Lifestyles 55+ Middle TN July 2017

Middle Tennessee

Franklin’s Year-round Santa pg. 8

Christmas In July

20-Minute HIIT Workout Five at Home Exercises to Melt Fat

pg. 12

Mothers Caring for Mothers Tips to Reduce Caregiver Stress

pg. 10

July 2017

LIFESTYLES

Co n t e n t s

LIFESTYLES ISSUE: 7

Ju l y 2017

on the cover

Christmas in July With Franklin’s Year-round Santa READ MORE ON PAGE 8

> article by Mary Bounds

> photographs by Michael Gomez and Garrett Epps

Holiday

Mothers Caring

20 Minute HIIT

> PAGE 6

> PAGE 4

for Mothers

Fat Killer

> PAGE 12

> PAGE 10

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Wishing to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked “No Admittance.”

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing.

Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to

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Pg. 2

LIFESTYLES

Traditions

Magnesium Please

the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit, keep playing.”

Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obligatio. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized.

That’s the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life’s work truly can be beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit, keep playing.” Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life. Remember, God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.

Meet the Staff of Lifestyles 55+ Publishers: G reg Bounds Garrett Epps

Editor Lana Walgamotte

Designer Dan Sause

Contributing Writers: M ary Bounds, Michelle Carollo, Cheryl Culbertson, Marelia Rocasco, Rhonda Smart, Jessica Valenzuela

Lifestyles 55+ is published monthly P.O. Box 1904 Spring Hill, TN 37174 Copyright 2017 by Lifestyles 55+. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written, expressed consent of the publisher. Reproduction of editorial content or graphics in any manner or in any medium is prohibited.

Opinions of staff & contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Contact the publishers of Lifestyles 55+ via e-mail at greg@ lifestyles55tn.com, or call (615) 571-7437

Letters to the Editor are Welcome–send signed letters to: Lifestyles 55+ Magazine, P.O. Box1904, Spring Hill, TN 37174.

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Ingredients:

To Make:

Diced fresh peaches 1 oz peach syrup (such as Monin’s) 2 oz Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey 2 oz ginger ale Ice

Place and scant handful of peaches and peach syrup in the bottom of a highball glass (double quantities if using a 12-oz. mason jar). Using the handle of a wooden spoon, muddle peaches in syrup (smash them up a bit).

Fill glass with ice then add Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey and ginger ale. Stir then serve. You can play around with the quantities to suit your taste.

Peach Simple Syrup 1½ cups water 1 cup sugar 4 peaches, pitted and diced (skin on) Combine water, sugar and peaches in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, cover and cool to room temperature. As mixture cools, periodically mash peaches with a wooden spoon to release juices and flavor. Strain syrup using a mesh strainer or cheese Recipe sourced from http://www.southyourmouth.com cloth, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Magnesium, Please Although we rack our brains trying to find any health benefits associated with a bag of chips, the facts keep coming back to haunt us.

We did, however, find an excuse to pack your diet full of nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Sorry, we tried!* Magnesium is a must-have at least according to our dietary needs, that is. The human body consists of approximately 20-28 milligrams of magnesium, with 50 percent alone going straight to the skeletal system, The rest is stored in muscle, soft tissue and other bodily fluids. A magnesium deficiency could cause a buildup of problems, including insulin resistance and coronary heart disease.

Looks like those thins your mother told you at the dinner table were somewhat plausible. After all, she was right: Drinking milk (which, you guessed it, is high in magnesium) does give you strong bones. One of the major pros in magnesium consumption is the role it plays in the assimilation of calcium into bone and the activation of vitamin D in the kidneys. Magnesium intake has not only been associated with greater bone density, it has been proven to lower the risk of osteopo-

rosis in postmenopausal women. Ditch the straws a milk mustache sounds really good right about now.

Your heart beats for magnesium. Helpful in its endeavors to maintain a steady heartbeat and normal blood pressure, magnesium is a must have supplement for a happy heart.

Magnesium is not limited to a healthy heart and strong bones, however. Magnesium is also found in 300 different enzymes in your body, including some that help regulate blood sugar. Many people with insulin resistance also experience high levels of magnesium output in their urine, explaining the body’s lack thereof. If you want to avoid type 2 diabetes, magnesium may be crucial.

Ask your doctor.

How about those green veggies Now? If you’re still crinkling your nose, try these magnesium rich alternatives. Hey, food is food.

LOW-FAT YOGURT All milk product contain magnesium. Last time we checked, this put ice cream on the qualifying list in moderation, of course.

BANANAS Potassium and magnesium? That’s a two-forone if we ever saw one.

DARK CHOCOLATE See, we told you we were trying! Paired with fresh fruit, we would say this makes for a pretty awesome dessert.

AVOCADO One sliced avocado coming right up. You will easily consume 15 percent of your daily recommended serving of magnesium in one sitting or on one sandwich, whichever you choose.

FISH Make it a goal to serve this protein once a week. Salmon salad?

We think yes.

*Editor’s Note: Before taking any new supplements or medications, we recommend speaking with your doctor first.

LIFESTYLES

Word Search Whether planning on celebrating Christmas in July or you are out to get some sun, we hope your summer is off to a great start. Stay Cool!

BEACH TIME

WATERMELON

ICE CREAM

POOL TIME

BASEBALL

SWIMMING PICNIC

VACATION

SANDCASTLE

BOATING

T C B K H B K K W V H I A P E B M E Y G G F F I S W I M M I N G X U M P D H C O O C V W S H I E I C E C R E A M B I D S O A Z A S A N D C A S T L E C O P O F I C H A T A U M Y E M I P K Q A G H G S P A R G B E U Y Z P P G P P V T D F P G D T J D V E R Y E Q N C O R H I P E FP Q I W O D J A M Q W N N O Z Q N F Y S F O O K Q B O V C E I E S L J Y G A P Q S P N V Q A P N D H L L G T X W K W M Z Q P O Q M S O I N Q T O C I W K G X U S Z I V D J E N S C P C I N M W I S U D JS M A X J B E X A N J C M E M H F F O U J W Z T N A U Q X Z I U V E C O Q R M A U C J Z G L J Q O C B C N S G H Q F I A L Z O Q L S M E P A Q H K E L X B W P A P Y N G D J M G D I W C Z G J K O P

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A Holiday Tradition ‘Tis the season to enjoy and to take advantage of Christmas in July

by Rhonda Smart What would a Christmas celebration be without the beloved performance of a dancing Nutcracker, a twinkling Sugar Plum Fairy and a little girl whisked away to a magical kingdom?

Celebrating 10 years of awe-inspiring magic and dazzling holiday cheer, Nashville’s Nutcrack-

er will ring in the season with additional characters and all-new fascinating elements for a record-setting 16 performances at TPAC’s Jackson Hall Dec. 2-23, 2017. A truly local production through and through with clever nods to the city’s sparkly past, Nashville’s Nutcracker epitomizes the holiday season in Music City.

In keeping with the “Christmas in July” festivities, Nashville Ballet’s anPg. 6

LIFESTYLES

nual summertime tradition, Christmas in July, returns with its largest single ticket discount of the year as a gift to the community! For the entire month of July, select Nashville’s Nutcracker tickets are $12 off with promo code XMASJULY. This deal applies to price levels A, B and C in the orchestra. What a great way to celebrate Christmas now and in December!

The story of The Nutcracker is cherished by both old and young as the enchantment unfolds, and it stands to be one of the most attended performances during the holidays. The ballet was first performed in December of 1892, one week before Christmas

by Tchaikovsky’s ballet at the Maryinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, but it would not be until 1954 that performances of The Nutcracker would capture American’s hearts. The tradition continues today!

The Nutcracker was reinvented as Nashville’s Nutcracker by Nashville Ballet in 2008, featuring new sets, costumes, Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling’s original choreography and on-stage magic tricks. The history of Nashville Ballet’s consistent growth and steady expansion is a credit to the dedicated artists and philanthropists who have worked tirelessly to bring the art of ballet to Nashville. Those visionaries worked diligently to bring this classical art form to a city that was already well on its way to becoming a cultural hub.

In 1986, Nashville Ballet became a professional company, however, it began a decade earlier in a Green Hills dancing studio. Today, it is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. In addition to memorable performances of Nashville’s Nutcracker, Nashville Ballet has also had outstanding performances of Cinderella, Swan Lake and Peter Pan to name a few.

‘Tis the season to enjoy and to take advantage of Christmas in July! Merry Christmas!

For more information on purchasing tickets for any performances of Nashville’s Nutcracker, call the TPAC Box Office at (615)782-4040 or visit: www.nashvilleballet.com

Live Life To The Fullest Trish Gomez RD, CPT Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist C e r t i f i e d P e r s o n a l Tr a i n e r Corrective Exercise Specialist

Nutrition and exercise plans for I m p r o v e d m o b i l i t y, b a l a n c e , s t r e n g t h , a n d s t a m i n a R e n e w e d e n e r g y, v i t a l i t y, a n d e n d u r a n c e (615) 476-5227 trish@trishgomez.com call to set up a free phone consultation

Photo by Karyn Photography

Christmas in July With Franklin’s Year-round Santa For over twenty years, local children have noticed that Santa Claus spends a lot of time in Tennessee. In reality, the cheerful, bearded man they’ve seen is Franklin’s Pat Petty, who assumes the role of the fabled “jolly old elf ” twelve months out of the year. Petty, who is professionally known as “Claus,” has attended Charles W. Howard Santa School each October for the past umpteen years, and is more than qualified for the job. In fact, Petty is so convincing in his portrayal of Santa, little ones in Williamson County who “still believe” say he’s the real deal!

Petty, a lifelong resident of Franklin, has never been to the icy North Pole where Santa Claus is said to reside.

Some are surprised to learn he has no flying reindeer, but a red convertible in lieu of a sleigh. Petty did not always sport a fluffy white beard and a red velvet suit or spend Pg. 8

LIFESTYLES

magical moments listening to children’s wish-lists. He actually worked at MTEMC for 38 years and lived most of his “pre-Santa” life in a rather normal fashion.

Long before he became Claus, Petty enjoyed a typical childhood, quietly celebrating Christmases with family and friends. And even though his holidays were happy times, Petty admits no one in his family “got into it big.” Santa didn’t play a major role in Petty’s early life, but time has a way of changing things, and sometimes in a big way. You see, for all practical purposes, Pat Petty has become Santa, and the most surprised of all may be Petty himself. “I honestly never dreamed I’d ever become Santa Claus,” Petty remarks, “but one day I woke-up, and I was!”

Petty first took on the role of Claus when he filled in for another Santa more than two decades ago. With his authentic white beard and soft-spoken voice, he seemed perfect for the part. He realized almost immediately that being Santa Claus came naturally to him, and before long, “Claus” became his life’s calling. In time, his local fame drew state and national attention, being chosen as the official Santa at the state Capitol tree-lighting ceremony and appearing as Claus on “Good Morning America.”

Like most hard working Santas, Petty is accompanied by his devoted companion, his wife Dianne, also a native of Franklin.

The couple are blessed with one daughter and joyfully celebrated their golden anniversary in 2016. Although Dianne avidly supports her husband’s work, one quickly notes she bears little resemblance to the mythical Mrs. Claus. “Dianne helps me in many ways,” Petty explains, “but she is not Mrs. Claus.” In truth, Dianne’s claim to fame may be in her amazing gift for decorating, keeping their home festive and Christmas-ready throughout the entire calendar year.

Petty’s work as Claus is never officially done, but when the clock strikes November, his job can seem non-stop. Appearing at schools, churches, and private parties, Claus is a popular guy!

With more than 45 events scheduled most years, Petty says the hours are long, but well worth it. Seeing the children’s faces and hearing their stories is heartwarming and up-lifting. Plus at times there’s even a spark of humor; you just never know what some kids will say to Santa!

Unfortunately being Claus isn’t always merry and bright, and at times the job can be difficult. Some children don’t ask for toys or puppies, but rather want their parents to stop fighting or their grandpa to get well. That’s when Santa’s job is the most challenging and perhaps the most important. “I explain that Santa can’t always bring them everything and tell them

I will pray that it can and will happen.”

Although moments like these carry a certain sadness, Petty is thankful to be there when these children need him. After all, Petty states, “It’s all about the children.”

Petty also discovered that being Claus isn’t just about giving, but can be about receiving as well. When he and Dianne lost their grandchild to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) years ago, their grief was unbearable. “Unless you’ve been through it, you can’t understand,” Petty explains. Healing began somewhat magically, in a parking lot with a minister’s wife. “She saw our daughter crying and came over to talk…By that night, we were at her house singing Christmas carols and embracing our new family.” The Pettys have also found comfort through wide-eyed children and caring loved-ones at their incredible holiday party hosted annually at their home. With all sincerity Petty admits, “I get much more out of being Claus than I could ever give!”

Pat Petty’s life as Claus is characterized by a sense of wonder and joy. Whether its a cold December night or a hot July day, he’s never too busy to spread Christmas cheer. And when a child asks if he’s the real Santa Claus, with a twinkle in his eye he answers, “Yes.” As Claus, he understands that keeping the magic alive for the children is his foremost job assignment. And truthfully, he wouldn’t want it any other way.

Christmas in Jul y The earliest known occasion called “Christmas in Ju ly ” was held i n July of 1933, at Camp Keystone, a girl’s summer camp in North Carolina. The event was celebrated with a Christmas tree, gifts, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Other accounts note that “Christmas in July” began around 1915, when a summer Christmas party was hosted for vaudeville performers who missed celebrating Christmas in D e c e m b e r, while performing on the road.

Mothers Caring for Mothers tips to reduce caregiver stress

by Elizabeth Moss, Caregivers by WholeCare

the tips below can help those providing care to ensure that they’re taking care of themselves as well

Mothers, more than ever before, are being pulled in many, many directions. Oftentimes part of the “sandwich generation,” they’re not only mothering their children, but are taking care of their own mothers at the same time. As a result, many of these female caregivers are neglecting their own needs, putting both themselves and the ones they care for at risk and experiencing unhealthy levels of caregiver stress.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, as many as 67% of caregivers for family members are women. And likewise, the majority of those being cared for are female (68%), and are the mothers of their caregivers.

Although it may seem to be a natural fit for daughters to take care of their own mothers, in many cases, it’s not a role for which they’re prepared. Social workers are reporting that most family caregivers are not ready for the many varied aspects of their older relatives’ care, such as the financial burden, the amount of time it takes to provide care and the emotional toll it can take on themselves as well as their own children and spouse.

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LIFESTYLES

RESPITE IS EVERY CAREGIVER’S RIGHT Put together a trusted network of support, and make sure you’re taking regular breaks from providing care.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed.

ACCEPT HELP FROM THOSE WHO OFFER IT Let them know specific ways that they can assist you.

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR SENIOR LOVED ONE’S CONDITION Learn how to communicate effectively with his or her medical team regarding the health and wellbeing of your loved one.

UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY Many resources are available to help you keep track of medication, appointments and check-in on your loved one without being invasive.

Be familiar with caregiving techniques that foster your loved one’s independence.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS They’ll usually lead you in the right direction. If something doesn’t seem right then pursue it.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BACK Caregiving can be physically demanding. When transferring your loved one, you will need to learn how to lift, push and pull properly.

GRIEVE YOUR LOSSES Give yourself time to grieve but then allow yourself to dream new dreams.

SEEK THE SUPPORT OF OTHER CAREGIVERS Find a group or an individual who is going through a similar situation. It’s comforting to know you are not alone.

BE AN ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF Stand up for your rights as a caregiver.

REMEMBER THAT CAREGIVING NEEDS CHANGE OVER TIME and you may need to adjust the level of care that is required for your loved one.

Elizabeth Moss is Founder and Chief Care Officer, Caregivers by WholeCare, a locally owned and operated in-home care provider. For 20 years, families in Middle Tennessee trust Caregivers by WholeCare to provide compassionate senior care for their loved ones. Learn more at http://caregiversbywholecare.com

Are you a member of the Sandwich Generation?

Care is in everything we do.

47%

Almost of adults 40-59 years of age, many of whom work full time, are juggling the responsibility of caring for both an elderly parent and dependent children. While rewarding in many ways, burnout is not uncommon ... you are not alone.

WholeCare can help!

Exceptional and affordable caregiving support

Call Paul at: 615.298.9201 to arrange your FREE CONSULTATION

www.caregiversbywholecare.com

For more information about eldercare options in Spring Hill contact Ashley Walker or Pam Williams at 615.302.1310

1040 Campbell Station Parkway in Spring Hill, TN www.americareusa.net

Health & Fitness

by Kelly Walgamotte photos by Bach Imagery, LLC model: Pam Houser

By: Marelia Rocasco

1

20 Minute

HIIT F K at

iller

High-intensity interval training, otherwise known as HIIT, is a fastpaced workout that has been proven to torch tons of calories in a short amount of time so you don’t need to spend hours in the gym.

All you need is a chair or bench to kick off your journey.

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2

Pam’s Tips Rev Up Your Metabolism By: 1) Eating at regular intervals and making sure you eat ENOUGH and ALWAYS eat breakfast.

20-Minute Beginner HIIT Workout Perform each exercise for 45-seconds, take a 15-second rest, and move to the next exercise. Completing all five exercises is equal to one round. Perform 4 rounds.

2) Resistance Training - even body weight controlled exercises like we show cased - to increase muscle mass.

3

1. Squats: Stand tall, keeping your chest up and core braced. Squat down as far as you can. Drive back up through your heels to return to the top position and repeat. Keep each rep smooth and controlled and don’t bounce at the bottom. For extra assistance, use a chair for added support. Remember to keep your feet under your hips and your body weight on your heels.

2. Push-ups: Get into position with your feet together and hands underneath your shoulders. Brace your core so your body is straight from head to heels. Bend your elbows to lower your chest, then press back up powerfully. If you can’t complete a traditional push-up, place your hands on a stable chair or plyo box instead of the floor. Or, try doing push-ups with your knees resting on the ground.

3) Regular sleep habits.

4

4) Hydrate with lots of water - at least 1/2 gallon every day.

I cannot stress diet enough.

Make sure you are getting plenty of protein and fiber daily.

3. Rope Climb: Stand tall with your head up. Then raise your left hand and right leg. Bring them back down and raise your opposite hand and leg to mimic climbing up a rope as quickly as possible. Always raise your hands and legs as high as possible and focus on doing as many reps as possible for the full 45 seconds.

4. Tricep Dips: Place your hands on a chair or a low table, with your back to the chair. Put your legs straight out while balancing on your palms. Bending your elbows and lower as far down as you can. Push back up until your elbows are nearly straight but do not lock them out.

Engage that core!

5. Side Lunges: Stand tall, take one step sideways, and push your hips back while lowering your body until one of your knees is bent at a right angle and you feel a slight stretch in your groin. Push off your foot to reverse the movement to the start, then go straight into the next side lunge on the opposite side. Alternate with each rep. Keeping your eyes focused on one thing will help with balance.

5

Although most of these tips are common sense and well known, consistency is key to achieving and maintaining results.

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