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It’s Your LifeIt’s Your Life
V I T A L I N F O R M A T I O N F O R A V I T A L L I F E !
THE MAGAZINE FOR ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS®
A P R I L 2 0 1 4
Spring Fever!Spring Fever!It’s Not All In It’s Not All In
Your HeadYour HeadPage 11
Why Boomers Get More Why Boomers Get More From Social SecurityFrom Social Security
Page 8Page 3P 33
MSG: Hiding in MSG: Hiding in Plain SightPlain Sight
Choose Choose HappinessHappiness
DE_Apr2014.indd 1DE_Apr2014.indd 1 3/21/14 6:33 PM3/21/14 6:33 PM
2 A P R I L 2 0 1 4
V I T A L I N F O R M A T I O N F O R A V I T A L L I F E !
THE MAGAZINE FOR ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS®
N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3
Top 10 Gifts for Seniors
Page 13
Social Security as a Survivor Benefit
Page 6Page 5P 55
Helpful Hearing Tips for the Holidays
At Forwood Manor At Forwood Manor They’re Learning, Laughing They’re Learning, Laughing and Loving Lifeand Loving Life
DE_NovDec2013 option2.indd 1
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V I T A L I N F O R M A T I O N F O R A V I T A L L I F E !
THE MAGAZINE FOR ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS®
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4
Electronic Gadget
Secrets You Must Know!
Page 16Reinventing
Your LifePage 12
Page 6P 6
Measuring Retiree’s Real
Cost of Living
Make Your Make Your New Year’s New Year’s Resolutions Resolutions StickStick
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V I T A L I N F O R M A T I O N F O R A V I T A L L I F E !
THE MAGAZINE FOR ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS®
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4
d Heart Health and Heart Disease:Get The Facts
Page 8
Open Your Heart:The Power of Forgiveness
Page 7Page 3
Get Fit Faster
Live, Laugh, Love the Possibilities!
DE_Feb2014.indd 1DE_Feb2014.indd 1
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“Smart” “Smart” TechnologyTechnologyOpen Your Open Your World to World to PossibilitiesPossibilities
V I T A L I N F O R M A T I O N F O R A V I T A L L I F E !
THE MAGAZINE FOR ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS®
M A R C H 2 0 1 4
Can You Make Money from Your
Diamond Jewelry?Page 13
March MadnessIt’s Springtime in the
GardenPage 12
Page 3
ExerciseLet’s Take It Outside
DE_Mar2014.indd 1
2/21/14 5:42 PM2/21/14 5:4
E D I TO R S’ L E T T E R
KARYN CORTEZ AND LINDA PRITCHETT
DELAWARE • APRIL 2014
Unsolicited material is welcomed and is considered
intended for publication. Such material will become
the property of the magazine and will be subject
to editing. Material will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Vital! Magazine
will not knowingly accept any advertising in violation of
U.S. equal opportunity law.
E D I T O R S I N C H I E F
Karyn [email protected]
Linda [email protected]
C R E AT I V E A RT D I R E C T O R
Heidi Atwell
Vital! Magazine4556 Simon Road
Wilmington, DE 19803302-764-6642
www.vitalmagonline.com
Vital! Magazine is published monthly by Envision Publishing.
Articles are intended for general information purposes
only and should not replace your personal
advisor’s advice.Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without express written
consent of the publisher.
The Magazine for Active Older Adults®
Interested inAdvertising?
We’d LOVE toHear From You!
Call 302-764-6642
We’re Going Nationwide!If you or someone you know has ever dreamed of owning your own business, now is the time!
Call 302-764-6642 to find out how to publish Vital! in YOUR community.
M A R C H 2 0 1 4
Can You Make CaCaCan YoYoou MaMakkeke Money from Your Mooneeyey ffrofrorooom YoYoouur
Diamond Jewelry?DDiammooond Jeewewewelelryry?ryy??Page 13Page 13
March Machchchhhhh dnessMaarcrcchchrcchchhhhhhhhhh Maaddnnesesssss Sprs SprIt’s Spr’s S rIt’s Sprt’t’ Spr’s SprSpr’s Sprr’s Spr’s r’s Sprprprs s Spprppppp gtimegtime gtime ingtime ingtime ingtimegtime e inggtimegtimegtimeeggtimeegtimegtimemeg etimg in the inininiinininininnnnnItItt’tt’’’s’s’’’s’t’’s’s’ss’sssssssssss SSSSSSpSpppppppprrrrrrrrrrrrrrirriiiiiinngnggggggggggggggggtgtgtititimmmmmmeeeeeemeeeeee eee iiiiiinnnnnnnnn ththe
GardenrdenrdedededederdderddeeededddaGaardrdrddddddddrdddddddrdeeeeeeeeeeeeeenenPage 12P
Pagee 333PaPaPageePa e eegageeeeagegeeee eee g
ExerciseExExeExxerrcirccisseeLet’s Take It Oue It Oue It Out OOuOut OOOut Out Outt OOtt OOOttt uut detstsiddddddtsiddddetsitsiddddddsiddidddLeLeteet’ett’st’s TaTakTakeke e e IIIttt ttttttttt t OOOOOOOOOOOOOuuuuuuuttuuttststtsssssisssssiidiididiiiddddddedddddddddddddddee
Want Home Delivery? Visit
vitalmagonline.com/subscribe or call
302-764-6642
Karyn and Linda
It always amazes me, the chang-
es that sunshine and longer days
bring. I feel it myself and see it
all around me: people are energized,
revitalized, happier (and maybe just
a little more apt to play hooky!).
Turns out it’s not just in our imagi-
nation, either. Spring fever is a real
phenomenon based in physiologi-
cal changes, but that’s not a very
romantic notion, now, is it? Really,
it just feels so much better to say,
“Love is in the air,” not “Seratonin
is in the air.”
We think that every day is a new op-
portunity to examine your life and
start fresh, though, so this month
not only are we bringing you the
science behind that spring fever
(page 11) but thoughtful articles we
hope might inspire you as you while
away a lazy, sunshiny afternoon. On
page 10, Bronnie Ware writes about
her experiences as a palliative nurse
and the insights she gained from
her patients. Every choice you’ve
made in your life has brought you
to the place where you are now; wise
choices now will take you where you
want to be. What do you want your
life to look like in a year? Five years?
More?
Have you told others about those
experiences that make you who you
are? Our friend Myrle Bowe, an ex-
pert on writing your memoirs, takes
the mystery out of getting the shar-
ing started in her article on page 16.
As she says, you don’t have to be
perfect, you just have to start!
Inspired to start giving back and
looking for ideas? The Annual Week
of Service is April 6-12. Check out
page 15 for some unique opportuni-
ties, and visit www.volunteerdela-
ware.org for more. Talk about food
for the soul!
And if you just want to get out in the
fresh air and putter around in the
yard, we’ve got you covered there
too. Page 9 is your go-to guide for
everything you’ll want to do (or at
least think about doing!) in the gar-
den this month.
Here’s to your health, happiness,
and life well-lived!
Happy April!
DE_Apr2014.indd 2DE_Apr2014.indd 2 3/21/14 6:33 PM3/21/14 6:33 PM
www.Vita lMagOnl ine.com 3
TO YO U R H E A LT H
By Dr. Chad Laurence
Ever read a food label only to
have no idea what half the
ingredients actually are? Per-
haps you notice words such as hy-
drolyzed protein, sodium caseinate,
monosodium glutamate, or natural
flavorings. What do these ingredi-
ents have in common, and what are
their dangers?
The common thread among these
ingredients and others is MSG, or
monosodium glutamate, a flavor en-
hancer first used in Japan in 1908 and
introduced in the U.S. in 1948. Since
then, MSG production has doubled
every decade, even though adverse
reactions including obesity and
numbness were reported as long ago
as 1968. Conditions from ingesting
MSG or processed glutamic acid can
include changes in blood pressure,
rapid heartbeat, chest pains, muscle
swelling, asthma attacks, temporary
blindness, dizziness, headaches, sei-
zures, numbness, anxiety, behavioral
problems in children, hyperactiv-
ity, insomnia, loss of mental acuity,
slurred speech, joint stiffness and
pain, digestive issues, blurred vision,
prostate swelling, memory dysfunc-
tion, obesity, and skin reactions. It
is particularly harmful for pregnant
and lactating women, and infants.
MSG is a neurotoxin that acts like a
poison by stimulating neurons in the
central nervous system to an excit-
able state that can lead to neurologi-
cal degeneration. Its main compo-
nent, glutamic acid, can penetrate
the hypothalamus of the brain (which
regulates weight control) by break-
ing through the natural “blood-brain
barrier,” affecting brain function,
and causing further health issues.
MSG is inexpensive to produce, and
is used by many food manufacturers
as a taste enhancer in frozen dinners,
soups, condiments, infant formulas,
processed baby food, shakes, snack
foods, and other processed foods. It
is also used by many restaurants, su-
permarkets, and school cafeterias.
Research studies have shown:
■ At least 25 percent of the U.S.
population reacts to glutamic acid
from MSG food sources.
■ A study by Ohguro found that
MSG exposure to animals over a
3-6 month period led to signifi-
cant risk for retinal damage of the
eyes.
■ An article in a 1999 peer-reviewed
journal, called “The Toxicity/
Safety of Processed Free Glutamic
Acid (MSG): A Study in Suppres-
sion of Information,” found that
exposed lab animals suffered brain
lesions, neuroendocrine disorders,
and obesity. Disease conditions
such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis, a progressive degenera-
tion of neurons and motor cells of
the brain), Alzheimer’s disease,
seizures, and stroke are associated
with the consumption of gluta-
mate derivatives.
The FDA requires food manufac-
turers to list monosodium glutamate
and hydrolyzed protein on food la-
bels, but they do not have to label
ingredients that contain free glu-
tamic acid, even though it’s the main
component of MSG. In addition, the
FDA allows many ingredients that
contain MSG to be classified and
grouped under the names flavors,
flavorings, natural flavors or natural
flavorings. There are over 40 labeled
ingredients that contain glutamic
acid, but you’d never know it just
from their names alone. Further, in
some foods glutamic acid is formed
during processing and, again, food
labels give you no way of knowing
for sure.
Tips for Keeping MSG Out of Your DietIn general, if a food is processed you
can assume it contains MSG (or one
of its pseudo-ingredients). The other
place where you’ll need to watch out
for MSG is in restaurants. You can
ask your server which menu items
are MSG-free, and request that no
MSG be added to your meal, but of
course the only place where you can
be entirely sure of what’s added to
your food is in your own kitchen.So
if you stick to a whole, fresh foods
diet, you can pretty much guarantee
that you’ll avoid this toxin.
To be on the safe side, you should
know what ingredients to watch out
for on packaged foods.
Here is a list of ingredients that AL-
WAYS contain MSG (monosodium
glutamate):
■ Autolyzed Yeast
■ Calcium Caseinate
■ Gelatin
■ Glutamate
■ Glutamic Acid
■ Hydrolyzed Protein
■ Monopotassium Glutamate
■ Monosodium Glutamate
■ Sodium Caseinate
■ Textured Protein
■ Yeast Extract
■ Yeast Food
■ Yeast Nutrient
These ingredients OFTEN contain
MSG or create MSG during process-
ing:
■ Flavors and Flavorings
■ Natural Flavors and Flavoring
■ Natural Pork Flavoring
■ Natural Beef Flavoring
■ Natural Chicken Flavoring
■ Seasonings
■ Bouillon
■ Stock
■ Broth
■ Soy Sauce
■ Soy Protein Isolate
■ Soy Protein
■ Corn Starch
■ Citric Acid
■ Powdered Milk
■ Malt Extract
■ Malt Flavoring
■ Barley Malt
■ Carrageenan
■ Maltodextrin
■ Pectin
■ Protease
■ Enzymes
■ Anything Enzyme Modified
■ Anything Protein Fortified
■ Anything Ultra-Pasteurized
MSG: Hiding in Plain Sight
Know what you are putting into your
body. Whenever possible, use fresh,
locally grown ingredients. And as al-
ways, understand the ingredients on
your food labels!
References available upon request.
DE_Apr2014.indd 3DE_Apr2014.indd 3 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
4 A P R I L 2 0 1 4
TO YO U R H E A LT H
KNOWYOU
KNOW YOU NEED THEM.
WHICH ONES.
WE KNOW WHICH ONES.
Medicare accepted.
No appointment needed.
PNEUMONIA SHINGLES MORE
EVERY DAY*
IMMUNIZATIONS
AVAILABLE
* Vaccines subject to availability. Not all vaccines available in all locations. State, age and health condition-related restrictions may apply.
Services Performed By Specialists:
Dr. Harry He, DDS University of Pennsylvania Graduate
Member of the American Academy of Periodontology
Dr. Robert Arm, DMDVoted Reader’s Choice Best Dentist of 2012
Former Vice Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial and Hospital Dentistry in the Christiana Care Health System
Harmony Wellness Dental Specialists
Now Accepting New Patients!
302.369.6900www.harmonywellnessdentalspecialist.com
4133 Ogletown Stanton Rd. Newark, DE 19713
• Oral Pain• Facial Pain• TMJ• Oral Medicine• Dental Implants• Fixed Dentures
• Wisdom Tooth Removal
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
• Occlusal Therapy• On-Site Dental Lab
Dear Dr. Kaplan, My teeth have suddenly become very sensitive to both hot and cold, but my mouth is otherwise healthy. What could cause this?
Answer: Receding gum tissue could be the cause of sensitivity. As gum tissue pulls back away from teeth, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. A soft tissue graft would be the recommended treatment. Other treatment suggestions might include using a fluoride mouth rinse or switching to a toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth.
Visit your dentist to so that you can be diagnosed and treated properly.
Dear Dr. Kaplan, Are seniors more at risk for oral cancer?
Answer: Yes, the risk of oral cancer increases with age. Any lesion found on the tongue or anywhere in the mouth needs to be examined and closely watched. Smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages is also associated with oral cancer. Visit your local dentist for an annual oral cancer screening, as early detection is most important.
If you have more questions, call Harmony Wellness Dental Specialists at (302)
369-6900 or visit their website at www.harmonywellnessdentalspecialist.com
DENTAL WELLNESS By Leonard M. Kaplan, DDS
DE_Apr2014.indd 4DE_Apr2014.indd 4 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
5
You might have heard about the
Food and Drug Administration’s
(FDA) recent proposal to ban trans
fats in foods in the U.S. But just what
are trans fats, and why are they so
bad for you?
Fat and Cholesterol: Clogging the Pipes Fat and cholesterol travel as a team
through your blood vessels. Choles-
terol is a waxy substance made in the
liver. The body needs some fat and cholesterol, but when you have too much, it
can build up like sticky grease in your sink’s plumbing. Eventually, it’s hard for
blood to flow through the arteries, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
Know Your Fats: Good Vs. BadThe types of fats you eat affect your cholesterol levels—so know what you’re
putting into your body! “Good” fats store energy, help you grow, send electri-
cal messages between nerves and more; “bad” fats raise cholesterol levels and
build up deposits in arteries. It’s important to remember that not all fats are
the same, as the American Heart Association (AHA) advises.
Four types of fats
Fats & Cholesterol: Know The Good from The BannedBig Ban NewsMany restaurants and food makers in the U.S. already avoid using trans fats,
but they still post a big health risk. If you’re not careful, you can eat trans fats
and not even know it.
Under current FDA rules, food manufacturers can list the amount of trans
fats as zero on labels, if a single serving size has less than half a gram. Read
your nutrition labels, but also look at the ingredient list. If you see “partially
hydrogenated oils,” trans fats might lurk inside.
The FDA’s proposed ban would declare trans fats “unsafe” for the food sup-
ply. The FDA would then have to approve products with trans fats before
they’re sold in the U.S. A ban on trans fats could save over 7,000 heart disease-
related deaths and 20,000 heart attacks per year. So make a point to read nutri-
tion labels, make smart food choices, and get a cholesterol screening.
Know Your Number: Get ScreenedYour cholesterol level can creep up without any symptoms. Get to know your
numbers with a simple blood test. Local pharmacies often offer convenient
cholesterol screenings and counseling. Walk in or schedule an appointment
today. The knowledge you gain can help keep you healthy for years to come.
Be well, stay well!
Brought to you by your friends at your local Walgreens pharmacy.
Monounsaturated GOOD
Sources Olive oil, peanut oil, avocados
Benefits/Risk May lower “bad” cholesterol levels and reduce risk of heart disease
AHA Suggests 25%-35% of your daily calories (combined with poly-unsaturated sources
Polyunsaturated GOOD
Sources Plants (nuts, seeds, vegetable oils) and fish (salmon, herring). You might see sources called “omega-3” or “omega-6” fats.
Benefits/Risk May lower “bad” cholesterol levels and reduce risk of heart disease
AHA Suggests 25%-35% of your daily calories (combined with monounsaturated sources
Saturated BAD
Sources Animal products that are high in fat (meat, dairy, eggs), coconut oil
Benefits/Risk Raise cholesterol levels. Diets high in saturated fat have been linked to coronary heart disease.
AHA Suggests Limit to 7% of daily calories—about 16 grams a day (for diet of 2,000 calories/day)
Trans WORST
Sources Mostly processed items like fried food, baked goods (crackers, hamburger buns), stick margarines, mi-crowave popcorn, canned frosting, frozen dinners, coffee creamer
Benefits/Risk Can actually reduce “good” cholesterol in the body. Also raises risk of heart disease by increasing “bad” cholesterol
AHA Suggests Limit to less than 2 grams a day
READ LABELS AND INGREDIENT LISTS TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING.
DE_Apr2014.indd 5DE_Apr2014.indd 5 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
6 A P R I L 2 0 1 4
TO YO U R W E A LT H
By Melissa Timm
As an ICU nurse, the death and dying pro-
cess was all too familiar and real for me. I
saw some families and patients who were
prepared for it—they knew they had a terminal ill-
ness—but for many, the event was sudden and fam-
ily members were left with the incredibly difficult
task of deciding what their loved one would want
without being able to talk to them about it.
This hit close to home when my in-laws were in a se-
rious motorcycle accident. Seasoned riders with over
thirty years of experience, their tire blew. My father-
in-law suffered a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, and
was on life support for 2 weeks. His physicians asked
us to start thinking about the type of care he would
or would not want to receive in the upcoming days.
They handed us a copy of an advance directive to fill
out on his behalf. When I approached my mother-
in-law to fill it out, she looked at me and said, “How
could I possibly think about these things at a time
like this?” And she was right. How do you make
tough decisions in the midst of the hardest experi-
ence of your life? And how do you know the deci-
sions you make are the ones your loved one would
have wanted?
End of life care is a foreign concept to most of us. We
think we’re too healthy or too young to consider that
sort of thing. We also have a tendency to think we
are the one exception to the rule—that death won’t
happen to me.
But death is a natural progression to this life we
live. And we should talk about it. It’s all around us,
in movies, video games, and the news, yet we don’t
really talk about it. I think a common denominator
among us all is the desire to lead a life well lived.
And to me, a life well lived should end in a dignified
death.
End of life care planning should start when we are in
good health, both mentally and physically. Early on,
we should have conversations with our family mem-
bers, loved ones, and health care providers about
the type of treatment we would want if we could not
speak for ourselves. We should ask our loved ones
in return what type of care they would want to have.
An advance directive is a vague term for a really
important concept. It is a legally binding document
that spells out the type of care we do or do not want
to receive at the end of life. It also gives us the ability
to choose a person we trust to speak on our behalf if
we can no longer do so ourselves. Advance directives
are not a one-time decision. They can be changed at
any time, and should be reviewed throughout our
lives.
Unsure where to start?Gather more information on advance directives by
talking with your health care provider, a friend who
has completed one, or by looking at some online re-
sources.
Think about what matters most in your life. Do you
enjoy spending time with your family? Painting?
Volunteering? Would you want medical treatments
if they prolonged your life, but you were no longer
able to engage in these activities?
Next, think of someone you would trust to make de-
cisions on your behalf if you were unable to do so.
This person may be a spouse, adult child, friend,
neighbor, or even your health care provider. Talk to
this person about your health care wishes. Ask them
if they would be willing to act as your health care
agent. Do not assume they know you want them to
do this. Choose how much flexibility you want them
to have. Will they make all decisions about your
health or will they simply relay instructions you
have given them?
Write down questions you may have for your health
care provider about advance directives. What is
CPR? What would happen if I could no longer eat
and needed a feeding tube? Can I say no to this type
of treatment? Ask your provider about different
treatment options and what your life would look like
after you had them. Make sure you and your pro-
vider are on the same page in regard to your wishes
about end of life care.
Finally, fill out your state’s advance directive form.
Keep one copy for yourself, give one to your health
care agent, and one to your health care provider.
Review it every couple of years to make sure it re-
flects your current wishes about health care at the
end of life.
In reality, most adults will not pass away from an ac-
cident. Chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes,
emphysema, and cancer are among the most com-
mon causes of death. It is estimated in a few short
years over 37 million adults living in the U.S. will
have one or more of these chronic conditions. In-
stead of avoiding discussions about end of life care,
we should be proactive and begin talking about this
subject so we know our wishes are clear to our loved
ones and health care providers.
This is a decision we all will face at some time or an-
other. Preparing ourselves early on will make this
process easier when the time comes.
Melissa Timm is earning her doctorate in nursing practice at
the University of Utah. She will be graduating in May and
working in a primary care outpatient setting. Her nursing
career was spent caring for oncology and ICU patients.
On Living and Dying Well Advance
Directives Checklist
■■ Gather information on advance directives to become more knowledgeable (attend advance directives workshop, review fact sheet, visit online resources).
■■ Decide what matters most in life.
■■ Choose a medical decision maker.
■■ Choose amount of flexibility for your decision maker.
■■ Bring questions you might have of your doctor to your next visit.
■■ Bring a family member or friend who knows your wishes to the doctor’s visit.
■■ At the start of your visit tell your doctor you have questions so he or she has time to answer them.
■■ Make sure you and your doctor understand each other.
■■ Complete your advance directive in front of a required witness (competent adult not related by blood).
■■ Tell others about your wishes.
■■ Give copy of advance directive to your health care agent, doctor, and local hospital. Keep the original in a safe place at home.
■■ Review your advance directive every 1-2 years.
Other resources:
• www.prepareforyourcare.org
• www.caringinfo.org
• www.polst.org
• www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/advance-directives
DE_Apr2014.indd 6DE_Apr2014.indd 6 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
www.Vita lMagOnl ine.com 7
By Debra Scull, Social Security
Manager in Wilmington, DE
Spring is officially here. Before
you get started with your spring
cleaning, perhaps another mat-
ter deserves some dusting off—that
long-term financial plan.
April is National Financial Literacy
Month—the perfect time to spring
into action when it comes to plan-
ning your financial future. If you
already have a plan, this is a great
opportunity to take another look at it
and make sure you’re still “on track”
to reach your financial goals.
According to a 2013 survey by the
Employee Benefit Research Insti-
tute, the past few years have seen a
sharp decline in Americans’ confi-
dence about their retirement sav-
ings. Only 13 percent of workers feel
very confident about having enough
for a comfortable retirement and
28 percent are not at all confident.
More than half of workers have less
than $25,000 in total savings and in-
vestments. Twenty-eight percent of
workers have saved less than $1,000.
If you haven’t begun saving for re-
tirement, now is a good time to
start—no matter what your age. If
retirement is near, you’ll want to
jump into the fast lane right away. If
you’re younger and retirement seems
a lifetime away, it’s still in your best
interest to begin saving now, due to
compound interest. For example, a
25-year old who begins saving $100
a month and earns a modest 5 per-
cent interest will have more than
$150,000 at age 65. Experts agree
that saving when you’re young will
make a world of difference when the
time comes to draw on your retire-
ment savings.
Don’t just take our word for it. You
can check out the numbers yourself.
A great way to start figuring out how
much you will need for retirement
is to use Social Security’s online Re-
tirement Estimator, which offers an
instant and personalized estimate of
your future Social Security retire-
ment benefits based on your earn-
ings record. Try it today at www.so-cialsecurity.gov/estimator.
We encourage saving for retirement,
but there are reasons to save for ev-
ery stage of life. A great place to go
for help is www.mymoney.gov (the
U.S. government’s official website
dedicated to teaching Americans the
basics of finances). Whether you are
looking for information about buying
a home, balancing your checkbook,
or investing in your 401(k) plan, the
resources on www.mymoney.gov can help you.
The Ballpark Estimator at www.choosetosave.org/ballpark is an-
other excellent online tool. It makes
complicated issues, like projected
Social Security benefits and earnings
assumptions on savings, easy to un-
derstand.
If you have to choose between scrub-
bing down the house or scrubbing
your budget to get your financial
house in order, we recommend put-
ting off the cleaning one more day.
Get started on planning your future
right now at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Call the ADRC at 800-223-9074 for a
list of the Delaware agencies that can help
you save for retirement.
Dust Off Your Financial Plan
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2723 Shipley Road • Wilmington, DE 19810
302-479-0111www.ShipleyManorSeniorLiving.com
© 2013 Five Star Quality Care, Inc.Pet
Friendly
GET B A C K T O Y O U R B E S T AT F I VE S TAR SEN IOR L I V ING
SENIOR REHABILITATIONAFTER ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY, ANILLNESS, OR INJURY, COUNT ON USFOR A FIVE STAR RECOVERY.
• Inpatient Rehabilitation
• Care by our own
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• Physical,
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& Speech
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Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center(800) [email protected]
DE_Apr2014.indd 7DE_Apr2014.indd 7 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
8 A P R I L 2 0 1 4
TO YO U R W E A LT H
By Dr. Jeffrey B. Miller
If you were born between 1943
and 1954, it was sometimes
rough going squeezing into
overcrowded housing, schools and
colleges. But in terms of Social Se-
curity claiming choices, no one has it
better than you.
The age at which workers born be-
tween 1943 and 1954 can receive full
Social Security retirement benefits is
66. If workers delay claiming ben-
efits until age 70, they are rewarded
with a whopping 8% increase in ben-
efits for each year delayed. Workers
who are retiring now can get the 8%
increase each year for four years. In
an environment where interest rates
are historically low, the 8% Delayed
Retirement Benefit bonus is one of
the very best bargains around.
This boom time in Social Security
claiming comes about because of
changes in 2008. Before that time,
the Delayed Retirement Benefits —
the additional benefits that a worker
receives each year he or she waits to
claim between the full retirement age
and age 70 — were smaller.
Those with a full retirement age of
66 also have available to them other
strategies that mitigate some of the
cost of delayed claiming of Social
Security retirement benefits. By us-
ing a restricted application, or file
and suspend strategy, one member
of a married couple or a divorcée can
get a spousal benefit while waiting to
claim their Delayed Retirement Ben-
efits. In essence, the spousal benefit
is a subsidy for delayed claiming. In
an earlier article, I discussed the im-
portance of the full retirement age
for married couples, divorcées and
widow(er)s. This article describes
how special strategies can be used
to enhance benefits once someone
reaches full retirement age.
Younger workers have some of the
same strategies available to them, but
they won’t realize as great a benefit.
Under present law the full retirement
age is scheduled to increase in several
stages until it reaches 67 for workers
born in 1960 or later. The increase
in the full retirement age will reduce
the benefits that younger workers
will receive since these workers will
be able to take advantage of Delayed
Retirement Benefits for a maximum
of three years instead of older work-
ers’ four years. In addition, the ben-
efits that they will receive at each age
between 62 and 70 will be smaller
than they will be for workers that are
now between the ages of 59 and 70.
For example, when a worker born
between 1943 and 1954 waits until
70 to claim, the benefits are 32% (=
4x8%) higher than they would be if
the worker claims at 66. Once the
full retirement age becomes 67, the
increase in benefits for waiting until
70 will be 24% (3x8%). In a recent ar-
ticle, “Social Security’s Real Retire-
ment Age is 70,” noted researcher
Alicia Munnell calculates that when
the full retirement age moves from
66 to 67 this will reduce benefits at
each claiming age by about 7% on
average.
There have been discussions about
changing the full retirement age to
help bring the Social Security pro-
gram into long term financial bal-
ance. But for the time being, it’s
boom time for baby boomers.
Jeffrey B. Miller earned his doctorate in
economics from the University of Pennsyl-
vania in 1976 and taught at the Univer-
sity of Delaware for 36 years. In 2009 he
co-founded Social Security Choices, a firm
that specializes in providing customized
information to assist people in formulating
their best strategies for claiming Social Se-
curity benefits. Dr. Miller worked at So-
cial Security after graduating from college.
If you have a question for Dr. Miller email
him at [email protected].
Why Boomers Get More From Social Security
DE_Apr2014.indd 8DE_Apr2014.indd 8 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
www.Vita lMagOnl ine.com 9
Gardening Tasks and Projects for April
We Care For Your Property Like You Do
Residential and Commercial Tree Removal, Clearing & Trimming
• We regularly (and SAFELY) work around electric wires and around homes and buildings.
• We will remove every trace of your trees – or allow you to remove them yourself to lower your cost.
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CALL NOW (302) 588-3955
888-612-1161 fax • [email protected] Lic #2013602079
EAST COAST TREE SERVICE
At long last, spring has arrived! As you look out upon your garden, does the nagging question of “where do I even begin” sound familiar? The first and foremost thing to do is to stand back for a moment and simply enjoy the beauty that Mother Nature has given us. Listen to the birds as they sing you a spring melody, dream a little, and then put on the gardening gloves and head on out to get your hands dirty!
Shrub and Tree Care❁ There’s still time to plant trees and
shrubs. However, by the middle of this month it’ll be a little late to transplant large trees or shrubs, so do them now.
❁ The months of March, April and May are ideal for pruning ever-greens. If you have juniper, cy-press or other conifers that need shearing or pruning, this is a good time to do it. Remove all dead, diseased, and undesirable wood.
Broadleaf and coniferous ever-greens benefit most from lightly spreading a high nitrogen fertilizer around their bases.
❁ Prune your forsythia after it fin-ishes flowering.
Caring for Your Annuals, Perennials and Bulbs❁ April is the month for planting
summer flowering bulbs like dahl-ias, gladiolas and lilies. Mix bulb fertilizer, processed manure and peat moss into the planting soil.
❁ Tuberous begonias and canna should not be set outdoors until all danger of frost has passed, so wait until next month.
❁ Plant annual seeds of asters, cos-mos, marigolds and zinnias in the garden.
❁ When they have finished bloom-ing, you should deadhead your spring flowering bulbs. Do not cut off the green foliage yet! These
green leaves continue to grow for a few weeks, and provide the bulb with food for flowering next year.
❁ Divide perennials like daylilies, delphiniums, iris, chrysanthe-mums, daisies, and phlox.
❁ Hybrid tea roses should be fertil-ized prior to buds beginning to bloom. Using a systemic fertilizer will help prevent insect infestation later in the summer at the same time that it feeds your roses. Plant new rosebushes before growth starts and buds swell.
❁ If you have a pond or pool, you should set aquatic plants any time after the middle of the month.
Fruit and Vegetable Gardens❁ Control weeds and aerate the soil
by cultivating between the rows of plants.
❁ Select and plant fruit trees and berry plants. Fruits and berries do best when planted in full sun.
❁ Plant perennial vegetables like asparagus, rhubarb, horseradish. It’s also time to plant peas, carrots, beets, spinach, cauliflower, and cabbage. Root crops like potatoes, radishes, parsnips and onions can be planted at anytime. Late this month you can plant beans and corn.
❁ Warmer weather crops like toma-toes, squash, cucumbers and pep-pers should not be planted until next month.
❁ As your direct-seeded crops sprout, be sure to keep them thinned out to avoid crowding.
April Lawn Care❁ The application of a spring type of
lawn fertilizer should perk up the lawn and improve its overall color and appearance. If there is moss growing in the lawn, use spring lawn fertilizer that has the moss-killer included, so you can do both jobs in one easy application.
❁ Thatch buildup can smother your lawn and provide an environment for diseases. Remove thatch with a brisk raking, or with a dethatching machine.
❁ Overseeding will help fill in the
lawn and deter the regrowth of moss and weeds. Use about one pound of quality grass seed for every 300 square feet of lawn area. Apply a light compost or soil over the seed to keep it moist and in place.
❁ Aerating the lawn will allow water to penetrate deeper into the lawn soil and reduce the need to water during the drier months ahead. Use a garden fork and punch holes over the surface of your lawn.
❁ As mowing becomes necessary, be certain that the blade is sharp to prevent tearing the grass tips. Set the blade on your lawnmower to cut the grass at 2 1/2 inches to avoid scalping. A mulching blade will eliminate the need to rake or bag the clippings, prevent thatch buildup, and the clippings will provide food for the lawn.
Odds and Ends Around the Garden❁ It seems that different states can’t
agree to a universal Arbor Day, but more than likely an Arbor Day ex-ists in your individual state at some point in this month, so plant a tree!
❁ Although we think of this as a rainy month, it can fool us. Keep transplanted flowers well watered during dry spells. Be sure to take a little time to check the plants in containers and those under the eaves of the house and under tall evergreens to see that they are get-ting enough water.
❁ If you receive some mail-order plants or can’t resist the urge to pick up a few perennials before you’re ready, make a trench and heel them into the ground in a protected area.
❁ Driving around the neighborhood, or visiting a local nursery may give you some great ideas of what you’d like to have blooming in your yard at this time next year.
Remember that whatever you ac-complish in the garden now will definitely cut down on yard mainte-nance later this season!
Source: thegardenhelper.com
I N T H E G A R D E N
DE_Apr2014.indd 9DE_Apr2014.indd 9 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
10 A P R I L 2 0 1 4
Bronnie Ware is an Australian nurse who spent several years working in palliative care, caring for patients in the last 12 weeks of their lives. Ware writes of the phenomenal clarity of vision that people gain at the end of their lives, and how we might learn from their wisdom. “When questioned about any regrets they had or any-thing they would do differently,” she says, “common themes surfaced again and again.” Among the top, from men in particular, is ‘I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.’
Choose HappinessHere are the top five regrets of the dying, as witnessed by Ware:
1I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself,
not the life others expected of me. “This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. Health brings a freedom very few real-ize, until they no longer have it.”
2I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. “This came from every
male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret, but as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwin-
ners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the tread-mill of a work existence.”
3I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
“Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.”
4I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. “Often
they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giv-
ing friendships the time and ef-fort that they deserved. Every-one misses their friends when they are dying.”
5I wish that I had let myself be happier. “This is a sur-
prisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘com-fort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.”
Based on the response to this article, Bronnie has written a book titled The Top Five Regrets of the Dying—A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness. Choose NOW.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles is now issuing more secure, federally compliant driver licenses and identification cards.
In order to obtain your new driver license or ID card, you will need to collect and bring a few important source documents to provide proof of:
Identity (Name and Date of Birth)
U.S. citizenship/Legal presence
Social Security Number
You can find everything you need to know at SecureID.dmv.de.gov
or call toll free 877-477-7117
2 proofs of Delaware residency
Name change documents (if applicable)
DE_Apr2014.indd 10DE_Apr2014.indd 10 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
www.Vita lMagOnl ine.com 11
Retiremeant to be. F O R W O O D M A N O R
INDEPENDENT L I V ING • ASS I S TED L I V INGREHAB I L I TAT ION • RESP I T E S TAYS
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www.ForwoodManorDE.com©2014 Five Star Quality Care, Inc.Pet
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• Independent Living, AssistedLiving and on-siteRehabilitation and Wellness
• Warm family environmentwith activities, events, fitnessprograms, and outings
• Nurses on site 24 hours a day
• All day restaurant-styledining
• Complimentarytransportation toappointments and shopping
• Daily Housekeeping andweekly laundry services
Spring fever—It’s that restless
feeling inside where you sud-
denly feel revitalized, energetic,
yearning for passion and that some-
thing that you just can’t quite qualify.
It might not technically be a medical
condition, but the sudden change in
weather, longer days and more sun-
shine do have a very tangible and
physiological impact on our bodies.
Not only do we experience longer
days when we change the clocks for
daylight savings time, but the change
in seasons, marked by the vernal
equinox on March 20, prompts a
readjustment in the body’s internal
chemistry. In fact, that’s when the
population as a whole starts to report
a higher energy level, decreased sleep,
reduced eating and an alleviation of
depression.
What’s Happening InsideJust as your body’s reveling in
soaking in the sun, our brains are
busy processing the bright light as
well. The increased sunshine signals
the body to produce less melatonin,
which plays an important role in
sleep. “There’s more daylight, so
people have more energy, sleep a
little less,” says Sanford Auerbach,
M.D., director of the Sleep Disorders
Center at Boston University. With
less melatonin pumping through
your veins, you may also feel a lift in
your mood and a more revved-up sex
drive.
Another chemical change that seems
to occur during the transition to
spring is an increase in serotonin.
A 2008 study found that in the fall
and winter, there is a greater level of
what’s known as serotonin transport-
er in the brain, which removes more
serotonin than during the spring and
summer.
Known for its role in mood, sero-
tonin is likely involved in that sud-
den happiness and lust for life we
feel in springtime, according to the
Los Angeles Times. It may also ac-
count for the increase in energy that
makes some people feel restless and
distracted, just itching to spend time
outdoors.
Likewise, people also experience an
increase in the release of endorphins
and hormones such as testosterone
and estrogen. This explains why
people feel a sudden increase in their
energy and sexual appetite by the
time March and April roll around.
What’s Happening OutsideSome would argue it’s not just hor-
mones at work, but that there’s an-
other possible reason people are hap-
pier. With more time spent outdoors
on a sunny day, it’s likely you’re log-
ging extra hours exercising.
Of course exercise itself has mood-
enhancing powers. Couple that with
a healthy dose of vitamin D and it’s
all the reason you need to delight in
lingering sunshine, warm breezes
and bare legs.
Spring (Fever) Is In The Air!
“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
—Mark Twain
DE_Apr2014.indd 11DE_Apr2014.indd 11 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
12 A P R I L 2 0 1 4
We’ve all seen the com-
mercial where the wom-
an cries, “Help! I’ve
fallen and I can’t get up!” We might
have laughed, but the danger is real.
What happens if someone falls and
they’re home alone, or can’t get to
a telephone to dial for help? What
happens if someone has a heart at-
tack, stroke, or another emergency?
This is where a Personal Emergency
Response System (sometimes known
as Medical Alert or Medical Emer-
gency Response System) comes in. A
PERS will instantly summon help in
the event of an emergency.
How? Emergency Response Systems
have three components: a small radio
transmitter (a help button carried or
worn by the user); a console, or base
station, with speakers that connects
to the user’s telephone; and an emer-
gency response center that monitors
calls. If you are the wearer and emer-
gency help (medical, fire, or police) is
needed, you just press the transmit-
ter’s button. You don’t need to get to
a telephone. Some systems can even
place a call for help if they detect a fall
and you’re unable to push the button
yourself. The transmitter triggers
the console to automatically dial the
emergency response center. Most
systems can dial out even if the phone
is in use or off the hook (called “seiz-
ing the line”). The console typically
has speakers so that you can hear con-
versations on the other end of the line
and the operator can hear you.
Purchase, Rent or LeaseA PERS can be purchased, rented,
or leased. The purchase price for a
PERS can range from $200 to more
How to Choose a Personal Emergency Response System
than $1000, depending on the manu-
facturer, the features included and
the seller’s integrity. In addition to
the initial investment, most systems
require that the user pay a monthly
monitoring fee, which can range from
$15 to $50. Presently, neither Medi-
care nor Medicaid will cover the costs
of PERS, nor will most private in-
surance policies. It may be possible,
however, for low-income persons in
some areas to obtain a PERS at a sub-
sidized rate from local agencies.
Many consumer groups strongly
recommend that consumers rent or
lease a system on a short-term basis
because of the possibility that any
manufacturer may go out of busi-
ness, taking its monitoring center
with it, leaving the consumer with a
useless system.
Rentals are available through nation-
al manufacturers, local distributors,
hospitals, and social service agen-
cies. Monthly fees may range from
$15 to $50 and usually include the
monitoring service.
Be a Smart ShopperThe Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) recommends the following
when shopping for a PERS:
■ Check out several systems before
making a decision.
■ Find out if you can use the system
with other response centers. For
example, can you use the same
system if you move?
■ Ask about the pricing, features,
and servicing of each system and
compare costs. Ask if the monthly
cost will increase. Some compa-
nies raise the monitoring fee every
year.
■ Make sure the system is easy to
use.
■ Test the system to make sure it
works from every point in and
around your home. Make sure
nothing interferes with transmis-
sions.
■ Read your purchase, rental, or
lease agreement carefully before
signing. Before purchasing, rent-
ing, or leasing a system, check
the unit for defects. Ask to see the
warranty and service contract and
get any questions resolved. Ask
about the repair policy. Find out
how to arrange for a replacement
or repair if a malfunction occurs.
Lease agreements can be long-
term or lease-to-purchase. If you
lease, review the contract carefully
before signing. Make special note
of cancellation clauses, which may
require you to pay a cancellation
fee or other charges.
Ask Questions About the Response Center■ Is the monitoring center available
24/7?
■ What is the average response time?
■ What kind of training does the
center staff receive?
■ What procedures does the center
use to test systems in your home?
How often are tests conducted?
Other Questions■ Is the emergency button large and
easy to see and press? Are there
any complicated instructions, but-
tons on the console or other fea-
tures that might be troublesome?
■ Most accidents happen in the
bathroom. Can the transmitter be
worn in the bath or shower?
■ Are repairs or replacements in-
cluded in your contract?
■ How long has the company been
in business?
■ Can the system be used away from?
Some companies offer a small base
unit that is the size of an answer-
ing machine. If your system works
in all 50 states, you can take the
system with you when you travel.
A PERS is a great way to help pre-
serve independence, and in the end,
isn’t that what we all want?
C A R E G I V E R ’S CO R N E R
DE_Apr2014.indd 12DE_Apr2014.indd 12 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
www.Vita lMagOnl ine.com 13
Remote control? Or telephone?
For a person with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, this could be mistaken for a telephone. Seems harmless
enough, but what if there’s an emergency and they try to dial 911? Don’t wait for a crisis to make the decision for
you, talk to Arden Courts. If you’d like more information, or to schedule a personalized tour, please visit us at www.arden-courts.com. We know. We understand. We can help.
©2011 HCR Healthcare, LLC
Arden Courts of Wilmington
302.762.7800
edia
you, t
By Sally Williams
If you’re caring for someone
with dementia, you’re continu-
ally losing pieces of your loved
one. Educating yourself about the
illness and preparing yourself for
the pain of loss doesn’t minimize
your feelings of grief. It may help,
however, to understand the phases
of grief that you may experience.
1Unfolding Grief In some cases,
dementia may progress rapidly,
but Alzheimer’s disease can be a
long and insidious disease, with life
span extending 2- 20 years from
time of diagnosis. Unfolding grief
comes as you experience the many
additional losses caused by the ef-
fects of the person’s dementia. For
instance, not only are you slowly
losing a parent, spouse or friend,
you’re also losing the role of daugh-
ter, son, wife, husband, or friend,
along with the relationship that you
had prior to the diagnosis. You may
be losing the spouse who handles
all the household fi nances, or the
mother who loves to make Christ-
mas cookies with you, or the father
who works on your car or projects
around the house.
2Anticipatory Grief A caregiver
experiences anticipatory grief
with every passing day, knowing
that there is inevitable death ahead.
Sometimes there is a deep regret
that no matter how well you care
for your loved one, he or she is fac-
ing the sunset of his or her life. It
is normal to experience regret and
guilt, not only when you wish this
person would be relieved of his or
her suff ering, but also when you
have expectations of someday be-
ing released from your role as the
care provider.
3Acute Grief It can be agonizing
to watch the dying process as
the body shuts down. Acute grief
comes as the physical death takes
place and you face the fi nality that
your loved one is gone. A combina-
tion of guilt and relief come from
anticipatory grief and acute grief.
The situation is often compounded
by painful emotions and the losses
of the caregiver’s role and sense of
identity. There are also many peaks
and valleys in the magnitude of
grief that we feel.
It’s normal to experience the fol-
lowing emotions:
■ After the loss, you may feel un-
comfortable or afraid to show joy
because it seems to be dishonor-
ing the person you have lost, or
because you’re worried about
how others will perceive you if
you don’t behave in the manner
they think is appropriate.
■ You might feel badly because
deep down you’re relieved that
The Three Phases of Grief in Dementia Careyou’re now fi nished with a very
frustrating and unhappy role
into which you were thrust.
■ Alternately, you might have
found caregiving to be very re-
warding, off ering unexpected
closeness and treasured times
with your loved one. Now that
he or she is gone, you may feel
empty. Some people may try to
encourage you to “move on”
or “be thankful that your loved
one is in a better place” or assure
you that “this is a blessing; they
were suff ering” and that “time
heals.” Realize that there will
be days when you you want to
avoid contact with other people
just so you will not have to listen
to their “helpful” advice.
People’s grieving experiences may
have similar emotions, but every
journey is diff erent. Do not treat
the grief that you are experienc-
ing as an illness or weakness.
Grief is a normal and necessary
response to collective loss. Grief
is not the price we pay for loving
someone…it is a natural and in-
escapable part of being a human
being.
Arden Courts Memory Care Community,
located at 700 ½ Foulk Rd., Wilmington,
is part of the HCR ManorCare family.
The HCR ManorCare health care family
comprises centers that are leading pro-
viders of short-term post-acute services
and long-term care. With 60,000 care-
givers nationwide, the HCR ManorCare
centers are preeminent care providers in
their communities. Quality care for pa-
tients and residents is provided through a
network of more than 500 skilled nursing
and rehabilitation centers, assisted living
facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics,
and hospice and home health care agen-
cies. These locations operate primarily
under the respected Heartland, Manor-
Care Health Services and Arden Courts
names. For more information on Arden
Courts, call Janice Clay or Jean Youkers
at 302-761-4805.
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN VITAL!?
EMAIL [email protected] OR CALL 302-764-6642 FOR DETAILS.
DE_Apr2014.indd 13DE_Apr2014.indd 13 3/21/14 6:34 PM3/21/14 6:34 PM
14 A P R I L 2 0 1 4
H AV E S O M E F U N
Crossword By Dave Fisher
ACROSS
1. Handguns
5. Unit of capacitance
10. Pulp
14. Wings
15. Alpha’s opposite
16. Savvy about
17. Container weight
18. Absolution
20. Trampled
22. Saliva
23. Type of dog
24. Fails to win
25. Relating to theology
32. Intoxicating
33. Housemaids
34. Barely manage
37. Makes a mistake
38. Tropical vine
39. Implored
40. Dawn goddess
41. A skin disease
42. Levelled
43. Compulsively
45. Caused by streptococci
49. Night before
50. Most destitute
53. Vibrating effect
57. Air
59. Distinctive flair
60. Deceased
61. Moses’ brother
62. Agreeable
63. Feudal worker
64. Ancient Greek unit of length
65. Playthings
DOWN
1. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
2. Winglike
3. Tropical tuber
4. Legumes
5. Relinquish
6. Ends a prayer
7. Scarlet
8. How old we are
9. Humid
10. Slogan
11. Pieces
12. Filched
13. Sharpens
19. Tablets
21. At the proper time
25. You (archaic)
26. Protagonist
27. Hearing organs
28. Advances
29. Picture
30. Flogs with a stick
31. “Eureka!”
34. If not
35. Ship part
36. Countercurrent
38. Chemist’s workplace
39. Sidewalk
41. Broods
42. Rend
44. Calm
45. Garden tool
46. Carries
47. Ancient empire
48. Wear away
51. Resorts
52. Not this
53. Stepped
54. Hodgepodge
55. Delicate
56. 1 1 1 1
58. Historic period
Answers on page 13
©www.mirroreyes.com
NO-CREAM PASTA PRIMAVERA
Spring veggies benefi t from a quick roasting in olive oil and herbs before being tossed with penne. No cream here—just the fresh fl avors of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon. A beautiful dish.
PREP TIME: 25 MinutesCOOK TIME: 35 MinutesREADY IN: 1 Hour SERVINGS: 6
INGREDIENTS• 1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta• 1 yellow squash, chopped• 1 zucchini, chopped• 1 carrot, julienned• ½ red bell pepper, julienned• ½ pint grape tomatoes• 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces• 5 spears asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces• ¼ cup olive oil, divided• ¼ teaspoon salt• ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper• ½ tablespoon lemon juice• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning• 1 tablespoon butter• ¼ large yellow onion, thinly sliced• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced• 2 teaspoons lemon zest• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar• ½ cup grated Romano cheese
DIRECTIONS1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet
with aluminum foil.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. In a bowl, toss squash, zucchini, carrot, red bell pepper, tomatoes, green beans, and asparagus with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Arrange vegetables on the baking sheet, and roast 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until tender.
4. Heat remaining olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Stir in the onion and garlic, and cook until tender. Mix in cooked pasta, lemon zest, basil, parsley, and balsamic vinegar. Gently toss and cook until heated through. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with roasted vegetables and sprinkle with Romano cheese to serve.
Allrecipes.com
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www.Vita lMagOnl ine.com 15
Annual Week of ServiceApril 6-12, 2014
Every person can make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. It is our hope that each citizen who volunteers this week will carry on volunteering not just for a week, but for a lifetime. To learn more about these and other volunteer opportunities, visit www.VolunteerDelaware.org.
Project Consultants for Nonprofits (marketing, business planning, research, board development, IT, program development)Have a lifetime of business experience you’d love to share with others? Project Consultants for Nonprofits is a group of volunteers ages 50+ who as a team serve as consultants for local nonprofits assisting them with short-term projects. For more visit go to www.newarkseniorcenter.com/PCN.html.
Delaware Foster Grandparent ProgramThe Delaware Foster Grandparent Program is now accepting applications from people age 60 or over to mentor/tutor with special needs children in day cares, Head Starts, schools, and detention centers. Foster Grandparents must be willing to serve between 15-40 hours a week. In turn, eligible Foster Grandparents will receive a tax-free stipend of $3.45 an hour, sick time, vacation, holidays and mileage reimbursements. For more information visit www.volunteerdelaware.org.
Archaeology Lab AssistantThe volunteer would be independently working with the ar-chaeologist and six other volunteers to help preserve the ar-tifacts from the Roosevelt Inlet shipwreck (a merchant ship that sank off the coast of Delaware in the late 1700s). The processing of artifacts will include extracting an artifact from a ‘blob’ of organic material which was once underwater for centuries. This kind of work will require small detailed clean-ing and scrubbing. You will definitely get your hands dirty!
The lab volunteer will help to put together an inventory data-base of the artifacts (tobacco pipes, bowls, ceramics, plates, cups and much more) to better assess the consumer habits of 18th century Americans. We will provide gloves, necessary tools, and proper training. Our schedule is very flexible, as long as it is during the regular lab hours of 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, because of the nature of the project, we would like the lab volunteers to commit to more than four hours per week. For more information about the shipwreck, please visit http://history.delaware.gov/ar-chaeology/shipwreck1.shtml.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 736-7411 or [email protected].
G R E AT WAYS TO G I V E B AC K
Answers on page 13
Sudoku Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.
(courtesy of KrazyDad.com)
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16 A P R I L 2 0 1 4
www.hcr-manorcare.comwww
A P R OV E N L E A D E R
Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice – Newark256 Chapman RoadSuite 102Newark, DE 19702302.737.7080
Heartland Hospice House5661 Ochletree LaneWilmington, DE 19808302.239.2961
ManorCare – Pike Creek5651 Limestone RoadWilmington, DE 19808302.239.8583
ManorCare – Wilmington700 Foulk RoadWilmington, DE 19803302.764.0181
Arden Courts of Wilmington700½ Foulk RoadWilmington, DE 19803302.762.7800
in the continuum of care
Your Crazy Quilt of a LifeBy Myrle Bowe
Think back on all the crazy
things that have happened
to you over the years. Have
you told those stories to your family
and friends? Shared your views on
life with younger generations? Don’t
lose those stories! Instead, take
some time to write memoirs—liter-
ally “memories.” Writing a memoir
doesn’t mean writing your complete
autobiography, beginning with, “I
was born on a snowy Tuesday.” In-
stead, they’re stories about episodes
or periods in your life.
“But I can’t write,” you protest. Yes,
you can—it’s like telling stories to
your grandchildren. Grammar and
punctuation are important here for
clarity, not for formal style. A mem-
oir writing workshop can provide
help and inspiration, not to mention
the social interaction so valuable to
your well-being. The stories people
share there may stimulate memories
of your past, too—laughter, fond re-
membrances, as well as more somber
times.
Memoir writing is more interest-
ing when it includes vivid descrip-
tions of places and people in your
life, particularly when it incorpo-
rates the thinking and motivation
of those close to you. The essential
framework for understanding all this
is the context, or times when it took
place. A Victorian crazy quilt is an
apt metaphor for memoirs: the quilt
has a collection of pieces in random
varied shapes, textures, and colors,
embellished and held together with
intricate embroidery, finished with
a border of a fabric and color which
enhances and emphasizes particular
pieces.
It’s essential for many reasons to pre-
serve your stories on paper. Record-
ings are important, but they are often
stored or lost, or technology may not
be available to access them in the fu-
ture. That said, however you choose
to leave a record of your memories,
just do it. The first version probably
won’t be perfect, but you can always
edit later. And who knows—you
may decide to publish!
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