INTRODUCING
Karen Flanagan, DO
Specializing in Family Medicine
Dr. Karen Flanagan joins the Jackson Clinic Family Medicine Center. She is board-certified in family practice and osteopathic manipulative treatment. Dr. Flanagan is a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University and earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from The Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. She completed her pediatrics residency at University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Flanagan is now accepting new patients, including Medicare patients. She has a special interest in geriatrics and offers complete care to her patients, including continuing care in the hospital. Dr. Flanagan is now located at 1801 Pine Street, Suite 301 on the Jackson Hospital campus. To schedule an appointment call 334-265-5577.
Another great reason to choose www.jackson.org/clinic
HealthNEWS January 2013
for Boomers and Beyond
New Year, New You It’s the Perfect Time to Transform Your Health for the Better Are you looking to make some positive changes in your life? The coming new year can be a great time to start. When it comes to your health, the American Cancer Society and other experts have some specific ideas that can help you eat better, stay active and keep illness away. Consider taking on two or three ideas that make sense for you. Just don’t try to do too much at once. Your chances of long-term success are better if you set realistic, measurable and attainable goals. So let’s get started.
Step Up to the Plate Go for more fruits and vegetables —and not just at mealtime. Consider snacking on a piece of fruit or some carrot sticks instead of high-calorie vending machine fare.
Stash the saltshaker. If you’re getting more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day your intake is too high. Try flavoring your food with herbs and spices instead of salt. Drop the soda pop. If you’re looking to avoid weight gain, limit your consumption of regular soda and other sugary drinks. Bonus: You will also be fighting tooth decay.
Get Moving Boost energy, beat stress and feel better! Exercise can help with all three. Experts recommend a minimum of 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity spread throughout the week. Walking, gardening and golfing are among the many activities that qualify. More vigorous pursuits—like running, swimming and jumping rope—are great too, once you’re ready.
Try making small changes—and build up some healthy momentum.
Tip: Fruits and vegetables with the most color are often the most nutritious. Change your order. In a restaurant, keep portion sizes sensible by ordering an appetizer and soup or salad and skipping the entree. Or split an entree with your dinner date.
Take steps for health—literally. When you can, use the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a 10-minute walk on your break. Consider getting a pedometer so you can track all your steps.
Restaurant portions can be two to three times more food than what you need. Put half in a take-home box before you start eating, or split the meal with a friend.
Source: www.everydaychoices.org
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BOOM!, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Contents
January 2013
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
Volume 3 Issue 6
Carl Bard
Humor Advice Health Community
Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
3 Jackson Hospital’s Health News 6 Publisher’s Letter 9 Get Your Creative On! 12 BOOM! Cover Profile 15 Don’t Miss It, the AMD Eye Exam
page 10
20 Gwen’s A Southern Spa
Features 14 Make Early Retirement a Reality Take an audit
Departments 10 This and That Have you heard...?
17 Should You Love a Prune?
22 Healthy Hearing, Dementia-Hearing Loss Link
18 Improve Your Health With Pets
Healthy benefits
Pets are better for you
28 {12} Things
Solutions for bored Boomers
24 The Lost Art of Manners...
30 Greg Budell
Hello? Are You Reading This? Did We Make It?
25 Sharing a Passion for Weight Training 27 Art & Soul
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31 BOOM! Advertising
COVER PROFILE page12
page 25 page 14
page 18
BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, 6398 Eastwood Glen Pl., Montgomery, AL 36117. The phone number for voice and fax is 334.523.9510. Copyright 2013 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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publisher’s letter
“Happy New You” The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.
Happy New Year! Another new beginning! Isn’t that what each January brings with it? Change is bound to happen to all of us now that we have a new year to help us shed the woulda, coulda and shouldas from last year. I’m expecting a new me if only I could change the old me and now I have a whole year to get it done! Yeah right.
Publisher/Editor Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
You don’t need a new year to make changes in your life; you just need a new attitude and willingness to begin changing the things you want to change one step at a time or one bite at a time in the direction of your new behavior. Remember, change begins from within so instead of Happy New Year maybe it should be “Happy New You!” and then maybe you’ll begin to understand who’s in charge of change.
Associate Editor Kelly Watson kelly@riverregionboom.com
Contributing Writers Sandi Aplin
We begin our New Year at BOOM! with a terrific Cover Profile. She knows how to get physical and get others to understand the importance of exercising, especially after the age of 50. Her name is Leigh Anne Richards from Metro Fitness. We hope you’ll take a few moments and get to know her as you read this month’s Q & A beginning on page 12.
Dr. Bettie Borton
Jim Watson, Publisher
Greg Budell Dr. Everett Marshall Wanica Means Leigh Anne Richards
Cover Photography Lola Fine Art Photography twololas@lolafineartphotography.com
www.lolafineartphotography.com 334.551.2700
Advertising Jim Watson, 334.523.9510 jim@riverregionboom.com
Monette Mottenon, 334.523.9510 monette@riverregionboom.com
Design & Layout Lake House Graphics
Distribution Network Delivery
Printing Publications Press, Montgomery, AL
To help some of you understand how to get to an early retirement, which in this day and time has become more like the “impossible dream,” we have a few simple tips to get you thinking along the early retirement trail. From a health perspective we’ve got a couple of articles to stimulate your thinking. One is about prunes, need I say more? The other is about the importance of pets and their impact on specific aspects of our health. Jackie and I have four Shih Tzu’s so I’m feeling pretty good, as long as I watch where I step. I almost forgot, we have an article on the importance of having an eye exam for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is an important part of our health concerns as we go 50+. There’s plenty more to check out this month like a short take on the lost art of manners and etiquette, or one husband and wife’s passion for weightlifting. Sandi Aplin shares about a legendary artist from Wetumpka and the ever entertaining, Greg Budell, gives us a fearless take on our state of panic. We have a little of This and That along with 12 Things that will keep you from being bored this month, maybe you can even have a new experience while you’re at it.
We have new advertisers and they want your business. Please consider their services and please tell them you learned about them from BOOM! Thanks to everyone for the continued support. I am anticipating changes with the New Year because I’m feeling it from within…Happy New You!
Jim
334.244.0436
jim@riverregionboom.com 334.324.3472 cell/text 334.523.9510 office
Please Recycle This Magazine, Share with a Friend!
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I WILL often pretend to understand what people say. Even when my surroundings are quiet, it can be hard to
HEAR
My wife says that our relationship would be so much
BETTER
if she didn’t have to repeat herself so often.
THIS
YEAR is our year. I’m doing it for us.
Doctors Hearing Clinic Helping People Hear!
334.396.1635
MontgoMery | 7025 Halcyon Park Dr, Suite A oPeLIKA | 2204-D Gateway Dr
Bettie B. Borton, Au.D., FAAA
CALL TodAY foR YouR AppoInTmEnT!
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology Former National Chair of the American Board of Audiology
Visit us online at www.doctorshearingclinic.com The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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All Med Physicians Award Grant All Med Physicians and the Montgomery Biscuits will awarded Eclectic Elementary with a grant to fund a school project through All Med’s Pitch a Project program. All Med’s Pitch a Project is a grant program in conjunction with River Region schools, Kindergarten – Fifth grade, aimed at empowering and encouraging teachers to ‘Pitch a Project’ based on
their specific needs relating to health and life sciences that would benefit their class and curriculum. One teacher’s classroom is awarded up to $500 to fund their project per month until April 2013. “We have a steadfast commitment to serving our community, and the Pitch a Project program allows us to give back in a way that directly benefits the children,” said
Joseph Herrod, CEO of PriMed Physicians. All Med selected a project submitted by Angela Cooper, a Fourth grade teacher and leader of the outdoor classroom at Eclectic Elementary. Ms. Cooper plans to use the funds from All Med to purchase materials for ten raised garden beds, in which students from Kindergarten to Fourth grade will construct, plant and harvest. By participating in the project, students will learn about measurement, health and nutrition, cooperation and teamwork. “This, for some, is an opportunity that they may otherwise never get to experience,” said Ms. Cooper. The winning teachers and their families will join the Biscuits and All Med Physicians’ representatives on the field before a Biscuit’s home game at Riverwalk Stadium during the 2013 season. All Med plans to fund four more grants before the month of April. For more information about All Med’s Pitch a Project, call the Montgomery Biscuits at 334-323-0361, or log on to biscuitsbaseball.com.
Central Alabama Master Gardeners The Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association is set to host a “lunch and learn” session each month. Sessions will be held on the second Wednesday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, located at 340 Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka. The schedule for 2013 is as follows: January 9th – Winter pruning of plants and roses; February 13th - Seed starting; March 13th – Making your own potting soil and soil testing; April 10th – Raised beds and the home vegetable garden; May 8th – Houseplants; June 12th – Hydrangeas; July 10th – Harvesting and using herbs; August 14th – Planting a fall vegetable garden; September 11th – Southern heirloom gardening; October 9th – Planting and growing garlic; November 13th – Recycling yard and kitchen wastes (composting); December 11th – Decorating with natural materials. For more information, visit the Elmore County Extension Office’s website http:// www.aces.edu/mg/Elmore/ or call them at 334-567-6301.
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Get Your CREATIVE on!
The Foreshortened View (a drawing class)
During the Italian Renaissance, artists developed many techniques to create an illusion of depth in their paintings and drawings. Linear perspective, atmospheric perspective, foreshortening, and other techniques were used to achieve a sense of dimensional space. In this series of classes, students will learn to create powerful illusions of depth in their drawings. Students will work from still life, as well as from live models. Most supplies are provided. Instructor: Russell Everett. 6:45 to 8:45pm, Thursdays: January 10, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 28 $150 members/$195 non-members for the series
Painting Skyscapes
Learn to paint luminous skies with a limited palette, taught by one of the region’s most recognized landscape artists and teachers. This informative two-day workshop will focus on composition, value, color and observation skills. A supply list will be provided upon registration. The workshop is limited to 12 participants, so register early! Instructor: Barbara Davis 9 to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday: January 26th and 27th $200 members/$245 non-members for the workshop
Glass Painting Workshop
Create an original hand-painted glass plate, using the same techniques as contemporary glass artist Cappy Thompson, in her large window installation for the museum’s Lowder Gallery. Workshop participants will also view the hand painted faces of the angels in the exhibition In Company with Angels: Seven Rediscovered Tiffany Windows. No prior
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experience is necessary and all supplies are provided. Class limit: 12 participants. Instructor: Tara Sartorius 2 to 4pm, Sundays: February 3rd and 10th $75 members/$120 non-members for the workshop
Portrait Painting Made Easy
Back by popular demand, this nationally known artist will teach a stepby-step process of painting a portrait from a live model, using an “alla prima” technique. The workshop includes teacher demonstrations as well as individualized help for those taking the series. A supply list will be provided upon registration. Class size limit: 10 participants. Instructor: Craig Carlson 10 to 5pm, Saturdays: March 2nd and 9th $200 members/$245 non-members for the workshop
There’s an App for That: Make Movies with Photos and Videos.
Do you love to take photos and record video with your iPhone and iPad? You can use your photos and videos to create fun home movies by using apps made for the iPhone and iPad. Join us for a two hour workshop that will guide you through a step-by-step process for creating your own video. No video editing experience is required. Instructor: Tim Brown 6 to 8pm, Thursday: March 21st $15 members/$25 non-members
CALL 334.240.4365 FOR MORE INFORMATION! or visit us at www.mmfa.org
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This & tHAT
2013 Southern Gardening Symposium Make your plans to attend this January 25-27, 2013, symposium where you can listen and learn about gardening from an outstanding group of experts. Designed for novice to expert gardeners, this jam-packed schedule includes lectures and presentations as well as optional preconference workshops. Though content-rich, this event provides the unique opportunity for personal interaction with the speakers throughout the weekend. The speakers and their topics are: Taimi Anderson, acclaimed Horticultural Instructor and Landscape Designer, Time and Change in the Garden; Peter Loewer, author, Native Perennials for the Southeast; Dan Long, owner of Brushwood Nursery, Grow Up! Using Vines and Climbers in Your Garden; Andrew Pulte, horticultural instructor, Backgrounds and Borders: Design Theory and New Plants for Everyone; Claire Sawyers, director of the Scott Arboretum, The Authentic Garden: Five Principles for Cultivating a Sense of Place; Bill Welch, award-winning author, Heirloom Gardening in the South: Yesterdays Plants for Today’s Gardens; Barbara Wise, gardener extraordinaire, Container Gardening For All Seasons, Barry Yinger, global plant explorer, Horticultural Horizons: Finding New Plants for American Gardens. You’ll find an assortment of choice plants, many of which are touted as the new “must-haves”; a book selection including new releases by SGS speakers, who will be available for autographing; and garden ornaments. Preregistration for SGS is required by Friday, January 18, 2013. The program registration fee of $248 includes Friday’s opening reception; Saturday’s continental breakfast, programs with printed materials, box lunch and evening banquet; and Sunday’s continental breakfast and programs with printed materials. For further information about SGS or to request a brochure, contact the Education Department at 1-800-CALLAWAY (2255292), 706-663-5153 or education@callawaygardens.com.
SO PERCUSSION IS COMING! For over a decade, So Percussion has redefined the modern percussion ensemble as a flexible, omnivorous entity, pushing its voice to the forefront of American musical culture. Praised by the New Yorker for their “exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam,” So’s adventurous spirit is written into the DNA passed down from composers like John Cage and Steve Reich, as well as from pioneering ensembles like the Kronos Quartet and Nexus Percussion. So Percussion’s career now encompasses 13 albums, touring throughout the USA and around the world, a dizzying array of collaborative projects, several ambitious educational programs, and a steady output of their own music. They will be performing in Montgomery at the Clefworks’ 2013 Festival Feb 5-9. Two different public performances: Location and concert times to be announced. For more information visit www.clefworks.org or www.sopercussuion.com.
Know Someone With Ethics? Nominate a business, organization, or individual to receive the Maury D. Smith Award for Excellence in Professional Ethics. Potential nominees should exemplify strong ethical character through dealings with others, championing ethical practices or programs, and applying personal values in a manner that notably demonstrates integrity and ethics. Business leaders as well as other professionals (attorneys, physicians, educators, etc.) are eligible for nomination. Elected officials are not eligible for nomination. www.riverregionethics.com
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BOOMERS, share your stuff with BOOM! We Love to Bring BOOMERS Together, send info and pics to jim@riverregionboom.com
A Weekend of Soulful Melodies, Powerful Vocals and Compelling Lyrics... The 30A Songwriters Festival will heat up Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, January 18-20, where writers who perform their own music and performers who write their own songs meet for a weekend of soulful melodies, powerful vocals and compelling lyrics throughout the Northwest Florida beach neighborhoods of South Walton. The festival will feature more than 125 songwriters and 200 musical performances. Confirmed artists include Lucinda Williams, Shawn Mullins, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jeffrey Steele, Nanci Griffith, Suzanne Vega, Fastball, Will Kimbrough and a whole lot more! As in years past, venues for performances are being built out along Highway 30A from Vue, Gulf Place Amphitheater and Fire on the western end to Amavida, Town Hall and Summer Kitchen in Rosemary on the eastern end. In between, count on great concerts in Seaside at Bud & Alley’s, the Pizza Bar, the REP Theatre and the Amphitheater; WaterColor venues including the Gathering Spot, Fish Out of Water and the Boat House; Pandora’s and Hibiscus in Grayton Beach; Caliza in Alys Beach; and new venues including 723 Whiskey Bravo in Seagrove and Bentley’s in Seacrest. WaterColor Inn & Resort will serve once again as the Festival headquarters. For more information on the 2013 30A Songwriters Festival, including a full list of artists, venues, accommodations packages and to purchase tickets, visit www.30asongwritersfestival.com
A Senior Moment
When I was ready to check out and pay for my groceries the cashier said, “Strip down, facing me.” Making a mental note so I could complain to our congressman about this running amok Homeland Security crap, I did just as he had instructed. After the shrieking and hysterical remarks finally subsided, I found out that he was referring to how I should position my credit card. None the less, I’ve been asked to shop elsewhere in the future. They need to make their instructions a little clearer for seniors.
Benefits of Using Technology While keeping in touch with tech-savvy children and grandchildren is one major motivator for seniors to learn how to surf the net, recent research from Case Western Reserve University points to another potential benefit. Scholars found that seniors who use technology are more socially engaged and have higher self-esteem than older adults who don’t use technology. This research supports an older study from 2005, which found that seniors who used computers tended to be less depressed. With many seniors centers, public libraries, and retirement communities offering free computer classes to interested seniors, it’s easier than ever before for older adults to get online, even if they don’t have a computer at home. And in fact, more and more seniors are are surfing the web. According to a recent report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 53% of adults over the age of 65 use the internet or email. Of that group, 70% use the internet everyday. Unfortunately, this percentage drops as seniors get older, with only 34% of adults 76 and older using the internet. Once seniors gain basic computer skills, they can use the internet for a variety of different purposes. Indeed, there are many ways in which seniors can benefit from getting online. Thanks to social networking sites, older adults can more easily keep in touch with friends and family who live far away. This can help seniors feel less isolated and alone. E-commerce sites help make it possible for seniors to remain self-sufficient. Older adults can purchase items and have them delivered right to their doorstep, without having to worry about driving to multiple stores and carrying heavy items. Finally, seniors can use the web to stretch their brain and learn new things. They can play games, catch up with the latest news, research their family history, or read articles about their health. source: homecareassistance.com
What Happened When You Were Born? If you’re a history buff or you like looking into the past and seeing what things happened to shape the world we live in today, then www.whathappenedinmybirthyear.com could be a fun place to hang out. Enter the year you were born and you will be presented with a ton of fun information. You will see significant historic events, such as who won the Nobel Prize, or who took home an Oscar. You will learn the top selling movie of the year, the best-selling book, and so on.This site will also tell you what was popular growing up - taking you on another trip down memory lane. Check it out www.whathappenedinmybirthyear.com
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BOOM! COVER PROFILE
Leigh Anne Richards, Let’s Get Physical This month’s BOOM! profile is Leigh Anne Richards. Leigh Anne is the General manager of Metro Fitness, one of the River Region’s premier fitness clubs. Becuase so many of us Boomers are getting physical, we thought Leigh Anne would be a great person for our January Cover Profile. Her passion is exercise and she especially shares her passion with community groups of people over 50, where she emphasizes strength training and flexibility. We visited with Leigh Anne recently and she shared some of her life’s journey with us. Hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as we have.
BOOM!: Many Boomers are experiencing a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, new careers, especially if they’ve experienced the empty nest syndrome of their kids moving on. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal?
BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e. where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, married, family, etc? Leigh Anne: I am originally from a small northwest Alabama town, Fayette. I lived there from age 1 until age 18. I began my college career at Auburn University but married my high school sweet heart and we moved to Mississippi my Jr. year in college. I transferred to Mississippi State where I received my BS degree in Elementary Education. We were then transferred to Texas with my husband’s job and lived there for 5 years. My daughter Elizabeth was born there. We moved to Montgomery in 1987 because my husband went to work for GE Plastics here. We have now lived in Montgomery 25 years, so it is home.. After discovering I did not enjoy teaching elementary school, but had a tremendous passion for exercise and fitness, I decided to get my Masters Degree in exercise science from AUM. Thus, how my career in the fitness business began. BOOM!: As the General Manager of Metro Fitness since its planning in 1998, tell us what it’s like to help create and build the River Region’s premier fitness club? Were there any unique challenges because you’re a woman? Leigh Anne: I was fortunate to be asked to be a partner with Marney Garzon in MetroFitness. We began planning this venture in 1997 and we opened in 1999. I began as the group exercise and fitness director and then became General Manager in 2004. I always laughed and said when I became associated with Metro, I had died and gone to Fitness Heaven. At the time we opened, we were so
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Leigh Anne and Oscar
very unique. There was nothing like us around and I say we were before our time for sure. In all honesty I have never had a problem being a “woman” in this business. Our concept has been so different from traditional “gyms” that I felt like I myself had it easier because I was a woman. This business has been typically a man’s world and it has a very bad reputation of being sleazy and non trustworthy for the customers. Our concept was so different and as I helped deliver that message, people listened and always welcomed me. BOOM!: Can you help us Boomers understand the importance of exercise/fitness as we age? Leigh Anne: My passion right now is speaking to populations of 50 plus men and women about health and fitness. It no longer is just about looking good but about feeling good, being healthy, and maintaining an active life style. Studies have shown that people who are involved in a regular exercise program of both cardio and strength training live longer, but have a better quality of life. Strong bones leads to less falls so strength training for all ages is a must. It is probably more important at this stage of our lives to be involved with strength training and flexibility more so than cardio. Yes, we must have both but I preach strength training, especially for women.
Leigh Anne: As for a sense of renewal in my life, I think I now do not take things as seriously as I once did. I have always been very hard on myself to be the best in everything but there is something freeing about being over 50. Some things just are not as important. I look at life differently and try to be the best of what I can be at this time. I have embraced this age and now do not care so much about what people think about me and what they are saying. I think we do not have to impress anybody and we can be the “real thing.” No pretenses and that feels good. BOOM!: What are you most passionate about? Leigh Anne: I am most passionate about 2 things in my life. One is exercise. It is truly something I love and something that makes me feel better physically, and emotionally. It is my “drug of choice. The other passion is Auburn football. I live for August every year to start the talk of the new season. My family have been season ticket holders for as old as I am. Everybody that knows me associates me with my love for Auburn. BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work? Leigh Anne: Relaxing and unwinding is very hard fom me. I am a home body. I just love spending time at home piddling around my house. Being at home with my dogs makes me happy and gives me that sense of peace. No place like home. BOOM!: Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams planned for the future? Leigh Anne: Sad to say that I have no real favorite vacation spot because I do not take vacations. I love going to Fairhope at the Grand Hotel about once a year and relaxing with spa treatments and the beautiful
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scenery of the bay. The other place I love is my Dad’s river house up in a remote location on the Tombigbee River. It is total peace and quiet and where I go to totally escape and let go. BOOM!: As a busy professional, do you have time to be involved in community, civic or other activities?
Leigh Anne: Three words that describe mepersonable, giving, and dependable. BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention? Leigh Anne: I don’t have a lot of outside hobbies but I do love to spend time with my dogs and attend AU football games. I also enjoy cooking and creating my own recipes for healthy eating.
BOOM!: What’s the future of fitness? Will technology play a bigger role? Leigh Anne: The future of fitness is becoming more functional based exercise programs that mimic more everyday activities that we perform. There are so many programs available now thru the internet as well as keeping up and monitoring a person’s progress thru technology. Technology has changed the fitness world. One can know how many calories they are expending or how many miles they have run just by technology. Gone are the days of the strength training cards. Everything has become high tech and record keeping for your personal growh.
Leigh Anne: I am not as involved in community and civic activities as I once was. I at one time was very involved with the Joy to Life Foundation and served as their volunteer coordinator. That out grew me however but I still support the cause. Also, I serve on the Leigh Anne with daughter AUM education advisory council and husband, Mike. and am involved with my church. BOOM!: What future chalI do enjoy going to many civic organizations lenges do you have in operatand speaking on health and fitness. ing Metro Fitness? Would you like to expand? Offer new BOOM!: If you weren’t helping people create BOOM!: What’s the services? healthy lifestyles, what kind of work would importance of having you be doing? Any dream jobs? a personal trainer? Do Leigh Anne and daughter, Elizabeth Leigh Anne: Our biggest chalwe all need one? lenge in operating MetroFitness is and has Leigh Anne: My dream job would be to host been the economy. People tend to price shop a TV talk show. I love talking to people and Leigh Anne: Personal trainers are great. They more and that is the biggest concern- not the finding out about them. I would love to be a come with a price however. It is important quality of service and the professionalism Katie Couric of sorts. I love going on WSFA or to learn how to do exercises properly and MetroFitness WAKA to do segments about a trainer can help with that. They can also has to offer. We fitness. I can so see myself design programs that will help you achieve have a lot more being a talk show host. your goals. I think a personal trainer is a great competition investment to learn what is right for you so now in the marBOOM!: What is it about that you don’t get injured or attempt someket especially living in the Montgomery/ thing that would be dangerous for you. Once from places River Region area that you you have a few sessions with that trainer, you that have just like? would be ready to work solo but might want opened and to have follow-ups to change up your exercise are new with Leigh Anne: I love the routine. Remember the key to progressing is a lower price people of this area. That is keep the body guessing- not being stuck in the than Metro. what I like most about living same exercise rut for years. The body adapts However; we here. People are friendly, quickly and will not respond without some One of Leigh Anne’s Exercise Classes want people to warm and accepting. It is challenges and demands. realize the value also great to only be 3 hours from the beach, If you have any of what they are 2 hours from Atlanta, 3 hours from my homequestions for Leigh getting for their town and only 45 minutes for AUBURN!! Anne, you can reach money at Metroher at 334.396.0040 Fitness. Places that BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your amor LAMetrofit@aol. are competition bitions changed? com. We want to for MetroFitness thank Leigh Anne that are governLeigh Anne: As I have aged I don’t strive to for participating in ment funded and/ have to be the best. I have learned that I need this month’s BOOM! or funded by the to surround myself with good people and Cover Profile. We community really then that makes me look good. I just want to also want to thank hurt independent be content with what I have and be thankful. Elizabeth Richards family owned busiTHAT is my new ambition in life. for her assistance. If Metro Fitness nesses as ours. you have questions, BOOM!: Give us three words that describe comments or suggestions, please send them to you? jim@riverregionboom.com
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Make Early Retirement a Reality Retirement is a goal for nearly every working adult. Long considered a time to enjoy the fruits of a life’s worth of labors, retirement has become something else entirely over the last several years, when the struggling economy has convinced many aging workers that their opportunity to safely retire may never present itself. But retirement does not have to feel like a wild goose chase with the end goal nowhere in sight. In fact, many men and women who develop a plan early on can retire early, reaping the rewards of their success at an age when many people are still wondering if they can retire at all, much less retire early. * Conduct an immediate audit of your finances. The road to early retirement begins, quite frankly, very early. If your retirement goal is to retire early, conduct an audit of your financial situation as soon as possible, even if you are a relative newcomer to the professional sector. Examine all of your debts and other liabilities, as well as your income and your potential earnings. It may be difficult to forecast potential earnings, but paint a realistic forecast with regard to your earning potential, and then use that to determine your standard of living and how much money you will need to maintain that standard upon retirement.
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This should give you an idea of how close or how far you are from early retirement and what you need to start doing now so early retirement can be a reality later on. * Don’t sell savings short. Men and women who retire at the traditional retirement age can count on certain benefits that early retirees aren’t eligible for. Senior discounts can decrease the cost of living for typical retirees, who can also access retirement accounts like a 401(k) or an IRA without paying a penalty. Younger retirees are not eligible for senior discounts, and accessing a retirement account before a certain age can result in a substantial penalty. So men and women whose goal is to retire early should not underestimate the value of a healthy savings account. Retiring early will require a more robust savings account than if you were to retire at a more typical age, so calculate how much more you will need to save in order to retire early. Once you have calculated that figure, ask yourself if it’s realistic that you can save that money and what effect this increased emphasis on
savings may have on your quality of life between now and the day you’ve targeted for early retirement? If you cannot realistically save enough money or if you have to sacrifice too much to make early retirement happen, then you might want to reconsider this goal. * Accept sacrifices. Making sacrifices with an end goal of early retirement may be easier for younger men and women who
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
have yet to grow accustomed to a certain standard of living. Regardless of their age, however, those who hope to retire early will need to accept that they will have to make certain sacrifices to achieve their goals. These sacrifices can be considerable, such as downgrading to a smaller home, or relatively minor, such as cancelling a cable television subscription, but for the average worker they will be necessary to make early retirement happen. The earlier you can make these sacrifices the easier they will be, as it won’t be as hard to sacrifice something you’re not used to having. In addition, the earlier you make these sacrifices the quicker you will be on the road to early retirement.
What to do with your retirement account before the next economic downturn
* Periodically reassess how it’s going. The road to early retirement will have its peaks and valleys, so periodically reassess how your plan is going and if you need to alter the plan in any way to make early retirement a reality. This reassessment should be conducted annually, and you must be completely honest with yourself. If the plan is going off course, determine the cause and if there’s anything you can do to catch up or if you need to change your targeted retirement date.
* Pay attention to your portfolio. While no investors, young or old, should allow a knee-jerk reaction after a bad financial quarter to dictate how they manage their retirement accounts, that doesn’t mean you should ignore an account entirely. Pay attention to your portfolio, examining it at least once per year so you can make adjustments to your investments if need be. Just don’t allow a sudden reaction to a bad quarter dictate these adjustments, which should only be made after a careful examination of your retirement account’s portfolio and its performance. If you’re happy with the performance, don’t change a thing.
Early retirement is a goal for many people. And despite the uneasiness many people feel with regard to retirement, early retirement can become a reality for diligent men and women who develop a plan and stick to that plan in the years to come. Distributed by Metro Creative
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
One of the biggest quandaries men and women face during a recession is how to approach their retirement accounts. When the economy begins to struggle, men and women may notice their 401(k) plans are struggling right along with it, losing money that most were counting for their retirements. This can induce a certain degree of panic, as account holders worry about their financial futures and how they are going to get by should their retirement accounts continue to shrink. But such panic might be unwarranted. According to the investment management firm Vanguard, participant saving and investing behavior had returned to prerecession levels by 2010, and participant account balances actually rose 13 percent between 2005-2010, despite the considerable market shock that occurred during the recession of 2008-2009. Those figures illustrate that even during a particularly bad economic swoon investors will return to their typical behavior sooner rather than later. While some people manage to maintain a cool head during times of economic struggles, others may lose sleep when the next recession or downturn rears its ugly head. To avoid succumbing to such stress, consider the following tips to protect your retirement accounts should the economy once again take a turn for the worse.
* Reduce your risk as you age. As you age, reduce your risk with regard to your investments. Men and women age 50 and older should reconfigure their retirement accounts as they age so their investments are less risky and more conservative. It might be tempting to try to make up for lost money, but that strategy carries considerable risk, and you might end up depleting your retirement savings a second time. * Spread the money around. When contributing to a retirement account such as a 401(k), the standard is to deposit 6 percent of each paycheck into that account. If you’re depositing more, consider decreasing your retirement contribution to the standard amount and depositing the extra money into a high-interest savings account. The savings account will ensure some of your money won’t suffer should the economy suddenly take a turn for the worse. * Don’t cash out too early. When the economy struggles, many investors have discovered they simply don’t have the stomach for investing. That’s perfectly understandable with certain investments, but a retirement account should not be one of them. Avoid the temptation to cash out early if your retirement account is struggling. It’s often not worth the steep price.
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Don’t Miss It, the AMD Eye Exam If you have seen your 50th birthday, your eyes should be examined for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Primary Eyecare Associates often helps our patients maintain better vision with eye nutrition. Specific highdose supplement that contains antioxidants and zinc often are recommended for AMD to slow its progress. Do (photos from National Institutes of Health) not take these supplements By Everett Marshall, O.D., Primary Eyecare Associates unless your doctor recommends them.
AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss after that age – and early detection is your first line of defense. Early detection is key because macular degeneration is manageable, but not curable. Moreover, AMD does not always have early symptoms, so eye exams for everyone are essential. Eye doctors are trained to slow down AMD before significant vision loss occurs. At Primary Eyecare Associates & Laser Eye Center, which has three clinics in Greater Montgomery, our specialties include the diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration gradually destroys the macula, which is a small region on the retina in the back of the eye. A healthy macula provides the sharp, central vision needed to see objects clearly. Patients with AMD may have trouble driving, reading, identifying faces, watching television, doing close-up work like sewing or repairing household items, and performing other daily tasks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates that 1.8 million people have AMD and another 7.3 million are at substantial risk for vision loss from macular degeneration. Caucasians are at higher risk for developing AMD than other ethnic groups. The disease has a hereditary component as well. Smoking also is a risk factor. The chance you will develop AMD continues to increase with age.
At Primary Eyecare Associates, we utilize the latest technology to detect early changes to the macula. We also have the latest nutritional supplements for patients to start a treatment program as soon as the disease is detected.
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Since AMD usually starts and moves to the intermediate stage without symptoms, only a comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect it. An AMD eye exam may include: * An eye chart test to measure your visual acuity and how well you see at distances. * An Amsler grid test, which can show errors in central vision if lines in a grid viewed by the patient disappear or appear wavy, which is a sign of AMD. * With your eyes dilated, your eye doctor may examine the interior and back of your eye with a non-invasive magnifying scope or scanner - viewing your retina, macula and optic nerve for signs of AMD and other possible eye problems. * A fluorescein angiogram test in which an eye care professional injects a dye into your arm. Images are taken as the dye passes through your eyes so your doctor may identify any leaking blood vessels and decide the best treatment. If surgery is required, patients are referred to an ophthalmologist who specializes in retina-macula surgery. If AMD is diagnosed at Primary Eyecare Associates, our evaluation can include a complete Macula Risk assessment. That is a genetic test that measures the likelihood of someone with early AMD to progress to advanced AMD. This allows us to tailor a follow-up schedule based on the patient’s risk. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, make sure you schedule a comprehensive eye exam every year.
One supplement we highly recommend for AMD sufferers is mesozeaxanthin, a nutrient that is a very important antioxidative pigment found in the macula. Mesozeaxanthin is found in high concentrations in the very center of the macula. Just like skin pigmentation protects our skin from the harmful rays of the sun, mesozeaxanthin protects our retinas from sun damage. Because of these benefits, it has been found to be very important in the management of macular degeneration. At Primary Eyecare Associates, we recommend that mesozeaxanthin is taken in combination with lutein and zeaxanthin, combining all three macular pigments. AMD can lead to vision loss in one or both eyes. It increases rapidly in some patients and slowly in others. In advanced cases, it does not cause complete blindness, but central vision is lost and vision becomes limited to your peripheral (side) vision. According to the National Institutes of Health, there is some indication that healthy lifestyle choices may possibly help prevent or delay AMD. Those choices include: not smoking, regular exercise, maintaining safe blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eating a diet rich in fish and green, leafy vegetables. Dr. Everett Marshall graduated magna cum laude from Auburn University and received his Doctor of Optometry from the UAB School of Optometry. He is certified in the treatment and management of ocular diseases. To learn more, call Primary Eyecare Associates at 334.271.7900. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Should You Love a The public has certainly heard of prunes, but most people do not eat them on a regular basis. Prunes are traditionally the go-to food for a person who has digestive issues and needs help with constipation. Their reputation as a laxative has created somewhat of a negative image of prunes, but learning about the many health benefits of eating prunes could change the public perception of this fruit. Prunes, also known as dried plums, are among the healthiest foods a person can eat. Not only do they have benefits for the gastrointestinal system, they are high in antioxidants, may help prevent premature aging and can promote cardiovascular health. The plum is related to the peach, cherry, nectarine, apricot, and almond. The Japanese plum is the most commonly eaten fresh plum, while the European plum is the one traditionally dried to turn into prunes. Plums have been eaten for centuries, and in Chinese mythology the plum tree is associated with great age and wisdom. Plums are one of the most widely cultivated fruits. Prunes are usually made by dehydrating the fruit quickly with the use of natural gas heat in dehydrating tunnels. Essentially, heating elements and fans are used to force hot air through plum-filled tunnels. At this point prunes can be stored or processed further for packaging. Some prunes are processed with potassium sorbate, which is a preservative that improves the shelf life of packaged prunes. Prunes also are generally washed and steamed to return some of the moisture to the fruit. Other prunes are hot-packed so they are processed without any preservatives. What makes prunes (and plums) nutritional powerhouses is that they are very high in antioxidants, substances that help fight free radicals in the body that contribute to illness. According to researchers from Tufts University in Boston, prunes rank No. 1 in terms of The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Prune?
antioxidant capacity. It was found that prunes had more than twice the antioxidant capacity of other superfoods, like blueberries and raisins. Dried plums also rank above fresh plums in having a greater capacity of antioxidant power. Prunes contain high levels of hydrocinnamic acids (phenol compounds), which give them their antioxidant boost. Prunes are very high in dietary fiber, containing between 6 to 7 grams. As many know, dietary fiber is the part of plant foods that the stomach and intestinal enzymes cannot absorb into the bloodstream. Fiber will remain in the colon and absorb water, which helps soften the stool before it is passed. Prunes also contain sorbitol, which is a mild colon stimulant. This will help speed up the passage of stool and reduce the risk of constipation and hemorrhoids, and may reduce risk of colorectal cancer. Individuals may not be aware that prunes also contain high amounts of polyphenols, which are known to restore bone mass and structure, according to Heal With Food. Therefore, dried plums are part of osteoporosis prevention treatment for postmenopausal women. Various studies have indicated prunes may have beneficial effects on bone mineral density, bone formation activity and the production of boron, which is
thought to play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Prunes also may help prevent certain types of cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, foods high in fiber and vitamin A may offer some protection against cancers of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts as well as cancers induced by chemicals. The phytonutrients in plums also can inhibit in-vitro breast cancer growth without adversely affecting normal cell growth. It is well known that eating prunes and drinking prune juice can help keep a person “regular,� but the nutritional benefits of dried plums extends beyond their value treating gastrointestinal conditions. Distributed by Metro Creative
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Improve Your Health With Pets Rather than heading to the pharmacy for solutions to common ailments, a majority of people may be able to stop at the nearest pet store or animal shelter and find a finned or furry remedy instead.
having a pet far outweigh the negatives. Here are some of the many ways that pet ownership can be good for your health.
Studies that link positive health benefits to pet ownership abound. According to WebMD, one study found that 48 stockbrokers who adopted a pet experienced lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people who did not own pets. Another study found that individuals suffering from serious diseases, such as cancer or AIDS,are far less likely to experience depression if they have a strong tie to a pet. Plus, pets have proven beneficial to seniors struggling with loneliness.
* Lower blood pressure: Petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure, as can watching a fish swim around a tank. Those with hypertension may want to purchase or adopt a companion animal to help lower their blood pressure.
Any pet can try a person’s patience at times, expecially when a kitty has used a sofa as a scratching post or when a pooch needs to be let into the yard at 3 a.m. But for many pet owners, the benefits of
Greg Thornton
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* Reduce stress: Stress is something people face on a daily basis. According to a National Health Interview Survey, 75 percent of the general population experiences at least “some stress” every two weeks, and many times that stress is moderate to severe. Research has indicated that when
Susan Woody
Dee Moody
people spend time with a pet their levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered while their level of serotonin, a hormone associated with improved mood and well-being, is increased. * Lower cholesterol: Lifestyle factors associated with pet ownership, particularly a focus on increased physical health and activity, can help lower cholesterol levels. Also, having a pet works to reduce stress, which may keep individuals from looking to fatty foods as sources of alleviating anxiety. * Fight depression: Many therapists have prescribed pet therapy as a method
Marianne Mcleod
Tim & Virginia Thompson
Thanks for Gracing Our Covers in 2012 Cindy Barganier
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to alleviating and recovering from depression. A pet is an unconditional friend and can provide that listening ear a person needs to talk through problems. Also, walking and taking care of a pet devotes attention away from problems and inward thinking. * Improve physical activity levels: Heading to the gym is one way to get a workout, but spending an hour walking the dog or tossing around a ball for a game of chase and fetch is another way to get the heart pumping. Many dog owners benefit from the “forced�exercise that goes with daily walks. Some people choose to exercise with their pets, enjoying the companionship and the physical activity. *Reduce stroke incidences: There has been evidence that cat owners are less likely to suffer strokes than people who do not have cats. Researchers are not sure of the connection, but surmise that cats have a more calming nature than other types of pets.
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* Greater opportunities for socialization: Humans are social animals and need to interact with others. Pet owners have a tendency to want to share time and experiences with other pet owners. Pets can provide opportunities for people to get together. * ADHD therapy: Children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often benefit from working with a pet or having a pet as a family companion. Playing with a pet is a great way to release excess energy and focus on tasks. Also, a pet with his or her unconditional love can help someone with ADHD overcome self-esteem issues. Similar results are possible when pets are used as therapy animals for children with autism and other behavioral disabilities. * Reduce propensity for allergies: Children who grow up in homes with
cats and dogs are less likely to develop common allergies and even asthma, research suggests. In fact, children who live around two or more dogs or cats before their first birthday are less likely to have allergies of any sort, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association. Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction found pet owners were the least likely to have to visit the doctor. The survey of more than 11,000 respondents from Australia, China and Germany found that over a five-year period pet owners made 15 to 20 percent fewer annual visits to the doctor than non-pet owners. The companionship and love pets provide could be a key benefit in promoting good personal health. Distributed by Metro Creative
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BOOM! Advertorial
Getting to Know You, Gwen’s A Southern Spa What’s New at Gwen’s A Southern Spa?
In February 2004, Gwen’s A Southern Spa opened at 2018 E. Second Street. In the eight years since, Gwen Motley (owner and Licensed Massage Therapist) has continued her education, as required by Alabama law and National Certification guidelines. In expanding her knowledge of different massage techniques and bodywork, Gwen’s interests led her to choose yoga as a focus for her growing interests and client base. While studying yoga and becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher, Gwen was drawn to the practice of Aerial Yoga. What is Aerial Yoga? Aerial Yoga utilizes looped fabric tied to hardware that is fixed into ceiling joists. The fabric supports the body, allowing the student to experience poses that may otherwise be straining or spine-compressing. In Aerial Yoga, poses such as a handstand can be quite challenging. With the stable nature of the fabric and hardware these poses are not just made possible, but easier to try with a reduced chance of falling.
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Other benefits of Aerial Yoga include: *Practice of inversions (being upside down) without neck or spine compression; * Development of upper body strength; * Deeper stretches without strain in the lower back because the fabric is supporting the bodyweight; * Ability to hold positions such as “downward dog” longer because the bodyweight is distributed through multiple points; * Improved balance through use of the fabric that can move anywhere in space; * Empowerment of being able to align your spine correctly in each pose with support of the fabric; * Better oxygenation to your brain through gentle inversions using the fabric; * Reinforcement of proper body alignment that will carry over to your ever-day life and throughout your fitness practice. Gwen and associate Sheri Rape completed their Aerial and Hatha Yoga training with Lisa Wulf, RN, and instructor of Anusara Inspired Yoga. Ms. Wulf’s program is recommended and approved by cardiologist Barton Sickinger, DO of Orlando, Florida.
In addition to Aerial Yoga, Gwen’s will be offering yoga classes that may utilize the fabric with floor exercises. All yoga classes will be small and a trained professional will instruct you on the safe use of the fabric for various positions. Some classes that center around the use of the fabric will even keep your feet on the ground! If you are uncertain if Aerial Yoga is right for you, please consult your doctor. Those with the following health conditions should NOT participate in classes that use inversion (being upside down): * High blood pressure * Glaucoma * Pregnancy * Neck Injuries * Heart conditions of any kind * Eye Problems * Epilepsy Other Upcoming Events and Classes Our staff of massage therapists and our aesthetician strive to offer public and professional education. Events and classes being planned include: Nutritional Education with a Registered Dietician/ Nutritionist, Reflexology (for the public and professional continuing education) and Infant Massage Instruction for Parents and Caregivers. Suggestions for classes or events are always welcome. For more information please call Gwen’s A Southern Spa at (334) 9568700. Classes will begin January 2013.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Healthy Hearing
By Dr. Bettie Borton Au.D.
Dementia-Hearing Loss Link Prompts BHI to Urge Hearing Checks
A recent study conducted by Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging has found a significant link between untreated hearing loss and the development of dementia. This important discovery led the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) Dr. Bettie Borton Au. D. to stress the importance of routine hearing checks for all Baby Boomers and Gen Xers in recognition of Word Alzheimer’s Day in September 2012. In light of this recent study, Doctors Hearing Clinic is encouraging seniors to schedule routine hearing checks on at least an annual basis.
As evidence increases showing that there may be a connection between hearing loss and dementia, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is urging hearing checks among Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. Because hearing loss generally occurs gradually, it can often go unnoticed for several years, thereby delaying the initial diagnosis of hearing loss. In addition, research has shown that even after hearing loss is identified, those with hearing loss generally wait an average of seven years before pursuing treatment with hearing aids. Because most hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids, BHI also is encouraging those with hearing loss to be fitted with hearing aids when appropriate. Several studies have looked at the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive function. One such study, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging, and published in the Archives of Neurology, found that seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing. The study also found that the more hearing loss they had, the higher their likelihood of developing dementia. In fact, it has been show that for every 10 decibel decline in
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hearing thresholds, the risk of developing dementia increases by 20%. In this study, researchers found that, when compared to those with normal hearing, the risk of dementia doubled in those with mild hearing loss, tripled in those with moderate hearing loss, and increased fivefold among those with severe hearing loss. According to the Johns Hopkins press release on the study, the reason for the link between the two conditions is unknown, but the investigators suggest that a common pathology may underlie both or that the strain of decoding sounds over the years may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia. They also speculate that hearing loss could lead to dementia by making individuals more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders. According to BHI, these research findings should prompt people to take hearing loss seriously. BHI encourages Boomers and Gen Xers especially to get their hearing tested by a hearing healthcare professional who can provide a thorough examination and, if needed, fit them with hearing aids.
In an effort to improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease, BHI advocates that hearing checks, hearing healthcare, and hearing aids when appropriate, be included in their regimen of care. According to the Institute, unaddressed hearing loss can present an added, unnecessary strain on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, and also on caregivers who suffer from hearing loss themselves. BHI also advocates that hearing checks and hearing healthcare be part of the diagnostic process.
Studies show that although a significantly higher percentage of people with Alzheimer’s disease may have hearing loss, they are also much less likely to receive attention for their hearing needs than their normally aging peers.
Research also shows that the use of hearing aids among Alzheimer’s patients with hearing loss, in combination with appropriate aural rehabilitation in a multidisciplinary setting, can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, passivity, negativism, disorientation, anxiety, social isolation, feelings of helplessness, loss of independence and general cognitive decline.
Because healthy hearing helps people remain socially and cognitively engaged, BHI urges all Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and others to make hearing checks a regular part of their preventive healthcare. To make it easier for anyone to determine if they need a comprehensive hearing test by a hearing healthcare professional, please contact Doctors Hearing Clinic for more information.
About Alzheimer’s Disease Source: Alzheimer’s Disease International Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 50 percent to 75 percent of all cases. It destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the transmitters, which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories. Alzheimer’s disease was first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1906. For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit http://www.alz. co.uk/info/alzheimers-disease. Content adapted from Better Hearing Institute (BHI)
Dr. Bettie B. Borton is a licensed audiologist in Alabama, was the first board certified audiologist in Montgomery, served as National Chair of the American Board of Audiology, and was recently elected as President Elect of the American Academy of Audiology. To learn more, visit doctorshearingclinic.com or call Doctors Hearing Clinic at (334) 396-1635.
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Etiquette & Social Graces
By Wanica Means
THE LOST ART OF MANNERS and ETIQUETTE Is it just me or have you noticed how “rude” our society has become? Are manners and etiquette a vanishing breed? Our lack of respect and courtesy has become a serious national problem. Remember when saying “please”, “thank you” and “excuse me” was Wanica Means a normal part of your upbringing; when you removed your hat during the playing of the National Anthem; never walked between two people who were having a conversation; did not yell and scream over someone else’s voice; when talking on a cell phone while at the dinner table or in the bathroom was a foreign concept; or when simply sitting up at the table and not slouching, and keeping your elbows off the table was taught along with your ABC’s? Believe it or not, in today’s hustle-bustle world, manners and courtesy still have their place. However, sometimes, we have to wonder if “Minding Our Manners” isn’t a thing of the past.
others. This formula of etiquette and social graces teaches us how to properly carry ourselves with poise and how to respond rather than react to situations in our life. Once we come to understand this formula, we’ll begin to carry with us a set of tools that can be used to navigate us through our relationships – since life is made up of the relationships we have with others.
Being a “Southern Belle” from Alabama, I’ve carried good manners and social graces with me all over the world, and been greatly rewarded. Good manners is not something you are born with, but are taught and learned – so, in that respect, it is true that parents are the main culprit in the current loss of manners in the United States. Good Manners are behaviors which society determines qualify someone as a civilized and cultured person. Unfortunately, the loss of etiquette and good manners is creating a society of “rudeness” that should not be tolerated. When our grandchildren are not taught good manners, even a trip to the restaurant can become a nightmare.
Rudeness and disrespect have no place in a civil society.
Etiquette is a set of skills used to influence our expectations of protocol, while social graces refer to how we get along with
To inquire about Etiquette classes or seminars, please contact Wanica Means at 334-356-1099 or email her at wanicameans@yahoo.com.
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For young people, learning “why” they should do something instead of simply being told to “just do it” and then applying what they have learned, allows that lesson to stay with them for a lifetime. Good manners and social skills make this a better world in which to live. Because today’s parents and teachers acknowledge the great need for good manners and etiquette training, but don’t always have the time to teach it, my business, “The Art of Etiquette”, can help to fill this void.
As Boomers and grandparents, it is our duty to ensure that our kids are equipped with the proper social skills as they go out into a very competitive world, and a gift of “Etiquette classes” is a great place to start. My classes include: Etiquette in Public Places, Proper Introductions, Posture, Dining Do’s and Don’ts, Place Settings, Social and Communication Skills, and much, much more. Here’s hoping to hear from you. Happy New Year!!
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Sharing a Passion for Weight Training Married 26 years and the parents of six children, Mark and Cat Shepler have shared numerous interests during their time together. Until recently, though, working out was not among them. A long-time fitness enthusiast, Mark, 51, began working with Cat, 50, this summer after she asked him to train her. A small business owner, Cat had stayed fit through the years through aerobic exercise and light weight training, but never took her fitness regimen seriously.
“The eating schedule, the foods you have to make, the exercising and the time away from home, it’s tough,” Cat said. But it’s been worth it, both agree. “Working out together has been very enjoyable,” Cat said. “It’s been fun. With six children, we don’t have a lot of alone time. Even though we’re in a gym with 100 other people, it’s alone time. It’s time we can talk to each other.” )c)2012 The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.) Distributed by MCT Information Services
“I used to do step classes, that kind of thing,” Cat said. “But I wanted to do more. I wanted to be more fit. I was looking at myself in the mirror, and I wasn’t pleased with what I was seeing. I asked Mark if he would train me at the gym.” After hesitating initially, Mark agreed. One month later, Cat had lost 6 pounds and was feeling better than she had in years. “I noticed that I was stronger and I wasn’t as tired,” she said. She and Mark, who works in the financial services business, then decided to enter a bodybuilding competition, the first for both, after consulting with their trainer, pro bodybuilder Debi Laszewski. In November, Mark competed in the Men’s Masters Bodybuilding class. Cat entered the Women’s Masters Figure Competition at the Florida Gold Cup Natural Bodybuilding Championships and the annual National Physique Committee Amanda Marinelli Fitness, Figure, & Bikini Classic at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The Sheplers were Florida’s only NPC Master Class (age 50+) husbandand-wife entrants in the dual competitions, which drew about 100 competitors. “We’ve been training solid for five months,” said Mark, who survived a heart attack in 2009. “We’ve gotten through all the discipline, and we’ve arrived at this point to where we’re prepared to get up on the stage and actually do it and get through it. That’s ... a feat in itself.” In order to prepare for the competition, Mark and Cat adhered to a strict training and diet regimen. They worked out twice daily, for 60-90 minutes per session. Their diet consisted of lean meats or fish, broccoli, rice, sweet potatoes, oatmeal and egg whites. Meals were every three hours. Sauces and fats were prohibited.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
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Fe at u re d A r t i st This Month, Julia Wallace In September, she, It was painted in oil with Julia Wallace Cecily Hulett and my goal to capture the applied for John (Jake) Wagnon subject, warmth of the membership and had a joint show colors, just the general was juried into Indian Summer II feel of the painting, as Gallery One Fine Art Exhibition held though looking at a retro Art, she became at Moore Wealth Polaroid photograph a member on Management here from the 1960’s. It was February 1st, Julia in front of Curiosity 2012. We are in their Montgomery accepted into the 45th office. In October, Annual Montgomery very pleased she has chosen Gallery One she painted with the Art Guild Regions Fine Art to represent her work in Alabama. Alabama Art Colony at Bank Exhibition last Wallace has been painting for many years Lake Martin (Children’s September, by juror Dale and like most very good, visual artists, she Harbor), won one Kennington. It is the has photography, interior decorating and of two awards for first painting I submitted a love of flower design in her background. Carolyn juried by to Gallery One for Her use of color, be it with a brush or Peggi Kroll Roberts, sale and it sold in two palette knife, is dramatic in texture and in November her weeks.” composition. Wallace says, “As far back as I Sun Goddess work was chosen by can remember, producing art in some form Sid James Nakhjavan, Executive Director Most of Wallace’s forty-one paintings was always in my life. My earliest memories for the Cary Center for the Advancement in her first show with Gallery One last were drawing houses, composing floor plans of Philanthropic and Nonprofit Studies to February were still life and coloring vivid wild be displayed in a joint Gallery One Show and figurative works. It pictures in my coloring in conjunction with the 9th annual Art of was a joint show with books and journals. Philanthropy in Auburn, Alabama and her Cecily Hulett (Two Women My favorite place to One Woman Show is currently hanging in Show) and a joy to hang. work was located in the lobby/reception area of the Capital Their paintings were a “secret” area my City Club here in Montgomery. Wallace very different, however, dad built just for me submitted her application and was accepted worked so well together under the staircase in into the Women Painters of the Southeast in and it was a beautiful our home. I could be November. show. In April, she found there, hours at Retrospect: Spring entered Penny a time, drawing in my As I said in the beginning, for your Thoughts in the MAG journal and on poster boards. At the same we are very pleased Julia (Montgomery Art Guild) 12th time, I also loved science and chemistry and has chosen Gallery One. On Biannual Auburn University given an uncertain economy, a Bachelor’s Valentine’s Day, February Nursing Nightingale Art Show, Degree in Nursing from Auburn University 14th, she is having a show juried by Sergei Shillaberger, while continuing to study/create art, I felt, with Jake Wagnon and Cecily and won Best of Show in the was the better path. I received my Degree Hulett. oil category. This lead to in Nursing and I feel the study of anatomy conversations, photographs, was a tremendous help with my figurative Carolyn In addition to all the above, a proposed concept and the drawings.” Wallace took drawing/figurative she is a wife, mother of three, avid tennis commission of four paintings for Auburn lessons with Kim English, a Denver, player, works with Leadership Montgomery University. They are campus scenes, Colorado, painter and her artist mentor, and the American Cancer Society. companion pieces, all thirty-six by fortyBarbara Flowers. She has also completed eight in size. They are scenes of student a workshop in Atlanta with Lorraine Visit Gallery One Fine Art activities in the different seasons titled Christie, who only uses a palette knife in 423 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. My her paintings. Wallace continues, ”Barbara Gallery Director Sandi Aplin favorite is the Spring painting, the subject is taught me about color pathing and also how sandiaplin@aol.com 334.269.1114 graduation. to work with a palette knife. Sun Goddess www.galleryonefineart.com will always be one of my favorite paintings.
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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
By Sandi Aplin
Art & Soul
The John Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery Earlier this month, Hope Brannon, Executive Director of the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery invited me to tour the wonderful gallery space and experience the continuation of Kelly Fitzpatrick’s philanthropic dream in support of the arts and artists. It is exciting to witness history in the making for Wetumpka. The name Wetumpka is a Creek Indian word which means “Rumbling Waters.” As Hope and I walked through the four gallery spaces, I listened as she shared their one, two and five year goals. We stood in the room which will soon be the River View Gallery overlooking the Coosa River. “I think the Gallery has tremendous potential. As a native of Wetumpka, I am very excited to see the development of what I think will one day be a full-fledged art museum featuring local and regional artists,” says, Mark Harris, a member of the steering committee. Phyllis Kennedy, also a member of this committee said, “Having the KFMG in downtown Wetumpka will be a significant cornerstone in building a revitalized downtown. As The City of Natural Beauty, art can flow through Wetumpka as easily as the river. Kelly Fitzpatrick’s artwork and mentoring of other artists is an important part of our heritage.” Mission Statement: The mission of the KFMG is to support the recognition, documentation and publication of excellent, current and relevant works of art from Wetumpka and Elmore County. The gallery exhibition program expands our inquiry into the creative efforts of artists working today, and serves as a document of the exceptional results for posterity. A wide variety of approaches to the arts are encouraged, including a range of types, from the most academic to the most experimental, but all with some relevance to the artists’ honest understanding of the practice of “art.” Works that challenge the common notion that art must be made with “traditional media” are also encouraged. The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery, located in the City Hall of Wetumpka is a project of the City of Wetumpka in conjunction with a group of local volunteers.
unafraid-and honesty and courage are the greatest human attributes.” Who was John Kelly Fitzpatrick? Encyclopedia of Alabama writes, “Painter and educator John Kelly Fitzpatrick (1888-1953) devoted his career to presenting the life of his rural central Alabama home in his art. During the 1920’s and throughout the Great Depression, Fitzpatrick focused his attention on Alabama’s rural landscape and its inhabitants during a socially and economically turbulent period in the state’s history. An artist, art teacher and promoter of visual arts organizations in the region, Fitzpatrick was one of the state’s most prominent and important advocates for art and art education.” Called” Kelly” by his family and friends, he took pride in his lineage: his father, Phillips Fitzpatrick was a physician and his grandfather, Benjamin Fitzpatrick, was governor from 1841 to 1845 and later a U.S. Senator. Kelly attended Starke University School in Montgomery and the University of Alabama from 1908 to 1910, but did not graduate. In March of 1918 he enlisted with the U.S. Army and served in France in World War I. Fitzpatrick was severely wounded by shrapnel during a battle in July of that year. As a result, he was
permanently scarred on his face, neck and chest. This experience colored his outlook profoundly, and he later wrote his physical suffering caused him to lose interest in the material world and focused instead on the The Book Shop, Paris, 1930 beautiful and spiritual Montgomery Museum of Fine Art aspects of life. In addition to art making, he devoted his time to teaching and promoting regional art organizations such as the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Art League. He was a popular and beloved art teacher, both as the director of the Montgomery Museum Art School and as an organizer of art colonies. Fitzpatrick, along with his friends Sallie B. Carmichael and her daughter Warree Carmicheal LeBron, established the Dixie Art Colony in 1933, a bohemian retreat that was later housed in a lake-side compound, known as Poka Hutchi, at Lake Jordan. The Dixie Art Colony helped instruct and mold many well-known artists of the 1930s and 40s. Fitzpatrick said “I was born on Napoleon’s birthday, a long time ago, for whatever reason I cannot say. Maybe the storks got tired of seeing me sitting in the rainbow tangling up the colors.” Kelly suffered a massive heart attack and died on April 18th, 1953. Sandi Aplin, Director of Gallery One Fine Art A free lance writer living in Montgomery, Alabama www.galleryonefineart.com
Fitzpatrick said “People who can say, I do not know anything about art but I know what I like, are the fortunate of the earth. They are honest and
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January 2013
{12 Things} for active boomers and beyond
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN Cultural Crossroads XII Turning Points in Becoming Alabama Old Alabama Town Saturday January 12th, 8:30 - 4 pm
The Creek Indians, occupying their traditional homeland on the Alabama-Georgia frontier, were to face dramatic challenges as the Nineteenth Century approached, for by the last of the 1830s, events would have disrupted and devastated their lives and lands. Hear some of Alabama’s foremost historians, anthropologists & artists discuss the tumultuous times that led up to the Creek-American wars. For info, call
334.240.4500, For more information www.archives.alabama.gov
MONTGOMERY
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts New Exhibitions Thursday, January 17th, 6-7pm Exhibitions continue into March The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts will celebrate the openings of four exhibitions on Thursday, January 17, 2013 from 6 to 7 PM with an opening reception. The exhibitions are: In Company with Angels: Seven Rediscovered Tiffany Windows; Thornton Dial: Thoughts on Paper; Cam Langley: Glass; and William Dawson. Following the reception, at 7 PM, Dr. Bernie Herman, professor of American Studies at the University of North Carolina and exhibition curator of Thornton Dial: Thoughts on Paper, will lend his insight into the life and work of the artist, Thornton Dial.
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MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN “American Man” Movie Premier MPAC Friday, January 18th, 7pm
An evening with hometown hero, NFL and Crimson Tide Legend, Kevin Turner, at the screening of American Man, a documentary by Jon Frankel. Kevin Turner is a gentle but broken man of 42, a football superstar forced to reflect on the price he paid for his glory years. Doctors told him in May 2010 that his once elite body was withering, consumed by ALS, a fatal disease. And scientists began to believe at about the same time that the concussions of contact sports were to blame for many traumas of the brain. So Kevin Turner was left to wonder whether in worshiping football, and preaching its glory to his kids, he had prayed to a false god. In the decade since he retired, he lost his job, his money, his marriage and even, he thinks, his mind. But he refused simply to fade away. With a final and painful burst of ambition, he invested his tarnished reputation in a charitable enterprise that would sound the alarm about concussive sports and teach a football-loving nation to protect its sons and future generations. Facing death, Kevin Turner thinks he still has time to fashion a proud legacy. 7pm, movie; 8:30pm, reception, cash bar, and silent auction. MPAC Box Office: 334.481.5100 or www.mpaconline.org
PRATTVILLE
Cruising the Creekwalk Run/Walk Downtown Prattville Saturday, January 19th, 9am The 6th annual Cruising the Creekwalk 5k and one-mile fun run is set to take over downtown Prattville. The 5k, which is sponsored by the
Leadership Autauga County, will start at 9 am while the fun run will kick off at 10 am. Both races will begin at the Doster Community Center on Northington Street before leading runners through historic downtown and along the Autauga Creek. Early registration costs $22, is available online and will end on January 14th. Race day registration is $25 per person. All pre-registered runners will receive a long sleeve shirt while race day registrars will get a short sleeve t-shirt while supplies last. Following the run, awards will be distributed to the race’s top runners. Carnival games, moonwalks and other activities will also be set up for children to enjoy. For more information, contact Thea Langley, 334.365.0295, cruisingthecreekwalk@gmail.com, or Mike Miller, 334.491.8000, mike.miller@knology. com.
MONTGOMERY DOWNTOWN The Raycom College Football All-Star Classic Saturday, January 19th, 2pm
The Raycom College Football All-Star Classic will be a week-long event that features elite college football seniors participating in NFL-formatted practices that are open to the public. They Raycom College Football All-Star Classic will be coached by former NFL head coaches Jim Bates and Dan Reeves. More Information on Website: www. collegeallstargame.com
MONTGOMERY
AUM’s Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Taylor Center Monday, January 21st, 9am Entrepreneur Sieu Tang Wood will deliver the keynote address at Auburn Montgomery’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast at 9am, January 21 in rooms 221-223 of the Taylor Center. Sieu Tang Wood, a resident of The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Wetumpka, immigrated to the United States from Vietnam, in 1972, and has lived in Montgomery since 1985. She is owner of Tang’s Alterations, which has five shops in Montgomery and one in Prattville. She recently received the Maury D. Smith Award for Excellence in Professional Ethics at the third annual River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards. The Reflections Breakfast is free and open to the public but guests must RSVP by Jan. 14 at 334.244.3904. For more information visit www.aum.edu/ diversity.
BRUNDIDGE
Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival We Piddle Around Theater, Brundidge January 25-27th The Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival begins on Friday night with supper and stories at the We Piddle Around Theater in Brundidge and continues with three storytelling concerts (10 a.m. and 2 and 6:30 p.m.) at the Trojan Center Theater (Troy University) in Troy. The Festival features four of the country’s top storytellers, including Donald Davis, the Dean of Storytelling. Storytelling concerts include pre-show music by popular old-time music bands. Admission for supper event is $25. Other concerts are $10. Jaine Treadwell 334.670.6302, jaine.treadwell@ troymessenger.com, www.piddle.org
MONTGOMERY
Macbeth Alabama Shakespeare Festival January 25 - February 9th Ambition Unbridled. The shadow of three witches dominates this supernatural tale of ambition’s twisted path. Set for higher glory, star couple Macbeth and his lady become trapped in a cycle of murder, deceit and treachery. A thrilling new staging of this ultimate quest for power. Recommended for ages 13+. Ticket information 1.800.841.4273 or visit www. asf.net or in person at the ASF box office located at 1 Festival Drive in the heart of Montgomery’s beautiful Blount Cultural Park. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
MONTGOMERY
10th Annual Armchair Auction ASF Benefit Saturday, January 26, 2-6pm sit back, relax and tune in for unbelievable deals on a variety of exceptional items at the 10th annual Armchair Auction. All proceeds benefit the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The Auction will be broadcast live from 2 – 6 PM on Cumulus stations WMXS Mix 103.3 and AM 1440 WNZZ and streamed live online at WSFA. com. From 5-6 PM the auction will be simulcast on WSFA TV 12.
MOBILE
Mardis Gras Downtown Mobile January 26 - February 9th Mobile is not only recognized as celebrating the first-known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703 (yes, even before New Orleans), but also as home to the “America’s Family Mardi Gras” delighting both young and old from around town and across the nation. This magnificent celebration lasts for over two and a half weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent. For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, brilliant-colored floats and of course teeming crowds of parade goers. The floats are glowing spectacles manned by masked riders festooned in satin and sequins, and armed with crowd-pleasing “throws” such as beads, moon pies, doubloons and candy. Mardi Gras must be experienced to be fully understood and Mobile is the perfect place. www.mobilebay.org
MONTGOMERY
“A Trifecta of Artful Events” Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Thursday, January 31st, 5:30 - 7:30pm The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and RSVP Montgomery will host a first-time event showcase called “A Trifecta of Artful Events” on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 5:30 to
7:30 P.M. at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The cocktail party, encompassing all spaces of the Museum, will showcase the Museum’s unique ability to transform into a space suitable for nearly any special event. Our 25 preferred partners will be on-hand showcasing their special talents in making a reception, dinner, or meeting at the Museum a memorable one. The partners include cake and cookie designers, photographers, videographers, florists, transportation providers, special event lighting producers, entertainment choices, and more. The event is open to those interested in hosting a party, wedding reception, or meeting, large or small. There will be hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, door prizes, and much more. There is an admission fee of $8 per person. For more information, visit mmfa.org or call 334.240.4333.
PINE MOUNTAIN
Free Admission Callaway Gardens January and February Weekdays Enjoy complimentary admission to Callaway weekdays during January and February. It may be Winter but there are lots of fun things to do and see at Callaway Gardens, such as witnessing butterflies emerging and taking flight in the warm, tropical Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and exploring the beautiful John A. Sibley Horticultural Center with gorgeous floral displays. While visiting, get outdoors for a little exercise on one of the many walking trails or meander through the Gardens on the Discovery Bicycle Trail (bicycles are available for rent or bring your own). It’s amazing what wonders nature provides at this time of year. www.callawaygardens.com
The Boomer Market is to Big to Ignore...How will you Seize the Opportunity? Please submit any events/pictures to jim@riverregionboom.com
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By Greg Budell
MALE CALL
Hello? Are You Reading This? Did We Make It? Yay! Or yay. If the Mayans were wrong and we are still here, swell. All the nice Christmas gifts sitting under the tree back on 12/21/12 did not go to waste as the planet turned into a giant dust ball.
Come to think of it, did the Mayans ever tell us how we would go…or just that we would go? It’s not like they had the Hubble telescope to see some far off asteroid headed our way or Doppler radar to warn of an earth-ending mega-super-duper storm. Either way, assuming we made it, I have decided to STOP BEING AFRAID in 2013.
We live in a society that craves doom. We also live in a world where half the people think time began with their birth. No one looks back to see and ask “haven’t we been down this road before?”
Some of our doomsday urges are born of the Bible. I don’t blame the book, just some of the kooks who have misused it. They “interpret” passages, and in conjunction with a Rubik’s cube and other modern technologies, come up with specific end of the world dates. First, no one asked them to do that. Personally, I’d rather not know. I belong to the “Poof, its over” crowd.
In 1844, a preacher named William Miller calculated that Jesus would return and put us out of our misery. Another Biblical “scholar” named Samuel Snow narrowed it down to October 22, 1844. Thousands of people gave away all their stuff, iPads and everything, to prepare for that date and nothing happened. Historically, it is remembered as the Great Disappointment.
Had I been around on 10/22/1844, only to discover I would have additional time to chase women and invent baseball, I would remember it as the Awesome Second Chance. Think about it. Tens of thousands of people got swept up in 1844 without the Internet or MSNBC to spread the hysteria. Just last year, with full support of our
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modern mayhem media, and terminal gullibility, a minister named Harold Camping pinpointed May 21 as the day It Would All Be Over. Now admit it, at some point during the days leading up to May 21st, 2011, you probably thought “what if he’s right?” When 5/21/11 came and went and nothing happened, Camping said it did, claiming it was our “invisible judgment day.” How nice. Using that formula, I predict Auburn will win the 2013 Invisible National Championship.
Never one to give up (guessing, AND the media attention) Camping recalculated the date to October 21, 2011. We were a lot less surprised when nothing happened then, either.
Sometimes the calendar and the “prophets” (should be spelled p-r-o-f-i-t-s) collaborate to scare the beejeebers out of us. Remember Y2K? Of course you do! The whole premise of that Big Scare was the idea that the same geniuses who invented the computers that run our world, somehow forgot to account for the change in centuries. Thus, when 12/21/99 rolled around...WHOOPS! Communications systems would expire, our lights would go out and airliners filled with passengers would drop from the sky like raindrops. 1999 was an abysmal year for me so The End would have only put me out of my troubles. I just couldn’t buy into the whole Y2K thing. It made no sense that the best and brightest brains that modernized our world would completely fail to program an adjustment for years starting with the number 2! I didn’t worry about it much.
Zealots could not resist the opportunity to find a Biblical prophecy to Y2K. I can tell you with certainty they used it to scare the beejeebers (would someone look that word up please, and tell us what a beejeber is and how many the average person carries around?) out of their flocked up followers.
Doomsday Preppers hoarded nonperishable food, generators and weapons to shoot those who did not prepare. Some gathered in groups waiting for the Millennial Cataclysm that was Y2K. No one bothered to check which of the world’s 24 time zones in which the end would occur. It is only natural to assume that anything as important as the end of the world would happen in Eastern Time. One friend of mine, who confessed to investing 4K in Y2K supplies, refuses to discuss it today, out of embarrassment.
Some of you remember Doomsday Prepper’s ancestorsthe folks in the 50s who built bomb shelters assuming nuclear war with the Soviet Union was inevitable. That was a far more real threat and begged the question, if there was a nuclear war, what was the appeal of surviving it to eat beans in a cement block the size of a closet? I mean, why would you want to?
Assuming the Mayans were wrong, which is unfair since they’re not here to explain their calendar, what’s next? Who, other than Al Gore, will come along to scare people who are simply waiting for something to fear?
I don’t want to know. Enough is enough. The Bible is a great book until it falls into the wrong hands. It says “the Meek shall inherit the earth”. I’m not a Meek, but if I was, I don’t think I’d want to attend the reading of that will.
Greg Budell lives in Montgomery with his dog Hershey. He’s a 25 year veteran of radio who hosts the Greg & Susan morning show 6-9 am and Happy Hour 3-6 pm on Newstalk 107.9, Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
r i ve r reg i o n b o o m . co m
January 2013
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