The New Dirty Dozen - 12 Foods to to eat organic and avoid pesticide residue

We all know we should be eating more fruits and veggie, essential components of a healthy diet,  but often these are the very food items that contain a lot of pesticide residues.ruits and veggies are an essential part of a healthy diet, but many conventional varieties contain pesticide residues that don't wash off under the tap water at home.

You can reduce your exposure to pesticides by as much as 80% if you avoiding the most contaminated foods in the grocery store.

To do so, you need the latest info from the why the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list of foods most likely to have high pesticide residues. Since 1995, the organization has taken the government data and identified which type of produce has the most chemicals.

Additionally, Yahoo has a great article on the 2010 "Dirty Dozen".... I think you'll be surprised when you read it.

Click here to access the article.

Vision Loss is NOT a part of Normal Aging

While it is true that our eyesight diminishes as we age, vision loss is NOT a normal part of aging.

Did you know that many older people have good eyesight into their 80’s and beyond? Growing older does not always mean you see poorly. But age brings changes that can weaken your eyes.

There are some easy things to try when these changes happen. You might add brighter lights in more places around the house--like at work counters, stairways, and favorite reading places. This may help you see better and can sometimes prevent accidents caused by weak eyesight.

While older people have more eye problems and eye diseases than younger people, you can prevent or correct many of them by:

Seeing your doctor regularly to check for diseases like diabetes, which could cause eye problems if not treated.

Having a complete eye exam with an eye specialist every 1 to 2 years. Most eye diseases can be treated when they are found early. The eye doctor should enlarge (dilate) your pupils by putting drops in your eyes. This is the only way to find some eye diseases that have no early signs or symptoms. The eye doctor should test your eyesight, your glasses, and your eye muscles. You should also have a test for glaucoma.

See an eye doctor at once if you have any loss or dimness of eyesight, eye pain, fluids coming from the eye, see "Flashing Lights", double vision, redness, or swelling of your eye or eyelid.

Get the facts... Click Here for MORE INFORMATION

Lighter Lemon Squares - Mother's Day Dessert Idea

Who doesn’t like lemon squares? They have always been a very popular dessert and make a great ending to any meal. As we are all trying to eat healthier, this recipe is for a lighter lemon square and it comes from Ingredients, Inc. one of my favorite recipes sites.


Lighter Lemon Squares

Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Yield: 16 servings


¾ cup crushed reduced-fat vanilla wafers (about 20)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons lemon zest, divided
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons confectioners sugar




1. Preheat oven to 350F.


2. Line an 8-inch square pan with foil with ends extending over the sides. Combine wafer crumbs, ½ cup flour and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until it resembles coarse meal. Press onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes.


3. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar with a mixer until blended. Add eggs and 2 tablespoons flour, mixing well. Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest, lemon juice and baking powder; pour over crust.


4. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes or until set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 2 hours. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and remaining lemon zest just before serving.

Aging-in-Place - What is it?

Aging in Place is growing older without having to move and it is what most older Americans desire as they age.

According to the Journal of Housing for the Elderly, it is not having to move from one's present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing need.

DID YOU KNOW?

Some 70% of seniors spend the rest of their life in the place where they celebrated their 65th birthday.

Brethren Home Community Services understands that older adults wish to remain in their own home and we're here to help you stay in the home you love.  We offer non-medical home care, adult day services, handyman services and senior resource management.

When you see articles about "aging in place" they often refer to living where you have lived for many years, or to living in a non-healthcare environment, and using products, services and conveniences to enable you to stay there as circumstances change.

Darke County is an easy county for older adults to age-in-place as most of the stores and services we need are right here and easy to get to.  Additionally, our doctors' office and hospital are easy to access and traffic is light. For those who no longer drive, public transportation is available.

If you are planning to age in place in Darke County, what additional services do you anticipate needing that are not currently being provided?

50 Ways to Save Money When You Travel

Who doesn't want to save money on travel and get the most for your money?  A seasoned traveler shares her tips and so much more - if you love to travel you might want to subscribe to her newsletter.

Click here to access 50 Ways to Save Money When You Travel

The Diabetes-Friendly Recipe Box - Sweets without the sugar

Diabetes doesn't mean you have to give up sweets - you just need to change the type you eat and  and learn to make substitutions as you monitor your diet.  The web site below has several anytime recipes that are tweaked for diabetics


      http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/diabetes/splenda-recipes.aspx?xid=ibs

Type 2 Diabetes Resource Center

A diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming and frightening for many reasons and if not managed well, can lead to life-threatening complications. Because diabetes involves something that is so basic to our existence — food — it can seem to control our lives.

In managing this disease, your challenge — and your goal — is to take control of the disease

as quickly as possible and be your own best advocate.

Because diabetes typically begins subtly, the average time it takes to diagnosis it is five years from onset to diagnosis - most people are diagnosed after a rountine blood sugar check during a physical or health screening. Symptoms related to diabetes, including weight loss, do not occur early on.

The good news about this type of diabetes is that with good sugar control, these complications can be prevented or managed.

Where to find information

Start with your doctor and  the diabetes educator at your local health center or hospital.

 You can also go to the American Diabetes Association's Web site, as well as that of the American Dietetic Association, to find information relevant to you and your family.


Blood Sugar Management  http://www.januvia.com/sitagliptin/januvia/consumer/blood-sugar-management/index.jsp?WT.svl=2?SRC=1&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=JA80G

http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/diabetes.aspx
If you decide to take any advice in the books or on the Web sites, I suggest you first consult your doctor to make sure the information is accurate and up to date.

Having Surgery or Immobilized? Protect yourself against dangerous blood clots

DVT - Know your risk and how to prevent it

Deep Venous Thrombosis - also known as DVT, is more common than most people think and could cost you or a loved one your life. Get informed, know who's at risk.

"Following general surgery, the approximate risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is 15-40 percent." (Source: The National Institute of Health.) Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in the body; the most common locations are in the legs and feet. The reason DVT is a big concern is that it often leads to pulmonary embolism, when the clot dislodges and moves up into the lungs, leading to death.


Fact: The risk of DVT nearly doubles after hip or knee replacement surgery or hip fracture surgery to between 40 and 60 percent. (Also from the NIH.)

For more facts or to read the entire article, CLICK HERE




If you or a family member is going to have surgery, you should know about an all-too-common danger and how to protect yourself. The danger is from blood clots that can form in other parts of the body, then move to the lungs, where they can cause death

Contest - Older Americans Month - Deadline approaching

“My Recipe for Strength” Contest


May 1st kicks off Older Americans Month, and it is our opportunity as a nation to recognize the contribution of older Americans. What better way to do so than to provide a forum for Americans to share their opinions, experiences and wisdom for the benefit of others? As part of this year's activities and events to honor older Americans, the U.S. Administration on Aging is inviting individuals to share their “recipe for strength” in a national contest.

Entries should creatively promote the Older Americans Month 2010 theme “Age Strong! Live Long!” and may be submitted as a video, photograph, poem, or essay. Whether it's an exercise routine, a healthy diet, a tradition with friends, or remembering to look on the bright side of life, we want to find out what you've done to age strong and live long!

Entries must be submitted by April 30, 2010. To find out more or to enter the contest visit olderamericansmonth.org

The Internet Grandad

I think you will agree - Peter, aka "The Internet Grandad" is quite the guy.... making frequent YouTube videos, singing on some of them....reaching out to so many.  He is very popular in the UK. 

He dedicates a lot of time as an advocate to get the elderly online to enjoy the internet and all it has to offer, starting with "how to" classes.

Making this video was on his bucket list.... he has a nice voice... listen to him sing the Johnny Cash love song then check out his other videos!  If you write to him, he will write back.  I admire his spunk.


http://www.youtube.com/user/geriatric1927?aia=true#p/a/u/1/kIAp0QCiyxw

Medical Symptom Checker

This web site was designed to have the feel of an emergency room visit - but it does not replace a doctor... it may help you recognize what is going on and when to seek medical attention.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/symptom-checker

Medicare and Medicaid - What's the difference?

The MetlifeMature Market Institute is offering a FREE, newly released publication that is a concisely written "how-to guide" for older Americans and their families/  This publication answers basic and in-depth questions about both health care programs, including the most common: “what’s the difference between the two?”

To download your free copy of “The Essentials: Medicare and Medicaid”  click here

Digital Photography Tips and Tutorials · Instant Gratification

The world has changed a lot since your first Brownie camera. Remember when the flash cube replaced the flash bulb?  Thankfully, the digital age has arrived - no more flash cubes, rolls of film or the long wait to get it developed to see if your photos turned out.

Today, digital photography is a phenomenon of technology that allows for instant gratification.

The Internet Brothers have been dabbling in digital imagery for years now, so we'll share some of what we've learned with you. We explain the differences between digital and traditional film photography, help you decide how to choose your new camera, share information about digital SLR and sensors, and offer tips for creating 360° panoramic effects. Just for good measure, we have some suggestions for storing your digital imagery for posterity.


Click here to get the tips and tutorials

And ... get MORE great tutorials by clicking here... lots of tutorials!

Dayton Art Institute - Free GENERAL admission and a great time

The Dayton Art Institute is hosting a year-long celebration of its 90th anniversary. As one of the Miami Valley's premiere fine art museums, it offers a full range of programs in addition to outstanding art exhibitions.


Most exhibits are open to the public free of charge during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Thursday until 8 p.m. During your visit enjoy lunch in Cafe Monet daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Dayton Art Institute is located at 456 Belmonte Park North in Dayton, Ohio. For more information call 937-223-5277 or visit http://www.daytonartinstitute.org/.


Museum Hours


Monday Closed

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Noon to 4:00 p.m.



Closed Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday

General Admission: FREE courtesy of Chase.

Some special exhibitions may carry an admission fee.

The special exhibition All Things Bright & Beautiful brings together 60 California Impressionist paintings from the collections of the Irvine Museum.

It is the only museum in California dedicated to the preservation and display of California Impressionism, or Plein-Air painting, an art style that flourished from 1890 to 1930.

EXHIBITION ADMISSION

Adults: $10

Seniors (60+): $8

Students (18+ w/ID): $8

Youth (7-18): $6

Children (6 & under): Free

Museum Members: Free



FREE THIRD THURSDAYS

Free Third Thursdays, introduced as part of the museum’s 90th Anniversary, offer free admission to special exhibitions on the third Thursday of each month. Free Third Thursdays for All Things Bright & Beautiful are April 15 and May 20.

Remarrying - Should You Consider A Prenuptial Agreement

It's always a touchy subject and it's an unfortunate reality that one in three first-marriages are now ending in divorce. Statiistics show the divorce rate of second marriages to be even higher... one in two second-marriages end in divorce.

 With Boomers and older couples entering 2nd or 3rd marriages in their later years, a prenuptial agreement  is often considered a wise form of financial planning. It is one way to protect real estate, heirlooms, financial assets, and even the family business to pass on to children from an earlier marriage.

What is a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is essentially a contract between two people, headed for the altar that specifically defines how the assets will be distributed in the event of not only a divorce, but also a death. Formerly considered a necessity for the wealthy, it is more realistic for someone with less than millions to be mindful of how to protect what they have and to make provisions for loved ones once they are gone.

Will the remaining spouse be required to sell the house or move out?  If so, in what length of time?  What belongs to each of you? 

Second marriages are not easy, especially when the couple is older with grown children or children still in college.

Who should have a prenup?

You may just want to make sure you won't lose your house  or fear having to pay alimony.

Particularly, if you fall into any of these categories you should seriously consider a prenup:

•You have children from a previous marriage. Without a prenup, in most states a surviving spouse will likely inherit one-third to one-half of your estate.

•You own all or part of a business; the prenup can prevent the business from being split up or controlled by your spouse

•You anticipate receiving an inheritance

•One of you is much wealthier than the other

•You have, or anticipate having loved ones who will require care, such a disabled adult child or elderly parents

•You anticipate a big increase in your income or a windfall

•You are concerned about being strapped with your spouse's debt that incurred before our marriage

•Or, just if you have financial assets you want to protect such as your home, stock, retirement funds.

A valid prenup is one that consists of both parties honestly and fully disclosing all of their assets. If one party hides even one thing, it is grounds for a judge to toss out the contract in its entirety. In order to avoid suspicion of coercion, an "ironclad" agreement should always be agreed upon and signed months in advance of the actual wedding day. A valid prenup is also considered to be "fair" and not leave either participating party in any kind of situation where they may be destitute. The state will always make sure that someone is not being unfairly taken advantage of financially.

Prenuptial agreements can also include agreements that do not involve money as long as the demands are considered reasonable.

Legally, you must use a lawyer to ensure your agreement is ironclad. This lawyer should be a matrimonial lawyer who is familiar with the laws in your state regarding prenuptial agreements. It is important that you understand that your spouse's will does not, and cannot, supersede the prenuptial agreement if your spouse passes away first. However, a will can be significantly more generous, leaving the spouse more than what was agreed upon in the prenup. In the event that your partner is incapacitated the agreement stands as signed.

That being understood, make sure that not only is the contract in writing, but that it is signed and witnessed by your lawyer. There should be three original copies, one going to the bride, one for the groom and one to be kept in a safety deposit box by either your lawyer or CPA. Most lawyers suggest the prenup be updated every 10 years of marriage. As uncomfortable as this subject may be to bring up to your partner, the prenuptial agreement has the ability to save both parties emotional and financial turmoil.

Here is a link to a site that offers forms for prenuptials - consider this a starting point... remember,  you will need a lawyer. 

6 Tips For Grab Bar Placement

As America ages, more and more people will be installing grab bars to make their life easier.  Yet, when most of us think of grab bars we think of the kind you find in public restrooms and hospitals.... and resist putting them in our homes.

Good News!  Great Grabz makes beautiful grab bars that are very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and actually enhance a bathroom's decor. Seeing is believing - Click here to be taken to their web site

Many people know they need grab bars but have no idea about the correct placement of them. The tips for Grab Bar Placement come from their web site.

6 Tips for Grab Bar Placement

1- Grab Bar Height- There is no standard height requirement for residential installation of grab bars, and everyone's needs are different, but as a rule of thumb, in ADA compliant bathrooms, grab bars are installed 33"-36" off the finished floor. The recommended height for children is 17"-28".

If your bathroom will be used for family members and guests who may be of different heights and abilities, the Great Grabz Wave bar is the perfect solution. The Wave sweeps up 3" to cover more area making it comfortable and secure for everyone.

2- Grab Bar Length- Grab bars should cover as much of the shower wall as possible. If you have a large shower, we suggest a bar for each wall to ensure safety.

3- Outside of the shower or tub- Having a small grab bar placed vertically outside of the shower or tub entry is great for assistance stepping to and from a wet surface. Great Grabz's 10" grab bar is ideal for this application.

4- Tub Deck- Soaking tubs are all the rage in bathroom design. However, trouble can come quickly if someone is unable to exit the tub. We suggest installing a grab bar on the wall behind the tub and/or a small grab bar on the tub deck. Be sure the grab bar is in a place where a foot cannot trip on it while entering or exiting a tub.

5- Towel bars with strength- Let's face it, when you are about to fall you'll grab on to anything close by - including a towel bar. Why not make towel bars safer by replacing them with grab bars?

6- Toilet paper holder- For those who have a hard time getting up from a seated position, Great Grabz's 10" grab bar can also be used as a toilet paper holder, while still maintaining its strength of supporting 250lbs of force.

Never too late to be a Mature Model - for men or women

Have you always wanted to model?  Perhaps you did some modeling in your younger years?

As our population ages, more and more mature models are in demand. Many people think that in order to become a model, they must be exceedingly handsome or incredibly beautiful without wrinkles. Not so...often it is the older person who are fit, in shape and just nice people.

Click here to learn more about mature models in general or more information for yourself if you're interested in getting into a new career.

More - Click here

Granny Basketball - a gentle game for women of a "certain" age

Granny basketball is a playful, fun-filled senior exercise activity that encourages women to stay fit in a non-traditional, social environment. Granny leagues raise money for charity, and curious members of the community fill the bleachers to see just what kind of "game" these "old" ladies have!


The Granny Basketball League is always on the lookout for qualified and interested individuals who would like to help by becoming a referee. In fact, they  have implemented a Granny Referee Certification program. Only Granny Certified referees are allowed to officiate their League and tournament games; standards are not as high for exhibition games or fundraisers.

The rules allow for a combined offense and defense combination of three players per team. However, in granny basketball, players follow the rules of girls' "six on six" basketball, and play on half- or third-courts. This reduces the amount of running needed to keep the ball in play.

In Iowa, where girls "six on six" basketball started in the 1920's, a sizzling group of grannies wielding basketballs can be found, in fact, the women belong to the Iowa Granny Basketball League! Although not widespread yet, popular leagues exist in New England and on the West coast.

To learn more about them or how to form your own local league, click here.

http://www.grannybasketball.com/index.html

Did YOU play girls basketball in high school?  Send us your picture, we'll post it here!

Looking for a new hairdo?

Gone are the days that say if you're over 49 you should have short gray hair. Whether you are considering a new style or color or highlights, seeing styles on other mature women can inspire you. Just remember to look for models with similar hair coloring and texture, and face shapes, since cuts can look vastly different on women of varying shapes and ages.

Click here to see some fashionable mature hairdos


Click here to see MORE fashionable mature hairdos

Financial Realities of Older Women - the hands the rocked the cradle

From the ILC Website -

"In every society throughout the world it is typically a woman’s job to cook the food, raise the children, and care for their aging parents. Women are the caregivers and housekeepers for their working spouses. The sad truth is that these contributions to society are not given a monetary value.

Our publication “Unjust Desserts: the Financial Realities of Older Women,” a joint project with the AARP
Foundation, discusses the fact that women over 65 are twice as likely to be poor as men over 65.

“Medical and economic advances as well as social programs have solved many problems, but the poverty of older women has not lessened,” Robert N. Butler, M.D., president and CEO of the ILC-USA, said. “They make up a full 70 percent of all older people who are poor.”Women are far more likely than men to outlive their retirement incomes because of several factors, including:

•they are more likely to leave their career to work in unpaid caregiving roles

•women still earn significantly less than men, leading to less retirement savings

•women live longer than men

•many pensions decrease in value or are eliminated entirely when the husband dies

•a divorced woman must have been married at least 10 years to be eligible for her former husband’s social security benefits

Ohio Festivals 2010

It's that time of year - many of us have cabin fever after being cooped up for the winter and are reaching for our calendars and looking for festivals to visit.

Ohio publishes a festival guide - many of the festivals listed in it have a web site which lists more details. Most festivals are free, however, some do charge an admission fee. If in dobut, call ahead.

If you attend any of these, feel free to write a review for the senior journal.

Click here to access the online Ohio Festival Guide

Admission FREE Tourism

Understanding many people don't have the discretionary income they may have had as little as a year ago, OhioTraveler.com's focus is on admission-FREE tourism. Most sections of OhioTraveler.com feature places with FREE ADMISSION at the very top of menu options.

Find your free fun now: Click here

No Pre-Existing Clause with Medicare

Medicare beneficiaries know  Medicare has never discriminated against anyone who had a pre-existing condition. They were accepted and had quality-affordable healthcare.

When President Obama signed  the historic passage of Healthcare Reform in the USA on March 21, 2010, every US citizen  in the USA can have access to health insurance and not have to worry about a pre-existing condition or a lifetime cap.

Now Americans no longer do you have to worry about becoming sick or facing foreclosure because they didn’t have health insurance. AARP calls it health security for all.

If you ask any senior about Medicare, most think it’s fantastic. Although this new healthcare reform doesn’t answer everything, many people, especially those with pre-existing conditons and chronic illness, think it’s a great start.

Tips for buying a digital camera

Unbiased information to get the most for your money from Consumer Reports

 Carhttp://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/cameras-photography/digital-cameras/digital-camera-buying-advice/index.htm?EXTKEY=I91CONL&CMP=OTC-ConsumeristRSS

Great Lakes Cruise Company

Most people who go on cruises go for tropical islands but the Great Lakes Cruise Company is the only one to sail our magnificant Great Lakes..... from their web site -

When the last glaciers melted more than ten thousand years ago, they left behind a fabulous legacy: the Great Lakes. Over the centuries, these huge inland seas—which contain more than one-fifth of the world’s standing fresh water—have fascinated humankind. Voyageurs and homesteaders, poets and storytellers, missionaries and mapmakers, Native Americans and pioneers have all been drawn to the timeless beauty of the region.


From the magnificent spectacle of Niagara Falls, to Mackinac Island’s cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages. From rolling dunes and grand vistas, to miles of white sand beaches. From emerald green forests, to blazing sunsets that turn the watery horizon to flame, the journey awaits.

 2010 marks our 12th cruise season and we are representing more ships than ever, sailing a variety of exciting itineraries. Each distinctive cruise ship offers a relaxing and friendly atmosphere, delightful accommodations and impeccable service. Carefully selected enrichment lecturers and expert tour guides will add to your enjoyment, as you explore fascinating ports and absorb the breathtaking scenery.

 http://www.greatlakescruising.com/