50+Living APRIL 2019

50+Living of Western NC

Asheville’s Dream Team: It’s All About Relationships Tricks that Instantly Stop Anxiety Attacks 50pluslivingWNC.com

New Veterans Benefits Rules April 2019

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Page 2 | 50+ Living | April 2019

ADVERTORIAL

It’s All About Relationships…And Having Fun!

P

By Sandi Tomlin-Sutker at Puckridge and Donna Prinz are a team, the “Asheville’s Dream Team.” More than that they are leaders and mentors to their staff and other team members at Keller Williams. And more than that, they are great friends.

A Little History

Both of them are natives to Asheville. Pat grew up in the Beaverdam area and after finishing school married Larry 36 years ago. They had a trucking company and also invested in several properties as a retirement plan. “We rehabbed many of them; I painted more walls and cleaned more toilets than I care to say… but that was back when we were young!” Their realtor, Mike Tavener, and his partners started a Keller Williams franchise in 1999. They called Pat because they wanted a property management business within the organization. She brought that business in and also started training for real estate sales with Donna, whom she hadn’t known before. “We immediately became best friends and business partners.”

Donna grew up in Biltmore and graduated from TC Roberson.

“I went into the medical field at the early age of 18, learning on the job and finally running a surgical practice for 14 years.” When

she and husband Keith’s son Joshua reached high school age Donna decided to quit her job and stay home for a few years. “I figured he was probably gonna get into trouble, being a teenager, and thought being at home I’d avoid some of that. But he was such a great kid he never really got into any trouble.” Once Joshua left home for school Donna decided to go to work in something she considered “easy” and got her real estate license. Husband Keith was a contractor and had worked with Pat’s husband Larry; the two couples hit it off and did a lot of work together, including building houses in a subdivision where Larry was the grader and Keith the builder. “It was a one-stop shop. We could build, lease and sell. We’ve experienced about everything you can in real estate!”

The 80%-20% rule Donna stresses this rule and how it has affected their business growth and relationships. “20% of what you do creates 80% of your income.” The work Donna and Pat love to do is sales and working closely to assist their clients, so they have developed a support team of 12 including other agents and staff. continued on page 5 April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 3

50+Living of Western NC

CONTENTS

3

All About Relationships...

And Having Fun!

18 Tumeric Tea to Boost

Your Immune System

26 My Elbow is Killing Me! 28 Signs You May Have a

8 5 Benefits of Friendships 20 Why Birds are Essential Thyroid Problem for a Healty Backyard 10 New Veterans Benefits 30 Advertisers Index Rules 21 Can I Adopt a Special 31 April Activities to Needs Dog? 12 Sandy’s Food for Thought Enjoy in WNC Crustless Sweet Pepper 22 Taylor’d with Style Quiche

16 Tricks That Instantly

Stop Anxiety Attacks

Page 4 | 50+ Living | April 2019

Slicker Style

24 Understanding Blood Pressure Medications

Cover photo: Pat Puckridge (L) and Donna Prinz (R) See story page 3

50pluslivingWNC.com

All About Relationships

crazy year. Sellers are waiting, and buyers are waiting for them to list their houses.”

Connie Haynes has been with them for 17 years overseeing listings and closings (currently with the help of their virtual transaction coordinator Davie Cox). Shannon Paris, also a Broker/Realtor®, is their Marketing Director handling all of their events and social media presence, and Steven Owens is the General Manager who oversees the administrative tasks and runs the sales team. Lynda Baker and Theresa Gillespie run the property management side, Asheville Phoenix Properties, which, although housed in the same building, is a separate business.

Because Donna and Pat’s team are designated by Keller Williams as a mega-agent, they and their team are housed out on Sweeten Creek Road instead of in the downtown office. “Back in 20052006, when we were building the business, it was really intense, and we needed this space.”

Pat asserts, “We see people coming and going, buying and selling, and I say the reason is grandbabies! They either want to come here to be near them or sell to go where they are.” One problem with the local market is that prices are so high. If you sell in Asheville you can’t turn around and buy in Asheville, even if you are downsizing. Donna says, “Many people are coming here from California or Massachusetts. They sell a $3 million house there and buy a $500,000 property here and get three times the house, and they pay cash. Our prices are so high now locals can’t afford it; service industry workers need three jobs to afford a place to live. Many of my clients are moving to Tennessee because it’s cheaper and still fairly close to Asheville.

continued from page 3

Staying in their 20%, letting the detail go to the staff has enabled the team to grow: last year they had their biggest increase, up 63%.

Or if they want to be even closer, they are looking in the outskirts and adjacent counties. Pat talks about one client who is moving his three kids to Barnardsville where he can get twice the house as he could in Asheville. “There are no bargains in Asheville now. You have to build if you want one.”

The Asheville Market

Building Relationships

“The market is really hot now,” Donna says. “But right this minute it’s hard to get listings. Asheville is a destination city so there are lots of buyers out there. The challenge is that there’s a pent-up energy and about April it’s going to bust loose and be a

Donna declares that their clients are like family. “You’re helping people downsize, upsize, cope with death or divorce.

Whether it’s hard times or happy times, moving is stressful; this is the largest purchase they’re going to make.” Pat tells about a man continued on page 7

March 2019 | 50 + Living

Page 5

50+Living of Western NC

PUBLISHER / OWNER Al Sheppard ART DIRECTOR Kimberly P. Anderson WEB DESIGN Alphie Hyorth FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Mike Demos 828.273.0098 mikedemos@aol.com Rose Lunsford 828.243.5686 rlunsford@rewnc.com Jon Shaner 508.954.7143 jonshaner89@gmail.com

50+Living “A lifestyle publication for people 50 and over�

For a Free Digital Subscription go to 50pluslivingWNC.com and sign up

Tammy Sheppard 828.230.7537 tsheppard@rewnc.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JeanAnn Taylor Sandi Tomlin-Sutker Sandy McCall High Five Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 8683 | Asheville, NC 28814 828.279.5962 All advertising published in 50+Living of Western NC is believed to be truthful and accurate. However High Five Enterprises, Inc. assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability whatsoever for errors, including without limitation, typographical errors or omissions in 50+Living of Western North Carolina. Any reference made to High Five Enterprises, Inc. is not to be construed as making any representation, warranty or guarantee concerning the information on properties advertised in 50+Living of Western NC. The content of all ads contained herein are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. The opinions and statements contained in advertising or elsewhere in this publication are those of the authors of such opinions and are not necessarily those of High Five Enterprises, Inc. High Five Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising submitted to this publication.

Ee

50pluslivingWNC.com Page 6 | 50+ Living | April 2019

All About Relationships continued from page 5

who had a terminal illness and wanted to be sure his wife was situated before he passed; they found a place for her just in time.

“It’s gratifying to be part of that even when it’s sad.”

Because Pat and Donna are so focused on helping their clients, they both have attained the designation of Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)®. The National Association of Realtors® notes that “by earning the SRES® designation, REALTORS® are prepared to approach mature clients with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions.”

Pat mentions the sheer number of tasks to be accomplished when someone is moving and, especially downsizing. “We have affiliations with people who can help with packing, sorting, and moving. A lot of seniors can’t do all that.” They also know the retirement communities in the area whether clients are simply moving into a community that is exclusively for ages 55 and over, or if they need some level of nursing care and assisted living.

Both Donna and Pat are seniors themselves now and they have the empathy and understanding about the abilities and energy of people “of a certain age.” Often seniors want to remain in the area even though their children are not here to help. As more

baby-boomers are coming of age there is a growing need for someone to be on the supervising end to make the transition much less stressful.

These two women love what they do. They find it very rewarding to support and help others; they can be there for their clients and for the members of their team. “Most partnerships in Keller Williams, who are not family, only last about six years… we are in our 19th year together.”

Pat says that 90% of their buyers and sellers come through referrals, and laughs that, “Donna has 98 cousins! It’s all about the service and enjoying it. Relationships are everything!”

Donna confirms: “And we always say, if it’s not fun, we’re not gonna do it.”

Sandi Tomlin-Sutker is a freelance writer and editor. Contact her at sts@madison.main.nc.us.

Photo by: Studio 828, Cat Ford-Coates

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5 Benefits of Friendship

By John Dunnery

We hear many songs about romantic love but few about friendship. Yet friendship often lasts longer than romance, and friendship brings long-term comfort and sustenance.

Here are five benefits of friendship:

1. Friendship provides social companionship. Friends fill the all-important role of reliable social companion. If you need someone to accompany you to a movie and your romantic partner is unavailable, you call a friend. If you have nothing to do on a Saturday evening, you invite a friend over to your home to watch television or play cards.

2. Friends help when help is urgently needed. There are moments in life when you need assistance urgently but it’s awkward or inconvenient (or prohibitively expensive) to hire someone. A friend is invaluable when you decide to pack up and move out of an apartment at the last minute, or when you’re too sick to step out the door to go grocery shopping, or when your basement is flooded and the plumber is delayed.

3. Friends give honest advice about personal matters. When you need someone to tell you that it’s time to end a relationship, you rely on a close friend who has known you for many years and helped you through previous heartbreaks. If your parent is near death in hospital and decisions must be made, yet other family members are blinded by emotion, a friend can give objective advice.

Page 8 | 50+ Living | April 2019

4. Friends fill in memories. Friends are necessary to supply those tiny, obscure fragments of data that nobody else would care about or know. If you need to know the name of a long-lost roommate from 1986, you call a friend of that era.

If you can’t quite recall the color of your first car, you contact the friend who spent many hours driving with you in that car.

5. Friends forget what is too embarrassing to recall. Friends can be trusted never to mention those truly embarrassing incidents of our lives that they witnessed.

Their lips are sealed by loyalty and compassion.

Good friendships are a necessary part of a happy life. Lovers provide thrills and excitement, but friends fulfill several other important roles.

Such friendships should be nurtured and treasured. Ee

When Love Gets Tough

Everyone vows they will never put their loved one in a nursing home. We all hope we can keep that promise, and that our lives may be enriched for many years.

Making the Decision

But the reality is that age and decline often take their toll, leaving us unable to manage alone, and placing an overwhelming burden on our extended family and friends to help us get through the day. It is then that we must decide who we can trust to help us care for our beloved.

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• The third generation of RNs and administrators now dedicate themselves full time to continuing the tradition of excellence.

• Offering short- and long-term care for Skilled Nursing Care, Assisted Living and Respite Cars.

• On-site physical, occupational and speech therapy.

• Ideally located between Asheville and Hendersonville minutes from WNC’s finest hospital systems.

• On-site services provided: Psychiatric, Dental, Optometry, Podiatry, Dietitian and Wound Care Services.

• All inclusive rate includes: laundry, cable, Wi-Fi, housekeeping, activities and outings, three nutritious meals a day and snacks, 24-hour nursing services, and medical and incontinent supplies (small fee for transportation and barber/beauty services).

• Group activity outings: Cherokee Casino, fishing, baseball games, County Fair, circus, movies, shopping, zoos, Parkway rides and picnics.

• A Medical Team of geriatric and family practice physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who take personal interest in each resident and make routine weekly on-site visits and are on call 24 hours a day.

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www.fleshers.net April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 9

ADVERTORIAL

New Veterans Benefits Rules

By Larry Hartley, Partner Strauss Attorneys PLLC

Veterans and their spouse should be aware that there are new rules that went into effect on October 18, 2018, regarding qualification for a type of Veterans’ assistance known as Improved Pension, with Aid and Attendance Benefits. Unfortunately, these new rules have put in place penalty periods for gifting assets before applying for benefits, where the Veterans Program previously did not impose penalties. The good news is that the new rules are more clear and some of the rules are more generous than those previously in place.

Benefits known as Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance benefits that can pay for medical needs of a veteran or surviving spouse who requires assistance in activities of daily living (dressing, undressing, eating, toileting, etc.), is blind, or is a patient in a nursing home. Assisted care in an assisted living facility also qualifies.

The Improved Pension benefit known as a Housebound Allowance is for those who need regular assistance but would not meet the more stringent requirements for Aid and Attendance, and who wish to remain in their own home or the home of a family member. Care can be provided by family members or outside caregiver agencies.

The Basic Pension level is for veterans and surviving spouses who are 65 years old or older, or who are 100% disabled, and those who have limited income and assets.

What are the Qualifications to Receive Benefits?

There are categories of assets that are exempt or not countable, and there are still techniques available to protect assets for Veterans and their families. However, due to the new lookback rules and penalties pre-planning has become even more important.

In general the Veteran and/or the spouse of a veteran is going to need to have less than around $127,000 in countable assets and must also take into account one year worth of income counted added in to the total with those countable assets. (The asset and income limits will go up each year depending on inflation.) This is a valuable benefit that could provide over $24,000 per year to a married qualifying veteran or over $13,800 per year to a widow or widower of a qualifying veteran.

Many wartime veterans and their surviving spouses are now spending significant amounts of money on their medical needs, are facing long-term care expenses, or will need some type of long-term care in the near future. The Veterans Administration has funds available to help pay for Medical expenses and Long Term Care, but many families do not know these benefits exist.

Page 10 | 50+ Living | April 2019

A veteran is not required to have service-related injuries to qualify for these pension benefits, but must meet certain wartime service and discharge requirements. A surviving spouse must also meet marriage requirements to the qualified veteran.

There are additional requirements that must be met for a disability claim if the claimant (the veteran or surviving spouse filing for benefits) is under 65 years old.

Previous to the changes in the rules when determining eligibility, the VA looked at a claimant’s total net worth, life expectancy, income and medical expenses. A married veteran and spouse under the previous rules should have no more than $80,000 in “countable assets,” which includes retirement assets but does not include a home and vehicle. This amount was a guideline and not a rule. Now the asset plus income test is a much more concrete number.

Even for the new rules, Income for VA Purposes (called IVAP) must be less than the benefit for which the claimant is applying. IVAP is calculated by subtracting “countable medical expenses” (recurring out-of-pocket medical expenses that can be expected to continue through the claimant’s lifetime) from the claimant’s gross income from all sources. Be careful in contacting the VA to ask about these benefits. It has not been unusual for callers to receive incorrect information from a Veteran’s Administration worker. This I believe is because the VA

workers deal with far more veterans who are asking about different programs other than the Improved Pension With Aid and Attendance benefits. The rules for disability compensation and retiree benefits are far different than the rules for this program.

application is submitted can allow the application to be approved more quickly. When a veteran is approved he or she can receive additional benefits such as no cost prescriptions or low-cost prescriptions through a VA medical center.

With the new rules, there will be fewer opportunities to use annuities in the planning. Also, keep in mind that many annuities are NOT designed with VA benefits or Medicaid benefits in mind. Certain annuity techniques used previously will have to be modified or eliminated.

Because time is critical for these aging veterans and their surviving spouses, application should be made as soon as possible (after considering any gifting look back issues) after the veteran or the surviving spouse has become eligible. For more information, visit http://www.va.gov or in states such as North Carolina that provide local veterans service office, contact the local office for an appointment. However, plan ahead before going to the service office, because the Veterans service office will not help you plan ahead. They take you as you are when you walk in. For pre-planning see your VA accredited attorney before you go to the service office.

In addition, because the claimant may need to qualify for Medicaid in the future, it is very important that any restructuring or gifting of assets be done in ways that do not jeopardize or delay Medicaid benefits. Consult a board certified Elder Law Attorney for legal advice especially when it comes to the Medicaid rules in the state where the long term care will be provided.

Applying for Benefits The VA often takes more than a year to make a decision, but once approved, benefits are paid retroactively to the month after the application is submitted. Having proper documentation (discharge papers, medical evidence, proof of medical expenses, death certificate, marriage certificate, financial information, and a properly completed application) at the time the

Larry S. Hartley is a Board Certified Specialist in Elder Law by the NC State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation. He is a VA accredited attorney and is a United States Navy Veteran. To arrange an appointment contact the law firm of Strauss Attorneys, PLLC at 828-258-0994 to schedule an appointment. More information is available at www.strausslaw.com.

The firm has offices in Asheville NC and Hendersonville NC.

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Sandy’s Food for Thought

By Sandy McCall

Crustless Sweet Pepper Quiche with Spinach and Blood Orange Salad!!

This is an exciting moment for me as a food writer!!! I am in “foodie heaven” to be asked to write for 50+ Living magazine.

If you follow my current or past work, you know my cooking passion is for clean eating ... real, unprocessed, additive-free food without refined sugar and gluten.

Some recipes I offer will be easy to prepare and some more difficult but all are prepared and tested in my own kitchen. Choose what works for you! I am a believer in the idea that “variety is the spice of life.” I like supporting good health from the inside out with the food we eat.

Foodie Tip: Need help converting a traditional recipe to a healthier recipe? Ask me!

Creating good food that leaves me with good leftovers works for me. This meal is perfect for that. I also love these quiches because they don’t have a traditional crust and they reheat easily. It’s also easy to recreate the Spinach and Blood Orange Salad.

Foodie Tip: Check out the nutritional values at: NutritionData.self.com Search for spinach, peppers, asparagus, blood oranges, goat cheese and eggs, etc.

So on to the good stuff ...

The addition of steamed asparagus on this salad is very good but you can certainly substitute a different vegetable. I also like roasted brussel sprouts on this salad and you can grate a couple of raw brussel sprouts on top of your quiches also if you like.

Page 12 | 50+ Living | April 2019

Crustless Sweet Pepper Quiche Ingredients

4 medium peppers 5 medium shiitakes mushroomss, chopped 2 small Vidalia onions, chopped 3 small cloves garlic, finely minced 2 handfuls of baby spinach, finely chopped 16 asparagus stalks, trimmed (save 4 tops for decorating quiche) 4 large organic eggs 1 Tablespoon mixed fresh herbs of choice (I used oregano & sage) 4-6 Tablespoon goat or Parmesan cheese 1 Tablespoon coconut milk Avocado oil for sautéing veggies Salt & Pepper to taste 4 Servings Preheat oven to 375°

Steam 12 trimmed asparagus stalks in salted water.

Remove from pan and drizzle lightly with avocado oil. Set aside.

Cut about one inch off the top of the peppers and clean out the pith and seeds. Trim the pepper tops and chop those into very small pieces to use in filling.

Thoroughly sauté chopped peppers, Vidalias, and shiitake mushrooms in hot oil. Add spinach and minced garlic. Stir and combine all veggies. Turn heat off.

Add about a teaspoon of cheese into the inside bottom of each pepper. Add cooked veggies to peppers, dividing equally among the four peppers.

Scramble eggs in a small bowl, adding finely chopped herbs and coconut milk. Whisk until combined.

Add the egg mixture to each pepper, dividing evenly among the peppers. Top each pepper with remaining cheese and an asparagus tip.

Add about a 1/2” of water at the bottom of a casserole dish and place the filled peppers in the dish.

Bake 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or the eggs are cooked to your liking. continued on page 14 April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 13

Spinach and Blood Orange Salad with Honey Dressing Honey Dressing *Makes 1/3 Cup

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon dijon-style mustard 1 teaspoon honey 1 clove garlic, grated 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best) 1/2 teaspoon blood orange zest In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey. Peel and grate the garlic into the dressing. Zest one blood orange, collecting about 1/2 teaspoon of zest. Add orange zest, salt, and pepper to the bowl and whisk.

Let the dressing sit for five to ten minutes so the flavors blend. Taste and add salt if necessary. *If you know you are going to have this salad again soon, try doubling the dressing recipe right from the beginning. It’s easy to do.

Foodie Tip: Blood oranges are usually available in WNC during the late winter and through April

Spinach and Blood Orange Salad 2 blood oranges Spinach leaves Optional: hemp hearts

To Assemble and Serve: Peel the blood oranges, removing as much pith as possible. Slice each into 12 slices.

Arrange spinach leaves and oranges on plate, then drizzle with salad dressing. Add one cooked quiche to each plate.

Sprinkle with hemp hearts if desired. You can also add a cooked turkey sausage pattie under each quiche. Write to me for turkey sausage recipe.

This is also my philosophy: “A new study led by Professor Charles Spence, the Oxford University gastrophysicist making waves in the food industry, has proven beyond doubt that making something look good makes it effectively taste better too ...”

— The Guardian

I sure hope you enjoy these recipes. I love sharing recipes and talking “food,” so feel free to write to me with ideas, comments, and requests at SandysFoodForThought@gmail.com Sandy McCall’s day job is working as the Broker/Owner of Southern Life Realty. When she’s not being the “mad scientist” in the kitchen or loving-up her cat, dogs or chickens, she enjoys being a Food Writer …

Facebook Blog: “Sandy’s Food For Thought” Food Writer at 50PlusLivingWNC.com Food Writer at WholeLifeChallenge.com

Page 14 | 50+ Living | April 2019

ADVERTORIAL

The Asheville Wine Focus Group @MetroWines asks our customers to play wine shop owner for the night!

On the way to the Grove Park Inn and surrounded by popular bed and breakfast lodgings together with serving neighborhoods covering every demographic makes selecting wines for a small shop a real challenge. With so many travelers, we not only need to offer wines that Asheville residents prefer but also national brands. And trying to maintain the constant favorites while still bringing in new wines is no easy feat.

To meet the interests of our customers, we formed The Asheville Wine Focus Group (“Group”). We ask one of our importers to bring four wines for consideration at each gathering. Over this past year, Group has considered over 50 wines and been extraordinarily helpful in advising on decisions for our shelves.

Group is asked whether they like the wine, do they think most other customers will like the wine or is this a special order “geek” wine, should we carry the wine in the shop and what should it cost.

Over the past year, we all learned lot about wine.

First, Rose works all year! On three occasions, the favorite of the four submitted wines was a Rose with the Backsberg Pinotage Rose being the biggest hit. Kudos to Group for stepping outside their collective comfort zone and bringing a wine truth forward: Rose works all year!

Group was not afraid to tackle lesser known varietals such as Muller Thurgau and Blaufrankisch. We also reviewed a blend of Tannat and Merlot by Brumont that turned out to be a surprise hit! The wine has an intense red fruit and spice nose and palate with a long and smooth finish. Group recommends 2 hours of air for the best pour on this bottle!

In addition to various varietals, Group showed their knowledge and interest in putting a little age on the bottle.

A 2011 Rioja was selected as a winner before we knew that James Suckling had given this vintage 93 Points!

And then there was the Biltmore Smack Down! Biltmore pitted their wines against well known bottles of the same varietal and close in price. More than 40 showed up to take the challenge! The goal for Biltmore was to show that, even if you did not prefer Biltmore, it was a quality wine for the price. Biltmore held their own!

That brings us to the bottom line: the price to quality ratio. So many times Group loved a bottle but when the price was announced, it was a no go. Name aside, you have to Bring IT! There is so much competition in the wine world, savvy consumers are passing up the name brands looking for quality at a better price.

Through Group, customers have a real voice in the shop selections and we learn what you like. Please join us on the second Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 6;30 @MetroWines. The event is always “on the house.”

We value your opinion!

Charlotte Street! It’s the Next BIG Thing!

“Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service” 828-575-9525 | www.metrowinesasheville.com April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 15

J

ust because a panic attack happens in a situation the sufferer can’t escape doesn’t mean he or she has to suffer. Medication and therapy can be a great help, but in these instances, panic requires an immediate cure. That’s when these three quick mental tricks can be a lifesaver.

Box Breathing A simple relaxation technique, box breathing prevents hyperventilation, slows the heart, and quickly relieves the stress driving the panic attack. It’s simple to do, and while smartphone apps exist to guide anxiety sufferers through the process, they aren’t necessary.

Three Quick Tricks That Instantly Stop Anxiety Attacks

To start, sufferers close their eyes and breathe in slowly through the nose while counting to four. Then, they hold their breath for four counts, slowly exhale for four counts, and hold for another four while focusing on relaxing the jaw. This process repeats until the anxiety dissipates.

Object Observation

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Traditionally used to improve focus, listening, and attention to detail, object observation works equally well to end an anxiety or panic attack. Sufferers can use sounds, their smartphones, an object in the room, or anything in the environment. Best of all, the sufferer can use the technique without anyone knowing.

The audio technique works by simply focusing on sounds. While standing or sitting stationary, listen carefully to the environment to identify seven different sounds. This could be a clock ticking, someone breathing, a car in the distance, or anything that makes a noise. This trick works visually, too.

Find an object somewhere in the environment. Then, make note of seven to ten characteristics that item has. For example, a coffee cup sitting on the desk may be white, warm, smooth, shiny, chipped, have wear marks, and be quite round for a typical cup. By the time sufferers come up

Page 16 | 50+ Living | April 2019

with ten descriptors, they should feel the anxiety disappear. If it hasn’t, they simply need to choose another object and repeat the process.

Imagine Somewhere Else A play off the last technique, anxiety sufferers sometimes find it easier to simply imagine themselves somewhere else. To make this technique work, anxiety sufferers should imagine and make note of all the little details in this happy place. So, for example, they may want to imagine their grandmother’s house. Then, make note of what it used to smell like, the way the freshly baked cookies looked on the pan, and the way her home sounded.

Quality Patient-Centered Dental Care Whatever dentistry you’re in need of, you’ll feel comfortable with Dr. Zachary S. Holcombe, and his team.

Being “patient-centered” means that your positive experience, in every detail, is our primary concern.

Our team offers a wide variety of services and procedures to accomodate all your dental wants and needs.

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These techniques seem overly simplistic in comparison to the seriousness of an anxiety attack, but that’s what makes them so powerful. They are easy to learn, quick to use, and extremely effective in situations where appearances matter. Try them, practice them, and include them in a mental health toolbox for a happier, healthier life. Ee

Dr. Holcombe is a native of Greenville, NC who attended North Carolina State University for undergraduate studies before earning his DMD from East Carolina University. He is married to his wife Amy and they have one child. When not practicing dentistry he enjoys spending time out doors with his friends and family.

• DENTAL IMPLANTS • PROSTHODONTICS • PERIODONTICS • ORAL SURGERY

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www.DentalAsheville.com April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 17

How to Make Homemade Turmeric Tea to Boost Your Immune System

I

By Daniel Yetman

f you’re looking for a simple tea loaded with health benefits you can make at home, look no further. You can make this recipe using ingredients found in the spice section of the grocery store: ginger root, coconut milk, and a sweetener of your choosing.

so if you want to get the most benefits out of your tea, include a sprinkle of black pepper.

What Is Turmeric?

• Reducing oxidative damage

Turmeric is a root in the ginger family usually ground into a yellow powder. It’s been used in Indian in cooking and medicine for thousands of years, and is most famous for giving curry its bright-yellow color and unique taste.

• Decreasing risk of Alzheimer’s

Turmeric contains the compound curcumin, which is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The active ingredient in black pepper (piperine) increases the absorption of curcumin,

• Relieving symptoms of arthritis

Page 18 | 50+ Living | April 2019

Here are some of the benefits of drinking turmeric tea: • Reducing inflammation

• Decreasing risk of heart disease • Warding off cancer

• Delaying aging

The widely known health benefits of turmeric have made it a popular ingredient, including cafes that serve turmeric lattes.

However, by making your tea at home, you can control the amount of sugar and turmeric that goes into your drink.

Turmeric Tea

This recipe makes four servings. If you want to make a single serving, divide all the ingredients below by four.

Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Ingredients 3 cups Water 1 cup Coconut milk 1 tsp Turmeric powder 1 tsp Cinnamon 1 inch Fresh ginger root 4 tbsp Lemon juice 1 tbsp Honey 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional) ½ tsp Black pepper (optional) Instructions 1. Heat the water over the stove in a small saucepan until it starts to bubble.

2. Turn off the burner. Stir in the coconut milk and lemon juice.

3. Add the spices and honey. Stir until the spices dissolve.

4. Cover the pan for ten minutes and stir again to remix the settled spices.

Turmeric Tea Variations This quick recipe benefits your heart, mind, and body. Once you get used to turmeric’s strong taste, you can increase the amount you use in the tea to get even more of its anti-inflammatory benefits.

You can also experiment with the amount of honey and spices used in the recipe until you find a combination that suits your palate. To change the flavor, experiment with different types of milk instead of coconut milk. Ee

The Spice & Tea Exchange® of Asheville 46 Haywood St., #101 Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 505-7348 April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 19

Why Birds Are Essential for a Healthy Backyard

I

f you enjoy spending time in your backyard, you’ve probably heard all those chirping birds hanging around.

Maybe you even enjoy watching them flutter by, lending their color to the surrounding landscape. But have you ever considered the vital role they play in maintaining the local ecosystem? If you’re like most people, chances are you take the presence of birds in your yard for granted.

One way birds contribute to a desirable outdoor space is by controlling the number of unwanted pests. Birds feed on insects, such as beetles and mosquitoes, which can ruin an other-wise perfect evening outside. They also help to control slugs and aphids, and other bugs that can harm your plants and vegetation.

Certain birds such as hummingbirds are also responsible for spreading pollen and helping to maintain those beautiful flowerbeds. Other birds like sparrows and finches eat the seeds of weeds and help to reduce the number of undesirable plants in your yard or flowerbeds.

Like most animals, birds require food, water, and shelter in order to feel comfortable and welcome in your yard. By offering your feathered visitors a steady supply of food and water, you will encourage new species to frequent your yard. One way to do this is to provide a bird feeder. Bird feeders can be purchased for a modest price or made easily by hand.

Be sure to keep a hefty supply of wild bird food on hand for refills. A bird bath or possibly a fountain or pond will also attract birds.

Moving water will attract birds quicker than The Lodge at Mills River standing water because the sounds will catch A leader in Short term Rehabilitation takes the birds’ attention.

Our PASSION makes us different pride in excellence. We promise to serve the residents and families with compassion and integrity. The Lodge is committed to providing experienced care in a cheerful environment that features: • Private Rooms • TV/Internet Services • Ice Cream Shop • Rehab Gym • Salon & Spa • Spacious common areas The Lodge offers physical, speech and occupational therapies in the community.

Therapy services can be provided in an inpatient or outpatient need.

We invite you to visit the community, meet our dedicated staff and discover for yourself what makes The Lodge at Mills River a leader in Short Term Rehabilitation.

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www.sanstonehealth.com/lodgeatmillsriver Page 20 | 50+ Living | April 2019

Once you provide a consistent source of food and water, you will be amazed at how popular your backyard becomes. In addition to simply enjoying their songs and colors, you will also know that you are doing a service to your local ecosystem. Ee Hummingbird Art by: Kimberly Anderson

prospective adopters to obtain important information from veterinarians and shelter personnel when considering this step. Key points are understanding how heartworm infection is spread, how treatment works and what kind of care owners will be required to give dogs undergoing treatment.

Special Needs Pets: Can I Adopt a Heartworm-Positive Dog?

What to know when adopting a heartworm-positive dog:

(StatePoint) Every year, an estimated 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters, with roughly half that number subsequently adopted by pet owners. These include shelter dogs with special medical needs that can make them harder to place. Dogs with heartworm infection are a common example.

What is heartworm disease and how do dogs get it?

Heartworm disease is a serious disease spread by infected mosquitoes that is estimated to affect more than one million dogs, cats and ferrets in the U.S. The incidence of heartworm disease in shelter dogs is thought to be higher than in other dogs because stray and surrendered pets are less likely to have received prior veterinary care or to have been on routine heartworm prevention. Meanwhile, natural disasters like hurricanes -- which occur in areas of the country where heartworm rates are already high -- can lead to increased numbers of heartworm-positive pets needing adoption when flooding and pet displacement drive up infection numbers.

Not every aspiring pet owner is equipped to provide the extra care a special-needs pet requires; however, with proper treatment, heartworm-positive pets can be excellent candidates for adoption. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) advises

made it myself!

• Dogs with heartworm disease can be successfully treated and go on to live normal lives. However, treatment must be initiated as soon as possible to minimize permanent damage to the dog’s heart and arteries.

• A dog with heartworm disease cannot directly infect another pet.

Nevertheless, an infected, untreated dog can become a source of infection to other pets if it is bitten by a mosquito, so prompt treatment is needed.

• Heartworm treatment requires months of therapy and multiple medications administered under a veterinarian’s care. Heartworm treatment can also be costly. Some shelters are able to cover all or some of these costs prior to adoption, while others can’t afford to do so. Dogs undergoing treatment also need to be kept on cage rest to minimize treatment complications.

• Dogs can become re-infected if they’re not protected. The AHS recommends year-round heartworm prevention to all pets, as well as annual testing. Fortunately, heartworm prevention is affordable, effective and safe.

For more information on understanding heartworm disease in dogs, visit heartwormsociety.org.

While heartworm disease is a serious medical condition, compassionate owners who are willing to invest the necessary care and resources in treatment can enable heartworm-positive dogs to live full and happy lives.Ee

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April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 21

Taylor’d with Style

Slicker Style

By JeanAnn Taylor

W

onder why I thought of writing about rainy day fashion? Because it’s been raining nearly every day lately. The average rainfall in Western North Carolina is 43 inches. The old rainfall record was set in 2013 with 75.22 inches. In 2018, that amount was beaten with some areas getting over 80 inches! Now it looks like 2019 is off to a good competitive start. As I look outside my window, the yard is completely saturated, and rain water is creeping onto my patio.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I adore rain. I love cloudy, cold, rainy days. Some people think I’m an “odd duck,” but there is a cozy element to gloomy days that is very appealing to me. When I sing, “It’s raining, it’s pouring . . .” I change the lyrics to “Rain, rain, please stay.” Why not? I can wear rain boots, rain jackets, and carry cute umbrellas. I do, however, believe the best way to keep a positive attitude on a soggy day is to be prepared.

Admittedly, getting drenched in a downpour and ending up with soaking wet clothes is not appealing. Thanks to science, we usually know if a rainstorm is on its way, about what time and about how much. So, on these days, it’s smart to plan ahead.

First, you need a waterproof coat, or “slicker.” Raincoats come in many functional and fashionable styles with the most popular being the trench. This double-breasted military style coat is belted and usually has deep pockets. The elements that set a “rain shower trench coat” apart from a classic trench coat is the hood and waterproof fabric. The rain shower trench typically falls at mid-calf and has a zipper instead of buttons to offer more secure protection from water seepage. Rain jackets are similar to rain coats with the difference being in the length. The length of the jacket usually falls at the hip line. When rain jackets are paired with rain pants, you have a rain suit.

Page 22 | 50+ Living | April 2019

Hooded rain ponchos are basically a piece of waterproof fabric that can completely cover you from your head to your knees. Ponchos slip over your head and can also protect your belongings by wearing them over everything you are carrying.

They are easily scrunched into a small pouch making them very convenient to carry on hikes or sight-seeing adventures. You can find ponchos in many stylish colors and fun patterns. Some cheap varieties are made from thin material and are designed for onetime use only. Others are made from heavier plastic and can be used multiple times. Take care to let the poncho dry completely before putting it back into its pouch.

Anoraks were originally created for hunting in the Arctic.

The traditional wind-, cold-, and water-proof jacket was a hooded pullover. It had drawstrings at the waist and cuffs and no front opening. The material used was seal or caribou skin. Today, “anoraks” are making a huge fashion statement, but they have little resemblance to their original design. Most of the new creations have front openings, some don’t have hoods, they’re available in sherbet colors, and some even have elbow-length sleeves. This leaves me to wonder why they are considered anoraks at all.

When making your decision about which style of rain gear to purchase, consider the end use. If you are likely to find yourself hiking in a downpour, a waterproof jacket is your best choice. If you are only dashing from your car to the office, a water resistant coat may suffice. You also need to consider the breathability factor. If you plan to wear your jacket while jogging, it needs to breathe so perspiration can pass through while keeping raindrops out. Some rain coats have layers to withstand cold temperatures; others are lighter weight and only suitable for warm weather wear.

High quality rain coats are “taped.” This means the tiny holes

made by the sewing machine needle during construction are sealed. Pockets are also an important feature to consider. Think about what you want to carry and how big the pockets need to be to accommodate these items.

As demonstrated by my favorite two-year-old, puddlejumping requires cute rain boots. Waterproof rubber boots will keep your feet dry, and when worn with thick, fuzzy socks they’ll also keep your toes toasty. Rain boots should be purchased one size larger than your normal shoe size to accommodate chunky socks and to give your toes room to breathe and wiggle. Once a practical-only item, they are now a fashionable accessory available in a plethora of colors and patterns. They look best when worn with casual clothing rather than dressy or business attire. If you need to dress your best and walk in the rain, carry your regular shoes in a waterproof bag to change into when you reach your destination.

style setter looks so chic carrying her fashionable umbrellas— we all want one. In fact, the bubble has become so popular, it is now a New York City Fashion Week trend. Along with style, an umbrella should be sturdy enough to withstand wind gusts and have a handle that is easy to grasp and hold on to. The parasol, which is similar to an umbrella, is used to protect from the rays of the sun and not always made with waterproof material.

Sensible clothing choices help to ease rainy day blues. White and light colored pastels show muddy splashes and water marks, and can easily become see-through. Darker colors hide these splatters and remain opaque. Choose wisely. Your clothing will need to be laundered after a walk in the rain, so you may want to avoid dry clean only items. Rainy days frequently feel cooler so layering can keep you comfortable as the temperatures fluctuate.

The more fabric a garment has, the greater chance of it getting wet. A full skirt or flared jeans will simply be harder to contain than a pencil skirt or pair of slim-fitting pants. Also remember that rain showers often come with wind, so to sidestep the Marilyn Monroe look, choose skirts that won’t billow when the breeze blows.

Choice of fabric is also an important consideration. Silk will dry fast, but it will also spot easily. Denim, velvet, and wool will hold moisture for a long time and become very heavy to wear.

Cotton will absorb water, but dries relatively quickly with few lingering consequences. Your best choice is a synthetic fabric such as Lycra or nylon. These fabrics won’t absorb as much water and will dry faster than natural fibers.

Cheerful colors are one of the most appealing aspects of wet weather essentials. You may not always feel that adding a bright, neon color to your ensemble is appropriate, but what can brighten a dreary day more than wearing a mermaid-blue rain coat with sunbeam yellow polka-dot teal rain boots? Who can’t smile while carrying an umbrella bedecked with pink flamingos and cherry blossoms?

Sweet Addie finds joy in rainy days.

It’s been reported that Queen Elizabeth has an umbrella to match every one of her ensembles. Her preferred style is the “birdcage” or “bubble” design, with the garment-matching color on the handle and trim. The dome-shape offers rain protection while allowing her to see out—and us to see in. For coordination perfection, swatches of fabric from her clothing collection are sent to a creative team who design umbrella colors to match her outfits. Bespoke bumbershoots in key lime green, canary yellow, strawberry pink, ruby red, mint, lilac, violet, aqua, and every color in between are then delivered to the Queen. This surprising

With so many options. rainy day fashion can be fun, stylish, and functional. You may even begin wishing for more storm clouds on the horizon so you can wear those new lime green rain boots. Like they say, “Some people dance in the rain, others just get wet.” I say, “Put on your slicker and let’s dance!” Ee

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor jeananntaylor@rewnc.com April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 23

Understanding Blood Pressure Medications

By Jasmine A. Stone

U

ncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious, and sometimes even life-threatening, health problems and disease. Atherosclerosis, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney and eye damage can all be the result of uncontrolled high blood pressure. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improves the outlook for most hypertensive patients. While lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and increasing activity levels can help to reduce blood pressure, some people may need medication to control their hypertension and reduce the risk of future health problems.

Interested in Adver tising?

ACE Inhibitors ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for hypertensive patients. ACE inhibitors work by preventing the production of angiotensin in the body. Angiotensin causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow around the body and causing a rise in blood pressure. ACE inhibitors allow blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a reduction of blood pressure. In addition, ACE inhibitors can improve blood flow to the kidneys, helping the body to eliminate excess salt and fluid through the urine.

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Side-effects can include tiredness and a dry cough, although most people notice the side-effects lessen over time.

Angiotensin Blockers Angiotensin blockers work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors.

However, in addition to preventing the production of angiotensin and increasing blood flow to the kidneys, angiotensin blockers can help to decrease thirst, leading to a reduction in fluid intake.

Angiotensin blockers are not commonly prescribed, as they are generally used where other specific health complaints are present.

Some people experience mild side-effects, including dizziness and lethargy.

Calcium Channel Blockers Calcium channel blockers reduce the flow of calcium into muscle cells. Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the force of heart contractions. Many doctors choose calcium channel blockers when treating older patients with a history of angina. Side-effects include headaches, fluid retention and constipation.

Beta-Blockers Beta-blockers were once one of the most popular medications for treating hypertension. Although rarely prescribed for treating

simple cases of high blood pressure, beta-blockers are still used where other health problems can benefit from the medication.

Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate to an average of sixty beats per minute, helping to reduce strain on the heart. In addition, beta-blockers block the effect of adrenaline, a hormone that can be triggered by stress and anxiety. Beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed to hypertensive patients with a history of migraine, as some people experience a reduction in the amount or severity of migraines while taking beta-blockers. Side-effects can include fatigue and low mood.

Diuretics Diuretics work by increasing the flow of urine, which helps to encourage the loss of salt and excess fluid. Diuretics generally cause frequent urination, although this is usually temporary and will pass within a couple of weeks. Diuretics are commonly prescribed to patients with both hypertension and heart failure.

Other medications may be needed to control blood pressure, particularly where high blood pressure is caused by an underlying medical condition. In addition, some doctors recommend taking aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots or statins to help lower cholesterol. Pregnant or breastfeeding women with hypertension may need special treatments or medications, as common blood pressure medication may not be suitable. Ee

Biltmore Family Medicine PLLC Let Our Family Care for Your Family Family members that are healthy are more likely to be happy and spend their time together. To help with this, you should have a medical practice that can see all of you in one location. From your children to your grandparents, make sure that everyone is taken care of. You will receive these services and more at Biltmore Family Medicine PLLC. Biltmore Family Medicine PLLC was established in March of 2004; since then, we have focused on giving our quality care to you and your loved ones. We pride ourselves on being friendly, courteous and professional – more than that, we are proud to give your family a new sense of well-being.

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ADVERTORIAL

MY ELBOW IS KILLING ME! “My elbow is killing me! It’s been going on for months and nothing I do is making it better. It keeps me awake at night. Even lifting a cup of coffee hurts my elbow.”

If you identify with these complaints, you just might have lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. If you do, you are not alone.

In the US, over 200,000 people a year develop this painful elbow condition.

What is tennis elbow? This condition is a chronic tear of the fibers of the extensor tendons of the forearm. These are the muscles that lift up the fingers and wrist. Specially one of the wrist extensors develops a tear where it attaches to a bone prominence on the outer side of the elbow.

Unfortunately, this lateral epicondylitis represents an aging process. It is rarely seen in young adults under 30 years old. As

the tendon insertion ages, the fibers become weakened. Sometimes the symptoms develop after an acute injury but more commonly occurs with repetitive activities that involve repeated wrist lifting and rotation.

I compare the process to a plastic lawn chair that’s left outside for months. The plastic fibers degenerate and become brittle.

Then fat Uncle Mort plops down on the chair and the bottom falls out.

For lateral epicondylitis, activities like tennis can start the process. But you don’t have to play racquet sports. The condition is frequently seen with carpenters and factory workers who do repetitive twisting of the forearm. Recreational weight lifters who do exercises like curls and bench press can also develop the condition.

Medical epicondylitis is also a common elbow complaint.

This chronic irritation occurs on the medial or inside aspect of the elbow. The flexors of the wrist and fingers insert on a bone prominence on the inside of the elbow. The flexors of the wrist and fingers pull down the fingers and wrist. Activities that involve forceful wrist flexion can rupture the tendon insertion similar to lateral epicondylitis. Golfers elbow is a common name for medial epicondylitis. It is also frequently seen with racquet sports like racquetball which uses the flexors more aggressively.

Symptoms of either lateral or medial epicondylitis are usually very localized to the bone prominence in an area the size of the end of your thumb. Other conditions that can cause elbow pain in the area are arthritis of the elbow joint or compression of the radial nerve in the forearm. These conditions are separate anatomical problems requiring different treatment protocols.

The frustrating aspect of lateral epicondylitis is that it can last a long time and not get better with standard conservative treatment. Some physicians suggest that the problem will go away with strict limits of activities and time. But it is difficult to totally limit activity for years and put up with the pain for a protracted period of time. A common practice for tennis elbow is a steroid injection. Some people report relief but it is usually temporary.

To me, steroid injections do not make physiologic sense. The condition is a mushy degenerated tendon and we know that steroid injections will degenerate soft tissue. What usually happens is a short period of decreased inflammation followed by return of symptoms after steroid injection. Forearm straps don’t help the condition and can cause compression of the radial nerve.

Page 26 | 50+ Living | April 2019

The treatment I have used for this condition is called a Blood Patch injection. I personally developed chronic lateral epicondylitis over 25 years ago. It bothered me for over a year and I had 3 steroid injections with no relief. I read an article on this technique in the medical literature. The Blood Patch injection relieved my symptoms within a month and have not returned in 25 years. I compare this technique to having a hole in your plaster wall. You fill it with spackling compound and when it hardens the hole fills in. When this happens the symptoms resolved.

Since I first did this procedure on myself, I have used Blood Patch injections for medial and lateral epicondylitis with good results. My patient’s response has been similar to reports in the medical literature. Over 90% of patients have relief of pain and return to normal sports and work activities without surgery. No procedure is 100% guaranteed. Patients who tend not to respond have had protracted pain for over a year, prior steroid injections, and massive extensor tendon tears.

Surgery for lateral epicondylitis is an option for refractory cases. But the concept of surgery is the same as Blood Patch injection. The object is to create scar at the bone insertion. The problem is that if surgery does not relieve pain, there is little else to do for treatment.

The procedure of Blood Patch injection takes about 15 minutes in the office. The painful area is identified and anesthetized with a small injection of lidocaine. About 2cc of blood is withdrawn from the arm similar to getting lab work. The blood is mixed with long acting numbing medicine and injected into the torn tendon that was previously anesthetized. I tell patients that it will hurt for a few days after injection. Improvement is usually noted in 3 weeks and commonly gone by 2 months.

There are other more complicated injection procedures like PRP (Plasma Rich Platelet) injections. I like my procedure because it is safe, effective, and inexpensive.

Why put up with pain when there is a safe, effective, nonsurgical option? Blood Patch injection can help that elbow that is killing you, and get you back to the activity you enjoy doing.

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April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 27

6 Signs You May Have a Thyroid Problem by beconrad

T

he thyroid may be a tiny organ, but it has a large and important role to play in your body. The thyroid is responsible for regulating hormone levels and making sure your metabolism is working the way it should. If your thyroid levels are too low, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. If your hormone levels are too high, that is known as hyperthyroidism.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have their own signs and symptoms, and it is important to know what those signals mean. Your doctor should check your thyroid levels during your annual examination, but if you suspect trouble

between visits you should bring it up with your medical team.

Unfortunately, the signs of both low and high thyroid levels can often be somewhat vague and unspecific. The symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can also mimic other common conditions, some of them quite serious. This is why it is so important to consult your doctor if you notice any of the following 6 symptoms.

1. Nervousness If you are feeling more nervous lately, it might not be your terrible boss or your busy life. Nervousness can also be a sign of hyperthyroidism. The over-production of the hormones normally present in your thyroid gland can affect your mood and make you more nervous than usual. It is easy to write off an increase in nervousness as a response to changes in your life, but you should not rule out a thyroid problem.

2. Tremors When the thyroid gland becomes overactive, the resulting hormone imbalance can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. Tremors are a classic sign of an overactive thyroid, and one you should report to your doctor right away.

Page 28 | 50+ Living | April 2019

3. A Lack of Concentration The normal function of your brain can occur in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Often the first sign of a malfunctioning thyroid is a feeling of mental fogginess. You may feel you are not fully awake, or that your brain is not working the way it should be. These are classic symptoms of a thyroid problem, and you should never ignore them.

4. Changes to Your Menstrual Cycle

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The hormonal changes caused by a poorly functioning thyroid gland can have a profound impact on your normal menstrual cycle. Women suffering from low thyroid function may experience a prolonged menstrual cycle, while those with an overactive thyroid gland may see a reduction in their normal menstrual flow.

5. Bloating and Weight Gain Bloating, a feeling of fullness and weight gain are all classic symptoms of an underactive thyroid. If you have gained weight but not changed your eating habits, you should ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels.

6. A Racing Heartbeat If your thyroid is producing too many hormones and altering your metabolism, the problem can manifest as an increase in your heart rate. Racing heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, is a classic warning sign of an overactive thyroid. If you feel your heart racing or experience palpitations, you should talk to your doctor. These symptoms could be due to hyperthyroidism, but they could also indicate a more serious heart condition.

Thyroid problems are quite common - more common than you might realize.

If you suspect your thyroid is not working the way it should, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Knowing your body and how it functions is the best way to protect yourself and get an early warning of this common and potentially serious problem. Ee

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EASLER MAKES IT EASY!

We are proud to be one of the few remaining family owned and operated dealerships in Western North Carolina, where Bryan Easler is still a presence in the daily operations of the store.

We pride ourselves in the fact that over the last 3 decades we still have a personal relationship with our sales and service customers and will always ������������������������ to be the place where you can walk in and recognize a face that you may not have seen in the past 10 years.

NEW CARS • PRE-OWNED SERVICE & PARTS CENTER

1409 SPARTANBURG HIGHWAY, HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792 TOLL FREE: (800) 248-6968 LOCAL: (828) 693-7261

bryaneaslertoyota.com

Page 30 | 50+ Living | April 2019

NOC Spring Fling Saturday, April 20 to Sunday, April 21, 2019 Celebrate spring at Nantahala Outdoor Center with a free, family-friendly event by the Nantahala River with the 5K, vendor fair, gear demos, food, music and specials at the Outfitter’s Store. Visit: organicgrowersschool.org

Events happening this month in the WNC area to enjoy!

Connect Beyond Festival Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7, 2019 3-day conference in Asheville bridges creative disciplines, bringing together musicians, writers, filmmakers, media personalities and social activists. Includes an eclectic lineup of panels, speakers and performances. For more info: connectbeyondfestival.com

Asheville Orchid Festival Saturday, April 6 to Sunday, April 7, 2019 Go to the N.C. Arboretum to step into a lush, tropical world at the Asheville Orchid Festival.

Hundreds of orchids will fill the Education Center of the Arboretum in this show, which is one of the largest in the southeast. See dazzling colors, exotic scents, and hints of an ancient world in carefully crafted displays. A full slate of experts is scheduled to present at the event, offering a daily repotting clinic, guided tours and a variety of lectures.

It’s presented by the Western North Carolina Orchid Society (WNCOS). ncarboretum.org

Glass & Metal Day, Folk Art Center Saturday, April 6, 2019 Artists of the Southern Highland Craft Guild showcase the elements of metal and glass including blacksmithing, glass blowing, piercing and soldering metals, knife making, bezeling, repoussé, copper etching, assembling stained glass, forging and more.

For more info: southernhighlandguild.org/ folk-art-center

Sweet Treats of the Carolinas Festival Saturday, April 20, 2019 Western NC’s sweetest festival includes thousands of delicious donuts, food trucks, donut-eating contest, pageant, crafts, 5K, half-marathon and a variety of vendors on Main Street in Marion, 10 AM-3 PM.

Moogfest 2019

dinners, orchard hikes, music, tours and more. visithendersonvillenc.org/cider-wine-dineweekend

Weaverville Art Safari Saturday, April 27 to Sunday, April 28, 2019 Meander through the scenic mountain valleys to visit 50+ artists in their studios and galleries. Get the tour map and drive country roads to visit as many of the studios as you want. It’s a completely self-guided, make-your-ownagenda event in the towns of Weaverville and Barnardsville, along with the surrounding rural areas. There’s no admission fee. weavervilleartsafari.com

Thursday, April 25, 2019 to April 28, 2019 Moogfest welcomes Tim Hecker, Kimbra, Wolfgang Voigt, Mount Kimbie, Max Cooper, Jlin, Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, Stephan Bodzin, U.S. Girls, William Basinski, and many more to its 2019 festival. About: Moogfest is the synthesis of music, art and technology.

Since 2004, it’s been a forum for the exchange of ideas by artists, futurists, inventors, entrepreneurs, and engineers. April 25, 2019 @ 2:00 pm – April 28, 2019 @ 6:00 pm

Run for the Paws 5K Saturday, April 27, 2019 This is the 10th Annual Run for the Paws event, where all dogs are invited to join their humans on a run to help raise money for pets in need! Held at Carrier Park, Asheville, NC. Time: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm Cost: $20 – $40. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the afternoon on the Carrier Park lawn with food vendors, music and fun activities.

Cider Wine & Dine Weekend Thursday, April 25 to Sunday, April 28, 2019 Visit Hendersonville area cideries and wineries for many special events (most free) including special hard cider & wine tastings, cooking demos, food truck festival,

Pisgah Forest Pride Day Saturday, April 27, 2019 Join the fun and help with work projects in Pisgah National Forest in the Looking Glass area including trail maintenance, repairs, plantings and more, coordinated by The Pisgah Conservancy. 9 AM-2 PM. Show your love and pride for Pisgah National Forest by giving a helping hand! The Pisgah Conservancy and partner organizations sponsor this multi-group work day. Groups meet in various locations in the forest at 8 AM and work until 2 PM on trails, trash, limbs, invasive species, rivers, signs, etc.

Afterwards, head to Oskar Blue Brewery to celebrate. You must sign up first so you can be assigned a location. For more info and sign-up: pisgahconservancy.org

Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest Sunday, April 28, 2019 This festival at Highland Brewing Company includes hands-on fun, chef competition, milking demonstrations, panel discussions, workshops, vendors and 19 cheese makers from across the south. The festival takes place rain or shine. Please note that tickets support the WNC Cheese Trail and are non-refundable. Advance tickets $14/adult. 12-5 PM. mountaincheesefest.com April 2019 | 50+ Living | Page 31

Make Our Community Your Retirement Choice Appalachian/Brian Estates Rental Retirement Community Serving the Mountain Community of Boone in Northwest North Carolina

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains Appalachian Brian Estates is a carefree, private, affordable rental retirement community. Our spacious private apartment homes allow seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence.

You will find yourself minutes from cultural, educational and recreational opportunities, healthcare and shopping. Offering both annual and short-term leases, you will enjoy being a part of an exceptional community surrounded by a devoted, dependable staff and caring neighbors.

Activities are scheduled, which include a variety of programs, taking advantage of our cozy lounges, bridge room, clubroom, and library with Internet access, media room with large screen TV and multi-purpose activity room. Visit the beauty salon, sundry store, and front desk service. While the entire environment promotes independent living, we are fortunate to have a fully licensed home care agency located within our building providing scheduled in-home aide services when requested.

Our residents enjoy amenities including: • 24 hour staffing • Emergency call system • Scheduled transportation • Cable TV is provided at no additional cost • Nutritious meals served by our attentive wait staff in our beautiful dining room • Housekeeping, linen and full maintenance services

163 Shadowline Drive | Boone, NC 28607 | 828-264-1006 | Toll Free: 800-333-3432

www.appalachianbrianestates.com