Coming of Age Magazine: Issue V

ISSUE 5 | 2019

MINDFULNESS

10

MINDFUL ACTIVITIES Get started today

MINDFULNESS and the myths to multitasking

A MENTAL CHECKUP know the signs

EXCLUSIVE

Mindfulness is a word that we often read on magazine covers, articles, and advertisements yet we likely lack certainty on its meaning. The word has indeed become part of our lexicon in recent years.

A Google search defines

EDITOR'S NOTE

mindfulness, in part, as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. Every time we see the word mindfulness, we are called to attention. Products, classes, books or any aid to help us achieve mindfulness seek to make us aware of ourselves and our surroundings

in

the

present

moment. Seems so simple, yet for some, myself included, it is a difficult task.

To be mindful is to be aware.

Mindfulness requires us to pause for a moment and stop the ongoing race in our mind. Rather than thinking ahead to the myriad of

age.

tasks at hand for a given day, it’s

information

and

because each moment we are

calling us to focus on the now.

mental health, a side of our health

given on this earth is nothing

Taking time to recognize where we

overshadowed by our physical

short of a gift.

are and how we feel yields

concerns.

Best wishes for a safe and

undoubted physical, mental and

skincare tips and advice to keep us

emotional

glowing.

benefits.

Everyone’s

There

is

also

about

important aging

There are also great

mind can use a little decluttering.

I hope in the pages ahead you

As you read through this issue,

will find some insight on ways to

you’ll hear from experts on ways

become mindful.

we can become more mindful as we

benefit from taking time out and

All of us can

focusing

on

the

present

n e J

enjoyable summer,

COMING OF AGE | 02

Contents 02

Aging Gracefully

Editor's Note

04

A Key to Aging Gracefully

06

Myth of Multitasking

10

Seniors and Mental Health

16

10 Mindful Activities

19

Summer Skincare

21

Monthly Interview

ON THE COVER Mindfulness is especially achieved through the beauty of outdoors, especially when

Know the signs of aging and

04

how you can use these signs to ease into your latter years.

The Monument Man We ask an expert what are

21

the most interesting monuments he's seen and more.

Mental Health Anxiety, Depression,

10

Substance Abuse all have their warning signs. Get to know them and avoid any pitfalls of aging.

combined with yoga.

EDITOR Jen Graziano

Take a Trip CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Amy Shah, M.D. Jennifer Christensen Linda Ziac Dr. Kim Nichols, M.D., FAAD

PUBLISHER

Recenter yourself on a Yoga retreat to Ibiza or another

16

exotic place with a local Yoga Center.

Copyright Š 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication including but not limited text and photographs may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the

Jennifer Lanser / JL Harbrook

prior written permission of the publisher. For

03 | COMING OF AGE

addressed.of body text

permission requests write to the publisher

MINDFULNESS: A KEY TO AGING GRACEFULLY

BY DR. AMY SHAH, M.D, @AMYSHAHMD Mindfulness is a concept that has been around for thousands of years, however the true importance of mindfulness, when it comes to our health and well-being, can be easily overlooked. Being mindful means that you are fully aware of what is happening in the present moment

as you age and how to handle them in a mindful manner:

and

You’re Getting More Moody

readily

accepting

thoughts,

feelings

your and

surroundings rather than worrying about the past or future. As our minds and bodies start to age, mindfulness

becomes

especially

important. It is inevitable that as we get older, we will face changes and challenges when it comes to health such as hormone loss, enzyme

As we move through the stages of life, both men and women face hormonal changes that can bring some irritating symptoms. Around age 50, women experience menopause, which is a decline in reproductive hormones. Symptoms leading up to and during menopause include hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings and trouble sleeping. Men do not go through menopause, however about 20% of men over age 60 and 30-50% of men over age 80 will experience a decline in the

deficiencies and weakened facial

testosterone production called andropause. Symptoms of

muscles

skin.

andropause include cognitive impairment and decreased

However, aging doesn’t have to be a

energy and depression. The key to approaching these changes

negative

are

in a healthy, mindful way is to understand the changes

conscious about common health

occurring in your body and not stressing over those changes.

conditions that you may experience,

Recognize what is going on and treat your body right by

and

and

keeping up with a healthy diet, remaining active and trying to

welcome them rather than fear

limit stress. Even if you are doing everything else right, stress

them. Here are some common

will bring cortisol levels up, which can throw your hormones off

changes that you might experience

balance.

are

causing

sagging

experience

able

to

if

you

embrace

COMING OF AGE | 04

Red Wine’s Not Treating You Well Anymore

With each year that passes, it seems like it gets more and more difficult to recover after drinking alcohol, even if you only had a glass or two of wine. However, the headaches and hives you’re experiencing after enjoying histamine-rich foods or beverages such as a red wine could be the result of a histamine intolerance or DAO deficiency. DAO, or diamine oxidase, is one of the major enzyme deficiencies alongside the more familiar lactase deficiency that causes lactose intolerance.

As a person ages, changes to the digestive system can be a factor in reduced DAO activity and can leave them vulnerable to histamine reactions. This is where it’s important to be mindful and listen to your body. If you are noticing that you’re experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or headaches within 15 minutes of drinking red wine or beer, you might be deficient in the DAO activity and can leave them vulnerable to histamine reactions.

This is where it’s important to be mindful and listen to your body.

If you are noticing that you’re experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or headaches within 15 minutes of drinking red wine or beer, you might be deficient in the DAO enzyme. To find out, try Umbrellux DAO enzyme supplements 15 to 20 minutes before eating the suspect food causing the reaction. If symptoms are alleviated, this could quickly confirm a DAO deficiency. Once confirmed, eating a low histamine diet can help along with DAO enzyme supplementation.

follow Dr. Shaw Twitter: @Amyshahmd Instagram: @dramyshah

05 | COMING OF AGE

Your Face is Losing Youthfulness Age-related changes of the face might be one of the first notable signs of aging. Loss of muscle tone and thinning skin in the face can change our appearance as we age. In addition to wrinkles, the facial skin can droop and give the face a more aged appearance. I recommend combining mindfulness with a science-backed anti-aging technique: face yoga. A study from Northwestern Medicine found evidence that facial exercises may improve facial appearance and reduce visible signs of aging. The facial movements that may be beneficial

Dr. Amy Shah, MD, is a double board-certified M.D. in internal medicine and allergy immunology who received her training from three of the top schools in the country: Cornell, Harvard and Columbia universities. Shah is a wellness and nutrition expert who utilizes her specialized skill-set in Eastern and Western medicines to focus on hormones, allergies and gut health to help the body heal from the inside out. She found her medical calling after a car accident led to her belief of a strong mind-body connection and her philosophy that life is short, so live it well – an insight she shares with all her patients. She operates a medical practice in Arizona where she sees more than 5,000 patients each year. She helps busy professionals implement diet and lifestyle plans that work around their schedules and acts as a coach to help keep them accountable for the healthy choices they are making.

include ones that entail puckering and squeezing the cheeks.

Try one of the exercises from the study, The Cheek Lifter: Open your mouth and form an O, position upper lip over teeth, release cheek muscles to lower them, and lift back up. Repeat by lowering and lifting the cheeks. While doing face yoga, try to practice steady breathing to reduce stress and focus on being present in the moment.

Aging is an intricate biological process, and in order to age gracefully, it’s important to be mindful about how you’re feeling and the health conditions you may experience. Rather than sitting back and letting age happen to you, check in with yourself frequently and try to live in the moment. Practicing mindfulness when it comes to health can greatly benefit your body and mind!

COA

COMING OF AGE | 07

MINDFULNESS AND THE MYTH OF MULTITASKING 18

Do you ever find yourself doing two things at once (or three or four)? The . velocity of information and technology-enabled task management has made our lives more complicated than ever. Gone are the days when we just stirred the soup without listening to television, radio or talking on the phone at the same time. It’s great to be connected, but this level of connectivity can also bring greater levels of stress and anxiety.

Gone are the days when we just stirred the soup without listening to television, radio or talking on the phone at the same time.

Originally grounded in the Buddhist practice, the notion of mindfulness as an antidote for stress has reached beyond trendy yoga studios to the fields of medicine, education and mainstream corporate America. The research of scientist Jon Kabat-Zinn has largely contributed to this evolution. Kabat-Zinn, a professor emeritus of medicine and the creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, found positive changes in brain activity and in immune function in people taking Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction courses. His work, entitled Mindfulness in Medicine, published in the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) in 2008, continues to be a guidepost as the number of people applying the practice has grown.

by Jennifer Christensen, The Osborn

Becoming Mindful So what is mindfulness and how can we incorporate it into our daily lives?

A good place to start is by becoming more attentive to our breath, the simple rhythm that accompanies us everywhere.

COMING OF AGE | 08

19

ATTIC | JANUARY 2016

rate down. This helps rebalance

spaces. If your mind wanders to Many communities like The your ‘to do’ list, simply return to Osborn in Rye, New York, that the breath. Believe it or not, the serve seniors offer programming

the stress hormones that can be

‘to do’ list can wait!

By pausing a moment, sensing the breath, we can slow our heart

detrimental

to

our

immune

to support wellness. For more information,

visit:

systems and overall well-being.

Living a Balanced Life

Being stuck in traffic or waiting in

Of course, practicing mindfulness

line are great times to practice

isn’t the only antidote for stress. The next time you are taking a Seeking a balanced life that walk, eating a meal or doing a

breath awareness, even if you really

want

to

vent.

Another

www.theosborn.org.

exercise to try is the body scan.

incorporates the other elements of routine chore, take a moment to wellness can be very helpful, too. really focus on exactly what you

When you’re lying down to rest

Regular

or preparing for sleep, focus your

stimulating

mind on different parts of your

interactions, as well as finding what has just happened, or what (and pursuing) hobbies that lend a is to come. Just feel the breeze,

body, starting with your feet and moving up through to the top of

intellectually- are doing at that moment. Put activities, social aside the inner dialogue about

exercise,

your head. Look for areas in

sense of purpose, can help us stay listen to the birds and sense the grounded despite the whirlwind of ground beneath your feet. It’s

which you might be holding

life around us.

tension and breathe into those

09 | COMING OF AGE

amazing what a difference it can make.

COA

Senior and Mental Health YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

By Linda Ziac, The Caregiver Resource Center www.TheCaregiverResourceCenter.com The World Health Org. defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

Source: World Health Organization (1948).

Constitution of the World Health Organization

Mental health is a key component on a person’s overall health and well-being.

It’s important that each one of us are aware of potential mental health issues. When a mental health issue is suspected, it’s crucial to seek out a professional evaluation and treatment; especially for seniors. Our quality of life depends on it.

Despite great strides in the area of mental health treatment, in many cases mental health issues continue to remain the “silent epidemic."

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), as many as 1 in 5 people (20%) of Americans, experience some form of mental disorders also known as mental health issues.

Mental illness includes conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. These conditions may be acute

(sudden in onset) or be chronic (long developing over time); while impacting a person’s ability to interact with others or to function on a daily basis.

Mental health professionals use the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as a standard guide in determining whether a person may be experiencing a mental health issue. Currently, the DSM-5 is used that contains descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria for diagnosing mental health issues. There are seven basic types of mental health issues:

Mood disorders (e.g. depression, bipolar disorder) Anxiety disorders (e.g. generalized anxiety disorder, OCD) Personality disorders (e.g. narcissistic, borderline) Psychotic disorders (lateonset schizophrenia, other forms of psychosis) Trauma related ( e.g. PTSD) Eating disorders (e.g. anorexia, bulimia) Substance use disorders (e.g. alcohol, sedative, opioids) This article will provide a brief overview of the four (4) more

COMING OF AGE | 10

common conditions of mental illness that effect older adults; which include anxiety, mood disorders (e.g. depression, bipolar), substance use/misuse, and cognitive impairment. A list of resources will be provided at the end of this article, for anyone who wishes to explore these topics further.

While reading this article, keep in mind that older adults are more likely to report their physical symptoms and complaints, while at the same time, minimizing or neglecting to mention their mental health symptoms.

Anxiety According to the American Psychiatric Association, 25 million Americans meet the criteria of an anxiety diagnosis in the DSM-5.

A study conducted by the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that as many 27% of older

11 | COMING OF AGE

adults don’t meet the criteria for a diagnosis of anxiety, but at the same time are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, that negatively impacts their quality of life.

It’s not unusual for a person to experience occasional fear, nervousness or anxiety about someone or something in their life. The term “normal anxiety” refers to a situation that is limited in time and usually is related to a stressful event or situation, such as being stopped for speeding or going on a job interview.

Unfortunately, for some people these feelings of anxiety persist, or become triggered when they are in certain situations (e.g. crowds); which negatively impact on their quality of life. In many cases, a person who experiences anxiety, may also be dealing with depression.

Older adults who experience anxiety and depression, may experience more intense symptoms of both.

Sampling of Warning Signs Loss of interest in home and work Crying Change in eating or sleeping habits Unexplained anxiety or irritability Poor self-image Inability to express feelings Loss of pleasure Indecisiveness Poor concentration or forgetfulness Social isolation Increased physical problems Feelings of guilt Suicidal thoughts Depression Depression is NOT a normal part of aging, and is frequently misdiagnosed as dementia.

According to the CDC, “The good news is that the majority of older adults are not depressed. Some estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from less than 1% to about 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and to 11.5% in older hospital patients.”

Only 20% of people who experience depression are receiving treatment, yet depression is one of the most treatable illnesses, with 80-90% of people finding relief through treatment. There is a known link between untreated depression and suicide. The highest suicide rates in the U.S. are found in white men over age 85.

Source: What Is Depression? - American Psychiatric Association

According to the Mayo Clinic: “Depression is a mood disorder

that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and depression may make you feel as if life isn't worth living.”

Sampling of Warning Signs Loss of interest in home and work Crying Change in eating or sleeping habits Unexplained anxiety or irritability Poor self-image Inability to express feelings Loss of pleasure Indecisiveness Poor concentration or

forgetfulness Social isolation Increased physical problems Feelings of guilt Suicidal thoughts Inability to express feelings Diagnosing Depression Studies show, that older adults are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, due to the the stigma of mental health issues, they were exposed to while growing up. It’s also important to note that depression in an older adult presents differently than it does in a younger person. In an older adult, depression can often be experienced as physical complaints, cognitive impairment, or irritability. This is why it’s so important for a person to share all of their symptoms with a physician and/or psychiatrist, so that a

COMING OF AGE | 12

determination can be made regarding what in fact may be physical and what may be psychological.

To properly diagnose depression, a healthcare professional will need to ask questions about symptoms, the person’s medical and family history. It will be important to evaluate and rule out nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroid (underactive thyroid), UTI, side effects of medication, hormone imbalances, and dementia.

Substance Use and Misuse Would it surprise you to know that 20% of older adults have at least 5 chronic conditions, see 7 different doctors, and on average attend 37 doctor office visits per year? In addition, older adults are 7 times more likely to have a drug reaction as compared to younger people, resulting in 16% of hospital

12 | COMING OF AGE

admissions and 50% of medication related deaths.

Another challenge is that older adults often forget to take their medication, double dose (forget that they took their medication already and take a second dose), or combine medication with alcohol.

The interaction of combining alcohol and a drug creates a synergistic effect.

In other words the total effect of the substances together is greater than the sum of the individual effects of each drug.

It is no wonder that reports of a substantial and escalating number of older adults are intentionally or unintentionally misusing alcohol, medications, and illegal substances. Often times a person may find that the use of a substance such as alcohol, drugs or caffeine will help them self-medicate their pain; whether this pain is

physical or psychological. A person continues to use their substance(s) of choice, since they are getting the desired effect. That is until “tolerance” steps in. With continued use of a substance (e.g. some prescription medication, alcohol, OTC medication) a person may find that the same dosage, no longer provides the same desired effect. This results in the person needing to take larger and larger doses to produce the same desired outcome. This is how physical and psychological dependence begins, potentially leading to addiction.

Screening for a Possible Substance Misuse Problem Due to a number of medical symptoms that are common in older adults, it can be difficult to identify when an older adult has a substance misuse problem.

This is why it is so important for a physician and other healthcare professionals to screen all patients for prescription drug misuse, alcohol misuse, and illicit drug use (e.g. street drugs or the misuse of prescription medication).

Cognitive Impairment or Something Else Delirium Delirium, which is a common occurrence in older adults, presents as a disturbance in a person’s mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of their environment.

The start of delirium usually comes on rapidly within hours or a few days.

It’s not unusual for an older adult who is in the hospital, to experience delirium. An early warning sign may be sudden confusion about time and place (where they are).

Even if a person has not been hospitalized, an older person may experience delirium if they have an infection or other health condition. Other symptoms may present as confused thinking and appearing incoherent.

It’s important to note that delirium comes on suddenly, as opposed to cognitive impairment which develops over a longer period of time.

Pseudo Dementias Deteriorating intellectual capacity may be caused by a variety of diseases and disorders.

The National Institute on Aging states that some 100 conditions,

which mimic serious disorders, are actually reversible. These conditions are sometimes called "pseudodementias" and are often treatable. It’s important for everyone to to have an open and honest conversation with their doctor, or other healthcare professional.

During this conversation share all symptoms and concerns in order to help the healthcare professional rule out what it isn’t before determining what it is. From there, the next step is to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Cognitive Impairment Cognitive impairment is a broad term that refers to a person having difficulty remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making sound decisions. In older adults it has a variety of possible causes, including medication side effects, metabolic and/or endocrine derangements, delirium due to illness, depression, and dementia, with Alzheimer's dementia being most common form of dementia.

According to the CDC, more than 16 million adults 18 years and older in the US are dealing with a cognitive impairment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that is impacting on your quality of life, it’s important to make an appointment with a healthcare professional for a geriatric assessment, to see if this may be cognitive impairment or something else.

Be Proactive Regardless of your age or your

current life situation, it’s not too late to take a proactive approach to your health, happiness and well-being.

Here are some reminders of steps you might want to take on your own behalf.

Annual checkups plus discussion about how you are feeling, along with any symptoms.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health issue help is available. You will find a list of resources at the end of this article.

Remember that there is always at least one solution to every problem, and that there is help out there to assist you finding that solution.

Eat healthy Stay as physically active as possible Maintain healthy sleeping habits Keep your mind sharp with reading, crossword puzzles, books on tape, conversations with friends.

Contact your doctor right away, with any new symptoms or concerns.

Support groups can be helpful when dealing with life’s challenges.

Join social activities at the senior center, library, YWCA, YMCA, place of worship, etc.

Do whatever it takes for you to focus on your health, safety, independence and quality COA of life.

COMING OF AGE |14

RESOURCES

Remember that help is just a phone call away!

The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.

This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Resources

CT Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services 410 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 800-446-7348 TDD: 888-621-3551 www.dmhas.state.ct.us

F.S. DuBois Center (Operated by the State of CT) 780 Summer Street Stamford, CT 06905 For general information: 203-388-1600 Crisis services: 203-358-8500

Mental Health Resources Mental Health/Suicide Crisis Hotline (CT) 203-358-8500 24 hrs/7 days OR 911

Mental Health Department (Westchester County NY) 914-995-2000

Mental Health America (National) 800-969-6642

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance 800- 826-3632 http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageS erver?pagename=home

Thinking About Suicide?

Connecticut Suicide Hotline Serving Southwestern CT Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center 8am - 8pm (203) 551-7507 Suicide Crisis Hotline (Fairfield County, CT) 203-358-8500 Suicide/Crisis Hotline (NY) 914-347-6400 Suicide Hotline (National - Veterans) 800-273-8255 Press 1 Suicide Hotline (National- Spanish) 800-273-8255 Press 2 Suicide Hotline for Gay Teens (National) 866-488-7386 24 hrs./7 days CT Info-line (Resource Directory) Dial 211 http://www.211ct.org The Caregiver Resource Center’s Resource Directory (local, state & national) http://www.caregiverresourcecenter. com/The%20Resource%20Directory. pdf

Linda Ziac owns & founded The Caregiver Resource Center, a division of Employee Assistance Professionals, Inc. since 1990. It provides a spectrum of concierge case management and healthcare advocacy for seniors, people with special needs, and their families. A licensed professional with 44 years in health and mental health, Linda assists seniors, people with special needs and their families. She helps them in planning for and implementing ways to allow for the greatest degree of health, safety, independence, and quality of life. The Caregiver Resource Center role guides people of all ages through the often complex and confusing healthcare maze. www.TheCaregiverResourceCenter.com

COMING OF AGE |15

10 MINDFUL ACTIVITIES

4

Getting good at mindfulness includes practicing it regularly with diverse activities. Here are several ways to improve your mindfulness.

by Jennifer Graziano

SCHEDULE A YOGA CLASS 1

Manifest the life that you want with a healthy body and a happy mind by trying a yoga or tai-chi class for free at Body & Brain in Scarsdale. Bodynbrain.com/westchester

30 MINUTE MEDITATION 2

Westchester Insight offers activities such as meditation, walking meditation and Dharma talks twice a week for you to form a good habit that can help you clear your mind.

Visit WestchersterInsight.org for class times.

TOVAMI YOGA 9

3

4

5

Uniting the body and mind through breathing techniques, poses and meditation, yoga provides a multitude of health benefits, including reduced anxiety, improved sleep, increased muscle tone and enhanced heart health. tovamiyoga.com

YOGA RETREATS What could be more mindful than scheduling a Yoga class? Try a Yoga Vacation. Kaia Yoga schedules regular trips to get you to your best place in the best places. kaiayoga.com

TAKE A GARDEN STROLL Nothing centers you like nature. Take a walk stroll through the gardens at Greenwich Botanical Center. greenwichbotanicalcenter.org/

COMING OF AGE | 16

Your diet is not only what you eat. It is what you watch, what you listen to, what you read, the people you hang out with and the things to which you subject your mind and soul. Always be mindful of the things you put into your body - emotionally, spiritually and physically.

-UNKNOWN

6

SAIL AWAY Set sail and enjoy the sea air taking a class at New York Sailing Center. There is nothing more relaxing than letting the wind lead your sails. NewYorkSailing.Club

7

8

MAKE SOMETHING... at MADE - Unlock your inner artist and let creativity by your guide. Ease your stress by taking a class or just drop in to see what your inner artist will create.

MadeArtStudio.com.

TRAINING CLUB Take in the beauty of the Long Island Sound and Greenwich Shoreline at Greenwich Point Park. Greenwichct.gov/facilities/ facility/ details/Greenwich -Point-Park-69

9

LET MUSIC GUIDE YOU Unwind and listen to beautiful music amidst a picturesque backdrop at Caramoor or have Afternoon Tea. Find their schedule of events at Caramoor.org

10

LUNCH AT L'ESCALE Feel like you're on a staycation while having lunch and enjoying the view at L'Escale at the Delamar. LescaleRestaurant.com

17 | COMING OF AGE

Do they know?

If you want to be buried or cremated?

If you want a visitation for those who knew and loved you?

If you have a favorite photo,.. song,.. or prayer?

If you have a special way you'd like to be remembered?

Perhaps you should tell them...

Pre-arranging a funeral allows you to make choices and selections so that your loved ones are not left to guess, but rather, are able to grieve.

Don't assume your family will make the same choices you'd prefer. Let your voice be heard and your wishes known.

To speak to a licensed, trusted and knowledgeable funeral director, call us at (203) 869-5968 or (914) 698-5968 or visit www.coxandgraziano.com.

We are not sales people, but we are a family.

767 E. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 698-5968

134 Hamilton Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 869-5968

SUMMER SKINCARE

BY DR. KIM NICHOLS, M.D. FAAD It’s summertime; one of the most coveted times of the year! However, don’t let your favorite season be your skin’s most harmful season. As a board-certified dermatologist, I educate my patients on how to protect their skin because we’re all at risk of skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Your skin needs protection from the sun in order to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your skin not only glowing, but healthy and cancerfree: Apply a medical-grade antioxidant and a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.

Reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Dress to protect yourself from the sun! Wear UPFcertified clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat in addition to sunscreen for the ultimate protection.

Seek shade, especially between the hours of 10AM and 2PM. Never use a tanning bed.

Schedule a skin check with your board-certified dermatologist at least once per year.

Caution: Don’t assume your makeup is effective in protecting your skin even when it marketed as a product with SPF. Makeup with SPF still has a sheer finish, making the product ineffective as a sunscreen and complete skin protectant. Instead, use a sunscreen and makeup products with SPF for the ultimate protection.

Tip: There are a lot of elegant, non-chalky sunscreens for your busy lifestyle. Sunscreens are now available in tints, sprays, and brushes to help you be compliant with applying a sunscreen every day!

Did you know? Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can reach your skin.

COA

19 | COMING OF AGE

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

INTERVIEW

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MONUMENT MAN

AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL KOVACH LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR / DIRECTOR OF MONUMENT SALES BY JENNIFER GRAZIANO

In

this

issue

we

turn

the

What is involved in creating a

spotlight on Michael Kovach, a

monument?

licensed funeral director at Cox

Selecting

& Graziano's both NY and CT

granite, choosing the words

locations as well as the Zion

and sentiments to go on the

Memorial

of

stone,selecting font style as

Michael’s

well as any pictures, images or

Chapel

Westchester. responsibilities heading

up

also the

include memorial

the

color

religious

symbols

stone.

Also,

of

for

permits

the

the for

department and over the years

approval must be filed with

he’s worked with numerous

cemeteries.

families to create a meaningful memorial for their loved ones.

What is the average amount of

Here, Michael share his insights.

time

from

design

to

installment of a monument?

What is the most common

It mainly depends on the time

request

of year (foundations can’t be

creating

you

receive

when

monuments

with

families?

I often hear, “my father/mother’s one-year anniversary is coming up and we need a stone to do the unveiling by two months or one or two weeks”. People often wait until the last minute.

21| COMING OF AGE

poured in the winter). It also depends how long a family takes to sign off on the sketch.

Do the monument rules and regulations vary

What are some facts about monuments that

significantly between cemeteries?

people may not be aware of?

Absolutely. Some cemeteries are much more

I have many people come in to create their

flexible while others are strict.

monuments before they die.

What do you enjoy most about designing

How customizable are monuments?

monuments with families?

Very…it’s incredible some of the things that can

When a family calls to thank me for helping

be done now in terms of portraits, scenes or

them design something that’s custom and

landscapes laser engraved on a stone. You can

unique.

have

computer

scanned

images

on

a

monument, you can customize text, font and Can you describe the most unique monument

style. A monument is as unique as the person

you ever worked on?

for which it's created.

COA

I’ll never forget a stone that on it was inscribed an exact replica of a hand written love letter a

To learn more about having a monument or

husband sent to his wife.

memorial created, contact Michael at (914) 698-5968.

In the letter, the

husband included lyrics to “side by side” and that is what we inscribed replicating his exact handwriting.

It was a loving and beautiful

tribute to the love that they shared.

COMING OF AGE |22

THE FAMILY AND THE FACILITY THAT WESTCHESTER HAS TRUSTED FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS WHEN IT COMES TIME TO FACE LIFE’S MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS. FAMILIES HAVE TRAVELED THE EXTRA MILE TO CALL UPON US, KNOWING FULL WELL WE WILL DO THE SAME FOR THEM.

767 E. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (914) 698-5968

134 Hamilton Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 869-5968