Sunday Signal May 3, 2020

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MAY 3, 2020

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M AY 3, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 Make your own Mother’s Day memories this year 5 Celebrating milestones amid coronavirus pandemic 6 Managing our virtual windows to the world 7 Dos and don’ts for a $1,200+ stimulus check FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 An outpouring of support and kindness in the SCV TECHNOLOGY 9 Q&A: Virus scans and sanitizing MOTHER’S DAY 10 Make Mother’s Day Special Mother’s Day ideas for moms from all walks of life KIDS & FAMILY 11 Donna’s Day: Infants, toddlers will blossom with books Learning fun based on kids’ shows Junior Whirl FOOD 12 Cinco de Mayo meets ‘Taco Tuesday’ A fun, fruity refrigerated treat for Mom HEALTH 13 Three things to understand about asthma Allergies or COVID-19?

HOME 14 Sustainable home upgrades for better health SENIOR LIVING 15 A Second Wind: Grandparenting on hold GARDENING 16 Benefits of starting a home vegetable garden OPINION PUZZLES PETS 19 How to protect dogs from Lyme disease

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 3, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Make your own Mother’s Day memories this year

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

A

mid the current coronavirus pandemic, any celebration, from our birthdays to our anniversaries, feels a bit strange, and Mother’s Day is no exception.

While the “Safer at Home” directive may stop you from celebrating with your extended family or older relatives, it can’t stop you from doing something special for Mom. A Mother’s Day in quarantine doesn’t have to be a sad occasion, as there are a number of unique gifts and ways to celebrate from the comfort of your home.

Host a tea party

What mom doesn’t like tea parties? This is a classic way to celebrate Mother’s Day and can be easily be created right at home.

So, break out the fancy tea set that’s rarely ever used, make some finger sandwiches and get dressed up (which is something you probably haven’t done in awhile) for your tea party.

You can even drop off a tea party supplies basket to your grandparents so they can video chat into the party.

Make some homemade gifts

This is another classic Mother’s Day present that can still be created while at home.

While you can draw your mom a picture to show her how much you love her, make her some jewelry or write a story dedicated to her, there are a ton more things you can do using supplies you probably already have at home.

Some of these ideas include: • Making a colorful crayon candle out of those little nubs that are too small to color with.

• Painting rocks with special messages, which can then be used to decorate mom’s garden.

• Taking a white mug and turning it into a masterpiece with fingerprint art. All you need is some paint and dishwasher safe mod podge to seal your drawing.

• Painting pot holders for the moms that love to cook or bake.

• Turning a clear jar into a picture-frame vase by painting everything but a heart-shaped hole to add your photo.

• Making a flower wreath to hang, either with real flowers or cardboard ones.

Throw a family paint night

If your mom loves to craft, this is the perfect way to include her in her own present making.

While you can’t go to a painting or pottery studio, you can certainly bring one home to mom by setting up a craft activity.

Art studios everywhere are offering virtual classes or follow along do-it-yourself tutorials, like Barn and Charm in Newhall, where you can pick up a craft kit and simply follow along on a live stream.

Do some online shopping

Those who aren’t as artistically inclined can take to the internet in search of the perfect gift.

This year, forget the bathrobe; instead, get her a comfy sweat set perfect for quarantining.

Some more quarantine-friendly gift ideas include: • Bath bombs for a nice relaxing bubble bath after a hard day wrangling the little ones.

• A reusable water bottle so she doesn’t have to worry about the water bottle supply at Costco running low.

• A yoga mat or other workout accessories, like bracelet weights or workout bands, for the moms who are working out at home.

• A personalized puzzle that you can then put together in your newfound free time.

Having a “Treat yourself” day with mom is a great way to celebrate your appreciation on Mother’s Day.

• Fresh flowers that can be delivered right to her doorstep.

Digitize the family recipes

It’s no surprise most are having more homecooked meals than ever these days, so it’s the perfect time to gather those food-splattered, family recipe cards and digitize them.

Not only does it preserve the family’s special recipes for years to come and ensures you’ll never again lose one.

Give her a spa day

Though she can’t go out to a spa, you can certainly bring the spa home to her.

Use some of those bath bombs you bought her, light some candles, play some soothing music, and grab her favorite book or even a bottle of wine.

Then, let her relax in the tub without any of the usual interruptions.

You can even join her for face masks, manicures and pedicures afterward.

Have a game night

While your family may have already exhausted all its usual board games during the quarantine, that doesn’t mean you can’t customize one with your own rules.

Use your family’s inside jokes, memories and personalized character to make the game more memorable or host a trivia night filled with family facts.

Go on a virtual safari

Aquariums and zoos across the country are now offering live streams that let you visit some of the animals virtually, seeing in real-time what they’re up to, which is a perfect adventure for those animal-loving moms.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Diego Zoo, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and much more with the help of Explore.org, the world’s leading philanthropic live nature cam network and documentary film channel.

M AY 3, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Celebrating milestones amid the coronavirus pandemic

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

T

he novel coronavirus pandemic has temporarily shut down school campuses, concert halls, park facilities and everything in between where communities have congregated to celebrate some of the most important milestones in their loved ones’ lives.

From graduations to weddings and birthdays, residents in the Santa Clarita Valley are among the millions more nationwide who are still toasting to these important moments — albeit with a twist and a lot of physical distancing.

Turning the tassel

Local schools closed down more than a month ago in the SCV in an effort to keep students safe and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, meaning all graduations are going virtual.

That’s the case for all campuses in the William S. Hart Union High School District, where officials recently said they are postponing in-person ceremonies for a later time.

While many parents await a final decision by the district, the community has already come together to celebrate local high school seniors and their success in completing high school.

Among the many high school seniors honored is Ricardo Yoingco, 17, of Golden Valley High School.

He was recently surprised at his doorstep with gifts and a “Congrats!” balloon delivered by a local resident disguised in an inflatable dinosaur costume. The surprise was one of many that are part of a community-wide effort, dubbed “Adopt a 2020 High School Senior in the SCV” on social media, where parents submit photos of their soon-to-be graduates and members of the community select a student to send gifts to and encouragement for their accomplishments.

“It’s been really rough lately being locked in your house for such a long time with everything that’s going on, but to see the amount of support that we have in the community really keeps me going every day,” said Yoingco.

Left: Becca and Stephen White wear protective gear representing their at-home wedding held during the COVID-19 lockdown. PHOTO COURTESY THE WHITES Right: Golden Valley High senior Ricardo Yoingco holds his 1971 Elton John album gifted by his school librarian. COURTESY PHOTO

The 17-year-old also received a special gift from the school librarian he worked with on campus: the librarian’s 1971 “Madman Across the Water” record by Elton John.

Though he appreciated the gifts, Yoingco said he valued the community’s efforts more.

“This really taught me that it’s really not about what gifts they’re giving, it’s really the thought that counts,” he said.

“A family who doesn’t know him and to do something like this, that’s the beauty of the whole thing,” said Mia, Ricardo’s mom. “My son worked really hard and I’m very proud and very thankful for the support.”

Blowing the candles

Celebrating another year around the sun might feel a little lonely amid physical distancing directives, but Painted Monkeys & Company, a local party entertainment service, has kept busy connecting children on their birthday with their friends for virtual parties.

“It’s been a little bit different but somehow we’re managing and it’s so worth it. The best thing to see is they’re all giggling and smiling so it’s so rewarding,” said owner Nancy Schier.

Last weekend, the company hosted its largest virtual party with about 35 toddlers tuning in via Zoom to join their friend celebrating her birthday

by singing along and participating in at-home games with an actress that dressed up as a princess.

With services now online due to quarantining orders brought forth by the pandemic, the local company has now helped in children’s birthdays across the nation, including for a child in Virginia.

“We’re averaging about three a weekend, it’s starting to take off.

We’re mostly doing birthdays and, especially with the pandemic, it’s important to cheer kids up,” said Schier.

Tying the knot

Much like birthdays and graduations, couples celebrating their marriage have also looked a little bit different amid the coronavirus outbreak.

On April 4, two SCV couples considered canceling their wedding but decided that the date was far more important to them than their planned ceremonies. Instead of canceling their entire weddings, they opted to get married in their homes and to celebrate the special day with family and friends via live broadcasts.

For Lyle and Heather Michaud, their backyard served as the perfect, last-minute venue, where the only other people present were Heather’s sister, their pastor as the officiant and their photographer Desiree Keoshian, who also served as their witness.

Via a Facebook live broadcast,

about 100 of their guests, including their families, tuned in to celebrate them tying the knot. After the short ceremony, they were surprised by some of their friends who drove by their home with “congrats to the newlyweds” signs.

“All this work, all this time, all this money, all this effort (in planning the original wedding), it doesn’t matter as much as being together and the marriage itself happening and we just felt that that was what God had for us. Just when everything seemed to fall apart we knew we had each other,” said Lyle.

The same was for Becca and Stephen White, who had their entire wedding set until safety guidelines made them question whether to postpone a ceremony as mandates limited social gatherings.

With the help of Stephen’s family, the couple managed to hold a ceremony on April 4, with Becca’s family and the couple’s friends cheering via Zoom.

After seeing photos of the at-home wedding, Gina Boersma, of local planning services Gina Bee Events who had helped plan their original ceremony, said in a statement, “Nothing was going to stop these two from marrying their best friend. Whether you postpone your wedding, or get married at home with Zoom guests, nothing can take away your love and commitment to each other.”

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 3, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Managing our virtual windows to the world

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

T

o say Zoom, the teleconferencing software, has seen a lot of user growth in the last couple of months would be an understatement.

An April profile on company founder Eric Yuan reported the number of users has gone from about 10 million in December to more than 200 million as of April 2, and more than 90,000 schools now use the software nationwide.

Similarly, Houseparty, a social media app that allows groups to gather virtually online and play games together, reported exponential growth thanks to social distancing, with 20 million new downloads of the free app in March — significantly higher than its previous average of about 650,000 monthly downloads, according to businessofapps.com.

And Microsoft’s Skype, perhaps one of the most well-known names in video calls, reported a 70% spike in users for March, bringing them to about 40 million users per day.

Here to stay

Whether everyone can go to a music festival like Coachella in a few months or not — most likely not — people will still be using video conferencing to connect professionally, and in many classrooms, for “the

Invite friends

The SCV Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a virtual forum between 25th Congressional District candidates Mike Garcia and Christy Smith. These types of web-based gatherings are expected to be a part of the “new normal” for a lot of different aspects of life. Check out the video at The Signal’s YouTube page. PHOTO

BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

foreseeable future.”

California State University, Fullerton recently announced plans to convert to virtual classrooms in the fall, and it’s uncertain at this time how widespread these precautions will be taken.

Business experts anticipate video conferencing, whether it’s through programs like GoToWebinar and Zoom, will be part of “the new normal” for at least some time. Going forward, employers also are probably going to be expected to be more lenient about employees working from home due to coronavirus concerns, said Ivan Volschenk, president of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of

Zoom hotkeys

To share your Zoom meeting: Type Cmd+I (or Alt+I on a PC) to open the Invite window.

From the Email tab, copy the URL, and send it to anyone who you want to invite to the meeting.

Or click on Contacts to directly invite a colleague if they’re on your contact list.

For posterity or record-keeping

If you want to record your Zoom: Type Cmd+Shift+R (or Alt+R) to start recording Cmd+Shift+P (or Alt+P) will pause the recording.

Share your screen

Screen-sharing is very helpful in Zoom: type Cmd+Shift+S (or Alt+ Shift+S); to pause a screen share, type Cmd+Shift+T (or Alt+T).

Mute me

Use Cmd+Shift+A (or Alt+A) to mute/unmute your audio.

Hide the video

To quickly turn off your video, hit Cmd+Shift+V (or Alt+V).

Commerce.

“For the foreseeable future, I think that’s going to happen, especially when there’s large groups of people like board meetings,” Volschenk said.

“Most people are not going to be around a large group of people.”

Accordingly, the SCV Chamber is leading a number of webinars to help business understand these new challenges, as well as how businesses should be looking ahead for when it’s safe to reopen.

More information about the SCV Chamber-led webinars, visit SCVChamber.com.

A few things to be careful of

So you’re on Zoom, and it’s going to be around for a while. There are some things you should know, like “zoom fatigue,” or the strain put on an individual in an already stressful time, by prolonged virtual connections.

In an April piece in Psychology Today, Dr. Suzanne Degges-White notes “Even extroverts can feel worn down by the ‘high-intensity virtual connecting,’” and recognizes part of the “craziness” involves how for many the home had transformed into the workplace, and the tablets, laptops and phones we used can be become our “sole connection.” This puts a lot of pressure around an experience that can also wear us out from hours of watching, especially if we’re not careful about our posture or eyestrain.

Framing the conversation

Whether someone is a host or a guest for a virtual meeting, there are

a few things to keep in mind to make the experience smoother for everyone, Volschenk said.

“One of the most important things is obviously making sure your internet is stable and working,” said Volschenk, whose organization recently hosted a web-based forum between two candidates for the 25th Congressional District. “Best practice is always to hardwire your computer when you’re (the host).”

He also mentioned for regular meetups, sometimes mom or dad will ask a child to watch TV in the other room, but if the kids are streaming programs or different screens, it can really start to use up bandwidth quickly, which can severely disrupt a meeting.

Speaking of disruptions, the mute function can be essential, as well as the hotkey for this (See info box).

“Getting to see faces, even if they’re part of your team that you work with every day — it’s nice to have that opportunity,” said Carrie Lujan, city of Santa Clarita communications director, regarding web meetups during the quarantine.

She also offered a reminder that works for most of the group-based call software: “I think the most important thing is to mute yourself if you have dogs in the background, because it makes your audio and picture be in the main one, even if you’re not talking.”

Volschenk did offer a security caution, as well: While using the free Zoom software for your casual meetups might be OK for fun, if you’re a business using it for the discussion of sensitive information such as financials or proprietary information, beware. The huge uptick in users has also come with people would also like to steal and sell your information.

“Make sure you’re not opening yourself up (to a cyber attack),” Volschenk said, mentioning how the “new normal” has created this webbased environment for everyone very quickly.

“Plus, there are things like cybersecurity that you need to be aware of,” he said, “because these things are happening so quickly, but nobody was really prepared for a virtual environment.”

M AY 3, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Dos and don’ts for a $1,200-plus stimulus check

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

“I

t’s like manna from heaven,” said a financial adviser The Signal spoke with this week about how people are reacting to the $1,200 check given to them through the CARES Act. Signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 27, the CARES Act was a $2 trillion economic relief package that included a number of stimulus bonuses for small businesses and individuals alike.

So, what’s the best way to use it?

The backstop

James Loken, a Thrivent financial adviser, said first and foremost for when people get their stimulus check is to ensure your “backstop” is in place before you make any decisions on sales or purchases.

“That’s the starting place for most financial life anyway,” said Loken. “I think first is to make sure you have some cash reserves.”

Loken said even if you’re receiving both your tax return and stimulus check, which can happen for a number of people, you still need to ensure you have your backstop in place — because this period of uncertainty doesn’t truly have an end date, yet.

Loken said a good backstop ranges between one to three months’ worth of money to cover all your expenses in that time period. There should also be enough, with a solid backstop, to cover the unforeseen expenses, like a broken-down car or a lost phone.

“I tell people the first thing you want to do is store your cash, whether you’re a small business or an individual,” said Erick Arndt, a financial adviser at Virtue Wealth. “Focus on your cash because people ask me about, ‘Where do I invest?’ … and you don’t want to be investing with your last 5 bucks.”

Arndt said at any time, and especially during a pandemic such as this, “Cash is king,” and if it’s tied up in investments, it makes it hard to provide for the day-to-day essentials.

“If you need money to pay rent or you need to feed your kids, you don’t

If you’re lucky enough to have options with your personal stimulus spending plan, there are a few different options to consider, according to the experts. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

want that to pile up in investment — you want to have that in cash,” Arndt added.

Investing in yourself

After you’ve established your backstop, there are a number of actions that need to be taken to ensure its longevity, while also investing in yourself.

Discounts or the ability to pay less right now is not only available to people, but imperative for some, according to David Park of David Park Wealth Advisors.

“If you’re paying rent in an apartment, you can negotiate with most apartment owners,” said Park. “(Landlords) are dealing with their own things, but they realize that there’s a lot of people who just don’t have the money to pay the money for rent.”

Park said if there’s a way right now to negotiate any rent, loan or payment, such as that for a car or any other item of that nature, people should figure out a way. By doing so, they can ensure they have the immediate necessities like food, the phone and utilities covered.

Loken said there were also people that now have their backstop in place, and now this stimulus check can be used to invest in one’s self in other

ways, such as returning to a skill they once had or using the money to develop a new talent.

Investing in the market

While the market is one of the last things people who are truly in need of the stimulus check need should be looking at, if you do get the check and you have the backstop and you’re invested in yourself — there are a number of lucrative options right now for people to buy into in

terms of stocks.

“You start to build from the foundation up and you say, ‘OK, now I have my cash set aside, I have my estate planned and now I can get into paying off my debt,’” said Arndt. “If you don’t have any debt, then you move onto the fun stuff, which is investing.”

You can add money to your IRA, add money to your 401k, and get a tax deduction for doing that, according to Loken. With a Roth IRA, you can add to your individual retirement account that offers tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

“You would want to buy things that are cheap,” said Loken. “If you look at a company like Ford, their stock was down for a $4 range, that had been up in $11 — that’s dirt cheap.”

Loken said there are a number of opportunities out there presently, such as Ford and other companies that are 30% or more off their pre-pandemic trading prices, which people can invest in, as long as they have a prudent strategy in mind.

“Like Warren Buffet says, ‘Once every decade, we get an opportunity to seize the moment,” said Arndt.

If someone has a poor time in the market or loses large amounts of money, Arndt said it leaves a “bad taste in your mouth, about investing.

They think investing is like gambling — and investing is not gambling, if you know what you’re doing.”

A good “backstop” ranges between one to three months’ worth of money to cover all your expenses, including your mortgage, before you should start thinking about spending or investing that stimulus.

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 3, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

An outpouring of support and kindness in Santa Clarita

By City Manager Ken Striplin

T

he coronavirus pandemic has presented new challenges for the City of Santa Clarita and its residents — from community members adjusting their daily work and school routines, to the City finding a balance that allows us to provide essential services while maintaining public health.

For this period of time, we have all changed the way we do things to benefit the common good.

One thing that has not wavered, however, is the kindness that our residents show to one another on a daily basis. Individuals and businesses alike have come together to support essential workers, emergency responders and families in their own neighborhood to ensure everyone’s needs have been met.

I want to thank all of the businesses that have had to adapt to this

ever-changing atmosphere. Not only have restaurants and retailers used their creativity to be able to provide goods and services for their patrons, but they have also stepped up to donate food and much-needed supplies to essential workers.

Every day, I see social media posts and news stories about Santa Clarita businesses dropping off dinner to feed deputies and staff at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station or making cloth masks and face coverings for our local firefighters. I have seen residents donate blood, and dentists, optometrists and other healthcare specialists bring personal protective equipment to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

This spirit of giving shows appreciation for essential workers and leaves one less worry on their plate.

The City of Santa Clarita is also working hard to ensure that residents and frontline workers have the supplies and support they need. Bridge To Home has temporarily relocated its operation to the Newhall Commu-

nity Center, which allows the organization to provide resources and a temporary shelter while allowing clients to maintain the necessary social distancing.

In mid-April, the Santa Clarita City Council brought a donation of medical masks, as well as lunch, to the doctors, nurses and staff at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Additionally, the City coordinated with Illumination Dynamics to provide the hospital with a much-needed generator.

The City is also working to provide the hospital with barricades, pallets of water and other PPE essentials.

Ensuring that essential workers can get where they need to go is also important, which is why I want to thank the staff and bus drivers with Santa Clarita Transit. To keep them safe, the City has provided masks for bus drivers and has implemented operational changes that include having riders board through the rear door and cordoning off rows to maximizing the distance between passengers.

Hospital-grade disinfectant is also used to clean the entire fleet of vehicles at the end of each day.

Finally, I want to thank the unsung heroes who have shown kindness to their neighbors — or even strangers — during this pandemic. Thank you to mail carriers, delivery drivers, volunteers and all those who are making sure our most vulnerable residents get the supplies, food and medication they need.

I encourage you to show support for our heroes in Santa Clarita by taking part in the City’s “Hearts for Heroes” initiative. Visit santa-clarita. com/HeartsForHeroes to print out a paper heart that you can decorate and display at home. Be sure to share it with us by posting a photo on social media using #HeartsForHeroes!

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

M AY 3, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

TECHNOLOGY

A Q&A with Komando: virus scans and sanitizing

By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

Sanitize Your Phone

is the safest best way Q What to clean a smartphone? I read it has more germs than a toilet seat.

A Smartphones are magnets for bacteria, even under the best circumstances. Regular cleaning can radically reduce your chances of getting sick. You can use a range of antiseptic wipes, but a more high-tech approach is an ultraviolet phone cleaner. This device is specifically designed to disinfect your phone and depending on the model you buy, it may be able to charge your battery, as well.

UV rays may sound a little theoretical, but they are some of the most effective weapons against accumulated germs on the surface of your device. The CDC has approved this method, and many users have turned to UV technology since the pandemic took hold.

iPhone SE Details

Q

: Is Apple’s new iPhone $399 iPhone worth the money? How can this one be so cheap compared to the $1,000+ models?

A The SE is a pretty great deal. It has a fantastic processor, a professional camera with portrait mode, and a Retina display. The phone is smaller than its predecessors, and you don’t get certain features, such as face recognition or night mode for the camera. But if you have been thinking of upgrading anyway, it’s a steal compared to other Apple products, which can often cost as much as a new MacBook.

WFH Job Market

using all the confusion and unemployment to rope you into pyramid schemes and shifty get-rich-quick schemes.

At the same time, there are real, legitimate companies that are actively searching for workers — specifically people who can work from home.

If you read this column regularly, you may be excited to know that many of these employers are tech companies. You’ll find educational and healthcare opportunities as well.

You may be seeking a temporary position to help you weather a lay-off, but many of these roles could lead to a whole new career path.

Free Virus Scans

Q

I need to find a job. I searched online, and all I found were scams.

computer is running slowly.

Q My How can I check to see if it has

A There’s a special place in hell for scammers who take advantage of a pandemic to trick people out of their money. But they’re still out there,

A The worst malware is the kind you don’t even realize is infecting your computer. Unfortunately, malware is

malware or a virus?

often designed to evade notice, and the only symptoms are — as you say — slower operations or other unusual behavior. How can you be sure that there’s an infection, and how much will it cost to find out?

You can still purchase exceptional software, such as Norton AntiVirus, which has led the market for decades.

But you can also find highly effective virus scans for free. Meanwhile, don’t assume that a Mac is immune to viruses. Apple does do a great job of protecting its software, but there’s plenty of malware designed to worm its way into your hard drive. A free virus scan is worth a few extra minutes.

For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando. com.

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10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 3, 2020

M O T H E R ’ S D AY

E

Make Mother’s Day Special

ach and every day a new woman becomes a mother for the first time or all over again. Being a mother changes a person’s life in dramatic ways.

Mother’s Day is a great time of year to honor mothers and attempt to give back just a portion of the tireless love and devotion moms offer their children.

Some children provide large gestures, while others feel it’s the little things that can help a mom to feel appreciated. For those needing a little inspiration on treating their mothers in special ways, consider these ideas.

❦ Make mom a breakfast in bed with her favorite morning treats.

❦ Enjoy a movie at home with mom. Let her pick the flick and share her favorite film with you.

❦ Agree to not bicker for the entire day, especial-

ly if you are prone to getting into arguments with siblings.

❦ Put together a collage of photos from moments you have shared with mom or your family.

❦ Cook a meal together and learn about everyone’s favorite recipes or the family history.

❦ Give her a locket with your photo inside and

have a duplicate you can wear containing her photo.

❦ Prepare a jar of mom’s favorite candies

wrapped in pieces of paper that have loving sentiments written on them.

❦ Compile a playlist of songs and artists mom prefers and download them to her phone.

❦ Begin a charm bracelet tradition by purchasing

a charm bracelet and a new charm each year that represents a meaningful memory you both shared.

❦ Customize a coffee mug, tote bag or a blanket

❦ Write a new email each day with an inspira-

❦ Treat mom to a day off from her chores. Tackle

❦ Tackle a task that she may not want to do her-

with a meaningful sentiment or photo.

all of the jobs she normally does for the family.

❦ Bake a delicious dessert that mom will absolutely devour.

❦ Pamper mom with a gift card for her favorite nail salon or massage therapy location.

tional quote or special words of love for mom. self, such as washing the exterior of her car and vacuuming the interior.

Mother’s Day gift ideas should come from the heart and can show mothers near and far how much they are appreciated and loved. (MC)

Mother’s Day ideas for moms from all walks of life

M

other’s Day is a celebration of women who devote so much of their effort and energy to their families. Celebrating Mom on Mother’s Day lets her know all of her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Mothers may perform similar tasks, but no two moms are the same. Finding ways to celebrate Mom’s uniqueness can make the day that much more meaningful and memorable.

The Crafter

Mothers who are avid crafters may enjoy a craftthemed Mother’s Day. A family crafting project can make for a fun afternoon and produce mementos that Mom will cherish for years to come.

Dads and kids can plan the project in advance without Mom’s knowledge, arranging all of the materials ahead of time and setting up the crafting station the night before or while Mom is relaxing on Mother’s Day morning.

Kids can even get a head start on the day by making their own craft for Mom and giving it to her as a Mother’s Day present. Dads can keep the craft theme going at dinner and get a laugh out of Mom by pouring her a craft beer when dinner is served.

The Reader

A 2017 survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that women read more than men.

Women read an average of 19.8 minutes per day, which can make a Mother’s Day focused on Mom’s love of books an ideal and unique way to spend the day.

Kids can write Mom their own books, and Dad can help put them together. Dads can visit rare bookstores and look for original copies of Mom’s favorite books that she might not find elsewhere.

The Nature Lover

Fishing and other outdoor activities might have a reputation as predominantly male hobbies, but studies show that’s not really the If the children are too young to write their own book for mom, maybe case. A 2016 report from the Outthey can just spend some time relaxing and reading a book with her. door Foundation found that 46% of people who participated in outdoor activities were Mother’s Day. In fact, the 2018 U.S. Spa Industry women.

Study found that the spa industry has enjoyed If Mom is a nature enthusiast, families can plan seven consecutive years of consistent growth, with a Mother’s Day enjoying the great outdoors, even more than 187 billion spa visits in 2017 alone. A giving Mom a new fishing pole, hiking gear or oth- relaxing morning at the spa can be the perfect way er items that align with her favorite nature activity. for moms to begin Mother’s Day before they enjoy a brunch of dinner out with their families.

The Relaxation Specialist Mother’s Day celebrations can be as unique as the Of course, some mothers may want to simply unwind with a relaxing morning at the spa on women being celebrated. (MC)

M AY 3, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Infants and toddlers will blossom with books

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

and toddlers in your life. Here are some tips:

ince last May when our first grandchild was born, one of the primary focuses of my attention has admittedly been on baby Ida. Living in the same metro area, I have happily zoomed in on her first smiles and enchanting coos and babble.

The joyful sounds have developed into slightly discernable first words.

Is she saying “dada” and “ball”? “Let’s get that conversation rolling,” I say to myself.

“Beyond your jubilant smile or lament when hungry, Ida, tell me what you are thinking and feeling.” I know that time is coming down the road because even now, when she sits in my lap and we read books, she blossoms.

Since she was a wee one, we’ve enjoyed relaxing book time with stories that rhyme (we bounce and rock to the rhythm) — first with the classic touch-and-feel books like “Pat the Bunny,” and soft cloth books, some with crinkly sounding pages. Now the chunky board books draw her in

1. It’s never too early to start reading with your child, even during the first months of life. Your soothing and familiar voice sets the tone for a positive relationship with books.

S

2. Reading any time of the day is valuable, but encouraging book time as part of the bedtime routine creates a healthy daily ritual.

with eye-catching objects paired with words on easy-to-turn pages that she eagerly flips open and closed.

Talking, singing, rhyming and sharing books with babies throughout the day teaches language and builds a solid background for future reading comprehension. Plus, coming from a new grandmother, the daily practice of reading provides pleasurable connection time and a sweet bond between generations.

Books in bloom! Enjoy a spring that’s full of reading with the babies

3. Don’t be surprised when your toddlers want you to read the same book over and over as they begin to recognize familiar pictures and words. Be patient, and thrilled at the same time, as you see them learn!

4. Taking phrases from your child’s favorite books and turning them into short songs, or playful and sometimes silly rhymes using their name, can be enjoyed in the car or other times when reading isn’t possible.

5. Start a family bookshelf within easy reach of your toddler. Be on the lookout for books at garage sales and used bookstores this

spring, and request book giving for your child’s next birthday.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Learning fun based on kids’ shows

I

f your child is all about a particular television show, there are a number of interactive and educational ways to extend the fun beyond the screen. Here are a few ideas: Play pretend Get creative by fashioning character costumes from what you have at home, then have kids pick out favorite scenes or invent their own. Stage a play or create a video acting them out.

Toys and games Look for toys and games based on your children’s favorite programming. For example, the new Go! Go! Cory Carson toy line from VTech, based on the hit animated preschool series available on Netflix, lets kids create their own adventures with vehicles based on the show’s characters, and playsets inspired by popular scenes from the show.

Draw and paint The next time kids sit down for arts and crafts, encourage them to draw portraits of their favorite characters or scenery from the show. Experiment with different supplies — from crayons and colored pencils to watercolors and clay. Then create a gallery for kids to display their artwork.

By creating new educational experiences for kids based on their favorite shows and characters, you can feel good knowing you’re making the most of their screen time.

(Statepoint)

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 3, 2020

FOOD

A perfect match: Cinco de Mayo meets ‘Taco Tuesday’

C

inco de Mayo gives people an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture, throw a party, or at the very least, go out and indulge in Mexican food.

Cinco de Mayo is mistakenly believed to honor Mexican independence, but Mexico actually celebrates its independence in September. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza during the Franco-Mexican war. A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has nonetheless become a global phenomenon.

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year. That means Cinco de Mayo coordinates perfectly with the observance of “Taco Tuesday®.” For the past 30 years, the “Taco Tuesday” trademark has belonged to Taco John’s, a Wyoming-based fast-food chain.

However, the Taco Tuesday phenomenon has spread, and now Taco Tuesday is a weekly occurrence across the country, and a big marketing opportunity for many regional restaurants — not to mention a perfect chance for families to gather around the dinner table to enjoy some tacos.

This year Cinco de Mayo celebrations can enjoy even more fanfare by capitalizing on Taco Tuesday mania. With a nod to both Taco Tuesday and Cinco de Mayo, here are some tasty taco tips.

• Stick to soft taco shells, according to famed chef Aarόn Sánchez, who also hosted “Taco Trip” on

the Cooking Channel. He says hard shells are for tostadas and not tacos, and soft corn shells are his preference.

• Make a DIY seasoning mix for taco meats from chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other spices. An added bonus is that homemade seasonings are typically lower in salt than prepackaged varieties.

• If you’re concerned about ingredients falling out of the taco, use small shells or tortillas to reduce the number of bites needed to eat the taco. Or you can just place another shell or tortilla on your dish to catch what falls out of taco number one.

• Think outside of the box with any number of

fillings. Try a variety of sliced raw or cooked vegetables for a different twist.

Taco Tuesday and Cinco de Mayo align this year for a celebration of Mexican culture and delicious food. (MC)

A fun, fruity, refrigerated treat for Mom

I

f you’re looking for a fun treat to make for mom this Mother’s Day. Here is one that is easy and kid-friendly.

Save time on family desserts with make-ahead recipes like these Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes. By using kid-friendly treats that add nutrition to appealing flavor, you can solve busy evenings just by reaching into the fridge.

This and other family-friendly recipes are part of Dole’s healthy-living alliance with Disney’s Frozen 2. For details, visit dole.com/Disney. #Dole #Dole Recipes

Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes Prep time 20 minutes, plus chill time Serves 12 3 1 7 1

ripe DOLE® bananas container (8 ounces) fat-free whipped topping, thawed low-fat honey graham crackers, coarsely crushed pound Dole strawberries, hulled and quartered

Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In large bowl, mash bananas; fold in whipped topping.

Fill muffin cups halfway with graham cracker pieces, banana mixture and strawberries; repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

Refrigerate cupcakes 4 hours; serve in cupcake liners.

Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 cupcake) 78 calories; 3 calories from fat; 0 g fat; 0 g trans fat; 0 g polyunsaturated fat; 0 g mono-

unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 25 mg sodium; 164 mg potassium; 18 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 1 g protein; vitamin A 0%; vitamin C 25%; calcium 2%; iron 2%; vitamin E 2%; thiamin 2%; vitamin B6 8%; phosphorus 2%; magnesium 4%; manganese 10%. (MC)

M AY 3, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

Three things to understand about asthma

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ore than 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Survey.

This chronic condition is so common that even if you don’t have it yourself, you probably know someone — a friend, colleague or child — who does. Health care providers and patients have many tools for managing asthma, but keeping the disease under control can still be challenging.

Asthma symptoms result from inflammation, or swelling, that narrows the airways and makes them more sensitive than usual. The most common symptoms are coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

These symptoms can be brought on by triggers such as tobacco smoke, dust, chemicals and pollen, which may worsen the inflammation of the airways.

Consider these three things to know about the condition from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Learn More Breathe Better program, which provides information and resources on asthma, COPD and other lung diseases and conditions to people living with the diseases, their caregivers and the health care providers who help treat them.

Asthma is a serious lung disease.

While symptoms can range from mild to severe, a person can die during an asthma attack. It’s important for someone with the condition, as well as his or her family members, to know how to manage particular symptoms and when to get emergency medical help.

Asthma doesn’t go away, and it can’t be cured. Once a person develops asthma, he or she is likely to have it for a lifetime. In other words, children rarely outgrow asthma. Even when symptoms aren’t present, the condition is still there and can flare up at any time.

Asthma can be managed. Like diabetes and high blood pressure, asthma takes ongoing monitoring and management to keep it under control. Managing the disease effectively means working closely with a health care provider, taking medications as

A

Allergies or COVID-19?

s spring hit its stride and pollen counts climbed, many people wondered if certain symptoms they were experiencing were byproducts of seasonal allergies or the COVID-19 virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that it’s easy to mistake common allergy symptoms for COVID-19.

But it’s important that people recognize the symptoms of allergies and COVID-19 are different.

The following are some symptoms of allergies and some of COVID-19, courtesy the CDC and the Mayo Clinic.

Allergy symptoms PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

prescribed, avoiding asthma triggers — like exposure to allergens, poor air quality or tobacco smoke — and watching for any changes in symptoms. These steps can help anyone with asthma gain — and keep — control of his or her health.

Currently, it is unknown if people with asthma are at higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19, but if you do get infected you may be at higher risk of getting very sick.

COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), cause an asthma attack and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.

For more information and resources on asthma, visit nhlbi.nih.gov/ BreatheBetter. (Family Features)

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H E A LT H

• Itchy eyes • Stuffy nose • Sneezing Doctors advise people who are exhibiting potential allergy symptoms to pay attention to their body

temperatures. People with allergies very rarely experience fever, so the absence of fever, even if other symptoms of allergies are present, might indicate that a person is suffering from allergies and not COVID-19.

Coronavirus symptoms

• Shortness of breath • Fever • Cough Some asthma sufferers experience shortness of breath as a result of allergies, so people with asthma should consider that before assuming they have COVID-19. Discussing shortness of breath with a physician can help asthma sufferers gain more clarity on their condition.

It’s easy to mistake common allergy symptoms as indicative of the presence of the COVID-19 virus.

But the symptoms of each condition are quite different. Learn more at www.cdc.gov. (MC)

14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 3, 2020

HOME

Sustainable home upgrades for better health

W

hen you’re on a quest to create a home environment that promotes wellness, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

One easy solution is to look for small changes that improve your personal well-being while also promoting a better environment overall.

Consider these sustainable projects and changes for a healthier, happier household:

Rethink window treatments

Windows can affect a home in numerous ways, both good and bad.

On the upside, ambient light is a natural mood-boosting alternative to energy-hungry fixtures. Windows add character, and the right window treatments can play an essential role in a decorative scheme. In the winter, windows can also be natural conveyors of the sun’s heat, reducing your reliance on energy.

You may also be surprised to learn that the window treatments

recycle USED OIL

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you choose to help manage light and climate can play a big role in

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your home’s health and sustainability. Drapes can be difficult to clean, which means they can trap dirt, dust and other allergens that tarnish air quality. Many blinds use synthetic materials, making them less than ideal earth-conscious options. Your best bet is bamboo or wood treatments that are certified as eco-friendly and easy to keep clean.

Lessen the laundry load

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Reducing the amount of laundry you do not only saves time but is also better for the environment. Washing clothes accounts for 15-40% of the water consumption for an average family of four, according to Home Water Works, and the annual ener-

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gy consumption of typical electric clothes dryers often equals the cost of running a new energy-efficient refrigerator, clothes washer and dishwasher combined.

An alternative like a heated towel rack uses less energy than a standard dryer (about the same amount of electricity as a few light bulbs). Not only does an option like an Amba heated towel rack save energy and time by reducing the frequency of washing towels, it keeps them dry and free of mold and mildew between washes. Plus, wrapping up in a warm towel can help reduce joint stiffness and muscle spasms, according to research by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. With 150 affordable mounted and free-standing models made from 100% recyclable, marine-grade stainless steel, and custom color options available, it can be easy to add a stylish accent to bathrooms, laundry rooms or mudrooms.

Reduce household chemicals

It may seem that the stronger, the better is the best approach when it comes to fighting dirt and germs, but in fact, there are many negative health and environmental impacts from harsh cleaners. Opt instead for more natural formulas that deliver the same clean with fewer synthetic ingredients.

Aside from cleaners, there are likely numerous other sources of potentially risky chemicals throughout your home, including furniture, clothing and bedding that requires dry cleaning. Products containing chemical dyes and synthetic materials are not only potential irritants, they often also carry the weight of lesser earth-friendly production practices.

Linens made from natural materials may help you avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals, and you can readily find options that help alleviate concerns about allergens and allow you to support sustainable manufacturing practices.

Learn more about sustainable products and ideas for a health-conscious home at ambaproducts.com. (Family Features)

M AY 3, 2020

A SECOND WIND

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

SENIORLIVING

Grandparenting on hold

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

I

’ve made masks for the family, donned rubber gloves to go to the store, practiced yoga via stream classes. I even imposed upon my husband to color my hair (with only slight regret).

I can endure staying home, visiting with my friends by phone, getting food delivered on my front porch.

But what’s hardest to bear right now is not holding my grandson.

It’s odd to be labeled as a member of an elderly, at-risk group. I dig holes in my garden, drag around large bags of soil, run miles. But my daughters worry about keeping me safe. So I stay home and begrudgingly make due with FaceTime twice daily. I feel like a pouting 13-year-old. “Other grandparents get to see their grandkids. Why can’t I? You’re ruining my life! I hate you.” I catch glimmers of the future when my daughters will be parenting me in all kinds of ways.

It’s been six weeks since I hugged my little guy. Only weeks before that I was taking him to baby gym class and library story time with Liza. At the time I marveled at how much energy I expend just keeping him occupied.

He wants to run around rather than sit and follow the teacher’s instructions. He is more intrigued by the electronic door at the entrance and the water fountain outside. As I chase him around and carry him back to the group, I laugh (wearily) about

how much work it is to watch a toddler. Now I long for those times.

There’s so much that I miss. When he hears the trash truck, he runs to the door and holds his shoes. We scramble to get them on and dash downstairs. He giggles, bouncing in my arms, as we run to the corner just in time to see the man drag out huge bins, hoist them electronically over the truck and dump out the contents.

He’s mesmerized.

I miss taking him for walks, reading him books, putting him down for a nap. I miss talking to him and making him laugh. I miss his hugs, and I wonder what he is thinking when he can’t come to me as we stand 6 feet apart.

Every grandparent has a story like this. (Well, the quarantined grandparents do!) We can manage pretty well day to day, being flexible, making adjustments and varying our routines. But not being with our grandchildren — my friend says she misses her granddaughter like oxygen.

I know we will rekindle our cuddly relationship after this is all over.

When he is older, I’ll have stories to tell him. I may exaggerate how heroically I endured our separation, how I knew it was for the best to keep us both safe, and how I sacrificed for the greater good. I’ll tell him it made me so grateful for simple pleasures like the touch of my loved ones. But for now I put on a happy face and blink back tears when I see him.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor.

Especially now, family time is precious.

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 3, 2020

GARDENING

The benefits of starting a home vegetable garden

I

By Heather Levin Signal Contributing Writer

love gardening. Every spring I start dreaming of all the veggies I’m going to plant, and I love go-

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ing to my local farmers’ market and picking out tomatoes, cucumbers and field peas to plant.

But, have you ever thought about starting a home garden?

With food prices rising and more people trying to save money, home gardening has taken off in a big way.

Many vegetable seed companies report sales have shot up 30-50%, which is a clear indicator that more people are putting on their gardening gloves and getting to work.

Home gardening is a hobby that can bring great joy to your life, enable you to get some free exercise, and bring the entire family together.

Although it may not sound exciting on the surface, it’s something you should consider if you enjoy the outdoors and are interested in reaping the rewards of hard work.

Benefits of home gardening

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So, still wondering if home gardening is right for you? Wondering if a home garden can really save you money? First, let’s look at the benefits of starting a home garden.

1. Home gardening is versatile Some people think they need a huge yard to have their own garden, but nothing could be further from the truth. No matter how much space you have, you can always find room for a few plants. This is true even if you live in an apartment or only have a small porch. All you need is a DIY attitude and a bit of creativity.

2. Home gardening relieves stress I find gardening to be a very soothing hobby. Digging in the dirt and watching my veggies grow a bit every day is incredibly rewarding.

It is a wonderful activity to relieve stress. You’re outdoors, you’re getting exercise, and best of all, the activity often takes your mind off work and other stress in your life. I know it does for me!

3. Home gardening is a family activity For some, gardening is a solo activity. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Why not ask your spouse and/ or children to give you a hand in the garden? You may be surprised by how much fun you can all have together.

Finding fun activities for the whole family to participate in can be tough

and we often resort to spending a bunch of money to have fun, but working in a garden together costs nothing.

4. Home gardens save money For many people, this is the number one reason to start a garden.

Burpee Seed Co. estimates that for every $50 a family spends on seeds and fertilizer, they’ll reap $1,250 in produce. Amazing!

If saving money on fruits and vegetables is your end goal, make sure you plant seeds for things you’ll actually enjoy eating. Some of the most popular options include tomatoes, green peppers, banana peppers and zucchini.

A good rule of thumb is to look at the vegetables you’re already buying at the store. For instance, I eat a ton of kale and spinach, so these are two crops I always try to grow at home. I also love green beans, so every year I make my own homemade Dilly Beans, and can them myself.

5. You can grow your own herbs and spices You probably already know that herbs are really expensive to buy in the store. Growing rosemary, basil, oregano and other herbs and spices in your garden is a great way to save some money and diversify your crop.

Herbs are usually my biggest crop every year, and I always find a use for what I grow.

Keep in mind that even if you can’t use your herbs fresh right now, you can always dry them and use them over the next several months. This can save you money because you won’t need to buy these dried herbs at the grocery store.

6. Home gardens are green and sustainable Buying natural organic food is expensive, but often desired due to all of the chemicals and genetic altering done by farmers nowadays. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is the most organic you can get!

You can also save money and help your garden be more organic by creating your own compost at home. © 2020 Money Crashers, LLC.

MAY 3, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 7

Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

READERLETTERS

Bob Kellar Is Voting for Mike Garcia I just watched the candidate forum between Mike Garcia and Christy Smith. There is no question, Mike is the more prepared and qualified candidate to represent the 25th Congressional District. Isn’t it time we recognize the absolute failures of the Democratic left? We need to make sure we live by the Constitution of the United States of America. This country was made great because it is the land of opportunity, not a free ride. Our freedoms as Americans will only continue to exist if we elect leaders who understand America, its values and our heritage. With that in mind, I cannot stress enough how important it is that we elect Mike Garcia as our representative in Congress.

Bob Kellar Santa Clarita

Smith Pushes Back on AB 5 Some California lawmakers are digging in and refusing to see the flaws in Assembly Bill 5. Not Christy Smith! I’m glad to see the assemblywoman standing up and fighting to change it for the better.

It’s one thing to push back against the rival party. It’s another to tell the people in your own party that their well-intended bill has issues that need to be fixed. Christy Smith is an independent thinker, and her first priority is to the people of her district and community, not to the party. We need more like her, both in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. There’s a lot of misinformation about AB 5, but here are the facts: It was designed to protect workers who are being exploited by employers who use them as staffers, but pay them as freelancers (that is, without health care and other benefits and labor protections).

However, there is no one-size-fits-all legislation for all professions, and Assemblywoman Smith is working to tailor the law to those workers, like me, who prefer freelance and feel AB 5 holds them back.

Anyone who feels adversely impacted should contact her office to share their story. These changes will only come if lawmakers like her see where the cracks are.

When you hear complaints about AB 5, just know that Christy Smith is a legislator who is listening and actively working to fix it — I know, because I have been helped by her office.

My family and I are proud to be voting for Christy Smith for Congress on May 12.

Annie Astorga Canyon Country

Bring Sanity Back, Vote for Garcia I want to show my support for Mike Garcia for Congress. We need some accountability in the Santa Clarita Valley, along with the whole state! If you want some sanity brought back into our local government , please vote for Mike Garcia.

Linda Redmond Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com.

E T H I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Set Your Life, Not Just Goals

By David Hegg

A

sk any successful person about their strategy for success and you’ll usually hear about the necessity of setting goals.

Determining what needs to be done, and how best to do it have always been among those essentials listed as keys to success. And I’m all for goals. Few things insure consistent accomplishment like the diligent determination to use your best efforts every day to get the best things done. Everyone needs goals.

But there is a downside to setting goals in some areas, especially if reaching the goal will demand a change in attitude or some life pattern. Take weight loss, for example. Suppose you are like me and fight the battle of weight gain constantly. Two or more times a year we get to the place where we are tired, out of breath walking up the stairs, and just about too big for even that section of our closet that is on the big end of the spectrum. So, what do we do? Out of a combination of exasperation and desperation, we determine to lose some weight. We announce to the world that we’re finally going to do something about this, and we go on an austerity diet, and break out the jump rope.

And, of course, we set a goal of just how many pounds we’re going to lose. After all, as we’ve been told, if we fail to plan, we just plan to fail. And we plan to succeed at losing a certain number of pounds.

Let’s also assume that we are able to corral our wills, change our lifestyle significantly, and actually lose the weight. When we reach our goal we feel really successful and immediately believe that now life is as it should be. Having reached our goal, we believe that we’re different people. We’ve hit the goal, and now we can stop doing whatever we did to reach it. But this is where the short-term advantages of goal setting give way to the dark reality that what really got us to the goal was significant life change. And if that life change was only for the purpose of reaching the goal, we will revert to our old patterns once the goal is no longer our focus.

This explains why people like me end up losing 20 pounds, and then gaining back 25. It is safe to say that I’ve lost about 200 pounds in the last 20 years but as the saying goes, I always ended up finding them again, plus a few more!

In some ways I think we have it backward. Goals shouldn’t be the goal; life-long disciplines should be the goal. Rather than set a goal of a certain weight, determine to live in such a way that you’ll be able to enjoy physical adventures like hiking and playing soccer with your grandkids. Determine to live and eat and exercise in such a way that your quality of life is consistently all it can be. Recognize that the goal isn’t the goal; vitality and health are.

And this whole concept is transferable to other even more important areas of life. I’m talking here about ethics, about values, about character traits that add up to the kind of person you want to be.

The desire to lose 20 pounds may have some short-term benefit, but committing to owning a healthy lifestyle is a thing of great nobility. And every noble commitment — be it health or virtue — will demand that values rather than impulses command your behavior.

What is really at issue here is whether we are willing to do the hard thing, consistently, to re-engage our wills as master rather than slave. And what makes this mastery of the will so hard is that a monstrous virus called sin has found its way into our human hard drive. Left to ourselves, we will usually choose pleasure over virtue, self-interest over neighborly love, and self-advancement over sacrificial service. As a Christ-follower I know I needed outside help, and I found it when Jesus found me.

Think about that, because the greatest challenges in life and eternity make weight loss look like child’s play.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

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How to protect dogs from Lyme disease

L

yme disease is a potentially dangerous condition transmitted by the passing of bacteria from deer ticks to their unsuspecting hosts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.

Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. But Lyme disease also affects animals, including popular house pets like dogs.

Tufts University says that the Lyme bacterium can cause serious illness in some dogs. What’s more is that the disease can be difficult to detect and cause serious and recurring health problems. That is why it is essential for pet parents make concerted efforts to reduce the risk that their dogs become infected.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says the best way to protect pets against Lyme disease is to

PETS

strategies can keep these carriers away.

Keep the lawn trimmed to make it less hospitable to ticks that transmit Lyme disease.

• Conduct a daily tick check if your dog spends time outside. Pay attention to bumps on the skin and part the fur so you can see where the coat meets the skin. Don’t forget to look in the ears.

• When possible, avoid areas where ticks may be found, such as tall grasses, wooded areas and marshes.

Stick to trails when spending time in wooded areas.

emphasize prevention.

overall health, among other factors.

• Speak with your veterinarian about a tick preventive product that is right for your dog. These can include repellant collars, topical treatments and ingestible medications.

• Address conditions in the yard that are conducive to ticks. Mowing the lawn regularly is one way to make the backyard less attractive to ticks, as is removing leaf litter.

• Vets may recommend vaccination against Lyme disease if you live in an area that is home to high tick populations. Recommendations also may be based on your pet’s lifestyle and

• Keep a clean home and landscape.

Rodents and other wildlife can carry deer ticks. Securing trash cans, picking up food scraps, removing hiding spots and potential dens, and other

Dogs with Lyme disease may exhibit various symptoms. These include loss of appetite, fever, joint swelling, decreased activity, and lameness. Visit the vet promptly if symptoms occur and do not abate, or are causing considerable distress for your pet.

Lyme disease is a concern for pets.

Avoidance, preventive measures and outdoor maintenance can help reduce the likelihood that pets will contract Lyme disease. (MC)

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