50+Living FEBRUARY 2019

50 Living of Western NC

February 14-20

Random Acts of Kindness Week

Women’s Heart Disease: How to Reduce Your Risk 50pluslivingWNC.com

The Health Benefits of Valentine’s Gifts February 2019

The smell of fresh baked pies, the vintage decor and the smiling faces behind the counter lets one know that this is indeed a special place.

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50 + Living | November 2018

Women’s Heart Disease: How to Reduce Your Risk

By Austin G. Hackney

According to the AHA (American Heart Association) coronary heart disease kills more women in the USA than any other illness. During your lifetime, cholesterol-based plaque accumulates, sticking to the walls of your arteries and making them narrower. If they get too narrow, the blood pressure builds up and they can burst, causing a heart attack.

1. Don’t Smoke Smoking increases your chance of heart disease by up to 50%.

If you smoke, take steps to cut down or stop altogether. If you find it difficult, talk to your doctor, who can recommend methods to help you kick the habit.

2. Cut Down Your Cholesterol Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. It’s natural and plays an important role in your body’s health. But if your cholesterol level is too high and causes plaque to build up in your arteries, you may be at serious risk. Your doctor can test your cholesterol level and if it’s high, work with you to reduce it with medication and changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Risk factors may be genetic, age-related, or to do with your lifestyle. Women with high blood pressure and unmanaged diabetes are at higher risk. A poor diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise increase the buildup of plaque and your chances of heart disease. But you can lower your risk by understanding the signs and symptoms and reducing lifestyle risk factors.

3. Check Your Blood Pressure

With heart disease, prevention is better than cure. Women who may be at risk should speak to a doctor, who can run diagnostic tests and recommend treatments and lifestyle changes.

The AHA also recommends all women to take the following steps to reduce the risk of heart disease:

You should have your blood pressure taken every two years.

High blood pressure combined with plaque in the arteries is very dangerous. Again, your doctor can recommend treatment. You may need medication, or simple changes in diet and exercise may be enough to keep you safe. continued on page 5

February 2019 | 50 + Living

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50 Living of Western NC

CONTENTS 3 7 9

Women’s Heart Disease: How to Reduce Your Risk How Nature Restores Your Mind Mix Your Own Muesli Your Own Way

15 Herbs and Spices to

24 5 Dog Breeds that Get

16 Take Advantage of the

26 Tips to Lose Stubborn

18 10 Ideas for Random

28 Toothache: Seven

Fight Aging

Best Medicine

Acts of Kindness Week

11 Five Little Known Facts 20 The Health Benefits of about Bananas

12 Taylor’d with Style:

It’s the Little Things

Page 4

Valentine’s Gifts

Along with Cats

Belly Fat

Causes and Treatments

29 February Activities to Enjoy in WNC

22 Fourteen Ways to Boost 30 Advertisers Index Immune System

50 + Living | February 2019

Women’s Heart Disease continued from page 3

4. Get Up and Get Moving To keep your heart healthy, you need to exercise. Most women don’t do enough to promote positive heart health.

The best exercises for your heart are aerobics, swimming, jogging, dance, brisk walking, and even vigorous housework. The AHA recommends you do at least three or four half-hour sessions a week to stay well.

5. Maintain a Healthy BMI BMI stands for “body mass index”. A healthy BMI should be between 21 and 25. Youcontinued can workfrom out your Winter Lights pageBMI 3 with the following formula: Weight (kg) / height (m)2 So, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. If your BMI is over 25, you’re probably overweight.

Eating a healthy diet and doing more exercise should bring your weight down and lower your BMI. Your doctor can give you advice about weight management and healthy exercise.

6. Control Diabetes Your doctor can do a blood test to see if you have diabetes.

Diabetic women are at higher risk of heart disease. But you can control diabetes with medication and the right diet. If you have, or think you may have, diabetes, take medical advice.

7. Understand Your Family Medical History If your brothers, sisters, parents or grandparents have a history of heart disease, you are at higher risk. It’s important to inform you doctor about your family’s medical history. But even if you haven’t any history of heart problems in your family, you still need to live a healthy lifestyle to avoid starting one.

8. Hormone Replacement at Menopause After menopause, the risk of heart disease in women increases.

HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can lower your risk in later February 2019 | 50 + Living

life. When you reach menopause, discuss your options with your doctor.

Women should know the signs and symptoms of heart disease and heart attacks. While heart attacks can be sudden, they’re not always as dramatic as portrayed in movies and on the TV. If you recognize the symptoms soon enough and get the right treatment, it could save your life. Common symptoms include: • Pain, pressure, or uncomfortable “fullness” in the middle of your chest • Sharp pain in your shoulders and neck spreading into your arms • A tight feeling in your chest accompanied by dizziness, sweating, difficulty breathing, and feeling sick • Sudden anxiety, weakness, and palpitations without a known cause If you experience any of these symptoms don’t wait: get medical attention. While these symptoms may be the signs of other problems, the sooner a heart attack is diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of survival. If in doubt, check it out. As a woman, it’s important to take responsibility for your health and proactive steps to decrease your risk of heart disease. Ee Page 5

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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 JeanAnn Taylor 828.989.2651 jeananntaylor@rewnc.com Tammy Sheppard 828.230.7537 tsheppard@rewnc.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JeanAnn Taylor High Five Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 8683 | Asheville, NC 28814 828.279.5962 % !# " $ " % "# ! " % # #!$# $ $! # & % !

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50 + Living | February 2019

HOW NATURE RESTORES YOUR MIND

Most people know on some level that nature is good for them, which is why they take to the country or the tropics whenever their vacation times let them. But it’s not just the lack of sunlight and vitamin D that keeps people coming back to nature. Most people, especially those in creative and knowledge careers, need time to let their minds rest and reorganize to remain productive and attentive, and nature is the best place to give your mind that freedom.

Nature lets the mind refresh by significantly cutting what it has to deal with at any one moment, staying in that relaxing, sweet spot, neither bored nor stressed. The human mind innately knows how to handle natural inputs after hundreds of thousands of years of genetic experience. Natural environments don’t demand much conscious attention or problem solving,

Nature Gets You Away from the Information Flood

The restorative effects of nature have a lot of evidence behind them. (theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/03/hownature-resets-our-minds-and-bodies/274455/) Researchers have found that nature helps people reduce stress and anxiety, solve challenging problems, and maintain productivity. Nature can even help restore physical health. Patients in hospital rooms with a natural view recover faster than those without one.

The addictive effects of social media and apps play havoc with people’s attention, and many people, including former social media execs, now worry deeply about the addictive, anxiety-inducing effects of social media. (techcrunch. com/2017/07/30/the-attention-economy-created-by-siliconvalley-is-bankrupting-us/) With that in mind, some people are even taking month-long detox vacations away from social media. (fastcompany.com/3049138/what-really-happens-to-your-brainand-body-during-a-digital-detox)

The rush, noise, and hazards of urban life are nowhere to be found in the babbling of a brook or the rustling of trees. Urban and work environments deplete the mind’s mental energies with a constant influx of stressful inputs and irritants. There’s a reason your brain fights you after working all day.

Most don’t have the luxury of such long periods away from the stresses of modern life, but even a short walk in the local park can do wonders. Stay away from the phone, and just be a part of nature for a bit. Treat yourself to the luxury of a few moments without the constant influx of information.

Nature Gives You Room to Think

continued on page 8 February 2019 | 50 + Living

Page 7

continued from page 7

Social media and internet services are designed to draw you back again and again, designed to flood you with so much information that you forget to think for yourself. In nature, the mind can peacefully work at what it’s good at, subconsciously sorting through some of the massive pile of information collected online, while giving you the time to consider more significant problems consciously.

Nature Helps You Remember How to Think People who spend a long time in nature report that their thoughts seem to settle eventually, and that with sufficient time their mind becomes free, having worked its way through everything that was anxiously stressing it. (scientificamerican. com/article/mental-downtime/) Time spent “doing nothing” in nature is not wasted time. In fact, the mind has a way of solving problems while you daydream, with subconscious processes kicking in when while your conscious mind rests.

Downtime lets your brain understand information instead of merely remembering and regurgitating it without thinking. That is why sparks of insight so often come out of nowhere when you’re thinking about something completely different. Your subconscious was still working away.

Subconscious processes need time to sort through the piles of inflation pushed on you every day. For daydreaming and subconscious processes to work best, the active part of the brain needs to be distracted by something attention-grabbing, but easy to handle, and nature fits the bill perfectly.

Take to nature to give your mind time to refresh, reorganize, and realign. Ee Page 8

50 + Living | February 2019

Mix Your Own Muesli Your Own Way Are you a muesli fan? Do you like to wake up in the morning to a bowlful of the mix, and savor its wholegrain cereals, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits? If so, you’ve probably tried a range of types available in the shops, enjoying some more than others. But have you ever tried mixing your own muesli instead? This way, you can select your favorite contents and cut out the rest. You might also like to factor in other feature preferences, such as fair trade, gluten-free, fine-cut, or chunky. The choice will be yours.

Mix for the months ahead Mixing your own muesli may be costly and time-consuming to start with, while you’re trying out different variations, but once you’ve found your ideal recipe, you can buy each ingredient in bulk at wholesale rates and prepare your mixes in bulk too, saving time and money in the long run. Here are some potential ingredients to consider.

Cereals Standard muesli consists predominantly of oats, combined with other cereals, such as bran, wheat, rye, and barley. However, you may wish to turn the tradition upside down with a different main cereal, such as bran, rice, or quinoa flakes, and some of the more unusual types as supplements. Check out their nutritional elements for a mix to meet your dietary needs.

February 2019 | 50 + Living

Dried fruits Dried fruits are highly nutritious, being rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other health-enhancing elements, although some types tend to be candied (or sugar-coated). Think about texture and color when choosing your fruits. Sultanas, a staple of shop muesli, will bring a pleasing succulence, for instance, as will figs, apricots, and prunes. Coconut, pineapple, and banana will add sweetness, but if you prefer a sharp bite with your breakfast, seek out the stem ginger.

Seeds Seeds are highly nutritious, containing protein, fiber, and health-promoting minerals. Try out some of the many types available, such as pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, and poppy.

Greenish-black pumpkin seeds and deep-red pomegranate ones will bring color to your mixture. The tiny poppy seeds, by contrast, will blend in with the other ingredients, adding to overall texture.

Sunflower, hemp, and sesame seeds are great for crunch.

Nuts Like seeds, nuts are highly nutritious and great for texture, with the added bonus of having sumptuous flavors. If you have a continued on page 10 Page 9

Mix Your Own Muesli

vanilla, a mellow one, while a shake of ground ginger will add a kick to the mix. You may have other extras in mind too, such as dried fruit peel or edible flowers.

nut allergy, just add more seeds to compensate. Otherwise, why not treat yourself to a nut-tasting feast, to find out which of the many varieties you relish most, then make a beeline for it?

Mix for your family

continued from page 9

Sweeteners One of the beauties of home-made muesli is your total control over it, right down to how much sweetener to add, and what sort. Perhaps you’d prefer brown sugar to white, and maybe a particular type of brown, such as demerara or molasses. You might wish to avoid sugar, use a natural alternative such as stevia or coconut sugar. .

If you have family members to provide for, the chances are they all have different likes and dislikes when it comes to muesli.

They may have different health needs too. Once you’ve got your own arrangement stirred and stored, why not offer them each a personalized breakfast mix?

Better still, suggest they mix their own.

Add in extras How about adding a few spices into your concoction for extra flavor? Cinnamon will provide a refreshing, fruity sweetness and

marvelous, magic mix! Ee

Once you start researching and experimenting with the huge range of muesli ingredients available, you’ll find the process fun and fascinating. But don’t forget to take a break now and again, to eat a bowlful of your

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50 + Living | February 2019

Five Little Known Facts about Bananas Bananas are one of the world’s most popular fruits. In fact, Americans eat more bananas than apples and oranges combined.

One of the reasons for this is that, despite the fact that they are only grown locally in one state and require a great deal of care during harvesting and shipping, they are one of the cheapest fruits in the store. As a matter of fact, the price of bananas has continued to decline over the last 30 years. Next time you peel and eat one of your favorite fruits, think about these five littleknown facts about the banana.

1. Bananas are the fourth largest agricultural product in the world. Over 100 billion bananas are consumed worldwide every year. Americans eat an average of 27 pounds of bananas each year.

This seems a lot until you find out that the each person in Uganda consume an average of about 500 pounds of bananas annually.

2. Bananas can aid in digestion and other gastro-intestinal problems. The pectin in bananas, which is also the ingredient in apples that ‘keeps the doctor away,’ aids in digestion. Bananas can help in the growth of good bacteria in the bowels similar to the way probiotics work. Bananas also create enzymes that can help in the absorption of nutrients and the high fiber content will keep you regular. If you are a bit too regular, bananas are a great food

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to eat in the recovery after a bout of diarrhea. Finally bananas are a natural antacid providing relief from GERD, LPR and acid reflux.

3. Most people don’t know that the banana is actually in the berry family and (like money) they don’t grow on trees. The banana plant is actually a herb, in the same family as lilies.

4. Bananas can put you to sleep or cheer you up. Many people have heard that it is the tryptophan in turkey which makes people sleepy at Thanksgiving. Bananas are the only fruit which contain this amino acid along with B6 and the combination of the two can produce the body’s anti-depression chemical, serotonin.

5. Bananas are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. They are low in calories and are fat-free gluten-free and cholesterolfree, and besides B6, are rich in vitamin C, potassium and fiber. In addition, eating a banana can improve athletic performance and are great to eat during long-distance workouts such as running and cycling.

Almost everyone loves bananas. Now you have more reasons than ever to do your fair share of eating the 28 pounds of bananas needed to keep our average intact. Ee

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Taylor’d wi Style

It’s the Little Things

By JeanAnn Taylor

Accessories are the extras we wear or carry with us everyday.

They not only help express our personal style, they offer convenience and even safety. While usually small, they speak volumes about who we are and convey our deepest personality traits. Accessories are the period that completes our overall look.

Putting a pulled-together, classy, accessorized look is a basic fashion skill relying on balance, proportion, and unity. Balance is the idea of visual equilibrium. This means a successful look will usually be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Proportion refers to the size of your accessories in relation to the other elements of your ensemble. Unity is the harmonious look achieved when you wear complementary design elements. With unity, each accessory enhances your outfit as a whole rather than being competitive or distractive.

Hats are a fun and functional accessory. They tend to go in and out of fashion, and fortunately right now they are in. Wearing a hat can demand attention and enhance your appearance by balancing the shape of your face.

Fedoras, initially worn by men, have become more popular for women.

Berets and beanies will keep you warm.

The charming 1920s inspired cloche is making a definite comeback. A floppy wide-brimmed hat will not only protect you from the sun, this feminine hat worn with a flowing sundress is my idea of fashion perfection.

Bright color hats make a strong fashion statement, but neutral color hats Page 12

are easier to style. If you want to add just a splash of color, simply pin a silk flower or broach onto the side. The hat is an accessory that will set you apart from others because it shows confidence in expressing yourself.

Adding a scarf to your ensemble may be the easiest way to add a pop of color to your overall look. There are countless YouTube videos demonstrating how to creatively tie a scarf. However, this complicated look can be distracting. A multi-colored, busy print scarf may look more elegant loosely draped around your neck than in an intricately tied knot; especially if the pattern is printed with objects you would like to see clearly.

Belts have the power to instantly transform your look from frumpy to fabulous. They cinch in and define your waist giving you a feminine and sophisticated silhouette. They can be worn over full dresses, pencil skirts, and even winter coats.

Dark colors are generally more slimming and elastic wide belts are more comfortable. To add flair and interest to your outfit, choose a belt in a contrasting color. To create an hourglass figure, wear the belt at the narrowest part of your waist. You can also be creative by wearing a scarf or a man’s tie as a belt.

Your choice of shoes will dramatically affect your overall look.

More than any other accessory, shoes make a statement about who we are.

They are so important functionally 50 + Living | February 2019

and aesthetically you wouldn’t even consider not wearing them!

This powerful accessory influences your posture, mindset, and physical abilities. Studies prove that wearing a pair of heels will increase your confidence, comfortable and supportive athletic shoes will promote the duration of your exercise routine, and glass slippers will…well, you know. If you need more proof that shoes are an essential element of your appearance and your attitude, try on a dress with a pair of dowdy brown loafers. Then change into a pair of elegant heels to compare how you look…and how you feel. This exercise will clearly demonstrate the significance of a nice pair of shoes.

in an interesting manner such as in a color-blocked dress. The same goes for design elements. If your garment has exceptionally dramatic sleeves or neckline, these features will act as accessories to your overall look.

Jewelry is the most personal accessory we wear, sending silent messages of who we are, our religious beliefs, our marital and wealth status—all while delivering a dose of sparkle.

The purpose of a purse, handbag, or tote is of course to hold the objects we need throughout the time we are away from home: lipstick, phone, money, keys, and other essentials. This functional accessory will also help to determine and complete your look.

Since there are countless styles the primary decision is, “Which handbag will complement my ensemble and meet the needs of my outing?” A shoulder bag is a great choice to carry when wearing a suit or whenever you will need your hands free. For all their cuteness, clutches are really only appropriate for formal or dressy events where you won’t need many items or much use of your hands. I prefer to carry a small wristlet. It’s chic and allows me to use my hands as necessary. A crossbody bag is going to project a casual look, and totes are perfect for traveling or a day of shopping. When purchasing a new purse, consider the cost against the amount of use your new bag will offer. If you are splurging on an expensive new statement bag, you may consider buying a classic piece you can carry for many years ahead.

Tights, hose, boot cuffs, mittens, and gloves are all winter weather accessories. Because they are limited to cold-weather wearing, they have freedom to be a bit more eccentric and fun.

Cheerful colors and playful patterns are perfectly acceptable with these cozy adornments. Their happy colors and patterns can perk you up on a gray winter day.

As ties are often worn with dark suits or solid-color pants and shirts, a man’s tie is often his best vehicle of self-expression. Ties can also set one man apart from every other man in the room.

Neckties are available in different widths, and in every color and pattern imaginable so anyone can find one…or ten, to wear. The Windsor Knot is the most common way to tie a tie; however there are many other creative options. All ties draw the eye to the face, but the bow tie is especially adept at this feature. Bow ties also epitomize confidence by demonstrating that you are secure enough to take a fashion risk. If you want to look classy and be remembered, wear a bow tie.

Color is not an accessory in or of itself, however, color can act as accessory when it is bold against a neutral color or worn February 2019 | 50 + Living

Because earrings are worn so close to your eyes, they attract attention directly to your face. To bring out your best features, consider your facial structure. An oval face shape has the most versatility, and wearing oval shaped earrings will complement this natural contour. Wearing drop earrings and long dangles will elongate a round shaped face. Heart shaped faces can wear earrings that are wider at the bottom to balance out the triangular appearance. Earrings with rounded edges will soften a square angular jaw. Wide earrings will draw the eye across horizontally to balance a narrow shaped face, while drop earrings flatter a diamond shaped face.

My all-time favorite earring is the hoop. I’ve been wearing them since the 70s when they were popular as a political statement. I wasn’t interested in politics, but I loved the “cool” way I looked—and felt when I wore them. Hoop earrings are said to have a strong influence on the attitude of the wearer. They have been around since 2500 BC, and through the years both men and women have worn them. In Egypt, the sacred cat was adorned with gold hoops, and it is believed that pirates wore gold hoops to continued on page 14 Page 13

assure that when they died, be it land or sea, there would be gold available to pay for their burial. Aside from the various cultural and sometimes controversial meaning of hoop earrings, the circular shape is flattering on nearly everyone. While all earrings draw the eye to the face, the hoop is exceptional at framing and defining features.

Necklaces are one of the earliest types of jewelry worn by humans. There are technically 23 different types of necklaces with the most common being the choker (14-16 inches long), the princess (18-20 inches), the opera (30-35 inches), and the rope (which is any necklace longer than opera length.) The lariat is so long it doesn’t need a clasp and is draped over the neck often in multiple layers. As with everything you wear, consider your body type. A long strand of pearls will create a vertical elongating line, a choker will shorten an already short neck, tiny jewelry on a large frame may get lost, just as large pieces on a petite frame can overpower. The main point to remember when choosing a necklace is to take care that the focus lies on an area of your body you want to flaunt, not camouflage. Jewelry is like an eye magnet.

It catches the attention of everyone you meet.

Once a fashion faux pas, mixing metals is now not only acceptable, it’s fashionable. This new trend gives you many more options than in the past. It also allows certain pieces to be the focus rather than blend in. For example, a single silver bangle will stand out when worn with a set of gold bangles. A rose gold charm worn on a silver chain can look interesting and modern.

My mother always said, “Too many accessories hide the girl.” That’s true, however it is now stylish to wear “layers.” The key is to not wear layers of necklaces with layers of bracelets, big chandelier earrings, and a pink beret. Too many accessories at one time tend to look confusing and cluttered. They compete with each other and project a discombobulated appearance.

The secret to the stylish art of accessorizing is to highlight one component and let your other accessories support that piece.

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The main point to remember is to have fun with your accessories! There are so many options of color, fabrics, textures, and embellishments. You can mix and match, go monochromatic, elegant or eclectic. With just a little planning, you can pull off an accessorized look with style. After all, it’s the little things that make a big impact. Ee

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor jeananntaylor@rewnc.com 50 + Living | February 2019

Herbs and Spices to Fight Aging

By Linda Courtney

Herbs and spices make your dishes smell and taste better and do not add any calories. Certain spices can also help you in your fight against aging. Small doses provide antioxidants. They can keep your immune system strong, lower blood pressure, as well as support your digestive system. Make sure you keep the below spices stocked in your spice rack and use them regularly.

Cloves have anti-aging benefits. This spice has antioxidants and is good for inflammation. Asthma and bronchitis sufferers may find relief from cloves. It can also help relieve arthritis and muscle pains.

Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood pressure in studies on animals. The smell of fresh baked pie made with cinnamon can relax the mind and body. An added benefit is it can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Blood-thinning compounds found in cinnamon can improve circulation.

Curcumin, a yellow spice found in turmeric and curry powders is anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic. People in India have relied upon it for centuries to help treat digestive problems, skin diseases, and joint disorders.

Ginger is well known for relieving nausea, but it can also boost your cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties found in ginger help your immune system to function optimally and keep you healthy.

February 2019 | 50 + Living

Nutmeg is used for decreasing anxiety and treating insomnia.

It can help with muscle spasms, joint pain, and gout. It is beneficial for heart health as it lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, and lowers cholesterol.

Rosemary can promote brain health. It is known to improve concentration and help your memory. It can help you fight depression also. As a powerful antioxidant, it boosts your immune system and improves circulation. It can fight cancer too as a bonus.

Garlic has the compounds that can inhibit cancer growth, decrease cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. Fresh garlic has the most benefits, but there are supplements available for those who do not like the taste.

Basil has beta-carotene, known as an antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals. Free radicals are known to cause heart disease and cancer. They can also cause premature aging. Basil is good for your bones also as it contains Vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium.

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Adding them to your dishes can help keep you healthy and living a longer, more productive life. They add no calories, but plenty of flavors. Pick the ones you like, and sprinkle them in your favorite dishes. Ee Page 15

3 Reasons to Take Advantage of the Best Medicine

It’s time to make your health a laughing matter. Yep, you got it right. Laughter is the best medicine and you can start taking advantage of its benefits today. It’s hard to completely list all that can be gained by adding a little humor to your life, but here are a few ways that scratch the surface.

it will affect the body either way. Use laughter to improve your mental health, as it can enhance memory, alertness, and creativity.

Humor and laughter also assist in learning.

#1 Physical Health

#3 Emotional Health

Can’t believe that you can get a workout by laughing it up?

Well, you’re missing out on one of the easiest and most enjoyable forms of exercise. Laughter can work out the back, abdominal, facial, and leg muscles. The burst of energy that laughter provides can be just as beneficial as time spent on a rowing machine. It won’t provide a complete workout, but this is a great way to get started.

In addition to staying physically fit and mentally stable, keeping your emotions in order is also vital. Stress and other damaging emotions can negatively affect mood and consequently, health.

In addition, the immune system is strengthened, the heart is made healthier, blood pressure is lowered, circulation is improved, and pain levels are lowered. And these are just a few of the benefits. Research shows that laughter can also assist cells that fight diseases.

(Care2.com, Discovery.com, HelpGuide.org)

#2 Mental Health A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body, and Page 16

(Care2.com)

Laughter can help release endorphins, the body’s “feel good” hormones, while reducing cortisol, adrenaline, and epinephrine, stress hormones. This further improves cardiovascular health as stress adds strain to the heart.

Laughter helps socially, strengthening relationships and improving people skills. Good, meaningful companionship is always a positive thing, not just for health, but for life. Laughter can be one way in which these relationships are reinforced.

(HelpGuide.org, Discovery.com) The benefits of laughter can hardly be covered in a 500-word article. The list could go on and on in the ways that it improves 50 + Living | February 2019

not only health but also life in general.

The question is, how do you add more humor to your life.

First of all, you have to be willing to do it. You have to be willing to loosen up a little and not take life and yourself too seriously. Sometimes is requires taking a break from a stressful situation. Sometimes it means taking time that you don’t have to watch a quick, five minute video or a short comedy show.

The point is, laughter is as important to your health as a prescription drug or daily exercise. It’s a big part of enjoying life and poking a little humor at the struggles that surround it. It doesn’t have to constant or immature. A little goes a long way.

However, if you find that you simply cannot find humor in anything, remember, the joke’s on you. 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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Page 17

10 Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness Week

Valentine’s Day is for lovers, and it gets all the hype during the month of February. However, the week of February 14 through 20 is known as Random Acts of Kindness Week. For seven days, you’ll have an excuse to do nice things for others -- not just your lover, but anyone, even strangers.

A plethora of scientific studies suggest that paying a kindness to someone else will make you feel better too, whether the gesture is big or small.

MAKES IT %

Here are some suggestions to inspire you: 1. Surprise your spouse by ordering lunch and having it delivered to their place of employment. You could do this for anyone that you know well enough to order what they like without asking them.

2. When ordering your morning coffee and/or breakfast sandwich, pay for the next person in line. If they try to refuse, just tell them to pay it forward.

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3. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Walk dogs, pet cats, play with them, feed them, and help clean up after them.

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4. Volunteer at a nursing home. Sadly, many residents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get regular visitors and would love to have someone to play cards with, or to read to them.

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Page 18

5. When you are standing in the checkout line at the supermarket, and you see someone with only one or two items, let them go ahead of you.

50 + Living | February 2019

6. Offer to mow the lawn for an injured or disabled neighbor. If they already have lawn service, maybe they could use a little help with some simple household chores.

7. If you are cooking a meal, and you know you will have plenty of food to spare, bring a plate to a friend who doesn’t like to cook or simply doesn’t have time to.

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8. Buy a homeless person a meal or even a gift card for the local supermarket.

9. Smile at everyone you make eye contact with. Sometimes that’s all it takes to brighten someone’s day.

10. Give away belongings you don’t need or don’t use, such as clothing, kitchen gadgets, tools, furniture, or anything that’s just taking up space or collecting dust. There are people out there who need the items you don’t have a use for.

These are but a handful of ideas. There are innumerable ways of incorporating kind gestures into daily life. Donate money to a charity; if you don’t have extra money, volunteer your time. If you have no spare time, let someone merge in front of you in traffic or give away that department store gift card you know you are probably not going to use anyway. You also can help your neighbor carry her groceries up the stairs or make lunch for your co-workers.

Seize every opportunity to perform a kind gesture, do anything you can to help someone or make them feel special and appreciated.

Kindness is contagious; it has a way of spreading. It doesn’t hurt to remember to be kind -- always. Ee

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Page 19

The Health Benefits of Valentine’s Gifts

Valentine’s Day should be full of decadent pleasures for you and your special someone. Sweet excess is at the core of the holiday because love deserves to be writ large throughout your celebration. If you feel a bit guilty at embracing all the guilty pleasures the day offers, you should stop worrying. Traditional Valentine’s gifts can be good for the health.

Chocolate Expressing your love through chocolate is not only a timehonored tradition but can be good for your beloved. Chocolate, particularly the dark kind, may help lower cholesterol, improve heart health, and preserve the memory. Also, eating chocolate may also reduce your chances of having a stroke. Chocolate does come packed with sugar and calories, but when consumed in moderation, it has some significant health advantages. So when you gift your Valentine with chocolates, you are expressing your love while protecting their health.

Flowers Women and men enjoy receiving beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers on February 14. Having someone deliver them at work is just part of the thrill. They are a tangible sign that someone loves you, and the bright colors can certainly perk up a gray winter’s day. They too have additional benefits. Bouquets and plants add oxygen to the environment and help people perform their duties more efficiently. Plants help people think clearly. Also, experts say that flower scents help people Page 20

to relax, improving their state of mind, physical health, and personal relationships. Sweet smelling roses can do wonders for anyone’s mental and physical wellbeing.

Jewelry Jewelry is usually considered an extravagance and not something that anyone must have. However, some alternative medicine practitioners believe that various gemstones also have a positive effect on a person’s health. For instance, they would recommend choosing pearls to “balance” your loved one’s body and give them happy thoughts and a sound digestive system.

To bestow courage and strength to your Valentine, you should purchase an amethyst ring or necklace. It’s possible that your loved one may find peace by wearing this stone, but you will be at peace because you bought the right gift. Many rocks are believed to have healing attributes, so feel free to buy your love more than one item of jewelry this year.

You can use Valentine’s Day to show your sweetheart you care about their health as well as their happiness. Traditional gifts can spread joy while fighting mood disorders, high cholesterol, and bad interior air. As it turns out, demonstrating your love is a healthy thing in every way. Ee Sources www.teleflora.com/blog/health-benefits-flowers/ www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270272. php#lower_cholesterol www.gemsociety.org/article/ gemstones-health-benefits/ 50 + Living | February 2019

“It’s like the bar in Cheers in here!” That’s what a Metro Wines customer, surrounded by a book club, two pugs, a delivery driver and 6 happy people at the bar tasting the daily offerings of wine at of our shop, observed. Small wine shops are becoming community centers. Wine is about food, family, friends and community, and we prove it everyday.

Most days, the shop is just that, like Cheers. And in a world of moving around, changing jobs, changing lifestyles, you need a place to go, a place to be where, maybe not everyone, but someone knows your name.

Customers come to Metro Wines to order wines for their wedding because their neighbor did, they come when their four legged friend is passing over the rainbow bridge so they can be with people who know that sorrow, and they come when they are new to town and want to meet people, garner recommendations for a dentist, a manicurist and a gardener.

It’s a place to talk about the new restaurant declaring “we like the food but the service is slow,” and complain about the ever increasing traffic and marvel at running into the latest celebrity in town or movie being filmed downtown.

Customers come to Metro Wines because they saw we have two greyhounds as shop dogs on our website and they have greyhounds too! And customers bring their dogs great and small from a pocket sized dachshund named “Maple” to “Zeus,” a 150 pound Mastiff.

Customers come to Metro Wines because they are cooking kale and they need a wine pairing recommendation and they know that we know. Customers come here to

learn not just about wine but French, Italian, chess, fashion, about bungalows and to buy bottles of wine to support local charities.

Customers come here with their book club, film club, real estate office, non-profit board of directors, philosophical discussion group, investment club, to meet at the big table in the back room. And sometimes customers see groups meeting, like the French Conversation Club, get interested and join the group.

Customers come to Metro Wines to learn about wine from the always on duty Asheville School of Wine! Customers take classes through OLLI, join our Asheville Wine Focus Group and attend live tastings with winemakers from around the world

by SKYPE. Sometimes, we all share in a unique experience, like the time Lettie Teague, Wine Columnist for Wall Street Journal showed up in the shop! Or the time we packed the place to meet with city officials about neighborhood issues. Or the New Year’s Eve we turned the shop into Harry’s Bar and dreamed we were in Venice.

And customers bring their family and friends visiting in town because we have become part of their circle of friends.

Everybody needs a place where someone knows their names and their wine!

A customer once said “This shop is more like a community center that sells wine.” Probably so. Join us. Cheers!

Charlotte Street! It’s the Next BIG Thing!

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

Page 21

Fourteen Ways to Boost Your Immune System Your immune system is responsible for battling bacterial and viral infections, but lifestyle factors can influence how well it works. Being vaccinated against flu viruses and other diseases will definitely help to keep your body healthy, but there are also some simple everyday things that you can do to make your immune system stronger.

1) Try to avoid stress, and learn to better manage lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inevitable stresses. Research shows that being consistently stressed weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. There are many ways to reduce your stress levels.

You might try setting aside at least one hour each day for pure relaxation, using that time to focus on reading a good book or watching your favorite TV show. To confront stress more directly, you could try writing a regular diary and releasing your worries and frustrations onto the page.

2) Exercise regularly, with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular exercise such as running and cycling. This will boost your immune system and improve the health of your heart at the same time.

3) Drink lemon juice (in water or tea). This will help your body balance acid with alkali in order to allow the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;good bacteriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in your body to thrive.

4) For whatever reason, having a happy and active social life Page 22

has an impact on overall health and longevity. Research has shown that those with deep and meaningful relationships live longer and more healthily, so make sure you maintain your important friendships, and work towards meeting new people as well.

5) Practice good hygiene. If you wash your hands thoroughly and use antibacterial soap, you will limit your exposure to any harmful pathogens you may have encountered in the outside world, and you will be less likely to become ill.

6) Eat food that contains antioxidants, as some scientists strongly believe that they can protect your body from harmful toxins that are absorbed in everyday life. In order to ingest more of these antioxidants, eat more fruit and vegetables (especially carrots, strawberries, broccoli, oranges and watermelon).

7) If you smoke, try to stop. Smoking is terrible for your body in all kinds of ways; it promotes cancer, it increases the likelihood that you will have a heart attack, and studies show that it weakens your immune system as well.

8) If you have a partner, make love regularly. Studies have repeatedly shown that sex comes with many benefits for the body, and one of those is better general health. There is evidence suggesting that people who have more sex are healthier overall, and fall ill less often, though a solid link 50 + Living | February 2019

between sex and a strong immune system has yet to be conclusively established.

9) Make sure that you have a healthy sleep pattern. If you do not get enough sleep, or sleep at strange hours, this can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections. If you have trouble sleeping, make time to relax just before bed, and talk to your doctor if you are concerned that any insomnia might be attributable to an underlying medical condition.

10) Avoid eating very sugary foods. When your blood sugar level is too high, this stresses your immune system and your pancreas.

11) Try to have an optimistic outlook by focusing on the things that you like about your life and the ways in which you can solve your problems. A study of a group of students has shown that feelings of optimism are linked to a stronger immune system.

12) There is a currently tenuous but very interesting link between immune system strength and laughter.

One particular study showed that people who had just watched videos that made them laugh out loud had stronger immune systems directly after they had watched the videos. Further research is needed, but in the mean time it certainly wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt you to make time for entertainment and conversation that makes you laugh out loud.

13) Do not over-indulge in alcohol, as it weakens the immune system. It is recommended that women have no more than one alcoholic drink each day, and that men have no more than two alcoholic drinks each day.

14) Make sure that you are getting the recommended amount of each vitamin every day, especially vitamin A and vitamin D (which have been linked to productive immune system function).

It can be difficult to monitor your diet to the extent required to make sure you ingest enough vitamins, so consider taking a daily multivitamin.

February 2019 | 50 + Living

Even if you have a very healthy lifestyle and follow all of these guidelines, you will inevitably fall ill sometimes. When you think you are ill, see a doctor or a pharmacist for more specific advice on what you can do to become well again. Ee

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5 Dog Breeds That Get Along Well with Cats

Are you looking for a canine friend to join your feline but you’re worried that they won’t get along. Have no fear, there are dog breeds that get along with cats. Here are 5 types of dogs that will make an excellent addition to a your feline-dominated household.

The Beagle: Beagles will snuggle with cats that are living with them and get great fun out of chasing cats in the yard. But the chasing is not meant to be aggressive, it’s just simple fun. Beagles are good watch dogs but not a good guard dog. They do not bark much but they do howl. They also don’t train easily- when they find a scent, they can’t help but follow it.

The Boxer: This breed tends to enjoy rough play with a cat but will not be aggressive or antagonistic. They tend to be very strong so they’re not a good furry companion for a cat who is more delicate. The Boxer is a good guard dog and is much easier to train than a beagle.

The Bichon Frise: The Bichon Frise is an energetic small breed with a happy demeanour. They will see the cat as just another play thing. If your cat is the cool, laid back type then it may be annoyed by Bichon’s bubbly disposition. They’re not natural enemies, however. What’s great about the Bichon Frise is that it doesn’t shed much and is easy to train. They do need regular baths, however.

Golden Retriever: The Golden Retriever is the best dog for kids and will tolerate other pets. They’re well known for their easy going, fun loving personality. They will view the cat as

Page 24

50 + Living | February 2019

just another member of the family especially if they were introduced hen the dog was just a puppy. They’re not good guard dogs but will protect a kitten if necessary. They’re also one of the easiest dog breeds to train.

Maltese: These dogs are laid back creatures. They prefer to just chill out with their humans rather than run about. They’re great for cats because they tend to leave them alone.

The truth about cats and dogs is that they can get along. However, it’s important that you have a socialisation strategy for your furry friends. Use a gradual approach for the introduction. Keep them separate for the first few days so that they can get used to their scents. Then after a few days, allow them to interact with each other preferably at a time when your dog has exercised and is calm. This will be the beginning of a beautiful canine and feline friendship. Ee

February 2019 | 50 + Living

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By Deanna Lynn Sletten Belly fat is a fact of life for many Americans because of our poor eating habits, lack of exercise and stress-filled lives. But belly fat is more than an unsightly bulge; it is unhealthy and can actually be attributed to many dangerous health conditions.

Excess belly fat can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome, gallbladder problems and sleep apnea. Belly fat does not discriminate; it is unhealthy for both men and women. The good news, according to Michael Jensen, MD of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, is that belly fat is the first fat you lose when you go on a weight loss diet. Here are some tips for losing that stubborn belly fat.

Types of Belly Fat Your body has more than one type of fat. The two most commonly known are visceral fat, which lies deep inside the body tucked around the organs, and subcutaneous fat, which sits between the skin and the abdominal wall. Subcutaneous fat is the visible fat you see, and is less dangerous than the visceral fat which can cause health problems. Fortunately, visceral fat is the first fat that you lose when you go on a weight loss diet.

Reach Your Target Heart Rate By reaching your target heart rate each time you exercise, you will lose body fat faster, including belly fat, and reach your best physical fitness level. To figure your target heart rate, subtract your age from the number 220. This number is your maximum heart rate. Now, figure 60-80% of that number. This will be your target heart rate. Example: If you are 35 years old, subtract 35 from 220 to get 185. The 185 is your maximum heart rate during exercise. Now, multiply 185 by 60% and you get 111. This is your target heart rate. Your goal is to exercise for at least 20 minutes at your target heart rate once you have reached it. As you become healthier, you can raise your target heart rate up to 80% of your Page 26

maximum heart rate. You should exercise at least 30 minutes each day, 4-5 days a week.

Reduce Refined Carbohydrates from Your Diet Eating refined carbohydrates in foods such as white bread, processed cookies, crackers and cakes raises your blood sugar levels which then increases insulin in your body. The increased insulin makes it easier for fat to be deposited into cells.

By reducing the amount of refined carbohydrates in your diet, you will decrease the amount of fat that is stored in your cells.

Add Whole Grains to Your Diet According to Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD, nutritional researcher at Penn State University, increasing whole grains in the diet while decreasing refined carbohydrates helps to lower blood glucose levels in the body and use blood glucose more efficiently.

This allows the body to mobilize fat easier and lower fat deposits in cells which will aid in losing belly fat. It is recommended to eat at least 3 ounces of whole grain foods each day. Brown rice, whole grain cereal, crackers and whole grain pasta are all good sources of whole grains.

Bring a Lunch to Work Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to choose healthy when you are going to the fast food drive-thru for lunch. By packing your lunch, you can control what, and how much, you eat. Pack a healthy snack for morning and afternoon too. Fruit, nuts, whole grain crackers, yogurt or a low-fat fruit smoothie all make good, healthy snacks and can also be a part of a healthy lunch. Hate cold lunch? Try one of the many low-calorie frozen meals that you can heat up in the microwave at work. By packing you own lunch, you will not only save on calories, but save money also.

50 + Living | February 2019

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Yes, you hear this all the time but it is true that you can lose weight and maintain a healthy weight if you eat right. Substitute an apple, pear, banana, strawberries, blueberries or some mixed fruit for those high-calorie snack bars or candy bars. Fill up on carrots, peas, green beans, asparagus and broccoli at meals so you get the recommended 5 servings of vegetables each day. Fruit and vegetables fill you up and add fiber to your diet while adding fewer calories.

Reduce Stress in Your Life The more stress you have in your life, the stronger your body hangs on to belly fat.

Chronic stress places the body into survival mode and releases more of the hormone cortisol, which in turn causes the dangerous visceral fat to build in the belly. If you are unable to remove the stress from your life, then it is important to learn to manage your stress. Taking a 15 minute walk each day away from your place of work can help reduce stress. Deep breathing for a minute or two at your desk can also help. Try yoga, meditation, a massage or spending 30 minutes to an hour each day quietly reading. Find the best way for you to relax so you can stop stressing and start losing that belly fat.

Losing stubborn belly fat not only makes you look better but will add years to your life and help reduce your risk of developing dangerous conditions and diseases. By making a few simple changes to your lifestyle, you can lose that stubborn belly fat for good. Ee

Skip the Alcoholic Beverages Alcohol is packed with sugar and calories and can pack on the pounds. If you drink alcohol often, just cutting back to one or two drinks a night can help you lose weight, especially belly fat. If you are serious about losing belly fat for good, forget the alcohol and drink fresh juice or water instead.

Some important goals of any estate plan are to protect assets and minimize tax liability. It is critical to provide the latest estate planning tools to achieve these objectives.

Don’t Diet: Change Your Lifestyle Instead

We were one of first law firms in western North Carolina to use family limited partnerships (FLPs), limited liability companies (LLCs), and revocable living trusts to protect people’s estate plan. Other ways to protect assets and avoid unnecessary tax liability include:

When you think about a “diet”, you think depravation. Don’t refer to changing your eating habits as a diet; think of it as a lifestyle change that will make you feel better physically and look better too. Keep up a positive attitude and tell yourself this change in lifestyle is to help you have a longer, healthier and more satisfying life.

February 2019 | 50 + Living

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Brevard Office 191 W. Main Street, Suite A Brevard, NC, 28712 Phone: 828-233-5151 Fax: 828-884-8634 Page 27

Toothache: Seven Causes and Treatments Whether a pain around your tooth is sharp and intermittent or a constant, dull ache, it is classed as a toothache. As a result, toothache causes are diverse, ranging from structural damage to serious infection. Here are the seven main toothache causes that dentists see, and treatments they can offer.

Toothache can also be caused by infections, which typically result from severe tooth decay. You may also notice a foul taste in your mouth, swelling, or increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This infection might be treated with a root canal, though you might also need a course of antibiotics.

* Cavities

* Receding gums

Cavities are one of the major toothache causes, and they develop after exposure to the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque. If you have poor brushing habits, you are more likely to suffer from cavities. Your dentist can treat toothache by filling cavities, and they can also advise you on how you might prevent them in the future.

Receding gums may also cause toothache, especially in older age. When your gums recede, the increased exposure of sensitive areas of your tooth can make consuming hot or cold foods very painful. Deep cleaning or gum surgery may be offered depending of the severity of the recession.

* Infections

* Problems with fillings

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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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.

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www.DentalAsheville.com Page 28

GENERAL DENTISTRY

If a filling is damaged by pressure from clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, toothache can result. This type of toothache can sometimes be treated by repairing the filling, but it is possible that you will need a replacement.

* Bruxism Bruxism is excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw, and this constant pressure or movement can damage the teeth.

Your dentist can provide a custom-made mouth guard to help with toothache caused by bruxism.

* Cracks One of the less common toothache causes is a crack in a tooth, which can result from playing contact sports or being hit in the mouth. If the crack is diagnosed early enough and does not extend below the gum, a root canal procedure could save the tooth.

To minimize your chances of developing toothache, always practice good dental hygiene.

If you do experience pain, contact your dentist for advice and treatment immediately. Ee 50 + Living | February 2019

Friday, February 15, 2019

*Assembly Required: Asheville Designer Toy Expo

Béla Fleck — Friday, February 15, 2019, 8:00 p.m. Béla Fleck is a banjo master who has performed alongside Appalachian sweetheart Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks and The Oak Ridge Boys.

With 15 Grammy-wins and 30 nominations (in more categories than any instrumentalist in history), Béla is a living legend. Friday, February 15, 2019, at 8:00 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville. Tickets: Regular $45; Student $40; Child $20; Student Rush Day-of-Show (with valid I.D.) $10. Box Office: 828-257-4530 or dwtheatre.com.

Asheville’s Designer Toy Expo is February 16 and 17 at Highland Brewing Company. Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country to present and sell their work. Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. $5 10yrs & Over; Under 10yrs: Free . Visit: assembly-required.net

Béla Fleck

Events happening this month in the WNC area to enjoy!

Groundhog Day Saturday, February 2, 2019 Greta the Groundhog comes out of her den at Chimney Rock Park to search for her shadow to predict our next six weeks of winter weather. Onlookers will gather at 10:30 AM. If Greta sees her shadow, then the prediction is for six more weeks of wintry weather. If she does not see her shadow, there will be an early spring.

This event is included in park admission (and free to annual passholders). Plan a visit. chimneyrockpark.com

Footloose Musical, Asheville Community Theatre Friday, February 8 to Sunday, March 3, 2019 Energetic musical version of the 1984 film with the Top 40 score amplified with new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of opening minds and listening to the voices of young people. Fri & Sat 7:30 PM; Sun at 2:30 PM; Thurs 2/21 and 2/28 at 7:30 PM. Tickets from $15/person. For more info: ashevilletheatre.org

Arts & Crafts Conference Friday, February 15 to Sunday, February 17, 2019 For the past 30+ years, Arts and Crafts enthusiasts, including new collectors, veterans, curators, craftspersons, authors, builders, architects, designers, editors, and bungalow owners, have traveled to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville for the annual Arts & Crafts Conference and Antiques Show in February. For info and tickets: arts-craftsconference.com February 2019 | 50 + Living

Saturday, February 16 to Sunday February 17, 2019

Demo: Traditional Oil Painting with Bryan Koontz

Sunday Brunch Buffet

Friday, February 15, 2019

Enjoy our famous Sunday Brunch Buffet with full buffet selections of: made to order eggs, omelets and waffles, local meats and cheese, fresh fruit & berries, cereals, yogurts, freshly baked breakfast breads, meats, potatoes, sweet griddle items, biscuits and gravy, and carving stations. With an addition of our smoked gouda shrimp & grits station, buttermilk fried chicken, bananas foster French toast. Special guest musicians every Sunday!

ROUX in the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, 43 Town Square Boulevard, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Admission: $19.95 Visit: rouxasheville.com

Bryan Koontz, who was chosen to create the artwork for Biltmore’s 2018 Christmas wine labels, will be at Grovewood Gallery on February 15 and 16 from 11am-4pm demonstrating traditional oil painting techniques – working on a landscape, using photos to aid his memory, or painting en plein air (weather permitting). Grovewood Village, Adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn Admission: Free.

An Old World Feast & Wine Pairing Saturday, February 16, 2019 It’s a proper Old World Feast! Join us for a family-style 4-course dinner with pairings celebrating Old World-style wines. Jill Wasilewski, Chef & Owner of Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen, and Rebecca Malecki of Mims Distributing’s have curated a menu designed out of appreciation for Old World European wines and culinary dishes. Rebecca will share her knowledge on the history, evolution, and tasting notes of the wines and be ready to delve into the intricacies that separate the Old and New World style. $45 per person includes four course dinner + wine pairings. Tax and gratuity not included. Ivory Road Cafe and Kitchen - 1854 Brevard Road, Arden, NC 28704 Email: jill@ivoryroadavl.com

Sunday, February 17, 2019

24th Annual Bluegrass First Class Friday, February 22 thru February 24, 2019

Crowne Plaza Resort, Asheville, NC. 12:00PM Ticket prices vary. For more info and tickets: bluegrassfirstclass.com Page 29

50 Living

Advertisers Index | February 2019

of Western NC

Asheville Cotton Co. ............................................................11

Zachary S. Holcombe, DMD ................................................28

Asheville Eye Associates .......................................................23

JeanAnn Taylor, Author ........................................................19

Baked Pie Company ..........................................................2, 32

Metro Wines ..............................................................................21

Biltmore Family Medicine PLLC ........................................17

Phillip C. Price Law Firm, PLLC .........................................25

Bryan Easler Toyota ................................................................18

Sassy Jacks Stitchery ................................................................24

CarePartners Foundations ...................................................19

Strauss Attorneys, PLLC .......................................................27

Frannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farmacy ........................................................................ 8

The Lodge at Mills River ......................................................... 6

Frugal Decor & More ............................................................... 8

The Spice & Tea Exchange ..................................................14

Grail Movie House ..................................................................10

White Oak Financial Management Inc. ..........................10

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50 + Living | February 2019

A publication for the 50+ lifestyle For advertising opportunities please contact us at: asheppard@rewnc.com or call 828.279.5962

50 Living of Western NC

50pluslivingWNC.com February 2019 | 50 + Living

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Love is in the Air. Share a Flight with your Boo.

Arden 4 Long Shoals Road 828-333-4366 Woodfin 50 N. Merrimon Ave. 828-210-9544