and his ‘Texas Grim Reaper’ one time,” Ray said.

“He had the fastest car in the country at one time, and nobody wanted to race him. But I made sure I was paired with him during qualifying because I wanted to race him. In the first race, I ‘treed’ him (drag racing terminology for gaining an advantage by beating a competitor off the starting line when the starting lights—called the ‘Christmas tree’—turn green).”

“He couldn’t catch me and I won that race,” Ray said. “Nobody believed it when I beat him the first time, but then we came back for the next round of qualifying and I beat him again. He didn’t even qualify for that event.”

What does a car that fast look like? Ray’s car looks like a 1969 Camaro, and the body shell itself is a genuine General Motors produced Camaro. “It even has a VIN number,” said Ray. But that’s perhaps the only part of the car that GM contributed. The frame is custom built tubular steel, the

motor is called a Chevrolet, but it’s an aftermarket produced all-aluminum motor that GM never touched. The interior is barebones sheet metal, one seat for a driver with a roll cage to protect that driver, and an array of computer electronics that for all practical purposes controls the massive motor’s power output once the driver applies the throttle.

Extending rearward from the back of the car is what’s called “wheelie bars” designed to minimize the distance the front wheels can come off the ground when the car leaves the starting line. “The torque from the motor is tremendous and it lifts the car’s front wheels off the ground when the car launches,” said Ray. “It carries the wheels up for about 50 feet before the front end comes back down and the wheels touch the track again.”

Going as fast as possible is the goal but stopping within a safe distance after reaching 150-plus mile-per-hour speeds is equally important, and that requires more than just brakes. Also prominent

on the back of the car is a parachute that is deployed after crossing the finish line to slow the car and reduce stress on the brakes.

Prominent on the front of the car and one of the first things you see rising above the car’s hood is the fuel injection unit that feeds the alcohol (methanol) fuel to the supercharger which is also referred to as a “blower.” Three large circular butterflies on the injector intakes are commonly adorned with letters signifying a car’s owner or perhaps team initials. The butterflies on Ray’s car display the letters M-A-C. According to Ray, a friend came up with that idea as a testimonial to Ray’s faith, “Me and Christ.”

Ray reports trying other hobbies but has stayed with drag racing. At one time, he collected and restored antique tractors and farm equipment. “I sold all my tractors though,” Ray said,“ looking around and pointing. “Except for the few sitting around here. I can only afford one hobby at a time,” he laughed.

His racing hobby came to an

Photo by Leon Aldridge The Stroope racing team members (pictured left to right) are Beth Stroope, Ray Stroope, and James McDonald.

Team abrupt halt several years ago, members not pictured are James'one wife, Melinda: the Stroope's that looked as though it was daughter, Callie Cash and their son, Stroope: While Michael goingRussell to be permanent.

Simms; and Ronny Hogue.

abrupt halt several years ago, one that looked as though it was going to be permanent. While drag racing is remarkably safe with the many safety regulations and features cars are required to have to compete, the sport is often perceived by the casual bystander to be a dangerous endeavor. So it was somewhat ironic when it was a serious head injury sustained during the construction of his home that almost ended Ray’s racing career.

“The doctor told me that I would have to be careful,” Ray said. “That I shouldn’t get back in a race car because I could blackout.” Following doctor’s orders, Ray went home and sold his racecar along with everything related to the hobby.

“Then when I went for the last follow-up and was released,” Ray said, “the doctor told me I was good to do whatever I wanted to do.” Ray said he asked, “Anything?” When the doctor told him ‘yes, anything,’ Ray said he asked, “Even racing?” Ray said the doctor told him he was fine and could even go back to racing if he wanted to.” With a joking laugh, Ray concluded, “I wanted to choke him.”

Like a lot of hobbies, drag racing can be addictive, and after a while, Ray was indeed back. “It was about 15 years or so ago,” said Ray’s wife, Beth, “That he decided to buy another race car.”

Judging by the smile on his face when he talks about racing, the friends he’s made, and the fun he’s had, it’s obvious since making that decision that he’s never looked back.

And that’s a good thing … because when your hobby is driving

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a car that goes that fast in less than five seconds, there’s no time to look anywhere but ahead.

Photo by Leon Aldridge Ray Stroope (in the car) and James McDonald (tuning the motor) prepare for a Saturday night race at Evadale Raceway in southeast Texas.

Photo submitted by Ray Stroope It's wheels up at the starting line when the tremendous torque of full throttle lifts the car's front end and keeps it up for 50-feet or so down the track when they return to earth again and the car's trip of less than five seconds in 660 feet is well underway.

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PETS

s t Pe

AND COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses.

Some cause illness in people, and others cause illness in certain types of animals.

Some coronaviruses that infect animals can sometimes be spread to people, but this is rare.

At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations.

CDC is aware of a small number of pets, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.

Treat pets as you would other human family members–do not let pets interact with people or animals outside the household. If a person inside the household becomes sick, isolate that person from everyone else, including pets.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

For more information: https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#COVID-19-and-Animals

Shelby Veterinary Associates 407 Moffitt Dr • Center, TX 936-598-3423

RISK OF ANIMALS SPREADING THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19 TO PEOPLE The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking. Recent studies show that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

RISK OF PEOPLE SPREADING THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19 TO ANIMALS CDC is aware of a small number of pets, including dogs and cats, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Only a few of the animals reported to be positive showed signs of illness.

We are still learning about this virus, but we know that it originally came from an animal source and is primarily spreading from person-to-person, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OWN PETS Until we learn more about how this virus affects animals, treat pets as you would other human family members to protect them from a possible infection.

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.

• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.

• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.

• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.

• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

• If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them know you have been sick with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may offer telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets.

PROTECT PETS IF YOU ARE SICK If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with people.

Until we know more about this virus, people sick with COVID-19 should avoid contact with pets and other animals.

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.

• Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being

STAY HEALTHY AROUND ANIMALS In the United States, there is no evidence that animals are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.

• Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.

• Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.

• Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.

• Be aware that children 5 years of age and younger, people with weakened immune systems and people 65 years of age and older are more likely to get sick from germs some animals can carry.

All information for this article was taken from the CDC web page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html Fall Edition

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NON-STOP AT 58

The TCS Bistro Staff: L to R: Jennifer Forrest, Juli Pitts, Lana Boren, Heather Harbison, Carsen Vicks, Lacey Felder and Maggie Harkness.

Meet Lana Lea Boren Waitress at TCS Bistro for 3.5 years.

58 years old Married 33 years. 3 daughters. 4 grandkids.

Lana taught kindergarten for 32 years. Upon retirement, she sat out of the workforce for a year and quickly became bored. Lana’s niece, Heather Harbison, was advertising for a full time waitress at her restaurant, which was named The Century Shoppe at the time. Three and a half years ago Lana began waitressing part-time at The Century Shoppe.

When The Century Shoppe relocated to Tenaha Street, now known as TCS Bistro, Lana began working full time hours. She says that she will continue to waitress as long as possible because she loves it so much.

The Challenge of working at the age of 58: Lana struggles with back issues from being on her feet from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, she says she’s always much better the next day.

The Wonderful thing about working at the age of 58: Lana loves talking with people. She enjoys seeing her regular folks at TCS Bistro, as well as, getting to know new people. Lana says that her customers make her feel absolutely extraordinary. What could be better than that?!

FOCUSED CARE OF CENTER

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Jessica Davis, Executive Director

936-598-2483

501 Timpson Street, Center TX 75935

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55& Bet ter

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RECIPE

ITALIAN HERBED CHICKEN AND VEGGIES THE SIMPLICITY OF A MEAL DOES NOT DETERMINE ITS FLAVOR! Making quick easy meals does not mean we have to sacrifice our palettes. Many meals can be made in one pan, one pot or even one baking sheet. This recipe was designed with the busy person in mind. The low sodium recipes have been on the rise because of the recent developments on how salt affects our bodies. The older we get the less sodium we need. As adolescents, the average recommended intake is around 2,300mg, which equals 1 teaspoon of salt and as we become older adults the intake decreases to 1,500mg. With the highly processed foods out there it is easy to go past our daily intake. Broccoli is a great versatile vegetable to add to any meal. With a one cup serving of broccoli you will get 24.3 calories, good fiber, 6mg of sodium, plenty of potassium and vitamin C. One red potato has around 154 calories, 943mg of potassium, 34g of carbohydrates, 2.4g of sugar and 4 grams of protein. There are a variety of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron and magnesium. Some of the phytochemicals found in red potatoes have been associated with positive health benefits. They have been linked to anti-inflammatory, brain health and eye health. Olive oil has been linked to fighting osteoporosis and has anti-inflammatory properties as well as heart healthy benefits.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 large red potatoes diced • 2 cups broccoli chopped • 1 cup cherry tomatoes • 1 lb chicken breasts • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 tablespoon Italian herbs • A pinch of salt and pepper

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Serves: 4

DIRECTIONS: ❶ Make sure all vegetables and chicken are chopped to desired size. ❷ Line one side of the pan with broccoli. ❸ Place the chicken breasts next to the broccoli. ❹ Now, place diced potatoes on the other side of the chicken. ❺ Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli, potatoes and chicken. ❻ Mix together the Italian herbs with the salt and pepper. ❼ Sprinkle Italian seasoning mix all over the potatoes, chicken and broccoli. ❽ Cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hr. ❾ Remove from oven and let it cool for 10 minutes and top broccoli with tomatoes before serving!

Fall Edition

11

FINANCE

The ABC’s of

By Dina Zelden

The in’s and out’s of Medicare can be overwhelming and confusing. Use these ABC’s to help make sense of it all.

A B C A is for AFTER.

Medicare Part A covers expenses after you are sick. Think inpatient hospital costs. Your costs will be covered at 80 percent. Medigap or supplemental coverage is available for the other 20 percent of expenses.

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B is for BEFORE.

Medicare Part B covers healthcare costs before you are sick. Think outpatient costs as well as preventative care and doctor visits.

C is for COMBINE.

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, combines the benefits and coverage of Parts A and B and acts as primary insurance. It usually includes drug coverage as well as vision and dental which original Medicare excludes.

Celebrating your 65th birthday soon? Be prepared by understanding the different enrollment periods.

INITIAL ENROLLMENT: This lasts for seven months including the three months leading up to and the three months after your 65th birthday. It is for first-time Medicare participants.

GENERAL ENROLLMENT: This describes the period from January 1-March 31 each year for individuals who did not sign up before turning 65.

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT: This is for individuals that meet certain requirements to sign up outside of the other enrollment periods.

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (AEP): This occurs every year from October 15-December 7, allowing individuals to make changes to their plan or choosing a new insurance provider.

It is important to inform yourself before you enroll.

Start by checking with your current physician to be sure they accept Medicare. You can have questions answered at 1-800-MEDICARE. In addition, free counseling is available from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as SHIP. You can also refer to the www.Medicare.gov to compare plans and coverage in your area.

D X D is for DRUGS.

Medicare Part D covers medications. It is recommended that you speak to a specialist to determine the plan that is right for you. It is important that you enroll for Part D with your initial enrollment.

If not, you will pay a penalty.

It is helpful to find a health insurance company that specializes in seniors to be sure you understand your options and to avoid any penalties.

Penalties are assessed when you go more than 63 days without coverage under the Medicare drug plan or other creditable drug coverage.

Healthcare is never as important as it is during your senior years. Using the proper resources can help you feel confident in your choices and ensure good health.

What Do Parts A/B NOT Cover?

• Annual physical exams, except for a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" exam when you join Medicare and an annual "Wellness" Visit every 12 months.

• Long-Term nursing home care for more than 100 days.

• Acupuncture, naturopathy, etc.

• Routine foot care • Cosmetic surgery • Hearing aids • Dental care and dentures • Care outside the United States

Fall Edition

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Holiday Classes

We are your

Fall Wreath Making, $70

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Royal Icing Cookie Decorating, $35 November 5th; 6 PM - 7:00 PM

Choose Cornerstone for your rehab needs.

Panola College

W.C. Smith Building 820 W. Panola Carthage, TX 75633 To sign up contact us at Workforce & Continuing Education 903-693-2067 or CE@PANOLA.EDU

L -R: Alan Knight, PT, April Knight, OT and Hayden Knight, PT, DPT, MTC

204 Tenaha Street, Center TX · 936-280-0280

CARRISTON HENDRICKS, FNP-C

Now Open!

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55& Bet ter

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for all your healthcare needs.

RECIPE

Cooking For One Breakfast Sweet Potato There are many reasons why we might have to cook for one! It can be living alone, home alone or simply making a separate healthy meal for yourself.

Whatever the reason, this recipe provides a go-to meal when the occasion calls for a meal for one.

INGREDIENTS • 1 large sweet potato • 1 small tomato sliced • 1 over-easy egg

The Care You Have Come To Expect

• 1 slice turkey bacon • 1 teaspoon olive oil • A dash of sea salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS  Heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Prep potato by washing, drying and poke with fork several times in various areas of the potato.  Rub potato with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.  Place prepared potato on baking sheet and bake in the middle of the oven for 50-65 minutes.  While potato is cooking, cook your over-easy egg and bacon. Set aside.  Cook potato until tender when pierced with a fork.  Once cooked through, take the potato out and carefully cut the potato down the center lengthwise.  Place the slice of bacon in the middle, place the egg right on top of the bacon.  Eat and enjoy!

Energy 570kcal/26% Protein 16.55g/30% Total lipid (fat) 25.41g/52% Carbohydrate 73.58g/30%

General Services & Amentities • Rehabilitation & Skilled Care • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy • Hospice and Respite Care Pine Grove Nursing Center is a senior living community offering comprehensive skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services in a comfortable setting. We offer professional and compassionate care to seniors in Center and the surrounding areas.

For guests requiring short-term care and rehabilitation, Pine Grove offers physical, occupational, & speech therapy with customized treatment plans that allow residents the opportunity to achieve their recovery goals and return to activities of daily living.

Our Family Caring for Yours 246 Haley Drive • Center, TX

936-598-6286 Fall Edition

15

GRANDCHILDREN

n u F

WITH GRANDCHILDREN

By Amber Arevalos

G

randchildren are one of the greatest joys in our lives. We spoil them with love, affection and lessons. Some grandparents get the privilege of caring for them while their parents are working. Grandchildren are full of energy, curiosity and determination. There is a whole world for them to explore. No matter what age they reach, there is always a new challenge or obstacle to overcome. Who doesn’t want to be part of that journey?

When we connect with our grandchildren, it can be the

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most satisfying feeling. Seeing their faces light up when they see us or the excitement when they see you perform a task they did not think was possible. There are a variety of activities to engage in with your grandchildren. Depending on their age, the activity can be more or less physical.

This is why it is so important to live a healthy active lifestyle. Stay mobile and have a regular walking or jogging routine. Eat healthy

foods and teach your grandchildren about staying healthy.

Younger grandchildren will enjoy playing red light green light, Simon says and other listening skills games.

You can also play basketball with them and play games like HORSE or around the world.

Older grandchildren can be tricky. With the invention of the cellphone also came

No matter what age they reach, there is always a new challenge or obstacle to overcome. Who doesn’t want to be part of that journey?

the more disengaged teenager. Teen years are full of learning how to build long term friendships. A high percentage of teens tend to want more space and less time around family. It is a phase we all have to go through and learn to balance family and friends. So when you have that teenage grandkid at your home, you can also try sports activities or perhaps play a video game. We want to encourage more physical activities, but to connect with certain grandchildren, reaching them through their favorite activity can open them to try new things with you.

Turn rainy days into game days. Plan a variety of board games and play for pretzels or some healthy snacks to make the games more interesting.

Charades or heads up are fun games the whole family can

enjoy. Karaoke always turns into one of those singing shows where there are judges and everyone gets a chance to show off their dancing and singing skills.

Fall Edition

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RECIPE

GAME NIGHT SNACKS

Calories•134kcal/6% Protein•2.52g/5% Total lipid•(fat) 3.33g7% Carbohydrate•24.77g

APPLESAUCE OAT No game night is complete without some fun snacks! BARS

Keeping it healthy and simple is a priority so you can enjoy your game night. These snacks provide health INGREDIENTS benefits and flavor. They should keep your night running 1 cup butter broken up into pieces tastefully and have your guests wanting more!

1/2 cup coconut sugar or stevia 2 cups flour RICE CAKE SNACK 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 cup oats • Place the sliced bananas in a INGREDIENTS single layer on top of the peanut 1/4 cup blueberries 1 plain or cinnamon rice cake 1/4 cup sunflower seeds butter. Press banana firmly on 1 tablespoon peanut butter 2 cups applesauce to the peanut butter.

1/2 banana, sliced • If desired, use a dash of Dash of cinnamon, optional INSTRUCTIONS cinnamon over the top of the DIRECTIONS • Add butter, sugar and flour bananas.

• Take the rice cake and spread into a food processor. Pulse • Enjoy! the peanut butter in a thin layer until mixture forms crumbs. over the whole top of the rice • Add cinnamon and oats to cake. processor. Pulse just until mixed.

• Mix in blueberries and sunCalories 265kcal/12% flower seeds.

Protein 3.75g/7% • Place half the oat mixture in a Total lipid (fat) 16.14g/33% lightly greased 9x13" baking dish.

Carbohydrate 30.19g Press mixture down with your hands.

• In a small mixing bowl combine applesauce and cinnamon.

• Pour filling on top of oat mixture. Spread evenly over oats.

• Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over applesauce.

• Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 40 minutes.

• Allow to fully cool before slicing.

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The Light and Champion 137 San Augustine St. • Center, TX 75935 • 936-598 3377

NUTRITION

FOOD FOR THOUGHT A

By Michelle Fouchi Esneault

s we get older, our bodies and minds go through changes that require we take a closer look at what we eat. A healthy diet can help maintain energy, keep your weight in check, lower your risk of chronic health problems and have a big impact on your well-being. A national poll by Research!America finds that the biggest concern Americans have about aging is losing mental ability. Eating a diet containing nutrient-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, healthy proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy and healthy fats can protect your brain from damage, support memory and brain development and boost

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alertness. Include some of these brain superstars in your diet today.

• Eggs are excellent for brain health. High in vitamins B6, B12, folate and choline, a study by the Oxford Project to investigate memory and aging shows that these vitamins slow mental decline and improve mood and memory.

• Fatty fish such as salmon, trout and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids which the “Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry” says not only benefits learning and memory, but also staves off Alzheimer’s disease. The “American Journal of Preventative Medicine” states that regularly eating

baked or broiled fish can increase your brain’s grey matter which controls memory and decision making.

• A study found in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” states that blueberries can improve brain function due to its high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants.

• Broccoli is also high in fat-soluble vitamin K. According to a study in “Maturitas,” vitamin K is found in high concentrations in the brain, making it vital for all cognitive functions, helping to sharpen memory and ward off dementia.

• Oranges, bell peppers, kiwi and strawberries are chock-full of the powerhouse antioxidant vitamin C which plays a big part in preventing mental decline. An article in “Nutrients” states that the vitamin C in these foods fight the free radicals that damage brain cells and support brain health.

• Both coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that increase alertness, improve your mood, improve memory and focus and reduce depression. An article in “Practical Neurology” magazine states that they can also prevent cognitive decline, reduce the risk of stroke and possibly reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

• Flavonoids make dark chocolate a sweet treat for your brain.

The “Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Review” found that it can help with long term memory and age-related mental decline.

Life Hack You can keep the yolk from turning green by only cooking the eggs long enough to harden them and then chilling the eggs as soon as they have finished cooking. One way to do this is by running cold water over the hot eggs as soon as the cooking time has elapsed.

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GOD’S LESSON

A mother and daughter story.

I

’ll never forget the date that we moved my mom from Dallas into our house in Center.

June 21st, 2020 was a date that I always knew would happen sometime in my life, as well as my mom’s life.

However, knowing it will happen one day verses the reality of the situation actually happening are two very different things. Our lives changed forever.

My mom has lived alone for most of my life. And, for the majority of those years she has always lived in metro cities including Houston, Dallas and New Orleans. So imagine, if you will, the culture shock she is still experiencing as she adjusts to small town life living alongside her daughter, son-in-law, two grand dogs, a grand cat and her own cat. Also, we have seven grandkids that come over to the house often. We have a lively household to

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say the least.

Mom actually started living with us in April of 2020. At the time, none of us really knew what the future would hold regarding her living arrangements.

During this same time my stepmother was dying with unexpected and swift bone cancer. I was so distracted by my love for this incredible woman, followed by an ongoing deep grief for her loss, that I hadn’t had time to really absorb what was happening with mom. In order to survive, I had to compartmentalize both situations.

I realize now that I was also grieving for my mom’s change of her life, as well as, the loss of the kind of life my husband and I had known. I believe that this was a demonstration of God guiding my family and me as we all struggled with so many changes in such a short amount of

Writer Stephanie Elswick pictured with her mother, Carol George. 2011.

time.

Due to some health issues, mom needed some assistance in getting around, including some basic TLC. As June approached the decision to live with us permanently became the clear solution. Mom still needed assistance now and then. We certainly had the space….. Well, the house had the space.

Our minds and emotions, however, were not quite ready for the adjustments.

My mom and I have never had the kind of mother/ daughter relationship that is seen often in Hallmark movies.

Not even close! We

are totally different in most ways. As a result, with the exception of a weekend here and there after I left for college, we really have not spent a lot of time together.

Now, at ages 57 and 77, we spend a great deal of time together. I truly believe that God brought us together so that we could each learn more about the other.

We should learn to appreciate all the good along with all the not so good. God has a sense of humor for sure!

Mom has been single since I was 14 years old. I have led a married life since I was 20 years old. We are both

discovering that habits are hard to break after all this time. Frankly, we weren’t even aware that we had these so called habits.

We have covered everything from leaving open cans of soda in the fridge (mom) to not emptying the vacuum cleaner (me). And let’s not forget about leaving the lights on in a room that no one is in (mom), to not liking chip bag noises while watching TV (me). Other things covered are leaving stuff on the kitchen counters (mom), to leaving clothes in the dryer to wrinkle (me). Yes, most of our adjustments have been mundane. They are similar to “Felix and Oscar” sort of moments.

The largest adjustment for me has been learning how to communicate with mom about her physical health, as well as, her finances. It’s very difficult to discuss these issues with mom without sounding condescending or disrespectful, especially when I am reminding her of appointments

or noticing something that has changed in her health. Mom has always been private about most issues; and I am definitely not much of a “sharer” either. It just seems odd that our roles are now somewhat reversed.

Neither one of us is very comfortable with this reversal.

We have also had

used to seeing one another at walmart or at the vet. It’s not a bad thing. It’s just a bit alarming at times.

As mom’s health improves, our interactions have changed from conversations about doctor’s appointments and bills to small snippets of thoughts about news, entertainment, family,

Writer Stephanie Elswick (bottom Right) pictured with her mother, Carol George (Center), with grandchildren L - R: Connor, Jaxon and Tucker.

to adjust to being in each other’s immediate lives. She knows so much more about our daily lives than before. I’m not used to her input. We’ve never lived in the same town before as adults. We’re not

etc.… So things have smoothed out quite a bit since April. We all have our various routines down; and have become familiar with our various “hot” buttons.

Six months into this new living arrange-

ment and there are still surprises on both ends. I do know this, though; I know so much more about my mother than I wouldn’t have known otherwise. Her strength is more than commendable. Her level of intelligence is well beyond the level of your everyday, average “Joe.” Her ability to talk to almost anyone without hesitation is admirable (most of the time); and don’t get me started about her extraordinary culinary skills…..AMA-ZING! I can only hope that as I age, I can adjust to a similar situation with the grace, diginity and acceptance that my mother has shown. Although, none of those things seem possible at the moment, I know that mom is dying to live in a big city again, perhaps work again, and live on her own again. Who the heck really knows what the future holds?! These last six months have taught us both that lesson.

A lesson I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Fall Edition

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The Lily Farm Nursery ... Amazing Pottery, Unique Plant Selection, Incredible Service!

Come see why folks from Longview, Shreveport and Tyler are making the drive to see Shelby County’s own “Heaven on Earth!”

Now featuring a pumpkin patch! Great for fall photos!

A wide variety of mums and other fall plants available.

THE

Lily Farm

& NURSERY

10056 Hwy. 7 W • Center, Texas 75935 Hours: Tuesday 9 to 6; Wed thru Saturday 9 to 5; Sunday 1 to 4; closed Monday

936-572-1962

Come see us!

Join Us on Facebook @ Lily Farm Nursery

Tulips bulbs to order!