The Record • Week of Wednesday, July 24, 2013
More Americans optimistic about the future
by Lincoln Financial Group, 80 percent of Americans are optimistic about their future, and 78 percent are optimistic about their financial future. The study, which polled more than 2,300 Americans, finds that a majority of people, almost seven in 10, feel “in control” of their lives. They take proactive steps to re-charge their mental batteries by pursuing hobbies or spending time with family and friends. They are also more likely to focus on building financial security, such as putting away money for retirement.
(StatePoint) Certain things may be beyond your control -the weather, the stock market or whether your favorite team wins or loses its next game. However, new findings show that possessing an optimistic attitude makes you more likely to take charge of your life in key ways -- from healthy eating and visiting the doctor annually, to planning ahead and getting more accomplished at work. This could be good news for the country. According to the Measuring Optimism, Outlook and Direction (M.O.O.D.) of America study, conducted
Specifically, the majority of those polled view being debtfree, staying within a budget, paying credit card bills in full each month and putting money away for retirement as very important financial steps to take to gain control. “Financial preparedness is best when it is rooted in optimism that leads to action,” says Dennis R. Glass, president and CEO of Lincoln Financial Group. “No step taken is too small.” Experts say you should start preparing for the future by incorporating a proactive approach to financial endeavors.
Where can people turn to for help? The M.O.O.D. study finds that the advice of a financial professional tops the list as a preferred source of information. Thirty-eight percent of those polled say they use advisors or planners for financial advice, compared to other leading sources, like information obtained from online searches (35 percent), spouses or significant others (31 percent) or friends (24 percent). “There are more sources of information to choose from today than ever before,” says Will Fuller, president of Lincoln Financial Group Distribution. “Study results clearly show that a trusted advisor is the most desirable source of guidance, and that’s because the knowledge and expertise they bring to the table can help people achieve their goals.” For more information, including additional research results and access to free financial tips and calculators, visit www.LincolnFinancial. com. To hear more about the financial outlook of Americans, visit www.youtube.com/ user/LincolnFinancialGrp. By being proactive and seeking sound help, you can gain control of your finances and your future.
Five ways baby boomers can stay active (StatePoint) While it’s difficult to encapsulate the moods of tens of millions of people born between 1946 and 1964, one thing has often been said about boomers -- they share a determination to stay forever young. Next to improving diet and shunning tobacco, nothing a person does increases life expectancy more than exercising, according to the National Institute on Aging. As such,
many boomers are busy with their quest for immortality on the bike paths and exercise mats of America. While exercise is great for body and mind, it doesn’t come without risk. And an injury can derail a routine quickly. Here are five ways boomers can ensure they’re staying safe and having fun with exercise: • Know your limitations: Don’t increase the intensity of
physical activity too quickly, especially if you have existing cardiovascular, joint or muscle problems that could be aggravated as a result. Work with a licensed trainer at first, who can assess your strength, flexibility, balance and endurance, and create a custom workout program accordingly. • Try something new: New activities can keep you motivated and help you avoid over-
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working particular joints and muscles. Consider something totally different, such as pickleball, a fast-paced court sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. • Take control: Whether gardening, golfing or dancing, it’s inevitable that physical activity will create occasional muscle pain, stiffness, swelling and bruising. Pain can be immobilizing and depressing, so managing it is important. “Avoid medications that mask pain coming from strained or damaged tissues,” says Jyl Steinback, author of “Superfoods: Cook Your Way to Health,” and executive director of ShapeUpUS.org. “Instead, consider a homeopathic medicine, such as Arnicare Gel, that works naturally with the body to help it heal and won’t interfere with other medications you’re taking. I bring it with me whenever I exercise.” Unscented and non-greasy, the gel is quickly absorbed by the skin. More information about natural muscle pain treatment can be found at www.Arnicare.com. • Spice rack resources: Turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper all have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as many other health benefits. Stick to your good-for-you, energy-boosting diet by giving your bland foods a low-calorie kick with spices, roots and herbs. • Boost your metabolism: As we age, our metabolism slows
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Constable Vehicles
I have been asked many times since I have been in office about a Constable’s vehicle. Many citizens think the vehicles we drive belong to the county. Constable vehicles, in fact, are a constable’s personal vehicle. We are paid a salary out of which we purchase our own vehicles. We are also responsible for insurance, fuel, tires, oil changes and all maintenance. The county, in no way, funds the vehicle or maintenance. The county has an additional insurance rider policy that may cover a portion of a claim as long as we are performing our normal day-to-day duties; such as serving papers and routine patrol. Anything outside the scope of our normal job duties, in or out of the county, the liability falls under our personal insurance policy and not the county insurance policy. We are personally liable for anything beyond the scope of our duty. Mark Philpott Orange County Constable, Precinct 3
Wings by Pearl Burgess
Stepping outside on a bright, sunny day I spotted a butterfly winging its way, Small little wings with so much power Extracting food from each pretty flower. Backyard birds flying with wings of speed Going to feeders for their daily bird seed, Honey bees flying in a straight beeline Bringing back nectar for honey so fine. Humming birds’ wings as fast as a jet Looking for sweetness, they hope to get, Such small, tiny wonders without exception They fly up or down in any direction. Way up above me, was an eagle so high Outstretched wings soared high in the sky, Looking down on the Earth so far below He tipped his wings as if to say “hello.” Hens gather chicks under wings to protect Loving each one, there will be no neglect, We, too, are safe and should joyfully sing Under the shadow of God’s sheltering wing.
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Monkey Business - Fotolia.com
down. Avoid compounding this with stress or fatty, heavy meals. To maintain a healthy weight and avoid insulin spikes or hypoglycemia, try eating small, balanced meals six times a day, rather than three big ones. Eating at the same time each day in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere speeds up digestion and makes energy more readily available. • Recharge at night: You’ll need your shut eye with your
new active lifestyle. Luckily, exercise can contribute to longer, deeper sleep, helping replenish and rebuild every cell in the body. This goes beyond beauty sleep. Great sleep can aid longevity. Don’t let potential aches and pains stop you from exercising regularly. The sooner you start moving, the better you’ll look and feel. With a few tricks, you can exercise more safely and pain-free.