Boomers Gen 50+ - Winter 2015

Generation 50+

Seniors and Sexuality Page 8

Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu Page 11

Financial Gifts Make a Lasting Impact Page 3

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GENERATION 50+

5 Things to Put on Your Year-End Financial Checklist Better hearing by design.

The end of the year is a good time to wrap up financial loose ends and set priorities for the year ahead.

Here’s a checklist of timely financial todos.

Get Budget Savvy

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Over three-fifths of Americans identify staying within budget as a “take charge priority” in a recent Lincoln Financial Group Measuring Optimism, Outlook and Direction (M.O.O.D.) of America study.

(Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates, which are separately responsible for their own contractual obligations.)

An online tracking tool tied to your bank account is an easy way to monitor spending habits and identify where to make necessary tweaks to redirect money toward important financial goals. Many financial institutions offer these for free.

Boost Retirement Savings

For 59 percent of Americans, saving for retirement is a financial priority, according to the same Lincoln study. Take their cue.

You can lower your tax burden by increasing your retirement plan contribution, since deposits are made pre-tax.

Unfortunately, you can’t just write a check to your 401(k) if you want to contribute more. The money must come out of your paycheck, and you must ask your human resources department at work to increase your withholding. Some companies even allow you to allocate a portion of your yearend bonus to your 401(k) pre-tax.

Empty Flexible Spending

A flexible spending account (FSA) is a great tool for saving on healthcare. You decide during open enrollment how much you’d like to have taken out for healthcarerelated expenses throughout the year, and the money is deposited in the account pre-tax.

But there’s a catch: You must spend it all before year-end or lose it, although some companies allow you to carry over up to $500 into the next year. If there’s still money in your FSA, push up scheduled healthcare purchases, like new eyeglasses or planned dental work, into the current year.

Portfolio Rebalancing

Rebalancing is a necessary but often overlooked portfolio task. Financial advisors recommend reviewing your portfolio at least once annually to decide whether rebalancing is warranted, typically if your positions have strayed five to 10 percent from where you originally set them.

For example, if you allocated 60 percent of your portfolio to stocks, but it has now moved to a 70 percent allocation due to strong market performance, it might be time to rebalance. Rebalancing helps you restore your allocation back to your intended risk profile.

Charitable Contributions

The holidays are a good time to remember the causes you care about.

In fact, you’ll be in good company, as December is the most popular month for charitable giving, with 18 percent of annual donations happening this month alone. If ➧ 5 THINGS, Page 11

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3

GENERATION 50+

Financial Gifts Can Make a Lasting Impact on Grandchildren It’s the season of giving, and grandparents across the country are scrounging the toy aisles and asking their children for the best gift ideas. But when you’re looking for something that is lasting and impactful, the season of giving can also include financial gifts.

A well-considered financial gift creates the opportunity to pass your financial know-how and successes on to younger generations. Plus, financial gifts may also provide some perks for you as well!

Establishing grandchildren as beneficiaries – For any insurance or retirement account you have established, you’re asked to name a beneficiary to receive the benefits of the account when you pass away. If you established those accounts years ago and haven’t updated the beneficiary information, take the opportunity to do so now. You may be surprised at whom you named way back when. If it’s a former spouse, you may want to get that changed! Also take the time to review your estate plan with your estate attorney. We recommend taking this action

every five years to keep your plan up to date with changing tax laws and to make certain you’ve included any new grandchildren who may have been born.

Review your financial gifting options – Cash, stocks, bonds, trusts, securities … all of these financial holdings could be gifted to your grandchildren. Before you take any action, determine what is most appropriate for your family, and for you. Here’s a tip: gifting your grandchildren with stocks that have declined in value has the potential to turn into a great financial gift, as your grandchildren have the time to hopefully see the stocks grow, and there wouldn’t be a “loss” for them in terms of owning the stock.

Keep in mind that it’s important to also provide your grandchildren with the cost basis for the stock, because otherwise they may face high taxes when they decide to sell.

Take annual exemptions to the max – If you’re looking to reduce your estate as part of your estate planning process, one way to do so is to make financial gifts. You can gift each grandchild up to $14,000 a

year with no tax penalties. Encourage your grandchildren to use the money to explore their own financial independence like setting up a college education fund or starting a Roth IRA. Grow their minds with education – College tuition is expensive, and you may want to help your grandkids afford their educational studies. If your grandchildren have 529 plans established, you can contribute to them. And you could start a 529 plan for your grandchild yourself.

Please note, the state of Washington has temporarily closed sales of new 529 plans starting July 1, 2015, to conduct a feasibility study in response to the state’s College Affordability Act, which reduced tuition prices at the state’s public universities and colleges through the 2017-18 school

year. Other state 529 plans are available.

529 plans vary by state and have different potential advantages. Consult your financial professional to see if a 529 plan may benefit you.

What may also be beneficial about a 529 plan is the money placed in the account comes with gift and estate tax benefits, grows tax-deferred, and qualified withdrawals for educational purposes are tax-free.

It’s always a joy to watch the grandchildren unwrap gifts of toys and electronics, but they are fleeting. This year, also consider those financial gifts that could create a lasting impact on their lives. ➧ FINANCIAL GIFTS, Page 5

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4

GENERATION 50+

Does Your Retirement Plan Consider Long-Term Care?

When many people consider their retirement, they dream about the vacations they’ll take and the time they will have to relax. And while many savvy consumers are planning for their retirement financially, experts say that not enough people consider the potential expense of long-term care.

In fact, only one in five future retirees has discussed long-term care expenses with a financial advisor, based on research conducted by Lincoln Financial Group (the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates) and Hanover Research in October 2014. According to the “Managing Long-Term Care Risks” research, advisors believe potential long-term

care expenses are a significant risk to clients’ wealth and retirement goals.

Indeed, according to the Long Term Care Group “2014 Long-Term Cost of Care Survey,” a private room in a skilled nursing home averages $97,611 per year, with costs rising to $147,982 in certain areas of the country. It has been estimated that 70 percent of people age 65 and older will need some form of long-term care.

“It is more critical than ever that Americans understand the need to properly prepare for possible long-term care events in the future, especially as the population ages.

Planning ahead for long-term care expenses not only helps protect a retiree’s finances,

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but it can also help protect the entire family from having to make hard choices during an emotional and difficult time,” says Andrew Bucklee, Head of Insurance Solutions Distribution at the Lincoln Financial Group.

It’s important to get a better understanding of the long-term care landscape, the cost of care, and the solutions available to address long-term care expenses. While it can be challenging and uncomfortable to have these conversations, Bucklee encourages everyone to take the following steps.

• Plan ahead with an advisor to help protect your family and your wealth from potential long-term care expenses.

• Consider all options, including hybrid solutions to help address long-term care expenses with greater financial flexibility.

• Stretch your post-retirement dollar by

downsizing your residence, if possible.

• Inflation can be a major source of trouble for retirees because it drives down the real value of savings and reduces purchasing power -- an effect that’s exacerbated by higher rates of inflation in such categories as health care, a highspend area for retirees. Seek out retirement products that help mitigate the effects of inflation.

Free retirement saving tips and tools can be found at beachieflifeofficer.com.

Don’t let a long retirement catch you off guard. Through a combination of careful planning, a willingness to receive financial guidance, and some creative approaches to saving, you can help ensure a comfortable retirement.

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5

GENERATION 50+

TRAVEL

4. Don’t assume personal challenges, such as a disability or mobility issue, mean you can’t have the travel experience of a lifetime.

Seek out specialized tour operators that can make even the most exotic and remote trips possible for you and your family. For example, agencies like Tully Luxury Travel work with unique tour operators to create accessible safari experiences available to travelers who may, for example, be visually challenged or undergoing dialysis treatment.

5. Plan wisely. If you know you must

travel during a particular month, do your research to find out about local festivals and other seasonal attractions. The beginnings and ends of “high” travel seasons can also be less crowded and expensive.

Find more tips, ideas and information about luxury travel at www.

TullyLuxuryTravel.com.

“With some keen planning, you can see the globe exactly the way you want at a price that’s within reach,” says Tully.

(StatePoint)

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5 Tips to Upgrade and Customize Your Next Vacation There are numerous ways to see the world, so why not travel exactly the way you want? Whether your ideal vacation is a luxury cruise, a sophisticated stay in a five star hotel, or a safari adventure, a bit more planning will help make your next escape perfectly suited to you, say experts.

“From lunch on the Great Wall of China to a breathtaking voyage through the Kenyan landscape, travel offers us many of the most exhilarating, enriching experiences of our lives,” says Mary Jean Tully, Founder and CEO of Tully Luxury Travel. “And if you do your research, you can have remarkable travel experiences that are both convenient and comfortable.”

Tully Luxury Travel is a global leader in luxury travel, offering high-end cruises through Cruise Professionals, safaris customized through African Dreams and tailored itineraries through Private Travel Designers. To make your next vacation the most memorable one yet, the experts at Tully Luxury Travel are offering five travel tips:

1. Avoid booking luxury hotels and resorts online or with call centers. For better deals and better service, contact an experienced and specialized travel designer.

They will have first-hand knowledge of your destination and provide you with full concierge-style service and advice. A travel agent also books hundreds or thousands of rooms with various hotel properties all over the world. This enables them to get better deals for their clients.

2. If you want a stress-free way to see a great many sights, consider ocean and river cruises. This style of travel offers a convenient way to explore the various wonders of a particular region, without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking.

3. If you’re going on a cruise, try to arrive in your departure city a few days early. This will alleviate stress and jet lag, ease you into your holiday, and give you a chance to acquire a taste of the city from which your ship will depart. This will also guarantee you don’t miss your ship due to inclement weather, mechanical difficulty or an airline strike.

Pass on Financial Know How ➧ FINANCIAL GIFTS, from Page 3—

For U.S. Bank:

Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC Credit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association and subject to normal credit approval.

This information represents the opinion of U.S. Bank and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results.

U.S. Bank is not responsible for and does not guarantee the products, services or performance of U.S. Bancorp Investments. U.S. Bancorp Investments and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Each individual’s tax and financial situation is unique. Clients should consult their tax or legal advisor for advice and information concerning their particular situation.

For U.S. Bancorp Investments:

Investment products and services are available through U.S. Bancorp Investments, the marketing name for U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC, an investment adviser and a brokerage subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp and affiliate of U.S. Bank.

Insurance products are available through various affiliated non-bank insurance agencies, which are U.S. Bancorp subsidiaries and affiliates of U.S. Bank.

Products may not be available in all states.

CA Insurance License# OE24641. Policies are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies and may not be available in all states.

By Mary Justice, Washington State Market Leader of The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank in Seattle, and Dorothy Mitchel, U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. Division Manager in Everett, Washington.

Investment products are: Not a Deposit

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GENERATION 50+

New Year’s Food Resolutions to Improve Wellbeing grocery list that incorporates natural foods you’re excited to try, and begin to make small swaps. If it seems like an adventure, you’ll be inspired to avoid highcalorie, low-nutrient foods, and stick to those that provide energy and key disease-fighting properties.

Whole Foods Focus Excellent examples Fresh, unprocessed foods of power-packed foods are the cornerstone of a include bananas, dark healthful diet. Whole foods Soups and smoothies make for leafy greens, black beans, include fruits, vegetables, quick, healthful meals. avocados, strawberries, peas, legumes, whole grains, nuts (c) Kalman & Pabst Photo Group quinoa, almonds, chia seeds and seeds -- all presented and rolled oats. Shopping in their purest forms, free tip: these foods are typically located of unnecessary additives such as artificial around the perimeter of the market. flavors, colors, preservatives, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats. ➧ RESOLUTIONS, Page 7 Build a recipe for success with an ongoing Improving one’s overall wellbeing is often top-ofmind when New Year’s resolutions are made.

Positive lifestyle changes are heavily rooted in the kitchen -- start there and take simple steps to achieve better health.

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PERSONAL FINANCE

The Changing Retirement Landscape: What to Know Now Previous generations of Americans were able to retire with confidence, knowing that they could count on a steady stream of income from what is often referred to as the “three-legged stool” of company pensions, social security and personal savings Today, for most workers, the retirement landscape is different: the availability of traditional pensions has plummeted, wage stagnation has dampened how much middle-income savers can set aside, and the level at which Social Security can play a substantial source of future retirement income is in flux.

And now experts are warning that many insurance products that replicate the “paycheck for life” provided by traditional pensions are becoming at risk in this new world. Especially threatened, say retirement specialists, are annuities, which have traditionally offered guaranteed lifetime income no matter what happens in the

markets.

“For millions of Americans with moderate incomes, such guarantees are increasingly necessary to help them prepare for a financially stable retirement that could span several decades,” says Helene Rayder, Vice President at Lincoln Financial Group.

However, some retirement insurance experts are concerned that new regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) intended to improve customer value by eliminating conflicts of interest between advisors and their clients, could hurt consumers instead. Rayder says the rules could potentially: • Make it economically unviable for commission-based financial advisors to serve average consumers, forcing individuals to work with more costly pay-based advisors.

This will limit the financial advice many ➧ RETIREMENT, Page 7

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GENERATION 50+

Positive Lifestyle Changes ➧ RESOLUTIONS, from Page 7

Mealtime Magic at Home

Take a few minutes each week to make meal plans. Preparing and consuming mostly home-cooked meals will train your palate to enjoy more healthful fare. And it’s worth the effort to know exactly what’s in each dish. Over time, you’ll learn to cook creatively with whole-food ingredients.

Heathy eating can be a breeze with a wealth of mealtime ideas that take 30 minutes or less to prepare. A highperformance blender, like the Vitamix 780, makes it easy to whip up plant-based concoctions like smoothies, soups and whole-food juices -- even healthy sorbets made from nothing but frozen fruit.

The blender has five touchscreen preprogrammed settings and an LED control panel to quickly create recipes with a single touch.

Stick to It

Now that you’ve committed to a whole foods-centered eating regimen, ensure old habits stay in the past. Take a few moments to write down scenarios that might sidetrack you and how to avoid them. For example, partner up with friends or loved ones to form a support system and encourage each other to make healthy choices when getting together for occasional meals out. And lastly-- it’s okay to indulge here and there. You will be successful if you are happy about your choices and don’t feel restricted.

Focus on this new approach to eating to set out on the right course to optimal health. Understand what whole foods are, how to include them in your diet, and work with a support system. You’ll be well on the way to long-term success.

(StatePoint)

Retirement has Changed ➧ RETIREMENT, from Page 7 middle class savers rely on today.

• Reduce the choice of retirement products savers have in planning, potentially eliminating middle class savers from choosing commission-based accounts.

• Deter financial planners from offering annuities, and as a result savers will pay more and get less over the long term.

• Could cost families billions more instead of helping them save. A recent report published by Economists Incorporated says the cost could be as much as $80 billion

nationwide.

To learn more, visit Lincoln Financial Group’s page www.MyRetirementChoice. org, which provides information about the rule.

“While well-intended, the rule’s onesize-fits-all approach will negatively impact middle class savers,” says Rayder. “Americans can get involved by encouraging the DOL to change its rule, and ask their congressional representatives to make the same request of the Administration.”

(StatePoint)

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8

GENERATION 50+

Seniors and Sexual Intimacy: Let’s talk about it!

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By David Haack When seniors age in the late stage of their lives, that doesn’t mean they lose their sexual intimacy. In fact, seniors are having sexual relations more often than not. Many times however, the issue is challenged by family members, healthcare professionals, and others seeing the need to interfere.

We are sexual beings, and that doesn’t change as we age. Occasionally, sons and daughters are not happy about mom or dad’s sexual proclivities, in a community or facility setting.

Case in point, Henry Rayhons, a 78-yearold former Iowa Republican state legislator was accused this summer of sexually abusing his wife. His daughter-in-law made the claim, after he had sex with his wife in the nursing home where she lived as a dementia patient. His wife, Donna Lou Rayhons, died on Aug 8, 2014, a week before her husband was charged with one count of third-degree sexual abuse.

Fortunately he was found not-guilty, but it raises an important question, which many likely wonder about. Is it ok for seniors in their last stages of life to have sexual intimacy, married or not, in a community care setting? More importantly, are they having safe sex to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Statistics show a relatively high number of seniors are having sex (almost 30 percent of seniors over 80 years old) but more alarming, STDs have doubled among this population.

As people age, the assumption is that they are no longer sexually active. Unfortunately, it has become a taboo subject, even amongst healthcare providers. With Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications, sex among the elderly is at an all-time high.

When our society is uncomfortable talking about sex and seniors, it becomes a form of discrimination. As a result, we begin to deny senior citizens their privacy in assisted living, Memory Care, and other facilities. Add to the fact, that in their golden years, seniors don’t use contraceptives like condoms, or worry about STDs such as HIV/AIDS. Safe-sex among seniors is often ignored.

According to an AARP study, seniors didn’t receive the talks about incurable STDs such as genital herpes and HIV/AIDS. There are many contributing factors why STDs are on the rise at alarming rates among seniors.

The bottom line is that we need to better educate physicians, healthcare providers, and caregivers at senior communities about the

increase of STDs. Seniors can then be made aware of how to prevent them by using condoms and other supplies, to decrease and eliminate the chance for seniors to get infected.

Here are some safe sex tips to consider.

Whether you are a caregiver or someone else working with seniors on a regular basis, these will help to ensure they lead healthy and active sex lives during their remaining years: Talk about it – Encourage seniors to discuss their sex lives with you. Silence limits an honest conversation about their health and sexual habits.

STD Testing – Many seniors don’t believe this is necessary, due to their upbringing and other factors. Seniors should be encouraged to get tested because their lives depend on it.

No one is too old to get HIV/AIDS. Safe partners – Seniors need to be open and honest with their significant others or sex partners, and have open and honest conversations about sexual health before the lights are turned off.

Condoms for men and women – If you are a senior, use them when having sex, and if you are a caregiver, ensure they use them “properly and safely.”

Lube – After menopause, women experience a reduction of natural lubrication. Seniors should use water-based to help reduce micro-abrasions that can increase the chance for infections.

E-resources – There is a plethora about safer sex for seniors online, including recent studies, trends, educational resources, and much more!

Seniors at practically any age are having sex, and there’s a tremendous need to give them their respect, dignity, and especially educational information. That way, seniors can be open and enjoy a healthy sex life.

They can be safer about avoiding STDs and other diseases that have no cure, and can affect their overall health.

David Haack is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Living Care Lifestyles. He has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, including implementing sexual intimacy privacy policies for Seniors. He is also the cofounder of The Northwest LGBT Senior Care Providers Network (www.nwlgbtseniorcare.org).

For more information, please email David at Davidh@ livingcarelifestyles.com or call (206)-441-1770. Visit www.Livingcarelifestyles.com Note: Information from AARP, and the National Institute of Health was used for this article

9

GENERATION 50+

HEALTH

How to Choose a Hospital for Procedures or Surgeries Many patients become overwhelmed when they learn they need to have a procedure or surgery, and make quick decisions based on convenience. But before quickly settling for the nearest hospital, there are a few important things patients should consider.

Read Reviews

Before choosing a restaurant, you may read a few reviews. So why wouldn’t you do the same for something much more important than dinner?

Spend some time researching the various hospitals on your list for their track records on safety, patient outcomes and patient experience.

Find out more about the healthcare professionals that you will encounter. Not just the surgeon, but rather the entire team that will be caring for you while you are there. How long has your surgeon been in practice? What is his or her success rate?

Several organizations, including independent non-profits list hospital rankings and ratings based on a number of factors, and are searchable by various disciplinary specialties.

Treatment Options

Even if your doctor doesn’t mention it, there may be new treatment options available for your condition that are safer or have higher success rates. Not every hospital

has the same technological capabilities and facilities, so you may not even be aware of what’s available to you without asking a few questions.

For example, CyberKnife, a computercontrolled radiosurgery system, delivers radiation to cancerous and non-cancerous tumors with millimeter accuracy. This virtual surgery may be worth a trip for those diagnosed with prostate cancer, a brain tumor, or lesions in the spine, lungs, liver and pancreas. Done in five treatments on an outpatient basis, it involves no incisions, no blood, no pain and no complications from anesthesia; and patients can resume daily activities immediately following treatment.

Additionally, this form of radiation therapy can treat many tumors that are inoperable by other methods.

“Because the technology is so precise, physicians can apply higher doses of radiation, offering patients a better chance for cure while minimizing damage to healthy tissue,” says Louis Schwartz, MD chief, radiation oncology, at Overlook Medical Center, a hospital with over 10 years of treatment experience in CyberKnife technology.

No matter what your condition is, do your research about the new innovative methods being employed by hospitals nationwide to treat it.

More information about CyberKnife

CyberKnife technology is helping physicians like Dr. Schwartz deliver safer, high-quality care. (c) Jerry McCrea

technology can be found at atlantichealth. org/CK-Overlook.

Ask Questions

Supplement your research by asking targeted questions of the right people. Ask trusted health care experts for their opinion.

Seek out online forums of other patients with your condition. The feedback you hear may be some of the most invaluable

information you collect during your search for the perfect hospital or facility for your treatment.

Before scheduling surgery or a procedure, get the facts and know your options. With a little digging, you may discover options for higher-quality care.

(StatePoint)

Traffic Deaths on the Rise: Tips to Keep Your Family Safe Traffic deaths are on the rise, and experts fear the trend will continue.

“While the statistics point out a dangerous trend, we have the ability to influence outcomes through our choices and behavior,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council (NSC). “Take your responsibilities behind the wheel seriously and ensure that you get to your destination safely.”

NSC believes the spike in fatal car crashes is due in part to an improving economy.

Lower gas prices and lower unemployment rates often lead to an increase in traffic because more people can afford to drive, and many travel long distances and take vacations.

To help stay safe on the roads, NSC recommends drivers: • Learn about their vehicle’s safety systems and how to use them. Free resources, such as MyCarDoesWhat.org can help drivers understand the ins and outs of such features as blind spot, lane departure warning systems, and backup cameras. Visit www.

MyCarDoesWhat.org to learn more.

• Buckle up for all trips—short and long, even back seat passengers.

• Designate a non-drinking driver or arrange alternate transportation.

• Get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

• Never use a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands-free.

• Monitor teens’ driving habits. An NSC survey found many parents are more inclined to loosen household driving rules during the summer. Teen passengers are one of the greatest distractions.

“We believe that by taking the proper precautions, we can make the roads safer and save lives,” said Hersman.

(StatePoint)

10

GENERATION 50+

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Ways to Keep Cozy This Season In cool weather, staying comfortable is a top priority -- from the clothes and shoes you wear to the food you put on your family’s table.

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No Shoes Policy

Avoid tracking the outside elements into the interiors of your home. A no-shoes policy in the house can help. Keep a shoe rack by the door of your house to encourage family and guests to remove their shoes upon arrival. You can make the policy stick more easily by supplying your family with weather-appropriate shoes that are easy to slip on and off “We keep a small basket of Crocs by our sliding door to the backyard. It’s easy for the kids to grab their pair, so they can go outside,” says lifestyle blogger Kacia Hosmer of Coconut Robot.

Though known as a summer shoe, she cites some of the brand’s newer styles, such as Baya Heathered Fuzz Lined Clog, as being cool weather-friendly and a good fit that stay on one’s feet.

Simple Meals

With energy-zapping seasonal afflictions an ever-looming threat, your energy levels can be as unpredictable as the weather. But cooking your family wholesome foods that evoke warmth and comfort doesn’t need to be complex or tiring.

“Since I’ve been under the weather, I didn’t really feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen,” says Stephanie Keeping of Spaceships and Laser Beams, who of late has turned to simple recipes that can satisfy hunger morning, noon or night.

One dish recipes like stews or chili are great for incorporating seasonal vegetables with minimal fuss.

Dress for Comfort, Stylishly The temperatures may be dipping but that’s no reason why you can’t remain at the intersection of comfort and style. Seek out good quality outerwear. The key is finding favorites that look good with everything, work well no matter what activity your family is doing, and will last year in and year out.

And it all starts with shoes. Especially for moms who want to quickly slip something

(c) Spaceships and Laser Beams

on when running out to pick up the kids from after-school activities or racing around for last-minute errands.

“If you know flats, you know not every flat is a very comfortable one,” says Jenny Ingram, the family blogger behind Jenny on the Spot. But Ingram and her daughters have been sporting Crocs Mammoth Bow Flats, a discovery she calls “winning the simple and comfy lottery.”

When it comes to shoes for kids, parenting experts recommend fuss-free shoes designed for a lot of activity. “Let’s just say that tying shoes is not top on his priority list. Crocs Kids Bump-It Shoes have been his shoes of choice since they arrived and they are keeping up with all his outdoor neighborhood activities,” says Camille Gabel from the family and parenting blog Growing Up Gabel.

With the right head-to-toe gear and the right mindset, you can stay cozy all season long.

(StatePoint)

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11

GENERATION 50+

Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu this Season Cold and flu season is upon us, which for many people means it’s time for sore throats, coughs and runny noses. While colds cause mild versions of these symptoms, the flu is typically more severe with additional symptoms like a fever and muscle aches.

Unfortunately, both conditions are all too common.

Annually, people in the United States suffer one billion colds, and up to 20 percent of people in the US get the flu, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Fortunately, there are many steps that people can take to ward off the threat of cold and flu,” says Jill Turner-Mitchael, a registered pharmacist and the senior vice president of Sam’s Club Health and Wellness.

How can you keep yourself and your family healthy this season? Turner-Mitchael and the Sam’s Club pharmacists are offering some tips: • Eat right: Wellness starts from within.

Boost your immunity with a healthful diet complete with a variety of fruits and vegetables. You’ll want to ensure your family maintains a diet that is rich in vitamin C, beta carotene and vitamin E. Get your daily dose in hearty soups, vegetables roasts and winter salads.

• Wash your hands: The outside world can be a germy place. Before opening the mail or changing out of your work clothes, wash your hands. This should be the first thing you do when you get home and the first step in any meal preparation that you do. Wash them often throughout the day, as well.

• Get some rest: Lack of sleep can contribute to weakened immunity. Keep your body strong by taking advantage of the short days in winter to head to bed a bit early and get a proper amount of shut eye.

• Get vaccinated: Don’t forget to get a flu shot. A new one is needed every year, as the body’s immune response from vaccination is temporary. This season’s shot will protect against the viruses that research shows will be most prevalent.

These days, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to do so. Licensed pharmacists can administer walk-in flu shots at retailers like Sam’s Club, which offers affordable flu shots to both members and the public.

Specifically, Sam’s Club is offering standard three and four strain flu shots to anyone eight years of age and above, as well as a special high-dose shot designed for seniors 65 years and older. Turner-Mitchael says this is part of the company’s commitment to helping people live healthier lives. Learn more at www.SamsClub.com.

• Stay active: You may not have any beach plans in the works but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the gym. One of the many benefits of regular exercise is that it is linked to a healthy immune system, so stay active all year long.

Don’t let a bad cold or flu sweep you off your feet this winter. Take steps to guard your health all season. And remember – if you have any questions about the common cold, the flu, or any other health conditions, your local pharmacist can be a great go-to resource.

(StatePoint)

Wrapping up Financial Loose Ends ➧ 5 THINGS, from Page 2 you itemize your deductions, you can take a deduction against donations to 501(c)(3) organizations. Your donations can take many forms: cash, appreciated stocks, or even the cost of ingredients for a big pot of chili for a homeless shelter

More financial tips can be found at www. lincolnfinancial.com/holidays.

A little attention paid to year-end financial tasks can go a long way toward making 2016 -- and many years to come -more financially secure.

(StatePoint)

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