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Lifestyles Vol. 24 November 2013AFTER 50
www.lifestylesafter50fl.com Suncoast FREE
Join us for the FUN FEST
Largo Cultural CenterNov. 13
10 am 3 pm
Branson Celebrates VeteransFeeling the Squeeze Holiday Fun at
the Beau RivagePotatoes With A Twist
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 2
Neel Desai, MD
Stephen Weinstock, MD
LIVE LASER CATARACT SURGERY SEMINARYou may qualify for an
intraocular lens that is designed to treat patients with a cataract
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Live surgery presented in 3-D Open discussion with our doctors
Free* cataract screening following presentation
*The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a
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fortreatment which is performed as a result of and within72 hours
of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee or
reduced fee service examination or treatment. **No purchase
necessary to win. Must be present to win.
Robert Weinstock, MD
148 13th Street S.W., Largo, Florida
Monday, Nov. 11th 3:30 PM
Refreshments served, Gift giveaways**
Have you been told you have a cataract and
astigmatism?
RSVP Seating Limited
(727) 565-4286
New Technology Helps Patients See Like Never BeforeBY DAVID
JEFFERY, Marketing Director, Eye Institute of West Florida
According to a recent Pew Research poll released in September,
seniors 65 plus make up nearly half of non-internet users. That
information may not be surprising to most; after all, we benefit
from technology regardless of our level of interaction with
computers or the internet. Whether its in the car you drive, the
cash register at the grocery store or the health screening devices
used in medical offices, technology is a daily part of our lives.
Thankfully, what matters most about technology is the level of
accuracy with which computers enable doctors to make crucial
decisions about our health. You do not have to know much about the
internet or computers to appreciate the speed at which computers
can deliver highly accurate information. Lasers that analyze our
bodies and computers that crunch miles of data in
a split second to produce information that affects the decisions
doctors make about our health is nothing short of amazing. Take the
Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA System) for instance. This innovative
new operating room laser is what ophthalmologists use during
cataract surgery to improve their decisions about your vision.
Borrowed from the Hubble Space Telescope, the ORA System uses
laser technology to help guide the surgeons decision about which
lens implant power to use when replacing the natural lens in the
eye. It can also help determine if your vision is free of
astigmatism that causes blurred vision. Cataract surgeons who offer
the ORA
System no longer have to rely solely on pre-surgical
measurements for these important decisions. With its on-demand
analysis, doctors are able to achieve better patient vision
outcomes with reduced dependency on glasses. The personal benefit
we garner from computers should mean something whether we use
computers and the
internet or not. How technology has advanced over the last 5 or
10 years has greatly improved our standard of living. This is
especially true for those of us who grew up wearing glasses but are
no longer dependent on them due to the ORA System. To learn more,
call the Eye Institute of West Florida at 727-581-8706.
What matters most about technology is the level of
accuracy with which computers enable doctors to make crucial
decisions about our health.
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 3
President John F. Kennedy: Death in the Time of InnocenceDear
Readers,
Most everywhere you turn this month, there will be reminders of
that day 50 years ago when our innocence as a country was
shat-tered, the day our 35th president was assassinated.John F.
Kennedys 1000-day presidency ended in a few dramatic moments on a
street in Dallas. The Kennedy era was a transforma-tive time for
our country. We went from the staid, war-hero presidency of
Eisenhower to the leadership of someone who lived a lifestyle known
to only a narrow segment of our society at the time. The Kennedys
played tennis, they sailed and they had houses in several parts of
the country. Now, in 2013, many people live that way, but in 1960,
not many did. Remembering that November period of time, it is as if
the life drained out of our country for a few days. This month you
will undoubtedly share your own memories with others.
Walter Cronkite Dallas, Texas, Friday, November 22, 1963. Time
was about to stand still. CBS anchorman Walter Cronkitelater voted
the most trusted man in Americahad the compelling duty to report
the shootings of President Kennedy and Texas Governor John
Connolly. Shortly after-ward, Cronkite removed his glasses and
tearfully announced simply that President Kennedy had died at 1 pm
Central Standard Time. Today, 50 years later, those of us of a
certain age remember vividly where we were and what we were doing
when we learned the news. Jim Patterson, CEO of this magazines
publishing company, says, To this day we remain fascinated by
Ken-nedys life and legacy, intrigued by the circumstances of his
death, enchanted by the associated imagery of Camelot and changed
forever by all of it. For many, the news came via a schools
crackling intercom system. Patterson says, Lucy Bigham bolted from
the chair in front of me and ran from the room in tears. Mr. Bunch
sat behind his desk at the front of the room, his face buried in
both hands, sobbing. Patterson would see his own father weep that
night as well. It was also a new time of tragedy for our country
because we watched events unfold in the living room on television.
Nancy Kuehne, our magazines sales and marketing representative in
Lee County, says, The small, two-room school I went to did not have
a TV, so a parent invited all 15 students from grades ve through
eight to come to their house
to watch. I remember feeling as if I were right there in the
crowd watch-ing from the streets. Nancy added something else we all
rememberhow quiet everyone was. Yes, it was a new era and it
changed us all. Patterson was in 9th grade that day Mr. Bunch sat
at his desk and sobbed. Three sum-mers later, Patterson was
in Washington serving as a Congres-sional page in the House of
Represen-tatives. He says, I associated all of the sights of
Washington with those I had seen on television that November
weekend of 1963. I toured the White House and tried to imagine
President Kennedys and Jackies presence in every room. I visited
the Senate chamber and sat in the seat that was his when he served
as the senator from Massachusetts and which was now lled by his
brother Edward (Ted) Kennedy. I went to Arlington Cemetery and
stood before the eternal ame and played back the images of Jackie,
Bobby and Teddy lighting that ame on the day of the funeral. And so
this month, through the death of a president 50 years ago, we are
bonded together by our shared memories. It seems so very
recentlyand yet so long agothat we were so innocent we never
thought it could happen.
Janice Doyle, Editor
Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc
Pinellas/Pasco Edition
General ManagerDave Tarantul
[email protected]
Publisher/Director of Events & MarketingKathy J. Beck
[email protected]
EditorJanice Doyle
[email protected]
Accounting/Of ce ManagerVicki Willis
[email protected]
Advertising Sales1-888-670-0040
Distribution1-888-670-0040
News Connection USA, Inc.P.O. Box 638
Seffner, Florida 33583-0638(813) 653-1988 1-888-670-0040
Fax: (813) 651-1989www.lifestylesafter50 .com
Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50
do not necessarily re ect the opinion of the Editor or the staff.
Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising;
however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for
advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to
refuse or dis-continue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline
for the Dec. 2013 issue is Nov. 15, 2013. Magazines are out by the
7th of each month. All rights reserved.
Hillsborough/Pinellas/PascoChuck Bingham: (813) 293-1550
Production Supervisor/Graphic DesignKim Burrell
[email protected]
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[email protected]
Customer Service1-888-670-0040
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Southwest Edition: Lee/Collier & Charlotte
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To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040
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Lake/Marion/Sumter1-888-670-0040
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 4
RETURNING TO TAMPA IN A DAZZLING ALL-NEW SHOW!
LET CHRISTMAS SHINE!
Tickets: 813.229.STAR (7827) STRAZCENTER.ORG Outside Tampa Bay:
800.955.1045 Group Sales (10+ get a discount): 813.222.1016 or
1018
Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to
change without notice.
STRAZ CENTER ITS MORE THAN JUST A SHOW.
SSTMEDIA SPONSOR
DEC. 12-29CAROL MORSANI HALL
5 Managing Your Money workshop helps you set goals and budget
for needs, wants and savings. Participants can request a Florida
Master Money Mentor personal coach to help with questions. 1 to 3
pm at Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave. Free; Registration
required at 727-582-2104.
6 Divorce Care Class and Support Group. Help and healing for
individuals facing divorce or separa-tion. 6 pm at Pasadena
Community Church, 227 70th St. S, St. Petersburg. $15 registration
fee. 727-437-6222.
6 Lunch and opera entertainment at The Pinellas Opera Leagues
monthly meeting. 11 am; Dunedin Country Club, 1050 Palm Blvd. $20.
RSVP to Nancy at 727-738-4007.
7 Community Health Fair. Free health screenings and info on
heart health, joint care, diabetes, nutrition, cancer and more.
Zumba and Silver Sneakers classes. Free. 9 am at Center for the
Performing Arts, 4951 78th Ave. N, Pi-nellas Park. 727-541-0805,
ext. 2306.
8 Free Classic Movie Matinee. 1 pm at Seminole Community
Library, 9200 113th St. N. 727-394-6905.
9 Dunedin Dogtoberfest. Pet costume contest, rescue groups with
adoptable dogs, pet-themed vendors, a beer garden and food and
beverages. Free; $4 parking. 11:30 am, Highlander Park, 1920
Pinehurst Rd., Dunedin. 727-786-1330.
14 Citrus Tree Gardening class. 2 pm and 6:15 pm at Palm Har-bor
Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave. Free; register by 11/13 at
727-582-2603.
15 Quit Smoking Now program. Participants will receive a
workbook and free nicotine patches. Meet weekly, 12:30 to 1:30 pm
for six weeks at East Library, 2251 Drew St., Clearwater. Register:
call Gulfcoast North AHEC at 813-929-1000.
15 Senior Excursions. Grab your friends and explore a variety of
places in the Tampa Bay Area. All
excursions leave from the St. Petersburg Community Center, 7701
Boca Ciega Dr. $12 $15. Details at 727-363-9245.
19 Cooking Class with Rita Fabula. Plates to Share From Around
the World, As We All Are Thankful. Learn how to make meze from
Tur-key, antipasto from Italy and pinchos from Spain. 1:30 pm at
Beach Library, Clearwater Beach. 727-462-6138.
20 Safety Harbor Garden Club presentation on the Serenity
Gar-dens of Japan with artist Noriko Kuehn. 9:30 am at the Safety
Harbor Library, 101 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor. Refresh-ments, plant
exchange. 727-726-6159.
20 Veterans Day Golf Tournament, benefits Dunedin Childrens
Christmas Fund. $75/person, four-person scramble, singles welcome.
8:30 am at Dunedin Golf Club. Entry forms at rocketsports-ent.com.
727-510-7888.
27 POW Support Group. Gather in the fellowship of other POW
survivors for a monthly ceremony to honor MIAs and military heroes.
The group meets at 10:30 am every fourth Weds. at the cafe in CARES
Musunuru Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway, Hudson.
727-863-6868.
28 Times Turkey Trot, Wingding, Fun Run, Gobbler and Clear-water
Challenge. Fun runs and canned good drive to benefit local
charities. First race starts at 7 am at Clearwater High School, 540
S. Hercules Ave. Register/more info at 727-562-4700.
29 Jan. 3 Oakdale Christmas Light Display. 1/2 million lights,
carnival rides, artificial snow, fiber-optic forest, tours, parades
and more. Free, 6 pm to 10 pm at 2719 Oakdale St. S., St.
Petersburg.
Send Around Town news to News Connection USA, Inc., P.O. Box
638, Seffner, FL 33583; fax 813-651-1989 or email
[email protected]. News must be received by the 10th of
the month prior to event (i.e. November 10 for December event.)
Around TownW H A T S H A P P E N I N G N O V E M B E R 2 0 1
3
Second Time Arounders Will March at the Cherry Blossom
Parade
Its getting closerSt. Petersburgs own Second Time Arounders
Marching Band will be marching in the Na-tional Cherry Blossom
Parade in Washington D.C. in April of 2014 with an exceptional
per-formance opportunity! A rare invitation has been extended to
the Second Time Arounders Marching Bandthe chance to perform a show
in front of the grandstands, live on televisionduring the National
Cherry Blossom Parade. Marching bands are typically not allowed
this few minutes of fame; however, the uniqueness and repu-tation
of the Rounders has changed that! They did it for Macys and theyll
do it for the National Cherry Blossom Parade! Their performance
will be filled with patriotism and Americana, powerful music, an
abundance of red, white and blue, plus stunning visual effects
that
will leave the crowd proud Americans and smiling from ear to
ear! Now is a great time to join the Rounders if youve ever marched
in a high school, college, or military marching band! The Rounders
perform locally, nationally and
internationally. Their most recent perfor-mance was in the Conch
Republic parade in Key West, and their most notable was their trip
to march in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008. 32 years in
the making, and about 450 members strong, the Second Time Arounders
Marching Band is the first all-ages band in the country. Its
members range from age 18 85. The band proudly supports arts and
music programs in local schools. For more info on the band, the
trip in 2014, who they are and how to join, visit
www.secondtimearounders.org.
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 5
Premier Sponsor:
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Sponsors: Information & Directions Call: 1-888-670-0040
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Free Coffee& Goodies
Betsy VerdierCountry &
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Russell CorteseElvis
FritzyThe One Man Circus
Denise LooneyDJ With a Twist
William Duece HulettBest in Country Music
Richie MerrittOf the Marcels
WIN! WIN!a Two Night Stay atGaylord Palms
Orlando
First 500 guests will receive a small complimentary flag
Sports Center (Play & Win)
Join the Fun! One mile walk around Largo Central Park, November
13, 9:15 am, $4 minimum donation to Meals on Wheels.
Enjoy...Continental Breakfast, T-shirt, & Prizes! Call
1-888-670-0040, go to www.lifestylesafter50fl.com (MAIL DEADLINE
11/8/13) or sign up, Nov. 13 at 8:45 am.
Make a difference.
Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to
Neighborly Care Network.
Mr. Ricks Lunch Only $5
Free Fun!CaricaturesBy Art Pressman
Fab-TAT-stic Art by A-1 Magic
Chances to Win $100 Throughout the Day
Free Bingo for Prizes
$1000s in Prizes
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 6
JSA Medical Group is the areas largest provider of primary
health care services to the Medicare population. We have won
numerous awards for excellence in the delivery of primary health
care services. In addition, JSAs quality care standards
consistently exceed the National averages. JSA is committed to
providing quality healthcare, well care and preventive care for
each of our patient members. Find out how you can become a JSA
member by visiting our website.
quality care right in your neighborhood.
We have over 30 JSA and JSA Affiliate physician offices in the
Suncoast area alone!
To find a JSA Medical Group Physician near you, please visit our
website at:
www.JSAMedicalGroup.com
Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest Offers Great Entertainment,
Education and InformationJoin us Wed. Nov. 13 for the 9th annual
Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest at the Largo Cultural Center, located
at 105 CentralPark Dr. Largo, from 10 am to 3 pm. Come out early
before the event starts for the Fun Walk at 9:15 am. Start off with
a warm-up with Silver Sneakers then enjoy the 1-mile Fun Walk
around Largo Central Park. There is a $4 minimum donation to help
support the local Meals on Wheels program. Walkers will enjoy a
continental breakfast, prizes and T-shirts to the first 100
walkers, and grand prizes to the winners on the day of the Walk!
Send in your walk forms now. Registration starts at 8:45 that
morning.
Doors Open Inside at 10 am This free event features Senior
Friendly exhibitors with information on services, lifestyles,
health, travel and more. Free coffee and goodies will be offered
throughout the day. Enjoy a Senior Friendly Lunch for only $5 along
with other choices from Mr. Ricks BBQ. At noon there will be a
special ceremony for our veterans presented by the Largo VFW Honor
Guard on the main stage in the park.
blood pressure, vein and memory checks along with other
important health screenings and information.
Games and Prizes Activities of the day include free bingo games
in the theater. Try your sports skills to win prizes outside. Dont
miss the Prize-A-Palooza with Vicki! There will be chances to win
$100 throughout the day on the main stage, along with a drawing for
a two-night stay at the Gaylord Palms Orlando. The Grand Prize
drawing at the end of the day will be a two-night stay at the Beau
Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, including round trip airline
tickets, compliments of the St. Peters-burg-Clearwater
International Airport. Admission and parking are free. For more
info, call 813-653-1988 or 1-888-670-0040 or visit our website
atLifestyles After50fl.com. See you there!
Entertainment Enjoy live performances on stage throughout the
day. This year we celebrate the Fun Fest with Denise Looney, The DJ
with a Twist! as well as the fabulous Richie Merritt of the Marcels
along with Nashville singing sensation William Duece Hulett, and
our favorite Safety Harbor
fireman, Russell Cortese, as Elvis. Besty Verdier will perform
country and yodeling. Of course, Fritzy the One Man Circus will be
amazing as always. And theres more This is your chance to get a
Fab-TAT-stic temporary tattoo of your choice or a caricature of
yourself.
Health Screenings Free health screenings will include bone
density, glucose, eye, hearing,
Salute Our Veterans!
99-Year Old an InspirationWe salute one of our Floridas best!
Health-ways SilverSneakers Fitness Program recently honored Ruth
Myers of Hudson as a 2013 Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award
finalist. The award honors SilverSneakers members whose healthy
be-havior has made a difference in his or her own life while
motivating others. Meyers attends SilverSneakers classes to keep
healthy physi-cally and mentally and also uses the classes as a
social outlet, making and bonding with new and old friends. Myers
takes her Silver Sneakers classes at FamilyFitness Center, 8846 SR
52in Hudson.
Military Members Meet12 Military Officers Wives Club sponsors a
luncheon on the second Tuesday of each month at Pasadena Yacht
& Country Club, 6300 Pasadena Point Blvd., Gulfport. Social
hour begins at 11:30 am, lunch at 12:15. All former, retired and
active military officers wives, widows and female officers are
invited to attend. Reservations are necessary, call 727-397-4146 or
727-399-1272.
15 The Military Officers As-sociation meets for lunch on the
third Friday of each month. Social hour starts at 11 am followed by
lunch and a short program. Military officers that are retired,
active duty or former officers and their spouses or widows are
invited to attend at Banquet Masters, 8100 Park Blvd., Pinellas
Park. Reservations are necessary. Call CDR Bill Bolin at
727-584-1595.
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 7
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO plan with a Medicare
contract. Enrollment in this Humana plan depends on contract
renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a
complete description of benefits. For more information contact the
plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply.
Benefits, premium and/or copayments/co-insurance may change on
January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part
B premium. A sales person will be present with information and
applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at
sales meetings, call Humana Sales at 1-800-552-0776 (TTY: 711), 8
a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus (HMO)
plans: H1036-025, 052, 074, H1951-001. *Transportation to
plan-approved locations, some limitations and restrictions may
apply.Y0040_GHHHN6FEN Accepted TMP 11/13
Dont wait. Enrollment ends Saturday, December 7.
Call now:1-800-552-0776 (ttY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a
week
Zero, zip, zilch
0Get the benefits you need. $0 monthly plan premium Doctors
office visits and hospital coverage Maximum annual out-of-pocket
protection Prescription drug coverage Preventive coverage
Plus the extras you want. Dental and Vision coverage Rides to
your doctors* Fitness program - gym membership at no additional
cost Convenient mail-order prescription coverage 24-hour nurse
advice line Wellness program Emergency coverage at home and when
you travel And so much more!
no matter how you say it, Humana Medicare advantage plan premium
is $0
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 8
Gray Divorce: BY ROBERT D. BOYD AND JEANETTE LINVILLE
The term gray divorce describes the growing trend of couples in
their 50s and older choosing to end their marriages by divorce.
This phenomenon came into the public eye in 2004 when the AARP
conducted a study called The Divorce Experience: A Study of Divorce
at Midlife and Beyond. Since then, a number of high profile gray
divorces have been played out in the media, including Al and Tipper
Gore, who chose to split at the ages of 62 and 61, respectively,
after four decades of marriage. Actors and executives alike,
including Danny DeVito, Morgan Freeman, Sumner Redstone and Jack
Welch, have all sought divorces in their 60s and 70s. However,
these gray divorces are not limited to the rich and famous. The
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) recently conducted
an online poll of 1,600 divorce lawyers, and 61 percent reported
that they have seen an increase in the number of divorces among
people over age 50. This number is supported by research done by
Susan L. Brown of the Department of Sociology
and National Center for Family & Marriage Research at
Bowling Green State University. Brown found that the divorce rate
among adults ages 50 and older doubled between 1990 and 2010. She
further found that roughly one in four divorces in 2010 occurred to
people ages 50 and older.
There are a variety of reasons why the divorce rate of Americans
over the age of 50 is growing. Some attribute the trend to longer
life spans and more people reaching the age of retirement. Others
point to womens increasing financial independence. Couples often
choose to wait until their children have left home to separate. In
addition, it is now easier to get a divorce and there is a greater
social acceptance of divorce. It may be the culture and ideology of
the baby boomers that has caused the increase in gray divorces. As
a genera-tion, baby boomers have constantly challenged and reframed
traditional values. They epitomize the practice of
self-examination, individual growth,
reflection and self actualization. Baby boomers, according to
Brown, entered marriages with expectations emphasiz-ing
satisfaction of personal needs. If those needs are not met, divorce
may be an avenue to achieve lifes dreams. Whatever the reason, the
gray divorce phenomenon appears to be a reality for older
Americans. As these divorces usually follow lengthy mar-riages,
there are a number of issues that can be especially contentious.
The AAML survey found that alimony, business interests, retirement
accounts and pensions were the most commonly fought over issues (in
descending order) for couples divorcing after age 50. Along with
memories and experiences, long marriages accumulate things. This
means more assets, more deeply inter-twined accounts and more
liabilities to be divided when the marriage dissolves. If you are
part of this group thinking about divorce past age 50, consider the
following:
Get help from an expert. The divorce process is complicated, and
you should not navigate it alone. Arm yourself with experts who
will have your best interest in mind. Choose individuals you can
trust and who will provide you with legal advice, finan-cial
expertise and emotional support.
Get educated about your finances. Most divorce cases, especially
gray divorces with more significant assets, are dominated by
financial determina-tions. You must be educated about your
marital finances. Know what your familys wealth and debt are. If
your spouse has typically handled bills, learn how much things
cost. Get records and make copies of them! This includes credit
reports, bills, mortgage statements, investment documents, bank
accounts and any other financial records.
Be open to settlement. Mediation can be a great way to resolve
any issues with your spouse, but only if you have completed the
items above. Generally, having a strangersuch as a judgedetermine
ones financial future is not a good plan. Trying to work it out
between the people who know the rela-tionship best, i.e. you and
your spouse, is almost always preferable to going to court.
However, get the input of a lawyer before any settlement is
final.
Be prepared for change. Depending on the length of your
mar-riage, you have most likely become accustomed to a certain
routine and lifestyle that will invariably change. Money may be
tighter than it was during the marriage, as it is more expensive to
run two households. Women may find themselves returning to the work
force after many years at home. Additionally, keeping the marital
home may be more of a burden than a blessing. Although change is
hard, it does not mean that there is not life after gray di-vorce.
Of those interviewed by AARPs 2004 study, 76 percent of divorcees
felt they made the right decision in choosing to dissolve the
marriage.
Authors Robert D. Boyd and Jeanette Linville are with Boyd
Collar Nolen & Tuggle LLC in Atlanta. Attorneys at the firm
counsel clients on a number of mat-ters related to divorce. Boyd
and Linville may be reached at (770) 953-4300 or by email at
[email protected] or [email protected], respectively.
The divorce rate among adults ages 50 and older doubled between
1990 and 2010s.
Baby Boomers Bail from Marriages at Alarming Rates
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 9
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 10
1018 West Bay DriveLargo, Florida 33770Phone: 727.585.2200
www.stmichaelseye.com
Why LaserCataract Surgery?Bladeless laser refractive cataract
surgery is now a reality, andit's available at St. Michael's Eye
& Laser Institute in Largo.
Traditional cataract surgery is considered to be one of
thesafest and most successful procedures performed in
medicinetoday. Now, a technological breakthrough with the
bladelesslaser cataract surgery is available that has significantly
improved the precision of several of the most critical steps in
cataract surgery.
With laser cataract surgery Dr. Michaelos at St. Michael's Eye
&Laser Institute will customize your procedure to your
eyesunique characteristics, resulting in better visual outcomes
whilepotentially making cataract surgery even safer.
Find out why Dr. Michaelos and St.Michael's were chosen to be
thefirst group in Central Florida to perform Laser Cataract
Surgery!Your vision will thank you!
"Laser cataract surgery is the most precise and least invasive
lens surgery we haveever done. Our patients areseeing our best
results ever!" John L. Michaelos, M.D.
Dont Ignore Cataract SymptomsOphthalmologists advise seniors to
be aware of the dangers of ignor-ing cataracts symptoms. They say
de-laying treatment of advanced forms of the common eye disease can
increase risk of permanent blindness and injury. Cataracts are a
leading cause of visual impairment that will affect more than half
of all Americans by the time they are 80 years old. Delaying
diagnosis and treatment of age-related cataracts can increase
seniors risk of permanent blindness and can lead to both physical
and psychological damage.
Cataracts are caused by the cloud-ing of the lens of the eye and
are most common among older adults since the condition develops as
the eye ages. Many seniors cope with cataractsaccepting vision loss
as an inevitable part of the aging process rather than seeking
medical treatment. Due to the incapacitation caused by blurred
vision, leaving cataracts undiagnosed and untreated can lead to
physical danger such as injuries from falls or running into unseen
objects, as well as psychological harm like depression and social
isolation. In addition, the longer advanced forms of cataracts are
left untreated, the more difficult it can be to successfully repair
the damage caused to the eye.
What to do Adults age 65 and older should have regular eye exams
to monitor for the development of cataracts, in addition to other
common eye conditions and
diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and
glaucoma. People with diabetes, a family history of cataracts and
those who smoke tobacco are at an increased risk of developing
cataracts. Common symptoms include dull, blurry vision, colors
appearing less vibrant and halos around lights which may begin to
be noticeable as cataracts develop. Cataracts are nearly always
treatable with surgery, but it may not be neces-sary until
performing daily activities becomes difficult. If daily life
isnt
disturbed, a change in a persons eyeglass prescription may be
all that is necessary until vi-sual impairment becomes more severe.
If completing everyday tasks is challenging, cataract surgery
should be discussed with an ophthalmologista medical doctor
specializing in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of
eye diseases and conditions. Seniors who find themselves giving up
normal tasks like reading, exercising or driving due to cataract
symptoms should know that they do no
not need to suffer in silence, said Rebecca Taylor, M.D.,
spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract
surgery can help these individuals regain their sight and their
independence. It is one of the most common and safest procedures
performed in medicine, so seniors should not resist seeking help.
Getting treatment can vastly improve your quality of life. For
people without regular access to eye care or for whom cost is a
concern, EyeCare America, a public service program of the
Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers eye
exams and care at no out of pocket cost to qualifying seniors age
65 and older through its corps of nearly 7,000 volunteer
ophthalmologists across the U.S. To learn more about EyeCare
America or to find out if you or a loved one qualifies for the
program, visit eyecareamerica.org.
Clouded lenses of cataracts (right) scatter light, blurring
vision and distorting colors.
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 11
PASCOHudson
Blue Dolphin8825 State Road 52
Nov. 7 at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
Dennys12105 US Hwy 19
Nov. 4 at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
New Port Richey Gator Buffet6301 SR 54
Nov. 1 at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
IHOP4736 US Hwy 19 N
Nov. 8 at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
Sunshine Buffet5622 US Hwy 19
Nov. 1, 5 at 11:00 am & 3:00 pm
Port RicheyChilis
9600 US Hwy 19Nov. 2, 4 at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
Golden Corral8928 US 19
Nov. 6 at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
Harold Seltzers9409 US Hwy 19 NNov. 2 at 11:00 am
Nov. 4, 7 at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
Wesley ChapelGrill Smith
2000 Piazza Ave Unit 100Nov. 6 at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
PINELLASClearwater
Oriental Supper Buffet2456 Gulf To Bay BoulevardNov. 1 at 11:30
am & 2:00 pm
Nov. 8 at 11:30 am
LargoGolden Corral
10050 Ulmerton RoadNov. 6 at 11:30 am & 2:00 pm
Perkins8841 Park Boulevard
Nov. 7 at 12:30 pm & 3:00 pm
Saint PetersburgRed Lobster
6151 34th Street NorthNov. 2 at 11:30 am
Harold Seltzers Steakhouse3500 Tyrone Boulevard N Nov. 5 at
11:30 am & 2:00 pm
Tarpon SpringRiverside Grille House
10 West Dodecanese BlvdNov. 4 at 11:30 am & 2:00 pm
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Optimum HealthCare is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract and a
contract with the Florida Medicaid program. Enrollment in Optimum
HealthCare depends on contract renewal. The benefit information
provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of
benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits,
formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or
co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. (1)
You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. (2)
Limitations, cop-payments and restrictions may apply. (3) Amount
varied by plan and county. A sales person will be present with
information and applications; Medicare evaluates plans based on a
5-Star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may
change from one year to the next. For accommodations of person with
special needs at sales meetings call 1-866-245-5360. TTY/TDD
1-800-955-8771. This information is available for free in other
languages. Please contact our customer service number at
1-866-245-5360. TTY/TDD: 1-800-955-8771. Esta infomacin est
disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas. Por favor llame al
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-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 12 NBranson Celebrates
Veterans
Every Day, Especially in NovemberBY FRED WRIGHT
There are so many U.S. veterans traveling to reunions in
Branson, Mo., each year, you almost expect the town of 10,000 to be
painted olive drab or battleship gray. To the contrary, Branson has
retained much of its Ozark Mountain charm despite an eclectic mix
of architecture and building styles. Its geographic location puts
the town and its multitude of theaters within driving distance of
half the nations population. It has an estimated 63,000 theater
seats, more than Broadway. And as a perennial destination for an
average of 600 military reunions big and small every year, Branson
celebrates the flag just about everywhere you look.
For example, just about every live show in townas many as a
hundred in peak seasonshas a Salute the Troops feature. It may be a
medley of patriotic songs, a display of flags or an intermission
tribute. Often, military members and veterans in the audience are
urged to stand up according to branch served or war fought. Then
there is always a rousing round of applause.
As you might expect, Veterans Day, Nov. 11, gets a very special
celebration each and every year and there are patriotic events for
days and even weeks leading up to the national holiday. Nov. 11 is
also Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day and Armistice Day)
for Canadians. In Branson, Veterans Homecoming runs Nov. 5 11.
Approximately 30 years ago, we had our first Welcome Home
celebration aimed at Vietnam veterans, explains Lynn Berry,
director of com-munications for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of
Commerce. That weekend, we had over 100,000 people here. It
established a real camaraderie and love for hosting veterans.
During the Veterans Homecoming celebration, Wartime Romance is
staged at the Baldnobbers Theater. Its the story of a U.S. Marine
Corps dive bomber pilot in World War II who finds strength, hope
and inspiration from the love letters he writes and receives from
his girlfriend back in Kansas. Bransons 80th annual Veterans Day
Parade will march through the historic downtown, stepping off at
the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th monthNov. 11 at 11 amin
honor of when the World War I armistice was signed. The parade is
one of the culminating events for the week-long celebration and one
of the largest events of National Veterans Week in the U.S.,
drawing tens of thousands of veterans, active military personnel
and their families. This patriotic spirit and fervor perme-ates
Branson year-round. Nearby sits the College of the Ozarks, a
private Christian liberal arts college with a thousand-acre campus.
Students learn employable skills while they earn a de-gree, pay no
tuition and graduate with no debt. Locals call it Hard Work U.
Each year, the school sends dozens of its honor students to
overseas battlefields where they learn firsthand the military
history of the U.S. While theres an emphasis on World War II
battlefields, other venues, includ-ing Korea, are also on the
agenda.
Each trip includes veterans from the four Ozarks statesMissouri,
Okla-homa, Kansas and Arkansas. For the past four years, 50
veterans have made the trip as well, with all expenses paid.
Sometimes, there are patriotic surprises to be found in Branson.
For example, the 472room Radisson Branson doesnt announce its
commitment to the military. Guests who happen to wander down to the
hotels bar will suddenly see row after row of military servicemen
and women. The photo faces, many brown with age, stare backmore
than 1,700 of them. Here and there, theres a shadow box or a
storyboard with information about an historical event from World
War IIa bit of history about underage Americans who volunteered for
service in World War II, some as young as 12, or the tragic story
of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, the ship that carried the Hiroshima
atomic bomb and then was sunk just days before the wars end with
great loss of life. The collection just happened, explains Sarah
Green-Hord, the hotels military sales manager. A collection of
photos was given space
on the hotels walls. Veterans attend-ing reunions at the hotel
began asking if their photos could also be posted. And in 2003,
when the Medal of Honor Society chose the Radisson as the site for
its reunion, the hotel created a Medal of Honor Room, a small but
proud display of photos of Medal of Honor recipients. While not all
medal winners are represented, selections include Mary E. Walker,
the only fe-male recipient, and Audie Murphy, the most decorated
soldier in World War II who went on to become a movie star. Theres
limited space left, however, with room for perhaps another 200
photos along the corridors, perhaps a few more Medal of Honor
winners in the small side room. Where will photos go after that?
Green-Hord says comfortably, Its ever evolving.
Some Important Reunion Dates Upcoming in Branson This Year:
Veterans Homecoming Week, Nov. 5 11
Veterans Spouses Luncheon, Nov. 6
Persian Gulf War Mini Reunion, Nov. 7
Womens Veterans Mini Reunion, Nov. 8
Korean War Veterans Mini Reunion, Nov. 9
Walmart Tribute to Veterans, Nov. 9
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Dec. 7
For more information about Branson, call 417-334-4084 or go to
www.ExploreBranson.com.
Travel
Bransons Veterans Memorial Museum
Branson Landing
The Veterans Day Parade
N N
N
N
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 13
Free 24 Hour Front Desk Coverage
Free Scheduled Shuttle Bus Service
Katz Korner Caf & Mini Mart on Site
EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY
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Salute Our Veterans7 Veterans Recognition Walk. Anyone age 50 or
older can join in a themed one-mile walk with a warm-up session,
complimentary snacks, music and health dis-cussions. Price: $5.
8:30 am at Progress Village Recre-ation, 8701 Progress Village
Blvd., Tampa. 813-714-8735.
9 Candlelight Vigil and Dance Social. Admission includes candle,
snacks, coffee and dance social with DJ. Free for veterans; all
others $5. 7:30 pm at American Legion Post 147, 17383 Gunn Highway,
Odessa. 727-372-9848.
10 America Remembers: A Veterans Day Salute. A patriotic concert
honoring those who have served yes-terday and those who are serving
today. Free and open to the public. Donations welcome. Doors open
at 2 pm, show starts at 3 pm. The Palladium, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St.
Petersburg. 727-822-3590.
10 Gulfsides 7th Annual Hike for Hospice. 5K walk includes a
special tribute to thank our veterans and a memo-ry wall to honor
lost loved ones. Registration and check-in at 7 am, run begins at 8
am, hike at 9 am. Hikers receive t-shirt, break-fast and beverages
with registra-tion. Price: $25/adults; $15 age 11 through college;
$10 age 10
and under. Register: 800-561-4883.
10 Vintage Motor Classic. See cars, trucks motorcycles and
boats. Also, salute our veterans with a vintage military vehicle
display. Starts 8 am at Straub Park at Beach Drive and Fifth Ave.
NE, St. Petersburg. Price: Free, $25 car registration.
727-580-1804.
13 42nd Street Big Bands Red, White and Blue Veterans Day
Salute. 2 pm at Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port
Richey. $12. 727-842-6777.
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 14
Lois Sobotka
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 15
Ear, Nose and Throat Associates would like to help you hear
all
that is important to you!
ENT Associates has 10 Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians known as
Otolaryngologists and 8 Doctors of Audiology on staff. Together,
your Otolaryngologist and Doctor of Audiology will determine the
exact nature of your hearing loss. In some cases, minor surgery,
ear wax removal or some other treatment can solve the problem. If
not, well recommend a hearing aid, device or system that fits your
budget and lifestyle. ENT Associates is dedicated to your hearing
healthcare needs now and in the future.
A Doctor of Audiology, AuD has 8 years of specialized training
in the assessment and management of hearing and balance disorders
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Please call or visit our website today!(727) 791-1368
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Reliable, Responsible Medical and Surgical Care for your Ear,
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How can we help? The Partners of ENT Associates have collec-tive
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licensedDoctors of Audiology and licensed Allergy Nurses are
dedicated to give sound medical answers and care to patients of all
ages.
Hearing Loss Including hearing aids and tinnitus management
Ear Disorders Sinus Problems Including sinus
surgeries and offering balloonsinuplasty in-office
Allergy Testing and treatmentincluding immunotherapy and
sublingual therapy
Pediatric Care Hoarseness, Voice and Swallowing Sleep Problems
Dizziness and Balance Medical Grade Skincare and Sunscreen
Medical Esthetician Performing facials, microdermabrasion, peels
and laser treatments
Facial Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Solutions
Facial Skin Cancer Removal and Reconstruction
ENT Associates uses the latest technology and resources to
address the patients needs. We pride ourselves on being the best in
Tampa Bay at what we do. We have no allegiance to any one hospital,
surgery center, diagnostic facility or insurance entity and work
only in the interest of the patients. We have eight convenient
locations in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Should you
need an evaluation in one of our areas of expertise, please call us
today and speak with one of our friendly staff members who will
schedule an appointment for you: 727-791-1368. For more
information, please visit our websites: www.ENTflorida.com and
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ENT Associates uses the latest
technology and resources to address
patients needs.
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 16
Weve now made it even easier to choose your
next physician and schedule an appointment online!
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All of our providers accept Medicare and are
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Photo listed from top to
bottom and left to right:
How Much is Enough? A Simple Formula for SuccessBY MARK VAN
MOURICK, CEO, Optivest Inc.
Whats your number? It seems that we all have a number in mind,
whether realistic or not, that if we get there, our financial
future would be secure and we could retire without worry. For many,
this number keeps growing and forever seems out of reach. For some
this number is a little bit more, even though they have long passed
their re-quirements for a comfortable retirement.
I have a formula that creates arealistic target: If you have a
mortgage-free residence that reflects your lifestyle, and you have
similar spending and vacation expenses as your neighbors You will
need two to three times the value of your paid off home
in a balanced and diversified portfolio. That is enough! I have
seen this work well with $200,000, $2,000,000 or $20,000,000 homes.
Lets use a $2,000,000 paid-for home as an example. The cost for a
debt free home is about two percent per year, so this home might
still cost $40,000 per year to occupy including taxes, insurance,
utilities and maintenance. Furthermore, the average household
spends about 8 to 12 percent of their homes value a year in
lifestyle and tax obligations. You may be living above or below
your neighbors average lifestyle, but if you had income of 10 to 15
percent of your homes value every year, it would be sufficient.
Thats where your savings comes in. Yes, you will have future
inflation, but it will not greatly affect your housing expenses and
you have a substantial principal balance to use as well.
Finance
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 17
Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc., a Medicare-contracted coordinated
care plan that has a Medicaid contract with the State of Florida
Agency for Health Care Administration to provide benets or arrange
for benets to be provided to enrollees. Enrollment in Simply
Healthcare Plans, Inc. depends on contract renewal. The benet
information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description
of benets. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply.
Benets may vary by plan and county. Benets, formulary, pharmacy
network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance
may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to papay
your Medicare Part B premium. For full-dual members the Part B
premium is covered. Premiums, copays, and coinsurance may vary
based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the
plan for further details by calling, Member Services toll-free at
1-877-577-0115 (TTY 711). From October 1 to February 14, we are
open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. 8 p.m., Eastern. From February 15,
we are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. 8 p.m. H5471_SHPM01K2027
Accepted 9/26/2013
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When you nd a health plan that simply works for you, you have to
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ATTENTION MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES
That plan is Simply Healthcare.A Medicare Advantage plan that
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Our plans have a wide variety of benets that may include: Up to
$552 yearly giveback on your Medicare Part B premium $0 or low
copay for prescription drugs $0 copay for doctor oce visits
$0 copay for enhanced dental benets (including dentures) Up to
$1,000 for hearing aids every year Up to $200 for eyewear every
year
Shells and Imagination Create Great GiftsBY TRACIE SCHMIDT
Across the table from me sat an elephant. Its ears were two bay
scallop shells and its head and nose were the elongated spiral
shell of a lightening welk. Two googly eyes fixed to the shell
stared back whimsically. It was one of the Sea Shell Crafters Clubs
shell critters, a popular craft project that also includes
pelicans, sea turtles and owls of every shape and size. Nearby were
delicate Christmas ornaments fashioned from sand dollars and shells
in the shapes of stars and angels. Wreaths were decked out in
ribbons, starfish, pearls and other sea treasures. The club works
on differ-ent art projects like these at every gathering, which
they keep or sell to support the facilities where they meet.It all
started about three years ago. We were talking about ways to make
additional funds for the rec center. said Sara Henkel, the
clubs
leader. I thought, we could make a shell club. We have all the
resources here: the seashells, the beach, the sand and people that
are into crafts, and we thought, well, that would be a nice thing
for the community. The Friends of the Clearwater Beach Recreation
Center, Library and Pool donated $200 to help the club get started,
and ever since, the
Sea Shell Crafters Club has been giving proceeds from their
craft sales back to the Friends, who use it to support other
programs at the center. Most of their shells have been donated by
retirees cleaning house or by collec-tors who know their shells are
going to be put to good use. The rest of their materials can be
anything from hot glue and wire to ribbons, glitter, beads, paints,
picture frames and vases. Supplies are provided for newcomers who
are trying out shell crafting for the first time. And if youre new
to shell crafting, Henkel said, anyone can pick it up. Actually,
when we started out, we really didnt have anyone to show us. Im a
novice at this, too, she said. One group member taught everyone how
to prepare shells. Another was adept at creating intricate shell
flower arrangements. Theres a lot of input from one another, Henkel
said. We all learn as we go, and weve learned a lot.
The club hosts guest speakers as well. An artist from a local
shell shop gave the group a tutorial on design, while a
conchologist brought in native shells and specimens from around the
world, teaching the club how the shells were formed.
Shell-collecting field trips, beach walks and lunches out are also
part of the clubs activitiesits all abouthaving fun. The ladies
that paricipate feel that this is a way to give back to the
community and support their facilities and all the things we
provide here, Henkel says. Membership is informal and open for
anyone to drop in, and there are plenty of holiday-themed projects
in the months ahead. The Sea Shell Crafters Club meets every second
and fourth Thursday from 1 to 3 pm at the Clearwater Beach Library
and Rec-reation Complex, 69 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach. To
learn more, call Sara Henkel at 727-447-5882.
Sara Henkel (L) and Judy Smith (R) show off some handmade
wreaths.
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 18
Discover The SpringsSouth Pasadenas Hidden Treasure
Welcome to The Springs at Boca Ciega Bay, located in beautiful
South Pasadena on the campus of The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay.
Were not your typical skilled nursing facility. We are a 109 bed
Medicare certified Rehab Center offering a variety of health care
services:
Skilled Nursing Wound Care Social Services Full scale beauty
salon Individualized activities State-of-the-art Rehab. We offer
Customized Rehab programs 7 days a week both in-patient and
out-patient including Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy. We
specialize in:
Orthopedic Stroke/Neuro Cardiac programs by utilizing
state-of-the-art equipment including Anodyne therapy and Natilus
equipment, just to name a few.
We make admissions easy! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. Our experienced and licensed Nurse Liaison, will meet you
at hospital bedside or in your home. If you have a surgery planned,
why not come in for a tour and take the mystery out of the
admission process. Call (727) 599-1390.
The Springs At Boca Ciega Bay1255 Pasadena Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33707(727) 828-3500
Foot Solutions carries a wide range of products for people with
Diabetes: stylish comfort shoes custom arch supports
diabetic socks foot care items
Foot Solutions in Largo Mall is a board accredited provider for
the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program.
Call 727-474-8299 for an appointment or visit
www.TampaBayFootSolutions.com for more information.
LARGO MALL 727-474-8299 10500 Ulmerton Road
Open Monday-Saturday 10-6
Medicare Part B? and have Medicare Part B? diabetic Are you or a
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The Diabetic Therapeutic Shoe Benefit may provide those with
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LAST CHANCE FOR 2013 BENEFITS ACT NOW! Dont risk losing your
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LAST CHANCE FOR 2013 BENEFITS ACT NOW! Dont risk losing your
benefits because your doctor is too
busy to provide the Medicare required paperwork at the last
minute.
Does Rain Increase Pain?Why do rain and cold seem to increase
arthritis pain? Do your joints ache when rain is in the forecast?
People whose arthritis seems to flare before or after it rains
wonder if damp weather is making their arthritis worse.
Rheumatologists say they get this question a lot, even though not
much evidence supports a link between sore joints and damp weather.
Elaine Husni, MD, a rheumatologist at Cleveland Clinic, considers
why arthritis pain goes up when the rain comes down. Some people
believe that when you drop the barometric pressure, your air
pressure, that sometimes your tissues can swell. Dr. Husni says.
When your tissues swell in an already inflamed joint, some-times
that can push against muscles and nerves in the area and make it
appear more painful, she adds.
Dr. Husni says that weather does not cause arthritis or make it
worse. She says it just may alter the symptoms a
bit for that day. Many of her patients tell her cooler, damp
weather is worst, so Dr. Husni says to pay close attention to the
weather report and anticipate whats coming.
She says if you know that damp weather bothers you, then you can
make some arrangements for that day. You might want to bring some
extra sweaters or gloves, something that will kind of shield you
from the cold and the dampness, she says. Dr. Husni notices that
many of her patients tell her warm weather actually makes their
joints feel better, so summer offers them some relief. From
Cleveland Clinics Health Hub
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 19
3800 62nd Avenue North, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
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Are You Suffering From Caregiver Syndrome?Caregiver Syndrome,
also called Caregiver Stress, is a condition that results from
acute or chronic stress due to caregiving activities. Symptoms can
include fatigue, insomnia, stomach com-plaints, anxiety, anger and
depression. If youre a caregiver and experiencing these health
issues, you may need better ways to manage your stress. Start by
eating properly, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest.
You may also benefit from learning relaxation techniques or joining
a local support group for caregivers. Often, the best thing you can
do for yourself is to take a break, which enables you to maintain a
healthy balance between caregiving and your own personal needs. One
way to take a break is to schedule regular times of respite care
(when someone else temporarily cares for your loved one). Many
assisted living communities provide short-term respite care for a
reasonable cost.
These communities are adept in handling the special needs of
seniors, from medication assistance and help with bathing, dressing
and toileting, to providing activities that are geared to a seniors
activity level and interest. Weve had families that take a break
from caregiving duties one weekend each month and bring their
relative to stay with us for a few days, says Sharon Stelbasky,
Administrator of Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living in Pinellas Park.
This allows the senior an opportunity to make friends and have fun
with people their own age and it gives the caregiver a chance to
enjoy a short break from the constant respon-sibility. Adds
Stelbasky, And some of our respite guests like it so much that they
become permanent residents! Magnolia Gardens is a licensed
as-sisted living facility offering respite care for your loved one.
Call 727-489-6447 or visit www.mgalf.com for more info.
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 20
Text ER to 23000 for the Average Wait Times of an HCA Pinellas
County Hospital Near You.
For information about our hospitals or services, call
Consult-A-Nurse at 1-855-422-2228.
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NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
EDWARD WHITE HOSPITAL
ST. PETERSBURGGENERAL HOSPITAL
LARGO MEDICAL CENTERINDIAN ROCKS ROAD CAMPUS
P I N E L L A S C O U NNNLL NN T YYYE L L A S C O U N T Y
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LLL A R G OOOL A R G O
BY DR. ALICE JACOBS VESTERGAARD, Ashford University
Realities of being in the Sandwich Generation create anxiety,
stress and depressionmore so than in any previous generations. A
mere men-tion of the term conjures an image of people being
squished into little flat pieces by overwhelming pres-sures
squeezing the life energy out of some poor baby boomers soul. The
Sandwich Generation is the 79 million baby boomers born between
1946 and 1964 alive today. They make up more than a quarter of the
U.S. population. This same group has anywhere from one to three
other generational groups depending upon them for financial,
emotional and/or caregiving support. Other generational
members may consist of the boomers parents, children and
grandchildren. Thats a lot of pressure, and the lives of many baby
boomers are more like pressure cookers than sandwiches.
Responsibility overload is taking a toll on the generation that
came of age during a time of prosperity, hope and the Mickey Mouse
Club. Large portions of the boomer cohort are angry and bitter,
struggling to exist. Theyre not the happy camp-ers they thought
they would be at this stage in their lives. Some say they are
Prozac poppers due to the amount of antidepressants now ingested by
this group. Statistics of alcohol, drug addiction and suicide are
alarming. According to the National Institutes of Health, between
2002 and 2011, the number of illicit drug users ages 50 to 59
tripled. Many have watched their retirement funding dwindle and are
forced to remain in the workforce longer than anticipated while
many boomers
were laid off from jobs prematurely. Foreclosures on dream
homes, taking in kids and grandkids, giving up their empty-nester
lifestyles for more mouths to feed have all taken their toll.
According to the U.S. Census Bu-reau, 7 million grandchildren
younger than 18 were living with grandparents in 2010. All this
while having to cope with the infirmities and needs of their own
aging parents. Boomers have their own changing healthcare
needsknees and hips, the begin-nings of degenerative diseases,
heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes are
increasingly affecting this population at a disturbing rate. Wait a
minute, whats wrong with this picture? That little sweet child
who
grew up wearing her pretty pink tutu in ballet dance class is
now wearing the pretty pink hospital gown to have her EKG, MRI, and
CAT scan if shes lucky enough to have health insurance. Boomers are
worried about being able to afford retirement, healthcare; theyre
worried about their aging parents devel-oping Alzheimers disease
and all that it entails in terms of financial and economic
resources, in addition to providing food, shelter, clothing and/or
financial assistance to their kids and grandkids. Growing up
singing tunes such as Puff the Magic Dragon and Where Have All the
Flowers Gone, their new theme songs are Where Have all my
Retirement Investments Gone, followed by Puff the Magic Health Care
Dragon Making it Hard for Me to Breathe Due to High Monthly
Premiums. Coming of age when the Beatles were a phenomenon, boomers
tend to identify with Hard Days Night for a lot more reasons than
they did in their younger years.
The Sandwich Generation: Boomers Feel the Squeeze
Boomers have anywhere from one to three other generational
groups depending upon them for financial, emotional and/
or caregiving support...
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 21
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New BooksIf you were in high school in the 1940s, you might
enjoy Senior Prom by Judith Foard. The author takes on issues like
social class, teen pregnancy (remember the disgrace of pregnancy in
high school?) and feminism as they were seen during that
decade.
Blood on China Beach by Paul J. Pitlyk is the authors journey
from medical school graduation to the jungles of Vietnam. The young
neurosurgeon chronicles his journey as a brain surgeon on the front
lines in Vietnam. His first surgeries there were in quonset huts
with flashlights as lighting and only the barest of surgical
instruments. Dr. Pitlyk explores his feelings as he patches up head
wounds which he knows will leave the young soldier to a life with
full-time care in a nursing home. As he perfects his surgical
skills through the
experience, he realizes that many also die because of his lack
of experience. The book is a view of medicine on the front lines,
both physically and emotion-ally. As a memoir, Blood on China Beach
illustrates the authors reverence for life and his admiration for
the bravery of the marines on whom he operated.
Live Long, Live Strong: Keep Healthy and Fit For Life by Robert
Hale is a guide to combining sensible exercise for the body and
mind with a nutritional plan for
older people. The author knows that older people often spend
their golden years prisoners in their own homes due to physical or
mental incapacity. His book is a guide with information on
improving life and giving Old Father Time a run for his money.
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 22
Need A Doctor?Consult-A-Nurse is here for you. Just a phone call
away, our registered nurses are at your service, providing free
information and prompt answers to your health-related questions.
Our nurses do not diagnose conditions, but provide health
information in an effort to help you find an answer to your health
questions.
FREE Physician Referral and Healthcare Information
24/7.Consult-A-Nurse 1-855-422-2228
After Loss: Coping with AttachmentsBY GARY JOSEPH LEBLANC
An unbreakable bond is forged during the years spent caring for
a loved one who is seriously ill. Sadly, things will finally come
to an end. Thats life. And death. Ultimately the time will come
when you must sit yourself down in what was once a familiar house
that now feels as if someone or something literally sucked the life
right out of it. If your loved one had hospice care involved,
werent you shocked by how quickly they removed their equipment? I
sure was! The very next morning after my dads passing, a large
hospice truck arrived, two large men got out and, in no time,
loaded up whatever equipment was theirs. Then silence! It was eerie
the way the spot where his bed once sat seemed to permeate
emptiness throughout the whole house. The first thing I did once
reality set in was to start working on the interior of my house.
Changes that I had been wanting to
make for years were now possible. Before, my hands had been tied
as I knew that change would upset my fathers routine. Not only did
I feel the house become a home again, I found all of this activ-ity
and change to be very therapeutic. Happily, working on the house
oc-cupied my mind and left me with the feeling I had accomplished
something. Somehow his clothes were thehardest part. A good six
months had gone by before I finally called my sister and asked if
she would come by and empty Dads closet and donate his clothing to
wherever she felt best. It wasnt as if I didnt need the space. I
did! And it had nothing to do with the fact that my father had died
in that room. I never experienced any ill or odd feeling because of
that. In fact, I found it to be the complete opposite! I was
grateful that my father got to spend his last living days in the
comfort of his familiar surroundings. The truth is that I had
suddenlydeveloped a sentimental attachment
to his belongings. Im not a hoarder, but I had an urge not to
throwanything of his away. If you are left with a whole second
house full of possessions, you may want to consider having a
professional liquidator come in and help you. The trick is finding
a reputable one. Spend the extra time to thoroughly go through
their references. If you find yourself being overcome with
depression from being surround-ed by the memories, it definitely
may be healthier to have someone with you and not go about this
project alone. Going through your loved ones belongings is a
difficult task. Try to stay strong. You know what your loved one
would wish for you to do. Gary Joseph LeBlanc, is author of the
books Staying Afloat in a Sea of For-getfulness and Managing
Alzheimers & Dementia Behavior, and co-author of While I Still
Can. LeBlanc is also the founder of the Alzheimers/Dementia
Hospital Wristband Project.
Winter Holidays Bring Up GriefDuring the winter holidays, many
people experience a re-cycling of old grief issues, missing loved
ones who have died, and/or remembering previous holidays that were
disap-pointing or otherwise painful, stated Grace Terry of Grief
Resolu-tion Resources of Tampa Bay. Terry says, Everyone
experiences loss of various kinds. Its good to be prepared with
practical information about grief before facing a difficult loss
rather than trying to understand the process in the midst of it.
For information about Grief Resolution Resources, please call
727-487-3207 or email [email protected].
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 23
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Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 24
Dont Let Back, Neck or Joint Pain Stand in Your Way
CONDITIONSWe provide treatment options for a variety of
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TREATMENT OPTIONSThe following procedures are a sample of the
options we provide as treatment for various conditions:
Arthroscopy Carpal Tunnel Release Hip Replacement Discectomy
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-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 25
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November: National Family Caregiving MonthThis year, 42 million
women (ages 40 60) are family caregivers faced with the challenge
of providing care to their loved ones each and every day. In
addition, 30 to 40 percent of the caregivers of older and disabled
family members are men. AARPs Caregiver Assistance campaign says
common stresses of caregivers include:
Frustration with the unpredict-ability of caregiving. Caregiving
responsibilities can creep up on caregivers or arrive suddenly with
the hospitalization of a loved one, and the hours spent can
snowball to equal the hours of a part time job. Unexpected twists
and turns leave caregivers figuring things out as they go and
feeling like they arent doing the job well enough. Despite the fact
that there are many caregivers in
the U.S. in the same situation, they feel isolated because
everyones caregiving experience is unique.
The many roles of a caregiver. Caring for a loved one means
having a lot of responsibilitiesfrom paying bills and doling out
medicines, to making dinner, bathing and driving to and from
doctors appointments.
Providing expertise and empathy. Support groups, online or in
person, give a caregiver a chance to get with other caregivers.
They feel feel validat-ed and supported and pleased that they learn
so much from each other. AARPs caregiver website
(aarp.org/home-family/caregiving) connects caregivers with experts,
other caregivers and local resources for information, advice and
emotional support through a Facebook community, a mobile app,
monthly Twitter chats and a TakeCare blog.
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 26
BY FRED. W. WRIGHT JR.
Santa and his elves, Christmas carols and high-stepping dancers,
more gifts and decorations than the eye can take in: The folks at
the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss., really know
how to put together a holiday celebration. The first seasonal
surprise for guests is the size and volume of the Christ-mas
decorations. The resort is already spectacular, borrowing many of
its interior design styles from a very styl-ish sister property in
Las Vegas, the Bellagio. Added in for the holidays are huge bright
ornaments, tinsel, icicles, large nutcrackers, snowy displays,
multiple decorated Christmas trees and the sweet scent of evergreen
wreaths. And thats just in the lobby. What many people who havent
visited the Beau Rivage dont realize is that the resort and casino
property boasts a dozen upmarket shops that offer brands and styles
not often found along the Gulf of Mexico coast. These well-known
names include Gucci, David Yu-man, John Hardy, Mignon Faget,
Brighton and Vera Bradley with the best in classics and trendy
fashions. There are gifts for every budget along this retail
shopping promenade, including Everythings $10 Boutique, featuring
watches, fash-ion jewelry and accessories.
The shops, of course, are thoroughly decorated, and something
like 5,000 poinsettias are lining the retail corridor and lobby,
filling the air with color. On Dec. 14, from 11 am to 6 pm, the
Beau Rivage has its Annual Holiday Open house. The Long Beach
Madri-gal Singers will be on hand to provide the traditional
Christmas carols. Since the holiday season is really a focus for
families, the Beau Rivage has numerous family-friendly events on
the calendar. Thats the true spirit of Christmas and thats the name
of
the Beau Rivages new live enter-tainment production: The Spirit
of Christmas. Its a lively live produc-tion full of costumes,
Christmas carols and high-kicking dancers. Shows are nightly at 7
with Satur-day and Sunday matinees at 3 pm. The show runs Dec. 3 29
in its resident theater, and there is a spe-cial $89.99 promotion
that includes two tickets and room for one night. And thats only
part of the holiday family fun. For example, theres a chance for a
photo with Santa in his sleigh surrounded by the red and white
colors of Christmas. In the resorts buffet (and casinos are famous
for the depth and breadth of their buffets), children under 12 eat
free from 3 to 10 pm during the run of the live show.
At the Scoops, the Beau Rivages on-site old-fashioned ice cream
parlor, theres a Buy-One-Get-One-Free offer on any item from Dec.
14 29. Yum! The Beau Rivage literally towers over the other seven
gaming venues in town with 32 floors and 1,740 rooms and suites,
offering hundreds of slots and AAA Four-Diamond dining in its BR
Prime steak restaurant. By partnering with its own Vision Airlines,
the Beau Rivage brings in tourists from through-out the U.S.,
including the St. Peters-burg/Clearwater International Airport. The
rooms themselves are very up-market; the bathrooms come with
sepa-rate shower and bath tub. Room service is quick and efficient.
Its easy to nest and forget all the tempting holiday entertainment
a few floors below.
The Beau Rivage Spa and Salon, one floor above the casino, has a
fresh menu of tempting treatments for the body, from facial to
pedicure. Theres a Mississippi Massage to detoxify the body with
treatments lasting 50 to 100 minutes. Your choice. The Warm
Stone Massage uses heated basalt stones which are rubbed
smoothly and gently across the body. There are also couples
massages (friends qualify), Mother-To-Be massages and even in-room
massages. For those seeking even more self-indulgence, theres an
Age-Defying Facial (promoted as the Rolls Royce of treatments) or
the Caviar and Pearl Facial. This treatment includes exfoliation
and massage of the hands and feet as well.
For the adults who visit the casino, the Beau Rivage will be
offering a number of holiday-themed promotions with the possibility
of sharing in up to $2-mil-lion in free play and prizes, including
2014 Lexus ES 350 that will be given away during a Winning
Wonderland Freeplay Giveaway through Dec. 29. There are more
surprises and special holiday touches leading right up to
New Years Eve and into 2014. For more details, visit the Beau
Rivages website: www.beaurivage.com.
Travel
Headline Entertainment In The Beau Rivage Theater
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Dec. 3 29, 2013 Spirit of Christmas Showtimes: Tuesdays Fridays,
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Dec. 31, 2013 11 pm The Molly RingwaldsTickets: $19.95, $24.95
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Jan. 10, 2014 7 and 10 pm. Ron WhiteTickets: $39.95, $49.95 and
$59.95 (plus tax and service charge).
Jan. 31, 2014 8 pm. Vince GillTickets: $54.95, $67.95 and $77.95
(plus tax and service charge).
Feb. 22, 2014 8 pm Tony Bennett Tickets: $69.95, $79.95 and
$89.95 (plus tax and service charge).
-
Lifestyles After 50 November 2013 page 27
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This Virtual Table Game Has One Big Drawback
BY MARK PILARSKI
Dear Mark: Here in Reno, several casinos have blackjack machines
where the dealer is a video of an at-tractive young lady. Are the
cards dealt randomly the same as would happen on a live table game
or are these machines programmed to pay out a predeter-mined
percentage? The machines have player favorable rules, including
surrender allowed. So, am I wrong to think this is a better place
to play than a live dealer game? Alan C.
I believe the machines you are speaking of, Alan, are called
Table Master, and they use a video repre-sentation of a cybernetic
life-sized dealer, or as you described, an attrac-tive young lady,
placed at the center of a fully automated blackjack game. These
games give you a realistic live table-like performance of not only
Black-jack, but also Three-Card Poker, Let It Ride, Ultimate Texas
Holdem, Royal Match 21 and Dragon Bonus Baccarat. As to your first
question, yes, all hands are dealt randomly. Table Master
black-jack machines are not programmed to return a set percentage
as would a slot machine. Your play, along with favor-able rules
like surrender, doubling and split variations that favor the
player, will dictate your percentage return. The best feature of
these avatar ma-chines is that, at least in my gambling locale, the
game is offered for as little as a buck a hand. Likewise, in most
gaming jurisdictions you will find a
decent-sized gap between a Table Mas-ter wager and that of a
live table game. All is good, right? Not necessarily. On average,
Table Master games near-ly double the number of hands played per
hour. In gamble-ese this is called incremental game speed. Although
the payoffs are the same as those of a live table game, you need to
take into account that increase in speed. With the advantage of
more hands played per hour, that attractive young lady can draw
down the contents of your billfold faster than the dealer at a live
table game. The game plan here, Alan, is to slow your play,
especially when playing alone. Take your time to study each hand.
Be-cause you are playing against a machine, no one is going to
intimidate you if your play is at a leisurely pace. Additionally,
because the payoffs and rules are effec-tively the same as those of
a live game, basic strategy is the smart play here against a
computer-generated dealer. Also, if you are a novice player, play
on the lowest denomination machine until your level of expertise
rises. Oh, and one more thing. Dont forget to use a Casino Players
Card so you can be re-warded with some goodies for your play.
Dear Mark: Could you please give an example of what you mean by
expect-ed value on a bet where you recom-mend only making bets with
a casino edge of less than 2%? Chase D.
Astute gamesters making bets that have less than a two percent
house advantage are giving themselves a fair chance of winning, and
a fair chance is all that any gambler should ask for. So matching
expected value with that nugget of advice, expected value (EV) is
how much you can expect to win (positive) or lose (negative) from
your bet. For example, the expected value of betting the Bank hand
in Bac-carat is -1.17%. This means you can expect to lose 1.17% of
every dollar you wager. Another example would be European
(single-zero) roulette. Here, the expected value is -2.7%, which
means you can expect to lose 2.7% of every dollar you bet. (SENIOR
WIRE)
Whats Your Lifestyle After 50?Tell us in 260 words or less.
How do you spend your Lifestyle After 50? What makes your life
fulfilling, your day fun, your grandkids smile and
your neighbors jealous? Each month we will select a write-up to
publish in Lifestyles After 50 magazine, online.
This year I turned 65, and found Ive acquired along with plenty
of aches and pains a perspective on the world that I lacked as a
younger person. The biggest problem with aging is routine;
absolutely the most debilitating thing we can do. Keep imagination
alive, hold on to a sense of adventure and preserve a willingness
to learn new things are strategies that work for me. Like many baby
boomers who have watched their parents age in less than perfect
health, Ive realized that being active is probably the single most
important aspect to aging well. Fortunately, Ive found the perfect
two-part recipe for living well after fifty; a plan that turns me
on, inspires me and makes me happy. The first is mentoring. Over
the years Ive volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, school
based reading programs, as well
as library based English as a second language programs. But my
real passion is traveling. Since my caregiving days are gratefully
at an end mother-in-law, husband and mother Im free as the
proverbial bird. Whether traveling, tutoring or mentoring, I find
myself with people who are on an exciting journey. My biggest fear
is being cooped up in my house with no new challenges, no new
conversations, no new vistas to explore. That thought far outweighs
any fears traveling solo in a strange land might present. Friends
are prone to comment how lucky I am being single and free to do as
I please. My retort: Luck is good planning carefully executed, but
with wiggle room for change.
Need a Hard Copy of Lifestyles After 50?Get a years subscription
to Lifestyles After 50 for only $12. Send your name, address and
subscription fee to:
News Connection USA, Inc.Attn: My Lifestyle After 50
P.O. Box 63