50+Living JANUARY 2019

50 Living of Western NC

Top Ten Tips for Staying Cheerful in January and February

New Year’s Resolutions to Sustain Basic Fitness 50pluslivingWNC.com

Steps to Finding the Perfect Financial Planner January 2019

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The Top Ten Tips for Staying Cheerful in January and February

After the festive season is over and before spring arrives, many people feel down. For some, the cold weather and shortened daylight hours can lead to very bad moods and a profound lack of optimism about the future. However, there are things you can to help improve your chances of staying upbeat. Keep the following top ten tips in mind if you want to improve your mood and bear the winter blues this January and February.

1) Stay active It is easy to stop getting as much exercise in winter, as the weather is not really suitable for many outdoor sports or active pursuits. However, don’t let this stop you from exercising; exercise releases chemicals called endorphins that help to bolster mood and increase your sense of well-being. Try to find a nearby gym where you can work out, or simply opt to do workouts in your own home. For example, you might want to order an aerobics DVD, or start learning yoga in the house.

2) Take advantage of the daylight Whenever you can, try to make sure that you spend some time outdoors. For example, you may choose to have a walk in the January 2019 | 50 + Living

park after work, or perhaps walk to the store instead of driving.

Even a little exposure to the light could lift your spirits, and some places look beautiful in the colder seasons. With a thick coat and a warm scarf, you might find fifteen minutes outsides to be truly pleasant.

3) Plan for the summer It can be easier to wait out the unpleasant winter weather if you focus on the good things that are to come. Try investigating possible vacation destinations and looking at inspiring pictures of your destination. If possible, you can even book plane tickets or hotel rooms for your summer getaway. When your vacation plans are in place, it is just a matter of counting down the days until the sunshine is back in your life.

4) Don’t make unrealistic new year’s resolutions If you set yourself unachievable goals, it is easy to become depressed shortly after the new year begins. For example, if you tell yourself that you’re going to lose a stone within the first 2 weeks of January, you’re likely to be disappointed. However, continued on page 5 Page 3

50 Living of Western NC

CONTENTS 3

14 Doctor-Recommended

22 Signs You May Have a

16 An Orange A Day:

24 Mexican Cheese is Hot

18 Things You Should

25 Spice Up Your Hot

10 Steps to Find Perfect

19 Recycling Your Plastic

26 Choose Physical

12 Taylor’d with Style:

21 Dangers of Influenza

29 January Activities to

7 8

Tips For Staying Cheerful in January and February New Year’s Resolutions for Basic Fitness Glaucoma: Optic Nerve Eye Disease

Financial Planner

A Personal Preference

Page 4

New Year’s Resolutions

A Good Alternative

Never Feed Your Cat

Beverage Containers

with Health Conditions

Thyroid Problem

Right Now

Chocolate

Therapy for Back Pain

Enjoy in WNC

50 + Living | January 2019

Tips for Staying Cheerful continued from page 3

choosing realistic and sensible new year’s resolutions can actually help to keep your spirits up, as you will see yourself making tangible progress towards your goals. Good examples include making more time for significant relationships, spending at least 3 hours a week on cardiovascular exercise, and allowing yourself to spend more time enjoying your more relaxing hobbies.

5) Find fun things to do indoors Instead of feeling sad when heavy snow or rain makes outdoor activities impossible, find exciting and entertaining things to do inside your house. You may want to play board games with family members, take up indoor hobbies like knitting or playing a new instrument, or just spend some time reading enthralling new fiction books. By combining any of these activities with a warm fire or a candlelit living room, you can find yourself beginning to relish the winter weather instead of resenting it.

Winter Lights continued from page 3 6) Consider a light box

8) Plan indoor trips Even though it is winter, you can still plan to go out with your partner and make dates with friends or relatives; you just have to think of destinations that are warm and covered. Good ideas included a dinner date followed by a trip to the cinema, a trip to an indoor aquarium or a day at a spa,

9) Nurture your relationships Unfortunately, January is a peak time for divorce lawyers.

Stressful family gatherings and high expectations around the time of the festive season can build resentments and lead to couples having arguments early in the new year. As a result, it is good to make time for your partner. Organize dates, make sure you have sincere conversations, and try to be kind to each other in times of stress.

If your low mood relates to seasonal affective disorder (or SAD), you could find yourself feeling much better if you choose to buy a light box. These devices can simulate sunlight, and some sufferers find that light boxes transform their lives in the winter months.

7) Be smart about your finances A large source of depression in January and February relates to the excessive spending that typically characterizes the festive season. If you have found that your savings have been dwindling and you’re really beginning to worry about your money situation, try to make a clear budget and stick to it each month. If you struggle to do so, you can ensure that a portion of your money is moved to a savings account on a monthly basis, preventing you from spending any more than you have allocated for your budget.

You may also want to consider ending your use of credit cards, especially if you tend to be impulsive about purchases.

January 2019 | 50 + Living

10) Acknowledge your problems and work towards solutions If the above tips do not seem to be helping you to stay cheerful during the months of January and February, perhaps something more significant is causing you to feel down. You may want to try making a list of all of the things are bothering you, whether they are large or small. After that, you can think about potential solutions, and develop an action plan for each issue. This act in itself can help to relieve some of your burdens. Ee

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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

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JeanAnn Taylor High Five Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 8683 | Asheville, NC 28814 828.279.5962 % !# " $ " % "# ! " % # #!$# $ $! # & % !

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6 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO SUSTAIN BASIC FITNESS Have you looked at yourself in a full-length mirror since Christmas Day? If not, you may be in for a shock. If you’ve been lounging by the fire, tucking into feasts and delicacies, you’ll need to get your body back in shape now. That can be hard if you’re a sedentary person or have a desk job, but these New Year’s fitness resolutions will sprinkle exercise lightly through your day, so you’ll hardly notice it.

1. Get moving before breakfast Each day, take at least a hundred steps before breaking your fast with either drink or food. This will ensure that you’ve at least made a start on your daily exercise before being drawn into other commitments. Starting early will also give you a sense of achievement which will sustain your drive through the day.

inappropriate, rise discreetly up onto the balls of your toes, then slowly down again, and repeat; you’ll feel the muscles working up and down your legs. All these movements will enhance blood flow around the body, including the brain, so you’ll be improving your mental powers, too.

5. Pursue an active pastime Take up a sport or active pastime and practice it at least once a week. If you already have one, increase your participation for extra relaxation and exercise. If you’re not a sporty person, pick any activity that involves moving about, even if it’s just a matter of walking to a venue, standing up at a painting easel or bustling about with practical tasks. They will all help sustain basic fitness.

2. Walk around the block Take a brisk walk outside each day. Even if you only go down the street and back, the exertion involved will get your heart pumping strongly and your circulation flowing healthily. This, coupled with the fresh air, will make you feel good and motivate you to take more exercise. You will also be strengthening muscles, loosening joints and releasing tension as you stride along, so a walk is never a waste of time.

3. Look up and get up If you have a sitting-down job, get up and walk around the room, or further, every half hour, or if this can’t be done due to working conditions, walk twice around at break times.

Have a good stretch while you’re on your feet, swinging your arms around like wheels and crouching and rising a few times.

If you find it hard to remember to break off from your work, set your alarm clock, and reset it every time you sit back down. The procedure will soon become second nature.

6. Swing and stretch your way to bed

4. Stretch and bend in queues and pauses

At the end of the day, fit an exercise routine into your bedtime preparations. Designate a slot in your schedule for it, say between locking the doors and brushing your teeth, so that it becomes automatic. You’ll sleep better for the exercise, and for knowing you’re keeping to your target.

Never stand still while awaiting an event, such as the boiling of a kettle, the arrival of a bus or the photocopying of papers. Take the opportunity to bend and stretch, swing your legs or wiggle your hips. If you’re in a public place, where such movements would be

Once these little rules become habits, you can gradually build them up, setting yourself more moves, month by month. The longer you keep up the routine, the easier it will become and the fitter you’ll feel. Now, how about a diet on top? Ee

January 2019 | 50 + Living

Page 7

Glaucoma is a diverse group of eye diseases.

It is the leading cause of blindness in Canada and the Untied States. It is more common in older people, but young people can suffer from it. Though glaucoma can lead to blindness, it can be successfully treated if detected in the early stages.

is blocked, the fluid pressure within the eye increases. This causes damage to the Optic nerve.

Glaucoma is a disease of the Optic nerve. It is usually accompanied by high fluid pressure within the eye. However, this is not always the case. Neither is high fluid pressure always a sign of glaucoma. Your eye specialist must examine information that he gathers to determine if you are at risk for, or have, glaucoma.

Optic nerve damage causes characteristics that can be found when your specialist looks at the information gathered from a visual “field test.” The “field test” is painless and takes about twenty minutes to complete. Each eye is tested separately. The test detects defects in both the central and peripheral vision. (I suffer from glaucoma and take this test at least once a year.)

Closed glaucoma is also known as acute glaucoma. It strikes suddenly and is accompanied by blurred vision and severe eye pain. The eye pressure increases quickly. The drainage canals are already blocked by “closed angle glaucoma.” The cornea and iris are not as open as they should be. The iris then curls over the drainage canal when the pupil enlarges.

The Optic nerve is imperative to sight. It carries the image we see to our brain. The higher the internal fluid, in the eye, the more chance of permanent damage to the Optic nerve. (This is similar to erosion. The internal fluid causes damage to the Optic nerve, much like erosion causes damage to the soil.)

The Optic nerve is comparable to a giant electrical cable.

Glaucoma causes damage to the nerve fibers. This causes, or can cause, blind spots to the central or peripheral vision. These blind spots are often not noticed until extensive Optic nerve damage has occurred. If the Optic nerve is completely destroyed, blindness is always the result.

Clear liquid called, “aqueous humor” flows in and out of the eye. This is completely different than tears, which only touch the outside of the eye. If the drainage system for the “aqueous humor” Page 8

There are three different kinds of glaucoma. They are primary, secondary and congenital.

Primary is the most common type of glaucoma. It is divided into “closed” and “open” angle glaucoma.

Open angle glaucoma is the most common type in Canada and the United States. It is usually detected in the early stages, if you have regular eye examinations. This type of glaucoma occurs because of aging. The drainage of the eye is less efficient as we grow older, because the drainage system gets blocked. The pressure in the eye increases because of the blockage. This type of glaucoma is also known as chronic open angle glaucoma. Ninety percent of all glaucoma patients suffer from this type of glaucoma.

Secondary glaucoma is caused by other factors or conditions.

Eye injuries, inflammation, diabetes and vascular disease all contribute to this type of glaucoma.

Congenital glaucoma occurs when a baby is born with elevated eye pressure. This is due to a defect in the eye’s drainage system. It is often found that the system has not developed properly.

In the early stages, glaucoma can cause subtle loss of contrast.

Often, it is so subtle that it isn’t noticeable. You may not be able to decipher where a sidewalk turns into a curb. You may miss a step 50 + Living | January 2019

in a staircase or have trouble driving at night. As the glaucoma progresses, it causes loss of peripheral vision. There is nothing that can reverse this vision loss.

It is imperative to have regular testing for glaucoma after you reach the age of 45. Early detection is imperative because there are no early symptoms. If your family has a history of glaucoma, these eye examinations should begin at age 30. Your eye specialist will schedule a “field test,” and take pressure readings on a regular basis. (Pressure readings should be done every six months.) He may also schedule the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT) and other scanning tests.

Symptoms of glaucoma when eye pressure increases suddenly are: headache, rainbow hues around lights, blurred vision, nausea or vomiting and severe eye pain.

Risk factors include - a family history of glaucoma, myopia, age, being of African American or Hispanic descent, and/or being a diabetic.

Glaucoma, if detected early, can be successfully treated.

Better treatments are being discovered each year. However, laser treatment, eye drops, medication and surgery have all been used successfully in the treatment of glaucoma. Your doctor will base the treatment on they type of glaucoma you have, your medical history and the information he gathers when he does your eye examinations. It is vital that glaucoma patients follow their doctor’s orders to the letter, and schedule regular follow-up appointments. (I have pressure checks every six month and a field test once a year. If my eye pressure is high, I have to have a follow-up in three months.)

There are several different kinds of eye drops that are used to treat glaucoma.

Pilocarpine had been used for over 100 years. It has unpleasant side effects for some patients. Propine is effective if used with Pilocarpine or other medications. One side effect of this medication is teary and red eyes.

Timolol is a beta-blocker. Side effects include bronchial asthma and a slow pulse rate. If your eye specialist prescribes Timolol, be sure to inform your family doctor. Xalatan is one of the newest medications for glaucoma.

It is used before bed and sometimes in the morning as well. The latest drugs developed to treat glaucoma are, Cosopt, Lumigan and Travalan. These are used to treat open-angle glaucoma. They should not be administered to children.

January 2019 | 50 + Living

When eye drops, oral medications and laser treatment do not decrease eye pressure, surgery may be necessary. This is when an artificial outlet for “aqueous humor” (eye fluid) is created. This procedure must be done in a hospital. Local anesthetic is given.

“Aqueous humor” may also be decreased by laser energy being applied directly to the eyeball. This procedure is virtually painless.

Though serious complications are rare, they can occur. Be sure to ask your doctor for statistics.

Never miss medications for glaucoma. Don’t drink products that contain caffeine. Never change your medication unless the change is made by your eye specialist. Be careful of over the counter medications, such as Sudafed and Benedryl. They can cause your eye pressure to go up. It is best to ask your eye specialist before taking any over the counter medications. It is imperative that he have a list of all the prescription drugs you are taking.

If you think you may be suffering from glaucoma, call your optometrist or eye specialist and schedule an appointment.

Eyesight is precious. Ee Disclaimer: I am not a physician. This article was written from research and personal experience. If you experience any type of eye problems, be sure to contact your family physician or your eye specialist immediately. Ee

Make your eye health a priority this year!

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8 Medical Park Drive Asheville 28803 828.258.1586

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www.ashevilleeye.com Page 9

5 Steps to Find the Perfect Financial Planner for You

(BPT) - The economy has changed considerably since the recession. Unemployment is at record lows and the market is flush with opportunities for workers of every level. While it is certainly good to live in the present, it is also important to plan for the future, and research shows that many people are not saving sufficiently to live life at their current standard when they retire.

A recent study finds that 52 percent of American households are at risk of not being able to carry their current lifestyle into

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retirement. This is an increase from an estimated 45 percent of households in a 2004 study. The estimated retirement savings shortfall amounts to roughly $6.4 trillion.

This dramatic number isn’t solely the result of negligence. In fact, in many cases a lack of financial education is a major contributor. Many adults today actually know little about retirement planning because they weren’t educated on the topic during high school or college. For example, many people don’t realize that an individual retirement account, continuously funded at $3,000 per year - starting at age 20 and based on an estimated rate of return of 8 percent - will yield $1.16 million when they retire at age 65. That same account - started at age 30 instead - will only yield $517,000 at age 65.

All of this underscores the importance of being smart with your retirement planning and adjusting your strategy based on your age. A good financial planner can help you do all of that. To find the right financial planner to help you prepare for retirement, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) offers these tips. * Look for a planner who is a fiduciary. Planners who are fiduciaries have a duty of loyalty to their clients and a duty of care.

The duty of loyalty means they must always consider their clients’ interests above their own, even if that interest negatively impacts 50 + Living | January 2019

their own income. The duty of care means an advisor must care for clients as though they were loved ones and provide them with prudent advice. Look for a planner who is a fiduciary and put that duty of care to work for you. You can learn more about how to find a fiduciary advisor at napfa.org/financial-planning/fiduciary-101. * Focus on experience. Your retirement future isn’t something you want to leave to someone without the proper credentials. There are more than 100 professional designations in the financial services industry, but only a few of them truly indicate a professional’s ability to do holistic financial planning. Look for planners with the CFP(R) certification. This certification means a financial planner has met rigorous professional standards and has agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence. * Focus on financial planning. Your financial future will be dependent on a sound financial plan, so look for a professional who focuses on true financial planning. Ask your planner if they have ever written a financial plan and what the plan might look like for you. Holistic financial planning includes tax planning, education planning, estate planning, retirement advice and more. * Ask how your planner will minimize and disclose conflicts. Your planner is not just a professional entity, but also a person with personal interests and business dealings. This means that no matter which planner you select, there is a chance that your planner’s personal dealings could create a conflict with your financial decisions. That’s OK and normal. The key is to find a planner that will minimize conflicts and disclose any conflicts to you ahead of time. Ask potential planners how they will handle such a situation and don’t take “It won’t happen” for an answer. * Are they compatible with you? This last quality is certainly one of the most important. How comfortable does the planner make you feel? As you speak, do you feel the planner understands your goals and is a person you could trust long-term? Over the course of your relationship you will share plenty of personal information with your planner, and entrust them with your financial future. Listen to your gut and choose a planner you feel comfortable with.

January 2019 | 50 + Living

Start your planner search today Living the life you want in retirement is possible if you start planning for it now. The right financial planner can help you realize your goals, so don’t delay in finding the right planner for you.

Visit NAFPA.org for more consumer resources on how to find the right planner for you today. Ee

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Page 11

Taylor’d wi Style

A Personal Preference

By JeanAnn Taylor If you have been following me for a few years, you know I like to write about personal style in January. It’s the perfect time to reflect on your life—the past year’s accomplishments and your New Year’s dreams and aspirations. You may also know that your signature style is directly related to your success. Your question may be, How do I determine what my style is?

Your individual style is influenced by your age, body type, and lifestyle. It includes your clothing, personal hygiene, mannerisms, and even your home decor. Your “style” is “your” style, not what is “in fashion.” To begin, have faith that you do in fact have “style.”

We all do. If you usually wear silk dresses with heels, your style may be classy or formal. If you choose to wear torn jeans and t-shirts every day, a casual or lackadaisical look is your style. If you wear mismatched clothing and gaudy accessories, your style may be kitschy. Your clothing tells the world who you are and what is important to you without saying a single word. Our style evolves as we mature but we typically stay true to our core personality traits throughout our lives. I am ultra-feminine and always have been. As a young child, I remember crying to my mother, begging her to let me wear dresses even when it was more appropriate to wear pants. That’s not to say that I don’t or can’t wear anything other than a pink ruffly flower print dress. We all have one strong characteristic with elements of other traits mixed in. I can rock a pair of blue jeans and flannel shirt. The twist for me is that the shirt is usually pink plaid with a touch of lace. Most of the time, I stay true to my core characteristic because that is where I feel the most comfortable and confident.

Page 12

Personal style is important because it influences how you perceive yourself. We can all relate to times when we felt as if we could conquer the world and times we wanted to crawl back into bed. I can almost certainly say that what you were wearing had an impact on your state of mind. To know and embrace your unique style means you can be fearless, confident, secure, and content every day.

Some women try too hard to be fashionable, resulting in appearing artificial or pretentious. Dressing just to be trendy or fashionable lacks essence. Style icons are perfect examples of women who are completely confident in who they are and how they present themselves to the world. They are not icons because they wear the fashions of the day. They are icons because they wear clothing that truly expresses the essence of their personality.

Jaqueline Kennedy was not the only woman in the 1960s who wore pill box hats and boxy Channel suits. However, she is remembered for wearing them because she wore them with such poise and ease.

Grace Kelly was elegant and feminine. She created her harmonious look with swing coats, pearls, and ladylike dresses.

While Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is credited for catapulting The Little Black Dress into indelible fame, her personal style of cropped pants and ballet flats fully expressed her true minimalist nature. Many of today’s “icons” simply dress for shock value and publicity. Rihanna’s completely see-through dress and Lady Gaga’s raw meat “dress” say more 50 + Living | January 2019

to their quest for attention than their sense of style.

True style icons know who they are, embrace their innate fashion sense, and dress for self-expression in appropriate ways. Kate Middleton is an example.

She wears jeans when chasing her children, tailored dresses to daytime events, and beautiful long gowns when attending galas.

Whether she is dressed casual or haute couture, she stays connected to her core character and her classy, classic style.

Before you attempt to define your style, you must have a clear understanding of who you really are. This may seem like a nobrainer, but the fact is many us go through life never being fully mindful of our true individuality. As Benjamin Franklin said, “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” Worldly demands and obligations make it easy for us to fall into patterns…and clothing trends that don’t fully represent our authentic self. Cohesive looks project harmony and confidence: wearing something out of character projects internal confusion.

To help decipher your demeanor, take a step into your closet.

Taking inventory of what you have already purchased can offer great insight into who you are. You may discover a closet full of denim indicating a casual disposition. A mostly black, ethereal wardrobe may suggest a mystical mindset. Business suits point to a serious career or personality. A shelf full of yoga pants can imply a heavy workout schedule or a high value on comfort.

Making a conscious and intentional inquiry into your current clothing collection can reveal a level of self-awareness you haven’t previously considered. You can also ask yourself these questions:

What items do I wear over and over?

What items to I own but never wear?

Do I have a favorite fashion era?

Are there certain colors I’m drawn to and others I avoid?

Which silhouettes do I feel most comfortable wearing?

January 2019 | 50 + Living

There are no right or wrong answers, but the results can lead you to style sovereignty.

By reflecting on the answers to these questions, you may begin to see a pattern.

You may find that your style is right where you want it, or you may find that you want to make a few changes to more authentically express yourself. When you truly embrace your individuality, you gain confidence to wear clothes that fit your personality as well as your body.

The bottom line of personal style is that it means you are wearing clothes you like to wear and feel comfortable wearing. Yes, it is really just that simple. Knowing “fashion” is one thing: knowing who you are is everything. Ee

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor jeananntaylor@rewnc.com

The perfect gift for your little ballerina!

Read the story of Lily, an endearing little girl who’s passion for spinning gets her into trouble until she learns to spin like a ballerina.

Available at A Walk in the Woods 423 Main Street, Hendersonville and online at gratefulsteps.org

Written by local author, JeanAnn Taylor For more information on book signing events, please call 828-989-2651 Page 13

(StatePoint) With the new year upon us, you may be looking for resolutions that will help to keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy in the year ahead.

“This is the perfect time of year to consider your personal goals, and how you can make positive health choices in the coming year,” says American Medical Association (AMA) President Barbara L. McAneny, M.D. “Small lifestyle changes today can have a lasting effect in improving your health.”

To help you start the year off on the right foot, Dr. McAneny and the experts at the AMA are offering 10 recommendations to help you determine where you can make the most impactful, long-lasting improvements to your health.

1. Learn your risk for type 2 diabetes by taking the self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

2. Be more physically active. Adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

10 Doctor-Recommended New Year’s Resolutions Page 14

3. Know your blood pressure numbers.

Visit LowerYourHBP.org to better understand your numbers and take necessary steps to get your high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension -- under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

4. Reduce your intake of processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Also reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink more water instead.

50 + Living | January 2019

5. If your health care professional determines that you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem and antibiotics will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.

6. If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

health, but don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or mental health professional when you need it.

The lifestyle choices you make now will have long-lasting impacts. So, this new year, prioritize your long-term health by forming great habits. Ee

7. Talk with your doctor about tobacco and nicotine use and quit. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.

8. Pain medication is personal. If you are taking prescription opioids, follow your doctor’s instructions, store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication.

9. Make sure your family is up-to-date on their vaccines, including the annual influenza vaccine for everyone age six months or older.

10. Manage stress. A good diet and daily exercise are key ingredients to maintaining and improving your mental

January 2019 | 50 + Living

Page 15

An Orange A Day

contains approximately 53.2 mg. It is recommended that adults consume around 60-90 mg of vitamin C per day.

In oranges, vitamin C is just one component of a matrix involving many different phytochemicals including flavanones. Although we don’t really understand exactly how these chemicals interact, the combination found in oranges has numerous health benefits.

Consuming fruits high in vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of death from heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It can also help with health conditions like kidney stones, anemia, ulcers, and rheumatoid arthritis[4].

They say an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but if you’re looking for more nutritional punch, oranges might be a better alternative. With massive immune boosting properties and a laundry list of health benefits, this citrus fruit will protect you against seasonal viruses and more serious ailments.

Oranges are one of the most popular fruits in the world.

Juicy and sweet, people love their oranges. They are actually the highest value fruit crop in international trade[1]. And for good reason. They are chock full of vitamin C, thiamin, folate, and antioxidants. Not only are they a tasty treat, but they also have many useful properties contributing to good health.

Oranges are mainly composed of carbs and water. They have a very low fat and protein content. Simple sugars like glucose are the dominant form of carbs in oranges. But despite their sugar content, this fruit has a low glycemic index, which means they only contribute to a moderate rise in blood sugar level[2].

Citrus fruits are a good source of fibre. Consuming a diet with an adequate fibre intake can help you maintain a healthy body weight while lowering your risk of heart disease and diabetes. It will also help normalize your bowel movements, maintain bowel health, and lower your cholesterol levels[3]. While apples have more fibre than oranges, citrus fruit still have an edge when it comes to other protective properties.

You probably already know that vitamin C is an important part of a healthy diet. Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, and it plays an important role in protecting against free radicals and preventing cell damage.

Oranges are packed with vitamin C. In fact, a single orange Page 16

Heart disease is currently the world’s most common cause of premature death. In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was found that diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in subjects after consuming orange juice for four weeks.

Researchers believe that the presence of flavonoids in oranges have protective effects against heart disease by reducing blood pressure significantly[5].

Oranges are a great source of citric acid and citrates, both of which are believed to prevent the formation of kidney stones. If you struggle with anemia, eating oranges can help boost your iron uptake. While oranges are not a good source of iron in themselves, vitamin C and citric acid can increase the absorption of iron from within the digestive tract[6]. If you eat an orange or drink a glass of orange juice while simultaneously consuming foods high in iron, you will have a better chance of absorbing the necessary nutrients.

There is also evidence that oranges can help prevent ulcers and reduce the risk of stomach cancer. In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers noted that people with the highest blood levels of vitamin C had lower incidences of infection with a bacteria responsible for causing peptic ulcers[7]. Because ulcers also correlate with an increased risk of stomach cancer, oranges also act as a preventative measure for this serious ailment.

In another study published in the same journal, researchers from the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer IncidenceNorfolk discovered that participants with the highest daily intake of the carotenoids, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin, had as much as a 52% reduction in risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis[8]. These are dramatic results from something as simple as eating one orange per day.

50 + Living | January 2019

It also goes without saying that oranges will give your immune system a much-needed boost right in time for fall, a season when viruses, flu, and the common cold run rampant.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrus_production

Scientists are still conducting research on the numerous health benefits of consuming oranges. If you want to add this citrus fruit to your diet, consider these useful tips.

[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-andhealthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983

[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/oranges

[4] http://www.whfoods.com/genpage. php?tname=foodspice&dbid=37 [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21068346 [6] https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/anemia [7] Aditi A, Graham DY. Vitamin C, Gastritis, and Gastric Disease: a historical review and update. Digestive diseases and sciences. 2012;57(10):10.1007/s10620-012-2203-7. doi:10.1007/ s10620-012-2203-7.

[8] http://epic.iarc.fr/

Like most citrus fruit, oranges don’t ripen upon harvest.

When visiting your local market, make sure to select oranges that are firm, smooth, and bright in colour. The heavier the orange feels in your hand, the better. Brown spots don’t mean that the orange is spoiled. It is actually just an indicator of a fruit grown in a very humid environment.

Instead, make sure to avoid oranges that are too soft to the touch. Winter is the peak season for oranges. Store them at room temperature in a fruit bowl to make them tempting to eat.

[9] https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/ archive/2016/01/11/orange-peel.aspx [10] https://www.livescience.com/45057-oranges-nutritionfacts.html

MAKES IT %

Oranges are the perfect post-workout snack. Their water content will help to rehydrate you, while a healthy dose of carbs and potassium will serve to restore energy.

Remember that a lot of the nutritional content in an orange is found in the peel.

About 3.5 ounces of orange peel provides 136 mg of vitamin C while the flesh contains less[9]. You can grate an orange and use the zest in your cooking or eat the orange peels directly. But if you choose to go this route, remember to buy organic! Non-organic orange peels can be covered in chemicals and difficult to digest[10].

So remember, apples are great, but oranges pack one hell of a punch. This fruit is a fabulous addition to a healthy, balanced diet. Ee January 2019 | 50 + Living

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Dairy It’s true that cats love milk. But, for the majority of cats, milk does not love them. Most cats are lactose intolerant, so drinking milk can cause a variety of different digestive ailments, none of which are pleasant for either you or your cat.

Garlic, Onions, and Chives Anything in this family can be problematic, especially in high doses. A clove of garlic can cause severe stomach problems, and even small amounts of onions, chives, or garlic on a regular basis can cause anemia.

Grapes and Raisins

9 Things You Should NEVER Feed Your Cat Cats are a part of our families and our lives. They are often a part of everything we do, even if we would never admit it. It’s normal to want to share with your pet, and food is no exception.

However, some human foods can be quite dangerous for cats.

The following nine things are among the top culprits for feline overdoses and should be avoided.

Alcohol This one really should go without saying, but people have been known to give their cats alcohol, either as a joke or as an attempt to relax the cat. But even one tablespoon of alcohol can cause severe liver and brain damage and can be fatal for a cat.

Chocolate Chocolate contains chemicals that function as stimulants, most notably theobromine and caffeine. The higher the cacao percentage, the more likely the chocolate is to cause damage, including heart problems, tremors, and seizures.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks, etc) Symptoms of caffeine toxicity include restlessness, muscle spasms, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to make a cat sick - a couple teaspoons of instant coffee can be fatal.

Page 18

Although it has not been studied at length, anecdotal evidence suggests that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, much like they do in dogs.

Human Medications Many cats have been poisoned as a result of well-meaning owners who give their pet medication in hopes that it will help them get through a minor illness. However, cats metabolize medications differently than we do, and often can only tolerate a much lower dose than the accepted range for humans. One example is Tylenol: the toxic dose is one-tenth of the toxic dose for humans, so 15 mg/ kg (2.2 lbs.) A teaspoon of infant’s Tylenol contains 160 mg per teaspoon - over ten times the toxic dose for cats.

Liver Liver is okay in small quantities; in the wild, cats would consume livers of animals on occasion after all. But, be careful adding it to your pet’s diet. Liver is high in vitamin A, which can quickly become toxic, causing blindness, painful growths on the bones, and osteoporosis.

Xylitol Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in candies, gums, and other sweets. It can increase insulin in your cat’s body, causing blood sugar to drop. More serious effects can also occur, including vomiting, coordination problems, lethargy, seizures, and liver failure.

Even heeding the above list, your cat still may find a way to get into something it shouldn’t. There are reasons, after all, that we have adages like “curiosity killed the cat,” or “cats have nine lives.” If you suspect that your cat has gotten ahold of something that may be poisonous, whether on this list or not, immediately call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center whose number is (888) 426-4435, and your vet, as well as an emergency vet if your vet is not close by or available. Cats are pretty resilient and as long as the problem is caught early on, they more than likely will survive with minimal damage. Ee 50 + Living | January 2019

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Are You Recycling Your Plastic Beverage Containers?

(BPT) - When you place a plastic beverage container in a recycling bin, you are an important part of the product’s life cycle, helping that packaging to be used to make something new, over and over again.

An astounding 70 percent of what people toss in the trash is actually recyclable, but very few people recycle as often as they should.

What exactly happens to plastic beverage bottles that you put in a recycling bin?

They are collected, sorted and ground into plastic flakes. Different types of plastic flakes are separated before being washed and dried. Then the processed flakes are used to make things like cups, trays, clothing, carpet fibers and so much more - including new beverage bottles.

Recycling not only reduces waste, it saves energy too. Consider plastic bottled water containers, for example. Making new bottles from old ones uses 84 percent less energy, according to the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).

Understanding that every person plays a critical role in the recycling process, IBWA launched “Put It In The Bin” - a partner-friendly initiative focused on educating people about the value of always putting recyclables in the bin so they can be made into new and amazing things. continued on page 20 January 2019 | 50 + Living

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Page 19

Recycling Plastic Bottles continued from page 19

Recycling isn’t always convenient, but it’s worthwhile to do.

When life is busy, it can be easy to forget to recycle. Consider these smart, easy-to-do tips that can help you make recycling a part of your daily life: Location: Place your recycling bin near your trash bin as a visual reminder that recycling can be just as fast and simple as putting something in the garbage.

Caps included: Enjoy convenience drinks, empty them, replace the cap and recycle. It’s important to remember that both the bottle and the cap are made from valuable plastics that are in demand by reclaimers.

Bring recyclables home: Outside of the home it can be difficult to locate recycling bins. Make a conscious decision to bring empty beverage bottles home so they can be recycled properly.

Plan ahead: Make space for empty beverage containers in your bag or car so it’s easy to bring them home and place them in your curbside bin.

Set reminders: More than 90 percent of American homes have access to curbside and drop-off recycling programs, according to IBWA. Set an alert on your phone so you remember to bring out the recycling on the designated day.

Reuse: Think about how you can reuse items, such as transforming empty plastic beverage bottles into a beautiful holiday

wreath. Watch the video here for details: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=P_51YHj_4-o&t=2s.

Buy recycled: Purchase goods made from recycled materials to support the ongoing life cycle of products.

There are many things that can be recycled, but bottled water containers are the most common drink item in curbside recycling programs, recycled at a rate of 53.9 percent, according to the “Put It In The Bin” website.

In fact, recycling just one plastic beverage bottle can conserve enough energy to power a 60-watt bulb for up to six hours, notes IBWA. What’s more, according to Recycle Across America, five recycled plastic bottles provide enough fiber to produce one square foot of carpet.

With recycling, the possibilities are endless - but it all starts with one small personal choice to recycle. To learn more about how recycling makes a difference, visit putitinthebin.org. Ee

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50 + Living | January 2019

Most Adults with Chronic Health Conditions Unaware of Dangers of Influenza

(BPT) - During the 2017-2018 influenza (flu) season, nearly 80,000 people died and more than 950,000 people were hospitalized due to flu and flu-related illnesses, and less than four in 10 U.S. adults (37.1 percent) were vaccinated against flu, fewer than in previous years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While those who are vaccinated may still get the flu, the vaccine helps prevent serious complications that may result in hospitalization, loss of independence or even death.

It is particularly important for people with certain chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease to receive an annual flu vaccine, as they are at higher risk for flu-related complications. In fact, 92 percent of those hospitalized for flu during the 2017-2018 season had an underlying medical condition that put them at risk for serious flu-related complications.

In July 2018, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) convened leading medical experts from nearly 20 national healthcare organizations to raise awareness of the dangers of flu among U.S. adults with certain chronic health conditions including heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, and the need for increased flu vaccination rates among at-risk adults.

“It is essential for everyone age 6 months and older to receive an annual flu vaccine,” said NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, M.D. “For people with conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, it is an important part of managing their condition, like taking a statin, checking their glucose or using an inhaler.”

Surprisingly, there is low awareness of the connection between chronic health conditions and serious flu-related complications. A new survey from NFID revealed that: * Less than a quarter of U.S. adults recognize that people with January 2019 | 50 + Living

heart disease (24 percent) and diabetes (22 percent) are at greater risk for flu-related complications, and awareness is significantly less for people of color than white respondents. * Less than 20 percent of U.S. adults are aware that heart attack (16 percent), worsening of diabetes (16 percent), stroke (13 percent) and disability (10 percent) can occur as potential complications of flu.

The dangers are real. Research shows that individuals with heart disease are up to 10 times more likely to have a heart attack within three days of flu infection and people with diabetes are at six times increased risk of flu-related hospitalization.

“Flu causes inflammation in the body that can result in serious complications,” said Albert Rizzo, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, American Lung Association. “For the more than 31 million people living with lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, flu can worsen their condition and lead to a loss of lung function.”

More information on the connection between flu and serious complications for those with certain chronic health conditions can be found at www.nfid.org/flu-chronic-health-conditions. Ee Page 21

Five Signs That You May Have a Thyroid Problem Signs of a thyroid problem in your body are often overlooked because they are very subtle and progress very slowly. In time as your symptoms progress, you may begin to realize that something is wrong with your body. Your thyroid gland is a small butterflyshaped gland that lies across the lower part of your neck and wraps around your trachea, which is your wind pipe. This gland produces and stores certain hormones which regulate a number of vital functions in your body such as heart rate, blood pressure and your body temperature. According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, the thyroid hormones are needed to regulate many of your body’s activities.

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are the two most important thyroid hormones produced by a healthy thyroid gland. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that is produced by your pituitary gland and has the job of stimulating your thyroid gland to produce hormones. When there is a low level of thyroid hormones in your body, the TSH level is raised in your blood, because the pituitary gland is working overtime by trying to trigger your thyroid gland to work. This can sometimes lead to a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid.

The level of TSH in your body is the blood level your doctor looks for which helps her to diagnose a thyroid problem.

Your thyroid gland also produces a hormone called calcitonin which plays a very crucial part in stimulating your bone cells to get calcium into your bones. Thyroid hormones regulates chemical reactions in your body which affects the balance of your metabolism. Metabolism plays a vital role in your body.

Page 22

When your metabolism is out of balance, you may experience many symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid.

A lack of thyroid hormones in your body is known as hypothyroidism, which causes a number of symptoms. Some of these symptoms are: · Fatigue. You may think that you are experiencing fatigue, sluggishness and feeling more tired because you are getting older or because you work hard. This vague symptom may actually may be a thyroid problem. · Weight Gain. A healthy thyroid produces hormones which keeps your metabolism working as it should. A lack of thyroid hormones causes your metabolism to slow down, resulting in unwanted weight gain. You may not have noticed the weight gain at first since it began very slowly. The trigger is that you are having a difficult time trying to lose those extra pounds. · Dry skin is also a symptoms of thyroid problems as well as feeling cold most of the time. · Hair Loss. You may notice that your hair has been shedding more than usual. This symptom also probably started very slowly until you noticed that your hair is not as thick as it used to be. · Constipation is caused by many different problems, but it is also a common sign of an underactive thyroid gland because of the slowing of your metabolism.

50 + Living | January 2019

Seek prompt medical attention if you have been experiencing any of these symptoms which seem to be getting progressively worse. If an underactive thyroid problems is not corrected, it may lead to a dangerous condition known as Myxedema which is a very rare and lifethreatening condition. Symptoms of this condition include cold intolerance and severe drowsiness which leads to lethargy and unconsciousness.  A thyroid problem is easily detected by a simple blood test. The good news is that there are replacement hormones your doctor can prescribe to remedy a possible thyroid problem which will help you to feel better and become healthy again. Ee

North Carolina Estate Planning Attorneys Offices in Asheville, Hendersonville & Brevard 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.

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Reference National Center for Biotechnical Information. Underactive Thyroid Overview. U.S. Library of Medicine.

October 8, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmedhealth/PMH0072785/

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Page 23

Mexican Cheese is Hot Right Now: A Queso Primer (BPT) - Queso, anyone? With tortillas outselling hamburger and hot dog buns while salsa dethrones ketchup, Mexican food is more popular than ever in the United States - and cheeses are a key component of America’s favorite Mexican dishes. But are all cheeses created equally? Queso is not just that ubiquitous, neon cheese sauce you might sometimes see in the grocery store. In Spanish, the word simply means cheese, and Hispanic cheeses rival anything else you might see in the supermarket aisles, with a wide range of flavor profiles to tempt any palate.

Cacique, the number one brand of Hispanic cheeses, chorizos and cremas, wants to give quesos like Queso Fresco, Panela, Oaxaca and Cotija their day in the sun. Just like Mexican cuisine, Hispanic cheeses have great crossover appeal.

James Beard-winning restaurateur, MasterChef judge and proud Mexican-American Chef Aarón Sánchez agrees

you’d use its Italian cousin, including pizza, lasagna, melting on sandwiches or snacking.

Manchego has a nutty, earthy flavor and creamy texture.

Similar to Colby in tanginess and cheddar in aroma, Manchego will be the star of your cheese board. Or bake it into a frittata, shred it for mac and cheese, or use it anywhere you’d use cheddar.

Eager to try some of these cheeses? Cacique’s website has a store locator. Type in your zip code and you’ll find a store near you that carries them. And then you’ll be on your way to adding the flavors of Mexico to tonight’s dinner. And if you’re looking for a place to start, check out this delicious Cotija Crusted Quesadilla recipe.

“American cooks may not be as familiar with Hispanic cheeses as they are with others at the grocery store,” Sánchez says.

“The names might come across as intimidating, and they may not be sure of how to incorporate these cheeses into their cooking routine. But there’s really no mystery. Hispanic cheeses can be used for a wide range of dishes in your everyday routine, and not just Mexican classics.”

Here’s a primer in Queso 101.

Queso Fresco, one of the most widely used cheeses in Mexican cooking, is a soft, fresh cheese similar in flavor and texture to ricotta, but with more savory, milky notes. Mexican cooks use it to top or stuff dishes like tacos, empanadas and enchiladas. But you don’t need to limit it to Mexican cuisine. Crumble it on hot dogs, sprinkle it on soups and chowders, or make a Mexi-grilled cheese with queso fresco and green chiles.

Panela has a mild and creamy flavor, and is a crumbly, curdstyle basket cheese - similar to a cross between paneer and halloumi, but less salty. This cheese is great for baking, grilling or frying. Fry a slice of panela cheese in a pan to achieve a perfectly seared snack with a gooey, delicious inside. Or, make a baked dip!

Cover the cheese with roasted salsa, then bake it in a 375-degree oven for 20 minutes. Enjoy with chips or bread.

Cotija, named after the town where it originated, is like Parmesan and dry feta but creamier, with a savory flavor and crumbly texture. Use it just like you’d use Parmesan. Crumble it on salads, top pasta dishes with it, or even substitute Cotija for Parm in Fettuccine Alfredo, adding a dash of chili powder or chipotle for a little Mexican-inspired zing.

Oaxaca has a mellow, earthy flavor and buttery texture, similar to mozzarella, with a superior melt. Use it just like Page 24

Cotija-Crusted Quesadilla Ingredients: • Non-stick spray • ½ cup Cacique® Cotija, crumbled • 1 cup Cacique® Queso Quesadilla, shredded • 4 flour tortillas Directions: 1. First spray a skillet with non-stick spray, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of crumbled Cotija evenly around the skillet and cover with a tortilla.

2. Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Cacique® Queso Quesadilla over the top of the tortilla and cover with a second tortilla. Press down and let this brown for 1 minute.

3. With a spatula, lift up the entire quesadilla and sprinkle remaining Cotija evenly around the skillet. Then flip and let the other side brown for 30 seconds. Cut quesadilla into four wedges, plate it and add whatever garnish you’d like. Ee 50 + Living | January 2019

Spice Up Your Hot Chocolate!

A warm cup of hot cocoa is just the thing to ward off winter’s chill. Served steaming in a warm mug, it’s perfect to accompany a crackling fire, as a wind-down from a day at work, or for refreshment during a weekend card game. The classic cocoa is a winner every time, but these suggestions will take it to the next level.

--Add sprinkles of cinnamon and nutmeg and a dollop of vanilla. Not only will this complement the chocolate flavor of the cocoa, but it will give the cocoa extra rich aroma.

--Use a pinch of chili powder. This is reminiscent of the original cocoa beverage from South America and infuses the drink with a level of warmth that can be detected through flavor rather than temperature.

--Combine cocoa and coffee on a ratio of 1 to 1. This smooth, mocha-like drink is a good pick-me-up, but does not prove as potent as a coffee-shop mocha.

--Use cream instead of milk, or part cream and part milk. A luxuriously thick, rich cocoa will result.

--Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Irresistible!

--Stir in peppermint extract, to taste. It’s perfect for the holidays!

--Spiced rum is a wonderful addition to hot cocoa and great for a gathering of adults.

--Add drops of flavored syrups: hazelnut or cherry go beautifully with chocolate.

--Biscotti aren’t just for dunking in coffee. Serve them with your cocoa instead! Ee January 2019 | 50 + Living

The Spice & Tea Exchange® of Asheville 46 Haywood St., #101 Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 505-7348 Page 25

Safe and Effective:

Choose Physical Therapy for Your Back Pain

(BPT) - If you’re living with low back pain (LBP), you’re not alone.

The condition is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Studies show 80 percent of American adults will experience LBP at some point in their lives. If LBP turns from short-term to chronic (lasting three months or longer), it can impact your overall quality of life.

Modern society craves quick-Âfix solutions to even complex problems, but this mindset can be particularly counterproductive when it comes to LBP. Studies show that LBP is often overtreated, particularly when it comes to the use of opioids, imaging scans (such as MRIs and X-rays), and surgery. Guidelines recommend first trying exercise and other conservative approaches instead.

“When it comes to low back pain, the best advice is to move,” said APTA spokesperson Colleen Louw, PT, MEd. “Most low back pain will resolve on its own and responds positively to increased movement and regular exercise.”

As America seeks solutions to its ongoing opioid epidemic, patients and prescribers should be especially cautious about treating LBP with opioids. Opioids come with a list of serious Page 26

potential side effects, and every day more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for opioid misuse. Meanwhile, long-term use of opioids might not be particularly helpful for LBP, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines urging the use of safer alternatives, including physical therapy, for most non-cancerrelated chronic pain conditions.

“Given the substantial evidence gaps on opioids, uncertain benefits of long-term use and potential for serious harm, patient education and discussion before starting opioid therapy are critical so that patient preferences and values can be understood and used to inform clinical decisions,” the CDC states.

Physical therapists can play a valuable role in the patient education process, including setting realistic expectations for recovery with or without opioids.

Physical therapists are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education.

50 + Living | January 2019

A physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation that includes: * A review of your health history. * Questions about your specific symptoms. * A thorough examination that includes assessing the quality and quantity of your movements, and any movement behaviors that might put you at risk for delayed recovery. * Tests to identify signs or symptoms that could indicate a serious health problem, such as broken bones or cancer. * Assessment of how you use your body at work, home, during sports and at leisure.

An active treatment plan from a physical therapist can help you improve your mobility while managing your pain, whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain.

Here are four reasons to choose physical therapy for your back pain: Physical therapy is a safe and effective alternative to opioids. While doctor-Âprescribed opioids are appropriate in some cases, choosing a safer alternative, like physical therapy, eliminates the risk of misuse and avoids the potential negative side effects.

Your physical therapist will set realistic expectations for recovery, with or without opioids.

Physical therapists help you help yourself. Physical therapists empower you to be an active participant in your own treatment.

Depending on the severity of your pain, your therapist may work collaboratively with other health professionals to ensure a comprehensive course of treatment.

Physical therapy is cost effective. A recent study shows patients with LBP who consult physical therapists early in their treatment processes incur lower out-of-pocket medical costs, with less probability of accruing expenses associated with opioid prescriptions, advanced imaging services or emergency room visits.

January 2019 | 50 + Living

Physical therapy is accessible. You do not need a physician referral to access physical therapists’ services in the U.S. When it comes to your health, you have a choice. Choose more movement and better health - choose physical therapy. To find more information and a physical therapist in your area, visit MoveForwardPT.com. Ee

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.

• DIAGNOSTIC & PREVENTATIVE • COSMETIC DENTISTRY

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

New Smiles are Always Welcome!

ParkSouth office complex, Suite B-2, 1944 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803

(828) 684-3839

Zachary S. Holcombe, D.M.D. GENERAL DENTISTRY

www.DentalAsheville.com Page 27

Scenic mountain views can be found all over Western North Carolina

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50 + Living | January 2019

Asheville Gallery of Art January Art Show 2019 Friday, January 4 to January 30, 2019 Asheville Gallery of Art’s January 2019 show, “A Colorful Beginning” ushers in the year with an expressive interpretation of color by more than 20 member artists. The gallery, located at 82 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville across from Pritchard Park, will host a reception for the artists on Friday, January 4, from 5-8 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited to stop by. Visit: ashevillegallery-of-art.com

Events happening this month in the WNC area to enjoy!

Lake Lure Polar Plunge Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Hundreds of brave people take the 10th annual New Year’s Polar Plunge at Lake Lure and freeze for a reason – to support local charities. Many more come to watch the fun, complete with bonfires to keep warm! The chilly dip takes place on New Year’s Day at 12 Noon. Registration is 9 until 11:30 AM. It’s a very festive time with fantastic costumes and a live DJ. Events will all be outdoors at on the beach (2724 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure) and include new competitions. The Dash & Splash Fun Run begins at 10:30 AM ($10 registration fee includes a beanie cap). The Tug-a-Plunge at 11 AM includes teams of five firefighters and police officers.

Christmas at Biltmore Through Sunday, January 6th The biggest event of the holiday season.

See America’s largest home decked out in festive finery.

Throughout the estate, find 100+ decorated trees with 25,000+ ornaments, 1.5 miles of fresh garlands, 500 wreaths and sprays, 2,000 poinsettias and other favorite holiday plants and 100 kissing balls! biltmore.com January 2019 | 50 + Living

2nd Annual Woman in Music: A Tribute to Iconic Female Artists Sunday, January 6, 2019 Join us as six of Asheville’s favorite local female singer/songwriters perform the works of iconic female artists. This year’s artists will pay tribute to the iconic works of Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks and Kate Wolf. Isis Restaurant and Music Hall, 743 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC Times: 7:30 PM - Admission: $20 Advance / $20 Day of Show Visit: isisasheville.com

A Wild Food Stroll at The Grove Park Inn Friday, January 11 to March 8, 2019 Reoccuring Weekly Ready to go WILD? Join us for a trip “off the eaten path.”

You’ll learn how to safely gather edible wild plants, mushrooms, and other “extreme cuisine.” Stay for a stunning view of the sunset and enjoy dinner at Vue 1913 featuring a free appetizer with the edibles you met on your tour. Suitable for all ages and abilities. To register or for more info, see here. Three-hour foraging tours also available, year-round, by arrangement.

Times: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Admission: $40.

Visit: notastelikehome.org

Night at the Museum Friday, January 11, 2019 Need a date night without the children? Bring the kids to the museum for a night of science

fun courtesy of 828 Family Pizzeria! AMOS hosts Night at the Museum from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on the second Friday of every month.

We will have pizza, a movie, fun games and activities, and of course: our interactive exhibits for your 4-10 year old to have a blast!

Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC - 5:30 PM to 07:00 PM Recurring monthly on the 2nd Friday.

Admission: $15 Visit for ticket and to register: ashevillescience.org

Big Band Dance Weekend Friday, January 11 to Sunday, January 13, 2019 Swing dance away the weekend at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on Friday & Saturday nights. Two night package from $918/couple.

Visit: omnihotels.com

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival Sunday, January 20 to Sunday, January 27, 2019 Local and national artists explore the edges of their work, collaborate across genres and bring innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences. Includes dancers, installation artists, theatre companies, Butoh dance, puppetry, modern dance, and performance art.

Visit: ashevillefringe.org

Jeeves at Sea @ NC Stage Theatre Wednesday, January 23 to Sunday, February 17, 2019

Set sail for laughter as Bertie Wooster revels in life aboard the Vanderley yacht. Bertie is the pampered guest of the lively Lady Stella (very fetching profile), accompanied, as always, by his peerless valet, Jeeves. For more visit: ncstage.org Page 29

50 Living

Advertisers Index | January 2019

of Western NC

Appalachian/Brian Estates Retirement Community ... 2

Grail Movie House ..................................................................15

Asheville Cotton Co. ............................................................10

Zachary S. Holcombe, DMD ................................................27

Asheville Eye Associates ......................................................... 9

JeanAnn Taylor, Author ........................................................13

Baked Pie Company ................................................................. 6

Phillip C. Price Law Firm, PLLC .........................................30

Biltmore Family Medicine PLLC ................................23, 32

Sassy Jacks Stitchery ................................................................20

Bryan Easler Toyota ................................................................17

Strauss Attorneys, PLLC .......................................................23

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

The Spice & Tea Exchange ..................................................25

Frugal Decor & More .............................................................15

White Oak Financial Management Inc. ..........................11

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50 + Living | January 2019

A publication for the 50+ lifestyle

50 Living of Western NC

50pluslivingWNC.com For advertising opportunities please contact us at: asheppard@rewnc.com or call 828.279.5962 January 2019 | 50 + Living

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