TIME IS - Gatehouse Media

febrUARY 2017

For today’s active adults

MONEY

TIME IS ALSO INSIDE:

Travel with Ann Travel Has Changed in 38 Years

Recipe

Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage

The Book Landscape Plants Lady for Winter Interest Judy Barney

2 | Living 50 Plus

To advertise in the next monthly edition of Living 50 Plus, contact your sales representative Colleen Groves

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February 2017

Senior Resource Center MarchActivityCalendar JO DAVIESS county

Call 815-777-1316 for more information or to register for the following activities, which are held at the Hanover Center, 500 Fillmore St. FITNESS CLASSES STARTING Free fitness classes for seniors led by Ken Mulholland are under way. Ken has taught popular sessions before at the center. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the old gym of the Hanover Park District building.   For more information, call the Senior Resource Center at 815-777-1316.

STEPHENSON COUNTY

Call 815-235-9777, ext. 221 for more information or to register for the following activities, which are held at either the Senior Resource Center, 206 E. Stephenson St., or the Senior Activity Center, 216 E. Stephenson St. EXERCISE CLASS Join us Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for 45 minutes of fun and exercise at the Senior Activity Center. No experience is necessary and all fitness levels are welcome. The class, taught by Dr. Julie Smith, will incorporate stretching, strengthening and aerobic skills. Dr. Smith has a bachelor’s degree in physical education with an emphasis in dance and is a doctor of chiropractic medicine and a board-certified naturopath. The fee for the class is $5 and will be collected at the start of each session.

Living 50 Plus is created by GateHouse Media LLC, The Journal-Standard’s parent company, and is distributed with various GateHouse papers across the country. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication. ©2017 gatehouse media All rights reserved

YOGA CLASS We offer yoga class at the SRC on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m at the Senior Activity Center. The class is led by Dr. Julie Smith. Increased endurance, strength, flexibility, and relaxation are some of the proven benefits of yoga. Bring a yoga mat or towel with you to class. The fee for this class is $5 and will be collected at the start of each session. COLORING RETURNS Like to color? You are in luck. Adult coloring is back at the Senior Activity Center on Thursday, March 2, at 10 a.m. Supplies will be provided or bring your own. Groups of five or larger are asked to pre-register by calling 815-2359777.

AUDIO BOOK CLUB The One Book, One Freeport reading program has started, focusing on the book “Gloryland” by Shelton Johnson. Interested in the book but don’t want to or can’t easily read it? Join us for the Audio Book Club series, as we listen to the book and discuss it afterward. Sessions run from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sessions continue March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 and 10. All sessions are at the Senior Activity Center. Groups of five or larger should make reservations by calling 815235-9777. TRIVIA CONTEST If you have a knack for little-known information, join us at the kickoff of the trivia contest on Tuesday, March 7, at 1 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center. Individuals will play in three to four rounds of competition. Test your knowledge against others. Groups of five or larger are asked to make reservations by calling 815-2359777. FOOT CARE CLINIC On Wednesday, March 8, the Mobile Foot Care Clinic will be at the Senior Activity Center. Please call the Mobile Foot doctors at (312) 255-8030 with questions or to make an appointment. Medicare is accepted. Cost is $45 if you are not on Medicare or if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. A limited number of appointments are available. BINGO ANYONE? Come and have fun playing bingo Wednesday, March 15, 1 to 2 p.m. This activity is being held at the Senior Activity Center and is sponsored this month by State Bank of Freeport. Refreshments will be served. BOOK CLUB Calling all readers! Enjoy this monthly book club held at the Senior Activity Center. The club will next meet Wednesday, March 15, 3 p.m. The March book title, “Gloryland” by Shelton Johnson, is the One Book, One Freeport book and can be reserved by contacting the SRC or the Freeport Public Library. Please call the SRC for more information. Refreshments will be provided. AARP SAFE DRIVING CLASS The safe driving class will be held Friday, March 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at a new location, the Senior Activity Center. The course will provide a review of driving skills and techniques, as well as strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related physical changes that may affect your driving ability. By taking this

class, you may receive a discount on your auto insurance. The cost is $15 if you are an AARP member and $20 if non-member. Bring a sack lunch for this all-day class. Call the Senior Resource Center to register at 815-235-9777, ext. 221, OR if you have questions call 815232-3042. *Illinois has mandated an insurance-premium discount for participants age 55 or older, in a driver safety program. MEDICARE BASICS CLASS If you are turning 65, have questions or need a refresher about Medicare, this class is for you. A Medicare Basics/Turning 65 class will be held on Tuesday, March 21, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center. This class is taught by Ralph Norman who is a chartered advisor for senior living. He also has 40 years of experience in insurance and financial services. He will present the basics of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, supplements and prescription drug plans. Bring your tough Medicare questions. Additional appointments will be offered. Everyone is welcome to attend. LIVING HISTORY PERFORMANCE RJ Lindsey portrays Stephen Mather, National Park Service founder, during a Living History performance on Wednesday, March 22, at 2 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center. Lindsey’s performance is part of the One Book, One Freeport series. Groups of five and larger are asked to make reservations by calling 815-235-9777. SENIOR SAFETY A new program, Senior Safety, will be held Thursday, March 23, at 10 a.m. at the Senior Activity Center. Freeport Police Department staff will lead a discussion on what you can do to keep you and your home safe. Topics of discussion will include what to do in case of an emergency and burglary, recent telephone scams, and identity fraud. TOUR PREVIEW American Classic Tours will preview its trips for the coming year on Tuesday, March 28, at 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center. The tour company provides trips to many locations in conjunction with the SRC. Brochures are available now at the Senior Resource Center. “LIFE CHOICES: A CONVERSATION” Advance care planning is more than filling out forms. Learn about the process and the options during the new class, “Life Choices: A Conversation,” to be held

Thursday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at Senior Activity Center. Advance care planning involves planning your future healthcare. It also requires that you have conversations with those who will be carrying out your healthcare wishes at the time when you are no longer able to make or communicate those decisions.  This class will help you begin those conversations, understand the decisions that are yours to make, learn how best to ensure that your healthcare wishes are granted, and familiarize you with the forms required.   Led by Anita Caruso, former operations leader for FHN Hospice. GOLDEN MEALS GROCERY BINGO Enjoy bingo followed by lunch Tuesday, March 28, at 9:30 a.m. at the NICAA Golden Meals site in the Crum & Forster Building, 524 W. Stephenson, lower level. Enter at the rear of the building. Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the food pantry and join in the fun. If you would like to stay for lunch, please call the Golden Meals site one day prior at 815232-8896. Sponsored by Oakley Courts, the Senior Resource Center and NICAA Golden Meals Program. PIANO CLASS If you are interested in learning to play piano, classes are being held Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at the NICAA Golden Meals site, 524 W. Stephenson. Classes include both individual and group instruction. The cost for the class is $30 for six weeks. Please call Mary Heffner at 815-233-1756 for more information, or to join. CARDS & TABLE GAMES Cards and table games are held at the Golden Meals Center, 524 W. Stephenson St., lower level. Come join the fun. Games are played Mondays 12:45-2:45 p.m., Wednesdays 8:45-11 a.m. and Thursdays 12:45-2:45 p.m. TABLE TENNIS Table tennis is held at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. SENIOR BOWLING LEAGUE Men’s Senior Bowling League is seeking members for next season, which starts in September. Members must be 55 or older. To sign up, come to the Four Seasons Bowling Alley in Freeport from 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays through April and ask for Wayne Weirer, league president. After April, call Weirer at 815-563-4112.

Living 50 Plus | 3

February 2017

Travel Has Changed in 38 Years

Thirty-eight years ago in April was my first big trip across the pond. I knew at that time it would not be my last. In the early years I traveled almost entirely around Europe. Most of the changes have made it much easier to travel and so many more folks are enjoying travel today than ever before. I remember our dad not being happy that two women were travelling for 3 ½ weeks and leaving their husbands at home. (Remember no phones or texting at that time. We sent postcards that arrived sometimes after we got home.) What I remember about those few trips is of course buying Travelers Checks to cash at the numerous exchange offices that we would see in other cities. We would wander for blocks just to see if we could get an extra 5 cents on our trade. We took just enough American dollars to get us to the exchange office. And of course back then every country in Europe had their own currency so you had lots of exchanges to make. I had a metal rack with wheels that I had to check at the plane and then when our bags arrived we strapped our bags back on the rack so we could roll bags down the street. No suitcases with wheels at that

time. Bathrooms were down the hall at many of the first places we stayed and I always tried to get up early so I could shower first. Thankfully at that time in my life I did not have to get up numerous times during the night. My first trip I took a skirt and nice top. I think it might have been the first and last time a skirt went with me, but we had plans for a few nice places that called for dress clothes at that time. A scarf or shawl had to be packed as you always had to have head and shoulders covered for any church that we might want to visit. Now you don’t see that anywhere not even at the Vatican. We went to laundromats half way thru the trip in order to wash the few clothes that we had carted with us. My sister had a line that you hung in our bathroom (if we had one) that you could hang your underwear on when you rinsed it out in the sink. We slept on lots of trains at night and the conductor would come and take our passports which always made us very nervous. He would have them stamped for us when we went country to country and return them in the morning just before

travel with Ann

we arrived at our destination. (That is if he was in a good mood. Otherwise as we crossed a border they could come in and shine a light in our eyes to see if we matched out passport picture. ) Airports weren’t fancy but train stations were. You could buy most anything at a train station, but a few of the airports were very small and security was very lax. Some of the changes that have not been so good are the airlines. At that time you were given wonderful service with good meals and lots of legroom. If first class was available they would bump you up for no charge. Seats had lots more room and you did not have to pay for anything on the airlines. You could take as many bags as

you desired. So again they have made lots of changes and most have been to entice folks to travel more. The world is a big place don’t miss out.

International Travel & Home with Ann Young Ann Young says travel is how to learn about yourself. [email protected]

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4 | Living 50 Plus By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

W

February 2017

MONEY TIME IS

trillion hours of leisure time to fill over the next 20 years – leaving room for the leisure economy to grow and prosper,” McInrue said.

hen it comes to retirement, most Redefining leisure people think about money — will they have Boomers are a enough? Instead of workaholic generation, New survey looks at how people want to spend their retirement looking at savings, a new with 76 percent saying survey examining baby they work while on boomers and retirement vacation. If they have switches the focus to difficulty separating time. work and leisure during While boomers may their working years or may not have enough today, how will they cash, when it comes break the workaholism to retirement they’re addiction and embrace time-affluent. a life stage that has been The report by Bank traditionally filled with of America Merrill only leisure? According Lynch and Age Wave, to the study: “Leisure in Retirement: • By trying new Beyond the Bucket things: 88 percent of List,” examined the retirees say retirement priorities, experiences is a time for new and challenges of leisure beginnings, and twoin retirement. This study thirds (66 percent) say is based on a survey they prefer trying new of more than 3,200 things in their leisure respondents nationally vs. doing things they’ve representative of age, already done. gender, ethnicity, income • By focusing on and geography, said Erin experiences: 95 McInrue, vice president, percent of retirees say research, Age Wave. they prefer having more “Our comprehensive enjoyable experiences vs. investigation considers buying more things. the range of things • By seeking fun: that people may do What retirees want for leisure, including most from their travel personal growth and activities – whether it’s education, volunteering with a spouse, children freedom and flexibility to do what year, American retirees had 126 and giving back, social or grandchildren – is they want at this stage in their life billion hours of leisure time. As activities and especially leisure fun. regardless of how much money our age 65-plus population grows with family and friends, in • By staying connected: they have saved. Another 85 (due to longevity and the large addition to travel,” McInrue said. Retirees realize the need to percent said that retirement has baby boomer cohort reaching age continually feed the friendship Time on their side given them more time to connect 65), the number of Americans pipeline, and those age 65-plus The survey shows good times with family and friends. who are at their most timeare more likely than any other age ahead for the nearly 10,000 “Our study reveals a coming affluent stage will outnumber group to agree that it’s important boomers who retire each day. leisure boom. Age 65-plus is the those in their most ‘timeto stay with connected with More than nine in 10 retirees time in life when people have constrained’ stage (age 35-44). friends. reported that they have greater the most free time available. Last These retirees will have 2.5

Living 50 Plus | 5

February 2017

Landscape Plants for Winter Interest Nikki Keltner Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension

Winter interest in the landscape becomes especially important as winter stretches before us with gloomy, overcast days and dreary, brown lawns. A view from our window of attractive plants can lift our spirits and serve as a reminder that spring is right around the corner. Many plants can add texture and definition to our landscape in winter; I would like to share with you a few favorites. In my landscape, outlining the edges of the lawn are many plants revered for their winter interest one of which is Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) which makes a beautiful border along the lawn. Currently they reach 7 feet tall and show off their striking upright red stems this time of year. Dwarf Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’) an upright growing ornamental grass situated on the corner of a perennial bed waves its

beautiful fuzzy seed heads in the wind adding movement to the garden. Sharing the same bed is a lineup of Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora  ‘Karl Foerster’) standing at attention with their upright, light yellow seed heads pointing towards the sky. Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurium) sturdy stems poke thought the snow holding on to their cone shaped seed heads inviting the birds to stop by for a nibble. Black Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida) are finer in stature than their friend the Purple Coneflower but their little brown seed heads endure through the winter weather providing food for passing birds. Their attractive bunches of stems and seed heads hold on to the frost making them glisten in the sun. I have grown to love the beautifully arching branches of the Bridalwreath Spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) that we inherited with our home. Once touted as “over planted” or “old-fashioned” this plant has

plants

earned a place in my landscape and I enjoy how its coarse stems stand out against the snow. River Birch (Betula nigra), a multi-stemmed tree with branches that are flowing and wispy, originating from a trunk that has attractive cinnamon colored peeling bark is a beautiful addition to any yard. There are many types of hydrangea for the landscape, Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is an attractive shrub with large flower heads that stand erect and add dimension to the winter landscape. When other plants die back, the Smooth Hydrangea stems stay strong

holding the large, dried flower heads. Consider adding plants to your landscape that will have some sort of winter interest, whether it has upright stems that stand out against the snowy landscape or if it has soft fronds that sway in the breeze to add movement in the garden these plants are sure to put a smile on your face during the long winter months. For more information about landscape plants with winter interest contact the University of Illinos Extension at (815) 235-4125 or on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw

Each month we would like to feature inspiring seniors in the community. If you have a story to tell, about yourself or about someone you know, please let us know. We welcome any suggestions to improve our 50+ issue. We are trying to highlight the many seniors in our community, and answer senior specific needs. If you have a business that you would like to advertise in 50+, please get in touch with your salesperson.

6 | Living 50 Plus

recipe

February 2017

Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage Prep: 15 min

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Cook: 8 hrs

Ready In: 8 hrs 15 min

1 onion, cut into wedges 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered 1 pound carrots, cut into large chunks 3 cups water 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet, cut in half 1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges Directions

Place onion, potatoes, and carrots in a 5-quart slow cooker. Combine water, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, vinegar, and contents of spice packet in a small bowl; pour over vegetables. Top with brisket and cabbage. Cover and cook on Low until meat and vegetables are tender, 8 to 9 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Living 50 Plus | 7

February 2017

Money Management Expands to Serve More People

For the past 15 years, the Senior Resource Center has provided money management for seniors who were eligible and a part of the Community Care Program. Aware there are others who could benefit from money management services, the Senior Resource Center is excited to announce that we have expanded to fill a need in our community. Personal Money Management includes those tasks necessary to take care of day-to-day financial tasks. Money managers sit with the client at their kitchen table and

focus on paying bills, balancing the checkbook, avoiding scams and providing support to seniors. Clients find that it greatly reduces financial stress and worries. Family members take comfort in knowing that trained and trusted individuals are looking out for their loved one’s best interest. The end goal of maintaining financial independence is achieved. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more, please call Laura McKenzie, Money Management coordinator, at 815.235.9777, ext. 239.

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8 | Living 50 Plus

February 2017

exercise

Body Composition Analysis

A New Way to Look at Your Weight Loss Program John Voelz

MA, DPT, ACSM-RCEP Physical Therapist Clinical Exercise Physiologist The New Year is two months old, and maybe you haven’t lost all of the weight you set out to lose. Now the annual physical is approaching, and you’ll get the same advice from your doctor; to lose weight. The doctors’ office scale gives a number that we’re all familiar with: your body’s weight in pounds. But then, your physician mentions a number that doesn’t make as much sense: “BMI,” which stands for “Body Mass Index.” Body Mass Index is simply a ratio of your height and your weight. BMI can be calculated or derived from a basic height/ weight chart on the exam room wall. For example, a “Normal BMI” is 18.5 to 25. “Overweight” means a BMI of 25 to 30. A BMI over 30 means that you are classified as “Obese.” But what does this number represent?

Body Mass Index simply describes a body’s “size” and not how fat or lean the person might be. Take, for example, two men standing side by side. One man carries a lot of fat weight around his belly, and the other man is a lean bodybuilder. Both men are 5’10” tall, and each weighs 230 pounds. These men have exactly the same Body Mass Index, or BMI. So in this case, the lean bodybuilder may actually be classified as obese because his BMI is over 30! Body weight and BMI are simple measurements of your overall bodily mass and are often seen as good tools and indicators of your health, fitness and risk for certain diseases. But alone, these measurements may not provide enough information to describe one’s true body composition. In the health and fitness world, “body composition” refers to the individual percentages of fat, bone, water, and muscle in the human body. Newer technologies in clinics and exercise science

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laboratories allow for a more accurate measurement of one’s true “body composition.” Bioelectrical Impedance is one such technology. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis is a simple test that measures not only body weight and BMI, but also body fat percentage and skeletal muscle percentage. This tells the patient what proportion of their body is fat weight and how much is composed of lean muscle. Abdominal “visceral” fat can also be measured. A

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high level of visceral fat is a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Knowing your true body composition can help steer a diet and exercise program in a clearer direction. Fitness Lifestyles of Freeport now offers Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis along with recommendations for diet and exercise adjustment in order to reduce body fat percentage and increase lean muscle.

February 2017

The Book Lady

Living 50 Plus | 9

books

Judy Barney



Would you like to read an International best-selling thriller? This book, originally published in French, has had its rights sold in more than thirty countries. It’s quite the worldwide phenomenon. The book? It’s “The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair” by Joel Dicker. A Spanish review says the book is” the great thriller that everyone has been waiting for since the Millennium Trilogy of Stieg Larsson”. Remember “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”? The book is about a missing fifteen-year old girl and the beloved older novelist she has an affair with. The setting is Somerset, New Hampshire. The action gets started when a successful writer, Marcus Goldman, visits his college mentor, Harry Quebert. Quickly the action takes off when the body of the missing girl from thirty-three years ago is found buried on Quebert’s property. Quebert is charged with the murder. His young student, Goldman, goes to Quebert seeking inspiration for his second novel after having a gang buster first novel. Goldman starts his own investigation of the young girl’s death. Many characters fill the book with subplots and twists and turns. Goldman must

come up with a second book so he decides to write the story of Harry Quebert’s troubles and accusations. Quebert is a college professor who has bought a seaside cottage years ago in New Hampshire to rest and write. He meets the fifteen year old, Nola Kellerman, and trouble ensues. They’re about to elope on August 30, 1975 when she suddenly disappears. Quebert soon publishes a best-selling book from which he becomes well known and financially comfortable. When Goldman arrives and Quebert is charged with murder many questions arise. Why wasn’t the girl ever found? Who killed her? Why was no one charged? Marcus Goldman is primarily obsessed with getting inspiration to write a second best-seller. If he writes the right book perhaps he can save Quebert’s life along with the financial rewards of a best seller. La Figaro in France says the book is “Dizzying, like the best American thrillers…rich in subplots and twists, moving backwards and forwards in time, containing books within books”. A German review says it’s “A book within a book, a crime novel, a love story. Extraordinary.” Yes, the book is long, over six hundred pages, but it is definitely a page turner. The truth of the story is unpeeled as an onion, one layer at a time. Just when you think you know who’s guilty, more information is given that alters the picture; With the setting in New

Hampshire, it’s interesting to know the writer is a young, born in 1985, Swiss man who spent his childhood summers in Stonington and Bar Harbor, Maine, currently living in Geneva. He studied law in Switzerland. I don’t usually read thrillers but this book is interesting. Other books in a similar mode are “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins. The book met mixed reviews at book discussion this week. Many people found it impossible to complete and were quite shocked when they learned about some character

developments. Those of us that finished it found it an excellent thriller book. With its many twists and turns it’s quite good. I understand that director Ron Howard has bought the film rights to the book. Our book group thinks it will be quite difficult to produce the story with its thirty-three year gap. I definitely look forward to the movie. Read the book now!

Diane Wurm, Discover Club Director

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10 | Living 50 Plus

BITTER

February 2017

Study reveals sugar’s role in health problems “Now this is something that we understand. There is considerable evidence that added sugars are linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.”

FREEPIK.COM

– Laura Schmidt

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

I

t’s a concentrated white powder and it’s causing more trouble than previously thought. Sugar is more than just bad for our bodies and waistlines – it’s also linked to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease. Long known for adding empty calories to our food, sugar — added sugar, in particular — doesn’t just make you fat, it can make you sick, said Laura Schmidt, a professor of health policy in the School of Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. Schmidt, a principal investigator at the university’s SugarScience initiative, was part of a research team that uncovered an effort by the sugar industry dating back to the 1960s to suppress the link between sugar and cardiovascular health. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the research showed that two Harvard scientists were paid $50,000 in 2016 dollars to elevate the role of cholesterol and dietary fats in causing heart disease while ignoring sugar. Times have changed. “Now this is something that we understand. There is considerable evidence that added sugars are linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease,” Schmidt said. “Added sugars do the same thing as alcohol to the liver,” meaning too much can lead to fatty liver disease, Schmidt said. “Within five years non-alcohol fatty liver disease will be the No. 1 reason for diabetes,” Schmidt said.

The right amount While fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots contain sugar, “our bodies are set up to consume that

sugar because it comes packaged with fiber,” Schmidt said. The problem is that Americans not only consume too much sugar, they often are not aware of it. In November 2015, the Food and Drug Administration for the first time put out recommendations for the daily intake of sugar. An adult should get no more than 10 percent of his or her daily calories from sugar. “The World Health Organization recommends 5 percent of daily calorie intake from sugar. The American Heart Association says that kids should be getting much less. No child under 2 should be consuming any added sugars,” Schmidt said. On average, Americans consume about 13 percent of their daily calories from sugar, which doesn’t seem that bad, except when you realize some people are consuming much less while others are at 25 percent, Schmidt said. Sugar-sweetened drinks, including soft drinks and sports drinks, are the worst offenders, followed by grainbased desserts such as snack cakes and cookies, and foods like ice cream, sherbet and candy.

More tips Tips from Schmidt to reduce your intake of added sugars: • Avoid sugary drinks like sodas and juices. Start cutting back, then switch to diet drinks and finally water with your own added fruit for flavor. • Get added-sugar junk foods and drinks out of the house. While Schmidt can’t say that sugar is addictive, you won’t give in to a craving if you don’t have the desired food or drink on hand. • Watch out for processed foods that come in boxes, bags and cans. These can be packed with hidden sugar. Ingredients including high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose (and anything with “-ose” at the end), evaporated corn sweetener, sugar cane juice and fruit nectar are names for added sugars. • A new nutrition-facts panel will debut in July 2018 that breaks out “added sugars” from the total sugar count to show how much has been added by manufacturers and what percentage that represents of the daily maximum recommendation.

Living 50 Plus | 11

February 2017

Name games

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Some over-the-counter medications are sold under different names and dosages. Just because they are over-the-counter does not eliminate the risk of side effects or interaction with other medications. Keep an honest and complete medication list that includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements, and review everything you take routinely with your physician, Schold Davis said.

F

SAFE

AT THE

or just about any ailment that affects you, there’s a prescription or over-the-counter drug. While they may make you feel better, medications can affect you in negative ways, including your ability to drive. “Side effects from medications can negatively affect older drivers, but this varies depending on the medication,” said Elin Schold Davis, coordinator of the Older Driver Initiative Project for the American Occupational Therapy Association. Driving is a complex skill. People should take caution with medicines that list side effects of sleepiness, blurred vision, slowed movement, fainting, nausea or inability to focus or pay attention. “It’s also important to consider how multiple medications can interact with each other. A pharmacist can advise how specific medications could potentially interact with each other and affect driving ability,” said Schold Davis, who is also a certified driver rehabilitation specialist. If you have questions, speak to a specialist. “Both doctors and pharmacists are important allies when it comes to understanding how medications can affect driving ability,” Schold Davis said.

Brown-bag it

WHEEL

At the doctor’s office Don’t be afraid to take notes or request written instructions each time a medication is prescribed

and at each subsequent visit to have recorded this information ensure that your understanding correctly. You can keep these is up to date, Schold instructions in a Davis said. journal that can be Be careful to brought with you to have all variations each appointment,” recorded – for examSchold Davis said. ple, what to do if a “Writing instrucdose is mistakenly tions down is not missed or doubled. an admission of a “Sometimes these memory problem, added suggestions and medications Recognizing are no place to test are given verbally at your appointment, so meds that can one’s memory. Write it write them down and affect driving down and check your double-check with notes.” ability the physician that you

“Put every bottle of medications, vitamins and supplements in a bag and take it to the doctor. This gives physicians the best information and can give you the most informed advice if they have an accurate picture of what you are taking, because the dosages and brands can make a difference,” Schold Davis said.

Manage medications

Consider a visit with an occupational therapist who knows that managing medications is instrumental to completing the activities of daily life. “Occupational therapists can help older drivers manage medications by developing a plan to get to the pharmacy or gain easy access to refills, helping clients remember to take medications by creating a schedule and planning around daily activities, addressing self-care management and instrumental activities of daily living to support success,” Schold Davis said.

12 | Living 50 Plus

February 2017

puzzles

answers on page 8

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