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NOVEMBER 2015

TM

SINCE 1980 — VolUME 35 • NUMBER 11

My Last Game of Tackle

IS YOUR DIET MAKING YOU SICK?

PAGe 6

F OTBALL

GIVE THANKS FOR GOOD HAIR DAYS

PAGE 13

Your assignment today is to remember the last time you played tackle football.

By Garrett Mathews For me, it was Christmas Day, 1971.

I was home on two-week holiday from the armed services.

Dan had finished his second year as a defensive back on his college football team. He notched several interceptions and was among the team leaders in tackles. During the season, his coach referred to him in print as a “gamer.”

I never advanced beyond second-string quarterback on my high-school team. Among my shortcomings were a lack of size (I topped out at 130 pounds), a lack of speed (the tackling dummy could outrun me), and a lack of strength (it took everything I had to rip a piece of adhesive tape off the roll).

I also need to tell you that I never missed an opportunity to torment my brother when we were growing up.

Among my transgressions: • Putting my bedroom slipper over his nose and not removing it until he admitted he was a communist.

• Placing spiders in his oatmeal.

• Sticking his head in the toilet because he left my basketball out in the rain—an appropriate punishment, I reasoned, because both crime and punishment involved water.

• Dosing his underwear with Atomic Bomb.

By Dan’s 17th birthday, he had overcome the two-years difference in age and caught up with me See FOOTBALL, Page 27

k l a T et’s

L If I seem mean, here’s why

PAGE 18

The Customer is Always Right

By Nurse Ruth Fanovich

You’ve all heard the saying, “The customer is always right!” Or are they?

As you know, I work in the home-health industry, so I have the opportunity to meet with clients one on one. That’s probably the best customer service you can give.

However (and I do mean however), there is always the exception to the rule... right?

A client I was helping recently was understandably hard to please. She is a very independent woman and was angry at the thought of having to have someone assist her with her needs. She felt a loss of control and at times a sense of superiority over her caregivers. Little did she realize that having someone assist her was actually helping her maintain her independence. We tried and tried to please her, with little success. My nurse would visit this client, try to understand her concerns, coach our caregivers as needed and make any alterations in the See CUSTOMER, Page 27

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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

Health Roundup

Caring for Your Mouth How many tons of produce, meat, pastries, etc., how many gallons of hot or cold liquids of varying substances swallowed, how many ideas developed and dreams defined, how many emotions expressed and how many pleasures are made possible by the mouth of an individual over the course of a lifetime?

As a practicing dentist, I am repeatedly amazed by misconceptions people have concerning their mouths. Oral disease affects 98 percent of our population, when 90 percent of oral disease is preventable at home.

The way we are perceived by others and perceive ourselves is in part determined by the condition of our mouths.

The way we feel and our general health is affected by the condition of our mouths. Yet I often hear, “It’s only a tooth.”

With few exceptions, as long as dentistry replacement of missing teeth or alteration of the cosmetic appearance of teeth happens, patients have a basic understanding and knowledge of THEIR mouths and maintain their mouths and prosthesis, so the prognosis remains guarded.

I firmly believe the least amount of dental intervention a person has, the better off they are. I thank God that dentistry has advanced to the point that we can provide viable solutions to all dental problems. I find many folks with recurrent problems were either misinformed or simply never understood what they could expect from treatment received or never understood what was required of them at home. I believe all dental patients should ask questions regarding their treatment if it hasn’t been adequately explained. Only informed patients have a chance for treatment to have lasting benefits.

There is no one in our society who cannot have pride in a pleasing dental appearance that is healthy and functioning well. No one. I have seen people bemoan a $50.00 filling on their way to shopping while wearing $90 jeans and driving a $60,000 automobile. I suppose the issue is one of priorities and mass marketing. I am too often asked questions such as, “how much is THIS going to cost?” And that is very important, but more appropriate to add would be, “How shall I benefit in appearance and function?” Most appropriate would be, “What can I do to maintain oral health and keep dental treatment costs at a minimum?”

At Healthy Body Dental, Dr. Anthony Adams considers your total health before making a recommendation to enhance your smile or your oral health. We know the choices our patients make will affect more than their smile. Healthy Body, Healthy Smile.

By Dr. Anthony J. Adams

Anthony J. Adams, DDS, PA, practices at Healthy Body Dental, located in the Cypress Point Shopping Center, 25877 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33763. Call (727) 799-3123 or visit us online at www.healthybodydental.com.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

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Health Roundup

What to Ask Your Doctor Before Scheduling Surgery If you are planning to have surgery, you may be anxious. Asking the right questions before scheduling surgery can help ensure good care and give you a better idea of what to expect.

Here are a few areas you may want to cover with your surgeon in advance of the big day.

Reviewing Your Options The implications of your surgery will extend beyond the day you go to the hospital. Your doctor may offer you options when it comes to the type of surgery performed. Find out the length and type of recovery period for each option as well as the expected outcomes.

For example, one option may be typically associated with shorter expected recovery time, but could carry greater risk. Another option may be associated with better long-term outcomes, but increase recovery time or leave larger scars. A third option may not involve surgery at all. The many factors at play will help you make the decision that is best for your long-term health.

Improved Therapies While great strides have been made to operate using smaller incisions in procedures known as minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgeries, controlling bleeding is still a major issue for surgeons. In fact, the task can account for 30 to 50 percent of procedure time, and for those on blood thinners, the bleeding risk is even higher.

However, new innovations are revolutionizing this process, making surgery faster and safer for patients. For example, the AC5 Surgical Hemostatic Device is being studied to see if it can one day provide a faster, more effective means of controlling bleeding during operations versus other common methods, such as cautery or the use of biomaterials.

This new device, created by Arch Therapeutics, uses AC5, which is made of a synthetic peptide, to safely and rapidly create a physical barrier in the nooks and crannies of tissue and promptly stop bleeding. Reduced fluid and blood loss during surgery can improve patient safety, free the surgical team to focus

on other tasks, and lessen recovery time.

Before your surgery, ask your doctor about medical innovations that may improve your outcome.

Surgeon’s Credentials There may be few times in your life where reviewing a professional’s credentials is more important than when you are picking a surgeon.

Luckily, there are many impartial, online rating sites for doctors and surgeons that can help you determine whether your doctor is the best fit for you, from the years of experience they’ve had to their success rates. You may even consider getting a second opinion on the necessity of surgery.

Your health is in your hands more than you may realize. Be sure to seek out the best therapies available. You can help steer the direction of your healthcare with the right questions for your surgeon.

To subscribe to SVA call (813) 444-1011 or see order form on page 27

TMTM

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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

FROM THE PUBLISHER

RELIGION: The Great Divider

TM TM

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 Managing Editor/Broadcast Producer: Deb Goldman deb@seniorvoiceamerica.com Editor: Lauren Potts lauren@seniorvoiceamerica.com Creative Director: Lourdes M. Sáenz lourdes@seniorvoiceamerica.com ADVERTISING (813) 444-1011 Join our sales team. For information about opportunities throughout Florida and North America, email evan@seniorvoiceamerica.com.

Contributors

I have to say that the last month has been an interesting one. The cover story, “Life Is Meaningless,” generated quite a stir with many of our readers. While I can understand that there are many people that cannot fathom that we are only here for today and there is nothing beyond, there are more and more that do feel that way. I, for one, tend to believe and hope for something beyond what is here on earth.

That being said, since our world has become a much smaller place, religion is dividing instead of bringing us together. Like politics, religious viewpoints have become more and more polarizing, and this includes the atheists. Today, there seems to be little room for most of us to live our religion without someone disagreeing with us or someone else telling us we are flat-out idiots for believing in anything.

Additionally, there are those who say they are religious and pray to their god of choice every Saturday or Sunday, but then prey on the unsuspecting the other six days a week. This just drives me crazy. Along with those that believe G-D gives a rat’s patootie who wins a football or baseball game. If he didn’t stop the Holocaust, then odds are he is not going to help the Mets win the World Series. And then there are those that never go to services at all in their faith, profess to be devout, but are the first to slam someone else’s religion.

But here’s a thought: How about with living with the concept that people should be decent people for the sake of being decent and honest? Why do it for some benefit in the afterlife or because of some fear that you are going to be smote? How about being good to our neighbors, friends and even enemies, just for the sake of being a good person? Instead of religion dividing us, because we have different tenets, how about it bringing us together because they have more in common than they do in contrast?

When I was Bar Mitzahed, my Grandfather told me something I still remember to this day: ‘It is good that you are doing this (the Bar Mitzvah), but it is much more important to be a good person and do the right things in life.’ Maybe we need to be human beings before we are anything else—nationality, religion, culture, college, state, etc., etc.—when you shed all of those, we are all human beings first. I think G-D would agree with that.

Abne M. Eisenberg • Garrett Matthews

Evan Gold

Carolyn Shockey • Steve & Jeanne Wolfen Ruth Fanovich • Dr. Anthony Adams

FROM THE EDITOR

Jean Mlincek • Joyce Holly Tim Bryce • Lourdes Sáenz 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.

Dear Readers of Senior Voice,

Thank you. Thank you for reaching out to let us know how you felt about last month’s cover story. I hear you. I am proud to be part of a paper with such a passionate and hopeful readership. Life IS meaningful: You know it, I know it, and your readiness to defend that truth makes my heart sing.

I am also proud to be part of a paper that publishes the voices of our readers, even when there’s a voice whose words are in direct opposition to my own. Even when publishing those words is really hard and hurts my heart.

I don’t choose what goes on the cover, but I do get to choose what goes right here, in these paragraphs. I promise you, each and every one of you, that life is meaningful. I also promise that, every month, you’ll find a little bit of that meaning here. Sometimes it’s a story, sometimes a poem, sometimes a reminder that this world is beautiful and terrible all at the same time but that we are in it together.

Please know this: You matter. Life matters. Every smile, every sunrise, every shadow. You have lived and are living a wonderful life. You, yes, you, are loved.

FROM creative director

It is with great pleasure that I organize, design and layout SVA each and every month in the hopes of pleasing our readers, as well as making our contributing writers stories visually attractive. We have taken notice of the response to our last month’s cover story and this writer’s point of view. In my own humble and personal experience, I am thankful for the life that I have been blessed to live as of today. Being an immigrant who escaped the Cuban regime in search of freedom, I appreciate that we live in a country that offers everyone the opportunity to express their point of view. I don’t agree with many things that are shared in media outlets, I accept and learn from what is positive and useful, the rest will not affect my outlook and optimism. Each day that I am alive, healthy, that I can experience seeing my son grow up into a decent and caring young man, each opportunity I have to be creative and productive, each instant of love, laughter, hope and dreams fulfilled, those are the meaningful times of my life.

Lourdes Sáenz

Lauren Potts

A meaningful life is not being rich, being popular, being highly educated or being perfect...

It is about being real, being humble, being strong and being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others.

It is only then that we could have a full happy and contended life.

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of.

You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life. ~ Albert Camus

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

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letters to THE EDITOR Dear Mr. Ardell: Hello—I have no computer, so I correspond the old-fashioned way. I live at Arlington Arbor in St. Pete, a Sec. 8 housing for seniors and disabled. I picked up a copy of “Senior Voice” as I usually do. First, I was so shocked at the headline, “Life is Meaningless,” that I first thought it was some kind of joke. Maybe you are an atheist, Mr. Ardell, that is your very tragic business, but to write an article like that, most especially to us seniors, is abominable! Some are already struggling with a sense of hopelessness and loneliness. How dare you take that hope away with your words. Many here are Christians, including myself—our Hope is in the Lord—Jesus. There is, most certainly, Mr. Ardell, Hope. Jesus died for you, too, and loves you very much. — Nancy Hannah Dear Editor: What a shock to see on the front page of your paper that “Life is Meaningless.” Why should I read more? If life is meaningless, why even read your paper? Why wake up in the morning? How depressing a message, especially to seniors, who for the most part need hope and encouragement. How can this be good news, that all we do has no lasting significance, whether good or bad? How can one live without purpose and meaning? We deceive ourselves, if we think so. Why are there so many suicides and even assisted suicides today? Faith in ourselves soon wears thin; it cannot sustain us. Only faith in God is the sure foundation and ultimate meaning to life. — Nancy Davis Life is Meaningful: Celebrate and Make the Most of this Reality I would like the opportunity to respond to the article by Donald Ardell, about life being meaningless. I congratulate Mr. Ardell on writing 16 books and being a world-class triathlete. Despite these accomplishments, I pity Mr. Ardell, because he does not seem to realize that God, the giver of all good gifts, gave him his abilities.

Surely he must know that however hard some people might train, their DNA won’t allow them to reach the level that he has.

I am glad that Mr. Ardell clarified his statement that there is no heaven or hell as just his opinion. As a member of the fallen human race, he is fallible, and a sinner, just like me. He, just like me, is not inconsequential, but made in God’s image. All of creation was made by God, and deserves to be cared for as God has instructed us.

The author is correct in saying that the earth will be destroyed, but the Bible tells us that there will be a new earth. He is also correct in suggesting that service to others and adopting a wellness lifestyle are worthy goals. Both are also advised in God’s word, the Bible.

Mr. Ardell closes with the admonition to fill your time with purpose of your own design. Each of us was designed by God for a specific purpose. The greatest happiness can be found by finding God’s will for your life and following it. That makes life very meaningful.

It is my prayer that Mr. Ardell will someday acknowledge Jesus as his Lord and Savior. I would like to meet him in the new Heaven one day. — Bruce F. Holck I was a bit dismayed and surprised to read even the headline of the recent, “Life is Meaningless” article in your paper. I re-read it twice, thinking my eyes were playing tricks on me! Was this the “Onion” newspaper? No! The author appears to be an atheist. I can’t say much about that, as I’ve had my doubting times. But I am a born-again Christian. I have also been a hospital chaplain and am now a social worker with elders and disabled in Pinellas county, and, before that, in Chicago.

First, let me say I am thankful for the author’s desire to pass on prompting to find little “bits” of meaningfulness, like with family and in good, nutritional self care.

But he forgot one big thing (at least). People are spiritual beings. I don’t want to go line for line, but he went on for a while about there being “no angry sky god” and really no plan for continuation of life in the end. But spirituality means by definition that there is something it is connected with, See READER’S RESPOND, Page 7

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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

Health Roundup

Is Your Diet Making You Sick?

Feeling under the weather? Many common ailments as well as serious lifethreatening conditions are caused by what you are and aren’t putting into your body, according to experts.

“Even if you stick to a well-balanced diet, you may not be getting sufficient nutrients,” said Dr. Michael A. Smith, M.D., author of the new book and educational tool, “The Supplement Pyramid” and host of “Healthy Talk” on www.RadioMD.com.

In fact, nearly all Americans have an inadequate intake of Vitamin E, and nearly a third do not get enough Vitamin C, according to government statistics.

“It doesn’t matter how many fruits and vegetables you’re eating if they’re grown in nutrient-poor soil,” Smith said. “The unfortunate truth is that the nutrient content of our soil—and thus our crops—has been steadily declining for decades.”

While organic produce may reduce your exposure to pesticides, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be more nutrient-rich. So, in addition to a healthy diet, what can you do to ensure you’re getting sufficient nutrition? Smith offers a few tips: •

•

risk, and lowering systemic inflammation. But because your body can’t make them, you either have to get omega-3 fatty acids through your diet or supplementation.

• All of your cells need

energy to function, particularly your heart and brain cells. You may have never heard of coenzyme Q10, but it plays a critical role in cellular energy production. Look for this supplement in ubiquinol form, which is absorbed much better by the Take an ideally dosed multi-vitamin/mineral. From Vitamin A to zinc, body. your body is dependent on these nutrients for optimal health. But not all • It doesn’t matter how multivitamins are the same. Skip the bare-bones variety that provide healthy your diet is. If minimal doses of some essential nutrients, and opt for a robust multivita- your gut is compro- min that delivers ideal doses of a full spectrum of essentials. mised, it can’t extract Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that your body can’t live without, the protein, carbohy- supporting mental and cognitive health, decreasing cardiovascular disease drates, fats, vitamins and minerals you need to survive. Not only that, but about 70 percent of your immune system is actually located in your gut. Since so many factors diminish levels of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, it’s essential to replenish their numbers with daily probiotic supplementation.

• When seeking out supplements, stick with a company that has an established track record of selling high-quality products and that uses only pure, potent raw materials. They should also include dosages of key ingredients high enough to impact your health. Find out if your supplements make the grade by doing your research.

For free tools to build your personal supplement regimen and for more information about Smith’s new book, visit www.MySupplementPyramid.com or call 1 (855) 870-0687.

Don’t assume a healthy diet is sufficient. Key supplements can improve the way you feel.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

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GARDEN CONNECT

Fal l Gardening

Did you notice that this year we went from winter to summer in one day? It’s been a very hot Spring, temperatures in the 90°s and officially the first day of summer was Father’s Day, June 21st. Do you look in the Almanac for the planting seasons and the moon phases or the different seasons in your planting areas? Many plants that are sensitive to your climate will have to be protected, with a semi-shade over hang or near a warm wall when it becomes cooler. An expert on orchids shared with us a very good idea to hang your orchids between some poles then when the chilly weather approaches cover the entire area with a small canvas or other covering in order to protect from the elements and to ensure warmth even from a small heater. We hang our orchids on limbs under a tree – they love it there. When necessary we transferred the orchid plants to our potting shed and the light through the window ensured its health and blessed us with many, many buds and blooms.

One cannot get enough mulch. In our early days we had no leaves so we went to the lumber yard for untreated saw dust. Also, to our neighborhood for their generous bags of leaves. Some people are nice enough to drop off a truck load of leaves. I call landscaping companies to drop off their clippings, leaves, etc. On the downside I have to remove the thorny sago clippings to the trash can. On the upside many palms have grown out of the seed pods which were mixed in with the clippings. This has augmented our garden to form rich black gold. Don’t forget to cut up your kitchen scraps (no meat/protein based waste) over-ripe bananas with peels are good for your roses. The basic benefits of mulching are heat/cold protection of the plants root system, retains moisture when it is dry weather and as it decomposes provides nutrients.

Now we are in the fall season and are in need of some showers. The weather is beautiful, cooler at night and it is time to plant our bulbs so come early spring we have the splendor of blossoms.

Steve and I are planting papaya seeds in containers. I save my metal food cans after I use the contents and rinse them good and put two holes on the bottom for drainage. This doesn’t cost you anything and works well for seedlings. I save all my seeds from fruits and vegetables so this makes it economical. Some libraries and computer sites have seed exchanges which makes it more interesting. Be sure to water the containers every day. Crepe myrtles and other cuttings can be rooted this way, also.

Blessings to you and your effort to grow wonderful plants.

By Steve & Jeanne Wolfe

By request our email is whtdovefarm@yahoo.com.

From READER’S RESPOND, Page 5

be it “the universe” or God or whatever. Yes, our bodies are going to decay (unless the Rapture comes), but our spirits will live on. What about this? The author takes no notice. Yet the very fact that he is trying to help his fellow human beings is evidence

of his own spirit caring about others.

Science changes. What is considered Scientific Gospel today will be different in 20 years. The earth may be headed for extinction, but the Bible talks about a “new heaven and a new earth.” Can anyone prove this will not happen?

Thankfully, it wasn’t my first time at this existential rodeo, being exposed to Jean Paul Sartre and Camus in college in the ‘80s. They taught that all is meaningless also, so nothing really mattered in the end. That world seemed so dark!

We all face little deaths in life. Loss of a love or a spouse, loss of a parent, loss of a job, you name it. But the key for our seniors and everyone is to look for meaning. I’d rather have my clients angry and fighting than sullen and giving up. (I’m not saying there is not a time for acceptance of death, when that time comes.) But if “life is meaningless,” why don’t we all just give up now and save the resources? It doesn’t matter anyway, right?

I remember one client of mine, about 70. She had no family close by. She had slight mental concerns and low mobility. She would ask me, “What is my purpose in life?” Of course, I could only help her, not tell her. She’d have to find that on her own. She spoke often about her granddaughter, wondering if the young woman was a Christian or not. Maybe a purpose could be to pray for her granddaughter, or to be an encourager for her family and others she lived with now. This is the plight of many of our seniors (and those of us a bit younger)—what is our purpose, and is our life meaningless. No! We must find purpose, find meaning, and remember that there is an overall bigger plan going on that we cannot always see. Can I prove that life will not eventually be totally snuffed out? No. But can anyone prove that it will not continue? Again, no. To buy into meaninglessness too early is to cut off a huge option that could guide and color our lives. And this is why I was most upset by the article I’ve referenced. Our seniors do not deserve to live in poverty of any kind, certainly not poverty of choice and options! The article was almost anti-human, anti-life, and there is no need to “embrace” anything about meaninglessness, readers. Senior Voice America readers deserve so much more!

Thank you, Tom Campbell

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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

self help

A Cup Half Full

By Carolyn Shockey

All of my young, formative years, I was subjected to negative, critical thinking. In defense of my parents, they did the best they knew how, drawing on the experiences of their past. It

was before Dr. Spock wrote the book on child-rearing.

It wasn’t until my adulthood, with sons of my own, that I realized the extent to which my life involved this doom-and-

gloom negativity, and by then I had also subjected them to it.

It was through my husband’s attitude, seeing only good in people and circumstances (even though that trust sometimes

backfired on him) that I saw my cup-half-empty philosophy for what it was, and had the desire to change. And so began the self-improvement journey. This was no easy task, as, once I began sifting through all the personality flaws and esteem issues that had plagued me for years, more surfaced, sort of like an archeological dig. I kept coming up with more stuff to deal with. I find that, every once in a while, something “new” still pops up, but now I have the tools to address it, and not ignore it or stuff it away.

It wasn’t unusual for me to read several self-help books a week during that time, and, slowly, I began to see

myself differently. It helped that, at the same time, I was working in a substance-abuse recovery center, and I could see all my character defects playing out as I worked with patients on theirs. It was then I saw how my critical thinking was mirroring the view I had of life and myself—most of which came from my mother, who, I believe now, planted the seeds of my not measuring up and being lesser than, although she did it unknowingly in her attempts to parent me. It didn’t help that she was abusive and I was afraid of her. But I continued to “water” those seeds she scattered for a long time, until I saw them for the weeds they were.

I am so grateful for finding a spiritual path of self recovery that continues to this day. I believe that as long as I’m alive, I’ll have work to do. I recall, about a year after I began this

venture, my son gave me a Murphy’s Law calendar for my desk as a Christmas present. It was so negative I couldn’t use it. But it did affirm my progress.

So now, instead of the negativity, I strive for acceptance of things beyond my ability to change even though they are not to my liking. And of people as they are—it’s not my respon-

sibility to fix or change anyone else. Just me.

The Serenity Prayer and the saying, “You can’t change other people, places or things—only your reaction to them,” have served me well. I try to see good in things and keep a posi-

tive attitude, as I’ve learned that thoughts become things, and I don’t want to attract anything negative. My gratitude list keeps getting longer, and, as result, my cup is not only half full: It’s running over.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

self help

HoHpopee Abandon All

When men of science abandon their role of medical advisor and become pseudo-scientists, predicting future events or outcomes in a patient’s life, I believe they have overstepped their bounds.

Doctor, based on whatever knowledge you have available, tell me what ails me and how you believe you can handle it. If you believe it’s beyond your scope of knowledge, tell me. In fact, if you believe it’s beyond anyone’s scope of knowledge, also tell me, but do not offer a definitive outcome, based on what you believe, unless you have a direct line to the Almighty and he has supplied the words. But even then, I require some proof of that direct line.

See, you wouldn’t be the first who has communicated with a higher power, or at least one who has so claimed, and I’m from New York; we, too, have to be shown. My point is this: Fictional endings have the power to surprise us or offend us or whatever, dependent on the will of the author, but real-life endings or outcomes are unpredictable, despite medical interventions, non-medical machinations or whatever you choose to call unexpected outcomes.

Unexpected by who or whom, to be more correct? Let’s go back to the doctor who has already decided that your problem is without solution and since he has no solution, it is out of his hands and now it’s in your hands and what you do is pretty much up to you. Here’s where the tricky part begins, and it’s no longer just a medical question: It’s a question of how you deal with life in general.

If someone tells you that there is no solution to a problem, do you use some expletive (choose your own, we all have favorites; mine is b------t!) or think about Newton’s apple and set about finding your own or someone else’s solution.

Probably not your own, because you’re not a medical expert, but there’s always Google and off you go!

Those of us who are growing older disgracefully remember when our doctor was the family doctor, who was responsible for our complete body, and who sent us to a Specialist when there was something beyond his sphere of expertise. Not being sexist, but there were very few women doctors then. The Specialist usually sent his findings to the family doctor, who usually told us we were eventually going to be all right. Even if he never actually said those words, we somehow knew we were in good hands and things would be fine or at least okay.

What I’m trying to say is that we never abandoned hope. Probably never even thought about it, never felt hopeless or sad. When our time came, our lives would be over, as determined by a higher power. When I was almost 40, I had breast cancer, with widespread lymph node involvement. After my mastectomy, my doctor told me I was fine and I never found out until 40 years later when my doctor retired, and I was given my medical notes, that he had classified my prognosis as guarded.

I’m one of those persons who believe that it’s not so much what you eat, as what’s eating you, so I’m glad he never told me. I’m glad I believed I was okay, and at 85 I’m too old to die young. When I was young, I lost two friends to breast cancer and I’m still here, although I complain like crazy about how it sucks to be old.

Go figure! I can’t, but I can still get up every day thinking something good might happen. Emily Dickinson said, “Hope is the thing with feathers.” No feathers. Just a ball of fur named Parker, and he has brought me love.

Abandon all hope? Never, never, never.

By Evelyn Levin

Evelyn Levin can be reached at emarderlevin@gmail.com.

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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

self help

A Fear of Getting sick

By Professor Abné Eisenberg This psychological disorder is technically called nosophobia. Millions suffer from it. The number of television commercials that persistently tout various illnesses is capable of creating this phobia in an easily influenced individual. Nosophobes are not stupid or ignorant. They are ordinary people with varying degrees of intelligence. While the condition receives less attention than many other phobias, search engines on the internet turn up millions of websites that address it.

The elderly are more prone to nosophobia than younger generations. This is partly due to the incidence of illness they generally incur in their age group and their end-of-life concerns.

People are afraid of getting sick, because it prevents them from being with friends, relations and other loved ones, keeps them from participating in hobbies, and creates the need for caregivers. It may also precipitate varying degrees of anxiety, frustration and feelings of helplessness.

While most people take sickness in stride, some make it a way of life. They go from doctor to doctor until they find one who provides them with an illness upon which they can dwell. In time, chronic complainers get a reputation among local physicians, who refuse to accept them as patients in deference to their bona fide patients.

Psychologists remind us that to suffer alone is to suffer twice. This should encourage people who fear becoming sick to share their anxiety with empathetic loved ones.

It often serves to diffuse some apprehension.

Having a positive attitude toward sickness can

help produce a complete and speedy recovery, strengthen the immune system and promote an optimistic disposition toward one’s future health.

Nosophobia is curable. Aside from resorting to medication, the best therapeutic approach would be to consult a psychologist who employs cognitive behavioral therapy or systematic desensitization. Another option would be medical hypnosis.

In 1978, Susan Sontag published Illness as a Metaphor, a book that captures the essence of being sick.

Sontag wrote: “Illness is the night side of life, a more onerous citizenship. Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we all prefer to use the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place.”

Professor Eisenberg was born in New York City and now lives in Belleair Bluffs, Fla. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in WWII. His career consisted of teaching various aspects of interpersonal communication for 60 years at leading universities. Send comments on his articles to aeisenberg3@tampabay.rr.com.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

Page 11

future planning

Pre-Need Planning with There are many advantages to arranging your cremation services in advance with National Cremation Society®. With National Cremation Society®, everything is included, and nothing is left to chance. With pre-planning: • You protect your family from having to make such decisions at a difficult time.

• You make your wishes known to your loved ones.

• You make your own decisions about the type of service, merchandise and price.

• You prevent emotional overspending by family members who can only guess what you might have wanted.

• Your funeral or cremation prearrangement moves with you, whether

traveling or relocating.

• You lock in today’s prices for services that may not be needed for many years.

National Cremation Society® offers the Personal Planning Guide. A completed Personal Planning Guide provides a personal plan of action that helps relieve families of many of the decisions that must be made at the time of a loved one’s death.

It also documents additional family information, such as military history, family heritage, estate information, insurance coverage and an inventory of personal property. National Cremation Society® provides this important reference document to all families free of charge.

In order to make an informed decision when you pre-arrange cremation services, a family needs to have answers to the following six questions: • Are merchandise and services guaranteed?

• What price range is affordable?

• What do I want?

• What if I move or travel?

• What are the tax consequences, if any, to funding my arrangements?

• Will this benefit my loved ones and family in the future?

The staff at National Cremation Society® welcomes any questions you have.

They want to be your source of information and help make your decisions as informed, intelligent, rational and caring as possible.

Essentially, cremation pre-planning is a three-step process: (1) Having your plan paid for in advance, (2) Gathering and organizing your documents with the pre-planning guide, and (3) Making a decision about where your cremated remains will be placed.

Why make the pre-arrangements?

If you have ever made cremation arrangements after the death of a loved one, you already know the answer to that question. Funeral planning is difficult and emotionally exhausting while struggling with grief and shock. With the help of National Cremation Society’s® qualified staff, planning in advance gives you the ability to make informed, insightful decisions that will spare your loved ones from this task.

Why pay ahead of time?

Pre-funding protects your family from emotional overspending. There are funding options and payment plans to meet almost any situation. When funding the pre-arrangement, your cremation contract will identify the person selling the contract and the person purchasing the contract. The contract will contain complete descriptions and current prices of merchandise and services that are purchased. And, you lock in today’s prices, avoiding inflation.

What if I prearrange with National Cremation Society® and then move?

That’s fine; your prearrangements will move with you. National Cremation Society® has a growing network of offices to serve your needs. This transferability benefit is included in our cremation plans. If, for any reason, National Cremation Society® can’t perform the service, your money is safe, and your designated beneficiary will receive it. There is no additional charge for this benefit.

Here are some commonly “misguided” thoughts about cremation pre-arrangements: • Who cares what happens to me when I depart? Maybe you don’t care, but your family or loved one will have to. Decisions made by them may be

influenced by grief, not by reasonable thinking, and can result in

emotional over-spending.

• I don’t want to think about it. No one wants to think about his or her own

death. You don’t want to think about a car accident or your home being

destroyed either, but you probably have insurance on your car and home.

• My insurance will take care of it. Insurance does not tell your loved ones

how to plan your cremation services, which crematory to use or how much to spend. Often, the policy is not enough to cover the expenses, and

sometimes the coverage has been canceled or has expired. Cremation

services must be paid before cremation, and insurance assignments are not accepted. Insurance provides dollars only and does not give your

family the information they need when they receive that phone call,

usually in the middle of the night.

• I can’t afford it. With the different payment plans, it may be more

affordable than you think. National Cremation Society® offers payment

plans for every budget.

• My friend, attorney or family will arrange everything. Many decisions

must be made, possibly by someone that you don’t trust or agree with.

• My decisions are noted in my will. Do you even have a will? If so, does someone know where it is? Most wills are not read until after the

cremation has taken place.

• I don’t know what crematory to choose; I may be moving in the future.

Our cremation plans are transferable, allowing your plans to move with you.

• The family knows what I want.

Discussions about death with your

family are rarely taken seriously

and often avoided or put off.

• The government will take care of it; I’m a veteran. The government

will take care of the expenses only

if you are on active duty at time of death.

• Social Security pays for my

funeral. Social Security only pays a

“survivor benefit” of $255.00 if there is an eligible spouse or

dependent child.

National Cremation Society holds seminars monthly. To register for a seminar or for more information, please call National Cremation Society® at (727) 536-0494.

Page 12

Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

around the home

Make Your Home Smell Great This Fall When updating your home each season, most of the emphasis is placed on delighting your sense of sight.

Why not spend some time on your home’s fragrance?

To refresh your home this fall, consider these tips: • Start Fresh • With the cooling weather and new beginnings, autumn is an excellent time of year to do a deep clean, just as many do in spring.

• Clean your refrigerator, pantries and any other areas that contain food, discarding expired items and wiping down surfaces.

• Reduce mold in humid areas of your home with ventilation and dehumidifiers.

• Shampoo rugs and take this opportunity to launder seldom-washed linens, like window treatments, dust ruffles and bedspreads.

• Dust surfaces, such as your bookshelf, coffee table and knick-knacks.

Add Scents Add inviting, festive fall fragrances to your home with classic jar and tumbler candles that evoke the fall experience from the comfort of home—whether it’s a walk among falling leaves, an afternoon picking berries or a sip of warm cider.

For each room, pick a scent and add candles in a variety of sizes to add a festive feel to the room through both sight and scent. For example, five new fall 2015 fragrances from Yankee Candle are perfect for bringing the outside in, such as Autumn in the Park, which evokes the scent of fresh peeled apple with fallen leaves, lemon zest and a hint of pumpkin, or Sugar & Spice, a swirl of cinnamon, buttery vanilla and sugar crystals. For seasonal decorating inspiration, including festive fall ideas for fragrance and home décor, visit www.YankeeCandle.com.

Set to Bake You can use fragrance to entice your family’s taste buds, too. In fall, it’s time to reunite with your oven and slow cooker. Use in-season ingredients and traditional fall herbs and spices to fill your home with delicious and delightful flavors and aromas.

Apple cinnamon crisp and pumpkin pie make for delightful desserts when the weather cools, and warm, inviting stews, soups and chili using autumn’s hearty harvest should include vegetables like squash, fennel and beets and spices like cumin and cardamom.

Out with the old, in with the new: When it comes to scents and flavors, take time to refresh your home in fall with all the best that the season has to offer.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

self help

Giving Thanks for Good Hair Days

A friend called me a few days ago to say that she was feeling lousy. I got to thinking about it, and a sadness swept over me. Not because of the way she was feeling, but because of the fact that all of us (including me) seem compelled to announce to the world only the negative things happening in our lives. We want everyone to know if we aren’t feeling well, if we hate our job (or boss), or if our spouse is getting on our nerves.

Sure, sure—we all have bad hair days, aches and pains, stress, depression, and people or situations that annoy us. But what about the good days? What about the good hair days? Why don’t we make phone calls to our friends announcing, “I feel really great today!”? Why no, “My husband is a good man!” or “Work went really well this week!”?

Even worse than heralding the negative most of the time is the fact that we are trapped in the, “Bad things happen in three’s” proverb. The car breaks down. The water heater leaks. The dog pees on the new carpet. Has anyone ever called with, “You know what they say about good things happening in three’s! Sure enough, today I witnessed a lovely sunrise, had a great breakfast, and made it to work on time!”?

Then there’s the grim, “Death seems to happen in three’s” downer. But consider this: Have you ever heard, following news of a birth, the wonderful pronouncement that, “There’s two more to come!”? We give more room to tragic events than to marvelous happenings, don’t we?

Maybe we need to refocus, especially as Thanksgiving approaches. Even the Bible declares that “each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34), but it also says that God “DAILY loads us with benefits” (Psa. 68:19). Which do you think weighs heavier in the balance? Even from a nonfaith perspective, the evidence is clear: We are blessed more than not, and we have a thousand reasons to be thankful every day.

I’m not talking about the obvious, monumental things, like the way the body heals itself or the fact that the sun doesn’t drop out of the sky. I’m talking about the blessing of a good night’s sleep, of going to the dog park with your precious pooch, of putting the final touches on the ‘66 Mustang you have been restoring, of having an Arby’s coupon just when you need it.

Oh, sure—life sucks. But only for a minute portion of our sojourn here. If you can swing your legs over the side of the bed in the morning and stand to your feet, you need to tap a baton on the dresser top and belt out the ‘Hallelujah Chorus.’ But so few of us do.

This Thanksgiving would be a great time to ditch the “glass half empty/glass half full” view of life. Our glass is always more full than it is empty. Always. There are way more things that go right in any given day than go wrong. There are hundreds more triumphs in life than there are tragedies.

Stick to the negative and the bleak “rule of three’s” if you choose. As for me, I plan to continue a newly established morning routine that goes something like this: Tap. Tap. “Hal-lelu-jah!”

By Jean Mlincek

J e a n Mlincek is a freelance writer who resides in St. P e t e r s b u r g, Fla.

Page 13

Page 14

Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Happenings for a day of games, drinks and water related fun. 8:30 a.m. and a color guard presentation. 5:00 p.m. Free.

Free (registration required).

Largo Central Park is located at 101 Central Park Event location is at 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Peters- Drive, Largo, FL. burg, FL. Fall Florida AutoFest Veterans Day Fall Kite Fly at TI

Thunderbird Resort November 7 & 8

The sky behind the Thunderbird will be filled with red, white and blue kites of all shapes and sizes to honor American veterans. The weekend long show features tricks set to music, precision flying, huge themed kites, a lighted St. Raphael’s Fall Festival night fly (Saturday only) and amateur fliers. Bring your St. Raphael Catholic Church own kite to join the fun or vendors will be on site selling kites and supplies. 10:00 a.m. Free November 6 10700 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL. For more inforThe annual community event includes carnival rides, mation (727) 320-9463. food, games for all ages, bingo, live music, Oktoberfest celebration and a dunking booth. Benefits St. Raphael CathoCommunity Holiday Wreath Demonstration lic School. 12:00 p.m. Free, $1 food/game/ride tickets, Nature Coast Botanical Gardens $25-$60 wristbands.

St. Raphael is located at 1376 Snell Isle Blvd., St. PetersNovember 7 burg, FL. Presented by the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Michaels, the arts and crafts store. The program will feaSt. Jude Fall Festival ture Jeff Miller of Michaels, offering ideas on how to decoSt. Petersburg rate festive holiday wreaths. 10:00 .am. Free.

Nature Coast is located at 1489 Parker Ave., Spring November 6 The school’s annual four day festival brings us a gi- Hill, FL. ant midway, food, entertainment, arts and crafts. 3:00 Florida Bug Jam p.m. Free; $20 daily ride bands, $60 four day ride band.

Pasco County Fairgrounds Festival location at corner of 66th Street N and Ninth Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL. November 7 The 27th annual Florida Bug Jam transforms Dade City Frenchy’s Gumbo Tennis Classic into BugVegas with craft beers, food, live music, new and Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex used parts vendors and more than 800 VW’s on display.

November 6 New this year is Bugs On the Track, a dune style off road More than 300 players compete in matches for men’s, course. 10:00 a.m. $10, $15 two days, $5 parking.

Pasco C. Fairgrounds are located at East Pasco : 36722 women’s, mixed doubles and singles open to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Must be 18+ to participate. 4:00 p.m. State Road 52, Dade City, FL. Price: $55 players.

Art Harvest Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex is located at1000 Edenville Ave. , Clearwater, FL. Highlander Park Celebrity Waiter Night

November 8

Artists compete for prize money and awards in the 52nd annual juried fine art show and sale. More than 200 artists from around the country will be exhibitFormer Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Shelton Quar- ing in 13 categories. 10:00 a.m. Free. les joins with other former and current players to serve up Highlander Park is located at 1920 Pinehurst Road, a four course dinner with wine, a cocktail reception and Dunedin, FL. auctions. Upgrade to premium for a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Signature Series football for celebrity autographs.

Celebration of Veterans Brunch Benefits Shelton Quarles’ IMPACT Foundation. 7:00 p.m.

Largo Community Center Tickets: $300 general; $400 premium.

November 10 Dimmitt Auto. Grp. is located at 3333 Gandy Blvd., Pinellas Park, FL. For more information (937) 474-3660 or The second annual event includes food and entertainment geared as a salute to veterans. 10:00 a.m. Free for www.sheltonquarles.org.

Dimmitt Automotive Group November 6

Tampa Bay Home Show

Tropicana Field November 6 - 8

The largest home show in Florida’s west coast brings the area’s top home improvement experts, along with more than 600 exhibits with everything related to Florida homes, home improvement, home entertainment and landscaping. Also includes live entertainment, dog shows, seminars, demonstrations, giveaways and do-it-yourself ideas from experts. 10:00 a.m. Free.

Tropicana Field is located at 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL . For more information (727) 893-8523 or www.tampabayhomeshows.com.

Weedon Island Clean Up and Sand Bar Concert

Weedon Island Preserve November 7

veterans and one guest.

Sun ‘n Fun November 12 - 15

The collectors car show, swap meet and auction gets a visit from Burt Reynolds along with the Bandit Dream Car and replicas of the Snowman’s rig and Jackie Gleason’s police car. Autographs are free, or skip the line with an express pass for a $25 donation. 8:00 a.m. Tickets: $10, $30 four days.

Sun ‘n Fun is located at 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, FL. For more information (717) 243-7855.

St. Pete’s Got Talent

Jannus Live November 12

Fowler’s Bluff kicks off the local talent at this show with food from area restaurants and a silent auction. Benefits local charities. 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $40.

Jannus Live is located at 200 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL. Ribfest

Vinoy Park November 13 - 15

This music and food fest by the bay will feature classic rock and up-and-coming country singers including, Bret Michaels, Three Dog Night (Nov. 14), America, Ratt’s Stephen Pearcy, Kip Moore (Nov. 15) and many more. And, of course you will enjoy delicious ribs and carnival cuisine like funnel cakes, pretzels and more. 11:00 a.m. Tickets: $16-$20.

Vinoy Park is located at 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL. For more information (727) 528-3828 or www. ribfest.org.

Sponge Docks Seafood Festival

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks November 13 - 15

Don’t miss this outdoor seafood festival featuring fresh local seafood, arts and crafts show, continuous live music, a “best of…” contest, unique retail shops and free festivities for the whole family. Fri., 12:00 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10:00 a.m. Free (food/drink additional).

Festival location is 20 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL. For more information (727) 322-5217 or www.SIKPromotions.com.

Freedom Fest

Lake Como Resort November 13

Veterans parade, motorcycle ride, U.S.O. show, live Largo Comm. Ctr. is located at 400 Alt. Keene Road, bands, food and vendors. Benefits Tampa Crossroads Largo, FL. Athena House. 5:00 p.m. Tickets: $15, free veterans and miliary members.

240th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration Festival location is 20500 Cot Road, Lutz, FL.

Heritage Pines Clubhouse November 10 Brooksville Marine Corps League Detachment 708 will celebrate the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps League. The formal event begins with cocktails at 5 p.m.; ceremony at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. with preset shrimp. Entertainment provided by the Sun Coast Band. 5:00 p.m. Tickets: $40 per person.

Gulfport Food Forest Jamboree

Gulfport Casino November13

Enjoy nutritious refreshments and a cash bar with music by Laura Shepherd, Urban Gypsies, the Food Forest Singers and Hot Tub Club. 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $10, kids free.

Heritage Pines Clubhouse is located at 11524 Scenic Gulfport Casino is located at 5500 Shore Blvd. S., GulfHills Blvd., Hudson, FL. port, FL. Veterans Day Ceremony

Largo Central Park November 11 Donate three hours to cleaning up Weedon Island and get a four hour sand bar party free. Includes free beer, Join the city of Largo as it celebrates Veterans Day food and a ride on the Tampa Bay Fun Boat to a sandbar with a ceremony featuring music, a keynote speaker

Champion of the Year Gala

Renaissance Vinoy Palm Court Ballroom November 13

Feathers, pearls, sequin and fedoras are encouraged for this Roaring ‘20s themed party with dancing, live enter-

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

Page 15

Senior Happenings tainment, cocktails, dinner and an auction, Benefits Best Buddies Tampa Bay for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $175, $300 for two.

Renaissance Vinoy Palm Court Ballroom is located at 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL.

tles in the sand. Master sand sculptors work for hours to build works of art using 150 tons of sand, shovels, carpenter’s levels, cake decoration tools and paint brushes of all sizes. 8:00 a.m. Free.

Bilmar Beach Resort is located at 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL.

2:00 p.m. Tickets: $23-$80; $5 per day for ages 10-16, free for ages 9 and younger.

Sertoma Youth Ranch is located at 85 Myers Road, Brooksville, FL.

Open House Celebration

Plant City Pig Jam

SunMed Primary Care November 14

Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex November 20

City of Pinellas Park December 4

Join us for this open house celbration. As the period of Medicare’s Open Enrollement, Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, this is your opportunity to sign up for additional health care benefits.

Reps will be available as well as vendors for FREE give a ways! Refreshments and snacks, free blood pressure checks and more. 11:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.

SunMed is located at 13701 N. Nebraska Ave., Suite 107, Tampa, FL. For more information (813)374-9266.

Joshua 1:9 Freedom Walk

Al Lopez Park November 14

Walk or Run a 5K to support those in the Middle East and Africa, who are persecuted due to their Christian faith. Participants ill receive a T-Shirt and goody bag.

8:00 a.m. Tickets: $20 Military;$25 Pre-Registration; $30 Day Of. Al Lopez Park is located at 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL. Veteran’s Appreciation Parade

Brooksville City Hall November 14

The line-up starts at 8 a.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall. There is no fee to participate. Call Bryon or Anna Lisa Covell to register. 8:30 a.m.

Parade location is 201 Howell Ave., Brooksville, FL. Marine Corps League Detach. 708 Toys for Tots Golf Tournament

Brooksville Golf and Country Club November 14

Presented by Texas Roadhouse and sponsored by Spring Hill Marine Corps League Detachment 708. The cost includes the tournament, golf cart, gift bags with prizes and a voucher for dinner for two at Texas Roadhouse ($30 value). Registration at 7:00 a.m. Four person teams with shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Cost of participation $75.

Country Club is located at 23446 Links Drive, Brooksville, FL. 5K Color Blast

Lake Park November 14

Wear white and prepare to be turned into a human canvas as you run, walk or skip your way through five color zones. A color dance party with DJ music and giveaways follows. 9:00 a.m. Tickets: $35-$60, $15 ages 6-10, 5 and younger free.

Lake Park is located at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz, FL. Florida Wine Festival

Florida Estates Winery November 14

Browse the vendors for unique gifts for the holidays, enjoy live entertainment, learn how the varieties are crafted at the winery, at pet friendly festival. 11:00 a.m. Free admission, $3.50 tastings.

FL Estates Winery is located at 25241 State Road 52, Land O’Lakes, FL. For more information (813) 996-2113.

Sanding Ovations Sand Sculpting Competition & Music Festival

Bilmar Beach Resort November 20 - 22

This annual competition is more than just making cas-

More than 85 barbecue teams fire up their grills for this state barbecue championship with live music and kids activities. 10:00 a.m. Free (food/drink additional).

Softball Four-Plex is located at 1500 S. Park Road, Plant City, FL. TICA Championship Cat Show

Minnreg Building November 21 & 22

Senior Health & Wellness Expo

Local health care agencies and wellness vendors will be on hand to offer free health screenings as well as to address any questions or concerns that you may have. A healthy lunch will be provided by our Senior Center Volunteers for $3.00; you can’t beat the price! Proceeds benefit the Senior Center Fundraisers. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

City of Pinellas Park is located at 7625 59th Street N., Pinellas Park, FL. For more information (727) 369-5694 or www.pinellas-park.co

The International Cat Association brings judges from across the country for this all breed show with cats in 12 rings, adoptable cats available and vendors selling cat related items. 9:00 a.m. Tickets: $6, $3 children, 5 and younger free.

Minnreg is located at 6340 126th Ave. N., Largo, FL. Bourbon and Brew Festival

Water Works Park November 21

To Your Family from Senior Voice America

Enjoy unlimited sampling of more than 40 bourbon, whiskey and scotch from regular, to ultra premium and rare. Entertainment includes Craig Campbell, Thomas Wynn and the Believers, Southern Train, the Logan Grant Band, HeathLourdes@Seniorvoiceamerica.com er Lucas and DJ Lesage.

The Deadline for the December Issue is November 15th 5:00 p.m. Tickets: $40$65, $85-$125 VIP. Water Works Park is located at 1710 N. Highland Ave., Tampa, FL.

Email Your Senior Happening to:

Free Thanksgiving Meal

Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission November 26

Hungry needy people are welcome to eat a free Thanksgiving meal. In turn, volunteers with an open heart are needed to serve the meal or visit with the needy. 1:00 p.m. Free.

Suncoast Haven is located at1763 Ninth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL. Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival

Sertoma Youth Ranch November 26 - 28

Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner on the grounds while listening to music of the Darrell Webb Band, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Breaking Grass, Little Roy & Lizzie, Flatt Lonesome, Goldwing Express, Steve Gulley and New Pinnacle, and more during this annual festival that features music, family entertainment and more.

Page 16

Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

travel

Hotel Tips and Tricks to Stay Healthy on the Road

Frequent travelers can be all too familiar

with the challenges of staying both healthy and productive— countless distractions, fast-food joints on every corner and difficulty sleeping in unfamiliar places and beds can make staying on track a challenge.

Dr. Bonnie Sanchez, ABPM

Dr. Narmo Ortiz, FACFAS, CWS

However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be such a daunting task, according to ex-

STOP YOUR FOOT PAIN!

perts.

“For frequent travelers and business

FOOT PAIN RELIEF WITH A GENTLE TOUCH BY BOARD CERTIFIED FOOT SPECIALIST!

travelers, being on the road is a lifestyle,

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.

so finding ways to be healthy and pro-

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

ductive is essential,” said Marcey Rader, lifestyle trainer and Extended Stay Savve Traveler. “The key is to recognize your poor habits, find out what works for you, and then develop a routine around them.”

From her years on the road with a corporate position, Rader developed a series of hotel hacks that

can assist frequent travelers and mobile professionals wishing to travel productively while also maintaining high health standards. Along with Extended Stay America, Rader is offering some hotel tips and tricks:

• Prioritize sleep: When you’re dealing with different beds, sounds and schedules, it’s almost

guaranteed that your sleep routine will be disrupted. Sleep soundly with a fan, a recording or even an app that creates white noise to eliminate distractions and calm your mind and body.

• Give blue rays the boot: 95 percent of people who don’t get a good night’s sleep say they use a phone or laptop within one hour of bed. Studies have shown that the

blue rays emitted by phones and computer screens disrupt and suppress the

body’s production of melatonin, a hormone crucial to sleep. Give your brain time to wind down before bed; you’ll sleep better and feel rejuvenated in the morning.

• Stand up and work: You may have heard that “sitting is the new smoking.”

Constant sitting is linked to an overwhelming number of negative health effects and drastically decreased productivity. Luckily, there’s a simple solution— standing. You can easily convert any space into a standing desk. Opt for a hotel with a kitchen and use the counters to get work done, or stack books and binders on a table for an elevated workspace.

• Don’t eat like you’re on vacation: The biggest mistake business travelers make

is eating like they’re on vacation. Extended Stay recently conducted a survey of

their travelers and found that the average weight gain while on the road is close

to 3 pounds. With frequent travel for business, that starts to add up drastically.

Staying at a hotel with a fully equipped kitchen can help maintain nutritious hab

its. Stock the fridge with vegetable trays to snack on throughout the day, and grab

hard-boiled eggs for a breakfast item.

• OHIO (Only Handle It Once): Do you go out to your mailbox, open the letters, put

them back in the mailbox, go back in your house and repeat the process several times a day? Of course you don’t. Then stop doing that with your email inbox. In stantly increase productivity by deleting, archiving and sorting emails the first time you read them.

• Seek

smart

accommodations:

An

extended-stay-style hotel offers amenities that can help travelers optimize productiv- ity and prioritize health. To learn more travel

tips,

visit

www.ExtendedStay

America.com.

Stop making excuses. For happier, healthier,

more successful traveling, recognize your unproductive habits and fix them.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

Page 17

around the home

Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Holidays Food Hazards, Stress and More

The hectic holiday season is just around the corner, and these are times when we go overboard with food preparation, gatherings, and travel, and have our homes full of objects that are not part of our everyday life, such as extra decorations, candles and gift packages. These are times when all of us should take extra precautions with our family pets, as they could ingest toxic foods or go through unnecessary stress due to overwhelming circumstances.

First of all, think before you leave tempting food where your pet may reach it. Be conscious that a leftover turkey leg or Halloween candy bar could be harmful and even have deadly consequences for a companion animal. It is a good idea to feed your pet before any gathering to avoid them begging for a bite or stealing it from a serving tray. It is also a good idea to inform your guests of the house rules regarding your pet, such as not feeding him scraps from the table. Also, if your guests smoke, be extra vigilant, and keep nicotine and alcohol out of your pet’s reach. These can be highly toxic or deadly!

Below are some foods that can be harmful to your pet on holidays and year-round: • Rich, fatty foods, such as turkey skins or gravy, can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of a digestive gland. Limit table scraps and let your guests know as well.

• Any kind of bone can tear or obstruct your pet’s intestinal tract. Make certain all bones are disposed of properly, especially poultry bones.

• Be careful of the string often used to tie the turkey during roasting, as strings can tie up your pet’s insides, too.

• Found in abundance in turkey stuffing, onions are toxic and can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Foods containing high amounts of onion powder should also be avoided.

• Grapes and raisins are beautiful to look at but harmful to pets. Grapes especially contain toxins that can cause kidney failure.

• Candy can be deadly. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can be toxic to pets. Dark, semi-sweet or Baker’s chocolate can be lethal to pets if ingested.

• Coffee is also dangerous to animals. Watch out for grounds and whole beans.

• Nicotine is a stimulant that can increase the heart rate leading to collapse, and in the worst case, even death.

• Alcoholic beverages should be kept away from animals year-round.

• Keep all leftover food out of reach in a closed container. Any garbage can contain toxins such as e-coli that can affect your pet’s organs. This includes leftover tinfoil that, when chewed, can obstruct your pet’s intestinal tract.

By Lourdes M. Sáenz, Creative Director

Safe Ways to Celebrate Make the holidays special for your pet. Provide them some extra love and attention to let them know they’re not forgotten during busy holiday times. Take your puppy on an extra walk to give both of you a break from the busy activities. It will bring needed exercise and relaxation. Think of giving your pets something nice and new, like a bed, scratching post, mirrors or toys in the cage so they can enjoy the season as well.

Stress Holidays can bring stress to all of us, and pets are no exception. When routines are disrupted, there are more visitors in the home and new activities occur, your pet may be the first to notice. Follow these tips to make the holidays and other events more relaxing for everyone, including your companion animals.

Animals can get stressed with the hustle and bustle of holiday guests or even trick-or-treaters. Therefore, it’s best to keep your pets indoors and provide them with a safe, quiet, escape-proof room where they can get away from the energy and excitement. Remember to provide plenty of food and water, and let your pet catch up on some Zs! During the festive season ahead, as holiday visitors come and go, there will be many escape opportunities for your pets. Make sure that your pets always wear current identification tags, and consider having your pets micro-chipped if you haven’t already. And remember to watch the door!

Always keep your veterinarian’s number handy, along with the number of the animal poison control center, in case of emergency. Let us all enjoy these festive times with a smile, a wag of a tail or a chirping song.

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opinion

If I Seem Mean, Here’s Why A nd, no, we’re not like this all of the time.

There is a general stereotype of senior citizens in this country wherein they are commonly described as either mean, cantankerous, grumpy, crotchety, irritable, impatient, sour, aloof or acerbic. There are reasons for this, most of which are caused by changing physical conditions. Allow me to explain.

As youngsters, it wasn’t uncommon for us to run around and bump into things, thereby causing a cut or scrape, but as we get older, we seem to develop a magnetic attraction for bumping into things or stubbing our toes, resulting in massive bruises the size of Peru. This is probably due to the blood thinners doctors prescribe to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

We also tend to suffer from a litany of body aches in our muscles and skeleton. It is not uncommon for lower back pain to develop or arthritis to take its toll on us, causing us to make an Advil milkshake after working in the yard. Want to really scare a senior? Just sneak up behind them and shout, “Shingles!” Weight also plays a role in our pains, as we find it difficult to shed the pounds like we could in our youth. As a standard rule, if you cannot fit into a seat on an airplane, maybe its time to cut out the country-fried steak and gravy.

While we’re on it, isn’t it amazing the plethora of pills doctors prescribe for seniors? Some people are required to take handfuls of pills just to make it through the day. After a while, you start to think of yourself as a walking chemistry experiment. No, seniors do not want to do as the drug commercials suggest and “ask a doctor.” I am particularly fascinated by how elders have embraced “sexual enhancement” drugs like Viagra and Cialis. Prior to their introduction, I never realized there was even a problem. I guess you would be mean, too, if you couldn’t “perform,” not to mention the feelings of your female partner.

It is not uncommon to develop hearing problems, due in large part to the head-banging loud music we listened to in our youth (thanks Led Zeppelin). We then start to wear hearing aids, which we try to cleverly hide behind our hair or under a hat. Without them, we smile a lot, nod our heads, and pretend to know what people are saying around us.

In terms of eyesight, we may have had Lasik surgery to overcome cataracts and astigmatism, but we still find it difficult to read small fonts, particularly when working crossword puzzles. Cheater eyeglasses are helpful to avoid squinting, but you always keep a magnifying glass within reach.

Hair is important to both sexes. For men, as we start to lose it on our heads, it starts growing where it is not supposed to, such as ears, eyebrows, noses, and, yes, elsewhere.

Women become very concerned with the color of their hair. Some have noticed people treat them differently based on their hair color. A gray- or silver-haired woman is treated differently by the public than if she were a blonde, brunette or redhead. Not surprising then that women develop strong attachments to their beauticians.

Then there is the matter of peeing. In our younger days, we could sleep through the night regardless of the amount of beer or wine we drank. Not anymore. Now it is common to get up once, twice, even three times at night to relieve ourselves. Of course, it doesn’t help when we continue to get a drink of water or juice in the middle of the night. Some people are gluttons for punishment. Sleep deprivation obviously affects our mood.

These physical nuances play on the nerves of older people, but there are other elements which affect our temperaments. For example:

We begin to notice we are becoming forgetful. Suddenly the names of old friends are hard to remember, as are the titles of books, movies and music. House and car keys seem to mysteriously disappear and are found in unlikely places, such as the bathroom, a sock drawer, refrigerator, between the cracks in a sofa, or even worse, the ignition of a car. It is not uncommon for people to become unglued when they cannot find their keys, their wallet or their purse.

As you get older, you sense you are being taken for granted and, even worse, being targeted for various scams by robo-callers from Asia and Africa. “No, my computer is just fine,” I tell them, and, “No, I do not want to give you my social security number or bank account number so you can deposit a bazillion dollars into it. Get lost!”

These scams are very disturbing as smooth-talking con artists find a way to prey on the innocent. Even when you demand they take you off of their calling list, they do not.

Want a fun way to get rid of such parasites? Use a foreign accent; the stranger the better. I like to use a heavy Swedish accent when I talk to such huckleberries. When I get such a call, I put down the phone and start speaking loudly. “Ya Ma, de man on de phone here says ve have a problem with our computer; that it has a bug and is infected, Ya. Jumpin Jiminy what are ve going to do? Ya Ma, you’re a right. Here, you hold the computer and I’ll spray it with de bug juice. Wow, dat was a close one.” By the time I return to the phone, the caller is long gone.

Finally, seniors suffer with the anxiety of change. Even the slightest thing seems to set them off, particularly if you alter the time they eat dinner. They believe they have a sense of humor, but do not comprehend the humor, music, fashion or movies of the day, considering all of it vulgar. Technology often pushes them over the edge. It’s a bit disconcerting for them to rely on their three-year-old grandchildren to program the TV set or show them how to use smart phones. Keep in mind, as we grow older, we become more set in our ways; we know what works and what doesn’t, and any departure from this, large or small, throws us for a loop.

The next time you find a senior is a little mean or cantankerous, you now know what is causing them to act as such. Their only solace is knowing the next generation will have to follow in their footsteps and face the same problems. Misery loves company.

By Tim Bryce

Tim Bryce is a freelance writer and management consultant in the Tampa Bay Area. He blogs at timbryce.com and resides in Palm Harbor, Fla.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

in the community

Fall Fashion Show

Mark your calendars for the City of Pinellas Park’s 2015 Fall Fashion Show, “Fashions for Today,” on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 11:00 a.m.! The Show will be featuring models from the Senior Center in ensembles from Christopher & Banks of Tyrone Mall. Stick around for the luncheon and drawings for door prizes after the show!

“The 2015 Fall Fashion Show & Luncheon is sponsored by Greystone Health Network, Grand Villa of Pinellas Park, and Gulf Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. The Show will take place at the Pinellas Park Senior Center, located at 7625 59th St. N., Pinellas Park, FL 33781. Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the door. Contact Kristyn Sabbag at (727) 369-5694 or ksabbag@pinellas-park.com for more information.

Free Health Screening

Mark your calendars! On Friday, Dec. 4 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., local health-care agencies and wellness vendors will be on hand at Pinellas Park Senior Center to offer free health screenings as well as address any questions or concerns that you may have. A healthy lunch will also be provided by our Senior Center Volunteers for only $3.00. You don’t want to miss it! Proceeds benefit the Senior Center Fundraisers. Pinellas Park Senior Center is located at 7625 59th St. N., Pinellas Park, FL 33781. For more information, contact Kristyn Sabbag at (727) 369-5694 or ksabbag@pinellas-park.com.

Look Ahead: 2016 Polk Senior Games The 24th Annual Polk Senior Games are scheduled for February 27 – March 14, 2016 and offer a two-week series of 99 athletic and recreational Olympic-style events.

They attract over 2,500 men and women, 50 and over, with a variety of skills - the serious competitor, the fun at heart, the seasoned athlete, the late bloomer, and the physically challenged. The purpose of the Games is to promote friendly competition, fellowship, health and wellness, an active lifestyle, and volunteerism.

Competition, held at various locations throughout Polk County, is offered in Archery, Badminton, Bag Toss, Basketball Shooting, Basketball 3 on 3, Billiards, Bocce, Bowling, Bridge, Checkers, Chess, Cribbage, Ballroom and Social Dancing, Square Dancing, Darts, Euchre, Field Events, Fishing, Fly Casting, Golf 18 Hole Singles and Mixed Doubles and Putt & Chip, Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling, Pepper, Pickleball, Punt Pass Kick, Racquetball, Road Race 5K, Scrabble, Senior Smarts, Shooting – Rifle, Skeet, Sporting Clays and Trap, Shuffleboard, Softball, Sudoku, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track, and Walking. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each event and age division.

Registration begins the first week of January. The individual entry fee is $10 for the first event and $3 for each additional event up to a maximum of $28. Fees for team sports are $125 for Softball, $50 for Basketball 3 on 3, and $50 for Square Dancing.

There are also facility fees for some events. Everyone receives a T-shirt specially designed by artist Chryssie Tavrides. A free Closing Celebration at The Lakeland Center for participants, family and friends includes goody bags, health fair, entertainment, special awards, and door prizes.

Polk Senior Games was founded in 1992 by Nancye Thornberry of Lakeland who was inspired by her 70-year old brother competing at the National Senior Games in Syracuse, NY. With the support of the Polk County community, the Games began in 1992 with 777 entrants. Polk Senior Games has grown to be one of the largest senior games in the country with over 2,500 participants in 2015.

Polk Senior Games is a non-profit, 501(c) (3), organization managed by a Executive Director Deena Wilbur and a volunteer Board of Directors. The Games are presented annually in cooperation with parks and recreation departments, sports and civic organizations and over 700 volunteers.

Polk Senior Games is sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation to qualify participants for advancement to the annual Florida Senior Games, which leads to the biannual National Senior Games.

To request an entry booklet to be mailed in January or for more information about participation, volunteering or sponsorships, contact Deena Wilbur at 863-533-0055 or polkseniorgames@verizon.net or check out the website at www.polkseniorgames.org.

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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

warning

Beware of Scammers

By Lourdes M. Sáenz, Creative Director

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No matter how many times we hear of alerts and warnings about the criminal scams that may be lurking around the corner via a phone call, e-mail or social media network, there are always risks of falling victim if we are not careful. It is not safe just to be informed and on guard; in the case of a surprise phone call, one may become disoriented and lose control of the situation at hand.

I was confronted with such an unpleasant experience just a few days ago, and, since then, I have been upset at my own weakness at the time of the incident. Fortunately, I did not fall victim to the financial loses that many suffer at the hands of a variety of phone scammers, but it is still frustrating to have gone through such a hard and stressful few minutes before realizing what was going on. In my case, the phone call came in around 9:15 a.m. On the other end, an individual with a heavy accent identified himself with a name, ID number and position of Sr. Officer of the IRS, proceeding to tell me that I was facing serious allegations of tax-overpayment fraud, unanswered correspondence and ignored phone calls regarding my case and that, by now, it was already out of the hands of the IRS and was in the court system. The threat continued with the allegation that there was already a warrant for my arrest, and that if I did not agree to handle the matter immediately, an officer from the sheriff’s department would be at my doorstep within the hour. Furthermore, my accounts would be frozen and my driver’s license would be suspended.

Needless to say, by this time, my brain went into stress mode, and I began to argue my own case, even though I was sure I had never had any tax problems and had never received correspondence or calls from any past-year tax filings. I was totally avoiding the mental note of the reality that this could be a fake call scam. This moment of uncertainty and panic is what these criminals prey on, and, usually, if the individual is not educated or fluent enough in the language, has immigrant status and is in fear of losing their residency status, is elderly or just plain confused (as in my own case), just a few minutes is all these criminals need to get access to easy money.

These well-established schemes could include a group working together, as well as creation of fake phone numbers that include area codes from Washington, D.C., to seem close to the IRS location. They may use “spoofing” software that lets them falsely display the name and phone number of a government office or utility company on the victim’s Caller ID. The phone calls or phone messages left might be stating that money is owed to the IRS for past tax years, that loans have not been repaid, that there is a warrant from local law enforcement for missing court dates, or that past-due bills from utility companies have become large enough that the case is in the court system. In all instances, the victim is threatened that if he or she doesn’t take care of this financial debt within the hour, he or she will be arrested and face serious consequences. The conversation can be very forceful and aggressive, to the point of blinding common sense and forcing the person to fall victim and face financial loss.

Going back to my own experience, I was transferred to what was explained as another department with yet another male speaking in a heavy accent. He gave his name and ID and told me that I would have to make a decision right then about how to take care of the situation. I was still making my own case in my defense, that I had never been audited, that I never received correspondence, etc. Finally, he told me that I would have to call him on my cell phone as well as keeping the home phone call active. He advised me not to talk to anyone else in the home, asked if I could pay the entire amount due, which was $2,400, and, when I told him I did not have all of it, he inquired after the balance of my checking and savings account. By this time, I began to realize what was happening and gave him minimal amount balances, but he said I could start with a payment of $400. I was instructed to leave my house with the cell phone and home phone both still on, to withdraw cash from the closest ATM and then make a payment with a money-gram following his instructions.

Now I was convinced this was a scam, and I also heard the comments from family members near me convincing me of the same, so I replied to the man that I would not do any of the things he was ordering and I would much rather talk to my attorney if needed. By this time, scam artists become very forceful, angry and threatening, so it is best to end the call as well as avoid picking up on repeat calls as they try their best to finish off their victims. Immediately, I called the local sheriff’s office and gave notice of the scam call, but they told me it was already a well-known fact and that there was nothing more to do, unless I had lost money and wanted to file a report. Thankfully, I had no financial losses, but felt victimized and ridiculous about my own mental weakness.

Many are not as lucky, and these scams rob them not only of their hard-earned savings but also their peace of mind and dignity. While writing about my experience, I found out about recent cases where victims had lost money to a scam call claiming to be from the Hillsborough County sheriff’s office, stating that the person had not replied to a grand jury summons and had to pay $5,000, which the person paid. Another recent case victimized someone in my own neighborhood when he received a call from the local county utilities department letting him know that he owned significant months of unpaid electricity. Even though he argued that he always paid on time, they convinced him that the account was overdue and threatened to make him send a payout via money-gram. In this case, the threats continued as other calls followed to let him know that other payments were due. When he refused and said that he had filed a complaint with the police, he was threatened with bodily harm for him and his entire family, which is even a more terrifying experiencing than being robbed.

In general, being informed is the best defense, but as per my own recent experience, it takes self assurance, mental alertness and quick thinking to stay ahead of such aggressive criminals. The IRS issues several warnings and helpful hints to prevent falling victim Continues on Next Page

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

such fraudulent activities. Here are a few to take note of: • The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.

• The IRS will never demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.

• The IRS will never threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying, not will they require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.

• Remember, too, the IRS does not use e-mail, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issues involving bills or refunds.

• Local sheriff depart- ments or police will never call you to tell you they are going to arrest you. If there is an arrest warrant with your IF YOU name on it, they’ll just come and arrest you.

• Remember that most utilities will mail at least one, if not several, past-due notices before termi- nating service. If you get a cancellation notification (especial- ly by phone), always verify it by dialing the customer service number on your utility bill. Don’t give any information to the caller.

HAVE

It is also a good idea to beware of offers for freebies or riches that are too good to be true. Don’t fall for threatening calls before completely checking the background sources. To prevent identity theft, never give out your personal information or share bank account or credit card information. The more we prepare ourselves, the better we will react to any similar situation in future.

There will surely be other scams in the future, but the most important things to remember are to be safe, act carefully, and think about consequences. Most of our personal information can be easily transferred and dispersed electronically and through social media, so common sense is best.

If you have been targeted by a similar IRS scam call, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, TIGTA, at (800)366-4484 or at www. tigta.gov. You may also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov.

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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

in your home

Four Reasons to Keep Up with Home Maintenance After a busy work week, it can be hard to get motivated to complete chores and tasks around the house. Knowing what tasks to do and when to do them may not come intuitively for everyone.

But neglecting home maintenance is a mistake, say experts.

“Regular home maintenance can benefit your family’s health, safety and pocketbook,” says Elizabeth Dodson, Co-Founder of HomeZada, a digital hub to store pertinent information about your home. “Consider creating a home maintenance schedule to stay organized and motivated.”

With this in mind, here are several examples of how to maintain your home and why it’s important:

Avoiding Replacements •

•

Mineral deposit build-up in your refrigerator’s ice maker can eventually cause a leak that could damage the refrigerator and its contents. Annually clean water lines to prevent theneed for a major appliance replacement.

Lubricate your garage door for smooth operation and to delay the need for parts replacement.

Improving Safety •

•

•

Lint build-up in dryer ducts is flammable and a common cause of house fires. An annual cleaning eliminates this dangerous situation. You should also regularly clean your dryer’s lint filter after every couple of loads. Likewise, you can prevent fires with checks on electrical and gas equipment and fireplaces.

Maintain the air quality of your home by replacing or cleaning the filters on your home’s heating system quarterly, or as needed.

A regular schedule of battery replacement in your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors could be life-saving.

Reducing Utility Bills •

• •

Periodically ensuring that your home is properly sealed and insulated can lower utility bills.

Use weatherstripping to close gaps around windows and doors.

On an annual basis, inspect heating and cooling equipment to ensure it’s running optimally.

Ensure your fireplace damper closes and opens properly. When your fire place is not in use, keep the damper closed to maximize your climate-controlled environment.

Improving Value A house in worn condition can lose 10 percent of its previous appraised value, whereas proactive maintenance can increase the appraised value each year by one percent, according to the National Assoc. of Realtors.

And you don’t have to invest a ton to improve your home’s value. Plenty of projects offer great returns on investment. This becomes especially important if your home is on the market. From replacing elements of your home’s exterior to updating your kitchen, your realtor can offer suggestions for updates that can help you sell.

Consider new tools to help you track home improvement projects in one place. For example, by signing up for HomeZada, you will automatically receive comprehensive home maintenance checklists, as well as automated alerts and reminders when it’s time to complete a task, so you never miss anything important.

Additionally, the site provides how-to videos and other free resources for do-it-yourselfers. For more information, visit www.HomeZada.com.

Don’t let key maintenance tasks fall by the wayside. Let new tools help you keep your home safe and up-to-date.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

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Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

Entertainment The South Pasadena Community Band concert

Treasure Island Community Center November 4

The band invites you to join us as we salute our Nation with a program entitled “America, The Beautiful”. Music will include: The Good Old USA; This Is My Country; America, the Beautiful; Battle Hymn of the Republic and more. The South Pasadena Community Band is composed of 40+ excellent volunteer musicians. 9:00 p.m.

Treasure Island C. Ctr. is located at 1 Park Place, 106th Ave., Treasure Island, FL. PNC Bank Concert Artist Series: Haig Mardirosian

University of Tampa Sykes Chapel November 6

This year’s series includes performances by organist Eric Plutz with The Tampa Brass, The Svyati Duo, comprised of cellist Rebecca Hepplewhite and organist Julian Collings and many more. 12:00 p.m. Free.

University of Tampa Sykes Chapel is located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL. Riverhawk Music Festival

Sertoma Youth Ranch November 5 - 8

The four-day music festival features more than 25 nationally touring bands playing on four stages, including Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Show, the Grand Slambovians, Chris Knight Band, Mamajawali, Laurie Lewis n’ Kathy Kallick Band, Brothers Comotose, Claire Lynch Band, Sarah Harris & the Trinity River Band, Rev. Peyton and his Big Damn Band and many more. Camping available. Nov. 5, from 6:00 p.m., Nov. 6 - 8, 11:00 a.m. Tickets:$20-$135 for full weekend with camping.

Sertoma is located at 85 Myers Road, Brooksville, FL. For more information (863) 984-8445 or www.riverhawkmusic.com.

West Side Story

Largo Cultural Center November 6 - 8, 12 - 15

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. Winner of three Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, and ten Academy Awards, West Side Story boasts one of the most memorable scores ever written for the stage, with songs such as “Tonight,” “Maria,” “America,” and “I Feel Pretty.” 8:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets: $26.50, $12.50 Students (22 & under), $24 Group (10 or more) plus applicable service fee.

Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Dr., Largo, FL . For more information www.eightoclocktheatre.com.

A Concert for Veterans

Carrollwood Cultural Center November 8

The Carrollwood Winds, under the direction of Joshua Hobbs, perform to celebrate and thank veterans. 4:00 p.m. Free, request tickets early as space is limited.

Carrollwood Cultural Ctr. is located at 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, FL. Tampa Bay Symphony: Silk Road Stories

St. Petersburg College Arts Auditorium November 8

The fall concerts, under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Mark Sforzini, will feature guest soloists Susan Hellman Spatafora and Samuel Hall, who will sing arias from Madama Butterfly. Other works on the program include Rimsky-Korasov’s Scheherazade, and Beethoven. 4:00 p.m. Tickets: $20, free for students with valid I.D. if 18 or older.

St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus Arts Auditorium is located at 2465 Drew St., Clearwater, FL. Sarasota Opera: La Boheme

Sarasota Opera House November 10

In Giacomo Puccini’s classic, follow two lovers through Paris’ Latin Quarter and celebrate Christmas Eve at the Cafe Momus. This presentation is recommended for newcomers to opera. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$125.

Sarasota Opera House is located at 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Mahaffey Theater November 10

Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis will direct and coproduce with MagicSpace Entertainment. The show features classic Christmas hits and multimedia effects. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45.50-$77.50.

Newsies

Straz Center - Carol Morsani Hall November 10 - 15

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines … direct from Broadway comes Newsies, the smashhit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Score and Best Choreography, Newsies has audiences and critics alike calling it “a musical worth singing about!” (The New York Times).

Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss. Now is the time to seize the day with Newsies, playing at the Straz Center in Tampa. Tickets: $35 $105. For performance times go to www.strazcenter.org.

St. Petersburg Opera

Music Gallery of Clearwater November 12

You are invited to Evenings/Mornings With the Maestro: What’s the Fach? Exploring Singer Types. St. Petersburg Opera artistic director Mark Sforzini leads a program to enhance your understanding of opera and preview shows. Programs are Thursday nights at the Music Gallery of Clearwater and Friday mornings at 11 a.m. at St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts. 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $20, $15-$17 seniors/students.

The Music Gallery is located at 5990 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, FL. Sarasota Opera: La Boheme

Sarasota Opera House November 12

Back By Popular Demand! CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the 2015 holiday season with its critically acclaimed holiday extravaganza. This circus-like holiday stage spectacular features ornaments, costumes and acrobatics that come alive celebrating holiday themes, music and traditions for the entire family. With over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists from every corner of the globe, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is the greatest variety show on the planet! 7:30 p.m. Lakeland Ctr. 8:00 p.m. Van Wezel. Tickets Lakeland Ctr: $25 - $70. Tickets Van Wezel: $35 - $65.

Saluting our Veterans

Largo Cultural Center November 24

Largo Cultural Center presents: Suncoast Singers of Florida, 36th Anniversary Season, SPIRIT OF AMERICA. 7:00 p.m.

Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL. For more information (727) 581-6793 or www.suncoastsingersfl.com Zac Brown Band

MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre November 13

Before their return to Tampa, the Georgia countryrockers will appear on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and release a new album, Jekyll + Hyde, which features an appearance from Sara Bareilles and a cover of a Jason Isbell song. 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $32.50-$82.50.

TFO Masterworks: Brahms’ Violin Concerto

Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center November 13

Program includes, Medea’s Meditation and Dance of Vengeance by Samuel Barber, Brahms Violin Concerto and Elgar’s Enigma Variation. 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $15$45.

Chaka Khan

Mahaffey Theater November 13

The “I’m Every Woman” singer brings her funk foundation style and Grammy award-winning performance to the Mahaffey. 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $42.50-$75.50.

Deana Carter

Ruth Eckerd Hall-Murray Studio November 13

The daughter of famed guitarist, Fred Carter, Jr. grew up exposed to a variety of musicians her father worked with including, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. Their influence eventually seeped into her own country-pop style.

8:00 p.m. Tickets: $30.

TFO Coffee Concert Series: Bohemian Dances

Mahaffey Theater November 19

In Giacomo Puccini’s classic, follow two lovers through Paris’ Latin Quarter and celebrate Christmas Eve at the Cafe Momus. This presentation is recommended for newcomers to opera. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$125.

Sarasota Opera is located at 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL.

There’s complimentary coffee and doughnuts served before these morning performances, with a pre-concert conversation one hour before each show. With Stuart Malina conducting, the concert features Janacek’s Lachian Dances, Gluck’s Dance of the Blessed Spirits, Smetana’s Three Dances from The Bartered Bride and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. 11:00 a.m. Tickets: $24-$42.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Best of Gilbert and Sullivan

Lakeland Center November 13 Van Wezel Perf. Arts Hall November 14

Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum November 20

The Gilbert and Sullivan players present a selection of favorite songs and scenes from the duo’s comic operas.

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

Page 25

Entertainment Tickets: $18, $15 members and students.

Through Sunday. 7:30 p.m.

Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum is located at 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs, FL. TFO Pops: Curtis Stigers Celebrates Sinatra

Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center November 20

It’s a 100th birthday celebration of Frank Sinatra with such beloved hits as Come Fly with Me, The Best is Yet to Come, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Fly Me to the Moon and I’ve Got the World on a String, among others. 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $15-$45.

The Songs of Life

West Coast Players Theatre November 20

A concert of Broadway songs about the journey of life. 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $19, $15 students, $17 each groups of 10 or more.

W. Coast Players Theatre is located at 21905 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater, FL. Wizards of Winter

Capitol Theatre November 20

The Yuletide progressive metal ensemble featuring former members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents a holiday themed concert. 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $34.50-$49.50.

Met. Opera Live & Encore in HD: Lulu

Stadium 16 November 21

The MET Live series features Alban Berg’s Lulu. Also being shown at Hyde Park Cinebistro in Tampa, Woodland Square 20 in Oldsmar, Citrus Stadium 20 in Tampa, Roayal Palm 20 in Bradenton, Regency 20 in Brandon and Grove 16 in Wesley Chapel. 12:30 p.m. Tickets: $24, $22 seniors, $18 students, $16 children (live); $18 (encore).

Park Place Stadium 16 is located at 7200 U.S. 19 N., Pinellas Park, FL. Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2015

Van Wezel Perf. Arts Hall November 27

Ruth Eckerd Hall November 29

A cherished Sarasota holiday tradition, multi-Grammy nominee and saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz returns with three friends: the irrepressible Jonathan Butler, who has earned accolades in the R&B, contemporary jazz and gospel fields; Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer, who performed the smash pop single “Lily Was Here”; the legendary Bill Medley, who cofounded The Righteous Brothers with Bobby Hatfield. “By all rights, smooth jazz should own the holiday season, and saxophonist Dave Koz is better positioned than anyone to make it so,” said The New York Times. Van Wezel: 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $55 - $70. Ruth Eckerd Hall: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35 - $200.

Mamma Mia!

Lakeland Center November 30

Over 50 million people around the world have fallen in love with characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show!

Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek Island paradise.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives! 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45 - $50. Enjoy delicious and convenient PreShow Dining with The Lakeland Center’s Center Stage Buffet! $17.95 per person.

Holiday Concert: With Clarion Voice

First United Methodist Church November 29

Key Chorale, Sarasota’s Symphonic Chorus presents: Holiday Concert. Join Key Chorale as we kick off the holiday season with music of Monteverdi, Gabrieli, Praetorius, and Schütz. Brass, choir and strings perform compositions from the Renaissance to early Baroque including selections from Monteverdi’s Vespers of

1610. 4:00 p.m. Tickets $35.

The First United Meth. Church is located at 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL. Kenny G

Ruth Eckerd Hall December 1

The curly haired, Grammy Award winning saxophonist delivers sweet jazz with a hint of romance. Kenny G has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business during his legendary career, ranging from Michael Bolton to Weezer to Whitney Houston as well as pop superstar Katy Perry on her single Last Friday Night and he continues to play to sold-out houses both here and abroad. In January, Kenny G released his fourteenth studio album Brazilian Nights via Concord Records. The 10-song set, Kenny’s tribute to the ‘masters’ of Bossa Nova, is a mixture of classics and Kenny G originals. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $53.50 - *$150. *$150 Dinner Package includes a premium seat, pre-show dinner and a voucher for free valet parking. Valet service begins 15 minutes before pre-show dinner doors open. Artist does not appear at Dinner. C Clint Black

Capitol Theatre December 2

The five-time Academy of Country Music winner does a lot more than Killin’ Time, having written, recorded and released more than 100 songs. Clint has long been heralded as one of country music’s brightest stars. This five-time Academy of Country Music winner (1989’s Album of the Year for the triple platinum Killin’ Time, Top Male Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist, Song of the Year for A Better Man; 1999 Vocal Event of the Year with Lisa Hartman-Black for When I Said I Do) has written, recorded and released more than 100 songs, a benchmark in any artist’s career. CMT lists Killin’ Time as one of the 100 Greatest Albums in country music. The overall number of awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surpasses the number of his hit records, while he has performed for a staggering number of dedicated music fans in concerts through the years. 8:00 p.m.

Tickets: $55-$85.

VENUE ADDRESSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION FL Studio Theatre 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 366-9000 www.floridastudiotheatre.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 The Straz Center — 1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602.

Telephone: (813) 229-7827. www.strazcenter.org Amelie Arena 401 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602.

Telephone: (813) 301-6500. www.ameliearena.com American Stage Theatre 163 3rd Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Telephone: (727)823-7529 www.americanstage.org Van Wezel Perf. Arts Hall 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 953-3368 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

Page 26

Senior Voice America NOVEMBER 2015

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) 782-7174.

D W C F ISO S W C M NS ND, honest 62, 5’4” semiretired lady. Tampa (813) 451-9925.

D W F NS 5’2” light brown hair, blue eyes, Christian, young looking, likes movies, dining in or out, long walks. ISO W M Christian, NS 62-70 for LTR. Tampa (813) 362-2427.

D B F NS SD ISO tall S M for LTR. Likes movies, flea markets, malls, reading, and walks on the beach. Race, age, and religion not a problem. Zephyrhills (813) 469-8030.

S W F 51 ISO S W M, D or W between 49-54. I am a born-again Christian who loves church, singing, dancing, SOH, movies, sports, exercise, honesty and loyalty. Hudson (727) 869-3418.

S W W F NS ND looking for Christian W M, prefer white. Largo Area. LTR. Enjoy swimming, bike, quiet dinners at home or out. Largo (727) 218-6611.

S W F SD NS 60s, good attitude, spunky, kind, loyal, thoughtful, frugal. ISO healthy, honest, youthful, country M, 58-73. Likes walks, dancing, music, exercise, sports, nature, togetherness, and quiet times. North Tampa Area (813) 312-7647.

S W F 58,5’8, 155 lbs., moved from CA recently, ISO S W M with integrity. SOH, honest, fun. I love relaxing at home, fun and adventures, fishing, boating, dining, arts, I love it all. Let’s go have fun, be happy and complete. Smoker ok, SD ok. (727) 216-6023.

D B F 72, 5’4” 135 lbs., enjoys movies, travel, dining out, and more. ISO a gentleman, 70+, 5’8” and whos financially secure, NS, easygoing, SOH, who desires a LTR, maybe more. St. Pete (727) 290-8619.

D W F NS SD 62 ISO LTR, must have SOH, loyal, honest, enjoy dining out, bingo, flea markets, movies, romantic walks on beach or staying home. Must love animals.

Tampa (813) 270-2932.

74 S W F ISO tall, 65-70, financially secure, NS SD, enjoy dancing, travelling, dining, beach, prefer tampa area or able to come to tampa area. Tampa (813) 326-7071.

W F D NS ND honest sincere lady, young at heart ISO a true gentleman. Loves to go out, or candle lit dinner, enjoy each other’s company. If that’s you, call me. (813) 802-5640.

S W WD ISO single man, retired, for day trips, swim, bus trips and casino. Uses walker. Gulfport (727) 368-7151.

Single, 52, NS ND, I’m 120 lbs., looking for NS ND like to travel. Good health, fun loving, religious, active, independent, zest for life. I’m 67. Wesley Chapel (813) 618-9956.

man Seeking WOMan S W M 65, 6’1” 187 lbs., NS ND ISO S W F NS. Likes fishing, billiards, baseball, ISO 5’3”-5’8”, nice looks and figure. Largo (727) 580-5848.

I am retired marine, working on healthy lifestyle.

Slim lady, 50-65, SD. Race doesn’t matter. Walk on beach.

Treasure Island (727) 827-2059.

W WD C M young senior with a triglide white Harley and RV traveler. ISO LTR, must be honest, loyal, SOH and financial healthy. NS ND and affectionate. Largo (727) 418-8411.

D W M 65 seeking lady partner, likes walking along the shore, old tv and movies, cuddling, dancing. I am a decent cook. Leave a message, lets go for coffee. Plant City (813) 528-6052.

Senior to Senior Abbreviations M: Male F: Female S: Single D: Divorced WD: Widowed W: White B: Black H: Hispanic J: Jewish

Meet that Someone Special with a FREE listing right here in

Senior to Senior

C: Christian ISO: In Search Of LTR: Long Term Relationship NS: Non-Smoker ND: Non-Drinker SD: Social Drinker SOH: Sense of Humor

I’m 72, W WD man, retired, professional musician, vegas and cruise ships for 29 years. Seeking either W or B attractive and degreed, F or H. St. Pete (727) 360-8823.

WD W M 5’ 6” 178lbs. 61. ISO Female 60-65 for companionship or LTR tired of being lonely. I am a ND. ISO someone from the Sun City Center, Fl. area. I get around on my golf cart. Lets get together. Sun City Center (813) 922-6733.

Looking for a lover and an eventual live in. I’m an older guy 6ft 185 lbs. and gray hair, A political conservative, sex is good for your health. Florian (813) 684-4100.

friend Seeking friend Meet single seniors of all ages nationwide, seeking lifetime companionship. For details call (800) 884-4256.

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.

W D M 50, 6’, 140, north tampa. Likes movies, laughter, enjoys simple activities, looking for female, 40-55, NS. I work nights, leave message, name, phone and best time to return call. Tampa (813) 541-4930.

S B M 50, in shape, honest, like to talk and watch movies.

ISO in shape, W/M, 50-60s, for friendship, if your gifted, that’s a plus. Tarpon Springs (727) 481-4948.

Elderly couple looking for another couple or S to share a spacious home in Sun City Center along with sharing expense.

ISO NS ND with SOH. Please call for information. Sun City Center (813) 938-1685.

S W M looking for a male traveling companion to share and save single supplement. Well-educated, NS ND, no drugs, no tattoos, multi-lingual. Age 68. Valrico (813) 685-2544.

W S D W M ISO good friend to do things and go places. I like to do lots of things in and out of the house. I am tired of being alone. Call me, lets have a good time. St. Pete (727) 200-9977.

J W M 55 ISO J F LTR, NS Ndrugs. PO Box 8487 Tampa, FL 33674.

82 Yr. old WD W M ISO F SOH needed to cope with this lonely old coot. Enjoy dining out, flea markets, bingo, romantic walks or staying at home, Its your call. Sun City Center (813) 633-3685.

Looking for F, height-weight proportional. NS ND, not lonely but alone. Financially secure, 5’9”, 160 lbs. Some college, read a lot. Am flexible and reasonable. No tattoos please. Tarpon Springs (407) 393-8199.

Senior to Senior™ S W M 63, 6’, 174lbs., Mail to: Senior Voice America NS ND. Retired pro polo P.O. BOX 1379, Lutz, FL 33548-1379 player and rodeo cowboy.

ISO S W F passionate, honEmail: sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com est. Largo (727) 452-5676.

Fax: (813) 422-7966 Active, intelligent and personable male, ISO female companion, for dining at nice restaurants, walks in the park, and stimulating conversation. Like-minded woman is welcome to respond, serious inquiries only. (813) 407-0376.

EMAIL: sr2sr@seniorvoiceamerica.com

NOVEMBER 2015

Senior Voice America

in size. I no longer required him to admit loyalty to the Communist Party and saw to it that his breakfast cereal remained free from insects.

As I reached manhood and as he approached it, I assumed he had forgotten about the little misdemeanors I committed against his person when we were kids.

I was wrong.

We were eating supper during that two-week leave when Dan popped the question. I’m getting some of our buddies together to play football, he said. Just a friendly game. Wanna join us? We’ll even let you play quarterback.

I hesitated. While I had grown a good deal and could now see over the line of scrimmage, I hadn’t played in more than five years.

Chicken, he said.

Dan pushed the right button. I got there early.

My bother elected to play middle linebacker for the other team. Nothing personal, he said. We just needed to balance the sides, that’s all.

Our paths didn’t cross for a period of time roughly equal to the first quarter. I didn’t take it personally that he intercepted one of my passes and batted down several others. That’s what gamers are supposed to do.

The last play of my football life took place shortly after 3 p.m. when Dan decided to blitz. (For you non-gridders, that’s when an onrushing defensive player rams a hard part of his body, the head, against the soft part of the quarterback’s body, his solar plexus.)

One second I was trying to throw a slant pass to Gary Scyphers. The next, I was trying to salvage my intestines from the ruins of my chest cavity.

I tried to crawl off the field, but I didn’t make it. On or about the 50-yard line, I hurled.

Dan didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to.

All was avenged. The Atomic Bomb in the drawers. The spiders in the oatmeal.

The Red Menace.

That night, as I was throwing down Excedrin, Dan held up my bedroom slipper.

Just so I’d know.

From FOOTBALL Page 1

Page 27

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plan of care that she requested. Nothing was ever enough. She would berate and belittle our caregivers to the point that they refused to go back. I had to make a decision whether to continue with or drop the case. I gave many thoughts and much of my time, again believing strongly that the customer is always right.

In this case I decided the customer, although elderly and experiencing health issues, lacked insight into her own shortcomings. So my decision was to encourage her to find another agency to provide the services she wanted.

Was I wrong? Was she right? I don’t think the answer to either question is a yes or a no. I believe that if you are not happy with a situation, you must take charge and find someone or something that will meet your expectations. We need to recognize we are all difficult at times. When we are curt or angry, we need to stop, take a deep breath and ask ourselves: Can we change this behavior?

My philosophy is to treat all people with kindness, dignity and respect. Because of the disrespect and treatment of my wonderful caregivers, I no longer expected them to work in a hostile environment and be treated with disrespect.

I guess you could say that, in this case, the customer was wrong on many counts.

I hope you agree, and, if not, I would like to hear from you. Remember, when you treat all people with kindness, consideration and respect, the end result is priceless.

That person would go to the moon and back to please you. It’s not hard to do. We all have bad days and there is nothing wrong with saying, “I am having a bad day, please excuse my behavior.” Let’s start today on a positive note and enjoy. Then, we can all be right.

Subscribe Today!

From CUSTOMER Page 1

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 NOVEMBER 2015