SEPTEMBER 2014
TM
SINCE 1980 — VolUME 34 • NUMBER 9
KYPHOPLASTY:
Help for Back Pain from Compression Fractures Q & A ABOUT FLUZONE HIGH-DOSE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE
PAGe 6
give attention to signs & symptoms of well being
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WHY DO WE INSURE THINGS INSTEAD OF PEOPLE?
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Lawrence Lempert had experienced back pain before, but the pain he felt after taking a fall was severe and debilitating. “It became impossible for me to move or function,” Lempert said. “I needed help to do even simple tasks.” The back pain from Lempert’s fall was due to a vertebral compression fracture, the type of fracture that can befall patients with osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones weaken and become brittle. Lempert was referred to Gerald E. Trimble, M.D., a board-certified pain management doctor at Minimally Invasive Spine Care with offices in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Although Dr. Trimble noted that pain could play the important role of warning when a medical condition requires attention, chronic pain is another matter. “Chronic pain serves no other purpose than to make a patient miserable,” Trimble said. “At Minimally Invasive Spine Care, we view chronic pain as a disease process, not just a symptom that has to be tolerated as part of an
underlying condition. We believe that the source of pain should first be identified, then the underlying pain mechanism should be addressed and treatment administered accordingly. In each case, we approach pain relief with the least invasive methods possible, with the goal to postpone—or even eliminate—the need for invasive procedures.”
About Vertebral Compression Fractures A vertebral compression fracture occurs when the thick cylindrical bone at the front of a single vertebra fractures and collapses. In addition to the pain, vertebral compression fractures can result in a loss of height—sometimes as much as six inches over time— as well as spinal deformity known as “kyphosis,” which is marked by a stooping posture. Dr. Trimble usually begins treatment of a vertebral compression fracture using conservative methods such as a back brace or medication management including calcium supplements. See KYPHOPLASTY, Page 27
Nehemiah Persoff Retired from Screen to Canvas By Nick Thomas Since retiring from acting more than a decade ago, versatile character actor Nehemiah Persoff has become a successful artist, painting from his seaside home in Cambria, Calif. (see www. nehemiahpersoffpaintings.com). The Cambria Center for the Arts hosted a birthday celebration on Aug. 4 for Persoff, who turned 95 a few days earlier. This included screening a selection of his films, and the artist even auctioned some of his works, donating the proceeds to the Center. In 1989, Persoff experienced a TIA, or transient ischemic attack, which is similar to a small stroke and often considered to be a “warning stroke.” “The doctors told me to slow down,” Persoff said. However, he heeded the medical advice and believes that painting contributed to his recovery. “It certainly helped avoid another incident,” Persoff said. “I would recommend to all seniors that they try painting. They will be surprised by their ability and the peace and calm that concentrating on the painting provides.” Persoff’s screen career spanned six decades, beginning in the late 1940s, and he became one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors. Raised in Jerusalem, his natural See PERSOFF, Page 27
Screenshot of Persoff as cabdriver in “On The Waterfront.”
Senior Voice America…in print, on the web and on the air with Health, Wealth & Wisdom. Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ Monday thru Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. as Publisher Evan Gold brings you the information to live an active mature lifestyle. ime T w e N ot! Visit our new website, Tampa Bay’s leading news source Sl for seniors, www.seniorvoiceamerica.com.
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Senior Voice America
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Friends-the key?
Your editorial was fascinating to me. In 1991, my doctoral dissertation dealt with performance of ADL
and its impact on life satisfaction in the elderly. Through use of a life satisfaction scale, administered to a population of seniors in years 70, 80 and 90, we gleaned what to us was a surprising result: Performance of ADL was less important than having a strong support system. In other words, a good friend or a confidante was more important than being able to shower by oneself.
At age 84, I have moved from writing about “them” to being one of “them.” La difference is formidable
and I express my beliefs in my blog, “growing older disgracefully” (www.grrouch.com).
I enjoy your paper and it disappears off the shelf of the senior complex where I live almost after it ap-
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
can be found at over 1,000 Bay Area locations, and NOW also at...
pears. In fact, I was briefly a contributor but change of editor brought a change in status. Just as well, I have less excuse to not work on my book.
HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO and SARASOTA COUNTIES Sincerely, Evelyn Levin emarderlevin@gmail.com www.grrouch.com (growing older disgracefully)
HILLSBOROUGH, PINELLAS, PASCO, SARASOTA & MANATEE COUNTIES
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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PROJECT SUGAR
Stairway to Healthy Feet for Diabetics and Pre-Diabetics Look out below! This month we’re talking feet! Among diabetics today, feet are one of the most common areas for significant and even life-threatening complications. Though foot amputations due to diabetes are on the decline in the United States, there are other serious and severe foot complications that clinicians, diabetes educators and patients should work consistently to avoid: sores, infections, ulcerations and gangrene can all lead to amputation. Whatever the pathway or stairway might be to foot sores, open sores or ulcerations, neuropathy is the common denominator.
By Mary Gynn
Neuropathic Complications Neuropathy is a disease process involving the nerves. The term is usually known among diabetics because it is frequently due to uncontrolled sugar. If a newly diagnosed diabetic or pre-diabetic isn’t familiar with the medical term, “neuropathy,” they should ask their physician or diabetes educator about the term and how it involves their feet. They should also ask about “homework”—what they can do to self-manage their diabetes, control their blood sugar and keep an eye or mirror on their feet. According to Dr. Gary Rothenberg, DPM at the University of Miami Veterans Medical Center, poor circulation and blood pressure—the loss of the “gift of pain”—can oftentimes limit feedback and promote late detection of foot ulcerations. Frequently, ulcerations go undetected until family members notice an odor or drainage. If a primary care physician sees an ulceration anywhere on the foot, there should be an immediate referral to a foot specialist.
What Causes Foot Problems? The majority of foot problems in patients with diabetes are related to insufficient or poorly fitting shoes: shoes that are too small and shoes that alter the shape of the foot, like high heels or pointed-toe shoes. For a diabetic, wearing an ill-fitting pair of shoes for even a few hours can result in trauma to the foot. A diabetic woman who wears formal shoes for as little as four to five hours may experience pressure from the shoe
which can cause major problems. Hammertoes, bunions and prominences such as calluses on the bottom of the foot are indicators of too much pressure. Foot deformities can be addressed by corrective shoe gear or surgical intervention. For many patients, Medicare and some private insurers cover therapeutic shoes that accommodate a custom insert. The Therapeutic Shoe Bill for Medicare subscribers was enacted in 1996.
What to Do? The diabetic (or a family member) should check his/her feet daily for redness, a cut, a sore, any eruptions between the toes and thickening or discolored toenails. Ensuring that the feet patient education. In the case of feet, diabetics need to and ankles are kept clean and relatively soft, not scaly, know the potential risks surrounding foot care and ensure that their primary care physicians or other qualiis also key and should be checked and done daily. To reduce the incidence of foot ulcers—and thus fied clinicians are examining their feet at each visit. amputation—patient and provider education is critical. The main point is, look out below! If you keep your feet Patients must understand their risk, actively partici- healthy, they’ll support you for life. pate in managing their disease, ask their physicians to Mary Gynn, RN, is a Diabetes Educator and regularly examine their feet, recognize the signs of im- member of the AADE (American Association of Diabepending foot problems and accept the importance of tes Educators) and FNA (Florida Nurses Association). early intervention. She is a Facilitator of Diabetes Support Groups in “Education and empowerment are essential for ac- Dunedin and Clearwater, Senior Health Educator and tivating patients,” said Dr. Robert Frykberg, DPM, Patient Advocate. Contact her for a free consultation MPH and chief of podiatry in the department of sur- or to join a support group at mmgynn@aol.com. gery at the Veterans Medical Center in Phoenix, DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Ariz. “Every time we see a patient, we’re trying to educate them as to why it’s Two Locations - Apollo Beach and Sun City Center important to check their Viagra 100mg $4 & up (per pill) feet, how to take care of Cialis 20mg $4.50 & up (per pill) their feet, the importance Cymbalta 30mg #100 $146 of early intervention. It’s a Celebrex 200mg #100 $160 whole package that needs Spiriva 18mg #90 $163 to be stressed to the patient pretty much on every Meds Delivered visit.” Directly to As a diabetes educaYour Mailbox For a free quote call us at 813-413-7912 tor, I’m a big advocate for
Canadian Meds South
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Senior Voice America
TM TM
SEPTEMBER 2014
FROM THE PUBLISHER
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You In my travels in speaking to seniors all over the Tampa Bay Area, I find one thing that stands out more than anything else. Many seniors have no idea if they should stay with Medicare, if they should buy an Advantage plan or what else they should do regarding their healthcare and insurance needs. I do not want to tell you that I am the final word on what you should do regarding your Medicare needs, but I will tell you that time and time again, I do find that there are too many seniors making what seem to be the wrong choices for their future healthcare needs. I asked one friend of mine, who has his wife on a Medicare advantage plan, if it covers NCI Hospitals like Moffitt Cancer Center. His response to me was, “We are not planning on her getting cancer.” Really, that’s his answer? Last I checked, the millions of people that have cancer were not planning on getting it either. My point is that there are a number of plans that have cut National Cancer Institutes out of the coverage, and, should you want the finest care that our system has to offer, it will not be available to you unless you are willing to pay for it. Scary, no? My advice is to sit with a licensed broker that can offer you a number of plans, including supplements, for those that SHOULD stay on Medicare. Another alternative is to visit your local SHINE office, which can be found at www.floridashine.org, and get these volunteers to help you impartially and objectively choose the right plan for you. SHINE is also looking for volunteers, if you want to help other seniors as well. While I know doing all of this is not the easiest thing to do and can be time consuming, it can be the difference in getting the healthcare you need and not getting that healthcare. And that can be the difference between life and death.
Senior Voice America, Inc. P.O. BOX 1379 Lutz, FL 33548-1379 Phone (813) 444-1011 • Fax (813) 422-7966 www.seniorvoiceamerica.com Staff Publisher: Evan Gold evan@seniorvoiceamerica.com Associate Publisher: Timm Harmon timm@seniorvoiceamerica.com Managing Editor/Broadcast Producer: Deb Goldman deb@seniorvoiceamerica.com Editor: Lauren Potts lauren@seniorvoiceamerica.com Creative Director: Lourdes M. Sáenz lourdes@seniorvoiceamerica.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES • (813) 444-1011
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FROM THE EDITOR
Contributors Abne M. Eisenberg • Jon Lynn Carolyn Shockey • Nick Thomas Robert & Chris Maggi • Don Kiger Ruth Fanovich • Jean Mlincek • Donald Ardell Dick Dedrick • Ro Martinez • Carol Roberts Would you like to write for Senior Voice America? Please email editor@seniorvoiceamerica.com.
Senior Voice is a Proud Member of Better Living for Seniors The Guardian Association of Pinellas County The Florida Assisted Living Association Senior Voice America is published monthly and is distributed free of charge, courtesy of its advertisers. Distribution area includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties. Articles and advertising contained in this issue do not necessarily reflect the opinion or endorsement of the publisher, who does not verify advertiser claims and reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertising.
Tune in to 1250am WHNZ. Monday – Friday From 7-9pm
Electric Skin Is In
Lest your September has thus far been lacking in the discovery of new scientific frontiers, the Chemical and Engineering Journal brings us an expose about a subject straight out of science fiction novels: electronic skin. A team at the University of Illinois has produced what they call “epidermal electronics,” postage stamp-sized temporary tattoos riddled with silicon and gallium arsenide nanomembranes. This makes no sense to me either, but the coolness of the project is undeniable. John A. Rogers, the professor in charge of the research, describes it in simpler terms. The new skin is essentially a “spider web mesh of electronics” with limitless potential to revolutionize life as we know it. The patch can monitor any activity within the wearer’s body, transmit voice commands electronically to a remote receptor and potentially even control the wearer. Repeat: A remote could control the wearer. This brings up the frightening, if far-off, possibility of a select few people or autonomous machines rising to violent dominion over all of mankind (see the Matrix 1, 2 and 3). Yes, the science is amazing— but so is the human capacity for evil. Electronic skin technology opens up whole new avenues for dastardly deeds like mind control and manipulation. I am forcibly reminded of J.K. Rowling’s Imperius Curse. Of course, the potential for these half-electric-half-biological tats to heal diseases and save lives also knows no bounds. They could provide the technological foundation for ordered gene repair, discovery and analysis of cancerous cells, and perhaps the reprogramming of malfunctions within the body itself. It’s my guess that one day electronic skin will be available at every hospital…and, when its medical uses spawn recreational and stylistic progeny, maybe even that skanky tattoo parlor down the street.
Lauren Potts
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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Health Roundup
Eating Habits I was a Nebraska preteen and early-teen farm boy. Played at being a cowboy with an old retired racehorse named Bill. Worked from when I was about eight years old, but I want to stress that my parents only had me do what I was capable of doing, and I enjoyed my life a lot. As a result, I know a lot about animal and other farm products.
By Don Kiger
Corn Kept the weeds out (by hand) and picked it when it was ready. Didn’t put anything other than natural fertilizer (cow manure) in the cornfields. No bug poisons or growth stuff. Same with potatoes, beans, lettuce, grapes, etc. About as healthy as it could get. That’s not what happens now.
Animals The new standard method of producing animal products is to stuff them in boxes, feed them growth hormones and antibiotics and then torture them to death. The animal factories involved (most of them) use privacy laws to avoid the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other government regulations. I’d like to avoid the coming “Soylent Green” practices. That’s the movie where meat products are supplemented by human bodies. If food products are for human consumption, privacy laws must not be applied. If they are, we need “our” government to change ONLY that law and not mess with privacy. Growth hormones and antibiotics probably aren’t problems for the animal, just for the fools who eat those products. I’m old and won’t be affected much at this stage of my life. You younger people, on the other hand...
Pigs A farmer knows NOT to make pets out of his livestock. My grandfather raised pigs. I really think
they are right up there with chimpanzees and dolphins. Way smarter than dogs or cats. I can’t eat pig products. When we had to butcher the pigs, my grandfather always disappeared.
Chickens My family raised chickens before the new methods of handling them were invented. Chickens are really dumb, and I’m not going to lose sleep for eating chicken products. On the other hand, setting up cubicles not much larger than the chickens and letting one chicken crap on the chicken below makes me not happy with eggs or chicken products. Also, that televised video of the chick running from the crusher did make me uneasy.
Beef Tough call. A steer allowed free range (meaning a fairly large enclosure where it can move) and fed healthy food has a tendency to be tough. When it is fed growth hormones, the meat is tenderer and tastes better, but eventually the people eating that beef are going to be affected. This also includes cow milk and cheese. It is an animal, and we need food. The standard method of hanging it by its heels while it is still alive and then cutting its throat is a little much, though.
The Answer None. I don’t see a way to reverse the process unless we all become vegetarians or force “our” representatives in Congress to change these methods. I am an omnivore (plants and animals), and I am older than most of you. My lifespan is not going to be affected nearly as much as yours, and I’m not going to change my eating habits (much). I know
you aren’t going to pay much attention to this, and that’s your lookout. Enjoy that fast food hamburger with its spices (and other surprises). Congress, in its infinite wisdom, decided to limit the amount of farm produce by providing a “Don’t Work” benefit for farmers in the form of farm subsidies. You might want to get unhappy until that is changed. Farm subsidies come out of your taxes and make food cost more. Also, without them, when we have little things like drought or other disasters, the effects wouldn’t be quite so bad. Another idea would be to make “our” federal government BUY the surplus, and store the food for those disasters. I understand welfare would need to be separated from farm subsidies, but I can’t see that as a problem unless farm subsidy lobbyists win. Just wishful thinking here. Don Kiger is a Senior Voice America reader. Contact information available on request for article-related questions.
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
Health Roundup Q & A About Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine What is Fluzone High-Dose influenza vaccine? Fluzone High-Dose is an influenza vaccine, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc., designed specifically for people 65 years and older. What is the difference between Fluzone, Fluzone High-Dose, Fluzone Intradmermal, and Fluzone Quadrivalent? These products are all flu vaccines produced by one manufacturer. There are a number of other flu vaccines produced by other manufacturers. Fluzone, Fluzone High-Dose, Fluzone Intradermal, and Fluzone Quadrivalent are all injectable influenza vaccines made to protect against the flu strains most likely to cause illness for that particular flu season. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) contained in regular flu shots. The additional antigen is intended to create a stronger immune response (more antibody) in the person getting the vaccine. The intradermal flu vaccine is a shot that is injected into the skin instead of the muscle. The intradermal shot uses a much smaller needle than the regular flu shot, and it requires less antigen to be as effective as the regular flu shot. It may be used in adults 18-64 years of age. Why is a higher dose vaccine available for adults 65 and older? Human immune defenses become weaker with age, which places older people at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. Also, aging decreases the body’s ability to have a good immune response after getting influenza vaccine. A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine is supposed to give older people a better immune response, and therefore, better protection against flu. Does the higher dose vaccine produce a better immune response in adults 65 years and older? Data from clinical trials comparing Fluzone to Fluzone High-Dose among persons aged 65 years or older indicate that a stronger immune response (i.e., higher antibody levels) occurs after vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose. Whether or not the improved immune response leads to greater protection against influenza disease after vaccination is not yet known. An ongoing study designed to determine the effectiveness of Fluzone High-Dose in preventing illness from influenza compared to Fluzone is expected to be completed in 2014-2015. Is Fluzone High-Dose safe? The safety profile of Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is similar to that of regular flu vaccines, although some adverse events (which are also reported after regular flu vaccines) were reported more frequently after vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose. The most common adverse events experienced during clinical studies were mild and temporary, and included pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, fever and malaise. Most people had minimal or no adverse events after receiving the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine. Who can get this vaccine? Fluzone High-Dose is approved for use in people 65 years of age and older. As with all flu vaccines, Fluzone High-Dose is not recommended for people who have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past. Does CDC recommend one vaccine above another for people 65 and older? CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. How is the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine available? This vaccine is approved for marketing in 0.5 mL preservative-free, single dose, prefilled syringes. Where can I find more information about Fluzone High-Dose? More information about Fluzone High-Dose is available on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) web site. Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention For more information www.cdc.gov.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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self help
Your Story In her book, “Loving What Is,” Byron Katie asks, “Who would you be without your story?” Your story is your past, those people that wronged you and all the things that happened to you or impacted your life that have added to your misery. How many times have you told it? And how does it get embellished as time goes on? How much more consuming does it become? By the time we’ve reached this age, we have plenty of stories to tell, especially the ones that have been the most difficult to deal with. It’s the events that we experience that influence us for good or bad. The secret is in learning from them, burying the hurts and then moving on with the knowledge we gained, not retelling the story, over and over, only giving it more power over your ability to go on in a positive way. There is a saying that if everyone hung out their troubles on a line, we would choose our own rather than those of others. That is probably because our troubles are what we needed to nourish us on our path, and we’d rather pick what we are comfortable with. Besides, I may not need to learn from your lessons as much as I need to learn from mine. However, we can learn from others’ experiences to enhance our own and apply them to fine-tune ours. Living our story keeps us in the past, and, like Lot’s wife, turns us into pillars of salt, frozen in time. Moving on is often difficult, as there
Thoughts & Quotes Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future before it arrives, I have come to believe that in between these two extremes is peace. ~Author Unknown
By Carolyn Shockey
is more comfort in what we know than in not knowing. Change is difficult and certainly more uncomfortable. Yet until we get the courage to make changes and take risks, we are stuck in the past with an old story that makes us unhappy, could present itself as an ulcer or depression, serves no useful purpose and makes us not that much fun to be around, as people get tired of hearing our woes. We can change our story any time we want, into a life of purpose, fulfillment and peace, by merely changing our focus and living a life that brings us the most happiness instead of dwelling or rehashing the past hurts and misfortunes. The past is over, and we just waste today by reliving it, especially when we know we have the choice of looking forward to today and all that it brings.
You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present. ~Jan Glidewell “Old times” never come back and I suppose it’s just as well. What comes back is a new morning every day in the year, and that’s better. ~George E. Woodberry When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us. ~Alexander Graham Bell The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. ~Buddha
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Senior Voice America
LETTERs TO THE EDITOR
As a caregiver and healthcare surrogate for someone I dearly love, I am
appalled at the amount of theft that is going on in both nursing homes and assisted living facilities. My adored friend Bill was recently in a Rehab nursing home in St. Petersburg for several months where I brought him enough clothing to last for the usual 100 days. Of the 11 shirts (most Van Heusen!) and 5 pairs of slacks, he caame away with 2 shirts and 1 pair of trousers! On July 15, he was transferred to a Tampa ALF along with the 2 shirts and the
SEPTEMBER 2014
CANCER ANSWERS MOFFITT.org |
www.facebook.com/MoffittCancerCenter |
enough and plan to embark on a crusade to stop this form of abuse. Some of those supposedly caring for our loved ones really belong in jail! Lets put
Melanoma Risk Increases with Age
them there!
The risk of melanoma increases with age, and, according to the American Cancer Society, the average age at the time melanoma is found is 61. Despite the increasing risk for developing this type of cancer as a person advances in age, melanoma happens to be one of the most common cancers in young adults. While most skin cancer develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin, a melanoma can form anywhere. Melanoma usually appears as a brownishblack or multicolored growth with an irregular border. It may crust or bleed on the surface, and it may develop from an existing mole or appear as a new lesion. Two other much more common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Unlike moles, skin cancer can invade the normal tissue nearby. Although all forms of skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body, melanoma is the most likely skin cancer to do so. If not diagnosed and treated at an early stage, melanoma can spread to vital organs and cause death. The good news about melanoma and other skin cancers is that if they are found early, they are highly curable.
of trousers. Within two days of bringing them, 8 of the shirts went missing and still are missing! Some trousers are gone too!
The problem is that such stealing is prevalent throughout most of Flori-
da and accepted as “normal.” How can it be normal or acceptable for people to steal clothing from old, sick people? The patients cannot steal from each other, and their families do not go in other patients’ rooms to steal; thus, it has to be the staff. This is wrong and it is time stolen clothing is tracked down and the despicable people taking it are punished under the law. WHY ARE WE EXPECTED TO PUT UP WITH THIS? I, for one, have had
From Adele Ida Walter Tampa, FL
As a new member to Valencia Lakes, I want to commend you on a great
newspaper. Keep up the good work. I would also like to tell your readers that golf is a great game to stay healthy. Walk a little, take a cart, but move!! I have played all tours and given over 1000 lessons, from Alex Rodriguez to President Ford. The real secret to good golf is consistency in lowering your score. In other words, when you are not playing your best, you’re still able to score reasonably well. Most pros have one middle-to-poor day during a tournament. I have learned over 50 years of teaching and being taught that golf on any given day is demanding and a game of correcting mistakes. What that means is getting the ball up and down almost every time when you’re missing more greens than you are hitting. For most of us, it’s your 3rd or 4th shot that you mess up, so just get it up and down. Good players like Jack, Tiger, Rory & Phil think about holding chips, pitches and bunker shots from around the green. The player who is trying to sink shots will end up making a few and having 3-5 footers left. That’s 94 instead of 100 or that’s 89 instead of 94, etc. The ability to manage your game when not playing your best places you in a category of a player who collects at the end of 18. You end up scoring lower and lower. Don’t forget to be early and play on pace (12-14 minutes per hole). Bring 2 or 3 clubs to the green and park near the next toe box. Remember, it’s just golf but good etiquette and fun is the key. Hit those putts in the hole, Jeff Alpert Former Champions Tour Member Wimauma, FL
youtube.com/user/MoffittNews
Be Informed: Protect Your Skin Against Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, and melanoma is the most deadly. The state of Florida is estimated to have 5,320 new melanoma cases in 2014, second only to California, with an estimated 8,440 cases this year. New cases of melanoma in the U.S. in 2014 are estimated to be 76,100, and deaths related to melanoma are estimated to be 9,710 for this year.
remaining 1 pair of trousers. I brought him 9 more shirts and 3 more pairs
twitter.com/MoffittNews |
Basal Cell Carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma is found most often on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the head and neck and is associated with significant sun exposure or repeated episodes of sunburn. Slow growing, this cancer does not usually spread to other parts of the body, but, if left untreated, it can invade the tissue or bone. Many people who have had one basal cell carcinoma will develop another within the next five years.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma is asso-
ciated with cumulative sun exposure over the years. It usually appears on parts of the body such as the face, ears, neck, lips and backs of the hands. Less often, it forms in the skin of the genital area. This cancer sometimes spreads to other parts of the body.
UV Protection Is Vital for All Skin Types Although light-skinned people are more prone to burning and sun damage, people with darker skin also can be affected. Tanning is a form of skin damage, and UV exposure can raise skin cancer risk without causing sunburn. Therefore, a key step in protecting yourself against melanoma and other skin cancers is preventing skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While a product’s sun protection factor (SPF) is an important indication of its level of protection from the effects of UVB rays, which are involved in sun burning, SPF does not measure protection from the dangers of UVA rays, which play a larger role in the development of skin cancer. Check for products that provide protection against the broad spectrum of both UVB and UVA rays. Keep in mind that no sunscreen completely protects your skin. In addition to applying broad spectrum sunscreen, stay out of the sun during peak hours of intensity, wear a hat and cover your skin. Especially important, avoid tanning salons, which are likely to increase melanoma as well as other types of skin cancer. Another factor in skin cancer prevention is regular skin examinations. This includes monthly self-exams as well as an annual skin examination by a dermatologist to identify any changes or developments in your skin. To find out more about skin cancer screening or skin cancer treatment, call 1-888-MOFFITT.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Let’s Tal
Senior Voice America
k
What If?
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PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS
By Nurse Ruth, RN, LHRM Have you had that conversation with your adult children on the what-ifs? What if mom becomes so ill that dad is not able to take care of her (or vice versa)? What if a nursing home seems to be the only option? What if... I was recently involved with two different cases regarding quality of life issues and end-of-life plans. Sadly, the one thing in common with the two families was that the adult children were at odds with their parents on their rights to an inheritance. They felt entitled to the parents’ hard-earned money and personal properties that would be left behind after the parents’ passing. Of little concern was their parents’ declining health and plans to provide comfort and quality care. When did we stop caring and being concerned for our parents and their health and happiness? When did the material gains become more important? Priorities are clearly out of order here, and I see this far too often. How can we help prevent this from happening later in life, when the focus and concern should be on our health and well being, not on who’s getting what and why? You can start the gentle conversation with your family today. Don’t wait until a crisis; people do not think clearly while in crisis. More often than not, poor choices are made and things are said which lead to hard feelings. Speak your piece today and yes, this will give you peace of mind. Let family know your plan and why you have made certain decisions to prevent future confusion and arguments. Ask them for feedback and what they think. Talk it out, so that when the time comes, you, your power of attorney or your health care surrogate can remind them of your wishes. This may eliminate the power struggles that can occur later on. Be
sure to contact an attorney and put everything in writing. Do your will (maybe a trust is in order), your living will with appointment of a health care surrogate, appoint a power of attorney and, most important, update your affairs every three years. Being proactive is in everyone’s best interests and will help insure your plan for the future and prepare for the whatifs. If you have a concern, viewpoint or comment with regard to this article, Let’s Talk!
Provided by Ruth Fanovich, RN, LHRM, Owner, Care Placement Home Health Agency, Inc. and RMF Care Management, Inc. www.CarePlacementHH. com.
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
future planning
How Not to Leave a Bequest to a School, College or University If you have seen the Harold Lloyd silent movie “The Freshman,” you’ll recall the depiction of a young man who feels intense loyalty to his intended alma mater even before he enrolls in classes. Many people do feel great loyalty to the schools of their youth. Some entertain positive memories of a college or university or feel indebted to a private educational institution where they studied and boarded as a youngster. If you choose to donate to an educational institution through your will or trust, however, first observe one crucial detail: Contact the institution and ask about executing a document called an Endowment Gift Agreement. This agreement is a commitment by the institution to honor the objectives of the donor who may leave a bequest. Executing an Endowment Gift Agreement does not commit you to leaving any particular bequest to the institution. The testator or trustmaker can always amend his or her will or trust. The agreement merely clarifies that if your final estate plan does provide for an institutional bequest, then the institution agrees to honor the conditions you designate as to how the bequest will be used. It is a mistake to simply name a school as a beneficiary in your estate plan without making contact with the institution. If you don’t make contact, you or your executor may get a surprise later on. In some instances, the institution may turn down a bequest if it has a preference for donations for other purposes than the one you have in mind! This happened to Minnie. She had struggled financially though her undergraduate degree at a large private institution and now, in later age, she wanted to give that
By Joyce Holly
Continues on next page
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
university a bequest earmarked for a memorial scholarship in her name. Her purpose was to support one deserving female undergraduate junior or senior student annually, either in the College of Mathematics and Sciences or the College of Social Sciences. She wrote this provision into her will. Then, almost as an afterthought, she did some research, found out about Endowment Gift Agreements and contacted the university’s alumni office, asking to set up an agreement. To her astonishment, the university declined the gift! The alumni office stated that it was afraid of violating laws against “sex discrimination” if it accepted a gift to fund a girls-only scholarship. This was a complete misinterpretation of federal civil rights laws, yet the school stuck to its position and instructed Minnie that if she wanted to benefit women, she could donate to its College of Nursing. The university’s proposal conflicted with Minnie’s fundamental purpose to provide bright and deserving young women with an alternative to traditional pink-collar professions. Minnie’s objective was that women of the future might make a name for themselves in the chemistry lab, the physics classroom, the observatory, the Council of Economic Advisers and so forth. Fortunately, in addition to an undergraduate university, Minnie had also attended graduate school. She was able to form an Endowment Gift Agreement with her graduate institution. Its officials did not misread the sex discrimination laws and were grateful and pleased to accept an alumna’s generous gift. Of course, Minnie then had to change her will to omit the alma mater and replace it with the university where she’d attended graduate school. As this illustrates, one charity’s gift is another charity’s poison. Readers are well advised to check with the prospective beneficiaries before writing large gifts to educational charities into an estate plan. Joyce Holly is a retired attorney and the author of “Ten Stupid Things Aging Americans Do to Mess Up Their Lives and Financial Situation.” She is also the author of the novel “An Inconvenient Old Woman.” Holly’s books are available for purchase on Amazon.com.
To subscribe call (813) 444-1011 or see order form on page 27
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
Health Roundup Signs and Symptoms of Disease Are Good But Let’s Also Give Attention to Signs and Symptoms of Well Being Introduction
Dr. Bonnie Sanchez, ABPM
Dr. Narmo Ortiz, FACFAS, CWS
STOP YOUR FOOT PAIN! FOOT PAIN RELIEF WITH A GENTLE TOUCH BY BOARD CERTIFIED FOOT SPECIALIST! Our expert Podiatrists quickly and effectively help you with your foot pain; FOOT, ANKLE, TOE AND TOENAIL Now Featuring: Prosthetic Nails - making ugly nails beautiful in one treatment. Offering you and your loved ones: Diabetic Foot Exams, Custom Orthotics, Braces and not so ugly Orthopedic Shoes. If you experience, Joint problems: Ankle Sprains, Bunions, Crooked Bent Toes, Arthritis or Gout, we can help you. If you have skin or nail problems: Athlete’s Foot, Thick, Ugly or Discolored Nails, Dry Cracked Heels or Warts or other ugly spots, we can help you. Achilles’ Tendon, Heel, Arch or Ball of your foot Pain; we can help you. Burning, Numbness or Tingling, we can help minimize your awful symptoms. Walking Problems; Unsteady Gait or Balance, please call us so, we can help you! With any problem we get you out of pain as soon as possible and then work on the root of your problem! For Quick Effective Relief of Your Foot Pain — CALL NOW!
(813) 337-6551 Hillsborough • (727) 565-2711 Pinellas www.FitFeetFlorida.com
The American Cancer Society is scaring people. It’s spreading gloom and doom. It is engaged in a campaign to plant ideas in the minds of innocent civilians that everyone is but a sore or wart, a suspicious a spot of blood, By Donald B. Ardell poop, a lump, a cough or a cold away from extinction. The message amounts to something like this: practice self-vigilance and be on the lookout for trouble. Probe, feel, check, observe and know that somewhere, evidence can be found on your body that you are already afflicted and unless you see your doctor post haste, you are heading straightaway to the grave. Examine, examine and examine again anything even remotely suspicious, then get thee to a medical expert for a professional cancer screening. It’s enough to drive even the intrepid and bold into a state of worried un-wellness, if not hypochondria. While some self-screening makes sense, the ACS signs and symptoms lists go too far.
floor exercise. Do I have signs or symptoms of this disease? No, well, how about that one? Pass the checklist. And so it goes, on and on. Sobel and Ornstein in a book entitled “Healthy Pleasures” called this phenomenon “medical terrorism.” These scary promotions by disease association would be less of a problem if we lived in a culture where wellness were the norm, where positive states of well-being got as much attention and reinforcement as disease, where people were more interested in their body composition and 10K times than their bowels, sores, discharges, lumps, indigestion, warts, moles and nagging coughs. Oscar Wilde had the right idea, I think, when he remarked: “One should sympathize with the joy, the beauty, the color of life -the less said about life’s sores, the better.”
Reforms I Favor Let’s also have signs and symptoms of wellness. What’s wrong with giving equal attention to positive, encouraging messages? How about seven signs and symptoms that suggest you are doing enough to live well? How about adding signs and symptoms that you are leading a wise and life quality-enriching lifestyle that makes you a positive role model for your family, friends and all who know you? Let’s contact the ACS and urge the group to balance the worry factor and other disease alarmist interest messages with optimistic, wellness promoting information that extolls and points the way to increased well-being. How about at least seven signs of REAL wellness?
The Powers of Suggestion People can and probably do get sick or even depressed from the warnings of the ACS and similar scary messages from dozens of disease and organ interest groups. These associations compete vigorously with each other for public and private donations for research and education focused on a body part - or a disease that affects one or more body parts. The cumulative impact of such worrisome details about disease and death is that we sometimes must wonder how on earth (where else?) have we managed to survive so long. Some of these associations have more than seven signs and/or symptoms of ill health, disaster and death because of defects in their organ or other body part of interest. As a result, the alert and conscientious consumer/patient motivated not to get any disease or to suffer loss of service of a valued organ must check himself daily. A complete check every morning now resembles the medical equivalent of a gymnastic
It is harder to feel confident about one’s health when sensations and dysfunctions one had assumed to be trivial are portrayed as ominous, the herald of some heretofore unrecognized or undiagnosed disease. Feelings of ill health and disability are amplified when every ache is thought to merit medical attention, every twinge may be the prodrome of a malignant disease, when we are told that every mole and wrinkle deserves surgery. Alert to the danger, the next step is to correct the condition -- with a REAL wellness antidote of seven or more signs that you are on track to sustain a high quality lifestyle and thus boost your paths to the best possible state of well-being possible, all things considered. And one more thing to address: How about one or more associations for the promotion of REAL wellness? Stay tuned and stay well. Donald B. Ardell lives in St. Petersburg. He is the author of a dozen books on positive lifestyles. His blog is SeekWellness.com/wellness. He is a national and world champion triathlete and an avid admirer of Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-1899).
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
Page 13
self help
Fashion and Back Pain By Ro Martinez and Carol L. Roberts, MD
Most women never leave the house without one stylish accessory: a beautiful purse filled with all the must-have items we cannot live without, like wallet, keys, cell phone, gum, mints, bottle of water, notepad and glasses. We pack it so full that this beautiful accessory quickly becomes a workout due to its weight. Carrying it becomes a chore. My friend and physician Carol L. Roberts noticed her female patients complaining of chronic back pain. Dr. Roberts shared the following story and advice. My patient Janis complained of suffering due to back pain. “I noticed your purse when you walked in,” I said. “May I see it?” It weighed upwards of 25 pounds. “Here’s where your back pain comes from!” I boldly stated. “You are torquing your spine around this heavy weight, which you no doubt carry on the same shoulder.” “I do!” She exclaimed. “But what do I do with my stuff?” Chronic back pain is the most debilitating malady in the United States, causing more lost time from work, more visits to the doctor and more sales of analgesics than any other condition. Four out of five women will experience back pain at some point in their lives. A heavy purse, slung over the same shoulder a hundred times a day, causes an imbalance in the musculature that supports the spine in an upright condition. Shifting the purse from one shoulder to another is an improvement, but here’s an option designed by a physician— me! I invented the “danceband.” It’s a fabric pocket with three sections, designed to be worn around the wrist. It fastens with fabric fastener and looks like a bracelet of fabric with embellishments that suit your tastes and outfits. You
have your valuables right on your person! Since I’ve been carrying a danceband, my back no longer twists to the right. Declare your independence from the tyranny of the purse. Leave your purse securely locked in your trunk, and wear your danceband to the supermarket, the spa and the soccer field! Photos: Angela Mann Photography. www.angelamannphotography.com Hair and Makeup: Monique McLaughlin. www.makeupandhairbymonique.com Stylist: Sandra D. www.sandraddoesfashion.com
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Happenings For more information (813) 974-3111 or www.sundo- Tampa, FL. For more information www.buschgardensmearena.com. tampa.com.
Swing Dance Fridays
Largo Community Center September 5, 12, 19, and 26 Come enjoy an evening of dancing and socializing every Friday night. Free lessons from 7 to 8pm and a DJ dance from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Our resident DJ, Arleene guides through swinging steps. Don’t miss out on our 5,600 square foot sprung hardwood floor. For more information visit LargoCommunityCenter.com or call (727)518-3131. The Largo Community Center is located at 400 Alt Keene Rd., Largo, FL. For more information (727) 518-3131.
Sangria & Stories: Prohibition in Tampa & America
Carnaval de Animales (Carnival of the Animals)
Tampa Bay History Center September 10
Lowry Park Zoo September 14
Experience an inside peek into this National Endowment of the Humanities’ traveling exhibit when Rodney Kite-Powell, TBHC’s Saunders Foundation Curator of History, leads a special, lively tour. Discover not only the history of prohibition in America, but also its unique effect on Tampa, considered one of the “leakiest” and “wettest” cities during this outrageous time! Program includes glass of Columbia Restaurant sangria (soft drinks also available), garage parking and exhibit tour. Space is limited to 25; reservations are required. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Admission: $17.00. Tampa Bay History Museum is located at 801 Old Water St., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 228-0097 or www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.
¡Vamos a celebrar a los animales! -- Let’s celebrate the animals! Join the Zoo for the first ever Carnaval de Animales, or Carnival of the Animals, highlighting the Zoo’s captivating Caribbean, Central and South American animals. The event will feature character appearances by both “Dora the Explorer” and Diego from Nick Jr.™, live music and fun with Radio Disney Tampa Bay, bilingual interpreters, multi-cultural food, a variety of vendors. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Activities are included with Zoo admission. Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 935-8552 or www. lowryparkzoo.com.
Learn to Square Dance
The Lakeland Center September 16
Lakeshore Villa Clubhouse September 11
AFI Annual Recognition Dinner & Silent Auction
Alliance For Independence will celebrate 60 years of serving adults with developmental disabilities in Polk County. The organization is seeking to connect with all past and current supporters, board members, clients, friends and families to help us commemorate the achievements of the past 60 years. Join us for this event starting at 5:30 p.m. for a cocktail hour & silent auction, followed by dinner and a special performance by AFI’s Sunshine Chorus. Please contact (863) 665-3846 for information about event pricing and sponsorships.
Classes for beginners and Plus Class Continuation every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Cost per lesson Sun ‘N Fun at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport $3.00. September 6 & 7 Lakeshore Villa Clubhouse is located at 15401 LakeThe Central Florida Throwdown is a 2 day fitness com- shore Villa Street, Tampa, FL. For more information petition & Wodstock festival presented by CrossFit Fenrir. (813)986-2928. This years competition will be an elimination style forFlorida ISA Speedway Classic mat. All athletes are guaranteed 5 WoDs. The top 50% athletes/teams in each division will move on to perform Loyce Harpe Park WoD #6. We will then take the top 12 athletes/teams who September 13 & 14 will then perform a 7th and final WoD to determine who Florida Independent Softball Association (ISA) presWestern Style Square Dancing is Central Florida’s Fittest! ents the Speedway Classic in Mulberry, an adult softball City of Pinellas Park Recreation Center Sun ‘N Fun at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport is qualifying tournament that expects to bring over 100 parSeptember 18, 25 and October 2 located at 4175 Medulla Rd Hangar A, Lakeland, FL. ticipants and spectators to Polk County. All competition For more information www.boxtribetracker.com/ venues include parking, seating, and concessions available Sponsored by the Promenade Square Dance Club. Inreg/1120/. to spectators. With eight multi-field complexes all located troduction to Square Dancing for all ages, no experience within a 30-mile radius of each other, Polk County is con- necessary. Wear comfortable shoes. 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Passport to Exotic Adventure The Recreation Center is located at 7625 59th St. N., sidered one of the country’s premier softball tournament Pinellas Park, FL. For more information (727) 544-4704 Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center destinations. September 8 - October 30 Loyce Harpe Park is located at 500 W Carter Rd., or (208) 369-6949. 2014 Central Florida Throwdown & Wodstock
Passport to Exotic Adventure photography by Terry Mann & Omarr Otero; a Lake Wales Arts Council exhibit. On display September 8 through October 30 at Polk State College Lake Wales Arts Center in the Michael Crews Gallery located at 1099 State Road 60 East, Lake Wales. Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9:00 a.m. - 5 :00 p.m. Friday. Free. Reception is September 11 in the Michael Crews Gallery; 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Free. The Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center is located at 1099 State Road 60 East, Lake Wales, FL. For more information (863) 676-8426 or www.lakewalesartscouncil.org.
Mulberry, FL. For more information www.isasoftball. com. Repticon FIRExpo Reptile & Exotic Animals
The Lakeland Center September 13 & 14
Repticon FIRExpo is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, familyoriented fun for everyone! Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (VIP Entry at 9:00am.) Sun. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (No VIP Early Entry) Admission: Adults – $10, Children (5-12) USF Col. of Arts & Sciences Presents: Dr. Jane Goodall – $5, Under 5 – Free. USF - Sundome Arena The Lakeland Center is located at 701 West Lime St., Lakeland, FL. For more information (863) 268September 9 Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE, is the scientist behind 4273 or www.repticon.com. the landmark study of chimpanzee behavior and a Jack Hanna at Busch Gardens leader of environmental conservation. In her lecture, Busch Gardens Goodall, a United Nations Messenger of Peace, will discuss her experiences in nature and her enthusiasm September 13 & 14 for botany, sharing simple goals everyone can take to Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna for a day of wild animal protect nature. Following her lecture, there will be a shows, autograph signings and special meet and greets question and answer segment moderated by Eric when he visits our city for his biggest show yet. The inEisenberg, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. ternationally-known animal expert will share animal The College of Arts and Sciences is sponsoring the facts and his travel tales during animal shows. Admisevent in collaboration with the Frontier Forum lecture sion to Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures is included series and the University Lecture Series. 7:00 p.m. with a day’s paid admission or Annual Pass to Busch Admission: Free for USF Students, Tickets starting at Gardens. Jack will also be participating in additional $20 for the public. appearances. Times to be announced. USF is located at 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL. Busch Gardents is located at 10165 N. McKinley Drive,
City: Fashion+Art+Culture Event
Tampa Museum of Art September 19
An annual high fashion event benefitting exhibitions and educational programs at the Tampa Museum of Art. Guests will enjoy a live runway show, hors d’oeuvres, open bar and dancing. This event sells out every year so stay tuned for more information! Starting at 8:00 p.m. VIP admission: $250; general admission: $150. Tampa Museum of Art is located at 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 421-8372 or www.facebook.com/CITY.FashionArtCulture. The Central Florida Arms Show
The Lakeland Center September 20 $21
Since 1968, the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club has been sponsoring the premiere gun show in Lakeland, Florida called “The Central Florida Arms Show.” This gun show has become one of the largest in the southeast, with up to 600 tables and hundreds of exhibitors. The gun show is held three times a year- the third weekend of January, April and September. A topnotch gun show with just guns and related items with over 500 display tables of modern, antique and military weapons, guns, blades and so much more. Convenient opportunity to buy, sell, or trade at the largest arms show in the Southeast. For more information www.thelakelandcenter.com.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
Page 15
Senior Happenings Chillin Music Fest
Curtis Hixon Park September 20
Join us from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the very best entertainment, drinks and food to be hosted right in the heart of the city. This event features multiple stages and party areas, tons and tons of drinks and food, an awesome, all-inclusive VIP area available, twelve acts, six national acts performing on the main stage performing genres of ska, surf, reggae and more; plus six local acts performing on the river stage. You will definitely want to check out these rising stars! Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL. For more information www.chillinmusicfest. com. Painting Parties at the Community Center
Largo Community Center Mimosa Mornings – September 20 Painting Party – September 25
Enjoy the beautiful park setting at the Community Center or spend a fun evening with friends in the Art Room while creating your very own masterpiece. Price includes 16” x 20” canvas, all paints and supplies and up to two mimosas or beer/wine, soda or water. Mimosa Mornings starts at 10:00 a.m. Painting Party starts at 6:30 p.m. Prices: $40 - $50 Largo Community Center is located at 400 Alt. Keene Rd., Largo, FL. For more information (727)581-3131. Welcome Home Hawks
McGough Nature Park September 20
Join us to formally welcome and be introduced to the birds of prey program, the two red-shouldered hawks to their new home. We will be revealing the winning name of the male red-shoulder hawk and sharing the story of their journey. This will be an educational opportunity to learn about birds of prey and conservation. 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Free. McGough Nature Park is located at 11901 146th St. N., Largo, FL. For more information (727)518-3027. Brew Bus Brewing + Cigar City Tour
Epicurean Theatre September 20
brate four influential classic films in an anti-movie theater experience on our patio in the Avant-garden. Grab a lawn chair and prepare to be entertained by the high jinks and shenanigans from the casts of characters we’ve come to adore. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the movie starts at sunset. Free and open to the public; a cash bar, food trucks, and games will be available. Event takes place on the museum patio. (Museum will be closed.) The Dali Museum is locatedat One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL. For more information (727)823-3767 or www. thedali.org.
time for all. Don’t miss the thrills, chills and family frights with attractions ranging in “scare factor” including haunted houses and trails, Zoo-wide seasonal displays and lights, music, specialty gift shop, night rides and more. Shriek Peek Preview weekend is discounted soft opening. 7:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 935-8552 or www. lowryparkzoo.com.
Night of the Iguana
Downtown Tampa October 4
Mainsail Conference & Event Center September 26
Please join the Suncoast Region of Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida for our signature event — a celebration that includes Tampa’s finest cuisine, live entertainment from The Black Honkeys, cocktails and silent and live auctions! Proceeds will benefit the Make-AWish program in Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m. Admission: $85 and include: specialty drinks, open bar and tastings from our participating restaurants. Mainsail Conference Center is located at 4602 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa, FL. For more information (813) 243-2600 or www.nightoftheiguana.wishcentral.org. Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
Cracker Country Living History Museum September 27 Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day is a national celebration of museums. On this day, participating museums will allow a visitor with a Museum Day Pass and one guest free admissions to the museum. Come visit us on Saturday, September 27th, and participate in the most highly anticipated event promoting history, culture and the arts: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day! Visitors receive free parking for this event when you enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please visit www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/ to download your admissions ticket. The Cracker Country Museum is located at the Florida State Fairgrounds. For more information (813) 627-4225 or www.crackercountry.org.
A four-hour experience to taste three award-winning craft beers by Brew Bus Brewing, paired with Epicurean Hotel Executive Chef Chad Johnson’s 3 course tasting menu, followed by a ride on the Brew Bus to Cigar City Brewing where you’ll receive a behind the scenes, private tour of Florida’s largest craft brewery. Smithsonian Museum Day An experience filled with plenty of hand crafted food Bok Tower Gardens and beers to enjoy. Starting at 2:00 p.m. Admission: September 27 $65.00 We’re opening our garden gates for free Event takes place at 1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa, FL. to Smithsonian Museum Day Live! ticket For more information (813) 999-8700 or www.cookingholders to encourage visitation to cultural schoolsofamerica.com/epicureantheatre. institutions. Celebrate Smithsonian Museum Day in conjunction with National PubGlazer Children’s Museum 4th Annual Birthday Bash David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts lic Lands Day. Bok Tower Gardens is proud to support and participate in this national September 21 event, presented by Smithsonian magazine. The Glazer Children’s Museum is turning 4 years old From 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and you’re invited to help us celebrate! Join us for familyBok Tower Gardens is located at 1151 Towfun games and activities all day long. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. er Blvd., Lake Wales, FL. For more informaAdmission is free. tion (863) 676-1408 or www. The David Straz Center is located at 1010 N W.C. Ma- boktowergardens.org. cInnes Place, Tampa, FL. For more information 813.443. Tampa’s Lowry Park ZooBoo FUN1 (3861) or www.strazcenter.org/Events. Cult Classic Summer Movie Series at the Dali: Fight Club
The Dali Museum September 23
Lowry Park Zoo October 3 & 4
Come creep around ZooBoo at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo — the largest family HallowThe second annual Cult Classics series will cele- een event in Tampa Bay. It’s a ghoulish good
GlowBash 5K Scavenger Hunt
GlowBash is a one of a kind, light up the night, scavenger hunt. Our participants glow in the dark as they Run/ Walk through 3.1 miles of beautiful downtown Tampa. Participants are given a list of clues at the start of the race. Then, they hurry to get to each clue location, collect evidence they gathered at each destination, and try to be the first to cross the finish line. Starting at 7:00 p.m. Price varies, early bird specials available! Event starts at Ferg’s, located at 490 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL. For more information www.glowbash.com.
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Senior Happenings to: Lourdes@Seniorvoiceamerica.com
The Deadline for the October Issue is September 15th
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
opinion
Voice of the Neanderthal If we were stripped of our languages, the clothes we wear, our living quarters and all the technological accoutrements that the Space Age has afforded us, how well would we fare? These are the conditions under which our primordial ancestors lived. In Caveman Logic, a recent book by Professor Hank Davis, he provides us with a fascinating peek into the life and mind of the Neanderthals. He illustrates how little we have strayed from their primitive mindsets by believing in gods, angels, demons, heaven, hell, predestination, ESP and déjà vu. Despite our boasting to have outgrown these primal ways of thinking by sending men to the moon, building undersea tunnels and nanoscale transistors, they continue to play an active role in our space-age mentalities. Davis cites numerous examples of how little we have intellectually progressed in the past 35,000 years. Below are some examples from the book. For the Neanderthal, the “fight or flight” frame of mind constituted the whole of their existence. Without having the benefit of our sophisticated methods of problem solving and critical thinking, they managed to survive the harshest and most punishing environmental challenges for centuries or, perhaps, millennia. Based upon extensive brain research, paleontologists and current neuroscientists tell us that the human brain hasn’t changed much during that enormous span of time. While some areas have un-
By Professor Abné M. Eisenberg
dergone a small change in size, the brain’s overall function has not been significantly compromised. It continues to orchestrate connections between approximately 785 billion neurons. The most glaring similarity between our ancient progenitors and us deals with how the unknown is perceived and confronted. When there is an earthquake, a volcanic eruption or a tsunami, we employ various scientific methods to discover what caused them. When the Neanderthal experienced these occurrences, they attributed them to their own superstitious frames of reference. To what extent have we left behind the superstitious mentality of the caveman? A Florida resident saw the face of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a grilled cheese sandwich. She sold the remainder of compelling degree of consensus. her meal on eBay for $37,000. Jenifer Lopez’s mother Of particular interest is whether Neanderthals muttered a few heaven-bound words at a slot ma- had language that exceeded grunts and groans. While chine in Atlantic City and hit the jackpot for 2.4 mil- opinion varies, some feel that because they are the lion dollars. In a press conference that followed, she most recent members of human evolution leading up to our present state, their larynx and hyoid bone had attributed her win to the power of prayer. Another example occurred in Clearwater, Fla., descended to a position in their throat that made spowhere an image of the Virgin Mary was reported to ken language possible. Written language didn’t come have appeared in the glass façade of a finance build- along until 3000 BCE by the Summerians. The fundamental question with which we are left ing. The building drew an estimated million visitors. All thinking involves making connections that is, are we capable of living a life without superstition? are real or unreal, accurate or inaccurate Can we simply identify and describe the nature of the or simply imaginary. Psychiatrists speak unknown and patiently wait until scientific and ratioof synchronicity, a term coined by psycho- nal inquiry comes forth with an answer? If we think analyst Carl Jung. It occurs when people back a century ago, going to the moon was a figment connect things that are unrelated, i.e., of our imagination, and today it is a reality. walking under a ladder brings bad luck or The appeal of superstition is its ability to accomfinding a four leaf clover brings good luck. modate our emotional needs, interests or concerns. A belief among Native Americans that rit- Seeing religious icons in food, clouds and various inual rain dances worked was because they animate objects provides believers with a transcendanced until it rained. In a primitive con- dental sense of connection with the divine. text, we inherited synchronicity from our In his book, “Religious Literacy,” Steven Prothero cavemen ancestors. When a member of cites a Gallup poll showing that close to two-thirds of their clan died, they might have attributed Americans believe that the Bible contains answers to their death to an unsuccessful hunt. To- all of life’s basic questions. One wonders how the day, many religious people rationalize credibility of biblical literature from 2000 BCE contheir grief by attributing death to God’s tinues to successfully compete with contemporary scientific literature. will. What is being said here about the Our preoccupation with the paranormal is curNeanderthals should not be taken to be in- rently evidenced on television shows such as “Sixth controvertible. There are a number of con- Sense,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Dead Like Me,” “The Meflicting theories among reputable dium,” “White Noise” and “The Dead Will Tell.” All anthropologists. There is, nevertheless, a mimic the Neanderthal mind by communicating with invisible or imaginary entities. Since we pride ourselves on being the pinnacles of evolution, it is ironic that we continue to parrot much of Ne a nder t h a l superstition.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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around the home
Tips for Choosing Carpeting for Your Home Is updating your flooring on your home improvement to-do list this season? From color to style to performance, there’s a lot to consider. Learn how to find flooring that fits your lifestyle and reflects your family’s personality. “Before getting started, you should ask yourself four important questions about each room you’re remodeling,” said Keesha Hargis, director of home trends at Flooring America, a national flooring retail cooperative composed of 500 independently owned retailers. • Who uses the room? Is it for the entire family? Is it for guests? Is it a secluded oasis? Will pets be allowed in this room? • How is the room used? Will the room be used for active living and entertaining or tranquility and solace? • What feel do you want? Are you aiming for lively, calming, formal or fun? • Will your floor be the art or a backdrop? A neutral carpet or floor makes a great canvas for bold furnishings and accessories. A bright color or boldly patterned area rug or carpet, combined with simple furniture, can transform a floor into the star of a room. When possible, start with a rug and decorate around it.
Priorities If your family is busy and active, you may be concerned that your choice in carpet is limited by durability needs. However, if you do your research, you will realize that you don’t have to give up style for function and comfort. “Any room can be stylish, trendy and functional with today’s carpet options,” Hargis said. No one wants new carpeting that quickly shows matting, crushing and wear, so look for dense fibers resilient to everyday abuse. Yet don’t sacrifice soft surface flooring for durability. “Soft” and “strong” are no longer competing priorities, thanks to manufacturing innovations. For example, a new eco-friendly, family-friendly carpet, the Tigressá Cherish carpet, is 75 percent finer than current soft carpet standards and has more
f ibers per square inch than other carpets, allowing for daily wear to be spread more evenly. Its color enhancement system protects each fiber, allowing for deeper color and textures. Flooring choices today are wide-ranging, so check with a trusted local independent flooring retailer who can offer design and performance recommendations based on your priorities. To find a retailer near you, visit www. FlooringAmerica.com. By identifying your style and priorities, you can find the perfect flooring for every room in your house.
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
around the home
Five Ways to Eat Fresh Throughout the Year As summer days dwindle and fall peaks around the corner, the time is perfect for enthusiasts of fresh and local food. Farmers’ markets will soon be overflowing with tasty produce at harvest time and if you’ve worked long and hard on your home garden, it’s time to reap the rewards. Floridians have the advantage of having fresh produce in abundance year-round, a commodity that our northern neighbors lack once cold winter temperatures start. While getting fresh produce from nearby sources isn’t a year-round option for many Americans, it’s still possible to continue to enjoy healthy regional, seasonal food in a number of other ways. Whether it’s buying a basket of fresh tomatoes, green beans, or peaches and canning or blanching and freezing them for future use, or dining at a restaurant that focuses on using local ingredients, it’s possible to continue your green dining habits throughout the year. Here in the Tampa Bay Area we are fortunate to have an abundant source of fresh fruit and produce available not only at our local supermarkets, but there are even better and fresher options at many area farmer markets which function year-round and usually open one day a week to offer great variety of products. There is nothing better than taking a morning stroll through aisles of fresh picked fruits and vegetables that have not been through processing and cold storage and are at the peak of color and flavor. But, aside from visiting markets to stock up on all your fruit and veggie needs, here are some alternatives to make the best of what you have at hand to save money, avoid spoilage if you are not using all the fresh products fast enough, or just to have other options for the winter months: • •
If unable to grow your own, or have the time to visit local markets, there is the option to order fresh and organic produce from a variety of local farming businesses. These services allow you to customize orders to cater to your personal or family menu needs and deliver to your doorstep usually on a weekly basis. Make good use of your refrigerator and freezer. When you are bringing home a bunch of produce, you know the importance of finding space in your refrigera- tor to preserve the veggies you won’t use right away. But at the end of the season, a great way to make your veggies last longer is to blanch (cook in
boiling water for 1 minute) then cool completely, bag and freeze them for later use in stir fries and pasta dishes. To f r e e z e berries, simply rinse and freeze in a single layer until hard, transfer to zip seal bags and freeze for desserts or add a handful to brighten any winter cereal bowl. • Can and preserve. Another great way to preserve your excess fresh-picked produce is to can, pickle or process it. Your surplus tomatoes can be turned to salsa or tomato sauce for winter and your bounty of cucumbers can be transformed into tasty dill pickles. For both freezing and canning, do some re- search to make sure you are safely preserving your food. In addition to some great books on the subject, Internet resources like the Daily Green are a great place to start. • Stock up on hearty vegetables. Vegetables like onions, potatoes and squash are not only some of the last to be picked during the growing season, but also some of the heartiest and longest lasting produce available. You can extend the life of these vegetables even further by storing them in a cooler part of your home. • Patronize restaurants that focus year-round on the freshest, healthiest ingredients. These days, many restaurants aim to get as many ingredients as possible, from vegetables to fish and meat, from local sources. Visiting these restaurants is a great way to help sustain your local food industry. By firming up your commitment to eating local throughout the year, you’ll help your local economy while also decreasing your carbon food print. And on top of it all, you’ll be rewarded with delicious meals for every season.
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SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
around the home
Three Green Trends for Home Remodeling For some homeowners, remodeling projects are regular occurrences to keep their homes looking fresh. Sometimes, that means smaller changes like a new coat of paint or changing a light fixture. Other times, more substantial changes are needed. Determining those changes can be a challenge, but looking at the potential return on investment is a great way to prioritize. Bathroom remodeling offers a 68.7 percent return on investment, according to a National Association of Realtors survey. One way to add value to a bathroom remodel is to pick bathroom fixtures that are more efficient than what you currently have installed. Americans are going green in many areas of life, whether with more energy-efficient light bulbs, hybrid cars or by recycling more regularly. Bathroom fixtures are no different. Here are three reasons why you should consider going green with your bathroom modeling project: • Products may be outdated. Toilets made before 1994 use anywhere from 3.5 gallons to 8 gallons per flush, while new EPA WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilets can work beautifully on a modest 1.28 gpf. Not sure of your toilet’s vintage? Look at the underside of the tank lid - the date of manufacture is often stamped into the porcelain. In the shower, the typical showerhead installed in California homes built after 1994 uses as much as 2.5 gallons per minute. At that rate, your eight-minute shower consumes a whopping 20 gallons of water. • Savings to be had. Compared to 3.5 gpf toilets, TOTO’s Aquia One-Piece Dual Flush High-Efficiency Toilet has a flushing system that enables homeowners to select the level of water used each time the toilet is flushed 1.6 gallons for bulk waste or .9 for liquid. The approach provides exceptional water savings paired with outstanding performance. A family of four can save more than $90 annually on their water bill and $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet. If you replace a typical 2.5 gpm showerhead with a TOTO high-efficiency Trilogy Showerhead, you will experience the same luxurious shower, yet consume a responsible 14 gallons, saving 20 percent of the water used by older models. Even something like a faucet can contribute to water savings. TOTO’s Silas Widespread Lavatory Faucet is a WaterSense labeled lavatory faucet that consumes a responsible 1.5 gallons per minute without sacrificing an ounce of performance. Its design has a classic contemporary elegance with a graceful,
curved spout. • Be a trendy homeowner. A whopping 68 percent of builders surveyed by the NAHB say that energy-saving technologies and features including low-E windows, energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting will be common along with other green features like engineered wood products and water-saving plumbing fixtures such as dualflush toilets and low-flow faucets by 2015. Start now and you’ll be ahead of the curve.
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
future planning
Why Do We Insure Things Instead of People? By Jon Lynn Throughout my 30 years in the insurance industry, I could never understand why people tend to insure things over insuring the people who own and pay for the things! I have always told my twin daughters that people are more important than things, and, unlike things that are replaceable, people are irreplaceable. I realize that it is required by law to have auto insurance to drive, and mortgage lenders require mortgage insurance to protect their loans, but the people that I have encountered never have adequate personal life, disability or even health and long-term care insurance. I suppose that when we are younger, we think that we are immortal and nothing will happen to us. As we age, we find out that we don’t have all the time in the world to act to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Individual employees and business owners alike tend to be woefully underinsured. You need the correct amount of life insurance to protect the family or business interests which support the family and others—your human life value to those who depend on you. I remember a time when, speaking with an awardwinning salesman in a local car dealership, I asked him how much he earned and how much life insurance he owned. He responded that he earned $50,000 and owned $100,000 of life insurance. He had a wife and two young children, so my next question was, “What will your family live on after two to three years have passed, and the insurance money has been spent?” He looked at me and asked how much life insurance he should own. I told him to multiply his annual earnings by the number of years it was needed to determine the necessary amount he required. He responded that he couldn’t pay for that much life insurance, because he had recently purchased a Bass fishing boat and the payments on the boat and boat insurance were too much to spend more on life insurance. Were his priorities things over people? Apparently so! Also, as your financial situation changes, make sure to make needed changes to your life insurance. When issued, you may have additional options, such as OPAI (option to purchase additional insurance in the future), included on your insurance contract. Meet with your agent periodically to review your contract. Don’t just place it in a file and forget about it!
Disability insurance protects your income stream and cash flow for the family and business to successfully continue. Should you encounter a period where you can no longer work as a result of a disability, whether it is short term or long term, you still need the income. You must understand the differences in the contracts pertaining to the definition of a disability. Is it a short-term or long-term contract, does it expire or does it continue until the normal retirement age of 65? Is it own occupation or any occupation? Does it cover you if you cannot perform all of the duties of your specialized occupation, such as a radio host who can no longer talk (own occupation), versus any occupation, which pays only if you can no longer perform any work whatsoever? If you are a business owner, the business may have to be sold or closed if you cannot continue to run it. Health insurance and long-term care insurances protect you and yours from financial catastrophe due to deteriorating health or medical conditions. Too many have insufficient or the wrong type of health insurance and suffer financial devastation when serious medical Tee Times Call: problems arise for them or their family members. You 577-2797 must decide if you need catastrophic health insurance or Pro Shop: conventional health coverage and which is appropriate and Buy One 577-4847 Get One Round affordable. As we baby boomers and others age, our ability of Equal Value. to function normally can deteriorate, and we may end up Must Present Coupon. Good through 9/30/2014 in a long-term care facility when our family is unable to provide adequate treatment for us to remain at home. Some products, such as annuities and life insurance, have Starting 5/1/14 options to assist with long-term care or disability health Visit us at WWW.Mainlandsgolf.com problems. Life insurance premiums may be suspended for up to date while the contract remains in force until death, and annuiGreens Fees; coupons; and discounts ties may offer additional funds for a long-term care stay. Fully Stocked Pro on Golf and Libations. Shop with Best Prices Stay informed about all the features offered in your on Balls & Shoes personal insurance products, and do not hesitate to ask your agent questions until you totally understand what you own and how it works for you. Remember, “People are infi9445 Mainlands Boulevard W. • Pinellas Park, 33782 nitely more important than things will ever be and, once Reserve Your Tee Times on our Web site www.mainlandsgolf.com gone, irreplaceable!”
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SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
opinion
Why the Grouch Didn’t Buy the Couch I’ve spent a full week looking for a new sofa. I was so surprised that everywhere I went, I was offered a floor model. By floor model, I mean my butt sank to the floor—literally—when I went to try it out. It seems furniture no longer has support. I could throw a futon on a slinky and fare better. Whatever happened to sturdy cushions, wood frames and fabric strong enough to make chaps for John Wayne? Everything is soft, soft, soft. I asked a sales rep, “What’s with these cushions? There is no firmness to them.” He replied that most cushions today are made of memory foam. Memory foam? Why would I want to remember the crater left by my butt? The only experience worse than the one I had looking for a firm sofa was when I bought a bean bag back in the ‘60s and had a blowout of the seams that scattered 200,578 little Styrofoam beads all over my bedroom. But, hey, I had a sense of humor back then—and knees. Speaking of knees, it’s no wonder so many of us older folks are getting knee replacements. It’s really difficult getting out of today’s sofas. I mean, I have friends who go to an exercise class where you do all your feats sitting in a chair. Why not just stay home and try getting up off your sofa five times in a row? That would be a real workout! I’m not a posture nut, but it would be nice to sit in a couch where the back of my knees was actually in line with the edge of the cushion, and I didn‘t have to stick three pillows behind my back to sit up straight. On most of today’s furniture, if I scoot back to where my butt should be, I would need an ottoman to support my legs. I don’t like ottomans—or ottowomen for that matter. I bought my current sofa back when I was seven—or it sure seems that long ago. And, yes, it’s from that place that advertises, “You may not want to keep your furniture for life, but it’s nice to know you could.” I want to keep everything I own for life; why should furniture be any different? In truth, I’ve actually had my current sofa some 30 years or more. The fabric looks as good as new, but the springs—well, they finally sprung on me. However, thanks to a strong wood frame, I was able to bolster my cushions with a sheet of ¾ inch plywood. It’s only because I suffer from consumeritis that I even ventured out to find a new sofa. My plywood cost me a mere $11.99. I soon discovered that I would be shelling out $800-$1200 for a new sofa and would probably still have to buy a sheet of plywood. However, you can’t slap a board under most of today’s sofa cushions and chair cushions because there is no frame! Seriously. Since I didn’t have any luck finding a firm sofa, I decided to try a chair or two. Guess what happened with that endeavor? As I sank down and slid to the side, I knew I was about to enter the land of missing TV remotes. Let me tell you, it’s dark in there! I don’t know. Maybe I should write to furniture manufacturers and ask them to start making “Sit Number Sofas” similar to the Sleep Number Beds that are advertised on TV. That way, I could sit right next to a couch potato, or worse, a slouch potato, and not be a grouch on my own couch.
By Jean Mlincek
Jean Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The Art of Fine Italian Cuisine 232 N. Dale Mabry Hwy • Tampa, FL 33609
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Tampa’s Authentic Italian Restaurant since 1984
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
finances
The Maggi Plan... It’s Simple and Easy to Understand! The financial advisory business that father-and-son team Robert and Chris Maggi have spent over a decade building is unlike any other. Maggi Tax Advisory and Financial Group works for their clients, not for their clients’ money. Far too many of their competitors cannot say the same, and it is their business model and philosophy that keeps their ultimate focus solely on the distinct needs and goals of every client. When it comes to financial planning, there is no exact manual outlining the “12 steps to success.” Instead, there is simply education and a guiding hand, both of which are readily offered by Robert and Chris in the form of the Maggi Plan. It’s a simple retirement plan you can understand.
By Robert & Chris Maggi, Maggi Tax & Financial Advisory Grp.
The Maggi Plan
The Maggi Plan is the result of Robert and Chris’s nearly 40 years of combined financial expertise and provides clients with custom-tailored investment strategies to help them accomplish their personal and financial goals. What makes the Maggi Plan truly unique is its adherence to the principle that the client is the best architect of his or her financial future. The role of the advisor should be to simply assist in supporting and maintaining that plan. Ultimately, the Maggi Plan allows for the client to create comprehensive, easy to understand and effective financial strategies which are uniquely suited to meeting the particular requirements of his or her situation.
The Advisory Approach In many ways, this innovative financial advisory approach represents the perfect balance of Robert and Chris’s distinctive yet complementary skill sets and personalities. Robert has had a nearly lifelong career within the financial world, so, when Chris was in college and decided he wanted to follow suit and work on Wall Street, it came as no surprise. Quickly, however, Chris realized that many people put their money in the market not because it was the decision best suited to meet their financial needs, but because that was all they knew to do with their assets. It became all too apparent that people need help to develop a greater understanding of financial strategies, so they can better protect themselves, their families and their futures—and Maggi Tax Advisory and Financial Group provides just that.
The Transactional Advisor Robert and Chris have crafted a financial advisory approach that is comprehensive and attentive, not transactional. Most financial professionals operate within the investment, tax or insurance sectors, which means the strategies and products they offer to clients are limited to their fields. At Maggi Tax Advisory and Financial Group, all three of these divisions exist under one roof: Clients have the largest possible range of options to draw from as they design their plans, ensuring they end up with the one that is right for them, their families and their money. Robert and Chris are true proponents of the importance of being a complete financial advisor, and the Maggi Plan is wholly reflective of that belief.
The Philosophy Ultimately, Robert and Chris’s financial philosophy is a simple one: They endeavor to make financial planning as simple as possible by removing the confusion from it and encouraging people to ask questions. As fear is removed and understanding is added, the right plan becomes visible. Robert and Chris champion this idea not only to their clients, but to the greater public as well. Robert and Chris produce, write and host a weekly radio show called “The Maggi Tax and Financial Hour” every Saturday at 5 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. on 970 WFLA. You can also listen at 2 p.m. on Saturday on 1250 WHNZ. For more than seven years, this father-and-son radio show has encouraged listeners to raise their hands and ask the questions that matter to them. Robert and Chris have devoted their professional lives to furthering the financial education and support of their clients.
Stop Funding Uncle Sam’s Retirement “Get a plan that’s simple and easy to understand.” Visit www.maggifinancial.com and take the 10-question assessment, and see if you’re ready for retirement. Then, set an appointment today and get a FREE copy of “Stop Funding Uncle Sam’s Retirement,” and get a plan that is simple and easy to understand. Maggi Tax Advisory has offices in Lutz, Palm Harbor and also St. Petersburg. Be sure to visit www.maggitax.com or call (813) 909-0022 or (727) 799-1701.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
ADVICE FOR CAREGIVERS
Tips on Long-Term Planning For 66 million Americans, taking care of an aging, seriously ill or disabled family member or friend is a part of daily life. Fortunately there are numerous resources that can make the process easier. Caregivers can start by turning to Ask Medicare, a service created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that offers a number of useful resources through its website at www.medicare.gov/caregivers. The site gives caregivers tips on how to make the most of the Medicare program and offers tips on managing chronic illnesses, finding and paying for nursing home and assisted living care, finding local organizations that support caregivers and much more. Representatives of the program also offer recommendations to help caregivers deal with short and longterm financial issues: • Talk with the person you are caring for about legally authorizing you to make decisions about his or her medical care. Discuss personal wishes and develop a living will to provide direction on the kind of health care the person desires and needs. Having this plan legally devel- oped can make it much easier for you to make decisions in the future, especially for loved ones who are unable to speak for themselves. • Get started; contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Pro- gram in your area by visiting www. medicare.gov and clicking on “Help and Support or “Useful phone num- bers and web sites.” Also visit www. agingwithdignity.org for a “5 Wishes” document that can help you talk with family members about how they want to be treated. • Review finances and health care accounts. Medicare can reduce many out-of-pocket expenses for your loved one, but it does not cover everything. Make a monthly and yearly list of all income sources, such as Social Security and pensions, as well as monthly and yearly expenses, savings and investments that impact the over all financial picture. • Learn which types of services are paid for. Visit “Caregiver Topics,”
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NOSTALGIA
Road
Pop Machines
“Paying for Care” and “Which expenses are covered” sections on the Ask Medicare site. Deductibles, co-payments and nursing home care are not covered by Medicare. • Keep detailed notes of medica- tions, appointments, doctors and other medical treatments. Share this information with other family members or friends who might be able to step in and help you as a caregiver if needed. • Start focusing on preventive care such as tests, shots and screenings once you have a future plan in place. Medicare covers preventive care items such as flu shots, bone mass measurements, glaucoma tests and other screenings. To learn more, visit the Ask Medi- care site to find “How Medicare Supports Various Types of Care.” • Learn how to get the best value from the Medicare program. Ask Medicare also offers practical information about enrolling your loved one in Medicare, choosing a prescription drug plan, finding state and local resources and a free e-newsletter with the latest Medicare updates.
I put a $5 bill in a pop machine the other day, and it gave me $3.50 in change. You know where this is going: I’m about to do a column on the high cost of living. Well, you’re wrong. It’s a column on pop machines. Or whatever they call them today. As for By Dick Dedrick the high cost of living, I’ve learned to live with that. But back to pop machines: I remember when they weren’t machines; they were just rectangular tubs filled with cold water and big chunks of ice, with a Coke or Nehi logo on the side. Along with a bottle opener that had a bottle cap catcher, where you could dig out different caps, in case you saved them. Which I did. I don’t know why I did. I don’t know why I saved matchbook covers either. Or why my mother saved string. People just saved things back then. But back to pop machines again: Their high-tech ways don’t compare to reaching down through freezing water and bringing up a Pepsi or Delaware Punch or Orange Crush, and drinking it, whatever it was. That’s how I do things. I drink the brand I pull up. Because I figure there’s a reason for it. Another thing: You paid at the counter, where the nice lady said, “Thank you, Richard.” And if you still had another nickel, you could buy a giant Tootsie Roll that you could chew on for an hour. Because back then they really were chewy. Not soft and tiny. Visit www.nostalgiaroad.com.
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
Entertainment The Chosen
American Stage Theatre September 3 - 28 It is 1944 Brooklyn, and two Jewish boys grow up five blocks and a world apart. A standing-room-only hit wherever it has played, this award-winning adaptation (from the award-winning novel) is by the same creators of last year’s hit, “My Name is Asher Lev.” The play begins when Reuven and Danny play a heated game of baseball between rival yeshivas…until one is badly hurt. As their unique friendship grows, they learn important lessons about their fathers, their community, and themselves. Wednesday - Saturday 8:00 p.m, Saturday and Sunday matinees 3:00 p.m. Tickets $29 Thursday previews; $39 Wednesday, Thursday evenings, Saturday and Sunday matinees; $49 Friday and Saturday evenings; $59 Opening Night - includes pre-performance reception. Steve Martin & Martin Short
The Mahaffey Theatre September 7 A Very Stupid Conversation is the title for this great show as the two Martins of the “Three Amigos” join forces. Join us for a night of individual Q&As along with singing, banter and banjo playing presented in an interview-style form. Both entertainers have had incredible careers. Having spent his early days in show biz writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, by the end of the 1970s Martin was one of the hottest stand-up comics in the country and quickly transformed that success into a movie career. Lately he’s been expressing his almost lifelong love for playing music, having won a best bluegrass album Grammy for his 2010 release, The Crow: New Songs For The Five-String Banjo. Short’s entertainment résumé is equally impressive and includes stints on Second City and Saturday Night Live. With movie credits including Inner Space, Three Fugitives, Father Of The Bride and Mars Attacks, Short received a Tony nomination and won an Outer Critics Circle Award for his work in a musical version of Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl. Short also co-wrote and starred in Fame Becomes Me. 7:00 p.m. Tickets $89 - $165. SUNDAY COMEDY SERIES: Hawk and Wayne
American Stage Theatre September 7 This is a new comedy show, hilarious and totally improvised one act play. Critically acclaimed comedy improv duo, Gavin Hawk and Ricky Wayne weave together a hilarious, totally improvised play based on audience suggestions. 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 ticket purchase. Performed in our lobby cabaret, where of course, there will be full cash bar service for all our patrons. ZZ Top & Jeff Beck - Beards ‘N Beck Tour 2014
Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre September 10 Come rock with the legendary group. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, ZZ Top has 11 gold records and seven platinum to lay claim as the longest-running major rock band with
original personnel intact. There are only three of them, Billy F. Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, but it’s remarkable that they’re still together — and still gloriously bearded — after more than 40 years of rock, blues and boogie. 7:00 p.m. Tickets $45 - $75. Dolphin Tale 2
Ruth Eckerd Hall September 10 Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Warner Bros. Pictures and Alcon Entertainment present an exclusive Blue Carpet Screening of Dolphin Tale 2. An inspiring event celebrating the remarkable story of Winter and Hope! Matinee at 2:00 p.m., $25. Evening show at 6:00 p.m., $25 - $150. Pauly Shore
The Improv September 12 - 14 Stand-up comic, actor, writer, director Pauly Shore tasted super-stardom in 1990 when his precedent-setting MTV show “Totally Pauly” hit the airwaves to major fan approval. He has several television and film roles, providing supporting comedy relief, but it was the wildly popular Encino Man (1992), partnered with Sean Astin and Brendan Fraser, that put Pauly on the map. His first album, “The Future of America,” was named Best Comedy Album by the college music journalists in 1991. Pauly has made several appearances in recent years as a recurring guest on Howard Stern’s late-night show, as well as David Letterman’s talk show. He tours the country with his stand-up comedy act. Sept. 12 - 8:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Sept. 13 - 7:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Sept. 14 - 7:00 p.m. Tickets $22 - $25. Dinner available. Must be 21 & up to enter; except on Friday’s at 10:30 p.m. which is 18 & up to enter. Rascal Flatts 2014 Rewind Tour Concert
Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre September 12 The Rascal Flatts Rewind Tour 2014 concert will be an unforgettable event as Sheryl Crow & Gloriana will be joining Rascal Flatts as very special guests for the concert in Tampa. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $29.75 - $65.25. Classic Albums - Purple Rain
Lakeland Center - Youkey Theatre September 12 Ruth Eckerd Hall September 14 Due to overwhelming demand Classic Albums Live returns to Clearwater performing Prince: Purple Rain; Time magazine ranked Purple Rain the 15th greatest album of all time in 1993 and Rolling Stone magazine ranked it the second best album of the 1980s and 76th on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Please note: During special promotions or member pre-sales, accessibility may change once you enter a promotion code or login as a member. For sold out performances, seats sometimes
become available on a first come/first basis by phone only. Lakeland Center 8:00 p.m. Tickets $27 - $36. REH 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35 - $50. REH performance is at the Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Downtown Clearwater. No tickets available online. Please call the ticket office to check on current availability – (727) 791-7400. Erasure
The Mahaffey Theatre September 14 The award-winning songwriting duo of Vince Clarke and Andy Bell unleashed on the world a succession of both influential and chart-topping pop anthems of the ‘80s, ‘90s through to today. Songs like ‘A Little Respect’, ‘Sometimes’, ‘Victim Of Love’, ‘Ship Of Fools’, ‘Blue Savannah’, ‘Star’, ‘Chains Of Love’, and more, ensuring a formidable presence on the singles charts complemented by five consecutive No 1 albums. The band’s newest album, The Violet Flame, will be released Fall 2014. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $29 - 59. Annual Crack Up Cancer Comedy Benefit
The Improv September 17 The 8th Annual Crack Up Cancer Comedy Benefit returns to Tampa. Featuring six great comedians this year, including Dean Napolitano, Tim Pulnik, Steve Netta, John Jacobs, Tony Gaud and Chris Matson, the proceeds from the event will continue to go to Moffitt Cancer Center and All Children’s Hospital through local 501c3 Cure on Wheels. As in other years, there will be a raffle of prizes and tickets will be available from 5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., so get there early to have a chance to win a prize. The last two years of the event have sold out prior to the night of the event, so please purchase your tickets early. Ticket prices will remain at $20 per person again this year. Let’s make it three years in a row to sell it out! The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and the doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Valid ID required. Must be 18 & up to enter. 21 & up to drink. Lovers & Madmen
Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum September 19 - 21 In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Duke Theseus declares, “Lovers and madmen have such seething brains, such shaping fantasies, that apprehend more than cool reason ever apprehends.” The Semi-Royal Shakespeare Company presents lovers and madmen such as King Lear, Richard III, Lady Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, and Lysander. Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m., Sundayday 2:00 p.m. Tickets $16, $14 members and students. Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum is located at 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs, FL . For more information (7270 942-5605. 2014 Experience Hendrix Tour
Ruth Eckerd Hall September 20 The Experience Hendrix Tour has
been paying homage to the musical genius of Jimi Hendrix for more than a decade, bringing together a diverse, all-star aggregation of extraordinary guitarists including Featuring Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Rich Robinson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Henri Brown, Noah Hunt, Tony Franklin, Scott Nelson, and Tim Austin. The tour evokes the era when artists treated each performance as a unique interaction with their audience. Jimi Hendrix called this his ‘electric church.’ 8:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $49.50 - $175* (*$175 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking.) Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase. Duncan Sheik
Largo Cultural Center September 20 This Grammy and Tony winning artist is most noted for his 1996 debut “Barely Breathing”, which topped the Adult Top 40 charts, reached the Top 20 on Adult Contemporary radio and remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-setting 55 straight weeks. See Duncan and his band up close and personal for a memorable evening of music. 8:00 p.m. Tickets $19.50 - $34.50 add $5 at the door. Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Dr., Largo FL. For more information (727)587-6793 or www. LargoArts.com. Jay Mohr
Straz Center September 20 Mischievous marvel Jay Mohr’s breakout role as a sleazy sports agent in Jerry Maguire introduced the world to this multi-talented funnyman who now splits time between acting and running his popular sports talk show. In this engagement, Mohr returns to his roots bringing his A game in an evening of stand up sure to prove why Comedy Central named Mohr one of the 100 greatest stand up comics of all time. 7:30. Tickets $36.50. The Vagina Monologues
American Stage Theatre September 21 A Smash Hit Returns with New Cast Members this month. Obie Award-winner Eve Ensler’s whirlwind tour of a forbidden zone: The Vagina Monologues introduces a wildly divergent gathering of female voices, including a six-year-old girl, a septuagenarian New Yorker, a vagina workshop participant, a woman who witnesses the birth of her granddaughter, and a feminist happy to have found a man who “liked to look at it.” 6:00 p.m. Tickets: “Pay-What-You-Can” $15 advance ticket purchase (Suggested donation $10-$20 at the door.) Performed in our lobby cabaret, where of course, there will be full cash bar service for all our patrons.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
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Entertainment Zebra
ity – (727) 791-7400.
Largo Cultural Center September 25
Nick Swardson: Taste It
In 1982 Zebra’s self-titled debut album went platinum and was the fastest selling debut album in Atlantic Records’ history outselling other Atlantic Artists such as Led Zeppelin, Yes and AC/DC. A total of five music videos aired on MTV and gave the band combined album sales of nearly 2 million worldwide with “Who’s Behind the Door?”, “Tell Me What You Want”, “Wait Until the Summer’s Gone”, “Bears”, “One More Chance”. See all three original members for a one night only performance in Largo. 8:00 p.m. Tickets $24.50 - $39.50 add $5 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at (727)5876793 or visit LargoArts.com.
Comedy Central staple and recurring Reno 911! character Terry Bernadino, comedian Nick Swardson delivers his highly popular, low-brow boy-amok schtick to worldwide audiences who just can’t get enough of this young star in the Adam Sandler school of comedy. He has appeared in several popular films including Malibu’s Most Wanted, Grandma’s Boy, and You Don’t Mess with Zohan. Don’t miss him in this exclusive, uncensored night of outrageous stand up. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $39.75.
Luke Bryan
Ruth Eckerd Hall October 1
Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre September 25 The Luke Bryan tour makes a stop in Central Florida with a concert at the Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. Don’t miss the chance to see Luke Bryan live as he showcases both new hits and old favorites. 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $41. David Gray
Ruth Eckerd Hall September 29 David Gray has established himself as one of the U.K.’s leading music artists both at home and overseas. Gray’s commercial success is also backed up by a critical consensus and countless accolades. His 2009 release Draw The Line was met with critical praise and garnered the artist a series of high profile television appearances as well as two sold-out tours of the U.S. Foundling, Gray’s ninth studio album picked up where Draw The Line left off and created a new chapter of lush soulful songs that found the artist returning to his folk music roots. 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase. No tickets available online. Please call the ticket office to check on current availabil-
Straz Center September 30
Chicago
With worldwide sales of more than 120 million records, five consecutive #1 albums and an astonishing 50 hits in the U.S. alone, including 21 Top 10 smashes, such as Saturday in the Park, 25 or 6 to 4, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Make Me Smile and If You Leave Me Now, Chicago is one of the most successful bands in rock music history. Chicago is the first American band ever to chart albums on Billboard’s pop chart in six consecutive decades. An incredible 25 of their 36 albums have been certified platinum and the band has a total of 47 gold and platinum awards. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $62.75 - $150*.(*$150 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, preshow dinner and a voucher for free valet parking.)No tickets available online. Please call the ticket office to check on current availability – (727) 791-7400. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase. One Direction
Raymond James Stadium October 3 One Direction is the biggest boy band at the moment, and their shows just show that they definitely deserve that title. The
five British lads started off singing bubblegum feel good pop back in 2010 but they’ve definitely grown up since then. The new show contains many songs from the new album “Midnight Memories”, which has a much more rocky sound to it, but also some of the old classics, such as “What Makes You Beautiful”, “One Thing” or “Little Things”. If you already like them you should definitely go watch them, the show is an amazing experience, especially since the boys are really appreciative and interact with the crowd a tonne. Their support band 5 seconds of summer was also incredibly amazing, which is always a bonus. 7:00 p.m. Tickets $19.50 - $99.50. Katie Adams: Animal Safari Stories
Straz Center October 4 Storyteller Katie Adams takes tots on an anthropomorphic adventure with folk tales from around the world about animals who can teach people a lot about themselves! Katie’s sparkling, animated style includes a variety of rhythm instruments, mime, and audience participation, set in front of a beautiful jungle backdrop. Children especially enjoy participating with animal movements and sounds. 11:00 a.m. Tickets $7.50. Kevin James
Ruth Eckerd Hall October 5 Comedian, actor, writer and producer Kevin James comes to Tampa for one night only. Widely known for playing Doug Heffernan on the hit CBS-TV sitcom The King of Queens, James is also known for his lead roles in the comedy films I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups, Zookeeper and Here Comes The Boom. In 2001, James did his first stand-up comedy special Kevin James: Sweat the Small Stuff and he’s listed at #89 on Comedy Central’s list of 100 Great StandUp Comedians. 8:00 p.m. Tickets $46.50 - $125* (*$125 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking.) Enjoy a sumptuous buffet prior to the performance for only $25 per person (includes tax). Doors open two hours prior to the performance. Due to limited seating, we suggest advance purchase.
VENUE ADDRESSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION The Players Theatre 838 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 365-2494 www.theplayers.org Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre 4802 N. US Highway 301 Tampa, FL 33610 Telephone: (813) 740-2446. www.midflorida.com/amphitheatre The Historic Capitol Theatre 405 Cleveland Street Clearwater, FL 33755 Telephone: (727) 791-7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com The Lakeland Center — 701 W. Lime St. Lakeland, FL 33815. Telephone: (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com The Mahaffey Theater — 400 1st. St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Telephone: (727) 892-5798. www.themahaffey.com Ruth Eckerd Hall — 1111 McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759. Telephone: (727) 791-7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com Ramon Theater 15 East Wall Street Frostproof, Florida 33843 Telephone: (863) 635-7222 www.ramontheater.com The Straz Center — 1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602. Telephone: (813) 229-7827. www.strazcenter.org The Tampa Bay Times Forum — 401 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602. Telephone: (813) 301-6500. www.tampabaytimesforum.com American Stage Theatre 163 3rd Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Telephone: (727)823-7529 www.americanstage.org Van Wezel Hall — 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. FL 34236. Telephone: (941) 955-7676. www.vanwezel.org
When It Comes to Entertaining Get out from behind your mask and list your Event for Free right here on the SVA ENTERTAINMENT PAGES!
Email your event information no later than the 15th of the month for the following month listings to: entertainment@seniorvoiceamerica.com
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior to Senior Woman Seeking Man S W F NS ND looking for M NS 58-65, likes to walk, flea markets, dining, relaxing at home. Only sincere reply, I’m 55+, 5’3”, 125 lbs., LTR. Feel free to leave a message. Pasco County (813) 788-1342. Small Lady, green eyes, fun to be with, has great SOH. NS C W 65 honest. Call if you live, have a great day. Holiday (727) 326-7284. W F WD 79, but healthy & active looking for W M S NS for friendship to share walks, movies, and cards. Lots more to talk about. Zephyrhills (813) 780-9168 Personable, very active, attractive, slim 70s WD Caucasian, retired RN ISO compatible companion for socialization. I’m a diamond in the rough. St. Pete (727) 403-7522. S WD W F looking for a special W M NS ND, likes dining in or out and travel, age 82-84. I live in a condo, in St. Pete before Gandy bridge. St. Pete (727) 579-4018. 63 B S F BBW, romantic business minded with morals still intact, ISO tall slim gentleman that love the big girls, financially secure for LTR. St. Pete (727) 768-6350. I am 94 yrs. old. I have been one of Jehovah’s witnesses for 75 yrs. I enjoy someone I can read and enjoy talking and the bible. Kenneth City (727) 568-7330. Asian, thin active, sexy, loves life, travel, garden painting ISO financially secure gentleman for long time companionship. See the island, Gen. McArthur says “I shall return”. Tampa (813) 999-1413. S W WD F 62 smoker, ND Christian, celibate. ISO celibate C M for friendship, phone conversation, SOH a must, occasional dating, likes animals, honesty, only serious need apply. Largo (727) 533-9704. Youthful Italian S W F 67, 5’2” blue eyes, SD NS ISO healthy youthful country M SD SOH, beard ok. Enjoys walks, nature, workouts, sports, music, dancing, baking, cuddling. Zephyrhills (813) 779-5871. D W F I’m a young 60, virgo NS ISO LTR guy, I love to dance, boating, walking hand in hand along the beach, 55-65, blonde, blue eyed gal. No sugar coating, just be for real. Mulberry (248) 860-3008. WD W F young 60. I love the water, travelling, walking, dining out, shows, football fan. SOH! ISO kind healthy, fun loving man. St. Pete (727) 729-1142. ISO partner, similar interests, fix up cars, classic rock concerts. Age 54-60, S D W F, slender, blonde/brown hair, southern accent seeking same, love sunsets. Holiday (813) 515-3425. S BF 55, ISO NS SOH. Looking for B M, I love to cook, dance, dining out, music. St. Pete (727) 455-7392. Attractive, fit S W F 60, loves to dance, play tennis and loves the beach. Cooking for same in men. No games or drama. Largo (502) 299-3899. S W F NS SOH looking for someone, 62-72 in NPR. Secure, fit, nice looking. To know me, call me. New Port Richey (727) 478-5184. I am 70 yrs. young, like to bowl, gardening, dance, also sing karaoke. Looking for same things with man friend, blonde hair, slender, full of energy. Lakeland (863) 859-9512.
Senior to Senior Abbreviations M: Male F: Female S: Single D: Divorced WD: Widowed W: White B: Black H: Hispanic J: Jewish
C: Christian ISO: In Search Of LTR: Long Term Relationship NS: Non-Smoker ND: Non-Drinker SD: Social Drinker SOH: Sense of Humor
drives and lives in Greater St. Petersburg Area (727) 8036191.
friend Seeking friend
Meet that Someone Special with a FREE listing in Senior to Senior Avid outdoorsman sought by naturist gal for even more adventures as loving LTR pair: rv-ing, camping, Harley-ing, kayaking, au-natural. Each: healthy, 60’s, tall, solvent, freethinkers. No wannabes, plz. worktrvlfun@ juno.com +photo.
man Seeking WOMan W M NS ND Senior 6’ fit, ISO W F for bus trips, road trips, camping outdoor activities. Age, size unimportant. LTR possible. PO Box 86373, Madeira Beach, FL 33738 S W M 83 6’, 175 lbs. said to look 60, former pro boxer, rodeo cowboy likes fishing, billiards, baseball. ISO 50-55 5’3”-5’9” good looking, NS ND SOH. Please no players. Largo (727) 580-5848. S W M 60s tall, slim, active. ISO attractive, NS honest sincere lady, an affectionate nice person. Please call. St. Pete (727) 322-6197. I’ve been down here for 6 months, and look for LTR or women in 55-60. Drinker and also smoker. From Louisville, KY, divorced. New Port Richey (727) 645-9789. S W M looking for single lady, 70s NS ND who is affectionate, caring, fun loving, for togetherness, walking, movies and to try new things. Brandon (813) 654-0164. S W M NS ND SOH 5’6” 68 yrs. young, ISO retired Asian F or W F for fun, daytime adventures, togetherness, shopping, tv, cruises, and a little crazy like me. Tyrone Mall Area (727) 545-4148. S W NS M 53 down to earth ISO a S F NS for a LTR. New Port Richey (201) 294-7579. S M 59 yrs. old looking for S F SOH 50+ for relationship. Venice (941) 284-7939. Retired marine, 65 ISO slim women 50-65 LTR, any race SD, seeks intimacy. Treasure Island (727) 827-2059. I am a single white gentleman looking for a companion. I don’t smoke, ISO lady NS. I dance, sing, play cards and golf. Sun City Center (813) 938-3147. Male 65 looking for slim/slender lady for love and good life. Holiday (727) 938-6990. Affectionate man looking for an affectionate woman around 65-85. Hudson (727) 389-7147. Woman wanted with a positive attitude that enjoys life, nonsmoker, reasonably good health, 80ish,
S W M ISO M/F LTR 35-60, likes many, dislikes few. Looking for friendship/relationship. Open-minded, will try anything & everything new. Very passionate. St. Pete (727) 642-4229. S W F ISO someone in St. Pete, Clearwater, interested in having a garage sale together. Largo (727) 319-8899. S W M ISO a good friend to do things with. Go places, and have good time, I am very open minded, please call me Tony. St. Pete (727) 498-6995. Wish to have fishing friend. M or F, must be able to handle my boat and know area and waters. I love to fish after 5. St. Pete (727) 329-9423. I need friend to hold on to. I am really lonely. Must be close to US 19. New Port Richey (727) 389-6169. Hello, I’m M 50, I love to have fun and in good shape ISO W M. Please be discreet. Tarpon Springs (727) 550-7928. S W F 50 seeks tennis player friend. M/F wants to try out new skills in tennis, friendship only. Zephyrhills (813) 780-6114. Empty nest, W F. The children are gone. Lets get together and do things. Largo (727) 530-7116. S W M 59 5’8” 175 lbs. ISO friendship M/F under 60 NS. Active, happy for conversation and fun. Largo (727) 644-8087. S D W C F ISO ND. I’m 56 yrs. old, disabled, need friend, roommate, also disabled, to share rent on 2 bedroom apartment. New Port Richey, nice area, no criminal background. (813) 515-3425 or (727) 271-7686.
Senior to Senior™ Mail to: Senior Voice America
P.O. BOX 1379, Lutz, FL 33548-1379 Email: sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com Fax: (813) 422-7966
EMAIL: sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com
SEPTEMBER 2014
Senior Voice America
“Some eventually heal on their own,” Trimble said. “But if the fracture continues to compress, or the patient doesn’t improve, we don’t hesitate to recommend a more aggressive course.”
From KYPHOPLASTY Page 1
Kyphoplasty for Fracture Repair Kyphoplasty is one of the latest refinements of a minimally-invasive surgical approach to repairing vertebral compression fractures. Kyphoplasty offers advantages in three key areas: • • •
It can reduce or eliminate back pain. It can stabilize the bone and help restore much of the reduced vertebral body height. It can help treat acute fractures on top of old fractures.
During the procedure, space is increased within the fractured vertebra. In the process, the healthy portion of the bone is shifted to create a cavity, which is then filled with a quick-drying bone cement. This helps return the spine to a more natural position and can often help regain much of the lost height in the bone. The bone cement stabilizes the fracture, offering significant pain relief for the patient—usually within hours of the procedure and sometimes even sooner. Kyphoplasty improves on the earlier technique of vertebroplasty, in which cement was inserted without first increasing the space. Vertebroplasty provides sta-
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bility, but offers no correction of the deformity and also requires more pressure to force the cement between the cracks. “We are happy to offer kyphoplasty as a fast, effective treatment to our patients,” Trimble said.
Pain Free After receiving his kyphoplasty treatment, Lempert was surprised by its speed and effectiveness. “I was awake throughout the procedure and was surprised that there was no pain involved,” Lempert said. “The most remarkable thing, though, was that I stood up after the treatment and walked out of the building pain free.” “I was so happy and impressed with Dr. Trimble that I have recommended him to other people I know with back problems,” Lempert said. “He and his staff were all so helpful, caring and thoroughly professional.” To see if you are a candidate for Kyphoplasty, call (727) 553-7313 to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Trimble.
talent for dialects was quickly exploited when Persoff moved to Hollywood after a decade of stage and early TV work in New York. Often cast in the role of ethnic villains, he crafted a career playing slick gangsters, ruthless outlaws and menacing military leaders. “I did play many villains, but also diplomats, doctors and scientists,” Persoff said. “So I don’t think I was typecast. I enjoyed playing any character that was well written.” In his second film, “On the Water Front,” in 1954, Persoff appears on screen for just a few seconds as the tense cab driver in the famous “I could have been a contender” scene with Marlon Brando and Rod Steiger. Director Elia Kazan offered him $75 for the role. Above Left: Persoff in the movie “The Harder They Fall” with Bogart and Steiger. “There were Brando and Steiger in the back section of a sawed-off car,” Persoff said. Above Right: Persoff and wife Thia at the Cambria Center for the Arts, August 4, 2014. “I sat on a milk box with Brando and Steiger behind me. When it was time for my closeup, Kazan whispered in my ear to imagine that “the guy behind [me] killed [my] mother.” When I saw the film, I was surprised to see how effective the close-up turned out.” He went on to work with other greats, including Karloff, Cagney and Bogart on his final film in 1956, “The Harder They Fall.” “He was already very sick and his eyes teared a great deal,” Persoff said of Bogart. “But he had moments when he was very sharp. He wasn’t the sort of guy you wanted to tangle with. I heard him give one wise guy a tongue lashing that was devastating—you Don’t miss A Single Issue! Now you can get the Senior didn’t get smart with Bogie!” Voice America delivered right to your mailbox! It’s just With over 400 film and TV roles to his credit, Persoff admits he has forgotten details $15 for a one-year subscription to The Leading Newspaper for Active, Mature Adults. about some. But he does recall an episode of “Gunsmoke” with James Arness, in which the 6-foot-6-inch lawman refused to yield vertical ground to the 5-foot-7-inch Persoff. Name: “I was supposed to be a gunman who challenged Marshal Dillon,” Persoff said. “I Address: suggested to the director that perhaps I might be more of a threat if I wore lifts in my shoes to make me taller. So the wardrobe people gave me high heels to make me about City: State: Zip: six feet. When I walked on the set and the showdown came, I looked over at Arness and Phone: he was suddenly seven feet tall. He had heard I was getting shoes to make myself taller, Payment: Visa MasterCard Check so he got a pair too and was still a foot taller than me!” Today, Persoff enjoys retirement and paints several hours a day while basking in the Card Number: West Coast sunset rather than the Hollywood spotlight. But he gives credit to his first caExp: reer for helping his second. Signature: “When I got a role, I set my sights on being able to get under the skin of the characCredit Card orders may be faxed to (813) 422-7966 ter,” Persoff said. “At first it would seem like a formidable task, but somehow I always got Credit Card orders maybe faxed to (813) 433-5181. or call (813) 444-1011 the job done. It’s the same with painting. When you sit in front of a blank canvas, there is Mail PaymentTo: to: Senior Mail Payments SeniorVoice VoiceAmerica of Florida a feeling of ‘I can’t do it’ for many painters. But because of my acting experience, I always P.O. Box 1379, Lutz, FL 33548-1379 PO Box 270 • Lutz, FL 33548 felt that I could do it, and I did.”
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From PERSOFF Page 1
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Senior Voice America
SEPTEMBER 2014