August 2021 | DC Beacon

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Athletes of all ages score gold PHOTO COURTESY OF MARYLAND SENIOR OLYMPICS

By Margaret Foster Dave Weicking and his buddies used to go to Grateful Dead concerts together when they were in their 20s. Now, four decades later, they play serious games of shuffleboard.

“I don’t know if it’s cutthroat, but it’s definitely competitive,” said Weicking, 67, a retired U.S. patent examiner in Olney.

In September, Weicking and his friends will participate in the Maryland Senior Olympics, where they’ve brought home gold in years past.

“I’m not someone who would normally win an athletic medal, but I’ve got a wall of gold medals,” Weicking said.

It’s gold-medal season in Maryland and Virginia for thousands of adults over 50 who compete in track and field, pickleball and dozens of other events. The Maryland Senior Olympics got underway in July and last through October, while the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will kick off in September. (The D.C. Senior Games take place every May.) For the next three months, dozens of events will take place at various locations throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia. About 1,000 people usually participate in the Virginia games, while the Maryland Senior Olympics typically attract between 1,500 and 3,000 participants.

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Explore Underground Railroad sites in Maryland via the Harriet Tubman Byway; plus, check out offbeat attractions nearby, and learn what to expect when you travel nowadays page 34

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Friendly competition for all Don’t be intimidated by the word “Olympic,” said Stacy Sigler, president of the Maryland Senior Olympics and a recreation supervisor for Senior Programs at Montgomery County.

“We don’t want to scare anyone away.

We want everyone to come out and have fun,” Sigler said.

By all accounts, the games are great

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From track-and-field to sudoku, horseshoes and pickleball (above), the dozens of games hosted by the Maryland Senior Olympics and Northern Virginia Senior Olympics encourage area residents over 50 to stay active year-round and compete for medals every year.

fun, thanks to enthusiastic spectators and even other competitors, who are “rooting everyone on,” Sigler said. “We have kids and grandkids come out with their signs,

rooting for Grandma. It’s amazing to see these role models. We should all want to be like them at that age.”

See SENIOR OLYMPICS, page 16

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Many area theaters are opening their doors again; plus, George Clooney discusses his latest movie, and Bob Levey turns a friend on to volunteering

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Farewell, Cicadaville In my last column, which ran in May, I developed. For years, I have wondered if I announced I was taking a seven-week sab- could rework them into mature pieces that batical to see if my old school could one day, perhaps, bepenchant for composing come something other pimusic for the piano might be anists would like to play as something I could return well. to…you know, when I retire That inspired my limited or something. agenda over the sabbatical: We have frequently endeveloping some of the couraged our readers to dismelodies and short ideas I cover their passions — wrote decades ago to see whether resuming a hobby what I could make of them. from youth or learning how To that end, I took daily inFROM THE to do something completely spiration walks (through PUBLISHER different — and to investiwhat I came to call “CicaBy Stuart P. Rosenthal gate their options before they daville”) along the paths in stop working. the woods near our home.

So, I thought it high time to take that ad- When I got back to my piano, I would vice and give it a whirl myself. spend time improvising, recording everyI have played the piano since the age of thing on my smartphone.

5, and been composing short melodies and I would then listen to those recordings pieces since, well, not long after. on my next walk, taking note of passages I The pieces I wrote back then proved thought would make good music or were popular at talent shows and with friends, worth tooling around with more. but frankly, they were mostly brief and unThen, after a few days of this back and

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County, Md. and Richmond, Va. Readership exceeds 400,000.

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forth, I’d sit down and pull together the themes and variations I had come up with into something resembling a piano solo.

I was fortunate to have a mentor in all this: a friend who majored in music composition in college and still composes today.

In addition to educating me on methods composers have used for centuries to develop their musical themes, he also guided me in learning how to use music notation software. I learned there are a number of rather complex but altogether amazing computer programs that enable anyone to create printed sheet music that looks quite professional.

I am happy to report that all this time away from “real” work led to three new compositions. I took one hodgepodge of a piece I wrote long ago and produced two separate pieces using some of its themes.

I also found among my “papers” a piece I had completely forgotten about, written during middle school. I turned that oneand-a-half-page theme into a six-minute piece I rather like now.

What’s that, you say? You want to hear them yourself so you can make your own judgment? I suppose that’s reasonable.

But I need to ask your indulgence while I try to accommodate that request. You see, first I need to practice them so I can play them well! (Yes, it’s quite possible to write music one cannot play.) I’m almost there.

Then I need to make decent videos of

myself performing them and figure out the best way to make those available to you.

The last few days of my sabbatical were spent watching innumerable YouTube videos explaining “how to set up a website,” “how to upload videos to YouTube,” “how to get your songs on Spotify,” and many more headache-inducing topics of the sort.

My hope (not a promise) is that, by the time of my next column, I will be able to refer you to a site — somewhere — where you can watch me playing my new pieces.

But there’s a price involved: I want you to get back to me and tell me what you think!

I also am hoping you will find inspiration from my story and plan your own sabbatical, or take a class to help you recover or discover your own creative passions. It’s not only a delightful way to spend some time, but a great way to get the juices flowing for your life’s next project.

I want to thank our wonderful Beacon staff for cheerfully taking on the various duties I shirked during my sabbatical.

When I returned, a part of me found it nice to discover I had been missed. But there’s another part that wonders how in the world I’ll convince everyone I’ll need to take another sabbatical next year…

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day.

Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Dear Editor: My husband and I grew up on farms in Iowa, where most people were white, Protestant children. It wasn’t until we entered university that we had classes with students who were Black, Asian or Latino.

Later we decided to move our three children, ages 2, 5 and 7, to a suburb of D.C. Years later we offered a temporary home to a Japanese student at George Mason University, two miles from our home. During this time my son came home from college for holidays, and soon he was taking our Japanese student everywhere he went. After both of them graduated, our son told us that he wanted to marry our Japanese houseguest.

Then, our daughter in Columbus told us she was going to adopt a baby girl from Korea. Friends teased us about our multicultural grandchildren. But the story wasn’t over yet.

I had been widowed five years when one evening a Jewish widower came to our support group. It doesn’t take long when people who belong together find each other, and on our third date (at the Kennedy Center) we made plans to marry.

Maybe it’s good that our Iowa grand-

parents are gone. They would not understand this modern, city way of connecting to one another when they didn’t know that this multicultural, dynamic way of life even existed.

Karmen Worden Ashburn, VA Dear Editor: I have been reading Bob Levey’s columns since I moved to Virginia 30 years ago. I enjoyed reading his article, “Remember when clothes made the man?” in the June Beacon.

I grew up in a time when mothers taught their sons etiquette and manners. It is discouraging to see so many men who lack interest in their personal appearance. Too many males today have their pants hanging below their waists and do not seem to care that their sloppy appearance is offensive.

If I had a young daughter of dating age at home, they would not get past the front door. When young men graduate from high school, it should be a requirement for them to go into the military for two years minimum, where they will be taught discipline and respect. So many fathers are also lacking in this area.

Rebecca Custis Via email

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Technology &

Innovations Paralyzed man communicates via thought

By Lauran Neergaard In a medical first, researchers harnessed the brain waves of a paralyzed man unable to speak — and turned what he intended to say into sentences on a computer screen.

The study, reported in July, marks an important step toward one day restoring more natural communication for people who can’t talk because of injury or illness.

“Most of us take for granted how easily we communicate through speech,” said Dr. Edward Chang, a neurosurgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, who led the work. “It’s exciting to think we’re at the very beginning of a new chapter, a new field” to ease the devastation of patients who lost that ability.

Today, people who can’t speak or write because of paralysis have very limited ways of communicating. For example, the man in the experiment, who was not identified to protect his privacy, has been using a pointer attached to a baseball cap that lets him move his head to touch words or letters on a screen. Other devices can pick up

patients’ eye movements.

While these methods have some effectiveness, they are frustratingly slow and a limited substitution for speech.

Translating thought into action Tapping brain signals to work around a disability is a hot field. In recent years, experiments with mind-controlled prosthetics have allowed paralyzed people to shake hands or take a drink using a robotic arm — they imagine moving, and those brain signals are relayed through a computer to the artificial limb.

Chang’s team built on that work to develop a “speech neuroprosthetic” — decoding brain waves that normally control the vocal tract, the tiny muscle movements of the lips, jaw, tongue and larynx that form each consonant and vowel.

Volunteering to test the device was a man in his late 30s who, 15 years ago, suffered a brain-stem stroke that caused widespread paralysis and robbed him of speech.

The researchers implanted electrodes

on the surface of the man’s brain, over the area that controls speech.

A computer analyzed the patterns when he attempted to say common words such as “water” or “good,” eventually becoming able to differentiate between 50 words that could generate more than 1,000 sentences.

Prompted with such questions as “How are you today?” or “Are you thirsty?” the device eventually enabled the man to answer “I am very good” or “No, I am not thirsty” — not voicing the words but translating them into text, the team reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

It takes about three to four seconds for the word to appear on the screen after the man tries to say it, said lead author David Moses, an engineer in Chang’s lab. That’s not nearly as fast as speaking, but quicker than tapping out a response.

In an accompanying editorial, Harvard neurologists Leigh Hochberg and Sydney Cash called the work a “pioneering demonstration.”

They suggested improvements, but said

if the technology pans out it eventually could help people with injuries, strokes or illnesses like Lou Gehrig’s disease whose “brains prepare messages for delivery, but those messages are trapped.”

Years of research Chang’s lab has spent years mapping the brain activity that leads to speech.

First, researchers temporarily placed electrodes in the brains of volunteers undergoing surgery for epilepsy, so they could match brain activity to spoken words. Only then was it time to try the experiment with someone unable to speak.

How did they know the device interpreted his words correctly? They started by having him try to say specific sentences such as, “Please bring my glasses,” rather than answering open-ended questions until the machine translated accurately most of the time.

Next steps include ways to improve the device’s speed, accuracy and vocabulary size — and maybe one day allow a computer-generated voice rather than text on a screen. —AP

Who gets the keys to your digital estate?

By Liz Weston You may not own cryptocurrency or run an online business. But if you do almost anything online, you probably have digital assets — electronic records that you own, control or license.

Failing to make arrangements for those assets while you’re alive could result in unnecessary costs, stress and heartache to those you leave behind.

Online photo and video collections could be lost forever. Heirs could also be locked out of electronic records with monetary value, such as cryptocurrency and frequent flyer miles. Email and social media accounts could be hacked.

Even basic tasks, such as paying bills online or canceling online subscriptions, may be difficult or impossible if you haven’t made arrangements.

“There would be no way for someone to know how I pay bills unless they could access my online account and my emails,” said Abby Schneiderman, co-founder of Everplans, a site for creating end-of-life plans and storing documents.

“And if it takes you a while to access these

accounts, you’re going to realize afterwards, ‘Well, we’ve lost thousands of dollars on services we don’t use or don’t need anymore, because we can’t access them.’”

Here’s what you should consider and do to make this job easier for your descendants:

Provide logins to your executor In the past, your executor — the person entrusted with settling your estate after your death — probably could have figured out what you owned and owed by rummaging through the papers in your filing cabinet and the bills in your mail, said Sharon Hartung, the author of two books for financial advisors, Your Digital Undertaker and Digital Executor. That’s no longer the case.

“Because our digital assets tend to be virtual in nature, an executor is not going to find them in a search of our home office,” Hartung said. “We’re going to have to leave some additional instructions on what we’ve created and how the executor is supposed to get access.”

Google and Facebook are among the few online providers that allow you to appoint someone to manage your accounts if you

become incapacitated or die. Apple recently announced plans to add a similar feature.

The vast majority of online providers don’t have this option, however. Complicating matters further, almost all providers prohibit sharing passwords.

Typically, executors can’t demand access to your digital assets unless you specifically give them authority to do so in your will or living trust. Even then, a provider’s terms of service may limit what the executor can do and hinder them from carrying out your wishes.

So, giving your executor your login credentials may be the easiest way to make sure they can carry out your wishes, estate planning experts say.

Share an inventory and passwords The first step in creating a plan for your digital assets is to make a list of them.

Searching online for a “digital assets inventory” will turn up some worksheets, including a detailed one created by the trade organization Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, or STEP. It allows you to list your accounts, usernames and, if desired,

your passwords.

Don’t forget to include access to your devices. If you have two-factor authentication set up on accounts to verify your identity — and typically you should — your executor will need the passcode to unlock your phone or other device that receives the authentication code.

You may also want to leave a letter of instruction telling your executor about your wishes for various assets — what to delete, what to archive and what to transfer to heirs, for example.

Another option is to keep your login credentials in a password manager such as LastPass or 1Password.

These tools typically have a “notes” field that would allow you to include details about how you’d like the account to be handled.

You would need to provide your executor with the master password, which could be included in the letter of instruction.

Update and safeguard your list You don’t want to include sensitive inforSee DIGITAL ESTATE, page 5

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mation such as passwords in your will, since that document becomes public after you die. Instead, store the inventory and letter of instruction with your other estate planning documents in a secure location, such as with your attorney or in a home safe, and let your executor know where to find it.

You also could upload the information to

District of Columbia

I N F O R M A T I O N

From page 4

an online storage site, such as Everplans or LifeSite, which allows you to give a trusted person access to the documents.

Consider reviewing the inventory at least once a year and make any needed updates.

You’ll rest easier knowing your loved ones won’t be locked out of your digital life.

“Creating a roadmap is really important so that there are no surprises, no tears, that there’s as little stress as possible,” Schneiderman said. —AP/NerdWallet

Housing Communities

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Digital Estate

OverDrive is a website that allows you to borrow free e-books from libraries in our area. OverDrive also produces an app called Libby, which can facilitate the same process.

To start, visit the website, overdrive.com/ libraries, and search for your library. Then you’ll see an array of book covers available at your library. Some are even audiobooks, which you can listen to on your computer or smartphone.

After you’ve entered your library card number and PIN (usually your birth year), you can borrow any book for up to three weeks, just like a regular book. When the book is due, though, you don’t have to return it; the title simply disappears from your device.

You can read books on your Kindle, iPad, smartphone or simply the library’s OverDrive website. If you’re confused, call your local librarian.

The Alexandria Public Library has several free training videos available for everyone at bit.ly/aboutoverdrive.

For free materials on housing communities and health studies, just complete and clip this coupon and mail or fax it to the Beacon.

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People with diabetes must manage their blood sugar levels around the clock.

Rather than pricking their fingers many times a day, some diabetics use continuous glucose monitors to track their blood sugar levels. These monitors have been around since 1991, when the FDA approved the first one for home use. Today, popular monitors include Dexcom G6, Medtronic Guardian Connect, Omnipod Dash and Freestyle Libre.

The most af fordable monitor is Freestyle Libre. Users wear a sensor on their upper arm with a small, retractable needle. To read current blood sugar levels, just wave a smartphone or tablet over the sensor. One model even notifies your doctor of your glucose levels over a period of time.

Since the device isn’t connected to an insulin pump, however, you still have to administer insulin shots.

Some continuous glucose monitors are covered by Medicare. According to

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Freestyle Libre’s website, “most privately insured patients end up paying between $0 and $60 per month for FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors, and no more than $65 for a FreeStyle Libre 2 reader.”

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Health Fitness &

OFF THE CUFF How to choose the best blood pressure monitor for you SUMMER STRETCH What exactly is hot yoga and can it improve your well-being?

STORMWATCH As hurricane season approaches, use this checklist to prepare for bad weather OLD EARS, NEW TRICKS Enroll in a hearing study to learn how to listen in difficult situations

Do hair dyes increase the risk of cancer?

By Shinjita Das, M.D. Personal use of hair dyes is very common, with estimates that 50% or more of women and 10% of men over age 40 color their hair. As natural hair colors get rooted out, let’s cut to a layered question: do permanent hair dyes increase cancer risk?

Hair dyes come in three major varieties: oxidative (permanent), direct (semi-permanent or temporary), and natural dyes.

Most hair dyes used in the U.S. and Europe, both do-it-yourself dyes and those used in salons, are permanent dyes. They undergo chemical reactions to create pigment that deposits on hair shafts — and may pose the greatest cancer risk.

People are exposed to chemicals in hair dyes through direct skin contact or by inhaling fumes during the coloring process.

Occupational exposure to hair dye, as experienced by hairstylists, has been classified as probably cancer-causing. However, it remains unclear whether personal use of permanent hair dyes increases risk for cancer or cancer-related death.

Many studies have explored the relationship between personal hair dye use and risk of cancer or cancer-related death. Conflicting findings have resulted from imperfect studies due to small study populations, short follow-up times, inadequate classification of exposures (personal

or occupational) or hair dye type (permanent versus non-permanent), and incomplete accounting of cancer-specific risk factors beyond permanent hair dye use.

Study finds little increase in risk In a recent study published in The BMJ, a British medical journal, researchers at Harvard Medical School evaluated personal hair dye use and risk of cancer and cancer-related death.

The study authors analyzed survey data from 117,200 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study, collected over 36 years beginning in 1976. They tabulated information that included age, race, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, natural hair color, permanent hair dye use (“ever-user” versus “never-user,” age at first use, duration of use, frequency of use), and risk factors for specific types of cancer.

Compared to non-hair dye users, participants who had ever used permanent hair dyes did not have an overall higher risk for cancer or cancer-related deaths.

Among specific cancers, there was slightly higher risk for basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer) in ever-users compared to non-users. Risk for certain breast cancers and ovarian cancers seemed to increase with longer-term use of permanent dye.

Women with naturally dark hair seemed to have increased risk for Hodgkin’s lym-

phoma, and women with naturally light hair were observed to have higher risk for basal cell carcinoma.

The authors were cautious in reporting their findings, concluding that further investigation is needed to better understand associations that were identified. In addition, we should keep in mind that association does not prove causality.

Some study limitations This was a large, well-designed study with high participant response rates. The researchers analyzed detailed data, allowing them to tease out the degree to which cancer risk was attributable to personal permanent hair dye use rather than to other potential risk factors.

This study also had several limitations.

First, participants were female nurses of mostly European descent, meaning the findings are not necessarily generalizable to men or to other racial or ethnic groups.

Next, the study could not account for every single cancer risk factor (for example, exposure to pesticides and other environmental chemicals).

Data were not collected on other hair grooming products beyond hair dyes, and subjects may have mistakenly reported use of permanent hair dyes when they were in fact using semi-permanent or natural dyes.

Without data on actual color of hair dyes

used, the authors assumed that hair dye color correlated with natural shades of hair. This assumption may miscalculate true chemical exposures — such as in the case of dark-haired users who had additional chemical exposures from stripping their natural darker pigment.

To dye or not to dye?

After the pandemic, some may reconsider whether to dye their hair. The key highlights from this study are: —Personal permanent hair dye use did not increase risk for most cancers or cancer-related death. This is reassuring, but continued safety monitoring is needed.

—Additional research is needed to study diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, specific hair dye colors (light versus dark), cancer subtypes, and exposure levels (personal versus occupational).

Though this study exposed possible associations between permanent hair dye use and increased risk for some cancers, there is not enough new evidence to move the needle on recommendations for personal permanent hair dye use.

Until more is known, consider your personal and family histories when deciding whether to use permanent hair dyes.

When in doubt, check with your doctor for more guidance. © 2021 Harvard University. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How much water do you really need daily?

By Jessica Migala As the warm weather persists, you’ve probably got your water bottle out. And that’s a good thing.

“Every single cell in your body needs fluid to function properly,” said Angie Eakin, M.D., a family medicine physician in Spokane, Washington. “That’s why even mild dehydration can make you irritable, foggy-headed and headachy.”

But while it’s smart to keep sipping, a lot of conventional wisdom about hydrating is just plain false.

Myth: We’re all chronically dehydrated.

Fact: Not if you eat a healthy diet.

Moisture in food contributes about 20% of the fluid you need. So if you avoid “dry”

foods like heavily processed crackers, fill up on fruits and veggies, and drink when you’re thirsty, you should stay well hydrated, even if you’re not chugalugging, according to Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., a nutrition professor at Pennsylvania State University.

Myth: It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger.

Fact: Your body knows the difference.

You’re unlikely to mix up true thirst and hunger because the sensations aren’t even similar. “They feel different and are regulated by separate mechanisms in your body,” Rolls said.

When you’re low on fluids, your cell and blood volumes decrease, and you get an unpleasantly dry, tacky-feeling mouth.

Hunger, on the other hand, is driven by

gut hormones, nutrients and glucose, and is heralded by stomach rumbles and a sensation of emptiness.

Myth: You need to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day.

Fact: That’s a random number.

“There’s not a lot of hard-core evidence that you have to drink this amount,” Eakin said. You might need more if you live in a hot and humid climate, exercise a ton or are pregnant.

Most healthy adults will hit the right amount by following their own thirst cues.

Myth: Thirsty? You’re already dehydrated.

Fact: You could use a drink, but it’s not a crisis.

Folks who tout this myth would have

you believe that thirst is something you should never feel, ever. But thirst is simply your body’s way of saying, “Hey, maybe you ought to take a swig from your water bottle.”

It’s OK to feel a little thirsty — just don’t wait too long to grab a drink. Actual dehydration (the kind that endangers your health) comes with more serious ill effects, like migraines and dizziness.

Myth: You should drink a lot during exercise.

Fact: Let thirst be your guide.

You may think it’s good to glug loads of water during spin class — or that it can’t hurt.

But there is such a thing as overhydration.

See WATER, page 9

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7

To help keep you calm Tiny Micro-Chip In the Ear: Now Available!

By Carrie Dennett, Environmental Nutrition Whether you’re looking for a little more calm or a peaceful night’s sleep, you might reach for plant-based therapies to help you relax.

Many plants have traditional uses as tinctures and teas for promoting calm and sleep, and now modern science is uncovering why.

Many sedative drugs activate GABA receptors, which inhibit excessive brain activity, helping keep us calm during the day and promote restful sleep at night. As it turns out, many calming plants do, too.

Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb with many uses, including as a mild sedative to calm nerves, reduce anxiety and treat insomnia. Research using prescribed doses of chamomile extract to reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder looks promising.

Kava is a beverage or extract made from the plant Piper methysticum, a perennial shrub in the pepper family that is native to islands in the South Pacific, where it’s a popular social drink, regularly consumed to promote relaxation. Kava is often used to reduce stress and restlessness and promote better sleep.

Compounds in kava called kavalactones are thought to be responsible for its calming effects, and in appropriate doses may relieve symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety.

Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is an herb included in many calming tea blends. Various research studies have found that lemon balm may help reduce stress, insomnia and mild-to-moderate anxiety symptoms. Plus, it tastes delicious.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea.

One 2020 systematic review found that L-theanine may help reduce stress and anxiety in people exposed to stressful conditions, but cautioned that larger and longer-term clinical studies are needed.

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Caveat emptor Herbal preparations are not regulated by the FDA, and manufacturers don’t have to prove that their products produce results.

To make sure what you’re buying contains what it says it does, purchase products from reputable manufacturers — preferably those that have undergone third-party testing and certification from groups such as ConsumerLab, U.S. Pharmacopeia or NSF International.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800-8295384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. ©2021 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Choosing a good blood pressure monitor Dear Savvy Senior, make certain it’s working and alert you to a I just found out I have stage 1 hyper- health problem if it arises. tension, and my doctor recHere are some tips to help ommended I get a home you choose a good monitor. blood pressure monitor to keep an eye on it. Can you Types of monitors offer me any tips on choosThe two most popular types ing a good one? of home blood pressure moni—Hypertensive Helen tors sold today are automatic Dear Helen, arm monitors and automatic It’s a smart idea! Everyone wrist monitors that are elecwith elevated or high blood tric and/or battery powered. pressure (stage 1 and higher) With an automatic arm moniSAVVY SENIOR should consider getting a tor, you simply wrap the cuff

By Jim Miller home blood pressure monitor. around your bicep. With the Home monitoring can help you keep tabs push of one button, the cuff inflates and deon your blood pressure in a comfortable set- flates automatically, giving you your blood ting. Plus, if you’re taking medication, it will pressure reading on the display window in a

Water From page 6 Hyponatremia, in which the level of sodium in your blood gets too low, can be caused by drinking large volumes of fluid, even with electrolytes. It’s rare, but it can be deadly.

“There is no reason to drink more than your body needs, and the sensor that tells us how much we need is thirst,” said Mitchell Rosner, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Virginia Health System.

Myth: Water will curb your appetite.

Fact: Maybe, but not for the reason you think.

Though eating soup or another water-rich food at the start of a meal will fill you up, “plain water empties out of your stomach quickly,” Rolls said. On the other hand, she points out, research shows that if you believe water can tame your appetite, it might.

Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in peoples’ lives. Online at health.com. © 2021 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

matter of seconds.

Wrist monitors work similarly, except they attach to the wrist. Wrist monitors are also smaller in weight and size, which makes them more portable.

While they’re a bit more comfortable to use than the arm monitors, they tend to be a little less accurate.

To help you choose the best monitor for you, here are several things to check into: Make sure it fits. Be sure the cuff fits snugly around the circumference of your upper arm. Using a cuff that’s the wrong size can result in an inaccurate reading.

Most arm models have two sizes or an adjustable cuff that fits most people. Wrist models also fit most people.

Choose one that’s easy to use. Be

sure the display on the monitor is easy to read and that the buttons are large. The directions for applying the cuff and operating the monitor should be clear.

Consider what extra features you want. Many automatic monitors come with additional features such as: —irregular heartbeat detection that checks for arrhythmias and other abnormalities —a risk category indicator that tells you whether your blood pressure is in the high range —a data-averaging function that allows you to take multiple readings and get an overall average See BLOOD PRESSURE, page 11

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Will COVID-19 booster shots be needed?

By Lauran Neergaard Just because some vaccine manufacturers want to offer COVID-19 boosters doesn’t mean people will be lining up for them anytime soon. U.S. and international health authorities say that, for now, the fully vaccinated seem well protected.

Globally, experts are watching closely to determine if and when people might need another shot. At the same time, many suggest the priority for the time being should be vaccinations, noting that worrisome coronavirus mutants wouldn’t be popping up so fast if more of the U.S. and the rest of the world had gotten the initial round of shots.

“If you want to stop hearing about the variant of the week,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, a Johns Hopkins University public health specialist, “we need to do more work to

make sure all countries have more access to vaccines.”

Here are some questions and answers about vaccine immunity and boosters: What’s prompting all the booster debate?

U.S. health officials have long said that people one day might need a booster — after all, they do for many other vaccines.

That’s why studies are underway to test different approaches: simple third doses, mixand-match tests using a different brand for a third dose, or experimental boosters tweaked to better match different variants.

But in July, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that in August, they plan to seek Food and Drug Administration authorization of a third dose because it could significantly boost levels of

virus-fighting antibodies, possibly helping ward off worrisome mutants.

The companies haven’t publicly released data, and U.S. health officials issued a sharp response that boosters aren’t yet needed and that the government, not vaccine makers, will decide if and when that changes.

The World Health Organization said in July there is not enough evidence to show that third doses are needed. It said the scarce shots should be shared with poor countries instead of being used by rich countries as boosters.

What’s the evidence that vaccine protection is strong?

An Associated Press analysis in June found nearly all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. are occurring among the unvaccinated.

In July, infections and hospitalizations began increasing as the highly contagious Delta variant spread. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the surges are driven by the least vaccinated parts of a country that has plenty of shots if people would only take them.

No vaccine is perfect, meaning fully vaccinated people occasionally will get infected, but those so-called breakthrough cases usually are mild. Officials monitoring the need for boosters are watching closely for any jumps in serious breakthrough infections.

So far, the news is good: The people first in line for vaccines back in December and January don’t seem to be at higher risk for breakthrough infections than those vaccinated more recently, the CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler said.

Is the booster question all about new variants?

No, scientists also are watching to see how much vaccinated people’s overall immunity to the coronavirus wanes. That, too, could require a booster shot.

Virus-fighting antibodies do gradually wane. That’s normal since the body doesn’t need to be on high alert forever.

But antibodies aren’t its only defense.

By the time those levels drop, the body has formed backups. They include memory B cells that, the next time you’re exposed, “explode, and they start dividing like mad” to make new antibodies, said University of Pennsylvania immunologist Scott Hensley.

Another backup: T cells that kill virusinfected cells to help keep a breakthrough case from becoming severe.

Lab studies signal antibodies aren’t as potent against the Delta variant as they are against some earlier versions of the coronavirus but are still protective.

See BOOSTER SHOTS, page 11

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Blood pressure

Where to buy

From page 9 —multiple user memory that allows two or more people to save their readings —downloadable memory that lets you transmit your data to your computer or smartphone

Booster shots From page 10 Specialists worry more about the prospect of future mutants that might escape today’s vaccines, something preventable only by cracking down on viral spread everywhere.

How are other countries doing against the Delta variant?

Real-world data from England, Scotland, Canada and Israel show that the vaccines most widely used in Western countries continue to provide strong protection. Researchers in Britain found two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, for example, are 96% protective against hospitalization with the Delta variant and 88% effective against symptomatic infection.

Israel recently reported preliminary data suggesting protection against mild Delta infection has dipped lower, to 64%.

But protection against severe illness remained high.

There’s less information about how well

You can find blood pressure monitors at pharmacies, medical supply stores or online, and you don’t need a prescription to buy one. Prices typically range between $40 and $100.

In most cases, original Medicare will not cover a home blood pressure monitor, but

other vaccines hold up against the Delta variant. Thailand announced this week that health workers who had received two doses of a Chinese vaccine would be given a booster shot made by AstraZeneca.

Could some people need a booster before the entire population?

That’s possible. Israel began dispensing third doses of the Pfizer vaccine to transplant recipients and other patients with weak immune systems. The reason: People who take certain immune-suppressing medications don’t react as strongly to any vaccinations — not just COVID-19 vaccines — as healthy people (see above).

France already had a similar third-dose policy for the immunocompromised. And even though it’s not authorized in the U.S., some transplant recipients are seeking out a third dose in hopes of more protection.

It’s not yet proven if a third dose helps and, if so, who needs one and when. The first large study of the strategy is beginning in thousands of patients in Norway.

—AP

After you buy a monitor, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office so they can check its accuracy and teach you the proper techniques of how and when to use it.

You can also get more detailed information on how to accurately measure your blood pressure at home at Heart.org/HBP — click on “Learn How to Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home.”

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a private health insurance policy it’s worth checking into, because some plans may provide coverage.

The best automatic arm monitors as recommended by Consumer Reports include the Omron Platinum BP5450 ($75), Omron Silver BP5250 ($50) and the Omron 10 Series BP7450 ($100); A&D Medical UA767F ($45); and Rite Aid Deluxe Automatic BP3AR1-4DRITE ($37). And the top wrist monitors are the Omron 7 Series BP6350 ($80); and the Equate (Walmart) 4500 Series ($40).

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Confused about steroids: Good or bad?

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: What’s the difference between steroids prescribed by doctors and the ones used by bodybuilders?

A: The term “steroids” can be confusing. But in fact, steroids are flowing through your blood and moving in and out of a variety of tissues and organs as you read this article.

And it’s likely they are helping to keep you healthy. In fact, steroids are essential to life. Many life-saving medications con-

tain steroids.

How can this be? The answer lies in the fact that there are many types of steroids.

Their effects on the body differ. And so do their side effects.

The body normally makes many steroids.

—Cholesterol is a building block of all steroid hormones.

—Cortisol, also known as a corticosteroid, is involved in many vital bodily functions, including energy regulation and immune function.

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—Sex steroids include testosterone, estradiol and progesterone, which are important for sexual development, sex drive, ovulation and menstruation.

Important steroid medications In addition to the body’s naturally occurring steroids, many medications contain steroids. Most often they are corticosteroids prescribed to dampen inflammation.

For example, prednisone is an oral steroid that mimics the actions of cortisol.

Corticosteroids are the key ingredient in nasal sprays for allergies and inhalers for asthma. Topical corticosteroids treat a wide variety of skin diseases.

As a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, a steroid can be life-saving. However, physicians must balance benefits against the serious side effects steroids can cause.

However, many side effects The long list of side effects includes higher blood sugar levels and increased risk of diabetes, weight gain, suppression of the immune system, loss of bone density, insomnia and mental health issues.

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builders and other athletes to enhance athletic performance typically are anabolic steroids, like synthetic testosterone. They also have significant side effects, including emotional instability, anger, liver damage, stroke and blood clots in the legs or lungs.

Because of these side effects and because they potentially offer unfair competitive advantage, steroids are banned by most athletic organizations.

Anyone who is thinking about taking steroids, whether for medical or other purposes, should have a healthy respect for their potential to cause trouble. But it is a myth to say steroids are all bad.

Just ask the person with arthritis who couldn’t move or function without corticosteroids, or the person with asthma who is spared emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to the powerful anti-inflammatory actions of steroids.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2021 Harvard University. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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13

Hot yoga for weight loss, overall health

By Adam Perlman, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: A friend of mine started doing yoga a few months ago and said after two classes a week, she has become stronger and lost weight. I want to lose weight, too, and my blood pressure is high, so my friend suggested I join her for a hot yoga class.

I’m not familiar with yoga, so I am wondering if it’s safe for me to do.

Also, will heated classes help me?

A: Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation.

Yoga may reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate.

There are many styles, forms and intensities of yoga. Hatha is one of the most common styles of yoga, and beginners may like its slower pace and easier movements.

Hot yoga is a vigorous form of yoga performed in a very warm, humid studio.

During the Bikram form of hot yoga, the room is heated to approximately 105° F and has a humidity of 40%.

Regardless of the type of yoga you choose, the core components of most general yoga classes include various poses designed to increase strength and flexibility, as well as controlled breathing to quiet the mind and improve awareness.

Yoga’s potential health benefits include: Stress reduction. A number of studies have shown that yoga may reduce stress and anxiety. It also can enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Improved fitness. Practicing yoga may lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength.

Management of chronic conditions.

Yoga can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Yoga also might help alleviate chronic conditions, such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia.

Challenges of hot yoga Specifically, regarding hot yoga the challenge comes from both the temperature of the studio and the intensity of the different standing and stretching postures.

The postures require lengthy, forceful and sustained contractions of all major muscle groups. The demanding nature of the poses and the heat are designed to raise your heart rate and exercise your muscles.

Although you may sweat more during hot yoga, the research is ongoing regarding its effects on body fat and heart health.

In general, yoga may be a useful addition to an overall weight-loss plan that includes regular aerobic exercise and a healthy diet. Although yoga is not consid-

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ered a high-intensity workout in terms of burning calories, it is a great way to get more physically fit and certainly has benefits such as mindfulness, which can help with managing and sticking to your diet.

What to beware of While yoga can quiet the mind and body, which leads to relaxation and less stress, the intensity of the hot yoga workout and the high temperatures could cause other issues.

Although most people can perform hot yoga, there is an increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If you have any concerns or underlying health conditions, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider before starting a

new exercise routine such as hot yoga.

You will want to drink plenty of water before, during and after the workout. Also, be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy or in any way sick, stop immediately and seek medical attention.

It’s probably best to skip hot yoga if you have heart disease or a history of heat-related illness such as heatstroke or dehydration.

Yoga can be a valuable practice for your overall health and well-being, but as every person has a different body with different abilities, you may need to modify yoga postures based on your abilities. Your instructor See HOT YOGA, page 14

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Flavonoids associated with brain health

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: Of the nutrients in plant foods, it seems like flavonoids might be special regarding brain health. What do we know?

A: Science already touts heart-health benefits of plant-based diets like the Mediterranean, MIND and DASH diets.

Researchers are discovering how plantbased eating may also have an important role in cognitive fitness and perhaps help prevent dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

And one class of nutrients in plants continues to stand out: flavonoids. They have six subclasses: anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, and polymers.

A variety of fruits and vegetables con-

tain flavonoids. Some of the highest amounts are in berries, apples, citrus fruit (oranges, lemons), grapes, spinach, legumes, kale, broccoli, soybeans, onions, tea, cocoa and wine. Some foods contain only one subclass of flavonoids, while others have several.

Flavonoids also may enhance brain blood flow. Some studies found flavonoid intake is inversely related to cardiovascular disease, and what is good for the cardiovascular system is also good for the brain.

Large human studies of flavonoids are still in their early phases, but initial findings show promise.

What they do in the brain Researchers believe flavonoids may help the brain in several ways. For instance, studies suggest they reduce celldamaging free radicals and soothe inflammation.

Some early-stage animal studies have shown that flavonoids can block beta-amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, a trademark of Alzheimer’s.

Testing against dementia One of the most substantial to date was a recent study linking high flavonoid intake and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias (conditions with symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s). The results were published online this April in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Using data from the Framingham Heart Study, researchers looked at the dietary habits of nearly 3,000 people, average age 59, without any signs of dementia.

Over 20 years, people with the highest

Hot yoga From page 13 should be able to suggest modified poses.

Easy does it Regardless of which type of yoga you practice, you don’t have to do every pose.

If a pose is uncomfortable or you can’t hold it as long as the instructor requests, don’t do it. If the room is too warm, step outside. Good instructors will understand and encourage you to explore but not exceed your personal limits.

Try different classes and find what feels

daily intake of flavonoids (about 297 milligrams) had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s or a related dementia than those who ate the smallest amounts (about 123 milligrams).

Still, the link between flavonoids and brain health might be a matter of coincidence. It may take a team effort from all kinds of nutrients, but flavonoids may be one of the main players.

How much is enough? There is no definite recommended daily intake for flavonoids.

Three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits a day is the commonly suggested goal. The more colors and types of food you can put on your plate for every meal, the better.

That should be a good start to give you the flavonoids your body — and brain — may need. © 2021 Harvard University. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. good to you. You also will want to find an experienced instructor who understands your needs and with whom you can connect.

— Adam Perlman, M.D., General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@ mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Senior Olympics From page 1 The nonprofit Maryland Senior Olympics was established in 1980 by Dr. Robert G. Zeigler, a Towson University professor of physi-

cal education. For his pioneering program, Zeigler received a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2015 National Senior Games.

Sigler said she’s seen the difference the Maryland Senior Olympics makes in peo-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SUMMER BOXED LUNCHES Iona Senior Services is hosting summer lunchtime events, with a

program and boxed lunch for all attendees. The program takes place every weekday from 12 to 1 p.m. through Sept. 3. Find the daily program by searching the calendar of events at aroundtowndc.org. For help registering, email community@iona.org or call (202) 895-9485.

A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

ple’s lives. “It encourages them year-round to stay healthy, to stay in shape and to compete every year,” she said.

One of those longtime participants (in softball, basketball, tennis, and bowling) is Carmen Campbell, 82. She first began competing in the games in 1995 and is now president of the board of the Maryland Senior Olympics.

“I’ve been athletic all my life, so I like to participate in as many things as possible,” said Campbell, who has signed up for shotput, softball and other events this fall.

Campbell will also be volunteering to help run the events, located at parks and rec centers throughout Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County.

“It’s something to do, and I’ll get to see some friends I haven’t seen in ages,” Campbell said.

Northern Virginia give their all All ages and abilities are welcome to the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, said Michael McLaughlin, acting chairman.

“We actually had a couple of people who are over 100 years old who have played in these games, which is just amazing,” McLaughlin said.

“To be engaged and healthy and involved at that age is fantastic. To want to play in these games and compete and interact is even better.”

Established in 1982, the nonprofit North-

ern Virginia Senior Olympics were cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

Marathon runner J. Jacob Wind, 71, said he missed them.

“I’m really psyched about the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics coming back to life after two years,” said Wind, who runs every day and plans to compete in several races this September.

“I’m always out there giving it my all.

My all is a whole lot less than it used to be.

These days my ‘all’ is a ‘some,’” he said with a chuckle.

Nonetheless, Wind plans to run the Boston Marathon in October — for the 34th time — as well as the Marine Corps Marathon in November for the 40th time.

“When I was 30, I won a marathon, and when I was 63, I won a marathon,” Wind said. “I may be the only person who won two marathons 33 years apart.”

A jogger will carry a torch into the opening ceremony — “a reasonable facsimile of the Olympic torch,” as McLaughlin put it — to kick off the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics on Sept. 13.

After the opening ceremony, the track and field events will begin. Those events tend to be the most popular, followed closely by pickleball, which has “a tremendous following,” according to McLaughlin.

But some competitions, such as Sudoku, don’t require much movement at all.

See SENIOR OLYMPICS, page 17

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From page 16 This year organizers added crossword puzzles, bringing the number of different events to more than 50.

“Our counties have a lot of seniors, and that community is getting bigger and bigger. So, activities like this become important. We have to have more and more things for seniors to be engaged in,” McLaughlin said.

Qualifying for the national games Although the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics are just for local residents, the Maryland Senior Games are open to nonstate residents, too.

And, after winning a medal in Maryland, athletes are eligible to participate in the National Senior Games that take place every two years and attract up to 15,000 participants.

The next national games are scheduled for May 10 through 23, 2022, in Ft. Lauderdale. (The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics isn’t a member of the National Senior Games Association, so its winners don’t participate.)

This year’s Maryland Senior Olympics will include 54 different events, including archery, billiards, bocce, golf, softball, cycling and swimming races.

Weicking and his fellow shuffleboard sharks will be there in September.

“I’m looking forward to getting back” to the games, said Weicking’s friend Al Koehler, a retired CFO who lives in Ashton, Maryland. Koehler, 66, has participated in the Maryland games twice before and was bowled over by his success.

On a whim he signed up for six events, including the 200-meter dash. “I swept them all. I got gold in everything,” Koehler said.

Not only were the medals an unexpected windfall, Koehler said, but the camaraderie made the day even more memorable than a Dead show. “It was a fun atmosphere. Everybody cheered for everybody else.”

The Maryland Senior Olympics are open to anyone over 50, both in-state and out-of-state residents. It costs $30 to register and an additional $5 per event.

The registration deadline is two weeks prior to each event, which run through October. To see a schedule and to register, visit mdseniorolympics.org, email info@mdseniorolympics.org or call (240) 777-4930.

The 2021 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will take place Sept. 18 through 29. Participants must be 50 years of age by December 31, 2021 and live in Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun or Prince William counties. A registration fee of $15 covers multiple events. Register before Sept.

6 at nvso.us, email nvso1982@gmail.com or call (703) 508-0331.

MARYLAND SENIOR OLYMPICS

Senior Olympics

17

“To participate is to win,” according to the Maryland Senior Olympics, but everyone enjoys going home with a few medals.

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How to prepare for a weather emergency

By Family Features Natural disasters — hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and earthquakes — can be unpredictable. That’s why organizations like the American Red Cross urge people to prepare ahead of time.

Perhaps you already have an emergency plan in place, so everyone in your family knows what to do and where to go if a disaster strikes. What you may not have is a disaster preparedness kit.

In the event of an emergency, there often isn’t much time to search for or stock up on supplies. You can create your own disaster preparedness kit ahead of time with some basic household items like these:

Weather radio A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio broadcasts continuous weather information from the nearest national weather service and keeps you updated on potential weather-related issues that could arise.

These radios are vital because they can keep you updated on the weather when the local news may be inaccessible due to power outages.

Nonperishable food When disaster strikes, access to fresh, perishable foods and refrigeration may be limited, so it’s important to have nonperishable food items readily available.

Such items include ready-to-eat canned foods, granola or fruit bars high in protein, dried fruit or vegetables, nuts and lowsodium crackers. If you choose to include canned items in your kit, also remember to have a manual can opener handy.

First aid supplies You probably already have a first aid kit readily available. Make sure that kit is easily accessible or make sure your disaster preparedness kit has common first aid supplies in it.

Basic first aid supplies should be accounted for, including adhesive bandages, compression bandages, tape, gauze, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes and rubber gloves. Pain relievers, such as aspirin, are also good to have on hand.

Flashlight and batteries Power outages are a common result of natural disasters, and stumbling through darkness can be dangerous. Be prepared with a flashlight and usable batteries. Be

prepared by checking your battery supply frequently and updating as needed.

Bleach After a natural disaster, water may not be safe to drink. If water supplies are compromised and you don’t have power to boil water, you can create potable water with a few drops of unscented disinfecting bleach, such as Clorox. It is also useful to have bleach on hand for cleanup, to disinfect hard surfaces and help prevent mold and mildew.

In fact, Clorox has worked with the Red Cross for more than 40 years to donate bleach for recovery efforts following natural disasters. The company “is an invaluable partner to the American Red Cross,” said Trevor Riggen, regional chief executive officer, Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Their donations help victims of disaster recover during the most difficult times.”

To learn more about disaster preparedness, visit RedCross.org or Clorox.com.

This article was sponsored by Clorox and the Red Cross.

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Which meds are best for Type 2 diabetes?

By Samar Hafida, M.D. If you are living with Type 2 diabetes, you certainly are not alone. One in 10 people in the U.S. has diabetes, according to the CDC. However, despite considerable progress in diabetes treatment over the past 20 years, fewer than half of those with diabetes actually reach their target blood sugar goal.

In part, this may be because doctors can be slow to make changes to a patient’s treatment plan, even when treatment goals are not being met. One reason for this may be the overwhelming number of medications available.

And yet, waiting too long to adjust treatment for Type 2 diabetes can have longlasting negative effects on the body that may raise the risk of heart and kidney disease and other complications.

Some risk factors that predispose people to developing Type 2 diabetes, such as genetics and age, are not modifiable.

Other risk factors, such as being overweight or having obesity, can be altered.

This is why losing 5% to 10% of one’s baseline weight remains the backbone of Type 2 diabetes management.

Most meds lower blood sugar The blood sugar goal for most adults with diabetes is an A1C of below 7%. (A1C is a measure of a person’s average blood sugar

over a period of about three months.)

For many people, diet and exercise are not enough to reach this goal, and one or more medications may be needed.

Metformin is a tried and tested medicine that has been used for many decades to treat Type 2 diabetes. Most experts recommend it as first-line therapy. It is affordable, safe, effective, and well tolerated by most people.

When metformin does not adequately control blood sugar, another medication must be added.

Benefits, risks of newer meds Lately, newer treatment options for Type 2 diabetes — glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors — have been heavily advertised. These newer drug classes lower blood sugar and also have cardiovascular and kidney benefits.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are drugs that lower blood sugar after eating by helping your body’s insulin work more efficiently.

All drugs in this group except one are selfinjected under the skin, either daily or weekly.

Several of them, such as liraglutide (Victoza), semaglutide (Ozempic) and dulaglutide (Trulicity), have been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in people who are at high risk for it or who have pre-

existing heart disease. They also promote weight loss.

Some people who take GLP-1 receptor agonists may have side effects such as nausea and vomiting, and in very rare cases pancreatitis.

SGLT2 inhibitors are also a newer class of medications that work by blocking your kidneys from reabsorbing sugar.

They also have cardiovascular benefits, especially in people with heart failure, and have been shown to slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Other benefits include lowering blood pressure and promoting weight loss.

Use of these medications may increase the risk of genital yeast infections, especially in women. A rare but serious consequence of

SGLT2 inhibitors is diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency that can be avoided by stopping these medications in consultation with your doctor before major surgeries, or if you are ill or fasting.

While these diabetes medications certainly have more to offer than just improvements in blood sugar, they remain costly and inaccessible to many individuals.

This is why it is essential to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about what is most important to you and what aligns with your goals and preferences. Management of a complex disease like diabetes takes an entire team, with you being the key team member. © 2021 Harvard University. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Advances in prostate cancer treatment

By Chandler Dora, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and we are looking at treatment options. One doctor suggested a prostatectomy, but my husband finds ablation appealing because of quality-oflife advantages.

I’ve been reading about ablations and came across information about dif ferent techniques. I am wondering if one technique or process is better, or if surger y is more successful?

A: I’m sorr y to hear that your husband is dealing with prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in American men. Approximately 192,000

men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society.

Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men, typically those over 60, and it is more common in African American men. Fortunately, given advances in care, most men will not die from their prostate cancer.

There are many options for treating prostate cancer, depending on the grade and stage of the cancer. In recent years, the guidelines for treating prostate cancer have changed. Also, technological advances in imaging and treatment have made it possible for some men to avoid radical surgery that may come with adverse side effects.

What is ablation?

Ablation is a generic or nonspecific term for destroying tissue. In recent years, surgeons are finding that ablation is a viable alternative to traditional surgery.

In terms of prostate cancer, ablation means the reliable and precise destruction of cancerous tissue while avoiding structures important for normal sexual and urinary function. Over the years, many types of energy have been used to ablate prostate cancer, including heat generated by ultrasound or laser, and cold generated by expansion of gas.

The ability to control the application of the heat or cold to keep it within an intended boundary, without it spreading even 1 or 2 millimeters beyond, has proven difficult.

Ultrasound ablation methods The most common type of ultrasound ablation has been transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU. During this treatment, a rectal probe is inserted, and the treatment is done using ultrasound.

However, many prostates are beyond the maximum size limits that can be treated with transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound.

A promising new technology that is in clinical trials at select centers around the country is building on the rapidly emerging role of the MRI scanner to monitor

real-time temperatures in the prostate.

Known as transurethral ultrasound ablation, or TULSA, this procedure is performed while the patient (under anesthesia) is in the MRI scanner. It uses software that provides thermometry or real-time temperatures within the prostate and surrounding structures. This allows for more precision during the treatment.

The temperatures are sent to the ablation device so the power output from the device is continuously adjusted to achieve the desired temperature at the boundary between the prostate and the surrounding normal structures. The temperature is continuously monitored every six seconds with MRI thermometry.

Transurethral ultrasound ablation is a refinement of previous ultrasound-based treatments that do not provide real-time monitoring of temperatures within the prostate.

Early results are promising Although this is a new technology and many years of follow-up will be required to demonstrate equivalency to treatments such as radical prostatectomy, early results have been encouraging, especially considering how long patients remain cancer-free three years after surgery.

See PROSTATE CANCER, page 23

The Potomac River Jazz Club

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Tasty fruit desserts without added sugar

By Lisa Valente, M.S., R.D. You can still eat dessert if you’re eating less sugar. Just scale it back and choose treats that are lighter on the sugar or free from added sugar entirely.

A modest amount of sweetener is fine; you can still have foods like dark chocolate (what’s life without chocolate?).

But another option is fresh or frozen fruit.

Fruit is naturally sweet and, unlike cakes and candy, comes in a nutritious package with fiber and vitamins and minerals.

Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, minimizing sugar spikes. And fruit provides key nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and folate.

So when you want a sweet treat with zero added sugar, give these fruit-based desserts a try.

1. Fresh fruit “pizza” Eating more of the healthiest foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can be fun — even when it comes to dessert. Instead of a sugar-cookie crust, try making a dessert pizza with a round slice (instead of a wedge) of juicy watermelon as the base.

And instead of frosting use yogurt, with or without a drizzle of honey.

2. Frozen fruit bites Frozen grapes make a great dessert when you need a sweet bite. After washing grapes, pat dry and freeze for about 45

minutes. Let stand at room temperature for 2 minutes before eating.

3. Copycat desserts Sure, you could eat your fruit as is or cut it into regular slices and it would be a wholesome way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

But try a little creativity. Core an apple, slice into rounds and turn them into “doughnuts,” using almond butter as frosting and coconut flakes for sprinkles.

4. Fruit kebabs and salads Who doesn’t love eating Instagram-worthy treats? And you don’t need to go crazy to make something beautiful — nature did most of the hard work for you.

Have fun with a fruit kebab or fruit salad. Fruits come in a rainbow of natural colors: deep purple blackberries and grapes, dark blue blueberries, soft green kiwis, orange mangoes and tangerines, and bright red strawberries and raspberries — all full of color, but free of anything artificial and added sugar.

5. “Nice” cream Literally, think outside the box and make cleaned-up versions of your favorite treats. Skip the frozen desserts aisle at the grocery store and make your own fruit “nice” cream.

This recipe is all fruit, dairy-free and vegan and contains no added sugar. And this three-ingredient dessert is super-fast

and easy to prep. Serve it as a snack or light dessert on the hottest days of the summer — or anytime you want a refreshing treat.

Strawberry-Mango “Nice” Cream 12 ounces frozen mango chunks 8 ounces frozen sliced strawberries 1 tablespoon lime juice 1. Place mango, strawberries and lime juice in a food processor; process for 1 to 2 minutes. Stop the processor and scrape down the sides.

2. Continue processing until smooth, an additional 2 to 3 minutes, adding up to 1/2 cup water to help process the fruit, if necessary.

3. Serve immediately or store in the freezer. If frozen, allow it to soften at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at eatingwell.com. © 2021 Eating Well, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Creating Possibilities for MEMORY CARE RESIDENTS At The Residences at Thomas Circle, we know that every memory care resident has their own story.

That’s why our award-winning embrace memory care program honors each individual’s unique history, engaging them by stimulating their senses and calling on engrained activities to encourage interaction with the world around.

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A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

RESOURCES FROM

Home and Community Based Services Virtual Caregiver Supports Engage@HOME is a new YouTube Channel from Montgomery County’s Caregiver Support program. We spotlight non-commercial and trusted virtual opportunities to help viewers maintain resilience through community engagement. Episodes feature: topical interviews and video content that enhance quality of life and personal wellness. youtube.com/c/ MoCoEngageatHOME

The h many ffaces off C Caregiving. i i

Caregiving Support in Montgomery County Maryland Caregivers are a vital part of the community—they are unpaid family, friends, partners, colleagues, neighbors, members of faith communities and volunteers. Research has proven when caregivers receive support, they can better maintain their own health and be more effective as a care partner.

for unpaid family/friend caregivers through County services and those provided by local organizations.

Montgomery County’s Minority Health Initiatives

Relief with day to day chores

The County has three minority health programs focused on the well-being of culturally and language diverse communities. The African American Health Program, the Latino Health and the Asian American Health Initiatives are excellent resources for caregivers.

Each organizes health education activities in community locations, with language assistance.

Enrichment activities

African American Health Program

County and community-based services are available to help caregivers, these include:

Support groups

In-home assistance

Education

240-777-1833 AAHPmontgomerycounty.org

Connection with other caregivers

Asian American Health Initiative

Whether caring for someone living in Montgomery County or outside the county, practical and emotional help is available that can make a difference!

The County can provide assistance

240-777-4517 AAHIinfo.org

Latino Health Initiative

Additionally, the County’s Caregiver Support Program hosts a monthly eNewsletter, Blog and Podcast series. moco-caregiver.blogspot. com What does it mean to Thrive at Home?

To thrive is to move your body, learn new things, express yourself, and connect with other people. This site is here to help you find some special places online that will engage and entertain you. montgomerycountymd. gov/HHSProgram/Thrive/Thrive.html

The County helps caregivers find supports to make each day a little easier. Please contact the County’s Aging and Disability Services Resource Unit at 240-777-3000.

(Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the unit takes calls until 7.30 p.m.)

Staff can access the County’s language line for high-quality translation and interpretation.

This allows residents to communicate in their preferred language.

240-777-3221 LHIinfo.org

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

Health Studies

23

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Learn to hear like a young person again

By Margaret Foster If you can’t follow a conversation at a cocktail party or have trouble understanding fast-talkers, researchers at the University of Maryland have a few strategies to help you hear better.

The Neuroplasticity and Auditory Aging study, funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health and conducted at the University of Maryland in College Park, is in its second phase this year.

“We’re aiming to retune an older person’s ability to understand speech to be more similar to that of a younger listener,” said Dr. Sandra Gordon-Salant, director of the university’s Doctoral Program in Clinical Audiology and the study’s principal investigator. “In this new phase of the study, we are training listeners to understand distorted speech signals better.”

As we age, we find it difficult to hear in noisy environments and may find it hard to understand accented English or rapid dialogue.

People ages 65 to 85 with normal hearing, hearing loss or even mild cognitive impairment are welcome to join the study.

Once enrolled, participants will visit the Neuroplasticity Research Center and affiliated hearing labs in College Park, Maryland, a total of four times. They’ll come into the lab in person for an intake assessment and pre-training session. Then they’ll borrow a free laptop so they can take six one-hour training sessions from home.

As part of the training, listeners will listen to sentences spoken at a rapid rate, with an accent, or in noise, and will be asked to repeat what they hear.

Participants will spend time in the lab in person to undergo one electroencephalogram (EEG) on each of three visits. The EEG measures the listener’s brainwaves in response to sound.

They’ll watch a movie while painless electrodes attached to the scalp detect electrical activity in their brains. The twohour tests will show whether or not

Prostate cancer

cedure based on prostate anatomy, as well as a review of MRIs, PSA results, biopsy pathology reports and treatment goals.

As different facilities have different infrastructures and expertise, your husband’s healthcare provider can discuss with him the availability of ablation techniques and which technique, if any, would be most appropriate.

Also, consider obtaining a second opinion. © 2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 20 The clinical trials have proven that this treatment is superior to surgery and radiation in preserving urinary and sexual function after three years. This preservation of function translates into improved quality of life.

Mayo Clinic in Florida is the only Mayo Clinic location that offers this technique.

Johns Hopkins also offers the TULSA procedure. Patients are selected for this pro-

stronger pathways are evident in the auditory brain after training.

“We examine changes in behavioral performance as a result of the training as well as neural processing as a result of training,” Gordon-Salant said.

Although this is a randomized study with a control group, Gordon-Salant’s team will train the control group, too. “Even the active control group can get some benefit” from the study, she said.

During the training sessions, the better a participant does, the more they’re challenged.

“As they listen and get the feedback, their performance generally improves,” Gordon-Salant said. “That’s our hope.”

About a month after training, researchers will re-test people to see if they’ve retained any abilities.

“Often researchers see an immediate training benefit, but we’re hoping that the benefits last,” Gordon-Salant said.

Participants will be paid $12 per hour for their time.

For more information or to volunteer for the hearing study, call (301) 4054236.

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Asian salmon with veggies and noodles

Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Total time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 Sauce ingredients: ½ cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional) 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons cornstarch Other ingredients: 1 ½ pounds salmon (4 filets) 12 ounces stir-fry (Pad Thai) rice noodles 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced 1 cup sugar snap peas 1 large broccoli head, cut into bitesize florets 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish sesame seeds, for garnish Preheat oven to 400° F. In small saucepan, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, barbecue sauce and chili garlic sauce, if desired. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to simmer.

In small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch. Pour into saucepan and cook on low, whisking often, until sauce thickens, 35 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pour 3 tablespoons sauce into small bowl. Brush salmon filets with reserved sauce and place on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, or until salmon is flaky.

COURTESY OF ZEN AND SPICE

By Family Features If eating wholesome meals is a daily goal, keep in mind you can serve up tasty foods that also feed your immune system by including ingredients like mushrooms.

With their earthy flavor, mushrooms — like many other fruits and vegetables — can play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system.

Studies at Oregon State University concluded there are a variety of micronutrients important for supporting a healthy immune system. Consider that three of these nutrients (vitamin D, selenium and B vitamins) can be found in mushrooms, meaning the following family-friendly recipe can help you add all-important nutrients to your family’s menu.

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While salmon cooks, prepare stir-fry noodles according to package directions.

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Herbs, vitamins that can help with anxiety It’s summer, and many people I know Probiotics: These friendly gut bugs are still battling some type of anxiety, help you activate thyroid hormone, which whether it’s from travel has been proven in some studstress, flying, the idea of the ies to work even better than Delta variant or something traditional antidepressants in stressful going on with family. some people. We know that a Whatever it is, there are reduction in probiotics can insome natural ways to conquer directly cause profound anxianxiety and boost mood. ety and depression.

First off, do not feel alone: Zinc: This mineral has a Millions of people are anxious very calming effect on the about something. body. Perhaps it helps with the I’ll tell you one of my issues: COMT gene variation some DEAR driving on big highways with people have that causes them other cars. I assume, when driv- PHARMACIST to experience feelings, includers fly past me, that they are tex- By Suzy Cohen ing pain, with greater intensiting. In fact, I assume pretty ty. (However, beware: One can much everyone is distracted except for me, overdose on zinc, which is dangerous.) and so I usually use GPS to find the slower Herbs: There are many herbs that can roads. I have been this way for years, and help you, either via teas or supplements. there’s no amount of lavender that helps me! Among the best are chamomile, lavender, But for other occasional anxiety, there is help in the form of a few natural remedies.

Common symptoms of anxiety include sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, a feeling of impending doom, trembling or shaking, dry mouth, gastrointestinal problems, and inability to think of anything else other than the perceived danger at hand. Some people also experience insomnia.

Hypertension, gastric ulcers and depression are also associated with prolonged anxiety. Finding the root cause (or the root person) that causes your anxiety is key to getting well.

By the way, few things work better to curb difficult emotions than exercise. Go for a run or take a trip to the gym. Physical activity is known to raise dopamine immediately.

For some simple anxiety-producing situations, you can also look into the following nutrients. But remember: If your condition is serious, you must see a qualified specialist.

Vitamin B1: Thiamine or B1 helps you produce and release serotonin and norepinephrine, which reduce mental fatigue and improve physical energy. If you like to drink wine, you are sure to be deficient in this nutrient.

Vitamin B2: Riboflavin or B2 helps your adrenal glands, which secrete DHEA and cortisol — hormones that must remain in proper homeostasis for you to cope with feelings of anxiety.

lemon balm, ashwagandha, catnip and valerian.

Conventional medical wisdom has programmed us to believe that sedatives and addictive medications are the answer to anxiety, but that’s not necessary for everyone.

If you’d like to read the more comprehensive version of this article, please sign up for

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my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

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A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

By Laura Newland, Director D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living The Mayor ended the public health emergency on July 25th!

It’s been such a long road for all of us, and thanks to your tremendous sacrifices, DC is OPEN. We officially opened all our wellness centers in June and opened most of our dining sites in July.

I’m so proud of how we’ve been able to keep connected during the public health emergency whether virtually, or through socially distanced, masked drive-up celebrations, and I’m so excited that I can see you in person for hugs, fist bumps, and lots of smiles. This past year and a half has taught me so much, but the most enduring lesson is that we need each other. Humans are profoundly social beings, meant to live in community, to love and to care for each other.

I’m so grateful to be a part of this community. Thank you for sticking with us through these difficult 17 months, thank you for getting vaccinated, and most of all, thank you for keeping your connections with your friends and neighbors strong. If you’ve lost contact with some of your loved ones, now is a great time to reach out to them, invite them along to one of our dining sites, or activities, or bring them into our senior wellness centers. Give us a call at 202-724-5626 to learn more about activities you can join together.

While we’ve been able to stay connected with you, there are so many older adults who may not be connected to our programs. DACL, our sister agencies, and our community partners are ramping up our outreach. But it takes an entire community to reach our residents who may be isolated and alone.

My charge to you as we get back to in-person engagement is to help us reach those who need connection the most. Tell a friend or two about the incredible programs we have available throughout the city. Whether it’s a hula hoop class, a competitive game of Bingo, or an outdoor cardio class—we have something for everyone! Activities, great lunches, and friends are waiting for you!

If you started receiving frozen meals during the public health emergency, you should have gotten a letter with one of your deliveries. We’re celebrating the end of the public health emergency, and if you no longer need your meal deliveries, just give us call at 202-724-5626.

We’re ready for you and excited to see you in person, but we’re also continuing virtual programming (check out our virtual events site at daclvirtualevents.splashthat.com). No matter how you stay connected, just stay connected!

See you soon!

Living Boldly is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living or by the publisher.

Director Laura Newland

Editor DACL External Affairs

Photographer Richard Williams

500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 | (202) 724-5626 | www.dacl.dc.gov

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Money Law &

Long-distance caregiving is challenging and costly. Learn how to do it better on page 32.

The four phases of retirement planning

By Max Verkuilen and Leslie Verkuilen It is crucial to think about the long term when you are planning for your retirement. Having a plan — a specific road map to retirement — is absolutely essential.

Effective retirement planning comes down to four phases: 1. The accumulation phase The first phase is one of accumulating assets, usually from earned income. However, most individuals do not put away enough, or they use the wrong vehicles for accumulating assets.

Today, most people rely on just their 401(k) plans to save for retirement, only to find out later that the savings are not enough, and that their withdrawals are fully taxable.

In addition to a 401(k), investors can utilize long-term savings vehicles like Roth IRAs or brokerage accounts, in which after-tax funds are invested for retirement.

It is imperative to meet with a retirement adviser early on to get advice on both how much and where you should be putting your hard-earned savings during the accumulation phase.

2. The planning and preservation phase Many people tend to ride the market roller coaster all the way until their last working day, and they simply cross their

fingers and hope the market won’t plunge in the critical few years just before and after retirement.

As you get closer to the distribution phase, one thing you should do is scale back risk.

Consider adhering to the adage 100 years minus your age equals the most money you should have at risk. Example: If you are 50, you should only have 50% of your portfolio at risk; at 60 you should only have 40% at risk, and so on.

Now, if you will have a pension or other guaranteed income in retirement, this rule may be too conservative for you, and you may feel you can afford more risk. But you should still be careful.

In the seven to 10 years prior to retirement, watch for good times when the market is up to sell off riskier investments and move those assets to vehicles that are protected from loss.

Scaling back risk as you get closer to retirement is only one part of a solid retirement plan. Your plan should also include a year-byyear spendable income strategy to meet and exceed your goals in the distribution phase (next) while considering taxes, inflation, liquidity, market losses, required minimum distributions, the cost of healthcare and funds to cover any unanticipated large purchases.

Finally, your plan should include some protection against long-term care costs,

which can quickly decimate a retirement portfolio, and premature death, which can sometimes leave a surviving spouse with significantly lower guaranteed income.

3. The distribution phase This is retirement — the phase you have been saving for your whole life — and you deserve to enjoy it. Continue to scale back risk as you get older, and be sure to stick to the plan.

Again, the cushion of liquid assets that you are not relying on to supplement your income can help cover the cost of any unanticipated large purchases, but you should not simply pull those assets from anywhere at any time.

You don’t want to sell off assets that are market sensitive during a down trend or a bear market, so keep some of these funds in a vehicle that is not market sensitive and is very liquid.

4. The legacy phase People want to leave money behind if they can, but that shouldn’t be your top priority. Instead, your top priority should be making it through retirement without going broke.

You may think that the IRA funds you put away pretax might be a great gift to your heirs, but they can also be a curse.

IRA money left to anyone other than the

surviving spouse increases the recipient’s taxable income in the year it is received.

If you want to leave money behind, there are other types of accounts, such as Roth IRAs, that are better for leaving to your family. Distributions from Roth IRAs are tax-free if the person who set up the account met the five-year holding period for contributions and conversions.

Annuities are another option people utilize because they bypass probate upon death in most states, and the growth is taxdeferred until you or your beneficiaries make withdrawals.

Stocks can be a good option because your beneficiaries inherit the stepped-up value, which means that they never have to pay taxes for any growth or increase in value you may have experienced before they inherit the stock. [Ed. Note: Legislation proposed by the Biden administration would eliminate stepped-up basis for estates above $1 million ($2 million for couples)].

Best of all for inheritance is life insurance. With life insurance, your beneficiaries are not required to pay taxes on the difference between the premiums paid and the death benefit, which is often significant.

Dan Dunkin contributed to this article. © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Pros and cons of state interest-rate caps

By Annie Millerbernd Small-dollar, short-term lenders, unburdened by a federal maximum interest rate, can charge borrowers rates of 400% or more for their loans.

But more states are bringing that number down by setting rate caps to curb highinterest lending. Currently, 18 states, including Maryland and Virginia, and Washington, D.C., have laws that limit shortterm loan rates to 36% or lower, according to the Center for Responsible Lending.

Other states are weighing similar legislation.

“This legislative session we’ve seen an increased and renewed interest in limiting interest rates and limiting the harms of payday loans,” said Lisa Stifler, director of state policy for the CRL. Rate-cap opponents say that when a state

caps interest, lenders can no longer operate profitably, and consumers with already limited options lose their last resort. Consumer advocates say that caps free borrowers from predatory lending models.

Here’s what happens when a state caps interest rates and what alternatives consumers have for small-dollar loans.

Legislation targets APR To deter high-interest lenders and protect consumers against predatory loans, legislation targets the somewhat complex and decidedly unsexy annual percentage rate.

APR is an interest rate plus any fees a lender charges. A $300 loan repaid in two weeks with a $45 fee would have a 391% APR. The same loan with an APR reduced to 36% would have a roughly $4.25 fee — and much less revenue for the lender.

APR isn’t an appropriate way to view the cost of a small loan, said Andrew Duke, executive director of the Online Lenders Alliance, which represents short-term online lenders.

“The number ends up looking a lot higher and more dramatic than what the consumer perceives to be the cost of the loan,” he said. Duke said consumers should instead use the actual fee to assess a loan’s affordability.

But what the fee doesn’t show is the costly, long-term debt cycle many borrowers end up in, Stifler said.

More than 80% of payday loans are taken out within two weeks of repaying a previous payday loan, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“The business model of payday loans and the industry is based on repeat borrowing,” Stifler said. “It is a product that

causes a debt trap that actually pushes people out of the financial system.”

In states that don’t allow interest rates above 36% or otherwise ban payday lending, there are no storefront payday lenders, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Other options for consumers Some high-interest loans, like pawn loans, may remain after a rate cap is implemented, Duke said. But limiting consumers’ options could force them to miss bill payments or incur late fees.

Illinois State Sen. Jacqueline Collins, DChicago, who was a chief co-sponsor on the consumer loan rate cap in Illinois that was signed into law in March, said she hopes that the new law will remove the disSee INTEREST-RATE CAPS, page 31

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

Maximize spouse assets if on Medicaid

By David Rodeck The bill for long-term care adds up fast.

The annual median cost for a private room in a nursing home was $105,850 in 2020, according to Genworth. The government will up these costs if you qualify for Medicaid, but that’s easier said than done.

“Medicaid is a welfare program,” said Neel Shah, estate-planning attorney and a certified financial planner at Shah & Associates in Monroe Township, N.J. “There are strict income and wealth limits to qualify.”

(Medicaid should not be confused with Medicare, the national health insurance program for people age 65 and over that largely doesn’t cover long-term care.)

If you can pay for your own care, you’ll have more options, as not all facilities accept Medicaid. Still, even individuals with ample savings risk impoverishing their spouses to pay for a long stay in a nursing home.

If that’s what you fear, you may be surprised to learn that you can preserve some assets for a spouse and qualify for Medicaid using tools designed for that purpose.

How to qualify, but protect spouse Although qualifications vary by state, to qualify for Medicaid, your income generally must be less than $2,382 per month.

However, you can allocate as much as $3,259.50 of your monthly income to a spouse, whose income isn’t considered, and still meet the Medicaid limit.

Your assets must be $2,000 or less, with a spouse allowed to keep up to $130,380.

Cash, bank accounts, real estate other than a primary residence, and investments, including those in an IRA or 401(k), all count as assets.

But you don’t have to count as assets

your residence, non-luxury personal belongings like clothes and home appliances, one vehicle, engagement and wedding rings, and a prepaid burial plot.

Therefore, redistributing your assets can help you meet Medicaid’s standards.

“Rather than keeping $100,000 in the bank, use that money to pay off your mortgage or pay for home renovations,” Shah suggested.

Alternatively, you could prepay a burial plot, replace a vehicle or upgrade household appliances. Your spouse will keep these purchases if you need long-term care, and with fewer assets to spend down, you’ll qualify for Medicaid sooner.

What your spouse is left with, however, is unlikely to be enough to live off of. You could boost a spouse’s income with a Medicaid-compliant annuity.

These contracts turn your savings into a stream of future retirement income for you and a spouse and don’t count as an asset. You can buy the annuity at any time, but to be Medicaid compliant, the annuity payments must start immediately, with the state named as the beneficiary after you and your spouse pass away.

Consider irrevocable Miller Trust You could also set up a Miller Trust for yourself, according to Steve Parrish, co-director of the Center for Retirement Income at the American College of Financial Services in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

This irrevocable trust is used exclusively to satisfy Medicaid’s income threshold.

If your income from Social Security, pensions and other sources is above MedSee MEDICAID, page 31

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The financial effects of losing a spouse

By Rocky Mengle The death of a spouse is one of the most difficult things imaginable. Besides the emotional toll, though, surviving spouses typically confront financial issues, which often trigger tax-related questions and consequences. Some of them are fairly straightforward, while others can be tricky.

That’s why Letha McDowell, president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, advises surviving spouses not to make major financial changes immediately. Instead, she tells them to reassess their finances from a tax perspective.

The loss of income after a spouse dies certainly has tax implications. For instance, if a drop in income means the surviving spouse needs to tap into a retirement account, McDowell points out that “the taxes may be less than initially anticipated because, if you have lower income, you may be in a lower bracket.”

Less income could also mean that the surviving spouse now qualifies for certain tax deductions or credits that have income caps or phase-out rules. Local jurisdictions often have income-based property tax breaks that may suddenly be available, too.

Eventually, every surviving spouse has a new filing status. A joint federal tax return is allowed for the year the deceased spouse dies if the surviving spouse didn’t remarry. The qualifying widow(er) status may be an option for two more years if there’s a dependent child.

After that, a surviving spouse who doesn’t remarry must file as a single taxpayer, which usually means less favorable tax rates and a lower standard deduction.

IRA rules are complex Inheriting a traditional IRA can also affect the surviving spouse’s taxes, but first, there’s a decision to make.

An inheriting spouse can be designated as the account owner, roll the funds into their own retirement account, or be treated as a beneficiary. That decision will affect required minimum distributions and ultimately the surviving spouse’s taxable income.

As either the designated owner of the original account or the owner of the account with rolled-over funds, the surviving spouse can take RMDs based on their own life expectancy.

If they choose the third option — staying as the IRA’s beneficiary — RMDs are

based on the life expectancy of the deceased spouse.

“Almost everyone either rolls [an inherited IRA] into their own IRA or at least they transfer it into an account in their name,” McDowell noted. “Consolidating makes things much easier to manage.”

The third option may make sense if the surviving spouse is at least 72 years old, but the deceased spouse wasn’t. In that case, RMDs from the inherited IRA are delayed until the deceased spouse would have turned 72.

Basis of inherited property A surviving spouse also receives a stepped-up basis in other inherited property. “If the assets are held jointly between spouses, then there’s a step up in one half of the basis,” McDowell said. “But if an asset was owned solely by the decedent, then that would be a step up of 100%.”

In community property states, the total fair market value of property, including the portion belonging to the surviving spouse, becomes the basis for the entire property if at least half its value is included in the deceased spouse’s gross estate.

There’s also a special rule that helps surviving spouses who want to sell their home.

In general, up to $250,000 of gain from the sale of a principal residence is tax-free if certain conditions are met. The exemption jumps to $500,000 for married couples filing a joint return, but a surviving spouse who hasn’t remarried can still claim the $500,000 exemption if the home is sold within two years of the deceased spouse’s death.

As for estate taxes, there’s an unlimited marital deduction as well as this year’s $11.7 million estate tax exemption (the amount is adjusted annually for inflation).

If the deceased spouse’s estate is nowhere near that amount, the surviving spouse should still file Form 706 to elect “portability” of the deceased spouse’s unused exemption amount. This protects the surviving spouse if the exemption is lowered, as President Joe Biden and others have proposed doing.

If that happens, “it’s going to be important for a surviving spouse to have elected portability,” McDowell warned. “And if you don’t file, you don’t get it.” © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

Interest-rate caps From page 28 traction of payday and other high-interest loans and give the state’s residents a clearer view of affordable alternatives.

Credit unions, for example, can offer small loans. While credit scores are considered on a loan application, a credit union often has a history with a borrower and can assess their ability to repay the

Medicaid From page 29 icaid’s limit but not enough to pay for nursing home care, the excess income can go into a Miller Trust. That lets you qualify for Medicaid while keeping some extra money in the trust for your own care.

The funds can be used by you to dine out, purchase new clothes, or pay for dental work, which Medicare doesn’t cover, Parrish said.

Descendants may have to pay These strategies protect assets or income for couples. Leaving something to other heirs is harder.

After you and your spouse pass away, state governments are required to recover Medicaid costs from your estate whenever possible — through a lien on your home, reimbursement from a Miller Trust, or

loan using other information. This can make it easier to qualify.

For consumers struggling to pay bills, Stifler suggests contacting creditors and service providers for a payment extension.

She also recommends consumers turn to credit counseling agencies, which can offer free or inexpensive financial assistance, or religious organizations, which can help provide food, clothing and transportation to a job interview.

Exodus Lending is a Minnesota nonprofit that advocates for fair lending laws and refinances residents’ high-interest loans with interest-free ones.

Many people who come to Exodus for help say they chose a high-interest loan because they felt too ashamed to ask a friend or family member for help, said Executive Director Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer.

If Minnesota caps interest rates on short-term, small loans — which a bill on

seizure of assets during probate before they’re distributed to heirs.

A potential workaround comes with risk. Any assets given away within five years of a Medicaid application date still count toward eligibility, but property transferred to heirs earlier doesn’t.

“You could set up an irrevocable trust on behalf of your children, and transfer property that way,” Shah said. “It’s like putting the property away in a vault and giving them the key.”

Because you lose control of the trust’s assets, your heirs should be willing to help you out financially if you need it.

That’s too much uncertainty for Parrish.

If someone has that much money, he said, maybe they should use it to pay for better care. © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

hold in the legislature aims to do — she said she’s not worried about how consumers will fare.

“They’re going to do what people do in states where they aren’t allowed,” she said.

“Borrow from people you care about, ask for more hours, take on a second job, sell your plasma — just the things that people do who don’t go to payday lenders, and that’s most people.”

—AP/NerdWallet

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Become a better long-distance caregiver

By Liz Weston Long pandemic lockdowns forced many older adults to become comfortable with video calls to stay connected with family.

That in turn meant that long-distance caregivers had a better way to see how their loved ones were faring.

“You can’t tell on the phone that they’re wearing the same clothes every day, or they’re not bathing because they’re afraid they’ll fall in the shower,” said Amy Goyer, AARP’s national family and caregiving expert and the author of Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving.

More than 1 in 10 caregivers look after family or friends from a distance, which can be more difficult and expensive.

A 2016 AARP survey found that caregivers

in general incur an average of about $7,000 a year in out-of-pocket expenses. Long-distance caregivers — those who live at least an hour away from the care recipient — incur about $12,000 on average, according to the survey. They’re more likely than local caregivers to hire help, take unpaid time off work and pay for travel, Goyer said.

Yet many distant caregivers worry they’re not doing enough.

“As caregivers, guilt is our constant companion,” Goyer said. “When you’re a long-distance caregiver, it’s even more so.”

AARP has numerous resources for caregivers, including a “Prepare to Care” planning guide and a financial workbook for estimating and tracking costs. Goyer, who cared for her grandparents, parents and a

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sister from afar, suggests the following ways to make long-distance caregiving more effective and manageable.

Assemble a team If you can’t physically check in on your loved one regularly, enlist others who can, Goyer suggested. Those could include family members or friends who live closer, or even a friendly neighbor to whom you can give your contact information.

“You may say, ‘Hey, if you notice grass isn’t getting mowed, things around the house look like they’re not being kept up, will you let me know?’” Goyer said.

If you have siblings, they can pitch in even if they’re long-distance too. They can make daily check-in calls or handle tasks such as paying bills, making medical appointments and dealing with insurance companies.

If you have the means, consider hiring a geriatric care manager, also known as an aging life care professional, to help you evaluate your loved one’s caregiving needs, hire home health aides if necessary and step in if there’s a crisis.

These professionals, who are often nurses or social workers, typically charge $75 to $200 an hour. An initial assessment may cost a few hundred dollars, but then the manager can be tapped as needed.

“If my parents had to go to the hospital or some emergency happened, there had to be somebody right away who could deal with it,” Goyer said.

Embrace technology Video calling isn’t the only technology that can make life easier.

Medical alert systems can allow a loved one to summon aid, and some have fall-detection technology that works even if the person isn’t wearing a special device. Smart pill

dispensers manage medications, and some can let caregivers know if doses aren’t taken.

Smart home systems can also help. A smart door lock, for example, can allow you to grant access from afar to someone such as a friend, a health aide or paramedic. A smart thermostat can help you ensure a comfortable temperature, while a smart home security system can let you know if your loved one has left the house.

Goyer used security cameras to keep an eye on her dad “whether I was going outside to take out the trash or 2,000 miles away.”

Look for available benefits Your loved one may be eligible for public benefits that could help with caregiving tasks or costs. Start your search at Benefits.gov. Resources for older Americans can also be found through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov.

Goyer’s father suffered from dementia for many years, but only during the last year of his life did she learn that he qualified for healthcare benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I wish I’d gotten him into VA healthcare earlier, because they ended up covering incontinence supplies and medications and a lot of things that I had been paying for,” Goyer said.

The person you’re caring for may have other resources that can be tapped, such as long-term care insurance, savings or home equity.

Talking about money can be difficult, but not doing so can be disastrous, Goyer said. She eventually filed for bankruptcy protection because of the credit card debt.

If she had it to do again, Goyer said she would consult with a financial advisor to better plan for the costs ahead.

—AP/NerdWallet

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33

Use a trust to protect child’s inheritance

By Lisa Brown I recently met with a client to update her will, and her big question was whether she still needs a trust for her daughter. Her child has graduated college, is on her second well-paying job, got married and is now a new mom.

Her daughter has been maturing into a responsible young adult. But there’s another factor that weighs heavily on my client’s mind: her son-in-law and the potential for divorce.

My clients don’t want money they’ve worked hard for to pass down to their son’s or daughter’s ex-spouse if the unfortunate reality of divorce happens.

With the current federal estate tax exemption in 2021 at $11.7 million per person or $23.4 million for married couples, setting up a trust to save taxes upon death is not as much of a driving force as it used to be. Even if the estate tax limit is cut in half [Congress is considering significant reductions], most people will still be protected, as far as taxes go.

The larger question becomes how well they think their children will handle receiving a large sum of money. As they watch children mature, in most cases my clients eventually feel their child is up to the task.

Yet they still want a trust because they worry about their adult child losing thousands, if not millions, of dollars of their inheritance as a result of a failed marriage.

By establishing a trust as part of their will, these clients can help protect their child’s assets in a divorce settlement.

How a trust works Let’s examine how this works. In many cases, if a child receives an inheritance and combines it with assets they own jointly

with their spouse — such as a bank account, car or house — depending upon the state in which they live, the inheritance may become subject to marital property division if the adult child and spouse later divorce.

But if the child’s inheritance remains in a trust account, or they use trust funds to pay for assets only in their name, the inherited wealth can further be protected from a divorce. This gives the adult child their own assets to fall back on in the event of a divorce.

One of my clients left his daughter’s inheritance in a trust after her first divorce because he was afraid his hard-earned dollars might end up squandered if she remarried. It turns out my client was spot on — she married again; it did not work out, but her second ex-husband never got a dime from her trust.

Trusts can be complex and involve extra administrative work and costs, which may cost more compared with leaving assets outright to your children.

In addition, a person or company must be named as a trustee to oversee these funds throughout the trust’s existence.

But many people are willing to pay these costs to protect their child’s wealth.

When to consider a trust How do parents decide whether to leave assets in trust for their children because of the possibility of a failed marriage? Here are three scenarios to consider: —If your child is under 18, you’re probably not thinking about the marriage/divorce angle. However, due to their youth, leaving assets in trust for them is often a good idea. A trustee will be named to oversee the child’s assets and will be able to guide them to make wise decisions with these funds. And the trustee has the power

to deny any financial requests, which can be valuable if a young person is immature or easily influenced.

—Is your child newly married? Nearly all couples are happy in the first years of marriage, but the road can turn bumpy as life becomes more stressful and complex — whether it’s a job loss, a decline in health, financial stress or simply the demands of raising children. Instead of deciding to set up a trust right after your child’s marriage, watch how the marriage progresses over the next five to 10 years.

—How is the marriage going? Even after five years or more, consider how comfortable you are with your child’s relationship and how you feel about your sonor daughter-in-law. If there is constant

fighting or you simply have a “gut feeling,” setting up a trust for your child’s inheritance might be a wise move.

I encourage my clients to think about estate plans as five-year plans: Review your wills, trusts and other documents every five years.

It isn’t necessary to constantly change these documents, but reviewing them periodically helps a person to carefully evaluate relationships, finances and the emotional dynamics of their families. In addition, an estate lawyer can modify or delete the trust during your life as your family circumstances change. © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Subscribe online! See how on p. 40

Travel Leisure &

Check out this parade float museum and other quirky attractions. See story on opposite page.

In search of the Underground Railroad

Invisible depots and tracks Neither subterranean nor a train, the Underground Railroad was a loosely connected network that stretched over half of the United States, connecting sympathizers who helped self-emancipating people escape slavery.

Runaways headed to free northern states and Canada as well as Spanish Florida, California, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central

America. They were aided by people who cooperated across racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender and religious lines.

Freedom-seekers often traveled at night — in disguise, on foot, in wagons, by boat, however they could. During the day they slept in barns, cellars, sheds, churches or other “stations.” They used railroad-related code words such as stations and depots (safe hiding places), conductors (guides) and tracks (routes with sympathizers).

Maryland was a pivotal border state before the Civil War. Its many waterways and overland routes were used by many enslaved people, who often headed to Philadelphia as their first destination. That city was the headquarters of William Still’s Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, which aided 1,500 people in their journey to freedom.

PHOTO BY MARYLAND OFFICE OF TOURISM

By Glenda C. Booth Maryland’s most famous heroine, Harriet Tubman, was born enslaved in Dorchester County around 1822. She was rented out at age six by her owner, but at age 27 escaped to Pennsylvania.

After her escape, Tubman became a highly effective “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, making 13 trips back to her home area to guide 70 people to freedom.

“I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger,” Tubman once said.

Dorchester County, Maryland, about 80 miles east of Washington, D.C., is a mosaic of 600 square miles of vast, flat farmlands, dense woods, creeks, rivers and marshes.

Its mazelike landscape looks much as it did in the 1800s, when many enslaved people bolted from their Dorchester County plantation owners to freedom.

The Underground Railroad was secretive in nature, and few structures remain.

But many historic sites related to Tubman survive today.

Harriet Tubman Byway’s 45 sites If you want to tour local Underground Railroad sites, follow the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway — a selfguided driving tour along 125 miles in Maryland and 98 miles in Delaware — which highlights 45 marked sites.

Travelers can download an audio guide from the website (harriettubmanbyway.org) or download a free smartphone app to navigate the trip. In fact, smartphone users can now point their phone’s cameras at certain sites to see historic images superimposed on the current landscape.

For an introduction to the byway and PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRIET TUBMAN BYWAY

The Bucktown Village Store looks much as it did in the 1830s, when 13-year-old Harriet Tubman was maliciously injured there. An overseer pursuing an enslaved man struck Tubman with an iron weight, fracturing her skull and causing lifelong headaches.

Harriet Tubman offers a helping hand in a mural by artist Michael Rosata, painted on the side of the Tubman Museum & Educational Center in Cambridge, Maryland. The museum is one of 45 sites on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a self-guided driving tour through Maryland and Delaware.

touring materials, start at the Dorchester County Visitor Center in Cambridge, Maryland. The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center opened in Cambridge four years ago.

Not far away, slave auctions took place outside the Italianate Dorchester County Courthouse, built in 1854, and its 1852 predecessor, destroyed by fire. Inside this courthouse, a free Black man, Samuel Green, was given a 10-year prison sentence for owning the anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

A memorial garden in Cambridge honors Tubman with murals painted by her descendant Charles Ross.

At the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, 10 minutes away, a film and exhibits detail Tubman’s life. Visitors learn that her early love of the outdoors and life of hard work, including driving mules, timbering and farming, later gave her insight and survival skills to escape, aid others, and become a Civil War Union nurse, spy and suffragist.

The adjacent Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a wild expanse of the natural elements that Tubman and others navigated. In the refuge, they foraged for food in the wetlands, dense woods and muskrat lodges.

Historic buildings help tell the story One of the byway’s most popular stops, the Bucktown Village Store, stands mostly unchanged today. (The store, now a small museum and gift shop, is currently closed due to the pandemic.)

Here Tubman witnessed an enslaved field hand break free of his master. When the “owner” demanded that Tubman help with the capture, she refused, and he struck Tubman in the head, cracking her skull and leaving her with seizures and headaches for the rest of her life.

The tour route takes visitors north to several sites from the 1800s, including the Jacob and Hannah Leverton House in Preston, a Quaker abolitionist haven.

At Preston’s Linchester Mill, a waterpowered grist mill with a post office, general store and several safe houses, people could get the latest news. The town’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery was likely a meeting place for fugitives.

In Denton, the William Still Family Interpretive Center honors the Still family’s struggle for freedom. Still documented more than 1,000 escapes, compiling in 1871 one of the most authentic existing records of the Underground Railroad.

See RAILROAD, page 37

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

35

Some unique attractions close to home

By Victor Block While the Statue of Liberty stands as America’s most famous symbol, our country’s character can also be found in its quirky roadside monuments: the world’s largest ball of twine, a corn palace, giant dinosaur statues, and buildings that resemble shoes, bugs or coffee pots.

For your next day trip, consider a few overlooked destinations in our region: giant floats that have appeared in inaugural parades and the Rose Bowl, for instance, or ships that sailed in Maryland’s waterways centuries ago.

We have some wonderful, welcoming — and, in some cases, downright weird — places to visit without driving far from home.

Parade floats in Virginia Although Shenandoah Caverns in Virginia (near Luray Caverns) is well known, its adjacent warehouse, the American Celebration on Parade, gets less attention. But visitors to the red-carpeted warehouse will be impressed by the enormous floats that had a few hours of glory before being laid to rest.

In addition to the elaborate parade floats, including from Presidential Inaugurals and Rose Bowl parades, the facility displays models ranging from a miniature U.S. Capitol building and Iwo Jima Memorial to a 20-foot pelican playing a banjo and a 30-foot genie (shenandoahcaverns.com).

Open through Labor Day.

Baltimore’s eclectic treasures In Curtis Creek in Baltimore, a unique collection of ruined ships rises from the water’s surface. As their useful lives ended, they were unceremoniously dumped along the shoreline.

Among the residents of the ship graveyard are several wooden World War I

freighters, a sidewheel steamer and several houseboats.

The most notable ship, a three-masted schooner known as the William T. Parker, was abandoned in the 19th century off the coast of North Carolina and drifted all the way to Maine. To see the vessels, rent a boat or kayak, park at the nearby Jaws Marina, or glimpse them from the I-695 bridge nearby (gofishbaltimore.com).

While you’re in Baltimore, stop at a unique diner near the Baltimore Museum of Art. Along with breakfast classics and Southern staples, the Papermoon Diner serves up a colorful collection of quirky decorations that it touts as “living art” (others may call it pop-culture kitsch).

Mannequins lean against walls and lounge on the lawn. Plastic toys, carousel horses and a collection of Pez paraphernalia help to transform a place to eat into a feast for the eyes as well (papermoondiner24.com).

After eating, floss. That’s one of many messages imparted at the National Museum of Dentistry, appropriately located near the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery.

Among some 40,000 objects that trace the history of the profession are historic dental chairs, instruments that were used on Queen Victoria, and George Washington’s lower dentures — which, despite legend to the contrary, were fashioned primarily from ivory, not wood (dental.umaryland.edu/museum).

Frightening teeth are among the exhibits at Protean Books & Records, located in a Baltimore warehouse. A real book store, it’s also where Dr. Gloom’s Crypt of Curiosities displays a collection of morbid artifacts, like ghastly recreations of cryptids, mummified remains and a representation of Barnum’s sharp-toothed Fifi mermaid.

That fraudulent creature has the torso and head of a monkey attached to the back half of a fish, and in years past was a common feature of circus sideshows, where it was presented as a real animal.

West Virginia’s Mothman Another unbelievable creature, the Mothman, is celebrated in the heart of West Virginia. At the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, visitors can learn about the birdlike humanoid that residents claimed to have seen in the mid-1960s.

They reported sightings of a large, gray-winged creature with glowing red eyes. The Mothman Museum displays police reports of eyewitness accounts,

newspaper articles about the sightings, and a statue of the alleged creature itself (mothmanmuseum.com).

Offbeat buildings and museums Einstein’s brain, Ulysses S. Grant’s fatal tumor, and other medical samples are part of the massive collection of the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Established in 1862 by U.S. Surgeon General William Hammond, who asked physicians to send him “specimens of morbid anatomy…together with projectiles and foreign bodies removed,” the museum disSee OFFBEAT, page 37

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Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 40

A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Travel getting back to normal — slowly Yes, the U.S. travel scene is back to normal — or at least some semblance of preCOVID. But if you plan to travel the rest of the summer or this fall, you can expect some substantial differences — changes and gotchas for which you have to prepare.

operate. There’s no way to predict which airline and which flight might be affected, so you just need a Plan B for most trips.

TSA is also suffering from staff shortages, so whenever you plan a trip, check with your departure airport(s) for information on current conditions.

TSA Wait Times posts delays at three dozen airports at The great slowdown First of all, just about everytsawaittimes.com. Many indithing you want to do will take vidual airports also report TRAVEL TIPS more time getting there, waits — Google “airport wait

By Ed Perkins doing what you want to do, times” plus airport name. and returning home. Although specifics Also, because of the surging demand, vary from one segment of the industry, domestic fares remain much higher than you can see some common threads. many pundits predicted for the end of One of the main threads is lack of ade- COVID, so be prepared for sticker shock. quate personnel to staff up for the increasing demand. We see that across almost all Hotel changes sectors.

You’ll probably see the biggest postCOVID change at hotels. Here, the top current target at most is traditional daily Airline snafus Airlines seem to be having a tough time housekeeping, with major hotel chains cutcoping with surging leisure travel de- ting back or charging extra for housekeepmands. They blame much of the problem ing. A recent respected blogger’s report on the difficulty of hiring and training per- headline says, “Hilton Permanently Elimisonnel fast enough, but they’ve also had in- nates Daily Housekeeping” for all but explicable computer problems. three luxury sub-brands.

As a result, some are still taking reserAnother big ownership group — covervations, then canceling flights they can’t ing multiple brands — is making a big

pitch for guests to pre-book big tips when they check in, and a few hotels have been reported as adding an undisclosed “mandatory” tip charge at check out.

These moves are surely in the wrong direction, trying to shift more employee classes into “tip income” categories rather than working to minimize the tipping hassle.

Look for these practices to spread. As I’ve often noted, “In the travel business, nothing catches on faster than a bad idea.”

Check for unexpected charges before you commit to a reservation, especially for undisclosed mandatory fees.

beach vacation centers, but that’s about it.

Canada will reopen to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents on Aug. 9. Australia seems out for another year.

As for Europe, some countries say they welcome vaccinated travelers, while others have re-opened and then shut down again. Another respected blogger urged, “If you’re planning on traveling to UK, abandon your plans.”

And even if you find an open destination, the CDC still hasn’t relaxed its requirement for a negative COVID test no more than three days before boarding a return flight — even for fully vaccinated travelers.

Restaurants are understaffed Restaurants around the country are having a tough time building staff following partial or complete shutdowns. Even at places where you don’t normally have to wait for a table, a quick phone call prior to a visit should help you avoid long and unexpected waits.

My mantra has long been, “There’s no restaurant in the world worth waiting more than 10 minutes for a table,” but that could likely be hard to follow this summer.

International travel Foreign travel right now is a complete muddle. You’ll probably be fine planning visits to nearby Caribbean and island

COVID isn’t dead By now, you should realize that COVID19 is not over. Renewed infection spikes will likely re-close some areas that have reopened.

Unless you have an urgent requirement to travel, it may be best to travel domestically or visit a nearby beach for the rest of the year.

And even then, be prepared for more than the usual hassles. And continue to pay as little up front as possible.

Email Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net or check out his rail travel website at railguru.com. © 2021 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

Railroad From page 34

Another conductor: Frederick Douglass Frederick Douglass also led people on the Underground Railroad near Rochester, New York. Douglass was born into slavery around 1818 in Talbot County on Mary-

land’s Eastern Shore. He became a bank president, statesman, lecturer and author.

To learn more about Douglass, visit the Talbot County Courthouse in Easton, where Douglass was jailed in 1836 after he attempted to escape from his plantation.

In addition, visitors can see the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, and

Douglass’s home, Cedar Hill, in Washington, D.C., where he lived from 1878 until his death in 1895.

To help your search The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway has a list of all 45 sites on the self-guided tour: harriettubmanbyway.org.

Some sites may be closed during the pan-

37

demic, so call ahead.

Make a reservation for the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center in Church Creek, open Thursday through Sunday, at bit.ly/Tubmanreservations.

The National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom lists more than 650 locations in 40 states. Visit bit.ly/exploreugrr.

BEACON BITS

Offbeat From page 35 plays grim anatomical accidents as well as historic artifacts such as a 1660 microscope. Relocated 10 times, the museum has been located in the Army’s Forest Glen Annex since 2011 (medicalmuseum.mil).

Other buildings that in themselves are oddities are worth a visit.

The Markel Building in Richmond has the dubious distinction of having been included on a list of “The World’s 10 Ugliest Buildings.” That’s no surprise to those who have seen the circular edifice, whose top three floors are sheathed in a single piece of crinkled aluminum. The building’s designer conceived the idea at an American Institute of Architects dinner, where he was served a baked potato (architeturerichmond.com).

While smaller, the O Mansion in downtown Washington, D.C. has more to offer in terms of chic charm. The 1892 building houses a boutique hotel, museum, gour-

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met dining room and event venue under a single roof.

Its eccentric interior styling includes rooms individually decorated with antiques and fine art, and dozens of hidden secret doors. It even has a room that served as temporary home for civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

The museum displays a diverse collection of art, sculpture and memorabilia (omansion.com).

Before you visit any of these sites, call ahead to check for hours or pandemic restrictions.

Aug. 17

Learn how Facebook can be helpful for genealogy research in this free virtual workshop hosted by Mount Vernon Genealogical Society and led by Thomas MacEntee, a genealogical professional. The event takes place Tues., Aug. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/MVGSEvents. Register

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Style

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Arts &

George Clooney talks about his latest movie, which he directed and starred in. See story on page 42.

Area theaters resuming live productions

The Kennedy Center The Kennedy Center, which celebrates its 50th anniversary theater season this year, has slated what it calls “our biggest season ever!” Running from Oct. 13, 2021 to Oct. 2, 2022, the season will consist of 15 revivals — almost all of them musicals that have garnered 45 Tony awards in total.

Among the musicals set for the Kennedy Center will be the ever-popular Hamilton, settling in for a 12-week run next summer and fall (July 12 through Oct. 2, 2022).

A scheduled 14 weeks of performances of the highly acclaimed musical were postponed in 2020 because of the pandemic. The Kennedy Center estimates it lost $250 million in revenue and donations as a result.

The season opens with Hadestown (Oct. 13-31, 2021), winner of eight Tonys, including best musical of 2019. It follows with Beautiful: The Carol King Musical (Dec. 14, 2021-Jan. 2, 2022); The Prom (Jan. 4-16, 2022); Jesus Christ Superstar (Feb. 22-March 13); Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show (March 15-27); Mean Girls (April 5-24); Oklahoma (April 5-10); A Master Calls (May 25-June 12); Jersey Boys (June 14-26); To Kill a Mockingbird (June 21-July 10); The Band’s Visit (July 5-17); Hamilton; Blue Man Group (July 19-31); Dear Evan Hansen (Aug. 30-Sept. 25); and Shear Madness (Feb. 15-Oct. 2). Box Office: (202) 467-4600

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

By Robert Friedman The play will be the real-life thing once again this coming season as local companies and theaters get ready to present three-dimensional actors performing before live audiences.

While the pandemic curtailed much of last season to productions via computer or television, this season’s presentations are scheduled to return to theaters around town.

Round House Theatre In Bethesda, the Round House Theatre will return from a season of digital performances to a scheduled season of six live, in-person shows. The productions, according to Artistic Director Ryan Rilette, are designed “to transport audiences around the world.”

After all, Rilette said, “For the last year and a half we’ve all been stuck at home, unable to travel anywhere. But at the same

Amber Gray starred as Persephone in the original Broadway production of Hadestown, a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The Kennedy Center’s live season kicks off in October with the musical, which won eight Tony Awards.

time, we are connected to the entire world by the shared experience of the pandemic.”

The Round House’s 2021-22 season gets underway Sept. 8 with Quixote Nuevo by

Octavio Solis, a musical known as a “spirited, contemporary adaptation” of the 16thSee LIVE PRODUCTIONS, page 40

Opening August 27

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Live productions From page 39 century Cervantes classic, Don Quixote.

Running through Oct. 3, the musical is set on the modern-day border area between Mexico and the United States, and features Tejano music, bilingual word play and puppetry.

The season continues with a production of The Great Leap (Nov. 10 through Dec.

A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

5) by Lauren Yee, which will whisk audiences from San Francisco to Beijing as it follows a U.S. college basketball team to China in the 1980s for a “friendship” game.

The historical and the personal collide on stage as the different characters show different approaches to sports, life and politics in post-Cultural Revolution China.

Next up will be the U.S. premiere of Nine Night (Jan. 5 to 30, 2022) by British playwright Natasha Gordon. It is de-

BEACON BITS

Aug. 21

MUSIC FESTIVAL IN FALLS CHURCH Enjoy culturally rich music in Falls Church’s Cherry Hill Park dur-

scribed as a “kitchen dramedy” about a British-Jamaican community holding a traditional nine-day wake after the death of a patriarch.

A two-play National Capital New Play Festival from April 5 to May 8 will present two plays by local authors. It’s Not a Trip, It’s a Journey by Charly Evon Simpson follows four Black friends from New York to the Grand Canyon. It is called “a moving road trip adventure that deftly examines friendship, gender and race in America.”

The second work in the rotation, We Declare You a Terrorist by Tim J. Lord, is a thriller based on the 2002 Moscow theater hostage crisis. Box Office: (240) 644-1100

ing the Tinner Hill Music Festival on Sat., Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for general admission. For more information, visit tinnerhill.org or call (703) 241-4109.

rector, said the musical is “a rousing update on classic fairy tales…We are beyond thrilled to have our first Broadway-bound production.”

Also scheduled for the new season is a production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder. Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul will direct the theater classic of smalltown America.

Other planned productions in the new season (no dates yet) include The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing (an updated version set in a Cable TV newsroom) and Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabartil, a play about the Black American Shakespeare actor Ira Aldridge. Box Office: (202) 547-1122

Shakespeare Theatre The Shakespeare Theatre Company will kick off its new season at Sidney Harman Hall in downtown D.C. on Nov. 30 with Once Upon a One More Time by Jon Hartmere, featuring the music of Britney Spears. The show, which will run through Jan. 2, 2022, was previously announced for a Chicago debut that had to be cancelled.

Simon Godwin, the theater’s artistic di-

Rockville Little Theatre The Rockville Little Theatre is gearing up its first of three plays, a six-night presentation (Sept. 24-26 and Oct. 1-3) of Neil Simon’s Rumors. The play, described as “an evening of classical farcical hilarity,” will be presented at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater on Edmonston Drive. Box Office: (240) 314-8690.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS Fairfax County offers free summer musical performances and

movies at multiple locations throughout the summer. To view the extensive list of events, visit bit.ly/FairfaxConcerts.

8/21WB

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It’s nice when a friend takes your advice On his 77th birthday last spring, my boy“If you had never had such a successful hood pal George wrapped up 50 years of and demanding career,” I said, “I’d be very practicing medicine in New worried about you. But look Jersey. what you did. You saved hunHe had imagined that waterdreds of lives. You kept learnshed Friday evening for eons. ing. Your gray matter at 77 is No more haggling with insurstill as good as ever.” ance companies. No more payGeorge snorted and disroll to meet. No more consultaagreed. “Over the last couple tions in the middle of the night. of years, I needed a shot of cofIt would be Him Time. fee in the afternoon to keep George Time. going,” he admitted. “And now, But ever since he locked the HOW I SEE IT not even coffee is helping. office door one final time, By Bob Levey “I’m mopey, Bob. I’m unGeorge has been floundering. moored.”

He’s not a lost duck exactly. But by his own I teased him that Mopey and Unmoored description, “I’m not using time well. I’m not would be a good name for a rock band. scaling new mountains. I’m just sitting Maybe he could be the lead singer? But around and wondering what to do next.”

George was not about to be jollied out of It has been no consolation that hun- the dumps. dreds of other 70-somethings are in the “Ideas, man,” he said. “I need ideas.” same boat. He is used to being organized, So, I gave him one that he had never prepurposeful, self-reliant. viously considered: Community service.

He doesn’t want to be diverted into George has lived in the same New Jermacrame classes or folk dancing. He wants sey community for half a century. He knew to achieve a new, large goal. But what? the ins and outs of local life even though “I have no answer,” he wrote me a cou- he didn’t realize it. ple of months ago. “I don’t even have a leg His kids had grown up there. His neighup on an answer.” bors were longtime friends. His experiWhich made me hop on the phone and ence would be hugely valuable. become Bob the Retirement Counselor for George snorted again. “If you’re telling Old Guys. me to run for office, I know a psychiatrist

who would be just right for you.”

No need, I told him. “What I can envision is George the Volunteer.”

“Hmmm,” said George, the way people say Hmmm when they have never previously considered something.

I spun some possibilities.

Local commissions — maybe one to bolster the public library, maybe one to consider changes to local environmental policies.

Local boards — not just ones that want your money, but scores that could use George’s expertise. Not just in the medical realm. Maybe a board that oversees the local volunteer fire department. Maybe a board that works on zoning. The list would be endless.

Local nonprofits — maybe George thinks he has nothing to offer here, I said.

But what he has shown across his years of practice is judgment. “I have never known a nonprofit that can operate without judgment,” I told him.

And if he’s looking for real action, local politics. “Get involved with the county council or the town board of supervisors,” I suggested.

“This doesn’t have to be partisan. In fact, it’s better if it isn’t. Just show up and say you want to help. They will welcome another oar in the water with research, with planning.”

Cherry on top: Since George won’t be paid, he won’t have to worry about the ca-

W A K E

reer ladder or office politics. He can say what he thinks. He can give it his best shot, always.

George was honest about all this. His comfort zone was in the medical world, he said. Those other worlds? “I’m honestly a little frightened of them,” he told me.

“Don’t be,” I said. “I know this is easier said than done. But what I’m hearing is that My Guy George wants to bust out into an entirely new direction. So do that!

“In the medical world, you’d be just another former doc. In these other worlds, you’d be a guy who doesn’t want to coast on your past training or your past experience. You’d be bold. Bold is good.”

George gave me a few more Hmmms.

Then he had to ring off to pick up a grandchild at day care. We agreed to e-mail again in a month.

The month turned out to be two weeks.

“Bob,” he wrote, “I have been volunteering at the local public library. Never had any idea how complicated their role is, especially after the pandemic. Budgets. Safety. Which books to stock and which not to stock.

“Best of all,” George said, “no one has asked me why I want to do this. They just welcomed me. And no one has asked me what to do about some strange pain in See BOB LEVEY, page 42

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George Clooney: On being an older lead

By Jake Coyle How did George Clooney handle our recent period of isolation? Aside from spending time with his wife, Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer, and their 3-year-old twins, and editing his new film “The Midnight Sky,” he’s relied on, like many others, a text chain with pals and Zoom. He just got off one with Matt Damon and John Krasinski.

“In some ways, we keep more in touch now than we did before,” said Clooney, speaking by phone from London.

“The Midnight Sky,” which Clooney directed and stars in, is an apocalyptic sci-fi drama with some striking solitude. A thickly bearded Clooney plays an astronomer with terminal cancer living at the Barbeau Observatory in the Arctic Circle. It’s 2049.

When cataclysm covers the globe, he — and a young, unspeaking girl (Caoilinn Springall) — are potentially all that remains, along with the crew of an expedition to a Jupiter moon.

Debuting some months ago on Netflix, “The Midnight Sky,” based on Lily BrooksDalton’s novel Good Morning, Midnight, is Clooney’s seventh film as director and his biggest scaled production yet.

In an interview with The Associated Press, the 59-year-old actor-filmmaker discussed his new movie and the arc of his career. Answers

have been edited for length and clarity.

AP: It’s been years since you were the lead in a film. Why? Clooney: Things change for you as an actor. The roles that are brought to you become very different…You can try to deny your aging. You can dye your hair and get a face lift and try to still be the guy who gets the girl in the movies. Or you can accept that you’re getting older and be that guy.

The reason I got into directing and writing and producing 35 years ago was because I knew, at some point, I don’t want to be worried about what some casting director thinks of me at — I used to say 60, but I’ll move it to 65 now.

AP: You’ve always seemed especially aware of being part of a Hollywood continuum. Your Los Angeles house belonged to Clark Gable.

Clooney: When I moved to Hollywood, I went and lived with my Aunt Rosemary for about six months until she kicked me out. Then I was living on the floor of an apartment for a couple years.

But the reality was she was part of that continuum. She was married to Jose Ferrer. She’d have people over to the house: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. And I got to spend time around that kind of world.

So, I had an understanding of the continuum in the entertainment industry. We all stand on the shoulders of the people who did it beautifully before us.

I got to be friends with Gregory Peck and would go over to his house for dinners with [Peck’s wife] Veronique. One of the most memorable nights I ever had was sitting around listening to them talk about “Roman Holiday.” It’s an amazing thing, when stars were giants.

AP: What drew you to “The Midnight Sky”?

Clooney: What I always saw in this was the idea of what regret can do to you. I always thought what he’s really dying of is not cancer, but regret. It’s killing him.

I know people who are older — older than me, even — who live with real regret.

It’s deep in them. When you get older, it’s a cancer. Everyone has regrets. You hope you don’t have the ones that last a lifetime.

AP: Has working alongside Amal, while she’s in the next room waging humanitarian battles, changed your approach to moviemaking at all?

Clooney: For the last 15 to 20 years, I’ve spent about half of my day working on things other than the movie business because I have interests in other issues around the world.

But there are some funny moments. I have an office, and she has an office — and they’re kind of up against each other.

The other day, I was doing the Howard Stern Show. We’re talking about, like, a prank…And on the other side of the wall, my wife is having a conversation trying to keep Maria Ressa from going to prison in the Philippines.

She can hear me, and I can hear her. We go to dinner afterward and say, “What an insane household we live in.”

—AP

Bob Levey

mination as George. I’m sorry that the total audience for “The Price Is Right” just got reduced by one former doctor.

But I’m glad to have been part of the oldest saw of all. We can all give something. It’s never too late.

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

From page 41 their left knee!”

I wish I could say that Bob the Retirement Counselor for Old Guys can always produce such quick, positive results. I wish that all retirees were as full of deter-

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Timeless fiction offered by older authors These three novels are set, respectively, in Robinson, has written three previous novels the past, present and future. Their charac- about the Boughton and Ames families. Jack ters confront crises that resis chronologically second in the onate with readers no matter series after Gilead, which was the era. awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Jack: A Novel, by Marifiction in 2005. lynne Robinson, 320 pages, However, Jack stands alone Farrar, Straus & Giroux on its own merits. You needn’t hardcover, 2020, Picador have read the other books in paperback, 2021 the series to be enthralled by This story unfolds with a sethe storytelling prowess of quence of incidents on the the author. homefront during WWII as exThe Tunnel: A Novel, by perienced by Jack, a white man, THE A. B. Yehoshua, translated BIBLIOPHILE and Della, the Black woman he

by Stuart Schoffman, 336

By Dinah Rokach loves. Segregation lurks in the pages, Houghton Mifflin background, never far removed Harcourt hardcover, 2020, from the day-to-day lives of the protagonists. paperback, 2021.

The two live in a society that promotes Tzvi Luria is a retired engineer who is in racism and enforces Jim Crow laws. the early stages of dementia. He and his The author, septuagenarian Marilynne wife, Dina, live in Tel Aviv, Israel.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 12+

ART AND SOUND AT THE WALTERS The Walters Art Museum presents a unique, free program on its Facebook page and YouTube channel every Thursday from 5:30 to

6 p.m. On Aug. 12, Patrick McMinn will perform a 20-minute concert inspired by the Florentine painting Ideal City. This free online event is open to the public. For more information, visit thewalters.org or call (410) 547-9000.

His neurologist advises the retired Tzvi to remain active physically and mentally and not succumb to — but fight — the beginning signs of dementia, which are visible on his brain scan.

Dina is the driving force that arranges to find him an unsalaried part-time position in his old department at the Israeli Roads Authority.

The Tunnel tells the story of the misadventures that beset Tzvi as he returns to his old stomping grounds in an advisory capacity. It is a tale, told with humor, irony and imagination, of how the aged confront their limitations.

An error or misstep by a young person would be readily dismissed without much

ado. But when committed by the septuagenarian protagonist, it is perceived as another step down a long bleak road from which there is no hope of recovery.

Readers will enjoy following the interaction between generations, the deep love alternating with petty contention between long-married couples, and the cord that binds parents and their adult offspring.

The bureaucratic intricacies of governments the world over will resonate. The depiction of the humanity exhibited among individuals from different cultures whose leaders are in conflict in the Middle East is heartwarming.

See BIBLIOPHILE, page 45

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Crossword Puzzle

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Middle Men 1

2

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By Stephen Sherr

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13 18

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Jumble answers on p. 47.

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Scrabble answers on p. 47.

8

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Across

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1. Cautious with information 5. Largest city in Nebraska 10. Crackpot 13. Common woodwind instrument 14. Like a bad singer's American Idol audition 15. Latin list shortener 17. Where Kim Cattrall came to life in Mannequin 20. Fuss 21. Dutch uncle (or a comment from a cow walking backwards) 22. "Cat ___ your tongue?"

23. Org. that runs a school's Fall Festival 24. Snugger than Lar. or Med. 26. Fifth word of the Sgt. Pepper's album 28. Beelike 30. Nest eggs 34. Items in Bare Necessities' inventory 35. A thousand thous 36. He said "I am the astronaut of boxing; Joe Louis and Dempsey were just jet pilots" 37. Hypersaline body of water 39. Results of poor luggage packing 43. Just the vowels in "BRACELET" 44. It has lions and tigers and bears 45. One who will not inherit from Willy Wonka 46. Extreme defense mechanism 51. Singleton 52. Put two and two together 53. Animation frame 54. White lie 55. Maturity 57. Make a choice 59. Brady Bunch network 62. Including time and space 66. Eye ___ (TV show originally called Eyewitness Los Angeles) 67. Wise guys 68. Ingredient in Campbell's Chicken Gumbo Soup 69. Droop 70. Lack of serenity 71. Game piece for Rock Paper Scissors

1. Post-credit scene 2. Waiting for the next snooze alarm 3. Lose one's temper 4. Positive vote 5. "Hold ___ your hat" 6. Number two song on ABBA Number Ones 7. End of an enzyme 8. "I'll be there in a sec" 9. Cher, vocally 10. Cast a wide ___ 11. Perfect world 12. Kilt design 16. Tilts southward (as Pisa's tower) 18. Excited crowd sound 19. Combine all the receipts together 25. Whoopsie 27. Shaving cream alternative 29. Easy to manipulate 30. Goal line TD scorers 31. Historic time 32. Arab ruler 33. 78-card deck 38. Boil over with rage 39. Accepts bad behavior 40. Island nation called "the teardrop of India" 41. Word between dogs 42. Pigpen 44. Letter to Queen Elizabeth 46. Successful, theatrically 47. Marriages 48. Giant cloud in space 49. Lunatic 50. When Romeo met Juliet 56. The Simpson's middle child 58. "hey... buddy..."

60. "The hay is in the ___" 61. Dressed 63. Scandal sheet 64. Ingredient in brioche bread pudding 65. Sound repeated 188 times in Don't Worry, Be Happy

Answers on page 47.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

Bibliophile From page 43

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Take a tour of Tel Aviv and the Negev desert in the south through the author’s descriptive writing. Follow Tzvi as he cannily and happily escapes the confines of his wife’s close surveillance while she is abroad on a business trip.

A.B. Yehoshua is an octogenarian who has been called the Israeli Faulkner. This is his 12th novel.

2034: A Novel of the Next World War, by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret.), 320 pages, Penguin Press hardcover, 2021 Escape into the future for a thrilling adventure as the U.S. military confronts evil forces in the Pacific and the Persian Gulf.

Needless to say, future warfare will be dominated by electronic communications and navigational guidance. Women will hold important decision-making positions in the military and political spheres. Tactical nuclear arms are in the arsenal, ready to be deployed. Some things haven’t changed: Vladimir Putin, now in his 80s, still rules Russia.

Characters exhibit the full range of human behavior — betrayal and loyalty, arrogance and wisdom, survival mode and gofor-broke bravado, cowardice and bravery.

Friendships that go back decades are the glue that attempts to stop the runaway train of events from disaster. The doomsday scenario is exploited for all its suspense, and the human element adds a twist to the denouement.

Novelist Elliot Ackerman, 41, is a parttime resident of D.C. who served eight years in the Marines. Co-author retired Admiral James Stavridis is in his mid-60s.

Stavidris remains active as a consultant, media analyst and public speaker. This is his first work of fiction.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 25

SALUTE THE SUNSET

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform a free concert at National Harbor on Wed., Aug. 25 from 7 to 8 p.m. Bring a chair and sit on the lawn. For more information, visit bit.ly/SalutetheSunset.

Aug. 27

OPEN STUDIO

Create art inspired by the National Portrait Gallery. Every Friday from 11 a.m. to noon, the Portrait Gallery will post weekly art workshops on YouTube with new activities and techniques. For more information, visit bit.ly/SIOpenStudio.

Aug. 28

OPERA IN THE OUTFIELD

Did you know you can watch opera for free at Nationals Park?

The Washington National Opera will perform Rossini’s Cinderella on Sat., Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. for pre-opera activities. The performance will be displayed on the high-definition scoreboard.

For more information, visit bit.ly/OperaintheOutfield.

Sept. 1+

ZOOM IN SPANISH

Join a Zoom lunchtime discussion group and talk in Spanish about language, poetry and art, among other topics. This free virtual group is for both native speakers and Spanish language learners, and takes place Wednesdays in Sept. from 1 to 2 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/DCZoomEspanol. Call Lena Frumin at (202) 895-9485 with questions.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 47.

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Business & Employment Opportunities HIGH END EXECUTIVE TYPE OFFICES in Falls Church, VA, shared conference rooms, coffee bars, custom made furniture, reception area.

2 available, from $900 to $1100 per month full service, tenant pays phone bill. Korte Realty, 712 W. Broad St. Falls Church, 703-532-7704.

Treena Rinaldi, Broker, 703-927-3863.

Caregivers GENTLE CARE OF FREDERICK- We are a non-medical home care service providing quality inhome care for individuals with a variety of needs.

Senior care, personal care, respite care, companion care, pet care and feeding, food preparation, housekeeping, support for hospice patients, and recovery and rehabilitation care after hospital stay. Contact us today to learn more about our home care services! Call (301) 846-8232 or (240) 527-1298. Email inquiries to info@gentlecareoffrederick.com A HOME HEALTHCARE- Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. Flat rate for live-in. 15 years’ experience. (2405336599) A CARE AGENCY - Been in business for more than 10 years. Experienced nurses, CNAs, GNAs. Any hours you need. Flat rate for live-in.

Duties include cooking, housekeeping, bathing, errands, etc. Tel: 667-231-8235

Computer Services PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call David G. Computer Services at: 301-328-2112 or 301-642-4526.

Financial WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019.

Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations.

Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-626-8703.

For Sale PUT ON YOUR TV EARS and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-833-934-0843.

For Sale

Personal Services

Wanted

GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today!

Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-866964-8106.

MARYLAND SENIOR CONCIERGE SERVICES, LLC - Personal Services For Seniors. We offer a wide range of services: transitioning, moving, decluttering, packing, medical escort, shopping, bills and errands. We help you maintain your independence & gain control of your life. www.mdseniorhelp.com Call: Christine Callahan, CSA - 301.452.5730.

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LP’s, 45’s and some 78’s, Some Groups Of CD’s Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK, FALLS CHURCH - 4 desirable sites on Chapel Drive, Block L, $7995ea. Sell $4995ea. Call Dwight (425) 739-0748.

Health HELPING HANDS: I’m offering first class, part-time care for you or your love one. My services include house-hold chores, general housekeeping, and transportation on an as needed basis. I have a solid verifiable background working with all types of issues and aging concerns.

Please contact me at (240)-898-7956 or email hands2help@gmail.com so that we can discuss your particular needs. Mrs. Paul MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.

PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

LIFE ALERT. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 240-847-6732 FREE Brochure.

Home/Handyman Services THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower.

Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

SLOWING DOWN AFTER 39 YEARS of contracting. Small to medium jobs mainly residential but will do some commercial. $42.50 from arrival on job. Will work all over DC area. Andy 703-906-5429.

DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1866-365-5170

Legal Services APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-866-970-0779 FREE Consultation.

Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

WORKOUT WITH RONDA ONLINE FROM HOME: Not ready or able to return to the gym?

No problem! Join Ronda for Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Stretch, Pilates, Strength Training w/ light weights and Relaxation/Meditation all from your own home for just $10 per class. Packages and private lessons are also available. Visit www.moxie.xyz/RondaBernstein for schedule and registration. Don’t see a time that works for you? Classes can be added by request. Certified Group Fitness Instructor since 1994.

TV/Cable DIRECTV for $69.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. One year of HBO Max FREE. Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Call for more details! (some restrictions apply) Call 1888-572-4953.

DISH NETWORK. $64.99 for 190 Channels!

Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1844-560-5837.

Wanted I BUY LARGE LP RECORD ALBUM COLLECTIONS, cassette and CD collections and musical estates as well. Large collections preferred. Rock, metal, synth-pop, alternative rock, jazz, punk, and more. 410-900-5657 or baltimorerecords.com TOP PRICES PAID FOR FINE ANTIQUES, artwork and decorative objects including decorated crocks and jugs, unusual antique clocks, music boxes and mechanical things, coin operated devices, furniture, rare antique dolls and toys etc. I am 68 years old , well educated, financially capable, and have over 40 years in this business.

Why pay outlandish auction house, estate agent or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your pieces with no hassle? If you have something interesting or unusual, rare and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301 279 8834. No calls after 7 pm please. Thank you, COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc, from all wars & countries. Also slots/pinball & other coin operated machines.

Top prices paid, Vaccinated & COVID Safe.

CALL FRED 301-910-0783.

TIRED OF POLISHING YOUR SILVER? Turn it into cash which does not tarnish. I will come to your home to give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. I buy all gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver, gold and silver coins, gold watches, etc. I am licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all sellers who are veterans of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps. And we extend the same courtesy to their spouses. We honor our servicemen (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership. Call Bob, (240) 938-9694.

LOOKING TO BUY PRETTY THINGS. Favorites include Dresden, Herend, Royal Copenhagen and Shelley. English bone china cups and saucers, figurines by various makers and dish sets. Art, collectibles, pottery and sterling. Teak furniture. Serious collector of vintage Christmas and Halloween decorations. Please call (301) 785-1129. MD Precious Metal License 2753.

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883).

WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-4640958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com).

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. I’m vaccinated & will wear mask.

Jack (301) 279-2158.

CASH FOR ESTATES. I buy a wide range of items; Jewelry, Silver, Art, Rugs, Cultural Items, ETC., ETC. BUY OUT/CLEAN, 301-520-0755 WEBSITE: TheAtticLLC.com. I have my own trucks, my own crew & insurance.

WE BUY BOOKS. Moving? Downsizing? Estate? Together the Bonafide Book Buyers have over 85 years experience as professional buyers & sellers of books in the D. C. area. Best prices paid ! Call Nelson at 240-472-4615 for details or appointment. Will pick up & remove from your house. Also consider DVDs & CDs. Inside or curbside pickup possible, phone for details.

I BUY CARS TRUCKS SUVS AND HARLEY DAVIDSONS. Licensed Dealer. Will buy as is.

Local Montgomery county and some areas of Washington D.C. and Frederick county. Call Tom at 301-806-8140.

Thank you for reading the Beacon!

BEACON BITS

Aug. 19

IF YOU OWN IT, KNOW IT

Learn about how to protect your home ownership in a presentation

by Legal Counsel for the Elderly. Topics include the D.C. tax sale, property tax assistance for older adults and scam avoidance. The session takes place Thurs., Aug. 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/LCEPresentation. Call Lena Frumin at (202) 895-9485 with questions.

Personal Services WE ARE A TO Z PERSONAL ORGANIZERS, bringing order to your life and to the life of your loved ones. We specialize in relocation services for seniors. Check us out on the web: A2ZOrganizers.com, or give us a call at 240.432.4920.

READY TO MOVE OR DOWNSIZE? Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed? Downsizing Specialists is here to help! Our process helps you determine what to keep, gift, sell, donate, or discard with a compassionate specialist. Services include downsizing, decluttering, moving prep, estate sales and consignment of antiques, jewelry, coins, and collectibles. We also buy estates, vehicles, and real estate. DownsizingSpecialists.com or call/text Philip 301-219-3600 for details. Entire staff is vaccinated.

Aug. 26+

SUMMER AT CAPITOL VIEW

At 4 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, Capitol View Library hosts outdoor activities and programming. For more information, email capitolviewlibrary@dc.gov or call (202) 645-0755.

Ongoing

FOOD COMPOSTING

Have you been considering composting but aren’t sure how to do it yourself? You can drop off food scraps for composting at the Mount Vernon Farmers Market, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane every Wed. through Dec. 12 between 8 a.m. and noon. Drop-off is also available every day between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the 1-95 Landfill Complex, 9850 Furnace Rd., Lorton, VA.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 44 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

C O D A

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Y E A R O M A I R S T S A E K E E R E R D A G

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M A M M A E M M I E A E R M A L D I M S A A N

A H A S A L E N T S G O T G O A E N T P L A L C R E Z O O E N T A D D C O P T E N S I G E S G S T

N U T E T A L T O R E P T A P I A N L A N S I A S E S B R A T L I T Y E L A B C O N A L O K R A H A N D

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: STASH SOUPY MEDLEY IMPALA Answer: They said “hello” as their boats passed each other on the — “HI” SEAS

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington and Richmond editions).

Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you.

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number.

• Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Studies UMD Hearing Study . .23

Events 2021 Beacon Virtual 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . . .48 JCA Career Gateway . .32 JCA Virtual 50+ Employment Expos . .31 Leadership in Aging Celebration . . . . . . . . .35 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics . . . . . . . . . . .17 Potomac River Jazz Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Small Business Webinar . . . . . . . . . . .20

Home Health Care/Companion Services Best Senior Care . . . . . .19 EZ Home Care . . . . . . . .9 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . . . .33

Housing

Ashby Ponds/ Erickson . . . . . . . . .1, 12 Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . . . . .8, 15 Capitol Ridge . . . . . . . . .9 Chesterbrook Residences . . . . . . . . .29 Chevy Chase House . . .17 Funeral Services Churchill Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Going Home Cremation 43 Culpepper Garden . . . .19 Government Enterprise Residential .37 Services Falcons Landing . . . . .10 DC Health . . . . . . . . . .16 Friendship Terrace . . . .19 HIP Home Sharing . . . .45 Greenspring/Erickson1, 12 Montgomery County Aging Homecrest House . . . . .14 & Disability Services .32 Homewood at Frederick 18 STAY DC . . . . . . . . . . .25 Knollwood . . . . . . . . . .11 Livingston Place . . . . . . .7

47

Maplewood at Park Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Modena Reserve . . . . . .11 Quantum Property Mgmt .33 Park View Apartments .37 Residences at Thomas Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Riderwood/Erickson .1, 12 Sommerset . . . . . . . . . .23 Springvale Terrace .10, 18 Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Legal Services Farr Law Firm . . . . . . .29 Law Offices of Nancy Feldman . . . . .31 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Medical/Health Judy Oh, DDS . . . . . . .16 Medical Eye Center . . .12 Miracle-Ear . . . . . . . . . .7 Silver Spring Medical Center . . . . . .21 Steven Friedman, DDS .39

Miscellaneous AARP Experience Corp 13

Real Estate Long & Foster/ Eric Stewart . . . . .30, 41

Retail Ken Dychtwald Book . .43 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . .38 Perfect Walker . . . . . . .24 Zoomer Chair . . . . . . . .36

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Manor Care Health Services . . . . . . . . . . .14

Subscriptions Beacon Newspapers . . .40

Technology BeaconSilverPages.com 42 TechMedic4u . . . . . . . . .5

Theatre/ Entertainment Senior Zone . . . . . . . . .40 Toby’s Dinner Theater .39

Travel Shillelaghs . . . . . . . . . .35 TravelWV.com . . . . . . .35

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RETURNING THIS FALL

This year, we are pleased to announce two in-person events and an online Virtual 50+Expo

In-person Expos

NEW LOCATION

Springfield, Va. Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021

Bethesda, Md. Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021

Springfield Town Center

Westfield Montgomery Mall

Health Screenings • Flu Shots • Keynote Speaker • Giveaways Exhibitors (nonprofit, government and business) • Door Prizes

Online Expo

October 1 thru November 30 at beacon50expo.com Online find dozens of free classes, speakers and entertainers available 24/7, as well as helpful resources and exhibitors.

2021 PRESENTED BY

Watch this space for more details. Or email info@beacon50expo.com to receive updates.

ATTN: Businesses and nonprofits: To sponsor or exhibit at either or both in-person Expos and/or at our virtual Expo, call (301) 949-9766 or speak with your Beacon advertising representative.

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS